Sometimes costs cannot easily be categorized at variable or fixed. These costs may vary with production, but also are necessary even in the absence of production or sales. These costs are referred to as mixed costs. Mixed costs can be split up into fixed and variable components as part of an effort to accurately measure either type of cost.  An example of a mixed costs is the wage expense for an employee that earns salary plus commissions. The salary is paid even if no sales are made, but commission depends on the sales volume. In this example, the commission is a variable cost and salary is fixed.  Mixed costs can also apply to wage earners if they are guaranteed a fixed number of hours each pay period. Regular hours would be a fixed cost, but any overtime would be variable. In addition, the cost of employee benefits might be recognized as a mixed cost. A somewhat more complicated example is that of utilities costs. Electricity, water, and gas must be paid even if no production occurs. However, they may be used in greater amounts as part of production. Splitting these costs into fixed and variable categories requires a more complex method. In order to split up mixed costs into fixed and variable components, you can use the "high-low" method. This method starts with the mixed costs from the highest and lowest months of production and uses the difference to calculate variable cost proportion. To get started, determine which months experienced the highest and lowest levels of activity (production). Record the activity in a measurable way (like machine-hours) and the mixed cost you want to assess for each month.  For example, imagine that your company cuts metal parts with a water cutter as part of a production process. This requires water as a variable cost that increases with the amount of production. However, you also use have a water expense that arises from running your production facility (for drinking, restrooms, etc.). Your water costs would then be a mixed cost. Say that in this example, in the highest...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Understand mixed costs. Measure activity and cost. Calculate the variable cost rate. Determine the variable cost.


Sometimes disagreement can lead to conflict, but it can also lead to discussion and learning. Provided you're willing to engage in discussion, it is likely that learning about an opinion or perspective different from your own will broaden your understanding of an issue. Being open-minded means allowing yourself to listen to and accept ideas or beliefs that are different from your own. There are many benefits to having an open mind, including having fewer prejudices, being a better problem-solver, and being more interesting. And, since open-minded people are more receptive to change, they also suffer from less stress.  To be open-minded in the face of disagreement, ask a lot of questions. Try to understand why and how the person drew the conclusion that you disagree with. You might find that they've experienced things that you did not, and that those experiences can shed light on your own beliefs. Asking open-ended questions and listening actively are the best possible ways to find out what the other person knows. Plus, these strategies can give both of you a breather from any current disagreement. There's a famous quote by George S. Patton that goes, “If everybody’s thinking alike, then someone isn’t thinking." Strive to see disagreements as an opening for greater diversity and variable opinions—just like you would see the need to diversify your employment staff, friendships, or your stock portfolio. Realize that people from different backgrounds and cultures may have very different ideas as a result of their upbringing and experiences. Their experiences are just as valid as yours. Seek to explore the interconnections rather than play up the differences. By combining your different perspectives, it's possible to find a more universal and sustainable solution than simply imposing an order that feels right only to yourself and your life's experience.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Remember that disagreement does not equal conflict. Exercise an open mind. See disagreement as diversity.


Sometimes discussing how you are feeling will not only make you feel better, but it will let him know how you are feeling. Granted, you can't complain about every little thing, but repression is unhealthy. Let him know if you feel apprehensive or have reservations about continuing the relationship and talk through those issues in a mature fashion. You might say something like this: “I’ve never dated someone with children before and I’m a little nervous about it. I was wondering if we could talk about that.” When you’re dating a man with children, his schedule might change quickly to accommodate the needs of his children.This means that your dinner date might go out the window when your man’s son ends up in the ER for stitches after falling off his bike. Don’t rush getting to know your man in the hopes that you’ll meet his children sooner. Sure, maybe you want to meet his children, but before you do that you should know with certainty that you are in a healthy committed relationship with your significant other. Don’t play manipulative mind games with your man. Don’t put him in a position where he needs to choose between you or his children. A good father will eliminate a potential love interest if he feels like she is acting jealous, playing games, or competing against his children for his attention.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Talk to your man. Be flexible. Take things slow. Be mature.


Sometimes even no matter how much time or how prepared you are to hit the gym, you're just not in the mood.  Give yourself an extra boost by writing out some reasons why exercise is beneficial.  Both cardio and strength training activities offer you a wide range of benefits.  Some include:  decreased risk of osteoporosis, increased metabolism and increased ability to burn calories, decreased risk for diabetes and high blood pressure, improved sleep, improved mood, and increased energy.  Exercise may also make you feel proud of yourself, happy, content, energized and "on track" with any healthy eating plans you may be following. Write out some of these benefits as they apply to you.  When you're not feeling up to working out, try reviewing some of these benefits a few times in your head.  You might just get the little extra bump in motivation you need. Some studies have shown that if you spend some time visualizing yourself working out, the more likely you are to actually follow through with your work out.  If you workout in the morning, take 5 or 10 minutes at night to visualize yourself working out.  See yourself getting up with your alarm, getting dressed and going to the gym.  Follow a similar pattern even if you workout in the afternoon. Also visualize and imagine how you feel after a workout.  Concentrate on those positive feelings. Rest days are an important part of your physical activity routine.  In addition, life might get in the way and force you to have a day off.  Plan for these in your mind so they don't stress you out.  Everyone goes through busy seasons at work, meetings that run late or bad traffic on your commute to the gym.  That's fine.  If you missed your work out or didn't have the time, take the day off.  Get back to your regular schedule as soon as you can. Think of "missed days" as your day off or recovery time from exercise.  These rest days are important to your recovery and the repair of your body and muscles after a few days of exercise. Nothing is more motivating than a reward. ...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Write out the benefits of exercise. Visualize yourself working out. Plan for days off. Reward yourself.


Sometimes hostas come from nurseries in bags with bare roots. It’s especially important to soak the roots if that’s the case with your hostas, because it will help prepare the plants for transplanting.   Choose a bucket or bowl that’s slightly smaller than the crown of the hosta. Fill the bucket with cold water. Rest one hosta crown on the rim of the bucket so the roots are soaking in the water below. Repeat for each hosta. Soak the plants for at least an hour before transplanting. If you're not transplanting the hostas immediately, leave them soaking to keep the roots moist. Right before planting, remove the hostas from the buckets and use your hands to gently untangle the roots. Use your fingers to carefully comb the roots so there aren't any tangles, and ensure all the roots are facing the direction they're growing in.  Hostas, especially potted ones, are susceptible to tangled roots. The plants can strangle themselves if you try to plant them in the ground with their roots tangled. For each hosta, dig a hole in your prepared garden bed that’s about 2.5 feet (76 cm) wide and 1 foot (30 cm) deep. Place one hosta in each hole, making sure the roots don’t become bent or tangled. Fill the hole loosely with soil, but do not pack the soil around the roots. Make sure only the roots of the plant are buried, and that the entire crown is above the ground.  Water each plant thoroughly immediately after planting. Leave enough space between the hostas to accommodate for their mature width. This will depend on the variety of hosta you have. If you're not sure, leave about 3 feet (76 cm) of space between the hostas.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Soak the plants. Untangle the roots. Dig holes and plant the hostas.


Sometimes ignoring a bully does not put an end to the bullying. It is important to stand up for yourself when someone is making fun of you. Be sure to make eye contact with your bully while you firmly ask them to stop teasing you.  Make your statements short and to the point. Say something like, “I don’t appreciate you making fun of me. Please stop.” Stay calm when you confront your bully. Being emotional or crying could fuel the bullying. Most bullying can be hurtful in the moment but really won’t matter of weeks or months. If you understand how insignificant the teasing really is, try to respond to the teasing with humor. Be witty or exaggerate the bully’s comments. If you are a child or teenager and need help to stop someone from bullying you, it is okay to ask an adult for help. Bullying is very serious and is not tolerated in most schools. Ask a teacher, coach, parent, or other trusted adult to help you handle the situation.  Most schools have anti-bullying policies and will take disciplinary measures to ensure the safety of each of their students. Be persistent. If one adult does not take your concerns seriously, talk to a different adult. You have the right to feel safe. Be prepared to give specific examples. You want the adult to understand that they are bullying you, and not that you are tattling on them. If the bully is a family member, consider asking another family member to help. They may be able to talk to your bully privately to put an end to the teasing.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Firmly ask them to stop teasing you. Take a humorous approach. Seek help from an adult.


Sometimes in childhood, we fail to form secure attachments.  Often this is because our parents or guardians were poor role models, and were themselves clingy or formed only unstable relationships.  By replacing your idea of what a secure, healthy, acceptable attachment looks like, you’ll be able to prime yourself to build your own healthy attachments based on the models you’ve inculcated.  Nonfiction in which people form healthy bonds borne of mutual respect include the Chicken Soup series of books. Fictional accounts of individuals forming healthy bonds and important non-dependent friendships include The Avengers, X-Men, or Justice League. In order to break yourself of clinging to one individual, distract yourself with some healthy hobbies.  Go for a walk, a bike ride, or read a book.  Whatever you like to do, do it without the person you’ve been too clingy with.  Use the time away from your friend or partner to discover what you really enjoy.  Pursuing your own hobbies will give you time away from the person you’ve been so fixated on in order to build confidence in yourself. Use your time on hobbies to take up old hobbies or try new ones.  Have you always wanted to learn to play guitar, but never did?  Now’s your chance! Psychotherapy is the best option to tackle your dependent behavior.  A good therapist will work with you to seek solutions to specific problems, such as your clingy behavior with or towards a particular person.  In order to prevent the development of a dependent relationship with the therapist, long-term therapy is ill-advised, though the specific length of your treatment will depend on your circumstances.  Trust your therapist when he or she suggests that you have had enough therapy.  If you have feelings of depression, anxiety, or a loss of self-confidence when your therapy is finally over, remind yourself of all the gains you’ve made and do not use your feelings as an excuse to prolong attending therapy. Group therapy might also be helpful.  In this approach, you will get to speak with...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Familiarize yourself with stories in which characters support and care for each other. Spend time on your own hobbies. Seek therapeutic treatment. Try medication. Acknowledge your feelings but don’t react negatively. Understand why you’re clingy.


Sometimes in relationships, you may feel uncertain about where things truly stand because the other person is either resistant to labeling the relationship or doesn’t consistently differentiate his or her feelings for you from others. This might occur when a man or woman is reluctant to call the other his or her “girlfriend” or “boyfriend” – to others, in front of others and to the other. In cases such as this, there’s a good chance you’re being used. This might also occur when, for example, your “best friend” calls several others her “best friend” as well, causing you to wonder about the true nature of your friendship.  Often this happens because the person is happy with the situation as it is, wants to leave his or her options open, or doesn’t want to lose the benefits of being special to you.  If you find yourself in this situation, ask how the other person defines the relationship and, if applicable, where he or she would like to see the relationship go in the future. If this doesn’t align with what you want, you might consider either severing ties or modifying your expectations of the other person and the relationship. You would be wise to question the motives of another person if you find a) that you typically spend time together when the other person is bored or wants or needs something (like someone to listen as your mother-in-law rants about how little she sees your husband), b) that the time is generally spent alone (like late at night), or c) that it’s time spent to fill a spot (like as a date to an event or as a last-minute bowling partner).  In doing this, the other person’s needs and wishes not only disregard yours but also dictate one of the most fundamental aspects of any relationship – when you see the other person.  If this is the case, you must decide if what you’re getting out of the relationship compensates for this, assuming it upsets you. And you must choose whether or not to discuss your feelings and/or your decision with the other person. Conversely, pay attention to when you’re not...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Ask for clarification on the relationship’s status. Observe when you spend time together. Note when you don’t spend time together. Reject all talk and no action behavior. Don’t accept broken promises. Reflect on any mixed messages.


Sometimes it can be difficult to think of a time to exercise.  You may think back on your day and wonder when in the world could you fit in a trip to the gym or even just a few minutes of exercise.  Writing out your schedule can help.  Sit down and write out a very detailed timeline and schedule of your typical workday.  Start with when you get up, how long it takes you to get ready, what time you leave for work, etc.  The more detailed you are, the easier it will be to find time in your day.  Once you have your schedule and timeline written out, search for a time that would be good to schedule in a workout or a trip to the gym.  Also consider if you could rearrange things in your schedule to make more room for a workout. In addition, find some back up times.  If you run work late at work on Monday, where can you fit in a workout on Tuesday? You may not find room for a workout every day or enough time to fit in an entire trip to the gym. That's OK.  Even 10-15 minutes is enough time to fit in a short exercise session. After looking at your daily schedule and working on your calendar you may realize you'll need to different types of workouts on different days depending on how much time you have.  Have a list of different types of activities of varying lengths.  This will give you much more flexibility in your schedule to fit in a workout. If you have at least an hour or so, this is a great chance to hit the gym and do a combination of cardio and strength training.  You'll have plenty of time to do adequate amounts of each. If you have only 30-45 minutes, choose to do either cardio or strength training.  You could try to squeeze in both, but you may have an easier time just doing one or the other. If you just have 15-20 minutes, try an ultra fast workout.  There are many available online, on workout DVDs or in magazines.  They usually combine both cardio and strength training so that it elevates your heart rate rapidly. Once you know what time of day or between which activities you can fit in a gym session,...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Write out your daily schedule. List your favorite workouts. Create a workout calendar. Pack your gym bag in advance. Go for even 10 minutes of activity.


Sometimes it can help to create a physical tribute to your grandparent by making a memorial. This could be a collection of photographs of your grandparent or a drawing or painting you make of your grandparent and frame. You could then hang it in a special spot in your home or your room so you always remember your grandparent. Take time out of your day to spend some time at your grandparent’s grave. Bring flowers or sentimental items to place at his grave as a form of tribute and acknowledgement. This can also give you the opportunity to “talk” to your grandparent at the grave and share any emotions or feelings you are experiencing. Often, visiting the grave can act as a form of comfort during the grieving process. Another way to create a tribute to your grandparent is to sit down and write a personal letter or story about your grandparent or dedicated to your grandparent. You can then store the letter in a safe place and read it whenever you are feeling sad about her death. Expressing your emotions by writing them down can help you to process your grief and cope with her death. Another way to pay tribute to your grandparent is to keep his memory alive by sharing memories and stories about him with your family. This could be a funny story from his childhood that was relayed to you by another family member or a memory you have of a time you both spent together while he was still alive. You may make this a habit around the grandparent's birthday or on the anniversary of her death to remember her and pay tribute to her. Having a consistent day or days where you remember the grandparent can help with the grieving process.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Create a memorial for your grandparent. Visit your grandparent’s grave. Write a letter to your grandparent. Share memories and stories about your grandparent with other family members.


Sometimes it is appropriate, and sometimes it is not.  For example, you may have to put some compartmentalization between home and work to prevent negativity from one to affect the other. However, compartmentalizing in this matter would mean that you control the overlap, and keep it intentionally to a minimum so your home life does not become greatly impacted by your work or vice versa. Avoid compartmentalizing large areas of thought that make you who you are.  For example, living a double life, one is with your family and another one is  with a lover .when one of your major values is to support the integrity of your family life would or could have serious ramifications on your system of values, and both of the lives you have compartmentalized. Smaller items would be that of being a surgeon and a medical director at the same time. The roles are certainly different, but by compartmentalizing, you will be able to aptly manage both roles and reduce the amount of overlap between the two. Create a system of supporting the separation so that your compartmentalization is effective. Recognize when one set of thoughts merges with another, and remind yourself that at that given moment, what your role and priority are. It's unlikely that you'll be able to snap your fingers and move right form one compartment to the next, but you can come up with a routine, like taking a walk or going for a short drive, that helps you cleanse your mind and move from one thing to the next.  If you're transitioning from work to home, tell yourself that you'll have to finish thinking about work at the end of your commute; you can start thinking about it again when you commute to work the next day. College students do this often and well.  Taking one course that the student does not enjoy can stop by leaving that classroom, allowing the freedom to fully participate in the next class, one that is enjoyed. Make sure you are always in control of that separation, and that it does not become a reflex type of a defense mechanism. Remember that...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Being aware of when you have to compartmentalize will help you make decisions on how, why, how much and when you compartmentalize. Separate streams of thought that are small and time limited. Find a way to transition between compartments. Know that these “compartments” in your psyche are there on purpose. Avoid multi-tasking. Give each area extreme focus and move on. Learn to compartmentalize difficult news. Remember that you can always return to any compartment. Ask yourself how you can help the situation by thinking about it more. Ask yourself, "How much more productive would I be if I weren't thinking about this one thing right now?" Maintain a balanced life.


Sometimes it is hard to motivate ourselves when we're unclear about where we want to go. Make a clear, actionable end goal that you can achieve.  For example, if you're in school, your end goal might be to get into a certain college or to get a specific internship. If you want to own your own company, decide what type of company it will be. Do you want sell a product, consult other firms, or provide services to the community? Be specific with your goal. For example, if you want to travel the world, where do you want to go first? Do you prefer backpacking or would you like to take a cruise? Do you want to see the world all at once or do you want to break it up into several smaller trips? Don't let goals distract you from other important aspects of your life. Make sure you make it clear to yourself how much effort should be going towards each goal you create. Once you know specifically where you want to end up, give yourself smaller benchmarks to achieve along the way. Write down a series of steps that will help you achieve your goal. This makes the goal much more manageable, thus helping you accomplish each task.  For example, if your dream is to own a house, you might have smaller goals to save money, build good credit, apply for a mortgage, and find a home in a certain neighborhood. If you want to quit your job to sell handmade goods online, you might need to set up an online shop, create enough inventory to sell, and advertise your goods. If you know someone who has achieved the same goal before, try to follow their example. Use their story to give you extra motivation to keep going.  A role model can be someone you know in real life, such as a family member, boss, professor, or mentor. It can also be a famous person, such as a business leader or scientist. If you know them personally, ask them what they did to get there. If they're a famous figure, try finding interviews or biographies that can show you the way. You might keep a poster up on your office wall, stick a post-it note to your bathroom mirror,...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Define a specific, clear end goal for yourself. Break your goal down into smaller goals. Find a role model who has accomplished the goal before. Post motivational quotes in visible areas. Visualize your goals or dreams.


Sometimes it is more difficult to deal with someone who doesn’t even seem to know or care you exist, as opposed to someone who seems directly interested in being hurtful.  Take time to think about possible reasons for their seeming indifference toward you.  Modern technology has brought us the dreaded “person-who-never-texts-me-back,” and this version of being ignored can be quite frustrating to some.  Consider, however, whether this thoughtless person may just in fact be very busy with work, family, or something else, or simply not a gung-ho texter like you.  Sometimes, what appears to be indifference is really just the result of a misunderstanding.  Maybe your grandmother doesn’t seem to care about your acting on your dream to become an internet entrepreneur because she has no idea what it is you are doing (and thus how important it is to you), even though you explained it to her. Before turning a blind eye to someone who seems to be doing the same to you, think about ways to resolve the situation favorably for both parties.  Raise your concerns tactfully.  Don’t accuse or blame the person (“You’re a phony,” or “You’re self-centered and inconsiderate”).  Instead, let them know how you feel. For instance, say “I feel unimportant to/ignored by you” or “I’m sad you’re not interested in friendship with me.”  If necessary, however, establish your limits:  “I’m going to stop initiating contact with you.”  The other person may not respond favorably even to a tactful approach; if so, remain calm and reiterate your view, then let things end at that.  Feel secure that you have done what you can. Not caring what someone else thinks (or doesn’t think) about you requires a conscious decision and ongoing effort on your part.  Not caring, however, is not the same thing as being uncaring.  You can stop being concerned about someone’s actions or views without losing your compassion for their well-being as a fellow person.  You’re doing what you need to for the benefit of your own health and well-being, not to harm or punish...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Consider their motives and reasons. Try to remedy the situation. Choose not to care — without being uncaring. Live your life for you.


Sometimes it just pays to fork over the ETF, and be done with the aggravation. If you’ve made up your mind that this is the route you want to take, find out the exact amount you owe by contacting the carrier directly. Notify the carrier of your decision. You may have to do this by phone, so a terribly distraught customer service representative can try to convince you to ease his or her pain by staying with the company. Maybe they’ll offer you an incentive to stay, like a phone upgrade even if you’re not due for one. If an incentive doesn’t do it for you, find out how the ETF will be paid, cancel, and bid the carrier farewell. You’re probably planning on moving to a new carrier, and taking advantage of one of their phone offers (especially since trying to convert your current phone to a new carrier’s system can be a hassle, at best). If that’s the case, think about selling your phone as a way of offsetting some of the ETF you had to pay. Companies like Gazelle.com and Glyde.com handle these types of transactions.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Consider paying the ETF. Cancel the contract and pay the fee. Think about selling your current phone.


Sometimes it will be the same toll-free number that you would call to make an order; sometimes it will be a separate "customer service" number. Look around on the back cover and the order form.  Call the university recruitment office and cancel the flyers. Whether you're a prospective student or you've long since graduated, these recruitment materials can be a pain. The best way to stop them is by calling the university recruitment office and requesting it be cancelled. If you are a high school student already getting recruitment literature from universities, ask your counselor to help set things straight for you. Occasionally, the customer service people will ask why you want to be removed. Simply explain that you are not interested in the products offered or that you're not planning on attending this university. Be kind, but firm. Have the catalog, or at least the mailing label from it handy when you call. Often they will request a tracking number or other code printed there. Many catalog and mail-order companies offer opt-outs on their websites. If you prefer the convenience of a web form, look around the catalog or the company's website and you will often find one. Many schools get your information when you take the PSAT, SAT, ACT, or other standardized test. When you sign up for such standardized tests, read the form carefully. Likewise, many mail-order businesses, especially printing houses that print checks and personalized stationery, often send other mail and sell the addresses of their customers. Read carefully when filling out any form to make sure you're not agreeing to receive catalogs. CollegeBoard, the organization behind the PSAT, SAT, and AP tests, states that their "Student Search Service" program is voluntary [1]. ACT states in their privacy policy that you have a choice of whether to receive communications in excess of the required ones.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Call individual catalog companies or universities soliciting potential students and ask them to remove you from their mailing lists. Prepare a response. Opt out on the website. Opt out before it's sent.


Sometimes it's hard to lose weight on your own. If you're struggling to lose weight and want help, talk to your doctor about treatments you can try. You may be able to take medication or get weight loss surgery to help you meet your goals.Your doctor can help you decide if weight loss treatments are right for you.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Ask about weight loss medication or surgery if you're interested.


Sometimes it’s easier to find inspiration when you’re under pressure. If you don’t already have one, make yourself accountable by setting your own deadline. Then, push yourself to keep that deadline, no matter what happens. Set the goal to write 1,000 words a day, one article a week, or one poem a day—whatever works for you and your writing style. to stimulate blood flow and generate ideas. Exercise boosts brain activity by increasing blood flow, which is helpful when looking for inspiration to write. Giving yourself a break to get moving can also help your subconscious make connections, so when you are finished you may find that you’re full of fresh ideas. Try running, swimming, cycling, or yoga. You could also play a sport like tennis or soccer. Once you start writing, it’s easier to keep going if you continue doing it every day. Usually, you’ll notice that new ideas come to you more easily, and the writing process itself will often go more smoothly. Try to write at the same time every day, since that will help you stick to a regular schedule more easily. If you want to run a marathon, you know you need regular exercise to get your body into shape if you want to succeed. Writing is the same way, except you’re training your brain instead of your body. for 5 or 10 minutes to clear your mind. Take deep breaths, focusing on your inhale and exhale, and try to clear your mind as much as possible. By relaxing, you can reduce your stress and increase your focus. Then, when you come back to your writing, you’ll likely feel sharper and more attentive. Meditation is a great way to get in touch with your subconscious, so it might help you break through if you’re struggling to put the pieces of a story together. Spending time outdoors is a great way to stimulate your creativity. When you visit nature, you’ll often feel more connected to the world around you. In addition, the peaceful sights and sounds can give you the space to reflect, allowing you to get a focus you might not have when you’re stressing about a blank...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Set a deadline for your writing if you need extra motivation. Exercise Write every day to keep the inspiration flowing. Meditate Immerse yourself in nature to find peace and inspiration. Daydream to gain a new perspective. Join a writing group to find like-minded people. Learn about your favorite writers and their writing habits. Start writing a new story if you are stuck. Experiment with different writing mediums.


Sometimes journey dreams involve you moving under your own power, such as when you walk, run, or fly. Other journey dreams involve you being moved by a vehicle such as a boat, car, or train. Take a few minutes to consider whether you were moving yourself or whether something else was moving you. Ask yourself whether you were the one in control or whether someone else was in charge of your journey. For example, many flying dreams involve a feeling of confidence, control, and freedom. On the other hand, a dream where you are in the caboose of a train might indicate that you feel behind in life. This can help you decide whether your journey is a positive adventure that you chose or an unpleasant decision that you are forced to make. The state of your vehicle might make a difference to the interpretation of the dream as well. A decrepit vehicle might indicate uncertainty or low self-esteem, for example. Think about whether your mode of transit reminds you of yourself or of anything important in your life. If your pathway is rough and your destination blocked along the way, this is an indicator that something is obstructing your path in life. You may be anxious about not achieving goals in life and you may lack faith in your abilities to get you to your destination. After waking, if you find that the obstacle is still looming large in your memory, you may need to make a change to your life to enable you to move on. If your pathway is clear and smooth, you may feel optimistic about new possibilities ahead. If your path involves a fork or a crossroads, that can mean that you have to face a decision that has several facets. Each probably has good and bad aspects and only you can weigh the consequences to see where the decision might lead you. Ask yourself how you feel about your ultimate destination. Are you excited to get there? Scared? Uncertain? Are you confident in the location of the destination, or is your journey taking you to new and strange territory? Answering these questions can help you interpret how you...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Consider the mode of transportation. Assess the pathway of your dream. Note your feelings about the destination. Reflect on the scenery. Ask yourself whether you got lost or delayed in your dream. Assess your own limitations in the dream. Look up other symbols in a dream dictionary.


Sometimes laughter can be infectious. If your friend says something funny laugh. Try to lighten the mood by infecting everyone else with laughter. At the very least they might crack a smile. If you find you're the only one laughing, just go with it. Laugh obnoxiously. Cackle like a witch, or laugh like a hyena. Maybe they will find that funny. It could be the Simpsons or a Will Ferrell movie. Sometimes you might not feel like being funny and turning on the television or a movie is an easy way to keep the good times going. You can use the opportunity to share something that brings you enjoyment with your friends. Challenge your friends to put on a better performance than you. Pick some hilarious music and have fun with it. Videotape your performances, then you can play them back and laugh all over again later. You can also challenge them to a karaoke battle. Just because you didn't think of it, doesn't mean your friends won't see the humorous post as a connection to you. Even if you aren't that creative, friends may still consider you funny because you share things that are funny. If it makes you laugh, as least some of your friends are likely to find it funny too.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Laugh. Put on a funny movie or television sitcom. Have a lip sync battle. Post a funny meme on social media.


Sometimes lymph nodes swell in reaction to an allergy or a short-lived infection caused by a bacteria or a virus. If that's the case, they'll usually return to normal within a few days. However, if your lymph nodes remain swollen, hard, or sore for more than a week, it's important to see a doctor to determine the cause.  Even if you have no other signs of illness, you should see a doctor if swollen lymph nodes persist. If you have hard, painless, and inflexible lymph nodes that are greater than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size, see a doctor as soon as possible. Swollen lymph nodes could be a sign that your body's immune system is fighting off a serious illness. If you experience swollen lymph nodes in conjunction with any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away:  Unexplained weight loss Night sweats Persistent fever Trouble swallowing or breathing While not all symptoms signal a serious illness, letting your doctor know about all of your symptoms will help them diagnose you. Some common symptoms that that often show up alongside swollen lymph nodes include:  Runny nose Fever Sore throat Swelling of several lymph node areas at the same time If you come into your doctor's office with swollen lymph nodes, your doctor will feel the nodes to ensure they are swollen. Then they will need to test you for bacterial and viral infections that could be causing the swelling, either by testing your blood or taking a culture from an area of your body, such as your throat. It's likely you will be tested for the most common illnesses that cause lymph nodes to swell, including common viruses like strep throat. Your doctor will likely assess the health of your immune system overall. The doctor could order a variety of tests, including a general blood analysis, which will gauge your immune system's activity. This will help them determine whether you have an immune system disease, such as lupus or arthritis, that is causing the lymph nodes to swell. Diagnostic tests will allow the doctor to assess how your immune system is functioning,...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Monitor the swollen lymph nodes. See a doctor right away if you experience certain symptoms. Tell your doctor if any other symptoms are present. Assess whether swelling is due to an infection. Get testing done for immune system diseases. Have testing done for cancer.


Sometimes people allow things like the performance of their favorite team to affect their emotions. That’s okay. If you are angry or upset about your team losing, don’t pretend otherwise. Give yourself a chance to vent a little bit, or at least be disappointed. Keep control. Because it’s only a game, there is no reason for your anger or sadness to lead to personally destructive behavior. If you are at the game, go ahead and yell a bit, but avoid shouting at other fans (especially fans of the other team). Avoid stirring up fights or throwing things as well. Sports are a great communal experience, and even if you are watching alone at home, there are other people out there enjoying the game too. Call your friends who are also fans to let off steam and cope with the disappointment of a losing team. Consider joining a fan club or online forums to talk more about your disappointment and even brainstorm ways to fix what went wrong. If you are going to suffer, it’s better to do so with other fans. Food can be a great comfort when faced with disappointment, including watching your team lose. Just make sure to eat healthy if you can. People tend to reach for sweets and other unhealthy foods when dealing with a loss. Instead, make sure you are surrounded by healthier foods so that you aren’t tempted to pack on the pounds after defeat.  Comfort food, a term for rich foods that tend to make people feel good after eating it, are popular choices after a loss. They are filling, and may remind people of pleasant memories like childhood, and other things to take the mind off of losing. Look for hearty foods like macaroni and cheese, stews, pot pies, meatloaf, and sweets, which are all popular “comfort” choices. To make these options a bit healthier, consider using lower fat creams and cheeses, swapping out beef for turkey in meatloaf or chili, or adding vegetables. If you are looking for something sweeter, eat darker chocolate.    Avoid overeating. While it is okay to enjoy a little snack to feel better after a loss, remember...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Acknowledge your feelings. Talk to other fans. Eat something. Turn off the TV. Get a little exercise. Remember it’s just a game.


Sometimes people aren't necessarily depressed, they're simply going through a difficult time of life. However, if a friend shows signs of depression, you may need to pay close attention to make sure that it doesn't get worse.  Do they exhibit persistent sad, anxious, or empty moods? Do they present feelings of hopelessness or pessimism (nothing will ever get better; life is terrible)? Do they have lots of feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness? Are they fatigued, have decreased energy? Do they have difficulty concentrating on things, remembering things, or making decisions? Have you noticed insomnia, or oversleeping? Have they lost or gained significant weight? Are they restless and irritable? Have they mentioned or talked about thinking about death or suicide? Have they made or talked about making a suicide attempt? This could show by them saying something about how the world world be a better place if they weren't in it. Remember that their pain and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness are real. Validate the fact that they feel these negative feelings and then do your best to turn their attention elsewhere.  Depressed people may respond to distractions. You don't have to make the distraction super obvious. If you're taking a walk, for example, pointing out the beauty of the light on the water, or the color of the sky can turn the conversation. Going over the same negative feelings again and again can actually make things worse, because it encourages a depressed person to remain in that negative place. When someone is depressed they often have difficulty connecting to anyone on an emotional level, because of what they are going through. Taking it personally will mean that they will have a more difficult time reaching out.  A depressed person might lash out by saying something hurtful or angry towards you. Remember that this is the depression not the friend who is saying those things. This doesn't mean that you need to take abuse from them. If your friend is becoming abusive, as well as...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Recognize the symptoms of depression. Validate their pain, but don't stay there. Avoid taking their depression personally. Don't underestimate how serious depression can be. Offer to help with small things. Be a compassionate listener. Remember that you aren't their therapist. Encourage your friend to seek professional help. Know that depression can come and go. Set your own boundaries.


Sometimes scarlet fever may occur with a streptococcal skin infection called impetigo, and not with a sore throat. Impetigo causes redness, bumps, blisters or pus in the skin, usually on the child's face, around the mouth and nose. The characteristic sign that strep has evolved into scarlet fever is a red rash. It will look like sunburn and feel rough to the touch, like sandpaper.  If pressure is applied to the skin, it might briefly take on a paler hue.  The rash will typically begin around the face, neck, and chest (most common on neck and chest), spreading to the abdomen and back, and, less often, to the arms or legs. Along the skin creases in the groin, armpit, elbows, knees, and neck your child might develop lines with an ever deeper reddish hue than the rest of the rash.  It is common to have a circle of pale skin around the lips. This is caused by the enlargement of the taste buds on the tongue. At first, the taste buds will be covered with a white coating. After a few days, the tongue will generally develop a red, bumpy appearance. As the red rash begins to fade, your child's skin may begin to peel as if after a sunburn. Be mindful; that does not mean that the illness is gone. You should still seek medical attention. You should take your child to a doctor whenever he or she develops reddish skin accompanied by a fever and/or sore throat. Although scarlet fever is easily treated with antibiotics, if it is left untreated, it can cause an array of complications. Untreated, scarlet fever can cause kidney disease, skin infection, ear infection, abscesses of the throat, lung infection, arthritis, heart problems and problems with the nervous system (rheumatic fever).

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Be aware of impetigo. Look for a red rash. Look for strawberry tongue. Watch for peeling skin. See a doctor immediately.


Sometimes scary movies you watch can leave a lasting impression on you. As a result, you may develop chronic fear that is difficult to get over. If you began watching scary movies as a child or teenager, you are more likely to have long term anxiety and fear. Addressing your fears helps you develop courage and feel safe.  Write down exactly what you are afraid and everything that is related to that fear.  For example, if you are afraid of the dark, you may write that you are afraid of the dark, afraid of going to sleep, and are scared of having nightmares. One way to overcome your fear is to expose yourself to what you are afraid of. You should expose yourself in a safe, controlled environment. This teaches you to move through your fear and allow it to pass.  For example, if you are afraid of Freddy Krueger, you may watch the movie every week. To control your environment, you could watch the movie in the daytime with some of your friends. The more you expose yourself to something, you will develop more control and the movie will have less of an impact on you. If watching the entire movie is too scary for you, start small and work your way up. Watch the movie for 15 minutes one week and then 30 minutes the next week. Continue to build until you can watch the entire movie. You may experience physical symptoms (e.g. racing heart, sweating, difficulty breathing, upset stomach, lightheaded, etc.) when you are afraid or anxious. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and aerobic exercise (e.g. walking, running, dancing, swimming, etc.) can help you feel calm and gain control.  Try to find time to do relaxation techniques every day. You will see the best results if relaxation becomes part of your regular routine. You can practice multiple relaxation techniques or stick to one that you really enjoy. Fear can cause you to have negative and irrational thoughts. It is important that you replace these thoughts with positive thoughts. If you do not counter these thoughts, your...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Acknowledge your fear. Face your fears. Practice relaxation techniques. Counter your negative thoughts.


Sometimes strong emotions come up, and you may have no idea what triggered them. However, by paying close attention over time, it’s usually possible to learn what your triggers are. This makes it easier to work with them.  Take time to reflect after an incident involving strong emotions. Where did those feelings come from? Write down what you felt, your reaction, where you were when the trigger took place, who you were with, and what you were doing at the time. Journaling like this is a great tool for keeping track of your triggers. Review your list and identify those emotions that evoked strong and intense reactions, otherwise known as the "fight or flight" reaction from feeling threatened in some way. Emotions help us communicate to others. They prepare us and motivate us for action, and they can be self-justifying. Sometimes emotions arise in relation to an outside event, but they also happen in relation to internal events, like thoughts and even other emotions. Following are six of the major emotions:   Love  Happiness  Anger  Sadness  Fear  Shame Your body reacts to your emotions. For instance, your heart beats faster when you feel scared. When you're angry, your body tenses or feels hot. By recognizing the cues given by your body, you'll be able to identify the emotions you're feeling. You'll then be able to address those emotions and control them before they control you.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Pay close attention to your reactions. Use a journal to identify your triggers. Recognize what emotions are for and how they work. Familiarize yourself with your emotions.


Sometimes the best treatment doesn't just focus on OCD symptoms. The thought content may disturb you to the point that it causes significant distress. A therapist can help you work through feelings of depression, shame, guilt, and depression in treatment. While addressing OCD may be the main treatment goal, it can also be important to target how the OCD makes you feel. With a therapist, create a hierarchy of situations or thoughts that cause you shame. Then, rank them from causing least shame to causing most shame. The therapist will help you face each situation and emotionally work through each situation that has caused shame related to OCD. This type of exposure can lessen the emotional reaction of shame and help you realize that you can face challenging thoughts and feelings. For example, you may feel shame around eating in front of your family and arranging the foods, doing simple tasks in front of others, and having thoughts about violence toward your sibling. Now, arrange the situations in order of severity of shame, then discuss each situation with your therapist. OCD is often treated with medications. Medications can help to lessen the severity of your symptoms. Medication can help decrease OCD thoughts overall, which can help decrease feelings of shame. Talk to a prescriber, such as a psychiatrist to discuss medications. Antidepressant medication is often tried first, and some people benefit from antipsychotic medication. Your prescriber may try several medications  to find the best fit for you. It's unlikely to find a medication that does not cause side-effects and that takes away all symptoms of OCD. When considering medication, it's important to note possible side-effects and risks associated with medication. When taking medication, make sure you do so under medical supervision. Family therapy can help families to understand OCD better and respond to the individual's needs more effectively. Especially if the person with OCD lives with the family, it can be difficult for the person and the family...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Work with a therapist. Develop an exposure program for shame. Take medication. Consider family therapy. Try group therapy.


Sometimes the box will be left at your shipping location, so you will not have a choice to refuse the package. Look for instructions on how to return the merchandise. Enclose the return request in your package. Request a receipt so that you can prove that you shipped the box.  It is a good idea to get a delivery signature and a tracking number when making returns.  The shipping costs to receive the goods and send them back are usually the responsibility of the buyer. Check the returns section of your packing slip to see if the company offers free returns. If they do, ensure you drop the package off at the location they use for free return shipping, such as FedEx or UPS.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Receive the box if the order has been completed and shipped to you. Open the package. Make a copy of the return receipt for your records. Ship it with the pre-addressed shipping label and drop it off at a shipping agent location or ship it via the local post office.


Sometimes the court will terminate a parent’s support obligations. However, this only happens in certain specified situations:  You have no income. Most states will grant a non-custodial parent’s petition to temporarily suspend child support if the parent has lost his or her job or has become disabled and is in the process of applying for disability benefits. You are being incarcerated. Some states will allow temporary suspension for incarceration; however, other states will not. The child reaches the age of majority. In most states, a parent can stop paying when a child reaches the age of majority (18 in most states). However, in some states a parent is obligated to pay until the child reaches 21. The child dies. Even at the child’s death, you must petition the court to stop payments. You cannot just stop paying on your own. Your state probably has prepared “fill in the blank” forms for you to fill out. You must find the right form to modify your child support payments. In different states it will go by different names: “Petition/Motion to Modify Child Support,” “Motion Regarding Support,” or some other title.  You can always ask the court clerk what form you need to fill out. Although the court clerk cannot offer legal advice, he or she should be able to point you to the right form to fill out. If you have questions, see if the court has a self-help center or a family law facilitator. Because family law cases make up such a bulk of the court’s docket, many courts have staff who can answer legal questions and help you fill out forms. You will need to take the completed petition to the court clerk to file. Be prepared to pay a filing fee.  If you can’t afford the fee, then ask for a fee waiver form and fill it out. You will also need to serve notice on the other parent. Typically, notice can be served personally using the sheriff, a professional process server, or someone over 18 who is not involved in the case. Ask the court clerk for the form you need to fill out and how to pay any applicable fees...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

File a petition to terminate support. Fill out a petition. File the petition. Attend a hearing. Take a possible appeal.


Sometimes the drivers for the connection process get messed up. Download Mode will reset the connection between your device and your computer. You'll need the USB drivers from Samsung in order for this to work. You can download the USB drivers from Samsung's S3 Support page. Click the "USB (ENGLISH)" button and run the installer after downloading it. Press and hold the Power button and select "Power Off." Wait until your phone shuts down before proceeding. Your phone will need to be disconnected from your computer before proceeding. Start by holding the Home button, then press and hold the Volume Down button. While holding both buttons down, press and hold the Power button. You'll know you did it right when a warning screen with a yellow "!" sign appears. This will start your S3 in Download Mode. Windows should automatically detect it and install the necessary files. Windows should only take a few moments to install. Check the System Tray to see if the installation is complete. Hold both buttons for about ten seconds to reboot your phone normally. If you can't get your S3 to exit Download Mode, take the battery out and then reinsert it. After your phone boots up normally, try connecting it to your computer again. It will usually show up properly after booting into Download Mode.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Download and install the Samsung USB drivers. Turn your S3 completely off and disconnect it from the computer. Press and hold Home, Volume Down, and Power. Press Volume Up to start Download Mode when prompted. Connect your S3 to your computer. Unplug your S3 once the drivers finish loading. Press and hold the Home and Power buttons. Try connecting the S3 to your computer again.


Sometimes the image you have doesn't lend itself well to color changes. This commonly occurs with very dark hair, which may be so close to black it is impossible to lighten it or get new colors. A good way to fight this is to use multiple transparency layers, allowing you to get multiple effects on the same head of hair. Create a new transparency layer underneath the first one by right-clicking on the first transparency layer. Then try the following effects before moving on to your standard color-changing layer.  Adjust Hue and Saturation for wild color schemes. Click on Hue and Saturation and adjust the Hue to turn one color into another one, like vibrant red, purple, green, etc. Saturation will adjust how vibrant the color is -- too low and the hair will get gray, two high and it will be nearly-neon. Change the hair to yellow to make it easier to adjust. Use Brightness and Contrast to lighten dark hair before changing the color. Brightness affects the light, contrast affects the difference between whites and blacks. Mix and match the two colors to get good final tones-- a bright, low contrast yellow hue on black hair can be easily transformed into blond hair with the second layer. The more you can lighten the dark hair before moving on, the better. A yellow hue, combined with raised brightness and contrast, should give you enough room to start messing with the actual color. This may be the easiest way to get dark hair lighter. Use the normal techniques to get the hair a little bit darker. Once you're happy with the first layer, simply copy and paste the transparency layer once or twice. If you're using "Overlay" mode, the lighter copies will "stack" on each other, making the final effect much more pronounced. The benefit of transparency is that it retains the light values of the original photo, making sure the shadows and highlights all stay the same and match the rest of the photos. When making precise edits with the eraser or brush, remember to leave the natural dark and lights spots on the hair...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Lighten the original hair for greater control over the final color. Put as much light and color into the black hair as possible before moving on to the transparency layers. Double up your transparency layer to make your changes more prominent. Retain the photo's original lighting when making precise edits.


Sometimes the images we like the most are not the best ones to hang. If you have lots of images at your disposal, it's usually best to choose the most distinctive and professional ones. Wall pictures will be seen by almost every visitor to your home, many of which won't be able to appreciate the inside jokes behind embarrassing photos or goofy low-brow art. For your hall and living room, it's best to stick to standard family photos (professionally-shot is a plus) or traditional art - save your roadside velvet paintings for the basement and your naked baby photos for the photo album. If you plan to hang more than one picture in a certain wall space, that's great - by playing with the precise spacing and arrangement of the pictures, you can create striking visual impressions. Before you hang multiple pictures together, though, make a "blueprint" for your group of pictures - if you're confident you can erase it, lightly trace the pictures' outlines with a pencil, otherwise, lay your pictures down on a roll of paper and cut squares around them. Tape these squares to the wall to give you an idea of how your arrangement will look when the pictures are actually hung on the wall. It's much easier to adjust paper squares than to re-hang your pictures. Big pictures, especially ones you're especially proud of, deserve a prominent position in the room. Hang them at eye-level or higher on a wall where they'll be noticed. Give them priority positioning - a great picture can double as a room's centerpiece. Don't put them too close to any of the room's corners - you'll inadvertently give your art a "squished in" look.  A foot or two of room should suffice. Provided your picture doesn't absolutely dwarf other, smaller pictures, you use it as part of a multi-picture arrangement. If you're not sure how to arrange your big picture sensibly as part of a group, a good idea is to put it in one of the lower corners of the arrangement, with the second-largest picture in the upper corner opposite it. Line smaller pictures up in the...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Choose pictures with appropriate content. Plan picture groupings beforehand. Hang big pictures first. Group smaller pictures in rows or clusters. Coordinate your frame choices.


Sometimes the main culprit that causes hair to thin is the shampoo you use every day. Hair cleansers, conditioners, and styling products often contain chemicals that wear down the hair, dry it out and cause it to fall out more easily than healthy hair. Immediately improve the health of your hair by making the following changes in your bathroom:  Swap shampoo with sulfates for sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates are harsh cleaners that are effective at stripping away the oils in your hair. The problem is that without the protection of natural oils, hair gets easily damaged and frayed. Choose a shampoo made with oils and natural cleansers that won't be too harsh for your hair. Replace commercially-manufactured conditioner with something made with natural ingredients. Conditioners can contain sulfates, too, and they also contain other chemicals that can be hard on your hair. Replace your conditioner with one that is made with coconut oil, aloe, and other natural conditioners. You can also try  substituting an apple cider vinegar solution - it makes hair soft, supple and shiny. Toss out hair sprays, gels, and pomades containing a lot of chemicals and alcohol. Applying these to your hair can dry it out and damage it over time. Use them sparingly or replace them with hair products containing natural ingredients. Styling tools like hair dryers, straightening irons, and curling irons are tough on hair. Use them sparingly or forego them altogether. If you absolutely must straighten or curl your hair, try  straightening without heat or using sponge rollers to curl it. Bleaching, highlighting, and coloring your hair can cause it to fall out or become dry and brittle. Chemical straighteners and permanent curls are also extremely damaging to your hair. Embrace your natural color and texture to promote hair growth and preserve the health of your hair. Trimming your hair gets rid of dull, damaged ends and adds new life and volume to your hair. Shorter cuts and layered cuts, especially, can make your hair appear to be thicker...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Select chemical-free hair products. Stop using heat. Let your hair be its natural self. Get regular trims.


Sometimes the pictures on fake cards show things that aren't even Pokémon, like Digimon (or similar imitators) or animals. Be suspicious if what a card displays looks questionable, or if there appears to be a sticker on top of the card. If the HP is anywhere over 300, or the attacks don't exist, then it's a fake for sure. Also, if it says (attack no.) HP instead of HP (attack no.), it is definitely a fake card because real cards display the HP first and not the attack no. first. That's only with old cards; new cards have HP 80 instead of 80 HP. However, a few genuine cards have the variable and the attribute name inverted as a result of a printing mistake. Do not discard the card as fake without making further checks, as if the card is a genuine with a mistake, it may be valuable.  Many fakes have energy symbols that are slightly larger, distorted, or offset from each other. On fake cards, the text is usually slightly smaller than on real cards and is usually in a different font. The weakness/resistance's maximum damage addition/subtraction is +/-40, unless the weakness is x2. The retreat cost is no more than 4. With fake cards, the box won't have trademarks and will say something like "pre-release trading cards". It will be made from cheap cardboard, without the standard bag. Fake cards often have wrong spellings. Common mistakes among them including spelling the Pokémon names incorrectly, having no accent i.e. " ` " sign on the 'e' of 'Pokémon' , etc. You may also see the cards spelling the attacks inaccurately, and not having any energy signs under the attack for the attack description. Sometimes (particularly for base set cards), people will stamp a card with their own 1st edition stamp. How can you tell the difference? First, a fake stamp is usually more imperfect and there are a few blotches on the stamp. Second, fake stamps come right off if you try to rub/scratch them off, very easily.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Familiarize yourself with the Pokémon species. Look at the attacks and HP. Look for spelling mistakes, fancy borders around the Pokémon's picture, or a cup-like base holding the energy. Compare the energy symbol to other cards. Look at the text. Check the weakness, resistance, and the retreat cost. Check the card box. Look at the card's spellings. If it is a first edition, look at the circular first edition stamp to the lower left of the card's picture.


Sometimes the problem will be provided without an image and you will have to diagram it yourself to visualize the proof. Once you have a rough sketch that matches the givens in a problem, you might need to re-draw the diagram so that you can read everything clearly and the angles are approximately correct.  Make sure to label everything very clearly based on the information provided. The clearer your diagram, the easier it will be to think through the proof. Label right angles and equal lengths. If lines are parallel to each other, mark that down as well. If the problem does not explicitly state two lines are equal, can you prove that they are? Make sure you can prove all of your assumptions.  Write down the relationships between various lines and angles that you can conclude based on your diagram and assumptions. Write down the givens in the problem. In any geometric proof, there is some information that is given by the problem. Writing them down first can help you think through the process needed for the proof. When you are proving something in geometry, you are given some statements about the shapes and angles, then asked to prove why these statements are true. Sometimes the easiest way to do this is to start with the end of the problem.  How does the problem come to that conclusion? Are there a few obvious steps that must be proved to make this work? In order to make a solid proof, you have to make a statement and then give the geometric reason that proves the truth of that statement. Underneath the statement column, you will write a statement such as angle ABC = angle DEF. Under the reason, you will write the proof for this. If it is given, simply write given, otherwise, write the theorem that proves it. There are many individual theorems in geometry that can be used for your proof. There are many properties of triangles, intersecting and parallel lines, and circles that are the basis for these theorems. Determine what geometric shapes you are working with and find the ones that apply to your proof....

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Draw a diagram after reading the problem. Make some observations about your diagram. Work the proof backwards. Make a 2-column grid labeled with statements and reasons. Determine which theorems apply to your proof. Make sure your steps flow in a logical fashion. Write down the conclusion as the last line.


Sometimes the simplest questions are the most complex. How does a bird fly? Why is the sky blue? These are the kinds of questions that drove Leonardo Da Vinci to his innovative genius and scientific study. It was insufficient for Da Vinci to hear "Because God wills it," when the answer was much more complicated and much less abstract. Learn to form probing questions about the things that interest you and test them to obtain results.  Exercise: Write down at least five questions about a subject that fascinates you, and that you'd like to know more about. Instead of doing a cursory wikipedia search of the topic and then forgetting the matter completely, select a single question from that list and sit with it for at least a week. How do mushrooms grow? What is coral? What is a soul? Research it at the library. Write about it. Draw about it. Think about it. When you've started to form your own opinion about a particular topic or question, when you think you're getting close to a satisfactory answer, determine what criteria would be sufficient to either accept or reject that answer. What would prove you were right? What would prove you were wrong? How can you test your idea?  Exercise: Come up with a testable theory for your probing question and set up an examination, using the scientific method. Gather some substrate and grow your own mushrooms to learn more about different methods, techniques, and varieties. The scientific thinker interrogates ideas until all avenues of thought have been prodded at, examined, verified, or rejected. Leave no avenue of inquiry untouched. Regular thinkers often get attached to one of the first pleasing options or answers, ignoring the more interesting or complicated questions that might be more accurate. If you want to think like Leonardo Da Vinci, leave no stone unturned in your search for truth.  Exercise: Practice mind mapping. A powerful tool that can help you combine logic and imagination in your work and life, the end result of mapping should be a web-like structure of words...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Ask probing questions. Test your hypotheses with your own observations. See your ideas all the way through to completion. Build new concepts from a foundation of failures.


Sometimes the situation may call for a more low-key type of energy and humor, while other situations may really need someone to be very lively. Try to learn which situations call for what. Listen to the mood of what is going on around you. This will take some practice, but being aware of the feelings of others will help you learn.  For example, a formal dinner party is not the time to be dancing around and telling jokes loudly. While you can still be energetic and lively, you can do it in a more subdued way, by laughing quietly and showing interest in the people around you with a smile on your face. If you are at an outdoor barbecue, you can probably be a bit more lively and energetic. Especially if there are kids around, who can match your intensity. People will see you and the children enjoying yourselves, and will probably want to join in the fun. Being emotionally intelligent means being able to perceive the emotions and mood states of those around you. If you are going to be the funny and energetic person, then it is important that you can read the feelings of others so you don’t overdo it. If you have just met someone, you can help yourself identify how they are feeling at the moment by chatting with them about something neutral, like the weather. This will give you an idea of their baseline behavior. Then, after talking for a few minutes, try telling a funny joke, or do something silly. Watch carefully for their reaction. Do their eyes light up? Do they smile? Or do you notice a more negative reaction? Do they lower their eyebrows, or glance away nervously? If so, this person is probably not in the mood to be entertained by silliness and jokes, so stick to a more subdued tone. In some situations, you may find yourself in the presence of someone who is more energetic and funny than you could ever dream of being. In this case, there is little point in trying to be the funniest, most energetic person in the room. Instead, let this person take the lead, and simply enjoy being in their presence.  If the...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Know when to tone it down, and when to liven things up. Pay attention to the moods of those around you. Don’t try to compete. Don’t force it.


Sometimes the situation might become more critical than you expected. Your friend might be pushing you even if you've already said “No, thanks." If the offer becomes insistent, you'll have to make it clear that that is not what you want to do. Saying no again and more firmly is the best thing you can do at this stage.   For example: “No thanks, I told you I don't drink." Even in this case, rudeness is not the best way to go. However, make the tone of your voice firm and look at your friend straight in the eye to make your message clearer. Try this course of action only if repeating your intentions has not stopped them from pressuring you. This will help you change the subject from the unwanted action to peer pressure itself.  For example, “I already told you I don't want to smoke. I don't like to be pushed to do something I don't want to." Once you've done it, you can try discussing peer pressure at large if you're close enough with your interlocutor. It's always a good idea to discuss with your friends what your friendship is based on, especially in critical situations when the friendship itself could be in danger. If someone else is around who shares your ideas, try to get them to back you up by bringing them into the conversation. Do this only if you know the third person will support you. If you're not sure what their opinion on the subject is, wait to see if they speak first and step up to help you.  For example, you can speak in the plural if you're sure your friend will back you up: “No thanks, we don't smoke." You can also address your back-up directly to change the subject, after saying “No, thanks” to the pressurer: “No, thanks, Mike, I don't want to smoke pot. Why don't we go to the movies instead? What do you think, Steve?” This might sound condescending and it's best to avoid pressuring your friends; however, it can bring the subject to an end if other courses of action didn't work out. For example, if your sporty friend offers you a cigarette, you can answer ”I don't smoke, and you shouldn't...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Repeat yourself. Say friends shouldn't pressure you to do something. Seek support from another friend who's there. Say no and turn the pressure around. Say no and leave.


Sometimes there is a sense that everyone has a best friend, but that is not true. This message can give the sense that if you don't have a best friend, there is something wrong with you. The reality is that there may be many reasons you do not have a "best friend", and that can be perfectly all right.   Some people have a variety of friends, none of which are extremely close, but are nonetheless supportive, fun, and meaningful. Friendship takes time. If you have just moved to a new town, you will not suddenly be surrounded with friends. Friendship--whether BFF status or not--takes time. Again, that is not a reflection on you. Your school community might not be a great match for you, but that does not mean there is something wrong with you. When you can truly choose your community (such as going to college or moving to a city with a vibrant LGBT social scene), you might simply find many more like minded individuals.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?


Sometimes this is enough to keep your brain focused. Promise yourself that you’ll only check email or social media twice or three times a day. Stick to it. Set a time to give yourself a break, and keep it. You will probably be surprised at how much you can achieve without these distractions. Choose which activities appeal to you intellectually. Some of us like number-related games, while others prefer words.  Try Sudoku, crossword puzzles, drawing and math quizzes.  These create and maintain important neuronal connections critical to your cognitive ability. Try writing with your opposite hand. It may be difficult initially, but with a little practice and some neuronal connections, you’ll get the hang of it. Writing with your non-dominant hand forces you to focus both mentally and physically and can help clear your mind. Even if you don’t get very good at it, the act of learning a new language can stimulate your brain in new and good ways. Particularly for older adults, learning a language can improve cognitive function. This might be the most useful technique to achieve mental clarity. Meditation allows you to clear your mind of all of the thoughts running through it and allow you to focus much more easily. Once you know how, you can do it for short periods at home or in another quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. To learn the techniques of meditation, there are many books and online resources available. There are also meditation classes and meetings in many communities. Like meditation, part of the practice of yoga is clearing your mind. In yoga, it’s about focusing on the positions your body takes and clearing both your mind and body of stress. Yoga classes are widely available -- at community centers, yoga studios, and through gyms.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Avoid distractions. Exercise your mind to stimulate and strengthen your brain. Learn a new language. Meditate. Do yoga.


Sometimes unusual items will be perfect for your personal look.  For the crafty person, making your own jewelry is the perfect way to show off your unique taste. Wearing Grandma’s old cardigan or brooch may not seem unique, but few people wear older accessories like these anymore. And bonus, older items are generally of great, lasting quality. Pick a type of item to wear with every outfit that will make people think of you.  Maybe you always wear a ring on your pinky, or a scarf around your handbag. Just choose an accessory that you like and run with it. Try giving yourself a manicure to have totally unique nails. Blue nails with purple polka dots? Clear polish on top of natural nails? Why not? Glasses are a great way to customize your style. Try some cute frames like a vintage cat-eye shape, or frameless lenses. You can also experiment with different types of sunglasses. A smile is your most natural, unique accessory.  Nobody else has your unique smile, and it is a totally free, attention-grabbing accessory! Remember to have fun when choosing your unique style. A smile lifts your mood, and anything will look good on you if you are happy and confident.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Don’t be afraid to wear creative accessories. Choose a signature accessory. Smile.


Sometimes we hear about gossip through gossip, and it might not be true. It doesn't pay to go barging in angry only to discover you've gotten the wrong idea about what was said. In fact, there's a chance that the person you think started the gossip may not have been involved at all. Be absolutely certain before accusing or confronting the person. In addition, even if they did say things, consider what they actually meant. They may have been misinterpreted or they may have said something off-the-cuff without meaning anything nasty. Sometimes, things just come across the wrong way. In this case, you might want to cut the person some slack. Before you confront the gossiper, you need to find out where the talk originated and see if that person was truly involved. If you found out through a friend, ask him who he heard it from. Then, go to that person, and do the same thing. Try to piece together different angles and possible misunderstandings about what was said and by whom. Try to keep your emotions out of the situation as much as possible; don't get mad or let your feelings be hurt until you're sure you know what happened. If you know this person and trust him, and have had no reason to think he would gossip about you, there is a chance that this situation is not what it appears to be.  If this is a friend and it is out of character for him to gossip about you, consider other possible scenarios: the person who told you may be trying to stir up drama, or may be trying to retaliate against you or your friend by causing problems between you. Maybe your friend was misheard or misunderstood. Be considerate of the person's state of mind. Sometimes people going through hard times say and do things that are out of character. For example, people who struggle with depression, anxiety, difficult home or work circumstances, or other situations may spread rumors about other people as a way to relieve their own stress. This isn't an excuse, but it may explain otherwise unusual behavior from someone you thought you could rely...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Get the facts about the situation. Talk to those who heard the gossip. Give a friend the benefit of the doubt. Talk to the gossiper's friends or family. Think about your goal before confronting someone.


Sometimes we take things personally and blame ourselves for a person’s bad behavior. For example, an upset and emotional child may yell at you, “You ruined everything!” because the wrong cake was chosen for a 12-year-old’s party. It is important to assess the situation and acknowledge the preteen’s mean behavior is most likely due to hormones, life changes, or their own inability to regulate their emotional responses when expectations are not met. It probably has little to do with the actual cake choice or parenting. Sometimes, we might read too much into a situation based on previous experiences or assumptions about people. This causes us to exaggerate a situation without honestly looking at the facts. Try to look critically at the situation.   Don’t jump to conclusions. Don’t catastrophize the situation. This is the idea that it’s the “end of the world.” Are things really this bad? Stay away from thinking that things are “always” and “never” happening. If you hear a comment that you find offensive or rude, think about asking for the person to clarify what they mean. They may have misstated what they meant, or you may have heard incorrectly.  "Could you please clarify? I'm not sure I understand." "I'm not sure I understand what you just said." "I might have misheard that. Could you repeat it?" If you have a habit of taking things personally, it means that you're apt to assume someone is directing some form of aggression towards you when they could be just joking around or having a bad day. It might be your instinct to react emotionally, but pause for a second. Maybe it's not about you.   Think back to a bad day you had before. Is it possible that this person is having a day like that today? Recognize that they may consider the event a mistake. We all say things we regret, and this could be one of their regrets. You may have certain triggers that you’re very sensitive about. For example, you might feel really sensitive about your clothes because your mother always criticized what you wore when you were...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Assess the situation. Avoid exaggerating the situation. Ask for clarification. Give others the benefit of doubt. Know what you’re sensitive about. Refocus your attention.


Sometimes when you're re-installing Windows with non-standard hardware, you may not be able to access Windows in order to activate. You'll get a message that you must activate in order to proceed, but you can't connect to the internet and the "installation ID" is not generated. If this happens to you, you'll need to use Safe Mode to fix your drivers and activate Windows. You'll need to fix the problems with your device drivers. This will allow you to either get an internet connection or generate an installation ID so that you can activate over the phone. Reboot your computer and rapidly strike F8 as it boots up. This will open the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select "Safe Mode" from the list of options. You'll likely need to download the drivers on another computer. Windows XP Safe Mode disables program installation, so you'll need the actual driver files, not an installer.  Determine the piece of hardware that isn't working. Press ⊞ Win+R and type devmgmt.msc. This will load the Device Manager. Look for items that have a "!" or "?" icon. These are the pieces of hardware that require drivers. Visit the manufacturer's support site on another computer. If you are using a laptop or pre-built desktop, you should be able to find all of the drivers you need in one spot. If you're using a custom-built computer, you'll need to find the manufacturer of the specific piece of hardware that's not working. Download the INF files for the piece of hardware. Since you can't use an installer, you'll need the actual driver files. These come in INF format. Transfer these files from the working computer to the non-working one via USB or disk. Right-click on the non-working piece of hardware in the Device Manager and select "Update Driver". Browse your computer for the INF file that you downloaded and load it up. You'll be prompted to reboot your computer. For more detailed instructions on tracking down and installing drivers, click here. You should now be able to either boot into Windows and activate over the internet, or get an...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Know when to do this. Boot into Safe Mode. Download the necessary drivers on another computer. Install the driver. Try activating as you normally would.


Sometimes you have to make changes to avoid someone you don’t want to talk to. If you know this person is going to be at a party or gathering, don’t go.  Unless you’re in a situation where you can’t excuse yourself like school or work, you may have to choose not to attend a function to avoid someone. Tell a close friend that you aren’t going to be attending the event. Be honest with your friend as to why, but don’t be rude. If you are somewhere and you see someone you want to avoid talking to or interacting with, see if you can move elsewhere. If you’re at a party or bar, you may be able to go to another area and avoid running into this person. If you really don’t want to interact with someone but are having a hard time avoiding this person, ask people for help. You can get help from your friends, parents, your boss, or a counselor.  If you find that you can’t avoid this person because you have class or work with this individual, consider talking to someone who can help like your boss or a counselor. Calmly explain why you can’t be around this person. Perhaps this individual makes it hard for you to complete your work because you are uncomfortable. Maybe you can’t focus in class because this person won’t leave you alone. Tell an authority figure why you need to be removed from situations where you interact with this person. If you are able to, be upfront and end the relationship. If you have an ex that you don’t want to see or talk to anymore, or someone that might be in your larger friend group, you can simply cut ties with this person.  Establish your boundaries once and don’t apologize. Your health and peace of mind are the most important. Though it may be hard, tell this person that you won’t engage in any sort of contact anymore. Stick to your convictions. Some people may not easily leave you alone. But if you’ve stated your intentions, your job is done. Don’t engage anymore. It’s ok to outright say that you don’t want to talk to or see this person again. Sometimes if you are blunt and a little harsh,...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Avoid situations where you might interact with this person. Ask for help. Cut ties with this person.


Sometimes you just need a brief escape from your work or school demands. A break from your everyday responsibilities will give you time to rest, recharge, and/or try something new. Call in sick or take a vacation day so that you have time for yourself.  Choosing a Monday or Friday for your mental health day will give you a 3-day weekend. Just make sure that your decision doesn’t inconvenience someone else, such as a coworker who will have to cover for you. If you’re feeling exhausted, stay home and indulge in a few fun activities that you enjoy, such as watching your favorite show, soaking in a bath, or playing with your dog. If you’re feeling like your life is stale, go on an adventure. Take yourself on a short day trip to a nearby town, or invite a friend along for the ride! If you're feeling overwhelmed, talk to a therapist, religious mentor, or someone you trust. You can also reach out to a suicide hotline, such as 1-800-273-8255. Varying your daily routine even a little can make you feel like things are different. You could take a different route to work, eat lunch at a new spot, and engage in a different activity after work or school. Use this as an opportunity to try out a few things you wish were part of your everyday life, such as the following:  Grab a coffee at a cool coffee shop. Take your lunch to the park. Eat lunch with a different group of coworkers or classmates. Find a new event to try, such as a new club at school or an event on meetup.com. Walk a friend’s dog to see if you might enjoy getting one of your own. Changing your environment can provide you with a brief escape from your everyday life. It will also show you ways that you can shake things up for yourself. Here are some ideas:  Try a new restaurant that serves a cuisine you don’t commonly eat. Drive to a nearby city, then go to a park, a store, and/or dinner. Go for a nature hike. Ride your bike, walk, or take a bus instead of driving. Sleepover at your friend’s house. Work or complete homework at a coffee shop instead of your home....

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Take a mental health day. Change up your routine. Get a change of scenery. Immerse yourself in a good book. Indulge in a video game. Participate in a role playing game. Visit a therapist.


Sometimes you may be at the receiving end of bossing or nagging due to things you've done. This isn't to excuse any manipulatively controlling behavior. Rather, it's about keeping things in perspective and acknowledging that there may be times when you have exasperated someone! Be honest in your self-assessment if you really want to get to the heart of the bossing. Here are some things to consider:  Have you done anything (or failed to do something) that may have provoked the controlling attitude? For example, if you fail to meet deadlines regularly or you never clean up your room, you shouldn't be surprised if someone responsible either for your upbringing or your pay-check gets a little bossy with you. Bossy people can often ramp up their bossiness in face of what they perceive as unhelpful. In particular, bossy people find passive-aggressive behavior similar to a red rag to a bull — it simply causes them to become even more controlling because they're frustrated at the underhanded response. It is better to be open with your discontent and to assert yourself than to seek the undermine the bossy person. Nobody is a saint when it comes to being bossy — each of us has a tendency to boss others around at different times in life. It may be when you know something in great detail, it may be because you're in a position of authority, or you may just feel a little pushier than usual due to anxiety or pressure, but there will be times in your life when you get bossy. Use your memory of this experience to help you understand the constantly bossy person a little better and perhaps see the reason behind their behavior. Try to be more sensitive to other people when you feel the bossy trigger — notice their reactions. In doing so, you learn a lot about handling the emotions controlling people feel a lot of the time. You can possibly do this by discussing the matter (privately) with a third, uninvolved party. Be sure to choose someone who can be trusted with the information, who understands how to deal with similar...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Consider your own role in the bossiness. Notice your own bossy tendencies. Learn how to honestly assess your own strengths and failures.


Sometimes you may not want to talk to certain people because you feel uncomfortable in your surroundings. Take a deep breath and tell yourself that you are an enjoyable person to be around. Remind yourself that you are entitled to your boundaries and it’s ok to voice your feelings to feel comfortable.  Focus on what you want and what will make you happy. Then, try and find people that have a similar attitude as you. Instead of trying to avoid people, which is a negative, focus on surrounding yourself with people like you who make you feel comfortable. Your thoughts contribute to your mood, and even your actions. Smile and take a moment to tell yourself that you are where you are meant to be. Having a positive attitude will help you to attract other positive people. You won’t always like, or want to talk to everyone everywhere, but doing activities you enjoy is more likely to surround you with people you are comfortable engaging with.  If you’re in school, join a group or club that interests you. Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, there are plenty of extracurriculars for every type of person. From theatre, to the track team, you can find an activity and a group of people that are like you. Not only will doing something you like give you confidence and let you get to know people like you, but it will give you a way to stay busy and avoid situations and people you’d rather not be around. Instead of worrying about other people, and how someone may react to you, focus on enjoying yourself. Know that if someone is being mean to you, or trying to make you feel bad, that it’s always not your problem.  Oftentimes people will take out frustration on someone else due to personal insecurities. Putting your energy into enjoying what you are doing can make it easier to avoid someone. You won’t have time to deal with someone who isn’t helping your experience. Whether you’re in a social setting, at school, or at work, surrounding yourself with people you get along with is a great way feel more comfortable.  If you...

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Keep a positive attitude. Engage in activities that you enjoy. Focus on enjoying your experiences. Enjoy the company of your friends.


Sometimes you may want to have a survival kit available in your locker, or a mini-kit that you can carry around with you. In this case, you'll have to make the kit smaller, so only focus on smaller things and the bare essentials. People often turn to comfort foods during bad times, and good food ideas for a mini kit include:  Mini candy bars Snack-sized granola bars Small snacks like crackers or cookies A couple sticks of gum or a few mints You may not have room for an entire spa worth of aromatherapy and relaxation products in your mini kit, but you can throw in a couple items that may help alleviate stress and calm your friend. You can look for travel-sized versions of aromatherapy items like:  Scented lotions and creams Colognes and perfumes (try to find your friend’s favorite scent) Scented candles (look for tea light or votive candles) Since you won’t have a lot of extra room, focus on small games and puzzles. If you include a paper puzzle, don’t forget a pen or pencil! Small and packable games you can have in your mini kit include:  Sudoku Word searches and crosswords Small wooden puzzles Cards from a trivia game A deck of cards A mini Rubik’s cube Car or travel-sized versions of popular games like checkers This will depend on your friend’s personality, so you're going to have to dig deep to think about inside jokes, preferences, memories, and other things that will mean something to a specific friend. You could throw in:  Some jokes Comics A coupon for a free hug A cute or funny picture or card A small toy Some philosophical words of wisdom or a poem

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Figure out your friend’s favorite snacks. Get some travel-sized essentials. Include a distraction. Throw in something that will make your friend smile.


Sometimes you might make curved cuts first when cutting styrofoam, while other times you might make straight cuts.  Either is acceptable as long as you’re following the directions for your project. If you’re engaging in a project of your own design and not working with directions, you can make either curved or straight cuts first.  Remember, it’s your project, so there are no rules! Keep steady, even pressure on the knife throughout the cutting process to reduce the chances of breaking or crushing the foam.  Long, sawing motions will also minimize the amount of foam crumbs you produce. If you want to cut a depression in styrofoam, start in the center.  Draw a line around the area you want to remove, then select a tool that will allow you to remove it while achieving a depth and a degree of curvature that pleases you.  A depression with vertical sides is best removed using a knife.  Just select an appropriately long knife, then cut along the line you’ve marked. In some cases, indentations are best achieved using a rounded sanding tool rather than a knife. A long, serrated knife or an electric knife is probably best for cutting channels through your styrofoam.  Mark the length and depth of the channel on your styrofoam, then punch your blade through the styrofoam to the depth you marked.  When the piece is loose, remove it. You can use this technique to cut channels that run through a piece of styrofoam or along the surface of a piece of styrofoam. You can cut a round styrofoam ball in half by tracing a line along its equator with a sharp pencil.  Many styrofoam balls already have this line marked by the manufacturer.  Use a sharp blade, a hot wire cutter, or an electric knife to bisect the ball.

How would you rephrase that briefly using English?

Follow the directions for the craft you’re making. Use long, sawing motions when cutting with a blade. Cut out indentations from the center of the styrofoam. Cut channels in the styrofoam using a bladed tool. Divide round styrofoam balls by cutting them down the middle.