Article: The Metro and RER are two separate sets of train tracks; however, they share many of the same stations for easy transfers. The Metro is within Paris and the RER goes to outlying areas, including the airports, Disneyland and Versailles. Be aware that Metro Stations and RER Stations typically do not have public bathrooms (toilets). Never turn down an opportunity to use a toilet in Paris, as they are difficult to find and are for "paying customers only" (in fact, like in the Louvre, you have to pay specifically for the toilets to use them). After you determine which Metro or RER Line to take, then to determine the direction of travel (i.e., the correct platform) you need to know the terminus or endpoint of the line. For example, Metro Line 8 terminuses are Ballard and Creteil Pointe de Lac. Even if you figured out which Metro Line to take, if you do not know your end-points of travel, you could end up going in the wrong direction. The RER is the same situation: in this case (especially with the Red A line) the RER line forks, and certain trains are set to go to specific destinations. It is good to pay attention to each stop while you are on the subways. Do they offer a shuttle service? They probably do not. Take the RER as the most economical choice (and the quickest) at 10 Euros per person. To get into Paris, take the RER Blue Line B to Chatelet/Les Halles station. Air France also operates a couple of buses out of the airport and into the city center. Each way costs 15 Euros a person. They take about an hour to get there, and leave every 30 minutes. You could take a taxi, but it's a pretty expensive option. It'll be at least 50 Euros and there's also a luggage fee. You'll quickly find that the only way to really get around is the Metro. Zone 1 encompasses enough of main Paris where nearly all of the sights and attractions are, that it is usually not necessary to purchase the pass to include zones 2-6. Purchase a map if you'd like and you'll be able to see all the routes sprawled out in front of you. Use the Navigo Decouverte pass beyond the cost-savings mentioned above to not have to fuss with paper tickets. While purchasing a carnet (a ten pack) still saves a ton of money and hassle (as opposed to purchasing one Metro pass at a time which is ridiculous), still, a carnet is nothing more than ten loose tickets not even held together with perforation. It's easy to mix up used and unused tickets. Hold on to the ticket to prove that you have valid admission. That being said, rarely does the train conductor ever check. Paris is divided into 20 arrondissements, or neighborhoods, which are like distinct sections of town. The first arrondissement is in the center of Paris, and each subsequent arrondissement spirals outward like a seashell. Paris is divided into two parts by the Seine River (la rive gauche (left) and la rive droite (right)). On the West side (la rive gauche) are the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. In the center is the Louvre and the Musee d'Orsay. Slightly East (though also central) is Notre Dame. The university and student areas for young people are also on the East side. Just north of center is the Opera shopping area, where a single name brand product might be represented by a single store that takes an entire city block.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Know the difference between the Metro and the RER. Figure out how you're getting from the airport to the hotel/apartment. Use the Metro. Get a feel for the geography and layout.
Article: Perhaps the most obvious solution, if not the most cost effective, is simply fencing in your garden to keep dogs out. Make sure your fence is in line with local property laws. Ask neighbors or go to city hall and check in with officials. Fences can be an expensive option, but might be worth it if the dogs are not easily deterred. For small dogs, a 16-inch fence border will do. It costs roughly $29 for six feet. However, if you have larger and high energy dogs getting into the garden you might consider caging your garden in a chicken wire fence with a top enclosure. Installation can be tricky, particularly if you've never put up a fence solo before. You could consider hiring help, but that can get costly. How-to articles and videos are available online and you can always seek out the help of neighbors, friends, and family members. If the problem dog belongs to a neighbor, you could politely ask them to chip in some for the cost and help get the fence up. Keep the gate closed at all time and routinely check for holes and other wear and tear. Aesthetically, many people dislike fencing in their gardens. A plant barrier, meaning planting certain shrubs and flowers around the main garden, may be a more attractive option. There are a variety of dog-proof plants. That is, plants that are sturdy and tall enough to withstand a dog's attempt to infiltrate the garden. These include peony, verbena, cone flower, black eyed Susans, Russian sage, and Mexican primrose. If you want other options, ask at your local greenhouse. Shrubs are another option for a plant barrier and may provide a more solidified boundary. Laurel, evergreen, huckleberry, and escallonia are good shrub options. While thorny or prickly bushes, such as holly and barberry, might seem like a good idea for deterring dogs be wary. These can cause harm to dogs when they attempt to get into the garden. You do not want to accidentally injure a neighbor's pet. You can also create a mote-like barrier encompassing the garden using gravel or mulch, textures dogs generally avoid treading on. This will deter the dog from entering your garden to defecate. There are a variety of mulches available at hardware stores and greenhouses. Select a mulch that will be uncomfortable for a dog to walk over without harming the dog. One made from pine cones or pine needles is a great option. Decorative gravel, preferably with sharp edges, can also be purchased at hardware stores and greenhouses. Dogs will avoid walking on gravel because of the discomfort it causes to their pads. However, the one downside to gravel is that many people find it ugly. If you're unsure of using gravel due to aesthetic preferences, you can try to build a rock garden instead. However, the intended effect might not be as great as dogs can more easily navigated loosely collected rocks and stones. A sprinkler system can be a great way to scare dogs off your property. They will learn to avoid an area where they occasionally get wet. A motion activated sprinkler is probably your best option. You can find one at a department store or on Amazon. This will be set off when motion is detected, so it will automatically fire cold water when a dog enters your garden. Dogs will learn to associate your yard with an unexpected dousing of water. Eventually, they will learn to stay away.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Put up a fence. Use plant barriers. Create a barrier with gravel or mulch. Invest in sprinklers.
Article: Once you've got all the molding installed, use caulk to fill any gaps at the corners and other gaps. Be aware, however, that if there are gaps between the molding and your baseboards, you may have simply placed your nails too far apart and adding an intermediate nail may help. Use a nail crayon, if you want to, to fill in the holes created when you countersunk the nails. With everything else done, all that remains is to stain or paint the molding however you want it to look. This is easiest when the baseboards are also unfinished, but if your baseboards are already stained you might want to stain the molding before installing it. Once your paint or stain is dry, you're all done! Enjoy your new, professional-looking room!
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Caulk gaps to create a smoother look. Use a nail crayon to cover the nails. Paint or stain your molding.