Problem: Article: Pruning azalea plants early will allow the plant's energy to be directed toward producing new growth. Assess your azalea to find dead branches and other spots that need trimming. Use a pair of hand clippers to thin the azaleas. Clip out any dead branches. Don't go overboard with this early-season pruning. Each healthy branch you cut away is a branch that could have produced beautiful spring flowers. If you want to drastically change the shape of your azalea, wait until later in the summer. Now is the time to reshape your azalea shrub if you wish. Cut long, stray shoots next to woody branches to retain the azalea's natural form. Trim back areas that seem too crowded to promote air flow and improve the look of the bush. Be sure you make careful cuts - don't use hedge clippers to trim the bush willy nilly. Don't prune too late in the year. Prune no later than 3 weeks after the blooms have gone - otherwise, you'll be cutting away next year's flower growth. If you have an azalea that has grown to large proportions and you're ready to cut it back, you can safely cut it to within a foot of the ground and it will grow back bushy and beautiful. Do it after the blooms of spring have faded, so the plant has time to reestablish itself before the next phase of growth.
Summary: Trim away dead branches in the spring. Do a light pruning after the blooms fade. Do a drastic pruning when necessary.

Problem: Article: Explain to them that you are going to tell them what number they chose at the end. Put on an act that you are reading their mind while they are thinking of a number. This is a super easy math trick that is easy to figure out at the end, but it's still fun to put on a show! " Notice that there is no "8" in the second sequence of numbers. Make sure they multiply the number they chose by "9", then by "12345679," with no "8" in order for the trick to work. Keep pretending you are reading the person's mind while they perform the multiplication. Tell them you will divide what number they chose at the beginning from the result on the calculator. Have them hold the calculator to face you so you can see the number or hand it to you so you can look. If you have an audience, don't let them see the result on the screen in order to create a more dramatic effect. Whatever number you see repeating on the screen is the number they chose at the beginning. There will only be a string of a single repeating number. For example, if they chose "1," then the calculator will show "111111111."
Summary: Tell someone to pick a number from 1-9 without telling you. Have them multiply their number on a calculator by "9," then by "12345679. Make them show you the results or pass you the calculator. Look at the number to determine what their original number was and tell them.

Problem: Article: If your veterinarian has identified a medical condition that requires special treatment, medication, or other interventions, make sure that you follow the veterinarian's instructions. If your dog's elimination problems are related to a medical condition, they will not improve until he is cured. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog's condition worsens or does not improve despite treatment. You can get your dog to stop eliminating inside the house by gradually introducing grass to the type of surface your dog prefers to use. For example, if your dog prefers to urinate on carpet, place a piece of carpet or a small rug in your back yard. Allow your dog to use the rug, but add a handful of grass to the carpet every day. When the carpet is completely covered in grass and your dog is still using it, remove the carpet. Your dog should be used to using a grassy surface and continue eliminating on the grass. Simple changes to your daily routine or to your dog's environment may help to ease some of his fears and anxieties. After you have identified the source of your dog's fear, you can take steps to try to eliminate or reduce it. For example, if your dog is frightened by the sound of passing cars when you take him out for a walk, try taking a quieter route or taking your walk at a time of day when there is less traffic. Some dogs just don't like to go outside when the weather is bad. You can help make the experience more tolerable for your dog by getting cold and/or wet weather gear for your dog. For example, if your dog does not like the feel of his paws in the snow, consider getting some boots for your dog to wear when you take him outside. Or, if your dog doesn't like to get wet, consider getting him a raincoat to wear when it is raining. Some dogs have multiple reasons for why they are not housebroken or why they begin eliminating in the house after years of going outside. If your dog does not respond to your housebreaking efforts and there is no medical reason for your dog's issues, you may want to consider hiring a certified professional dog trainer to help you housebreak your adult dog.
Summary: Follow your veterinarian's instructions for treating any medical issues. Work to change your dog's surface preference to grass. Ease your dog's fear and anxiety about going outside. Consider getting cold and/or wet weather gear for your dog. Consider getting help from a certified professional dog trainer.

Problem: Article: As children, we often don't agree with the rules our parents have set, but we don't have the foresight to realize that the rules are in place for a reason. Rules matter because as people we are interdependent; when you disregard rules there are consequences which not only affect you, but others as well (including your parents). Following rules demonstrates to your parents that you respect their foresight and judgement. Be clear about expectations. Know what your parents' rules are so you can avoid any confusion and avoid accidentally breaking rules. Take a second to stop and think about the consequences. Think about what ripple effect your actions may have and how it will impact you and those around you. Ask yourself if it is really worth it. Manners aren't just about which fork to use at the dinner table; manners demonstrate a sensitive awareness of others' feelings. Caring enough to be polite towards your parents, who you've known your entire life, shows a level of respect and reverence. Say "please," and "thank you." Words are powerful and each of those words carries meaning. Aside from being polite, it shows a level of gratitude and appreciation which are both part of respecting your parents. Watch your language. Be careful about the topics of conversations and your word choice around your parents. Parents always think of their children as their babies (regardless of how old they are). They would prefer to see them through a clean and pure lens. At some point in your life (especially your teenage years), you would rather do anything other than spend time with your parents, and your parents know and accept this. But imagine how much love, admiration, and respect they would feel if you chose to spend some unexpected quality time with them. Tap into their interests. Take an interest in what your parents do in their spare time. Whether it's sports, dancing, music, or gardening, ask them questions and show them that you are taking an interest in them. Make them a priority by choosing to spend time with them over your friends once in a while. They'll really appreciate the gesture. As we get older, we tend to forget to give hugs and kisses to those we love. By choosing to be close to your parents through physical displays of affection, it shows that you recognize, respect, and appreciate their position as parents and caregivers. Tell your parents you love them at random times and not just when expected or when you want something. Give your parents random hugs or kisses just because. If they ask what the unexpected action was for tell them something like, "just because you're you."
Summary:
Follow rules. Practice good manners. Spend time with them. Show them affection.