If you're going to be a good house guest, you need to help out around the house. Most importantly, don't wait for her to ask you to do something if you notice it needs to be done. Staying with someone requires both sides to work together to keep the space happy and livable. Some chores to look out for include:  Watering plants Doing dishes Washing sheets, blankets, and towels Tending to pets Vacuuming. There are going to be some things that she likes a particular way, even if they don't make sense to you. Maybe her spice rack is particularly organized for easy cooking, or she likes the towels folded particularly. Everyone, including you, has little quirks and preferences for your living conditions -- so be sure to respect hers. Being considerate is not so much about the spice rack or the towels. It is about understanding her personal space and preferences.  She likely has her things in very particular orders and places -- be respectful and ask questions when storing your own stuff. You may have ways of doing things you may think are "better" or "more logical," but remember that this isn't your house. At the end of the day, her preferences for her stuff take priority. If you're staying at her house, you should be willing to help cover at least some of the expenses, particularly food. While she may have it covered, she may also want to split rent or utilities, depending on how long you'll be staying. Don't just assume that "everything's good." Make a point to ask her about finances before unsaid arguments become a problem. Talking about money is never fun, but it is essential to preserve a strong, healthy relationship. Maybe she needs a little quiet time when she gets home from work. Perhaps you both really like to shower before leaving, but need to work out a way that you both have enough time. The best way to handle these situations is to talk about them as they come up -- finding compromise early on instead of waiting until one of you is upset. Common things to cover include:  Who does what chores or house...

TL;DR in Russian:

Помогайте девушке решать основные бытовые вопросы. Полагайтесь на предпочтения девушки при решении бытовых задач. Заранее справедливо разделите расходы на питание и проживание. Определите базовые правила в отношении конкретных бытовых желаний или причуд. Честно и открыто обсудите романтические ожидания. Относитесь к дому с уважением и помните, что это чужая собственность.


If you're going to be altering your existing birth control plan or workout routine, always talk to your doctor ahead of time. For instance, it's usually safe to manipulate how you take your birth control to delay your period. However, you should ask your doctor about occasionally delaying your period when you are prescribed birth control, and see if she thinks it's safe for you given your health and medical history. Delaying your period is not a means to guard against pregnancy. Unless you are on birth control pills or have a device like an IUD, you are not protected against pregnancy because you managed to miss or delay your menstrual period. Use protection (like condoms) and know the common signs of pregnancy.  If you deliberately delay or miss a period, it may be harder to tell if you're pregnant as a missed period is usually the first sign. Pregnancy can also be marked by breast tenderness, fatigue, and nausea. Watch for signs of pregnancy and take a pregnancy test if you have any symptoms. Skipping the inactive pills if you're on a 28-day pack should not decrease the overall effectiveness of your existing birth control. However, birth control pills do not protect against STIs, so unless you and your partner have both been tested, you should still use condoms.

TL;DR in Russian:

Проконсультируйтесь с врачом об изменении плана приема контрацептивов. Продолжайте предохраняться от нежелательной беременности. Защищайтесь от инфекций передаваемых половым путем (ИППП).


If you're going to be creating specific hairstyles with your snake braid, you want to ensure the braid is going in the right direction, otherwise it will create a funny bump. For instance, if you want a braid near your temple to wrap around to the back of your head, comb the hair toward the back of your head and weave the braid in that direction when you start the first couple weaves of the braid. A braid halo wraps around the top of your head from ear to ear, and it’s a unique and attractive way to keep hair back and out of your face. You do, however, have to have pretty long hair to make this work. To create a snake braid halo:  Make one small snake braid on either side of your head using the hair from right behind each ear. For the moment, fasten each braid with an elastic. Comb back the rest of your hair so it’s away from your face. Take the snake braid from behind your left ear, wrap it around the top of your head (over your combed back hair), and use a bobby pin to secure the end of the braid behind your right ear. Do the same with the right braid, lining it up beside the other braid, and pinning it behind your left ear. Use your loose hair to cover the pins. You can either leave most of your hair back behind your shoulders, or you can bring it forward to sit in front. Part your hair to one side, and use the hair at the very front of the heavy part to make a large snake braid. Tuck any excess hair from the heavy side of your part behind the ear on the same side.  When you're finished the braid, tuck the end of the braid behind your ear with the rest of your hair, and pin it in place with a bobby pin. Bring some hair forward to cover the pin and the end of the braid. Make a small or medium snake braid using hair at the front of your head. You can make the braid anywhere, but to start, try from your temple or at the top of your part. When it’s finished, wrap it around to the back of your head and pin it in place with a bobby pin. Cover the pin with a section of hair.  For the best results, don’t pull the...

TL;DR in Russian:

Изначально плетите косу в том направлении, в котором будете ее укладывать в прическу. Оберните косу-змейку ободком вокруг головы. Сделайте боковую косу-змейку. Создайте полувенок из косы-змейки.


If you're going to be living out of your suitcase for a while, it's a good idea to make the most important items, or the most useful items easily accessible so that you can get them quickly without having to unpack everything. What's most important for your trip will likely depend on you and your trip, so plan accordingly for yourself. Some travelers like to use mesh or netted bags to keep all your things in place in certain groups. For example, you could pack all your pajamas, underwear, and miscellaneous things in one mesh bag. Then you can have another for your shirts, and another for your pants. This keeps everything organized and easy to find, as well as easy to repack when it comes time. If you're feeling particularly type-A, it's also possible to plan out your individual outfits to keep them packed by day. If you're a planner, go ahead and figure out what you'd like to wear for each day of the trip and pack the pants and the shirts you're going to wear, rolled up together, or included in the same mesh bag. When the time comes, you can unroll the outfit or the bag and your'e ready to go. Bring an extra mesh bag for laundry, to help keep your dirty clothes separate from your clean clothes. This way you don't have to wash the clothes yourself on your trip, or you can have them all corralled in one place if you do have to make a trip to the laundromat.

TL;DR in Russian:

Самые необходимые вещи кладите сверху. Задумайтесь о сетчатых сумках. Попробуйте сгруппировать вещи в разные наряды. Найдите место для грязной одежды.


If you're going to be sedated due to claustrophobia, you'll need someone to drive you to and from the hospital or make sure you get home safe via public transportation or a taxi. Even if you will be fully conscious for the procedure, it's a good idea to have a friend or family member come with you. The procedure is lengthy and can be quite stressful. You should arrive to the exam 30 minutes early. There will be paperwork you'll need to fill out and a doctor or nurse may want to talk to you about the procedure beforehand. Before your MRI exam, you need to remove the following items as they may contain metal:  All jewelry Eyeglasses Hairpins/Barrettes containing metal Dentures Watches Hearing aids Wigs Underwire bras Before you undergo the exam, you'll be asked to fill out an MRI screening form. This is a 3 to 5 page document that asks for basic information about your name, age, birth date, as well as questions about your medical history. Take time to read the form closely and answer all questions to the best of your ability. Ask the doctor or nurse if you have any questions regarding the paperwork. This form will also ask questions about allergies and any past reactions you have had to contrast materials used in imaging procedures. Some MRIs require an intravenous injection of a contrast material called gadolinium, which can cause an allergic reaction in rare instances. Once you've filled out the paperwork, you'll enter the MRI room. The doctor will have you change into a hospital gown. From there, follow the doctor's instructions regarding the test.  During the MRI, you will be able to hear and speak with your doctor or MRI technician. In some cases, you may be asked to perform some simple tasks, such as tapping your fingers or answering some easy questions.  Stay as still as possible during the procedure. You will be instructed to stay still to ensure that the images will be clear. Just try to breath normally and stay still.

TL;DR in Russian:

Попросите друга или родственника поехать с вами. Приезжайте пораньше. Снимите все металлические предметы. Заполните анкету для выяснения противопоказаний к МРТ. Следуйте указаниям во время сканирования.


If you're going to do this trick, you need to take steps to ensure that you won't set the house on fire and burn yourself. Go outside to do this trick, and find a clear area, without any brush around or anything else that's a fire risk. You need to have a bucket of water handy, in case you need to extinguish flames quickly, and you need to have adult supervision. If you use gloves, use an old leather glove or lined garden glove that's tight-fitting with a hard palm surface. While wearing bulky flame-retardant gloves is an excellent safety precaution to protect yourself from being burned, cloth gloves in general mostly keep the trick from working at all, and can actually make the trick more dangerous. Bulky flame-resistant gloves will often extinguish the flame before it lights, while a regular glove can absorb the lighter fluid, increasing the possibility that you may light the glove on fire and burn yourself. Make a fist, but leave enough space to insert the end of the lighter into it comfortably. Your fingers need to be relatively tight, so the butane won't escape when you release it into your palm. Use your thumb to cover up the gap on the top of your fist, where you index finger meets your palm. Try to imagine you were holding water in your palm and keeping as much of it as possible from escaping. The trick basically involves filling your fist with butane, then lighting it as you open your hand. Put the flame-end of the lighter into your hand, far enough to push the butane into the pocket your fist creates. It won't work if you're holding the lighter just at the edge of your palm, you need to really get it in there. To start the trick, hold down the red button on the lighter, releasing the gas. Do not strike the flint by rolling the thumb-roller, but instead just depress the red button.  Different performers of this trick will hold down the button for longer, or shorter, depending on the gas flow of the lighter, and the size of fireball you want to make. To be on the safe side, it's better to hold it down...

TL;DR in Russian:

Примите меры предосторожности. Сожмите руку в кулак, оставив зазор между мизинцем и ладонью. Вставьте в кулак конец зажигалки. Нажмите и удерживайте кнопку подачи газа в течение 5 секунд. Отведите зажигалку от кулака и зажгите пламя. Поднесите пламя к отверстию в кулаке в районе мизинца и раскройте ладонь.


If you're going to give birth at home, you should have a trained midwife present during your labor. A variety of directories online can help you seek out midwives in your area. If you know other mothers who underwent home or water births, you can ask them where they found their midwives.  Have a variety of questions ready to ask the midwife you choose. Ask them what experience they have with water births, what their specific training is, and what services they provide for you and your baby. Make sure you know your midwife's availability. Do they work with assistants? Will they be able to assure availability during your birth and, if not, what would happen? Know what equipment will be provided and what equipment you should be prepared to invest in yourself. Make sure your midwife knows as much about your personal and medical history as possible. Tell them about any past pregnancies, any spiritual or religious practices that are important to your birthing process, and any concerns you have regarding home births. If you're giving birth at home, you need to have a birthing tub present in your home.  Your midwife can help you in the selection process and direct you to companies that rent out or sell birthing pools.  A variety of factors should be considered when you're purchasing a birthing pool. How much space do you have for the pool? What room are you giving birth in and, if it's on an upper floor, is the floor strong enough to hold the pool's weight?  Some pools have filtration and heating systems that allow you to have the pool set up before labor. This might be a good investment as you can have the pool set up and ready to go. You and your birthing partner will not have to undergo the stress of filling the pool while you're in labor. When you notice the early signs of labor, you need to alert your midwife and fill up your birthing pool in preparation for delivery.  You should have a thermometer on hand to monitor the water's temperature. It should be between 99 and 100 degrees, but no more than 101. Your...

TL;DR in Russian:

Выберите акушерку. Выберите бассейн для родов. Наберите бассейн и позвоните акушерке сразу же, как только начались схватки. Будьте готовы к чрезвычайным ситуациям.


If you're going to go out for a round of beers with friends, make sure you eat something that it is both substantial and healthy first. Lean meats, whole grains, and nutritious vegetables are an essential part of any good weight-loss regimen, as well as effective at helping to metabolize the beer you consume. If you're full, you'll also be less likely to drink more and eat unhealthy bar food.  Never drink on an empty stomach. The toxic impact of alcohol is increased if there's nothing else going through your digestive tract. Plus, the hangovers are way worse. Always eat something before you have beer. Eating healthy food before you have a couple drinks will also help you avoid the temptation of late night bad food cravings. The Drunk Munchies are a major cause of beer bellies, so if you want to avoid the gut, you also need to avoid the midnight fourth meal. Many dieters make the mistake of skipping breakfast when they're trying to lose weight, but the truth is that eating within an hour or so of waking up helps to jumpstart your metabolism, helping to keep your blood-sugar levels constant throughout the rest of the day, making exercise more effective and making you more energetic. Try to eat at a regular time each day, starting the morning with a breakfast high in fiber, with whole grains, fresh fruits, and healthy protein like eggs or natural peanut butter. Try to avoid processed sugars and cereals, as well as starting the day with refined carbs. Focus on consuming less high-calorie fatty food, the type of which you find in bars and we all find ourselves craving after a few brews. Hot wings, pizza, and burgers are all fatty, caloric bombs. Replace these types of meals with lean meats, fish, and fresh vegetables as much as possible. Avoid fried foods, cheesy meals, and red meat as much as possible. When you're drinking, it's often tempting to have some snacks. Instead of reaching for the easily-available bar food, though, take some unsalted nuts, or fresh fruit with you to the bar, or keep carrot sticks...

TL;DR in Russian:

Сьешьте что-нибудь полезное до того, как пить алкоголь. Всегда завтракайте. Внесите изменения в рацион. Замените белки животного происхождения другими источниками белка. Для очищения печени и улучшения работы почек ешьте крестоцветные овощи. Избегайте насыщенных жиров и продуктов с высоким содержанием сахара.


If you're going to just clean things up a bit, now is the time to do it.  If you have hair clippers, set it to a depth that suits you—1⁄2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) suits a lot of people. Trim carefully for a clean look. No clippers? Use a pair of sharp scissors, and snip away evenly to a length that suits you. If you're going under the blade, soak in the bath for a bit to soften the skin and hair up. Things will go a lot more smoothly, and you will have a much more pleasant experience. Some people have taken to shaving their pubic hair into a variety of interesting shapes and patterns. If you and your partner favor this look, go for it! Note that when you shave, within a couple days it could get really itchy. Apply moisturizing lotion to minimize discomfort. Cleanse and rinse the pubic region thoroughly, taking care to wash the outside of your pubic mound with soap. Don't use soap on your labia or in your vagina—this can lead to irritation and infections. You want to wash away soapy residue, both to get rid of the perfumed scent, and to inhibit bacterial growth of the unpleasant kind. Clean and rinse your pubic area after removal, and before replacement. Keep your clean, unused undergarments in a cool, dry place, and care for them well—make sure you dry them as soon as you wash them. Otherwise, you risk your clothes smelling worse than you did.

TL;DR in Russian:

Подстригите кончики. Ежедневно мойтесь. Тщательно промойте, хорошо высушите. Если у вас месячные, регулярно меняйте тампон или прокладку. Носите чистое нижнее белье.


If you're going to remain friends, you can't have a dramatic, no-holds-barred breakup. When you're breaking up with each other, you need to resolve any major issues without slinging mud and hatred at each other.  That doesn't mean that you need to breakup without any sadness. Of course you're both going to be upset and sad. It's hard to let go of something so important to your life. However, it does mean that you need to be respectful of each other to the end. Before deciding if you want to be friends, consider how you broke up. If you were constantly fighting, didn't like to be together, and stopped having good conversations, you may not want to continue any kind of relationship. Once you break up with each other, you need to take some time away from each other. You can't just jump from being lovey-dovey to being friends. You can't rush this period; each of you has to be ready to move into a different type of relationship. There is no set amount of time to determine how long the transition to friendship will take because it is unique to every situation and each person involved. While you're apart, figure out how your new life is going to look. Time once filled with being with your significant other now has to be filled with something else. Find ways to make your life joyful, from spending time with good friends to picking up a hobby like painting or rock climbing. It doesn't matter what you do, you just need to figure out new habits, so you don't slip into old ones with your ex. Letting go is a grieving process, and that's fine. However, you need to make sure you are still taking care of yourself and your health. Try to sleep on a schedule, and eat well. If you're feeling down, treat yourself to something fun, such as a nice dinner, a pedicure, or a ticket to a basketball game.

TL;DR in Russian:

Расстаньтесь с меньшим драматизмом. Побудьте некоторое время вдали друг от друга. Разберитесь в своей новой реальности. Заботьтесь о себе.


If you're going to smoke indoors and want to ease up on the aftermath, smoke near open windows. Blowing the smoke out the window and keeping your burning cigarettes as close as possible to the window is the best way to cut down on the lingering smell of the smoke. To ensure that the smoke doesn't drift back through the open window, consider using a small desk fan aimed toward the window. Keep the smoke going outward, and you won't have to worry much about masking the smell later. All you need to create nice-smelling smoke on your exhales is a toilet paper tube, some dryer sheets, and a rubber band. Stuff as many dryer sheets as you can into the TP tube and fix one sheet at the end, holding it in place using the rubber band. When you smoke, blow the smoke through the other end of the tube. It'll smell much less strongly. Doing this won't eliminate the smell of the smoke, but it will make it smell much less intense. The smoke coming off the cigarette while it burns is still a major issue, though, so combine this with other methods, like smoking out the window and using masking scents. Keeping a good supply of scented candles and strong incense to burn while you smoke is a good idea in masking the smell of the cigarettes. Incense is a particularly good option, especially if you already burn it regularly because it smells like smoke already. Suspicious parents or roommates might not recognize the undertone of cigarette funk underneath the Nag Champa. If you're in a carpeted room, there's that much more opportunity for the smoke to become embedded in the room. If you want to get rid of the smoke smell, consider getting out the vacuum and giving the carpet a once-over. Vacuuming won't be enough by itself, but just agitating the carpet some can help air it out a little bit. Febreeze is a smoker's best friend. Its odor-eliminating properties and clean scent do wonders for masking the smell of cigarettes indoors. Keep a bottle handy and regularly treat fabric surfaces (as well as clothes) that you want to remove the...

TL;DR in Russian:

Оставьте окно приоткрытым. Используйте домашние средства для поглощения запаха от сигарет. Зажгите свечу. Пропылесосьте. Побрызгайте освежающим спреем на ковер, шторы и другие предметы мебели.


If you're going to start a conversation with a girl via text, don't start with "hey" or "what's up" or the kissy-face emoji. It's important to give her something interesting or complicated to respond to, or she'll quickly get bored and so will you. Start with a comment, question, or observation, always.  "Do they sell bus tickets to Acapulco in this town? I'm bored of being in my house watching this dog lick its paw. Planning an escape. What do you say?" "Whoever said I'm not creative. Just found a way to make a sandwich out of chips and rice. Totally winning at Saturday. Can you beat that?" "Coach keeps talking about 'grabbing the brass ring' and I keep thinking about Frodo. YOU SHALL NOT PASS. So I'm thinking, LOTR movie night? Thoughts?" What are you doing right now? If you want a response, and want to have an actual conversation, it's better to talk about something that matters right now, instead of something that you could talk about any time. "Hey how are you" doesn't count.  "Math homework = killing me. Not sure I'll finish. How far have you gotten? Help with number five?" "Done with practice. Pretty sure mom forgot to pick me up. Looks like I live in the parking lot now." "Quick: Channel Five. That girl from our English class is being interviewed and she looks totally ridiculous." If you're texting with a girlfriend, it's a good idea to be a little flirty with your texts. You don't have to go over-the-top, but learning to steer something around to your feelings with this girl is always a plus.  "I'm walking past the park. Thinking of that time we kissed on the swings. Miss you." "Just saw a mallard duck couple waddling around. NOT SO CUTE AS WE : )" "Saturday is free for me. Got all day to spend with you. What should we do?" Questions are a great way to start conversations via text. But don't ask questions that can be answered with one word, especially if those words are "yes" or "no." Instead, coax her into a conversation by asking more complicated questions that will take a little more thought on...

TL;DR in Russian:

Начните с чего-то конкретного. Говорите о том, что происходит прямо сейчас. Напишите что-нибудь милое. Задавайте вопросы, требующие развернутого ответа. Пошлите ссылку или картинку.


If you're going to throw your knife away, bubble wrap is your best option. This safely coats the blade, preventing injury and accident during disposal.  You might want to wrap the knife in butcher paper first. Then, wrap the knife in a few layers of bubble wrap.  If necessary, wrap a layer of duct tape around the bubble wrap to keep it secure. You should consider adding an additional layer of cardboard when disposing of a knife. Place it in an old shoebox or other cardboard container before throwing it out. This may also be effective if you plan on donating the knife. If you do not have cardboard or bubble wrap, you can use newspaper, old clothes, socks, or any material you can easily wrap around the blade. Simply wrap the knife in a few layers of your chosen materials. If necessary, wrap some tape around the material to keep the knife in place.

TL;DR in Russian:

Используйте воздушно-пузырчатую пленку. Добавьте картон. Используйте другие материалы.


If you're going to try to hook a fish that weighs up to 250 pounds and has dozens of sharp, needle-like teeth, you're going to want more than a branch and bobber. Bring a stiff composite rod with strong test line. This is the kind of fish you'll want to bring up to the surface, so using a bobber for your bait is appropriate. It's best to have a large open-faced or spinning reel capable of hold 150–200 yards (137.2–182.9 m) of 30-100 pound test monofilament line. A stiff-actioned graphite or composite rod, six or eight feet long is appropriate for this size of fish. Hook bait onto a 6/0 treble hook and use a 1/4 oz. slip sinker, with a split shot sinker to keep it above the hook. Plastic or cork bobber (float), capable of keeping your bait and rig suspended near the water's surface. Some people in the lower delta waters near the Gulf Coast prefer 10–12 inch (25.4–30.5 cm) mullet, and often suggest removing the scales before using them, but any legal baitfish, such as shiners, shad, or suckers are on the gar's menu. Carp, buffalo, and large perch are also commonly used. When you spot a school of fish breaking the water as if they are being herded by a hungry carnivore, you are probably in gar country. Rig your bait, and cast. Leave the spool open to allow the gar to take the bait and run with it for a few clicks. Keep your eye on the float. When it begins to torpedo across the top of the water, or when it dives towards the depths, you know you've got a gar on the line. Lower your rod toward it, and wait at least seven seconds after the line pulls tight. The gar swims with its food before attempting to eat it. If you try to set the hook to early, you'll risk jostling it loose or hooking the gar in a less-than-optimum spot. The alligator gar has a hard, bony plate in its mouth, which is the reason fishermen prefer treble hooks, and considerable force is needed to penetrate it. To ensure that you set the hook in the soft, secure part of the gar's mouth, you may have to set it a few times. Since you've let as much...

TL;DR in Russian:

Убедитесь, что ваша снасть готова к бою. В качестве оснастки вам понадобится стальной поводок 600-900 см и леска с тестом 18-36 кг. Берите живца хороших размеров. Наблюдайте за собирающейся у поверхности мелочью вроде шэда, нотрописа или пресноводной кефали. Закидывайте в глубокие участки водоема. Подсекайте.


If you're going to welcome yourself to adulthood by having an all-out crazy celebration of your self and your ability to consume the boozes legally, you have to do it with a plan for staying safe and for being a little responsible. If you're going to party, you might as well party right.  Bring a go-bag with you. Have some emergency supplies on hand in a backpack, purse, or other carrying case: energy drink, sports drink, prophylactic, extra keys, extra cash, cellphone charger, toothbrush, and list of emergency numbers. Never a bad idea. Let several people know your plans for the night in case things go awry. Let a neighbor, a parent, a housemate, or someone else you trust know where you'll be, what you're planning on doing, and what to do in an emergency. It's not lame to take care of yourself. If you're going to celebrate your 21st with a night on the town and you're planning on having a couple drinks, make a designated driver the first priority. Elect a friend to stay sober and chauffeur you around, in exchange for a free dinner, if necessary. If you live in the city, walk around, take public transportation, or use taxi cabs to travel. If you've got the funds, a limo is always a great party option. Don't drive after drinking, under any circumstances.  Before you go out, program the number of late-night taxi services into your phone. That way, if you end up unsure about how to get around, you can call quickly and easily and make sure that you'll be safe. If you're walking home late at night, always walk in a group and make sure that everyone gets home safely. Make sure that everyone in your group has already exchanged numbers before setting out for the night, in case you get separated. Depending on your plants, it might be fun to hit up a bunch of different places in a small area, head to a few special locations, or pick the perfect spot and hole up there for the evening. All approaches can be fun ways to party.  If you want to bar-crawl, find an area that's densely packed with cool bars, so you won't have...

TL;DR in Russian:

Будьте в безопасности. Назначьте водителя. Выберите место. Можете поехать куда-нибудь. Решите, сколько денег вы можете потратить. Проявляйте гибкость в планировании. Веселитесь, но не будьте назойливым. Попробуйте гулять от полуночи и до полуночи. Знайте, когда стоит остановиться.


If you're grappling with change of (or to find) faith in something, or seeking to name and use a faith that you feel, but have trouble voicing -- it can be stimulating and uplifting to join a group or congregation in that arena. Acknowledging a higher power in an organized setting offers many people satisfaction, relief and strength. If you think you might be one of them, but weren't raised in a religious kind of faith, spending some time exploring different denominations and faiths, learning about their belief-systems and finding what speaks to you the most exercises your power of choice.  If you were raised in a church, but are feeling dissatisfied, you might be in a crisis of faith. Do you use the doubt or question you're experiencing to reforge (with sparks flying) your beliefs? Or to find faith elsewhere? Each person will need to answer this question for oneself, but exploring other options is always a smart way to go about answering it. If you're unsatisfied in one congregation, try another. If your religion is giving you more questions and conceptual irritants than answers, start reading up on your or another way of believing. Have faith that you'll find (receive) the right answer. Buddhists have faith in the Noble Eightfold Path, which is a method of living in moderation as a way of ending human suffering by eliminating clinging desires. Faith in Buddhism derives from the pali word saddhā, which often refers to a sense of conviction. The saddhā is often described as "a conviction and determination to accomplish one's goals and cultivate a sense of joy". Learn more about Buddhism in the following articles:   Become a Buddhist Say a Buddhist Prayer Practice Tibetan Buddhism Christians believe in one God, who created the heavens and the Earth, and who became manifest on Earth as Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of Man. Christians believe that submitting to the will of God and placing faith in Christ is an essential part of saving your eternal soul from damnation. Christ told a parable about faith:...

TL;DR in Russian:

Если хотите, изучайте также различные религии и системы верований. Изучите буддизм. Изучите христианство. Изучите ислам. Изучите иудаизм. Исследуйте универсальную веру.


If you're hanging out with other people and trying new things, you are almost guaranteed to have more fun. Finding good company to try new things with will make you have fun no matter what. Here are some great things to try:  Join a team sport. Whether you're joining a volleyball league or just playing badminton with two of your friends, you'll be set to have a great time. Do a cultural activity. Go to the theatre, a museum, or a concert with your friends and see what a great time you have. Throw a theme party. Throwing a theme party with your friends is a great way to have fun, whether it's a costume party or a murder mystery party. Check out a new restaurant. Go to a completely new place for the food or for the happy hour specials, and indulge in the great conversations you'll be having with your friends. Cook together. Invite over a few friends and create an elaborate meal, or have fun baking new kinds of desserts. Dancing with your friends is always a good time, no matter how silly or insecure you may feel. You can dance at a house party, at a club with a few close friends, or just dance in the middle of the street with your best friend if the mood strikes. Moving your body and even singing along to the lyrics of a silly song will definitely make you have more fun. If you really like dancing, then taking a salsa, cardio hip hop, or another type of dance class will definitely make your life more fun. Part of having fun is hanging out with people who bring more fun and joy to your every day life. If you're hanging out with a Negative Nancy or a person who is always sad for no reason, then you'll never be able to have more fun with others. Here's how to hang out with people who will make your life more fun:  Hang out with people who are spontaneous and adventurous. These people are guaranteed to find fun in the most unlikely places. Hang out with people who crack you up. If you're laughing, you'll be able to have fun no matter where you are. Hang out with people who are positive. Positive people are excited...

TL;DR in Russian:

Найдите новое занятие для себя и своих друзей. Танцуйте. Общайтесь с правильными людьми. Больше смейтесь. Отправляйтесь навстречу приключениям.


If you're harvesting bamboo for an at-home project, you'll first want to select the proper culms to harvest. Culms are stems of bamboo that shoot up from the ground. Look for culms that are longer and straighter in appearance. These bamboo culms may be sturdier and their width tapers off with height. This means you'll have a variety of sizes to work with when using the culms for at home projects. Before you begin curing and storing your bamboo, remove any infected culms. Culms that contain fungus, bugs, or other problems can infect the rest of the culms.  Look for circular ring patters, which can indicate fungus. While fungus is mostly cosmetic and can be removed, it can be a pain if it spreads. If you only have a few culms that look like they might have fungus in an otherwise healthy batch, you might want to simply toss the infected culms.  Some viral infections leave mosaic-like patterns on bamboo culms. These culms should be discarded. You should also get rid of culms infected with a black, sooty mold.  Bugs and parasites can infect bamboo culms. Watch for a white substance on shoot tips. If you notice such a substance, peel back the culm leaves and look for small, pink bugs. Such culms should be discarded as the pesticides required to treat such infections are pricey and time consuming. Once you've gathered culms and checked for infection, prepare them for the curing process. It's easiest to simply use a grill to cure bamboo for home projects. Therefore, you may want to saw the bamboo culms into manageable pieces of 4 feet or so. You can use a saw or clippers that can be purchased at most hardware stores. You can use an outdoor gas grill to cure bamboo at home. You should remove the racks from the grill and then place the bamboo culms inside one at a time.  Turn the heat to high. Watch for the bamboo to change color slightly. This indicates resin rising to the surface, important to the curing process as it strengthens culms.  Take an old rag and rub the resin into the bamboo culms. The color of the bamboo...

TL;DR in Russian:

Выберите, какой бамбук срезать. Избегайте зараженных стеблей. Подготовьте соломины. Используйте тепло для сушки бамбука. Соблюдайте меры предосторожности.


If you're having a hard time contorting your hands into the bizarre shapes needed to make hand shadow puppets, don't worry! You can make wonderful, detailed miniature shadow puppets with just a few common materials you'll probably have lying around the house. For this project, you’ll need:  Construction paper A light source (like a lamp or light bulb) A cardboard box (for your "stage") Straws or balsa wood sticks Tape Thin tissue paper or baking parchment (for your “screen”)

TL;DR in Russian:

Соберите материалы.


If you're having a hard time getting over someone, it's likely because you're remembering all the good times without the bad. Take time to remember why you broke up, so you can break through the fantasy.  Try writing about it. Journal about the painful memories you have with the intention of letting go of that hurt, too, so you can move on. You're relationship ended because something happened or it wasn't going well, and if you put that relationship on a pedestal of perfection, it's hard to get over it. One way to work on forgiving them is to remember the good parts of the person, too. Think about what made you like them in the first place, so you can think of them as a whole person who makes mistakes. It's only when you think of them as a fallible human being with both good and bad qualities that you can forgive them their mistakes.  Another way to work on forgiveness is to think about how you feel about what the person did to you. Think about how those emotions are affecting your life. For instance, if you feel angry and bitter, how is that coloring how you see the world? Of course, some "mistakes" are bigger than others. With serious issues like emotional and physical abuse, it's much harder to forgive the other person. Keep in mind, though, that forgiveness is mainly for your benefit; it doesn't absolve the other person for what they've done. Forgiveness is about letting go of the bitterness you have against the other person. It's hard to let go of your negative feelings towards the person if you're not willing to forgive them. You don't forget your pain, just that you stop harboring anger in your heart towards the person. You may blame yourself for the breakup, or you may feel the need to blame the other person. But, in the end, the fact is you just weren't compatible with the other person, and no one deserves the blame for that. If you had a fairly amiable relationship, try to remember that you were both trying your best to make the relationship work, and work on letting go of the blaming cycle....

TL;DR in Russian:

Помните о причинах расставания. Простите человека, чтобы отпустить чувство гнева. Воспринимайте расставание как решение «по взаимному согласию» и обходитесь без обвинений. Измените свою реакцию на прошлое и не пытайтесь забыть о нем. Обратитесь к психотерапевту.


If you're having a hard time seeing your way out of a situation, try modeling your behavior after someone else who's faced adversity. Not only can this give you a good dose of perspective ("Wow, at least my problem isn't as bad as that"), it might inspire you to be more courageous.  Look for a role model among people you already know. If you feel comfortable enough, consider asking them how they dealt with situations that required bravery. Read about brave historical figures. Look up the life stories of people who are renowned for facing adversity with bravery, such as Theodore Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman or Joan of Arc, freedom fighters, rebels, etc. Bravery requires you to be “tough” when you encounter scary or difficult situations. Mental resilience is more than just a tough front, though. To be truly resilient, you need to practice the following:  Flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adapt to changing situations. It's the ability to stay away from defensiveness if something goes wrong. It's the ability to look for new ways to approach a problem or situation. You can develop flexibility by recognizing the potential for learning in all situations, and by developing a mindset of curiosity rather than worry.  Engagement. In order to be brave about a situation, you have to face it head-on. Truly brave people examine the situation and identify how to approach it, rather than trying to run away or ignore the problem. Breaking down a situation into smaller elements can help you face troubling situations. You can also try to imagine the best possible scenario, rather than the worst possible one.  Persistence. Things may not always go smoothly. Brave people understand this and get back up when they fall down. You can help yourself become persistent by defining what actions you need to take every step of the way. It's much easier to face a setback if you know that the next step you need to take is achievable, rather than a monumental task. We all get stuck in unhelpful ways of thinking, or “cognitive...

TL;DR in Russian:

Найдите образец для подражания. Развивайте психическую выносливость. Не поддавайтесь отрицательным мыслям. Откажитесь от перфекционизма. Начинайте каждый день с самоутверждений. Отдалитесь от своих страхов. Обратитесь за помощью к друзьям. Беритесь за сложные задачи. Практикуйте осознанность.


If you're having suicidal thoughts, it's best to be prepared in advance, so you know what to do in the event of a crisis. Everyone can have his or her own safety plan, but it should include certain things like calling for help immediately, driving to a close friend's house, doing something that soothes you no matter what, spending time with your pet, or reading over your gratitude list. The most important thing is that you plan not to be alone while you're feeling suicidal and that you have something to do while you wait for help to arrive.  Writing down this plan can help you know what to do when you're feeling unsure or upset in the moment. Make copies and share your safety plan with your loved ones so they can help care for you if you’re having a time of crisis. Get rid of alcohol, medication, sharp objects, or anything else in your home that can make it easier for you to end your own life. If you're having suicidal thoughts, then it's important to make it as hard as possible for you to follow through on what you're thinking. Call a friend and wait for him or her to arrive and find a place to lie down and wait. If you know that there are few things in your home that can make it easier for you to harm yourself, then you'll be more likely to stay safe. This means that you should immediately be around a person who can prevent you from ending your life. The opportunity comes from being alone, and if you're having these thoughts, you should be with a friend, family member, neighbor, or someone you know so you can feel like you're less alone, and so that you're feeling like you have less of an opportunity to end your life. If you are considering taking your own life, call for help ASAP. Time may not heal all wounds, but it will certainly make things seem less dire. It will be difficult, but you have to understand that having suicidal thoughts will not make time go by any quicker. You just have to be strong and not give up. Progress will be made in time. Things will get better, but you have to let them get...

TL;DR in Russian:

Подготовьте план безопасности. Уберите все, что может убить. Исключите потенциальную возможность. Будьте терпеливы.


If you're having trouble getting over a mistake, there may be a reason you can't let go. Spend some time trying to identify underlying emotions below regrettable behavior. In order to let go of the past, you need to be able to release certain emotions tying you to a mistake.  What is it that you associate with this mistake? Do you feel like you missed out on something? Do you feel like you did wrong by a loved one? Can you identify a single emotion, or several emotions, tying you to your past? For example, maybe you feel it was a mistake to turn down a job opportunity. You feel regret over what could have been. Try to deal with feelings of regret head on. Work on accepting that everyone has regrets, and they're a normal part of life. This will help you let go of a perceived mistake. Often, we are unable to move on because we see mistakes or poor behavior as defining our character. Everyone makes mistakes and engages in poor behavior. Such behavior does not necessarily reflect your values and worth as a person. Learn to see yourself as a separate entity from the mistakes you've made.  Try to treat yourself as you would treat another person. If a loved one, for example, made the same mistake you did, what would you say? Chances are, you would not think a friend or family member is a bad person because of a single lapse in judgment. Grant yourself this same kindness. Just because you screwed up does not mean you're a bad person by nature. You and your mistakes are two different things. You can certainly use mistakes to identify ways to change yourself, but your bad qualities do not represent everything you are as a person. You may be better able to accept your mistakes if you feel they were worthwhile. Instead of ruminating over what you could have done better, stop and think about what you can learn. You cannot change the past, but you can use it to guide yourself towards better decisions in the future.  Try to foster gratitude for the ability to learn something new. For example, if you learn that you get...

TL;DR in Russian:

Распознайте эмоции, которые лежат в основе ваших сожалений. Отделите себя от своих ошибок. Извлеките урок. Примите, что вы несовершенны. Признайте, что вы действовали с ограниченным осознанием.


If you're having trouble saving money, it's wise to start here. Many of the expenses that we take for granted are far from essential. Eliminating luxury expenses is a great first step to improve your financial situation because this won't impact your quality of life or your ability to perform your work significantly. While it can be difficult to imagine life without a gas-guzzling car and a cable TV subscription, you may be surprised how easy it is to live without these things once you remove them from your life. Below are a just a few easy ways to reduce your luxury expenses:   Unsubscribe from optional television or internet packages. Switch to a thriftier service plan for your phone. Trade in an expensive car for one that is fuel-efficient and cheap to maintain. Sell any electronic gadgets going unused. Buy clothing and home furnishings from thrift stores. For most people, costs related to housing make up the single biggest expense in their budget. Because of this, saving money housing can free up a substantial amount of your income for other important activities, like saving for retirement. While it's not always easy to change your living situation, you'll want to seriously re-examine your housing situation if you're having a hard time balancing your budget.   If you're renting, you may want to try negotiating with your landlord for a cheaper rent. Since most landlords want to avoid the risk that comes with looking for new tenants, you may be able to get a better deal if you have a good history with your landlord. If need to, you may be able to exchange work (like gardening or maintaining the house) for cheaper rent. If you are paying a mortgage, talk to your lender about refinancing your loan. You may be able to negotiate for a better deal if you're in good standing. When refinancing, try to keep the repayment schedule as short as possible. You may also want to consider moving to a cheaper housing market altogether. According to a recent study, the cheapest housing markets in the U.S. are in Detroit,...

TL;DR in Russian:

Постарайтесь урезать расходы на развлечения и другие излишества. Найдите более скромное жилье. Сократите расходы на питание. Снизьте потребление электричества. Пользуйтесь более дешевыми средствами передвижения. Отдавайте предпочтение недорогим (или вовсе бесплатным) развлечениям. Избавьтесь от привычек, которые вам дорого обходятся.


If you're having unusual problems urinating, you should make an appointment with your regular physician to figure out if there is a medical cause to your problem.  Your doctor will perform a medical and physical examination. If you are male, your doctor will probably perform a prostate exam.  If the doctor feels a urine test is necessary; she may use a catheter to release urine. This is a tube that goes up the urethra and drains urine into a bag.  Blood tests may also be needed to check for any signs of infections.  Treatment depends on the problem's cause, but a variety of medications can be used to treat urinary problems. The inability to urinate can occasionally be a medical emergency that requires immediate care. Go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following problems:  Acute and painful feelings in the bladder or stomach could be a sign of a severe bladder obstruction. See a doctor immediately as you may need an emergency catheter to drain urine.  Sudden and painful urine retention can be severe. Damage to the bladder and kidneys may occur without emergency treatment, so it's important to get to the ER as soon as possible. A variety of medications are used to treat urinary problems. Ask your doctor what medications she recommends.  Alpha receptor blockers are one class of medication used to treat urinary problems. They work by relaxing the muscles in the bladder and reducing whatever is obstructing urine flow. They are usually used for long-term issues with urine retention, especially enlarged prostates in men.  These drugs include 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and antimuscarinic drugs for urinary incontinence. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink the size of the prostate gland, so such medications are only prescribed to men. They may take weeks or even months to work depending on how long it takes them to successfully shrink the prostate gland. If you have difficulty voiding, then there is usually a medical condition that is causing this to occur.  Your doctor will want to do some test...

TL;DR in Russian:

Запишитесь на прием к врачу. В случае необходимости вам могут порекомендовать хирургическую операцию. Попробуйте медикаментозное лечение. Пусть врач определит источник ваших проблем.


If you're holding a big party, you might want to put more effort into decorating for you party than for your yard; it all depends on how many hands are on deck to help out! Make the decorations well in advance so that you're not rushed. For a haunted house:  If you have a walkway already lined with lights, replace them with lit-up skulls. Place glowing sculptures in your windows and make sure to take advantage of technology: Lots of decorations now have motion-activated sensors that will surely creep out your guests as they walk in. For the inside, utilize cobwebs from corner to ceiling and a fog machine in the doorway. Hang spiders or bats in not-so-obvious areas and if the lights are dim, invest in a few bottles of glow-in-the-dark spray. There are many different ideas for Halloween food that you can find in magazines, books, and online. wikiHow has its own section too - check out Halloween Food and Halloween Drinks. Make the food in advance when possible, especially if it's tricky (such as making hands, skulls, etc.)  Witches' fingers are fairly simple to make with cookies and almond slices. Think cheese for a brain and mozzarella eyeballs with black and green olives for eyes. As for drinks, a cauldron of punch is pretty mandatory. And if you can get your hands on some dry ice to make it smokey, all the better. A glow-in-the-dark LED light at the bottom of the bowl would make for a nice added touch, too. Coat the edge of drinking glasses using corn syrup dyed with red food coloring, turn right side up and allow mixture to drip down the glasses to serve your creepy concoctions in.  Don't forget dessert! If you're feeling creative, try making bloody cupcakes or rising zombie cupcakes. Do this well in advance and set up the music where it can be heard easily. Music doesn't just have to be straight up music -- think of sound effects, too! Play this outside to get your guests excited even before they walk in. The outside loop can be much shorter than the music you have playing inside. See what snippets you can...

TL;DR in Russian:

Купите или сделайте украшения для вечеринки. Продумайте еду и напитки. Подготовьте музыку. Спланируйте игры на Хэллоуин.


If you're hoping to increase your testosterone levels, diet isn't the only thing to consider. Exercise is an equally important part of increasing testosterone levels, which is why you should come up with an effective, yet sustainable fitness plan designed to maximize testosterone production.  Specific types of exercise, such as weightlifting, actually cause the body to produce more testosterone. Exercising decreases your chances of being overweight and, as discussed above, being overweight can negatively impact testosterone levels.  If you're not sure where to begin, it may be a good idea to enlist the services of a personal trainer who can develop an exercise plan specifically tailored to your current fitness level, along with your desired outcome. If you want to boost testosterone, you should begin to lift weights, as weight-lifting is the most effective form of exercise for increasing testosterone production. However, for best results, you will need to lift heavier weights with fewer repetitions, and it's probably best to avoid the weight machines altogether. Stick with free weights and follow the advice below:   Lift large muscle groups. Studies show that lifting larger muscle groups, which require complex, compound movements, is much more effective for producing testosterone than working just one or two smaller muscles. For this reason, you should stick with weight exercises such as bench presses, squats, deadlifts, and shoulder presses.  Try to work out with high volume. The type of exercises you perform will mean nothing if you don't have enough volume. You should be doing at least 3 to 4 sets of each compound exercise, using a weight you can only lift 5 times per set. The volume of your workout is determined by this formula: reps x sets x weight = volume. However, when it comes down to a choice between more repetitions or more sets, you should choose more sets every time.  Focus on high intensity. Push yourself hard in the gym - only by pushing yourself to your physical limit will you maximize your...

TL;DR in Russian:

Разработайте комплекс упражнений и придерживайтесь его. Начните поднимать штангу. Попробуйте высокоинтенсивную интервальную тренировку. Делайте кардиоупражнения. Позвольте телу восстановиться между тренировками.


If you're hunting on a small body of water where it's not too windy, choose a duck call that isn't too loud, or you'll scare the ducks. A double-reeded wooden call is perfect for the job. On large bodies of water or when it's windy, you need a loud duck call. An acrylic call would be more appropriate. If you only have one call, vary your calls to compensate. Remember: accuracy is the most important thing. Watch the ducks for reactions to your calls. Calls are to be employed when you've spotted a group of ducks flying overhead and you want to attract them to land as close as possible to your position. Calls are most effective when they're used sparingly, and they must be done correctly if you hope to fool the ducks.  Watch the ducks for their reaction to your calls. If you see them flying over-head and change their direction to your position, don't keep skronking away at full-tilt and risk ruining your cover. Wait for them and see what they do. If you're calling more than once in 30 seconds, you're probably calling too much. If you're listening to Waylon on the portable radio super-loud, your whistles will make poor accompaniment. If you're hunting with decoys and the ducks are clearly attracted to them, don't risk ruining a good opportunity by blowing your lungs out. Ducks will often swoop around, dive, leave, come back and land several times before they decide to jump in front of your sights. Be consistent, avoid frustration, and wait. Listen to commercial CDs of duck calls. Listen and practice at home or in the car. Also spend time listening to real ducks in the wild. While you're calling, you should be actively listening to the sounds the real ducks are making so you can imitate them in response. Wooden duck calls especially will need drying out and wiping down after use, so the wood finish won't wear and crack.  Unscrew the reeds and check to make sure they haven't broken or chipped, which will affect the sound of your calls. If they have, replace them. Before you remove the reeds, use a felt-tip pen to...

TL;DR in Russian:

Используйте соответствующие ситуации манки и сигналы. Будьте немногословны – позвав утку, следите за ее реакцией. На время охоты устраните все посторонние отвлекающие звуки. Не крякайте, если утки заинтересовались вашей приманкой. Будьте терпеливы. Тренируйтесь. Почистите и приведите в порядок манок после использования.


If you're in a bedroom and need to vanish quickly, get down on all fours and shimmy beneath the frame of the bed. Then, lie flat on your belly or back and be as still as possible. When your pursuer peeks into the room, they won't see anything out of place.  If the bed sits on a frame that's high up off the ground, the person looking for you may be able to see you or your shadow. Hiding under the bed is a pretty common tactic, so be ready to make a run for it if you happen to get spotted. Closets are tried-and-true hiding places. They're big enough for most people to fit into easily, and sometimes even contain coats and other items of clothing that can provide extra cover. And since most people don't open closets very often, it's possible that they won't think to look for you there.  Be sure to open and close the closet door softly to cover your tracks. If you're involved in a heated game of hide-and-seek, don't go for the closet unless you have no other option. Closets are a somewhat obvious hiding spot. If your hear the person you're trying to avoid about to come into the room, dive behind the couch and kneel down to make yourself smaller. Chances are, they'll take a quick look around and leave thinking that you're not there. Make sure the couch you're hiding behind faces the entrance of the room so you won't be visible.  You might also curl up behind a loveseat, easy chair, or futon if there's not a full-sized couch around. Since their backsides are completely exposed, couches don't make great long-term hiding spots. Insert yourself into the space between the curtains and the window and pull the curtain in front of you. Stand up straight and keep your arms pinned to your sides so the person looking for you won't catch a glimpse of any suspicious lumps behind the drapery. Your feet will likely be visible under the bottom of the curtains, so consider moving to another hiding spot after a short time. If the shower has a solid curtain, pull it closed in front of you. Otherwise, lie down so that the lip of the...

TL;DR in Russian:

Залезьте под кровать. Спрячьтесь в платяном шкафу. Спрячьтесь за диваном. Шагните за занавески. Запрыгните в душ. Заберитесь в какое-нибудь тесное место. Спрячьтесь на чердаке или в подвале дома.


If you're in a hurry to eat, you're more likely to aggravate your piercing. While your piercing is healing, eat small meals only when you have the time to sit down and eat slowly. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water. Then, reach into your mouth and tighten the beads on your piercing. Beads can become dislodged when you chew, so tightening them is necessary to keep your piercing from becoming undone. Chewing too fast increases the risk of complications. Make slow, deliberate chewing motions when eating with your piercing. Make sure to feel where the food is in your mouth and work to keep it away from your piercing. Disposable silverware, when taken directly out of the package, is less likely to harbor bacteria than regular silverware. If you use silverware, go for disposable varieties to reduce the risk of an infection. Use new disposable silverware every time you eat.

TL;DR in Russian:

Ешьте только тогда, когда вас ничто не торопит. Затяните бусины. Жуйте медленно. Используйте одноразовое столовые приборы.


If you're in a party and wanted to leave, simply type /leave in your chat window. You will be completely removed from the party list and will no longer be able to receive EXP from your party members. To join the party again after leaving, you need to ask the party leader to invite you again. Another way to leave the party is by clicking the “Leave Party” button found on the party window. To open the window, simply press Alt+Z and then choose the button at the bottom left to leave. There are times that members in the party went offline and didn't come back after an hour or so. Or, for whatever reason, you wanted to kick a member out from your party. To do this, open your party window and then right-click on the name from the list. Choose “Kick from Party” to remove them.

TL;DR in Russian:

Наберите Покинуть команду. Используйте окно группы. Удалите членов.


If you're in a pinch and need to chill champagne quickly, you can add salt to ice to speed up the chilling process. The salt draws heat out of the bottle of champagne, making it cool faster. To start, add some ice to a bucket of water. Add enough ice that, after adding about half a cup of water, you can submerge a bottle of champagne. Take a salt container and open the lid. Quickly shake the container over the ice, getting a generous amount in the bucket. About half a cup of tap water will usually do. You'll need to add enough that the ice is floating in the water, sort of like cereal in milk. The champagne will cool quickly using this method. You only need to leave the bottle in the ice for a few minutes. It should cool off sufficiently in roughly 3 to 5 minutes. Remember to point the bottle away from breakable objects when un-corking the champagne. Tilt the bottle at a 45 degree angle when serving and fill a cup about three quarters of the way full.

TL;DR in Russian:

Добавьте в ведро лед. Посыпьте лед большим количеством соли. Добавьте воду. Оставьте бутылку на несколько минут. Подавайте шампанское.


If you're in a position where you can't take the time to listen to a voicemail but want to know what it says, you can just read the transcription on your phone or website. This feature will be automatically set up with your account. If you want to find a message with some important information, just type the word in the search box on your web site, and press "Search." This will allow you to easily locate the message instead of listening to all of your voicemails.

TL;DR in Russian:

Прочитайте транскрипцию на своем телефоне или на веб-сайте. Найдите транскрипцию.


If you're in a relationship with a player, you're probably not the only woman he's seeing. Making your relationship public will make it easier for his lies to be exposed to both you and the other women, and for that reason, he'll usually reject the idea of being public about it.  The way he treats you in public will be one good indication. If he refuses to treat you with any special affection or treats you just as affectionately as other women, it might be his way of keeping your relationship a secret. To that end, he might also avoid spending time with you in certain places if he thinks there's a better chance of being caught there. Check social media accounts, too. If he refuses to be “friends” or “followers” with you, or if he never responds to any public comments you make toward him, it could be a sign that he's trying to hide your relationship. Refusing to update his “relationship status” might be another social media clue. Try to spend time with his friends. Most players won't want you anywhere near their friends, and it won't be because they're afraid of another man stealing you away.  If he lets you meet his friends, he takes the risk that someone within the group will slip and reveal information about his true self. If you do meet his friends, watch his behavior around them. Some players will drop their guard and show their true colors when they're hanging around their buddies. Invite him to meet your friends and family. Since a player isn't serious about you, he will usually refuse such offers or make excuses to get out of them at the last minute. Moreover, friends and relatives with a keen eye might be able to spot a player when they see one. A player who agrees to meet your loved ones would have to take the risk of being discovered by someone like that. Ask around about the guy and find out if there are any rumors about him. People in his own social circle might cover for him, but anyone who isn't attached to him won't have a need to do so.  Ask your close friends to do their own investigating on...

TL;DR in Russian:

Предайте отношения гласности. Познакомьтесь с его друзьями. Познакомьте парня со своими друзьями и родственниками. Интересуйтесь мнением со стороны. Следите за тем, как парень относится к другим людям.


If you're in a rush or a public place, visit the bathroom for a quick refresh. Fold a paper towel twice to make a neat square, then soak it in cold water. Press it lightly against your eyelids, for fifteen seconds each. Look upward and place the towel just beneath your lower lashes, pressing gently for another fifteen seconds on each eye. Let your skin eye dry. Repeat if necessary.  Do not scrub your eyes or use soap. Some people like to mix in about 1 tsp (5 mL) table salt in 1 cup (240 mL) ice water. Don't try this if you have red, irritated skin. Wet a soft, fluffy cloth with ice cold water. Wring it out, then fold the cloth over your eyes for about ten minutes. The cold should constrict the blood vessels around your eyes, reducing the swelling. You can get similar results with an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas. You can even make your own cold pack by stuffing a sock full of raw rice and tossing it in the freezer. Don't use a bag of large, chunky vegetables, since it can't mold around your eyes. Choose a pair of metal teaspoons that fit closely over your eyes. Freeze them for about two minutes or keep them in the fridge for 5—10 minutes. Place them over your eyes with slight pressure. Leave them until they warm up.  If you have time, freeze six spoons instead. Replace the spoons with a new, cold pair once they warm up. Stop after the third pair to avoid skin damage from prolonged cold. You can also try adding cold teabags to your eyes to reduce puffiness. Lightly tap the puffy areas of your eyelids, using your ring finger. This can stimulate blood flow, moving pooled blood out of the area. Close your eyes and massage the upper area of your nose. Focus on the skin to the right and left of the nose, where a pair of glasses would rest. This can relieve sinus pressure, which may have built up as you were crying. Place two or three pillows underneath your head to keep it above the rest of your body. Lie with your neck straight, close your eyes, and relax. Even a short break can lower your blood pressure....

TL;DR in Russian:

Умойтесь холодной водой. Промокните глаза холодным полотенцем. Накройте глаза холодными ложками. Слегка похлопайте по глазам. Помассируйте переносицу. Лягте с приподнятой головой. Нанесите охлажденный крем для лица.


If you're in a rush, Hamburger Helper can be prepared entirely in the microwave with the same basic approach as above. To start, crumble your beef into a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat the meat on high for about five to seven minutes or until any residual pinkness is gone. Break up the meat and stir at the three-minute mark. Don't forget to crumble the meat as you put it in the bowl and to break it up halfway through the cooking process. Microwaving a single solid block of ground beef will lead to uneven cooking. Any of the draining techniques covered in the section above will work just as well here. Remember that, to avoid clogged drains, pour cooled grease into the garbage, not the sink. Stir well to combine in the bowl with the cooked ground beef. Stop the cooking to stir the mixture every five minutes or so. Don't cover the bowl completely as it cooks. You can use a microwave-safe lid to reduce splatters, but leave it open a crack so that steam and pressure do not build up in the container. Use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands when you stir. After a few minutes of cooking, the bowl will be very hot. Test the pasta for done-ness every time you stop to stir the casserole. Your dish is ready to serve when the pasta has a semi-soft texture that offers a little resistance (in other words, when it's "al dente"). Carefully transfer the hot bowl out of the microwave and let it cool somewhere safe for high temperatures (like an unused burner on the stove). As in the method above, the cooling period is important — the sauce will continue to thicken even after the bowl is removed from the heat.

TL;DR in Russian:

Подогревайте фарш в микроволновой печи на высоком температурном режиме, пока полностью его не приготовите. Слейте жир. Добавьте макароны, молоко, горячую воду и смесь соуса. Подогревайте в микроволновой печи приблизительно 14-19 минут. Достаньте блюдо из микроволновой печи и дайте ему остыть, когда макароны будут приготовлены "аль денте".


If you're in any way new to picture books, it's a good idea to read up on a few. Read them from start to finish, taking care to note the tone and subject matter, as well as the techniques (rhymes, colour palettes etc.) the author has used to make it happen. You need not reinvent the wheel; tricks other writers have used may prove useful to your own efforts. Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are is a great picture book to read for inspiration. It's got a simple but enticing story, and gorgeous visuals to back it up. For picture books, a gripping idea is the most important early factor in a picture book's success. If the idea appeals to you, it will reflect in your art and writing. Likewise, if the idea itself appeals to your readers, they'll feel that much more interested to read your book. Think of a great high concept to build your book around. Possible topics could regard aliens, animals, fairy tales or even history.  Picture books are most often written for ages ranging from 1-8 years. Keep that in mind while you formulate your story. Children aren't likely to appreciate highfalutin references to Marcel Proust so much as pure, straightforward storytelling.  Recognize the limitations of a picture book. Your story is going to have to be very simple to fit into a picture book, which may prove a challenge if you're used to longer forms of writing. If you're struggling with finding the perfect idea, go for a walk or read some existing picture books. Failing that, talking to a child can sometimes result in surprisingly handy creative input. Although picture books are usually 32 pages in length, only 24 of those will be for the story itself; the others are usually for things like the title and copyright information. You won't suffer any limitation if you're making one at home, but you should still have a clear idea how many pages you'll need to tell your story. Draw up a basic storyboard of what you may like your story to look like, and find ways to expand or contract your ideas as you deem fit. It's much...

TL;DR in Russian:

Прочитайте несколько книжек с картинками. Придумайте интересную идею. Спланируйте макет.


If you're in high school or college, there's no better time to start your acting career than now. Get involved with school theatre as soon as possible. Sign up for theatre classes in your school if you can. Audition for school plays. High school drama programs are a great way for you to get a feel for what the acting world is like and start building your experience and skill as an actor. If you're in college, you can likely find a student-run theatre program that has open auditions. Take advantage of any opportunities to act you can find at your school. Search your schools list of clubs and organizations. Contact the ones that put on plays and ask them how to get involved. Although there are plenty of movie stars who didn't go to college, or did go to college but not for theatre, it certainly can't hurt. Especially if you're coming out of high school with no theatre experience, getting acting skills and experience in college is a worthwhile step. Research colleges and their drama programs. Things to consider when choosing a school include: How well rated is their drama program? What kind of classes do they offer? How many of their alumni are professional actors? Do they have an agent showcase? How well does the schools and it's drama program fit with my goals as an actor? If you're not in high school or college, you should still be getting acting training. Most movie stars have spent many years honing their acting chops. Any opportunity to do so will improve your chances. Search online for acting classes and workshops near you. Whether you're in high school, college, or neither, you can get acting experience in your current town by volunteering for local theater productions. Audition for upcoming productions. Contact local theatre companies and ask what kind of volunteer work they have available. Even if it's not acting work, working at a theatre company will give you an "in" for when they start casting for later productions.  Alternatively, look for community television stations near you. Contact them and...

TL;DR in Russian:

Участвуйте в школьных постановках. Получите актерское образование. Запишитесь на курсы актерского мастерства. Работайте на общественных началах в местном театре. Используйте любую возможность играть.


If you're in love with a Scorpio woman, be serious about the relationship in order to keep her. Scorpio women do not date casually, so it's vital you treat the relationship as a serious priority. If you're not looking for a longterm, loyal partner, you may want to look for love elsewhere. A Scorpio woman is not going to sit at home waiting for you to make plans. Scorpios are independent by nature. A Scorpio woman will pursue her own fun and interests. They do not need their partners to feel fulfilled and will not stay around with someone who hampers their independence.  Do not be offended if a Scorpio woman does not seem to need you to have fun. A Scorpio's independent natures means she is able to make her own fun, whether others are present or not. Learn to value this. This is not a sign you are not important to Scorpio woman. In fact, you are very important. She is not with you because she relies on you for companionship or comfort. She is with you because she genuinely wants to be around you. Scorpio women do not forgive easily and they never entirely forget a partner's indiscretions. Infidelity will not be tolerated by a Scorpio. Even minor things, like casual flirting, will be viewed as breach of trust. If you're in love with a Scorpio woman, accept that you need to be with her and her alone. You need to develop a thick skin if you're in love with a Scorpio. They are brutally honest by nature, and you can expect tough love on occasion. If a Scorpio feels you did something wrong, they will not hesitate to tell you. Remember, Scorpios are loyal, passionate, and stay with partners whose company they genuinely enjoy. Therefore, criticism can be seen as an act of encouragement. A Scorpio woman wants you to be the best person you possibly can.

TL;DR in Russian:

Серьезно относитесь к отношениям. Уважайте ее независимость. Сохраняйте верность. Умейте периодически справляться с безжалостной прямолинейностью.


If you're in public and have no escape route and know that the fart is coming on any second now, then your best bet is to slowly release it. Carefully and slowly unclench your butt cheeks, wiggle around a bit, and then let the fart slowly escape from your body. If you let it out all at once, it'll be more likely to make a loud noise. So this isn't the most ideal maneuver, but sometimes, you just know you have to fart, and you have no option but to make a loud noise or to cause a diversion when you know the time has come. Here are some things you can do:  Cough loudly Laugh loudly Drop a textbook Turn on the radio Set off a phone alarm This is the easiest way to fart and get away with it. If it's possible, then you should simply excuse yourself for a minute and then go and do your business. Here are the easiest things you can do:  Pretend to take a phone call Go "check something out" on the other side of the room Say you need some fresh air Say you want to wash your hands Use the bathroom

TL;DR in Russian:

Выпускайте газы медленно. Создайте какой-нибудь шум, чтобы замаскировать пук. Извинитесь и выйдите, чтобы выпустить газы.


If you're in the United States, the most commonly accepted way to spell the term is with an a—"gray." In the United States, "gray" appears roughly 20 times for every appearance of "grey." If you're in the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia, the term should be spelled with an e—"grey." In the United Kingdom, "grey" can be found roughly 20 times for every use of "gray."

TL;DR in Russian:

"Gray" используется в американском английском. ”Grey" используется в британском английском.


If you're in the habit of eating shortly before going to bed, reduce the amount of food you eat or change your routine altogether. You may need to stop eating as early as four hours before your intended bedtime. If you are unable to completely stop eating before bed, you should at least reduce the amount of food you eat. Heavy meals are more likely to cause problems than light snacks. Adjust your eating schedule as needed to accommodate this difference and determine whether or not it has enough of an impact. Both alcohol and caffeine can disrupt normal, healthy sleep, so you should avoid drinking either substance during the evening. More specifically, your last sip of caffeinated coffee and soda should be in the late afternoon, and your last sip of alcohol should be with dinner. You may also need to cut back on other potential stimulants, like sugary foods and drinks. Any substance that could alter the way your body regulates sleep might worsen the problem, even if it isn't directly to blame. This includes substances that make you feel more awake (caffeine and sugar) as well as those that make you feel drowsier (alcohol). Do something that relaxes you immediately before you lie down. Even if you aren't consciously aware of your stress, there's still some possibility that your body is retaining enough stress to make normal sleeping habits impossible. Take a warm bubble bath or listen to soothing music. Read a relaxing book. Spend time meditating, praying, or cuddling with a loved one. Nearly any activity that causes you immediate relaxation can be a good option. Sleeping is the only thing you should do in your bed. In other words, you should not be lying in bed while reading, watching television, surfing the Internet, or listening to music.  By using your bed for nothing but sleep, you effectively train your brain and body to associate your bed with sleep. That makes it easier for you to fall asleep quickly once you lie down, and sleeping faster can lead to deeper, more restful sleep. On a similar note, it...

TL;DR in Russian:

Перестаньте есть перед сном. Не пейте алкоголь и кофеиновые напитки поздно вечером. Расслабляйтесь перед сном. Используйте кровать только для сна. Создайте комфортные окружающие условия. Высыпайтесь. Придерживайтесь регулярного графика сна. Попросите слушателя успокоить вас в случае разговора во сне.


If you're in the middle of a panic attack, try grounding yourself by identifying 5 things in your environment you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. Other ways to practice grounding include splashing water on your face, planting your feet on the bare earth, or drinking a hot or cold beverage. Take a  deep breath in through your nose. Hold the breath for several seconds. Then, release the breath slowly from your mouth. Repeat the cycle again until you start to feel calmer.  Deep breathing is a wonderful tool for relieving anxiety symptoms in the moment, such as during a panic attack. It works by sending more oxygen to the brain. As a result, you jumpstart the body’s natural stress response and become calmer. Try several rounds of deep breathing to reduce acute anxiety, but you can also do this exercise regularly to keep at anxiety at bay. Working your up through the body, gradually contract then relax each muscle group. While contracting, hold for a few seconds and notice how the tension feels. Then, release the tension and notice how that feels before moving on. This relaxation exercise helps you recognize where you are holding tension in your body so that you can effectively release the tension. Jot down your anxious thoughts by recording the situation, your reaction or thoughts about it, and how you feel as a result. Try to spot recurring thought patterns or even problem-solve these stressful situations.  For example, if you notice you seem to write about feeling anxious frequently on Thursdays, you might analyze that day to determine what's happening to make you anxious. Maybe you are coming in contact with a trigger without knowing it, such as a demanding class or a toxic person. Grab a pair of headphones and drown out the anxious thoughts. Listen to your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Many people find they can sleep easier by distracting their thoughts. You can also try singing out loud, even if it’s just very quietly to...

TL;DR in Russian:

Попробуйте прием заземления. Дышите глубоко. Используйте прогрессивную мышечную релаксацию. Ведите дневник. Послушайте что-нибудь, что вас отвлечет. Сделайте небольшую паузу или посвятите целый день психическому здоровью.


If you're interested in blocking calls from salespeople and other spam calls, register for the National Do Not Call List. Registering is fairly simple. You just enter your number and e-mail. You should get an e-mail within 72 hours with instructions on how to complete your registration. If you want to block certain from a number of phones and electronic devices, consider getting a Google Voice account. A Google Voice account will keep all your numbers and contacts in one account. You can easily block numbers through Google Voice.  You can sign up for Google Voice for free if you live in the US. Log into your Google Voice account and find the number you want to block.  Select the check box next to the number. Hit "block." This will block this person from contacting you on any phones or electronic devices hooked up to your Google Voice account. Not all android phones have specific tech you can use to block calls. However, Android offers many free or cheap apps that can be used to block numbers.  Mr. Caller allows you to block calls and texts from specific numbers. It also allows you to automatically block unknown callers and block numbers from specific area codes. Truecaller is an app that can detect and weed out spam calls. It also allows you to block specific numbers. There are many free apps on the app store that can be used to block calls. Browse apps and read reviews to find an app that works for your needs.

TL;DR in Russian:

Зарегистрируйтесь в национальном реестре «Не звонить! Используйте Google Voice, чтобы заблокировать определенные номера с любого устройства. Воспользуйтесь специальными приложениями (для Android).


If you're interested in electrolysis, it's important to go to a salon with a good reputation. Have an initial consultation so you can learn about the process and lay out a plan.  Electrolysis involves destroying individual hair follicles with chemical or heat energy for permanent hair removal. The treatment will last fifteen minutes to one hour. Some people find the process painless, while others describe it as uncomfortable. Depending on how much hair you have, you may have to return for further sessions. Your skin will be red and swollen after your session, so you'll want to treat it gently. Apply aloe or another ointment recommended by the salon you visited.

TL;DR in Russian:

Проконсультируйтесь в салоне красоты. Посетите первый сеанс удаления волос. Ухаживайте за кожей подмышек после процедуры.


If you're interested in hanging out with her as a friend, there is less pressure to say just the right thing than if you want her to become romantically interested in you. Once you figure out what you want, you can proceed to text her accordingly.  Note: Most of these steps assume that you are looking for a romantic connection with a girl. After you get a girl’s number it is best not to contact them right away in order to not appear needy or annoying. After you’ve waited however long you think is necessary (2 or 3 days tops), send a quick text message that let's her know you're thinking of her. It’s best to keep the first text short and sweet, flirty, funny, mysterious, or any combination of those. A common text most guys send would be “Hey. It’s John from the coffee shop, remember me?” This is a mistake. Just assume they remember you and they are anxiously awaiting your text. Asking if they remember you should only be in a flirty manner (i.e. you’re teasing her because she'd had a couple of drinks when you met her at a party). Try to stick with the vibe you created when you first got her number. If you flirted with her by giving her a silly nickname like “shorty” or “dork,” include the nickname to subtly remind her about your chemistry in person.

TL;DR in Russian:

Поймите, чего вы хотите от девушки. Не будьте навязчивым. Поддержите энергетику.


If you're interested in less drug-heavy treatment options, there are a variety of homeopathic options that are successful for some women.   Soybeans contain a substance called isoflavones that has an effect on the body that's similar to estrogen. A soybean rich diet might help reduce vaginal dryness.  Black cohosh is an herb many women use as a dietary supplement and it may help with vaginal dryness. However, every major study has not found any benefit with use. Some women experience side effects like joint pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. You should not use black cohosh if you have liver damage or a hormone-sensitive condition like certain cancers or fibroid tumors. You should also not take black cohosh if you're pregnant. Talk to your health care provider before you begin any herbal treatments to make sure the herbs are safe for you. Some women use creams containing wild yam as a supplement, but no evidence exists that such creams are helpful and they may be damaging to the vagina. Cleansing your vagina with a liquid preparation, store bought or homemade, disrupts the balance of chemicals in your vagina and can lead to dryness and possibly infections. Do not douche as the vagina has self-cleaning mechanisms and does not need additional washing. Foreplay is any activity, like massaging, cuddling, kissing, oral sex, and other forms of erotic play, that occurs prior to sexual intercourse. Increasing the amount of time you and your partner engage in foreplay can increase arousal and therefore limit vaginal dryness. Talk to your partner about any issues you've been having with vaginal dryness and ask him or her to allow for more foreplay during intercourse. This may help lessen the problem. In general, having an active sex life in general can help you stay lubricated and avoid vaginal dryness. Talk to your partner about the importance of regular sexual activity as it applies to both the physical and emotional aspects of your relationship. Regular masturbation, especially for...

TL;DR in Russian:

Попробуйте начать лечение природными средствами. Не спринцуйтесь. Не пренебрегайте прелюдией во время сексуального контакта. Попробуйте заняться мастурбацией.


If you're interested in looking timeless, start by considering clothing choices that have already been proven as timeless. While many trends in fashion come and go, some basic outfits stay more or less the same over time. Below are just a few outfit ideas for men and women that have been popular for at least a quarter-century and likely will be for the near future:   Women: Skirts with blouses, jeans with tee shirts, black tights, simply-patterned dresses, flats, heels.  Men: Shirt-and-tie combos, suit jackets/blazers, fitted dress pants, medium-to-dark jeans, polo shirts, medium-length tee shirts, sneakers, dress shoes. Having a timeless look is often as much about what you don't wear as it is about  what you do wear. A timeless look is one that doesn't "try too hard" to catch others' attention. Instead, it lets the wearer's natural good looks speak for themselves. Try to wear mostly simple, unpretentious pieces of clothing, rather than flashy, overly-showy pieces. Whites, blacks, one-color items, and simple prints are good ideas — neon colors and overcomplicated patterns are not.  Not only will this give you a timeless look, but it will also save you money in the long run as you shop for clothes. Simple pieces of clothing (especially items that are either white or black) can be used in a huge range of outfits and still look good, while flashy pieces usually give you much more limited options and require you to buy more clothing to compensate. For a great example of timeless fashion from the world of TV, consider the cult classic 90s show Twin Peaks. In show that's filled with sometimes-garish late 80s/early 90s fashion choices, the show's main character, detective Dale Cooper, looks about as good today as he did back then. By wearing mostly simple, elegant suit-and-tie combinations, he avoids looking like a stereotypical member of Generation X and instead achieves timeless appeal. Almost every outfit will look best on you if your clothing fits well. While it may occasionally be fashionable to wear clothes...

TL;DR in Russian:

Выбирайте вещи классического вида. Отдавайте предпочтение минималистичным образам. Носите вещи, которые хорошо на вас сидят. Не используйте слишком много аксессуаров. Носите простую и аккуратную стрижку. Не увлекайтесь пирсингом и татуировками. Не следуйте тенденциям, которые стали модными в последнее время.


If you're interviewing for a career in a professional environment, such as business, finance, or anything in a traditional office, it's important to look professional so your employers can see you fitting in with the people in their company. If you show up dressed too casually for the part, you will stick out like a sore thumb and will look like you're sloppy or don't know how to follow directions. Here are some tips:  For men, professional attire includes a dark-colored suit, long-sleeved shirt, formal shoes, and a briefcase. For women, professional attire includes a suit, a suit with skirt and pantyhose, and conservative shoes. Remember to know how the people at the company dress--and then kick it up a notch. It's better to look overdressed than under-dressed. If you're really unsure about how to dress, ask the person scheduling the interview. Business casual is defined as being in between professional and casual dress, and it's important to know which jobs require business casual dress. Jobs that include working in a site that requires special equipment or that is dirty tend to accept business casual dress. They jobs include work in a laboratory, construction site, or lawn care. Here are some tips for dressing for a business casual environment:  For men, cotton or khaki pants and cotton long-sleeved shirts or sweaters are appropriate. For women, corduroy or khaki pants or skirts, sweaters, and cardigans are appropriate. If you're unsure about whether to dress business casual or professional, err on the side of caution and dress professionally. Some work environments, such as those at a startup, have more casual dress. You can check the environment by looking at the type of company, or even checking the company's website. If you wear a full suit to an interview at a casual company, you will look stodgy and too stuffy to fit in. Here are some tips:  For men, a clean and simple pair of khakis and a nice button-down short sleeved shirt will work. For women, a nice top and simple skirt will do. Even if the...

TL;DR in Russian:

Оденьтесь, как принято в профессиональной среде. Оденьтесь в повседневно-деловом стиле, если это уместно. Оденьтесь в повседневном стиле.


If you're just looking to lighten your existing wood, a two-part chemical solution is your best option. It's a less aggressive approach that aims to alter the appearance of wood without making major changes to it. Refer to package instructions for precise directions. You usually mix equal parts of the two bleaches in a glass or plastic container. Make sure not to use metal, as bleach can damage metal. Make sure to read your package's instructions, as some solutions may be applied one at a time instead of being mixed together. Use a clean sponge saturated in clean water. Wipe down the wood until the water runs clear, making sure to remove all traces of bleach and vinegar from the wood. Drying times will vary depending on the type of wood and your bleach kit. The instructions on your bleach kit should give you a rough idea of drying times. Do not treat the wood further until it's completely dry to the touch. After sanding the wood, repeat the neutralizing process. Make a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water and then apply it to the wood. When you're done, rinse it off with water.

TL;DR in Russian:

Осветлите дерево с помощью двухкомпонентного отбеливателя. Смешайте два отбеливателя. Ополосните поверхность водой. Подождите, пока дерево высохнет. Еще раз нейтрализуйте древесину.


If you're just starting out for school band, it's common to rent a clarinet from the school, or from a music shop in your town. It's much easier to learn on a properly maintained instrument that's new, instead of one that's been sitting in the attic gathering mildew. It's also a lot cheaper than buying a new model.  If you're a beginner, a plastic clarinet is recommended. A Buffet B12 or Yamaha 255 are both popular models, but stick to a plastic first instrument as wood clarinets can be more difficult to play and maintain. It's usually common to use a soft reed; 2 to 2 and a half will most often work. You can use higher strength reeds (like a 3 or 4) once you have been playing for a while.  Avoid no-name clarinets (clarinets from manufacturers that aren't very common). Professional clarinets players and repairers tend not to have good things to say about clarinet brands they haven't heard of. If you have an old clarinet you want to use, take it into a music shop to get it fixed up. The pads will likely need to be changed, to make sure you get a clear tone from the horn. . Most clarinets come in carrying cases, with fitted slots for each component of the instrument. When it's time to take it out and put it together, inspect the case to make sure you've got all the parts ready to go in good working order. The pieces are assembled from bottom to top, in the following order:  The bell is the bottom component of the horn, and it fans out like a megaphone. The bottom stack makes up the main body of the clarinet, and it will have a cork connection piece on only one end of the section. The top stack makes up the other major section of the main body of the clarinet, and will have cork on both ends of the section. Line up the straight metal hinge on both pieces to orient the barrel properly. The barrel should be a short piece, 3-4 inches long, and slightly more flared at one end than the other. The mouthpiece is the top-most section of the instrument, and should come with a metal or leather ligature, which is used to...

TL;DR in Russian:

1. Исследуйте кларнет и узнайте, как называются его части. Держите кларнет правильно.


If you're just starting out with the instrument, there's no need to spend an excessive amount of money on a violin, but like most instruments, the quality of the violin generally rises as the price goes up. Expect to spend a few hundred dollars on a decent beginner's violin.  Buy full size or 4/4, if you're an adult. The violin is a small instrument, but there are specially designed smaller sizes available. These are generally only intended for younger children, so be sure the violin you're buying is full size unless you're very small. You can ask the shop for a recommendation if you aren't sure.  You can also ask the shop to measure your arm length to see what size violin you need. When holding the violin in the playing position, straighten your left arm and the tops of your fingertips should be near the top the violin scroll. If your arm is way past the top, the violin is too small. Buy from a reputable seller. Music stores stake their reputations on selling solid instruments that are free of obvious flaws and damage. As a beginner, you won't be able to coax a very pleasant sound from your instrument for some time, so flaws in privately sold violins might not be apparent to you until it is far too late to complain. Only buy from a store or individual you can trust. Unless you have purchased the instrument only, your violin outfit should come with a violin with four strings, a bow, and a carrying case and most of the time a chin rest and rosin for your bow. In most cases, the person who sells you the violin will be happy to string it for you, which has the added bonus of double-checking to be sure the tuning pegs (the knobs at the scroll, or top, of the violin) are properly fit to the scroll. A hard case is important because violins are such delicate instruments.  Strings come in three basic varieties: gut, which is expensive and difficult to take care of, but which offers a complex range of sound; steel, which is loud and bright but can sound scratchy, and synthetic, which is smooth, clear, and not as...

TL;DR in Russian:

Купите скрипку. Проверьте комплектность покупки. При необходимости приобретите недостающие аксессуары.