Article: Choose a time when your parents are not busy or distracted. They should not have anywhere they need to be. For example, try talking on a Saturday afternoon when your parents are relaxing in the living room. Pay attention to the timing. For example, if you know that your parents are having a difficult time paying the bills, now might not be a good idea to ask for a cat. Alternatively, choose a time when a big occasion is coming up, such as your birthday or junior high graduation. When you're ready to talk, it's important to be direct. Instead of dropping hints, calmly and maturely raise the issue of getting a cat. If you try to worm your way around the topic, your parents may get frustrated and lose their patience. For example, say, "Guys, I wanted to talk to you about something. I've been thinking it over for awhile, and I would really like my own cat." Your parents' reaction may be an outright "No." If this happens, try: "I did a lot of research. I don't expect to change your mind, but please hear me out." A little flattery goes a long way. You don't want to come off as entitled or spoiled, so show your parents you appreciate them when asking. This will show that you are considerate of all that you do for them, and that you don't expect anything or take anything for granted. For example, say, "I know how hard you guys work, and I really appreciate everything you do. If I had my own cat, I would make sure to take care of it so you don't have to." Don't suck up to your parents with too much flattery, however, or you will come off as insincere. Remember the list of concerns and solutions you made? Before your parents can raise objections, let them know you've thought ahead. Tell them how a cat can safely fit into your household. Say something like: "I know we have a lot of expensive furniture, but I found this product called Soft Paws. They're plastic caps you put over a cat's claws. My friend's cat has them, and it never damages the furniture." "I understand that a cat will need food, toys, and other supplies. I have thought of ways to earn money for this, and have even looked for jobs!" "Cats are not like dogs, so they can be left alone all day. I will still take care of the cat each day by feeding it and playing with it, and I will clean the litter box." "I know that you are allergic to cats, but I found a few hypoallergenic cats, such as the Siberian. Maybe we could meet some of these breeds at a shelter and see how you react?" Once you've stated your case, you need to give your parents a chance to respond. Try to genuinely understand their perspective and avoid interrupting or complaining, as this can cause your parents to become angry. Simply be quiet and listen to show your parents you're mature. Your parents may not agree at first, which is fine. Give them time to think over this subject, especially if they say something like "Let me think about it." Pressing your parents for an immediate answer will more likely earn you a rejection. Be patient. Give them at least a few days to a week before asking again.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Talk to your parents when they're not stressed. Introduce the topic directly. Show gratitude when asking. Bring up the ideas you thought of earlier. Let your parents talk.
Article: Buy your shoes from a store that specializes in running footwear. A professional shoe store will measure the width and the arch of your foot and guide you to the shoe that best suits you. Wearing normal tennis shoes during long runs could injure your foot. Wear shoes you've trained in several times when you actually run the marathon. You don't want to break in new shoes while running a challenging race. Try not to wear high heels too often while you're training for a marathon. High heels put extra strain on your legs and can lead to injury. While you're at the running store, pick up a pair of double layered socks. Double layered socks will prevent your heels and toes from getting blistered during the marathon. Normal socks don't offer enough protection and can leave your feet blistered and in pain. The discomfort could be so bad that it causes you to cut your workout short. Compression socks are often used by marathon runners to reduce muscle soreness, but more research is needed. People who run marathons can sustain their heart rate at 60 to 65 percent of their maximum heart rate for long periods of time. You want your heart rate to be 50 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate to get the most out of your workout. Your ideal maximum heart rate should be about 220 minus your age. For example, if you're 20, your maximum heart rate should be about 200 beats per minute. While you work out, it should be from 100 to 170 beats per minute. Give yourself time to get your heart rate into a proper zone if you're not used to intense running. If your rate gets to over 90 percent of your maximum heart rate, take a break and cool down for a bit. The actual marathon will have tables set up at points in the race where you can grab cups of water. But, you'll need a way to hydrate yourself during your training runs. Use a running belt to carry a few bottles of water with you while you run. The belt should be snug but not too restricting. Or, you can stagger bottles of water along your training path if you don't want to run with water. Remember that if you choose to wear a belt in your training, you'll feel lighter at the actual marathon. Account for the change in weight and try to run the marathon at the same pace that you practiced running.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Wear shoes that fit. Buy running socks. Get a heart rate monitor. Find a comfortable running belt.
Article: Egg yolks can work wonders on dry and damaged hair, helping you have strong, soft and silky hair. There are a number of different variations and ingredients you can add to egg yolks to make treatments for your hair, but you can use egg yolks on their own too. Depending on the amount of hair you have, mix up a few egg yolks until they become creamy. Egg oil is another great way to get all the micro-nutrients of egg yolks without the odor of egg in your hair. Generously apply the yolks to your hair and scalp and leave it for around half an hour, before washing it off thoroughly with cold water. This treatment is thought be an effective moisturiser for your hair, and when repeated regularly, a good way to tackle thinning hair. By adding olive oil and honey to the egg yolks you can potentially increase its potency. This treatment is aimed at soothing dry and damaged hair, making your hair softer and more manageable. It can also help your hair maintain a healthy shine. Take one to three egg yolks, whichever is appropriate for the length of your hair, and mix them together with a fork or whisk. Add in three tablespoons of olive oil and three tablespoons of honey. You can match the tablespoons with the number of egg yolks you used. Massage the mixture into your hair and your scalp and wrap a towel around your head. Leave the mask to work for around twenty minutes to half and hour before rinsing it out thoroughly with warm, but not hot, water. You can combine egg yolk with yoghurt to make a moisturising treatment for dull and dry hair. Mix an egg yolk with plain, preferably sugar-free, yoghurt. Gently massage the paste into your hair and leave it for around half an hour. Rinse it out and inspect your hair to see if it looks healthier and shinier. You can add some honey to the egg yolk and yoghurt mixture for an alternative method that also focuses on moisturising your hair. You can use egg yolk to treat hair at the roots while also giving your scalp some attention. Mix together three eggs yolks in a bowl. Wet your head and hair and then massage the yolks into your scalp. Leave the yolks to dry for a while, around fifteen minutes, and then wash the mixture off with shampoo and warm water. After shampooing, rinse your hair and scalp thoroughly with cool water. Egg yolks can nourish the scalp and roots, and help tackle dandruff.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Use an egg yolk mask for your hair. Try the egg, olive oil and honey treatment. Treat your hair with egg and yoghurt. Massage egg into your scalp.