Article in English: Cat litter, corn starch, cornmeal, or baking soda be used to remove oil and gasoline from your driveway. Cover the stain with one of these products and allow it to sit for at least an hour. If the stain was wet when you applied the absorbent, the absorbent will soak up the oil or gasoline. Use a broom to sweep up the absorbent.  If the stain was dry when you applied the absorbent, wet the stain with water and scrub it with a stiff brush and a paste (i.e. 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water). Then rinse the area with water and let it air dry. You may have to repeat this process more than once. Pour two cans of room temperature cola on the stain and let it sit overnight.  Blot the stain with a towel in the morning and rinse the stain with water. It is best to rinse the area with a hose so that you can apply pressure to the area.  You can also scrub the cola into the stain with a stiff brush. If you cannot let the cola sit overnight, let it soak for at least an hour before you spray the area with water. Wet the area with the stain and sprinkle dish-washing detergent  (i.e. powdered detergent) all over.  Make sure the area is completely covered with detergent.  While the detergent is sitting on the stain, boil a large pot of water.  Once the water begins to boil, pour it over the stain and scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse the area with water once you are finished.  You can use baking soda instead of dish-washing detergent. Repeat this process as many times as you need to.

Summary in French:

Appliquez un produit absorbant naturel. Appliquez du coca sur la tache. Utilisez du liquide vaisselle.


Article in English: Caterpillars are vulnerable to bacterial infections and can become sick simply through our touching them. For this reason it’s important to always wash your hands before touching caterpillars. Handle caterpillars with the utmost care as they are fragile and can be easily killed. Be careful not to drop them, as even dropping them a small distance can kill them. Caterpillars cling tightly to the surfaces on which they walk. If you try to pick up a walking caterpillar, you might tear off their prolegs. If you wish to move a caterpillar allow it to walk on to its new surface on its own.  If you want it off your hand, lower your hand to a leaf and let the caterpillar walk on to the leaf on its own. If you are keeping a caterpillar and want to change its host plant, put a new host plant into its container and give the caterpillar a few hours to move over to the new host plant before you remove the old one. If a caterpillar looks spiky, fuzzy, or hairy, it’s possible it has a branching spine that will sting you if you try to pick the caterpillar up. Most stinging caterpillars are brightly colored. Common stinging caterpillars include the Buck Moth, the Io Moth, Slug-like caterpillars, the Puss Caterpillar, the Saddleback Caterpillar, the Euclea delphinii caterpillar, the Hag Moth, and the Stinging Rose caterpillar. If you are stung by a caterpillar, you can use adhesive tape to remove any broken spines from the sting area, and then try washing it with soap and water to remove the venom and reduce irritation.  You can also try putting ice and/or baking soda on the sting to help with pain and swelling. Caterpillar stings are similar to bee stings in that they are generally not fatal, but severe reactions can occur. If you have a history of asthma or any allergies, or allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing or severe swelling occur, seek medical help immediately.

Summary in French:

Lavez-vous les mains. Manipulez-les doucement. Ne tirez pas sur les chenilles. Évitez les chenilles à piques. Sachez traiter les piqures de chenilles .


Article in English: Caterpillars will do best feeding off their original host plants. Remove some of the leaves and plants from where you found your caterpillar. Place them in the caterpillar's container. For example, if you found your caterpillar on a tree in your yard, remove leaves from that tree of your caterpillar's home. Caterpillars can benefit from eating leaves from outdoors. If you find leaves on the ground, bring them in from outdoors. Scatter them on the bottom of your caterpillar's container. Green and dry leaves can both work. You should feed your caterpillar leaves daily. Caterpillars also eat flowers and grass, so bring those in from outdoors as well. Things like dandelions, grass, plantains, and burdock can be great to help a caterpillar thrive. Provide fresh flowers daily. Wooly Bear Caterpillars do not need a water container and it can actually be a drowning hazard. However, misting the environment is important. Each day, use a spray bottle to mist the bottom of the container. Small droplets of water can help a Wooly Bear Caterpillar stay hydrated.

Summary in French:

Donnez à la chenille des plantes provenant de l’endroit où vous l’avez trouvée. Nourrissez la chenille avec des feuilles. Donnez-lui aussi des herbes et des fleurs. Vaporisez régulièrement le bocal.


Article in English: Cats can live for up to 20 years. If you adopt or purchase a cat, it could be at home with you for as long (or even longer!) as your children are. Make sure that you’re committed to giving your furry buddy a “forever home.” Cats can be a great choice for people with limited space, such as apartment-dwellers. However, you should check with your landlord, homeowner’s association, etc., to make sure that you’re allowed to have a cat live with you. Cats should actually not be “outdoor” cats. Indoor cats in general live longer, healthier lives than outdoor cats and are at a lower risk of developing diseases and injuries. Indoor cats are also more comfortable with humans. Cats don’t usually require as much companionship as dogs do, but nevertheless, it’s important to consider how much time you’ll have to spend with your cat. If you won’t have the time to play with your cat, give it the necessary food and attention, and bond with it, now may not be the right time for you to get a cat.  You should be able to give at least one hour per day of time to your cat. This will help you bond and will keep the cat feeling happy and healthy. Daily grooming, which can take up to 20-30 minutes, may also be necessary if you adopt a long-hair breed. Talk with your vet or the animal shelter about your time commitments. They may recommend that you adopt a pair of cats, particularly if you find siblings. More than one cat means they can keep each other company when you’re away at work or gone for a long weekend. Kittens often require more upfront time commitment because they must be trained to use a litter box, not scratch on furniture, etc. Feeding and caring for a cat is not free. The cost can range between $500-$1,000 a year on average. Your expenses will vary depending on whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, as well as the type of breed you have. Veterinary care and grooming are common expenses that can add up over time.  Kittens are usually more expensive to start with, as they usually need vaccinations, dewormings, and...

Summary in French:

Engagez-vous à cet investissement sur le long terme. Assurez-vous d'avoir la permission de garder un chat chez vous. Assurez-vous que vous pourrez passer suffisamment de temps avec votre chat. Examinez votre budget. Pensez à votre domicile. Pensez aux problèmes de santé. Choisissez le bon type de chat pour vous. Faites des recherches à propos des races de chats.


Article in English: Cats do not like to use a dirty litter box and they may begin going to the bathroom elsewhere if their litter box is dirty when they need to go. If you are not cleaning your cat’s litter box every day, this may be the reason that your cat is urinating where it shouldn’t.  In addition to scooping out your cat’s litter box every day, once per week you should also remove all the litter and clean the box with warm water and unscented soap or baking soda. When you are finished, dry the box and add fresh litter. Try a self-cleaning litter box to make it easier to keep your cat’s litter box clean. It is important to have one more box than the number of cats in your household. For example, if you have three cats, then you should have four litter boxes. If you only have two litter boxes and you have three cats, then the number of litter boxes may be the cause of your cat’s refusal to use the litter box. If your cat has to make a long trip to get to her litter box or if the litter box itself is difficult for your cat to get into and out of, that might be the reason why your cat is urinating where she shouldn’t. Place your cat’s litter boxes where it is easy for her to get to them in a hurry, such as one upstairs and one downstairs.  Make sure that your cat will be able to see approaching humans or animals and easily get away. Cats don’t like to feel cornered Attend to the needs of older cats by providing boxes with lower sides, for easier entrance and exit to the litter box. Place litter boxes near where your cat tends to urinate most often. Cats may avoid using the litter box because they dislike the smell or texture of the litter, or because the litter box is too full. A shallow bed of medium to fine grain clumping litter is best, but you can also try offering your cat different types of litter to see what she prefers.  Give your cat a choice of litter types by placing two litter boxes with two different types of litter right next to each other. At the end of the day, check to see which one your cat used. Provide a...

Summary in French:

Pensez au nombre de fois où vous nettoyez la litière. Comptez le nombre de caisses à litière dans votre maison. Déterminez si votre chat peut facilement accéder à sa litière. Essayez de voir si le problème vient de la litière que vous utilisez. Déterminez si la caisse est à l'origine d'un inconfort pour votre chat.


Article in English: Cats don't usually hiss to show dominance or threaten other animals. They usually hiss when they feel vulnerable, frightened, or in pain.  However, cats may still hiss out of aggression. Either way, trying to punish a cat for hissing will only make it more upset, and likely to hiss even more. When a cat is being aggressive, it is more likely to growl or yowl. Give your cat some space until you figure out why he is hissing. Though every cat behaves differently, there are some characteristics that will almost always accompany hissing if the behavior is a sign of aggression.  Swatting or scratching with the front paws.  Biting people or other animals.  Growling, shrieking, or yowling.  Barring teeth and/or claws. Have you moved your cat into a new home or apartment? Have you introduced a new pet to the household? What about a new roommate? Have you changed the arrangement of furniture? Any of these could cause your cat to feel "off," and it's possible your cat's fear or confusion could be expressed through hissing. If your cat is hissing and there haven't been any changes in his environment or his temperament, he may be hissing because he is in pain. Consider taking your cat in for a visit with your veterinarian.

Summary in French:

Comprenez pourquoi les chats hurlent. Sachez reconnaitre les signes d'agressivité. Examinez les changements récents. Envisagez une consultation chez le vétérinaire.


Article in English: Cats hate being restrained.  If your cat feels restrained in the bath, she'll probably try to resist and struggle.  Avoid any type of restraint in the bath.  Allow her to feel like she’s in control of her movements. One way to restrain your cat without actually restraining her is to use your hand to block her movement in certain directions.  You can do this without actually touching your cat. Your cat can feed off your emotions — if you’re panicking, she'll probably start to panic.  If you’re calm, there’s a better chance she’ll be calm too.  No matter what your cat is doing in the bath, or how scared she gets, stay calm.  Don’t yell or raise your voice.  Don’t freak out or panic.  Talk to your cat the whole time in a soft and gentle voice, like you were talking to a baby. Throughout the whole process of giving your cat a bath, give her treats.  For example, once you’ve closed the door and you’re filling the tub, reward her for being a good kitty.  When you place her in the water, reward her for being a good kitty.  If your cat loves treats, they might distract her enough to reduce her stress in the bath. Since she’s a cat and sleeps 18 hours a day, finding a time when she’s sleepy shouldn’t be too hard.  If her sleepy time doesn’t correspond to a good time to give her a bath, have a high energy play session so she gets tired.  Having an intense play session before the bath may be necessary for a kitten, as they’re almost always frisky. Before you put your cat in the tub, give her a good brushing.  You want to get as much of the loose and shedding fur off of her before she’s in the water.  Besides making the water dirty, it can also clog your drains.  If your cat loves to be brushed, as many cats do, this brushing will help to calm her down and prepare her for the bath. Once it’s bath time, be prepared for your cat to meow, howl, and yowl.  She might even hiss and growl at you as well.  Do not panic!  Cats like to vocalize their distaste and just because she sounds like she’s being tortured doesn’t mean she’s...

Summary in French:

Évitez de trop serrer le chat si possible. Restez calme et parlez-lui doucement. Distrayez le chat avec des friandises. Choisissez des moments pendant lesquels le chat est somnolent. Brossez le chat après le bain. Préparez-vous à un concert de miaulements. Séchez le chat et gardez-le dans un lieu au chaud.


Article in English: Cats need to be constantly rewarded with tasty treats to learn tricks. Keep plenty of your cat's favorite bite-sized treats on hand when trying to train it. Give your cat frequent treats when training it in short sessions. You can also vary treats frequently to keep your cat interested. Some good choices are:  Diced chicken Bits of tuna Commercial cat treats Small pieces of dry food Your cat won't want to learn tricks if it's not in the mood. Starting by giving your cat a treat might get its attention, which you can do with small, moving objects (like a toy mouse or feather tied to a string).If your cat doesn't act interested in learning a particular trick, don't force it to play—just be patient and try again later. A pet clicker is a small device that makes a clicking sound. Each time your cat does something you want it to (like a trick), make the clicking sound and give it a treat. The sound and positive reinforcement (reward) of the treat condition your cat to repeat the behavior. Pet clickers can be found at pet supply stores. If you can't find one, you can try a pen that makes a clicking noise. Cats learn through repetition, so frequent training sessions will help them master a trick. Try repeating tricks several times each day. Keeping training sessions brief will also hold your cat's attention so it will want to keep trying. When your cat completes a trick, give it a treat. Then try to get your cat to repeat the trick 5-10 times in a row (giving it a treat each time), as long as they are interested. This repetition will encourage behavior. For instance, if you want your cat to sit, don't use the word “sit” until it is used to doing the trick. This will help the cat associate the word specifically with the trick. Positive reinforcement like praise and treats as your cat learns a trick will help it to master the behavior. Trying to teach it more than one trick at a time can confuse it, however, because it may not understand what behavior is being rewarded. Wait until your cat has mastered one trick...

Summary in French:

Procurez-vous des friandises. Attirez l'attention du chat. Employez un cliqueur. Faites des séances fréquentes et courtes. Faites lui répéter le tour. Faites attention aux mots que vous employez. Avancez pas à pas. Ne grondez jamais votre chat.


Article in English: Cats who have malnutrition often have a distended belly. A distended belly may appear as if it bloated or sticking out. It may look to have very little fat or muscle covering it. Malnutrition is common in cats who:  Eat food prepared at home. Are kept on a vegan or vegetarian diet. Lack enough Vitamin E, copper, zinc, and potassium. Eat food that contains a lot of vegetable oil. Typically, a cat will need about 30 calories a day per pound of weight. If your cat consumes more than this, they may become obese.  Consult your vet and/or the nutritional information on the back of your cat food packaging.  You can use a cat body condition score chart to determine if your cat is overweight, such as the one found here: https://www.wsava.org/sites/default/files/Body%20condition%20score%20chart%20cats.pdf. FIP is a potentially fatal condition that starts as a viral infection and is common in areas or households with a high cat population. In addition to a distended abdomen, diarrhea is one of the most common signs of FIP.  FIP can be confirmed through blood tests that test liver enzyme levels, bilirubin levels, and globulin levels.  Wet FIP can also be diagnosed by obtaining a sample of the abdominal fluid. There are a wide variety of communicable diseases that may cause a swollen abdomen in cats. While most cases are minor, some might lead to serious problems for the affected cat. Look for symptoms of:  Pyometra, which is an infection in a female cat’s reproductive system. Pyometra may manifest in lethargy, lack of appetite, or frequent urination. Intestinal worms. The most common symptom of intestinal worms may be rice-like objects in your cat's fecal matter or around their anus. These are perhaps one of the most serious causes of a swollen abdomen in cats, and you should seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect it. Some of the most common symptoms of cancer or tumors are abnormal skin growths and/or loss of appetite. Metabolic and digestive issues (like diabetes and colitis) may be one of the most common...

Summary in French:

Observez si l'animal montre des signes de malnutrition. Voyez s’il n’est pas juste en surpoids. Évaluez les signes de la péritonite infectieuse féline (PIF). Recherchez des signes d'infections, de virus ou de parasites. Identifiez les signes de cancer ou de croissance des tumeurs. Recherchez les signes de problèmes métaboliques ou digestifs.


Article in English: Center the bed skirt on the box spring so that the edges of the skirt lay flat. The bed skirt should be long enough to just lightly touch the floor.  Bed skirts come in different lengths. Measure from the floor to the top of the box spring to determine what length you need. Choose a bed skirt that matches the color of your sheets or complements the color scheme in your bedroom. For a classic, feminine look, use a ruffled or gathered bed skirt. For a sleek, modern feel, opt for a tailored bed skirt. A bed skirt is also sometimes called a bed ruffle or a valance. Most mattress pads are waterproof, so they keep any spills or stains from seeping through onto the mattress itself. Pull the pad tight across the 4 corners of the bed.  Mattress pads are sold according to the size of your bed. If you have a Queen Size bed, you'll need a queen size mattress pad Some mattress pads also provide extra cushioning. Look for one that’s labeled as “pillow-top,” “memory foam,” or “extra plush.” If your mattress pad gets stained, simply peel it off the bed and toss it in the laundry. Pull the fitted sheet taut, so it lies smooth against the mattress. Make sure the elastic edges are tucked all the way under the mattress so that they don’t ride up or come undone.  If you have a tall mattress, like one with a pillow-top, a deep fitted sheet will cover the mattress better. Most sheet sets come with a fitted sheet. However, you can also use a flat sheet. Simply tuck it tightly around the mattress. There should be an equal amount of sheets hanging off each side of the bed. If one side is longer, gently pull the sheet on the shorter side to even them out. Check that the top edge of the sheet is still aligned with the top edge of the mattress after you make any adjustments.  If the sheet is crumpled or has creases from being folded, iron the sheet before setting it on the bed. Put sheets that have a pattern on the bed with the pattern facing down. That way, when you fold it back over the blanket, the pattern will be showing. Ideally,...

Summary in French:

Mettez une jupe de lit pour cacher le cadre. Couvrez le matelas d’une housse pour le protéger. Tendez le drap-housse sur le matelas. Centrez le drap sur le lit en alignant le haut avec le matelas. Posez la couverture en alignant le bas et les côtés avec le drap. Faites le lit au carré Pliez le drap et la couverture sur le haut du lit.


Article in English: Central midfielders are some of the quickest thinking players on the field. They are always in the action, trying to win the ball back in the midfield and starting the offensive maneuvers. If a team can't control the center of the field they rarely win—and this is your primary responsibility.  You should be able to control and accurately pass the ball in 1-2 touches every time. Center-mid is likely the most tiring position on the field. Endurance is key. Tight, controlled foot-skills are a must. Defensive midfielders sit back a bit on offense, not because they don't attack, but because they can see the entire field. Furthermore, they come back and plug up any holes or unmarked attackers on defense, making them all-over players with a lot of responsibility.  On offense you'll often be tasked with getting backward passes and changing the field, hitting a ball over the top, or slowing down the attack to reorganize. On defense you need to clog up the center of the field to make attacks difficult. You want to win the ball back from their midfielders and get counter-attacks started quickly. Sitting between the strikers and the center midfield (or, often, a single defensive midfielder), offensive midfielders play lots of 1-2 touch passes with their teammates to break down defenses and get shots off. They also shoot and put the ball over the top a lot from outside the box, which generally pulls the defense forward to make more room for your strikers. Offensive midfield is a hybrid position that is highly dependent on your coach's system. Some coaches like them to hold in the center of the field, making the "last pass" to a striker, while others want you to play as another forward who also gets back on defense. Outside midfielders need speed and the stamina to keep it up. As a winger your job is to get to the end line and hit a cross into the strikers, or cut in near the box and fire off shots from the outside. However, it is also your job to mark the opposing outside mid, meaning you'll be running end to end all...

Summary in French:

Optez pour le poste de milieu de terrain. Optez pour le poste de milieu défensif. Optez pour le poste de milieu offensif. Choisissez le poste d'ailier.


Article in English: Certain blood incompatibilities can cause more blood cells to break down, producing more bilirubin.  Mothers with Rh negative blood or O+ blood type should consider having additional blood work taken for their babies since Rh incompatibility and ABO incompatibility are among the highest risk factors. Genetic enzyme deficiencies, like glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, can also lead to a higher risk of jaundice because they can destroy certain blood cells, creating more bilirubin in the blood stream. In addition to prenatal blood tests, doctors now routinely test the baby for jaundice before the baby leaves the hospital. Babies born before 38 weeks are at an increased risk of developing jaundice. The liver of a preterm baby is less developed than that of a full-term baby, making it even more difficult for the newborn's liver to eliminate bilirubin.  Some preterm risk factors, such as age or multiple births, cannot be changed, but many environmental risks can. Keep up-to-date on your prenatal care. Early and consistent prenatal care will ensure that you and your baby stay as healthy as possible during the pregnancy, which can pinpoint any problems that could lead to premature delivery. Avoid chemical contaminants. Tobacco, alcohol, street drugs, and some medications can increase your chances of delivering early. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor. Environmental pollutants can also contribute a risk.  Stay as calm as possible. Stress is a major factor in early births. Lack of social support, work that is physically or emotionally demanding, and domestic violence, whether physical or emotional, can all contribute to stress and lead to a premature birth.  Monitor or reduce your risk of certain infections. Infections such as herpes, syphilis, CMV, and toxoplasmosis can lead to premature births as well as jaundice. However, it is usually easily treated and short lived.  Breast milk naturally does not come in until a few days after the baby's delivery. In the first few days of life, breastfed...

Summary in French:

Passez des analyses sanguines pendant la grossesse. Réduisez le risque chez les bébés prématurés. Sachez que l'allaitement au sein entraine un risque plus élevé de jaunisse.


Article in English: Certain essential oils are thought to uplift and energize. These may also help regulate your sleep patterns.  Try mixing a drop each of spearmint, grapefruit, sweet orange, and lime essential oils and diffusing them in an essential oil diffuser in your home.  At bedtime, help yourself rest more deeply and avoid tossing and turning by using oils such as  lavender, neroli, chamomile, ylang ylang, or bergamot. You can help fight fatigue by increasing the quality of your rest. While there are certain precautions you should take, massages, warm baths, and other relaxation techniques are great ways to experience a deeper rest.  Look for a massage therapist who has experience with prenatal massage. You may need to lie on a special massage mat or lie on your left side instead of lying on your tummy or flat on your back.  Remember to keep your bath warm and not hot. Temperatures too high can raise the body temperature of both mom and fetus, potentially leading to pregnancy complications or even miscarriage. Try taking a warm bath with a few drops of your favorite relaxing essential oil. Do not use a hot tub! It is fine to take warm baths while you are pregnant, but it is not safe to use a hot tub while you are pregnant. Special acupuncture techniques are trusted in many parts of the world as excellent ways to reduce fatigue by stimulating certain parts of the body and brain. This is thought to release endorphins in the body, which are chemicals that cause a rise in energy. Look for a licensed acupuncturist with experience working with pregnant patients. These are homeopathic solutions developed in the 1930s, which involve distilling certain types of flowers in brandy and water. While there is no scientific evidence to suggest that they work, many people report feeling less tired. Try olive or hornbeam, which are specifically meant to combat fatigue. You can purchase these online or from some health food stores.

Summary in French:

Essayez l'aromathérapie. Détendez-vous grâce à un massage ou en prenant un bain chaud. Essayez l'acuponcture. Essayez les fleurs de Bach.


Article in English: Certain foods have been shown to irritate the bladder and cause frequent urges to urinate. If you have a persistent need to urinate, you should avoid consuming the following:  Acidic fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons) Spicy foods Chocolate Corn syrup Tomatoes and tomato-based sauces Similarly, certain beverages can also have negative effects on the bladder. Consuming the following drinks may diminish your bladder's ability to hold urine:  Sugary, carbonated drinks like soda Drinks with artificial sweeteners (like diet sodas) Coffee and tea Excessive consumption of alcohol (more than 5 drinks a week) Fruit and vegetable juices from oranges, grapefruit, and tomatoes If you have a problem with urinary leakage or a persistent urge to pee, then try eliminating these foods and drinks for a week and see if the problem has improved. You can slowly reintroduce one or two items from these lists to see which one is the biggest irritant to your bladder. If you are experiencing longterm issues with urination, such as pain in the bladder or a persistent, constant urge to pee, then speak to your doctor about the best way to treat your symptoms.  If you are currently taking medicine for another condition such as high blood pressure or depression, this could be negatively impacting your bladder. Talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or switching to a medicine with fewer side effects. You might be reluctant to talk to your doctor about your bladder issues because you think they are embarrassing. But you shouldn't hesitate to seek treatment; bladder pain could be the sign of something much larger, such as cancer or a problem in another organ such as your kidneys, so go ahead and talk to your doctor. Medicines such as Mirabegron and botox injections to the bladder are also sometimes used to treat incontinence.

Summary in French:

Consommez les bons aliments. Évitez les boissons irritantes. Discutez avec votre médecin.


Article in English: Certain movements will worsen your TMD symptoms. For instance, yawning can worsen symptoms. If you can avoid these movements, you lessen the possibility of triggering other types of pain. You should also try to avoid singing or chewing gum. Your doctor, dentist, or physical therapist can teach you techniques to help relax your jaw. For instance, you'll learn how to gently massage the muscles. When you have headaches, working on your jaw may lessen the headaches. Gently opening and closing your mouth helps to stretch out the jaw muscles and strengthen the inflamed muscles. Open your mouth until you feel comfortable, and wait for about 5 seconds, then slowly close your mouth again. Your eyes should be looking up, although your head should be facing squarely forward. Stress increases the tension in your facial muscles and can contribute to TMJ headaches. It can also cause you to grind your teeth, worsening TMJ, which in turn can make your headaches worse.  Yoga helps you to stretch the neck and body muscles and relax, reducing the muscle pain in your neck, face, and back. It can also help reduce stress. Try taking a yoga class at a local gym to help with stress. Try simple breathing exercises. When you feel stressed, take a moment to focus on your breathing. Close your eyes. Breathe in deeply, counting to four. Breathe out deeply, counting to four. Keep breathing, letting your worries flow out with the air you're breathing out, until you feel more relaxed. Doing the exercise of your choice several times a week can help with the pain. Mainly, it helps you deal with pain better. You can try anything from swimming to walking to working out at the gym. When your jaw is acting up, try using either a warm compress or an ice pack on your jaw. Both of these can ease muscle pain, which can help relieve headaches. For heat, try pouring warm water over a washcloth and pressing it to your face. For cold, wrap an ice pack in a towel before holding it to your face. Don't use either for longer than 20 minutes. When you clench...

Summary in French:

Prenez soin de votre mâchoire. Faites des exercices de la mâchoire. Gérez votre stress pour réduire la tension. Faites de l'exercice régulièrement. Utilisez la chaleur et le froid. Protégez votre mâchoire. Mangez des aliments mous.


Article in English: Certain older models of computers, printers, copy machines, and other types of office equipment can use up to between 50 and 90 percent more energy than energy-efficient models. Look for office equipment with energy saving features, usually bearing the “Energy Star” logo. This certifies that the equipment is made to reduce energy usage. Energy Star certification can be found on computers, printers, copiers, refrigerators, televisions, windows, thermostats, and ceiling fans, as well as other appliances and equipment. It’s important that everyone also power down electronics when they are not in use. Contrary to popular belief, shutting off your computer at the end of the day will not shorten its lifespan and can save a lot of energy.  It can also help to use a power strip for each group of electronics in the office. You can then use the strip’s on/off button to turn off the power to all the appliances at once when they are not in use. Remind everyone in the office to unplug "vampire electronics" once they are fully charged, like your cellphone or your laptop computer. Once your cellphone is fully charged, unplug the charger from the electrical outlet, as it will still draw in energy if it is left plugged in. You can also encourage everyone in the office to make sure their computers have the power down option set as well as the hibernation option set. Screen savers do not save energy. In fact, they are considered energy wasters. Your computer must provide twice as much energy to light up your computer screen when the screensaver option is turned on as it normally does when your computer is running. If your office is considering a computer upgrade, suggest switching to laptops instead of desktops. Laptops use much less energy than desktop computers. You can also suggest that your office switch to green power for all electricity in the office. Green Power is a program offered by some energy providers that can reduce your office’s carbon footprint. GreenPower providers are part of a government-accredited program to...

Summary in French:

Achetez du matériel de bureau écoénergétique. Rappelez à tout le monde d'éteindre les machines en fin de journée. Utilisez des ordinateurs portables. Utilisez de l'énergie propre au bureau.


Article in English: Certain stores like Sam’s Club enable you to save money by selling goods – including canned food – in bulk.  You might have to buy a whole box of, for instance, canned peas, but the cost per can will be lower than it would be if you shopped at a regular grocery.  You can often get bulk deals on a smaller scale at regular grocery stores.  For instance, if you buy three cans of peas, you might pay one dollar per can, for a total of three dollars.  But if you buy just one can of peas, you might pay $1.50 for a single can. Check the prices of canned goods as you shop, with an eye toward canned food that declines in price as you buy more. Many grocery stores issue coupon sheets to local residents.  You may also be able to obtain coupons by visiting your local grocery store and looking for a coupon sheet available near the front of the store.  Sign up for the “Shopper’s Club,” “Rewards Club,” or similar program at all your local grocery stores to ensure you receive the most up-to-date advertisement sheets in the mail or email.  You might also be able to find useful coupons to save money on canned food through sites like Groupon. If you see canned foods you’re interested in on sale, buy them.  Taking advantage of sales is a great way to save on canned food.  Some stores have special sections where discounted goods are available. Pay attention to sales advertised on television and in your local paper to identify sales where you could save money on canned food. Just like fresh foods, canned foods have peak selling seasons.  Cranberry sauce, for instance, will cost more around Thanksgiving and Christmas.  To save money, avoid buying canned foods that are in-season. Store brands – as opposed to name brands – are always cheaper.  But when it comes to quality, there is rarely any difference.  Check the lower shelves to locate store-brand canned food. Store brand canned food is often obtained from the same producer that name brands use.  Both the store brand and the name brand just slap their own labels on the products and...

Summary in French:

Achetez en gros. Utilisez des coupons. Soyez à l’affut de ventes spéciales. Achetez des produits hors saison. N’achetez que des produits de marques maison. Achetez des boites de conserve en format familial.


Article in English: Certification requirements vary widely by state. Some states require you to earn a doctor of medicine degree, while others only necessitate hourly coursework with supervised training. These requirements will dictate the path you need to take to be an acupuncturist in your state.  Each state will also have rules regarding the "scope of practice," that is, what you are allowed to do once licensed in that state. Individual states have different rules regarding certification reciprocity. If you want to practice acupuncture in two or more states, check with the individual states to determine what their rules are regarding the recognition of other state certifications. If you're already a physician and would like to practice acupuncture, check out the American Board of Medical Acupuncture, which offers examinations and explains the standards for physicians who want to practice acupuncture. Most acupuncture training programs require students to have a bachelor's degree. Your degree can be in any subject, but you may want to take classes in fields such as physiology, anatomy, biology, and psychology. A bachelor's degree in a healthcare or alternative medicine related subject can also be helpful for a career as an acupuncturist.  While a bachelor's degree is ideal, some acupuncture schools only require two academic years of education at the baccalaureate level, or the equivalent, such as certification for a medical profession such as nursing. The requirements vary by program and state, so look at the requirements for your state and program. Each college will have a different emphasis, but all will involve the study and practice of acupuncture, along with other aspects of Chinese herbal medicine. Most acupuncture programs take about 3 years to finish, and up to 4 years for a program in oriental medicine. Schools are certified by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), which can help you find programs in your state. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental...

Summary in French:

Renseignez-vous à propos des conditions de certification applicables dans votre lieu d'exercice. Remplissez les conditions de scolarité pour suivre un programme de formation. Inscrivez-vous dans un établissement d'acuponcture accrédité. Faites une demande de certification. Passez votre examen.


Article in English: Chalk paint comes in a variety of colors from white and black to baby blue and light green. You can choose any color you’d like, however, keep in mind that depending on the color of the item you’re painting, you may have to put on additional coats. For example, if you are working with darker colored furniture like a deep mahogany or black metal, you may need to apply three to four coats of a lighter paint.  However, chalk paint goes on thick and dries quickly, so even multiple coats won’t take long. A four ounce container should also be more than enough. The most popular chalk paint comes from Annie Sloan, but you can also make your own with just latex paint, water, and baking powder. If there are any areas on your furniture that you’d prefer to leave unpainted, make sure to mark them with painter’s tape. For example, if you are working with a dresser or items with drawers, you can add painter’s tape to the side of each to keep them clear. Of course, if you want to paint the entire piece, then painter’s tape is unnecessary. Pick a small out of the way area on your furniture. This can be on the back of the piece, inside a drawer, or an inconspicuous corner. Apply one coat of paint and let it dry. Then add another layer and allow that to dry as well. Check for any bleed through of the color beneath the paint. If you don’t see any, feel free to continue. Woods like cherry and mahogany are prone to bleeding through paint and may need to be coated in shellac first. Try a spray shellac like Bull’s Eye and apply two to three coats before painting. The shellac should only take an hour to dry. The top of the piece usually requires the most attention and coats. So it’s best to start from the bottom of the piece and work upwards. Just as you did with sanding, make sure to paint with the grain. This will make applying the paint easier. It should also makes your strokes smoother. Once you get to the top of the piece, make sure to paint side to side without stopping. After you apply the first coat of paint the piece will...

Summary in French:

Choisissez la couleur. Délimitez les zones à peindre. Testez la peinture. Peignez le meuble. Appliquez d’autres couches.


Article in English: Chances are you already have a specific flood trajectory in-mind, but if you don't or aren't abreast with smaller-scaled floods happening throughout the world, the first step is to find out which regions have suffered floods and need help.  Depending on where the flood occurred, different humanitarian organizations will be involved in coordinating relief efforts. If the flood occurred in the United States, chances are the American Red Cross and Salvation Army will be marshalling aid and leading relief efforts. If it is an international natural disaster, check to see if UNICEF or AmeriCares are providing aid in the affected area. Visit the organization's website or call to find out what kind of aid they are providing and how you can best get involved. As the needs change, so will the ways you can help -- some ways might be more inline with your abilities or resources over others.  Different needs will arise at different moments in the crisis. For instance, there will be emergent needs in the immediate aftermath as well as long-term rebuilding needs for years to come. Sometimes an organization will reach maximum capacity with certain types of donations (like clothing), but have a deficit in another area. The best way to know what is most needed is to frequently check-in with the status of their aid efforts and need by calling or looking for updates on their social media accounts. There are several ways to get involved, and each has their own pros and cons as detailed below in and in the following sections.  If you have extra funds or goods, you might consider making monetary donations. If you have time, skills, or other supportive resources to offer in lieu of monetary donations, you can offer these to those in need. There are pros/cons for each this type of involvement: for donations, a pro is that you can act quickly and put resources in the hands of organizations who can decide how to best help the victims. A con to making donations is that you don't necessarily know if all of your money will go directly to...

Summary in French:

Sachez où l'inondation s'est produite. Restez informé et suivez le déroulement des évènements. Sachez comment vous voudriez aider.


Article in English: Chances are you don't use as much mobile data as you think, especially if you connect to Wi-Fi on a regular basis. You may be able to save a significant amount of money if you switch to a limited data plan that still covers your average use. You can monitor your data usage for a month to see what your average looks like. On Android, you can do this from the "Data usage" section of the Settings app. On iOS, you can find your cellular data use in the "Cellular" section of the Settings app. There are several websites that will gather all available cell phone plans and allow you to compare them. These can be very useful for determining which plan is best for you. Popular websites that compare plans include:  whistleout.com wirefly.com Consumer Reports Unlimited data often comes with caveats. The most common of these is limited speed. Some unlimited plans will always run slower than per GB plans, while others will throttle your speed once you use a certain amount of data. Unlimited data will quickly become worthless if it takes a minute to open any web page. Check the details of your "Unlimited" plan to see if you have anything to worry about. Make sure that the carrier you choose provides decent coverage in your area. An Unlimited plan won't be very useful if you can't get a signal while you're out an about.

Summary in French:

Demandez-vous si vous avez vraiment besoin d'un forfait « illimité ». Utilisez des sites web pour comparer les forfaits disponibles. Lisez bien les conditions de tout forfait dit « illimité ». Vérifiez bien que votre forfait vous offrira une bonne couverture réseau.


Article in English: Chances are, you might be interested in more than one thing, such as drawing, painting, and knitting. You might also find yourself wanting anything and everything related to your craft. This could easily get overwhelming. To keep this from happening, you could always ask for a set or kit. They usually contain everything you need to complete a project or two. This would also make it easier on your friends and family when they go gift-shopping; they won't have to worry about getting the right supplies or missing an important one. Here are some ideas to get you started:  If you like beading, you might like a beading set. Most will have everything you need to create a necklace, a pair of earrings, and a bracelet. They will come with beading wire, clasps and crimps, and beads. You might also be interested in getting some polymer clay so that you can make your own beads. If you are into DIY, you might like a soap or candle-making kit. You could also ask for supplies for a basic DIY project, such as chalkboard paint, mason jars, burlap, twine, and paint brushes. If you like to draw, you could ask for a set of graphite or charcoal pencils, a sketchbook, and a how-to-draw book. These books come on just about every subject, from people to plants and trees to animals. Some even focus on specific animals, such as birds, cats, dogs, or horses. If you like fantasy creatures, then there are books on how to draw mermaids, fairies, elves, and dragons. There are even books on how to draw anime. If you like to paint, consider an art set. Many arts and crafts stores sell sets that come in wooden or metal cases. You can get them with artist-grade acrylic, oil, or watercolor paints. Some sets may also including a how-to-paint book, some art paper, or a canvas. If you like knitting or crochet, you don't have to limit yourself to just plain old yarn. You would treat yourself to some fancier, more expensive yarn with different fibers and textures. There are also many pattern books available that you might like as well. Things like...

Summary in French:

Si vous êtes un artiste, envisagez de demander du matériel artistique. Réfléchissez aux accessoires électroniques. Si vous aimez la mode, envisagez les bijoux ou autres accessoires. Si vous aimez vous pomponner, envisagez les produits de maquillage ou de beauté. Demandez des souvenirs de sport afin de soutenir votre équipe préférée. Agrandissez vos horizons de rat de bibliothèque. Si vous êtes un enfant ou que vous avez un cœur d'enfant, demandez des jeux. Répondez à vos besoins de geek. Demandez un cadeau fait main. Demandez une carte cadeau pour votre magasin préféré.


Article in English: Change in codependent behavior comes slowly, but believe that your attitude can help encourage change. Remember, though, that change often involves dealing with big emotions and overcoming large personal fears. These are not easy, and they will take time.  Initially, codependent individuals may react with anger or aggressive outbreaks. Try your best to not react to these outbursts. These are fear-driven reactions that you should not indulge or let impact you. If there are moments where you are frustrated, try not to engage in anger. Instead, take a deep breath and think about what you are going to say before you say it. If you need to, you can even excuse yourself for a minute until you feel calm enough to return to the situation. When you’re dealing with a codependent family member, it can sometimes be easy to lose track of your own wellbeing. Try to not let your family member’s actions distract you from your daily duties such as work and school. Beyond your daily duties, pick a few things each day that you do just for you, and stick to them.  For example, you may make an evening routine out of going for a run, then taking a hot bath afterward. Look for things that both prioritize your personal health, and help you relax and detach from the stress of your codependent family member. These practices will become a type of self-care, which is critical for coping with and moving on from codependency. Just because one family member is codependent does not mean that everyone in your family will be. Try not to let your codependent family member’s behavior dictate how you interact with the rest of your family. Treat them as if they are emotionally mature unless they give you a reason not to do so. For example, this could mean simply asking someone directly for the thing you want, instead of going through a process of detachment to avoid manipulation.

Summary in French:

Attendez-vous à ce que le changement soit lent. Focalisez-vous sur votre bienêtre et sur votre santé personnelle. Traitez les autres d'un point de vue émotionnel.


Article in English: Change your point of view with F5 to see your skin, or the appearance of your Minecraft character. This is not only how you see yourself, this is how everyone else in the world of Minecraft sees you too. The default skin for all new players is known as “Steve.” There is a second default option, “Alex,” who is slightly smaller. There are many popular sites out there, and you can easily find them through a quick internet search for “Minecraft Skins.” Here you can see the most popular skins, search for characters you know, and find recently created skins. Some of the most popular sites include Skindex, Minecraft Skins, and Planet Minecraft. The skin will be a .PNG file, and it will resemble an unassembled paper doll when you open the file. Click on the Download button next to your skin and save it somewhere you will remember it, like your desktop. Log in using the same username and password you used to register for the game. Click the Profile button on the top of the page, or navigate to www.minecraft.net/profile. Search for the skin file you saved and click Upload. Wait for the confirmation message. Remember, you're looking for a .png file. If you already have Minecraft open, restart it to see your new skin. Hit F5 to view your character. Since the update to version 1.8, Minecraft users can now add jackets and hats to their skin without leaving the program. Simply go to Options → Skin Customization to play with sleeves, capes, pants, hats, and jackets. If you have not updated Minecraft since version 1.3, you will not see your skin change when you play the game. Update your version of Minecraft to the latest edition to change your skin. As of May 27, 2015, Minecraft 1.8 is the newest edition for PC.

Summary in French:

Appuyez sur F5 lorsque vous jouez à Minecraft pour voir votre apparence actuelle. Trouvez des skins sur des sites dédiés à Minecraft. Téléchargez le skin que vous désirez depuis le site internet. Connectez-vous sur Minecraft.net. Rendez-vous sur la page de votre profil. Cliquez sur « Parcourir » et retrouvez votre nouveau skin. Entrez dans Minecraft pour voir votre nouveau skin. Personnalisez votre nouveau skin depuis le jeu Minecraft. Sachez que les versions antérieures de Minecraft ne permettent pas cette option.


Article in English: Changing the water helps eliminate current living algae and prevents buildup in your fountain’s pump system. Completely empty your fountain of cold water and allow it air dry before filling the fountain. If possible, rinse down your fountain and wipe away any buildup or residue from the fountain surface as well as any decorative features such as stones before refilling it. The pump is responsible for cycling water through the fountain, reducing algae's ability to grow. Scrub the pump's parts with a sponge or a firm-bristled toothbrush and distilled water. If you need to open the pump in order to get at interior parts, follow the manufacturer's instructions. All pumps are different, and what works for one pump may not work for another. The pump cannot function unless it is entirely underwater. Keep the pump submerged to keep water cycling through and prevent algae from building and growing on the surface. It is common to have to add water to your fountain for the first several days after setting it up in order to ensure the pump stays submerged. Your fountain should receive a deep cleaning every two months. Turn off and drain the fountain and wipe it down with a fountain cleaning solution, which may be available from a specialty retailer or online, or dish soap.  Opt for dish soap if you are looking for a product that is friendly to animals such as birds and small mammals that may make use of your fountain. Go over the fountain with a toothbrush to scrape off algae and other organic matter. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the fountain after using soap, as it may damage the fountain if left on its surface. Clean the fountain's tubes using pipe cleaners, such as can be found at any hardware or craft store, to scrub out the pipe interiors.

Summary in French:

Changez l'eau tous les mois. Nettoyez la pompe. Immergez la pompe. Nettoyez la fontaine en profondeur.


Article in English: Changing your behaviors is hard, especially when what you’re trying to do doesn’t come naturally. You may hear that little voice that tells you things like “She doesn’t want to be your friend. You have nothing to add to the conversation. Anything you say will be stupid.” These thoughts are based on fear, not fact. Challenge them by reminding yourself that you have thoughts and ideas that others want to hear.  See if you can find evidence for these “scripts” when they run through your mind. For example, if your coworker walks by your desk and doesn’t say hello, your automatic response might be to think, “Wow, she’s really angry with me. I wonder what I did. I knew she didn’t want to be friends with me.” Challenge that thought by looking for evidence to support it; chances are, you won’t find much. Ask yourself: Has that person told you when they were angry before? If so, they’d probably have told you this time too. Have you actually done something to that person that might upset them? Is it possible they’re just having a bad day? You may be naturally shy and this might cause you to overestimate how your mistakes appear to others. Keep in mind that as long as you are open, honest, and friendly, most people won’t reject you for an occasional stumble. Beating yourself up over your mistakes can mean your anxiety keeps you from learning and growing. There is nothing wrong with being an introvert and being shy. Decide what you want to change about yourself, but do it for you, not because someone else suggested you should do so.  Think about why being shy bothers you. Maybe it's just something that coming to terms with could solve. Or maybe you just want to be able to get more comfortable with talking with people around you. Being yourself as an introvert is much better than not being you and forcing extroversion. Think about when you find yourself in situations that rev up your shyness. How does your body respond? What are your inclinations? Figuring out how you operate is the first step to taking charge of your...

Summary in French:

Remettez en question vos critiques internes. Devenez extraverti en posant vos propres règles. Commencez dès que vous le pouvez. Fixez-vous des objectifs réalistes. Sachez qu'être extraverti est une compétence. Réfléchissez à vos succès du passé.


Article in English: Characteristics of self-absorption are most likely to become apparent as a result of interactions with others. If you begin to become more aware of the nature and development of conversations you have with others, you can get a sense for whether you are self-absorbed.  After conversations with others, ask yourself some of the following questions:  Who did most of the talking in the conversation? Who seemed to “steer” or dominate the discussion? Did you learn anything new about the person with whom you were talking? Did you ask any questions about the other person that were unrelated to your own life or experiences? Self-absorbed people tend to move the conversation back to themselves, instead of listening to and appreciating what others have to say. In fact, if you're self-absorbed you may not even appear to listen to anything someone else says.  Think about whether you are a good listener who really engages with the other person rather than waiting for a break in the conversation so that you can steer the topic back to yourself. Ask yourself if you listened to what the other person was saying as well as how she was saying it. Did she tell you anything you didn’t know about her?  Did you ask questions, nod, or acknowledge parts of what she said to draw out the conversation? If she was upset, did you notice? If so, how long did it take you to notice? Does a conversation feel more like a competition?  Did you feel like you were arm-wrestling for talking time, or having to interrupt or talk over the other person to be able to get your ideas out?  Do you feel like you need your story to be more dramatic or powerful than someone else’s? These could be signs of self-absorption.  Another sign you might be self-absorbed is that you're more focused on being right or winning an argument than understanding the other person's position or ideas.  If you feel drained or exhausted after having a conversation, this may describe you, especially if you become moody or sulk if you feel as though you have not “won” a...

Summary in French:

Réfléchissez à vos conversations. Donnez une note à vos compétences en écoute des autres . Prenez conscience de ce que vous ressentez après avoir interagi avec les autres. Pensez au temps que vous passez à réfléchir à ce que les autres ressentent. Demandez-vous si vous passez la plus grande partie de vos interactions sociales à vous demander ce que les autres pensent de vous. Évaluez la façon dont vous répondez aux critiques constructives et aux commentaires . Demandez-vous si vous accusez souvent les autres lorsqu'il se passe un problème. Pensez aux différences générationnelles.


Article in English: Cheaters tend to use different words when lying about their behavior than when they are telling the truth.  Specifically, they will use words with low complexity, make few self-references, and offer more negative emotions in their speech.   High-complexity language includes “exclusive” words (“except,” “but,” and “without”) and compound sentences.  If your partner is cheating, they will probably avoid sentences with lots of information and complex language when offering an alibi. Self-references are words like “me,” “mine,” and “my.”  These words show ownership and personal responsibility for the story the liar is telling.  Cheaters who are telling a lie about where they went or who they were with will be more likely to exclude these words when sharing a false alibi. Words that express negativity or negative emotions include hate, sad, worthless, or enemy.  These words tend to come up more frequently during stories that are untrue because the liar will feel temporary guilt and discomfort when lying (unless they are truly sociopathic). Nodding is a sign of encouragement and agreement.  If you nod your head as your partner speaks, they will be more willing to continue speaking, and feel at ease.  With luck, they will divulge that they cheated. At the very least, you should be able to get them to provide more clues about their whereabouts and recent activities. Many people think that the best way to extract a confession of infidelity is by browbeating their partner with endless questions.  However, this will not give your partner the space they need to admit what they’ve done.  When broaching the topic of cheating, allow them time to speak.  Don’t try to respond to each of their statements immediately with another question, accusation, or statement of your own.

Summary in French:

Analysez bien ses propos. Hochez la tête pendant la conversation. Ne soyez pas pressée de parler.


Article in English: Check for lumps on your cat every month, and whenever their behavior changes. If a lump turns out to be a tumor, the sooner it is addressed, the better. Start by placing both of your hands on top of your cat’s head and petting them around their ears and beneath their neck. Then check their front legs, beneath the shoulders, and down their back and belly. Finally, feel their hips and back legs. Call your vet or set up an appointment to have any new lumps inspected. Tumors that are benign, meaning that they are not cancerous, will generally grow very slowly. You may notice one when it is still small, and may never even notice a change in size.  Lumps from benign tumors will be rounded and firm. You may be able to move them around beneath the skin.  The skin itself will not appear unhealthy.  Benign tumors are generally not a risk to your cat, but it’s worth having a vet check it out. Some tumors that seem benign can still be cancerous. Your vet will likely recommend removal of a tumor on a cat’s face or legs, even if it’s benign.  Otherwise, they will likely recommend leaving a benign tumor alone. Malignant, cancerous tumors pose a risk to your cat and should be addressed immediately. Fortunately, they are also relatively easy to identify. Foremost, malignant tumors will seemingly appear suddenly, be surprisingly large, and will grow noticeably quickly. They may be an odd shape, and the skin above them may appear discolored or otherwise unhealthy.

Summary in French:

Examinez-le régulièrement à la recherche de tumeurs. Identifiez une tumeur bénigne. Faites examiner toute bosse en croissance.


Article in English: Check for whatever came off, became loose, or doesn't work properly and allowed the hamster to escape. Fix it immediately. If the hamster escapes often, close the cage with a metal lock on the outside. A plastic lock can be hazardous and useless if your hamster chews on it. Double check your hamster's cage to see if it has chewed any holes into the bottom wiring or the sides. It might have chewed through the cage in places that you can't easily see. Make sure you reinforce the cage door. Try bulldog clips for wire cages. You can also try tape on the outside of cages, too. If the hamster has been subjected to loud noises, constant comings and goings of people or pets, or other disturbances, it may hate where its housing is situated. Shift it to somewhere quieter and less frequented by other beings. If your hamster got out, it might be a sign that your hamster is unhappy and wants to get away. When you capture it, observe it and if it looks like it's sad, consider getting it new toys or food. Maybe it needs more attention; if so, give it some.

Summary in French:

Rendez la cage plus sure. Vérifiez la présence de trous. Sécurisez la porte de la cage. Retirez les sources de frustration ou de peur. Vérifiez le niveau de confort de votre hamster.


Article in English: Check out your local library or book store or shop online to see what's out there. Several language publishing companies such as Assimil, Berlitz, Teach Yourself, Hugo, Pimsleur, Michael Thomas, Rosetta Stone, and Lonely Planet have an array of books, audio materials, and computer programs in English on Dutch.  You will also want to find yourself a good bilingual dictionary---one of the best for Dutch is published by Van Dale and available in a range of language combinations: Dutch-English, Dutch-French, Dutch-Spanish, etc. As you advance, you will want to slowly cultivate a Dutch-language library filled with children's books (to start), word puzzle books, non-fiction books, novels, poetry anthologies, and magazines etc. Reading is an invaluable tool to building your language skills as well as exposing yourself to very natural Dutch. When you reach this point, you should also obtain a monolingual Dutch-Dutch dictionary and thesaurus. This may be a bit challenging if you don't know Dutch people or live in a Dutch-speaking country, however you can start with YouTube and other audio materials and work your way into eavesdropping on Dutch conversations. It is important to get a feel for the language---hear how it sounds, how it works, how it flows. If where you live has a Dutch or Belgian cultural center and/or has a community of Dutch speakers, ask around and inquire about what's available in terms of language classes or private tutors. Proper lessons with native speakers can provide you with a better sense of the language as well as teach you elements of culture that books alone can't. Practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid if you make mistakes, that's how you learn.  If a Dutch speaker replies back to you in English, keep on speaking Dutch. Start with a handful of words and work your way up, bit by bit. To get yourself to function in Dutch, start by changing your computer and social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) interface settings to Dutch/Nederlands. You have to surround yourself in the language in order...

Summary in French:

Procurez-vous du matériel pour apprendre le néerlandais. Écoutez le plus de néerlandais possible. Suivez des cours de néerlandais ou faites appel à un professeur de néerlandais. Parlez le néerlandais avec des personnes qui le pratiquent couramment. Voyagez dans des pays d’expression néerlandaise et immergez-vous dans la langue. Gardez un esprit ouvert.


Article in English: Check the human resources directory and see if there’s a person assigned to handle the type of problem you need addressed. There may also be a point of contact assigned to your department in the company. If you’re concerned about your issue being taken seriously, you can also reach out directly to the head of human resources. Double check that only the person you want to contact is addressed in the email. Especially if this is a private or sensitive issue, you don’t want to send it to the wrong person by accident. Be especially careful to remove any lists that would send the email to a set group of employees. A clear subject line communicating both your problem and the level of urgency you’re assigning to it will help human resources prioritize your problem. If you leave this line blank or unclear, your correspondence may get buried in someone’s inbox. Use lines such as: “Legal Problem - Action Required,” “Personal Circumstances Changing - Immediate Attention Needed,” “Urgent Policy Question,” or “Recent Interview - Thank You.” You want to set a formal and professional tone early on in this conversation. This will help human resources know that you’re treating the issue seriously. Even if you know the representative personally, remember that this is a professional, rather than just a friendly, discussion. Start with “Dear [full name of the representative]” and end with “Sincerely” or “Thank you for your time, [Your full name].” Keep your sentences short and to the point. Don’t provide more information than is necessary, as you don’t want the reader to get bogged down in the email. Don’t include any details that could confuse human resources about your issue. You can address complicated details in person. Explain the exact nature of your problem. Provide a timeline of when the issue started, or will start. Clarify whether you think this is a legal problem or an issue that can handled by the company itself. If you’re contacting human resources to ask about job opportunities, you won’t be introducing a problem....

Summary in French:

Adressez votre courriel à la bonne personne. Indiquez dans la ligne d’objet qu’une action est nécessaire. Utilisez une phrase d’introduction formelle. Soyez clair, direct et précis. Décrivez le problème exactement. Déterminez si vous avez de la documentation. Expliquez les mesures déjà prises pour résoudre le problème. Demandez à avoir une entrevue personnelle. Veillez à inclure vos coordonnées. Relisez votre email à la recherche de fautes.


Article in English: Check under chair cushions. Look in the seams of chairs and couches. Also examine the joints of drawers. Look for bed bugs under loose wall paper and wall hangings. Peer into electrical outlets, and in the spaces where the wall meets the ceiling and the floor. Also look for the bugs in the folds of curtains. Sniff for a slightly sweet, musty odor that may smell like rotting raspberries. You may also smell coriander or something like the scent that stink bugs give off. If the area where you suspect infestation reeks of a damp old house or any of these other odors, bed bugs may be present.  Be cautious though because bed bugs can be found anywhere they can cling to (they can even be found behind pictures).

Summary in French:

Examinez les autres meubles. Regardez d'autres espaces. Reniflez les zones d'infestation potentielle.


Article in English: Check with local shipping businesses to see if they can reuse Styrofoam shipping materials such as peanuts in their shipping. There's a lot of Styrofoam in the world, so it might be hard to find people in desperate need of used Styrofoam, but it's worth a shot. UPS, USPS, and mail-order companies in your town might be open to the idea. You'll never know until you ask. If you regularly get packing peanuts, don't get rid of them. Save them back for packing new boxes and reusing them for packaging. There's no need to buy new packing peanuts. Styrofoam is lightweight, easy to paint, and easy to carve up for art projects with kids. It's a perfect medium for youngsters. Check with local daycare centers and other after-school programs to find out about art classes that might use free materials. Styrofoam is great for creating sets for theatrical productions, building up model train communities, and using as the base for holiday decorations. There are lots of uses for Styrofoam. EPS is commonly called “unsinkable,” because of its light weight and the fact that it’s up to 96% air. This makes it perfect for use in fishing. Try carving little Styrofoam bobbers, attaching Styrofoam to your lines to help you keep an eye on your lures. It's free, easy to use, and super-reliable. If you save Styrofoam, you'll be surprised at how useful it can be around the house. Lining a potted plant with a bit of Styrofoam can help it drain more effectively, while you can also use shaved Styrofoam to re-stuff old bean-bag chairs, pillows, or stuffed animals. Be creative instead of being wasteful.

Summary in French:

Offrez votre polystyrène à des entreprises près de chez vous. Conservez le papier bulle pour envoyer vos colis. Utilisez du polystyrène pour fabriquer des objets. Utilisez des bouchons en polystyrène pour la pêche. Utilisez du polystyrène autour de la maison.


Article in English: Check your baby's temperature to see if she has a fever or is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting — other signs of a viral infection. If you are unsure of whether or not your baby has a viral infection, consult with your pediatrician, who will determine if it is a virus and give you advice. Always seek medical attention if a baby under 3 months old has a fever of 100.4 °F or 38.0 °C. Maintaining your baby's hydration is crucial to help him recover from a viral infection. Vomiting and diarrhea can dehydrate your baby, and you need to combat this by allowing your baby to drink plenty of breastmilk or formula, or water if he is old enough. An oral electrolyte solution, like Pedialyte or Enfalyte, can be offered as well. If your baby is old enough for food, soup is an excellent way to replenish electrolytes and other nutrients that have been lost through diarrhea and vomit.  Feed the soup a little bit at a time, not all at once. Try offering one teaspoon of soup every five minutes. If your baby is dehydrated, lethargic or very tired, and irritable, take him to the doctor to receive medical attention.  You can identify severe dehydration if your baby has a dry mouth, dry and hot skin, a cold sweat, a sunken fontanel (soft spot), no tears when crying, and is not urinating enough. A baby should urinate at least three times in 24 hours or at least once in eight hours. Your doctor will prescribe a means for rapid rehydration or will give him an infusion of fluids through an IV. You may have to pick up a prescription rehydration solution at the pharmacy, before administering it at home. With the approval of your pediatrician, you can give your baby medication to relieve indigestion and stomach pain. Some medicines you can try are: Mylicon or Tummy Calm drops. Drops such as Mylicon and Tummy Calm are sometimes effective in reducing gas trapped in the digestive system. You can also try a dose of children's acetaminophen if your baby seems to be in pain. Make sure to follow the directions in the product’s packaging, or...

Summary in French:

Cherchez des signes de virus intestinal. Donnez-lui beaucoup de fluides. Nourrissez-le pour l’aider à maintenir ses niveaux de nutriments. Emmenez-le chez un médecin. Administrez un médicament pour soulager les maux d’estomac. Consultez un médecin si les symptômes persistent.


Article in English: Check your breath in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening, before and after you've brushed your teeth, and figure out how persistent the problem is. If you know why your breath smells bad, you can take steps to fix it.  Morning breath is normal. You can fix it by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash right after you wake up. Halitosis is a more serious bacterial infestation, but it is still common and still treatable. To fight halitosis, you'll need to keep your mouth clean and manage the bacteria that make your breath smell bad. The most common causes of bad breath are dental cavities, gum disease, poor oral hygiene, gastrointestinal conditions, and coated tongue (a white or yellow coating on the tongue, usually due to inflammation). If you can't tell from inspecting your mouth, your dentist should be able to tell you what's causing your bad breath. If someone tells you that your breath doesn't smell so great, don't be embarrassed. Think of it as constructive criticism. Brush your teeth more thoroughly, gargle with antibacterial mouthwash, and floss between your teeth to keep plaque and bacteria from hiding out there. Drink plenty of water, and swish cool water around in your mouth to freshen morning breath.  It's very important to brush your teeth before going to bed. You might try an additional round of brushing with baking soda to reduce the acidity in the mouth and make it difficult for the bacteria that cause bad breath to grow. Use a tongue scraper (available at many drugstores) to remove any residue that may be building up between the taste buds and folds in the tongue. If you don't have a tongue scraper, you can use your toothbrush to brush your tongue.  Replace your toothbrush every two to three months. The bristles will become less effective over time, and your brush may accumulate bacteria. Replace your toothbrush after you've been sick so you don't give the bacteria a place to hide out. Foods like apples, ginger, fennel seeds, berries, greens, melons, cinnamon, and green tea...

Summary in French:

Sachez si vous avez une mauvaise haleine matinale ou si vous souffrez d'halitose chronique. Gardez une bonne hygiène dentaire. Consommez des aliments qui donnent bonne haleine. Parlez avec votre médecin de la santé gastro-intestinale. Nettoyez votre nez. Ayez une alimentation saine Neutralisez une mauvaise haleine. Ne fumez pas. Parlez de votre problème avec votre dentiste.


Article in English: Check your temperature or your child’s temperature frequently and watch for other symptoms.  If a fever develops or you observe flu-like symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, this can possibly mean the infection is getting worse and that home ear infection treatments are not working effectively. Symptoms that necessitate a trip to your doctor include confusion, neck stiffness, and swelling, pain, or redness around the ear. These symptoms indicate that the infection may have spread and that it needs immediate treatment. This could indicate the eardrum has ruptured. Ruptured eardrums can result in temporary loss of hearing. They can also make your ear more susceptible to infections, making the situation even worse.  In addition to the absence of pain, there may also be drainage coming from the ear. Although ruptured eardrums usually heal within a couple weeks, even without treatment, some problems may persist that require medical intervention or treatment. While most doctors recommend a 48-hour “wait and see” approach, if you experience worsening pain during that period, call your doctor. Your doctor will be able to recommend more intense treatment or antibiotics. This may be coupled with significant hearing problems.  Sometimes, a short-term hearing loss can occur, which is especially concerning for children two years and younger. If your child is younger than 2 and experiencing fluid buildup as well as hearing issues, your doctor may not wait three months to start treatment. Hearing problems at this age could affect your child’s ability to speak and lead to other developmental problems.

Summary in French:

Surveillez attentivement l'état de vos oreilles. Soyez particulièrement attentif à un arrêt brusque de la douleur. Réagissez si la douleur augmente. Faites un contrôle au besoin.


Article in English: Chemical sprays kill flies instantly upon contact, though they contain harsh chemicals. You can also spray the flies with household cleaners, like Windex or Formula 409, or with an aerosol like hairspray. All of these sprays will help you kill a fly.  Purchase chemical fly sprays at home supply stores. Look for brands like Hot Shot and Raid. Use spray if you want to remove many flies very quickly. Chemical sprays will kill them the fastest, though they have harmful chemicals. Household cleaners are a cheaper alternative, and you likely have them at home already. Spray the fly while it is in the air or when the fly lands. Hold in the trigger to release the spray, and spray directly into the air around the fly. You want to saturate the fly in the spray.  If you are using chemical sprays, the fly will die instantly. If you are using household cleaners or hairspray, the spray will coat the fly's wings, making it impossible to fly. The fly will still die, just not as quickly as with chemicals. The chemicals contained in most fly sprays are toxic and lethal. Household cleaners also use chemicals, though not quite as toxic. Avoid inhaling these chemicals by leaving the room immediately after you spray.  Leave the room for both chemical sprays and household cleaners. If you have pets or children, they should also avoid the room until the chemicals have settled. You can wait about an hour before reentering the room, so the chemicals can dissipate. This will depend on how ventilated your room is and how much chemical you spray. It is safe to come back into the room when you no longer smell the chemicals. Scoop up the dead flies with a paper towel or tissue, and throw them in the trash can. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water! If you killed multiple flies, throw them all away before you wash your hands.

Summary in French:

Choisissez entre un produit chimique, nettoyant et de la laque. Vaporisez le produit sur la mouche. Sortez de la pièce après le traitement. Jetez la mouche morte et lavez-vous les mains.


Article in English: Chewing your food more will help bring your focus back to your meal. It will also help you delay the time between taking a bite and swallowing. Try to chew between 10 and 15 seconds before swallowing.  It can also help to opt for meals made from foods that are difficult to swallow. For example, try to eat a diet rich in vegetables, fresh fruits, and lean proteins. Softer foods, like casseroles and mashed potatoes, may be harder to chew for prolonged periods. Concentrate on the flavor and texture when you chew. Try to be aware of the fact you are eating, and stop to think about how much you're enjoying your food. This is why pouring yourself a drink before a meal can help. Water is especially helpful, as it contains no calories. Between each bite, make sure to take a sip of water. This will slow down the pace of your eating and help fill you up faster. It can help to flavor your water to make it more enticing. You can buy flavored water at the supermarket. You can also add pieces of fruit or vegetables to tap water to give it extra flavor. This is a small change, but it can really slow down the pace of your eating. If you hold onto your utensils for the entire meal, you will go into shoveling mode. Setting down your utensils between each bite will force you to stop and savor the meal a little more.  You can also try eating with smaller utensils. This can encourage you to take smaller bites. Try switching up the utensils you use. You can, for example, eat with chopsticks for a change to slow down the pace of your eating. If you're really struggling with the pace of your eating, try actually setting a timer. This will challenge you to increase the amount of time you spend eating your food.  Ideally, it should take you around 20 minutes to finish a meal. Try setting the kitchen clock for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the clock as you eat, and strive to take 20 minutes to finish your plate.  You can try to eat your food in servings. For example, eat your salad first, then your side dishes, then your main course.

Summary in French:

Mâchez plus. Buvez de l'eau entre chaque bouchée. Posez vos couverts entre chaque bouchée. Chronométrez-vous.


Article in English: Child support is designed to allow a child to enjoy a standard of living that is approximate to what he or she would have enjoyed had the parents lived together. Child support may be ordered when the parents are separated, have never lived together, or are in divorce, dissolution of marriage, annulment, or in the midst of paternity and legal separation cases. Typically, it is paid to the parent with whom the children spend the majority of their time.  Child support is not alimony. The purpose of alimony is to rehabilitate or support a former spouse. Though the other parent may financially benefit from child support payments, the purpose of the payments is to benefit the children who no longer live with you. Once set, child support payments can only be amended by court order. Each state has formulas for determining child support payments, typically found in statutes. You may find your statute by typing “child support” and your state into a web browser. These formulas consider the child's needs and the parents' ability to pay. These formulas, however, are often only “guidelines,” which a judge can deviate from. Typically, courts can consider a variety of factors when setting child support payments:  The parents' income. Some states consider only the non-custodial parent's income, while other courts consider both. Also, some states use “gross” income while others consider only “net” income (income after taxes and allowable deductions, such as taxes and/or union dues). Child support or alimony that either parent receives or is paying from a previous marriage. Which parent is paying for childcare and health care. Whether either parent is responsible for children other than the children from the current marriage. The number of children each parent is supporting and their age. This factor is important because the expenses of raising children do not double for each child you add. Whether either parent lives with a new partner or spouse who contributes to household expenses. If the child is disabled. If your child is...

Summary in French:

Comprenez l'objectif de la prise en charge. Renseignez-vous sur les lois qui régissent la prise en charge dans votre localité. Prenez rendez-vous avec un avocat.


Article in English: Children can harm guinea pigs without meaning to. If the child is under 4 years of age, don't allow her to hold the pet. Hold the guinea pig for her, and allow her to pet the animal. That is, practice safe holding practices, and let your child come up and gently pet the guinea pig while you have her against your chest. If you allow your child to hold the guinea pig, tell him how to hold her, and make sure he is not holding her too tightly or too loosely. Children over four may be tempted to carry guinea pigs from room to room. However, if they're not careful, guinea pigs can jump from their hands and hurt themselves. The safest way for a child to hold a guinea pig is to be sitting on the ground. That way, the child can't carry the guinea pig around, and the animal isn't too far from the ground if your child happens to drop it. That is, only let one person hold the guinea pig each time you get her out of the cage, especially if that person is a child. Guinea pigs are overly sensitive to being held, so limiting their exposure will keep them happier. You can hand the guinea pig to a child, but only let one child hold it. If another child wants to hold her, wait until another day. Children may be tempted to pull a guinea pig out when you're not around, resulting in the guinea pig being unintentionally hurt. Keep the cage locked so that children don't have access to the pet when you're not in the room. You can use a combination lock or a key lock, but close up the main gate with a lock if possible.

Summary in French:

Surveillez les enfants qui tiennent des cochons d'Inde. Évitez que les enfants se promènent avec le cochon d'Inde. Demandez à votre enfant de s'assoir et de rester calme. Limitez les contacts de l'animal à une personne à la fois. Verrouillez la cage.


Article in English: Children thrive with routines as they help them feel safe, secure, and as if they can anticipate what’s to come. If you notice that your child struggles with behaviors at the same time each day or melts down when they feel tired, take note of these things and create a routine that can accommodate their needs. Make morning and bedtime routines predictable so that your child can anticipate their day. If your child has a change in their routine (like a visit to the dentist or a family member visiting for the weekend), let them know well in advance. Some children can’t jump from one activity to another without feeling jarred. If your child needs some time to adjust, build this into their routine. Allowing natural consequences to occur can help your child gain a sense of cause-and-effect and build self-responsibility. When allowing natural consequences to occur, give your child choices and let them know what the outcome will be regarding their choices. Your child ultimately will decide what happens and experience the consequences.  Make sure the consequence is appropriate and helps your child learn from their mistake.  For example, if your child takes a long time getting ready for the park, then they receive less time to play at the park. Many parents get in the habit of making exceptions or allowing behaviors to slide without consequences. Children need to know you will follow through on consequences and that they cannot weasel their way out. Show them that you mean business by enforcing consequences each time they act out.  Don’t be surprised if your child has an excuse or can explain away their behavior. Be clear in saying, “You broke a rule, so that means you get a consequence.” If you have multiple children (or children from mixed homes), it’s especially important to be consistent with each child. Otherwise, they might feel as if you’re treating them unfairly.

Summary in French:

Établissez une routine. Apportez des conséquences naturelles à ses comportements. Soyez cohérent quant aux conséquences.


Article in English: Chipmunks can squeeze in between cracks and crevices in your home. Use caulk or construction foam to close up any cracks on the outside of your house. Use rubber or plastic stripping to close any openings around doors or windows. If you have an open vent or hole that leads to the outside of the house, cover the area with wire mesh. If you remove all the cracks and holes in your house, the chipmunk will be unable to get in. Installing wire mesh in an L shape under the ground against house foundations, decks, and other structures can prevent chipmunks from burrowing under your structures. Purchase 1 by 1 inches (2.5 cm × 2.5 cm) wire mesh from a hardware store or online and install it around the structure you want to protect in an L shape. Bury the mesh at least 1 foot (30 cm) into the ground and bend the bottom in a 90-degree angle. This will stop the chipmunks in their tracks. Naphthalene flakes, or moth flakes, serve as a natural deterrent to chipmunks. If you notice that chipmunks have already made a home in your attic or another room in your house, sprinkle 4–5 pounds (1.8–2.3 kg) of flakes for every 2,000 square feet (190 m2) of space. Keep in mind that moth flakes give off a strong odor and could irritate humans and pets. Bird feeders that are hanging off or close to your house may attract chipmunks to enter your house. Hang feeders far away from your house and hanging branches. Clean any seed that falls to the ground.

Summary in French:

Scellez les ouvertures. Enterrez un obstacle pour les empêcher de creuser. Saupoudrez la zone de flocons de naphtaline. Installez les mangeoires à environ 5 m de votre maison.


Article in English: Choose a breakfast with protein and carbs, but avoid greasy foods and butter. Be sure to eat at least two hours before you are scheduled to compete in an event so your body has time to digest the food. You should also bring a few snacks with you to the meet. Snacks such as honey, peanut butter, apples, cheese, and granola bars are good choices. . It’s essential that you drink enough water leading up to and during a track meet. As a general rule, men should drink 13 cups (about 3 liters) and women should drink 9 cups (a little over 2 liters) of water each day.  Drink extra water to compensate for fluids lost through sweat when exercising. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you to the meet so you can hydrate throughout the day. Take some time to calm down before the meet starts. Practice yoga, imagine yourself in a happy place, or listen to your favorite music. Give yourself positive encouragement by saying or thinking things like “I am ready,” and “I can do this!” Being late for the meet will stress you out and could throw off your game. Be sure to leave extra time in the morning in case you run into traffic or have other issues. . A sunburn is not a good reward for all your hard work. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every 2-3 hours while outdoors. You can also visualize the meet and see yourself competing to the best of your abilities. Be sure to stretch and warm up about 25-30 minutes before competing in an event. You can do the same warm-ups you do in practice. Just be sure not to over-exert yourself before the meet begins. You can have an energy gel about 15 minutes before the race. Energy gels have complex sugars, and are more efficient than simple sports drinks. Put all your passion and training to work the day of the meet. Give each event your all. It doesn’t matter so much if you win or lose if you gave your best effort.

Summary in French:

Mangez un bon petit déjeuner. Restez hydraté. Détendez-vous. Ne soyez pas en retard. Appliquez une crème solaire Réchauffez-vous. Prenez un gel énergisant. Faites de votre mieux.


Article in English: Choose a character you can relate to or that you are similar to. Keep in mind that you don't have to cosplay as your race, body type, or gender; anyone can cosplay. On a similar note, your cosplay does not have to be from anime or anything of Japanese origin. You can cosplay a character from a movie, television show, or even a western animation (e.g., Disney). If this is your first time cosplaying, however you may want to choose a character with a simpler design. Don't just get any reference pictures, however; get the ones of the specific version of the character you are dressing up as. Many characters have multiple outfits. Some characters' costumes change slightly from film to film. For example, Iron Man's body suit changes a little in each Iron Man and Avengers film. Batman spots a different design with each film as well. This may not be possible with fan art. In this case, get the best quality image of the fan art you are basing your cosplay on. You don't need to spend a lot of money in order to have a great-looking cosplay. If you want your cosplay to look great for cheap, however, be prepared to spend lots of time on it. Some cosplays will also require more than just sewing, such as casting parts in resin or making foam armor. The more time you have before the event, the more elaborate you can make your cosplay. If the event is this weekend, consider something simpler. You can always go with a screen-accurate version of the character you are cosplaying. Alternatively, you can put a unique spin on it, such as a historically-accurate version of a Disney princess, or a steampunk version of a character. You can even do a crossover between two costumes, such as a Sailor Scout version of a Pokemon.  Look at pictures of other people's cosplays or fan art for inspiration. If you decide to base your cosplay off of someone's fan art, ask the artist for permission. It's the polite thing to do. Even if you are buying your cosplay, you still need to account the time it takes to create it (if you are commissioning...

Summary in French:

Décidez du personnage qui vous intéresse. Trouvez des photos de référence. Déterminez l'argent et les efforts nécessaires. Concevez le vôtre pour être plus original. Donnez-vous suffisamment de temps pour le terminer.


Article in English: Choose a comfortable chair with a solid back that can support your weight. Put your phone on silent and minimize background noises. You may even want to dim the lights a bit.  If you find music relaxing, put something on, but set it to low volume. Consider choosing an instrumental playlist, or a collection of soothing nature sounds. You’ll likely be sleepy and relaxed after the massage. Consider doing it two or three times per week before you go to bed.

Summary in French:


Article in English: Choose a container with twice the diameter of the root ball, or with at least 2 inches (5 cm) of space between the root ball and the sides. Good drainage is key to the survival of most bamboo species, so make sure there are sizeable holes in the base of the pot. Line the container with plastic root barrier if it is cement (which can damage bamboo) or wood (which lasts longer if protected from moisture). Bamboo loves humidity, which can make indoor growing a challenge. Keeping water under the bamboo without letting it soak the roots is the easiest way to add moisture to the air. There are two ways to set this up: Pebble tray1. Fill a tray with a layer of pebbles.2. Add a shallow layer of water to the tray.3. Place the pot on top of the pebbles, without touching the water.  Gravel1. Put a layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot.2. Place the pot in a shallow tray of water. Bamboo needs a soil with light to moderate density: fast-draining, but able to hold moisture. You can use a standard potting mix, or make your own from ⅓ loam, ⅓ perlite (or washed sand), and ⅓ peat moss (or well-rotted compost). Most bamboo can tolerate a wide range of well-draining soils, so the exact composition won't make or break your plants.  You can use decent quality soil from your garden instead of potting soil. Avoid heavy clay soil, which drains poorly and is difficult to improve. Bamboo tends to do best in slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, but most species tolerate a pH up to 7.5. Most soil falls into this range. Keep the stem and the top of the root ball above the level of the soil to prevent rot. Press the soil down to get rid of air bubbles, and water in the plant with a good soak. If your bamboo came rootbound, cut it out at the edge of the pot with a clean knife. It's probably had trouble getting water, so soak the root ball (but not the stem) for 20 minutes before planting.

Summary in French:

Choisissez un pot. Préparez un lit drainant. Remplissez le pot de substrat. Plantez votre bambou.


Article in English: Choose a date that's about 8-12 weeks away from when you start since these are the usual industry times that writers have to work on a script. Mark the deadline on a calendar or as a reminder on your phone so it holds you accountable for working on your script. Tell others about your goal and ask them to hold you accountable for finishing your work. During your first draft, just write the ideas that come to your head and follow along with your outline. Don't worry about spelling or grammar entirely since you just need to get your story written down. If you aim to do 1-2 pages each day, you'll finish your first draft within 60-90 days.  Choose a set time each day to sit down and write so you don't get distracted. Turn off your phone or internet connection so you can just focus on writing. As you write what your characters are saying, talk through it out loud. Make sure it flows well and doesn't sound confusing. If you notice any problem areas, highlight or underline the phrases and come back to them next time you edit. Make sure each character sounds different and has a unique voice. Otherwise, a reader will have a hard time distinguishing between who's speaking. Think of each page equalling 1 minute of screen time. To write a standard film script, aim to write something about 90-120 pages long so it would run for 1 ½-2 hours long.  If you're writing a TV script, aim for 30-40 pages for a half-hour sitcom and 60-70 pages for an hour-long drama. Short films should be about 10 pages or less.

Summary in French:

Fixez-vous une date butoir. Essayez d'écrire une à deux pages par jour. Prononcez les dialogues à voix haute. Continuez d'écrire jusqu'à 90 à 120 pages.