Article: Logs should be processed into lumber as soon as possible to prevent the ends from drying and the wood from rotting. While the ideal thickness for lumber is 1 inch (2.5cm), you may saw your logs into lumber that is between inch to 2 inches (5.1cm) in thickness. If you are processing the wood yourself, make an effort to achieve uniform length and thickness. If you are unable to saw your own logs, find a sawmill to do the job for you. You may wish to cut your wood slightly oversized to account for shrinkage. The ends of lumber cure faster than the rest of the wood. To ensure that your wood cures evenly, it is best to seal the ends immediately after sawing the logs into lumber. You may coat each end of the wood in a commercial end sealer, paraffin wax, polyurethane shellac, or latex paint. Build up a thick layer of the sealer of your choice to prevent moisture from escaping out of the ends. When air-drying your wood, the curing time is determined by a simple formula. Allow 1 year of drying time per 1 inch (2.5cm) of thickness. This formula only provides a rough estimate. It does not account for all variables, such as the weather and the location of the woodpile. For example, if a piece of wood is 1 inch thick, it would take 1 year to properly cure the lumber.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Process the wood. Seal the ends of the lumber. Determine its cure time.
Article: Unless your heart is set on vanilla, go with a chocolate icing. Starting with a brown-colored icing means you have to use less dye to achieve a black hue. You can still start with a white icing, but you will probably have to add flavoring later to cover the bitterness of the dye. You can dye most icing--including buttercream, cream cheese, or royal icing--black by following these instructions. Because royal icing is white, you may need to add flavoring or cocoa powder to hide the bitter flavor. You may be limited to what they carry at your local grocery store, but if you have a choice between liquid or gel coloring, choose the gel. You will use less of the gel than you would the liquid coloring. If you cannot find black dye, mix equal parts red, blue, and green food coloring. You won't get the "true" black like you would from the store-bought black, but you can achieve a very dark gray that can pass for black. Adding the dye (especially liquid) may thin out your icing, which can lead to bleeding. Store-bought icing will probably be a fine consistency, as it is usually nice and thick. To thicken, thoroughly mix in some sifted powdered (aka confectioner's) sugar. If you don't want your icing any sweeter but it's not thick enough, add some meringue powder instead. If you are using royal icing, drag a butter knife through the surface. Count how long it takes the icing to smooth back over. If it's between 5-10 seconds, your icing is thick enough. Any faster and you need to mix it longer or add a little sifted powdered sugar or meringue powder. The black dye may stain plastic. You may also want to wear an apron so you don't get any dye on your clothes. You will probably end up using a lot of dye--sometimes up to 1 oz or a teaspoon of coloring per cup--but it's better to add it gradually so you don't accidentally overdo it and end up with runny or splotchy icing. Black icing can make your icing bitter and unpalatable. If this happens to your icing, look at section two (Addressing Common Problems) to learn how to cover the bitterness. If you are close to black but can't seem to get past a dark gray, give your icing a few hours to develop. The color will deepen over time, and in as little as one hour your dark gray icing can turn a rich, complex black. The color will continue to deepen even once you've piped it onto a cookie or cake, so if you are super short on time you can go ahead and decorate immediately. Just be aware you won't have the opportunity to troubleshoot if the icing doesn't develop into the black you want. Keep the icing out of direct light as it develops, as this can cause the black to fade.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Buy or make your icing. Choose a black food coloring. Thicken your icing if necessary. Transfer your frosting to a large glass or stainless steel bowl. Add black dye to your icing a little bit at a time until you reach the desired shade. Mix dye thoroughly so there are no lumps or streaks in your icing. Taste the icing. Cover your icing and let it sit. Decorate your masterpiece!
Article: If you make the move to schedule the meeting, it shows confidence and initiative, and also puts you in control. Before the date of the meeting, practice speaking in front of a mirror especially if you are someone who is prone to nervous tics or hesitation when speaking. If necessary, consider practicing your negotiating skills with a friend or family member who can support you and give you pointers to improve. Before the meeting, do whatever you need to do to build your confidence and get yourself in the zone. Understand that if you've just been offered a position, you have the most bargaining power. You are nothing but potential, so now is the time to show them that you mean business. If you need to listen to music or do some deep breathing exercises, do what makes you feel powerful and in control. You started with control, so you want to maintain control. Speak first rather than allowing the person meeting with you to start things on uncertain footing. Tell your potential employer that you're really excited to get to work, and that you appreciate your offer. Providing an exact number makes you look more confident and signals that you've done your research. For example, you might say "Based on my knowledge base, skill set, and performance, I was expecting an offer more like $65,271." Pick a number closer to the top of your range. The employer will no doubt come back with a lower number, so don't start out at the minimum you think you deserve. Rather than focusing on your own needs, focus on the company and what you can do for them. If the employer hedges or attempts to talk you down, stick to your guns and reiterate your enthusiasm and readiness to work for them, while also showing confidence in your abilities. Once you've put your number on the table, remain calm. Don't try to fill the silence or empty space with empty rambling or small talk. If the person says "I'll have to get back to you," get a time frame, and then leave it alone. For example, if you're told you'll hear back by the end of the week, don't call or send an email until the following Monday. Remember that the appearance of confidence includes being in control, so even if you're on pins and needles, don't show it. If you constantly badger them with emails or phone calls after the meeting, you'll only appear desperate and pushy. If you receive a response that still isn't within range, don't be afraid to shoot them another counter offer. The corollary to this is that you can't be afraid of being rejected outright, and you also must be willing to walk away if you don't get something suitable.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Plan a meeting in advance, if possible. Pump yourself up. Start the conversation. Give a specific number, not a range. Stay positive. Wait for a response. Be willing to counter.