INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Some brass objects, such as door handles, faucets, and fixtures will be easier to paint if you remove them from where they are. Other objects, like furniture, utensils, and lamps, are already portable. If you removed any screws, nails, or other hardware, store them in a safe place so you can return the item after it's painted. It's also a good idea to test that your item is in fact brass. To test if something is brass, hold a magnet to it. Brass is a non-ferrous metal, meaning it contains no iron. As such, brass is also not magnetic, so a magnet will not be attracted to a brass object. All paint projects should be done in a well-ventilated area, such as a garage with doors or a room with large windows that open. This will protect you from paint fumes in addition to wearing a mask. Place a drop cloth on the ground to protect the surrounding area from paint and splatter. Place the object you want to paint on top of the drop cloth, or on a work table or bench. Before you start painting, open windows and turn on any vents in the room to help remove paint fumes. Protect yourself with a mask, gloves, goggles, and other personal safety equipment when painting. Take measures to prevent dust from blowing around in the room. One of the most important steps in painting brass is the scrubbing that happens beforehand. Not only does this help remove dirt and corrosion, but it also provides the paint with a good surface to stick to. Rub the entire surface with the steel wool, concentrating on areas that are especially corroded or heavily soiled. When you finished scrubbing the item, wipe it down with a damp, lint-free cloth. Paint needs a rough surface to stick to, which is why you want to scrub it with steel wool. Scrubbing brass with steel wool is not advisable unless you're preparing it for painting. Removing oils, dirt, and grease from the surface of the metal before painting is integral. If there is oil, grease, or dirt left on the brass when you paint, the paint won't adhere properly. Dampen a lint-free cloth with degreaser and wipe down the entire surface you wish to paint. Wipe the item again with a cloth damp with water, and set it aside for about 10 minutes to dry. Good degreasers for brass include liquid deglosser and solvents like butanone.

SUMMARY: Remove the item if necessary. Move the item to a well-ventilated area. Scrub the item with steel wool. Clean the surface with a degreaser.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you go to a sports game, a concert, or a bar in hopes of meeting someone in person, be bold. If approaching someone you're interested in isn't really your style, you can still make yourself look approachable and inviting. If you see someone you're interested in, but you can't come up with a pickup line or a conversation starter, buy a drink for them and ask the bartender to tell them it's from you. It's hard to go wrong with a simple, kind gesture. Make eye contact, smile, and raise your eyebrows you just might make a connection from across the room. A lot of people who swear they hate dating probably only hate small talk. However, if you establish common ground through casual chatting, you'll be able to discuss more serious topics, and the overall conversation will flow a lot more smoothly. Ask broad, open-ended questions. Something like "So what got you interested in rock-climbing?" is a lot better than "Are you interested in rock-climbing?" If you meet in person, talk about where you are and what you're doing there. If you happen to meet someone playing beach volleyball, say something like: "Wow, you're really good. I'll know where to come in the future if I want my butt kicked. Do you play here often?" Relate to what the other person said. If they gripe about getting to work and you, too, have a difficult commute, express your shared frustration and tell them why you hate driving (or taking the bus or train). Nervous mistakes are simply a part of dating. You might trip over your words and say something you think is utterly stupid, or make an embarrassing typo while messaging on a dating app. Instead of taking yourself too seriously and letting the awkward moment get to you, try making a joke at your own expense. Luckily, some people think it's cute if their date is a little nervous. Don't go out with anyone who shows mild interest in you. People who are more discriminating tend to be seen as more desirable, and having standards shows that you value yourself and your time. On the other hand, if you keep holding out for the perfect person, you might miss out on a great connection. If you're in a room full of people with similar interests, you should be able to pick out one or two people who you'd like to go on a date with. Make it a point to not leave an event without showing interest, making a connection, or trading phone numbers with a few people. While swiping on an app like Tinder, take time to consider each potential match carefully, rather than turning them down based on an immediate gut reaction. Remember that there's a real person behind that profile, and that you might make a great connection with them even if you're not blown away by their photos. Treat people the way you would wish to be treated, online and off. If you start to suspect the person you're talking to might not be right for you, they still might want to go out with you. If they ask you out and you'd rather not go, avoid making excuses like "I'm busy" or "I'm not ready to date right now." These small lies can be more hurtful and insulting than just respectfully declining. Smile, say "No thanks, but I appreciate the offer", and change the subject to ease any discomfort. If you think your first interaction has gone well, ask the person out. By this time, you should have a good idea of what your potential date is interested in, or what they like to do for fun. Invite them to do something you think you would both enjoy. If your date is lukewarm about trying new restaurants or bars, suggest a casual activity that's relevant to what you've talked about with the other person instead of a dinner date. For instance, if they mentioned that they like a certain style of music, invite them to a concert you think they would enjoy. Have a good idea of what you're going to say to the person so you don't stumble over your words, but don't memorize a statement ahead of time you don't want to sound scripted. Be polite and graceful if they say no. Even if you feel hurt or disappointed, try not to take their answer personally. Thank them for being honest with you and tell them you enjoyed meeting them.

SUMMARY:
Indicate interest and project confidence during social situations. Make engaging small talk, whether you meet in person or online. Don't take yourself too seriously. Be selective but also reasonable when pursuing potential dates. Be respectful, even if you're not interested. Ask the person on a date that you think they would genuinely enjoy.