Article in English: When your thoughts are spinning out of control, what are you normally thinking about? Chances are, you're dwelling on something that happened in the past - even if it just happened last week - or you're obsessing over something that has yet to happen. The key to stopping those thoughts in their tracks is to be aware of the present moment.  Noticing what's happening right now necessarily yanks your thoughts out of those dark corners. This is because very often the thoughts stop just by focusing on them because they are suddenly exposed to scrutiny and your inner desires that are creating the thought process is seen in a different light. It sounds so simple, but as you probably know, it's not always easy to do. Here are a few ways to become more aware of what's happening right this second:  If you look at a calming image, the mind can relax and let go all on its own, but it only happens when you stop trying and expecting it to happen. This is a good primary method to relax and calm the mind. If trying to stay present doesn't calm your mind, try using a distraction like counting down from 100 by 7, or picking a color and finding all the objects in the room with that color. This will help take your mind off invasive thoughts. Then, you can refocus it on the present moment. Part of the downside of dwelling on negative memories or emotions is that you're forced to be a little distant from what's going on outside your head. When you consciously decide that you're going to come out of your shell and engage with the world, you leave less room in your mind for those niggling thoughts and feelings that normally sap your mental energy. By judging yourself on the theme of those thoughts it can actually make the problem harder to deal with. You might have been thinking about how much you don't like someone then feel guilty or angry for it. This then trains the mind to become habitual or ingrained as a cause and effect process and it becomes harder in future to be in control. Here are a few ways to start engaging on a basic...

Summary in French:

Vivez dans le moment. Participez à ce qui se passe autour de vous. Délaissez vos complexes.


Article in English: When you’re calculating a weighted average, the different weights will not always add up to 1 (or 100%). Either way, start by gathering your data, or the individual numbers for which you’d like to find your average. For example, maybe you’re trying to figure out how many hours of sleep you get each night on average over the course of 15 weeks, but it varies from week to week. You may sleep 5, 8, 4, or 7 hours a night. Once you know your numbers, figure out the total weight associated with each number. For example, let’s say that on average, over the course of 15 weeks, there were some weeks when you slept more hours per night than others. The weeks that are most representative of how much you usually sleep would have more “weight” than the others. You would use the number of weeks associated with each amount of sleep as your weighting factor. For instance, putting the weeks in order by weight:  9 weeks when you slept 7 hours a night on average. 3 weeks when you slept 5 hours a night. 2 weeks when you slept 8 hours a night. 1 week when you slept 4 hours a night. The number of weeks associated with each number of hours is your weighting factor. In this case, you slept 7 hours a night during most weeks, while there were relatively few weeks when you slept more or fewer hours. In order to determine the weighted average, you’ll need to figure out how much all the weights are worth when you put them together. To do this, simply add up all the weights. In the case of your sleep study, you already know that the total of all the weights is 15, since you are examining your sleep patterns over the course of 15 weeks. The total number of weeks you looked at adds up as follows: 3 weeks + 2 weeks + 1 week + 9 weeks = 15 weeks. Next, multiply each number in your data set by its corresponding weight, just as you would if the weights added up to 1 (or 100%). Add the resulting numbers together. For example, if you’re calculating the average amount of sleep you got each night over the series of 15 weeks, multiply the average...

Summary in French:

Inscrivez les valeurs qui vont servir à établir la moyenne. Assignez un coefficient à chaque valeur. Calculez la somme de tous les coefficients. Multipliez les données par leurs coefficients respectifs. Divisez ce résultat par la somme des coefficients.


Article in English: When you’re having an affair with a married man, it’s important to be discreet so people don’t get hurt. Talk to your man to figure out what’s okay to share with friends or on social media. Additionally, be careful about where you go in public. If people find out about the affair, it may make your situation more complicated. Additionally, it can lead to hurt feelings. When you’re dating a married man, he will typically put his family first. That may mean that it’s hard to make plans. However, your time is just as valuable as his, and you deserve to be respected. Don’t change you existing plans because he decides he has time for you. Make it clear to him that you expect him to make and honor plans with you. Say, “I miss you, too! But I already have plans with Karen tonight, so we can have date night on another day. My time is important, too.” Dating a married man can get really complicated. You might feel like you have to take what he gives you, but you deserve to feel loved and cared for. Think about what’s important to you and what you need to feel secure. Then, talk to your man about it.  For example, you may expect him to talk to you every day, spend your birthday with you, and make plans with you ahead of time. Alternatively, you might decide that you want him to initiate divorce proceedings. Depending on your personal goals, you may expect him to eventually marry you or you may not care about marriage. Since you love him, however, you may hope that you have some type of future together. Tell him exactly what the future looks like for you. Then, give him a specific timeline for when you expect things to happen so he can’t string you along. For instance, let’s say you want him to leave his wife and marry you. Say, “You’ve always promised me that I was the one you want. I want you, too. If we’re going to continue this, I expect you to start divorce proceedings in the next 3 months so we can get married by the end of next year.” While it's important to tell him what you want, he may not give it to you. If he...

Summary in French:

Soyez discrète à propos de votre relation. Évitez de changer vos plans parce qu’il veut vous voir. Décidez de ce que vous êtes prête à accepter ou non. Dites-lui ce que vous attendez de la relation. Envisagez la rupture s’il ne veut pas s’engager. Réfléchissez bien avant de parler avec son épouse ou sa famille.


Article in English: When you’re in a possessive relationship, your partner is responsible for his actions. Many victims of abuse are trained to think, “It’s my fault,” and “If I’d only done this, he wouldn’t do that.” But your partner is the one who decides how he will act. If the relationship is worth fixing, your boyfriend has to really want to change his ways. He has to initiate the change. If your boyfriend is possessive enough that you’ve become isolated, trapped, depressed, anxious, or fearful, then it’s most likely that you should leave the relationship. Often, a person in a possessive relationship will become isolated from friends and family. She may retreat because she feels that she will be judged or stigmatized. But when you realize that you need to leave the relationship, you will need these support networks. Even if you haven’t talked with a friend or family member in a while, he or she is likely willing to support you. Rally this person’s support. Talk to this person to discuss your strategy for leaving the relationship. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)) is staffed with counselors who can talk you through your options and help you figure out a plan for leaving this relationship. The National Domestic Violence Hotline also has a website (www.thehotline.com) where you can chat with someone online except for 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Central Time. The staff will help you determine what your safest course of action is at this time. They also have a list of 4,000 safehouses around the United States. They can help locate one for you and your children if need be. A personalized safety plan is a way to work out exactly what you’ll do when you feel threatened or at risk.  There are personalized safety plans available online, such as this worksheet from the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence. Print out this form and fill it out. Store this worksheet in a safe place where your boyfriend can’t find it. If your relationship has become dangerous, you do not need to explain...

Summary in French:

Soyez réaliste pour savoir si vous pouvez réparer cette relation amoureuse. Obtenez le soutien d'un proche de confiance. Trouvez du soutien auprès d'une plateforme téléphonique qui traite la violence domestique. Montez votre propre plan pour vous mettre en sureté. Partez immédiatement si vous ne vous sentez pas en sécurité. Fiez-vous à votre intuition.


Article in English: When you’re ready to start lunging your horse, guide it to the ring, and stand right in the middle. Carry the whip and the excess lunge rein in the hand that’s closest to the horse’s backside, and use your free hand to control the rein and take up or loosen the slack. Imagine making a triangle where the horse’s body is the base and the whip and lunge rein are the sides.  For example, hold the lunge rein and the whip in your right hand if you want the horse to go left, and use your left hand for adjusting the reins.  Carry the whip so it's pointing behind the horse and down when you're not using it. Also, try to keep the whip still, since it will be less effective if you’re constantly flicking it. Try to face the middle of the horse, since staring at the horse’s face could make it feel stressed.

Summary in French:


Article in English: Whenever you conduct research, it is essential to be able to take the ideas of others and translate them into your own words. In order to do this, you must first understand the passage you intend to translate. Read this passage over several times. Stop to look up words you don’t understand. Make sure you grasp the message in its entirety. Take notes, if you have to. If this is your personal text book and not a borrowed one, consider highlighting the text or writing in the margins. This will force you to translate the author’s text into your own. You may find that the parts you can easily recall are the most significant.  If you are working digitally, avoid using "copy" and "paste." You don't have to write it down word-for-word. Just write the gist of the passage. Ask yourself these questions: Where was the passage located? What came before it? What else might the reader need to know to understand this passage? Why was this passage important to you? Go back to the original and read it over. Make sure you accurately represented the message. Update your work to include any significant omissions. You want to be sure that the main idea of the passage is still the same. If there are any unique phrases or terms that you borrowed directly from the original, you must use quotation marks to signal them. Placing quotation marks around a few key words in your paraphrase gives credit to your source and preserves the integrity of the main idea, without relying too heavily on direct quotes. Write down any relevant information about your source. This should include the title, author, and date of publication. Refer to a specific style-guide (MLA, APA, AP, or Chicago style) to determine how your citation should appear in your paper. For now, just make sure you have this information handy. You may also want to return to this source for additional information. Specific style-guides change often. If you are using a style-guide text book, make sure that it is the more recent version. Another option is to use a website.

Summary in French:

Cherchez à comprendre le passage. Rangez le document original et mettez-vous à écrire sans y jeter un coup d'œil . Utilisez d'autres notes par rapport au contexte du passage. Vérifiez par deux fois votre texte original. Utilisez les guillemets. Citez vos sources.


Article in English: Whenever you include a quote from a poem, you must accompany it with an in-text citation that refers the reader to the correct entry in your works cited. This citation should always include the author's last name, the year of publication, and the page number the quote can be found on preceded by "p.".  If you mention the author's name in the sentence that introduces the quote, include the year in parentheses after the author's name, and the page number in parentheses after the end of quote. For example: In his poem "Fire and Ice," Robert Frost (1923) says, "Some say the world will end in fire." (p. 1) If you don't include the author's name in the sentence that introduces the quote, provide all three pieces of information, separated by commas, in parentheses after the end of the quote. For example: "Some say the world will end in fire." (Frost, 1923, p. 1) Parenthetical citations should always come after the punctuation of the preceding sentence. You need to cite a poem (or any other source) whenever you refer to it, even if you do not provide a quote. Follow the same guidelines for parenthetical citations whenever you refer to your source. If you are not referring to one specific page of the poem, you may omit the page number from your parenthetical citation, although you are encouraged to provide a page number whenever possible. Be sure to use proper capitalization and typeface when you mention the title of a poem or other source. Note that the formatting rules are different for the body of your essay and the works cited. In the body of your essay, follow these rules:  Capitalize all major words in the title of any work. Put quotation marks around the titles of shorter works (such as most poems). Italicize or underline the title of longer works (such as anthologies).

Summary in French:

Incluez le nom de l’auteur, l’année et le numéro de page. N’oubliez pas de citer les références indirectes. Mettez les titres au bon format.


Article in English: Whereas women are expected to combine a variety of tops, many men tend to reach for the t-shirt. Simple, easy to clean, and draws little attention. Since this is a safe choice for self-presenting as a man, it's easier to have some fun and pick out shirts that align with your interests.  Many men wear t-shirts of their favorite bands, or with artwork from their favorite TV shows and movies. If you want to give off an athletic appearance, consider buying plain white, gray, or black shirts. Also, sportswear would be a good choice for an athletic male look. Most men can be seen wearing blue jeans, navy slacks, and khakis. Take a trip to the department store or even a thrift store to save money, and pick up several pairs. These will give you a solid foundation to build multiple boyish or manly outfits.  Be sure to pick pants that fit comfortably. Currently, skinny jeans are becoming more common among men, and these could be a good fit for your new look. Keep in mind though they are more revealing of figure (leg musculature) and could potentially reveal your sex. These could be great for muscular women or gender fluid people who want to embrace their non-dichotomous self-presentation. A common representation of women's shoes is flats, heels, and sandals. For men you will more likely see sneakers (high, mid, and low-tops), boat shoes, boots, moccasins, and loafers. Do you want a sporty look, or more professional? Knowing the answer to this question can help guide you toward the right shoes for you.  Skateboard shops, department stores, and brand name outlets are good places to find fashionable male shoes. When wearing formal wear, be sure to pair your outfit with smart dress shoes. It is best to have them polished without any blemishes in the material. Considered by some to be the "common man's crown," baseball hats give you an athletic, relaxed look, that can compliment any male outfit.  Do you have a favorite sports team? Or simply a city you love and want to represent? Answering these questions can help you find...

Summary in French:

Trouvez de jolis teeshirts simples ou avec des dessins. Achetez quelques pantalons de style neutre. Portez des baskets confortables. Portez une casquette de baseball. Portez un sac à dos. Achetez un costume et une cravate. Gardez une mallette.


Article in English: Whether it is surprising her by cooking her favorite dinner or sending her flowers at work, small gestures like these show your girlfriend that she is on your mind and that you care for her. Every woman needs to be reminded of how beautiful, smart, funny, or interesting she is. Don't stop complimenting her just because you have "won her over" and are already in a committed relationship. Do it because you mean it, and because it will make her feel more confident and loved. Maintaining a healthy sex life will help keep the relationship alive. If you are worried that the sex is getting boring or that your girlfriend is unsatisfied with the sex, then maturely bring up the subject with her.  While this may feel awkward or difficult at first, it will be well worth it in the long run if it improves your sex life! Wait for the appropriate moment. Don't bring up the issue in public, in front of other people, or in a joking manner. Joking about the topic might make your girlfriend feel embarrassed or insecure.

Summary in French:

Faites des gestes romantiques. Complimentez-la. Soyez ouvert au sujet du sexe.


Article in English: Whether the issue is food crumbs, dirt, mud or any other non-staining spillage, it must be allowed to dry before proceeding. If you attempt to clean the item before the spillage has dried, the substance will likely get ground into the fibers of the felt, making clean up far more difficult.  Doing this could also result in ruining your felt item completely. If you suspect that the spillage will cause a stain, immediately skip to the spot cleaning and hand washing methods. Stains must be addressed promptly for successful removal from felt. Everything, especially food particles, needs to be removed from the item. Allowing food particles to remain in the fibers of felt can lead to deep set staining, as well as pest or sanitation issues. If additional debris is found upon closer examination, gently use the soft bristled brush again.

Summary in French:

Laissez la tache sécher avant de commencer à nettoyer. Inspectez l'objet de près.


Article in English: Whether this is an app or a book, you'll need a planner that will allow you to plan out your time by the hour, each day of the week. Make sure it’s easy to read and easy to use, otherwise you’ll likely not make use of it.  Studies have shown that physically writing things down (i.e. with pen and paper) will make you more likely to do them. For this reason, you may be best off using a physical planner to plan your time out. Keeping a planner also helps you relieve stress and feel calmer because it makes it less likely that you'll ruminate on what needs to be done. Additionally, it helps your plan become more solid in your mind. So you have a long list of things to do, but when will you actually do them? To-do lists are not as effective as scheduling out your tasks. When you schedule your tasks, you make the time to get them done. When you have specific time blocks in which to work (many day planners literally contain hourly time blocks), you’ll also find that you’re less likely to procrastinate, as you only have an allotted time in which to get your work done before you must move on to the next scheduled task. Blocking out your time helps you get a more realistic idea of how much time you actually have in a day. Start with your highest-priority tasks and work backwards.  Do this for your whole week. Having a broader view of how your days will add up will help you refine your schedule to be as productive as possible.  Some experts even suggest having at least a general idea of what your whole month will look like.  Some people recommend starting at the end of your day and working backwards — so if you’re done work/homework at 5 p.m., plan backwards from there, to when your day starts, for example, at 7 a.m. Studies have shown that scheduling even your free time can help increase your satisfaction with life. It has also been proven that long work hours (50+ hours a week) in fact make you less productive.  Sleep deprivation will kill your productivity. Make sure that you sleep at least 7 hours each night if...

Summary in French:

Procurez-vous un bon agenda. Évitez les listes de choses à faire. Apprenez à réserver des plages horaires dans votre emploi du temps. Programmez des moments de détente et des pauses. Réservez du temps pour planifier votre semaine. Sachez à quoi ressemble un jour modèle bien planifié. Sachez que vous pouvez varier vos activités d'un jour à l'autre. Programmez du temps pour les problèmes. Montrez-vous flexible et soyez gentil envers vous-même. Décompressez. Faites-en moins.


Article in English: Whether this is your first episode or one in a series, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor to talk over what you experienced. They will decide if any additional action is necessary and this will give you peace of mind moving forward. They might also ask you to watch for particular warning signs, in addition to fainting, such as increased thirst.  Your doctor may order tests such as a blood sugar draw, a general blood test to check for anemia and nutrient levels, and an EKG (to scan for heart issues). These are all fairly standard diagnostic tools.  Your doctor may also place restrictions on your behaviors until the cause of fainting has been established and treated. They may request that you limit your driving and avoid operating any kind of heavy or complex machinery.  It is helpful if you can bring with you a statement or brief note from someone who witnessed you faint. After all, you were unconscious for part of this time and this person call “fill in the blanks” regarding what happened to you. There is a possibility that your doctor will prescribe medication to you to treat and prevent future fainting episodes. These medications usually address the underlying cause of the fainting. For example, corticosteroids are drugs that help to boost hydration via the elevation of sodium levels. Make sure to follow the exact directions on any medication that you receive. If you fail to do so, you run the risk of your fainting spells getting worse. This is good advice in general but is especially helpful if you’ve fainted in the past. Carry small snacks with you that are high in sugar and salt. For example, drink some juice or eat some mixed nuts. This will to help to prevent your blood sugar from dropping too low, a common cause of fainting. Focus on substances that will improve circulation and heart health overall. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are good in that they minimize inflammation allowing your blood to circulation more efficiently. You can also focus on herbal remedies, such as green...

Summary in French:

Discutez avec votre médecin. Prenez des médicaments préventifs. Restez bien hydraté et nourri. Prenez des compléments alimentaires. Portez un bracelet médical. Utilisez des techniques de relaxation. Portez des bas de contention. Changez lentement de position. Faites circuler votre sang. Évitez les situations qui déclenchent les syncopes.


Article in English: Whether you are going to a specific event where you will have to speak with people or you just want to be prepared to talk with anyone throughout the day, it can be very helpful to have some talking points ready.  These talking points can help you initiate a conversation and keep the conversation going if the person you are talking to is not a good conversationalist.  Before you go out for the day, read up on current events in the paper or online, and make note of interesting stories. If you haven't met before, introduce yourself.  If you've already met, be warm in your greeting.  As you begin the conversation, it is important that you are inviting and exude confidence.  If you seem at ease with making conversation, this will help put the other person at ease as well.  Avoid defensive body language like crossing your arms, and always smile openly and make eye contact with the person. As you ease into speaking with one another, focus on things that you both have in common at the moment, like the room you are in, the event you are attending, or the neighborhood where it is located.  You can offer up information about yourself at this time, making yourself seem more open and interested.  For example:  “I went to college with Gina in Iowa.  How do you know the hosts?” “I’ve always been interested in marketing strategies.  What brings you to this event?” “I don’t live around here, but this neighborhood is so pretty.  Do you know this area well?” Whether you know this person already or you are talking with someone new, show your interest in the other person and encourage them to participate more in the conversation.  The best way to do this is by asking questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no.  Try to phrase your questions in such a way that it elicits a more detailed response.  For example:  Instead of asking, “Did you have a nice weekend?” try saying, “What did you do this weekend?” Instead of asking, “I like this appetizer, do you?” try saying, “If this was your event, what would you put on the...

Summary in French:

Préparez des sujets de discussion. Démarrez la conversation avec confiance. Commentez un sujet d'intérêt commun. Faites mieux connaissance en posant des questions ouvertes. Évitez les sujets sensibles.


Article in English: Whether you are planting your geraniums in the ground or in a pot, geraniums are generally one of the easier plants to take care of. They can be planted in spots that get full sun, partial sun, or light shade. Make sure that they will get morning sun and afternoon shade if possible. Generally, geraniums are happiest with five or six hours of sunlight a day, though this number can be a bit more or a bit less. It is best to plant geraniums in soil that drains well. Geraniums don’t really like getting their feet too wet and soggy soil could lead to a sick plant. If you live in an area that is really hot a lot of the year, try to find a spot that gets afternoon shade and has relatively moist soil. Geraniums do not like sitting in soggy soil, so it is important to get a pot with good drainage. Buy a pot that is large enough for your plant, depending on the variety of geranium you bought. If you have a smaller plant, you may be fine with a 6 or 8 inch (15.2 or 20.3 cm) pot, while larger varieties will need a 10 inch (25.4 cm) pot. Avoid placing a saucer under your plant’s pot unless the saucer has pebbles in it. The National Gardening Association recommends planting geraniums in spring, after the last hard frost. Depending on the type of geranium, the plant may bloom in midsummer, late summer, or fall, though sometimes the flowers have a mind of their own and they’ll burst into bloom in spring. Regardless, be prepared for their beauty to pop up anytime but winter. Geraniums flourish in soil that has been tilled and is loose. Use a tiller or rake to ensure that the soil is loose a good 12 to 15 inches (30.5 to 38.1 cm) down. After loosening the soil, mix in 2 to 4 inches (5.1 to 10.2 cm) of compost to give the soil as much nutrients as possible. Depending on the type of geranium, you will want to separate each plant by 6 inches (15.2 cm) to 2 feet (0.6 m) in distance. If you have picked up a larger variety of geranium, you will want to give each plant a good 2 feet (0.6 m) of space to grow. Each hole should be...

Summary in French:

Choisissez le bon endroit où planter vos géraniums. Choisissez le bon endroit si vous mettez vos géraniums en pot. Choisissez le bon moment de l'année pour planter vos fleurs. Préparez le lit du jardin. Donnez à chaque plant assez d'espace pour pousser. Creusez des trous pour chaque plant. Placez le plant dans un trou.


Article in English: Whether you are selling in person or online, you need to spread the word about your craftwork and about you, the craftsperson.  Especially when buying handmade items, people like to feel a connection to the artisan.  When selling at a craft fair or other locale in person, distribute professional-grade business cards.  Also try to build a “mailing” list — although email or social media accounts may be more appropriate these days.  Create a business website where people can visit and learn more about your little enterprise. Spread the word on social media via friends and family. Emphasize personalized customer service, regardless of sales venue.  Ship orders promptly, and provide contact information for service or questions.  Consider providing refunds, exchanges, or repairs. Gone are the days when crafters had to rely exclusively on craft shows.  The internet can act as one giant, never-ending craft show if you utilize it well.  Etsy.com is probably the most well-known of numerous sites that focus on the sale of handmade items.  There, you have the opportunity to create your own little online “shop.”  Make the most of it by creating an enticing name, logo, images, and descriptive stories of your business and your product(s) for sale. Professional quality photographs of your crafts are now the standard for sales on such sites.  Take the time, or pay the price, to get the best shots of your product. If you don't know much about search engine optimization (SEO), learn.  You need to choose the right titles and tags in order to direct search engine traffic to your page. Sites like Etsy take a cut of your profits, of course.  So, if you are web savvy, you may want to consider selling over your own site.  This may serve you better after you have developed a solid customer base, however. While online sales have superseded them for many crafters, selling at festivals and craft shows can still be a keystone of your strategy.  After all, there is no better way to show the quality of your wares, and use your charms as the...

Summary in French:

Faites-vous connaitre. Vendez en ligne. Installez un présentoir pendant les festivals. Fournissez vos produits à des magasins. Vendez hors de chez vous.


Article in English: Whether you borrow your supplies from your friends or buy your own from a beauty supply store, you will need a styrofoam wig head, wig stand, weaving cap, hair-sewing thread and needle, scissors, tweezers, foundation, and hair care products. Create a budget to ensure that you choose the best products for your price. Look online for used beauty supplies to keep your costs low. You will need to know the circumference of your head and compare it to the circumference of the wig head. The second measurement you need to take is from your hairline to the nape of your neck. If your head is larger than the wig head, use wrapping tape and continually wrap it around the circumference of the wig head as many times as you need until it fills out the difference. Do the same from the hairline to the nape of the wig head’s neck. Use pins to secure your weaving cap onto the styrofoam head. Pin the elastic dome band along the front of the head, above the ears, and along the nape of the neck. Also, pin the unhooked elastic bands down so that they are out of the way. Make sure to place the styrofoam wig head onto the wig stand. Make sure to completely stretch your weaving cap down onto the wig head. Place wefts of hair -- essentially, small curtains or bunches -- onto the weaving cap. Thread your needle and thread through the cap and around the track or the weft of the hair. Pull the needle through the loop of the thread as it comes up to securely form a thread track. This method helps to lay the tracks flush against the wig cap. Don’t sew through the weave tracks because it slows you down and may cause shedding after too much wear. The fold is going to be at the edge of the cap. Pin down the new row to hold it in place as you secure the new row of weave. Go right back through the edge of the cap and both of the wefts with the needle and hair thread. Use the same blanket stitch method twice on the small fold at the end of the track to make sure that the fold is very flat and flush to the edge of the cap. There shouldn’t be...

Summary in French:

Rassemblez vos matériaux. Utilisez un mètre ruban pour mesurer la taille de votre tête. Placez votre capuchon de tissage sur la tête de perruque en styromousse. Utilisez la méthode du point feston. Pliez la trame pour commencer une nouvelle rangée de pistes à coudre. Utilisez vos doigts pour espacer correctement vos plis. Créez la fermeture invisible en dentelle.


Article in English: Whether you lost a few friends in the breakup or not, it’s a good idea to make new friends after you’ve broken up.  That is not to say that you should get rid of your current friends, but that you should expand your social circle.  Making new friends will open you up to new experiences and will also help you distance yourself from your ex.  If you don’t share the same social circle, he won’t always be able to keep tabs on you either, which will allow you some room to heal.  The digital age has really opened up options when it comes to meeting people.  You can join local Facebook groups, or MeetUp groups, or participate in message boards.  These groups can be about shared interests (books, movie genres, or even music), or geography (city, state, neighborhood), or even shared experiences (parenthood, divorce, military veterans). Also, your local bookstores and coffee houses will likely have groups that meet regularly for a common interest or goal. If you attend school, your high school or college will have social, sport, and academic clubs that you can participate in. You deserve to treat yourself to something that you normally wouldn’t splurge on. Go for it – pamper yourself a little, or go exploring, go on a date with yourself, or maybe get that hand bag you’ve been looking at for a long time.  Think of one or two things that you’d really enjoy and give yourself a gift.  Try going on a trip or vacation alone.  Take some time to explore a new place or experience something new by yourself. Pamper yourself with self-care gifts.  Maybe now is the time to buy that massage package or those new pots and pans you’ve been looking at. Take yourself out – go to a bookstore, or dinner, or even a movie. You know that being kind to others is important because it helps someone else and also makes you feel better.  But you can’t forget to be kind to yourself, especially now.  You take care of others and now it’s time to take care of yourself.  He will regret that he’s missing out on your kindness.  Stop and get yourself a...

Summary in French:

Faites-vous de nouveaux amis. Prenez soin de vous. Soyez bonne envers vous-même. Amusez-vous. Créez-vous de nouvelles habitudes.


Article in English: Whether you steam or use a mask, always remember to rinse away the dirt when you're finished. Follow up by using a toner on your face. Toner helps restore your skin's pH balance after cleansing, giving it a youthful, glowing appearance and helping to close pores. Beauty supply stores carry many different toners. Look for one that works with your skin type, but avoid toners with excess chemicals, perfumes, and dyes that could irritate or dry out your skin. These toners will do more harm than good, and your pores will end up looking larger instead of smaller.  Avoid toners that contain alcohol, which can dry out the skin. Avoid toners that contain glycerin and fragrances, since these can cause allergic reactions. Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apples, and is a gentle, natural toner for any type of skin. Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of water, then use a cotton ball to apply it to your skin after rinsing. Let your skin dry, then moisturize it. Plain, raw honey is an excellent toner for skin. Simply spread some on your face and let it sit for about ten minutes, then rinse it away with warm water. Your pores will tighten up and your face will feel fresh and youthful. Using a good face moisturizer is key to keeping your pores closed. Choose an alcohol-free moisturizer that doesn't contain perfumes and excess chemicals so you make sure you don't irritate your skin. Look for products that are labeled as non-pore clogging, or “non-comedogenic” or “non-acnegenic.” You can also products with a non-irritating mineral formula. Wash your hands before applying your makeup so you don't get extra oil or dirt on your face, and apply in small amounts to reduce buildup.  Applying a primer before you put on makeup can reduce the appearance of your pores. Always remember to take your makeup off at the end of the day!

Summary in French:

Tonifiez votre peau. Évitez les lotions contenant des composants agressifs. Essayez le vinaigre de cidre. Pour tonifier votre peau, faites-vous un masque au miel. Pour terminer, hydratez votre peau. Choisissez un maquillage qui n’obstrue pas les pores.


Article in English: Whether you use whole or chopped hot peppers, they will be excellent roasted. Return the remaining peppers to the freezer before they can thaw. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt. Use tongs to toss the peppers until they are evenly coated. Roast them for 10 minutes. Return them to the oven for another 10 minutes.  If the peppers are slow to cook, turn up the heat. You may also roast the peppers under the broiler. They should be moist and tender, with patches of brown and black on their skin. Serve as a side dish or over a salad.

Summary in French:

Sortez quelques piments du congélateur. Disposez les piments sur une plaque à four. Mettez les piments au four. Sortez les piments du four et retournez-les. Sortez les piments du four une fois qu'ils sont complètement grillés.


Article in English: Whether you're afraid of trying something because your overthinking has led you to believe you'd fail, or you can't stop replaying the memory of a time you failed at something or in some role, you need to recognize that sometimes things just don't work out the way we'd like them to. And that's not always a bad thing. A lot of what we perceive as failure is not an ending, but a beginning: to new options, new opportunities, and new ways of living.  Recognize that behaviors may fail, but people (namely, you) do not.  Rather than seeing failure as the end of something good, try thinking about it as a new opportunity. If you lose your job, you may be able to find a better job that gives you more satisfaction. If you start a new art project and it doesn't turn out the way you hoped, at least you got some practice out of it, and you might have a better idea of what you'd like to do differently next time.  Try to let failure motivate you. Put more effort and concentration into doing better next time, or spend more time preparing for future events. An important part of overthinking is to recognize that you cannot change the past, and that dwelling on it over and over will not help change anything. While learning from the past is an important part of growing and maturing, overthinking and ruminating on mistakes, missed opportunities, and other elements of the past is harmful and unproductive. Once you learn the lesson you believe you need to learn from a past event, try letting go of the memory. Don't consciously think about it, and any time you find yourself thinking about it try to distract yourself or snap yourself out of that thought pattern. Focus on the present moment, which you do have the power to change. No one knows what's going to happen, and your overthinking mind certainly isn't going to predict the future any better than the rest of the world. But many people with overthinking minds tend to believe that they know what will happen in advance: that trying out for the basketball team will only result in...

Summary in French:

Modifiez la façon dont vous voyez l'échec. Essayez de ne pas ressasser le passé. Rendez-vous compte que vous ne pouvez pas prédire le futur.


Article in English: Whether you've chosen to make oatmeal, cream of wheat (also known as farina), grits, or another type of hot cereal, they will all have specific cooking instructions. Make sure you read the packaging it came in to understand how you need to cook it. When it comes to hot cereal, there are usually options for people who love cooking and options for people who don't want to put much effort into making it. After you've cooked your hot cereal, you can add some fun flavorings and toppings to it. For oatmeal, you can add things like brown sugar, nuts, fruit, or even chocolate chips. Add butter to cream of wheat or grits for a savory breakfast, or even pop an entire egg into it. Adding a dollop of peanut butter onto hot cereal is a great option, as the heat from the hot cereal will warm the peanut butter, allowing it to melt and blend well. Adding cinnamon and sugar to any of your hot cereal options can make a sweet, delicious breakfast. Let it cool before diving in, because burning your mouth is a painful way to start your day. If you're eager to begin eating, blow on each bite before popping it in your mouth. If you've added yummy mix-ins and toppings, make sure to stir them throughout your hot cereal so that you have some left for your final bites. Hot cereal can stick to the sides of your bowl, so make sure you scrape your spoon along the sides to get every bit.

Summary in French:

Faites cuire vos céréales chaudes. Ajoutez les garnitures de votre choix. Mangez les céréales.


Article in English: Whether your ham is pre-cooked or uncooked, it needs to be heated at the same temperature in the oven. Cooked hams should be  reheated to an internal temperature of 140 °F (60 °C). Uncooked hams need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C). A pre-cooked ham of any cut can be eaten cold. However, it will probably taste better if you reheat it. Put the foil in the bottom of the roaster first. Set the ham on top of it, with the fattiest side facing up. Lining the bottom of the roaster with foil makes it easier to clean after. The liquid will help keep your meat moist. Don’t put excessive amounts, though. Fat will also melt off the ham during the cooking process and moisten it.  For the liquid, you can use water, fruit juice, cider, wine, or even cola. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Make sure that the foil covering the ham is tightly sealed to lock the moisture in. The length of time your ham needs to cook varies depending on the type of ham and the weight. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. Cook a thawed, whole ham for about 18-20 minutes per 1 pound (0.45 kg). Cook a thawed, half ham for about 22-25 minutes per 1 pound (0.45 kg). Remember that it takes approximately 50% longer to cook a frozen ham than a thawed one. Remove the foil cover from the ham. Glaze the ham generously with a basting brush using a glaze of your choice.  There are many different delicious glaze recipes you can try. The basic components usually include a spicy ingredient, often mustard, with something sweet, like brown sugar, honey, marmalade, juice, sherry, or maple syrup. You can also add other spices and flavors, like cloves, garlic, or ginger. Aim for a thick glaze with the texture of paste so it doesn’t just slide off the ham. Adding a dry ingredient like flour or mustard powder helps thicken the glaze. Put the ham back in the oven. Leave it uncovered. Bake until the glaze looks burnished. This should take approximately 15-20 minutes. This is a few degrees lower than the recommended...

Summary in French:

Préchauffez le four à 160 °C. Placez le jambon dans un plat à rôtir tapissé de papier d'aluminium. Versez 120 ml de liquide sur le jambon. Placez le jambon au four. Appliquez du glaçage sur le jambon. Augmentez la température du four à 205 °C. Retirez la viande.


Article in English: Whether your sibling is struggling with school, work, or personal issues, they can benefit from their sister's love and assistance. If they ask you for help, assist them in any way that you can.  Don't wait for your sibling to ask you for help. If they seem like they're struggling, reach out to them. You can say, "Hey, is everything ok? Is there anything I can do to help?" Sometimes your sibling may not want you to interfere. Respect their decision, but state that you will be there if they change their mind. You can say, “I understand. Just let me know if you ever do want my help.” Don't hold back on noticing your sibling's skills and accomplishments. Let them know when they have made you proud or what you admire about them.  If you know your sibling is insecure about something, lift their spirits by admiring them. For example, if your brother is worried about getting into college, you can say, “You've been working so hard! No matter what ends up happening, I know you'll do well.” Congratulate them on them on their accomplishments. For example, if a sibling wins an award, let them know how proud you are. Give them examples of how their good qualities influence and impact you in positive ways. Let them know when they do things that inspire you. For example, if your sibling kept trying at an activity they struggled with, tell them that they inspired you to keep working at something you found difficult and that you admire that quality about them. When your sibling does a favor for you or if they support you, express gratitude to them. Let them know that you appreciate their presence in your life. For example, you can say, “Thank you so much for always listening when I need to talk. It makes me so happy to know I have a sibling like you.” When things happen in life, talking to a sibling can be a big help. You can get your siblings to open up to you by opening up them first. Be willing to share things and to listen to what they want to share.  Sometimes, a person just needs someone to listen, not to give advice....

Summary in French:

Aide-le (la) quand il en a besoin. Félicite-le (la). Remercie-le pour ce qu'il fait pour toi. Écoute-le (la) quand il (elle) a besoin de parler à quelqu’un. Soutiens-le (la).


Article in English: Whether you’re most interested in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, philosophy, or biography, reading will engage your mind and help your free time feel more meaningful. Reading will broaden your perspectives and improve your vocabulary. The books you read can open your mind to perspectives and cultures you may not already be familiar with.For fun reading suggestions, visit your local library or spend an hour browsing a nearby bookstore. If you don’t already have a pet, now might be a good time to get one. Pets require regular care, and can help you to fill your free time by playing, taking a walk, or preparing food for the animal. If you're in the market for a pet, check a local animal shelter.  Dogs and cats are popular options, for good reason. They have fun personalities, are affectionate and loving, and can be left on their own for hours at a time. If you have little time to spend with pets, or are looking for a more hands-off animal, try fish. Using your free time to stay physically fit is an easy and healthy way to pass an hour. Free time provides a good opportunity to keep up your fitness levels, whether it's by lifting weights in your garage or doing push-ups in your living room. If you have relatively little free time, spend 15-30 minutes exercising at home. Tailor your exercise program to fit the amount of free time you have. If you have many free hours per day, spend them working out at home or run several miles. If you’d like to get out of the house to exercise, join a local gym to lift weights and bulk up, or to run on cardio-enhancing machines. You could also run in a public park near your house or workplace. Or look into joining a local rock-climbing group.

Summary in French:

Consacrez plus de temps à la lecture. Ayez un animal de compagnie. Faites du sport pour rester en bonne forme physique.


Article in English: Whether you’re one of the first girls in your grade to be getting your period or one of the last, many girls will get their periods eventually. There’s no need to be embarrassed about something that affects many women out there, and which is a natural part of growing up and having a more mature, changing body. Your period is a sign of fertility, and you should be proud about it, not embarrassed. Don’t let anyone tease you about it or let anyone make you feel anything other than proud about your period. Have a chat with your other friends about it. You’ll feel better knowing that you’re not alone in your feelings. A lot of people worry about their periods “smelling” or people being able to tell that they’re on their period. However, your period itself will not smell; what you may smell is the smell of a sanitary pad absorbing blood after a few hours. To counteract this worry, you can change your pad every 2-3 hours or wear a tampon. Some people like to wear scented tampons or pads, but this smell can actually be more powerful than the smell of unscented sanitary napkins, so this can even irritate the vagina. But still, you can decide if this is right for you. You can try out a scented pad or tampon at home before you decide whether or not you’d like to use them in school. Your period shouldn’t be a secret or something you’re embarrassed about. Though you may initially be shy about it, it’s important to tell your mother or father about it as soon as you’ve gotten it. Your mother or another female in your family can help you get the proper supplies, make you feel comfortable, and help you avoid having to sneak around with your period. Remember that many girls have to go through this and tell your parents when it happens; the sooner you tell them, the better you’ll feel.  Your parents will be proud of you for telling them. Your mother may even shed a few tears. If you live alone with your dad, you may be a little shy about telling him. But once you do, it’ll make things a lot easier, and he’ll be glad you were...

Summary in French:

N'aie pas honte de tes règles. Ne t'inquiète pas pour l'odeur. Parles-en tes parents. N'aie pas honte de demander à aller aux toilettes.


Article in English: Whether you’re using a digital camera or a manual one, make sure the proper settings are in place before you begin your shoot. Take into account the lighting and the effect you’re trying to create.  Most digital cameras have an “automatic” setting. This should be fine in most cases, but make sure that the flash is turned off. You’ve already set up the proper lighting, so there should be no need for a flash. Have a tripod or a flat surface in place. Make sure it’s set at the right angle for professional-looking photos.

Summary in French:


Article in English: While a company's profit is usually defined as its income minus its expenses, these two quantities are usually calculated from multiple sources of income and expenses themselves. Thus, if you're starting from scratch when calculating a business's profit, you may need to work with multiple values for sources of income and expenses, rather than single values for each. In this section, we'll break down a business's income and expenses to calculate profit in piecemeal fashion. Start with your net sales — the amount of money generated by the business from selling its goods and services, minus returns, discounts, and allowances for missing or damaged goods. To illustrate the process of breaking down a business's income and expenses, let's work through an example problem in this section. Let's say that we own a small company that makes high-end sneakers. For this quarter, let's say that we sold $350,000 worth of sneakers. However, due to a recall, we we had to pay out $10,000 in refunds. We also had to  pay $2,000 for unrelated returns and discounts. In this case, our net sales are $350,000 - $10,000 - $2,000 = $338,000. Businesses have to spend money to make money. Products need to be assembled from raw materials, and, because neither the raw materials nor the labor needed to assemble them are free, this means that it costs businesses money to make the products that they sell. This cost is called the cost of goods sold, or COGS. COGS includes the material and labor costs directly tied to the creation of the product being sold, but not indirect expenses like distribution, shipping, and sales force pay. Subtracting COGS from net sales gives a value called gross income.  In our sneaker company example, our company needs to buy fabric and rubber to make its sneakers and also needs to pay factory workers to assemble the raw materials into wearable products. If we say that we spent $30,000 on fabric and rubber and paid our factory workers $35,000 collectively this quarter, our business's gross income is $338,000 -...

Summary in French:

Commencez par la valeur nette des ventes réalisées par votre entreprise. Déterminez le revenu brut en retranchant du montant précédent le coût des biens vendus (CBV). Retranchez toutes les dépenses de fonctionnement. Continuez en retranchant l'amortissement et la dépréciation. Retranchez les autres dépenses. Ajoutez les revenus occasionnels. Retranchez les impôts pour obtenir votre revenu net.


Article in English: While a power bank can be charged at any time, unnecessary charging may decrease its lifespan. Most power banks have 4 LED lights on the side. The lights will shut off as the battery diminishes. Wait to charge your power bank until only 1 or 2 lights are on. Your power bank should have come with a USB cord and wall adapter. Plug the larger end of the USB cord into the wall adapter. Then, plug the smaller end into your power adapter. Leave the power bank to charge. A computer or laptop can also be used to charge a power bank. Connect the smaller end of the USB cord into the power bank. Then, connect the larger end of the USB cord into your computer or laptop's USB drive. It will take longer to charge a power bank on a computer than it would with a wall charger.

Summary in French:

Regardez vos témoins lumineux de charge. Branchez la batterie externe sur une prise murale. Branchez votre batterie sur un ordinateur ou un portable.


Article in English: While a sunshade works best, a tarp or blanket can also keep the heat off of your tent. Pick up a sunshade or tarp before you go camping, or use what you have to block out the sun. The sun is typically what makes your tent heat up, so blocking its rays will be a big help. Most sunshades come with the poles you need to set it up. If you're using a tarp or blanket, you can use loose stakes or poles. Put them in the ground deep enough to keep them steady. Then, tie the poles together to create a base to hold up your sunshade or tarp.  It’s best to drape the tarp or sunshade over a tree branch for added support. You can find stakes and poles at your local camping or outdoor store. Gently place the sunshade or tarp over the pole or stakes. Adjust it so that it covers the entire tent. Leave space between the tarp or sunshade and the top of your tent so that air can circulate. The sun’s rays will bounce off the sunshade or tarp, which will prevent them from soaking into your tent.

Summary in French:

Achetez une bâche qui recouvre toute la tente. Plantez des piquets ou des perches dans le sol. Placez la bâche à au moins 30 cm au-dessus de la tente.


Article in English: While being popular can be fun, you should never put yourself in a situation that makes you uncomfortable just to please others. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, listen to this gut instinct. A negative gut reaction often points to a dangerous situation.  Back out of a situation when you become uncomfortable. Find a way to excuse yourself from a party or even if you get nervous. You can try making up a quick excuse if you do not want to get into a confrontation in the moment. For example, say something like, "Sorry, but I should get going. I'm coming down with a really bad headache." If you're attending an event where drugs or alcohol are being used, it's best to leave. You do not want to be popular at the expense of your own safety. There also may be legal consequences to underage drinking or the use of illegal drugs. If you're pressured into doing anything illegal, find a way to leave the situation fast. If you're going to a party where there may be alcohol or drugs served, plan what to do in the event you're pressured to partake. You can have a trusted friend on call who can help get you out of this situation. Negative peer pressure can often encourage you to bully or ostracize other students. Popular cliques in middle or high school often engage in bullying. Remember, bullying can have serious emotional consequences for the target. Avoid the temptation of gossip and do not be openly (or even not-openly) cruel to other students at your school. If you ever get bullied, go to a website called Stymie to anonymously file a report.  It can be very hard to try to resist negative peer pressure, but remember the benefits. You'll feel better about yourself and you may influence other peers to resist things like bullying and gossip as well. Peer pressure is not always negative. Sometimes, your friends may pressure you into a taking a risk that is worth it. Good friends, for example, will encourage you to submit your poems to that contest or ask your crush on a date. Friends may also expose you to new and...

Summary in French:

Croyez en votre instinct. Ne vous engagez pas dans une activité illégale. Évitez l'intimidation. Concentrez-vous sur la pression positive des pairs.


Article in English: While checking the data usage in your Settings will show you how much you've used, it won't show you what your limit is, and sometimes the date and measurement is off compared to your carrier. You can quickly check how close you are to your monthly limit by entering the code for your carrier into the Phone app:   Verizon - Dial #DATA and press the "Call" button. You will receive a text message showing all your usage details for that billing cycle.  AT&T - Dial *DATA# and press the "Call" button. You will receive a text message showing how much data you've used versus your monthly limit.  T-Mobile - Dial #WEB# and press the "Call" button. You will receive a text message showing how much data you've used versus your monthly limit.  Sprint - Dial *4 and press the "Call" button. Follow the voice prompts to check your usage for the billing period.  Idea (IN) - Dial *121# and press the "Call" button. You will receive a reply with your usage. Most cellular carriers have an app you can download to your iPhone; once you do so, you'll be able to monitor your data usage and plan information from within the app.   Verizon - Download the My Verizon app.  Sprint - Download the My Sprint Mobile app.  T-Mobile - Download the T-Mobile app.  AT&T - Download the myAT&T app.  TELUS (CA) - Download the TELUS My Account app.  Vodafone - Download the My Vodafone app.  Rogers (CA) - Download the MyRogers app. If all else fails, calling your carrier's support line or going to your local carrier's store directly will allow them to tell you how much data you've used and how much remains in your current cycle, as well as upgrade your plan if you feel it would be beneficial.

Summary in French:

Téléphonez au service client de votre opérateur. Téléchargez l’application de votre opérateur. Contactez directement votre opérateur de téléphonie mobile.


Article in English: While each community has its own codes for building chimneys, most codes are based on the National Fire Protection Agencies 211 standard. Go to the NFPA website to review national fire code associated with chimneys. The code is available online for free. This code should guide all aspects of the function of your chimney.   Two general requirements of the 211 standard are that chimneys be at least 3 feet (90 centimeters) taller than the highest point where it goes through the roof of a single structure and 2 feet (60 centimeters) taller than any portion of the building or any adjacent building within 10 feet (3 meters) of the chimney. The taller the chimney, the better it drafts. A chimney also needs at least a 2-inch (5-centimeter) clearance from combustible material if it is built in or through the walls of a house and a 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) clearance if built alongside the house. The most common material for a chimney is brick or masonry, but prefabricated metal chimneys are also widely available. If building a masonry or brick chimney, you will need to figure out how big it will be to estimate how many bricks to order. If using a prefab metal chimney, you will need to measure the distance from your stove, or other appliance, to the location where it is exiting the house.  Masonry chimneys are usually required to have walls at least 4-inches (10-centimeters) thick. Standard chimney bricks should come in this thickness. This will determine whether your chimney can vent multiple appliances or if it will vent only one.   It is possible to build chimneys for several appliances and connect them to a main discharge flue, sized to handle the combined output, provided the subordinate flues for the individual chimneys are not angled more than 30 degrees off vertical and they vent the same type of by-product. In other words, a chimney for a gas range can be combined with one for a gas furnace, but not a wood-burning fireplace. Flues also must not change in shape or size within 6 inches (15 centimeters) above or...

Summary in French:

Vérifiez les codes du bâtiment locaux au début du projet. Choisissez le matériau dans lequel elle sera construite. Déterminez le type de déchets qui sera éliminé par la cheminée. Déterminez la largeur du conduit de cheminée.


Article in English: While each publisher or agent may have their own guidelines for formatting, generally you will need to double-space your work. Use a 12-point font such as Times New Roman.  If you don't have guidelines, you should include your name and the title of your work at the top of every page. Always use one-inch margins when submitting work for publication. Whatever you submit to a publisher or agent needs to be pristine. Carefully read through your work to eliminate any typos, misspellings, grammatical mistakes, or missing words. Edit for conciseness as well. Remove any unnecessary words, phrases, or clichés.  Try reading your entire synopsis out loud to catch any mistakes. You can hire a copyeditor to proofread it for you. Get a friend or professional copyeditor to look over the synopsis for you. They can give you suggestions about what you may need to change before submitting it to an agent or publisher. Do not just send the same synopsis out to every publisher. Instead, identify the submission guidelines of each agent or house, and change the synopsis to fit their guidelines.  For example, one publishing house may require you to cut down your synopsis to one page. In this case, focus on just the main conflict. Another may ask for four pages. In this one, you can go into more detail. If you do not tailor your synopsis to a publisher, they may not read your submission. Usually, the synopsis is part of a proposal that may also include a query letter and a sample of your written work. Every publisher and agent has their own guidelines for these submissions, so read their author submission rules carefully.  A query letter should contain a short summary of your work, a brief paragraph explaining your credentials, and a reason why the agent should accept your submission. A sample may include one or two chapters, one act of a screenplay, or one short story out of a collection. In most cases, it will be the first scene or chapter.

Summary in French:

Utilisez le bon format. Relisez-vous. Faites-vous relire. Adaptez-vous au destinataire. Ajoutez d’autres documents.


Article in English: While extroverts are primarily concerned with what's going on outside themselves, introverts are often preoccupied with their inner world. One way to shift focus is by keeping a journal; commit to a daily writing practice.  Ask yourself questions like:  What did I feel?  Why? What did I learn today?  Who did I learn from? What ideas arrived?  Who did I think about today? How was today different than yesterday? Than last week? Than last year? What can I be grateful for?  Who in my world seems lonely? Why? Imagination and ideas develop from observation of the exterior world. The more you observe outside you, the more you take notice and the more connections you can make from concepts that may not naturally fit together.  When you're by yourself, what do you notice?  What impressions does the world make on you? Creativity could be seen as 'self-absorbed', but a tremendous external focus is involved. Write fictional short stories Create works of art - painting, sculpture, sketching, etc. Use an art journal Write songs Write poetry Such activities will cultivate patience and possibly relieve stress, as well as boredom, during times when you have to be alone. Here are some ideas:  Reading  Knitting, crochet  Programming  Listening to music by yourself Practicing an instrument Taking a solitary walk or hike Whether that means relating to a higher power, meditating or just taking time out of your day to learn something new, any shift or increase in perspective will nurture your introverted side.  Practicing mindfulness and things like Zen driving will also help. Contemplating the mysteries of science (the universe, quantum theory) can also be an intensely introspective experience. . Sometimes solitude and looking inward can seem "boring" to an extrovert, since you're used to drawing energy from external stimuli. Think of learning how to embrace solitude similar to starting a new sport, one that you're not already naturally talented in. At first it's awkward and repetitive, but once you get the hang of it, you'll...

Summary in French:

Tenez un journal. Entretenez votre créativité. Profitez des moments passés seul. Travaillez sur votre conscience du monde. Soyez patient.


Article in English: While food is a necessity, it's also a problem area for over-spenders. Although cheap food is often considered unhealthy, there are plenty of ways to pay less without sacrificing nutrition.  Many Americans overspend by eating out often, especially when it comes to lunches at work. If you resolve to prepare a majority of your meals at home, you will be able to save quite a bit of money each month. Shop sales. Instead of sticking by a brand or making a traditional shopping list, buy items as they go on sale for the best deals. While the savings of buying sales items in bulk may be tempting, only purchase what you can safely store or consume quickly. Always pick the item with the lowest cost per unit. While many people assume the biggest version of an item will be the best value, that is often not the case. If you don't want to do the math yourself, many grocery stores will even list the cost per unit next to the item. Many people spend a large portion of their incomes on entertainment. Luckily, these costs are the ones we have the most control over and thus the simplest to cut back on. It can be easy to be peer pressured into unnecessary spending if your social group spends its time at expensive bars and other venues. Instead of dropping your friends, start suggesting or planning lower cost get-togethers. Have a movie night at your house instead of the theater. Host a casual potluck instead of catching up at an expensive restaurant. Go to a public park instead of maintaining an expensive gym membership. Cancel anything you don't use enough to be worth the cost. In the age of high speed Internet, an easy thing for most people to eliminate is cable television. Video game subscriptions, beauty boxes, and magazines are other expenses that may seem small but add up over time. If you use these services regularly, downgrading may still be an option. Do you pay for a movie rental service that includes both online streaming and physical discs but find yourself exclusively streaming content? Switch to a cheaper plan...

Summary in French:

Faites des choix alimentaires plus intelligents. Dépensez moins d'argent en loisirs. Estimez vos abonnements.


Article in English: While formal education is never required for art, it will help you learn the basic illustration techniques like shading, adding texture, and composition. Sign up for a drawing or illustration class at your local community center or find a college that offers classes. Research different courses that are provided and choose one that interests you.  Even if you've been drawing independently for years, taking a class may teach you something new and will surround you with other illustrators that you can give you feedback and tips. Things to consider when looking for classes include the class schedule and the cost of the courses. In addition to these basic techniques that every illustrator should have, there are also more advanced techniques used by many illustrators that include etching, stipple, and crosshatching. Doodling or drawing images to take notes in class can help hone your skills, however, dedicated and concentrated practice enables you to make vast improvements in your technique. Set aside extra time each day to sit down and seriously draw something in your newly developed style. Pinpoint areas that you are weak in and deliberately practice drawing things you have difficulty illustrating.  For instance, if you are great at drawing faces but bad at anatomy, take extra time to draw the human body until you become more proficient. Make sure that you're in an environment that you feel comfortable so that you can get the most out of your practice. Even though your style is unique to you, it's important that you don't let your ego get in the way of actually improving. Though art is all subjective, there are things that you can do to improve your technique regardless of your experience. Have open and honest conversations about your drawings and take the advice if you feel it is valid.  Many art classes will have critiques where other artists will comment on your work and talk about how you can improve. Don't let a suggestion get you down. Instead of being upset, examine what's being said and consider that it...

Summary in French:

Suivez des cours pour apprendre les bases. Exercez-vous constamment et souvent. Demandez des commentaires à des professionnels. Soyez unique.


Article in English: While it can be temping to tell your best friend about your feelings over text or through a phone call, it’s better to talk to them in person. This helps show that you’re serious about your feelings, and you can gauge your best friend’s reaction more easily when you’re face-to-face. Talk to your best friend when you’re together on a casual outing, such as at the park or eating a meal. Write out specific things you want to tell your best friend when you're sharing your feelings, or even just think about what you might say in your head beforehand. Preparing some specific things to say will help you feel more relaxed and confident when you have the real conversation. Practice what you'd like to say in front of a mirror to help you feel more confident if you're super nervous. Telling your best friend that you like them during a commercial break or right before they need to go isn’t a good idea. Pick a moment where you’re both comfortable and have nowhere to rush off to, such as in the evening or during the weekend.  For example, you might choose to talk to them Friday after school so they have the whole weekend to think about their own feelings. Telling them right before school or really quickly in between activities might cause them to feel overwhelmed. Plan to have enough time to not only tell your best friend how you feel, but to allow them time to think and respond if they’d like to. Pick a spot to talk that isn't very public, like in a park or a secluded part of school. It’s also best to talk to your best friend away from family and friends so that neither of you feels awkward or like people are listening to your conversation. Instead of having the conversation at a loud and crowded restaurant, think about taking a walk with your best friend and telling them then. Start a conversation by talking about things you would normally talk about, such as school, homework, or extracurricular activities. Once you're both feeling comfortable, let them know you have something you'd like to share with them. Be open and...

Summary in French:

Demandez à le voir en personne. Préparez ce que vous lui direz. Choisissez un moment où il aura le temps d'assimiler la nouvelle. Parlez-lui seul à seul, à l’écart des autres. Commencez une conversation normale. Appuyez sur l’importance de votre amitié à vos yeux. Dites-lui que vous n’attendez pas de réponse immédiate.


Article in English: While it is good to try to conquer continents early in the game, you should be careful about which continents you decide to conquer. There are advantages and disadvantages to each continent, but the main thing to consider is the isolation of a continent. More isolated continents may be easier to maintain, but they are also more difficult to expand from. Therefore, you should choose a continent that is in line with your strategy. For example, Australia is easy to conquer and maintain because of how isolated it is, but it is also hard to expand from Australia and you may fall prey to more powerful plays later in the game. For these reasons, conquering Australia may offer you an advantage, but only if you feel capable of overcoming its disadvantage. Some continents are much more beneficial to hold than others because you will get a better army bonus each turn. Before you begin trying to conquer a continent, find out how many armies you will get as a bonus for holding that continent. For example, Europe gives you a bonus of 5 armies per turn for holding the continent, while Africa gives you a bonus of 3 armies per turn. Keep in mind that Europe and North America are the most beneficial continents to hold because they give you the best army bonuses. Try to hold one of these continents if you can. Knowing how many armies to use in an attack on an opponent can be a big boost to your chances of winning. A good general rule in attacking an enemy territory is to use as many armies as you can to attack your opponent's territory. This will increase your chances of winning and overtaking the territory. Keep in mind that you will need to move these armies to an adjacent territory or a territory connected by a sea line before you begin your attack. For example, if an opponent has two armies on a territory that you want, then you should attack that territory with the maximum amount of armies you can attack with, three. In most cases, you will benefit from having most of your armies on your border territories. Concentrating...

Summary in French:

Envahissez les continents de manière avisée. Faites attention aux renforts que vous recevez pour chaque continent. Attaquez avec le bon nombre de régiments. Déterminez le nombre de régiments à garder sur chaque territoire.


Article in English: While it is possible to crack a smile when you’re in a bad mood, smiling under these circumstances can sometimes make people wary of you because they can tell the smile isn’t authentic. Offer a genuine smile to others whenever possible.  To ensure that your smile is genuine, don't smile when you just aren't feeling it. If you do, it will give others the impression that you can't be trusted. Remember how it feels when you do crack a genuine smile. Try to regain that feeling each time you smile. Even if you aren’t in the best mood, think of something that truly makes you happy before you smile. That can often lead to a genuine smile. A genuine smile comes from being happy and positive. Be happy that things are going well for the person you're talking to, that someone's joke is funny, or that you're about to eat your favorite food.  Even when you aren't feeling cheerful, you can still find reasons to smile. Focus on the positive things that are going on in your life and it will be easier to smile. When you're dealing with a person or situation that makes you feel ambivalent and you're not sure whether a smile or not, err on the side of smiling – find one thing that is positive about the person or situation and use that to create your smile. Think about someone you care about, such as the person in front of you, or something that you genuinely love to do. It's much easier to produce a natural, easy-going smile when you focus on the people or things that you love. If you find yourself in a situation where it’s important to smile and you aren’t necessarily feeling it at the moment, it helps to have a mental list of people and things that you love to run through in your head to make it easier to smile. When you’re having fun or enjoying yourself, it’s always easier to smile. See life as an adventure and allow your inner to the child to play by engaging in games, sports, and other leisure activities. When you’re playing a game or participating in an activity with friends and family, avoid getting overly competitive....

Summary in French:

Ayez un sourire franc. Souriez lorsque vous vous sentez bien. Souriez par amour. Souriez lorsque vous êtes d'humeur enjouée.


Article in English: While it may be tempting to force a nervous cat to come out of hiding, this will not build a better relationship with the cat. Instead, if you can tempt the cat out of hiding, you are putting the ball in the cat's court so to speak, basically having it make the decision to interact. If the cat has places it feels safe, then perhaps it will feel less stressed and it will make the cat feel more secure when it does venture out. While you want to make sure the cat can hide itself a bit, you also need to make sure that there are no hazards around it. Be especially sure that the cat cannot escape! Don't force your affection onto a high strung cat. It can be totally frustrating to care for a cat that doesn't trust you or care to hang out with you, but you need to keep focused on developing your long-term relationship with the cat. Forcing the cat to do something it doesn't want to do will only make it more distrustful of you. Provide the cat with toys and equipment, such as a cat tower, that will make it happier and more fulfilled. While a skittish cat may be a little afraid of you, it may overcome that fearfulness to play with you or to receive a treat. Contentment will only make it more likely that the cat will overcome its shyness and become comfortable with you. Some cats are naturally reserved or have experienced trauma that makes them fearful. While it's important to try to make your cat happy and content, it may not be able to overcome all neuroses. Make a concerted effort to socialize your cat but don't think of it as a personal failure if your cat doesn't want to snuggle with you all the time. Food is a powerful motivator for a cat, so if it knows that you are the source of its food it may be more inclined to show you affection. If the cat is severely high strung, feeding time may be the only time you can get near it. Hang out near the cat's food dish, making sure that you are far enough from the dish that the cat will actually eat but that your presence is acknowledged by the cat.

Summary in French:

Offrez-lui un endroit où se cacher afin qu’il se sente à l’aise. Laissez-lui un peu d’espace. Stimulez son esprit et son corps. Sachez qu’il peut ne jamais se sentir à 100 % à l’aise avec vous. Assurez-vous qu’il vous voit lui donner à manger.


Article in English: While it may be tempting to wear minimal clothing to beat the heat during outdoor activities in the summer, exposing that much skin to the sun will result in tanning and possibly sunburn.  Keep in mind that densely woven, lightweight fabrics will provide protection and shade the skin while running, biking, playing golf, and other outdoor activities. Depending on the type of outdoor activity you are participating in, different measures can be taken to increase protection against harmful UV rays.  Golf:  With long hours on the course and increased UV reflections from the ponds and sand traps, you experience higher exposure to UV rays.  Be sure to always wear a broad-brimmed hat (not a visor or a baseball hat!) and sunglasses, along with long pants or longer shorts and a shirt that minimally covers your shoulders and upper arms. Tennis, Running, and Hiking:  Due to the excessive perspiration that accompanies these activities, participants are at an increased risk of sweating off their sunscreen.  Because of this, reapplication of sunscreen is not enough protection, and clothing and hats with a UPF of 30 or higher are necessary to provide extra defense from prolonged sun exposure. Biking:  Because of the posture your body is in while riding a bike, the back of the neck, the forearms, and the upper thighs receive much more sun exposure than the rest of the body.  To avoid tanning or sunburn during a long bike ride, wear to-the-knee bike shorts, long sleeves, and a wide-brimmed hat and/or cover your neck with the collar of a shirt or a bandana. Sailing and Swimming:  These activities have some of the highest UV exposure levels due to excessive reflection of UV rays off of the water.  In addition to protective clothing and liberal reapplication of sunscreen, sailors and swimmers are recommended to choose sunscreen brands that include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they block and reflect UV rays better than other types of sunscreen ingredients that absorb UV rays. It’s easy to forget to reapply sunscreen when...

Summary in French:

Couvrez-vous même s'il fait chaud. Examinez les alentours. Réappliquez-en plus souvent que vous le croyez nécessaire.


Article in English: While it might be a little more difficult to create large designs that cover the entire shirt using the Sharpie method, you can use this technique to create smaller designs, such as flowers and spirals. This section will teach you how to create smaller tie-dye designs using Sharpies and rubbing alcohol. You will need:  Sharpie permanent markers in various colors (or one color if you so choose). Rubbing alcohol. An applicator bottle or an eye dropper. Rubber bands. Plastic cups. Because Sharpies are translucent, the color of your shirt will show throw. This means that if you draw with a yellow sharpie over a light blue shirt, you will get green. A white base, however, will give you the brightest, most vibrant results. Make sure that the shirt (or any other item you are using) is clean, as any dirt or oils may prevent the Sharpie inks from adhering properly. Decide where you want your first design to be, then place a plastic up inside the shirt. Pull the fabric taut over the rim of the cup. Secure it with a rubber band by stretching the band around the fabric and the cup. You are creating a sort of mini fabric-and-cup drum. You can also use an embroidery hoop instead of a plastic cup and a rubber band. Simply tuck the inner circle inside the shirt, and secure it by placing the outer circle over it and the shirt. Press the tip of your Sharpie down onto the fabric, creating a small dot. Make the next dot no more than a centimeter away from the first one. Keep making dots until you have a complete circle or ring—you are essentially making a dotted line. You can make the dots as big or as small as you want, but they should not be touching. Be sure to work inside your cup. Here are some design ideas:  You can create fireworks by making two circles, one inside the other. Use a different color for each circle.  Create flowers by making one big dot, and then making a ring of smaller dots around it. These smaller dots will become petals. Once you are satisfied with your design, you can start adding the rubbing alcohol....

Summary in French:

Utilisez des feutres ! Commencez avec un teeshirt blanc propre. Mettez un gobelet en plastique à l'intérieur du teeshirt. Commencez à dessiner de petits cercles composés de points. Appliquez de l'alcool sur le motif. Laissez sécher le teeshirt. Fixez l'encre thermiquement.


Article in English: While it might seem counterintuitive, cranking up the heater can actually draw heat away from the engine bay, which might help cool your vehicle down. On the other hand, using air conditioning can worsen the problem. Switch off the A/C, turn on the heat to full blast, and roll down your windows. This isn’t likely to fix the problem but can be a temporary solution if you only have to drive a short distance. If you notice your engine temperature climbing into the hot, or orange/red, zone, don’t continue driving the vehicle. As soon as it is safe to do so, pull over on the side of the road. Turn your hazard lights on so other motorists know that you are having mechanical issues.  Some vehicles may have a warning light that comes on when the engine begins to overheat. This is especially important if you notice steam pouring out from under the hood! Continuing to drive under these conditions could create additional mechanical problems. Start by turning off your vehicle. Then, carefully open the hood to allow excess heat to disperse faster and steam to escape. Press the hood latch on the interior of your vehicle, go around to the front of the vehicle, release the safety lever, and open the hood. Take care not to burn your fingers! If your engine is overheated, everything under the hood will be extremely hot. Do not attempt to diagnose or fix the problem until your car has cooled down. Wait for the temperature gauge to return to a normal reading before moving forward. This can take up to an hour, so make sure you’re parked in a safe spot. Do a brief inspection to see if you can figure out what the problem is. Steam or smoke pouring out or leaking coolant (also called antifreeze) from the radiator, hoses, or engine are signs of a serious problem.  Your coolant may be orange/red or green, depending on the type. If you hear bubbling coming from under the hood, it means your cooling system is over pressurized and your engine is overheating. and fill it if needed. Your vehicle has a plastic reservoir of coolant connected...

Summary in French:

Éteignez la climatisation et allumez le chauffage. Garez-vous si la jauge de température grimpe dans le rouge. Coupez le contact et ouvrez le capot. Laissez votre voiture refroidir entre 30 et 60 minutes. Cherchez de la vapeur, des fuites ou d’autres problèmes. Examinez le réservoir du liquide de refroidissement Continuez à rouler si le liquide de refroidissement a résolu le problème. Contactez une dépanneuse en cas de fuite.


Article in English: While it might seem that a big tank would only mean more work, the opposite is the case. Small tanks get dirty quicker and thus require more regular maintenance. The larger your aquarium the better. It will keep your fish happier and save you energy.  20-gallon tanks are the minimum size you should consider and will be too small for many fish. Semi-aggressive fish, for example, need additional space to prevent fights. Consult with an expert about how much space your fish requires..  You might be required to assemble the aquarium. Follow the instructions on the box, because these will vary from tank to tank. Be sure that the tank comes with a lid. Many fish like to jump and can leap out of the aquarium if you aren’t careful. You should also have a light that you leave on for approximately 12 hours a day and leave off the other half of the day. These come standard with most, but not all, aquariums. These are important for keeping the aquarium at the appropriate temperature for your fish and for cleaning waste out of the water. There are many models for filters. It is principally important that you get one that is designed to a filter a tank as large as the one that you have picked out.  You should also refrain from buying an undergravel filter if you are using a fine substrate, like sand. Certain types of fish can be hurt by gravel and require a sand substrate. A heater is especially important if you plan to keep tropical fish, because these prefer warm water. You will need to place your aquarium on something and most household items—desks and tables included—are not strong enough to accommodate a large tank. Unless you want to have a very expensive, fishy mess on your floor, you should buy a stand specifically designed for an aquarium of your size. Similarly, it is a very bad idea to leave the aquarium on the floor. This will all but inevitably lead an accident. Furthermore, you won’t have much fun looking at your fish if they’re on the ground. A tank should be placed far away from places in the house that...

Summary in French:

Achetez un aquarium. Achetez un chauffage et un filtre. Achetez une plateforme adaptée à votre aquarium. Trouvez un endroit sûr. Achetez des produits de traitement de l'eau. Placez des substrats et des cachettes dans votre aquarium. Remplissez l'aquarium. Traitez l'eau. Attendez 2 semaines.


Article in English: While it's certainly possible to create art without the training wheels of a pencil design, most beginners find that having a design helps them. There are three basic ways to copy a design onto your piece of wood.

Summary in French:

Choisissez la façon de décalquer qui vous va le mieux.


Article in English: While it's nice to think of grief as a process, that's not how it works. Your emotions can vary, and you may find yourself going in and out of the grieving process. Give yourself permission to feel your emotions and time to come to terms with what happened. It might take awhile for you to figure out what works for you. Things will start to get better in time. After you learn that your loved one died by suicide you may withdraw from friends and family members. Others may cause a stronger emotional reaction of guilt or blame. Remember that these people may be just as upset by the death as you. Rather than isolating yourself spend more time with those who also loved this person. Doing so may offer you comfort. As you congregate together and try to comfort one another, take the time to recall the good days you had with the deceased person. Dwelling on the hows and whys of the suicide (while understandable) won't lead to peace. Recounting your fond memories may bring you back to a time when this person was happy. You may choose to remember them that way. As soon as you feel able, try to return to your usual routine. Doing this will be very hard at first. Even getting dressed or cleaning your home might be painstaking activities. No, things will never be "normal" again, but establishing your routine again may help you gain a sense of purpose and structure. When you are mourning a loved one's death, it can be easy to forget meals. Taking care of yourself is probably the last thing on your mind. However, eating a few balanced meals each day will give you the strength to persevere through this ordeal. Exercising - even if it is only walking your dog around the block - can help reduce the sadness or anxiety you feel and improve your mood. As you develop your routine, include meal-planning and exercise into your schedule so that you can properly nourish your body during this stressful time. All the upsetting thoughts and feelings associated with your loved one's suicide can cause you to feel sad, anxious, or even...

Summary in French:

Attendez-vous à vivre des cycles émotionnels. Communiquez avec vos proches. Remémorez-vous les bons souvenirs . Continuez vos habitudes. Mangez bien et faites de l'exercice . Pratiquez des activités qui vous apaisent. Ne vous sentez pas mal parce que vous vous amusez. Demandez de l'aide à un professionnel.


Article in English: While it's not your party, you're the one in charge of making it a success. As the MC, it's your job to keep the event moving forward in a timely manner, keeping to the schedule and helping as best you can. Because of this, you need to be involved in the planning process, not so much to make decisions, but to make sure that you're aware of the order of events and the time frame in which the events need to occur. The night belongs to the bride and groom, but it's your job to help it happen without any problems. The bride, groom, and other members of the wedding party will typically have something called a "run sheet" which will be a detailed itinerary of the various events. Get your schedule ahead of time and keep it on you during the day. Be the militant one. The MC of the wedding is basically the host and communications person of the event. When is it time for tables to approach the buffet line? In what order should they approach the table? Where should presents be placed? When and where will the garter toss commence? These are things you're going to have to know and announce as the MC of the wedding. Distinguish between things you'll need to announce into the microphone and things that might be ok to say to everyone as they come in the door, or by going around table-to-table and talking to everyone. If you label the presents table, for instance, you won't need to make a big to-do of announcing it every five minutes when people come in. To make sure no one from the bridal party or their immediate family has to spend a bunch of time wrangling the catering staff, that's generally going to be the responsibility of the MC. Introduce yourself to the cooks, the servers, the DJ, and anyone else who's going to be directly involved with the evening. Hear them out and accommodate their needs, as well. What happens if the catering group is understaffed? What happens if Uncle Phil's keg of wedding beer runs dry? What if the PA goes on the fritz just as everyone's ready to start dancing? Bus tables! Beer run! iPod dock!...

Summary in French:

Analysez l'évènement dans son ensemble. Ayez toutes les informations. Discutez avec les personnes travaillant durant cette soirée. Attendez-vous à l'inattendu. Détendez-vous.


Article in English: While it’s possible to waterproof just about any kind of shoe, you’ll get the best results with a more absorbent fabric. The wax you’ll be using will settle nicely into the woven fibers of fabric shoes. On materials like leather or synthetics, it will simply form a coat on the surface which is likely to wear off much faster. Canvas, hemp, suede, and other textured materials will make the best candidates for waterproofing. There are many different brands and styles to choose from, but they all do essentially the same thing. The most important ingredients you're looking for are silicone or acrylic polymers, which help block water and prevent mold, mildew, and general water-related deterioration. Waterproofing sprays can be found in most shoe stores, as well as shops that specialize in outdoor clothing and equipment. Hold the can 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) away from the shoe and mist on a light, even coating. Make sure you cover every part of the shoe where moisture might get in, including the seam where the upper connects to the outsole. Don't saturate it. Instead, look for the spray to just glisten once it's settled on the surface.  Hang up the shoe if possible This will allow you to accurately target the top half of the shoe without accidentally spraying your hand. To decrease your exposure to noxious fumes, work in a well-ventilated area. Outdoors is ideal, but if that isn't an option, you can also turn on the overhead fan. It may take two or more coats to make materials with irregular textures like suede or nubuck fully water-resistant. Go over the entire shoe lightly. Try not to use so much pressure that you soak up the wet waterproofing spray—a few quick dabs will do.  Avoid paper towels. The shedding fibers will get trapped in the sticky spray, effectively becoming a part of the material. Be sure to remove as much of the spray as you can from the surrounding outsole, as well as accents like zippers, eyelets, and rubberized detailing. Most sprays will dry to the touch within 20-30 minutes, but for guaranteed...

Summary in French:

Choisissez des chaussures. Achetez un produit. Appliquez l’imperméabilisant. Enlevez le surplus. Laissez sécher les chaussures. Renouvelez le traitement.


Article in English: While living with AF can be challenging, there are ways that you can make dealing with AF easier. These are habits that should be followed every day to help make life easier for you. These include:  Taking all medications exactly as prescribed Continuing to take any prescription medication unless your healthcare provider says otherwise Discussing any medicine-caused side effects with your healthcare provider Monitoring your pulse daily, especially if you have an artificial pacemaker Keeping a record of your pulse along with the day and time the pulse was taken and notes about how you felt at the time There are some substances that can make your atrial fibrillation worse and that contribute to an irregular heartbeat. Because of this, you should avoid the substances such as:  Sodium, which can increase your blood pressure, which triggers AF  Caffeine Tobacco Alcohol, which trigger AF in some individuals Cold and cough medications Appetite suppressants Psychotropic drugs used to treat certain mental illnesses Antiarrhythmic in certain individuals, although they are used to treat arrhythmia as well Anti-migraine drugs Drugs for erectile dysfunction Street drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, “speed”, or methamphetamines levels. High stress levels can increase your blood pressure, which can worsen your AF. High stress levels can also cause other heart diseases because it causes the constriction of your blood vessels. To reduce your stress levels:  Reduce your exposure to your stressors Create a schedule for yourself Take breaks throughout the day Practice yoga Set aside some time each day to meditate There is not a specific diet that is for AF patients; however, your diet can be tailored to the underlying cause and prevention of AF, as well as to lower the risk of stroke and heart attack. You can also create a diet that reduces the conditions that can make your AF worse. Eat more vegetables and fruit, avoid large portion sizes, and eat whole grains instead of refined carbohydrates, which include white breads, white...

Summary in French:

Rendez-vous la vie plus simple. Évitez les substances nocives. Gérez votre stress Suivez un régime alimentaire sain. Arrêtez de fumer Faites de l'exercice régulièrement. Prenez des médicaments.