Q: During the morning of the first day of Onam, known as Atham, seek out a temple. While you are there, pray for King Mahabali to make a safe return from the netherworld to modern-day Kerala. Walk alongside other revelers and make your way to the city of Thrippunithura near Kochi. Pray and leave offerings of food or small trinkets when you reach your destination. It is believed that the King left the world close to this location. This is a multi-colored floral carpet that most Indian families place at the entrance of their residence. The design will start out simple and become more complex and colorful over time. For this first day, arrange yellow flowers in a basic circular design. On the second day of Onam, known as Chithira, go through your house and scrub it from floor to ceiling. Remove any extra debris or trash from inside. Look over the exterior to make sure that it appears tidy as well. On the third day of Onam, known as Chodhi, go out shopping with your entire extended family. Look for jewelry or clothing pieces that you can give to others as gifts. The gifts do not have to be extravagant, especially if you plan to give them to multiple family members. The Onam sadhya is a large meal composed of 26 delicacies. On the fourth day of Onam, known as Vishakam, each family member is expected to contribute something to the creation of this meal. Go to the market to get basic ingredients or spend your time grinding up herbs and spices. The sixth day of Onam, known as Thriketa, is when you should travel to your ancestral home. Visit the house of your oldest living relative. Meet other relatives there and exchange gifts that you shopped for a few days prior. Throughout the seventh day of Onam, known as Moolam, travel around your neighborhood and enjoy miniature sadya meals with your neighbors. Alternatively, go to your local temple and enjoy a sadhya prepared by them for worshippers. For the eighth day of Onam, known as Pooradam, purchase miniature statues of Mahabali and Vamana. Walk these statues around your house in a symbolic way of welcoming them into your home. Then, place these statues in the center of your Pookalam design. As soon as the statue Mahabali is placed on the Pookalam you'll start to call him Onathappan instead. The ninth day is known as Uthradam or Onam eve. Go out and buy any fresh vegetables or fruits that you'll need for your sadya meal the next day. Look over your house once more to ensure that everything is clean and orderly.
A: Visit the temples on the first day. Take part in a procession if you are near Thrippunithura. Begin to create the Pookalam. Clean your house on day 2. Hit the market on day 3. Start preparing the sadhya on day 4. Exchange gifts with loved ones on day 6. Visit other families in your community on day 7. Welcome the statues of Mahabali and Vamana on day 8. Make the final preparations for the sadya meal on day 9.

Q: The duration is highly dependent upon how well you care for your skin. If you keep the stain moisturized and keep it from rubbing off on things, it may last three weeks or even longer. If you don't care for the henna at all, it may begin to fade or peel within the first week. The longevity of the henna stain also depends where the design is located on your body. The ink tends to show up darker on your hands and feet, but those areas also tend to exchange the most friction as you interact with your environment. Apply a coat of a natural oil, butter, or lotion after the paste is removed. While the henna is on your skin, moisturize regularly to protect the design and prevent exfoliation. Many store-bought moisturizers contain chemicals that can prematurely lighten the stain, so it's best to use something natural. Do not use moisturizers that contain bleaching agents and/or fruit acids (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid). These chemicals tend to strip your skin of moisture and nutrients, and they can make the henna fade prematurely. Spread a coat of essential oils over the design. Oils will keep your skin moist, which may prevent the henna from fading or flaking prematurely. Try using wax lip balm, coconut oil, or olive oil. Look for specialized henna-care oils. Exfoliation can fade the henna. Rough washing and friction from clothes can also lead the stain to disappear more quickly. The less you touch the area, the better. If you have a henna design on your hand, consider wearing gloves when you wash dishes. Apply with your hand or a soft towel. If possible, rub soap around the edge of the henna design, but not into the stain itself. Avoid using acetone (found in nail-polish remover) and hand sanitizers. These relatively powerful chemicals strip your skin and make the henna stains fade more quickly.
A: Expect your henna design to last for 1-3 weeks. Moisturize. Try not to rub off the design. Clean your skin with a gentle soap.

Q: Keep in mind that, as a CSI, you will be entrusted to handle evidence and possibly testify in court. Expect law enforcement agencies to favor applicants with a clean record. Anticipate a background check when you apply. Refrain from criminal behavior. Agencies will still consider applicants with less than spotless records. So don't worry if you incur minor infractions, like parking tickets or noise complaints. Deal with them in a timely manner to demonstrate responsibility. Concentrate on sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics. Take electives that focus on computers, since these are important tools in the CSI's lab. Use less obvious courses, clubs, and activities to strengthen other skillsets that CSIs need to perform their jobs effectively. For instance: Participate in theater or the debate club to become a confident public speaker. Join the school paper to practice writing concise reports. Take part in photography clubs or classes. Although educational requirements vary by agency, give yourself the most options possible by pursuing some level of higher learning. Aim for an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree from an accredited college or university. If possible, enroll in a school that offers degrees in criminal justice, forensic science, and/or crime scene investigations. If not, major in biology, chemistry, or a similar hard science. Some agencies may only require a high school diploma or general education diploma (GED). However, these agencies are more likely to be found in areas with very small populations and fewer CSI positions to fill. If you are unable or uninterested in pursuing a traditional degree through a two- or four-year school, consider alternate means. Research accredited online programs that offer certification in forensic science and/or crime scene investigation. Consider attending on-site training courses that do the same. Earn certification in less time than it would take to complete a more formal education. For reference, check out programs offered by: Kaplan University Keiser University The National Forensic Academy The National Forensic Science Technology Center The National Institute of Justice Salem International University
A:
Be a good citizen. Take appropriate coursework in high school. Earn a degree. Become qualified through tailor-made programs.