Q: If the party you're throwing is a small dinner party for 4-12 people, there's no need to make a huge mix, and certainly no call for danceable music. Instead, help everyone relax and feel elegant by putting on some classic jazz. Not just any jazz album will do; look for famous performers, and lean towards variations on songs rather than original compositions (though these are also fine in moderation). You should only need a few albums' worth of music, at most. Don't shuffle your jazz; instead, go through each album in turn, from beginning to end, preserving the intended mood. As for era, stick to the 20 years between 1951 and 1971. Jazz from this period has a classic jazz sound that most people find relaxing and sophisticated. Consider these albums as useful starting points: Solar Energy, Ray Brown Trio with Gene Harris; Time Out, Dave Brubeck Quartet; Kind of Blue, Miles Davis; Idle Moments, Grant Green. You can also try an album of bossa nova (such as Antonio Jobim's excellent Wave) or other "relaxed" sounding music, but be careful not to make your guests feel as though they're listening to elevator music. This works best with a collection of CDs or LPs, but can be approximated with a digital music player. Before the party, set aside every album that's not suitable for the party, leaving only good party albums out in the main area. Put one on as guests begin to arrive, and leave the albums prominently displayed so that people can look through them. Offer to let people play albums, a few songs (or one side) at a time, one pick per person. Your guests will have another activity to play around with, and you can rest assured that only the chosen albums will be played. To be safe, don't leave out any albums that would be difficult or expensive to replace if broken. Parties have been the bane of many a breakable item. Themed mixes aren't only useful at theme parties; they're also a great way to show off a collection that has some depth, and can provide some additional structure to a more public event (like a neighborhood block party). Simply look at your collection and make mixes of your favorite songs from genres you collect or have a special interest in. You can even make more tightly themed mixes for specific parties, such as a maritime theme or a desert theme. People love it when the music matches up to the theme of the evening. An early rock, rockabilly, and bebop mix is great for a sock hop or retro-themed gathering. Funk and classic '70s soul lend a lush, decadent air to any warm summer night. Split your mix between EDM (Skrillex, Tiesto, the Chemical Brothers) and IDM (Bonobo, Aphex Twin, Modeselektor) to create a soundtrack for a rave. (You can learn to crossfade and match beats to make it feel even more authentic, but that's not covered here).
A: Host a dinner party with class. Make your mix interactive. Create a themed mix.

Q: Depending on the types of owls that inhabit your region, you'll need a box that is suited to those specific owls. This is important, as owls vary greatly in size and behavior. If you don't have the right box, you won't be able to attract owls to your property. Use this chart to determine the appropriate size of box for the type of owl in your area: http://www.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/nest_box_chart_0.pdf Look for a location near a field, meadow, or another open area. In addition, choose a location that does not have much man-made noise. An area far from a road will work well. Avoid placing owl boxes above cars, tractors, or farm equipment. Don't put boxes too close together. Although owls aren't very territorial, putting boxes nearby could discourage multiple owls from nesting there. If you're trying to attract barn owls, you can attach the box to the inside of a barn or the outside of your home. Attach the box to a tree, pole, or structure that is at least 10 feet (3 meters) off the ground. In addition, the entrance must face any direction but north. If the box is too low, it might make an easy target for predators trying to eat owl chicks. If the box faces north, it will be exposed to cold northerly winds. Use 2 or 3 2-inch wood screws (5 cm) to secure the box to the tree or structure. The box should be able to support up to 5 lbs (2.25 kg). Make sure the box entrance is clear and faces an open area. Fill the box with 2 or 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) of untreated wood shavings. The wood shavings will serve as nesting material for owl chicks during the spring time. It will also provide warmth for more mature owls during the winter. Use several wood screws to secure a stick or small board to the outside of the box. This will allow the owl to perch in front of the box. It will make the box a much more attractive home site.
A: Build or buy an appropriate box. Find a good location for the box. Position the box properly. Place wood shavings in the bottom of the box. Add a stick or a small board on the outside of the box.

Q: Calcium can help prevent and reduce the pain you have associated with your period, as well as many other PMS symptoms. Calcium can be consumed through items such as: dairy products, fortified soy beverages, canned salmon and sardines, and leafy greens. You can also take additional calcium via a calcium supplement of between 500 mg and 1,200 mg per day. Low magnesium levels can be associated with many PMS symptoms, including cramps and headaches. Increase the amount of foods you consume that are high in magnesium, such as: sunflower seeds, nuts, lentils, legumes, whole grains, soybeans, figs and green vegetables. You can also increase your magnesium intake by taking magnesium supplements in a pill form. For the best effect, take 360 mg per day for three days before your period begins. Vitamin B6 helps produce serotonin. Serotonin can help reduce anxiety and depression brought on by PMS. Foods with high amounts of vitamin B6 are: beef, pork, chicken, fish, whole grain cereals, bananas, avocados, and potatoes. While vitamin B6 is found in supplements, but be careful not to take more than 100 mg per day. Excess vitamin B6 can be toxic. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and can act as an anti-inflammatory. Try taking 400 IU per day to help reduce the pain you have due to your period. Vitamin E has been shown to decrease pain associated with your period when 500 IU is taken per day. It is best to start taking the vitamin E supplements two days before your period begins, and stop three days after your period has started. Therefore you'd be taking it for five days. Omega-3 fatty acids are most often found in fish oil as a supplement. It can be taken in pill form or liquid form. Fish oil is an anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the pain associated with your period. Several types of herbal teas contain ingredients that can help reduce the painful cramps brought on by your period. Raspberry leaf tea can help to relax your uterus and reduce cramping. Chamomile tea contains an anti-spasmodic which can also reduce cramping. Cramp bark tea (made using 1 teaspoon of dried cramp bark simmered in 1 cup of water for 15 minutes) can help reduce pain. It can be taken up to three times a day. Evening primrose oil can be obtain both in liquid form and in pill form. It contains an essential fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA). GLA blocks prostaglandins in your body which can cause painful cramps during your period. For the best effects, take 500 to 1,000 mg per day. Taking ginger supplements in extract form (specifically Zintoma or Goldaru) can help reduce the pain associated with your period. Take 250 mg four times a day for the first three days of your period.
A:
Increase your calcium intake. Add more magnesium to your diet. Boost your vitamin B6 levels. Take vitamin D supplements. Try vitamin E supplements. Supplement omega-3 fatty acids. Make herbal tea. Give evening primrose oil a try. Use ginger supplements.