In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: When lilac flowers reach their peak and are just this side of fading out, cutting them to create indoor bouquets actually helps the plant. Left on their stems, the flowers will die but continue sapping energy that could be spent on new growth. So don't feel guilty or wasteful when you go outside with your hand trimmers to take off the prettiest flowers - you're doing just the right thing for your lilac bush or tree. Another term for this type of pruning is deadheading. In addition to pruning flowers just past their peak, prune those that are already dying. Make the cut just at the base of the flowers. You can disinfect your tools before you prune to avoid spreading disease to your lilac bush. Simply wipe it down with a disinfectant spray or rubbing alcohol. Take a look at your lilac bush or tree and assess whether there are any extra-long but healthy-looking stems that need to be cut back. Doing so will help the lilac keep its pretty shape. The process of cutting back the stems a bit is called tipping off. Use a hand clipper to cut longer stems back to the next closest pair of side shoots. This means you'll be trimming the stem back beyond the flowered part, and all the way down to where side shoots are growing off. If A long stem doesn't have side shoots closer to the base, trim it back to the closest node or bud, where new shoots will sprout. Tipping encourages lilacs to sprout new healthy, bushy growth near the cut. Search for dead or diseased stems. If you see any limp, brown or diseased stems in your lilac bush or tree, cut them out close to the base. This process is called thinning, and it helps the plant by allowing fresh air to circulate through the plant and removing dying foliage that sap its energy. This annual pruning should take place during spring (May or June in the northern hemisphere, around September to November in the southern hemisphere). Such pruning will encourage the development of new buds, which will continue maturing over the year before they bloom the following spring. However, if you prune too late in the summer, you risk cutting away some of this new growth - hence causing next spring's bloom to fall short. If you prune in the fall or winter, your lilac may not produce flowers at all.
Summary: Cut fresh flowers in the spring. Nip off the long stems. Thin the lilac. Don't prune later in the summer or fall.

Gather a watch or find a nearby clock. You'll need to watch the time as you count your heartbeats. Have a digital or analog watch that has a second hand handy or find a nearby clock so that you can see the time to get the correct pulse rate. You can also use a stopwatch or the timer on your phone. Choose to check your pulse either on your neck or your wrist. Do whichever feels most comfortable for you or where you can easily find your pulse. You can also take your pulse on the following spots, though it may be more difficult to detect your heartbeat on them: Temple Groin Behind the knee Top of the foot Press firmly but not so hard that you can no longer feel the pulse. Put your index and third finger on either side of your neck to the side of your windpipe to find the carotid artery. If you're measuring on your wrist, set two fingers between the bone and tendon over your radial artery. Be careful not to press to hard over the carotid artery, as this can cause you to become lightheaded. Find your radial artery by drawing a line with your finger from below your thumb to your wrist. Then feel for the spot between the wrist bone and tendon for a slight pumping motion. Place the flat part of your finger on your wrist or neck to get the most accurate reading. Avoid using your fingertips or your thumb. Decide if you are going to take your pulse for 10, 15, 30, or 60 seconds. Take out your timepiece so you can do this while you're counting how many times your heartbeats. When the clock reaches zero, start counting how many times you feel a pulse or beat on your neck or wrist. Keep counting until your timepiece reaches the number of seconds you chose to tally your heartbeats. Let yourself rest for five minutes before taking your pulse to get the most accurate resting heart rate reading. You can also take your pulse while you're exercising to measure how hard you are exercising. Note or remember how many heartbeats you counted. Your pulse rate is measured in beats per minute. For example, if you counted 41 for 30 seconds, double it to get 82 beats per minute. If you counted for 10 seconds, multiply the beats counted by 6, and if you counted for 15 seconds, multiply by 4.
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One-sentence summary -- Find a timepiece to measure while you count your heartbeats. Decide where you want to take your pulse. Place your fingers in the proper position to feel your pulse. Watch your timepiece. Count your heartbeats. Calculate your pulse.

Problem: Article: . Unless you have your own personal assistant laying down rose petals 4 paces ahead of you that can carry your 12-piece luggage set, you'll want to pack as lightly as possible. There will be a time (or two or three or four) when you have to carry it all around. It could be between checkout and check-in times for a few hours or it could end up being all day when your hotel reservation gets lost or your flight gets delayed. In addition to a few basic sets of clothes, some reading material, some hygienic products, and small electronics, make sure to bring an international plug adapter. You'll be incredibly grateful when you're stuck in Phnom Penh with a dead computer needing to book the next leg of your trip. Based on where you are going, how long you will be there and whether the country is 1st, 2nd or 3rd world, you'll need a matching budget. There will always be unexpected expenses, so add a solid "for emergency" category. Obviously, first world countries are the most expensive (Europe, Canada, USA, Japan). Second world countries are a bit harder to define, but are usually somewhat developed (Mexico, Eastern Europe, China, Egypt). Third world countries are the cheapest but most difficult places to travel (most of Africa, Bolivia, Peru, SE Asia). Going around the world can be as dangerous as you let it be. Take the appropriate precautions to avoid being taken advantage of. Alert your bank. Some banks are highly security-oriented and will cancel your cards if it mistakes your overseas transaction as suspicious activity. To avoid this, call them before you leave to inform them of your exact itinerary, not just that you're traveling. It's also a good idea to call them when you get back. Don't carry around your valuables in a bag that can get easily swept of your shoulder or cut without you noticing. Invest in a money belt or small purse that is worn close to your body. Keep your cash, credit cards, and passport in this.
Summary:
Pack lightly Set a budget. Think safely.