Article in English: You don't need any other equipment to use this method, and you should get an accurate estimate of how tall the tree is. You will need to do multiplication and division problems, but no other math. If you want to avoid doing any math at all, you can use a tree height calculator online, such as this one, and enter the measurements you find using this method. Use a tape measure or yardstick (meter ruler) to measure your height while standing straight. Do this while wearing the shoes you will be wearing to perform this method. Since you'll need a piece of paper anyway, write your height down so you don't forget the exact number.  You'll need a single number, such as your height in inches, not a combination of feet and inches. If you're not sure how to convert into one number, you can use the height of a yardstick or meter ruler standing vertical instead (3 feet or 1 meter). Use the ruler's height and the length of the ruler's shadow anytime you are asked to use If you are in a wheelchair or cannot stand straight for another reason, measure your height in whatever position you'll be in when you go outside to measure the tree. Try to find a spot where your shadow falls along flat ground so you can get an accurate measurement. For best results, do this method on a bright, sunny day. If the sky is overcast, it may be difficult to precisely measure the shadows. Use a tape measure or yardstick (meter ruler) to measure the distance from your heels to the tip of your shadow. If you don’t have someone to assist you, you can mark the end of the shadow by tossing a rock onto it while you’re standing. Or better yet, place the rock anywhere on the ground, and then position yourself so the tip of your shadow is at the rock; then measure from where you're standing to the rock. Write down and label each measurement you make right after you make it, to avoid confusing them with each other. Use your measuring tape to determine the length of the tree’s shadow from the base of the tree to the tip of the shadow.  This works best if...

Summary in Russian:

Этот метод подходит, если у вас есть измерительная рулетка или метровая линейка. Измерьте свой рост. Встаньте на ровном, освещенном солнцем участке земли рядом с деревом. Определите длину своей тени. Измерьте длину тени, отбрасываемой деревом. Прибавьте к длине тени дерева 1/2 его ширины. На основании проведенных измерений рассчитайте высоту дерева.


Article in English: You don't need the oven to get very hot. The pinecones just need some gentle heat to help dry them fully, so they'll open again after soaking. If you don't have any parchment paper, you can use aluminum foil instead. Leave some space between each pinecone. This allows the hot air to flow better between them and gives them room to open up. This may take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Check the pinecones frequently, though, so that they don't catch on fire. They're ready when they're shiny and fully opened. If you prefer, you can leave the pinecones out to air dry so they open up again. However, it can take two to three days for them to open, which makes baking a good idea if you don't have much time. Use a pair of oven mitts, tongs, or even a soup ladle to do this. Be careful while moving the pinecones; they'll be very fragile. Once they're cool, you can paint them, display them, or seal them further. They will have a shiny coating on them, which is just melted sap. This can act as a natural preservative. If you want to preserve them further, you should finish them.

Summary in Russian:

Нагрейте духовку до 94–122 °C. Переложите шишки на выстеленный бумагой для выпечки противень. Прогревайте шишки до тех пор, пока они не раскроются. Переложите шишки на решетку для остывания. Дайте шишкам остыть.


Article in English: You don't need to be a great cook, nor do you have to cook him anything especially elaborate. The time and effort involved in fixing any meal demonstrates a certain level of care when that meal is prepared for someone else, though, and that alone can speak volumes about how much you love him. For something extra special, find out what his favorite meal is and try making that. You should occasionally cook other things, as well, but mastering his favorites will show him that your efforts are for his sake. Every relationship comes with some sort of financial burden. Oftentimes, the man in the relationship takes on the majority of that burden. Even if he is happy to do so, you can still show some consideration for his needs and his situation by offering to chip in every now and then. He may or may not take you up on the offer, but knowing that you would be just as willing to pay for him as he is for you can reassure him that you love being with him for his sake, and not simply because he pampers you. Know when to back off. Some guys like taking on the role of financial provider, and if that dynamic works for your relationship, you do not need to push him into letting you pay the way. Make the offer, and if he politely declines, then leave things at that. Chances are, there is at least one thing your guy enjoys doing that you find little to no enjoyment in. Figure out what that hobby is and tell him that you want to do it together. When the day of the event or activity arrives, attend without complaint. Your willingness to put his needs above your wants demonstrates your love for him. For example, offer to see his favorite band in concert even if you hate their music, or ask him to take you to see his favorite baseball team play even if you think that sports are boring. When the two of you are apart, pick up the phone and call him. This is important even if the two of you live together and are only apart during working hours. A quick phone call just to let him know that he's on your mind will tell him that you're...

Summary in Russian:

Приготовьте ему ужин. Предложите оплатить счет. Делайте то, что ему нравится. Пользуйтесь телефоном. Напишите ему записку. Купите ему любимое угощение. Дарите неожиданные поцелуи. Сделайте ему массаж.


Article in English: You don't need to cut them out or in any way modify them -- they just need to be clean. Each one will be one ghost -- how many milk jugs do you need? You can either use a black permanent marker, felt, or any material you have lying around the house. The permanent marker will be the easiest to make a detailed face with. While you do this, only work on the side without the handles and leave the caps on the jugs. The air forced to stay inside by the caps will make it easier to work with, keeping it sturdy. You don't have to go Martha Stewart on this project. Just a circle for a mouth and circles for eyes (leave a little white for the pupils) can be cute, too. Use a craft knife to cut a hole the size of a half dollar or a bit bigger than a pound coin. Place the hole about 2/3 of the way up the jug. This won't be seen. If it's not perfect, don't worry about it. Just don't leave any sharp edges! You can either use a whole string for one jug, or thread several jugs with a single string. Arrange the jugs together, plug in the cord, and voila! These little buggers work great lining a walk or a patio or table edge. They dim the lighting just enough to glow in a very Halloween-y feel!

Summary in Russian:

Вымойте несколько пластиковых контейнеров из-под молока. Нарисуйте на кувшине рожицу. Вырежьте небольшое отверстие сзади. Вставьте в кувшин новогоднюю гирлянду.


Article in English: You don't need to get clinical or overly descriptive--no need to get into the strength of your flow or anything. Chances are he's been through sex ed and had other girlfriends (or a sister or close friend) who has mentioned it before, so it shouldn't be a big deal.  Say something simple, like "Hey, I just started my period. I'm not feeling so great." You could also say "Oh, it's that time of the month," and he'll probably get it. Sometimes couples come up with cute or funny code words for when you're on your period. So when you tell him it's "shark week," he'll know what's up. Even if your boyfriend doesn't know much about the mechanics of your period, he probably knows it can be a rough time for some women. Your boyfriend cares about you, so he probably wants to know what he can do to make you feel better. If your period makes you feel exhausted and crampy, ask if he can hang out with you on the couch while you binge watch and eat ice cream.  If you get cramps, you can ask him to rub your back or your belly to help relieve some of the pain. Let him know if you become particularly sensitive to touch. He might try to comfort you with a hug or other contact, and it's only fair to let him know you you really prefer not to be touched while menstruating. If you prefer to hang solo when you're on your period, you can (kindly) let him know that just letting you be on your own is a huge help. If he can't handle the fact that you menstruate, then he's maybe not boyfriend material just yet. And he's definitely not mature enough to be having sex, if that's something you are considering. At this point, guys should have come to terms with the fact that this is a normal part of every woman's life, and the best thing he can do is be supportive.

Summary in Russian:

Просто скажите ему об этом. Скажите парню как он может вам помочь. Подумайте, ведь это отличный способ отсеять инфантильных парней.


Article in English: You don't need to go full blown over the top with the things you like in bed, but some basic kink can really add variety and interest to your sex life. The problem is that sex can easily become routine, especially when you've been with someone for a while. To keep it great or make it better, you want to break up the monotony. Nothing says "goodbye monotony" like silk blindfolds, fuzzy handcuffs, and a fun game of Bad Cop.  You should also experiment with sex toys. Including sexual materials in your sex life can improve your satisfaction and most sex toys can be pleasurable for both partners.  Other sexual materials also might help create some sparks in your love life. Do some research and see what you might be missing out on. Lots of people have very specific sexual fantasies that they are too embarrassed to share with their partners. If you feel comfortable enough with your partner, then share your fantasies with one another. You might know just what to do to make your partner orgasm instantly, but that doesn't mean you should. Sex should happen organically and feel spontaneous. If you and your partner have sex at the same time every day or night, then it's time to mix things up. Incorporate variation in the positions you use, where you have sex, who's in control, and what extras you use. Changing sex positions can improve sexual satisfaction. It can make you and your partner feel better to try new things. For example, try the cowgirl family of positions. These are positions which offer more control to women and increase their pleasure.  Also try doggy style. Despite the less than appealing name, this position is great for pregnant women and certain types of female stimulation. You can also try the coital alignment technique. This is a sexual position which has been studied and proven to provide the most stimulation for women, allowing you to both get the most from the experience. It is similar to the traditional missionary but creates a more pleasurable position for both partners.  Try side by side...

Summary in Russian:

Предайтесь своим фантазиям. Продолжайте поддерживать непредсказуемость. Попробуйте новые позы.


Article in English: You don't need to have the perfect speech prepared because the most important thing is that you express your concern with care, gentleness and respect. These general guidelines will help you avoid common pitfalls of confronting a parent about their drinking:   Don’t strike up the conversation while your parent is drinking. If you know he or she typically starts in the evening, make it a point to bring it up earlier in the day. You might open with something like "I've thought a lot about something that I'd like to bring to your attention. It is difficult for me to talk about, so please be patient." This way you are presenting the issue as a mutual struggle rather than an accusation. Resist using dramatic gestures like pouring a bottle of liquor into the drain. This will only make it seem like you are being forceful rather than concerned and can end up making your parent exasperated and unreceptive to what you're saying. Instead, focus on the damage that the drinking is causing in the present. Bringing up old memories can quickly spiral into a "who can remember past events best" game and causes unnecessary pain to your parent. Be sensitive to how much your parent can handle.  Avoid a confrontational approach. Make sure that you do not preach, moralize, or judge the problem. If your parent denies that they drink too much, do retort by saying something like, "You may not be drinking much by others' standards, but the amount is still enough to cause disarray in our family that troubles me greatly." Also, you'll want to balance the conversation by mentioning positive characteristics that you cherish most about your parent. Contrast these by saying, for instance, "When you drink, I miss your silly side. You never crack jokes to me when you drink like you used to when I was little." Stay away from the words “alcoholic” or “addict” since they carry a heavy stigma. Even if you don't mean it, using these words may make your parent feel so ashamed that they give up on themselves and continue drinking in greater privacy....

Summary in Russian:

Сосредоточьте внимание на проблеме. Отбросьте драматизм. Будьте прямолинейны и конкретны. Проявите любовь и обеспокоенность. Выслушайте родителя, но поставьте в приоритет свой довод. Составьте план ограничения. Предложите варианты лечения или помощи.


Article in English: You don't need to install anything to find the XPath in Internet Explorer. Open the website that contains the element you want to inspect. The developer tools panel will appear at the bottom of the window. You'll find this in the upper-left corner of the developer tools panel. This will select it and highlight the code for it in the DOM Explorer. Each of the tabs along the bottom of the panel is an XPath expression for the element you have selected. You cannot copy it in XPath format like you can in Firefox with Firebug.

Summary in Russian:

Откройте нужный веб-сайт. Нажмите F12, чтобы открыть инструменты разработчика. Нажмите «Выбрать элемент». Щелкните по нужному элементу веб-страницы. В нижней части панели обратите внимание на XPath-путь.


Article in English: You don't need to repeat their name a bunch of times throughout the letter, but definitely use their name specifically in the greeting. You might also mention their name one other time later on in the letter. You should also mention your own name early on in the letter, even though it may already be on the envelope. This way you complete the introduction and greeting. Before you get into the main content of the letter, take a little bit of time to say hello, mention you are excited to be writing, and wish them well. You could write, “How are you doing today?” or “I hope this letter finds you well.” or “ It's nice to meet you through letters!” A greeting helps the reader transition into the letter rather than immediately diving into all the details you plan to share with them. Think of the letter as a conversation, except that for now you are the only one talking. You wouldn't start a conversation with immediately telling some a bunch of information without greeting them first. Age, sex, and location (not necessarily your address) are a good place to start because these give the person an idea of who you are. You can expand from this point by mentioning things like your grade or occupation, who is in your family, and a couple characteristics about you, like you enjoying laughing, you hate math homework, or your religious affiliation.  Your first letter is an introduction, so treat it as such. What would you tell a person you just met? Tell your pen pal those same things. Remember to be safe if you are young, or even a teenager. Talk to your parents before writing and especially before revealing personal information. You most likely used a pen pal service or forum of some sort, so it is always good to tell the person where you got their information from. You could also include at this point whether you have written to other people, how long you have been using this service or mention why you chose them to write to. If you saw specific information in their profile that made you want to write to them, you could...

Summary in Russian:

Называйте человека по имени. Напишите простое приветствие. Расскажите общие сведения о себе. Укажите, как вы узнали о человеке. Укажите конкретную цель письма. Напишите завершающую часть.


Article in English: You don't need to soak the mushrooms or wash them considerably to get them ready to cook. Use a paper towel to brush any dirt or stray particulate from the mushrooms and trim off the stem ends. Discard the stems of shiitakes completely, or save them for making stocks or stews. Some people disagree on the proper method of cleaning mushrooms. You can get them wet, and getting them wet won't ruin the mushrooms, especially if you're eating them right away, but you don't need to. Make sure there's no large dirty spots on them, and they're fine to eat. One of the most simple and delicious ways to prepare and eat your fresh mushrooms is by cooking them quickly in butter and oil and letting them chill overnight to gain flavor. For this recipe, you'll need:  A pound of fresh mushrooms, any variety, chopped into quarters or halves a tablespoon of butter three tablespoons of olive oil half an onion, chopped (or shallots, if you prefer) two cloves of garlic, chopped half cup of dry red wine a handful of chopped green herbs, like oregano, thyme, or parsley salt and pepper to taste Heat the butter and a tiny amount of olive oil in a pan on medium-high heat until the butter bubbles. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent. Add the mushrooms. Do not stir for a minute or two until you hear them start to sizzle. That means the water is being released. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper and toss them to coat them with the garlic and onions. Continue browning the mushrooms. Add more oil as the liquid cooks off and deglaze the pan with the red wine. Let some of the liquid cook off and add the chopped herbs and seasoning to taste. You can eat it now for a delicious side dish or transfer it to a container to chill overnight. Mushrooms and eggs go together well, combining a meaty and substantial substitute to pork. It's perfectly simple and complex at the same time. Cooking mushrooms are versatile and delicious any way you prepare them. Use your imagination and try different combinations. You can make:  Mushroom risotto...

Summary in Russian:

Перед употреблением в пищу, очистите грибы от грязи. Пожарьте грибы. Приготовьте омлет из грибов. Экспериментируйте с рецептами. Подумайте о том, чтобы засушить грибы.


Article in English: You don't need to use curtains with Santas and snowmen on them, but red ones might look more festive than pink ones. Here are a few ideas to get you started:  Use colors such as red or green. Darker shades might look better than brighter ones. For a rustic cabin feel, switch out your throw or blanket for a cozy quilt or sweater/knitted blanket. Anything made from plaid flannel will also work. Make an easy sweater pillow by slipping a square-shaped pillow inside a bulky sweater and tying the sleeves in the back. If you can't put up a lot of decorations, you can still make your room feel more festive by bringing in scented candles, wax melts, or potpourri. You don't even have to light candles; many scented candles are potent enough on their own. If you are getting candles, consider displaying three different-sized ones on a red, green, gold, or silver candle charger/plate. Listed below are a few Christmas scents:  Gingerbread Peppermint and Candy Cane Winter Wonderland Fireplace Pine, Spruce, Balsam, and Cedar Shelves, dressers, and desks are great for displaying trinkets such as snow globes, nutcrackers, and figurines. If you already have some on your shelves, consider switching them out for Christmasy ones instead. Here are a few ideas to get you started:  If you like nature, put up some pine tree or reindeer figurines. If you are religious, put up figurines related to the Nativity. If you like the classical look, put up a snowman, a Santa Clause, or even a nutcracker. If you don't want to put away any of your existing decorations, consider decorating them instead. For example, if you have a figurine of a cat, try putting a little Santa hat on it. If you don't have a lot of room for a tree, you can hang small decorations using thread or clear thread/fishing line instead. Here are some ideas to get you started:  Candy canes and jingle bells can be slung over doorknobs or strung from ribbon. Christmas cards can be clipped to yarn, jute cord, or ribbon using wooden clothespins. Christmas stockings can be tacked...

Summary in Russian:

Смените шторы, одеяла, покрывала и наволочки. Купите ароматические свечи, восковые фигурки или попурри. Достаньте новогодние атрибуты: Повесьте немного украшений на окна, полки и стены. Разыграйте маленькие новогодние сценки. Сделайте на окнах «морозные» узоры. Сделайте новогодние украшения своими руками.


Article in English: You don't need to use the Chrome web store or download sites. Visit siteadvisor.com in Chrome to load the add-on directly. The download is pretty small, and should only take a minute or so. You will be prompted to confirm that you want to run the program. The process will only take a few moments. This will prompt you to enable the new extension. Chrome needs this additional prompt for security reasons. Once you enable it, you'll be able to see SiteAdvisor results. This is McAfee's custom search engine that filters out unsafe sites. It will become Chrome's default search engine. Use any search engine to start seeing SiteAdvisor results. Hover over the SiteAdvisor icon next to a search result for details. The icon color indicates the threat:  Green - This site is safe to browse. Yellow - This site has some risk, such as potentially malicious links. Red - This site has serious security problems, and likely has malicious content. "?" - This site has not been rated by SiteAdvisor. Select "View Site Report" to see a full report from SiteAdvisor about the site you are currently visiting.

Summary in Russian:

Запустите Chrome и зайдите на сайт SiteAdvisor. Нажмите на кнопку «Free Download» (Бесплатная загрузка). Запустите загруженный установочный файл. Нажмите на кнопку «Install» (Установить), чтобы начать установку дополнения. Перезапустите браузер. Нажмите на опцию «Включить дополнение». Решите, хотите ли вы включить «Secure Search» (безопасный поиск). Выполните веб-поиск, чтобы просмотреть результаты SiteAdvisor. Нажмите на кнопку SiteAdvisor в адресной строке, чтобы просмотреть отчет по сайту.


Article in English: You don't want to be that person who keeps up a textual exchange hours after there's nothing left to say. When you're talking to a new love interest at a bar, you should talk just long enough to hook the person and then say you have to leave so you don't drag out what started off as a good conversation. Well, the same goes for texting.  If you're doing most of the talking in a textual exchange, it's time to stop texting. If you keep sending long messages and getting nothing back but one-word answers, then it's time to stop texting. If you can just feel that both of you are struggling to find something to say, then it's time to end the conversation. If you have the sense that you're doing most of the talking every time and that the person you're texting doesn't seem too eager to get back to you, it may be time to end the conversation -- for good. Whether you're just stopping the conversation because you're busy or because you're going to meet up, you should leave the person you like with something to think about. Don't just say, "Bye!" or that person won't be thinking about you after you stop texting.  If you're meeting up, don't be afraid to say that you can't wait to see that person. If you have to go, tell the person where you're going and what you're doing. This will make you look like you have a great life outside of texting and will intrigue the person on the other end of the conversation. Leave an opening to pick up the conversation at another time. Say that you're looking forward to chatting about whatever is on your minds later. If your texting sessions have been going really well and your flirting is getting fierce, then you should take your relationship to the next level and use texting as an opportunity to ask the person out.  Keep it light. If you're in the middle of a conversation, just say, "How would you like to pick this up over dinner or drinks?" If you've really been texting the person a lot, you can say, "I really like texting you, but I think I would like talking to you even more. How...

Summary in Russian:

Поймите, когда нужно закончить писать сообщения. Попрощайтесь на хорошей ноте. Используйте ваши сообщения, чтобы пригласить человека на свидание.


Article in English: You don't want to end up watching a horror movie all by yourself. Even though you logically know it isn't real, it can still deeply scare you if your mind gets too involved. If horror movies truly scare you, only watch with friends. Try not to watch with the types of friends who'll use your fear against you later by jumping out of closets and grabbing you from behind. What you can't see or hear can't hurt you. When you can't stand what's on the screen, close your eyes and put your head in your lap and press your hands over your ears. If you want to ensure that you won't open your eyes too soon, have a friend poke you when it's safe to look. Again, do not employ a trickster type who will intentionally poke you right when a violent stabbing is occurring. No one is forcing you to watch the movie (hopefully), so just get up and leave if you hate it. Wait in a well-lit room for the thing to end so you don't have to endure another second. If you hate horror movies so much that you can't stand to watch them, that's nothing to be ashamed of. It just means you're sensitive to pain and violence and have great empathy for your fellow humans. Tell this to your friends if they give you a hard time.

Summary in Russian:

Убедитесь, что друзья не покидают комнату. При необходимости закрывайте глаза и уши. Придумайте с друзьями сигнал "безопасности". Если вам не нравится фильм, уходите.


Article in English: You don't want to go to sleep and wake up with a lake in your backyard. Do a little bit of homework to avoid needing to damage-control in the end. Connect one or more garden hoses to available spigots and drop them into the side of the pool. Turn them on. If your pool was newly plastered for example, you probably want to tie on some socks to the spout of the hose and secure with a couple rubber bands. That way, the force of the water doesn't mess with the plaster. Water should not be expensive. If you need to, call your city and inquire about how much they charge. You're almost there. All you need to do now is test the alkalinity of the water, pH, and calcium hardness. After you've performed these tests, adjust the alkalinity, pH, and hardness of the water appropriately before adding chlorine, CYA (Cyanuric Acid), or salt.

Summary in Russian:

Вычислите количество времени, которое потребуется, чтобы заполнить бассейн с помощью ваших насосов. Наполните ваш бассейн. Подождите, пока вода осядет за несколько часов до добавления каких-либо химических веществ или добавок.


Article in English: You don't want to go too deep too quickly, but you do want to open up a dialogue. Try some interesting questions. As an example, you could ask "What's your favorite book of all time? Why do you like it?" or "Where did you grow up? What was it like?" That is, don't hide truths about yourself if he or she asks. Everyone tells little white lies, but if you say you're a doctor when you're really only a nursing assistant, that will come back to bite you later. " Becoming too intimate too quickly can scare people off. Keep it cool and casual for the first date. You wouldn't talk about every mistake you've made on the job in the past on a job interview. The same holds true for a first date. You don't have to lay out all your personal flaws and mistakes on the first date. In fact, it's a good idea not to. You just want to make a connection with the other person, and saying too much too soon can push her or him away. That is, your date does want to hear about you. Don't always deflect the question back to your date. Tell him or her about who you are. As an example, if your date asks, "What's your favorite type of movie?," don't just say, "Oh, you know, I like most movies." Instead, you could say, "I really enjoy a wide spectrum, everything from goofy musicals to horror flicks. In fact, last night I watched Hairspray and Woman in Black. What do you like?" Saying goodbye is the last impression you leave your date with. Don't just say a quick goodbye. Take a minute to give your date a hug, kiss, or handshake, and talk about plans for getting in touch in the future. As an example, you could say, "I really enjoyed our date. I loved talking about baseball with you. When can I get in touch with you again?"

Summary in Russian:

Задавайте уточняющие вопросы. Будьте честны. Не говорите "Я тебя люблю". Не обсуждайте с человеком личные моменты. Поделитесь личной информацией с человеком. Попрощайтесь со своим спутником.


Article in English: You don't want to go too often seeing as you're trying to grow your hair. However it's important to get the damaged bits cut off, otherwise you'll end up with long hair that feels and looks like straw. Do this for about 5 to 10 minutes to stimulate blood flow to the area. Increased blood flow will mean an increase in the amount of nutrients being transported there, which will increase growth. Lavender oil (pure essential oil) can be massaged on the scalp on alternate days as it is said to be very helpful for promoting hair growth.  General exercise will also increase blood flow to your head as it increases blood flow around your whole body. Dry brushing your body is another good way to improve circulation. Stress can lead to hair loss as well as a decrease in the speed in which your hair grows. If you do suffer from stress, try yoga or other types of exercise to help yourself to de-stress. Eight hours of sleep is essential. Sleep is the main time which your body spends on growth and repair. If you don't get enough sleep then your body won't have enough time to concentrate on hair growth.

Summary in Russian:

Подстригайте кончики волос раз в три месяца. Массируйте кожу головы пальцами, чтобы улучшить кровообращение. Снизьте уровень стресса. Высыпайтесь.


Article in English: You don't want to have to make the decision of where to put your stove as you are wheeling the 500-lb iron behemoth around on a dolly. Designate a site in your house for your stove well in advance of when you plan to buy it. Since stoves are space heaters, generally, you'll want the stove on the first floor of your house where you spend most of your time so that it can warm you effectively throughout the day. To further maximize the efficiency of your wood stove, try to pick a spot in a room with especially good insulation so that the heat from the stove is not lost through the walls or windows. Keep in mind that every wood stove requires a chimney. Take this into account when choosing a spot for your stove. If you plan for your chimney to extend straight up through the roof, for instance, you may not want to pick a spot for your stove that's directly under one of your second floor's main support beams. Wood stoves can get very, very hot during use. Radiating heat from the stove can pose a hazard to nearby walls and furniture, so wood stoves generally have a specified clearance - a minimum safe distance between the stove and nearby floors and walls. Your stove clearance can depend on where you live, whether your residence's floors and walls are combustible, and the type and size of wood stove you have. If in doubt about your stove's clearance rating, contact your stove's manufacturer. This applies only if your stove is UL or CSA listed - please check the label. If not you may still be able to install it. Check if your locality allows non-listed solid-fuel appliances (this is what wood stoves are officially called). If yes then check next with your insurance company. If all is good you can install your unlisted stove according to NFPA211. This will specify all clearances. As you shop for wood stoves, be sure to check that any stove you're considering buying is properly certified as meeting criteria for safety and environmental friendliness. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)...

Summary in Russian:

Выберите место расположения для печи. Соблюдайте расстояние от печи, выбирая подходящее место. Выберите сертифицированную дровяную печь. Выберите печь нужного вам размера.


Article in English: You don't want to have to wait for the grill to heat up when everyone else is ready to eat and all the side dishes are prepared. Keep in mind that charcoal takes longer than gas to heat up.  Shoot for 10 minutes of preheating with gas, 20 to 25 with charcoal. If you have a charcoal grill, there are several different ways you can start your fire. Know that when the coal is lightly ashed over and gray, you can begin cooking.  Ever popular lighter fluid works, but it is imperative that you let it all burn off before cooking, unless you like the taste of petroleum. Electric starters are also available, which use a cal-rod style heating element placed under the coals. They work very well, but do require a source of electricity, and cords can present a trip/burn hazard if not carefully monitored. Chimney starters use a metal cylinder with perforations to hold the charcoal on top, and a couple of sheets of newspaper on the bottom.  They work quickly and are inexpensive. Light the newsprint and the heat flows upward, igniting the coals. Have a place to put the chimney after use, as it will be red-hot. Another benefit to chimney starters is that they can be used to prepare extra charcoal if you need to refresh your pile. Just be sure to do it on top of a very heat-resistant surface, such as a cinder block or the bottom of an upturned galvanized steel bucket. Allow the bars to heat for a minute or so to be able to make nice grill marks on whatever you are grilling.

Summary in Russian:

Разжигайте огонь заранее. Включите гриль или разожгите уголь. Закройте гриль.


Article in English: You don't want to increase the anxiety in a cat that is already stressed out. If a cat has its hair raised or is hissing at you, it's a good sign that the cat doesn't want to interact with you. At that point you can do one of two things, either walk away and let the cat have its space or you can try to win it over by offering a treat to it at a distance. You should not, however, try to win it over by forcing physical affection. This will only discourage trust and may result in the cat scratching or biting you.  Remember that a cat will rely on the instinct of fight or flight when it feels at risk. Whether it runs from you or fights you, it is doing it out of fear. You can also look at a cat's tail to judge its comfort level. A tail that is swishing may signal that the cat is fearful, while a  straight up tail is more likely to signal that the cat is relaxed and comfortable with you. Stop petting the cat at any sign of displeasure. A cat will usually warn you that it is getting overstimulated by a soft bite or growl. If the cat you are petting does this, immediately quit petting it and give it some room. Purring is the clearest signal that your cat enjoys how you are petting it. The cats body should be relaxed and it may be pressing into your hand for more pressure if it really likes the petting. Your cat may also direct your petting toward where it wants to be scratched. This is a good sign that it likes what's going on, the cat just wants it to happen in another location. A cat may even be purring and then decide that it is done with what you are doing. When petting a high strung cat, be prepared to stop petting him or her quickly, and be aware that you may get bitten or scratched. This may be the cost of trying to connect with a skittish cat.

Summary in Russian:

Присмотритесь к признакам того, что кошка испугана. Имейте в виду, что настроение кошки может перемениться в любой момент. Присмотритесь к признакам того, что кошке нравятся ваши ласки. Помните о том, что когда кошка трется о вас, это не всегда означает ее готовность к ласкам.


Article in English: You don't want to just distract yourself and forget when you have a problem though. This isn't healthy and in the long run you'll have problems. Confront the problem in order to bring yourself real happiness and long-lasting mental strength. Start confronting the problem by analyzing it and coming to understand what happened. Did you lose an important relationship? Did you suffer an environmental change that you resent? Did someone do something that hurt you? Figure out what problem is at the root cause of your pain. Be real and honest with yourself about why exactly you're hurting, because you can't solve the problem if you can't acknowledge it. Understand that the problem you had was out of your control. It doesn't matter what problem it was, believe us, it was out of your control. It's impossible to control every little thing that happens. Even if you made mistakes, you have to understand that everyone makes mistakes. Stop blaming yourself and feeling guilty about what happened. The past is the past: you can't change it. All you can do is work to make things better. Stop trying to get back to what you had and instead embrace the possibilities of tomorrow. By accepting that the world is the way that it is, you can start to feel happy again. Never forget that despite the things that have happened to you, despite the mistakes you might have made, you are still a good person. You can make people happy and you can to great things. You matter. Don't let bad experiences take away from you the incredible things you are capable of. Understand that by pulling yourself out of this sadness, you will be a better, new person on the other side. When we go through trials like this, they turn us into stronger people. People that are proven to be able to take more. You will find that if you can really overcome this problem, then you will be ready for almost anything life can throw at you in the future.

Summary in Russian:

Боритесь с проблемой. Поймите проблему. Избавьтесь от вины. Примите реальность. Помните о вашей собственной ценности. Найдите вашу силу.


Article in English: You don't want to kiss her too hard, too fast, or too sloppily. While your first kiss may make a lasting impression, you also want to find out if you enjoy it as well. Don't rush it. Instead, earn her trust by showing that you want to make her comfortable. Before initiating a kiss, look into her eyes and lean in close. Your intuition should tell you when the right moment is to proceed for a kiss. If you lunge in for a kiss unexpectedly, she may react unkindly and quickly move away. She may also make things awkward with laughter. Giving your date a moment to prepare not only builds the anticipation but also gives her time to compose herself. Is she smiling and blushing or is she bewildered and strained? If she reacts positively continue to flirt or compliment her and express your feelings. If she reacts negatively, just try to naturally move forward with the conversation. Don't ramble or fidget.  If she pulls away, respect her instincts. Give her time to search through her own emotions.  If she smiles, kiss her again!

Summary in Russian:

Поцелуйте ее нежно в губы. Не торопитесь. Следите за ее реакцией.


Article in English: You don't want to make a mess, so it's important to do most of the work before you spit. Gather the liquid or the saliva you're going to spit on top of your tongue to spit it out. Keep your cheeks in tight to your teeth to keep things in one place. Your lips need to be rounded to avoid spritzing your spit or experiencing any gross blowback. Nobody wants reverse fire. To keep it grouped and to keep your spit clean, round your lips as you prepare. Keep your cheeks caved and your lips tight. No drooling. Get it all out at once. Take a breath and quickly blow the spit out from your mouth as quickly as possible. It should stay together if you've done it properly. If you want to spit for distance, you need to arch your neck and put your back into it. As you snap forward, blow your spit out and see how far it goes. Be very careful with your aim. Generally, it's best to spit as close as possible to the ground to avoid making it gross. Bend over at the waist over your receptacle and spit.

Summary in Russian:

Языком соберите слюну в передней части рта. Сделайте губы «бантиком». Резко сплюньте. Выгните шею так, чтобы было удобно сплюнуть.


Article in English: You don't want to make her madder by incurring another infraction on your record. So obey the house rules, and go above and beyond them. If you get the chance to be helpful, don't blow it away; be helpful. Ask her to help you come up with a plan for better behavior in the future. For example, maybe your issue is you're always late coming home. Ask her to help you come up with ways to fix the problem. Maybe you could set your phone with an alarm to 30 minutes before you're supposed to be home, and ask her to help you remember to set it when you're going out. Don't go and make big decisions like moving out or running away. You're probably mad that you're in trouble, and you may even feel like your mother doesn't care about you. However, her being angry shows that she cares enough to want what's best for you. She only wants you to do better. If you're feeling isolated, try talking to a friend, a different parent, or a sibling if you need to let off some steam. If you keep making the same mistake over and over again, your mother will start to doubt the sincerity of your apology. Take out the trash without being asked. Do some extra laundry. Offer to babysit or go grocery shopping. Cook dinner before your mom has a chance to do so. Your mom will notice that you are trying to make things right. Bring her breakfast in bed. Pick some flowers for her. Make her a card or a picture she can take to work. Let her know that you love her. Go to the park with her even if you don't feel like it, or ask her to go to the library with you. Being affectionate will show her you care and want to do better.

Summary in Russian:

Придерживайтесь установленных правил. Сотрудничайте друг с другом. Сохраняйте спокойствие. Не повторяйте подобной ошибки. Возьмите на себя дополнительные обязанности. Сделайте что-то приятное для своей мамы. Выберите совместное занятие, которое нравится вашей маме. Будьте нежным, а не сердитым.


Article in English: You don't want to realise you've forgotten your calculator when the exam is about to begin! Go to sleep relatively early.  Get to school early so that you don't have to stress about being late. Take a bottle of water (with no label) if you are allowed to and feel you will need it.

Summary in Russian:

Соберите пенал за день до экзамена. Хорошо отдохните.


Article in English: You don't want to step on someone else’s toes by trying to get an already taken guy to confess his feelings for you. Also, you don't want to get your hopes up about a guy who is hung up on someone else they may be pursuing. It won't take too much effort to find out what the situation is. All you need to do is a little digging around among friends, social media, or simply asking him questions. Here are some questions you can ask to find out:  If you have the courage, ask him during one of your regular conversations if he is already seeing someone. Casually ask, "Are you dating anyone?" or "Is there currently someone you're pursuing?". Simply asking won't give away any of your feelings. If you can't ask him, either because you are too shy or you don't see him often, try asking one of his friends what they might know. Bring him up in a conversation and ask, "Do you know if he is dating someone?". If you can't ask anyone, check to see if he has his relationship status posted on Facebook or another social media outlet. If you discover that he is single, then you should try to find out what his feelings are about relationships. This will allow you to see if you two are on the same page about dating. Be subtle and try to get some one on one time together that is just between the two of you. Here are some questions you can ask him to help open up a conversation about dating:  "When was your last relationship?" "Are you interested in dating?" "Do you go on dates often?" During your interactions, try to always create pleasant and fun conversation that will allow you to see if he wants to joke around with you. You might even want to gently poke his shoulder during conversation to see how he reacts. If he laughs and teases you back, that is a good sign. Humor is a good way to open a heart that is leaning towards you because it shows you are interested which makes the guy more comfortable.  When he tells a joke, make sure you laugh. This will boost his confidence and give him the green light to share his feelings with...

Summary in Russian:

Прежде всего убедитесь, что у него нет отношений с кем-то еще. Уточните его позицию в части отношений с девушками. Будьте рядом с ним легкой и веселой. Наблюдайте за проявлениями химии между вами.


Article in English: You don't want your girlfriend to think that this is just another day. You want to show her that you're breaking from the normal pattern of behavior. This will set you up for more successful romance. A good place to start is by making an impression on her by changing how you present yourself. Turn up the sexy and you'll start seducing her before you know it.  Dress to kill. Forget the sweatpants or jeans and a tee shirt: you want to show her that tonight is going to be different. Put on a pair of nice slacks and a dress shirt. Be sure they match (try a dark purple top with black pants or a navy blue top and brown pants). Get someone to help you make sure your hair looks nice too. If it's a really special date night, you might even want to go to a salon to have it styled. Your girlfriend will think that you stepped right out of a magazine.  Smell amazing. Girls are very sensitive to smells. A really good smell might not guarantee you success but a bad smell will almost definitely count against you. Use a light body spray or scented deodorant to get yourself smelling good. Do something outside of the norm for how you usually act around her. This, much like a change in clothing, tells her that things are going to be different tonight. This can help grab her attention and set the stage for romance.  If you're usually very scripted in how you talk and interact with her, break the script. Instead of sounding all cool and collected, let your softer, hidden side shine through. Another example is if you're usually very shy around her. Tonight, take charge in your interactions. She'll be very turned on. Touch plays a huge role in romance for women (as it does for men). If you're too quick to rush into the actual act of sex, your girlfriend can be turned off and feel overwhelmed. Use touch to set the stage, create some sexual tension and start warming her to the idea of romance. What you have to understand about women is that their sex drive tends to work very differently from a man's. Women tend to have their sex drive...

Summary in Russian:

Произведите впечатление. Совершайте нетипичные поступки. Используйте прикосновения. Выберите подходящий момент.


Article in English: You don't want your menstrual fluid (combined with everything else) to soak into your sheets and mattress, so while you're having sex, place some towels beneath you and some tissues to your side. The towels will be on constant duty; the tissues will be used to wipe yourself off just before sitting up (when all is said and done). If odor is a problem, don't let it ruin the moment -- throw on some blankets. If you keep them above your midsections, they'll help block the wafting scents. Lie on your back to lessen the flow of blood while you're having intercourse. Also, be careful about deep penetration because your cervix may be lower and more sensitive during your period. If anything starts to hurt, just tell your partner and proceed with care. Not only is this less messy from the get-go, it's a change of pace, too. When you're under the flow of the water, that other flow becomes a lot less noticeable.  If you can fit two in comfortably, give it a shot (if you haven't already!). Unless your partner's into uterine lining, they probably shouldn't start feeling around down there. However, if you're the type that needs loads of foreplay, you're in luck! You already have a natural lubricant, so your partner's fingers (and whatever else) can have the night off. That doesn't mean you should skip the foreplay entirely. No, no, no, no -- that's a travesty! Just use it as an excuse to experiment with new tricks and moves. This just makes sense. If you know that days 3-5 are lighter than days 1 and 2, just keep your panties on for those 48 hours. Let the anticipation build and avoid any awkward trips to the laundromat. If it doesn't bother your partner and they're totally down for day 1 sex, evaluate your concerns. Maybe it's something you could get over -- after all, it's no less sanitary than what you've been doing. It's just a bit redder! There will probably be at least a little something on your skin that needs to be washed off. If you didn't do the deed in the shower, hop in after for at least a quick rinse. You'll...

Summary in Russian:

Вам понадобятся полотенца. Придерживайтесь классической (миссионерской) позиции. Займитесь сексом в душе. Оставьте ласки пальцами на потом. Занимайтесь любовью во время “легких” дней. Примите душ после секса.


Article in English: You don't want your slime to dry out, so air is your enemy. Go for a container that just barely holds your slime. It can also help to tuck some plastic wrap on top of the slime to keep it from drying out. Press the plastic wrap onto the slime. A plastic food container will work just fine. Close up the container tightly, making sure it's sealed all the way around. You can also use a screw-top container or jar. You want to keep that air out as best you can! The best place to keep your slime is in the refrigerator. The cold will help slow down the growth of bacteria, mold, and other yucky stuff.

Summary in Russian:

Выберите достаточно большой контейнер, чтобы в нем поместился слайм. Запечатайте контейнер. Поместите слайм в холодильник.


Article in English: You don’t actually need to locate split ends to tell if your hair is damaged. It will feel dry and tangled if it is. However, if you want to find the split ends, closely examine your hair with the help of a mirror and good lighting. Split ends occur most often at the tip but can show up anywhere in your hair. Split ends and related damage can occur in several different forms. If you find any of the following, you may want to remove them:  Hair tips splitting into two or more strands White dots at the end of your hair Single strand knots (more common in dry, curly hair) A hairdresser can always trim off split ends, but will usually remove about 1⁄4 to 1 inch (0.6 to 2.5 cm) of your hair along with them. Eventually, all hair will wear out enough to require this treatment. How long you wait between haircuts depends on your hair type, hair health, and how much time you're willing to spend hunting down your own split ends. This can be anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months. If you aren't trimming split ends yourself, avoiding the hairdresser will not save your long hair. Neglected split ends will become weaker and weaker, eventually breaking off. If trimming off split ends are affecting your hair length goals, consider having your hair cut into layers. Ask the hairdresser to trim damaged hair in the surface layer, while leaving lower layers — and length intact. If you have afro-textured hair, a mild texturizer can achieve a similar effect, allowing you to manipulate your hair more easily and avoid trimming healthy hair. There are conditioners and other commercial treatments that claim to "heal" split ends. These seal the split ends shut to hide them from view, but the damage is still there. You can use these as a temporary fix, but relying on them long-term may dry out your hair and lead to worse damage.

Summary in Russian:

Проверьте, повреждены ли ваши волосы. Регулярно подстригайте волосы. Предпримите шаги, чтобы сохранить длину волос. С осторожностью используйте средства по восстановлению волос.


Article in English: You don’t always get what you want so don’t be stubborn if your parents tell you something that you do not want to hear. If you have made your point respectfully and listen to what they say, they will be more receptive to what you have to say in the next conversation. Sometimes our parents might be dealing with their own set of problems. If one of your parents suffers from addiction or mental health issues, talk to other adults that you trust. Whether it's teachers, relatives, or counselors, there are many resources out there for you to talk to. Before speaking to anyone that you haven’t established a relationship with, put in your research and ask your peers to help you. If you choose not to talk to your parents, deal with your issues maturely. Don’t avoid any issues especially if it has to do with your health or safety. If you wanted to speak to your parents about another person, talk to them directly and respectfully.

Summary in Russian:

Правильно расставляйте приоритеты. Поговорите с другими взрослыми. Ведите себя зрело.


Article in English: You don’t always need the newest and the best item.  There are deals to be had if you keep your eyes open to opportunity.  Use a little creativity and you can get what you want for minimal amounts.  Buy used.  It’s widely known the average new car is a poor investment, but there are a variety of used items that can be purchased to save a lot of money.  Look for great deals on clothes at thrift stores, and tools at auctions.  Buy at flea markets.  People selling at flea markets are often knowledgeable in their niche market.  Make no mistake, however, they’re trying to make a deal, and need to sell for less than a retail store to remain feasible.  Buy at garage sales/yard sales.  Face facts, most garage sales are people looking to get rid of their excess.  It’s the possessions they don’t want.  They’d much rather make a sale than haul it to the dump.  Low-ball every item you see and you’ll walk away with plenty. Many rewards programs offer free items, discounted items, or a percentage off just for being part of their commerce family.  Collect the key rings, punch cards, and free membership numbers to take advantage of whatever deal is currently the best. Make the most of what you have.  Be creative and you’ll find a variety of uses for what you already have lying around.   Recycle your favorite fabrics to make a floor cushion. Use old paint cans to store screws and nails. Freeze wet sponges and use them as ice packs.  Turn an old baby crib into a learning or play area. Buying groceries costs a lot of money because it's not just the food you're purchasing.  You're also paying for the labor required to plant, cultivate, deliver, and display the food where you purchase it.  Plant a garden.  Depending on the plant, the yield for a year doesn’t take many seeds.  In fact, to get a year’s worth some vegetables like squash, peppers, and sweet potatoes, it’s less than 5 plants per year.  Hunt and fish for your own food.  One mature buck will provide 50+ lbs. of meat.  That’s countless meals.  And fish are very plentiful...

Summary in Russian:

Экономьте на тратах. Пользуйтесь бонусными программами. Дарите предметам вторую жизнь, обновляйте их и находите им другое полезное применение. Выращивайте и ловите продукты питания. Экономьте на приобретении продуктов питания. Выбирайте такие продукты, которые допускают длительное хранение.


Article in English: You don’t have to apply to law school in college. In fact, taking a few years to work will actually make you a more attractive candidate to Harvard Law. Having work experience makes you more employable, as well as teaching you responsibility and valuable time management skills that make you a better student. And if you take the right job, it can also give you exposure to the field of law. Any job in an intellectual field – teaching, working in government, clerking – will boost your resume, but here are some of the best jobs to consider:  Paralegal or legal assistant – These jobs will not necessarily give you an advantage over other jobs – indeed, Harvard Law likes people with eclectic backgrounds – but they certainly won’t hurt you, and more importantly, they can help you to decide if law is right for you.  A non-law job related to the law field you are interested in. If you are interested in corporate law, you might work in business. If you are interested in patent or intellectual property law, you might work in tech. In general, you will get the most out of your non-law job if it relates to the field you want to practice in. Particularly if you didn't participate in a lot of extracurriculars in college, your post-graduate life can be a great time to improve this portion of your resume. Prestigious national organizations will carry the most weight, but anything that shows commitment, leadership, and tangible results will help. You should even consider signing up for full-time service opportunities like Teach for America, the Peace Corps, or Americorps. Especially if you have been out of school for a while, acing courses at a local college can show that you have matured as a student. The better the college you take the classes at, the more weight these results will carry. These courses can be particularly useful for people who have been out of school for 3+ years, as they can yield academic recommendations. A graduate degree costs money (unless you get a scholarship or a funded PhD), but if it can get you...

Summary in Russian:

Сделайте перерыв после колледжа, чтобы поработать. Станьте волонтером в некоммерческой или общественной организации. Продолжите свое дальнейшее образование на курсах в местном колледже. Получите ученую степень.


Article in English: You don’t have to be a girl who layers on the makeup or a guy who wears the trendiest shoes or pair of jeans just to be popular and get attention. But you should pay attention to your looks so that your clothes and body are clean, that your face isn't oily, and that people get a positive impression just by looking at you. You'll feel better about yourself if you know you look good, too. Girls shouldn't wear makeup just because that’s what their friends are doing if that’s not really what they want to do. Natural beauty is far more impressive than beauty that's concocted with eye shadow and lip gloss. . Though you can’t become confident overnight, you can make an effort to become more confident – to be happy with who you are, what you do, and how you look. Work on thinking about your best qualities instead of focusing on your worst attributes, and walk into a room like you’re happy to be there and deserve to be there. You can fake it until you make it. Even if you're not feeling confident, just acting confident will go a long way in making people respect you.  Have confident body language. Stand tall, keep your shoulders out instead of hunching over, and look straight ahead instead of staring at the floor. Make eye contact when you talk to people. This will show them that you’re not afraid of social interaction. Don't put yourself down. Being self-deprecating just to get attention or just for something to talk about will make other people think that you don't value yourself. . If you want to get noticed, then you have to be original in some way, whether it’s for your unique look or your unique perspective on life. You don't have to "be weird" or do something that doesn’t make you comfortable to be different. Just embrace your quirks and the thoughts and actions that make you special. People will notice you if you’re committed to being an individual instead of following the pack.  Don't dress like everyone else just to fit in. Find a style that suits your personality. You don’t have to like the same music as...

Summary in Russian:

Начните немного усерднее следить за своей внешностью. Будьте уверенными в себе. Будьте оригинальными. Преуспевайте в какой-либо деятельности. Перестаньте зависеть от мнения других людей. Осознайте, что это всего лишь средняя школа.


Article in English: You don’t have to be an athlete to be a tomboy! If you’ve never played any sports before, try a game like soccer or kickball first. Once you’re more comfortable on the field, American football and Ultimate Frisbee are fun team sports.  Look for sports clubs in your town on Meetup.com, or ask your friends and neighbors where they play their sports. You can also go to recreation centers to find out about their intramural sports leagues. Video games are thought of as a fairly common male interest, but they can be fun for anyone! If you’ve never played before, ask your friends who play what their favorite games are. If you already play games, join online forums to discuss your favorite video game. If you need to buy a console, ask the employee at the electronics store what they would recommend.  Great games to start off with are MarioKart and Minecraft. Classic arcade games like Galaga and Frogger are fun, too! Once you get more comfortable with gaming, The Legend of Zelda series, the Final Fantasy series, League of Legends, and the Dark Souls games are interesting and challenging. There are so many different games out there, so head to a used game shop to pick up affordable titles. Try hiking, camping, or climbing to cultivate a more rugged persona. You may also find that you like fishing, shooting guns at the range, or hunting. Learn how to safely do these hobbies before jumping into them by taking classes or training with a relative who has a lot of experience. You might want to learn how to “dish it out,” or poke fun at people. Make sure you can “take it” (laugh at yourself) as much as you can dish it out, and don’t be excessively mean with your jokes.  Of course, you don’t have to laugh at things you don’t find funny. Ignore jokes that are insulting to people of a certain gender, race, religion, or other identity.   Avoid potential drama by not participating in gossip.

Summary in Russian:

Попробуйте новые виды спорта. Играйте в видеоигры. Проводите больше времени на улице. Шутите как пацанка.


Article in English: You don’t have to become close friends with anyone, but it’s smart to stay on good terms with your peers and teachers. Use good manners in your day-to-day life, and treat other people the way you want them to treat you. When you treat other people well, your peers won’t have anything to use against you, and you’ll have an easier time making friends in the future if you want to. High school and college provide plenty of opportunities to get involved in interesting activities. Look for programs offered by your school or community center. Participating in a club or group can be a good way to stay connected to other people without having to become close friends with them.  For instance, you could join a science club, a book discussion group, or a sports team. You can also check out Meetup.com to find people who will share your interests. Animals can be wonderful companions, especially dogs. Some people even find that animals are better friends than people. If you don’t already have a pet, ask your parents about adopting one.  Consider adopting a shelter dog or cat. These animals often have a hard time finding good homes, but they can make very loyal pets. Having a dog may also help you to break the ice when you are out walking with your dog. For example, someone might compliment your dog, and this could be a good opportunity to strike up a conversation, such as by saying, “Thank you! Do you have a dog?” Having a dog or cat might also provide you with something to chat about with neighbors or new acquaintances. For example, if someone brings up their pet, then you could say, “Oh, I just adopted a cat/dog myself. I really enjoy the companionship.” Then, you could show a picture of your pet and talk with the person about your pets. Search job boards and volunteer sites on the internet for positions that interest you. Working and volunteering are good ways to get involved with your community and interact with other people regularly.  Start small. Even a job at McDonald’s or Starbucks will help you save money for the...

Summary in Russian:

Будьте вежливы и сосредоточены. Вступите в клуб или группу по интересам. Проводите время с домашним животным. Устройтесь на работу или станьте волонтером. Развивайте свои социальные навыки.


Article in English: You don’t have to carry around your whole makeup bag, but do include a few essentials. For example, keep your lip gloss in your purse or in your pocket as it is likely to come off when you eat or drink. Have a pack of tissues or makeup wipes with you in case of smudges. Sometimes, on hot days you may find that your eyeliner ends up underneath your eyelids. You can use the tissue to gently wipe the smudges away. Especially on hot days, having a small setting spray to mist your face with can help your makeup last longer and look fresh.  Setting sprays come in many varieties. For example, some are designed to prevent oiliness, while others keep your face moisturized. Choose the spray based on your skin type. You can save money on this by purchasing a large bottle, and then pour a small amount into a travel bottle. Not only will it save you money, but it will also save space in your bag.

Summary in Russian:

Носите с собой несколько средств. Носите с собой салфетки. Купите качественный фиксирующий спрей.


Article in English: You don’t have to change who you are or your natural style to impress him, just take pride in your appearance. Be well-groomed and clean at all times. Dress to accentuate your best features, whether it's your hair or your height. Don’t go over the top with compliments. In passing, just casually mention that you like his shirt or how bright his smile is. He will be totally flattered that you even noticed him and felt compelled to actually say something. Guys like to feel useful and needed so enlist his assistance with something, anything! Whether a big request or small, he’ll jump at the chance to lend his skills or time.  It can be anything like passing a book to, handing you a straw or giving you directions. Profess your gratitude and really make him feel good about what he just did. Use the face time to further the conversation. If you want him to spot you, it’s best to avoid standing at the back of the room (unless that’s where he is) or hiding in the corner. Keep your head up and arms uncrossed. Instead of "hiding," stand in the middle of the pack. For example, if you're standing with a group but behind everyone, subtly make your way to the center instead. Our eyes are naturally drawn to the center of an image so let the crew work as a frame for you. An appealing look is one where the eyes look round and full. You can create this look naturally by being mindful of your gaze. You can also do this by arching your eyebrows.  Whatever you do, maintain a soft look on your face to show that you are warm and friendly. If you catch his eye, offer a smirk. Nothing says unapproachable like staring at your cell phone so put it down.

Summary in Russian:

Всегда старайтесь выглядеть на все 100 %. Сделайте ему комплимент. Попросите о помощи. Следите за языком тела. Следите за мимикой и выражением лица.


Article in English: You don’t have to dedicate hours of your day to exercising. Find ways to fit exercise into small blocks of time when you’d otherwise be sedentary.  For instance, do squats while you wait for water to boil or for your coffee to be ready. Squeeze in a minute for planks when you first wake up in the morning. Take 5-minute breaks every hour at work to walk around the office and stretch. Spending most of your day sitting in a desk chair is tough on your body. Try using a standing desk, or even a standing desk in combination with a treadmill. If that’s not for you, just do your best to take regular breaks to get up and walk around. You could also try sitting on an exercise ball instead of a desk chair. Since you’ll need to engage your core muscles to keep yourself steady on the ball, it’s a bit like a workout even though you’re seated. When getting to your apartment or office, skip the elevator and take the stairs instead. If you can’t make it up a 5-flight walk-up, just do 1 or 2 sets of stairs, and try adding a floor each week. Climbing stairs can burn up to twice as many calories as walking for the same amount of time. Instead of driving to nearby locations, head out on foot or ride your bike whenever possible. For instance, turn grocery shopping into a workout by walking to the store a few times a week.  If work is too far away to cycle, you could take a bus and get off a few stops early to walk the rest of the way. Some buses have bike racks or allow folding bikes on board, so you could also split your commute between cycling and riding the bus. When you do drive, try parking a few blocks away from your destination, or at the far end of a shopping center’s parking lot.

Summary in Russian:

Находите время для движения в течение дня. Старайтесь меньше сидеть. Ходите пешком по лестнице и не пользуйтесь лифтом. Ходите пешком или ездите на велосипеде вместо машины.


Article in English: You don’t have to ditch all your t-shirts, but consider polos and other collared shirts when trying to look classier.  The polo can be troublesome due to trends of overly bright primary colored polos, popped collars, and shapeless cuts. But a well-fitting polo with a more muted color or sparse pattern can actually feel a lot like your t-shirt. Cotton, knit, and woven button down shirts are a staple as well. This type of shirt has many uses and pairs well with plenty of clothes. Add a tie if you feel like dressing up or are meeting with someone. Then take the tie off and throw on a sweater before meeting up for a study date. Your university sweatshirt is great for showing school spirit at sporting events. But upgrade to the sweater for a classier look.   Cardigans are perfect for adding a nice layer to your top. Button it up over your button-down when it’s time to get down to business or wear it open over a t-shirt on the weekend when hanging out with your friends. Crewneck sweaters are a great alternative if you’re missing your sweatshirts. Not all, but many crewnecks will be thinner and more form fitting. Shawl collars are a great way to dress up your look without having to wear a collared shirt underneath. Generally, darker sweaters are considered more formal and lighter colors more casual. When it comes to dressing well, your denim shouldn’t be conspicuous. Light colored denim or jeans with holes and rips will quickly draw attention to the wrong areas of your body. A pair of dark denim jeans works just as well with a blazer and dress shoes as with sneakers and a t-shirt.  Dark denim which fits you well and shows off your legs without drawing too much attention can be the most valuable item in your wardrobe. Many workplaces allow employees to wear clean dark jeans as part of the workday uniform. Mid-rise jeans will help you to look proportional and give your legs a longer, slimmer look. Skinny jeans or really baggy jeans can also draw the wrong kind of attention to your legs. A slim straight cut is...

Summary in Russian:

Носите рубашки и футболки с воротником. Перейдите с толстовки на джемпер. Найдите подходящую джинсовую одежду. Купите хорошие брюки. Обновите обувь.


Article in English: You don’t have to eliminate flour from your waffle batter entirely. Simply reduce the amount of enriched all-purpose flour you use by about half, then fill in the missing portion with other low-carb derivatives like whole wheat, almond or rice flour. When the time comes to chow down, chances are you won’t even be able to tell the difference.  Adjust the amount of flour as you see fit for your own personal take on the recipe. Most of the carbohydrates in traditional waffles come from starchy white flour. If you happen to have an intolerance to gluten, or you’re trying your best to stick to a holistic diet, you can dispense with flour altogether and bring in more nutrient-packed ingredients to do the job. Flax meal, rolled oats or even blended nuts will all work well for this purpose.  Other types of grains can give your waffles a complex, nutty flavor.  For smoother waffles, make sure your flour substitute has been ground or blended to a fine consistency. Not many people know that eggs can be used in place of flour, butter and milk. Combine 2-3 large eggs with a couple teaspoons of baking powder to help them set up. Add a sweetening agent, such as mashed bananas, and you’re ready to go. It’s that easy! Eggs are loaded with protein and good cholesterol, and when cooked they’ll take on a fluffy, spongy texture that’s nearly indistinguishable from traditional waffles made with flour.  Whip whole eggs together with the baking powder and salt before incorporating them into your batter mix. It’s even possible to make a simple carb-free version of waffles using only eggs and a few dry ingredients. Combine egg waffles with savory items like bacon crumbles, turkey sausage or low-fat cheese. A good portion of the calories in waffles come from butter, whether mixed in with the batter or served on top. Instead of butter, give applesauce, Greek yogurt or the infinitely-useful coconut oil a shot. Taking butter out of the equation can spare you the long-term health risks, and the guilt, of high-fat breakfasts. Coconut oil is...

Summary in Russian:

Уменьшите количество белой муки. Используйте заменители муки. Попробуйте вафли на яйцах. Замените сливочное масло более легкими альтернативами.


Article in English: You don’t have to hold off on noting everything you’re thankful for until Thanksgiving. Every Sunday, get a notebook and sit outside for fifteen minutes while making a list of all of the things that you’re thankful for. Try to think of as many new things as you can, and always generate at least ten things, whether they are big or small. You can write, My mother’s endless love or The painting my roommate made for me.  Challenge yourself. Think of at least fifteen new things you’re grateful for every week. Writing down the things that you’re grateful for will make you appreciate them even more. Many people are guilty of taking their friends for granted. You may come to think that your friends are kind of just there, like the couch in your living room or the tree on your front lawn. But that is not the case, dear reader. If you take your friends for granted for too long, then they will slowly make their way out of your life. So, every time you go hang out with one of your friends, think about how much this person means to you, how much he or she’s done for you, and how lucky you are to have this person in your life. Sure, nobody’s perfect, and one of your friends might have disappointed you a time or two. But have you been a flawless friend yourself? Most likely not. Your family is another thing you should be grateful for. Your parents might have even been the people to tell you that you should be more grateful. So, take the time to tell your family how much they mean to you, to help out around the house, to call or write letters if you’re not living near each other, and to let the people who raised and grew up with you know how much they mean to you.  Don’t let a day go by without telling your family how much you love them. If you were not raised by a family that treated you well, then this is something you will have to accept eventually. Though it is completely not fair, if you want to work on being more grateful, you have to focus on the people who were a part of your support system, not the people who were...

Summary in Russian:

Каждое воскресенье составляйте список благодарности. Будьте благодарны за дружбу. Будьте благодарны за то, что у вас есть семья. Будьте благодарны за все добрые дела, что люди сделали для вас. Будьте благодарны за свое здоровье. Будьте благодарны за те возможности, которые вы имеете. Будьте благодарны за природу. Отыщите свой луч надежды. Прекратите разыгрывать из себя жертву.


Article in English: You don’t have to put on a false façade in order to get noticed by others. It is okay to be introverted or shy. We are all different and not everyone can be super outgoing and social at every moment. Respect who you are and love yourself for your unique shyness. Lots of people think being shy is sweet and attractive; not everyone is drawn to the life of the party. Acknowledging your shyness can actually increase the positive impression you make on people. Also, explaining that you are working on your shyness can increase positivity further and help you get noticed. Dress in a way that reflects your personality and inner beauty. Sometimes we can get stuck in our own fashion habits and forget to explore new ways of expressing ourselves through clothing and jewelry.  If you like bright colors you can wear yellow, orange, or pink colors instead of the basic blacks, browns, blues, grays, and whites. Try not to overdo it (by wearing too much makeup or flashy, outrageous clothing); you want to get noticed for who you are and not in a negative way. If it makes you feel more unique or confident, you can try out a new haircut, color, or style. Many people who are shy may want to stand up against the wall or shrink away in the back of the room. Don't hide behind anything; get out in the middle of the room where you are more likely to get noticed! If you are concerned with being alone or feeling awkward, find someone you know and go stand next to and interact with him. Non-verbal communication makes up a lot of our communication. So, it is especially crucial to focus on the impression you are making with your body.  Smile and use other positive facial expressions such as attentiveness. Mirror other people's emotions; this can show that you are understanding. Keep your arms and legs uncrossed. Crossed arms or legs shows that you are closed off. It can even send the signal that you are angry. Instead of shrinking down or displaying a slumped posture, take up as much space as possible with your body; this shows confidence...

Summary in Russian:

Оставайтесь собой. Одевайтесь приметно и необычно. Выходите в люди. Используйте позитивный язык тела.


Article in English: You don’t have to shoulder the burden of work and life by yourself. Talk to your family members. Tell them when you are stressed or when you have a problem at work. They probably won’t mind listening to your issues, and you’ll feel better afterwards. Everyone needs support networks. If you feel overwhelmed with responsibilities and obligations, your family or friends may be able to help take on some of the burden. For example, you might ask your parents to watch the kids some evenings so you can have time with just your spouse. Whenever you can, set aside a little time to spend with the people who are most important to you. For example, if you are married, you might make it a goal to have a date night with your spouse once a week. Try to spend time with family members individually and as a group. For example, if you have kids, do things together as a family, but also try to spend one-on-one time with each child. . Prioritize it. You may be up against deadlines or have dozens of time-sensitive tasks to complete. Without sleep, your brain won’t be able to function on a level needed to take care of all of those problems. Get a solid 7-9 hours of sleep a night, every night. . It is tempting to grab fast food while you rush from the office to your home. Take time to eat healthy. Healthy nutrition translates to more energy, which you’ll need to maintain a balance. xercise. Working out, walking, going for a jog, or swimming at a pool can be great on a number of levels. You get some time to yourself. While you are working out, your brain will continue to examine problems from work or at home. Eventually, you’ll discover answers. The most obvious result is that you’ll feel better about yourself and feel better too. Those “gains” will make balancing work and life easier.

Summary in Russian:

Положитесь на своих друзей и семью. Развивайте свои отношения с семьей. Спите достаточное количество времени. Правильно питайтесь Занимайтесь спортом.


Article in English: You don’t have to study for long hours. This can be as simple as reviewing the subjects that you studied and skimming summaries of the books that you read last year. A quick refresher will get your mind ready for studying and make the first weeks back easier as you can see them as a continuation of progress that you have made.  Reread your notes. Your class notes will remind you of the material you covered previously, as well as your initial reactions to the material. Do not worry if you don’t fully understand all of the concepts that you review: reexamining and rediscovering specific ideas is a natural part of the learning process. Make a list of what you have learned. If you did not take notes, or did not save them, try a more active approach and list the subjects that you studied the previous year. Look at a report card or transcript if you need. Then, list major lessons and ideas that were covered beneath each subject. You likely cannot remember everything, but the act of recalling previous progress will get your mind ready for mental work. Get a list of what you will be studying in your classes and get a sense for what you will be learning. You don’t have to work ahead if you don’t want. Simply having a sense for what you will be covering will prepare you for success. You may not be given a syllabus or required book list in advance. Some teachers and schools will be happy to supply this information if you ask. Others may not be willing or able to supply this information. Ask politely and be gracious if denied. If you want to get straight A’s, you can develop a study routine with time dedicated to each class before the year starts. If there is a specific subject that you want to excel in, check out introductory books from your local library. If you want to focus on making friends, explore your school’s clubs and activities to find an interesting option that fits your schedule. These are not mutually exclusive goals, but it will help if you know what is most important to you. A good study space will mean...

Summary in Russian:

Повторите материал, который вы изучали в прошлом году. Подумайте о предстоящей учебе. Поставьте перед собой конкретные цели. Выберите подходящее место для учебы. Определите отвлекающие факторы.


Article in English: You don’t need a clinician to tell you that stress is no fun, but did you know that even a mild stress-induced mood disorder like sub-clinical depression can wreak havoc on your immune system? In fact, the duration of a stressful period has more effect on immunity than its severity.To fight stress, first recognize it and stop trying to battle it alone. Find ways to ground yourself and to let off steam constructively. Sports, exercise, a hobby and spending time with friends are all good ways to counteract stress. You might like to try guided imagery, yoga, or tai-chi; if you have a severe mood disorder, seek counseling and/or medication. Can you change the cause of the stress? Then, do so. In many cases though, stress links back to your job, money, or family. In uncertain times, changing jobs can be difficult, in which case, you must find ways to manage it better.  Managing stress that comes from work or family can be done by being more assertive about your needs and setting boundaries. Assertion and boundary-setting include learning to say "no" to tasks that overload your schedule, getting regular "me" time, and avoiding taking work calls when you are relaxing at home with family or friends, or vice versa.  Other ways to manage work-related stress consist of working smarter not harder, which means breaking down larger tasks into smaller increments and delegating tasks to others, if necessary. Also, make sure to use workplace resources like trainings and professional development events to counteract detrimental practices that may impact your health and well-being. Getting a higher education can bolster your self-esteem and interest in the world. But it's not for everyone and it's not the only solution. Reading, traveling, taking fun classes, attending guest lectures, and meeting people from other cultures will do the same thing. Or try MOOCs––massive online open courses––these courses offer very stimulating ways of stretching your knowledge and abilities, in your own time. Ultimately, instead of running from...

Summary in Russian:

Уменьшите уровень стресса. Научитесь управлять стрессом, если вы не можете убрать источники стресса из своей жизни. Учитесь новому. Найдите увлечение. Читайте хорошие книги. Занимайтесь медитацией.


Article in English: You don’t need any specific reason to plan a romantic date. While Valentine’s Day and your anniversary are perfect times to have a romantic date, you should have some consistency more often. You need to make time. If the two of you work or travel on weekends, plan an extravagant and romantic date for a Tuesday night.  Rent a convertible and drive around. Check local concerts and surprise her with a date night. Cook her favorite meal and have it waiting for her when she gets home during the week. Making plans to see the game with your friends doesn’t count as a date. You need to make it so that it is only the two of you. This will put all of your attention on her. Spoil your girlfriend with random gifts. You don’t have to empty your bank account to do so, but every now and then surprise her with a new sweater she saw at the mall, a pair of earrings, or a new movie for the two of you to watch. Once again, it doesn’t have to be overly expensive—it’s more about the thought behind the gift.

Summary in Russian:

Проявляйте спонтанность. Составьте планы только для вас двоих. Тратьте деньги на свою девушку.


Article in English: You don’t need fancy birdwatching equipment to start watching birds. Anything that will help you see far away will work in the beginning. You very well may decide to buy binoculars especially for birding, but you can use opera glasses, telescopes or anything you have on hand. Ask a friend, who may have binoculars, if you can borrow them. If you decide to buy, the way binoculars fit on your face and feel in your hands is important. Go to a sporting goods store or find a nature center that may have different pairs to try. Find a lightweight pair that will be easy to carry and hold steady while you spot birds. Binoculars will have two numbers that are listed like 8x29, 7x50, 10x40, or some other combination. The first is how many times they magnify an image and the second is the lens size, or how much light they bring in. Pick a lens on the low end, because a high one captures a lot of movement too and can be too bulky for watching birds in a forest or field.  Pick a magnification of 7 to 8 times. Pick a lens number between 30 and 40 millimeters for the most versatility. When you go into the field, you will be wearing binoculars on your neck for hours at a time, so make sure the strap is wide and comfortable. Use a harness that distributes weight to the shoulders and back, if you have a heavier pair. A scope will offer stability, since it’s used on a monopod, and has higher magnification abilities. If you get serious about birding, invest in a scope to spot birds from greater distances, like across lakes or fields. Look for one with at least one lens that is fully coated with magnesium fluoride. This will give you the sharpest views of feathers and colors. It will also capture movement easier than binoculars. A regional field guide can help you narrow down what birds to look for locally.  Learn about different families of birds, like swallows, warblers, and herons. Get into the habit of studying their habits, calls, and field marks. Other than binoculars, your field guide will be your go-to for bird watching,...

Summary in Russian:

Приготовьте имеющийся у вас бинокль. Если собираетесь приобрести бинокль, сопоставьте различные модели по удобству и ощущениям от их использования. Обратите внимание на кратность увеличения и размер объективов. Подумайте об удобстве лямки для ношения бинокля. Воспользуйтесь современной подзорной трубой. Приобретите определитель птиц. Найдите хорошую камеру. Используйте микрофоны для записи пения птиц.


Article in English: You don’t need to be a master illustrator; a lot of designers use a funky personal style when they design. That said, you do need to be able to communicate your vision visually. Take a drawing class, study some books, or just practice, practice, practice.  The most important part of learning any new skill is just doing it a lot. Set aside 30 minutes every day to practice drawing. A good book to reference is Mark Kistler’s You Can Draw in 30 Days. Even if you don’t want to be the one to actually sew your designs, you need to know about sewing. Understanding the possibilities presented by your medium is an important part of being able to come up with innovative, exciting ideas.  Many craft stores like Jo-Ann Fabric offer relatively cheap sewing classes. Studying pattern making is a must if you intend to sew your own garments. You will need to know how a garment is physically assembled. Knowing how to break a design down into shapes is a crucial part of being able to sew a garment. Buy some simple patterns at a craft store to practice with. If you want to produce innovative designs, you have to know about design theory. Molly Bang’s book Picture This: How Pictures Work is a great place to start. It will help you learn to think like a designer. Don’t limit yourself to studying fashion design exclusively. The principles of design theory apply across all sorts of disciplines. It may surprise you how much studying something like typography can teach you about fashion design. If you want to design clothes, you may want to learn all you can about the world of fashion. You may think of yourself as a very stylish person, but knowing how to dress yourself well is only the tip of the iceberg. If you are designing based on what is hot right now, by the time your design is complete it might already be out of style. Professional fashion designers are constantly thinking ahead, to what the next big thing will be. Watch videos or look at pictures from high-profile fashion shows online, or go in person if one is happening near...

Summary in Russian:

Научитесь рисовать. Приобретите базовые знания о шитье. Получите базовые знания о моделировании одежды. Узнайте все о моде. Узнайте о ресурсах, которые помогут вам, как дизайнеру.


Article in English: You don’t need to buy any special equipment for a hand reflexology treatment. Just as with foot treatments, peaceful surroundings can help you relax and get the most out of your session.  If working on another person, have them lie or sit down comfortably.  Hand treatments can be applied anywhere; however, the ideal is a calm and secure environment. Wash your hands and trim your fingernails. Anyone involved should remove any jewelry from their hands as well. Look at your reflexology chart and find the locations associated circulatory system.  Look over your hands, or the hands of the person being worked on, to find these locations indicated by the chart.  Your chart may have numbers or symbols mapped on the foot.  If this is the case, learn which numbers or symbols correspond to circulation. There may be other areas the chart recommend working with for circulation, such as lungs or kidneys. Targeting these area is believed to reduce any stress in that area and result in better circulation. Your fingers are thought to correspond with anything above your neck, such as brain, skull, hearing and sight.  Start working on the top, backside, of your left thumb.  Gently apply steady pressure for a few moments, before moving slightly down your thumb.  Work your way down the entire length of your thumb.  Use your opposite thumb to push into these points.  Push firmly and move your thumb in a very small circle. Apply pressure for about three to five seconds. When finished with your thumb, move on to your index finger.  Start at the top again and work your way down, applying pressure with your thumb as you go. Continue to do this to all of your fingers. By applying these techniques to your hand, it is believed that tension will be reduced in the body.  This tension reduction will improve circulation. Your palm is thought to have reflex connections with your torso and the organs within it. Place your hand on a flat surface, palms facing up.  Apply pointed pressure with your thumb to the pads just under your fingers.  Move...

Summary in Russian:

Найдите спокойное и тихое место. Сверьтесь со схемой. Надавите на пальцы. Начните нажимать на точки на ладони. Проработайте вторую руку.


Article in English: You don’t need to feel like your gift needs to be expensive or extravagant. Giving a gift to your teacher to say thank you is already going above and beyond, so think about giving a handmade gift. Gifts that represent an inside joke or are from a favorite local business are great choices. Think about what would be easiest for you to give. If you’re good at baking, try making cookies or cupcakes for them. Or, if you are creative and had them for a year long high school class, you might make a scrapbook or a photobook of your time in their class. Even if you feel like you bonded with your teacher, don’t gift them personal items like perfumes or bath products. This can turn the gift from thoughtful to awkward quickly. Also avoid scented items like candles, as those are extremely taste-specific, and you might guess wrong, leaving your teacher with a scented candle they can't use. If you can, a good way to show your appreciation to a K-12 teacher is to donate something back to their classroom. This doesn’t have to be monetary. You can donate some classroom supplies or you can donate your time. Volunteering to help them clean out their classroom or to help them with student projects is a great way to show your appreciation. If you aren’t close enough to your teacher or professor to know exactly what to give them, a gift card of a small amount to somewhere like Amazon, Starbucks, or a local shop or restaurant is always a safe bet. Don’t give a huge amount because that’s inappropriate for a gesture of thanks for a teacher. Giving your teacher a gift as a way of saying thank you is definitely a situation where the old saying “it’s the thought that counts” applies. The fact that you even made the effort is what they’ll remember, not the precise dollar amount of your gift or gift card. Shoot for $20 or less as a general rule, and even a $5 gift card would be appreciated.

Summary in Russian:

Придумайте самодельный подарок. Не дарите личные вещи. Сделайте подарок для класса. Остановите выбор на подарочной карте, если у вас нет других вариантов.


Article in English: You don’t need to fill it all the way to the top, so leave a little bit of room. If the water is warm, it will conduct the electricity more effectively but it will also still work just fine with cold water.  You can use either water from out of the tap or bottled water, it doesn't matter which. Warmer water has a lower viscosity and allows ions that conduct electricity to move more freely. All you need to do is pour it in and then stir it around a little bit to help it dissolve. This turns it into a saline solution.  Sodium chloride (which is table salt) is an electrolyte which helps aid the conductivity of the water, as water by itself isn’t particularly conductive. By making the water more conductive, the current from the battery flows through more easily which results in the water being split into hydrogen and oxygen more effectively. Make sure to remove the eraser at the top of the pencil. You need to sharpen the pencils enough that the graphite is fully exposed at both ends.   These graphite shafts that are encased within the pencil are your electrodes and will conduct the electricity that comes from the battery. The graphite works really well as it doesn’t dissolve or get damaged in the water while you conduct the experiment. Use cardboard that is thick enough to maintain its structural integrity when it has some holes punched through it. Try cutting a square portion out of a shoebox or some other kind of thick box.  The purpose of the cardboard is to suspend the pencil graphite in the water without allowing it to touch the walls of the glass. Because cardboard has no metallic properties to it, it can sit on top of your glass without affecting the outcome of the experiment. Use the actual pencils to do this as you need to snugly fit the pencils into the holes so the pencils don't move around or slip. If the graphite touches the walls or the base of the glass, it will interrupt the experiment.

Summary in Russian:

Возьмите стакан объемом 350 миллилитров и налейте в него теплую воду. Растворите в воде 1 столовую ложку (20 граммов) поваренной соли. Заточите два твердо-мягких карандаша с обоих концов, чтобы обнажился графитовый стержень. Вырежьте достаточно большой лист картона, чтобы его можно было положить поверх стакана. Проделайте с помощью карандашей два отверстия в картоне.