In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: It takes time to learn how to curb your tendency to laugh, but distraction is an easy way to stop yourself, in the meantime. Try one of these options for shifting your thoughts away from what's triggering your laughter: Do you laugh out of nervousness, or do you laugh to cope with painful feelings? Maybe you laugh because you have a lot of energy or have trouble finding the words you want to say. Whatever your reasons for laughing, write down when your laughter is causing you issues. Consider the time, location, occasion, and people who could be causing your laughter. These are called your triggers. Once you know what they are, you can begin to address your habit of laughing. What can you do instead of laughing nervously? For example, nod, lick your lips, exhale slowly, or click a pen. What you decide to replace your laughter with depends on the circumstances that are causing your laughter. For example, you may laugh nervously during work meetings. If this is the case, click your pen instead of laughing. If you tend to laugh at serious moments, take a deep breath and then exhale at moments when you'd typically laugh. Since you know what's making you laugh and what you can do instead, tell yourself that you will follow through on doing the new behavior. Reviewing your plan in your mind makes it more likely that you'll be able to follow through. Tell yourself, "The next time I feel awkward in a work meeting, I will click my pen," or "When I go to the funeral, I will nod when people share their condolences." Social anxiety is a common cause of nervous laughter, so learning to deal with it can relieve your desire to laugh inappropriately. Confronting and accepting your anxieties can help you feel more confident in social situations and have more control over your nervous laughter. Practicing mindfulness can help keep you present and aware of your surroundings. This, in turn, can help curb laughing caused by distracting or invasive thoughts.
Summary: Distract yourself from your urge to laugh. Identify what makes you laugh inappropriately. Choose replacement behaviors for the laughter. Create a plan for replacing your laughter. Learn to cope with social anxiety, if you have it. Practice mindfulness.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Because birds have developed various senses to keep them safe from danger, you can scare small fowls away from your roof by using statues that mimic their natural predators. Look for the following decoys at garden or farming supply stores: Owl decoys, great for pigeons, crows, seagulls, and sparrows. Raven decoys, great for magpies and other small birds. Falcon decoys, great for pigeons, turtle doves, and songbirds. Similar to predator decoys, you can scare birds away from your roof by purchasing loud, sonic speaker systems that play pre-recorded predator noises and distress calls. Look for systems featuring sound effects specific to the bird you're trying to get rid of. If you don't want to disturb your neighbors, try getting an ultrasonic repellent. These devices play high frequency sounds that annoy and disorient birds without affecting humans. These devices are designed specifically for birds and should not annoy dogs, cats, and other pets. Look for sound-based bird repellents from pest control companies. For birds that aren't convinced by your decoys, try placing a strip of avian-specific, low-voltage electric diodes along the areas they normally sit. Even if they can perch in a spot a few feet over, the shocks will make the birds avoid the area altogether. These strips are typically available from companies specializing in pest control. Though unpleasant, the shocks emitted by the electricity strips are not enough to harm the birds.
Summary: Place fake predators on your roof to scare birds off. Play sounds made by predator animals to keep birds away. Blast ultrasonic frequencies for a silent deterrent. Install electric pads over perching spots to teach birds not to land there.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: All theatre companies set a word limit for bio length. To ensure you're keeping your bio within the accepted limit, consult your director, producer, or an authoritative member of the crew before penning your bio. In addition to a word limit, some theatre companies provide templates for your bio, limiting you to discussing only certain things. Some theatre companies have rules regarding what information you can and cannot include in your bio. If you've never been in a production before, lead with this information. Say something like, "This is Jane's theatrical debut." Otherwise, simply write your name and involvement with the production. After that, write out your credits, which are your most acclaimed roles. Avoid listing every production you've ever been in. Instead, focus only on your proudest or most impressive work. Write a list of your most popular or critically acclaimed roles. Use this list to help you decide which roles to cite. Refer to your resume if you have trouble recalling roles or remembering which were strongest. Depending on your level as an actor, you may need or want to fill your bio with some extracurricular activities. Include anything from volunteer experiences to sporting leagues you participate in. If you're writing a bio for an amateur theatre production, you'll probably also include information about your vocation. If you're a student, mention this by saying, "She is a student at the Acme University." This is especially appropriate if you're studying theatre or drama with the aim of becoming a professional actor. Do this only when you played a lead role. If you were a chorus member or an unnamed character in a production, you can still refer to this experience in your bio, but do not name the character. Lead roles should be listed along with the production. An example of listed minor roles might look like, "John has been involved in The Miracle Worker, Jesus, Son of Man, and Showdown at the Sugar Cane Saloon." A mix of minor and lead roles could be written, "Jane has appeared in My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, and as Fantine in Les Miserables."
Summary:
Consult the theatre company you're writing the bio for. Introduce yourself and your credits. List some things you do outside of theatre. List previously played characters by name.