INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Bamboo culms, or stalks, are connected underground by rhizomes that grow quickly and close to the surface of the ground. By cutting through the rhizomes, you can separate and contain bamboo. The easiest method for cutting through rhizomes is to slice them using the tip of a heavy shovel. If you want to get rid of an entire grove of bamboo, you'll want to work from the outer edges inward. Separate the outer ring of bamboo first so that the bamboo gets contained in one area. Depending on how large a grove you're working with, this may take weeks, months or even years. This technique is also effective if you want to preserve a section of bamboo. Cut through the rhizomes that connect sections of bamboo so that they will no longer spread and continue growing together. Continue with the process of killing one section while allowing the other to live. You'll need to periodically cut back the remaining section to keep it from "running" underground and spreading to other areas. Now that the rhizomes are cut, shear back the culms as close to the ground as possible. For thin stalks, you may be able to use a lawnmower or a lopper. For larger ones, you might have to break out a chainsaw. If you keep the area maintained over time, the bamboo won't have the chance to get quite so large again. You can cut the culms at any time of year, but doing it in the spring when you see new growth is a good time to get rid of bamboo. The bamboo is using its energy stores, and you'll be able to get rid of more of it more quickly than if you attempt to get rid of it while it's dormant. Use a shovel to dig out the rhizomes and discard them. It's best to dig out the rhizomes the same day you cut down the culms; bamboo grows so quickly that waiting even a day or two will mean having new culms to cut down before you can get to work on the rhizomes. If the grove is too big to mow and dig all in one day, remember to work from the outer edges inward, gradually containing the grove as you work to get rid of it. You'll certainly miss some rhizomes the first few times around, so you'll need to use the same method several more times before the bamboo is completely gone. If you're working in the spring, the growth cycle will happen quickly, and you'll be able to get rid of a substantial amount of bamboo in a few days' time. During other times of year you may need to check the area for new growth every few weeks.

SUMMARY: Separate the bamboo you wish to kill. Mow down the culms. Dig out the rhizomes. Keep mowing and digging until you don't see more shoots.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Connecting your computer directly to a modem or router will significantly boost your connectivity speed compared to a wireless connection. Just get an Ethernet cable and use it to connect your computer's LAN port to the back of your modem or router. When you're uploading or downloading to or from your OneDrive account, it is best to only have that activity running. Stop all other types of uploading or downloading from your other apps or programs. When uploading or downloading, stay in front of your computer to monitor its progress. Sometimes your connection will drop and you will need to restart the transfer. User intervention is needed during these times.

SUMMARY: Use a wired Internet connection. Reduce or close other applications that access the Internet. Monitor your progress.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: It may be an external recruiter, human resources, the head of a department, or your own boss. If you know the person, you may have an easier time recommending the candidate than if the recruiter is a stranger. If you do not know the person hiring, introduce yourself as a colleague. Tell them what your position is within the company. For example, you can say, "I work as a manager in the sales department." Attach their resume to the email or clip it to the letter. If you want, you can give the recruiter the applicant's contact information, so that the recruiter can reach out to them if they are interested. A letter might read, "Dear Cindy, I see that we are hiring for a new salesperson. I believe that my friend Laura is perfect for this position. She has five years of experience in sales with great results. I have attached her resume. Let me know what you think. Best regards, June." You can also talk to the hiring manager in person. Stop by their copy with a copy of the applicant's resume. Chat with a few minutes to let them know why they would be such a good fit. You can say something like, "I've known Jenna for years. We worked together at our old job, and she's been an invaluable resource ever since." Do not feel pressured into a recommending a friend if you have any reservations about their qualifications. If they end up being a poor employee, it could affect your own reputation at work. You can gently refuse the request by saying something like, "I'm sorry, but HR is really busy right now. I'm not sure I can find time to meet with them." You can also state, "This might be a conflict of interest for me, so I don't think that I can do it." Once you have recommended the candidate, your job is done. The recruiter may let you or the applicant know if they are interested. While you can send one follow-up email, avoid bothering the recruiter. This can risk your professional reputation.

SUMMARY:
Learn who oversees hiring at your company. Write a short letter of recommendation. Stop by the recruiter's office. Decline doing a recommendation if they do not qualify. Avoid pestering them.