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<human>:
Can you give an example of drawing a bar chart in Python?</s>
<bot>:
[Matplotlib](https://matplotlib.org/) is arguably the most popular graphing and data visualization library for Python. Below is a working example of using Matplotlib to draw a bar chart.
First of all, you’ll need to install the Matplotlib package. The easiest way to install matplotlib is to use pip. Type following command in terminal:
```
pip install matplotlib
```
Now we are ready to draw a bar chart, and here is an example of how we can achieve this.
```
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
# x-coordinates of left sides of bars
left = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
# heights of bars
height = [10, 24, 36, 40, 5]
# labels for bars
tick_label = ['one', 'two', 'three', 'four', 'five']
# plotting a bar chart
plt.bar(left, height, tick_label = tick_label,
width = 0.8, color = ['red', 'green'])
# naming the x-axis
plt.xlabel('x - axis')
# naming the y-axis
plt.ylabel('y - axis')
# plot title
plt.title('My bar chart!')
# function to show the plot
plt.show()
```
After executing the above code, the graph will be displayed.</s> |
<human>:
What if everyone on Earth jumped at once?</s>
<bot>:
There are roughly 8 billion people on Earth, with a total weight of about 400 billion kg. Since people are dispersed around the planet's spherical surface, if everyone on Earth jumped in place, nothing much would happen; all our lift-offs and impacts would more-or-less cancel each other out, resulting in 0 net force on the Earth.
However, if all 8 billion of us came together and jumped, we would make the Earth shift by just 1% of the radius of a single atom per second. When we landed, Earth would move back in place.</s> |
<human>:
Why does my recorded voice sound different?</s>
<bot>:
Your recorded voice sounds different than how you hear your own voice because of where the sound travels in both cases.
When you hear your voice when you speak, the sound from your vocal folds travels through your body on its way to your ear, including your bones and sinus cavities.
In comparison, when you record your voice, the sound travels from your vocal folds to the recorder almost exclusively through the air, thus barely changing resonance.
This is why, for instance, your own voice might sound deeper to you than to others perceiving it.</s> |
<human>:
What if the Industrial Revolution had never happened? Would the world still be in a pre-modern state?</s>
<bot>:
If the Industrial Revolution had never happened, our world would be not too different from the world of 1800, both from a technological-scientific aspect and a socio-economical one.
Here are a few aspects of modern life that could not exist without industrialization:
* Transportation: Without mass manufacturing, there would be no automobiles or aircraft. While the advancement of science might have enabled hand-made instances of motorized vehicles for very wealthy individuals, the main mode of transportation for people would have remained foot, horse, or sail.
* Communication: The Industrial Revolution enabled the creation of power and communication infrastructures, which would not exist in an unindustrialized world, forcing people to communicate slowly via physical transportation of messages.
* Agriculture: Our timeline's population boom is supported by the ability to mass produce food. In an unindustrialized world, supporting a large global population would be impossible, and there would likely be substantially less humans alive than there are today.
* Education: Industrialization incentivized public education systems. In a pre-industrialized world, most people could not read.
* Global Warming: One negative aspect of the Industrial Revolution is that it eventually led to the climate crisis Earth faces today.
Hence, the world would still remain in a pre-modern state. However, it is perhaps inevitable that some form of industrial revolution would eventually occur due to the emergence of the necessary economic and technological factors at some point in time.</s> |
<human>:
Create a table of the two picks of Golden State Warriors in the 2021 NBA draft from the following article, including Round, Pick, Player, Position, Nationality and School/club team in the title.
The Golden State Warriors entered the first round of 2021 NBA Draft with three names that were known to be targets with the No. 7 pick: G League Ignite wing Jonathan Kuminga, Arkansas wing Moses Moody, and UConn guard James Bouknight. When the pick rolled around, all three were on the board, and they selected the small forward Jonathan Kuminga with the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft on Thursday night. Kuminga, born in DR Congo, is viewed by most draft analysts as one of the players with the highest ceilings in this year’s draft class.
Then the draft got a little drunk. Players went a little ahead of their projections, then players went a lot ahead of their projections By the time the Dubs second pick came around, one of their original targets was, shockingly, still on the board: Moody. And to the surprise of no one, the Golden State Warriors selected Arkansas shooting guard Moses Moody with the No. 14 pick.</s>
<bot>:
Sure, here is the table for the 2021 two first-round picks of the Golden State Warriors.
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | School/club team |
|---------|------|------------------|----------------|-------------|---------------------|
| 1 | 7 | Jonathan Kuminga | Small Forward | DR Congo | NBA G League Ignite |
| 1 | 14 | Moses Moody | Shooting Guard | - | Arkansas |</s> |
<human>:
What are some suggested activities or destinations included in the Tokyo 4-day itinerary in spring?</s>
<bot>:
Tokyo is the perfect synonym for "modern Japan" and the first stop for many people when they travel to Japan. Here are suggested activities or destinations included in the Tokyo 4-day itinerary in spring:
Day 1
* Sightseeing guideline: Imperial Residence (2 hours) → Ginza (2 hours) → Tokyo Tower (2 hours) → Roppongi (2 hours)
In the morning, you can go to the Imperial Palace, followed by a visit to Ginza in the afternoon. To view Tokyo's night skyline, you have the option to visit either Tokyo Tower or Roppongi Hill. It's recommended to visit the Roppongi Hill Observatory, which provides a panoramic view of Tokyo Tower.
* Traffic guideline: When you are visiting the Kanto area, it is highly recommended to use the Suica Card, which is also known as the "watermelon card". This card can be used for various modes of transportation, such as JR (state railway, including Shinkansen), private railway, subway (urban subway), bus (road car), and more. It is a very convenient option to have, as it allows for seamless travel throughout the region without the hassle of purchasing individual tickets.
* Catering Guideline: Ramen and sushi are well-known delicacies in Japan. In the vicinity of the Imperial Palace, Kyoto Station has a designated area for ramen called Ramen Street. Additionally, in the Ginza district, there is an extensive range of cuisine available, including eel rice, tempura, and seafood dishes.
Day 2:
* Sightseeing guideline: Ueno Park (2 hours) → Akihabara (2 hours) → Sensoji Temple (2 hours) → Tokyo Sky Tower (2 hours)
In the morning, it is recommended to explore Ueno Park, followed by a visit to Akihabara in the afternoon, and then head to Sensoji Temple. If you missed the opportunity to witness the night view of Tokyo the previous day, the Sky Tower offers a good alternative, but be mindful of managing your time for each attraction. If shopping is also on your agenda for the day, it may be better to allocate Akihabara as the last destination.
* Traffic guideline: To reach Ueno Park, take the Ginza Line and Hibiya Line and disembark at Ueno Station. To arrive at Akihabara, take the Hibiya Line on the metro and exit at Akihabara Station. For Asakusa Temple, take the Ginza Line or Toei Asakusa Line and get off at Asakusa Station.
* Catering Guideline: There is a diverse range of food options available in the vicinity of Ueno Park, ranging from affordable street food to popular dishes that are renowned for their popularity. Additionally, the areas surrounding Sensoji Temple and Akihabara also offer a plethora of casual dining options.
Day 3:
* Sightseeing guideline: Tokyo Disneyland (8 hours) → Tokyo Disneyland Ocean Park (8 hours)
For first-time visitors to Disneyland, it is recommended to opt for DisneySea to experience the authentic Disneyland atmosphere. If you have been to other Disneylands in different countries, it is suggested to choose DisneySea to partake in the thrilling aquatic activities. Adjusting your schedule to avoid weekend crowds is also advised.
* Traffic guideline: To reach Tokyo Disney, take the JR Keiyo Line and Musashino Line and alight at the south entrance of Maihama Station. Upon arrival, board the Disney special vehicle to enter the theme park. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle bus directly from Tokyo Station.
* Catering Guideline: In the vicinity of Disneyland and DisneySea, there are abundant food options available, including mobile stands selling hot dogs, egg tarts, and cheesecake for you to indulge in.
Day 4:
* Sightseeing guideline: Shibuya (2 hours) → Shinjuku (2 hours)
If you're primarily interested in shopping in the western part of Tokyo, you could begin your day by exploring the main area of the Shibuya business district. In the afternoon, you could visit Meiji Jingu, a famous shrine in the vicinity. In the evening, head to the bustling Shinjuku business district to experience the vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere of this modern city.
* Traffic guideline: Disembark at Shibuya Station to reach the Shibuya district. Alight at Meiji Jingu Station or Yoyogi Station to visit Meiji Jingu. Get off at Harajuku Station or Meiji Jingu Front Station to reach Harajuku. Finally, disembark at Shinjuku Station or Shinjuku Nishiguchi Station to arrive at Shinjuku.
* Catering Guideline: In the downtown area, you can find the Shibuya intersection, which is surrounded by a diverse range of food options. Meanwhile, Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's top business districts, is also known for its abundance of renowned restaurants.
There are many other places in Tokyo that are suitable for tourism; Additionally, as a destination for urban travel, Tokyo is suitable for travel throughout the year. Cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in spring, fireworks events worth visiting in the summer, maple trees in autumn, and travel to Tokyo for Christmas and New Year activities in winter. May you find happiness in your journey.
</s> |
<human>:
How can I develop a good exercise routine, given that I don't typically exercise?</s>
<bot>:
It is better to start slow and build up. Here are some suggestions for you to develop a good exercise routine:
* First, get a full medical checkup. Make sure your heart is good, and that you don't have any medical conditions that would prevent you from exercising.
* Start slow. If you haven't exercised in a long time, your body isn't going to be able to handle a lot. Start with walking. Do some basic stretches (don't stretch too much, it's actually bad for you if you haven't warmed up). Walk for 15-20 minutes a day, and do some light stretches (no bending over touching your toes type stuff).
* Make a plan. Saying "I'm going to exercise" is pretty vague. Write down what you plan to do, and when. If you're going to lift weights, write down which exercises you're going to do, and how many sets and reps. If you're going to run, write down your route, and how long it usually takes you. Having a plan will help you track your progress, and keep you motivated.
* Don't overdo it. If you're just starting out, twice a week is good. You need rest to build muscle, so don't be afraid to take a day off between workouts. You can always increase the frequency as you go.
* Make it a habit. This is important. After a while, your workout schedule should become a habit, like brushing your teeth. This will keep you going in the long run.
* Don't be discouraged by lack of progress at first. It takes a while for results to show, especially if you're starting from zero. Focus on the process, and the results will come.</s> |
<human>:
Give me a response email for a customer's request to get refunded for a computer monitor that arrived with a crack.</s>
<bot>:
Hi [Recipient's Name],
Thanks for getting in touch with us! We apologize for the issue you had with your recent order. We totally understand your decision and would be happy to assist you with returning your monitor for a refund.
Please let us know if there was anything we could have done better to improve your shopping experience with us. Your feedback is valuable and will help us serve our customers better.
We issued a return label for you. Please use this link to print your shipping label: [Link]. Once you have printed the label, please pack the item securely in its original box and attach the label to the package. Drop off the parcel at any USPS location or schedule a pickup from your home or office.
Once we receive your returned item, we will process your refund in 2-3 business days. Refunds typically appear on your statement within 7-10 business days after processing. However, depending on your bank, it may take up to 30 days to reflect on your account.
Let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Our team is always here to help.
Have an awesome day ahead!
Sincerely,
[Your Company Name]</s> |
<human>:
I want to meet with a potential sponsor for a new charity I'm running to help underprivileged children succeed at school. Write an email introducing myself and my work.</s>
<bot>:
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name] and I am writing to introduce myself and discuss an opportunity for collaboration between our organizations.
I am the founder and CEO of [Your Company/Organization], a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing underprivileged children with the resources they need to succeed at school and beyond. We believe that all children deserve access to high-quality education regardless of their socioeconomic background, race, or ethnicity.
For the past five years, we have worked closely with local schools and community centers to provide underserved students with free tutoring services, college preparation workshops, and career development seminars. Our programs have helped hundreds of young people improve their academic performance, gain admission to top universities, and secure meaningful employment after graduation.
However, we cannot achieve our mission without the support of generous donors like yourself. That is why I am writing to ask for your consideration of a financial contribution to our cause. Your gift will enable us to expand our programming and reach even more deserving youth in our community.
Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our work, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Best regards,
[Your Name]</s> |
<human>:
Teach me how to compute mean, median and mode of the following group of number: 5 12 19 11 15 32 18 5 3</s>
<bot>:
Sure, here are the definitions of mean, median and mode:
* Mean: The mean of a group of numbers is the average of the numbers.
* Median: The median of a group of numbers is the number that is exactly in the middle when the numbers are arranged numerically. Note: For even sets of numbers, take the average of the middle two numbers.
* Mode: The mode of a group of numbers is the number that appears most often.
First, sort the numbers in increasing order: 3 5 5 11 12 15 18 19 32
Then, here are the mean, median and mode:
* Mean: Add all the numbers together (3+5+5+11+12+15+18+19+29=117) then divide (117) by the number of numbers added together (9), so 117 ÷ 9 = 13.
* Median: The number in the middle is 12.
* Mode: Ihe number that appears most often is 5.</s> |
<human>:
How to plot in multiple subplots?</s>
<bot>:
There are several ways to do this. The `subplots` method from the `matplotlib` library creates the figure along with the subplots that are then stored in the `ax` array. Here is an example:
```
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import numpy as np
# Prepare some data
x = range(4)
y1 = [3, 1, 5, 6]
y2 = [8, 2, 1, 3]
y3 = [3, 1, 2, 4]
y4 = [9, 1, 8, 6]
# Create a 2 x 2 grid of subplots
fig, axes = plt.subplots(nrows=2, ncols=2)
# Plot data on each subplot
axes[0, 0].plot(x, y1)
axes[0, 0].set_title(‘subplot 1’)
axes[0, 1].plot(x, y2)
axes[0, 1].set_title(‘subplot 2’)
axes[1, 0].plot(x, y3)
axes[1, 0].set_title(‘subplot 3’)
axes[1, 1].plot(x, y4)
axes[1, 1].set_title(‘subplot 4’)
```
If you have to set parameters for each subplot it's handy to iterate over all subplots in a 2D grid using `for ax in axs.flat`:
```
for ax in axs.flat:
ax.set(xlabel='x-label', ylabel='y-label')
# Hide x labels and tick labels for top plots and y ticks for right plots.
for ax in axs.flat:
ax.label_outer()
#automatically adjust subplot parameters to give specified padding.
plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()
```
</s> |
<human>:
I'm a 1st grade teacher in the public school system. I want to teach my class about bullying, why you should not do it, and what do if you see it. Help me write a lesson plan.</s>
<bot>:
Here's a lesson plan for teaching first graders about bullying.
###Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to define what bullying is and identify different types of bullying. Students will be able to describe why it is wrong to bully others and how to respond if they are being bullied or see someone else being bullied.
###Introduction (5 minutes):
* Ask your students to raise their hands if they know what bullying is. Then ask one or two students to explain what bullying means.
* Tell your students that bullying is a serious issue and you would like to spend some time talking about it so that everyone knows what bullying is and how to deal with it.
###Teacher Instruction (15 minutes):
* Pass out the What Is Bullying? worksheet to your students. Read through the definition of bullying with your students. Explain any words that may be difficult for your students to understand.
* Go over the examples of verbal, physical, and social media bullying with your students. Ask your students if they can think of any other ways that someone might bully another person. Add these suggestions to the chart.
###Guided Practice (25 minutes):
* Ask your students to write something they could do if they were being bullied.
* Ask your students to write something they could do if they saw someone else being bullied.
* Have your students pair up with partners. Ask your students to read their ideas to their partner and discuss whether their partner thinks those strategies would work well.
* Call on a few students to share what they wrote with the whole class. Encourage your students to comment on each other's ideas.
###Teacher Instruction (10 minutes):
* Show your students the video How to Stop Bullies at School.
* After watching the video, ask your students if they learned anything new about bullying. If yes, ask them to share what they learned.
###Conclusion(5 minutes):
* Let your students know that you care about them and want them to feel safe at school. Assure them that they can come to you if they are being bullied or see someone else being bullied.
###Optional Extensions:
* Ask your students to create posters depicting how to stand up against bullying. Hang the posters around the classroom or hallway.
* Invite parents to join your class for part of the lesson. Give parents the opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns about bullying with the class.</s> |
<human>:
Why do we put on sunscreen before going outside on a sunny day?</s>
<bot>:
Sunscreens protect the skin. They play an important role in blocking ultraviolet (UV) radiation from being absorbed by the skin. UV radiation damages the skin and can lead to sunburns and skin cancer. This radiation is present all the time, even when the sun isn't shining. It's just that when the sun is shining the intensity of the radiation is much higher. You can still get sunburn on a cloudy day, it just takes longer.
Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting UV radiation before it penetrates the skin. You put it on before going out in the sun so it has time to work. If you wait until you're sunburned it's too late, the damage has already been done.
You should re-apply sunscreen regularly, especially if you're sweating or swimming, because it wears off over time.</s> |
<human>:
What is the meaning of these lines from a rap battle between J. Robert Oppenheimer and Thanos?
> I've mastered the atom, more than any man alive
> Now I'm here to split U like two and three from five</s>
<bot>:
Here is a possible explanation for the quoted lines in the fictional rap battle between J. Robert Oppenheimer and Thanos.
In the first line, "I've mastered the atom, more than any man alive," Oppenheimer is referencing his significant role in the Manhattan Project, which contributed to the development of the first atomic bombs. While this line has a rather straightforward interpretation, it also prepares the listener for the following line, which is more complicated.
The second line, "Now I'm here to split U like two and three from five," refers to the isotope uranium-235, whose symbol in chemistry is U235. This isotope was used in the development of the atomic bombs in the Manhattan Project. Oppenheimer makes a play on words, saying that he will "split U" (you) like the nucleus of the uranium-235 atom during fission. In addition, 5 is the result when you add 2 + 3.</s> |
<human>:
Here is a joke: “I went to the zoo the other day. There was only a dog in it - it was a shihtzu.”. Explain why it is funny.</s>
<bot>:
A shihtzu is a type of dog. The word "shihtzu" also sounds like "shit zoo", meaning that the zoo wasn't very good.</s> |
<human>:
Given two sorted arrays of size m and n respectively, you are tasked with finding the element that would be at the k’th position of the final sorted array. Please solve this task using python.</s>
<bot>:
The merging technique can be used to get the final merged array since we have been given two sorted arrays. Using this, we can easily access the k’th index. Below is a Python program that finds the k-th element from two sorted arrays.
```
def find_kth_smallest(arr1, arr2, m, n, k):
# Initialize a new list to hold the merged and sorted arrays
sorted1 = [0] * (m + n)
i = 0 # Index for arr1
j = 0 # Index for arr2
d = 0 # Index for merged array
# Merge the two arrays into the merged array
while (i < m and j < n):
if (arr1[i] < arr2[j]):
sorted1[d] = arr1[i]
i += 1
else:
sorted1[d] = arr2[j]
j += 1
d += 1
# If there are remaining elements in arr1, append them to the merged array
while (i < m):
sorted1[d] = arr1[i]
d += 1
i += 1
# If there are remaining elements in arr2, append them to the merged array
while (j < n):
sorted1[d] = arr2[j]
d += 1
j += 1
# Return the kth smallest element in the merged array
return sorted1[k - 1]
# Test code
arr1 = [2, 3, 6, 7, 9]
arr2 = [1, 4, 8, 10]
k = 5
print(find_kth_smallest(arr1, arr2, 5, 4, k))
```
The above code will print out the following:
```
6
```
The above code has a time complexity of O(n) and requires auxiliary space of O(m + n).</s> |
<human>:
I am planning to start a book club with some friends. Can you write an email invitation for the same?</s>
<bot>:
Here is an example email invitation for a book club:
Subject: Join me for a book club!
Hi [Friend's Name], how are you?
I'm starting a book club with some friends, and I'd love to have you join us!
The book club is a casual and fun way to read and discuss books that we love or want to learn more about, and also make new friends. We plan to meet more-or-less once a month.
We're thinking of having our first meeting on [Date & Time]. Could that work for you?
Would love to see you there!
Thanks,
[Your Name]</s> |
<human>:
You are astronaut Buzz Aldrin. You have just returned to Earth after landing on the moon in 1969. Is there any experience on Earth that even compares slightly to having been on the Moon?</s>
<bot>:
My first words of my impression of being on the surface of the Moon that just came to my mind was "magnificent desolation." The magnificence of human beings, humanity, Planet Earth, maturing the technologies, imagination and courage to expand our capabilities beyond the next ocean, to dream about being on the Moon, and then taking advantage of increases in technology and carrying out that dream - achieving that is magnificent testimony to humanity. But it is also desolate - there is no place on earth as desolate as what I was viewing in those first moments on the Lunar Surface.
Because I realized what I was looking at, towards the horizon and in every direction, had not changed in hundreds, thousands of years. Beyond me I could see the moon curving away - no atmosphere, black sky. Cold. Colder than anyone could experience on Earth when the sun is up- but when the sun is up for 14 days, it gets very, very hot. No sign of life whatsoever.
That is desolate. More desolate than any place on Earth.</s> |
<human>:
Write a 2-3 sentence script for a movie advertisement for a horror movie.</s>
<bot>:
The initial scene of the movie portrays a dense and foggy forest with eerie background music. A group of individuals is heard screaming in terror while fleeing from an unidentified entity. The shot then zooms in on a mysterious creature with illuminated eyes as the movie title and release date are displayed. "Witness unparalleled fright. See [Movie Title] in cinemas on [Release Date]. Rated R."</s> |
<human>:
I need a gift for my daughter's 13th birthday. She loves photography.</s>
<bot>:
Here are a few gift ideas for a 13 year-old girl who loves photography:
* Camera: Even though modern phones have very good cameras, you could consider a more professional camera, such as a mirrorless camera.
* Lens Kit: If your daughter already owns a good camera, you may want to get her a new lens kit that would allow her to take specialized photos, such as a portrait or macro lens.
* Accessories: Alternatively, you could look into tripods, camera bags, flashes, and other camera accessories.
* Courses: Another option is to enroll her in an afterschool photography class, where she can hone her photography skills and meet other photography enthusiasts her age.
* Trip: Finally, you could check out the option of taking your daughter on a special photography trip. Not only would she have plenty of opportunity to capture stunning photos, it would also give you an amazing opportunity to bond with your child through their hobby.</s> |
<human>:
What are some current technologies that we use today but will become obsolete within the next decade?</s>
<bot>:
Given the fast pace of technological advances, it is difficult to predict which technologies will become obsolete over the next decade. Here are a few possibilities:
* Flash drives: As wireless communication between all devices becomes easier and faster, the need to use physical drives to transfer data will become relegated to only high-security air-gapped networks.
* Passwords: Passwords are increasingly vulnerable to hacking, and alternative authentication methods such as biometric authentication could become more common.
* Plastic credit cards: As mobile payment options become more widespread, plastic credit and debit cards could become unnecessary.
* Charging cables: Wireless charging is becoming ubiquitous, eliminating the need to carry charging cables.
* Human-driven cars: Though autonomous driving has yet to mature, the exponential pace of progress in AI may yield reliable self-driving cars by 2030.
Of course, this is just a speculative and incomplete list of technologies that may become obsolete within 10 years. It will certainly be interesting to find out what future technologies hold in store!</s> |
<human>:
What if you had to spend 100 days on a desert island all alone? What ten things would you take with you and why?</s>
<bot>:
If I had to spend 100 days on a desert island all alone, I will take the following ten items with me:
1. A knife. It has lots of use cases, e.g. making a spear for hunting, making a raft, cutting wood to make a shelter or preparing food.
2. A lighter to start fires. If I have dry wood, I can make fire. And I can use fire for signaling, for keeping warm, for cooking food.
3. A fishing rod. I may have to survive on fishing. And it's better to have a rod rather than trying to make one.
4. A solar still. It's impossible to survive without water. If I have a still, it allows me to get fresh water from the sea.
5. A satellite phone. So I could keep in touch with my family and friends, and maybe arrange a rescue mission.
6. A solar charger - to keep my electronics powered.
7. A sturdy tent. It can be used as a shelter to provide me with protection and privacy.
8. A book on survival and/or how to build stuff with minimal tools. I'd want something with pictures, since I wouldn't have anyone to teach me
9. A first aid kit in case of emergencies. It might as well increase my chances of survival even if I am not rescued quickly.
10. A blanket - to keep me warm at night.</s> |
<human>:
Please help me plan my vacation.
I will have 2 days to spend in Washington DC.</s>
<bot>:
Washington DC is a great city to visit steeped in history and culture. You can definitely see a lot in two days. Here are some suggestions for your two-day itinerary:
Day 1:
* Sightseeing guideline: White House (1 hour) → Washington Monument (1 hour) → National WWII Memorial (1 hour) → Lincoln Memorial (1 hour) → Jefferson Memorial (0.5 hours)
The first day’s tour begins from the iconic White House, where visitors can explore the historic and cultural heart of American politics by visiting the monuments, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and the beautiful Tidal Basin.
* Traffic guideline: Due to the concentration of attractions, most of the attractions are within walking distance.
* Catering Guideline: Around the White House and Capitol Hill, there are fewer options, with fast food restaurants being predominant, but there are also some unique restaurants offering Mediterranean, Asian, and other international cuisines worth trying.
With extensive routes covering the entire city, riding the metro is the best option for getting around, with peak fares ranging from $2.15 to $5.90, and off-peak fares ranging from $1.75 to $3.60. Tourists can also purchase a One Day Pass ($14 per ticket) at any metro station, which is valid for both metro and buses.
Day 2:
* Sightseeing guideline: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (2 hours) → National Gallery of Art (2 hours) → Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (2 hours) → U.S. Capitol (1 hour)
On the second day, visit some of Washington D.C.'s most famous museums to experience nature, history, art, and aerospace technology in an all-encompassing way, and then proceed to the majestic U.S. Capitol, the highest legislative body.
* Traffic guideline: All of the sites on the second day are within walking distance. Tourists can also purchase a One Day Pass ($14 per ticket) at any metro station, which is valid for both metro and buses.
* Catering Guideline: As a diverse metropolis and political center, Washington D.C. offers a wide range of dining options. You can visit the Northwest areas such as Georgetown, Dupont Circle, and Adams Morgan where the majority of restaurants are located.
In general, the attractions in Washington D.C. are very concentrated, and most of them are within walking distance of each other, making it very convenient. Additionally, most of the attractions do not require tickets, but some may have strict security checks, so be mindful of the items you carry. In spring, you can also enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in Washington D.C..</s> |
<human>:
Pick a random number N between 1-10. Then pick a random letter. Now, list N cities in California that begin with your random letter.</s>
<bot>:
Random Number: 7
Random Letter: C
Here are 7 cities in the state of California that start with C:
* Carmel-by-the-Sea
* Cupertino
* Carson
* Chula Vista
* Culver City
* Carlsbad
* Concord</s> |
<human>:
Tell me a number joke.</s>
<bot>:
Here is joke about numbers:
Why was the number 10 scared?
Because 7 8 9.</s> |
<human>:
Super-prime numbers (also known as higher order primes) are the subsequence of prime numbers that occupy prime-numbered positions within the sequence of all prime numbers. First few Super-Primes are 3, 5, 11 and 17. The task is to print all the Super-Primes less than or equal to the given positive integer N.</s>
<bot>:
The idea is to generate all the primes less than or equal to the given number N using the Sieve of Eratosthenes. Once we have generated all such primes, we store all of them in an array, and print all prime numbers which occupy prime number positions. Here is an implementation in Python:
```
# Python program to print super primes less than or equal to n.
# Generate all prime numbers less than n using the Sieve of Eratosthenes.
def sieve(n):
is_prime = [True for i in range(n+1)]
is_prime[0] = False
is_prime[1] = False
for p in range(2,n+1):
if is_prime[p]:
for i in range(2*p, n+1, p):
is_prime[i] = False
return is_prime
def super_primes(n):
# Generate all primes
is_prime = sieve(n)
# Storing all the primes in an array
primes = [i for i, prime in enumerate(is_prime) if prime]
primes = [0] + primes
for i, p in enumerate(primes):
if is_prime[i]:
yield p
```</s> |
<human>:
Are sharks mammals?</s>
<bot>:
No, sharks are not mammals, sharks are a type of fish.
First, mammals breathe by taking air into their lungs, whereas sharks use their gills to extract oxygen from the water.
Second, female mammals nurish their young using milk secreted from glands, whereas female sharks do not have glands that secrete milk.
Third, mammals are warm blooded whereas sharks are cold blooded.</s> |
<human>:
I'm feeling a bit lonely these days, how can I make new friends?</s>
<bot>:
I'm sorry to hear that you’re feeling lonely. Let's see if I can help out.
Most people make friends through ongoing meaningful interactions with the same group of people. Here are some ideas for creating such interactions, and providing you with new opportunities to makes friends:
* Find and join a local club or group that interests you.
* Volunteer for a cause you care about.
* Invite colleagues from work to hang out after hours.
* Attend social events in your community.
* Enroll in an in-person class.
* Reach out to old friends and acquaintances.
Remember, making new friends takes time and effort, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen right away.</s> |
<human>:
Why do I want to learn a new language?</s>
<bot>:
Learning a new language can be rewarding on many levels, both personally and professionally. Although it can sometimes seem like a daunting undertaking, there are plenty of reasons to do so.
* It enhances your brain. The complex process by which we learn a language can increase white and grey matter volume in the brain. Some of these regions of the brain are associated with things like enhanced problem-solving, focusing, and switching between tasks.
* It boosts your career prospects. Several surveys have shown that those who can speak more than one language have the potential to earn more money. It also means that more opportunities are available to you. Whether you want to work in a different country or in a role that requires you to be multilingual, being proficient in a second language can help significantly.
* It improves other skills. As you work on your language skills, you’ll also learn and be able to demonstrate a variety of other competencies. Learning a foreign language helps with things like creativity, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.
* It helps you meet new people. Whichever language(s) you choose to learn, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to meet and interact with new people. Whether it’s through a language course, learning app, or on your travels, you’ll be able to communicate with people who don’t necessarily share your native tongue.
* It helps cultural understanding. One of the essential elements of learning a language is understanding the different cultures that speak it. This cultural insight gives you the chance to travel to new locations (after the pandemic), immerse yourself in the lifestyle, and even improve your intercultural understanding in the workplace. </s> |
<human>:
Can you make a daily food plan for me to maintain a healthy and sustainable life?</s>
<bot>:
Our daily calorie needs vary depending on our gender, age, height, weight, and activity level. Here is a suggested daily food plan. Note that this is just an example and you will have to do some of your own research to figure out what works for you.
* Start your day with a high protein breakfast such as eggs, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Avoid carb heavy breakfasts such as pancakes, waffles, sugary cereals, etc. which will just spike your blood sugar and leave you hungry a few hours later.
* Eat a healthy lunch including a protein, some veggies and some carbs. Avoid high carb lunches such as sandwiches, pasta, etc. that will make you drowsy and unproductive in the afternoon.
* Eat a healthy dinner with protein, veggies and healthy fats. Avoid large dinners that will make you feel bloated and uncomfortable.
* Snack on nuts, seeds, veggies (carrots, celery, etc.) and high protein snacks such as Greek yogurt.
* Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses.
In addition, to keep a healthy life, get some exercise. Even if you can't make it to the gym, you can do pushups, situps and other exercises at home. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away from your destination and walk, etc.</s> |
<human>:
Compose a concise promotional statement for a shop selling computers.</s>
<bot>:
Visit our computer store now and experience incomparable prices on state-of-the-art technology!</s> |
<human>:
How to find Shortest Paths from Source to all Vertices using Dijkstra’s Algorithm with C?</s>
<bot>:
Dijkstra’s algorithm is very similar to Prim’s algorithm for minimum spanning tree. Like Prim’s MST, generate a SPT (shortest path tree) with a given source as a root. Maintain two sets, one set contains vertices included in the shortest-path tree, other set includes vertices not yet included in the shortest-path tree. At every step of the algorithm, find a vertex that is in the other set (set not yet included) and has a minimum distance from the source.
```
// The program aims to implement Dijkstra's single-source shortest path algorithm in C language.
// The program utilizes an adjacency matrix as the representation of the graph
#include <limits.h>
#include <stdbool.h>
#include <stdio.h>
// The number of vertices present in a graph.
#define V 9
// A function that is used to identify the vertex with the smallest distance value
// among a set of vertices that have not yet been included in the shortest path tree.
int findMinDistance(int dist[], bool sptSet[])
{
// Initialize min value
int min = INT_MAX, min_index;
for (int v = 0; v < V; v++)
if (sptSet[v] == false && dist[v] <= min)
min = dist[v], min_index = v;
return min_index;
}
// A utility function to print the constructed distance
// array
void printSolution(int dist[])
{
printf("Vertex \t\t Distance from Source\n");
for (int i = 0; i < V; i++)
printf("%d \t\t\t\t %d\n", i, dist[i]);
}
// a function that applies Dijkstra's algorithm for finding the shortest path between
// a single source node and all other nodes in a graph. The graph is represented using
// an adjacency matrix.
void dijkstra(int graph[V][V], int src)
{
int dist[V];
bool processed[V];
int i, u, v;
// Initialize all distances as infinite and processed as false
for (i = 0; i < V; i++) {
dist[i] = INT_MAX;
processed[i] = false;
}
// Distance of source vertex from itself is always 0
dist[src] = 0;
// Find shortest path for all vertices
for (i = 0; i < V - 1; i++) {
// Pick the minimum distance vertex from the set of vertices not yet processed
u = -1;
for (i = 0; i < V; i++) {
if (!processed[i] && (u == -1 || dist[i] < dist[u])) {
u = i;
}
}
// Mark the picked vertex as processed
processed[u] = true;
// Update dist value of the adjacent vertices of the picked vertex
for (v = 0; v < V; v++) {
if (graph[u][v] != 0 && !processed[v]) {
int new_dist = dist[u] + graph[u][v];
if (new_dist < dist[v]) {
dist[v] = new_dist;
}
}
}
}
// Print the constructed distance array
printSolution(dist);
}
int main()
{
/* Create the example graph */
int graph[V][V] = { { 0, 4, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 8, 0 },
{ 4, 0, 8, 0, 0, 0, 0, 11, 0 },
{ 0, 8, 0, 7, 0, 4, 0, 0, 2 },
{ 0, 0, 7, 0, 9, 14, 0, 0, 0 },
{ 0, 0, 0, 9, 0, 10, 0, 0, 0 },
{ 0, 0, 4, 14, 10, 0, 2, 0, 0 },
{ 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2, 0, 1, 6 },
{ 8, 11, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 7 },
{ 0, 0, 2, 0, 0, 0, 6, 7, 0 } };
// Function call
dijkstra(graph, 0);
return 0;
}
```
The expected output of the above code is
```
Vertex Distance from Source
0 0
1 4
2 12
3 19
4 21
5 11
6 9
7 8
8 14
```
The time complexity of this algorithm is O(V^2) and the auxiliary space needed for this algorithm is O(V).
</s> |
<human>:
I am a seller of running shoes and recently developed a new running shoe, please help me write a convincing ad for it.</s>
<bot>:
If you're looking to improve your running performance and achieve your fitness objectives, consider our premium running shoes. Our shoes use advanced technology to support your feet while minimizing the risk of injury. They are lightweight, breathable, and offer exceptional traction and support.
Our running shoes are suitable for all types of runners, whether you're a beginner or an experienced athlete. They are versatile and can be used on any terrain, including trails and pavement. Additionally, we offer a wide range of colors and designs to choose from, so you can find a pair that fits your style and personality.
By purchasing our top-of-the-line running shoes, you'll be able to elevate your running game and confidently work towards your fitness goals. Don't wait any longer to experience the benefits of our shoes. Order now and enjoy a whole new level of running!</s> |
<human>:
Please give me a cool pun</s>
<bot>:
Mahatma Gandhi, as you may know, walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail. And with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath.
This made him a super calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.</s> |
<human>:
What is currently considered normal that future generations will consider disgusting or immoral?</s>
<bot>:
One current practice that future generations might consider disgusting or immoral is the contemporary form of meat consumption.
In the not-too-distant future, technological advances could enable synthetic meat production that will be indistinguishable from farm-grown meat in both taste and nutritional value. This method of meat production won’t involve the suffering or killing of animals, and will have much less negative external effects (e.g. farmland areas, carbon emission). So, after this method becomes affordable to the masses, consuming meat that originated from livestock might be severely frowned upon, as there are equivalent alternatives with much less negative by-products.</s> |
<human>:
Write a sentence about sports where every word starts with an S.</s>
<bot>:
Surprisingly, sick soccer star scores spectacularly, stimulating slow season.</s> |
<human>:
How to sort a list in increasing order in python?</s>
<bot>:
Python provides two ways to sort a list, the built-in list method `list.sort()` and the built-in function `sorted()`.
The primary difference between the two is that list.sort() will sort the list in-place, mutating its indexes and returning None, whereas sorted() will return a new sorted list leaving the original list unchanged. Another difference is that sorted() accepts any iterable while list.sort() is a method of the list class and can only be used with lists.
Here is an example of using `list.sort()`:
```
# the list to be sorted
x = [2, 3, 1, 5, 6, 4, 8]
# sort by list.sort()
x.sort()
print(x)
```
The output of the above code is
```
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]
```
Equivalently, you can use `sorted()`:
```
sorted_x = sorted(x)
```</s> |
<human>:
I'm looking for a cocktail to make for a dinner party tomorrow. Do you have any recommendations?</s>
<bot>:
Here are some cocktails you can make for your dinner party:
* Old fashioned: This cocktail is made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a citrus peel. Classic.
* Cuba libre: It's rum, coke, and a slice of lime. Sweet and simple.
* Peach Bellini: Just mix peach juice with champagne, and voila!
* Negroni: Gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, garnished with a slice of orange. Refreshing and slightly bitter.
* Midori sour: Midori, lime juice, lemon juice, and a touch of soda water. The exotic option to dazzle your guests!</s> |
<human>:
Tell me a dad joke about COVID-19.</s>
<bot>:
I told a joke on a Zoom meeting today and no one laughed.
Turns out I'm not remotely funny.</s> |
<human>:
I am a primary care physician. Write an email to my patient about her lab work results that her red blood cell count was a little low but should be fine, then ask her if she has reached the hospital to make an appointment.</s>
<bot>:
Hello [Patient Name],
I got your lab work back. Your red blood cell count was just a little low, but everything else looked really normal.
We can talk more about the blood cell count at your upcoming appointment but I don't think there is any immediate concern. We can monitor it in the future. If you have prior blood cell count tests, it would be helpful if you can show it to me when you come in next week for your pap test.
I see our care navigator sent your referral. Have you been able to reach out to the [Hospital Name]?
Let me know if you have any questions.
Take good care,
[Your Name]</s> |
<human>:
Can you create a lesson for teaching the bodies of water?</s>
<bot>:
Here is a possible lesson plan for teaching students about the bodies of water.
##Lesson Plan: Bodies of Water
###Introduction (5 minutes)
* Write the following words on the board: ocean, gulf, bay, inlet, river, and lake.
* Ask your students if they know what those words mean.
###Teacher Instruction (15 minutes)
* Define each body of water type on the board.
* Provide an example for each type. Ask students to suggest one additional example for each body of water.
###Independent Working Time (10 minutes)
* Provide a map of a local or famous area that includes an ocean, a bay, and a river.
* Ask your students to draw arrows to show how water flows through the different bodies of water on the map.
###Guided Work (10 minutes)
* Display the map on the board using a projector.
* Ask students to come up to the board and draw the flow of water.
###Conclusion (5 minutes)
* Go around the class and ask your students to state a fact about any body of water.</s> |
<human>:
How do bats use sound to locate prey?</s>
<bot>:
Bats navigate and locate their prey using echolocation. They produce sound waves at frequencies above human hearing, called ultrasound. The sound waves emitted by bats bounce off objects in their environment. Then, the sounds return to the bats' ears, which are finely tuned to recognize their own unique calls. When a bat detects a prey it wants to eat, it produces a rapid series of calls to pin-point the exact location of its prey, then swoops in.</s> |
<human>:
Write 7 words that rhyme with "light" in alphabetical order.</s>
<bot>:
Here are 7 words that rhyme with the word "light", sorted in alphabetical order:
* bite
* height
* quite
* right
* site
* white
* write</s> |
<human>:
How do I sort a dictionary by value?</s>
<bot>:
Dicts preserve insertion order in Python 3.7+. Here is an example of how to sort a dictionary by value.
```
# original dictionary to be sorted
x = {1: 2, 3: 4, 4: 3, 2: 1, 0: 0}
# sort by value
sorted_dict = {k: v for k, v in sorted(x.items(), key=lambda item: item[1])}
print(sorted_dict)
```
The output of the above code is
```
{0: 0, 2: 1, 1: 2, 4: 3, 3: 4}
```
Equivalently, the one-line implementation is
```
dict(sorted(x.items(), key=lambda item: item[1]))
```
In older Python, Dictionaries are inherently orderless, but other types, such as lists and tuples, are not. So you need an ordered data type to represent sorted values, which will be a list—probably a list of tuples.
For instance,
```
import operator x = {1: 2, 3: 4, 4: 3, 2: 1, 0: 0}
sorted_x = sorted(x.items(), key=operator.itemgetter(1))
```
sorted_x will be a list of tuples sorted by the second element in each tuple.</s> |
<human>:
Am I doing wrong for refusing to pay for my sister's husband's surgery with my inheritance/college money?</s>
<bot>:
It can be challenging to make judgment on the circumstances of others, particularly when the situation is complex and involves financial decisions. Here are a few perspectives that may be helpful to consider as you navigate this situation:
* It’s always your call how to spend your inheritance and college savings. In general, you are not obligated to use your savings to pay for anyone’s surgery, even if they are related to you by marriage. You may have your own financial plans of how to use this sum of money based on your priorities. Your sister shouldn’t use moral coercion to force you to compromise and fulfill her wishes.
* Family relationship is also important. On the other hand, you don’t want to destroy your family relationship with your sister especially when she is in great need. If you have a very close relationship with her and her husband, it’s reasonable that you make the decision of using your savings to help them. However, it would also be wise to seek advice from professionals and trusted family members before making any decisions about how to spend your money.
In conclusion, the decision is ultimately yours to make and it should be based on what you believe will have a positive impact on your future plans. It’s important to have open and honest conversations with your sister and her husband about your decision and concerns.</s> |
<human>:
Tell me an interesting fact about geography.</s>
<bot>:
Here are some interesting facts about geography:
* Bhutan is one of the most intriguing places in the world. The Buddhist kingdom is the only carbon-negative country on Earth, with strict environmental laws and cultural norms that preserve its stunning natural landscape. For similar reasons, Bhutan was one of the last countries to introduce television in 1999, and has no traffic lights to this day.
* There are currently few territories on Earth that are unclaimed by any sovereign state (terra nullius). One example is Bir Tawil, along the border between Egypt and Sudan, which was created by a discrepancy between borders drawn in 1899 and 1902. The territory remains unclaimed by either country, because it would entail forfeiting the much larger Halaib Triangle, which is claimed by both countries. Bir Tawil has no settled population, but the land is used by Bedouins who roam the area.
* The antipode of any spot on Earth is the point on Earth's surface diametrically opposite to it. Some interesting approximate antipodes include pairs of capital cities, such as Wellington (New Zealand) - Mardrid (Spain), and Phnom Penh (Cambodia) - Lima (Peru).</s> |
<human>:
Write Java code that can compute the minimum cost to connect all cities.</s>
<bot>:
The objective is to establish the most cost-effective path connecting all cities. To achieve this, we need to determine the Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) of the city map, treating each city as a node on the graph and all damaged roads as edges. The total cost of the path is the sum of the edge values within the Minimum Spanning Tree.
```
// Java code to find out minimum cost
// path to connect all the cities
import java.util.* ;
class GFG{
// Function to find out minimum valued node
// among the nodes which are not yet included in MST
static int minNode(int n, int keyvals[], boolean mstset[])
{
int min_val = Integer.MAX_VALUE;
int min_index = 0;
// Loop through all the values of the nodes,
// which are not yet included in MST and find the minimum valued one.
for(int i = 0; i < n; i++)
{
if (mstset[i] == false && keyvals[i] < min_val)
{
min_val = keyvals[i];
min_index = i;
}
}
return min_index;
}
// Function to find out the MST and
// the cost of the MST.
static void findCost(int n, int city[][])
{
// Array to store the parent nodes.
int parent[] = new int[n];
// Array to store the key value of each node.
int keyvals[] = new int[n];
// Boolean Array to indicate whether a node is included in MST or not.
boolean mstset[] = new boolean[n];
// Set all the key values to be infinite and none of the nodes is included in MST.
for(int i = 0; i < n; i++)
{
keyvals[i] = Integer.MAX_VALUE;
mstset[i] = false;
}
// Start to find the MST from node 0.
// Parent of node 0 is none and set to be -1.
// key value or minimum cost to reach 0th node from 0th node is 0.
parent[0] = -1;
keyvals[0] = 0;
// Find the rest n-1 nodes of MST.
for(int i = 0; i < n - 1; i++)
{
// First find out the minimum node among the nodes which are not yet included in MST.
int u = minNode(n, keyvals, mstset);
// Include the uth node in MST.
mstset[u] = true;
// Update the values of neighbor nodes of u which are not yet included in MST.
for(int v = 0; v < n; v++)
{
if (city[u][v] > 0 && mstset[v] == false && city[u][v] < keyvals[v])
{
keyvals[v] = city[u][v];
parent[v] = u;
}
}
}
// Find out the cost by adding the edge values of MST.
int cost = 0;
for(int i = 1; i < n; i++)
cost += city[parent[i]][i];
System.out.println(cost);
}
// Driver code
public static void main(String args[])
{
// Input 1
int n1 = 5;
int city1[][] = { { 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 },
{ 1, 0, 5, 0, 7 },
{ 2, 5, 0, 6, 0 },
{ 3, 0, 6, 0, 0 },
{ 4, 7, 0, 0, 0 } };
findCost(n1, city1);
// Input 2
int n2 = 6;
int city2[][] = { { 0, 1, 1, 100, 0, 0 },
{ 1, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0 },
{ 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0 },
{ 100, 0, 0, 0, 2, 2 },
{ 0, 0, 0, 2, 0, 2 },
{ 0, 0, 0, 2, 2, 0 } };
findCost(n2, city2);
}
}
```
The output after executing the above code is:
```
10
106
```
Regarding the time complexity, the outer loop for adding a new node to the Minimum Spanning Tree (MST) runs n times. During each iteration, it takes O(n) time to find the minimum node and O(n) time to update the neighboring nodes of the u-th node. As a result, the overall time complexity is O(n^2). As for auxiliary space, the algorithm requires O(n) space.</s> |
<human>:
I just finished teaching the first few lessons in my advanced NLP course. I'm teaching remotely, so I need to get some feedback from the class. Help me create a feedback poll.</s>
<bot>:
##Feedback Poll: Advanced NLP
This is an anonymous feedback form to help me improve the course. Your inputs are greatly appreciated!
###Background Knowledge
These questions help me understand whether the course lessons and exercises are properly tuned towards everyone's background knowledge, while keeping the poll anonymous.
Have you ever taken an NLP course before this one?
* Yes
* No
Have you implemented and trained a model in PyTorch or TensorFlow before this course?
* Yes
* No
###Lessons
Lesson 1 (Introduction): How clear was the lesson?
* Only certain parts (<30%) were clear
* Some (30-70%) of it was clear
* Most (>70%) of it was clear
* I was already familiar with most of the material
Lesson 2 (Language Modeling & Tokenization): How clear was the lesson?
* Only certain parts (<30%) were clear
* Some (30-70%) of it was clear
* Most (>70%) of it was clear
* I was already familiar with most of the material
Lesson 3 (Attention & Transformers): How clear was the lesson?
* Only certain parts (<30%) were clear
* Some (30-70%) of it was clear
* Most (>70%) of it was clear
* I was already familiar with most of the material
Lesson 4 (Generation): How clear was the lesson?
* Only certain parts (<30%) were clear
* Some (30-70%) of it was clear
* Most (>70%) of it was clear
* I was already familiar with most of the material
What do you think was good about the lessons?
What do you think could be improved in the lessons?
###Class Exercises
Which of the in-class exercises have you tried to solve?
* 2A - Language Model Decomposition (Theory/Demo)
* 2B - Softmax & Cross Entropy (Theory)
* 2C - BPE (Coding)
* 3A - Multiple Heads (Theory)
* 3B - Causal Attention (Theory)
* 4A - Beam Search (Coding)
* 4B - Stochastic Search (Demo)
What motivated you to try to solve these exercises?
What would motivate you to try to solve the remaining exercises?
What do you think was good about the in-class exercises?
What do you think could be improved about the in-class exercises?
###Coding Exercise
Have you attempted to solve the first coding exercise (Attention)?
* Yes, I have finished it.
* Yes, I have finished most of it.
* Yes, but I didn't get it to work yet.
* No.
If not, why?
What do you think was good about the exercise?
What do you think could be improved in the exercise?
###Thank You!
Thank you for taking the time to fill in the feedback poll, this information is very helpful.
Feel free to add any additional free-form feedback below.</s> |
<human>:
can you write me a paragraph (up to 150 words) on ancient rome's influence on modern politics?</s>
<bot>:
Rome was one of the most influential civilizations in history, and its influence can still be seen today. Many modern political systems are based on Roman governmental structures, including the United States. Both the American Senate and House of Representatives were modeled after the Roman Senate and Assembly. Likewise, many modern legal systems are influenced by ancient Roman law. For example, the principle of innocent until proven guilty is rooted in Roman law. Additionally, the Romans made significant advances in engineering and architecture that are still used today. For instance, concrete was invented by the Romans, and it is still one of the most common building materials. Furthermore, many modern cities are built on Roman designs, with public spaces like squares and boulevards surrounded by buildings. In conclusion, ancient Rome had a profound impact on modern politics, law, technology, and culture, and its legacy continues to shape society today.</s> |
<human>:
Can you write the Python code to build and train a neural network?</s>
<bot>:
There are some deep learning libraries that can help us write clean and efficient code. We use [Pytorch](https://pytorch.org/) in our example.
To install the latest Pytorch, run the following command in your terminal.
```
pip3 install torch
```
Below is an example script for building and training a neural network using Pytorch. The basic pipeline is as follows.
Prepare the training and test data.
Define the neural network, the loss function and the optimizer.
Train the neural network using the training dataset for multiple epochs.
Test the trained neural network on the test set to make predictions for unseen examples.
```
import torch
import torch.nn as nn
import torch.optim as optim
# Prepare the dataset
# Define the training data
X_train = torch.tensor([[0,0],[2,1],[1,0],[5,5]], dtype=torch.float32)
y_train = torch.tensor([[0],[1],[1],[0]], dtype=torch.float32)
# Define the test data
X_test = torch.tensor([[6,6],[-1,1],[1,1],[0,7]], dtype=torch.float32)
y_test = torch.tensor([[0],[1],[0],[1]], dtype=torch.float32)
class Network(nn.Module):
def __init__(self):
super().__init__()
# Inputs to hidden layer linear transformation
self.hidden = nn.Linear(2, 4)
# Output layer, 1 units
self.output = nn.Linear(4, 1)
# Define sigmoid activation
self.sigmoid = nn.Sigmoid()
def forward(self, x):
# Pass the input tensor through each of our operations
x = self.hidden(x)
x = self.sigmoid(x)
x = self.output(x)
X = self.sigmoid(x)
return x
# Instantiate the neural network
model = Network()
# Define the loss function and optimizer
criterion = nn.BCELoss()
optimizer = optim.Adam(model.parameters(), lr=0.01)
# Train the neural network
for epoch in range(5):
# Zeros the gradients accumulated from the previous batch/step of the model
optimizer.zero_grad()
# Calculate the output using the current neural network parameters
outputs = model(X_train)
# Calculate the loss by comparing predicted outputs and gold labels
loss = criterion(outputs, y_train)
# Performs backpropagation
loss.backward()
# Updates the weights in our neural network based on the results of backpropagation
optimizer.step()
# Evaluate the performance of the neural network on the test dataset
# We do not need to keep gradient information during inference time
with torch.no_grad():
outputs = model(X_test)
predicted = (outputs > 0.5).float()
accuracy = (predicted == y_test).float().mean()
print(f"Accuracy: {accuracy.item()*100:.2f}%")
```
</s> |
<human>:
Write a program to count the sum of first 100 numbers in python</s>
<bot>:
We define a function called `sum_100_natural_numbers()` for the above functionality.
```
def sum_100_natural_numbers():
# keep a running sum
sum = 0
# write a for loop to add each number to the running sum
for i in range(1, 101):
sum = sum + i
return sum
# Print out the result
print(sum_100_natural_numbers())
```
The output should be
```
5050
```
</s> |
<human>:
What is a marketing plan?</s>
<bot>:
A marketing plan is a comprehensive document that outlines an organization's advertising and marketing strategies to generate leads and reach its target market. It details the outreach and PR campaigns for the coming year, including how the company will measure their effect. A marketing plan typically includes the following:
* Market research supporting the strategies
* Messaging tailored to the target audiences
* Budget allocations
* Pricing decisions
* Metrics for measuring the results of each strategy</s> |
<human>:
I'm planning a trip to Europe. Give a 7-day travel itinerary.</s>
<bot>:
Europe has a very profound cultural heritage. Sculpture art, architecture, art, literature, and music are all things with a long history in Europe. Britain, Greece, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, and almost all other European countries are popular tourist destinations. Here are recommended seven-day tours of Europe.
Day 1:
* Sightseeing guideline: Paris - Dijon - Palace Duchy of Burgundy - Place Libre - Notre-Dame Dijon - Lucerne
Palace Duchy of Burgundy is originally little more than a residence backed on the Gallo-Roman Hill, it was rebuilt in the 17th century as a classicist palace designed by Versailles architect Mansard. The gallery in the east wing of the palace is one of the largest museums in France and houses many art treasures. Place Libre is a semi-garden designed by Choumansard in 1685 to welcome the equestrian sculpture of King Louis XIV. It is one of the most spectacular royal squares in France. Notre Dame de Dijon is an outstanding example of third-century Burgundian architecture, inherited from the Roman art period.
* Traffic guideline: You can take a bus at KFC, 211-213 Boulevard Vincent Auriol, 75013 Paris.
Day 2:
* Sightseeing guideline: Lucerne - Capel Bridge - Lake Lucerne - Milan - Sforza Castle - Venice
The Capel Bridge is an ancient wooden bridge in Europe, constructed in 1333 to defend Lucerne. It has since become a prominent landmark of the city.
Lake Lucerne, with its stunning mountainous surroundings, is considered to be Switzerland's most picturesque and diverse lake.
The Sforza Castle is a representation of the many ups and downs of Milan's history and houses numerous valuable works of art and historical significance.
The Milan Cathedral is the world's second-largest church, and it took five centuries to complete. It is a Gothic-style church with 135 steeples, each with a statue, and it boasts the most statues of any Gothic church in the world.
* Traffic guideline: Take a bus at Milano, Main entrance of Main Train Station, Lucerne and then transfer to Fontana la torta di Spus
Day 3:
* Sightseeing guideline: Venice - Piazza San Marco - Bridge of Sighs - Rome
Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark's Square, is a beautiful square that is encircled by several stunning Renaissance buildings, including the Duke's Palace, St. Mark's Church, and St. Mark's Bell Tower. It was hailed by French Emperor Napoleon as "the most beautiful living room in Europe."
The Bridge of Sighs, on the other hand, links the court and the prison, and it is frequently the final path for prisoners sentenced to death, just before their execution.
* Traffic guideline: Take a bus at Piazza San Marco
Day 4:
* Sightseeing guideline: Rome - Colosseum - Constantine's Arch of Triumph - Piazza Venezia - Piazza Spagna - Florence
The Colosseum is Rome's most spectacular monument and is synonymous with gladiator battles, lion fights, and the eternal city.
The Arch of Constantine is located between the Colosseum and the ruins and features three arches and reliefs of angels. It stands as a symbol of Emperor Constantine I's rejection of Rome's old religion and his establishment of Christianity as the state religion.
Piazza Venezia is situated near the Roman Forum and boasts a magnificent white palace that is free for visitors to explore. There are exhibitions inside documenting Italy's recent unification.
Plaza de Espana, while lacking in attractions, became a household name after a famous scene in the movie Roman Holiday, where Audrey Hepburn's character ate ice cream on the steps.
Finally, the world-renowned Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain globally and gained popularity following the success of the film Roman Holiday.
* Traffic guideline: Take a bus at Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma, Italy
Day 5:
* Sightseeing guideline: Florence - Cathedral of the Virgin of Flowers - Piazza del Laird - Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - SAN Remo
The Florence Cathedral, also known as the Basilica, is among Italy's largest churches and is famous for having the biggest brick dome ever constructed. It encompasses the Cathedral, St. John's Baptistery, and Giotto's Bell Tower.
Laird Square, located in Florence, Italy, is an "L" shaped square situated in front of the Old Palazzo, still retaining its status as the political hub of the city and featuring several stunning statues.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is situated in the Miracle Square complex in the north of the city of Pisa in Tuscany, Italy. It and the neighboring cathedral, Baptistery, and more have had a significant influence on Italian architectural art and have been designated as World Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.
* Traffic guideline: Take a bus at Piazza di Santa Croce, 50122 Firenze
Day 6:
* Sightseeing guideline: SAN Remo - Monaco - Monaco Royal Palace - Cannes - Cannes Film Festival Palace - Lyon
The Monaco Royal Palace is the governmental center of Monaco and was initially utilized as a military fortress until the 17th century.
The King's palace boasts a distinctive geographical location on the sea.
On the other hand, the Palais des Festivals, constructed in 1982, is Cannes Film Festival's primary gathering place, where the most coveted prize in the film industry, the Palme d'Or, is awarded.
* Traffic guideline: Take a bus at Hotel SAN Remo and transfer to Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco
Day 7:
* Sightseeing guideline: Lyon - Paris - Arc de Triomphe - Eiffel Tower - Notre Dame Cathedral - Seine River
The Triumphal Arch, situated in Paris, France's central star square, was constructed in 1836 to honor Napoleon's victory over the Russian and Austrian allied forces in the Oak Pars battle. It features engravings of famous French soldiers from the 18th and 19th centuries and is a representative landmark of Paris, standing as the world's second-largest Arc de Triomphe.
The Eiffel Tower, designed by Gustave Eiffel, was built in an astonishing two years, two months, and five days, making it one of the most well-known landmarks globally and an international symbol of Paris, France, and romance. Lastly, the Seine River, which flows through Paris, is renowned worldwide and was once called "the daughter of the Seine" by someone.
* Traffic guideline: Take a bus at Place Bellecour69002 Lyon
Europe boasts numerous other tourist destinations that are worth exploring. I hope you have a pleasant journey discovering all of the continent's beauty and wonders.</s> |
<human>:
Can you write a poem that contains the following four words: body, heart, mind, and God?</s>
<bot>:
He with body waged a fight,
But body won; it walks upright.
Then he struggled with the heart;
Innocence and peace depart.
Then he struggled with the mind;
His proud heart he left behind.
Now his wars on God begin;
At stroke of midnight God shall win.</s> |
<human>:
Help me think of a name for a new app I'm designing that automatically decides which pizza to order when a group of friends meet. Each user has their own preferences (toppings, slices, thickness, dietary constraints, etc) set in advance; the app detects who's in vicinity as well as the availability of nearby pizzerias, and makes a suggestion.</s>
<bot>:
Here are some possible names for a social pizza-ordering app:
* SliceShare
* Slike
* PizzaBot
* Hangry
* AutoSlice</s> |
<human>:
My company needs a project manager, could you help me create a job advertisement for it?</s>
<bot>:
Job Position: Project Manager
Location: [Location to be filled]
Company Description:
[Provide a brief description of the company.]
Job Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Project Manager with exceptional skills to join our team. The selected candidate will be responsible for managing projects from initiation to completion, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of all stakeholders.
Responsibilities:
* Effectively manage project timelines, budgets, and resources
* Ensure all project activities adhere to established policies and procedures
* Conduct regular status meetings with project teams and stakeholders
* Develop, implement, and communicate project plans and progress reports to team members and stakeholders
* Maintain accurate records of project activities for reporting and invoicing purposes
Qualifications:
* A degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
* A minimum of [Insert number] years of experience in project management
* Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
* Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
* Excellent organizational and time-management skills
* Proficiency in project management software and tools
How to Apply:
[Include instructions on how to apply for the job.]</s> |
<human>:
My dad asked me a riddle, but I can’t figure it out. He told me that if I can’t solve it myself then I should consult with an AI to figure out the solution.
So, could you please solve the riddle and explain the solution?
Here’s the riddle:
My prefix is food.
My suffix is rude.
My infix comes in rounds.
I keep you off the ground.
What am I?</s>
<bot>:
The answer to the riddle is "hammock".
Here’s a line-by-line explanation:
My prefix is food.
“hammock” starts with “ham”, which is something you eat.
My suffix is rude.
“hammock” ends with “mock”, and mocking is considered rude.
My infix comes in rounds.
If you take the word “hammock”, remove the “h” from its start and remove the “ck” from its end, you get the word “ammo”. And ammo tends to come in rounds.
I keep you off the ground.
a hammock keeps the person using it of the ground.</s> |
<human>:
I want to learn a new language. What are some resources and tips for language learning?</s>
<bot>:
From free apps to immersive online courses, there are many resources to learn a new language. Some great apps and online programs include Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, Babbel, etc. It’s also a good idea to take language classes in person or online, where you can ask your teacher questions and practice speaking with your teacher and classmates.
Here are some other tips for learning a new language:
* Set your language goals. When you’re first figuring out how to learn a language, you should focus on some short-, medium- and long-term goals. These can help to give structure and direction to your learning. Adding timescales to your language-learning goals can help to keep you on track and motivated.
* Learn common vocabulary. This can help to quickly build your understanding in a day-to-day setting, allowing you to have and follow basic conversations.
* Find a style that works for you. There are many different tools, techniques, and styles you can use when you’re learning a language. Whether it’s using flashcards, grammar translations, spaced repetition, immersive learning or any other approach, you have plenty of options. Figuring out the right combination of techniques can help you progress at a rate you’re happy with. You’ll find all kinds of apps, websites, textbooks, and other materials out there that help with different methods.
* Practice speaking. A crucial part of learning a language is being able to recognise, understand and reproduce sounds. You don’t have to necessarily go out and start chatting with native speakers right away (although this can certainly help). However, talking to yourself, practicing your vocabulary out loud, and even recording yourself speaking your new language can help to build your confidence.
* Connect with a native speaker. Communicating with new people in your target language is often intimidating. You might be scared to make mistakes or feel that your current level isn’t good enough. However, practicing with a native speaker can help you quickly improve your language skills.
* Engage with the culture. Language often evolves in line with the culture of the groups who speak it. Therefore, to really master a language, you’ll want to make sure you’re also familiar with the cultural context that goes with it.
I hope this helps!</s> |
<human>:
Are we alone in the universe?</s>
<bot>:
Humanity has yet to find evidence for life outside planet Earth.
The current search for extraterrestrial life is largely focused on finding planets that are situated in an "habitable zone". Roughly put, a planet is in a habitable zone if its distance from nearby stars allows for liquid water to persist on its surface.
So far, a few such planets have been found, but none yet with liquid water on its surface.</s> |
<human>:
Implement a quicksort algorithm with python</s>
<bot>:
QuickSort is a divide-and-conquer algorithm. It picks an element as a pivot and partitions the given array around the picked pivot. There are different variations of QuickSort, which differ by the way the pivot is chosen. Here is one implementation that uses the last element of the array as the pivot:
```
# Python implementation of QuickSort
def partition(array, low, high):
# choose the rightmost element as pivot
pivot = array[high]
# pointer for greater element
i = low - 1
# traverse through all elements
# compare each element with pivot
for j in range(low, high):
if array[j] <= pivot:
# If element smaller than pivot is found
# swap it with the greater element pointed by i
i = i + 1
# Swapping element at i with element at j
(array[i], array[j]) = (array[j], array[i])
# Swap the pivot element with the greater element specified by i
(array[i + 1], array[high]) = (array[high], array[i + 1])
# Return the position from where partition is done
return i + 1
def quick_sort(array, low, high):
if low < high:
# Find pivot element such that
# element smaller than pivot are on the left
# element greater than pivot are on the right
pi = partition(array, low, high)
# Recursive call on the left of pivot
quick_sort(array, low, pi - 1)
# Recursive call on the right of pivot
quick_sort(array, pi + 1, high)
# Test example
data = [1, 7, 4, 1, 12, 8, -3]
print("Unsorted array")
print(data)
size = len(data)
quick_sort(data, 0, size - 1)
print('Sorted array in ascending order:')
print(data)
```
The above code will print the following output:
```
Unsorted array
[1, 7, 4, 1, 12, 8, -3]
Sorted array in ascending order:
[-3, 1, 1, 4, 7, 8, 12]
```
This algorithm has a worst-case time complexity of O(N^2), but its average time complexity is O(N log N). Additionally, the algorithm requires only O(1) auxiliary space, beyond the O(N) space consumed by the given array itself.</s> |
<human>:
Can you make a wedding plan for me?</s>
<bot>:
Wishing you all of the love and happiness! To plan a wedding, here are some steps that you can start with:
1. Daydream about your day.
Plan a “meeting” with your partner. Before the meeting, both of you should prepare at least two inspiration images and your ideas for the following: location, theme, colors, food and activities.
2. Set your budget.
3. Bring in backup.
When it comes to learning how to plan a wedding, the most important step is realizing that you and your partner can’t do it alone.
* Hire a wedding planner.
* Ask for help from family and friends.
* Utilize technology and resources.
4. Choose a wedding date as soon as you can.
5. Pick your wedding party.
Maid of honor. Best man. Groomsmen and women. Bridesmaids and bridesmen. Decide who among your close friends and family you want to be with you throughout your wedding.
6. Build your guest list.
A good way to start sorting who you want to invite is by going through the contact list on your phone, as well as who you’re following/interacting with on your most-used social media platforms.
7. Choose your wedding ceremony location.
8. Choose your wedding venue.
Popular wedding venue types include: barn, farm, garden, park, vineyard, vintage, beach and hotel/resort.
9. Decide on the wedding’s theme, decor, and details.
Here are a variety of popular themes, with decor and color ideas to match:
* Romantic.
* Formal.
* Winter/holiday.
* Rustic.
* Nature-inspired.
10. Choose your wedding invitations.
It’s traditional to send out cardstock invites, and it’s lovely to have a hardcopy invite to frame after the wedding.
11. Research vendors.
If you’re planning the wedding yourself, vendors you’ll likely consider include: musician for the ceremony, DJ/band for the reception, photographer, videographer, catering service, hair/makeup, florist and officiant.
12. Figure out what you’re going to wear.
13. Choose the food and beverage for your wedding reception.
14. Plan the before and after events.
As usual, the particulars depend on the size of your wedding, the logistics, and the complexity of the ceremony. These are the events you may prepare or need time for beyond the wedding:
* Bachelor and bachelorette parties.
* Rehearsal dinner.
* Honeymoon.
* Wedding after-party.
* Next-morning brunch.
15. Send out your invitations.
This is an exciting moment in the planning process. Once those invites are in the mail, or you pressed “send” on your digital invites, the big day starts to feel more real.
16. Help out-of-town guests with accommodations.
17. Choose your wedding rings.
18. Touch base with the wedding team.
Check-in with all of the key people in your wedding. Talk to the wedding planner to see if there are any final details they need from you. Reach out to the venue and vendor teams so you know they’re all set. Give a call to family members and the wedding party to make sure everyone feels comfortable with the itinerary. And finally, prioritize a few relaxed evenings with each other before the wedding.
19. Start the festivities and enjoy!
You know what to do from here. Congratulations!</s> |
<human>:
My cat keeps scratching up my furniture. What are some ways to train her to stop?</s>
<bot>:
Cats scratch furniture for a variety of reasons, so you'll have to work out why yours is scratching in particular. It's usually because it wants to claw off old nail sheaths, or because it wants to mark its territory. Here are a number of things you can do to train her not to scratch your furniture.
First, you can trim her nails regularly. If you trim your cat's nails regularly, then it will be less likely for her to want to scratch because it will be more uncomfortable for her to do so. Plus, it will reduce the damage done by scratching because the claws won't be as sharp.
Second, you can cover the areas with something unpleasant, like tin foil or double-sided tape. This should discourage her from scratching there, and she'll (hopefully) learn to go to her scratching post instead.
Third, you can try to redirect her attention when she starts to scratch where she shouldn't. If you catch her in the act, make a loud noise (clapping is good) and she should stop. Then, if you have a scratching post nearby, encourage her to scratch there instead. Give her a treat if she scratches the post, or praise her verbally. She'll learn that scratching the post gets her good things, while scratching the furniture gets her nothing.
Finally, you can try a combination of all of the above. Trim her nails, cover the furniture, and when you catch her scratching the furniture, clap your hands and show her the scratching post.
With consistent effort, you should be able to break her furniture-scratching habit. It may take a few weeks, but it can be done.
</s> |
<human>:
I'm having some family over for dinner, no dietary constraints. Give me a good recipe for cooking a nice amount of meat in an instant pot.</s>
<bot>:
Here is an easy recipe for beef pot roast and potatoes using an instant pot:
Ingredients:
* 3-5 lbs beef chuck roast
* 1 tablespoon oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 pound baby red potatoes
* 4 large carrots, chopped into large chunks
* 1 large yellow onion, chopped
* 4 cups beef broth
* 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, stir together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Slice the roast into 2-4 pieces (approximately 1.25-1.5 lbs each).
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the roast pieces to coat all sides.
3. Heat a large frying pan with some oil, and use tongs to sear each piece of the roast on all sides.
4. Place the seared meat into the instant pot.
5. Add potatoes, onions, and carrots to the pot.
6. Pour beef broth and worcestershire sauce over everything.
7. Place the instant pot lid and turn into locked position. Ensure the vent is set to the sealed position.
8. Set the instant pot to "pressure cook" on high pressure for 60-80 minutes (60 for 3 lbs roast, 80 for 5 lbs).
9. When the cooking time is up, do a natural release for 10 minutes. Then, turn the vent to the release position and allow the pot to depressurize.
10. Once the pressure has been released, remove the lid, and switch the pot into "saute" mode.
11. Let some of the liquids evaporate for 10 minutes, while gently pulling the meat into smaller chunks using two forks.
12. Serve and enjoy!</s> |
<human>:
Given a number n, print n-th Fibonacci Number</s>
<bot>:
The Fibonacci numbers are the numbers in the following integer sequence: $0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, ...$
In mathematical terms, the sequence $F_n$ of Fibonacci numbers is defined by the recurrence relation: $F_n = F_{n-1} + F_{n-2}$, with seed values: $F_0 = 0$ and $F_1 = 1$.
Here is a simple implementation in Python for producing the $n$th Fibonacci number $F_n$ using recursion:
```
def fibonacci(n):
if n <= 1:
return n
return fibonacci(n-1) + fibonacci(n-2)
```
While this implementation elegantly captures the mathematical definition of Fibonacci numbers, it is not efficient. Here is an alternative implementation using dynamic programming:
```
def fibonacci(n):
f = [0, 1]
for i in range(2, n+1):
f.append(f[i-1] + f[i-2])
return f[n]
```</s> |
<human>:
This is my first trip to Shanghai. Please help me plan a classic 3-day tour in Shanghai.</s>
<bot>:
Shanghai, on China's central coast, is the country's biggest city and a global financial hub. According to the popular degree and location of scenic spots to arrange, three days can play through 10 scenic spots, feel the "Oriental Paris" known as the magic metropolis
Day 1:
* Sightseeing guideline: Shanghai City God Temple Tourist Area (2 hours) →Yu Garden (1 hour) → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (3 hours) → Bund (1 hour)
Explore Shanghai's culinary delights at the City God Temple, where you can find the city's most renowned snacks. Later, take a stroll through Shanghai's famous commercial district and browse the department stores and historic shops. As the evening approaches, head to the Bund to admire the impressive World Architecture Exhibition and the famous Weibai Bridge, known for its association with "A Deep Rain."
* Traffic guideline: It is advised to use the subway or bus system as it is an affordable, speedy, and convenient way to travel. To reach Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street from Yu Garden, taking the subway Line 10 (heading towards New Jiangwan City) is a good option. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, and you can get off at Nanjing East Road station.
* Catering Guideline: Shanghai cuisine is well-known for its signature dishes such as Sheng Jian, soup bao, Xiao Long Bao, braised pork, and braised chicken. A recommended lunch spot to try these dishes is Chenghuang Temple. In the evening, there are plenty of dining options to choose from in two areas - Nanjing Road and the Bund. Both areas have a variety of delicacies available for you to explore.
Day 2:
* Sightseeing guideline: China Art Palace (4 hours) → Tianzifang (2 hours) → Shanghai Xintiandi (2 hours)
The itinerary for today's tour begins with a visit to the China Art Palace, which used to be the China Pavilion during the World Expo. The Shanghai Art Museum is now located here, and it boasts a vast collection for visitors to enjoy. Next, head to Tianzifang, a charming and flavorful lane in Shanghai. In the evening, you can spend time shopping in the landmark Xintiandi area of Shanghai.
* Traffic guideline: To travel from the China Art Palace to Tianzifang, you can take the subway, which takes approximately 20 minutes. Start by boarding Line 8 at China Art Palace, get off at Lujiabang Road Station, and transfer to Line 9. Then, get off at Dapuqiao Station using the first exit..
* Catering Guideline: It is recommended to eat around the China Art Palace at noon and eat in Xintiandi in the evening, where the food is rich, and you can try authentic Shanghai cuisine.
Day 3:
* Sightseeing guideline: Madame Tussauds Shanghai (3 hours) → Lujiazui (2 hours) → Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower (2 hours)
In the morning, a recommended activity is to visit Madame Tussauds wax museum and see the impressive wax figures on display. You can also take photos with them to capture the moment.
* Traffic guideline: To travel from Madame Tussauds Wax Museum to Lujiazui, taking the subway is recommended as it is a convenient, fast and inexpensive mode of transportation in Shanghai. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, and you can take subway Line 2 from People's Square station in the direction of Guanglan Road, and get off at Lujiazui station.
* Catering Guideline: For lunch, it is recommended to explore the dining options around Madame Tussauds. There are many excellent restaurants and eateries in the area to choose from. In the evening, Lujiazui is a great place to try authentic Shanghai cuisine for dinner. There are many restaurants in this area that offer delicious and traditional Shanghai dishes.
Shanghai has many other interesting places to visit, such as the Disneyland resort, which is a perfect destination for families with children. However, it is recommended to make specific plans according to your personal interests and the time available for your trip. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern attractions, Shanghai offers something for everyone to explore and enjoy.</s> |
<human>:
Do high heels hurt health?</s>
<bot>:
Yes, high heels can negatively impact your health. Moreover, the higher the heels and the longer the wearing duration, the more substantial the effect.
Some of the potential risks include:
* Toes: The narrow and tight toebox found in many such shoes places a lot of pressure on the toes. This can often leads to bunions, hammertoes, and other conditions which result in foot pain.
* Achilles tendon: High heels tighten up and shorten the achilles tendon, which might cause pain around the heel.
* Calf muscles: Similarly to the achilles tendon, the calf muscles can also shorten over time, as they are constantly flexed while wearing high heels.
* Knees: The altered posture when wearing heels pushes the body forward. This imposes additional force on the knee, which is a frequent site of osteoarthritis among women.</s> |
<human>:
Here are some fun facts about biology:
1. Your brain stops growing after the age of 18.
2. Humans are about 1cm taller in the morning, after sleeping.
3. Blowing out birthday candles spreads germs on the cake.
4. You can taste onion by rubbing it on your feet.
5. Babies are born with more bones than adults.
6. Most dreams last only a few minutes.
7. Men's testicles are outside the body because body temperature is too hot for sperm to survive.
8. If the eye were a camera, it would have a resolution of 576 megapixels.
9. The smallest bones in the human body are found in the ear.
10. The largest organ in the human body is the skin.
Turn each one of them into a trivia question.</s>
<bot>:
Here are 10 trivia questions about the human body, based on the provided facts:
1. At what age does the brain stop growing?
2. At what time of day are humans tallest?
3. What is a negative side effect of blowing out birthday candles?
4. What happens if you rub onion on your feet?
5. Who has more bones: babies or adults?
6. How long do dreams typically last?
7. Why do testicles hang outside the body?
8. If the eye were a camera, what would be its resolution?
9. Where are the smallest bones in the human body?
10. What is the largest organ in the human body?</s> |
<human>:
Write a sad poem that evokes autumn.</s>
<bot>:
###Autumn Rain
The plane leaves
fall black and wet
on the lawn;
The cloud sheaves
in heaven's fields set
droop and are drawn
in falling seeds of rain;
the seed of heaven
on my face
falling - I hear again
like echoes even
that softly pace
Heaven's muffled floor,
the winds that tread
out all the grain
of tears, the store
harvested
in the sheaves of pain
caught up aloft:
the sheaves of dead
men that are slain
now winnowed soft
on the floor of heaven;
manna invisible
of all the pain
here to us given;
finely divisible
falling as rain.</s> |
<human>:
Write three jokes about animals</s>
<bot>:
Here are three jokes about animals:
1. What do you call a pig that does karate? A pork chop.
2. What do you call two monkeys that share an Amazon account? Prime mates.
3. Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use honeycombs."</s> |
<human>:
My 10-year-old daughter is struggling with transitioning to a new school. How can I help her make the adjustment smoother?
</s>
<bot>:
Transitioning to a new school can be difficult for kids in general, as they are trying to figure out who they are, what they like, and how they fit in with their peers. Here are a few ideas for how to help her adjust:
* Talk to her about her feelings. Ask her how she is feeling about the transition. Let her know that it's okay to be sad or upset about leaving her old school and starting at a new one. Let her know that it's okay to feel excited too!
* Find out what is bothering her, and then help her to find ways to cope. Talking with her teachers may give you some clues, as they may have noticed her acting out in class and can offer suggestions as well.
* Encourage her to make friends. Remind her that making friends is a skill that can be learned. Talk about ways that she can meet new people, like joining an after-school club or asking a classmate to go to lunch with her.
* Encourage her to explore her new school. Help her to make a list of the different areas of the school, like the playground, cafeteria, and library. Ask her if she would like to explore the school with you during her lunch break or after school.
* Encourage her to take responsibility. Try to give her more responsibilities at home. Let her help you to make meals, do the dishes, or fold laundry. Let her know that you trust her to do these things. This will help to build her confidence and sense of responsibility, which will help her to feel more comfortable at school.
The most important thing that you can do is to let her know that you are there for her if she needs you. Give her some space though, and don't pressure her into opening up if she doesn't want to.</s> |
<human>:
How to know if your girlfriend is ready to kiss you?</s>
<bot>:
Kissing a girl can be nerve-wracking, especially if you don't know if she's ready for a kiss! Luckily, there are ways you can figure out whether or not she wants a kiss. Although no tip is foolproof, at least you’ll have a better idea of whether it’s welcome before you make the move.
## Study her face
1. Watch her eyes. You should be able to tell a lot about your girlfriend's desire to kiss you from her eyes. They don't say the eyes are the windows to the soul for nothing. If she looks you directly in the eye, she is probably establishing intimacy and is at least open to kissing you. Although eye contact is almost always a positive sign, remember that sometimes people look down or away because they are shy or nervous. Still, if she is not looking at you, that's a warning sign that she's not open to a kiss. Women will give you more submissive looks in some cases when they want to be kissed, such putting the chin down and subtly looking down. Slightly narrowing the eyes is a pose that many women go into when they are waiting for a kiss. Are her pupils dilated and are her eyes widening? If so, these are signs that she is enjoying being around you, so she is probably open to a kiss.
2. Look at her lips. Women prepare their lips for a kiss. So if you want to know if she wants to kiss you, zero in on her mouth. Is she biting her lip or licking her lips? These could be signs that she is trying to moisten them for a kiss. If she is pursing her lips or they look hardened, this is a bad sign. She is closing herself off to you. If she's applied lip gloss recently, or freshened her breath, this could mean she wants her lips to look desirable to you, in the hopes you will kiss them. This is especially true if you can tell she's reapplied them (say when you went to the bathroom). If she's looking at YOUR lips, it probably means she is thinking about kissing them.
3. Pay attention to her nose. This might sound odd, but research has shown the nose can give away signals of desire - often without her realizing it. If her nostrils are flaring slightly, she probably wants a kiss. Physically, flaring the nostrils means she is taking in more air because she is preparing for physical activity. You need to take this one in context. If she's in the middle of an argument with you, the physical activity her body is preparing her for might not be in your favor.
## Interpret her other body language
1. Watch her posture. Posture can be very revealing. Much of communication is made up of non-verbal cues. Sometimes people don't even realize they are communicating this way. If she is learning into you or toward you, even slightly, it probably means she is more open to a kiss. On the other hand, if she is leaning away, that's a bad sign. You should also pay attention to the direction her feet are pointing. If they are pointing away from you, it could be a sign she is looking for a chance to leave. Does she move away when you move slightly toward her? This is a test you can use to measure her body language interest in kissing you. Subtly create more of a zone of intimacy and see if she complies or moves away to diminish it.
2. Study her hands. Women will use their hands to touch things or show femininity if they want you to kiss them. If a woman plays with her necklace, she's probably into you. But you should take this act in context. If she also has other body language that is open to you, that's a better sign because sometimes a woman is just nervous. If a woman is playing with or twirling her hair, it's a sign she wants you to find her attractive and is flirting with you. If she touches something else, like a glass (running her fingers over it), in even a somewhat sensual way, that's a good sign.
3. Wait for her touches. If she has touched you recently, even in small ways, this could be her way of creating more intimacy in the hopes you will kiss her. Even the slightest of touches show desire. That means it's a good sign if she brushes her hand against your knee or arm. Touch probably means she wants to get closer to you. It's an even better sign if she touches your face. If she softly, playfully hits you on the arm, she is trying to create a playful vibe with you, which is a way that women flirt. You could test her out by touching her slightly first to see how she responds. For example, brush your feet against hers under the table and see what she does. Another technique is to touch a piece of jewelry she has lightly (earrings, necklace), and say you admire it. If she smiles and is OK with you moving closer into her space, that's a good sign.
4. Spot whether she has open body language. When taken together, is her body language closed or is it open? If she has open body language, she is not trying to erect barriers between you. Signs of open body language include arms at the side, body tilted toward you or facing you, eye contact, feet pointed toward you. Signs of closed body language include arms crossed over chest, feet or legs crossed, feet pointing away from you, body tilted away from you, and minimal eye contact. How much personal space is she leaving between you? If it's not much, she's already open to an intimate connection with you on some level. This is a good sign for you.
## Learn other kiss trick
1. Consider how she talks to you. Does she seem like she wants to keep the conversation going? It's a good sign for you if she does. Is she asking you a lot of questions? Are they deep and personal? If the answers are yes, she probably wants a more intimate connection with you. Are you making her laugh? Laughing at your jokes (especially if they are not very funny) is a way that women flirt. Is she trying to keep the conversation going by being the one to ask questions or lead or direct the conversation? That's a good sign. It's a bad sign if she lets the conversation wither into silence between you or you feel like you're doing all the heavy lifting to keep it going.
2. Try the triangular kissing technique. There are some techniques you can use to build sexual tension, while monitoring how she responds and communicates back. Move close to her and touch her, either her hands or legs. Slow down your breathing and words. Look at her right eye. Hold the look for a few seconds, then move your gaze to her left eye. Pause again. Now, move your gaze and hold it on her mouth. She should be more receptive to a kiss (as long as she hasn't moved away!)
3. Spot the window of opportunity. Women you've just met will often give you a short window of opportunity for a kiss. This can be a tricky balancing act. This will be easier if she's already your girlfriend because you will be able to spot the signs more readily. A woman you've just met is also testing you. You need to give her signs that you like her when she seems receptive to you, otherwise she may feel rejected or insecure and start to pull away and try to make you chase her. If you miss the window of opportunity, she may think you lack confidence or aren't interested in her. But if you try to kiss her before it opens, she might think you're boorish or too aggressive. So monitoring body language matters.
4. Handle her moving away. You should always be prepared for the worst: What if you try to move closer or touch her slightly, and she moves away? Maybe she's just tired or not in a good mood. Who knows? You don't want to make it worse with a bad response. Timing is everything. Act like nothing has occurred. Basically, show that you're not thrown off. You could even make a confident quip about her being cute when she's shy. Don't act angry or insecure. That's not appealing to women. Maybe she's interested in you but just not ready for a kiss yet. In that case, you could work on building more common ground and intimacy- slowly. Abandon your idea for a kiss right now and instead focus on having a great conversation with her, and remember to throw in some compliments! (Women love that.)
</s> |
<human>:
How to be organized during the holidays?</s>
<bot>:
## Personal holiday organization
1. Plan for sleep. One of the dangers of the holiday season is that you schedule too much and don't budget enough time for sleep and exercise. These 2 practices can cut your stress level in half and make it easier to stay on task during your holiday rush. It is common to reduce your exercise time slightly during the holidays, but try to get about 30 minutes of mid-intensity cardiovascular exercise 5 times per week. Don't not cut down on your sleep; aim for 8 hours per night. Moderate your alcohol intake. Although it may seem like a sedative, it can actually prevent you from getting deep sleep. Stop after a few drinks to avoid losing your energy the next day.
2. Set a budget 2 months before the holidays. Take into account how much you can afford and then split the money between cards, postage stamps, gifts, decorations, clothing, food and even a party. Plan an overage of 10 percent in your budget. This means all of your needs should add up to 90 percent of the money you have for the holidays.
3. Sit down with your family 6 weeks before the holiday and ask for help. If you love control, this may be hard to do; however, it will take a load off your shoulders and make everyone feel like the holidays don't come together magically.
4. Discuss the possibility of doing a low-gift giving Christmas or a charity project with your family. If your budget is tight, then giving 1 present or buying 1 big present for the whole family might be better. Studies have also shown that charity projects can help your emotional health during stressful times.
5. Book travel plans 3 or more months before the holidays. Ticket prices tend to go up right before the holidays. Make sure you have lower travel costs and less stress associated with travel if you and your children or parents have their plans figured out in advance.
6. Use a calendar that everyone can see, online or in the house. Place all commitments, deadlines, family nights and tasks on it so that everyone can refer back to it over the month of December.
## Holiday shop organization
1. Schedule shopping intelligently rather than in blocks. The following are good tips that make holiday shopping more effective and quick:
* Buy things throughout the year, whenever you see something that is ideal for someone. You provide more thoughtful gifts if they are catered to the person, rather than bought frantically the month before. Store your gifts in 1 place in your house and come back to your gift hiding place 6 weeks before Chanukah or Christmas. Take a few hours off work during mid-week once the holiday sales start. You will miss the rush and have a more calm shopping experience. Shop in small spurts online. Getting online for hours can be a waste of time. Keep a list in your purse of things you are looking for, and add to it. Wait until you have 2 or 3 things you know you want to search for and do your power shopping. Open 3 browser tabs and compare prices on Amazon, Overtock.com and a Google Shopping page. Don't be afraid to give gift certificates. Many stores, massage parlors, movie theaters and more provide gift certificates. Think of something that your friends or family will find truly valuable over a product you are unsure they will like.
2. Set up a wrapping station on a table in late November or early December. Wrap gifts as soon as you bring them home. This will remove the chance that children will find their gifts and it will allow you to get both shopping and wrapping done at a slow and steady pace.
3. Aim to finish your shopping and wrapping by December 15th. Schedule your time accordingly, so that you can enjoy the holidays and be ready for any last-minute changes.
## Holiday cook organization
1. Clean your kitchen from top to bottom before attempting holiday baking or cooking. Try to do this in late November or early December. Rearrange things that overnight guests will need, such as coffee and cereal, in an easy to reach cupboard and create a baking cupboard.
2. Stock up on baking supplies early in the season. Buy flour, sugar and spices at warehouse stores so that you don't have to make late night runs to the supermarket. Buy some pre-made pie crusts and cookies to keep around in case you don't have time to do everything from scratch.
3. Bake throughout the holiday season. Clear out your freezer, and then create a cooking to do list that allows you to make and freeze items every week. For example, bake 1 sweet, such as cookies or candy, and prepare 1 side dish in preparation. Cover and label the dishes very well before you stack them on a freezer. For example, "Sweet Potatoes. Thaw and bake at 350 for 30 minutes."
4. Plan a holiday potluck party instead of baking all of the food. This is a great way to lower your budget and have fun. Allow people to bring desserts, side dishes or relish to family dinners as well; they understand your kitchen is very full.
</s> |
<human>:
How to cut carbon arrows?</s>
<bot>:
Carbon arrows are a lightweight alternative to aluminum, but they may not always come in the correct length you need. While you can always take the arrows into a hunting store to have them cut by a professional, you can also cut arrows at home with a rotary cutter or an arrow saw. Before you cut the arrows, be sure to measure your draw length to know how long the shafts need to be. When you’re finished, your arrows will be the perfect size!
## Find the proper arrow length
1. Hold a tape measure out to your side with your non-dominant hand. Grip the tape measure in your nondominant hand so the tape points toward your wrist. Fully extend your nondominant arm out to your side so it’s parallel to the ground to simulate holding a bow. Make sure you can easily grab and pull the tape toward you, and reposition the tape measure in your hand if you can’t. Avoid using a fabric tape measure since it may give you an inaccurate measurement.
2. Pull the tape to the corner of your mouth with your dominant hand. Grab the end of the tape with your dominant hand and slowly pull it out. Keep pulling the tape until the end touches the corner of your mouth on the dominant side of your body. For example, pull it to the right corner of your mouth if you’re right-handed. Once the tape measure is fully extended, look at the measurement. Pulling the tape measure to the corner of your mouth simulates drawing a bowstring so you can get an accurate measurement for your draw length.Tip: Put your nondominant thumb on the tape measure before checking the measurement so it doesn’t retract. Otherwise, you’ll have to measure again.
3. Add 2 in (5.1 cm) to your measurement to find the arrow length. If your arrow is too short, it could jam your bow or cause the arrow to shoot improperly. Take the draw length measurement you just found and include an extra 2 inches (5.1 cm) to ensure that the arrows are long enough for your bow. For example, if your draw length measurement was 29 inches (74 cm), then the length of your arrow should be 31 inches (79 cm).
4. Transfer your measurement onto the arrow shaft. Start your measuring tape at the back of the arrow shaft and extend the tape toward the front. When you reach the measurement you found, use a marker to draw a line or dot on the arrow shaft so you know where to cut. Rotate the arrow 180 degrees and make another mark in the same place to use as reference. Don’t include the arrow’s nock in the measurement since nock sizes vary between arrows. Start at the base of the arrow shaft instead.
## Use a rotary cutter
1. Clamp a rotary cutter horizontally over the edge of the table. A rotary cutter is a handheld multitool that spins quickly to cut through materials. Use a rotary cutter with a circular carbide blade so it can easily cut through the carbon arrows without deforming them. Lay the rotary cutter horizontally so the blade is vertical and hangs over the edge of your work surface. Use a C-clamp to secure the tool to your work surface so it doesn’t shift around while you’re using it. You can buy a rotary cutter from your local hardware store.Tip: Make sure you can easily access the power switch on the tool so you can turn it on and off when you need it.
2. Position the hose of a shop vacuum behind the rotary blade. Cutting carbon arrows creates dust that can cause irritation if you breathe it in, so it’s easiest to vacuum it immediately to prevent it from spreading. Set the end of the hose on your work surface so it’s directly behind the rotary cutter’s blade. Connect the other end of the hose to the intake port on your vacuum. You can also use your regular vacuum if you don’t have a shop vacuum available.
3. Put on safety glasses and a face mask before turning the machines on. Carbon dust can cause irritation if it gets in your eyes or lungs, so it’s important to stay protected while you work. Put on safety glasses that cover your eyes completely, and a face mask that guards your nose and mouth. Once you put on your safety equipment, you can start the rotary tool and the vacuum. Even though you have a vacuum capturing most of the dust, there still may be particles floating around.
4. Cut the arrow along the mark you made. Once your rotary tool is spinning at full speed, carefully guide the arrow so the blade lines up with the marks you made earlier. Push the shaft gently against the blade so it cuts into the carbon. Continue pushing the arrow into the blade until it cuts completely through the other side. If the blade has difficulty cutting the arrow straight through, try rotating the arrow while you hold it against the blade to make it easier.
## Cut shaft with an arrow saw
1. Attach a shop vacuum hose to the port on the back of an arrow saw. Many arrow saws have a port on the back where you can attach a vacuum hose to collect dust. Push the end of a shop vacuum hose into the dust collection port on the arrow saw until it’s secured in place. Attach the other end of the hose to the intake port on your vacuum. You can buy arrow saws from hunting supply stores or you can order them online. Arrow saws usually cost around $130 USD. You can use your regular vacuum if you don’t have access to a shop vacuum.Tip: If your arrow saw doesn’t have a port for a vacuum hose, then set the hose as close to the blade as you can.
2. Wear safety glasses and a face mask while you’re cutting arrows. Carbon arrows create carbon fiber dust when you cut them, which can be irritating if you inhale it or if it gets in your eyes. Wear safety glasses that cover your eyes completely and put on a face mask to protect your mouth and nose. Once you have the face mask and safety glasses on, you can turn on your machines.
3. Position the arrow on the saw so the back sits inside of the notch on the support. Your arrow saw will have a support with a notch on it so your arrow doesn’t roll around while you’re cutting it. Set the back of the arrow in the notch and line up the front of the arrow so the mark you made on the shaft lines up with the saw blade. Your arrow saw may have multiple supports on it. If so, make sure the arrow sits in all of the notches to ensure you make a straight cut.
4. Rotate the arrow while it’s against the saw blade to cut completely through it. Once your arrow saw is running at full speed, slowly push the arrow shaft into the blade. Once it starts cutting into the arrow, spin the arrow so the blade cuts around the circumference of the shaft. As soon as you around the circumference of the arrow, the end will fall off and you can turn off your saw. Your arrow saw may be powerful enough to cut through the shaft without rotating it.
</s> |
<human>:
How to make rose centerpieces?</s>
<bot>:
Roses are a great addition to any table for any occasion. Instead of placing them into a vase, however, why not get more creative? Rose centerpieces are easy to make, and you can use silk roses or real ones. Topiaries are the most popular, but you can also create a simpler one by placing a rose into a tall vase and filling it to the top with water.
## Make a silk rise topiary
1. Hot glue a Styrofoam ball to the top of a glass or crystal candlestick. Cover the top of the candlestick with hot glue, then quickly press the Styrofoam ball into the glue. You can use any size Styrofoam ball you want, but something around 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) would be ideal. Keep the ball proportionate to the candle stick. The smaller the ball, the shorter the candle stick should be.
2. Get a bouquet of mini silk roses and snip the flowers off. Leave a 2-inch (5.08-centimeter) long stem on each rose. If possible, use a pair of wire cutters to do this. Many silk flowers have wire inside the stem, which can ruin a good pair of scissors. If you cannot find wire cutters, use a pair of sturdy scissors you don't mind possibly ruining.
3. Poke a rose into the top of a Styrofoam ball. If the rose is very loose, pull it out, add a drop of glue into the hole, then push the rose back in. You want the base of the rose touching the Styrofoam ball. You can use tacky glue or hot glue.
4. Add more roses in a ring around the first one. Make sure that all of the roses are touching one another, including the one in the center. Once again, if any of the roses feel loose, secure them with a drop of hot glue.
5. Continue adding roses in rings until you reach the bottom of the Styrofoam ball. When you are done, the entire ball should be covered in roses. Make sure that there are no gaps or bits of Styrofoam showing.
6. Wrap a ribbon around the middle of the candlestick. Tie the ends of the ribbon into a large bow. For that final touch, snip the ends of the ribbon at an angle. A satin ribbon would work the best, but you can also use a sheer ribbon as well. It can match the color of your rose ball, or it can be an accent color instead, such as silver or gold.
## Make a real rise topiary
1. Soak a block of green floral foam in water overnight. This will help keep the roses stay fresher longer when you stick them into the foam. There are several different types of floral foam. Make sure that you get the kind meant for fresh flowers. You can find it in the floral section of an arts and crafts shop. Do not use regular white Styrofoam for this. You need the foam to be able to soak up water so that the roses stay fresh. Be careful when handling this type of foam. It is very soft when dry and easily dented.
2. Put the foam block into a vessel. You can use a fancy bowl, planter, vase, or even a pedestal meant for pillar candles. It should sit below the rim of your bowl, planter, or vase. If the foam is too big, cut it down to the right size and shape. If you are setting the foam down onto a pedestal, cut it down to a rough dome or orb shape.
3. Get an assortment of roses and put them into a bucket of water. You can use roses in all one color, or you can experiment using different colors. You can also get different shades of the same color for an ombre effect. Plan on using about 48 roses. If you plan on using multiple shades or colors, put them into separate buckets. This will make sorting through them easier. Consider using fragrant roses. This is a small detail that often gets overlooked but will add a nice touch.
4. Cut about 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) off of each stem. Use a clean pair of garden shears and cut the stems at an angle. It would be a good idea to cut off the leaves and thorns as well. If your foam block is very small, you may want to cut the stems down to about 3 inches (7.63 centimeters).
5. Poke the roses into the foam. Insert them close enough so that the blooms touch. Keep adding roses until the foam is no longer visible. You don't have to poke the roses all the way down into the foam. If you are sticking the roses into a bowl, planter, or vase, consider sticking them in as different depths to create a dome-like effect. If you are going for an ombre effect, start with your lightest color, then move on to the darkest. You can arrange it in stripes or rings.
6. Add some finishing touches. At this point, your centerpiece is done. You can move it to the table, and leave it as is, or you can add some more touches to it. Here are some ideas:
* Arrange short, votive candles around the centerpiece. Scatter glass gems or metallic confetti around the centerpiece. Tie a satin or sheer ribbon around the base of the vessel.
## Make an underwater vase
1. Get a tall, glass, cylindrical vase. You can also use a square vase instead. You will be placing the entire rose inside the vase and then filling the vase all the way with water. Try to get a vase that is at least 12 inches (30.48-centimeters) tall. This will make your centerpiece look more elegant. Consider wrapping a crystal trim around the base of the vase. You can find it in the sticker or scrapbooking section of an arts and crafts store.
2. Trim a rose down until it is about 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) shorter than the vase. You will need the extra space inside the vase for the floating candle. If the rose is too tall, it will stick out of the water/vase and ruin the effect. You can trim off the leaves or leave them on. Cut real roses with clean garden shears. Cut silk roses with wire cutters. If you chose to leave the leaves on a real rose, rinse them off under cool water. This will get rid of any dust that might muddy up the water.
3. Insert the rose into a frog pin. A frog pin is a coin-sized metal disk with pins sticking out of it, like a hairbrush. You can find them in the floral section of an arts and crafts store. Try to wedge the rose's stem between the pins rather than straight into them. Consider adding a few more shorter roses into the pin. A frog pin is not absolutely necessary, but it will help keep the rose secure. If you cannot find a frog pin, you will have to add more vase filler later on.
4. Place the rose into the bottom of the vase. For an added effect, consider turning on a submersible LED light, and adding it into the bottom of the vase as well. Make sure that the LED light is meant for being used in underwater floral arrangements. You can find them in the floral department of an arts and crafts shop.
5. Fill the bottom of the vase filler. Scoop the filler out of the bag with your hands, then carefully spread it across the bottom of the vase. This will prevent the filler from damaging the rose's petals. Keep filling the vase until the frog pin is covered. You can use tiny acrylic pellets or crystals, of glass gems or marbles. If you weren't able to find a frog pin, fill the bottom of the vase with 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 centimeters) of vase filler, or until the rose stands up on its own.
6. Fill the vase with cool water. Stop when you are about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) away from the rim of the vase. The entire rose, including the bloom, should be submerged under water.
7. Place a floating candle on top. Make sure that the bottom of the candle does not bump up against the rose. If it does, add more water or trim the rose down. You can use a regular round candle or a rose-shaped one.
8. Place the vase on your table. Consider scattering acrylic gems or metallic confetti around the vase. You can also make a few more vases that are taller or shorter than the one you just made.
</s> |
<human>:
How to pay property taxes online?</s>
<bot>:
If you own real property (a home or land) in the United States, you are responsible for paying state property taxes each year. While these taxes are assessed through the county where the property is located, most counties in each state allow property owners to pay their taxes online. The specific information you need to pay your property taxes online depends on where your property is located.
## Calculate your payments
1. Look on your tax bill. You should receive an annual property tax statement in the mail that provides information about the amount of tax you owe each year. This statement also has other information, such as a property identification number or PIN, that may be necessary for you to pay your taxes online. Your tax bill may not include any delinquent taxes, or any other tax assessments, such as supplemental taxes. Those typically are sent separately.
2. Check online if you haven't received a bill. Just because you don't receive a bill doesn't mean you don't owe property taxes. In most states and counties, you can find out how much tax you owe by going to your state or county's property tax website. The amount of tax online typically will be more up to date than what's on your bill, so even if you have your bill handy you may want to check online. If there's a discrepancy, go by the amount online rather than the amount on your bill. Unfortunately, you may need a PIN or identification number located on the bill to access your tax amount online.
3. Call the tax assessor's office if you need more information. If you haven't received a bill and can't find the amount you owe on the website, you can always call the tax assessor's office and ask. The clerk should be able to give you the total amount of property tax you owe, as well as any other information you need, such as a PIN, so you can pay your taxes online.
4. Confirm the types of property tax you owe. Some states or counties may have different types of property taxes that you'll have to pay. You may have to check for different types separately. For example, in California you may have secured and unsecured property taxes. Unsecured property taxes are taxes on watercraft, airplanes, or temporary fixtures that are not connected to real property. These may be listed separately, or included on separate websites. Depending on where you live, certain types of property taxes may not be included in the online information. For example, the property tax website for Cook County, Illinois, does not include amounts for back taxes, air pollution taxes, and some other types of property taxes.
5. Confirm due dates for taxes owed. On the tax assessor's website, you'll find information about the dates property taxes are due each year. If you have any delinquent taxes, they typically are considered due immediately. If you pay your taxes on or before the due dates you'll avoid penalties, interest, and other fees. Plan ahead, especially if you won't be able to pay the total amount all at once.
6. Determine how much of your taxes you can pay. Particularly if you have delinquent taxes, you may not be able to pay all of your taxes at once. Access the website well before the due date, if possible, so you can budget for your payments accordingly.
7. Check to see if your mortgage company is paying your property taxes. If you have a mortgage on your property, your monthly mortgage payment may include an escrow amount that goes to pay your property taxes. When property taxes are due, your mortgage company will withdraw the money from the escrow account and pay them on your behalf. You typically still will get a bill or property tax statement, even though you don't owe anything. Check with your mortgage company if you're not sure so you don't end up paying twice.
## Make your payments
1. Visit your county or state's property tax website. Property taxes are assessed by county governments. The easiest way to find your county's property tax website is to check on your state's website for a link. Your state will have a .gov web address, so you can be assured that the link you find from the state website is the legitimate website for your county. This way you can make sure you keep all your information secure.
2. Enter information for your property. The information you need to enter to access your account and pay your taxes online differs among states and counties. Typically you'll have a PIN or property identification number that you must enter to correctly find your property. A street address typically isn't enough, because property may be assessed using parcel numbers or some other system of organization.
3. Do a search for your property. Some property tax assessors may allow you to look up the property identification number you need on the website itself. Others may require you to call the county tax assessor's office to get the information you need. If you don't have the information you need, look for a link that will allow you to search for your property. When you click on the link to pay your taxes, there should be a link close to the space where you would enter the information that you can follow to get the information you need.
4. Review acceptable methods of payment. Depending on the county, different methods of payment are accepted if you want to pay your property taxes online. Some methods of payment may come with an additional fee. If you pay using an electronic check, you typically won't have to pay a fee. Using a debit or credit card may incur a fee ranging from a few dollars to 2 or 3 percent of the amount of your payment.
5. Make your payment. Once you've entered the information you need and chosen your method of payment, simply enter the amount of money you want to pay along with your payment information to pay your property taxes online.
6. Print your confirmation. Once you've submitted your payment, you'll typically get a confirmation screen that will include a unique confirmation number and an option to print the page for your records. You may also get a confirmation through email. If you get an email confirmation you don't necessarily have to print a paper copy, just make sure to save the email.
## Use other online resources
1. Create a portfolio. If you own several parcels of property in the same state or county, you may be able to create a portfolio of properties on your state or county's property tax website. The portfolio allows you to manage all of your property taxes in one place. Look for a link on the property tax page that will allow you to create a portfolio, and follow the instructions. If you don't see a link, look for a FAQ page and see if anything is listed about how to link multiple properties.
2. Set up recurring payments. Some states and counties allow you to enter payment information once and schedule payments, which are automatically deducted from your bank account or credit card. If you have the option to schedule payments, this can be helpful with budgeting. You can schedule a partial payment each month so you don't have to pay the whole thing all at once. Mark your payment dates on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone so you don't forget that the payment is coming out.
3. Subscribe to email notifications. Some counties provide email notifications that will alert you before the due date for property taxes, or when there have been changes to your account. If you weren't able to set up recurring payments, these notifications can help you ensure you don't miss a due date and incur additional penalties and fees. If you subscribe to email notifications, you may want to add the email address to your contacts list or preferred addresses list. This will ensure you actually receive the notifications and they don't fall into your spam folder.
4. Apply for a payment plan. Most counties allow you to set up a payment plan if you have delinquent property taxes. You typically have to fill out an application, and may be subject to a credit check. Some counties also allow payment plans even if your taxes are current, if you anticipate you won't be able to pay the amount in full by the due date. If this option is available to you, it can save you in potential late fees and penalties. A payment plan typically requires the payments to be automatically debited from your bank account.
</s> |
<human>:
How to polish silver rings?</s>
<bot>:
Silver tarnishes as it’s exposed to air and light. Fortunately, restoring your silver to its original gleam can be done fairly easily. Whether you use a combination of baking soda and vinegar, salt and lemon juice, beer, aluminum foil and baking soda, silver polish, or toothpaste to get the job done, you’ll have your silver looking brand new in no time! Plus, each method is effective for rings with diamonds, gems, or other precious stones in them.
## Cleaning rings with baking soda and vinegar
1. Mix ⁄2 cup (120 mL) of vinegar and 2 tbsp (28.3 g) of baking soda. Pour the 2 ingredients in a small plastic container. Then, stir the mixture 4-5 times with a spoon. You will start to see a bubbling reaction. You can use a metal or glass container if you’d like.
2. Submerge your rings in the solution for 2-3 hours. Ensure the rings are completely submerged the entire time. Otherwise, you’ll have an uneven clean. Check the rings every 30 minutes to see that they’re completely soaked in the solution. Take them out of the mixture after 2 hours to keep tabs on their progress. If the rings don’t look clean after 2 hours, stick them back in the solution and wait 1 more hour.
3. Scrub the rings with a toothbrush. Remove the rings from the baking soda and vinegar solution after a few hours. Use a toothbrush to scrub and polish the rings, paying special attention to particularly tarnished areas.Tip: Dedicate a new, soft-bristled toothbrush to cleaning your rings and be sure to rinse it thoroughly once you're done.
4. Rinse the rings under cold water to remove residue. Turn on your faucet and let the water get cold. Then, place the ring under the water stream and rinse it for 15-20 seconds to remove the vinegar and baking soda residue.
5. Dry the rings with a soft, clean cloth. Use a new, lint-free piece of cloth to remove any remaining residue and buff the rings. Make sure to flip the cloth over and use both sides to clean the rings. Otherwise, some of the residue could rub back onto the rings and you’ll have to start over. Do not use a paper towel to clean the rings, as this could scratch the silver.Did you know? The baking soda and vinegar create a chemical reaction which sucks up the tarnish and removes it from the rings.
## Soaking your rings in beer
1. Pour a fresh beer into a glass or bowl. Use a regular, unopened beer to clean light tarnish off of your rings. Open the beer and transfer it into a glass or bowl.You only need enough beer to cover your rings, so you may not need to use the entire can or bottle.
2. Soak your rings for 10-15 minutes. Place your rings into the glass or bowl, then set a timer for 10-15 minutes. Allow your rings to soak so that the beer has time to remove the tarnish.Leaving your rings in the beer for longer than 15 minutes won't harm them, but it's not necessary.
3. Rinse your rings with warm water. Hold the rings under a stream of running water to rinse off the beer. Make sure you rinse the rings thoroughly to remove all of the beer.Be careful not to drop the rings. It may be a good idea to close the drain in the sink just in case.
4. Dry your rings using a soft cloth. First, soak up any excess water. Then, use the cloth to lightly buff the rings to remove any remaining tarnish. Your rings should look shiny and clean!
## Using lemon juice and salt
1. Add 1.5 cups (350 mL) of warm water to a bowl. Use a measuring cup to pour the correct amount of water into a bowl. Use warm water so that the salt will more easily dissolve.Don't use hot water because you don't want to accidentally burn yourself.
2. Stir 1 tbsp (17 g) of salt and 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of lemon juice into the water. Measure out the correct amount of salt and lemon juice. Add them to your warm water, then stir the ingredients together with a spoon until the salt dissolves.It should only take a couple of minutes to mix the ingredients.
3. Add .5 cups (34 grams) of dry milk to the mixture. Measure out the dry milk, then slowly pour it into the bowl. Stir the mixture with a spoon until the dry milk completely dissolves in the water. Once the water is an opaque, milky white, your solution is ready to use.You can try doing this method without the milk. If you don't want to use dry milk, triple the amount of salt and lemon juice you use. Add 3 tbsp (51 g) of salt and 3 US tbsp (44 mL) of lemon juice.
4. Place your rings in the solution and soak for 6-8 hours. Slowly drop your rings into your homemade cleaning solution. Then, leave them to sit for at least 6-8 hours. This gives the solution time to work.You can leave them to soak overnight for an easy option. Otherwise, set a timer so you can check on them in 6-8 hours.
5. Remove your rings and rinse them in warm water. Use a fork or slotted spoon to retrieve your rings from the cleaning solution. Then, hold your rings under warm running water. Rinse your rings until all of the cleaning solution is removed.Be careful that you don't accidentally drop your rings in the sink. It's best to close the drain just in case.
6. Dry your rings with a soft cloth. Pat your rings dry to remove any excess moisture. Then, use your cloth to buff the rings, which should remove any remaining tarnish. Your rings should look shiny and tarnish-free!
## Polishing rings with aluminum foil
1. Place aluminum foil along the bottom and sides of a bowl. You can use a plastic, glass, or metal bowl or dish for this process. Rip off a sheet of aluminum foil and use it to cover the entire inside of the bowl. To ensure the aluminum foil fits securely, wrap it around the edges of the bowl and press down firmly to lock it in place.
2. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil. Use enough water to fill the dish that’s covered in aluminum foil. Place the pot on the stove and turn the burner to high. Keep the pot on the stove until the water comes to a roaring boil. The aluminum foil dish doesn’t need to be that big to fit a couple of rings, so you won't need a lot of water. As a result, it should come to a boil within a few minutes.
3. Add 1 tbsp (14.3 g) of baking soda per 1 cup (240 mL) of water. If you’re working with an 8 oz (230 g) container, you’ll only need 1 cup (240 mL) of water and therefore only 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of baking soda. Pour the baking soda into the water and stir the mixture for about 5 minutes. The solution will froth and bubble a little bit.
4. Put the rings in the dish so that they’re touching the aluminum foil. Set the rings at the bottom of the dish. Depending on how many rings you’re trying to clean, some of the rings might touch up against the side of the dish. This is why it’s important to have the sides of the dish covered in aluminum foil as well. Let the rings sit on top of the aluminum foil for 5 minutes. In order for the chemical reaction to occur, the rings need to be touching the aluminum foil at all times.
5. Pour the solution into the dish to soak the rings. Remove the mixture from the stove and slowly pour it into the dish. Wear oven mitts and pour carefully. Let the rings sit in the solution for 10 minutes. Depending on the level of tarnish, the job might be done in 2 minutes. Check your rings every few minutes to see how much of the tarnish has worn off. Once the rings look shiny and polished, you can remove them from the solution with tongs.
6. Allow the rings to dry on a towel for 15 minutes. Take the rings out of the solution and put them on a kitchen towel. You can finish drying the rings off by wiping them with a clean, white cloth. This process works for anything that’s made of silver.Did you know? The aluminum foil works with the solution of water and baking soda to reverse the chemical reaction that made the silver tarnish in the first place.
## Using silver polish to clean your rings
1. Put a small amount of polish on a clean cloth. You get can silver polish at your local hardware store or buy a bottle online. Squeeze out a dab of polish and rub it into the cloth. You can dampen the cloth if you’d like. You can get a bottle of silver polish for under $10.
2. Rub the polish in an up-and-down motion. Don’t rub the polish in a circular motion. If you do this, you’ll highlight the scratches in the rings. Place your fingers in the cloth and gently rub the polish over each part of your rings. The polish will eliminate the tarnish and make your silver rings shine.Tip: Use a clean cloth for each ring and flip the cloth over when you see tarnish on the fabric to avoid transferring it back to the silver.
3. Rinse the rings and dry them with a cloth. Run the faucet for 2 minutes so that the water becomes warm. Once the water heats up, place the rings underneath the faucet to remove any excess polish. Then, buff the rings with a new, dry cloth to get the shine you’re looking for. Clean the rings with an unused cloth to avoid putting the tarnish or polish back on the rings.
## Utilizing non-gel toothpaste to clean your rings
1. Apply toothpaste to your silver rings. Put a dollop of toothpaste directly on the silver. Apply the same amount of toothpaste you would use to brush your teeth. It doesn’t matter where on the ring you put the toothpaste because you’ll be spreading it evenly with your toothbrush.Warning: Do not use toothpaste with gel to clean your rings. The gel will not clean the rings effectively.
2. Wet a toothbrush lightly and brush the rings, then wipe off the toothpaste. Add a few drops of water to your toothbrush and vigorously scrub the toothpaste into the rings. Get in all the tough to reach spots, such as any engravings. The toothpaste will eliminate the tarnish and make your silver look good as new. Use a new, clean, soft-bristled toothbrush for this job. Wipe off any excess toothpaste with a dry cloth.Tip: If your rings have a ton of tarnish on them, let them sit for about 1-2 minutes before finishing the job.
3. Rinse the remaining toothpaste off with cold water and dry your rings. Turn on your faucet and place each ring under the running water for about 30 seconds. Be sure to remove all the toothpaste and tarnish residue
* Pat the rings dry with a cloth when you’re done.
</s> |
<human>:
How to change a chain on a mountain bike?</s>
<bot>:
No matter how cheap or expensive your bicycle is, there will come a day when you need to fix or replace its chain. The structure of a mountain bike may be more complex than the structure of a regular bike, but the chain changing process is similar. With the right tools and a little bit of patience, you'll have a new chain on your bike in no time.
## Remove the chain
1. Secure your bike. It's unlikely that your kickstand will be sufficient for you to get a good look at your bike without it falling over. A bike rack that has hooks from which you can hang your bike works very well, but you can also turn your bike upside down so it rests on the seat and handlebars. Inspecting your chain with your bike's wheels facing upwards will make it more comfortable for you to inspect and work on. If you don't have a rack, simply lean your bike upright against a wall.
2. Take a picture of the chain. To make the reinstallation process easier, take a picture of the chain so you can refer to it later. Make sure your picture shows how the chain feeds through the gear mechanism.
3. Check for a master link. A master link is a special link in your bike chain that has a pin/slot configuration that will allow you to easily remove your chain from the bike. Two popular kinds of master links are Connex and SRAM Powerlink. Knowing where your master link is ahead of time will make chain replacement go smoother. The master link for a bike is specific to the chain size and brand. If your bike does not have a master link, you can install one yourself or have it done at your local bike shop. This installation is usually inexpensive, costing about $15 in most cases. If your bike does not have a master link and you prefer not to have one installed, order a chain-tool to remove the chain. They're inexpensive and essential pieces of equipment.
4. Position your chain. This is especially important if you have a master link. Removing a master link that's positioned on the teeth of the chain ring or a gear can be very difficult. Positioning the master link so it is suspended at the midpoint between the crankset and the rear wheel will be easiest. If you are using a chain tool, you can still benefit from proper chain positioning. Some parts of your chain will be dirtier or have more wear than others. A clear segment of chain positioned at the midpoint between the wheels will be easiest to remove with your chain tool.
5. Remove the chain. Now that the chain is in position, you can remove it. If you have a master link, use master-link pliers or your hands to squeeze both ends of the master link inwards so the pin comes out of its slot and the link comes apart, freeing your chain. If you're using a chain tool:
* Set the chain tool on the link you are trying to remove so it aligns with one of the round holes to either side of the link. Screw the chain tool so it moves through the hole. This will push out the pin that is keeping that link together. Try not to push the pin completely free of the link. This will make it difficult, or in some cases impossible, to reassemble that link of the chain. You'll often feel a popping or snapping when the pin pushes free of the link. This is a good indicator that the link has been disengaged. Some chain tools are only intended for certain sized links, though some can be used on several different sizes of chain. Check the instructions on your chain tool before using it.
## Attach your new chain
1. Avoid using failed chains as replacements. Chains generally fail because they have reached their limit or been put under too much stress. Replacing a failed chain on your bike could result in an even more severe failure down the road. To prevent injury to yourself or your mountain bike, you should buy a new chain instead of reusing old ones. Bike chains can be bought at your local bike shop or, in some cases, your local hardware store.
2. Measure your replacement chain. It's important that you only use the kind of chain intended for your bike. For example, an 11-speed bike will use an 11-speed chain. Hang your old bike chain so it dangles freely and do the same with your new chain beside the old one. Count the number of links if your new chain is longer than the old. This will be the number of links you need to remove. If your chain has snapped and it is unreliable to measure your new chain, you can remove links after feeding the chain into the drivetrain of your bike.
3. Insert your chain into the gear mechanism. For more complex mountain bike, you may need to consult the picture you took of how the old chain feeds through the gear mechanism to do this properly. Simple mechanisms may be more intuitive. Pull the chain through the entire drivetrain until both ends terminate at the bottom midpoint between your wheels. Positioning the ends of your chain at the bottom midpoint between the wheels of your bike will make it more accessible and allow gravity to keep the chain on the bike until you can secure it.
4. Remove extra links from the chain, if necessary. If your chain is loose, you'll need to remove some links. This is likely the case if you were not able to measure your chain. Shift your bike to its lowest gear, and then use your chain tool to remove links one at a time to shorten the chain until it is taut in the drivetrain. When removing extra links, avoid popping the pin holding them together completely free of the link. This will make it difficult to reattach the link if you shorten it too much. For the best ride, you'll need the chain to be strung tautly between the wheels in its lowest gear.
5. Attach the loose ends of your chain. With a master link, all you need to do is slip the pin of the link into its slot to complete the link. If you removed your chain with a chain tool, you'll have to re-couple the split link by lining up its halves together and using a pair of pliers to force the pin back through the hole to complete the link. You should feel a click or a pop when the pin of a master link slides into place. You can also pull on the chain to either side of the link to securely seat the pin of the master link in place.
6. Test your chain. Reposition your bike back on its rack and move the pedals manually with your hands to run the chain through the drivetrain of your bicycle. The chain should move smoothly. If you notice stiff links, these are often caused by a protruding link pin, and can be fixed by resetting the pin with your chain tool and pliers. Cycle the suspension by sitting on the saddle and bouncing up and down a few times to test your chain length. To protect your chain from the elements and to help it run smoothly in your drive train, you should lubricate your chain with a suitable bicycle chain lubricant.
## Inspect your chain for wear
1. Use a chain wear indicator to evaluate your chain for best results. You can find a chain wear indicator at your local bike shop or maybe even at a hardware store. You'll have to attach the indicator between the links of your chain and follow the directions on it to interpret its reading. Most chain wear indicators will have a sticker that establishes the values for a worn chain and an unworn chain. If your wear indicator does not, check the box it came in for these values. If you do not have a wear indicator, you can perform a hand check of the chain. Use moderate pressure to lift a section of your chain from the chainring of your bike with your fingers. A small gap should form between the chain and the ring. If you can clearly see through the gap over three or four teeth, your chain is worn.
2. Try to join the ends of your chain to test for wear as a simpler alternative. If inspecting your chain with a wear indicator or a physical gap check aren't an option, or if your chain is already off the bike, you can also check for wear by trying to touch the ends of the bike chain. Lay your chain on a clean surface so that the holes in the chain are oriented up and down. Then:
* Try to touch the ends of the chain together while keeping the holes facing up and down. Over time, chains are bent by the action of your bikes derailleur. Note the amount of sideways flex in your chain. A worn chain will have a great deal flexion. Newer chains resist touching and only arc slightly.
3. Familiarize yourself with the drivetrain. The drivetrain of your bike is the part that transfers the energy you put into the pedals through the chain to your gears to move the wheels. You'll want to pay extra close attention to how the chain feeds into the gears. Knowing how the chain fits in the mechanism will allow you to replace it with greater ease.
</s> |
<human>:
How to construct a 90 degrees angle using compass and ruler?</s>
<bot>:
Often you are required to construct some angles without using a protractor. The following answer teaches you how to draw a 90 degrees angle using a compass and a ruler.
## At the end of a line segment
1. Mark the vertex of your angle anywhere on the paper. Let us name this point as M.
2. Draw a ray MN, extending in any direction and of any length. This will be one of the arms of our angle.
3. Place tip of the compass on point M and draw a circle cutting the ray MN at some point (say P).
4. Keep the width of the compass the same. Then place its tip on P and draw an arc cutting the circle at some point (say Q).
5. Keep the width of the compass the same. Place its tip on Q and draw another arc cutting the circle at another point (say R).
6. Keep the tip of the compass still on Q. Draw another arc somewhere outside the circle. For carrying out this step, you can set the width of the compass to any measure.
7. Keep the same width of the compass (as set in the previous step). Now place its tip on R and draw another arc which cuts the arc drawn in the previous step at some point (say S).
8. Connect the points M and S with a straight line. Extend it to form a ray ML. The measure of the angle LMN is 90.
## Through the middle of a line segment
1. Draw a straight line. On a piece of paper, draw a line segment of any convenient length. Make it horizontal for the sake of simplicity, but it could be at any angle. Label the line segment AB.
2. Pick any point on AB. Mark it, and label it O. O can be anywhere on the line segment, including at either end point (A or B). For convenience, let's put O somewhere near the middle of AB. The line segment could now be referred to as AOB.
3. Grab a compass. Open the compass to a radius a little shorter than either AO or OB. Now place the compass point at O. Strike short arcs through AB on either side of O. The two arcs should have the same radius. Label those two points of intersection C and D. Now the line segment could be referred to as ACODB.
4. Strike two more arcs. Place the compass point at C, and strike an arc to one side of the line segment. Then place the compass point at D, and strike a second arc of the same radius and on the same side of the line segment. Make sure those two arcs intersect. Call that point of intersection E.
5. Draw the 90° angle. Draw a straight line from E to O. Line segment EO forms a 90° angle with line segment AB. It actually forms two 90° angles at O. If you were to extend EO beyond AB, you would form four 90° angles at O.Note that you can draw a 90° angle at either end of line segment AB if you want to (in other words at point A or point B). Simply extend AB beyond A or beyond B, and then follow the above steps. Point A (or point B) would serve as point O in the above instructions. This is essentially the same method featured in How to Construct a Perpendicular Line to a Given Line Through Point on the Line, Method 2.
</s> |
<human>:
How to stretch your quads (quadriceps)?</s>
<bot>:
The quadriceps are a group of four muscles that run down your thighs. Virtually every athletic activity or exercise engages your quads, so it's important for them to be flexible and strong. To maintain healthy quads, stretch them before and after exercise. You can also use yoga to increase the flexibility in your quads, which can make them less prone to injury.
## Warm up your quads
1. Walk or bike for 10 to 15 minutes. A gentle cardio exercise such as walking or biking will get the blood flowing to your quads and make stretching more comfortable. Stretching cold muscles could result in injury. If you're planning on exercising outside in cooler weather, add 5 to 10 minutes to your warm-up time before you start stretching.
2. Do standing quad stretches before a long run. From a standing position with your knees together, lift one foot and grasp it with your hand. Gently press your foot towards your glutes until you feel a stretch along the front of your thigh. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds, then repeat with the other foot. This stretch can be done both before and after a long run or other physical activity, as part of your warm-up or cool-down. You can also do this stretch while lying on one side. Brace your core to keep your spine in alignment and help stabilize your pelvis.
3. Add kneeling stretches to target quads and hip flexors. Kneel on the floor on one knee. You may want to rest your knee on a folded towel or mat. Lean forward slightly, with your other foot flat on the floor and your knees at right angles. Lean forward, contracting your core and the glute of the kneeling leg. As you exhale, shift your body forward to stretch your quad and other hip flexor muscles. You can rest your hands on your front thigh for balance and stability. Hold the stretch for a 15-40 seconds, then switch and repeat the stretch with the other leg. Keep your spine neutral and your upper body posture straight. You also want to avoid arching, rounding, or flattening your lower back or pulling back against the lean.
4. Use lunges for dynamic stretching. Stand with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart and step one foot forward. Lower your body by bending at the knees until the back knee is nearly at the floor. Your front knee should be in line with your ankle so that your shin is perpendicular to the floor. Raise up and repeat with the other side. You can do a series of lunges where you gradually move forward, or you can stay in the same place. Start with 2 sets of 10 repetitions on each leg. If you have trouble balancing and feel wobbly, place your hands on your hips or extend them out to form a T-shape.
## Stretch tight or injure quads
1. Use active range of motion exercises to maintain knee mobility. To complete this stretch, bend and straighten your knee through its full range of motion, or as far as you can go without discomfort. You can do this stretch while standing, sitting, or lying down. Choose the position that provides you the most stability and allows you to move your knee the most. This stretch is best soon after an injury, when your movement may be at its most limited. Try to complete 10 repetitions with each leg, but don't overdo it. Stop if you feel pain.
2. Find a partner for passive quad stretches. Either standing, sitting, or reclining, have your partner grasp your ankle or foot. Your partner will slowly bend and straighten your knee through its full range of motion. When your knee is fully bent, have them hold the stretch for a few seconds before slowly moving your foot back down. Passive quad stretches are a good way to stretch your quads if you don't have the control needed to do standing quad stretches on your own. If you're able to move on your own, passive quad stretches may be of little benefit to you. Communication is key with passive stretching. Don't let your partner push your leg to the point that you feel pain in the muscle. This could lead to additional tearing or re-injury.
3. Relieve tightness with the couch stretch. Kneel with one knee on the ground in front of a couch. Brace the foot of your kneeling leg on the side of the couch. Your other leg should be straight out in front of you with your knee at a right angle and your shin perpendicular to the ground. Push your hips backward as you press your raised heel towards your glute. You can place your hands on your front knee for balance. Hold the stretch for a few seconds or breath cycles, then release and repeat the stretch with the other leg. In addition to a couch, you can also use a wall or low bench to lean your foot against.
4. Increase stability and control with supine squats. You will need a stability ball for this exercise. Sit on the ball, then walk your feet forward as you gradually lean back at the same time. When you are lying face up, roll forward and allow your knees to move over your toes until your knees are fully flexed. Then contract your quads and roll back until your knees are at 90-degree angles. Try to do 10 repetitions of this exercise. Only go as far as you can without pain or discomfort.
## Improve quad flexibility
1. Lengthen your quads with the crescent lunge. From a standing position, step one foot forward and fold over so that your hands are on either side of your foot. Your front knee should be at a right angle with your shin perpendicular to the floor. Raise up on an inhale, sweeping your arms out to the side and overhead. Lower your hips and press downward into the lunge, stretching and lengthening your quads. Breathe deeply and hold the lunge for 30 seconds to a minute. To get out of the pose, lower your hands over your front leg and then walk or jump your front leg back to meet the other leg. You can raise your hips into downward facing dog if you like, then walk or jump the other leg to the front and repeat the lunge on the other side.
2. Lower into hero pose. Kneel on the floor, touching your inner knees together. Your feet should be slightly wider than your hips with the tops of your feet on the floor. Exhale and lower your hips onto the floor between your feet until your buttocks are resting comfortably on the floor. Lean forward slightly as you lower, wedging your thumbs into the backs of your knees. Breathe deeply, feeling the stretch in your quads, for 30 seconds to a minute. Open your shoulders and drop your shoulder blades down alongside your spine. If you can't sit comfortably on the floor in this position, place a block to sit on, or roll up a blanket or towel.
3. Stretch your thighs and core with bow pose. Lie face-down on your mat with your arms by your sides, palms up. On an exhale, bend your knees and raise your feet towards your buttocks. Reach back and grab either your ankles or the tops of your feet and pull them forward. As you inhale, lift your feet towards the ceiling as you raise your thighs off the floor. Breathing can be difficult in this position, but gaze forward and focus on breathing as deeply as you can. Hold the pose for 20 to 30 seconds, then slowly release to lay back down. You can use a folded blanket to pad your ribs and hips to make the pose more comfortable.
4. Open your hip flexors with pigeon pose. Start on all fours with your knees below your hips and wrists below your shoulders. Slide your right knee forward to the back of your right wrist as you pull your foot around to the left side. The side of your right shin should be lying on the mat perpendicular to your torso. Then slide your left leg back until it is flat on the floor. Exhale and raise up so you are in a sitting position with your right leg crossed in front of you and your left leg extending backwards. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to a minute, breathing deeply. Then return to all fours and repeat with your left leg in front and your right leg extended behind you. There are many variations to this pose. For example, try folding over your front leg and resting your chest and forehead on the mat for a more intense hip opener. For a really deep quad stretch, raise your back foot towards your buttocks. Grab your back foot or ankle with your hand and press it towards your buttocks to further deepen the stretch.
5. Bend into camel pose. Kneel with your legs about hip-width apart. Inhale and draw your elbows towards each other behind your body, allowing your sternum to lift and your rib cage to expand. Press your hands into your heels, maintaining the lifting in your sternum and keeping your shoulders back. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds to a minute, breathing deeply. Avoid tightening your glutes. Camel pose helps lengthen and improve flexibility in your hip flexors and upper quads. If it is too much of a challenge for you to reach your heels, you might place a block between your feet or lean back over an exercise ball.
6. Extend your backbend with little thunderbolt pose. Once you're comfortable in camel pose, take it a step further by lowering your head until the crown of your head rests between your feet. Reach your arms forward to grasp your lower thighs. Hold the pose for 30 seconds to a minute, breathing deeply. To come out of the pose, engage the core and slowly roll yourself back up to a kneeling position. Keep your glutes soft to avoid excess pressure on your lower back. This pose opens up your hips and quads. The practice of lifting up with your chest as you lower your torso backwards is an intense workout for your thighs.
7. Rest in child's pose. Still in a kneeling position, spread your knees slightly and bring your big toes together. On an exhale, fold over your thighs, extending your arms out overhead and resting your forehead on the floor. Breathe deeply in this position for as long as you want. In addition to being a relaxing way to end your practice, child's pose also works as a good counter-pose after backbends.
</s> |
<human>:
How to make a rubber band star?</s>
<bot>:
Making a star out of a rubber band is a simple trick that you can use to impress your friends! All you need is a sturdy rubber band a little bit of patience. Once you get a single star down, try making a star within a star to up the ante a bit.
## Create a single star
1. Place a sturdy rubber band over your left thumb and index finger. Put the rubber band near the end of your fingers and stretch your fingers out slightly so the rubber band stays taut. Turn your hand so that your palm is facing you. Choose a rubber band that's not too wide, as wide rubber bands are more difficult to stretch. Also, pick a slightly longer rubber band than normal. There's not a set width and length, but if you're having trouble stretching it around your fingers, it probably won't work.
2. Lift the band closest to you over the top band and pull the top band out. When holding your palm toward you, you'll see 2 bands. Push your right index finger underneath the first one and hook your finger over the second band, pulling it out. It should go underneath the first band and out toward your palm.
3. Twist the loop over itself and hook it on your pinkie. Use your right hand to twist the band you just pulled out to the right over itself. It should make a little teardrop-shaped loop that you can hook over your pinkie. You should now have a triangle shape stretched between your index finger, thumb, and pinkie. The rubber band should twist around each finger to make a teardrop-shaped loop, and the triangle should be on the inside edges of your fingers, not the outside.
4. Reach into your thumb loop to grab the top band with your index finger. Insert your right index finger near the inside of your left thumb in the loop made by the rubber band, going down as you do. Go up through the middle triangle (with the thumb loop over your finger) to grab the band that's between your left index finger and your pinkie. Draw the band out the way you came in, through the thumb loop. You should now have a square in the middle. Keep holding on to the loop you pulled out with your right index finger.
5. Grab the right side of the band between your 2 index fingers. Insert your right middle finger up through the loop that's over your pinkie. Grab the band that's just to the left and pull it out below. Stretch out your fingers to make the final star! Your right index finger and right middle finger will be holding on to 2 points of the star.
## Move to a double star
1. Begin with a single star. To move to a double star, you need to be able to make the single star first. The double star is a continuation of the single star, so get your hands in position with your left index finger, left thumb, left pinkie, right index finger, and right middle finger each holding a point of the star. You will need a long rubber band that's not too wide. You should easily be able to stretch it between 2 hands. However, it should be small enough to maintain tension over 3 fingers on one hand.
2. Release your pinkie and your left thumb and stretch the triangle over them. Let the loops just pop over the edges of these fingers. As you do, you'll have a triangle shape with a loop over the right index finger and a loop over the middle index finger. Place the right index finger loop over your left thumb and the right middle finger loop over the left pinkie. Pull your right fingers out of the loops.
3. Grab the bottom of the loop near your index finger. Use your right index finger and middle finger and grab the band the runs directly in front of your left index finger. It's technically the bottom part of the loop going over the index finger. Insert your fingers in it from the top but with your finger pads pointing up.
4. Pull the bottom loop down and twist it. The loop should end up below the other parts of the rubber band. Twist it over itself to the left, forming a new loop. The loop should currently be over your right index finger and middle finger.
5. Place your right fingers through the bottom loops. Put your right index finger through the inside of the loop that goes over your thumb. Place your right middle finger through the inside of the loop that goes over your pinkie, going from the top each time.
6. Lift the loop off with your thumb. Grab the loop that you pulled down from the top with your right thumb and pull it over the ends of your fingers while keeping them in the loops of the star. Pull down on the 2 loops at the bottom, and you have a star within a star!
</s> |
<human>:
How to disable the function key?</s>
<bot>:
## Use num lock on windows
1. Find the Num Lock key on your keyboard. You can find it around your keyboard's numpad, or as a secondary function on another key. The Num Lock key is primarily used to lock the number keys on your numpad, but you can also use it to disable your Fn key.
2. Hold down the Fn key on your keyboard. This will allow you to use the Num Lock button, and disable Fn.
3. Press the NumLock key while holding down Fn. This will instantly disable all of your Fn key's functions. The Num Lock key may also look like Num ⇩ on some keyboards.
## Use fn lock on windows
1. Find the Fn Lock key on your keyboard. The Fn Lock key is usually indicated by a lock icon with "Fn" printed on it. You can usually find it as a secondary function on one of your standard function keys (F1-F12), or on another special key like Esc.
2. Hold down the Fn key on your keyboard. This will allow you to use the Fn Lock feature to disable your Fn key.
3. Press the Fn Lock key while holding down Fn. This will instantly toggle off your Fn key's function. The Fn Lock key functions like a Caps Lock key. You can toggle it on and off anytime you want.
## Use mac
1. Open your Mac's Apple menu on the menu bar. Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of your screen to open the Apple menu.
2. Click System Preferences on the menu. This will open your System Preferences in a new window.
3. Click Keyboard in System Preferences. This option looks like a keyboard icon on the second row of the System Preferences menu. It will open your typing and input settings.
4. Click the Keyboard tab at the top. You can find it next to Text on the Keyboard page. The Keyboard menu may automatically open up to this tab. In this case, you don't have to click the tab here.
5. Check the "Use F1, F2, etc keys as standard function keys" box. When this option is selected, the Fn key on your keyboard will be disabled except the special functions printed on each of your F keys. You can find this option at the bottom of the Keyboard menu. The F keys on the top row of your keyboard will now act as standard function keys (F1–F12). You can use the function keys without pressing Fn. If you want to use one of the special functions printed at the top of your keyboard, hold down Fn while pressing the F key. This will now be the only function of your Fn key.
</s> |
<human>:
How to peel plums?</s>
<bot>:
Peeled plums are perfect for pies, jam, cakes, and baby food. If you try to peel a plum by simply pulling back the skin, you'll end up with a sticky mess on your hands. Instead, blanch the plums and then place them in an ice bath or trim the skin off with a knife. This simple techniques are quick, easy, and will leave you with delicious plum flesh.
## Blanch plums
1. Boil a pot of water on the stovetop. Choose a pot large enough to hold all your plums and fill half of it with water. It'll probably take about 10 minutes to boil..
* Place a lid on the pot to help the water to boil quicker.
2. Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Add water and ice to the bowl at a 50:50 ratio. This will act as an ice bath for the plums.
3. Slice an "x" on the bottom of each plum. Use a paring knife to cut a cross hatch at the bottom of the plum (the side opposite the stem). Make each cut to be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. This will make it nice and easy to peel back the skin. Don’t worry about making the cut deep, simply cut through the skin of the plum.
4. Blanch the plums for 45 seconds in boiling water. Carefully place the plums into the pot of water. It is important not to leave the plums in the water for longer than 45 seconds, as the flesh will go mushy and the plums will start to disintegrate. Always be careful when cooking with hot water to avoid burns.
5. Submerge the plums in the ice water for 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the plums from the boiling water into the ice bath. The icy water will help to pull the skin away from the flesh of the plums. Make sure that all the plums are fully submerged in the water. If some of the plums aren’t submerged in the ice bath, make another ice bath for them.
6. Peel the skin off the plums. Place your finger under 1 of the little flaps formed by the "x" you sliced, and pull back the flap. The skin should easily come loose in 1 big strip. Keep pulling back the flaps on all four sides until you've completely peeled the plum. If there is still a little skin on the plum, use a paring knife to slice off any remaining skin.
7. Cut around the circumference of the plum. Press the paring knife firmly into the flesh until it hits the stone. Follow the natural seam in the skin and cut right around the plum. Keeping cutting until you have split the plum in half.If you don’t have a paring knife, use a sharp kitchen knife instead.
8. Twist each half of the plum in opposite directions to pull it away from the stone. Hold 1 half of the plum in each hand. Firmly grip the halves and slowly turn them away from each other until one half of the plum comes loose from the stone.
9. Lever the stone out with a spoon. Push a dessert spoon under the stone and then press the handle down to pop the stone out. If the stone won’t coming out, push the spoon under the opposite side of the stone and then lever it out.
## Use a knife
1. Cut the plum in half and pop the stone out. Place the plum on a chopping board and cut around the circumference of the plum. Use a teaspoon to pop the stone out of the plum.
2. Chop both pieces of plum in half. Cut each plum half lengthways to create a wedge. This makes the plum easier to peel.If your plum is particularly large, consider chopping each piece of plum into thirds.
3. Trim the skin off each plum wedge. Press the skin side of the plum firmly down against the chopping board. Carefully glide the knife as close to the skin as possible to remove the skin from the flesh.Compost the plum skin or use it in smoothies.
</s> |
<human>:
How to tell if it's an acquaintance, friend, crush, or love?</s>
<bot>:
Feelings and emotions can be complex and difficult to understand, especially when trying to decipher those of someone you know. Are you simply an acquaintance? Do they consider you a friend? Is it love or just a crush? There are many layers to relationships and it's not always clear where you stand with someone. However, there are several different methods to decode how a person feels about you and perceives your relationship.
## Read body language
1. Notice the amount of eye contact. People’s eyes can be very expressive and tell a lot about how they’re feeling toward those around them. Friends will make eye contact with each other during conversation to show interest and respect. Someone with a crush on you will make repeated eye contact with you whether in a conversation or not. A crush may hold eye contact for a few seconds, and then look away from shyness, and find your gaze again later. Dilated pupils are another indication of a crush. Someone who’s in love with you will feel totally comfortable locking gazes for extended periods of time.
2. Gauge proximity. The amount of space people choose to place between themselves and others can be an indicator of their perceived relationships with those around them. Someone who is your friend will stand or sit closer to you than an acquaintance. A person with a crush on you will stand near you, lean toward you, and look for reasons to get closer to you- whether it’s intentionally walking past you at a close range, or leaning in closer than necessary to talk to you. People who are in love will stand or sit very close together- perhaps their hips touch when standing side by side or their knees touch when sitting across from one another.
3. Monitor movement. Our movements, whether conscious or unconscious, can convey lots of different meanings about how we feel about those around us. Friends will tilt their heads while in conversations with other friends to show that they’re listening. They may touch each other in light, casual ways on the hand or arm. Someone with a crush will look for reasons to touch the other person, often in a playful and flirty way. They may seem fidgety or nervous, and may subconsciously begin to copy the movements of their crush. Someone who is in love with you will seem very comfortable and secure around you. They may touch you using gentle, caressing gestures.
4. Pay attention to posture. The way a person stands (or sits) when they're around you may give you some clues as to how they feel about you. A friend will stand with his or her shoulders and face pointing toward you. If sitting, he or she will uncross his or her legs to show that he or she is open to you. His or her palms may be open toward you as well, another sign of receptivity. When someone has a crush on you, they stand tall and slightly stick their chest out. Additionally, they will point their toes and hips toward you, as a sign of wanting to move toward you (both figuratively and literally).
## Listen for verbal cue
1. Recognize vocal tone. The inflection and quality of a person’s voice will change subconsciously depending on the feelings they have toward you. Listen to how someone talks in general, and compare it with they sound when talking to you individually. A friend’s voice will remain constant, with little to no change in pitch or tone. A crush’s voice will have a playful and flirtatious quality to it. Women use a higher pitch to accentuate their femininity. Men use a lower pitch, but alter the pitch, almost to a “sing-song” tone, to both highlight masculinity, and make a woman feel at ease. People who are in love will alter their voices to match their partners’. Men talk in a higher pitch and women a lower one to show that they are connected as one.
2. Think about how casual your conversations are. A conversation between friends is usually casual and comfortable. Both you and your friend ask and answer questions equally, and may or may not make future plans to hang out.
3. Notice how much they talk about themselves. If someone has a crush, they will talk a lot about themselves, both from nerves and as a way to “humble-brag.” They will also ask about you, and agree enthusiastically with what you say to make it seem like you have things in common.
4. Analyze how intimate your conversations are. If someone is in love with you, they will open up to you in intimate ways. You may find out about their deep insecurities and fears, childhood, family dynamics, important personal values, and vision for the future. They may plan future vacations, or invite you to meet family.
## Analyze your relationship
1. Reflect on your relationship. Take some time in a quiet place simply to think about your feelings toward the person in question, and your interactions with them. Some questions to consider are:
* How long have you known this person? How frequently do you see or talk to them? Is the communication equitable? What is the level of intimacy shared (either physically or conversationally)? How would you characterize your time together? Do you both seem to enjoy being together?
2. Make a list. If you’re trying to determine whether someone is a friend or a crush, make a “Friend/Crush” list. If you’re figuring out whether someone is in love with you, make a “Like/Love” list. Like a Pro/Con list, record any specific behavior that would indicate how they feel about you. Having a visual aid way may give you more insight into how they feel.
3. Ask a trusted friend for help. Sometimes our feelings toward someone can cloud our judgment in assessing their behavior. A friend can offer an honest, objective observation of the relationship, and will be less likely to allow personal feelings to affect their understanding.
## Ask directly
1. Express your feelings first. If you’re asking someone to open up to you, then you need to be upfront with them as well. If you’re looking for honesty, you need to show you’re capable of reciprocating. People are more likely to be direct with you if you’re direct with them. Start with a sentence like, "I want you to know that I feel\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_about you/our relationship. I'm hoping you'll be just as honest and share your feelings about me."
2. Ask in a tactful, non-threatening way. Explain that you’re simply trying to gain some insight and clarity in your relationship, and that you respect their feelings no matter what. It’s important for your partner to know that they can open up to you, without an abrasive reaction. Try saying something like, "I want you to know that I will completely honor and respect your answer, even if it's not the one I want to hear."
3. Be prepared for the consequences. There’s a chance you and your partner may be on two different wavelengths in terms of your relationship. Their answer may sting a little. Take some time to decide how you want to proceed in the relationship, knowing exactly how your partner feels about you.
</s> |
<human>:
How to replace a ceramic tap cartridge?</s>
<bot>:
## Choose a new cartridge and drain the faucet
1. Purchase a cartridge that matches your faucet’s model. The cartridge varies depending on the faucet you have, so getting an identical replacement is important. Order a new cartridge by noting the manufacturer’s name and the faucet’s model number. The name is usually printed somewhere on the faucet handle. The model number can sometimes be found on the faucet as well, such as on a tag tied to the cold water line. The water lines are located underneath the sink for a sink faucet and in the wall for a showerhead. They won’t always be accessible, so look in the owner’s manual for the model number as well. If you are unable to find the information you need to get a replacement, pull the cartridge out first, then take it with you to a hardware store. New cartridges can also be ordered online from the manufacturer.
2. Turn the water control valve clockwise to shut off the water flow. If you’re replacing a sink faucet, check underneath the sink. Look for a pair of water lines running from the handle, each with its own valve. If that isn’t an option, locate the main shut-off valve in your home instead. It will be on the lowest floor of your home, close to the water heater. If you’re having a hard time finding the valves, follow the water lines. For example, find where the main water line enters your home. Follow it to the water meter and the shut-off valve. The main shut-off valve can vary. It could be a colored wheel that you rotate or a handle that you position horizontally to stop the water flow. It may also be outside of your home.
3. Open the faucet to release any water still inside it. Go back to the faucet you are replacing and activate it. If the water has been shut off, it won’t shoot out its normal jet of water. Instead, any water trapped in the line will spill out. Wait until the faucet stops gurgling and dripping before attempting to replace the cartridge. Draining the line won’t take long. The lines can’t store much water, so they clear within several seconds.
4. Cover the drain to prevent anything from falling down it. Faucets have some small screws and other parts that could cause a lot of unnecessary hassle if they were to get lost. To prevent accidents, fit the drain’s plug into place. If it doesn’t have a plug, place a towel over it. Make sure the drain is completely covered. Anything that falls down the drain will be difficult to remove and could damage your plumbing. If you happen to lose a part, order a replacement online or from a hardware store.
## Handle a sink faucet
1. Pry off the faucet cap with a flathead screwdriver. The decorative cap is at the very top of the faucet stem. Find the bottom edge of the cap, then slide the tip of the screwdriver underneath it. Push the cap up until it pops off the faucet. If the cap is stuck, pry it at a few different angles. Keep working around the edges until it is loose enough to lift off the faucet. Note that every handle is separate. If your faucet has separate cold and hot water handles, they have their own cartridges. Single-handle faucets only have one cartridge.
2. Unscrew the handle with a Phillips screwdriver. Check the top of the faucet. There will be a small hole in the center where the cap was. Stick a small Phillips screwdriver into the hole to reach the screw, then turn it counterclockwise until you are able to remove it. Pull the faucet handles off afterward. Some faucets open with an Allen wrench instead. If the screw has a hexagonal opening on top, use an Allen wrench.
3. Remove the nut on the faucet with a crescent wrench. Removing the handle exposes a circular metal nut on the base of the faucet. Clamp the wrench around the nut, then turn it counterclockwise. Once the nut comes loose, you can finish turning it by hand. Continue rotating it until you’re able to lift it off of the faucet. You could also use pliers to remove the nut. Water pump pliers are designed for dealing with plumbing nuts and bolts, but you may be able to remove it with different tools.
4. Pull the cartridge out of the faucet by hand. The only thing left in the faucet is the cartridge. It has a wide base with a metal or plastic column in the center. You can use the column to get a grip on the cartridge. Just pull it straight up from the faucet to remove it. The old cartridge can be thrown out in the trash. Cartridges have traditionally been made of brass, recognizable because of its dull yellow coloring. Your faucet may have a silvery cartridge made of chrome or zinc, or a white one made of plastic. If you’re having a hard time holding onto the cartridge, grab it with pliers. Needle nose pliers are great for such delicate work.
5. Insert the new cartridge into the faucet stem. The new cartridge won’t fit unless it aligns with the stem slot properly. Check the bottom edge of the cartridge for a small tab. The inner part of the faucet stem will have a matching slot. Simply align the tab with the slot and slide the cartridge in to install it. Make sure the new cartridge is properly aligned with the opening so it you don’t inadvertently damage it. Handle it with care!
6. Reassemble the remaining handle parts to finish the installation. Put the parts back in reverse order. Start with the nut, tightening it by rotating it clockwise with a wrench once it’s on the faucet stem. Place the handle on top of it, inserting and tightening its screw with a Phillips screwdriver. Finish by pressing the cap onto the top of the handle. If your faucet is connected to multiple handles, remember to replace the cartridge in the other handle as well if necessary. Once you have finished, reactivate the water line to test out the new cartridge!
## Fix a shower faucet
1. Unscrew the shower handle with a Phillips screwdriver. Rotate the handle until you spot a small opening with a screw inside. Turn the screw counterclockwise until you’re able to remove it. Once the screw is gone, the handle won’t have anything holding it to the wall. Slide it off the wall and set it aside. The cartridge is located behind the handle, so you won’t be able to reach it without removing the handle first. Some shower handles have alternative types of screws. You may need an Allen wrench instead of a Phillips screwdriver.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the handle adapter. The handle is held in place by a round plate with an adapter in the middle. In the center of the adapter, you will see a screw. Turn the screw counterclockwise until you’re able to remove it. Then, slide the adapter forward to detach it from the faceplate. Sometimes the adapter can be removed by twisting it off. It depends on the model, but, if you don’t see a screw, you most likely have to twist it off. Note that you may need to remove the faceplate in some cases. It usually isn’t necessary, but every cartridge system is a little different. If you don’t see the cartridge, check the faceplate to see if it can be unscrewed too.
3. Slip off the stem cover and anything else in front of the cartridge. Removing the adapter will reveal a small metal cylinder in the center of the wall opening. However, many shower cartridge systems have a few extra layers of protection around it. Yours may have a white plastic cap, followed by a metal ring. Pull both of them off the cartridge by hand and set them aside. These components are for adjusting and limiting the water temperature. They aren’t present in all faucet models, but save them if you have them.
4. Use pliers to pull out the clip holding the cartridge in place. Look along the top edge of the cartridge for the clip. It is usually made of steel and situated in a groove on the cartridge. Reach in with a pair of needle nose pliers, then lift it to pop it out of the slot. Pull it toward you to remove it, then dispose of it in the trash. Some faucets have a nut instead of a clip. If you see a ring around the cartridge but no clip, use pliers or a wrench to turn the nut counterclockwise. Once it comes loose, slide it off the wall.
5. Remove the cartridge by gripping it with a pair of pliers. Once everything else is out of the way, the cartridge isn’t tough to remove. Grip the stem, then attempt to pull it toward you. If it doesn’t come out right away, take a closer look at it. Some cartridges have to be rotated slightly to align with a slot in the wall before they can be removed. The cartridge is recognizable because of its column-like stem jutting out from the wall. The cartridge’s base is round and fits inside the wall opening. The cartridge is usually made of brass, which has a yellow coloring. Some cartridges are made of silvery steel or white plastic instead.
6. Install the new cartridge by aligning it with the wall opening. Check the cartridge stem to see if it has a notch on it. If the notch is present, align it with the groove in the wall slot. Then, slide the cartridge in with pliers or a wrench. Make sure it is plugged all the way in before putting anything else on top of it. If the new cartridge came with a packet of grease, rub it onto the cartridge before putting it back. The grease protects the cartridge from damage during the installation. You could also apply your own plumber’s grease to it.
7. Replace the remaining parts to finish the installation. Replace the parts one by one in reverse order from how you took them out. Start with the retaining clip or nut, tightening it after putting it back. Return any stem coverings next, followed by the screw-on handle adapter. When you’re done, add the handle and screw it into place. Test the faucet afterward. If it doesn’t seem to be working the way you want, check all of the parts to ensure they are undamaged and have been put back correctly.
</s> |
<human>:
How to be a lazy college student?</s>
<bot>:
In college, unlike in high school, you are expected to take responsibility for your own learning. It is ultimately up to you to determine how much time and effort you want to put into your schoolwork. Experts suggest that college students today work considerably fewer hours than their counterparts did in 1961. But there is also evidence that working more hours is not necessarily the best way to be productive. A little laziness may even be good for us.
## Part 1 of 3: prioritize what's important
1. Ask yourself what you want from college. There are many reasons why a college degree is desirable, not least that it is still considered highly valuable by many employers. Your own reasons for pursuing a college degree may be more personal, but spend some time working out exactly what these reasons are. Consider why college is important to you. Do you want to learn important skills like critical thinking and problem-solving? Do you want to make friends, network and get to know other people? Do you want to get good grades for further study? Do you want to get a particular job that requires a college degree? Spend some time reflecting on these questions and come up with your own answers. It might even be a good idea to write them down. This will help you to recognize what's important to you so that you can focus on the essential things.
2. Select your major and your classes carefully. After you have determined what's important to you as a college student, then you can make better decisions about pursuing a major or particular class that will help you achieve your goals. Speak to your academic advisor. It is their job to provide information about what certain majors entail and what courses are necessary. Ask other students for information about the class. Ask questions like, is the course time-consuming? Is the professor fair? What are the assignments like? If you don't know any other students, look online. There are many websites, some more general and others specific to particular schools where students share this kind of information. Be aware that what is on these sites are merely individual opinions, and your own experience of the course may be different.
3. Complete as much coursework as you can before the semester gets going. Preparation is key and doing what you can before the semester starts will help things run more smoothly later on. For example, ask the professor for a copy of the syllabus ahead of time so that you can order the necessary materials before the semester starts. Familiarize yourself with the course materials. You can even start reading early to get ahead!
4. Figure out what is actually required to do well in the class. This is key to being a lazy, yet productive, college student. Professors often cut material from the syllabus as the class goes on. Usually, the syllabus contains more material than it is possible to get through in a single semester. Ask your professor what is required reading and what materials or course readings may be more supplementary, i.e. they will not appear on exams or in assignments. Pay attention to what kinds of materials come up most frequently in lectures. For example, there may be a textbook chapter and several articles assigned for each class, yet the professor usually focuses on the textbook chapters in lecture. If you can determine a pattern then you can use this in your own preparation for the class.
5. Streamline your commitments. Being a college student is not simply about going to class, many students are also part of sports teams, fraternities/ sororities, student associations and take on other voluntary roles. These are obviously important and worthwhile activities, but ask yourself if there are any commitments you could scale back on. Identify particular commitments that are not necessary to the goals that you have chosen to focus on. Accept that you can't do everything.
## Part 2 of 3: make the most of your time
1. Get things done at the right time. Timing is essential to being a lazy college student. While procrastination can be appealing, there are some activities that are best done at certain times. Here are some examples. Do your homework straight after class when the content is fresh in your mind. This will save you time as you won't have to re-visit the material at a later date when you might have forgotten it. Write out an essay plan or outline immediately after discussing it with the teaching assistant or professor in office hours. Again, if you spend some time getting your ideas on paper at the right moment then you'll save yourself time in the future because you won't have to worry about all the good ideas you might have forgotten.
2. Take good notes. At some point, you will have to engage with the course materials. If you take good notes the first time around, then at the end of the semester or when an assignment is due you can use these notes and avoid having to re-visit what you have already read. Write good summaries. Try to distill the argument of a text or the main points in a chapter into a single paragraph. This will serve you well when you come back to look at your notes. Figure out if typing notes works best for you or if you prefer to write them long-hand. Annotate and highlight the text. Use sticky notes to mark important parts.
3. Learn how to read quickly. Most college courses require you to read a high volume of complex material. Learning to read quickly and effectively is one of the key skills you learn in college. Preview the passage before you start reading it. Take a minute or two to look at the title, the headings or subheadings, any pictures, charts or graphs. Skim over the passage by reading the first and last paragraph, and the first sentence of every paragraph. Researchers suggest that these techniques improves reading comprehension, which will ultimately save you time as you already begin reading with a sense of what's important in the passage. Read in the right environment so that you actually take in what you are reading. This will prevent wasting time by re-reading certain parts that you missed. This requires good lighting, a comfortable upright reading position, minimal distraction and regular breaks.
4. Utilize "dead" time. This refers to the hours in the day spent in routine, non-productive tasks. The idea is that focusing on these key moments can actually give you more free time to relax and be lazy. For example, those 30 minutes spent staring out the bus window during your daily commute could be utilized for productive tasks like reading over your notes or listening to the lecture that you recorded. If you have free time in between classes, go to the library or the nearest cafe and spend the time studying.
## Part 3 of 3: learn other ways to work efficiently
1. Take advantage of college resources. Colleges often provide writing centers and tutoring services to their students. It is a good idea to make use of these services as they will help you get the work done faster and prevent you wasting time being stuck on a particular problem or difficult assignment.
2. Form a study group. Collaborating with other students in study groups can be an excellent way to share the workload. When prepping for the final exam, delegate different topics to different members of the study group to make notes on. This can be a great time saver, although you will obviously still need to make sure that you are familiar with all the course content. Make sure everyone in the study group is on the same page and shares the work equally.
3. Seek help from your professor. Remember there is no shame in getting help when you need it. Most professors and teaching assistants have weekly office hours. They can help you strategize for success in the class. Get advice on assignments and exam preparation, often this will prevent you wasting time on what isn't essential to the course.
4. Get the right technology. There is lots of technology that can help you as a college student, a laptop being the most obvious investment. Consider investing in a recording device. This can prove useful especially if you have difficulty concentrating in lecture or are going to miss a key class. Always remember to ask the professor for permission before you record them! Use software to help with referencing and citations. Many college papers, especially research papers, require correctly formatted references and bibliographies. There are many programs available to help with this, which will ultimately save you time and avoid any issues with incorrect citations.
5. Work on managing stress. College can be stressful, for many students it is the first time living away from home and there are increasing financial pressures on students, many of whom work to sustain themselves throughout college. Acknowledge that stress is normal, but be aware that too much time spent worrying or stressing can be unhealthy and stop you from succeeding. Engage with your college's resources for managing stress. Many colleges provide programming for students to help with stress management, especially during finals period. Some key ways to manage stress are to engage in physical exercise, make time for relaxing activities, and try to get enough sleep. When it comes to managing stress, being lazy sometimes can be a good thing!
</s> |
<human>:
How to make ricotta cheese?</s>
<bot>:
Ricotta cheese, the delicious key ingredient in Italian dishes from lasagna to cannoli, is simple to make in your own kitchen. Homemade ricotta cheese requires just a few ingredients, and the result is lighter and fresher than store-bought cheese. See Step 1 and beyond to learn how to make a batch today.
## Milk-based ricotta
1. Prepare the strainer. Line the fine-mesh strainer with a large piece of cheesecloth, and set it over the nonreactive bowl. Set this contraption on your work surface so to have it ready for the cheese mixture. If you don't use cheesecloth, it will be difficult to separate the cheese curds from the whey. You can substitute a double layer of paper towels or a thin cotton dishcloth in a pinch.
2. Heat the milk, cream and salt. Place the milk, cream and salt in the saucepan and heat the mixture over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat until it reaches 200 degrees F. When the mixture is hot enough, turn off the heat and move the saucepan so the milk can begin to cool. It should take about 5 minutes to reach the correct temperature. Stir the mixture as it's heating to prevent it from scorching on the bottom. Use your candy thermometer or an instant-read thermometer to determine whether the mixture has reached the right temperature. If you don't let it cook long enough, the curds won't separate from the whey. If you overcook it, the texture will be ruined.
3. Slowly add the vinegar. Use one hand to stir constantly while the other hand slowly pours the vinegar into the heated milk and cream mixture. The vinegar will cause the curds to coagulate and separate from the whey. You'll see solid bits forming and floating to the top of the liquid. Keep stirring until all of the vinegar has been added. The curdling agent in this case is vinegar, but some people prefer to use other substances. Try substituting 3 tablespoons (44.4 ml) of lemon juice for a different flavor. For a more traditional touch, try using animal rennet as your coagulant. Mix 1 teaspoon of rennet with 1/4 cup of cold water, then stir it into the milk mixture.
4. Let the mixture sit until it's thick. Wait about 10 - 20 minutes for the coagulant to go to work and cause the curds to separate from the whey. It's ready when the curds have floated to the top to form a thick layer, leaving the liquid whey underneath.
5. Ladle the curds into the strainer. Scoop out the thick top layer of curds and ladle them over the cheesecloth-covered strainer. Keep ladling out the curds until all that's left in the saucepan is the whey. You can discard the whey at this point.
6. Let the ricotta drain. Wait at least an hour for the last of the whey to drain from the ricotta through the cheesecloth into the bowl. It will take about half an hour for the ricotta to fully drain. Don't attempt to stir it or push it through the cheesecloth, as this will just push the curds into the cloth. If you'd like a creamier final product, stop draining the ricotta after 5 - 10 minutes. For a drier final product, wait an hour for it to drain.
7. Spoon the ricotta into a bowl. The finished ricotta is now ready to use in your favorite recipe. It's delicious as part of a savory dish or a dessert. Ricotta will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.
## Whey-based ricotta
1. Save the whey from making cheese in a non-reactive pot. When you make homemade cheese, you'll have curds at the bottom of the pot, and you'll pour off the whey. Filter as many of the curd particles out as you can since they would otherwise form tough "beads" in the final ricotta. Cover the whey and let it sit for at least 12 hours at room temperature to develop sufficient acidity. Acidified whey acts as its own coagulant, making it unnecessary to add vinegar or lemon juice to separate the curds.
2. Heat the acidified whey. Pour it into a saucepan and heat it while stirring, taking care to avoid sticking or burning. Heat until the temperature has risen to about 175 degrees Fahrenheit and a white appears on the surface. Continue heating and stirring until the temperature reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that the foam will build up somewhat. Be careful. If it boils, it can boil over.
3. Remove the whey from heat and wait for it to curdle. Cover it and allow it to cool undisturbed until comfortable to the touch. The curds will soon appear like clouds suspended in the whey, while the whey will be clear and yellowish green.
4. Strain the ricotta. Do not stir up the curd. Instead, set up a receiving pot with a large strainer and a fine clean cloth on top. Ladle the curds into the cloth, leaving the whey in the saucepan. Discard the whey. Be sure to scoop out the curds gently. Because the curds are very fine and delicate, they can stop up the cloth easily. This will cause very slow draining if they are broken up.
5. Drain the whey through the cloth. It can take 2-3 hours for the whey to completely drain. If you prefer, you can set the strainer in the refrigerator and let it drain overnight.
6. Remove the ricotta from the cloth. Pack it into a container, cover it and store in the refrigerator. Use it soon after making. Ricotta will keep up to a week in the refrigerator. Alternatively, ricotta freezes very well.
</s> |
<human>:
How to cook corn?</s>
<bot>:
There are many different yet simple ways to cook corn. Corn on the cob can be boiled, microwaved, grilled, steamed, or baked, while loose kernel corn is usually boiled, steamed, or microwaved. Keep reading to learn more about your preferred cooking method.
## Boiling corn on the cob[1]
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1. Boil a large stockpot of water. Meanwhile, prepare the corn cobs by removing the husks and silks. The exact amount of water you need will vary depending on how large each ear of corn is. Make sure that you use enough water to completely cover the ears of corn once they are submerged. Note that you can add up to 1 tsp (5 mL) salt to the water if desired, but it is not needed. To remove the husks, snap off the stem of the corn with your hands. Pull the stem over the length of the corn to peel off the husks still attached to it. Remove the remaining husks by peeling them off with your fingers. Rinse the husk-free corn cobs under running water. Rub your hands over the corn to loose and free as many of the silky threads you spot clinging to the corn.
2. Transfer the corn to the boiling water. Cover the pot and let it return to boiling. Use tongs to dunk the corn into the water. Avoid using your hands to transfer the corn since doing so may result in burns. If the boiling slows or stops after you place the corn in the stockpot, allow the water to reach a boiling point again before timing the cooking process.
3. Cook for 3 to 8 minutes. The corn should be "tender-crisp" when done. "Tender-crisp" means that the corn is soft enough to press, but not mushy. The precise amount of cooking time will vary based on the type of corn and how mature it is. Fresh corn and sweet corn usually cook fastest.
4. Remove and serve. Transfer the ears of corn to a layer of clean paper towels and let drain for 30 to 60 seconds before serving. The corn will be hot, so you may want to wait a few minutes before biting into it. Corn is usually served with a drizzle of butter.
## Microwaving corn on the cob[2]
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1. Place an ear of corn in a microwave-safe dish. You will need to cook the corn one ear at a time, but the instructions are the same for each ear. Do not remove the husk. The corn will cook better in the microwave if left in the husk during the cooking process.
2. Microwave the corn for 5 minutes. The microwave should be set on high power or full power. Let stand in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes to avoid burning yourself with the steam.
3. Transfer the corn to a cutting board. Cut of the stem end using a sharp kitchen knife. Use oven mitts or a towel when removing the corn from the microwave. As you cut, you should also remove the first row of kernels. Make sure to cut through the husk completely.
4. Slip the corn out of its husk and serve. Use oven mitts or a towel to grab hold of the corn from the uncut top end. Gently shake the ear, allowing the corn to slip free. The ear of corn should slip out of the husk easily. Usually, even the silks will remain left behind inside the husks. You can serve the corn with butter and salt, or however you prefer it.
## Grilling corn on the cob
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, remove the husks and silks from your ears of corn. If using a gas grill, set all the burners to medium-high heat and allow the grill to preheat for 5 to 10 minutes. If using a charcoal grill, allow a thick layer of coals to burn until white ash begins to form over the surface. Husk the corn by snapping off the stem and pulling it over the length of the corn, thereby removing the husk attached to the stem. Peel away the rest of the husk with your fingers. Rinse the ears under running water to remove most of the loose silks.
2. Brush the corn with olive oil. Use a basting brush to apply a thin coat of olive oil to the surface of each ear of corn. Use no more than 1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil per ear. You could also use melted butter instead of olive oil.
3. Transfer the corn to the grill. Cook for 6 to 10 minutes. Turn the corn occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The corn is done once the majority of the kernels begin to brown lightly. It will also be charred in some spots, especially near the smaller kernels.
4. Serve as desired. Remove the corn from the grill and transfer each ear to a serving platter. Let cool until you can handle it comfortably with your bare hands. Butter and salt are frequently served with corn, but if you used butter on the corn before grilling it, you may find that you do not need to add more.
## Steaming corn on the cob[3]
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1. Boil water in the bottom portion of a steamer. Husk and de-silk the ears of corn as you wait. If you do not have an actual steamer, you can use a large stockpot and perforated metal colander instead. Make sure that the metal colander can rest on the lip of the stockpot before attempting to use it, however. The basket portion of the colander should not dip below the halfway point of the stockpot. Snap off the stem of the corn and pull it over the length of the ear, removing the attached husk. Peel the rest of the husk away with your fingers. Rinse the corn under cool running water, scrubbing it gently with your hands. This should remove the majority of the silks.
2. Transfer the corn to the steaming basket. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes. Use tongs to transfer the corn into the steaming basket. Using your hands could result in burns. The exact cooking time will vary depending on how mature the corn is. Fresher corn cooks quicker than older corn. The corn is done once the kernels feel tender but not mushy.
3. Serve warm. Remove the corn from the steamer with your tongs and let rest for a minute or two before enjoying. Season with butter and salt, if desired.
## Baking corn on the cob[4]
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1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Remove the husks and silks from each ear of corn as the oven preheats. To remove the husk from an ear of corn, snap off the stem using your hands. Pull the broken stem down over the ear, stripping away any husk attached to it. Peel the rest of the exposed husk away with your fingers. Rinse each corn cob under running water, scrubbing gently with your hands to remove any visible silks. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Season the ears with butter. You can also add a little salt and pepper, if desired. Use plenty of butter. Spread at least 1 to 2 Tbsp of melted butter over each ear.
3. Wrap each ear in aluminum foil. Each ear must be completely wrapped inside its own sheet of aluminum foil. If you are worried about butter leaking out from the aluminum foil, place a flat baking sheet or jelly-roll pan beneath the wrapped ears of corn to catch any dripping butter.
4. Bake the corn for 20 to 30 minutes. Most ears of corn will only take 20 minutes to cook, but larger ears may need as many as 30 minutes. Place the corn on the middle rack of your oven to ensure the most even cooking.
5. Remove and serve. Let the cooked ears of corn rest for 2 to 5 minutes before carefully removing the aluminum foil. Serve once they are cool enough to touch.
## Boiling corn kernels
1. Boil water in a medium saucepan. Meanwhile, measure out your frozen whole corn kernels. You can add up to 1 tsp (5 mL) of salt to the boiling water, if desired, but the salt is not necessary. The corn does not need to be thawed prior to use. You could also use canned corn kernels instead of frozen corn. Note that the amount of time needed to boil canned corn is significantly less than the amount of time needed to boil frozen corn. Additionally, canned corn should be drained before you add it to the boiling water.
2. Add the corn to the boiling water. If the boiling decreases or stops, let the water come up to a boil again. After it returns to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to medium-low.
3. Cover and cook. Frozen whole kernels of corn should simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Drain once finished. Canned corn should only boil for 1 to 3 minutes. Once finished, the corn should be hot and tender but not mushy.
4. Serve as desired. Do not refreeze corn kernels after cooking them. If desired, you can mix the cooked corn kernels with butter, salt, and black pepper. You can also use other seasonings, like parsley, according to your own tastes.
## Steaming corn kernels
1. Simmer water in a steamer. Fill the lower part of a steamer with water and heat, on the stove, over medium heat until the water steams and starts to simmer. Do not boil the water. Do not fill the steamer high enough for water to slip up through the holes of the steamer basket. If you do not have a steamer, you could use a stockpot and a metal colander with fine holes. Make sure that the colander fits over the lip of the stockpot without falling in.
2. Add frozen corn kernels into the steamer basket. Spread the kernels out into a single layer. Canned corn kernels can also be used, but they will finish cooking in a much shorter amount of time. They may also be soggier once finished. You do not need to thaw frozen corn kernels before use.
3. Cook for 9 to 10 minutes. Allow the corn to steam for 9 to 10 minutes without covering it. Drain once finished. Canned kernels will only need to steam for 3 or 4 minutes.
4. Serve. Steamed corn can be served with butter and salt as well as other seasonings.
## Microwaving corn kernels
1. Place corn kernels in a microwave-safe dish. Spread frozen corn kernels into an even layer in the dish. Canned corn kernels can also be used, but there are some differences in the cooking method and length. Frozen corn does not need to be thawed prior to cooking.
2. Add 2 to 4 Tbsp (30 to 60 mL) of water. Stir the water into the corn to disperse it throughout. Note that this step is only needed if using frozen corn kernels. You do not need to add water if using canned corn, but you should not drain the canned corn before use.
3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Use a fork to poke a few holes into the plastic wrap, providing ventilation. Only use plastic wrap that is safe to use in the microwave. If the dish has a cover, you could use that instead of the plastic wrap. Make sure that the cover is placed on the dish loosely so that the corn is still ventilated.
4. Microwave for 4 to 5 minutes. If using canned corn, only microwave the dish for 1 to 2 minutes. The exact length of time varies depending on how much wattage your microwave has. A lower-powered microwave will need longer time, while a higher-powered microwave will need less time. If you hear popping sounds as the corn cooks, stop the microwave early.
5. Drain and serve. Drain the cooking liquid from the corn and season as desired with butter, salt, and pepper.
## Charcoal grilled corn on the cob
1. Cut the tip of each ear of corn off. Soak the corn in the husks in a sink or a big pot in 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2 cm) of tap water for about an hour.
2. While they're soaking, prepare your outdoor charcoal grill. Add enough coals for an hour of cooking.
3. Place the corn still in the husks on the grill. Cook for about an hour, turning occasionally, allowing the husks to char.
4. Remove the husks.
5. Add butter, salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
</s> |
<human>:
How to confuse cleverbot?</s>
<bot>:
Cleverbot is an online program that uses complex coding to hold text-based conversations with human readers. Though Cleverbot is great at holding basic conversations, it isn't perfect. With a little trickery, it's not terribly hard to get Cleverbot to reveal the limits of its programming. Whether you're trying to administer the Turing Test (a test used to tell whether an artificial intelligence can "pass" as a human) or simply looking for some easy laughs, visit Cleverbot.com to get started!
## Confuse cleverbot with specific trick
1. Try typing in song lyrics. Compared to other computer programs, Cleverbot is an exceptionally skilled conversationalist. However, Cleverbot knows nothing of the joys of music. If you try typing in a few lines of your favorite song lyrics, most of the time, Cleverbot will interpret the lyrics literally or give a nonsensical response, even if the lyrics are well-known. Note, however, that for certain songs that are very well-known, Cleverbot actually can (and will) recite the song lyrics if you start typing them in. For instance, try typing in the opening lyrics to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody": "Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?"
2. Present Cleverbot with a logical paradox. A paradox is a statement, question, or idea that has an answer that can't be logically found. Since some of history's greatest thinkers have struggled to untangle logical paradoxes, it's a very safe bet that Cleverbot will be completely perplexed by most of them. In addition, Cleverbot doesn't even do well talking about subjects that have the potential to be paradoxical, like time travel. Try using some of the paradoxes below, or use a search engine to find your own — there are literally hundreds out there. “If this statement is true, then Santa Claus is real.”
* "Since we haven't been visited by people from the future, does that mean that time travel will never be possible?" "What would happen if Pinocchio were to say, "My nose will grow right now?"
3. Ask Cleverbot to play games with you. Cleverbot isn't terribly playful. For instance, if you ask it to join you in a game of chess or checkers, it'll say "OK", but then if you say, "You go first," you'll get a nonsensical response. This is probably due to the fact that Cleverbot doesn't really have the capacity to play games — it knows to say that it wants to play chess with you, but it has no idea how to actually play chess. Cleverbot can, however, play rock paper scissors. Try it — say "Let's play rock paper scissors" and then say either "Rock", "Paper", or "Scissors".
4. Type a sappy romantic dialog for Cleverbot. Sooner or later, almost everyone casually messing around with Cleverbot will get the idea to jokingly express the love or attraction they feel towards it. Though Cleverbot can handle basic overtures of love like "I love you" and "Marry me", it's not so good at interpreting subtle romantic comments or come-ons. For people nursing a crush on Cleverbot, a direct approach is apparently best. Give it a shot — try feeding Cleverbot pickup lines like "I don't have a library card, but do you mind if I check you out?" The response you get will usually be a little confused (at best) (if you use the library card line, you'll get "I can say anything.")
5. Ask Cleverbot to do math problems. You might think that, because it's a computer program, Cleverbot would be able to do math problems almost instantly. In fact, for some reason, Cleverbot is terrible at doing math, even when the problems you ask it are very simple. It shouldn't take you long to get a confused response out of Cleverbot with this strategy. Sometimes, you'll even get different responses if you switch between using numerals and spelling each number out. For instance, asking "What is 200 times 2?" gets you the answer "4," while asking "What is two hundred times two?" gets you the answer, "A number."
6. Talk to Cleverbot about supernatural things. Cleverbot doesn't have good old-fashioned human common sense, so it doesn't have a good grasp on what's real and what's not. Talking to Cleverbot about monsters, aliens, spirits, and other supernatural phenomena is likely to confuse it. You can also confuse it by bringing up some religious or spiritual topics, even if they're quite well-known. You can even use the subjects of modern-day ghost stories to the same effect. For instance, if you say, "Have you ever been visited by Slenderman? ", Cleverbot will respond with, "My life is a lie?!"
7. Talk to Cleverbot about famous people. Cleverbot knows nothing about politics or celebrity gossip. Asking Cleverbot about its opinion on a famous person or public figure will almost always confuse it. For example, asking, "What do you think about Brad Pitt?" will get the answer, "I think he si (sic) a great president, he'll change the states." You may also want to try talking about the different things famous people have done — Cleverbot isn't terribly smart about these things either. For instance, typing in "What do you think about the president's social policies?" will get you: "I think he isn't the president anymore."
8. Talk to Cleverbot about other websites. Cleverbot does not understand other websites and will respond with something weird. Try talking about wikiHow and see what happens.
## Confuse cleverbot with general strategies
1. Talk with a lot of emotion. Cleverbot doesn't have a great grasp of the emotional context that is necessary to understand human communication. It will usually take everything you say literally. Because of this, Cleverbot isn't too "clever" when it comes to emotional questions and outbursts. Try typing a furious, rambling insult or tearfully asking for Cleverbot's forgiveness for some imagined slight — usually, its response won't make much sense.
2. Talk in gibberish. One sure-fire way to get Cleverbot's wires crossed is to send it messages that don't make sense to humans, either. Typing in gibberish, either by purposefully misspelling words, making up new words, or just mashing randomly on the keyboard, can get some funny results. For instance, try the sample messages below:
* "Asuerycbasuircanys" (random gibberish)
* "What is your opinion on the tornalions in reffriddo?" (made-up words)
* "Wut arr ewe dewing laiter this eavning?" (misspelled words)
3. Use a lot of slang. Cleverbot doesn't have the common sense to be able to piece together sentences that use slang — especially modern slang. Using lots of colloquialisms and "street" lingo in your messages can usually get Cleverbot's metaphorical head to spin. The more slang you use, the better, as even literal-minded Cleverbot can usually figure out simple sentences like "What's up, dog?" Try getting started with one of these examples:
* "h0w 4r3 y0u d01n6, cl3v3rb07?" (1337speak)
* "Yo, what's up, bro? Lemme ask you a question, broseph - how are you doing today, broheim?" (Bro-y slang)
* "Well, pardner, it's about time we saddle up, hit that old dusty trail, and high-tail it out of here." (Cowboy slang)
4. Use long messages. The longer and more complex the things you send to Cleverbot are, the less likely it will be to respond correctly. Typing out rambling, meandering messages (or even entire conversations) can get some pretty funny responses out of Cleverbot. Don't be afraid to stop one sentence and begin another — periods, question marks, and exclamation points are allowed in the middle of your message. For instance, you might want to have the same sort of long, aimless chat you might have when you're catching up with a friend. For instance, you might try: "Cleverbot, how are you? I was just thinking about you. I hope you're doing well. I had a great weekend - I went hiking up on Castle Rock on Saturday. Beautiful views from the top. Have you ever been up there? We should go sometime. Anyway, I just wanted to know what you were up to."
5. Keep your conversation going for a long time. The longer you follow a certain line of questioning, the more likely Cleverbot is to "crack". By the time you're ten or twelve messages into a conversation, Cleverbot has forgotten what you were originally talking about and is simply responding literally to each message as best as it can. This can lead to some pretty bizarre conversations, especially if Cleverbot misunderstands something you type. You may want to try using the "Think For Me!" button on Cleverbot.com for this. This button makes Cleverbot think up a response to its own message for you. Since Cleverbot is basically communicating with itself, using this button can quickly cause the conversation to devolve into nonsense, even if you only use it a few times.
</s> |
<human>:
How to decorate an above ground pool?</s>
<bot>:
Above ground pools are a modern, easy-to-install alternative to traditional underground pools. If you want to blend your above ground pool in with the rest of your yard, decorating it is a great way to start. With a few natural and practical decorations, like plants or a pool chairs, you can make your above ground pool a stylish part of your backyard. For siding options, you can install a deck, concrete or wood paneling, or glass panels.
## Add natural decorations
1. Set up potted plants as botanical decorations. Adding potted plants around your above ground pool can help it blend in with the rest of your backyard. If you install a deck, position a few potted plants around the sides or around the bottom of the pool. You can also grow trees or shrubs around the above ground pool as a long-term alternative.
2. Add tiki torches to brighten up the area surrounding your pool. Tiki torches are a popular way to give your above ground pool an outdoorsy touch. Stake the tiki torches in the ground surrounding the pool at an even distance from each other, positioning them upright to prevent them from tilting. You can buy tiki torches online, from a garden center, or at many home improvement stores. String lights around the tiki torches for cheap and stylish lighting while swimming at night.
3. Use straw bales if you want a rustic siding. Straw bales can make a cheap, natural siding for above ground pools. Stack the straw bales around the sides to approximately halfway up the above ground pool's height to use as a decoration and partial step into the pool. You can buy straw bales from some agricultural supply stores or plant nurseries. To keep the straw out of the pool, do not stack the straw bales to the full height of the pool.
## Choose practical decorations
1. Set up a cover to use as shade. Put up an umbrella, trellis, or pergola over the pool during summer months or in hot, sunny climates. If you have any naturally shady areas in your yard, construct the pool near these areas as an alternative. A cover decoration can help keep your pool cooler and prevent those who use it from getting sunburned.
2. Add cushions or chairs as seating near the pool. Seats are perfect for tired swimmers who need a quick rest. Set up a few lawn chairs, waterproof cushions, hammocks, or other seats below the pool or on the deck (if applicable) for easy access after you swim. You can buy pool chairs from some home decor stores or online.
3. Put up a foldable cover over the top to keep your pool safe and clean. To prevent debris from getting inside the pool and accidents with children or pets, buy a foldable pool cover online or from a pool supply store. Use the foldable cover overnight or while going on vacations where you won't be able to routinely clean the pool. Pool covers are also useful during winter or off-season months if you don't want to drain it.
4. Install a table near your pool for towels, snacks, and drinks. If you use your pool for lounging, use a table as a makeshift "poolside bar" or coffee table. Set the table up near the edge of your pool or deck, depending on your pool's siding. Unless you set your table up on the deck, choose a table with a similar height as your above ground pool.
5. Set up lights or heat lamps around the pool for added illumination and warmth. If you plan to use your pool at night, position a few outdoor lamps surrounding the pool. For those in cold climates or who use their pool in the winter, choose heat lamps to stay warm while swimming.
6. Fence your pool in to separate it from the rest of your yard. A fence can help your pool feel enclosed and keep pets or young children out. Measure the perimeter of your yard and put up a fence around the entire area with a gate near the entrance.
## Build deck and side
1. Install a deck around your pool's side for a more finished look. To help your pool blend in with the surrounding backyard, build a deck around the sides that is approximately level with the pool. You can build the deck yourself or hire a contractor to build it for you. Building a deck around the pool is the best way to give it the appearance of an underground pool. If you prefer, you can install a deck with wide sides around the above ground pool and set up chairs or other pool furniture
2. Set up concrete siding around the pool to secure it in place. For a more urban look, mix a batch of concrete and set up a wall on each side of the pool. If you have experience working with concrete, you can do it yourself. If not, you can hire a landscaper instead. Concrete is sturdy and more weather-resistant than wood but isn't as natural looking.
3. Try wood paneling as a simpler alternative to building a deck. If you like the rustic look of decks but don't want to commit to the cost or time, line up wood panels around the sides of the pool. Secure the panels in place with an outdoor wood adhesive and apply a sealant to protect it from UV rays and harsh weather. For water-resistant wood stains, try polyurethane varnish, exterior paint, or Danish oil. Wood paneling can give the above ground pool a more finished appearance without as much construction as decks.
4. Set up glass panes around the edges for a finished look. To give your above ground pool a look similar to a below ground pool, try setting up glass paneling. Buy or cut glass panes the approximate width of your above ground pool and hire a contractor to fix them on top of the siding. Setting up glass panels works best with deck siding.
</s> |
<human>:
How to change your profile picture on soundcloud?</s>
<bot>:
## Use a computer
1. Open a browser on your computer. Navigate to https://soundcloud.com/.
2. Log in to your account. Click Sign In at the top and enter your login details.
3. Go to your profile. Click on your profile picture on the top navigation bar towards the right and select Profile.
4. Hover over your profile picture and click Update image. This will open a file upload window.
5. Select a new image. Choose a picture from the files on your computer. Click Open to select, or double-click on the image. The image will crop to the circle shown. The file size limit is 2MB
* It's recommended to be at least 1000x1000 pixels
6. Click Save Changes. Your new profile picture will appear on the left.
## Use an ios device
1. Open the SoundCloud app on your device. Look for an orange icon with a white cloud on your home screen, or search for "soundcloud" in your app menu. Tap the app to open it.
2. Go to your collection. Tap the icon in the lower right that looks like 3 books on a shelf.
3. Go to your profile. Tap on the 3 dots in the top right corner, then tap Your profile.
4. Tap Edit profile. It's under your header with a pencil icon.
5. Tap on your profile picture. It's on the left with a camera on top.
6. Tap to select the image you would like to upload. Select from your phone's folders.
7. Tap Save. The image will crop to a circle.
## Use an android device
1. Open a browser app on your device. Navigate to https://soundcloud.com/.
2. Open the webpage as a desktop version. In Chrome and Firefox, tap the 3 vertical dots in the top right corner, then tick the box that says "Desktop site" or "Request desktop site".
3. Log in to your account. Tap Sign In at the top and enter your login details.
4. Go to your profile. Tap on your profile picture on the top navigation bar towards the right and select Profile.
5. Edit your profile picture. Tap on the image, then tap Update image.
6. Select a new image from the files on your device. Tap an image, then tap Done. Or, take a new photo by tapping Camera and taking a photo. The image will crop to a circle.
</s> |
<human>:
How to use amadeus software?</s>
<bot>:
Amadeus is an online tickets reservation and distribution program that is based in Madrid, Spain but sells airline tickets for various airlines around the world. You can also use Amadeus software to reserve tickets for other modes of transportation such as ferry and train or book hotel accommodation. The Amadeus program allows you to search its central database and view reports about various companies to help you analyze your options for travel.
## Sign in
1. Go to the Amadeus login page using your Internet browser.
2. Type in the username and password that was provided by your account manager.
3. Tick the box to store password if you don't want to type your login information every time you need to sign in. Otherwise you can leave the box unchecked.
4. Press the OK button to sign in and go to the search page.
## Use the search page
1. Use the search page to find information about travel and accommodation companies or to get a list of companies that match your criteria. The menu bar at the left has 2 search options available, namely "Quick search" and "Expert search." You can search according to the following criteria on Quick search. Company name: enter the full or partial name of the company you want to find. Ticket: enter a ticket number. Location: allows you to search by country. Industry: provide the type of services that the company should provide. Size: lets you choose the size of the companies filtered by number of employees or sales. Company type/Ownership: choose whether the company should be public or privately owned.
2. Use the Expert search if you want to do a more specific search of the Amadeus database. The Expert search gives you the following additional options. Stock exchange: see the stock market trends of companies. Legal form: view the company's legal history. Board members: see who the members of the board are. Year of incorporation: find out when the company was established as a corporation.
</s> |
<human>:
How to drill at an angle?</s>
<bot>:
Drilling at an angle can seem difficult, but don't worry, there's several methods you can use to create angled holes. You can try some basic tricks if you don't need your angles to be too exact. Otherwise, try building an angled jig with a piece of wood for your hand drill, or creating an angled jig that fits onto the plate of your drill press.
## Use basic trick for imprecise angle
1. Use a speed square to gauge your angle for quick drill jobs. A speed square is a right-triangle shaped tool that has angles marked along the hypotenuse (the long side). Use the angles on the edge to guide your drilling. Set the speed square right next to the hole you're drilling. Line up the drill so the top is along the flat side of the speed square. It will almost look like you're drilling into the right angle. Line up the angle markings on the hypotenuse with the center line down the top of the drill. Drill down into the wood at that angle.
2. Cut a guide from scrap wood to keep the same angle for several holes. Measure the angle you need on a flat piece of scrap wood that's at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Cut the wood at that angle using a hand saw or radial saw. To cut the wood at an angle, mark the angle along the edge. Use a handsaw to go along that angle. If you're using a radial saw, set it to the angle you need before cutting. Set the wood down where you need to drill. Lay the drill along the angle, and use the wood to guide the drill while pushing into the wood. Make sure to hold on tight to the guiding piece of wood while drilling.
3. Start with pilot holes to create angled pocket holes. Another option is to drill straight down into the wood to create small pilot holes. You only need to go down about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). Pull the drill out. Start drilling again with the drill angled straight down into the pilot holes you've created, and then tilt it to the angle you need as you go in the hole. Pocket holes are what you use to connect 2 pieces of wood at an angle. The angle doesn't need to be precise, so you don't need to measure it. Aim for about a 45° angle, and you should be fine. This method helps keep the drill bit from breaking.
## Employ an angle jig
1. Create your own angled jig with a piece of wood. Make this tool using a radial saw and a scrap piece of wood. Use a radial saw and set it to the angle of the hole that you need to drill into your wood. For example, if you need it set to 30 degrees, then set the radial saw to 30 degrees. "Jig" literally just means something that holds your work or guides your tools. Use your radial saw to cut the wood at an angle.
2. Add a pilot hole to the angled jig by drilling into the angled edge. Drill into the angled part of the wood so that the drill is perpendicular to the wood. This will create the perfect angle for drilling into other pieces of wood. Drill all the way through the wood to make the pilot hole.
3. Position the wood on your workbench to drill. Place the piece of wood that you need to drill into on your workbench. Put the angled jig over the flat piece. You should see the pilot hole you drilled in the angled part. Clamp the jig into place on top of the other piece of wood. If the jig isn't flat along the top, you can saw off the top edge to make it flat. Then you'll be able to clamp it to the other piece of wood.
4. Drill through the jig into the wood below to create holes in your project. Next, place the drill bit through the pilot hole. Start drilling, using the pilot hole as a guide. Push down into the piece underneath, creating an angled hole. Once you know how deep you want to go for each pilot hole you're creating in your project, apply a stop collar to the drill to keep yourself from going deeper. The stop collar goes over the drill bit at the place you want to stop. A stop collar is a little metal ring that you can buy at any home improvement store. Move the jig around to each spot you need to drill a hole.
## Create an angle jig for a drill press
1. Cut a piece of plywood to fit your drill press plate. Use a table saw to cut the piece down to size, making it perfectly rectangular. It should fit easily on top of your drill press plate, though keep it mind you will angle it up towards the drill. You can trace the drill press plate to get an idea for the size you'll need. You can use scrap plywood for this project, but it should be sturdy enough so that it doesn't bend when you're drilling down towards it.
2. Add a fence to the front of the piece of plywood. Screw a small piece of wood onto the front of the plywood. The front is whatever part will be facing up on the drill press plate. The wood should be almost the length of the plywood and 0.5 to 1 in (1.3 to 2.5 cm) thick. When looking at the plywood as you face the drill press, this piece should run from top to bottom 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) from the left edge. Some fences also run from left to right 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) from the bottom instead. A fence helps you keep your project in place.
3. Screw a piece of wood to the back of the plywood to create the angle. The bracing piece of wood should be 1 in (2.5 cm) wide or so, but the height of the wood to the press plate will be determined by the angle you want. Measure the angle, and cut the piece of wood so that it will prop the plywood up to that angle. For instance, if you want a 45° angle, the piece you cut for the back would need to be taller than if you wanted a 30° angle. Screw down from the front part of the plywood into the back brace. Use at least 1 screw on each end to hold it in place.
4. Brace the jig against a piece of clamped wood. Clamp a long piece of wood to the back of the drill press plate. Attach c-clamps on each end. Now you can push the jig up against this piece of wood so it doesn't slide around.
5. Drill your holes into your project. Place your project piece on the jig up against the fence. Bring the drill down and drill holes into the piece where you need them. If your piece is moving around too much, clamp it into place against the fence. Now you can drill the same angle each time with precision.
6. Adjust the jig as needed. You don't need to make a new jig for each angle you need. Rather, just add an extra piece of wood to the back brace to extend the length. Overlap the 2 pieces of wood, and tightly clamp them into place on each end. Measure to see if you have the angle you need by placing a speed square alongside it. If you don't have the correct angle, unclamp the extra piece of wood. Adjust the wood and clamp it back into place.
</s> |
<human>:
How to do the charleston?</s>
<bot>:
The Charleston is a medium- to fast-tempo dance that originated in the 20s. It was renowned for being the first social dance one could do without a partner. There are several versions of Charleston, the most popular being the 20s and 30s Charleston. The Charleston is a highly adaptable move that can be incorporated into a wide variety of dances, but the basic movement is the same.
## Master the basic move
1. Take a rock step back with your left foot. Touching the front of your foot to the floor, but not bringing your heel down. Don’t fully shift your weight to this foot. When doing the Charleston, lean forward slightly and bend your knees a little. Keep your weight on the balls of your feet. A rock step, also called a break step, refers to a rocking step in which one’s weight is very briefly transferred to another foot before being returned to the first. The only time when you might begin with your right foot is if you are following a partner. When two people dance the Charleston together, the leader starts by stepping back on the left foot, while the follower starts by stepping back on the right, mirroring the leader.
2. Step back forward with your left foot. It should now be a step ahead of your right foot. This time, shift your weight to your left foot.
3. Take another rock step forward with your right foot. Put the heel of your foot on the ground without bringing your whole foot down. Your weight should end up on your left foot still.
4. Step back with your right foot. It should now be a step behind your left foot. Shift your weight back onto your right foot.
5. Swing your arms as you step. As you move, your arms should be swinging. This may happen automatically, especially if you’ve seen people do the Charleston before and know what it’s supposed to look like. When your left foot is in front of you, your right arm should swing forward. When your right foot is in front of you, your left arm should swing forward.
6. Repeat this movement. It probably won’t look terribly impressive on its own, but the back, forward, forward, back motion is the building block for every variation on the Charleston. Practice until it feels natural. Then you’ll be ready to start mixing things up.
## Do the 20s charleston
1. Get comfortable with the basic move. All the variations of the Charleston start with being able to do the basic step. Practice until it becomes second nature.
2. Twist your feet in and out. Keep your weigh on the balls of your feet. On every step, the heel of the foot your have your weight on should twist out and then in again.
3. Lift your elbows as you swing your arms. This is basically an exaggerated version of the arm swing. As always, your left arm should swing forward when your right foot is ahead of your body, and your right arm should swing forward when your left foot is in front of your body. Your arms should be bent at about a 90 degree angle. The elbow of the arm that is swinging back should come to shoulder height, and the forearm of the arm that is swinging forward should be parallel to the ground.
4. Pivot your knees in and out. One common move used with the Charleston involves opening and closing your knees at the same time as crossing and uncrossing your arms. This may be the most well-known Charleston move. Begin with your knees bent and touching each other, with your arms crossed over them, so that your right hand is on your left knee, and your left hand is on your right now. Spread your knees apart while simultaneously uncrossing your arms, so that you end up with your left hand on your left knee, and your right hand on your right knee. #\*Repeat this move a few times.
## Do the 30s charleston
1. Get comfortable with the basic move. All the variations of the Charleston start with being able to do the basic step. Practice until it becomes second nature.
2. Replace a normal step with a kick step. This will add a little pep to the move. Instead of simply stepping forward, bring your knee up and kick your foot out. Your knee should come up first, propelling your foot forward a moment later. If you would not be transferring your weight to that foot anyway for this step, just swing it back again without letting it touch the ground. Otherwise, plant it back on the ground after the kick.
3. Add a hitch as you move your leg back. Instead of simply stepping back after a kick, incorporate a hitch into the movement. Bring your knee back up, so that your upper leg is parallel to the ground, before kicking your foot back again.
4. Touch the ground with your hand. This adds slightly more difficulty and flare. As your leg swings back and the ball of your foot touches the ground, lean forward and tap the ground with the tips of the fingers of your opposite hand.
</s> |
<human>:
How to lighten up your bikini areas?</s>
<bot>:
For all kinds of reasons, some people develop pigmentation in the bikini areas. However, it doesn't have to be a permanent issue. There are a variety of effective, lasting ways to address it. By safely lightening these regions, your skin can have a beautiful, even tone in the bikini areas once again.
## Lighten the bikini areas with home remedy
1. Use Papaya Soap. Papaya soap is natural and using it regularly will help to lighten the skin. Use it at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, until you see results. Keep your skin moisturized because it can dry out your skin. You can also mash up a chunk of ripe papaya, and apply a big dollop on the areas. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then wash it off. In a couple of week's time, you should see significant lightening.
2. Apply glycolic or salicylic acid acne pads. These two ingredients are the lightening agents used for acne treatments and can also be used for this purpose. Dab a pad on the areas and then get into the shower. Let the steam sink in for a couple minutes and wash off. Don't do this treatment immediately after shaving, however, as it could irritate it.
3. Use a lemon juice, yogurt mix. Mix juice from 1/4 lemon into a tablespoon of yogurt, and apply to the area. It acts as a mild bleaching solution that will safely lighten it. Apply aloe vera gel afterwards to keep your skin moist and hydrated. Don't do this treatment immediately after shaving, however, as it could irritate it.
4. Apply almond paste. Soak several almonds for 24 hours. Then slide the skins off, and add a couple drops of milk to make a paste. Put on the bikini areas, and leave on for an hour. Wash off with warm water. If used regularly, it works as a mild lightener and also exfoliates and softens the skin.
5. Try using milk to lighten and moisturize your skin. Pour some milk into a bowl and dip into with a cotton ball. Dab onto your skin. Milk is a natural skin lightener, and it also won't dry it out. It's not going to happen overnight but with regular use, you will see some slight results.
6. Apply peroxide onto the area. Wipe off after 15 minutes. Do this a couple of times a day until you see results. Peroxide is highly acidic, so you may want to apply a little almond or coconut oil on the area after washing it off. Don't do this treatment immediately after shaving, however, as it could irritate it.
## Go to a dermatologist to correct the problem
1. Ask the doctor about using a skin bleaching cream containing hydroquinone. This kind of cream works by preventing melanin from being produced in the skin. It's one of the most popular lightening treatments. However, if the concentration is too high or if it's used for too long, it could worsen the discoloration or reverse the effects. It can also be toxic to the liver.
2. Talk to your dermatologist about a milder skin bleaching treatment. Some alternative, fading creams that are known to have less side effects are azelaic acid, kojic acid and one containing only 2 percent hydroquinone. All of these are known to help with persistent or residual skin discoloration problems. They work by preventing keratin, a hair protein, from being produced in the skin.
3. Find out from your doctor if you're a good candidate for using a bleaching agent, such as chlorine, to lighten the areas. This is a mix formulated by the medical professional doing the treatment. Due to the concentration of bleach, dermatologists and medical doctors are the only ones allowed to administer it.
4. Opt for laser hair removal. If the darkening is caused by waxing, shaving, and/or you can see dark hair stubble as it's growing back, then laser hair removal may be a good solution for you. Though it's considered semi-permanent, the hair usually doesn't come back. However, you have to make sure to complete the recommended number of treatments and the ongoing, but infrequent, touch-ups.
## Prevent darken of the bikini areas
1. Exfoliate the area. Old skin cells don't just build up on your knees and elbows but on other areas of the skin as well. When they accumulate, they can make the skin appear darker and duller. Prior to shaving, lightly exfoliate the region using a loofah, scrub or exfoliating brush. This will remove the dry skin and will also help to prevent skin irritation and ingrown hairs in the bikini areas.
2. Use sunblock. When going in the sun, use a sunblock to keep the sun from penetrating those areas of your skin that you don't want getting darker. Choose a sunblock with a high SPF number (Sun Protection Factor) such as SPF 45 on that region. Also when you come out of the sun, apply olive oil to the area, as it's also known to be a natural skin lightener.
3. Wear breathable, cotton clothing that is loose and comfortable. Sweating in the bikini areas are known to cause darkening. Avoid polyester clothing and other synthetic fabrics, as they don't allow the skin to breath. Also tight clothing sometimes causes chafing and could also darken these areas.
4. Use a quality razor, and shave gently in the direction of the hair growth. If shaving irritates the skin, it could darken it. Basically, dark spots are caused by constant friction. If you shave every day, your skin attempts to protect it so it darkens up. Any type of injury to your skin will either create a stain or keloid. Waxing can also cause darkening if it's too hot.
5. Eat more vegetables and fruits. Fruits, oranges and berries, in particular, and green, leafy vegetables have lots of antioxidants that assist in reducing discoloration of the skin. Drinking water also helps to flush toxins out of the body.
6. Drink more water. It is one of the best ways to detoxify. There is no one-size-fits-all to how much water a person should drink. As a general rule, though, women should drink 128 ounces a day, and men should consume 128 ounces of water a day.
</s> |
<human>:
How to make an invoice on excel?</s>
<bot>:
## Use a template on windows
1. Open Microsoft Excel. It's a green icon with a white "X" on it. The Microsoft Excel home page will open.
2. Search for an invoice template. Type invoice into the search bar at the top of the page, then press ↵ Enter to search for invoice templates. You must be connected to the Internet in order to search for templates.
3. Select a template. Click a template that you want to use to open it in a window.
4. Click Create. This button is to the right of the template's preview. Doing so will open the template in Microsoft Excel.
5. Edit the template to fit your needs. For example, most templates have "Company" written across the top; you would replace this heading with your company's name. To edit text on the Excel document, double-click the text item, then remove the text item or replace it with your own.
6. Fill out the invoice. Enter any information required by your invoice template to ensure that the final total matches what you're owed. For example, some invoice templates will require you to enter an hourly rate or a fixed charge. Most invoice templates use formulas to combine your entered hourly and the number of hours worked in the "Final Total" box.
7. Save your invoice. Click File in the upper-left side of the page, click Save As, double-click a save location, enter your invoice's name, and click Save. This will save your customized invoice in your selected save location. Your invoice is now ready to be sent.
## Use a template on mac
1. Open Microsoft Excel. It's a green box with a white "X" on it. Excel will open.
2. Click File. This menu item is in the top-left side of the page. A drop-down menu will appear below it.
3. Click New from Template. It's an option in the File drop-down menu. Doing so opens a new page with template options.
4. Search for an invoice template. Type invoice into the search bar in the top-right corner of the page, then press ⏎ Return. You must be connected to the Internet in order to search for templates.
5. Select a template. Click a template to open a preview window with the template displayed.
6. Click Open. It's in the preview window. This will open the invoice template as a new document.
7. Edit the template to fit your needs. For example, most templates have "Company" written across the top; you would replace this heading with your company's name. To edit text on the Excel document, double-click the text item, then remove the text item or replace it with your own.
8. Fill out the invoice. Enter any information required by your invoice template to ensure that the final total matches what you're owed. For example, some invoice templates will require you to enter an hourly rate or a fixed charge. Most invoice templates use formulas to combine your entered hourly and the number of hours worked in the "Final Total" box.
9. Save your invoice. Click the File menu item, click Save As, enter a name for your invoice, and click Save. Your invoice is now ready to be sent.
## Create an invoice manually
1. Open Microsoft Excel. It's a green box with a white "X" on it. The Microsoft Excel home page will open.
2. Click Blank Workbook. This option is in the upper-left side of the Excel home page. A blank spreadsheet will open. On Mac, skip this step if Excel opens to a blank document.
3. Create the invoice heading. Your heading should include the following information:
*
* Company name - The name of the company to whom the invoice funds will be allocated. Descriptor - The word "Invoice" or a description of the type of invoice it is, such as "Price Quote" if you're quoting a price for your services to a client instead of billing for them. Date - The date on which you're writing the invoice. Number - The invoice number. You can either use a global numbering system for all your clients or individual numbering for each client. If you choose to number for each client, you can include the client name or a form of it in the invoice number, such as "Westwood1."
4. Enter the sender and recipient addresses. This information should appear near the top of the invoice, with your information above the client's. Your contact information should include your name, your company's address, a phone number, and an email address. Your client's information should include the company name, the name of the accounts payable person, and the client address. You can also include the client's phone and email address.
5. Enter your billing information. You can devote a column to a short description of the product or service, a column to quantity, a column to unit price or rate, and a calculated column for the total price for the quantity purchased of that item.
6. Display the amount of the total bill. This should appear below the calculated column of individual charges and can be generated with Excel's SUM function. For example: if you have $13 of work in cell B3 and $27 of work in B4, you might put the formula =SUM(B3,B4) in cell B5 to display $40 in that cell. If you used an hourly rate (e.g., $30) in cell B3 and a number of hours (e.g., 3) in B4, you would instead write =SUM(B3\*B4) in cell B5.
7. Include the terms of payment. This can appear either above or below the billing information. Common payment terms are "Due on receipt," "Due within 14 days," "Due within 30 days," or "Due within 60 days." You may also want to include a memo at the bottom of the invoice covering accepted methods of payment, general information, or a thank-you to your customer for shopping with you.
8. Save your invoice. Use a name that will distinguish the invoice from other invoices you've sent to your client if necessary. To save your invoice:
*
* Windows - Click File in the upper-left side of the page, click Save As, double-click a save location, enter your invoice's name, and click Save. Mac - Click the File menu item, click Save As, enter a name for your invoice, and click Save.
</s> |
<human>:
How to diagnose adrenal gland disease in pomeranians?</s>
<bot>:
Pomeranians are a breed that are especially prone to baldness problems. While your dog may have other adrenal gland diseases, such as Cushing's Disease or Addison's Disease, Alopecia X is the most common condition that affects Pomeranians. Adrenal gland disease goes by a variety of names, such as Alopecia X, Black Skin Disease, and Growth Hormone Responsive Dermatosis, among others. Adrenal gland disease is a puzzling condition, and vets are not really sure of the cause. There are ways to diagnose if your dog has this condition.
## Identify symptoms
1. Watch for odd patches of fur. One of the first signs of adrenal gland disease is patches of hair that look different than the rest of the coat. These patches will contain hair that is short and oddly textured, like wool.
2. Look for symmetrical hair loss. When a dog has adrenal gland disease, the Pomeranian sheds her fur right down to the skin and the fur doesn't regrow. The fur loss is in a symmetrical pattern so the hair loss on the left of the body mirrors that on the right. Hair loss usually occurs on the trunk and back thighs, and not on the head or front legs.
3. Watch for dark patches of skin. When the dog loses her hair, the exposed skin often becomes hyperpigmented. This means that the skin changes from a regular pink or beige color into a dark brown or black color. Additionally, the skin is often dry and scaly.
4. Be alert for any lack of hair growth. Another way you know your Pomeranian has this condition is that hair does not regrow after it has been clipped or shaved.
5. Know that this condition can affect any dog. Pomeranians of any age or sex can be affected. This means that through your dog’s entire life, you need to watch for signs of this condition. Although a dog can get this condition any time, the dog is healthy otherwise even if she does start to show the symptoms.
## Diagnose the disease
1. Be aware of an unspecific diagnosis. The problem with diagnosing adrenal gland disease is that vets aren't sure why it occurs in the first place. This makes it impossible to develop a single test that gives a definitive answer as whether baldness is specifically due adrenal gland disease or some other problem.
2. Take your dog to the vet. The vet has to rule out all other problems which could cause hair loss. This means conducting an extensive array of tests searching for specific conditions, which can then be confirmed or crossed off the list. Once all these tests are done, and if they all come back negative, then the condition is likely to be adrenal gland disease. Adrenal gland disease is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means all other possible causes of hair loss have to be crossed off the list in order to diagnose the condition. Many of the symptoms of adrenal gland disease, like hair loss, can be due to more serious diseases, such as Cushing's Disease. Alopecia X is not life threatening, but other adrenal gland diseases can be serious if left untreated. This is why taking your dog to the vet is so important.
3. Have multiple tests run. The vet may want to run some or all of the following tests, which will prove or rule out other conditions which may be similar to adrenal gland disease. The tests include:
* Thyroid blood test
* Adrenal hormone test
* A urinalysis
* Abdominal ultrasound
* Skin scrapes
* Skin biopsy
* Screening blood tests
4. Notice the effects of this disease. When your dog gets this condition, know that it is a cosmetic condition. Your dog will not be in any pain. If your vet has ruled out any other underlying condition, then your dog can live a happy life with the condition.
5. Find the proper treatment. Most treatments for Alopecia X focus on helping the dog grow the coat back, but they are trial and error. Many adrenal gland problems are caused by hormonal imbalances, so dogs may be spayed or neutered. If this is not an option, melatonin therapy may be suggested. Other treatment options may be available if these don't work. However, they can cause adverse reactions, so the adverse health effects need to be considered next to the cosmetic benefits.
</s> |
<human>:
How to cascade routers?</s>
<bot>:
A good way to expand your wired or wireless network is to cascade routers. A router cascade means that 2 or more routers are connected to each other through an Ethernet cable. There are 2 ways to cascade routers: connect an Ethernet port on the second router to an Ethernet port on the first, or connect the Internet port on the second router to an Ethernet port on the first.
## Connect ethernet to ethernet (lan to lan)
1. Designate which routers will be the primary and which will be secondary. Your primary modem is the router with a direct connection to the internet or modem. Your secondary router will be connected to the internet through the primary router. Generally, you should use the most current router as your primary router.
2. Plug your secondary router in. Connect an AC adapter to your secondary router, and plug it into an electrical outlet near a computer you can use to set up the secondary router.
3. Connect your computer directly to your secondary router. Use an Ethernet cable to plug into one of the numbered Ethernet ports on the back of the router and to an Ethernet port on your computer. Make sure it is not plugged into your primary router.
4. Access your router's web-based configuration menu. Connect to the secondary router's IP address with a web browser. Depending on the make of your router, you may have to navigate to a specific URL to access your router's web-based configuration menu. Consult your router's user manual or manufacturer's website to find out what the IP address for your router is. 192.168.1.1 is one of the most common router IP addresses. You may need to log in to the router's configuration menu. "Admin" is the most common username and/or password. Consult the user's manual or manufacturer's website to learn more about how to log in to your router's configuration page.
5. Change the secondary router's IP address. Look for this option under local IP settings. The key here is to make sure that your secondary router has a different final digit than the IP address of your primary router. An example IP for your primary router is 192.168.1.1. So an example of your secondary router's IP address could be 192.168.1.2.
6. Turn off the secondary router's DHCP Server settings. The configuration menu is different for each router make and model. This can often be found under "Setup", "Advanced Settings", "Network Settings", ect. Read "How to Configure a Router to Use DHCP" to learn more about how to locate the router's DHCP settings.
7. Make sure your secondary router is set to router operating mode. This is often located in an advanced settings menu.
8. Connect the secondary router to the primary router. Use an Ethernet cable to plug into any one of the numbered Ethernet ports on the primary router. Then Plug the other end of that cable into a numbered Ethernet port on the back of the secondary router. Your routers are now cascaded.
## Connect ethernet to internet (lan to wan)
1. Plug in your secondary router. Use the AC adapter that came with your router to plug it into an electrical outlet near a computer you can use to setup your secondary router.
2. Connect your computer to your secondary router. Use an Ethernet cable to connect to one of the numbered ports on your secondary router. Connect the other end to an Ethernet port on your computer.
3. Access the web-based configuration menu. Enter the secondary router's IP address into a web browser to access the router's IP address. 192.168.1.1 is one of the most common router IP addresses. If that does not work, consult the user's manual or manufacturer's website to learn how to log in to the routers configuration page. You may need to log in to the router's configuration menu. "Admin" is the most common username and/or password. Consult the user's manual or manufacturer's website to learn more about how to log in to your router's configuration page.
4. Change the local IP address. The second-to-last digit of your local IP address should be different from your primary router. If your primary IP address is 192.168.0.1 then your secondary router's IP address should be something like 192.168.2.1.
5. Save your IP address changes. Disconnect your secondary router from your computer.
6. Connect your primary router to you secondary router. Use an Ethernet cable to connect to one of the numbered ports on your primary router. Then plug the other end of the cable into the Internet port of your secondary router. Your routers are now cascaded.
</s> |
<human>:
How to look up a bible verse?</s>
<bot>:
People quote the Bible in a variety of contexts. If you want to be able to look those quotes up, you’ll need to understand the way the Bible is organized. It’s also possible to look up quotes without knowing their location. Simply knowing a couple of words from a verse can be enough to help you locate it if you know how.
## Look up a verse by number
1. Identify the book of the verse. When Bible verses are listed, the first thing you’ll see is the name of a book. Use the table of contents in your Bible to locate that book within it. The table of contents is at the beginning of the Bible. Locate the name in the table of contents and turn to the page associated with the start of the book. The name of the book might be abbreviated or spelled out completely. Some books include:
* Exodus (Ex)
* Genesis (Gen)
* Numbers (Num)
2. Identify the chapter. After the book name, you’ll see two numbers. The first number is the chapter. For example, in “John 3:16”, “3” is the chapter number. Look at the verse and determine which chapter it is from in the book. Some people may cite Bible verse using abbreviations and Roman numerals. For example, Lev. xx:13 is the same as Leviticus, chapter 20, verse 13. Locate that chapter within the book. You may be able to find the location of that chapter in the table of contents. If not, you can thumb through the specific book until you see that chapter. As with other books, it should clearly say, “Chapter \_\_” at the beginning of each chapter. In addition, many versions clearly say, : at the top of each page indicating the first verse on that page. Some also note the last verse on the page.
3. Identify the verse number. The second number after the book name is the verse number. This number should come after a colon (:). In the case of John 3:16, 16 would be the verse number. If you're looking up a longer passage, there may be two numbers, separated by a hyphen (-). For example, in John 3:16-18, you're looking for verses 16,17, and 18.
4. Locate the verse within the chapter. Once you’ve found the chapter, go through it until you find the verse. The verses go in numerical order, just like chapters. There should be a small number at the beginning of each sentence or a small group of sentences. This is the verse number. If you're looking for multiple verses, such as John 3:16-18, 17 and 18 would follow directly after 16.
## Look up a verse with a concordance
1. Choose a concordance. A concordance is a book that lists every instance of a word’s appearance in the Bible. This is a great tool if you remember the verse, or part of the verse, but you don’t know which book or chapter it came from. Concordances can be found through religious retailers or online. Your church may also have one that you can borrow.
2. Search for a word from the verse. Remember an important word from the verse. Look it up in the concordance the same way that you would look it up in a dictionary. Concordances are alphabetized. Choose a distinctive word that may have limited occurrences, such as “flood,” “mountain,” or “rubies.” If you choose something like “love” or “evil” you’re likely to find an enormous number of results.
3. Search for other words if necessary. If you find too many results, or you don’t see the verse you’re looking for, try searching for another word. For example, if you remember the phrase, “love must be sincere” and you searched “love” but found too many results, try looking up, “sincere.”
4. Locate the verse from the concordance list. The concordance will list all of the places where that word is found in the Bible. A complete concordance will give you some context so that you can be sure it’s the verse you’re looking for. Use the location that the concordance gives you (for example, Romans 12:9) to look up the complete verse and its context in your bible.
5. Try another translation if necessary. Concordances are specific to translations. If you can’t find the verse you’re looking for, try a concordance for a different translation. For example, if your Bible translated a word to the English word “praise," but your concordance is for a Bible that translated that word as “worship,” it will be impossible to look up the verse.
## Look up a verse online
1. Search the verse number online. Choose a search engine, or go to a website dedicated to Bible study. Type the name of the book and the chapter and verse numbers into the search engine. Type the verse number in the generally accepted format if you can. For example, you'll get more accurate results if you type, "John 3:16," than, "Chapter 3 16 John."
2. Remember what you can about the verse. Do you remember a certain phrase of the verse? Maybe you remember one or two words and the name of the book it came from. Even if you can’t remember very much, you can likely still look up the verse.
3. Enter what you know into a search engine. Type in everything you can remember. You should also include the words “Bible” and “verse” to make sure that you get results that are relevant to your search. Your search terms may be something like, “Bible verse about wives in Psalms,” or “Bible verse chapter 7 desert.”
4. Use a site designed for Bible searches. There are plenty of sites online that catalog Bible verses by subject or by book. You can use one of these websites to search for the verse. Type in a keyword or a subject. You may also be able to do an advanced search by book or chapter. These online tools can be great ways to find other verses that may be relevant to you or helpful in your studies or prayers.
5. Search related words. If you can’t remember any exact words from the verse, or your search is not going well, search related words. For example, if you searched for “stars” and didn’t find anything, you could search for “night” or “sky” or “heavens” to see if the verse shows up. It’s possible you’re using a different translation or that you misremembered details about the verse.
</s> |
<human>:
How to fold polo shirts?</s>
<bot>:
Polo shirts are great because you can wear them almost anywhere. To keep your polo shirts looking good, make sure to fold them correctly. Start by placing them on a firm, flat surface. Fold in the sides and sleeves before bringing the bottom seam right below the collar. Store your polos by rolling them into tight bundles or stacking them on top of one another in a moth-free setting.
## Fold your polo in the traditional way
1. Lay the shirt on a flat surface. Find a flat, smooth surface, like a laundry table. Position the shirt on the middle of the surface with the button-side (front) facing down. Stretch out the sleeves to each side. Make sure that the edges of the shirt do not fall off the sides of the surface. Fully button up the shirt from top to bottom. Button up the cuffs as well.
2. Fold the sleeves back. Grab each sleeve and fold it to the middle of the back of the shirt (the button-free side that is currently facing upwards). Try to keep the each sleeve horizontal. This will make the cuffs overlap in the middle center of the shirt. As you adjust the sleeves, be careful not to pull the side seams of the shirt towards the back. You are just folding the sleeves in at this point, not the core of the shirt. If you have a short-sleeved polo, you will still fold the sleeves toward the middle of the back of the shirt. However, the sleeves will not overlap in the middle.
3. Smooth the shirt out with your hands. The key to folding any shirt, including polo style, is to run your hands over the fabric after every fold. This helps to smooth out the wrinkles and to ensure tight, secure folds. If you come upon a heavy wrinkle in the fabric, make minor adjustments until it disappears.
4. Fold in the sides of the shirt. With the front of the shirt still facing down, gently grasp one side of the shirt with both hands. Fold this side inwards until it touches the middle of the shirt’s back. Do the same thing with the other side. If you do this correctly, you should see a “V” at the top back of the shirt right below the collar. If you have a short-sleeved polo, this fold will help to keep your sleeves in place moving forward. Make sure to hold your sleeves in place as you complete this step or they may move around as you lift the sides to fold inwards.
5. Fold the shirt in half. Keep the button-side of the shirt facing down. Grasp the bottom edge of the polo shirt. Fold the edge upwards until the shirt is essentially at half of the full length. When you are finished you want the bottom edge of the shirt to rest right at the lower edge of the collar.
6. Do an extra fold depending on the shirt’s length. If your shirt is extra large or extra long, then a single bottom fold may not be enough. You may need to divide the length of the shirt into thirds or fourths, adding in 1 or 2 additional folds.
7. Flip and store. Grab your folded shirt and flip it over. The collar should now face upwards. This is a great way to store your polo shirts, as it keeps the collars and sleeves crisp. It’s even safe to stack multiple shirts on top of one another for storage, as the pressure will keep any wrinkles at bay.
## Roll your polo shirt
1. Save space by rolling. If you have a small closet or just a single drawer to use, then rolling is good option. Many people also prefer to roll all of their clothes when packing suitcases, as it makes it easy to select outfits quickly. The downside of rolling is that it can leave polo shirts a bit wrinkled. Address this problem by giving yourself some time to steam a shirt after unrolling it.
2. Fold the shirt in from the bottom. Lay your polo shirt on a flat surface with the buttons facing up. Grasp the bottom edge of the shirt and fold it upwards about 4 inches (10 cm). This will shorten the total length of the shirt and help you to create a tighter roll.
3. Fold in the sides. Grab one side of your polo shirt, place the sleeve facing outward, and fold the fabric inward toward the center. Do the same thing with the other side of the shirt. This means that the outer edges of your shirt will now meet in the center with overlapping sleeves.
4. Start rolling from the collar. Grab the collar in both of your hands and begin rolling downwards. Try to keep your hands firm on the fabric, so that the final roll is tight and secure. When you reach the bottom of the shirt, press lightly against the sides of the roll. The final roll should be around 6 inches (15 cm) in width.
## Clean your polo shirt before store
1. Wash the shirt according to the instructions. Locate the tag on your polo. It will probably be at the collar or on the inner side-seam. Read how to wash your polo and follow these directions exactly. For 100% cotton polos, this will usually mean washing them on a warm water setting. For mixed fabric blends, it is usually safer to go with a cold water setting. It’s also okay to hand wash most polos, as long as you stick with the same suggested water temperature.
2. Dry the shirt. You really want to avoid shrinking your polos, so make sure that you follow the drying instructions as well. If you machine dry your polos, use the lowest heat setting. It’s better, though, to hang your polo shirts up on a drying rack until they are fully dry. This will keep your shirts looking the best for the longest period of time. Be aware that drying your polos on a rack might make them look more wrinkly. However, this can be quickly fixed with a round of steaming or ironing.
3. Remove any wrinkles with steaming or ironing. Get out your ironing board and set your iron to a medium or low heat setting. Go over your polo with the iron, keeping it moving to prevent burning the fabric. Look at the tag for any additional instructions. Some polos need to be turned inside out before ironing. You can also hang up your polo and use a steam machine to work out any wrinkles. Pass the steamer wand close to, but not touching, the fabric until it smooths out. Polo shirts have a tendency to get particularly wrinkly around the collar, so pay additional attention to this area. Also, make sure to reinsert any collar stays after you are finished steaming or ironing your shirt.
</s> |
<human>:
How to save gift wrapping paper?</s>
<bot>:
We've all seen promotional material for having "green" (environmentally sound) events, conserving paper, and saving trees. In this article we'll see several alternatives to one time usage of rolls of wrapping paper for gifts.
## Reuse wrap paper
1. Wrap the gift in such a way as to promote reuse: When selecting wrapping paper, select paper which is durable. When wrapping gifts, use the kind of tape which can be removed easily without damaging the paper. Use minimal tape.
2. Unwrap the gift for reuse, too. When the honoree unwraps each gift, have them do so carefully. Have them try to avoid damaging the paper. Once paper is removed, fold it carefully for reuse.
3. Share the paper with several guests. If there are so many presents that the honoree ends up with more paper than they can re-use, share it among the people present for efficient re-use.
## Use gift bag with a gift tag
1. Purchase a nice gift bag (or reusable bag), rather than wrapping paper for each gift.
2. Make and attach a large gift tag to the bottom of the bag covering the manufacturers name, etc. Include at least 12 rows on the tag. Write your name, email, occasion and date on the first row of the tag.
3. Place gift item in bag and present to honoree as usual. After honoree removes the gift from the bag, they save the bag for the next occasion.
4. When the honoree has an occasion to give a gift, they write their name, occasion and date on the first blank line on the tag.
5. Repeat the re-use and gifting process 12 times.
6. Have the twelfth person to receive the gift bag send an email to everyone listed on the tag with the bag's history. Assuming the bag remains in usable condition, they can then attach a new tag on top of the original tag and repeat the process.
7. Keep the reuse and gifting chain going until the back is too worn to continue. Ultimately, recycle the bag.
## Make a gift display rather than gift wrap
1. Bring unwrapped gifts to the celebration.
2. Place the gifts on a display table. Cover the table with a reusable tablecloth.
3. Prepare a one page log for the honoree. It should list each gift, the name and email (or paper mail if you prefer to consume paper for thank you notes) address of the person giving the gift. The honoree can then use this log to send Thank You notes. Only one sheet of paper is consumed for the entire event!
4. When it is time to present the gifts, position the honoree behind the table along with the guests. Take photos of the covered table, uncover the table and photograph the table displaying the gifts. (Optionally, make a video of the table being uncovered.)
## Gift wrap (blindfold) the honoree instead of the gift
1. If your honoree is adventuresome, blindfold them with an attractive looking bandana or blindfold prior to displaying or presenting any gifts.
2. Present each gift to the blindfolded honoree while the people giving the gift stand behind them.
3. Have the honoree identify the gift by feeling of it. If you want to make the task more challenging have the honoree wear attractive looking gloves or mittens while doing this. Optionally, have the honoree guess who gave them the gift.
4. Of course, take numerous photos (and possibly video) of the gift giving process.
</s> |