[ { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can brain cells move? By movement I mean long distance migration (preferably within the brain only)." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The question is relatively broad and one should take into account that the brain not only consists of neurons, but also glial cells (supportive cells) and pre-mitotic neuronal stem cells. Furthermore, as critical fellow-scientists have indicated, developmental stage is very important, as the developing embryonic brain is very different from the adult brain.\nHowever, after sifting through various publications, the answer to the question is actually remarkably simple: Yes, brain cells migrate.\nIn the adult brain glial cells migrate in the brain (Klämbt, 2009). Glial cells are involved in a myriad of functions, but a notable example of migrating glial cells are the oligodendrocytes that migrate relative long distances to find their target axons onto which they wrap themselves to form the insulating myelin sheath (Tsai and Miller, 2002).\nNeuronal stem cells migrate over long distances in response to injury (Imitola et al., 2004) and they migrate from specific stem-cell locations (e.g., hippocampus and subventricular zone) to other regions (Clarke, 2003).\nPost-mitotic, but non-differentiated neurons have been shown to migrate in the adult brain in fish (Scott et al., 2012), and in mammals and non-human primates as well (Sawada et al., 2011).\nNot surprisingly, glial cells, stem cells and neurons also migrate during embryonic development. Most notably, post-mitotic neurons destined to fulfill peripheral functions have to migrate over relatively long distances from the neural crest to their target locations (Neuroscience, 2nd ed, Neuronal Migration)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In our computer systems lecture we were introduced to the MIPS processor. It was (re)developed over the course of the term and has in fact been quite easy to understand. It uses a RISC design, that is its elementary commands are regularly encoded and there are only few of them in order to keep the wires simple.\nIt was mentioned that CISC follows a different philosophy. I looked briefly at the x86 instruction set and was shocked. I can not image how anyone would want to build a processor that uses so complex a command set!\nSo I figure there have to be good arguments why large portions of the processor market use CISC architectures. What are they? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There is a general historical trend.\nIn the olden days, memories were small, and so programs were perforce small. Also, compilers were not very smart, and many programs were written in assembler, so it was considered a good thing to be able to write a program using few instructions. Instruction pipelines were simple, and processors grabbed one instruction at a time to execute it. The machinery inside the processor was quite complex anyway; decoding instructions was not felt to be much of a burden. \nIn the 1970s, CPU and compiler designers realized that having such complex instructions was not so helpful after all. It was difficult to design processors in which those instructions were really efficient, and it was difficult to design compilers that really took advantage of these instructions. Chip area and compiler complexity was better spent on more generic pursuits such as more general-purpose registers. The Wikipedia article on RISC explains this in more detail.\nMIPS is the ultimate RISC architecture, which is why it's taught so often.\nThe x86 family is a bit different. It was originally a CISC architecture meant for systems with very small memory (no room for large instructions), and has undergone many successive versions. Today's x86 instruction set is not only complicated because it's CISC, but because it's really a 8088 with a 80386 with a Pentium possibly with an x86_64 processor.\nIn today's world, RISC and CISC are no longer the black-and-white distinction they might have been once. Most CPU architectures have evolved to different shades of grey.\nOn the RISC side, some modern MIPS variants have added multiplication and division instructions, with a non-uniform encoding. ARM processors have become more complex: many of them have a 16-bit instruction set called Thumb in addition to the “original” 32-bit instructions, not to mention Jazelle to execute JVM instructions on the CPU. Modern ARM processors also have SIMD instructions for multimedia applications: some complex instructions do pay after all.\nOn the CISC side, all recent processors are to some extent RISC inside. They have microcode to define all these complex macro instructions. The sheer complexity of the processor makes the design of each model take several years, even with a RISC design, what with the large number of components, with pipelining and predictive execution and whatnot.\nSo why do the fastest processors remain CISC outside? Part of it, in the case of the x86 (32-bit and 64-bit) family, is historical compatibility. But that's not the whole of it. In the early 2000s, Intel tried pushing the Itanium architecture. Itanium is an extreme case of complex instructions (not really CISC, though: its design has been dubbed EPIC). It even does away with the old-fashioned idea of executing instructions in sequence: all instructions are executed in parallel until the next barrier. One of the reasons Itanium didn't take is that nobody, whether at Intel or elsewhere, could write a decent compiler for it. Now a good old mostly-sequential processor like x86_64, that's something we understand." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "View tabular file such as CSV from command line, having horizontal and vertical scrolling would be great." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, please take a look at csvkit. It provides a set of tools that adhere to the UNIX philosophy (meaning they are small, simple, single-purposed and can be combined). \n\nHere is an example that extracts the ten most populated cities in Germany from the free Maxmind World Cities database and displays the result in a console-readable format:\n```$ csvgrep -e iso-8859-1 -c 1 -m \"de\" worldcitiespop | csvgrep -c 5 -r \"\\d+\"\n | csvsort -r -c 5 -l | csvcut -c 1,2,4,6 | head -n 11 | csvlook\n-----------------------------------------------------\n| line_number | Country | AccentCity | Population |\n-----------------------------------------------------\n| 1 | de | Berlin | 3398362 |\n| 2 | de | Hamburg | 1733846 |\n| 3 | de | Munich | 1246133 |\n| 4 | de | Cologne | 968823 |\n| 5 | de | Frankfurt | 648034 |\n| 6 | de | Dortmund | 594255 |\n| 7 | de | Stuttgart | 591688 |\n| 8 | de | Düsseldorf | 577139 |\n| 9 | de | Essen | 576914 |\n| 10 | de | Bremen | 546429 |\n-----------------------------------------------------\n```\n\nCsvkit is platform independent because it is written in Python. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Slater type orbitals (STO) are considered to be more accurate than gaussian type orbitals (GTO) for atomic and molecular QM calculations because - among other reasons - they decay with $e^{-\\alpha r}$ as $r \\to \\infty$. But GTOs are more popular because they are easier to calculate with. GTOs decay with $e^{-\\alpha r^2}$, so its adequate to sometimes add diffuse functions to the GTO basis set to compensate for gaussian decay behaviour.\nAlso, exact hydrogen wavefunctions decay exponentially, so the motivation for STOs.\nI understand that the only boundary requirement for solving the Schrödinger equation for atoms and molecules in free space is that the wavefunction goes zero as $r \\to \\infty$, but there are no a priori requirements for the way it decays as it does so.\nMy question is: do we have theoretical (ab initio) and/or experimental reasons to believe that all atomic and molecular wavefunctions decay like $e^{-\\alpha r}$ as $r \\to \\infty$." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'll answer this question from the theoretical side. The exponential behavior follows simply from the Schrödinger equation. Consider the one-electron Schrödinger equation:\n$$\n(-\\frac{1}{2}\\nabla^2 + V(\\mathbf{r}))\\psi(\\mathbf{r}) = \\epsilon\\psi(\\mathbf{r}), \\epsilon < 0\n$$\nAt spatial points that are very far away from the nucleus, $V(\\mathbf{r})\\approx 0$, so that the asymptotic solution is given by\n$$\n-\\frac{1}{2}\\nabla^2\\psi(\\mathbf{r}) = \\epsilon\\psi(\\mathbf{r}), \\epsilon < 0\n$$\nThis differential equation has basic solutions of the form\n$$\n\\psi(\\mathbf{r}) = Ce^{-\\sqrt{-2\\epsilon}\\mathbf{k}\\cdot\\mathbf{r}}\n$$\nfor some unit vector $\\mathbf{k}$. The real asymptotic behavior of $\\psi(\\mathbf{r})$ is thus a linear combination of these basic solutions. The linear combination may bring a polynomial prefactor to the exponential, but will never alter the exponent. Thus we have not only proved the exponential behavior, but also derived the correct exponent $\\alpha = \\sqrt{-2\\epsilon}$. For a multi-electronic, non-interacting system, the overall decay rate is governed by the slowest decaying orbital, i.e. the HOMO.\nOf course, the real wavefunction can only be described by a multi-electron Schrödinger equation. But we can work on the equivalent Kohn-Sham system and show that the Kohn-Sham wavefunction decays at a rate given by the Kohn-Sham HOMO energy. By Janak's theorem, the Kohn-Sham HOMO energy is just the negative of the ionization potential of the exact system. To see this, consider a huge ensemble of $N$ identical, non-interacting molecules. If we remove one electron from the ensemble and let the hole delocalize evenly between all the molecules, then as $N\\to +\\infty$, the electron removal has a negligible impact on the electron density of any molecule (and therefore the Kohn-Sham potential of each molecule). Therefore under the Kohn-Sham framework we see that removing such an electron costs an energy of $-\\epsilon_{\\mathrm{HOMO}}$ (it does not matter whether the HOMO refers to that of the ensemble or that of a molecule, since their orbital energies are equal), since the electron is taken from an energy level whose energy is $\\epsilon_{\\mathrm{HOMO}}$ and the Hamiltonian is not changed in this process. On the other hand, from the perspective of the real system it is clear that the energy cost is equal to the first ionization energy of one of the molecules, $I$. Therefore we have $\\epsilon_{\\mathrm{HOMO}} = -I$, which means that the Kohn-Sham wavefunction decays like (again up to a possible polynomial prefactor; the precise determination of this polynomial prefactor is a much more difficult question)\n$$\n\\psi(\\mathbf{r}) = Ce^{-\\sqrt{2I}\\mathbf{k}\\cdot\\mathbf{r}}\n$$\nAlthough the Kohn-Sham wavefunction is fictional, its density is equal to the true multielectronic density, and in order for the true density to have the same asymptotic behavior as the Kohn-Sham density, the true wavefunction must have the same asymptotic behavior as the Kohn-Sham wavefunction. Q.E.D." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Explain what \"git reset\" does. I come from a SVN background and Git is a whole new paradigm. I got mercurial easily, but Git is much more technical.\nI think ```git reset``` is close to ```hg revert```, but it seems there are differences. Please include detailed explanations about:\n\n* the options ```--hard```, ```--soft``` and ```--merge```;\n* the strange notation you use with ```HEAD``` such as ```HEAD^``` and ```HEAD~1```;\n* concrete use cases and work flows;\n* consequences on the working copy, the ```HEAD``` and your global stress level." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Remember that in ```git``` you have:\n\n* the ```HEAD``` pointer, which tells you what commit you're working on\n* the working tree, which represents the state of the files on your system\n* the staging area (also called the index), which \"stages\" changes so that they can later be committed together\n\n\n> Please include detailed explanations about:\n ```--hard```, ```--soft``` and ```--merge```;\n\nIn increasing order of dangerous-ness:\n\n* ```--soft``` moves ```HEAD``` but doesn't touch the staging area or the working tree.\n* ```--mixed``` moves ```HEAD``` and updates the staging area, but not the working tree.\n* ```--merge``` moves ```HEAD```, resets the staging area, and tries to move all the changes in your working tree into the new working tree.\n* ```--hard``` moves ```HEAD``` and adjusts your staging area and working tree to the new ```HEAD```, throwing away everything.\n\n\n> concrete use cases and workflows;\n\n\n* Use ```--soft``` when you want to move to another commit and patch things up without \"losing your place\". It's pretty rare that you need this.\n\n```\n# git reset --soft example\ntouch foo // Add a file, make some changes.\ngit add foo //\ngit commit -m \"bad commit message\" // Commit... D'oh, that was a mistake!\ngit reset --soft HEAD^ // Go back one commit and fix things.\ngit commit -m \"good commit\" // There, now it's right.\n```\n--\n\n* Use ```--mixed``` (which is the default) when you want to see what things look like at another commit, but you don't want to lose any changes you already have.\n* Use ```--merge``` when you want to move to a new spot but incorporate the changes you already have into that the working tree.\n* Use ```--hard``` to wipe everything out and start a fresh slate at the new commit." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am looking to use Java to get the MD5 checksum of a file.\nHow is it done?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The com.google.common.hash API offers:\n\n* A unified user-friendly API for all hash functions\n* Seedable 32- and 128-bit implementations of murmur3\n* md5(), sha1(), sha256(), sha512() adapters, change only one line of code to switch between these, and murmur.\n* goodFastHash(int bits), for when you don't care what algorithm you use\n* General utilities for HashCode instances, like combineOrdered / combineUnordered\n\nRead the User Guide (IO Explained, Hashing Explained). \nFor your use-case ```Files.hash()``` computes and returns the digest value for a file.\nFor example a sha-1 digest calculation (change SHA-1 to MD5 to get MD5 digest)\n```HashCode hc = Files.asByteSource(file).hash(Hashing.sha1());\n\"SHA-1: \" + hc.toString();\n```\nNote that crc32 is much faster than md5, so use crc32 if you do not need a cryptographically secure checksum. Note also that md5 should not be used to store passwords and the like since it is to easy to brute force, for passwords use bcrypt, scrypt or sha-256 instead. \nFor long term protection with hashes a Merkle signature scheme adds to the security and The Post Quantum Cryptography Study Group sponsored by the European Commission has recommended use of this cryptography for long term protection against quantum computers (ref).\nNote that crc32 has a higher collision rate than the others. \nWhat part of Files.hash as stated above does not cover Files.hash ?" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are the primary objections Democrats have to a border wall?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's not clear to me that Democrats are opposed to border-wall construction (your one source suggests they are fine with border walls/fences where necessary), so much as they opposed to some of the plans for full-border walls that have been put forth so far.\nRecently, in response to reports that the spending bill would include funding for a border wall, 5 Democratic senators released a letter voicing concerns over the cost, the effectiveness, and the legal issues of constructing it.\n\nWe are also concerned with reports that there may be an effort to include funding for a very expensive new wall along the southern border with Mexico and a “deportation force.” According to non-partisan experts, the proposed new border wall could cost as much as $25 million per mile and raises considerable issues that have not been resolved by the Congress or the Department of Homeland Security. First, many experts believe that such a border wall will not work. Second, there is real concern that the Administration, put simply, has no plan to build the border wall. For example, the Administration has not detailed how to 1) use eminent domain and other procedures to acquire land from private landowners and Native American tribes, 2) design the wall, 3) locate the wall, 4) construct the wall, and 5) require Mexico to pay for the wall given the President’s clear and repeated promises that he would force Mexico to do so. Finally, there are objections to the construction of a wall from Democratic and Republican members of Congress that represent border states. Given these and other concerns, we believe it would be inappropriate to insist on the inclusion of such funding in a must-pass appropriations bill that is needed for the Republican majority in control of the Congress to avert a government shutdown so early in President Trump’s Administration.\n[...]\nSenator Charles Schumer\nSenator Richard Durbin\nSenator Patty Murray\nSenator Debbie Stabenow\nSenator Patrick Leahy\n\nBased on this letter, it appears their main objections to a full border wall are currently the cost-benefit ratio and the legal issues of taking land from Americans to build it on; objections that may not be unique to Democrats." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm converting a video to GIF file with ```ffmpeg```:\n```ffmpeg \\\n -i input.flv \\\n -ss 00:00:00.000 \\\n -pix_fmt rgb24 \\\n -r 10 \\\n -s 320x240 \\\n -t 00:00:10.000 \\\n output.gif\n```\nIt works great, but output gif file has a very low quality.\nAny ideas how can I improve quality of converted gif?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you would prefer to avoid intermediate image files, the commands provided by LordNeckBeard can be piped between ```ffmpeg``` and ImageMagick's ```convert``` so that no intermediate files are required:\n```ffmpeg -i input.flv -vf scale=320:-1 -r 10 -f image2pipe -vcodec ppm - | convert -delay 10 -loop 0 - output.gif\n```\nThe ```-f image2pipe``` tells ffmpeg to split the video into images and make it suitable to be piped out, and ```-vcodec ppm``` specifies the output format to be ppm (for some reason if the format is png, either ```convert``` does not read all the images from the pipe, or ffmpeg does not output them all). The ```-``` for both commands specifies that a pipe will be used for output and input respectively.\nTo optimize the result without saving a file, you can pipe the output from ```convert``` to a second ```convert``` command:\n```ffmpeg -i input.flv -vf scale=320:-1 -r 10 -f image2pipe -vcodec ppm - | convert -delay 10 -loop 0 - gif:- | convert -layers Optimize - output.gif\n```\nThe ```gif:-``` tells ```convert``` to pipe its output as gif formatted data and ```-layers Optimize``` tells the second ```convert``` to perform ```optimize-frame``` and ```optimize-transparancy``` methods (see the ImageMagick Introduction to Animation Optimization). Note that the output from the ```-layers Optimize``` may not always provide a smaller file size, so you may want to try converting to a gif without optimization first to be sure.\nRemember that during this whole process everything is in memory so you may need sufficient memory if the images are quite large." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Tor can only handle TCP connections, but DNS is a UDP protocol. How does Tor route DNS requests over its TCP based network? Why can the same approach not be used to route all UDP traffic over Tor?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tor clients do not, in general, directly do DNS requests. When you open a connection through the tor network you usually ask your client (on its socks ports) to connect you to a hostname and port, say www.example.com:80.\nYour tor client, once it has created a circuit, will send that hostname and port to the exit node in its RELAY_BEGIN cell.\nThe exit node will then do a DNS resolve and open a TCP connection to the target. Once that's established it will tell your client that the connection is open, and for informational purposes will also tell your client what address that hostname resolved to.\nTor, in addition to that, has some sort of \"remote DNS resolve\" protocol built in. This support allows clients to query for certain resource types, like IPv4 or IPv6 addresses. Here too, the exit node does the actual DNS packet sending and receiving and just relays the answer to the client.\nNo UDP packets are actually ever routed from the client.\nThere's also a proposal to add more full featured DNS support to Tor. So far it hasn't been implemented.\n\nTor Protocol Specification references\n\n* 6.2. Opening streams and transferring data\n* 6.4. Remote hostname lookup\n* Proposal 219 - Support for full DNS and DNSSEC resolution in Tor\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why does this throw ```NullPointerException```\n```public static void main(String[] args) throws Exception {\n Boolean b = true ? returnsNull() : false; // NPE on this line.\n System.out.println(b);\n}\npublic static Boolean returnsNull() {\n return null;\n}\n```\nwhile this doesn't\n```public static void main(String[] args) throws Exception {\n Boolean b = true ? null : false;\n System.out.println(b); // null\n}\n```\n?\nThe solution is by the way to replace ```false``` by ```Boolean.FALSE``` to avoid ```null``` being unboxed to ```boolean``` --which isn't possible. But that isn't the question. The question is why? Are there any references in JLS which confirms this behaviour, especially of the 2nd case?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The difference is that the explicit type of the ```returnsNull()``` method affects the static typing of the expressions at compile time:\n```E1: `true ? returnsNull() : false` - boolean (auto-unboxing 2nd operand to boolean)\nE2: `true ? null : false` - Boolean (autoboxing of 3rd operand to Boolean)\n```\nSee Java Language Specification, section 15.25 Conditional Operator ? :\n\n* For E1, the types of the 2nd and 3rd operands are ```Boolean``` and ```boolean``` respectively, so this clause applies:\n\n If one of the second and third operands is of type boolean and the type of the other is of type Boolean, then the type of the conditional expression is boolean.\n\nSince the type of the expression is ```boolean```, the 2nd operand must be coerced to ```boolean```. The compiler inserts auto-unboxing code to the 2nd operand (return value of ```returnsNull()```) to make it type ```boolean```. This of course causes the NPE from the ```null``` returned at run-time.\n* For E2, types of the 2nd and 3rd operands are `````` (not ```Boolean``` as in E1!) and ```boolean``` respectively, so no specific typing clause applies (go read 'em!), so the final \"otherwise\" clause applies:\n\n Otherwise, the second and third operands are of types S1 and S2 respectively. Let T1 be the type that results from applying boxing conversion to S1, and let T2 be the type that results from applying boxing conversion to S2. The type of the conditional expression is the result of applying capture conversion (§5.1.10) to lub(T1, T2) (§15.12.2.7).\n\n\n* S1 == `````` (see §4.1)\n* S2 == ```boolean```\n* T1 == box(S1) == `````` (see last item in list of boxing conversions in §5.1.7)\n* T2 == box(S2) == `Boolean\n* lub(T1, T2) == ```Boolean```\n\nSo the type of the conditional expression is ```Boolean``` and the 3rd operand must be coerced to ```Boolean```. The compiler inserts auto-boxing code for the 3rd operand (```false```). The 2nd operand doesn't need the auto-unboxing as in ```E1```, so no auto-unboxing NPE when ```null``` is returned.\n\n\nThis question needs a similar type analysis:\nJava conditional operator ?: result type" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do DOS games like DOOM benefit from a PCI graphics card?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "DOOM itself doesn’t do anything special to benefit from PCI graphics cards. It runs faster with PCI graphics cards (and VLB, AGP, and PCI Express cards) than with ISA graphics cards because the supporting bus is faster, so reads from and writes to video memory take less time.\nPCI goes to great lengths to preserve backwards compatibility with ISA-based VGA, providing support for “VGA compatible” adapters so that they can appear in memory at the same locations and use the same I/O ports as ISA VGA cards. So accesses to the VGA registers and to the VGA buffer (at 0xA0000) go directly to the main PCI VGA compatible adapter in the system, with no change required in the operating system or programs running on it. (This is the reason why there’s a specific “VGA compatible controller” device type in PCI. Such shenanigans are impossible for other device types in PCI, which is why PCI sound cards have so much trouble providing compatibility with programs written for ISA sound cards.)\nA faster bus and/or faster video memory immediately leads to higher performance in video-intensive programs because software doesn’t need to be careful about how it accesses video memory (except on CGA, and on all platforms with vertical blank synchronisation if it cares about tearing). So ```REP MOVSW``` or ```REP MOVSD``` with no waiting in software, once the program decides to write a frame, is perfectly fine, and will go faster and faster as the underlying hardware improves. On platforms where this can’t work in hardware (e.g. on an 8088 with a VGA card), the hardware takes care of specifics — for example on an 8088 the bus unit will split up 16-bit accesses.\nYour question is specific to DOOM but other DOS games are in a similar situation. Later games tended to rely on VBE (often using UniVBE) to access video modes beyond those provided by VGA, but they mostly didn’t use anything beyond video-mode setup and framebuffer configuration (see also Were any DOS games (or software) known to use VBE/AF?), so improved video speed came mostly from bus speed increases, faster video memory, and speed increases in the cards themselves (which was already a factor in the ISA era, compare most Trident cards to Tseng cards for example).\nFor an excellent explanation of the intricacies of VGA programming and its memory layout, see Fabien Sanglard’s Game Engine Black Book series. The DOOM update loop is shown on page 185 of the DOOM book; it doesn’t use any assembly language (unlike the renderer, see pp. 290 and following), but it does have one perhaps surprising feature given the 32-bit nature of the code: VGA updates are done 16 bits at a time. Section 2.3 of the same book, pp. 59 and following, describes some of the improvements to VGA adapters around the time DOOM was released, in particular the switch to the VESA Local Bus on 486s. The benchmark table on page 287 shows the importance of the bus." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I need to be able to open a document using its default application in Windows and Mac OS. Basically, I want to do the same thing that happens when you double-click on the document icon in Explorer or Finder. What is the best way to do this in Python?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "```open``` and ```start``` are command-interpreter things for Mac OS/X and Windows respectively, to do this.\nTo call them from Python, you can either use ```subprocess``` module or ```os.system()```. \nHere are considerations on which package to use:\n\n* You can call them via ```os.system```, which works, but...\nEscaping: ```os.system``` only works with filenames that don't have any spaces or other shell metacharacters in the pathname (e.g. ```A:\\abc\\def\\a.txt```), or else these need to be escaped. There is ```shlex.quote``` for Unix-like systems, but nothing really standard for Windows. Maybe see also python, windows : parsing command lines with shlex\n\n* MacOS/X: ```os.system(\"open \" + shlex.quote(filename))```\n* Windows: ```os.system(\"start \" + filename)``` where properly speaking ```filename``` should be escaped, too.\n\n* You can also call them via ```subprocess``` module, but...\nFor Python 2.7 and newer, simply use\n```subprocess.check_call(['open', filename])\n```\nIn Python 3.5+ you can equivalently use the slightly more complex but also somewhat more versatile\n```subprocess.run(['open', filename], check=True)\n```\nIf you need to be compatible all the way back to Python 2.4, you can use ```subprocess.call()``` and implement your own error checking:\n```try:\n retcode = subprocess.call(\"open \" + filename, shell=True)\n if retcode < 0:\n print >>sys.stderr, \"Child was terminated by signal\", -retcode\n else:\n print >>sys.stderr, \"Child returned\", retcode\nexcept OSError, e:\n print >>sys.stderr, \"Execution failed:\", e\n```\nNow, what are the advantages of using ```subprocess```?\n\n* Security: In theory, this is more secure, but in fact we're needing to execute a command line one way or the other; in either environment, we need the environment and services to interpret, get paths, and so forth. In neither case are we executing arbitrary text, so it doesn't have an inherent \"but you can type ```'filename ; rm -rf /'```\" problem, and if the file name can be corrupted, using ```subprocess.call``` gives us little additional protection.\n* Error handling: It doesn't actually give us any more error detection, we're still depending on the ```retcode``` in either case; but the behavior to explicitly raise an exception in the case of an error will certainly help you notice if there is a failure (though in some scenarios, a traceback might not at all be more helpful than simply ignoring the error).\n* Spawns a (non-blocking) subprocess: We don't need to wait for the child process, since we're by problem statement starting a separate process.\n\nTo the objection \"But ```subprocess``` is preferred.\" However, ```os.system()``` is not deprecated, and it's in some sense the simplest tool for this particular job. Conclusion: using ```os.system()``` is therefore also a correct answer.\nA marked disadvantage is that the Windows ```start``` command requires you to pass in ```shell=True``` which negates most of the benefits of using ```subprocess```.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why does PRC devalue its currency on purpose, but Turkey is worried about the devaluation of its currency?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Trade surplus/deficit\nDevaluing one's currency means mostly one thing: It becomes more expensive to import products from abroad, while one's own products become comparably cheaper to buy on the world market. That means a country which exports lots of goods wants to devalue their currency while a country which imports lots of goods does not.\nIn 2016, Turkey imported goods worth US $186 billion and exported goods worth US $156 billion. That means they had a trade deficit of 19%.\nHowever, China only imported goods worth US $1.23 trillion and exported goods worth US $2.27 trillion in 2016. That means they had a trade surplus of 84%.\nWhich is why China wants to devalue their currency while Turkey does not.\nDebt management\nAnother reason to devalue one's currency is that it reduces any debts denoted in that currency. If a country has a problem of too much public and private debt, then an easy way to get rid of it is to cause a hyperinflation. \nChina happens to have a debt-to-gdp ratio of 47.6% while Turkey only has one of 28.3%. When you look at the private debt (debt of private citizens and companies in the country), you see the same picture. Private debit in Turkey was 170% of GDP, while China's is rumored to be over 300%.\nWhich is why reducing debt through causing inflation seems more attractive to China than to Turkey.\nForeign investor relations\nSo why don't all countries get rid of their debt by adding a few zeroes to their bank notes? Because inflating your currency is a surefire way to drive away any foreign investors. Nobody will invest money into your country when that money might be worth nothing in a few years. Investors want stable currencies. Again, we observe the same difference in motivation between Turkey and China here. Turkey is actively inviting foreign investors, but China is quite reluctant to allow foreign economic influence in their country." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is it worth patenting an algorithm if I don't have the money to defend against infringements?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is a great question, with no one right answer.\nThe strength of a patent comes from the ability to enforce it. If the patent owner cannot enforce it for whatever reason (such as a lack of funding), the patent is effectively toothless.\nBut your competitors will likely not know that. They may therefore be dissuaded from infringing simply by the existence of a patent and the assumption that you would sue. Such a chilling effect on competition may be valuable to you.\nIn addition, if there is infringement, you may be able to get a licensing agreement without the need for litigation. This can be a very lucrative business model, and so may justify the cost of patenting.\nAnd if litigation seems likely, there is a nascent field of litigation funding. While your funders will take quite a great deal of the damages, you may at least get something out of the end of it.\nFinally, even if you can't sue, someone else could. You might therefore get quite some value from selling it off at some point. There are a number of tech businesses where most of their value comes from their IP portfolio.\nOn the whole therefore it depends how you see yourself proceeding. If you're unsure, it may pay to err on the side of patenting: once you disclose or use your invention publicly, you're generally barred from patenting it later (but for a short grace period in some countries), whereas it's easy to abandon a patent (or application) later down the track if you wish." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have a ```String[]``` with values like so:\n```public static final String[] VALUES = new String[] {\"\"AB\"\",\"\"BC\"\",\"\"CD\"\",\"\"AE\"\"};\n```\nGiven ```String s```, is there a good way of testing whether ```VALUES``` contains ```s```?\" How do I determine whether an array contains a particular value in Java?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Four Different Ways to Check If an Array Contains a Value:\n\n* Using ```List```:\n```public static boolean useList(String[] arr, String targetValue) {\n return Arrays.asList(arr).contains(targetValue);\n}\n```\n* Using ```Set```:\n```public static boolean useSet(String[] arr, String targetValue) {\n Set set = new HashSet(Arrays.asList(arr));\n return set.contains(targetValue);\n}\n```\n* Using a simple loop:\n```public static boolean useLoop(String[] arr, String targetValue) {\n for (String s: arr) {\n if (s.equals(targetValue))\n return true;\n }\n return false;\n}\n```\n* Using ```Arrays.binarySearch()```:\nThe code below is wrong, it is listed here for completeness. ```binarySearch()``` can ONLY be used on sorted arrays. You will find the result is weird below. This is the best option when array is sorted.\n```public static boolean binarySearch(String[] arr, String targetValue) {\n return Arrays.binarySearch(arr, targetValue) >= 0;\n}\n```\n\nQuick Example:\n```String testValue=\"test\";\nString newValueNotInList=\"newValue\";\nString[] valueArray = { \"this\", \"is\", \"java\" , \"test\" };\nArrays.asList(valueArray).contains(testValue); // returns true\nArrays.asList(valueArray).contains(newValueNotInList); // returns false\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Does Java casting introduce overhead? Or the compiler just resolves everything and there is no cost at run time?\nIs this a general things, or there are different cases?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are 2 types of casting in Java:\n\nImplicit casting, when you cast from a type to a wider type, which is done automatically and there is no overhead:\n```String s = \"Cast\";\nObject o = s; // implicit casting\n```\nExplicit casting, when you go from a wider type to a more narrow one. For this case, you must explicitly use casting like that:\n```Object o = someObject;\nString s = (String) o; // explicit casting\n```\nIn this second case, there is overhead in runtime, because the two types must be checked and in case that casting is not feasible, JVM must throw a ClassCastException.\n\nTaken from JavaWorld: The cost of casting\n\n> Casting is used to convert between types -- between reference types in particular, for the type of casting operation in which we're interested here. Upcast operations (also called widening conversions in the Java Language Specification) convert a subclass reference to an ancestor class reference. This casting operation is normally automatic, since it's always safe and can be implemented directly by the compiler. Downcast operations (also called narrowing conversions in the Java Language Specification) convert an ancestor class reference to a subclass reference. This casting operation creates execution overhead, since Java requires that the cast be checked at runtime to make sure that it's valid. If the referenced object is not an instance of either the target type for the cast or a subclass of that type, the attempted cast is not permitted and must throw a java.lang.ClassCastException.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can I copy a string (e.g \"hello\") to the System Clipboard in C#, so next time I press CTRL+V I'll get \"hello\"?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are two classes that lives in different assemblies and different namespaces.\n\n* WinForms: use following namespace declaration, make sure ```Main``` is marked with ```[STAThread]``` attribute:\n```using System.Windows.Forms;\n```\n* WPF: use following namespace declaration\n```using System.Windows;\n```\n* console: add reference to ```System.Windows.Forms```, use following namespace declaration, make sure ```Main``` is marked with ```[STAThread]``` attribute. Step-by-step guide in another answer\n```using System.Windows.Forms;\n```\n\nTo copy an exact string (literal in this case):\n```Clipboard.SetText(\"Hello, clipboard\");\n```\nTo copy the contents of a textbox either use TextBox.Copy() or get text first and then set clipboard value:\n```Clipboard.SetText(txtClipboard.Text);\n```\nSee here for an example.\nOr... Official MSDN documentation or Here for WPF.\n\nRemarks:\n\n* Clipboard is desktop UI concept, trying to set it in server side code like ASP.Net will only set value on the server and has no impact on what user can see in they browser. While linked answer lets one to run Clipboard access code server side with ```SetApartmentState``` it is unlikely what you want to achieve.\n* If after following information in this question code still gets an exception see "Current thread must be set to single thread apartment (STA)" error in copy string to clipboard\n* This question/answer covers regular .NET, for .NET Core see - .Net Core - copy to clipboard?\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to put a draft watermark using the below script but the problem is that the watermark don't come over the images and I want it to come over it.\n```\\usepackage{draftwatermark}\n\\SetWatermarkText{DRAFT}\n\\SetWatermarkScale{1}\n```" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The problem is that the ```draftwatermark``` places the material in the background, so other elements (for example, figures and listings) might cover the included material; to prevent this, instead of using the ```draftwatermark``` package, you can use the ```xwatermark``` package; the starred variant of ```\\newwatermark``` places the material in the foreground which seems to be what you need. A little example:\nFirst, with the unstarred variant (material on the background, so a figure will be placed on top of it):\n```\\documentclass{article}\n\\usepackage[printwatermark]{xwatermark}\n\\usepackage{xcolor}\n\\usepackage{graphicx}\n\\usepackage{lipsum}\n\\newwatermark[allpages,color=red!50,angle=45,scale=3,xpos=0,ypos=0]{DRAFT}\n\\begin{document}\n\\lipsum[1-2]\n\\begin{figure}[!ht]\n\\centering\n\\includegraphics[width=3cm]{example-image-a}\n\\end{figure}\n\\lipsum[1-2]\n\\end{document}\n```\n\nAnd now, with the starred variant (material on the foreground, so it will appear on top of figures):\n```\\documentclass{article}\n\\usepackage[printwatermark]{xwatermark}\n\\usepackage{xcolor}\n\\usepackage{graphicx}\n\\usepackage{lipsum}\n\\newwatermark*[allpages,color=red!50,angle=45,scale=3,xpos=0,ypos=0]{DRAFT}\n\\begin{document}\n\\lipsum[1-2]\n\\begin{figure}[!ht]\n\\centering\n\\includegraphics[width=3cm]{example-image-a}\n\\end{figure}\n\\lipsum[1-2]\n\\end{document}\n```\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Understanding the Rails Authenticity Token" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "What is CSRF?\nThe Authenticity Token is a countermeasure to Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF). What is CSRF, you ask?\nIt's a way that an attacker can potentially hijack sessions without even knowing session tokens. \nScenario:\n\n* Visit your bank's site, log in.\n* Then visit the attacker's site (e.g. sponsored ad from an untrusted organization).\n* Attacker's page includes form with same fields as the bank's \"Transfer Funds\" form.\n* Attacker knows your account info, and has pre-filled form fields to transfer money from your account to attacker's account.\n* Attacker's page includes Javascript that submits form to your bank.\n* When form gets submitted, browser includes your cookies for the bank site, including the session token.\n* Bank transfers money to attacker's account.\n* The form can be in an iframe that is invisible, so you never know the attack occurred. \n* This is called Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF). \n\nCSRF solution:\n\n* Server can mark forms that came from the server itself\n* Every form must contain an additional authentication token as a hidden field.\n* Token must be unpredictable (attacker can't guess it).\n* Server provides valid token in forms in its pages.\n* Server checks token when form posted, rejects forms without proper token. \n* Example token: session identifier encrypted with server secret key.\n* Rails automatically generates such tokens: see the authenticity_token input field in every form. \n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is FIFA against adding instant replay to the game?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are a few fundamental considerations:\n\n* Uncertainty is a part of the game. The referee and linesmen are the arbiters of the action. Instant replay would limit their authority.\n* Football is global. Many places do not have access to the technology necessary to implement instant replay.\n* Football is a fast-paced game with few opportunities for stoppage. Instant replay would unnecessarily slow the pace.\n\nIn 2008, FiFA President Sepp Blatter said:\n\n \"Let it be as it is and let's leave [football] with errors. The television companies will have the right to say [the referee] was right or wrong, but still the referee makes the decision – a man, not a machine.\"\n\nBlatter and others at FIFA have repeatedly argued against using instant replay. But lately, FIFA has begun to come around on the idea. At FIFA's Congress in São Paulo prior to the 2014 World Cup, Blatter proposed allowing managers 2 challenges per game, much like the NFL handles challenges today.\nAlthough it's not quite \"instant replay,\" in 2012 FIFA approved two different goal-line technologies to improve referee accuracy: \"Hawk-Eye\" -- which uses visual triangulation to determine ball location -- and \"GoalRef\" -- which uses a microchip in the ball and magnetic sensors within goalposts. (Many say FIFA approved the technologies in response to Frank Lampard's snubbed \"goal\" against Germany in the 2010 World Cup.) In 2013, FIFA announced it would use GoalControl, a German competitor to Hawk-Eye, at the Confederations Cup, basically a rehearsal for the World Cup. After a successful run at that tournament, FIFA announced it would implement GoalControl at the 2014 World Cup. The Guardian provides a pretty helpful FAQ on the technology.\nFIFA may choose to implement further changes to approved goal-line technology and referee rules when it meets again after the World Cup." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "If we should encrypt the message rather than the method of transfer, why do we care about wifi security? Is this just security theatre?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Network encryption protects against different set of threats than application layer encryption like TLS.\nIn particular, network encryption like Wifi encryption are primarily designed to protect from a local attacker from being able to watch network patterns (by recording who you're making connections with, and discovering what devices are on the local network), observing/tampering of low level messages like ARP/DNS, and protecting network broadcasts from devices that aren't supposed to be in the network, and from tampering or selective interference.\nTLS doesn't protect the low level TCP/IP packets, which leaks information like the IP address of the machine you're connecting with, and the TLS handshake also by design leaks a number of information about the connection like Server Name Indication (SNI) header.\nThe side effect of needing to do all this is that Wifi hardware already need to have enough code and processing power to handle encryption, so it becomes easier to just encrypt all wifi packets rather than selectively figuring out what needs protection or not. This come also with the side benefit that unsecured HTTP connection will still be at least marginally protected, even if at least to protect users of the infrastructure from each other, but not from the infrastructure provider.\nNetwork encryption is designed to protect the network, not the service. Application encryption is designed to protect the connection to the service, but it doesn't protect the network. They complement each other, but neither completely makes the other unnecessary." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Applying filter in scipy.signal: Use lfilter or filtfilt?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\n* ```filtfilt``` is zero-phase filtering, which doesn't shift the signal as it filters. Since the phase is zero at all frequencies, it is also linear-phase. Filtering backwards in time requires you to predict the future, so it can't be used in \"online\" real-life applications, only for offline processing of recordings of signals.\n* ```lfilter``` is causal forward-in-time filtering only, similar to a real-life electronic filter. It can't be zero-phase. It can be linear-phase (symmetrical FIR), but usually isn't. Usually it adds different amounts of delay at different frequencies.\n\nAn example and image should make it obvious. Although the magnitude of the frequency response of the filters is identical (top left and top right), the zero-phase lowpass lines up with the original signal, just without high frequency content, while the minimum phase filtering delays the signal in a causal way:\n\n```from __future__ import division, print_function\nimport numpy as np\nfrom numpy.random import randn\nfrom numpy.fft import rfft\nfrom scipy import signal\nimport matplotlib.pyplot as plt\nb, a = signal.butter(4, 0.03, analog=False)\n# Show that frequency response is the same\nimpulse = np.zeros(1000)\nimpulse[500] = 1\n# Applies filter forward and backward in time\nimp_ff = signal.filtfilt(b, a, impulse)\n# Applies filter forward in time twice (for same frequency response)\nimp_lf = signal.lfilter(b, a, signal.lfilter(b, a, impulse))\nplt.subplot(2, 2, 1)\nplt.semilogx(20*np.log10(np.abs(rfft(imp_lf))))\nplt.ylim(-100, 20)\nplt.grid(True, which='both')\nplt.title('lfilter')\nplt.subplot(2, 2, 2)\nplt.semilogx(20*np.log10(np.abs(rfft(imp_ff))))\nplt.ylim(-100, 20)\nplt.grid(True, which='both')\nplt.title('filtfilt')\nsig = np.cumsum(randn(800)) # Brownian noise\nsig_ff = signal.filtfilt(b, a, sig)\nsig_lf = signal.lfilter(b, a, signal.lfilter(b, a, sig))\nplt.subplot(2, 1, 2)\nplt.plot(sig, color='silver', label='Original')\nplt.plot(sig_ff, color='#3465a4', label='filtfilt')\nplt.plot(sig_lf, color='#cc0000', label='lfilter')\nplt.grid(True, which='both')\nplt.legend(loc=\"best\")\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What do different people in the department expect from a postdoc?\nBy different people I mean the advisor, graduate students and PhD students.\nI know it mainly depends on the job description but there are few basic things that a postdoc must be expected to do. How aggressive (proactive) must one be? This question is important since a postdoc cannot just wait for the adviser to give him/her inputs. Rather the postdoc must take the project(s) as another PhD research of his own but be completely accountable to the adviser in terms of what he/she is doing and how is he/she doing that.\nThe above are my thoughts. My question is divided into the following sub-parts:\n\n* What would you as a professor expect from your postdoc? \n* What preparation one must do to rise to the expected level? \n* Is the preparation merely restricted to having sound academic record and experience?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You'll very quickly learn that being an academic involves more than just writing research papers. Your time as a postdoc is when you can start learning about these other aspects, while building your own profile.\nA postdoc needs to do the following:\n\n* Build a publication record. This will involve both what you are paid to do and your own line of research.\n* Get involved with supervising students. Help with the PhDs in the lab, and get involved in supervising masters students.\n* Get involved with obtaining funding. This can either be by helping your employer or (ideally) obtaining your own funding. \n* Build an international reputation.\n* Start collaborating with external parties.\n* Gain some teaching experience. This is absolutely crucial if you want a faculty position.\n* Learn how to manage projects and a lab. This includes overseeing the progress of projects, allocating your time (and others), presenting results at meetings and writing deliverables. If you are in a lab setting, you will need to learn how to fix/calibrate/maintain critical equipment and software so that you can start your own lab some day, and you will need to become proficient in teaching more junior members on how to use that equipment.\n* Start to devise a strategic research plan. While it is fun to do opportunistic research, solving a problem that comes along or investigating any idea that pops into your head, a better long term strategy is to formulate an interesting long term research plan and follow it, building result upon result.\n\nBe as proactive as humanly possible, without being annoying. Talk to everyone in the department, especially people whose research interests are close to your. Go to conferences and sit down and work with interesting people (not necessarily the superstars)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can someone explain to me what the ```contentInset``` property in a ```UIScrollView``` instance is used for? And maybe provide an example?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While jball's answer is an excellent description of content insets, it doesn't answer the question of when to use it. I'll borrow from his diagrams:\n``` _|←_cW_→_|_↓_\n | |\n---------------\n |content| ↑\n ↑ |content| contentInset.top\ncH |content|\n ↓ |content| contentInset.bottom\n |content| ↓\n---------------\n |content|\n-------------↑-\n```\nThat's what you get when you do it, but the usefulness of it only shows when you scroll:\n``` _|←_cW_→_|_↓_\n |content| ← content is still visible\n---------------\n |content| ↑\n ↑ |content| contentInset.top\ncH |content|\n ↓ |content| contentInset.bottom\n |content| ↓\n---------------\n _|_______|___\n ↑\n```\nThat top row of content will still be visible because it's still inside the frame of the scroll view. One way to think of the top offset is \"how much to shift the content down the scroll view when we're scrolled all the way to the top\"\nTo see a place where this is actually used, look at the build-in Photos app on the iphone. The Navigation bar and status bar are transparent, and the contents of the scroll view are visible underneath. That's because the scroll view's frame extends out that far. But if it wasn't for the content inset, you would never be able to have the top of the content clear that transparent navigation bar when you go all the way to the top." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How is arc defined in TikZ?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "```\\draw (x,y) arc (start:stop:radius);``` draws an arc\n\n* with radius ```radius```\n* starts from ```(x,y)```\n* with center ```(x-r*cos(start), y-r*sin(start))``` and\n* ends at ```(x-r*cos(start)+r*cos(stop), y-r*sin(start)+r*sin(stop))```.\n\nFor example,\n``` \\draw[red] (0,0) arc (30:60:3);\n```\ndraws an arc\n\n* of radius ```3```\n* starting from ```(0,0)```\n* with center ```(0-3*cos(30),0-3*sin(30))``` and\n* ending at ```(0-3*cos(30)+3*cos(60),0-3*sin(30)+3*sin(60))```.\n\n```\\draw[blue] (0,0) -- ++(30+180:3) -- +(60:3);\n```\ndraw a blue line to the arc to make a complete sector.\n\nMinimal Working Example\n```\\documentclass[tikz,border=12pt]{standalone}\n\\begin{document}\n\\foreach \\start/\\stop in {30/60,45/90,135/180,0/180,45/315}\n{\n \\begin{tikzpicture}\n \\draw[lightgray,ultra thin] (-6,-6) grid (6,6);\n \\draw[red] (0,0) arc (\\start:\\stop:3);\n \\draw[blue] (0,0) -- ++(\\start+180:3) -- +(\\stop:3);\n \\node[anchor=north] at (0,6) {$(\\start:\\stop:3)$};\n \\end{tikzpicture}\n}\n\\end{document}\n```\n\n\n\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to connect mysql workbench to running mysql inside docker?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By default after deployment MySQL has following connection restrictions:\n```mysql> select host, user from mysql.user;\n+-----------+---------------+\n| host | user |\n+-----------+---------------+\n| localhost | healthchecker |\n| localhost | mysql.session |\n| localhost | mysql.sys |\n| localhost | root |\n+-----------+---------------+\n4 rows in set (0.00 sec)\n```\nApparently, for the security purposes you will not be able to connect to it outside of the docker image.\nIf you need to change that to allow root to connect from any host (say, for development purposes), do:\n\n* Start your mysql image with all port mappings required:\n```docker run -p 3306:3306 --name=mysql57 -d mysql/mysql-server:5.7```\n\nor, if the complete port mapping is required:\n```docker run -p 3306:3306 -p 33060:33060 --name=mysql57 -d mysql/mysql-server:5.7\n```\n\n* If this is the fresh installation - grab the default password:\n```docker logs mysql57 2>&1 | grep GENERATED```\n* Connect using ```mysql``` client directly to the mysqld in docker:\n```docker exec -it mysql57 mysql -uroot -p```\n* If this is the fresh installation you will be asked to change the password using ```ALTER USER``` command. Do it.\n* Run SQL:\n```update mysql.user set host = '%' where user='root';```\n* Quit the ```mysql``` client.\n* Restart the container:\n```docker restart mysql57```\n\nNow you will be able to connect from MySQL Workbench to\n```host: `0.0.0.0`\nport: `3306`\n```\nAfter all the changes the query will show:\n```select host, user from mysql.user;\n+-----------+---------------+\n| host | user |\n+-----------+---------------+\n| % | root |\n| localhost | healthchecker |\n| localhost | mysql.session |\n| localhost | mysql.sys |\n+-----------+---------------+\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can meat spoil outside the fridge if it's baked into bread as a filling?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are two differences between your buns and a tin can.\nFirst, your buns were heated to a core temperature of under 100°C. Yes, your oven was probably set way higher, but the water content in your filling prevents it from getting hotter than boiling water. Commercial canning is done in the vicinity of 120-130°C, which is possible because the cans are cooked under pressure. So unlike in a can, most pathogens were destroyed, but not necessarily all of them. For human consumption, that’s perfectly fine as long as the remaining ones don’t get the time-temperature combo to regrow.\nSecond, a bread dough may be dense (although the aim is usually something different), but by no means airtight. Interestingly, wrapping meat in dense dough was used as preservation method in medieval times - the “ancestor” of today’s pork pies and pastries. But while the hard flour crust (not intended to be eaten originally) did form a protective layer and usually extended the shelf life more or less, it was by no means food safe judged by modern standards - although some pies were stored for months. But your fluffy buns are truly not a protective layer. Which means you should refrigerate your buns, but also that you get to enjoy the whole dish." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm wondering how the XML Schema specification handles these cases:\n```\n```\nNo maxOccurs given -> Is this the cardinality [1..1]?\n```\n```\nI suppose this is simply invalid?\n```\n```\nIs this the cardinality [0..2] or [1..2]?\nIs there an \"official\" definition on how the XML Schema spec handles these cases?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "New, expanded answer to an old, commonly asked question...\nDefault Values\n\n* Occurrence constraints ```minOccurs``` and ```maxOccurs``` default to ```1```.\n\n\nCommon Cases Explained\n```\n```\nmeans ```A``` is required and must appear exactly once.\n\n```\n```\nmeans ```A``` is optional and may appear at most once.\n\n``` \n```\nmeans ```A``` is required and may repeat an unlimited number of times.\n\n``` \n```\nmeans ```A``` is optional and may repeat an unlimited number of times.\n\nSee Also\n\n* W3C XML Schema Part 0: Primer\n\n In general, an element is required to appear when the value of\n minOccurs is 1 or more. The maximum number of times an element may\n appear is determined by the value of a maxOccurs attribute in its\n declaration. This value may be a positive integer such as 41, or the\n term unbounded to indicate there is no maximum number of occurrences.\n The default value for both the minOccurs and the maxOccurs attributes\n is 1. Thus, when an element such as comment is declared without a\n maxOccurs attribute, the element may not occur more than once. Be sure\n that if you specify a value for only the minOccurs attribute, it is\n less than or equal to the default value of maxOccurs, i.e. it is 0 or 1.\n Similarly, if you specify a value for only the maxOccurs attribute, it must be greater than or equal to the default value of minOccurs,\n i.e. 1 or more. If both attributes are omitted, the element must\n appear exactly once.\n\n* W3C XML Schema Part 1: Structures Second Edition \n```\n\n```\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Were there any flying dinosaurs?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Birds are both flying dinosaurs and flying reptiles. Yes, that's potentially confusing.\n\nTo understand the apparent contradiction, you have to understand how modern classification of organisms works (phylogenetic systematics). Under the old (Linnean) classification system, Reptilia (reptiles) was an order and Aves (birds) was a separate order. Phylogenetic systematics, which has completely replaced the Linnean system, views all organisms as interrelated in a nested set of monophyletic groups (clades). It's like a set of venn diagrams, where all organisms fall into a giant circle and then successively smaller circles classify more and more specific groups.\n\nThe clade Reptilia includes snakes, lizards, crocodiles, and lots of extinct groups, including dinosaurs. So all dinosaurs are reptiles. The clade Dinosauria includes all the extinct dinosaurs (Stegosaurus, Triceratops, sauropods, etc.), including theropod dinosaurs, which include well known dinosaurs like Tyrannosaurus and Allosaurus. Based on a mountain on anatomical evidence, including lots of transitional fossils, living birds are a sub-group of theropod dinosaurs.\n\nSo all birds (Aves) are theropod dinosaurs (Dinosauria: Theropoda). All dinosaurs are reptiles. Therefore, birds are dinosaurs and reptiles. They are just more closely related to dinosaurs than to other reptiles.\nThe tricky part is that most people have an intuitive idea of what \"reptiles\" and \"dinosaurs\" are. To a systematist, whose job it is to classify organisms, these terms don't mean the same thing as they do to most people. Systematists think about groups like Reptilia and Dinosauria and how those groups are related to one another. So they have no problem saying that birds are dinosaurs and reptiles, because birds are nested within both of those groups.\n\nA few words about pterosaurs\nAlong with birds and bats, pterosaurs are the other clade of vertebrates capable of powered, flapping flight. Pterosaurs fall within Reptilia (and Diapsida and Archosauria) along with Dinosauria, which includes birds. There are a lot of other extinct lineages in the tree that are not shown, e.g., ornithodirans that are not dinosaurs and not pterosaurs. Pterosaurs and birds share anatomical features that all reptiles, diapsids, archosaurs, and ornithodirans have, which is how we know that they are more closely related to each other than to other groups, like crocodiles. But their flight structures evolved independently and are anatomically distinct fro one another. So pterosaurs are flying reptiles but not flying dinosaurs.\nThese images might help you understand the above explanation." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Say, a table ```car``` has one-to-one relationship to tables ```electric_car```, ```gas_car```, and ```hybrid_car```. If a ```car``` is ```electric_car```, it can no longer appear in ```gas_car``` or a ```hybrid_car```, etc. \nIs it a bad practice to have several mutually exclusive one-to-one relationships in database design?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The different types of cars are an instance of a general problem that surfaces over and over again in data modeling. It is called \"generalization/specialization\" in ER modeling, and \"superclass/subclass\" in object modeling. \nAn object modeler uses the inheritance features built into the object model to solve the problem quite easily. The subclasses simply extend the superclass.\nThe relational modeler is faced with a problem. how to design the tables so as to emulate the benefits that one would get from inheritance? \nThe simplest technique is called single table inheritance. Data about all types of cars are grouped into a single table for cars. There is a column, car_type, that groups together all the cars of a single type. No car can belong to more than one type. If a column is irrelevant to, say, electric cars, it will be left NULL in the rows that pertain to electric cars.\nThis simple solution works well for the smaller and simpler cases. The presence of a lot of NULLs adds a tiny bit to storage overhead, and a little bit to retrieval overhead. The developer may have to learn SQL three-valued logic if boolean tests are done on nullable columns. This can be baffling at first, but one gets used to it.\nThere is another technique, called class table inheritance. In this design, there are separate tables for gas_car, electric_car, and hybrid_car, in addition to a combined table, car, for all of them. When you want all of the data about a specific kind of car, you join the car table with the appropriate specialized table. There are fewer NULLs in this design, but you do more joining. This technique works better in the larger and more complex cases.\nThere is a third technique called shared primary key. This technique is often used in conjunction with class table inheritance. The specialized tables for the subclasses have, as their primary key, a copy of the primary key of the corresponding entry in the car table. This id column can be declared to be both the primary key and a foreign key.\nThis involves a little extra programming when new cars are to be added, but it makes the joins simple, easy, and fast.\nSuperclasses and subclasses happen all the time in the real world. Don't be afraid. But do test your initial design for performance. If your first attempt is simple and sound, you'll be able to tweak it to speed it up." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I see a low use of Mathematica in Kaggle competitions. Why would one use the Wolfram Language versus R, Python, or Julia for machine learning? Besides prettier plots and the Manipulate function, do we have something that is useful for ML that other languages are lacking?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mathematica doesn't have the depth of algorithm support that is present in R or Python. Julia has much more limited algorithm support but does exhibit a good turn of speed.\nThe few algorithms that Mathematica does support are not particularly well exposed for the type of tweaking needed to win Kaggle competitions.\nMathematica, as of version 10, supports the following classifiers: \"LogisticRegression\", \"Markov\", \"NaiveBayes\", \"NearestNeighbors\", \"NeuralNetwork\", \"RandomForest\", \"SupportVectorMachine\". \nWhilst it does offer one ensemble method, RandomForest, it lacks both Bagging and any flavour of boosting, such as Adaboost. These latter general ensemble methods allow you to leverage the power of a base classifier, either built-in or, of greater utility when exploring performance improvements, of your own design. This limits significantly the potential for creating novel methods within the existing machine learning framework. \nMathematica's strengths lay with it's expressive, compact, language, strong visualisation capabilities and easy parallelization. These make it very efficient to explore new strategies and combinations of ML algorithms you may already have implemented.\nA less often mentioned benefit is that use of Mathematica in a functional programming style tends to lead to fewer bugs in the final code." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm using wp_nav_menu and am trying to create custom output for the sub-level drop downs. I came across the \"items_wrap\" argument but there's really not much information as to what it is, how it works, and what kind of things can be done with it. \nWhat exactly is \"%1$s\" and \"%2$s\"? (Can anyone explain it in layman's terms?)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The parameter ```'items_wrap'``` for ```wp_nav_menu()``` defaults to: \n```'%3$s'\n```\nThis a a template that is parsed with ```sprintf()```:\n```$nav_menu .= sprintf(\n $args->items_wrap\n, esc_attr( $wrap_id ) // %1$s\n, esc_attr( $wrap_class ) // %2$s\n, $items // %3$s\n);\n```\nThe numbered placeholders – ```%1$s```, ```%2$s```, ```%3$s``` – refer to the arguments after the first argument in ```sprintf()```. The percent sign marks a placeholder, the number the position and the type ```s``` means it should be treated as a string.\nDo not change the type unless you really know what you do. :)\n\n* ```$wrap_id``` is the parameter ```'menu_id'``` if you have it set, else it is ```'menu-' . $menu->slug```.\n* ```$wrap_class``` is the parameter ```'menu_class'``` if you have it set, else it is empty.\n* ```$items``` is a string of the inner content of the menu.\n\nLet’s say you don’t need a ```class```. Just omit the second string:\n```wp_nav_menu( array( 'items_wrap' => '%3$s' ) );\n```\nIf you don’t need the ```class``` and the ```id```, and you want another container (because you used a custom walker):\n```wp_nav_menu( array( 'items_wrap' => '%3$s' ) );\n```\nThe main point is: You have to use the numbers for the replacements given in ```wp_nav_menu()```. ```%3$s``` is always the list of items." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I've noticed that people on YouTube and even on TV would sometimes say things like \"I used to take lots of coke a few years ago\" or \"I used to smoke weed daily until this and that\" or \"Yea, I smoke weed every once in a while,\" or \"I used to pirate games a lot when I was a bit younger\" or \"I used pirated Windows and Photoshop until I got a job,\" etc., etc..\nBasically they are confessing to a crime, on public record, couldn't anyone come after them? They've already confessed - technically all that would have to be done is a trial.\nHow do people publicly admit to criminal activity and not typically get arrested?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Unless the Youtube Video shows them committing a crime, then no, they couldn't be arrested and tried for a crime. Them saying it, not under oath, is just hearsay that has no evidentiary value unless there is already other evidence they have committed a crime. In that case, its an admission. But there must be other, either circumstantial, or actual physical evidence of a crime.\n\nPast intoxication is not a crime, either. Possession of drugs, if caught with them is. But saying you got high is not.\n\nPeople have walked into police stations and confessed to murders. But with no evidence, no body, no name of a missing person, they can't even be held after the holding period for investigatory purposes expires. \n\nIf the video shows them committing assault, or breaking and entering (there actually are idiots who post this stuff), the video is actual evidence of a crime and it is often used against them. The statements can be used to begin an investigation, but people don't usually confess to anything worth pursuing even an investigation. The fact that someone says they used to do something criminal is not enough. For all you ( meaning anyone ) knows, the statute of limitations has expired because they \"pirated games\" 10 years ago. Your comment is right on." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Did two dissenting Supreme Court justices agree that Trump was \"absolutely immune\" to the Manhattan DA's subpoena?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you are interested in the gory details, please see the full decision in Trump v. Vance. The first half of the linked document contains the Court's majority opinion and the concurring opinion of Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch, followed by the separate dissenting opinions of Justices Thomas and Alito.\nBased on a quick read, it's apparent that Justice Thomas agrees with the general court's opinion that a sitting President "is not entitled to absolute immunity from issuance of [a] subpoena". Thomas dissents on the grounds that the President "may be entitled to relief against [a subpoena's] enforcement" based on his special status as president. Thomas argues (agreeing with the president) that the case should be vacated and returned to the lower court, so that the President can argue that his duties to the nation take up all of his time and attention and he thus deserves relief from the subpoena.\nJustice Alito makes a stronger dissent. While he agrees that a sitting President is not absolutely immune from a state subpoena, he argues that such a subpoena should not be enforced unless it meets a stringent legal test, such that:\n\n* It does not interfere with the President's execution of his duties of office, and\n* It carries a weight of urgency — e.g., subpoenaing information related to suspected treason — as a guarantee it is not merely issued to harass.\n\nIn the absence of those conditions, in Alito's opinion, the President is only subject to the constitutional process of impeachment and trial in Congress.\nSo no, neither dissenting Justice suggests that the President is absolutely immune from this kind of subpoena. Instead, they are concerned that the issuance of such subpoenas might negatively impact on the President's ability to perform the duties of the office, and argue that the President might legitimately be granted varying degrees of relief from such legal actions at a court's discretion." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Just curious, given how heavily from Tolkien D&D drew, and the fact that games like Wizardry used Hobbits, is there a good design reason why Gygax and company used Halflings (a term that also appears in Tolkien) vice Hobbits as the term for our little friends?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Halflings were originally called hobbits prior to a legal challenge.\nAccording to Gary Gygax himself, it was due to a legal claim on "hobbit" by a company who purchased the merchandising rights on Tolkien's works in 1976:\n\nTSR was served with papers threatening damages to the tune of half a mil by the Saul Zantes (sp?) division of Elan Merchandising on behalf of the tolkien Estate. The main objection was to the boardgame we were publishing, The Battle of Five Armies. The author of that game had given us a letter from his attorney claiming the work was grandfathered because it was published after the copyrights for JRRT's works had lapsed and before any renewals were made. The action also demanded we remove balrog, dragon, dwarf, elf, ent, goblin, hobbit, orc, and warg from the D&D game. Although only balrog and warg were unique names we agreed to hobbit as well, kept the rest, of course. The boardgame was dumped, and thus the suit was settled out of court at that.\n\nHalflings were originally called "hobbits" in the Dungeons & Dragons box set first released in 1974. Later printings changed this to "halfling".\nAccording to The Acaeum, this change occurred between the fifth printing (Dec 1975 - Apr 1976) and sixth printing (1977), with the six printing being marked the Original Collector's Edition. However, Tim Kask has said that box sets were generally thrown together with whichever printings of the books were on hand, so the distinctions between printings are inexact. The Acaeum notes at least one box set shipped having the revised booklets but no Original Collector's Edition mark.\nDue to an oversight, a single reference to "hobbit" remained on page 6 of Men & Magic, which was fixed in the 2013 Deluxe reprint and PDF copies.\nAccording to Wikipedia, J.R.R. Tolkien sold the film, stage, and merchandising rights to The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings to United Artists in 1968, who sold them in turn to Saul Zaentz in 1976. Zaents would go on to produce the 1978 Lord of the Rings animated movie." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My USB drive used to be originally 8GB when I bought it.\nI'm trying to reformatted in Windows 7 by right clicking on the drive and selecting ```Format...```. But the capacity only shows 250MB.\nIs there something I can do to get the original size back? Maybe it got partitioned in a weird way? \nThe flash drive is a SanDisk Cruzer Micro 8GB. " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The command line procedure is not simple, but it is the most likely thing to work. \nWhen re-formatting the \"drive\" you're actually only formatting a partition on the drive. You need to use the diskpart utility to remove the partitions and create 1 single partition covering the full volume.\n```diskpart``` can be a bit dangerous, because if you pick the wrong disk or partition, you can remove data or partitions that are extremely, EXTREMELY important and lose all data on your machine. \nProceed with extreme caution!\nOpen up a command prompt as administrator (open the start menu, type ```cmd``` and press Enter.)\nType ```diskpart``` and press Enter. You'll end up with a new prompt that looks like this:\n```DISKPART>\n```\nType\n```list disk \n```\nand you'll get a listing of all drives on your machine. \nType\n```select disk # \n```\nto select a disk, where ```#``` is the number of the disk Windows screw-balled. Usually, the device is disk 1, but it's always best to make sure.\nThen type\n```list partition \n```\nto get a listing of all partitions on the disk.\nIf you're sure you have the right disk/partition, you can then repeat typing\n```select partition # \ndelete partition \n```\nuntil all partitions are removed from that drive (you may need to type ```delete partition override``` for protected partitions).\nOnce the drive is empty, exit diskpart and remove the drive. Wait at least 5 minutes, then re-insert the drive. DO NOT CLICK FORMAT – this will most likely re-create the problem. Instead, enter diskpart again, and select the disk. Then type\n```create partition primary \n```\nOnce you have created the partition, exit ```diskpart``` and, in the command promt, type \n```diskmgmt.msc \n```\nThis will provide a reliable way to create a FAT32 partition. On the drive you would like to format (NEVER TOUCH DISK 0!), right click and select ```format```. The ```allocation unit size``` option should be default, and the ```File System``` option should be set to ```FAT32```. The format may take a while, depending on the disk size, be patient.\nThis should fix partition troubles on any readable USB flash drive." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am a Tor developer. I understand that the .onion address is a public key of sorts, but not much more than that (I can vaguely guess, though). When nobody knows the IP of the .onion address, how do requests reach it? Are they bounced between nodes in the P2P network till someone decrypts it with the corresponding private key?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Up to at least October 2013 the hidden services work like this:\n\n* A hidden service calculates its key pair (private and public key, asymmetric encryption).\n* Then the hidden service picks some relays as its introduction points.\n* It tells its public key to those introduction points over Tor circuits.\n* After that the hidden-service creates a hidden service descriptor, containing its public key and what its introduction points are.\n* The hidden service signs the hidden service descriptor with its private key.\n* It then uploads the hidden service descriptor to a distributed hash table (DHT).\n* Clients learn the .onion address from a hidden service out-of-band. (e.g. public website) (A $hash.onion is a 16 character name derived from the service's public key.)\n* After retrieving the .onion address the client connects to the DHT and asks for that $hash.\n* If it exists the client learns about the hidden service's public key and its introduction points.\n* The client picks a relay at random to build a circuit to it, to tell it a one-time secret. The picked relay acts as rendezvous point.\n* The client creates a introduce message, containing the address of the rendezvous point and the one-time secret, before encrypting the message with the hidden service's public key.\n* The client sends its message over a Tor circuit to one of the introduction points, demanding it to be forwarded to the hidden service.\n* The hidden service decrypts the introduce message with its private key to learn about the rendezvous point and the one-time secret.\n* The hidden service creates a rendezvous message, containing the one-time secret and sends it over a circuit to the rendezvous point.\n* The rendezvous point tells the client that a connection was established.\n* Client and hidden service talk to each other over this rendezvous point. All traffic is end-to-end encrypted and the rendezvous point just relays it back and forth. Note that each of them, client and hidden service, build a circuit to the rendezvous point; at three hops per circuit this makes six hops in total.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have been offered a PhD position by an inexperienced professor in a great institution in Europe. Despite the fact that the institution is very strong in my area, since the position was offered by this particular professor, I would have to commit myself to working with him for my thesis. This professor is young, and relatively inexperienced, but I enjoy the things he works on, and we seem to get along well.\nMy question is, would having an inexperienced advisor hurt my growth as a scientist, or my career in general? Will I have the time during my PhD to also work on the side with other, more renowned professors in the department, or is one usually focused in a single research project?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An inexperienced advisor can hurt your career by being relatively unknown. This means they may not have access to the same network and that their recommendation letters do not carry the same weight. Inexperience in supervision may, for example, lead to unrealistic expectations. Or an inexperienced advisor can be very good for your career, by quickly rising to fame with the awesome publications the two of you will write together and being fresh in everybody's memory when writing recommendation letters. They may spend plenty of time on working with you.\n\nAn experienced advisor can hurt your career by being never there. They may already have made their name, have extremely high expectations from PhD students, to the level of cause them to be overly stressed and quit. Or they may be very good for your career, as dedicated as can be to PhD students, prioritising them above most other duties, having realistic expectations from PhD students, and having great influence when writing recommendation letters.\n\nBottom line: an experienced advisor may be better for you than an inexperienced one, but that certainly does not have to be the case. And keep in mind: a very good/famous scientist is not always a very good PhD advisor." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is there a phrase that means \"too important\" and \"attracting too much attention\"?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There is the term \"overdominant\":\n\nFrom Collins dictionary:\n\n>overdominant [adjective]\n excessively dominant\n To begin with, the design aspect is the most striking and arguably remains overdominant. [Times, Sunday Times (2010)]\n\n\nHere is an example:\n\n> [Steps must be taken to prevent any one] religious or ethnic group being overdominant. Otherwise, we will see a repeat of the unfortunate history of much of the 20th Century...\n\nOther possible terms that have similar meaning include \"overpowered\", \"obtrusive\" and \"preponderant\"." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "This guy claims that Olympic powerlifters working in the 1-6 rep range can increase strength without increasing muscle size. \n\n> Trained Olympic lifters, for example, were shown over a two-year period to have significant strength increases with barely noticeable increases in muscle mass (Hakkinen et al, 1988). I had a similar experience when I used AST's Max-OT principals. My strength went up like crazy, but I gained very little size. Obviously, traditional strength training with low volume and low sets (1-6 reps, 3 or less sets) is not the best approach. Strength training does cause hypertrophy (Hakkinen et al, 1985), but it won't cause maximum hypertrophy.\n\nWhat is the scientific explanation for this? Is the inverse true? That is, can a buff guy (with lots of prominent muscle) actually be weak? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Certainly there is a correlation between muscle mass and strength, but there is more to the story. Two reasons why muscle mass and strength may not be completely congruous are:\n\n* Muscle fiber density\n* Muscle utilization\n\nDensity:\nYour muscles are composed of four different types of fibers (slow-twitch, and three forms of fast-twitch). These fibers have different profiles in terms of force applied and recovery time. Slow twitch fibers, for example, recover quickly but have less force as there are fewer muscle fibers per bundle, compared with the fast-twitch fibers. \nExtra water in the form of glycogen can also cause muscles to take up more volume with the same amount of actual muscle. This glycogen can be a ready source of energy for the muscles, but isn't going to increase their maximum theoretical force for a single heavy lift (per Olympic competition) where endurance through a long set isn't at issue.\nUtilization:\nThe average person is able to utilize 20-30% of their total theoretical muscle strength when trying their hardest. (Ref. Tsatsouline, Power To The People) Top lifters use perhaps 50% of their theoretical strength. Olympic and powerlifting-style training focuses on training the neural pathways to utilize a greater percentage of the available muscle mass. Since muscle fibers contract all internal cells (the all-or-nothing principal), this training is focused on convincing a greater proportion of fiber bundles to contract during a lift. \n\nCan a buff guy be weak? \nWell, it depends on your definition of buff. A cut guy can be weak (compared to a strength athlete), because muscle definition is more about having low body fat covering the muscle than it is about having large muscles. \nA bodybuilder with decent volume won't be able to lift as much as a comparable powerlifter because he/she doesn't train for strength per se. It seems worth noting that Olympic/power lifters also want to minimize their size (except for the heavyweights) because it affects their weight class in competition, so there is an added incentive to train for neural utilization over additional muscle mass." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are the major concerns about planting trees to create carbon offsets?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some common concerns about using tree planting projects to create carbon offsets:\n\n* The scheme actually has a net positive effect, both in the short and long-term/\nHow effective a tree planting scheme is in capturing and storing carbon dioxide, is for a large part determined by what happens to the trees after they are planted. When trees mature and are harvested for wood that's used in construction, then the captured carbon dioxide is stored for a long time (until the wood decomposes or is burned). However, if no trees are replanted after harvesting this will have had a one-time effect only. Also when wood is burned (for energy or in a wild fire), or if trees die quickly and decompose, then their captured carbon is released again. Of course all trees die eventually even when they are not harvested, this is part of the natural cycle, but a mature forest can store a lot more carbon than a young, newly-planted forest so it's important to keep a forest intact as much as possible.\n\n* The wrong type(s) of trees are planted in the wrong location.\nIn the past there were bad offsetting schemes that planted non-native trees, or planted trees in a location where they would change water flows and thus change local ecosystems in a negative way. Some offsetting schemes planted thousands of trees of the same species, resulting in a large monoculture. Such a monoculture hinders biodiversity, is susceptible to diseases and can even damage local communities.\nThere have also been reports that planting trees above a certain latitude can have a net warming effect by changing the albedo and trapping heat. \n\n* Buying offsets reduces the incentive for people to reduce their emissions.\nReducing emissions is much more effective than offsetting. Buying carbon offsets can lead to people thinking they are doing the right thing, whereas they had better spent their time and effort in reducing their emissions. Of course this point goes for all offsetting-schemes and is not specifically for planting trees.\n\n* There are more effective ways of reducing carbon emissions than planting trees.\nNowadays many offsetting schemes invest in development of renewable energy sources (in developing countries) instead of planting trees, simply because it is a more effective and cheaper way to reduce emissions." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am wondering how to generate uniformly distributed points on the surface of the 3-d unit sphere? Also after generating those points, what is the best way to visualize and check whether they are truly uniform on the surface $x^2+y^2+z^2=1$?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A standard method is to generate three standard normals and construct a unit vector from them. That is, when $X_i \\sim N(0,1)$ and $\\lambda^2 = X_1^2 + X_2^2 + X_3^2$, then $(X_1/\\lambda, X_2/\\lambda, X_3/\\lambda)$ is uniformly distributed on the sphere. This method works well for $d$-dimensional spheres, too.\nIn 3D you can use rejection sampling: draw $X_i$ from a uniform$[-1,1]$ distribution until the length of $(X_1, X_2, X_3)$ is less than or equal to 1, then--just as with the preceding method--normalize the vector to unit length. The expected number of trials per spherical point equals $2^3/(4 \\pi / 3)$ = 1.91. In higher dimensions the expected number of trials gets so large this rapidly becomes impracticable.\nThere are many ways to check uniformity. A neat way, although somewhat computationally intensive, is with Ripley's K function. The expected number of points within (3D Euclidean) distance $\\rho$ of any location on the sphere is proportional to the area of the sphere within distance $\\rho$, which equals $\\pi\\rho^2$. By computing all interpoint distances you can compare the data to this ideal.\nGeneral principles of constructing statistical graphics suggest a good way to make the comparison is to plot variance-stabilized residuals $e_i(d_{[i]} - e_i)$ against $i = 1, 2, \\ldots, n(n-1)/2=m$ where $d_{[i]}$ is the $i^\\text{th}$ smallest of the mutual distances and $e_i = 2\\sqrt{i/m}$. The plot should be close to zero. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In Shutter Island, at the end of the movie Teddy had a chat with Chuck, in that scene Teddy told to Chuck as,\n\n Which would be worse: To live as a monster, or to die as a good man?\n\nWhat's the implicit meaning of this dialogue? Who's the monster as Teddy mentioned?\nAnd, who's a good man?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To Live as a Monster\nIf he accepts his guilt and becomes sane he will become the Monster. His delusions are his brains way of removing this guilt and hiding the fact that he ignored his family, did not act on his wife's mental illness, allowed her to murder their children and then murdered her. By accepting what the doctors are telling him he will need to go on living in the knowledge that he allowed terrible things to happen and did terrible things. The doctors will be able to treat him without a lobotomy but he will be fully aware of the crimes he committed. \nTo die as a good man\nIn his delusion he is a good man. He truly believes that he is on the side of law and order and that he is doing right. If he chooses to continue to believe this he will be lobotomised and will no longer have relevant brain function to question what he did or did not do. The death is not literal as the other answer suggests. It is about the fact that if he continues to believe he is this good man he will be lobotomised and effectively \"die\" believing in this. He will not die in a literal sense until later, but he will do so in the belief he was a good man. \nWhat is most exciting and cathartic about this decision is that this appears to be a moment of lucidity where he understands what has happened and is not in thrall of his delusions. He at this point of lucidity makes the decision that he can not live with his crimes and would prefer to lie to his doctor as he knows this will result in his lobotomy. \nBy making the statement to his doctor he makes him aware of this also and by virtue of this you could also argue that he is being a good man by electing to be punished as well as the belief in his delusion that he is good. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "To set the minimal distance between flexbox items I'm using ```margin: 0 5px``` on ```.item``` and ```margin: 0 -5px``` on container. For me it seems like a hack, but I can't find any better way to do this.\n\n\n```#box {\n display: flex;\n width: 100px;\n margin: 0 -5px;\n}\n.item {\n background: gray;\n width: 50px;\n height: 50px;\n margin: 0 5px;\n}```\n```\n \n \n \n \n```\n\n\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This solution will work for all cases even if there are multiple rows or any number of elements. But the count of the section should be same you want 4 in first row and 3 is second row it won't work that way the space for the 4th content will be blank the container won't fill.\nWe are using ```display: grid;``` and its properties.\n\n\n```#box {\n display: grid;\n width: 100px;\n grid-gap: 5px;\n /* Space between items */\n grid-template-columns: repeat(4,1fr);\n /* Decide the number of columns(4) and size(1fr | 1 Fraction | you can use pixels and other values also) */\n}\n.item {\n background: gray;\n width: 100%;\n /* width is not necessary only added this to understand that width works as 100% to the grid template allocated space **DEFAULT WIDTH WILL BE 100%** */\n height: 50px;\n}```\n```\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n```\n\n\n\nThe Downside of this method is in Mobile Opera Mini will not be supported and in PC this works only after IE10.\nNote for complete browser compatability including IE11 please use Autoprefixer\n\nOLD ANSWER\nDon't think of it as an old solution, it's still one of the best if you only want single row of elements and it will work with all the browsers.\nThis method is used by CSS sibling combination, so you can manipulate it many other ways also, but if your combination is wrong it may cause issues also.\n```.item+.item{\n margin-left: 5px;\n}\n```\nThe below code will do the trick. In this method, there is no need to give ```margin: 0 -5px;``` to the ```#box``` wrapper.\nA working sample for you:\n\n\n```#box {\n display: flex;\n width: 100px;\n}\n.item {\n background: gray;\n width: 22px;\n height: 50px;\n}\n.item+.item{\n margin-left: 5px;\n}```\n```\n \n \n \n \n```\n\n\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is there a Git for data? The key improvement I'd want is to Diff/Merge more intelligently. e.g. in CSV rather than line vs line comparison, it would do cell vs cell.\nAnd ordering is usually not significant, e.g. rows in a CSV, whereas Git does care and presents the user with 'conflicts'." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Please note that ```git``` has two configuration commands:\n```git config filter..clean\ngit config filter..smudge\n```\nThe ```clean``` filter can be used e.g. to sort all records in a CSV file except the top row, thus making re-ordering irrelevant.\nQuoting ```gitattributes(5)``` :\n\nA filter driver consists of a clean command and a smudge command, either of which can be left unspecified. Upon checkout, when the smudge command is specified, the command is fed the blob object from its standard input, and its standard output is used to update the worktree file. Similarly, the clean command is used to convert the contents of worktree file upon checkin.\nA missing filter driver definition in the config is not an error but makes the filter a no-op passthru.\nThe content filtering is done to massage the content into a shape that is more convenient for the platform, filesystem, and the user to use. The key phrase here is "more convenient" and not "turning something unusable into usable". In other words, the intent is that if someone unsets the filter driver definition, or does not have the appropriate filter program, the project should still be usable.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have been puzzling over where to put the submit button, on the left or the right. In researching, I noticed that many sites put buttons on the bottom right in dialogue boxes, and on the bottom left in forms.\nIt makes sense: in a dialogue box it seems to denote finality, being in the endpoint of the window for left–right readers; in a form, the bottom right could be in a different position relative to the rest of the form if the window is resized.\nIt seems to be a convention, but should the OK/Cancel buttons be aligned right or centered?\nShould the OK/Cancel buttons be aligned right or centered?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where to put the submit button should be decided in order to meet user expectations, it was best to put the button in the place that users expect to find it in the context of the form or dialogue they are using and with regard to the window size.\nForms tend to be left justified while the browser window can leave a ton of white space to fill up a large monitor (especially in full-screen mode). Since the users' eyes never leave the left portion of the window, we place the button on the bottom left. This is especially important for forms that use the field name above the field, with most fields lying flush left on the form (as opposed to fields to the right of their names).\nSmall Dialogue & Modal Windows are fixed width and tend to be small. Most contain simple phrases or questions, read right to left: having a button on the bottom right feels like both the most progressive position and the final resting place for the eye. Were the modal window large enough to contain a long form, we would probably follow the first principal for forms.\nIn the end, the heuristic is this:\n\n* Large Windows & Forms get the button on the bottom left.\n* Small Windows & Dialogues get the button on the bottom right.\n\nNote the buttons on stackexchange sites:\n\n* Post Your Answer button at the bottom-left of the longer form\n\n* Add Comment button to the right of a small field\n\nFurthermore, with mobile-first responsive being the new law of the land, the button placement varies even more based on context and user expectation. Sometimes, it's in the middle, too!\nWe're now starting to just put buttons on the left for even small forms if they're inline … and more forms are showing up inline through javascript." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is it at all possible to update object's properties with ```setState```?\nSomething like:\n```this.state = {\n jasper: { name: 'jasper', age: 28 },\n}\n```\nI have tried: \n```this.setState({jasper.name: 'someOtherName'});\n```\nand this:\n```this.setState({jasper: {name: 'someothername'}})\n```\nThe first results in a syntax error and the second just does nothing. Any ideas?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are multiple ways of doing this, since state update is a async operation, so to update the state object, we need to use updater function with ```setState```.\n1- Simplest one:\nFirst create a copy of ```jasper``` then do the changes in that:\n```this.setState(prevState => {\n let jasper = Object.assign({}, prevState.jasper); // creating copy of state variable jasper\n jasper.name = 'someothername'; // update the name property, assign a new value\n return { jasper }; // return new object jasper object\n})\n```\nInstead of using ```Object.assign``` we can also write it like this:\n```let jasper = { ...prevState.jasper };\n```\n2- Using spread syntax:\n```this.setState(prevState => ({\n jasper: { // object that we want to update\n ...prevState.jasper, // keep all other key-value pairs\n name: 'something' // update the value of specific key\n }\n}))\n```\nNote: ```Object.assign``` and ```Spread Operator``` creates only shallow copy, so if you have defined nested object or array of objects, you need a different approach.\n\nUpdating nested state object:\nAssume you have defined state as:\n```this.state = {\n food: {\n sandwich: {\n capsicum: true,\n crackers: true,\n mayonnaise: true\n },\n pizza: {\n jalapeno: true,\n extraCheese: false\n }\n }\n}\n```\nTo update extraCheese of pizza object:\n```this.setState(prevState => ({\n food: {\n ...prevState.food, // copy all other key-value pairs of food object\n pizza: { // specific object of food object\n ...prevState.food.pizza, // copy all pizza key-value pairs\n extraCheese: true // update value of specific key\n }\n }\n}))\n```\nUpdating array of objects:\nLets assume you have a todo app, and you are managing the data in this form:\n```this.state = {\n todoItems: [\n {\n name: 'Learn React Basics',\n status: 'pending'\n }, {\n name: 'Check Codebase',\n status: 'pending'\n }\n ]\n}\n```\nTo update the status of any todo object, run a map on the array and check for some unique value of each object, in case of ```condition=true```, return the new object with updated value, else same object.\n```let key = 2;\nthis.setState(prevState => ({\n todoItems: prevState.todoItems.map(\n el => el.key === key? { ...el, status: 'done' }: el\n )\n}))\n```\nSuggestion: If object doesn't have a unique value, then use array index." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the difference between Non-Player Characters (NPCs) and bots in video games?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The key distinction is that a Bot represents an automated player; an NPC, by contrast, isn't playing the game at all.\n\nIn general, an NPC is a part of the game; a placed object which is designed by the creator and exists to interact with the player. Examples would include vendors, quest givers, or enemies. In some games, (particularly RPG's), the term is also used to refer to characters under the control of, but not generated by the player. They are often distinguished by having distinct personalities and dialog, whereas a \"\"Player Character\"\" is meant as more of an extension of the player themselves. Think of the companion party members in the Mass Effect series for an example.\n\nA Bot, by contrast, is essentially a player of the game controlled by a computer. This can be populated within a single instance, as a feature in some games (i.e. AI opponents in a normally multiplayer game), or, in some cases, actually represents a separate instance of the application running on a networked computer and being controlled by some manner of AI script (as is common in many MMO's, much to the dismay of the communities playing the game). The term 'Bot' is also often used to refer to software used to enhance or replace the skills of a human player of the game; for example, an 'Aim-Bot' that handles targeting, or a 'Farming Bot' in an MMO that performs tedious or menial tasks. Such bots are usually (though not always), considered cheating and a violation of the Terms of Service of the game in question." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is there anything like ```static class``` in java? What is the meaning of such a class. Do all the methods of the static class need to be ```static``` too? Is it required the other way round, that if a class contains all the static methods, shall the class be static too? What are static classes good for?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Java has static nested classes but it sounds like you're looking for a top-level static class. Java has no way of making a top-level class static but you can simulate a static class like this:\n\n* Declare your class ```final``` - Prevents extension of the class since extending a static class makes no sense\n* Make the constructor ```private``` - Prevents instantiation by client code as it makes no sense to instantiate a static class\n* Make all the members and functions of the class ```static``` - Since the class cannot be instantiated no instance methods can be called or instance fields accessed\n* Note that the compiler will not prevent you from declaring an instance (non-static) member. The issue will only show up if you attempt to call the instance member\n\nSimple example per suggestions from above:\n```public class TestMyStaticClass {\n public static void main(String []args){\n MyStaticClass.setMyStaticMember(5);\n System.out.println(\"Static value: \" + MyStaticClass.getMyStaticMember());\n System.out.println(\"Value squared: \" + MyStaticClass.squareMyStaticMember());\n // MyStaticClass x = new MyStaticClass(); // results in compile time error\n }\n}\n// A top-level Java class mimicking static class behavior\npublic final class MyStaticClass {\n private MyStaticClass () { // private constructor\n myStaticMember = 1;\n }\n private static int myStaticMember;\n public static void setMyStaticMember(int val) {\n myStaticMember = val;\n }\n public static int getMyStaticMember() {\n return myStaticMember;\n }\n public static int squareMyStaticMember() {\n return myStaticMember * myStaticMember;\n }\n}\n```\nWhat good are static classes? A good use of a static class is in defining one-off, utility and/or library classes where instantiation would not make sense. A great example is the Math class that contains some mathematical constants such as PI and E and simply provides mathematical calculations. Requiring instantiation in such a case would be unnecessary and confusing. See the ```Math``` class and source code. Notice that it is ```final``` and all of its members are ```static```. If Java allowed top-level classes to be declared ```static``` then the Math class would indeed be static." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The Episode IV-VI movies never mention the Emperor's name. In Episodes I-III, we can guess that Darth Sidious will be the emperor, but what about Chancellor Palpatine? If the audience didn't know that he was Sidious, the impact of the reveal would be far different than if they did.\nBut I did. In all the novels and comics that came out after \"Return of the Jedi\", the Emperor's name was stated plainly: Palpatine. \nSo when I saw the prologue movies, for the life of me I couldn't figure out: was I supposed to know that Palpatine was the villain? \nMaybe the filmmakers figured that most of the moviegoing public never got into the Expanded Universe. But they had to know that the hardcore fans would know. Or maybe when you watched the movie, even if you hadn't heard of Palpatine, it was supposed to be obvious?\nWhat was the intent?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Palpatine's name was first given in the prologue to Alan Dean Foster's novelization of Star Wars (it was credited to Lucas, but he didn't write it), which came out in November 1976, six months before the May 25, 1977 release of the actual film.\nSo Palpatine being the Emperor was literally known before the public ever saw a Star Wars movie. It was, in fact, one of the very first things people could find out about the Star Wars universe.\nThe point of the films wasn't to conceal the fact Palpatine would end up the Emperor (or was Darth Sidious), it was to show that he was a masterful chessmaster who conned everyone, and that in large part it was the good guys responsible for his rise because of their own blindness. Amidala initiated the vote that removed his predecessor. Jar-Jar initiated the vote that gave him emergency powers. The Jedi Council allowed him to operate under their noses. Anakin never suspected he was being manipulated until too late, and so on. Just as the trilogy was meant as a tragedy showing Anakin Skywalker's rise and fall, it was an additional tragedy in that the person responsible for the whole mess was standing right there the entire time, in the case of the celebration at the end of The Phantom Menace quite literally." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "So, students in Gryffindor are supposed to represent bravery. How does Neville represent bravery, to the point in being accepted into the house. I've always thought of his strongest traits being things like loyalty, willingness to work hard, etc, and these things would tend to put him in Hufflepuff. " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First of all, in the first 4 years, it isn't really shown that Neville is NOT brave - the only thing he's really afraid of is his Grandmother and maybe Snape during Potions. With good reason. :)\nYou may be confusing a lack of confidence/assertiveness with not being brave, but they are not the same (for a good in-universe illustration of the opposite, think Prof. Lockhart).\nFirst four books, he's clumsy, and is not yet showing any magical talent.\nStarting with the fifth year, Neville is shown to have been changed, and repeatedly proves his bravery and willingness to fight.\nNOTE: He first shows bravery in the First Year (see System's great answer for details), but the real Gryffindor-y Neville emerges in the Fifth year.\nThere's another instance of him showing a Gryffindor quality - more specifically, integrity. He argued with the Hat to sort him into Hufflepuff (src: Pottermore), because he felt he wasn't brave enough to be a Gryffindor.\n\nFifth year\n\n* He joins DA\n\n* He shows marked and significant improvement in his magical abilities while in DA\n\n* He voluntarily joins the DA members who accompany Harry to Ministry of Magic battle in the end of OoP, even arguing with Harry about it:\n\nNeville: "We were all in the D.A. together. It was all supposed to be about fighting You-Know-Who, wasn't it? And this is the first chance we've had to do something real — or was that all just a game or something?"\nHarry: "No — of course it wasn't —"\nNeville: "Then we should come too. We want to help."\n\n\n* During the battle at the Ministry, he refused to leave as per Harry's suggestion after Dolohov broke Neville's nose and wand.\n\n* When being threatened and tortured by Death Eaters, he told Harry not to give them the Prophecy\n\n\nSixth year\n\n* participated in the Battle of the Astronomy Tower. Along with Luna Lovegood, he was the only member of Dumbledore's Army to reply to the summons via the coins.\n\n\nSeventh year\n\n* Neville got in trouble with the Carrows for refusing to practise the Cruciatus Curse on other students as a method of punishment, as well as for standing up against their bigotry and cruelty.\n\n* along with Ginny and Luna, restarted Dumbledore's Army.\n\n* attempted to steal Godric Gryffindor's Sword from Snape's office\n\n* Neville was eventually left alone to lead the rebellion efforts (Luna and Ginny were not in Hogwarts anymore). When avoiding the Death Eaters at one point, Neville stumbled into the Room of Requirement, which he was able to turn into a hiding place for the D.A., and to connect to the Hog's Head in order to get food from Aberforth Dumbledore. By May, most of the D.A. had taken to living there.\n\n* During the first round of battle, Neville used various plants to attack Death Eaters, and helped transport the injured and dead when a temporary cease-fire was called.\n\n* When the Death Eaters approached with a "dead" Harry, Neville stood up in defiance of Voldemort. He was subsequently forced to wear the Sorting Hat as it burned because he refused to join Voldemort. Fortunately, due to Harry's sacrifice, Neville was able to shrug off the Full Body-Bind Curse.\n\n* Because of his tremendous bravery shown on the battlefield, Neville was able to pull Godric Gryffindor's Sword from the burning hat, in the process proving himself a true Gryffindor, something that was doubted constantly throughout due to his apparently weak-willed, shy, and bumbling nature. In a single stroke, he killed Nagini, destroying Voldemort's last remaining Horcrux.\n\n* Neville subsequently teamed up with Ron Weasley as the defenders of Hogwarts and Death Eaters were forced into the Great Hall and defeated Fenrir Greyback.\n\nAll in all, pretty convincing evidence of someone's bravery." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "This claim was made popular by being said in the movie The Social Network. It exactly says:\n\n> Did you know there are more people with genius IQs living in China than there are people of any kind living in the United States?\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This claim can actually be tested very easily. Others have done it, e.g. Brian Dickerson: The perils of repeating political nonsense and came to the conclusion that the claim was wrong.\n\nYou just need the chance a random person from a large group has a genius level IQ, then multiply it with the number of people in China and compare the result with the number of people in the USA. The IQ follows a Gaussian distribution where 100 is the mean by definition and a standard deviation (SD) of 15 (after Wechsler) or 16 (after Stanford-Binet). The rarity of a particular IQ can be calculated easily and are listed by the IQ Comparison Site. These numbers give the percentage of people with an IQ equal or lower than the given IQ and the rarity of this occurring.\n\nThe main question actually is what an genius level IQ is. There is no definite answer. According to the IQ Comparison Site, it is 140 or higher (\"Genius or near genius\") while another source states it as at least 160.\nThe rarity of such an IQ is 1/261 (with a SD of 15) or 1/161 (SD=16) for an IQ of 140 and 1/31,560 (SD=15) or 1/11,307 (SD=16) for an IQ of 160 according to Wikipedia. \n\nThe population of USA for 2012 is about 313,221,000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The population of China for 2011 is about 1,370,537,000.\nTaking the lowest rarity of 1/161 from above then there are about 1,370,537,000/161 = about 8,513,000 geniuses in China, which is significantly less then the 313,221,000 Americans.\nIf you take the 15 SD value of 1/261 then you get only about 5,251,000 Chinese geniuses.\nWith the 160 IQ points, which are more realistic to indicate a real genius, the numbers are even smaller (about 43,400 or 12,100). Note that 1,370,537,000/313,221,000 = 4.375, so in order for this claim to be true actually one of every four (or say five) Chinese would need to be a Genius. Even without the numbers above, it can be easily understood that this is not the case.\nConclusion: This claim is wrong according to the definition and probabilities of the IQ.\n\nSupplement:\nIt has been pointed out, that there are published research results showing that China and other Asian countries have a higher average IQ of about 106 (or even as high as 115) as the normed average of 100. This would increase the number of geniuses in China: The above factor of 1/161 would drop to about 1/60 or, for a Chinese average of 115, even to about 1/17. These numbers can be easily calculated using the standard deviation, e.g. using MS Excel's function ```NORM.DIST(140, 106, 16, TRUE)```. However, both these factors are not in any way close to the US/Chinese population ratio of about 1/4.375, so the original conclusion still holds." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am trying to get my program to print out ```\"banana\"``` from the dictionary. What would be the simplest way to do this?\nThis is my dictionary: \n```prices = {\n \"banana\" : 4,\n \"apple\" : 2,\n \"orange\" : 1.5,\n \"pear\" : 3\n}\n```" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As of Python 3.7, insertion order is maintained, so you don't need an ```OrderedDict``` here. You can use the below approaches with a normal ```dict```\n\nChanged in version 3.7: Dictionary order is guaranteed to be insertion order. This behavior was an implementation detail of CPython from 3.6.\n\nsource\n\nPython 3.6 and earlier*\nIf you are talking about a regular ```dict```, then the "first key" doesn't mean anything. The keys are not ordered in any way you can depend on. If you iterate over your ```dict``` you will likely not get ```"banana"``` as the first thing you see.\nIf you need to keep things in order, then you have to use an ```OrderedDict``` and not just a plain dictionary.\n```import collections\nprices = collections.OrderedDict([\n ("banana", 4),\n ("apple", 2),\n ("orange", 1.5),\n ("pear", 3),\n])\n```\nIf you then wanted to see all the keys in order you could do so by iterating through it\n```for k in prices:\n print(k)\n```\nYou could, alternatively put all of the keys into a list and then work with that\n```keys = list(prices)\nprint(keys[0]) # will print "banana"\n```\nA faster way to get the first element without creating a list would be to call ```next``` on the iterator. This doesn't generalize nicely when trying to get the ```nth``` element though\n```>>> next(iter(prices))\n'banana'\n```\n* CPython had guaranteed insertion order as an implementation detail in 3.6." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Different coffee packets advertise different amounts of 'Robusta' and 'Arabica'? What do these terms refer to, and how does it affect the taste of the coffee?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\n\n* One reason that the taste isn't as good for Robusta is that it has more caffeine compared to Arabica. Which may sound like a positive thing but caffeine carries a bitter taste which makes it an unpleasant drink. In fact the Robusta bean has 2.7% caffeine content, almost double the 1.5% of Arabica.\n* Arabica contains almost 60% more lipids and almost twice the concentration of sugar than Robusta. This factor also probably has a big impact on why we prefer the taste of Arabica.\n* From a price perspective, green beans of Robusta is about half the price of Arabica green beans on the commodity market.\n* Robusta is easier to tend to on the farm, has a higher yield and is less sensitive to insects - the extra caffeine is a chemical defense for the coffee seed as the quantity in the Robusta is toxic to bugs.\n\nAll of these factors help bring up the supply and lower the input costs for farmers to produce. With this more attractive price point, a lot of roasters back in the day would add Robusta to their blend in an attempt to reduce their costs and increase their profits. When coffee was initially sold in the 1900s the quality of coffee slowly and slowly deteriorated in an effort for companies to squeeze the most profit.\nWhere you’ll find it: Nowadays, it’s not often you’ll find Robusta in a coffee blends or in coffee shop. If you’re drinking instant coffee? Well, that’s probably all Robusta… but you probably don’t care very much about taste. In your espresso blend? That’s a mixed bag. Literally. Oddly enough, Robusta is still widely used as part of espresso blends – specifically Italian style blends. It is said to help improve the crema.\nOne thing to note is despite the association with Arabica of being higher quality, and Robusta as being lower quality, it’s not always the case. Top notch specialty Robusta coffee will usually taste as good as or better than low end Arabica. However, high end Robusta isn’t widely used or available. Rather, Robusta is usually used as a filler or cost reducer.\n\n* Robusta beans are much more circular, whereas Arabica are more oval.\n* Chlorogenic acid is a significant antioxidant and an insect deterrent. Robusta is 7-10% CGA and Arabica has 5.5-8% CGA." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "So whenever we want to shoot our flash before taking a photo. we have to charge it first.\nWhat is the point of the charging our flashes? Aren't their power directly supplied by the battery of our camera?\nPlease answer for the built in flash on the 2000D and the traditional hot shoe Xenon flashes.\nPerhaps these hot shoe xenon flashes have their own batteries charged by the slow hot shoe port. Who knows? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The peak power at work when a flash is being discharged is extreme.\nExample: a classic Metz 45CT (a large but still handheld unit) on full manual power delivers around 90 watt-seconds of electrical output to the flash tube in 1/300s. That means there are 27000 watts at work for a short time.\nA 27000 watt lightbulb (BTW, your flash is much brighter than that - more efficient!) would need the ampacity of around eight european household sockets (230V, fused at 13 or 16 amps) to operate, since it would draw around 120 ampere from them. At the voltage levels xenon flash tubes typically operate at, around 80 amperes will flow; if you wanted to pull that energy \"live\" from a 5-6V battery, you'd need to pull around 5000 amperes AND instantaneously convert them to around 80 amperes at high voltage. Batteries that could deliver 5000 amps - while not wasting most of the power as heat generated across their internal resistance - for a short duration and live certainly exist - you are looking at starter batteries for big lorries, which are rather inconvenient to lug around. Also, a 5000 ampere current pulse is quite a magnetic nuisance if there is anything either ferromagnetic or intended as an electrical conductor near the conductors used.\nYour average \"big\" speedlite, btw, will be around half the power described here (but might in some cases reach the same or higher peak currents in order to discharge even faster), an in-camera flash will be a fraction of these numbers - but still inconvenient to build any other way.\nIf you need a short, massive current pulse, the best energy source available in engineering is a previously charged capacitor (metal-paper or electrolytic type, not dual-layer \"supercap\"). This energy storage device is large for its storage capacity if you compare it to a battery - but able to respond far quicker to high current demand, since a) there is no chemical energy conversion involved in its operation, b) the relevant current path only involves metallic, very conductive parts instead of ionic conductors (aka electrolytes. An electrolytic capacitor, btw, does use its electrolyte for chemical self-upkeep, not for chemical energy storage or electrical connectivity). \nAlso, since the charge in a a capacitor is limited, it allows portioning total energy to what the flashlamp can safely take. This allows a flash in manual mode to just completely discharge the capacitor until it is nearly empty (when the remaining charge can only deliver voltage below the quench voltage of the flashlamp) without complex control circuitry - and at the same time gives you a safety fallback when working with dynamically controlled power levels (telecomputer or TTL mode), leaving no way for catastrophic circuit failure in combination with several kilowatts of constant power available turning into a massive safety hazard. A handheld-sized efficient electrical near point light source with 27000W input, driven constantly, would first severely damage your eyes and then self destroy violently (think of a welding arc - dangerously bright, and it melts metal)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are some strategies to maintain morale and productivity after massive layoffs? I am not in a managerial role, just a lead role, and am asking for myself and my fellow employees." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The situation you're describing is tough. Layoffs have a very real impact on both the individuals that are let go and those that remain. I'm sorry you're experiencing this.\nHere are some things to consider that may help you and your colleagues cope with the added stress and emotions following a layoff:\n\n* Acknowledge the layoff and the feelings of your colleagues. Avoiding the topic can extend negative feelings and disenfranchise those most impacted. You should find an opportunity to connect with your colleagues for an honest conversation about your feelings following the layoff. Perhaps reach out to hold a number of 1-on-1 conversations, or gather your team for an off-site lunch and prompt the discussion.\n* Acknowledge that everyone will be impacted differently. Some of your colleagues will feel totally okay and ready to get back to work. Others will feel anxious and worried in a way that prevents them from performing the same way they did before the layoff. There is no right or \"professional\" reaction to a layoff. Be open to the feelings and reactions of all of your colleagues equally.\n* Create practical solutions to new processes and responsibilities. If your team now has a greater workload, be a generator of solutions. Try out ideas for making processes in your team more efficient and predictable.\n* Create transparency about the state of the business and potential future staff changes. Layoffs are a clear indication of business trouble. Facilitate sharing facts about the state of the business and actively work to eliminate rumors. Additionally, layoffs will likely cause shifts in responsibility as roles are consolidated or reorganized. Make clear who has specific responsibilities both inside and outside of your team. Actively eliminate any sources of uncertainty and anxiety that you can.\n* Be a role model. Don't participate in gossip or complaining about the layoff. Don't disparage management or other colleagues in casual conversation. Be a model for professionalism and caring.\n* Maintain work standards and a caring meritocracy. A layoff isn't an excuse for allowing work quality to decline. Additionally, differences in productivity and quality between team members should be consistently and fairly addressed. If a team member is underperforming following the layoff, provide direct feedback and ask what you can do to help.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Could you please clearly explain what is the difference between correlation and convolution that is done by a filter on an image? \nI mean in terms of signal processing definition I know that convolution describes the output of an LTI system, that is if an LTI system produces an output due to convolution with an input system then the output signal can be described as the result of convolution of the input signal and the impulse response of the LTI system. As for the correlation, it describes the similarities between to signals. But how does convolution and correlation effect on a image and how different are they in terms of effects?\nThanks" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Convolution is correlation with the filter rotated 180 degrees. This makes no difference, if the filter is symmetric, like a Gaussian, or a Laplacian. But it makes a whole lot of difference, when the filter is not symmetric, like a derivative. \nThe reason we need convolution is that it is associative, while correlation, in general, is not. To see why this is true, remember that convolution is multiplication in the frequency domain, which is obviously associative. On the other hand, correlation in the frequency domain is multiplication by the complex conjugate, which is not associative.\nThe associativity of convolution is what allows you to \"pre-convolve\" the filters, so that you only need to convolve the image with a single filter. For example, let's say you have an image $f$, which you need to convolve with $g$ and then with $h$. $f * g * h = f * (g * h)$. That means you can convolve $g$ and $h$ first into a single filter, and then convolve $f$ with it. This is useful, if you need to convolve many images with $g$ and $h$. You can pre-compute $k = g * h$, and then reuse $k$ multple times.\nSo if you are doing template matching, i. e. looking for a single template, correlation is sufficient. But if you need to use multiple filters in succession, and you need to perform this operation on multiple images, it makes sense to convolve the multiple filters into a single filter ahead of time." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "24601 has developed into being an iconic part of both the Les Miserables book and musical. Was that number special to him, or was it simply a random number he chose (I doubt it)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes: it corresponds to the date of Hugo's conception.\nThis is part of a pattern of similarities between the character of Jean Valjean and the author himself: both are of similar age, have similar habits and similarly austere lifestyles, and even share the same dreams. This is according to David Bellos's The Novel of the Century: The Extraordinary Adventure of Les Misérables, which concludes Part Three with:\n\nBut Hugo put in a secret sign to remind himself and maybe those who knew him well that there were deep links of identity between the dutiful and persistent ex-convict and himself. Hugo was born on 26 February 1802, but because he was a slightly premature baby, he always believed he had been conceived on 24 June 1801. Valjean's prison number on his first incarceration at Toulon is 24601.\n-- p. 162 (emphasis mine)\n\nAs a bonus, Valjean's second prisoner number was apparently also chosen for its special significance to Hugo: it refers to the month of his daughter Léopoldine's death. From footnote 46 in Kathryn Grossman's Figuring Transcendence in Les Miserables: Hugo's Romantic Sublime:\n\nGaudon demonstrates that this image, which represents genius in one of the poet's earliest carnets (8 July 1820), is a sign of his "deep identification" with Valjean (Temps 547). As further evidence that the hero is an alter ego, Gohin cites the two numbers assigned to him in prison. The first, 24601, refers to the supposed date of Hugo's conception (24 June 1801), while the second, 9430, alludes to Léopoldine's death in September 1843 ("Une histoire" 47; see also 52).\n-- p. 165 (emphasis mine)\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why does Michael Crichton use US Customary measurements in hard sci-fi?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Crichton used both imperial and metric, depending on the context.\nIn the course of one paragraph in The Sphere, he managed to use both!\n\n> \"Pacific coral grows two-and-a-half centimeters a year, and the object-- whatever it is-- is covered in about five meters of coral. That's a lot of coral. Of course, coral doesn't grow at a depth of a thousand feet, which means that the present shelf collapsed to a lower depth at some point in the past.\"\n\nWhen the character (Barnes, a Navy captain) is talking about precise measurements, he uses metric. When he's being more general, he uses imperial.\nThe main character Norman (a psychologist, not exactly the most mathematically intensive field) uses imperial when thinking to himself.\n\n> He climbed up through the submarine and into a round steel cylinder approximately eight feet in diameter.\n\nBut later, when the astrophysicist Ted is giving officialish measurements the titular sphere, he uses metric:\n\n> \"This object is a burnished sphere approximately ten meters in a diameter, no solid, and composed of a dense metal alloy.\"\n\nSo the short answer is that Crichton is an American writing American characters for a predominantly American audience. He uses imperial units for clarity, but metric when it would realistically be used." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can horns, most of which have only three buttons, play all their notes?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Put as simply as possible, horns are tubes. Blowing in special ways makes certain notes sound from those tubes. By changing one's embouchure, those notes start at a fundamental, then gradually go up in harmonics. The first notes (in key C) would be C, G, C, E, G.Those notes are the ones we hear when a bugle is played - Reveille, Last Post, etc. Bugles only play the harmonic series of notes, and can't play the ones in between. Read on.\nOn a trumpet, for starters, there are three valves. One drops any open note played by one semitone, another by two semitones, and the other by three semitones. So using a combination of valves, you can lower any open note by up to six semitones.\nLet's take the first G note. To get F♯, press the semitone valve. To get F, press the tone valve. To get E, press two valves to drop a tone and a half. (there's one valve alone that can do this). To play E♭, press the two valves that drop two tones. To get D, press the two valves to drop two and a half tones. And to get C♯, press all three.\nThat's the more complicated bit, as between the open notes, there's more semitones than anywhere else further up in pitch. Notice that between G and the next C, there are only two tones.\nSo at this point, not so many notes are needed, so the valve pressing is more simple. Next, between that C and the E, there's even fewer, so again, not so many valve changes are needed.\nNow, onto trombone. There are actually valve trombones, which work the same as trumpets, etc., but for the standard trombone, imagine those extra lengths of tube brought into play by pressing valves are now a single continuum of tubing, operated by the slide. At various places along that slide, there are all the notes found similarly to pressing valves. There's also loads of extra notes that are going to be out of tune!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am a big fan of worldbuilding. A common sight in science fiction is that aliens pretend to be human (For example in Third Rock from the Sun). Obviously if the aliens are advanced enough to disguise themselves as another species, there are much easier, simpler and less expensive methods to destroy humanity, so why else would an advanced alien civilization waste time, energy and resources to disguise themselves as humans? What possible scientific, cultural or commercial use could such an expensive procedure have?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aliens are alien, without a common background their motives may be incomprehensible.\nIf we assume that these aliens are Hollywood aliens (ie humans with odd-looking rubber bits stuck on their faces) then there are all of the reasons that humans from one culture spend time in another culture and try and learn to fit in:\n\n* Anthropology; studying how a different culture has developed to better understand the developmental processes that influenced your own. Iain M. Banks wrote Inversions (two anthropologists from the Culture investigating a Renaissance-era world) and The State of the Art (a Culture Contact team on Earth ca 1970) in this vein.\n* Tourism; experiencing a culture that is vastly different from your previous experiences.\n* Reality TV; Bear Grylls.\n* Method Acting; preparing for a role in their own entertainment channels that involves playing the part of a member of an Information Age society.\n* Challenge; because they can.\n* Hermitage; there are people here on Earth who prefer to step away from the rat race and all the newfangled gadgets and live as their ancestors did, but usually not all the way back to stone tools. Selecting a developing world and fitting in gives them access to a level of technology between their home culture and being trapped on a desert island.\n* Camouflage; they are being sought by members of their home culture and it's easier to hide and survive amongst us than in their own milieu. There are a lot of examples of this in fiction already: For Richer or Poorer, Men in Black II and it's analogous to fleeing the law and retiring to a country without an extradition treaty.\n* Crash Landing, or a failure that prevents them from going home; if they came on an FTL ship that doesn't have FTL communications they may be waiting a long time for spare parts or updated navigational maps, or if they brought Gilligan who proceeded to ruin all of their plans to return home, or they may have arrived on a slower-than-light colony ship and would prefer to stay here and fit in amongst us rather than try and find another prospective colony.\n* Uplift; meddling to steer us onto the \"right\" path of development and prevent us from immolating ourselves (or vice versa if your species doesn't like the competition)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I've taken a look at the list of surveys taken on scala-lang.org and noticed a curious question: \"Can you name all the uses of “_”?\". Can you? If yes, please do so here. Explanatory examples are appreciated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The following is an explanation of the uses of the underscore is Scala _ [underscore] magic.\nExamples:\n``` def matchTest(x: Int): String = x match {\n case 1 => \"one\"\n case 2 => \"two\"\n case _ => \"anything other than one and two\"\n }\n expr match {\n case List(1,_,_) => \" a list with three element and the first element is 1\"\n case List(_*) => \" a list with zero or more elements \"\n case Map[_,_] => \" matches a map with any key type and any value type \"\n case _ =>\n }\n List(1,2,3,4,5).foreach(print(_))\n // Doing the same without underscore:\n List(1,2,3,4,5).foreach( a => print(a))\n```\nIn Scala, ```_``` acts similar to ```*``` in Java while importing packages.\n```// Imports all the classes in the package matching\nimport scala.util.matching._\n// Imports all the members of the object Fun (static import in Java).\nimport com.test.Fun._\n// Imports all the members of the object Fun but renames Foo to Bar\nimport com.test.Fun.{ Foo => Bar , _ }\n// Imports all the members except Foo. To exclude a member rename it to _\nimport com.test.Fun.{ Foo => _ , _ }\n```\nIn Scala, a getter and setter will be implicitly defined for all non-private vars in a object. The getter name is same as the variable name and ```_=``` is added for the setter name.\n```class Test {\n private var a = 0\n def age = a\n def age_=(n:Int) = {\n require(n>0)\n a = n\n }\n}\n```\nUsage:\n```val t = new Test\nt.age = 5\nprintln(t.age)\n```\nIf you try to assign a function to a new variable, the function will be invoked and the result will be assigned to the variable. This confusion occurs due to the optional braces for method invocation. We should use _ after the function name to assign it to another variable.\n```class Test {\n def fun = {\n // Some code\n }\n val funLike = fun _\n}\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My university usually asks that we book a flight via a travel agent, but the prices he gives me are about $50 higher than the prices I can get by online booking in the flight company's website. Why would a company want me to book a flight via a travel agent if it is more expensive?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are several reasons why such internal policies exist:\n\n* Your institution may get a discount on certain services of the travel agent if it buys enough from the agent\n* By having a contract with a reasonably-priced travel agent, they make sure that no employee books the flight with a very pricey agent or with a travel agent that happens to be a relative of the traveller\n* The travel agency offers easy methods to verify expense information and thus may lower the workload of your local administrative personnel. This especially holds if the payment is routed directly from the institution to the travel agent, which also makes sure that the flyer does not get credit card bonus points for the booking.\n* Your institution may have an agreement with the travel agent that they manually check if members of your institution are not unnecessarily booking expensive booking classes (in order to get more airline bonus miles)\n* Some insurances that your institution bought may only work if the ticket is bought directly from the institution and not by the flyer, and they elected the agent to handle such bookings.\n\nWhich of these reasons is the one why this policy exists can only be answered by the responsible employees of your institution." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Layman's explanation of encryption backdoors" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are two somewhat orthogonal concepts in backdooring encryption algorithms:\n\n* The backdoor can be explicit or implicit. An explicit backdoor is one that everybody knows it is there. An implicit backdoor strives at remaining undetected by the algorithm owners. Of course, when there is an explicit backdoor, people tend to avoid the algorithm altogether, so explicit backdoors may hope to work only in the presence of a legal framework that forces implementers to use the backdoored system.\nAn example of an explicit backdoor is the Clipper chip (which was ultimately abandoned). The backdoor is not really in the algorithm, more in the assembly of algorithms into a protocol, and technically it was an automatic key escrowing method. For an implicit backdoor, see the Dual EC DRBG as a famous example: it worked only as long as nobody was aware that it was backdoored.\n* The backdoor's security may be quantifiable, or not. In the case of Dual EC DRBG, the mechanism uses well-trodden mathematical paths: the NSA knew that exploiting the backdoor required knowledge of an internal secret key, based on discrete logarithm (on elliptic curves).\nA non-quantifiable security is what happens when you try to push, for instance, a voluntarily flawed algorithm, or one for which you know of a cryptanalytic method that you did not publish. This is a very dangerous game for a spy agency, because you cannot really know whether third parties could find the flaw or not. Such backdooring tends to backfire in the long term.\nInterestingly, the NSA tends not to use non-quantifiable backdoors. A good example is DES. At the time it was designed, the NSA believed that it could tackle an upfront 256 exhaustive search, and that nobody else (in particular the Soviets) had the technology and budget for that. The NSA also knew of a novel cryptanalytic method (differential cryptanalysis). So when the NSA intervened in the design of DES, it insisted on shortening the key from 64 to 56 bits (that's addition of a quantifiable backdoor, and it was rather obvious, so quasi-explicit), and also on strengthening the design against differential cryptanalysis. This is a good example about how NSA consciously refrained from a non-quantifiable backdoor. There is only one thing that spy agencies fear more than not being able to spy: it is the idea that other competing spy agencies may also spy.\n\nSo a real, good backdoor is one that uses maths to offer quantifiable security against unauthorized usage of the backdoor. It is extremely difficult to have quantifiable security without making the backdoor explicit. The \"best in class\" in that area is Dual EC DRBG, and even before the Snowden business, cryptographers were already finding it weird and strongly suspected foul play (see the analyses back in 2007, 6 years before Snowden)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have a page where a scroll bar containing table rows with divs in them is dynamically generated from the database. Each table row acts like a link, sort of like you'd see on a YouTube playlist next to the video player.\nWhen a user visits the page, the option they are on is supposed to go to the top of the scrolling div. This functionality is working. The issue is that it goes just a tad too far. Like the option they are on is about 10px too high. So, the page is visited, the url is used to identify which option was selected and then scrolls that option to the top of the scrolling div. Note: This is not the scroll bar for the window, it is a div with a scrollbar.\nI am using this code to make it move the selected option to the top of the div:\n```var pathArray = window.location.pathname.split( '/' );\nvar el = document.getElementById(pathArray[5]);\nel.scrollIntoView(true);\n```\nIt moves it to the top of the div but about 10 pixels too far up.\nhow to fix that?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "CSS ```scroll-margin``` and ```scroll-padding```\nYou might want to have a look at new CSS properties ```scroll-padding``` and ```scroll-margin```. You can use ```scroll-padding``` for the scrolling container (```html``` in this case), and ```scroll-margin``` for the element within the container.\nFor your example, you would want to add ```scroll-margin-top``` for the element that you want to scroll into view, like this:\n```.example {\n scroll-margin-top: 10px;\n}\n```\nThis affects ```scrollIntoView``` code, like this code:\n```const el = document.querySelector(".example");\nel.scrollIntoView({block: "start", behavior: "smooth"});\n```\nThis will cause the viewport to scroll to align the top border of the viewport with the top border of the element, but with 10px of additional space. In other words, these properties of the element are taken into account:\n\n* ```padding-top```\n* ```border-top```\n* ```scroll-margin-top```\n* (and not ```margin-top```)\n\nIn addition, if the ```html``` element has ```scroll-padding-top``` set, then that is taken into account too.\nIf you're using a framework like Vue, you might want to make sure that all changes to the DOM are finished before running `scrollIntoView` by using something like `Vue.nextTick(() => el.scrollIntoView())`" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Suppose I have the geographic coordinates of "Saratoga, California, USA" as\n```Latitude: 37°15.8298′ N\nLongitude: 122° 1.3806′ W\n```\nI know from here that in the case of latitude ```1° ≈ 69 miles``` and that longitude varies:\n```1° longitude = cosine (latitude) * length of degree (miles) at Equator.\n```\nHow many miles is 1° longitude at ```longitude: 122°1.3806′ W```?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It doesn't matter at what longitude you are. What matters is what latitude you are.\nLength of ```1 degree of Longitude``` = ```cosine (latitude in radians) * length of degree (miles) at equator```.\nConvert your latitude into decimal degrees ~ 37.26383\nConvert your decimal degrees into radians ~ 0.65038\nTake the cosine of the value in radians ~ 0.79585\n1 degree of Longitude = ~0.79585 * 69.172 = ~ 55.051 miles\nMore useful information from the about.com website:\n\nDegrees of latitude are parallel so the distance between each degree\nremains almost constant but since degrees of longitude are farthest\napart at the equator and converge at the poles, their distance varies\ngreatly.\nEach degree of latitude is approximately 69 miles (111 kilometers)\napart. The range varies (due to the earth's slightly ellipsoid shape)\nfrom 68.703 miles (110.567 km) at the equator to 69.407 (111.699 km)\nat the poles. This is convenient because each minute (1/60th of a\ndegree) is approximately one [nautical] mile.\nA degree of longitude is widest at the equator at 69.172 miles\n(111.321) and gradually shrinks to zero at the poles. At 40° north or\nsouth the distance between a degree of longitude is 53 miles (85 km)\n\nNote that the original site (about.com) erroneously omitted the "nautical" qualifier." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have read numerous times that some Norse warriors, upon death, would go in Fólkvangr, while some others would go to Valhalla. How was it decided which warrior would go to which place? Why did the need to have many \"paradises\" (whatever you many call it) exist?\nCiting Wikipedia:\n\n > In Norse mythology, Fólkvangr (Old Norse \"field of the host\" or \"people-field\" or \"army-field\") is a meadow or field ruled over by the goddess Freyja where half of those that die in combat go upon death, while the other half go to the god Odin in Valhalla." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Norse mythological texts record three primary places where the dead were perceived to go: Helheim (Old Norse Helheimr, “the home of the goddess Hel“), Valhalla (Old Norse Valhöll, “the hall of the fallen”), and Folkvang (Old Norse Fólkvangr, “the field of the people” or “the field of warriors”).\nBut they're indistinguishable and don't have any major differences between them.\nValhalla is presided over by Odin, and to gain entrance to it, one must be chosen by him and his valkyries, the “choosers of the fallen.” \nSimilarily, entrance to Folkvang is dependent upon being selected by Freya.\n\n Valhalla is often depicted as a realm where distinguished warriors engage in a continuous battle, and just such a place is described, in important early sources, as being located beneath the ground – and, intriguingly, without the name “Valhalla” or a cognate anywhere in the account.\n source: Ellis, Hilda Roderick. 1968. The Road to Hel: A Study of the Conception of the Dead in Old Norse Literature. p. 85-86. \n\n\n\n \n * Folkvang is the ninth, and there Freyia arranges\n the choice of seats in the hall;\n half the slain she chooses every day,\n and half Odin owns.\n \n source: 1996 Carolyne Larrington in The Poetic Edda “Grimnir’s Sayings”\n\nThe only difference that is pointed out, is in the way that the dead are chosen to stay. Odin chooses for Valhalla, while Freya chooses for Folkvang.\nComing to the second part of the question:\n\n And why did the need to have many \"paradises\" (whatever you many call it) exist?\n\nHel is a place where all humans have to go after their death:\n\n “For there is a time\n when every man shall journey hence to Hel.\"\n Fáfnismál 10\n\nSo before the dead finally reach Hel, Odin and Freyja select the ones who are worthy of living in Valhalla and Folkvang. \nTherefore,\n\n* Valhalla receives distinguished warriors.\n* Folkvangr receives the rest of the warriors.\n* Hel receives the rest of the dead.\n\n\nsource: Norse-Mythology.org" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I noticed that there is a binary executable ```/bin/echo``` on my Ubuntu MATE 17.04 system.\nI thought, that's odd, because\n```$ type echo\necho is a shell builtin```\nCursory testing suggests that ```/bin/echo``` does the same sort of thing as the Bash builtin ```echo```:\n```$ /bin/echo foo\nfoo\n$ /bin/echo $USER\nzanna\n```\nSo, why is there another version of ```echo``` separate from the Bash program, and why or when would I want to use it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you open up a ```bash``` prompt and type in an ```echo``` command, that uses a shell builtin rather than running ```/bin/echo```. The reasons it is still important for ```/bin/echo``` to exist are:\n\n* You're not always using a shell. Under a variety of circumstances, you run an executable directly and not through a shell.\n* At least in theory, some shells don't have an ```echo``` builtin. This is not actually required.\n\nTo expand on #1, suppose you wanted to move all the regular files whose names started with ```abc``` anywhere in ```src``` to ```dest```. There are several ways to do that but one of them is:\n```find src -name 'abc*' -type f -exec mv -nv {} dest/ \\;\n```\nBut suppose, rather than just running that, you want to see every command that will be run first. Well, then you can prepend ```echo``` to the command, just as you might in other contexts:\n```find src -name 'abc*' -type f -exec echo mv -nv {} dest/ \\;\n```\nBut ```find``` doesn't use a shell. That runs ```/bin/echo```.\nBesides ```find``` with ```-exec``` or ```-execdir```, the ```/bin/echo``` executable will be called by other programs that themselves run programs but not through a shell. This happens with the ```xargs``` command (which is related to ```find```), as well as in a number of other contexts, such as the ```Exec=``` line of a ```.desktop``` file. Another example is when you run ```sudo echo```, which can be handy for testing if ```sudo``` is working.\nSimilarly, some shells have a ```printf``` builtin but ```/usr/bin/printf``` also exists.\nA less common possible reason you might deliberately use ```/bin/echo``` is if you were relying on the differences between it and the ```echo``` command provided by your shell. ```man echo``` documents ```/bin/echo```; ```help echo``` in ```bash``` documents the ```bash``` builtin. ```echo``` is not very portable, because different implementations--both across operating systems and across shells on the same operating system--support different options (e.g., ```-e```) and differ in their treatment of backslashes. Of course, it's better to avoid relying on such details, and use ```printf``` instead, which is far more portable.\nIn ```bash```, you can make the ```type``` builtin show ```/bin/echo``` as well--assuming ```/bin``` is in your ```$PATH``` as it always should be--by passing it the ```-a``` flag:\n```$ type -a echo\necho is a shell builtin\necho is /bin/echo\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "what's the difference between JavaScript objects, classes and functions?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As you must already be aware by now there are no classes in JavaScript. Instead functions in JavaScript may be made to behave like constructors by preceding a function call with the ```new``` keyword. This is known as the constructor pattern.\nIn JavaScript everything is an object except for the primitive data types (boolean, number and string), and ```undefined```. On the other hand ```null``` is actually an object reference even though you may at first believe otherwise. This is the reason ```typeof null``` returns ```"object"```.\nFunctions in JavaScript are similar to functables in Lua (i.e. they are callable objects). Hence a function can be used in place of an object. Similarly arrays are also objects in JavaScript. On the other hand objects can be thought of as associative arrays.\nThe most important point however is that there are no classes in JavaScript because JavaScript is a prototypal object oriented language. This means that objects in JavaScript directly inherit from other objects. Hence we don't need classes. All we need is a way to create and extend objects.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In most introductory algorithm classes, notations like $O$ (Big O) and $\\Theta$ are introduced, and a student would typically learn to use one of these to find the time complexity.\nHowever, there are other notations, such as $o$, $\\Omega$ and $\\omega$. Are there any specific scenarios where one notation would be preferable to another?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You are referring to the Landau notation. They are not different symbols for the same thing but have entirely different meanings. Which one is \"preferable\" depends entirely on the desired statement.\n$f \\in \\cal{O}(g)$ means that $f$ grows at most as fast as $g$, asymptotically and up to a constant factor; think of it as a $\\leq$. $f \\in o(g)$ is the stricter form, i.e. $\n$f \\in \\Omega(g)$ has the symmetric meaning: $f$ grows at least as fast as $g$. $\\omega$ is its stricter cousin. You can see that $f \\in \\Omega(g)$ is equivalent to $g \\in \\cal{O}(f)$.\n$f \\in \\Theta(g)$ means that $f$ grows about as fast as $g$; formally $f \\in \\cal{O}(g) \\cap \\Omega(g)$. $f \\sim g$ (asymptotic equality) is its stronger form. We often mean $\\Theta$ when we use $\\cal{O}$.\nNote how $\\cal{O}(g)$ and its siblings are function classes. It is important to be very aware of this and their precise definitions -- which can differ depending on who is talking -- when doing \"arithmetics\" with them. \nWhen proving things, take care to work with your precise definition. There are many definitions for Landau symbols around (all with the same basic intuition), some of which are equivalent on some sets on functions but not on others.\n\nIf you are interested in using Landau notation in a rigorous and sound manner, you may be interested in a work by Rutanen et al.. They formulate necessary and sufficient criteria for asymptotic notation as we use them in algorithmics, show that the common definition fails to meet them and provide a (the, in fact) workable definition.\n\n* A general definition of the O-notation for algorithm analysis by K. Rutanen et al. (2015)\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is Gaia operating around Earth orbit? Why not send it to Neptune's orbit?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Well, you thought about the spatial aspect of a parallax measurement, but not about the temporal one.\nGaia's intention is to measure 3D positions as well as 3D velocities. For the distance, you need accurate parallactic measurement, which come in with your orbital period.\nFor a typical Gaia-star with several measurement per year, you'll get 5 values of the parallax after 5 years of time, which you then average. If you'd send Gaia towards Neptune (besides the fact that no one has ever sent an orbiter, to say nothing of a L2 mission that far out) that has a period of 168 years, then after 5 years you'd get... 5/168 th of one paralactic measurement.\nIt simply couldn't achieve its science goals if put around the L2 behind Neptune. Also no one on this planet has any experience in putting something into a outer system L2 point. This is different than putting it into Earth's L2, because reaching the L2 around one of the giants has vast and very precise $\\Delta v$ requirements. This would be a massive technological leap, and things don't work that way in space. Small, incremental technological steps are required in an anyways unfriendly environment, to make sure everything works properly and no millions of dollars have been wasted.\nCompare that to Gaia's predecessor, the Hipparcos satellite, which was parked in geostationary orbit.\nNow you could still say, why not use Jupiter hypothetically anyways. Well, the orbital period there is still 11 years, and Jupiter's L2 still suffers from the intense radiation environment that is provided by Jupiter's magnetosphere. This would lead to rapid degradation of the CCDs used for scanning across the sky." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have a string representing a unix timestamp (i.e. "1284101485") in Python, and I'd like to convert it to a readable date. When I use ```time.strftime```, I get a ```TypeError```:\n```>>>import time\n>>>print time.strftime("%B %d %Y", "1284101485")\nTraceback (most recent call last):\n File "", line 1, in \nTypeError: argument must be 9-item sequence, not str\n```" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are two parts here:\n\n* Convert the unix timestamp (\"seconds since epoch\") to the local time\n* Display the local time in the desired format.\n\nA portable way to get the local time that works even if the local time zone had a different utc offset in the past and python has no access to the tz database is to use a ```pytz``` timezone:\n```#!/usr/bin/env python\nfrom datetime import datetime\nimport tzlocal # $ pip install tzlocal\nunix_timestamp = float(\"1284101485\")\nlocal_timezone = tzlocal.get_localzone() # get pytz timezone\nlocal_time = datetime.fromtimestamp(unix_timestamp, local_timezone)\n```\nTo display it, you could use any time format that is supported by your system e.g.:\n```print(local_time.strftime(\"%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S.%f%z (%Z)\"))\nprint(local_time.strftime(\"%B %d %Y\")) # print date in your format\n```\n\nIf you do not need a local time, to get a readable UTC time instead:\n```utc_time = datetime.utcfromtimestamp(unix_timestamp)\nprint(utc_time.strftime(\"%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S.%f+00:00 (UTC)\"))\n```\n\nIf you don't care about the timezone issues that might affect what date is returned or if python has access to the tz database on your system:\n```local_time = datetime.fromtimestamp(unix_timestamp)\nprint(local_time.strftime(\"%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S.%f\"))\n```\nOn Python 3, you could get a timezone-aware datetime using only stdlib (the UTC offset may be wrong if python has no access to the tz database on your system e.g., on Windows):\n```#!/usr/bin/env python3\nfrom datetime import datetime, timezone\nutc_time = datetime.fromtimestamp(unix_timestamp, timezone.utc)\nlocal_time = utc_time.astimezone()\nprint(local_time.strftime(\"%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S.%f%z (%Z)\"))\n```\nFunctions from the ```time``` module are thin wrappers around the corresponding C API and therefore they may be less portable than the corresponding ```datetime``` methods otherwise you could use them too:\n```#!/usr/bin/env python\nimport time\nunix_timestamp = int(\"1284101485\")\nutc_time = time.gmtime(unix_timestamp)\nlocal_time = time.localtime(unix_timestamp)\nprint(time.strftime(\"%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S\", local_time))\nprint(time.strftime(\"%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S+00:00 (UTC)\", utc_time))\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In Django, the convention is to put all of your static files (i.e css, js) specific to your app into a folder called static. So the structure would look like this:\n```mysite/\n manage.py\n mysite/ --> (settings.py, etc)\n myapp/ --> (models.py, views.py, etc)\n static/\n```\nIn ```mysite/settings.py``` I have:\n```STATIC_ROOT = 'staticfiles'\n```\nSo when I run the command:\n```python manage.py collectstatic\n```\nIt creates a folder called ```staticfiles``` at the root level (so same directory as ```myapp/```)\nWhat's the point of this? Isn't it just creating a copy of all my static files?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Collect static files from multiple apps into a single path\n\nA single Django project may use several apps, so while there you only have one ```myapp```, it may actually be ```myapp1```, ```myapp2```, etc\nBy copying them from inside the individual apps into a single folder, you can point your frontend web server (e.g. nginx) to that single folder ```STATIC_ROOT``` and serve static files from a single location, rather than configure your web server to serve static files from multiple paths.\n\n## Persistent URLs with ManifestStaticFilesStorage\n\nA note about the MD5 hash being appended to the filename for versioning: It's not part of the default behavior of ```collectstatic```, as ```settings.STATICFILES_STORAGE``` defaults to ```StaticFilesStorage``` (which doesn't do that)\nThe MD5 hash will kick in e.g. if you set it to use ```ManifestStaticFilesStorage```, which adds that behavior.\n\n> The purpose of this storage is to keep serving the old files in case some pages still refer to those files, e.g. because they are cached by you or a 3rd party proxy server. Additionally, it’s very helpful if you want to apply far future Expires headers to the deployed files to speed up the load time for subsequent page visits." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am used to thinking of finite-differences as a special case of finite-elements, on a very constrained grid. What are criteria to choose between finite-differences and finite-elements" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is possible to write most specific finite difference methods as Petrov-Galerkin finite element methods with some choice of local reconstruction and quadrature, and most finite element methods can also be shown to be algebraically equivalent to some finite difference method. Therefore, we should choose a method based on which analysis framework we want to use, which terminology we like, which system for extensibility we like, and how we would like to structure software. The following generalizations hold true in the vast majority of variations in practical use, but many points can be circumvented.\nFinite Difference\nPros\n\n* efficient quadrature-free implementation\n* aspect ratio independence and local conservation for certain schemes (e.g. MAC for incompressible flow)\n* robust nonlinear methods for transport (e.g. ENO/WENO)\n* M-matrix for some problems\n* discrete maximum principle for some problems (e.g. mimetic finite differences)\n* diagonal (usually identity) mass matrix\n* inexpensive nodal residual permits efficient nonlinear multigrid (FAS)\n* cell-wise Vanka smoothers give efficient matrix-free smoothers for incompressible flow\n\nCons\n\n* more difficult to implement \"physics\"\n* staggered grids are sometimes quite technical\n* higher than second order on unstructured grids is difficult\n* no Galerkin orthogonality, so convergence may be more difficult to prove\n* not a Galerkin method, so discretization and adjoints do not commute (relevant to optimization and inverse problems)\n* self-adjoint continuum problems often yield non-symmetric matrices\n* solution is only defined pointwise, so reconstruction at arbitrary locations is not uniquely defined\n* boundary conditions tend to be complicated to implement\n* discontinuous coefficients usually make the methods first order\n* stencil grows if physics includes \"cross terms\"\n\nFinite Element\nPros\n\n* Galerkin orthogonality (discrete solution to coercive problems is within a constant of the best solution in the space)\n* simple geometric flexibility\n* discontinuous Galerkin offers robust transport algorithm, arbitrary order on unstructured grids\n* cellwise entropy inequality guaranteeing $L^2$ stability holds independent of mesh, dimension, order of accuracy, and presence of discontinuous solutions, without needing nonlinear limiters\n* easy of implementing boundary conditions\n* can choose conservation statement by choosing test space\n* discretization and adjoints commute (for Galerkin methods)\n* elegant foundation in functional analysis\n* at high order, local kernels can exploit tensor product structure that is missing with FD\n* Lobatto quadrature can make methods energy-conserving (assuming a symplectic time integrator)\n* high order accuracy even with discontinuous coefficients, as long as you can align to boundaries\n* discontinuous coefficients inside elements can be accommodated with XFEM\n* easy to handle multiple inf-sup conditions\n\nCons\n\n* many elements have trouble at high aspect ratio\n* continuous FEM has trouble with transport (SUPG is diffusive and oscillatory)\n* DG usually has more degrees of freedom for same accuracy (though HDG is much better)\n* continuous FEM does not provide cheap nodal problems, so nonlinear smoothers have much poorer constants\n* usually more nonzeros in assembled matrices\n* have to choose between consistent mass matrix (some nice properties, but has full inverse, thus requiring an implicit solve per time step) and lumped mass matrix.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How important is multithreading in the current software industry?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is extremely important.\nWhat is more important though is to understand that multithreading is just one way to solve the asynchrony problem. The technical environment in which many people are now writing software differs from the historical software development environment (of monolithic applications performing batch computations) in two key ways:\n\n* Many-core machines are now common. We can no longer expect clock speeds or transistor densities to increase by orders of magnitude. The price of computation will continue to fall, but it will fall because of lots of parallelism. We're going to have to find a way to take advantage of that power.\n* Computers are now heavily networked and modern applications rely upon being able to fetch rich information from a variety of sources.\n\nFrom a computational standpoint, these two factors essentially boil down to the same core idea: information increasingly will be available in an asynchronous fashion. Whether the information you need is being computed on another chip in your machine or on a chip halfway around the world doesn't really matter. Either way, your processor is sitting there burning billions of cycles a second waiting for information when it could be doing useful work. \nSo what matters now, and what will matter even more in the future, is not multithreading per se, but rather, dealing with asynchrony. Multithreading is just one way to do that -- a complicated, error-prone way that is only going to get more complicated and more error-prone as weak-memory-model chips become more widely used. \nThe challenge for tools vendors is to come up with some way better than multithreading for our customers to deal with the asynchronous infrastructure they'll be using in the future." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is it true that the price of diamonds is based on a monopoly? And who actually runs/owns this supposed monopoly? Is this likely to affect diamond prices if I am interested in purchasing?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, the De Beers Group of Companies is a diamond cartel that had complete control of the diamond market for most of the 20th century. They still control a sizable portion of the market and their effort at marketing (particularly with the slogan \"A Diamond is Forever\") has done much to inflate the market for diamonds in our society.\nThe intrinsic value of diamonds is much lower than the market prices currently reflect, but with the caveat that there is a rarity factor which does drive up the price of larger diamonds.\nThe larger the diamond, the more likely it is to have flaws, so when it comes to diamonds that are 5 carats or greater, you are not as likely to see a new supply of diamonds disrupt the prices of those larger stones.\nSome other ways that high end jewelers and suppliers are differentiating themselves is by patenting a specific cut that they design. This is another barrier to entry that works to create some artificial price inflation. One common example is the Lucida cut sometimes referred to as the Tiffany cut.\nDiamonds can also be manufactured. The same carbon structure can be grown in a lab. These stones have the same carbon structure as natural diamonds but without the flaws and visible impurities. Most manufactured diamonds are used industrially, but processes have improved sufficiently to allow for gemstone quality synthetic diamonds. They sell at a decent discount, so that might be an option to consider if you want a substitute. In the years to come, you can expect prices for synthetic diamonds to continue to decrease which will probably put some further downward pressure on jewelers' prices." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Normal filesystem images can be easily mounted:\n```mount system.img /mnt\n```\nExamined, and modified. But when I try this with a Raspberry Pi system image (e.g. raspbian), I get:\n```mount: unknown filesystem type '(null)'\n```\nAnd no matter what I try with ```-t```, it won't work. How can I mount this image?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You can't mount the image as a whole because it actually contains two partitions and a boot sector. However, you can mount the individual partitions in the image if you know their offset inside the file. To find them, examine the image as a block device with ```fdisk -l whatever.img```. The output should include a table like this:\n```Device Boot Start End Blocks Id System\nwhatever.img1 8192 122879 57344 c W95 FAT32 (LBA)\nwhatever.img2 122880 5785599 2831360 83 Linux\n```\nThese are the two partitions. The first one is labelled \"FAT32\", and the other one \"Linux\". Above this table, there's some other information about the device as a whole, including:\n```Units: sectors of 1 * 512 = 512 bytes\n```\nWe can find the offset in bytes by multiplying this unit size by the ```Start``` block of the partition:\n\n* 1st partition 512 * 8192 = 4194304\n* 2nd partition 512 * 122880 = 62914560\n\nThese can be used with the ```offset``` option of the ```mount``` command. We also have a clue about the type of each partition from ```fdisk```. So, presuming we have directories ```/mnt/img/one``` and ```/mnt/img/two``` available as mount points:\n```mount -v -o offset=4194304 -t vfat whatever.img /mnt/img/one\nmount -v -o offset=62914560 -t ext4 whatever.img /mnt/img/two\n```\nIf you get an \"overlapping loop\" error here, your version of ```mount``` requires you to specify the size as well as the offset of the first partition. Unmount that, and use the number of blocks (57344) * 512 (= 29360128):\n```mount -v -o offset=4194304,sizelimit=29360128 \\\n -t vfat whatever.img /mnt/img/one\n```\nThe second partition doesn't need a sizelimit since there's nothing after it in the image. \nYou can now access the two partitions. If you do not intend to change anything in them, use the ```-r``` (read-only) switch too. If you do change anything, those changes will be included in the ```.img``` file.\nNote that the first partition is probably mounted on ```/boot``` in the second partition when the system is running." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How does immersion passively help with learning a language?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are a few reasons why immersion helps you learn a language without you actively trying:\n* You encounter the language more often. When you are immersed in a language, you don't go to class and do homework for a few hours a week, but rather use the language the entire day. You depend on the language to survive—to buy groceries, to talk to employers and customers, to ask for directions, etc. Being forced to use the language means you learn it even when you're not actively trying to. It becomes a way of life.\n* You learn the language in more than one way. Classroom learning focuses on specific activities at a time and generally is oriented around learning vocabulary and grammar. Immersion implicitly forces you to learn vocabulary (if you don't know a word, you simply can't communicate) and grammar (people will probably correct you if you say something incorrectly). You will learn these things whether you're trying to or not. In addition you will learn how to carry on a conversation, both by listening and participating in your own. This is something that simple exercises can very rarely accomplish.\n* You begin to think in the language. If you use the language enough you'll start to get good enough at it that you won't have time to think in your native language and translate. Immersion spurs this on because native speakers talk relatively quickly, signs you read may pass by in a moment, and you may quickly need to say \"excuse me\" or ask for help. Because you can't afford long delays, you'll begin to skip the translation step. This helps you use the language as a native speaker would.\n* Culture reinforces language learning. When you are immersed in a language, you often encounter the culture and traditions associated with speakers of that language. Your brain will retain the new knowledge and experiences you acquire better because it is different than what you are used to, and if the language is part of that cultural experience, you will remember it better. For example, you might remember an idiom or a joke that only exists in the language you are learning. This will expand your ability to communicate in that language." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have a script, that does not exit when I want it to.\nAn example script with the same error is:\n```#!/bin/bash\nfunction bla() {\n return 1\n}\nbla || ( echo '1' ; exit 1 )\necho '2'\n```\nI would assume to see the output:\n```:~$ ./test.sh\n1\n:~$\n```\nBut I actually see:\n```:~$ ./test.sh\n1\n2\n:~$\n```\nDoes the ```()``` command chaining somehow create a scope? What is ```exit``` exiting out of, if not the script?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "```()``` runs commands in the subshell, so by ```exit``` you are exiting from subshell and returning to the parent shell. Use braces ```{}``` if you want to run commands in the current shell.\nFrom bash manual:\n\n (list) list is executed in a subshell environment. Variable assignments and builtin commands that affect the shell's environment do not remain in effect after the command completes. The return status is the exit status of list.\n { list; } list is simply executed in the current shell environment. list must be terminated with a newline or semicolon. This is known as a group command. The return status is the exit status of list. Note that unlike the metacharacters ( and ), { and } are reserved words and must occur where a reserved word is permitted to be recognized. Since they do not cause a word break, they must be separated from list by whitespace or another shell metacharacter.\n\nIt's worth mentioning that the shell syntax is quite consistent and the subshell participates also in the other ```()``` constructs like command substitution (also with the old-style ````..```` syntax) or process substitution, so the following won't exit from the current shell either:\n```echo $(exit)\ncat <(exit)\n```\n\nWhile it may be obvious that subshells are involved when commands are placed explicitly inside ```()```, the less visible fact is that they are also spawned in these other structures:\n\n* command started in the background\n```exit &\n```\ndoesn't exit the current shell because (after ```man bash```)\n\n If a command is terminated by the control operator &, the shell executes the command in the background in a subshell. The shell does not wait for the command to finish, and the return status is 0.\n\n* the pipeline\n```exit | echo foo\n```\nstill exits only from the subshell.\nHowever different shells behave differently in this regard. For example ```bash``` puts all components of the pipeline into separate subshells (unless you use the ```lastpipe``` option in invocations where job control is not enabled), but AT&T ```ksh``` and ```zsh``` run the last part inside the current shell (both behaviours are allowed by POSIX). Thus\n```exit | exit | exit\n```\ndoes basically nothing in bash, but exits from the zsh because of the last ```exit```.\n* ```coproc exit``` also runs ```exit``` in a subshell.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Adding a new swap file. How to edit fstab to enable swap after reboot?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These ares the steps to create a swap on a file:\n\n1. Create a large file e.g. with\n```sudo mkdir -p /var/cache/swap/ # create a directory that holds the swap file\nsudo dd if=/dev/zero of=/var/cache/swap/myswap bs=1M count=4096 # for 4 GByte\n```\nOf course any other method of creating a file of defined size would do. \n\n2. Announce swap to the system\n```sudo chmod 0600 /var/cache/swap/myswap # only root should have access\nsudo mkswap /var/cache/swap/myswap # format as swap\nsudo swapon /var/cache/swap/myswap # announce to system\n```\nInsert the following line in ```/etc/fstab``` for swap from the next boot:\n```/var/cache/swap/myswap none swap sw 0 0\n```\n\nNote: \n1. In case you have your system files on a SSD you may want to consider to hold your swap file on a hard disk location.\n2. You can not use a swap file for hibernation (see Ubuntu SwapFaq)\n3. Additional note for Ubuntu >= 17.04: A swap on file ```/swapfile``` is created by default in a new installation (when no swap partition was present). We can manually create a swap partition later if we prefer.\n\nIn case we want to replace an existing swap (e.g. partition) with another swap (e.g. on file) we need to remove the old swap with\n```sudo swapoff -a # for all\n```\nThen remove the swap entry from ```/etc/fstab``` or replace it with the new swap respectively." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "\nHow do I add a validation to make sure the date string being passed to the method is in the ffg. format:\n```'YYYY-MM-DD'\n```\nif it's not, method should raise some sort of error" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Python ```dateutil``` library is designed for this (and more). It will automatically convert this to a ```datetime``` object for you and raise a ```ValueError``` if it can't.\nAs an example:\n```>>> from dateutil.parser import parse\n>>> parse(\"2003-09-25\")\ndatetime.datetime(2003, 9, 25, 0, 0)\n```\nThis raises a ```ValueError``` if the date is not formatted correctly:\n```\nValueError: day is out of range for month\n```\n\n```dateutil``` is also extremely useful if you start needing to parse other formats in the future, as it can handle most known formats intelligently and allows you to modify your specification: ```dateutil``` parsing examples. \nIt also handles timezones if you need that.\nUpdate based on comments: ```parse``` also accepts the keyword argument ```dayfirst``` which controls whether the day or month is expected to come first if a date is ambiguous. This defaults to False. E.g.\n\n```>>> parse('11/12/2001')\n>>> datetime.datetime(2001, 11, 12, 0, 0) # Nov 12\n>>> parse('11/12/2001', dayfirst=True)\n>>> datetime.datetime(2001, 12, 11, 0, 0) # Dec 11\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When to use UICollectionView instead of UITableView?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That depends on the requirements. How the application flows determines which type of UI to integrate into the application.\nPeople mainly use the ```UICollectionview``` for creating types of UIs with multiple images shown in a grid. This would have complex logic using ```UITableView```, but with ```UICollectionview```, it would be easy.\nWhen using ```UICollectionview```, you don't need to set buttons with tags or other things by getting selected items values. You can simply get ```-(void)collectionView:(UICollectionView *)collectionView didSelectItemAtIndexPath:(NSIndexPath *)indexPath``` and in ```UITableViewDelegate```:\n````-(void)tableView:(UITableView *)tableView didSelectRowAtIndexPath:(NSIndexPath *)indexPath`\n```\nYou get the selected row instead of the item, so for creating grid or modified items, using ```UICollectionview``` is best.\nFor the listing details of each item, people use ```UITableView``` because it shows more info on each item.\nApple Docs:\nUICollectionView Class Reference\n\n The UICollectionView class manages an ordered collection of data items and presents them using customizable layouts. Collection views provide the same general function as table views except that a collection view is able to support more than just single-column layouts. Collection views support customizable layouts that can be used to implement multi-column grids, tiled layouts, circular layouts, and many more. You can even change the layout of a collection view dynamically if you want.\n\nUITableView Class Reference\n\n A table view displays a list of items in a single column. UITableView is a subclass of UIScrollView, which allows users to scroll through the table, although UITableView allows vertical scrolling only. The cells comprising the individual items of the table are UITableViewCell objects; UITableView uses these objects to draw the visible rows of the table. Cells have content—titles and images—and can have, near the right edge, accessory views. Standard accessory views are disclosure indicators or detail disclosure buttons; the former leads to the next level in a data hierarchy and the latter leads to a detailed view of a selected item. Accessory views can also be framework controls, such as switches and sliders, or can be custom views. Table views can enter an editing mode where users can insert, delete, and reorder rows of the table. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "On my branch I had some files in .gitignore\nOn a different branch those files are not.\nI want to merge the different branch into mine, and I don't care if those files are no longer ignored or not.\nUnfortunately I get this: \n\n The following untracked working tree files would be overwritten by merge\n\nHow would I modify my pull command to overwrite those files, without me having to find, move or delete those files myself?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Safely remove/overwrite only bothersome files\nWhen you want to ```merge```:\n```git checkout -f donor-branch # replace bothersome files with tracked versions\ngit checkout receiving-branch # tracked bothersome files disappear\ngit merge donor-branch # merge works\n```\nWhen you want to ```pull```:\n```git fetch\ngit checkout -f origin/mybranch # replace bothersome files with tracked versions\ngit checkout mybranch # tracked bothersome files disappear\ngit pull origin/mybranch # pull works\n```\nThat's all you need to know to use this. Below is an explanation.\n\nDetailed explanation\nThe Bothersome Files that we are going to remove:\n\n* exist in the donor branch (for ```git pull```: the upstream branch),\n* do not exist in the receiving branch,\n* and are blocking the merge because they are present and untracked in your working directory.\n\n```git merge -f``` and ```git pull -f``` do not exist, but ```git checkout -f``` does.\nWe will use ```git checkout -f``` + ```git checkout``` to track + remove the Bothersome Files, and then your merge can proceed normally.\nStep 1. This step forcibly replaces untracked Bothersome Files with tracked versions of the donor branch (it also checks out the donor branch, and updates the rest of the working dir).\n```git checkout -f donor-branch\n```\nStep 2. This step removes the Bothersome Files because they they are tracked in our current (donor) branch, and absent in the ```receiving-branch``` we switch to.\n```git checkout receiving-branch\n```\nStep 3. Now that the Bothersome Files are absent, merging in the donor branch will not overwrite any untracked files, so we get no errors.\n```git merge donor-branch\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Since long time ago I have been thinking in two problems that I have not been able to solve. It seems that one of them was recently solved. I have been thinking a lot about the motivation and its consequences. Mostly because people used to motivate one of them with some very interesting implications. My conclusion however, is that there is a mistake in the motivation of the problem, and that, while being a really interesting result, it does not make any sense in the setting in which is formulated. As my opinion is not relevant compared to one of the experts in the area, I do not say anything. \nMy question is if you can provide me some examples of conjectures that were believed to be interesting in the mathematical community because of a specific reason, but that once having the proof, people realized that the reason to motivate the problem was not truly related to its solution. Or in other words, the solution of the problem gives no clues about the original motivation. " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The three-body problem is one of the most famous problems in the history of mathematics, which also has an important application in science: it was supposed to explain the Moon's motion, among other things. Enormous effort was spent on this problem by many famous mathematicians of the 18th and 19th centuries. Since Newton's time it was clear that there was no simple closed form solution. (The problem also had an important practical application in 18th century, namely to navigation. If you can predict the motion of the Moon for few years ahead with sufficient accuracy, you can determine longitude at sea without a chronometer, just by observing Moon's position with respect to the stars).\n\nIn the middle of the 19th century, an exact mathematical formulation of what was desired was achieved: to express the motions of the bodies in the form of convergent series of functions of time, valid for all times. Few people remember nowadays that in this precise form the problem was actually solved (by Sundman, at the very end of the 19th century). This solution can be found in Siegel's book on celestial mechanics.\n\nBut by that time it was already understood that this solution was useless for practical purposes, namely for prediction of the Moon's motion over long time periods. It was also useless for understanding the qualitative features of the motion." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do GPS receivers communicate with satellites?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first thing to know is the communication is one-way. There's a satellite-to-receiver transmission, nothing going in the opposite direction. So your cell phone doesn't have to find the radio power to send a signal all the way to space!\n(exceptions: The decommissioned Chinese BeiDou-1 system - and any products where the GPS receiver chip is used alongside a satellite transmitter, like a Cospas-Sarsat emergency locator beacon)\nThe signal from GPS satellites is very faint - each satellite has to broadcast a signal to about half the planet, powered only by some solar panels! So the broadcast signal is modulated using a 'Gold Code' (in the case of the oldest public GPS signal) where part of the signal transmitted by the satellite is already known by the receiver - the GPS receiver can pick out the signal despite how faint it is, by tracking the cross-correlation between the received and expected signals.\nThis also means multiple satellites can transmit their signals at the same frequency - so long as they use different gold codes, the receiver can track both signals independently.\nNewer GNSS signals replace gold codes with newer techniques - like 'multiplexed binary offset carriers' - which perform better, but do basically the same thing." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is iceberg lettuce bad for rabbits?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In short, iceberg lettuce is mostly water with little to no nutrient value. A rabbit can fill up on it (because of the bulk), but still need food because they didn't get enough calories, vitamins, minerals, etc.\nIf you look at the USDA's webpage on iceberg lettuce. You'll notice that water makes up just about 95% of the nutrients, leaving 5% to be divided up between every other nutrient. Protein is a little less than 1%, Carbohydrates less than 3%, and sugars less than 2%.\nMost importantly, you want to pay attention to the vitamin and calorie content. Iceberg lettuce has only 14 calories per 100 grams (2 calories or less in each leaf), and 18mg of calcium.\nOther effects to consider, is when fed straight from the fridge, lettuce will be cold and wet, both are conditions that can upset a pet's stomach.\nIn addition, since most rabbit breeders do not feed lettuce to their baby rabbits, it is an unfamiliar food and if the rabbit owner does not add lettuce to the diet gradually, it will cause stomach upset.\nFinally, it is often believed amoung rabbit breeders that\n\nRabbits should not eat some lettuces (such as iceberg) as they contain a substance called laudanum which can be harmful in large quantities.\n\nRSPCA: Rabbit Diet Myths\nBut this is disputed because\n\nLettuce does not contain laudanum. Edible lettuce does contain a chemical called lactucin which is a component of lactucarian. Lactucarian is the milky fluid found in some species of lettuce and occurs in much larger amounts in wild lettuce, Lactuca virosa.\nLactucarium has sedative and analgesic effects. It creates a sense of mild euphoria. The milky exudate resembles that of opium and it can also be reduced to a thick substance which can be smoked in the same way as opium. As a result of which it acquired the name ‘lettuce opium’.\nEdible lettuce, Lactuca sativa, does not even contain lactucarium although it does contain lactucin which is in lactucarium.\n\nLettuce for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs (note that rabbits and guinea pigs have different digestive systems, this link is included for the information on lettuce composition).\nIt is not known if lactucin turns into lactucarium during the digestive process in the rabbit, there are some accounts of rabbits appearing sedated after ingesting large quantities of lettuce. Regardless of the laudanum/lactucin status, there's no reason to feed iceberg because of the low nutrient value.\nThe House Rabbit Society's website has even more details on what foods are good for rabbits and why." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do I open the JavaScript console in different browsers?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chrome\nOpening the “Console” panel of Chrome’s DevTools:\n\n* Windows and Linux: Ctrl + Shift + J\n* Mac OS: Cmd + Opt + J\n\nNote: In addition to the “Console” panel, there also exists a smaller slide-up console which can be toggled via Esc while any of the other panels is active. \n\nFirefox\nOpening the “Console” panel in Firefox’s Developer Tools:\n\n* Windows: Ctrl + Shift + K\n* Mac OS: Cmd + Opt + K\n\nNote: In addition to the “Console” panel, there also exists a smaller slide-up console which can be toggled via Esc while any of the other panels is active. \n\nInternet Explorer\nOpening the “Console” panel in Internet Explorer’s F12 Developer Tools:\n\n* F12, then click on the “Console” tab\n\nNote: In addition to the “Console” panel, there also exists a smaller slide-up console which can be toggled via Ctrl + ` while any of the other panels is active. \n\nSafari\nNote: In order to view the console in Safari, you have to enable the “Show Develop menu in menu bar” setting in the “Advanced” pane of Safari’s preferences (screenshot). \nOpening the “Console” panel in Safari’s Web Inspector:\n\n* Cmd + Opt + C\n\nNote: In addition to the “Console” panel, there also exists a smaller slide-up console which can be toggled via Esc while any of the other panels is active. \n\nOpera\n\n* Windows and Linux: Ctrl + Shift + I\n* Mac : ⌘+⌥+I\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have Ubuntu 10 as the guest OS on a Windows 7 machine. I have been trying to setup shares through VirtualBox, but nothing is working. First, I create the share in VirtualBox and point it to a Windows folder. Then I try to mount the drive in Linux, but I keep getting\n```/sbin/mount.vboxsf: mounting failed with the error: Protocol error\n```\nI have read so many solutions to this, but none seem to work. I have tried:\n\n* Using the mount.vboxsf syntax\n* Reinstalling VBox additions\n* Rebooting\n* Enabling and trying as root account\n\nI made a share called "Test" in VBox Shared folders. Then I made a directory in ubuntu named "test2". Then I tried to execute this command:\n```sudo mount -t vboxsf Test /mnt/test2\n```\nAny other ideas?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In order to use shared folder functionality few prerequisites need to be met:\n\n* Make sure that Guest Additions are properly installed on the guest OS.\n* Users in a guest Ubuntu must be in the group ```vboxsf``` to be able to access shares.\n* Define a directory on the host that will be used in the virtual machine using the settings dialogue of Virtual Box.\n\nDepending on host or guest OS the following may also be needed:\n\n* Do not share personal folders like ```/home/username``` or ```My Documents```\n* Avoid special characters or empty spaces in the path to the shared folder, especially if the host or VM is a Windows machine\n* Use different names for share and mountpoint\n* Create a mountpoint on the guest OS (best in your HOME directory).\n\nTesting shared folders functionality can be done by creating a shared directory on the host (e.g. ```C:\\myshare```), define this as a shared folder for your guest system in Virtual Box settings (e.g. ```share```), create a mount point in your guest os (e.g. ```mkdir /home/username/host```) and mount this in the guest OS with the command:\n```sudo mount -t vboxsf -o uid=1000,gid=1000 share /home/username/host\n```\nwhere the option -o makes sure that you will have access to the mount (that will otherwise be owned by root).\nFor further information on shared folders see also the Virtual Box User Manual.\nFiles or directories can also be shared over the network by using Samba on the host and the guest." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What does %~dp0 mean, and how does it work?\nI'd also like to know if it is a documented feature, or something prone to be deprecated." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Calling `for /?` in the command-line gives help about this syntax (which can be used outside FOR, too, this is just the place where help can be found).\n\n> In addition, substitution of FOR variable references has been enhanced. You can now use the following optional\n syntax:\n```%~I - expands %I removing any surrounding quotes (\")\n%~fI - expands %I to a fully qualified path name\n%~dI - expands %I to a drive letter only\n%~pI - expands %I to a path only\n%~nI - expands %I to a file name only\n%~xI - expands %I to a file extension only\n%~sI - expanded path contains short names only\n%~aI - expands %I to file attributes of file\n%~tI - expands %I to date/time of file\n%~zI - expands %I to size of file\n%~$PATH:I - searches the directories listed in the PATH environment variable and expands %I to the fully qualified name of the first one found. If the environment variable name is not defined or the file is not found by the search, then this modifier expands to the empty string\n```\n The modifiers can be combined to get compound results:\n```%~dpI - expands %I to a drive letter and path only\n%~nxI - expands %I to a file name and extension only\n%~fsI - expands %I to a full path name with short names only\n%~dp$PATH:I - searches the directories listed in the PATH environment variable for %I and expands to the drive letter and path of the first one found.\n%~ftzaI - expands %I to a DIR like output line\n```\n In the above examples %I and PATH can be replaced by other valid values. The %~ syntax is terminated by a valid FOR variable name. Picking upper case variable names like %I makes it more readable and avoids confusion with the modifiers, which are not case sensitive.\n\nThere are different letters you can use like ```f``` for \"full path name\", ```d``` for drive letter, ```p``` for path, and they can be combined. ```%~``` is the beginning for each of those sequences and a number ```I``` denotes it works on the parameter ```%I``` (where ```%0``` is the complete name of the batch file, just like you assumed)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Should a tester feel bad about finding too many defects/bugs in the product?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If this is a medical application you are talking about it is serious stuff. What if the bugs affected real users? Developers would be much less happy if they put in life threat someone or if management has to retire a product or make public excuses. Nowadays it is pretty standard for software having minor bugs, but a medical application should be as much as bug-free as possible.\nA good developer should not be angry about bugs, but rather be happy, and a good manager already know how software development work so should not put under too much pressure its team unless really necessary:\n\n* It has been caught before product release\n* It is pretty standard for a programmer fixing bugs daily\n* If you have to focus on programming it is hard also to focus on testing\n* A tester Always reports bugs\n* A regular user usually not (unless particularly angry or determined)\n* If the user is your client, he will report bugs and he will not be happy if the project already cost him much money or required a good amount of time.\n\nLiterally a project for which bugs are not reported at least on a weekly basis:\n\n* Too simple project: no value every other company could easily create a better clone\n* Not much-used project: maybe there are bugs but no one incurred in them\n* Bad management: if there are no bugs it's time to move on further work (extra features or different projects).\n* Bug fixes should drive development, they give a correct idea of what should work and is not working, this allows to manage priorities between fixes and features\n* In important projects it makes sense adding automated testing so that every fix and feature comes with new tests that avoid breaking pre-existing functionality\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Millions of colors in the visible spectrum can be generated by mixing red, green and blue - the RGB color system. Is there a basic set of smells that, when mixed, can yield all, or nearly all detectable smells ?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are about 100 (Purves, 2001) to 400 (Zozulya et al., 2001) functional olfactory receptors in man. While the total tally of olfactory receptor genes exceeds 1000, more than half of them are inactive pseudogenes. The combined activity of the expressed functional receptors accounts for the number of distinct odors that can be discriminated by the human olfactory system, which is estimated to be about 10,000 (Purves, 2001).\nDifferent receptors are sensitive to subsets of chemicals that define a “tuning curve.” Depending on the particular olfactory receptor molecules they contain, some olfactory receptor neurons exhibit marked selectivity to particular chemical stimuli, whereas others are activated by a number of different odorant molecules. In addition, olfactory receptor neurons can exhibit different thresholds for a particular odorant. How these olfactory responses encode a specific odorant is a complex issue that is unlikely to be explained at the level of the primary neurons (Purves, 2001). \nSo in a way, the answer to your question is yes, as there are approximately 100 to 400 olfactory receptors. Just like the photoreceptors in the visual system, each sensory neuron in the olfactory epithelium in the nose expresses only a single receptor gene (Kimball). In the visual system for color vision there are just three (red, green and blue cones - RGB) types of sensory neurons, so it's a bit more complicated in olfaction.\nReferences\n- Purves et al, Neuroscience, 2nd ed. Sunderland (MA): Sinauer Associates; 2001\n- Zozulya et al., Genome Biol (2001); 2(6): research0018.1–0018.12\nSources\n- Kimball's Biology Pages" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Do you bleed to death after your penis is cut off?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Assuming the person is not taking anticoagulants, it's actually quite difficult to bleed to death from dismemberment of small members (hands, feet, penis, ears, nose, etc). Even large members such as arms and legs are often survivable because the body is very good at protecting itself from blood loss. For example, transected arteries will spasm and clamp off blood flow, and loss of blood will cause the body to divert blood flow away from the extremities and to the vital organs, thereby slowing the bleeding and allowing it to clot. In fact, the whole shock process can be viewed as a set of defensive measures by the body to ensure survival in the face of serious injury. This was a bitter lesson learned by emergency medicine only fairly recently. The standard practice used to be to infuse hypovolemic patients with fluids to maintain normal blood pressure. The trouble is, a normal blood pressure prevents the body from realizing it has inadequate blood volume and turns off its defensive measures, thus allowing the bleeding to continue unabated. \nLeft to fend for himself, a healthy adult would almost certainly survive having his penis removed. With modern medical care, that becomes a certainty.\nCould he still urinate? Sure, as long as the urethra wasn't blocked. It could become blocked by clotted blood, but eventually the pressure of a full bladder would overcome the blockage.\nDownvoter, care to comment?" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In Swift, is there a clever way of using the higher order methods on Array to return the 5 first objects?\nThe obj-c way of doing it was saving an index, and for-loop through the array incrementing index until it was 5 and returning the new array. Is there a way to do this with ```filter```, ```map``` or ```reduce```?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With Swift 5, according to your needs, you may choose one of the 6 following Playground codes in order to solve your problem.\n\n#1. Using ```subscript(_:)``` subscript\n```let array = [\"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\", \"E\", \"F\", \"G\", \"H\", \"I\", \"J\", \"K\", \"L\"]\nlet arraySlice = array[..<5]\n//let arraySlice = array[0..<5] // also works\n//let arraySlice = array[0...4] // also works\n//let arraySlice = array[...4] // also works\nlet newArray = Array(arraySlice)\nprint(newArray) // prints: [\"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\", \"E\"]\n```\n\n#2. Using ```prefix(_:)``` method\nComplexity: O(1) if the collection conforms to ```RandomAccessCollection```; otherwise, O(k), where k is the number of elements to select from the beginning of the collection.\n```let array = [\"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\", \"E\", \"F\", \"G\", \"H\", \"I\", \"J\", \"K\", \"L\"]\nlet arraySlice = array.prefix(5)\nlet newArray = Array(arraySlice)\nprint(newArray) // prints: [\"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\", \"E\"]\n```\nApple states for ```prefix(_:)```:\n\n If the maximum length exceeds the number of elements in the collection, the result contains all the elements in the collection.\n\n\n#3. Using ```prefix(upTo:)``` method\nComplexity: O(1)\n```let array = [\"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\", \"E\", \"F\", \"G\", \"H\", \"I\", \"J\", \"K\", \"L\"]\nlet arraySlice = array.prefix(upTo: 5)\nlet newArray = Array(arraySlice)\nprint(newArray) // prints: [\"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\", \"E\"]\n```\nApple states for ```prefix(upTo:)```:\n\n Using the ```prefix(upTo:)``` method is equivalent to using a partial half-open range as the collection's subscript. The subscript notation is preferred over ```prefix(upTo:)```.\n\n\n#4. Using ```prefix(through:)``` method\n```let array = [\"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\", \"E\", \"F\", \"G\", \"H\", \"I\", \"J\", \"K\", \"L\"]\nlet arraySlice = array.prefix(through: 4)\nlet newArray = Array(arraySlice)\nprint(newArray) // prints: [\"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\", \"E\"]\n```\n\n#5. Using ```removeSubrange(_:)``` method\nComplexity: O(n), where n is the length of the collection.\n```var array = [\"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\", \"E\", \"F\", \"G\", \"H\", \"I\", \"J\", \"K\", \"L\"]\narray.removeSubrange(5...)\nprint(array) // prints: [\"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\", \"E\"]\n```\n\n#6. Using ```dropLast(_:)``` method\nComplexity: O(1) if the collection conforms to ```RandomAccessCollection```; otherwise, O(k), where k is the number of elements to drop.\n```let array = [\"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\", \"E\", \"F\", \"G\", \"H\", \"I\", \"J\", \"K\", \"L\"]\nlet distance = array.distance(from: 5, to: array.endIndex)\nlet arraySlice = array.dropLast(distance)\nlet newArray = Array(arraySlice)\nprint(newArray) // prints: [\"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\", \"E\"]\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What's the simplest way to get an environment variable from a docker container that has not been declared in the Dockerfile?\nFor instance, an environment variable that has been set through some ```docker exec container /bin/bash``` session?\nI can do ```docker exec container env | grep ENV_VAR```, but I would prefer something that just returns the value.\nI've tried using ```docker exec container echo \"$ENV_VAR\"```, but the substitution seems to happen outside of the container, so I don't get the env var from the container, but rather the env var from my own computer.\nThanks." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The downside of using ```docker exec``` is that it requires a running container, so ```docker inspect -f``` might be handy if you're unsure a container is running.\nExample #1. Output a list of space-separated environment variables in the specified container:\n```docker inspect -f \\\n '{{range $index, $value := .Config.Env}}{{$value}} {{end}}' container_name\n```\nthe output will look like this:\n```ENV_VAR1=value1 ENV_VAR2=value2 ENV_VAR3=value3\n```\nExample #2. Output each env var on new line and ```grep``` the needed items, for example, the mysql container's settings could be retrieved like this:\n```docker inspect -f \\\n '{{range $index, $value := .Config.Env}}{{println $value}}{{end}}' \\\n container_name | grep MYSQL_\n```\nwill output:\n```MYSQL_PASSWORD=secret\nMYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD=supersecret\nMYSQL_USER=demo\nMYSQL_DATABASE=demodb\nMYSQL_MAJOR=5.5\nMYSQL_VERSION=5.5.52\n```\nExample #3. Let's modify the example above to get a bash friendly output which can be directly used in your scripts:\n```docker inspect -f \\\n '{{range $index, $value := .Config.Env}}export {{$value}}{{println}}{{end}}' \\\n container_name | grep MYSQL\n```\nwill output:\n```export MYSQL_PASSWORD=secret\nexport MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD=supersecret\nexport MYSQL_USER=demo\nexport MYSQL_DATABASE=demodb\nexport MYSQL_MAJOR=5.5\nexport MYSQL_VERSION=5.5.52\n```\nIf you want to dive deeper, then go to Go’s text/template package documentation with all the details of the format." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am confused about the use cases for both ```InputStream``` and ```OutputStream```.\nPlease include a snippet of code to go along with your explanation." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "InputStream is used for reading, OutputStream for writing. They are connected as decorators to one another such that you can read/write all different types of data from all different types of sources.\nFor example, you can write primitive data to a file:\n```File file = new File(\"C:/text.bin\");\nfile.createNewFile();\nDataOutputStream stream = new DataOutputStream(new FileOutputStream(file));\nstream.writeBoolean(true);\nstream.writeInt(1234);\nstream.close();\n```\nTo read the written contents:\n```File file = new File(\"C:/text.bin\");\nDataInputStream stream = new DataInputStream(new FileInputStream(file));\nboolean isTrue = stream.readBoolean();\nint value = stream.readInt();\nstream.close();\nSystem.out.printlin(isTrue + \" \" + value);\n```\nYou can use other types of streams to enhance the reading/writing. For example, you can introduce a buffer for efficiency:\n```DataInputStream stream = new DataInputStream(\n new BufferedInputStream(new FileInputStream(file)));\n```\nYou can write other data such as objects:\n```MyClass myObject = new MyClass(); // MyClass have to implement Serializable\nObjectOutputStream stream = new ObjectOutputStream(\n new FileOutputStream(\"C:/text.obj\"));\nstream.writeObject(myObject);\nstream.close();\n```\nYou can read from other different input sources:\n```byte[] test = new byte[] {0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 8, 9};\nDataInputStream stream = new DataInputStream(new ByteArrayInputStream(test));\nint value0 = stream.readInt();\nint value1 = stream.readInt();\nbyte value2 = stream.readByte();\nbyte value3 = stream.readByte();\nstream.close();\nSystem.out.println(value0 + \" \" + value1 + \" \" + value2 + \" \" + value3);\n```\nFor most input streams there is an output stream, also. You can define your own streams to reading/writing special things and there are complex streams for reading complex things (for example there are Streams for reading/writing ZIP format)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the difference between:\n```npm install [package_name]\n```\nand:\n```npm install [package_name] --save\n```\nand:\n```npm install [package_name] --save-dev\n```\nWhat does this mean? And what is really the effect of ```--save``` and ```-dev``` keywords?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The difference between ```--save``` and ```--save-dev``` may not be immediately noticeable if you have tried them both on your own projects. So here are a few examples...\nLet's say you were building an app that used the moment package to parse and display dates. Your app is a scheduler so it really needs this package to run, as in: cannot run without it. In this case you would use\n```npm install moment --save\n```\nThis would create a new value in your package.json\n```"dependencies": {\n ...\n "moment": "^2.17.1"\n}\n```\nWhen you are developing, it really helps to use tools such as test suites and may need jasmine-core and karma. In this case you would use\n```npm install jasmine-core --save-dev\nnpm install karma --save-dev\n```\nThis would also create a new value in your package.json\n```"devDependencies": {\n ...\n "jasmine-core": "^2.5.2",\n "karma": "^1.4.1",\n}\n```\nYou do not need the test suite to run the app in its normal state, so it is a ```--save-dev``` type dependency, nothing more. You can see how if you do not understand what is really happening, it is a bit hard to imagine.\nTaken directly from NPM docs docs#dependencies\n\n> Dependencies \n> Dependencies are specified in a simple object that maps a package name to a version range. The version range is a string that has one or more space-separated descriptors. Dependencies can also be identified with a tarball or git URL. Please do not put test harnesses or transpilers in your dependencies object. See devDependencies, below.\n\nEven in the docs, it asks you to use ```--save-dev``` for modules such as test harnesses." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "pod install -bash: pod: command not found" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Please follow the following steps to install Pod:\n\n1. Open terminal and type:\n```sudo gem install cocoapods\n```\nGem will get installed in Ruby inside the System library. Or try on 10.11 Mac OSX El Capitan, type:\n```sudo gem install -n /usr/local/bin cocoapods\n```\nIf there is an error "activesupport requires Ruby version >= 2.xx", then install the latest active support first by typing in the terminal.\n```sudo gem install activesupport -v 4.2.6\n```\n2. After installation, there will be a lot of messages, read them and if no error found, it means cocoa pod installation is done. Next, you need to set up the cocoa pod master repo. Type in terminal:\n```pod setup\n```\nAnd wait it will download the master repo. The size is very big (370.0MB in Dec 2016). So it can be a while. You can track the download by opening Activity and go to the Network tab and search for git-remote-https. Alternatively, you can try adding verbose to the command like so:\n```pod setup --verbose\n```\n3. Once done it will output "Setup Complete", and you can create your XCode project and save it.\n4. Then in a terminal cd to "your XCode project root directory" (where your .xcodeproj file resides) and type:\n```pod init\n```\n5. Then open your project's podfile by typing in terminal:\n```open -a Xcode Podfile\n```\n6. Your Podfile will get open in text mode. Initially, there will be some default commands in there. Here is where you add your project's dependencies. For example, in the podfile, type\n```/****** These are Third party pods names ******/\npod 'OpenSSL-Universal'\npod 'IQKeyboardManager'\npod 'FTPopOverMenu'\npod 'TYMActivityIndicatorView'\npod 'SCSkypeActivityIndicatorView'\npod 'Google/SignIn'\npod 'UPStackMenu'\n```\n(this is For example of adding library to your project).\nWhen you are done editing the podfile, save it and close XCode.\n7. Then install pods into your project by typing in terminal:\n```pod install\n```\nDepending on how many libraries you added to your podfile for your project, the time to complete this varies. Once completed, there will be a message that says "Pod installation complete! There are X dependencies from the Podfile and X total pods installed."" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I read in the Essential C# 3.0 and .NET 3.5 book that:\n\n GetHashCode()’s returns over the life of a particular object should be\n constant (the same value), even if the object’s data changes. In many\n cases, you should cache the method return to enforce this.\n\nIs this a valid guideline?\nI have tried a couple built-in types in .NET and they didn't behave like this." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The answer is mostly, it is a valid guideline, but perhaps not a valid rule. It also doesn't tell the whole story.\n\nThe point being made is that for mutable types, you cannot base the hash code on the mutable data because two equal objects must return the same hash code and the hash code has to be valid for the lifetime of the object. If the hash code changes, you end up with an object that gets lost in a hashed collection because it no longer lives in the correct hash bin.\nFor example, object A returns hash of 1. So, it goes in bin 1 of the hash table. Then you change object A such that it returns a hash of 2. When a hash table goes looking for it, it looks in bin 2 and can't find it - the object is orphaned in bin 1. This is why the hash code must not change for the lifetime of the object, and just one reason why writing GetHashCode implementations is a pain in the butt.\n\nA guideline is just a guide, not a rule. In reality, ```GetHashCode``` only has to follow these guidelines when things expect the object to follow the guidelines, such as when it is being stored in a hash table. If you never intend to use your objects in hash tables (or anything else that relies on the rules of ```GetHashCode```), your implementation doesn't need to follow the guidelines. When you see \"for the lifetime of the object\", you should read \"for the time the object needs to co-operate with hash tables\" or similar. Like most things, ```GetHashCode``` is about knowing when to break the rules." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Especially in blitz or bullet games, it is possible that a player makes an illegal move, for example castles through check. \n\n* If the opponent does notice the illegal move, then as far as I know the first player is obliged to make a legal move with the same piece, if one exists. What if there are no legal moves? \n* What if the opponent, being in time pressure, doesn't notice the illegal move and makes a move. What happens after they realize that? Does the person who made the illegal move forfeit? Or is the whole game cancelled?\n\nAre there any standard rules for these kinds of situations?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This only really applies to over the board games (since online chess servers prevent illegal moves).\nIn a standard time control game, under USCF rules, when the illegal move is noticed by one of the players, a few things happen. First, the illegal move must have been made within the last 10 moves. If not, then the current position stands, and play continues. Assuming that the move is recent, the position is restored to the position immediately before the illegal move.\nThen, the player that made the illegal move now must make a legal move with the same piece (if one exists). If there are no legal moves, then the player is free to make any move. This is due to the touch move rule. Finally, if the offending player has pressed the clock, a two minute "bonus" is added to the opponent's clock to compensate them for any time lost and to penalize the offending player.\nHere is the relevant passage from the USCF rulebook:\n\n11A. Illegal move during last ten moves. If, during a game, it is found that one of either player's last ten moves was illegal, the position shall be reinstated to what it was before the illegal move. The game shall then continue by applying Rule 10, The Touched Piece, to the move replacing the illegal move. If the position cannot be reinstated, then the illegal move shall stand. Move counters on clocks that have them may by readjusted.\n11D. Illegal move. If, a player completes an illegal move by pressing the clock, in addition to the usual obligation to make a legal move with the touched piece if possible, the standard penalty specified in rule 1C2a applies (i.e. two minutes added to the opponent's clock).\n\nIn blitz chess, the rules are different. According to the WBCA (World Blitz Chess Association) rules, a player who makes an illegal move loses the game instantly. This rule is frequently enforced in casual games too. The most common way that this occurs is that one player doesn't notice that they are in check and makes a move that doesn't get out of check. Then the checking player simply captures the king and claims a victory.\nBecause blitz is a much faster pace game, the illegal move must be noticed within two moves. If it is not, then the current position stands and play continues.\nAt no point is the game cancelled due to an illegal move. Pretty much once a game starts and both players make a move, a result of win, loss, or draw will be recorded." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to set button click effect in Android?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is simpler when you have a lot of image buttons, and you don't want to write xml-s for every button.\nKotlin Version:\n```fun buttonEffect(button: View) {\n button.setOnTouchListener { v, event ->\n when (event.action) {\n MotionEvent.ACTION_DOWN -> {\n v.background.setColorFilter(-0x1f0b8adf, PorterDuff.Mode.SRC_ATOP)\n v.invalidate()\n }\n MotionEvent.ACTION_UP -> {\n v.background.clearColorFilter()\n v.invalidate()\n }\n }\n false\n }\n}\n```\nJava Version:\n```public static void buttonEffect(View button){\n button.setOnTouchListener(new OnTouchListener() {\n public boolean onTouch(View v, MotionEvent event) {\n switch (event.getAction()) {\n case MotionEvent.ACTION_DOWN: {\n v.getBackground().setColorFilter(0xe0f47521,PorterDuff.Mode.SRC_ATOP);\n v.invalidate();\n break;\n }\n case MotionEvent.ACTION_UP: {\n v.getBackground().clearColorFilter();\n v.invalidate();\n break;\n }\n }\n return false;\n }\n });\n}\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The following article from CNN describes a Michigan police officer being put on administrative leave for having KKK material at his home: https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/10/us/michigan-officer-placed-on-leave-kkk-document-house/index.html. The materials were discovered while a potential buyer was touring his house. \nAlthough I vehemently condemn the KKK, doesn't this officer have the right to display whatever he wants in his home so long as it doesn't actively and deliberately call for violence? Aren't these articles protected under the first amendment? I realize this is an extreme example, and as a police officer his job requires interacting with all races, but unless it can be shown that he's bigoted and that it negatively affected his job performance, isn't it illegal to fire him? \nEmployers can restrict speech according to company policy while at work, but we all have to go home at some point. Can those restrictions follow us after clocking out? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In general, employers in the United States are free to fire you for your speech. The First Amendment does not apply to anyone except the government (other than a narrow set of circumstances where private parties act on behalf of the government or take on government roles, like when private universities employ campus police). If the officer was being fired from a job at a private company, this would not be an interesting question -- the answer would clearly be \"no, there is no First Amendment claim here.\" That’s not to say labor laws might not come into play (for instance, federal law prohibits firing an employee for organizing a union, and some states prohibit firing for off-duty political speech); however, labor law protections exist by statute and are not derived from the First Amendment.\nWhat makes this interesting is that the government is involved. Unlike private employers, government agencies are bound by the First Amendment. In Pickering v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court held that this does restrict them in their role as employer and that they can't necessarily fire an employee for speech. Pickering imposes a balancing test, where the harm to the employee's First Amendment rights is weighed against the government's interest in efficient operation. Courts have given particular leeway to police departments punishing speech that would undermine public trust and confidence in the department. A police officer expressing racist views, even privately, can seriously hamper the effectiveness of the department if the speech gets linked back to them. For instance, see Pappas v. Giuliani, where the Second Circuit upheld the firing of an NYPD officer for anonymously mailing racist diatribes from home in his off-duty time.\nAnother answer suggests that the main question is a public safety one: whether the officer could be trusted to carry out his duties without bias. But that's not the only legitimate consideration for the government employer. The courts have repeatedly held that public perception of an agency is a legitimate concern, especially when it comes to agencies (like the police) whose job requires maintaining good relations with the community. In Pappas, the officer was assigned as a computer operator who had no contact with the public, but he was still a police officer whose speech had a high potential to undermine NYPD community relations." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What does strength refer to in mathematics? Is it a formal idea?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Suppose you have a theorem that says \"If $X$, then $Y$.\" There are two ways to strengthen such a theorem:\n\n* Assume less. If you can reduce the number of hypotheses, but still prove the same conclusion, then you have proved a more \"powerful\" result (in the sense that it applies in more situations).\n* Prove more. If you can keep the same hypotheses, but add more information to the conclusion, then you have also produced a more \"powerful\" result.\n\nHere is an easy example from Geometry.\n\n Let $ABCD$ be a (non-square) rectangle. Then the internal angle bisectors of the vertices intersect at four points $WXYZ$, which are the vertices of a rectangle.\n\n(You need the condition that $ABCD$ is not a square because if it is a square then all four angle bisectors coincide at a single point.)\nHere are a few ways to strengthen the theorem:\n\n* The hypothesis \"$ABCD$ is a (non-square) rectangle\" can be relaxed to the more general \"$ABCD$ is a (non-rhombic) parallelogram\". The conclusion that $WXYZ$ is a rectangle still holds.\n* Alternatively, you can keep the original hypothesis that $ABCD$ is a (non-square) rectangle, and strengthen to the conclusion to say that $WXYZ$ is not just a rectangle, but a square.\n* Having done that, you can then strengthen the conclusion of the theorem even more, by noting that the diagonal of square $WXYZ$ is equal in length to the difference of the lengths of the sides of $ABCD$.\n* Once you know that, you can now strengthen the theorem even more by (finally) removing the hypothesis that $ABCD$ is non-square, and including the case in which the four angle bisectors coincide at a single point as forming a \"degenerate\" square with a diagonal of length zero.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Does vegetarianism affect life expectancy?\nIs an average vegetarian supposed to live longer just because of their diet?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, according to a paper by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition.\n\n> Results: Our review of the 6 studies found the following trends: 1) a very low meat intake was associated with a significant decrease in risk of death in 4 studies, a nonsignificant decrease in risk of death in the fifth study, and virtually no association in the sixth study; 2) 2 of the studies in which a low meat intake significantly decreased mortality risk also indicated that a longer duration (≥ 2 decades) of adherence to this diet contributed to a significant decrease in mortality risk and a significant 3.6-y (95% CI: 1.4, 5.8 y) increase in life expectancy; and 3) the protective effect of a very low meat intake seems to attenuate after the ninth decade. Some of the variation in the survival advantage in vegetarians may have been due to marked differences between studies in adjustment for confounders, the definition of vegetarian, measurement error, age distribution, the healthy volunteer effect, and intake of specific plant foods by the vegetarians.\n\nTL;DR:\n\n* less meat = less risk of death,\n* less meat for a longer time = an average of a 3 year longer lifespan + less risk of death,\n* after 90 years of no meat it stops decreasing your risk of death.\n\n\n> Conclusion: Current prospective cohort data from adults in North America and Europe raise the possibility that a lifestyle pattern that includes a very low meat intake is associated with greater longevity.\n\nSo yes, scientific research says that vegetarianism could help you live longer, but it primarily decreases your risk of death. (i.e. you might not live to 105, but you probably won't die at 55)" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the difference between an object and a companion object in a class in kotlin?\nExample:\n```class MyClass {\n object Holder {\n //something\n }\n companion object {\n //something\n }\n}\n```\nI already read that companion object shall be used, if the containing parameters/methods are closely related to its class.\nBut why is there also the possibility of declaring a normal object in the class? Because it behaves exactly like the companion, but it must have a name.\nIs there maybe a difference in its \"static\" (I'm from the java side) lifecycle? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are two different types of ```object``` uses, expression and declaration.\nObject Expression\nAn object expression can be used when a class needs slight modification, but it's not necessary to create an entirely new subclass for it. Anonymous inner classes are a good example of this.\n```button.setOnClickListener(object: View.OnClickListener() {\n override fun onClick(view: View) {\n // click event\n }\n})\n```\nOne thing to watch out for is that anonymous inner classes can access variables from the enclosing scope, and these variables do not have to be ```final```. This means that a variable used inside an anonymous inner class that is not considered ```final``` can change value unexpectedly before it is accessed.\nObject Declaration\nAn object declaration is similar to a variable declaration and therefore cannot be used on the right side of an assignment statement. Object declarations are very useful for implementing the Singleton pattern.\n```object MySingletonObject {\n fun getInstance(): MySingletonObject {\n // return single instance of object\n }\n}\n```\nAnd the ```getInstance``` method can then be invoked like this.\n```MySingletonObject.getInstance()\n```\nCompanion Object\nA companion object is a specific type of object declaration that allows an object to act similar to static objects in other languages (such as Java). Adding ```companion``` to the object declaration allows for adding the "static" functionality to an object even though the actual static concept does not exist in Kotlin. Here's an example of a class with instance methods and companion methods.\n```class MyClass {\n companion object MyCompanionObject {\n fun actsAsStatic() {\n // do stuff\n }\n }\n fun instanceMethod() {\n // do stuff\n }\n}\n```\nInvoking the instance method would look like this.\n```var myClass = MyClass()\nmyClass.instanceMethod()\n```\nInvoking the companion object method would look like this.\n```MyClass.actsAsStatic()\n```\nSee the Kotlin docs for more info." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I've rooted my phone. Now what? What do I gain from rooting?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In few words, rooting an Android system means overcome the limitations that were imposed over it by the manufacturer. People may want that for different reasons, but the main one is freedom. Having a rooted phone means you've got all the control over your device.\n\nThe main reason people root phones is to install a custom ROM. Custom ROMs are often known for improvements in performance and exclusive features that are not present on manufacturer ROMs, like installing apps on sdcard or taking screenshots. Custom ROMS can also become a system update alternative for those devices that were abandoned by their manufacturers. You can see a review of popular ROMS, as an example, here.\n\nRooting Android also allows you to uninstall stock apps that you don't use or don't want, besides those that violates user's privacy (see CarrierIQ). Another main reason for doing that is to gain more space on internal storage. A rooted device lets you install almost any app that requires root access. Those apps generally aim to do something that would not be possible without that privilege. A lot of useful apps were shown on the previous answer, but you may find a lot more available on Google Play. You can find a list of good apps here." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is there a better way to determine whether a variable in ```Pandas``` and/or ```NumPy``` is ```numeric``` or not ? \nI have a self defined ```dictionary``` with ```dtypes``` as keys and ```numeric``` / ```not``` as values." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You can use ```np.issubdtype``` to check if the dtype is a sub dtype of ```np.number```. Examples:\n```np.issubdtype(arr.dtype, np.number) # where arr is a numpy array\nnp.issubdtype(df['X'].dtype, np.number) # where df['X'] is a pandas Series\n```\nThis works for numpy's dtypes but fails for pandas specific types like pd.Categorical as Thomas noted. If you are using categoricals ```is_numeric_dtype``` function from pandas is a better alternative than np.issubdtype.\n```df = pd.DataFrame({'A': [1, 2, 3], 'B': [1.0, 2.0, 3.0],\n 'C': [1j, 2j, 3j], 'D': ['a', 'b', 'c']})\ndf\nOut:\n A B C D\n0 1 1.0 1j a\n1 2 2.0 2j b\n2 3 3.0 3j c\ndf.dtypes\nOut:\nA int64\nB float64\nC complex128\nD object\ndtype: object\n```\n\n```np.issubdtype(df['A'].dtype, np.number)\nOut: True\nnp.issubdtype(df['B'].dtype, np.number)\nOut: True\nnp.issubdtype(df['C'].dtype, np.number)\nOut: True\nnp.issubdtype(df['D'].dtype, np.number)\nOut: False\n```\nFor multiple columns you can use np.vectorize:\n```is_number = np.vectorize(lambda x: np.issubdtype(x, np.number))\nis_number(df.dtypes)\nOut: array([ True, True, True, False], dtype=bool)\n```\nAnd for selection, pandas now has ```select_dtypes```:\n```df.select_dtypes(include=[np.number])\nOut:\n A B C\n0 1 1.0 1j\n1 2 2.0 2j\n2 3 3.0 3j\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I've come across the polynomial algorithm that solves 2SAT. I've found it boggling that 2SAT is in P where all (or many others) of the SAT instances are NP-Complete. What makes this problem different? What makes it so easy (NL-Complete - even easier than P)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a further intuitive and unpretentious explanation along the lines of MGwynne's answer.\nWith $2$-SAT, you can only express implications of the form $a \\Rightarrow b$, where $a$ and $b$ are literals. More precisely, every $2$-clause $l_1 \\lor l_2$ can be understood as a pair of implications: $\\lnot l_1 \\Rightarrow l_2$ and $\\lnot l_2 \\Rightarrow l_1$. If you set $a$ to true, $b$ must be true as well. If you set $b$ to false, $a$ must be false as well. Such implications are straightforward: there is no choice, you have only $1$ possibility, there is no room for case-multiplication. You can just follow every possible implication chain, and see if you ever derive both $\\lnot l$ from $l$ and $l$ from $\\lnot l$: if you do for some $l$, then the 2-SAT formula is unsatisfiable, otherwise it is satisfiable. It is the case that the number of possible implication chains is polynomially bounded in the size of the input formula.\nWith $3$-SAT, you can express implications of the form $a \\Rightarrow b \\lor c$, where $a$, $b$ and $c$ are literals. Now you are in trouble: if you set $a$ to true, then either $b$ or $c$ must be true, but which one? You have to make a choice: you have 2 possibilities. Here is where case-multiplication becomes possible, and where the combinatorial explosion arises.\nIn other words, $3$-SAT is able to express the presence of more than one possibility, while $2$-SAT doesn't have such ability. It is precisely such presence of more than one possibility ($2$ possibilities in case of $3$-SAT, $k-1$ possibilities in case of $k$-SAT) that causes the typical combinatorial explosion of NP-complete problems. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why isn't Sectumsempra an Unforgivable Curse?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Not many people knew Sectumsempra - they'd need to know it exists to ban it.\nSeverus Snape invented Sectumsempra while at Hogwarts, and wrote it down in his Potions book. He doesn't seem to have told many people about it, it's possible he didn't tell anyone at all.\n\n“Harry was about to put his book away again when he noticed the corner of a page folded down; turning to it, he saw the Sectumsempra spell, captioned ‘For Enemies’, that he had marked a few weeks previously.” - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 24 (Sectumsempra)\n\nHis book was hidden away until Harry found it, and Harry didn't tell the rest of the wizarding world about it either. Severus himself was seen using Sectumsempra when the Order was moving seven Harrys, and Harry had used it a few times after he found it in Snape's old book. Lupin knows of it, since he described it as one of Snape's specialties.\nHowever, they are probably some of the only people who know it - it isn't widely known like the three Unforgivable Curses. No one else, either in the Death Eaters or the Order of the Phoenix, is ever said to use it. It's likely that the Ministry didn't even know of it. Therefore, the Ministry wouldn't have even been able to make the decision to classify it as an Unforgivable Curse, since they would likely not have even known it existed.\nIf the Ministry knew about it, would it be classified as Unforgivable?\nThe reason it wasn't classified as an Unforgivable Curse is because the Ministry wouldn't have known about it - they would be unable to make any decision on something they don't know exists. That, by itself, doesn't say whether the Ministry would classify it as one if they knew about it.\nNot all potentially harmful spells are classified as Unforgivable Curses.\nIt's nowhere near guaranteed, though, that if the Ministry knew about Sectumsempra, that they'd classify it as an Unforgivable Curse. There are other spells that could clearly do harm. Just to give a few examples - Confringo, Flagrante, and the creation of Fiendfyre are all potentially harmful but not Unforgivable.\nIt's never mentioned why those three curses are classified as Unforgivable and others aren't, but it seems likely that it's because there are little to no uses for them that aren't evil. The punishment for using an Unforgivable Curse is a lifetime sentence in Azkaban, so only the worst curses, that are highly unlikely to ever have a non-Dark use, would be made Unforgivable.\n\n“Now … those three curses – Avada Kedavra, Imperius and Cruciatus – are known as the Unforgivable Curses. The use of any one of them on a fellow human being is enough to earn a life sentence in Azkaban.” - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Chapter 14 (The Unforgivable Curses)\n\nNow, would Sectumsempra fit the criteria for being made an Unforgivable Curse?\nProbably not - it cuts through things like a sword. It can be used for anything a sword, knife or other cutting tool can be used for. While using it on people might be considered Unforgivable, the spell itself is simply the act of cutting. There are many things a wizard might reasonably want to cut with no malicious intent; vegetables, rope, cloth, building materials. Because of this, it seems unlikely that even if the Ministry had known about it, it would be classified as an Unforgivable Curse.\nIn addition, there is a countercurse for Sectumsempra.\n\n“Pushing Harry roughly aside, he knelt over Malfoy, drew his wand and traced it over the deep wounds Harry’s curse had made, muttering an incantation that sounded almost like song. The flow of blood seemed to ease; Snape wiped the residue from Malfoy’s face and repeated his spell. Now the wounds seemed to be knitting. - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 24 (Sectumsempra)\n\nWhile the wounds from Sectumsempra can't be healed by simple healing spells, they can in fact be healed by the countercurse.\nSo - Sectumsempra likely wouldn't be made Unforgivable if the Ministry knew it." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can I add a delay to a program in C#?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Use a timer with an interval set to 2–3 seconds.\nYou have three different options to choose from, depending on which type of application you're writing:\n\n* ```System.Timers.Timer```\n* ```System.Windows.Forms.Timer```\n* ```System.Threading.Timer```\n\nDon't use ```Thread.Sleep``` if your application need to process any inputs on that thread at the same time (WinForms, WPF), as ```Sleep``` will completely lock up the thread and prevent it from processing other messages. Assuming a single-threaded application (as most are), your entire application will stop responding, rather than just delaying an operation as you probably intended. Note that it may be fine to use Sleep in pure console application as there are no \"events\" to handle or on separate thread (also ```Task.Delay``` is better option).\nIn addition to timers and ```Sleep``` you can use ```Task.Delay``` which is asynchronous version of ```Sleep``` that does not block thread from processing events (if used properly - don't turn it into infinite sleep with ```.Wait()```). \n``` public async void ClickHandler(...)\n {\n // whatever you need to do before delay goes here\n await Task.Delay(2000);\n // whatever you need to do after delay.\n }\n```\nThe same ```await Task.Delay(2000)``` can be used in a ```Main``` method of a console application if you use C# 7.1 (Async main on MSDN blogs).\nNote: delaying operation with ```Sleep``` has benefit of avoiding race conditions that comes from potentially starting multiple operations with timers/```Delay```. Unfortunately freezing UI-based application is not acceptable so you need to think about what will happen if you start multiple delays (i.e. if it is triggered by a button click) - consider disabling such button, or canceling the timer/task or making sure delayed operation can be done multiple times safely." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm trying to write a Bash script that will overwrite an existing directory. I have a directory ```foo/``` and I am trying to overwrite ```bar/``` with it. But when I do this:\n```cp -Rf foo/ bar/\n```\na new ```bar/foo/``` directory is created. I don't want that. There are two files in ```foo/```; ```a``` and ```b```. There are files with same names in ```bar/``` as well. I want the ```foo/a``` and ```foo/b``` to replace ```bar/a``` and ```bar/b```." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you want to ensure ```bar/``` ends up identical to ```foo/```, use ```rsync``` instead:\n```rsync -a --delete foo/ bar/\n```\nIf just a few things have changed, this will execute much faster than removing and re-copying the whole directory.\n\n* ```-a``` is 'archive mode', which copies faithfully files in ```foo/``` to ```bar/```\n* ```--delete``` removes extra files not in ```foo/``` from ```bar/``` as well, ensuring ```bar/``` ends up identical\n* If you want to see what it's doing, add ```-vh``` for verbose and human-readable\n* Note: the slash after ```foo``` is required, otherwise ```rsync``` will copy ```foo/``` to ```bar/foo/``` rather than overwriting ```bar/``` itself.\n\n* (Slashes after directories in rsync are confusing; if you're interested, here's the scoop. They tell rsync to refer to the contents of the directory, rather than the directory itself. So to overwrite from the contents of ```foo/``` onto the contents of ```bar/```, we use a slash on both. It's confusing because it won't work as expected with a slash on neither, though; rsync sneakily always interprets the destination path as though it has a slash, even though it honors an absence of a slash on the source path. So we need a slash on the source path to make it match the auto-added slash on the destination path, if we want to copy the contents of ```foo/``` into ```bar/```, rather than the directory ```foo/``` itself landing into ```bar/``` as ```bar/foo```.)\n\n```rsync``` is very powerful and useful, if you're curious look around for what else it can do (such as copying over ssh)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is there a particular reason the elves die off so fast? After the first war against Sauron, I recall the elves being decimated, to the point that they're almost useless army-wise in the trilogy. But I'm guessing men suffered equal or greater losses as well.\nAnyways, other races just seem much more capable of repopulating, while is seems like there are incredibly few (if any?) elven children. Considering the fact that elves are immortal, wouldn't their population be the fastest to grow? Also the seem to be perpetually 40 years old, so aren't they eternally fertile as well? Why don't they have more kids and build bigger societies?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tolkien himself addresses this in an essay called "Laws and Customs Among the Eldar". There are essentially two problems:\n\n* Elvish libido diminishes over time. Contrary to popular belief (and outward appearance, from a human perspective), Elves do age; and as they get older, they get less interested in procreation.\n* Having children is exhausting. The Elves believe that their child-bearing process draws a heavier physical and spiritual toll on them, compared to what it does to humans. They're understandable reluctant to have a lot of kids, because what's the point in having a dozen kids if doing so might literally kill you?\n\nFrom "Laws and Customs":\n\nIt might be thought that, since the Eldar do not (as Men deem) grow old in body, they may bring forth children at any time in the ages of their lives. But this is not so. For the Eldar do indeed grow older, even if slowly: the limit of their lives is the life of Arda, which though long beyond the reckoning of Men is not endless, and ages also. Moreover their body and spirit are not separated but coherent. As the weight of the years, with all their changes of desire and thought, gathers upon the spirit of the Eldar, so do the impulses and moods of their bodies change. [...]\nAlso the Eldar say that in the begetting [conceiving], and still more in the bearing of children, greater share and strength of their being, in mind and in body, goes forth than in the making of mortal children. For these reasons it came to pass that the Eldar brought forth few children; and also that their time of generation was in their youth or earlier life, unless strange and hard fates befell them.\nHistory of Middle-earth X Morgoth's Ring Part 3: "The Later Quenta Silmarillion" Chapter 2: "The Second Phase" Laws and Customs Among the Eldar\n\nThat last point about the toll on their mind and body is worth expanding on, and fortunately Tolkien does this later in the essay:\n\n[A]ll the Eldar, being aware of it in themselves, spoke of the passing of much strength, both of mind and of body, into their children, in bearing and begetting. Therefore they hold that the fëa [soul], though unbegotten, draws nourishment directly from the fëa of the mother while she bears and nourishes the hrondo [body; later changed to the word hroä], and mediately but equally from the father, whose fëa is bound in union with the mother's and supports it.\nHistory of Middle-earth X Morgoth's Ring Part 3: "The Later Quenta Silmarillion" Chapter 2: "The Second Phase" Laws and Customs Among the Eldar\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Reasons for being vegetarian or vegan other than ethical reasons?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are multiple reasons why people are/become Vegetarian/Vegan apart from ethics, including but not limited to\n\n* Religion/Culture - most of the worlds Vegetarians reside in India, mainly due to culture/personal beliefs but often interlinked with some of their major religions (Hinduism/Sikhism/Jainism etc) which promote the diet. Some strains of Buddhism also look positively at not eating meat, as does the Seventh-day Adventist Church.\n* Environment - reducing land degradation, climate change, reducing harm to bio-diversity etc. Animal agriculture causes a huge amount of problems to our planet and environment. \n* Health - another major point. Being Vegetarian or Vegan won't automatically improve your health of course (it's easy to live off junk food, believe me), but there are lots of scientifically proven benefits to eat a plant based diet over a standard Western diet including a lower risk of heart disease, lower BMI, lower cholesterol etc.\n* Political - a slightly less common reason but still; some people go Vegetarian or Vegan based on their political beliefs once they realise how much the two share intersectional values (e.g. from Anarchism to Veganarchism)\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My mom has a green card that expires 2028 but has been out of the US in the UK for over a year due to COVID travel restrictions. Can she enter now?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Assuming she doesn't have a valid Re-entry Permit, she technically doesn't have one of the accepted documents for entry of a returning immigrant, as listed in 8 CFR 211.1(a). A green card is not one of the accepted documents after an absence of more than 1 year, and she doesn't have any of the other documents, like a Re-entry Permit or an immigrant visa.\n\nHowever, under 8 CFR 211.1(b)(3) and 8 CFR 211.4, the immigration officers at the port of entry have the authority to waive her failure to meet the documentary requirements, if they determine that she has not abandoned residence. They often will grant the waiver if it's the first time, the absence is not too much over a year, and/or there is a good reason for not returning earlier (e.g. COVID-19). So if she manages to make it to a US port of entry, there is a good chance they will just let her in, perhaps with a warning.\n\nThe officer could deny her entry, and pressure her to voluntarily sign I-407 to relinquish her permanent residency. This is voluntary, and she can refuse. If she refuses, they will give her a Notice to Appear for removal proceedings in immigration court at a later date. There, she will be able to present her case to the immigration judge, and if the immigration judge determines that she has not abandoned residence, the immigration judge can grant the waiver for her failure to meet the documentary requirements (think of it as a second opinion on the immigration officer's decision).\n\nThe other option to all this is that she can apply for an SB1 returning resident visa at a US consulate (which will meet the documentary requirements since it is an immigrant visa). However, this requires showing that she could not return any earlier due to circumstances beyond her control (which may be harder to prove than showing that she did not abandon residence). Also, there is no appeal for visa denials." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the LXX and why is it so noteworthy that there is a Greek translation of the OT? Wouldn't it be better to directly reference manuscripts in the original languages?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before 1947, a good case could be made that the Septuagint represented a more ancient tradition than the Masoretic versions of the Tanakh. Since the Septuagint was produced before 132 BCE (and probably in the 3rd century BCE) and the earliest known Masoretic manuscripts date to the 10th century CE, the Greek translation might have fossilized an early rendering of the Scriptures while the Hebrew continued to be copied and potentially altered. To further support the primacy of the Septuagint, the early Christian and Hellenistic Jewish texts, tended to use that translation rather go back to Hebrew sources.\nAn interesting counter-argument arises from the observation that during the 600 years from Jerome's translation into Latin (the Vulgate) to the earliest Masoretic manuscripts, the Hebrew seems to have been faithfully copied. That suggests that Jewish scribes were exceptionally careful to duplicate their scriptures.\nAfter 1947, the evidence changed. According to Wikipedia:\n\n [Most] of the Qumran fragments can be classified as being closer to the Masoretic text than to any other text group that has survived. According to Lawrence Schiffman, 60% can be classed as being of proto-Masoretic type, and a further 20% Qumran style with bases in proto-Masoretic texts, compared to 5% proto-Samaritan type, 5% Septuagintal type, and 10% non-aligned. Joseph Fitzmyer noted the following regarding the findings at Qumran Cave 4 in particular: \"Such ancient recensional forms of Old Testament books bear witness to an unsuspected textual diversity that once existed; these texts merit far greater study and attention than they have been accorded till now. Thus, the differences in the Septuagint are no longer considered the result of a poor or tendentious attempt to translate the Hebrew into the Greek; rather they testify to a different pre-Christian form of the Hebrew text\".\n\nAnother another article describes the meaning of the categories in detail.\nA few caveats are in order:\n\n* Surveying the Qumran about religious texts seems something akin to surveying a hippie commune about political issues—you're likely to experience some bias. If we could obtain a similar collection from Jerusalem, we'd likely find more agreement and likely the side of MT. Given the diversity in non-Scriptural texts, 60% seems quite solid support.\n* While it's unlikely, there exists a chronological possibility the scrolls associated with the Septuagint-aligned Hebrew were influenced by the Greek. (Any references one way or the other would be appreciated.) \n\nWhat remains therefore is a window into the community of Alexandrian Jews that produced the translation. For those who are interested in the development of Jewish belief, that can be extremely useful. N. T. Wright's book, The Resurrection of the Son of God, shows that the LXX translators chose to interpret key texts from Daniel and Ezekiel about the resurrection as literal rather than metaphorical. He argues from this that belief in bodily resurrection was more common in Jesus' day than other scholars assert." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have to disable inputs at first and then on click of a link to enable them.\nThis is what I have tried so far, but it doesn't work.\nHTML:\n```\n```\njQuery:\n```$(\"#edit\").click(function(event){\n event.preventDefault();\n $('.inputDisabled').removeAttr(\"disabled\")\n});\n```\n\nThis shows me ```true``` and then ```false``` but nothing changes for the inputs:\n```$(\"#edit\").click(function(event){\n alert('');\n event.preventDefault();\n alert($('.inputDisabled').attr('disabled'));\n $('.inputDisabled').removeAttr(\"disabled\");\n alert($('.inputDisabled').attr('disabled'));\n});\n```" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Always use the ```prop()``` method to enable or disable elements when using jQuery (see below for why).\nIn your case, it would be:\n```$("#edit").click(function(event){\n event.preventDefault();\n $('.inputDisabled').prop("disabled", false); // Element(s) are now enabled.\n});\n```\njsFiddle example here.\n\n\nWhy use ```prop()``` when you could use ```attr()```/```removeAttr()``` to do this?\n\nBasically, ```prop()``` should be used when getting or setting properties (such as ```autoplay```, ```checked```, ```disabled``` and ```required``` amongst others).\nWhile what you want to do can technically be done using ```attr()```/```removeAttr()```, it doesn't mean it should be done - and can cause strange/problematic behaviour, as in this case.\n\n"The difference between attributes and properties can be important in\nspecific situations. Before jQuery 1.6, the ```.attr()``` method sometimes\ntook property values into account when retrieving some attributes,\nwhich could cause inconsistent behavior. As of jQuery 1.6, the ```.prop()```\nmethod provides a way to explicitly retrieve property values, while\n```.attr()``` retrieves attributes."\n"Properties generally affect the dynamic state of a DOM element without\nchanging the serialized HTML attribute. Examples include the ```value```\nproperty of input elements, the ```disabled``` property of inputs and\nbuttons, or the ```checked``` property of a checkbox. The ```.prop()``` method\nshould be used to set ```disabled``` and ```checked``` instead of the ```.attr()```\nmethod. The ```.val()``` method should be used for getting and setting\n```value```." - jQuery documentation for prop()\n\nPre-jQuery 3.0 (before 2016)\nThe reason why you should use ```prop``` over ```removeAttr()``` is that ```removeAttr()``` completely removes the ```disabled``` attribute itself - as this method would simply set the corresponding property name to ```false```:\n\nPrior to jQuery 3.0, using .removeAttr() on a boolean attribute such\nas checked, selected, or readonly would also set the corresponding\nnamed property to false. This behavior was required for ancient\nversions of Internet Explorer but is not correct for modern browsers\nbecause the attribute represents the initial value and the property\nrepresents the current (dynamic) value. - jQuery 3.0 Breaking Changes\n\nWhile ```prop()``` merely sets the property's underlying boolean value to false." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm no expert in darkroom photography, but it seems a little odd that there is a type of light that doesn't affect film or developing paper etc. So why is a dark-room safelight safe?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Photo films and papers are made from salts of silver that naturally only darken when exposed to violet or blue light. In the early days of photography, this was all that was available. Therefore these films and papers are able to be handled under any light source that does not radiate blue light. By the way, the violet and blue frequencies of light are the shortest, and are the most energetic when it comes to inducing a chemical change. These early films and papers could all be be handled safely under red light as well as yellow light. These lamps do not emit violet or blue. \n\nThese blue-sensitive-only films did an OK job, with some exceptions. Women’s faces with cosmetics, like lipstick and rouge on the cheeks, came out weird. Warm tones reproduced super dark, and most times lips and cheeks turned black, void of detail on the finished picture. The bottom line is, many colors in nature reproduced incorrectly with this early blue-sensitive-only film. \n\nThe cure was accidental. Professor Hermann Vogel at Berlin Technical was trying to solve the problem of halation. This results when taking a picture of bright objects, like light sources or gemstones and the like. These objects play on the film with lots of light energy. This energy often goes completely through the film and hits something behind the film. The light is then reflected back into the film. The result is a halo around bright objects. The professor had one of his students dye the silver salts yellow, thinking the yellow dye would filter out the annoying reflected blue from the rear. He tried this dyed film and it did the trick, plus the film gained sensitivity to green light. He named this blue/green sensitive film orthochromatic (Latin for correct color). The year was 1857, and the quality of film reproducing the colors of nature moved forward by a big leap. \n\nA few years later, one of his graduate students, experimenting with different dyes, discovered how to make films sensitive to blue, green and red light. This film was called panchromatic (the pan prefix in Greek means \"all\"). Thus panchromatic film reproduces all colors found in nature with high accuracy. The bad news was, the darkroom folks were forced to give up the red and yellow safelight. A super dim green safelight could be used for a short period of time during developing. \n\nPhoto papers remained insensitive to red for the most part - no need, as they work OK with just blue and green sensitivity. Modern variable contrast photo papers have two sensitive coats, one for blue light and one for green light. We can use a safelight on these papers; it is amber with reduced brilliance. \n\nFilms and papers that make color pictures are panchromatic, and most safelights are not safe. We can use infrared lamps with a specialized night vision infrared scope to view and handle most panchromatic films and papers, because these materials have low sensitivity to infrared." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "With the command:\n```ls -la *\n```\nI can list all my symbolic links. \nHow can I remove all symbolic links which are linked to a special folder?\nFor example:\nIn my directory ```usr/local/bin``` I have the following entries:\n```lrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 50 Apr 22 14:52 allneeded -> /usr/local/texlive/2011/bin/x86_64-linux/allneeded\nlrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 47 Apr 22 14:52 amstex -> /usr/local/texlive/2011/bin/x86_64-linux/amstex\nlrwxrwxrwx 1 root root 24 Apr 23 19:09 arara -> /home/marco/.arara/arara\n```\nNow I want to remove all links with the path ```/usr/local/texlive/```" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Please make sure to read the alternative answer. It's even more to the point although not voted as high at this point.\nYou can use this to delete all symbolic links:\n```find -type l -delete\n```\nwith modern ```find``` versions.\nOn older find versions it may have to be:\n```find -type l -exec rm {} \\;\n# or\nfind -type l -exec unlink {} \\;\n```\nTo limit to a certain link target, assuming none of the paths contain any newline character:\n``` find -type l | while IFS= read -r lnkname; do if [ \"$(readlink '$lnkname')\" == \"/your/exact/path\" ]; then rm -- \"$lnkname\"; fi; done\n```\nor nicely formatted\n``` find -type l |\n while IFS= read -r lnkname;\n do\n if [ \"$(readlink '$lnkname')\" = \"/your/exact/path\" ];\n then\n rm -- \"$lnkname\"\n fi\n done\n```\nThe ```if``` could of course also include a more complex condition such as matching a pattern with ```grep```.\n\nTailored to your case:\n```find -type l | while IFS= read -r lnk; do if (readlink \"$lnk\" | grep -q '^/usr/local/texlive/'); then rm \"$lnk\"; fi; done\n```\nor nicely formatted:\n```find -type l | while IFS= read -r lnk\ndo\n if readlink \"$lnk\" | grep -q '^/usr/local/texlive/'\n then\n rm \"$lnk\"\n fi\ndone\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Did Aztecs know how many continents there are on earth?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do you know how many continents there are on Earth? Is Europe a separate continent from Asia? Is Australia the biggest island or the smallest continent? Is Antarctica an ice-locked archipelago or a continent? Are the Americas one continent or two? (All of those questions can be answered reasonably either way.)\n\nThe separation of Europe from Asia into two continents happened because, from the point of view of the Greek Mediterranean world, all of Asia that mattered was across the sea from all of Europe that mattered. They knew that Europe and Asia were connected north of the Black Sea (though they didn't know how big a connection) but they didn't care, because for their purposes, they were separate continents.\n\nThe idea of a continent is more a cultural thing than anything else.\nFrom a proper scientific point of view continents are probably better defined by tectonic plates so now you're dealing with twenty or so. Maybe a continent is a tectonic plate with dry land attached? That still leaves quite a few. (And how much dry land is needed? And is Los Angeles on a separate continent from New York?)\n\nIf the Aztecs knew the geography of the whole Earth it would still be very surprising if they had counted continents the same way the Ancient Greeks have led us to do. And there's no evidence they knew the geography of the whole Earth and considerable evidence that they didn't." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What did the Soviet Union and Russia bring to the ISS?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Initially, everything. The ISS started out as Mir-2 with some extra modules added soon afterwards. Then lots more over the next 10 years.\nThe initial modules, Zarya and Zvezda, which housed living quarters, reboost, attitude control, solar power, life support, and docking modules.\nEach additional component and module made the system better, but the ISS is still dependent on the Russian operating segment.\nEach function that the Russian segment supplied initially was enhanced or replaced by the US side (solar power, life support, etc.). The major component this is mostly still Russian is half the crew quarters and reboost/attitude control (beyond what the control gyros can handle).\nInitially the Shuttle and Soyuz provided crew services, and now only Soyuz (till SpaceX/ULA get their acts together in 2019) provides crew. Initially the Russians provided cargo (as did the Shuttle till retirement), but specifically Progress could refuel the engines on the ISS for reboost.\nThe Russian theoretical plan is that the next two modules they launch (if ever, now, after being so delayed) Nauka and the UM will be able to separate from the ISS and form the core of their next space station. One of those theories was to take Zarya and Zvezda (or just one) with them as well." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What utility can move my Windows boot partition over to another hard drive?\nMy preference is that it would be really easy. \n\n* Boot into Windows\n* Pick drive to move\n* Pick target drive\n* It copies everything over, and reboots to the correct partition." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## DriveImage XML\nDriveImage XML will do the job. It runs from within Windows and it can copy directly from drive to drive. A lot of people rave about it after good experiences with the software.\n\nDriveImage XML is an easy to use and reliable program for imaging and backing up partitions and logical drives.\nImage creation uses Microsoft's Volume Shadow Services (VSS), allowing you to create safe "hot images" even from drives currently in use. Images are stored in XML files, allowing you to process them with 3rd party tools. Never again be stuck with a useless backup! Restore images to drives without having to reboot. DriveImage XML is now faster than ever, offering two different compression levels.\n\n\n## EASEUS Disk Copy\nEASEUS Disk Copy is a great alternative if you don't want to go for a 'hot' backup that runs from within Windows. Good review at lifehacker and on a par with DriveImage XML. They quite clearly state that it is ideal for moving from one disk to a larger one. Like other suggestions, this requires that you create a boot CD.\n\n> EASEUS Disk Copy is a potent freeware providing sector-by-sector disk/partition clone regardless of your operating system, file systems and partition scheme by creating a bootable CD. The sector-by-sector method assures you a copy 100% identical to the original. Disk Copy can be used for copy, cloning, or upgrading your original small hard drive to a new larger drive. Simply speaking, it can copy anything from the old hard drive including the deleted, lost files and inaccessible data. So, the freeware is a perfect tool for Data Recovery Wizard to recover files from a backup disk." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What's the difference between ASCII and Unicode?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "ASCII has 128 code points, 0 through 127. It can fit in a single 8-bit byte, the values 128 through 255 tended to be used for other characters. With incompatible choices, causing the code page disaster. Text encoded in one code page cannot be read correctly by a program that assumes or guessed at another code page.\n\nUnicode came about to solve this disaster. Version 1 started out with 65536 code points, commonly encoded in 16 bits. Later extended in version 2 to 1.1 million code points. The current version is 6.3, using 110,187 of the available 1.1 million code points. That doesn't fit in 16 bits anymore.\nEncoding in 16-bits was common when v2 came around, used by Microsoft and Apple operating systems for example. And language runtimes like Java. The v2 spec came up with a way to map those 1.1 million code points into 16-bits. An encoding called UTF-16, a variable length encoding where one code point can take either 2 or 4 bytes. The original v1 code points take 2 bytes, added ones take 4. \n\nAnother variable length encoding that's very common, used in *nix operating systems and tools is UTF-8, a code point can take between 1 and 4 bytes, the original ASCII codes take 1 byte the rest take more. The only non-variable length encoding is UTF-32, takes 4 bytes for a code point. Not often used since it is pretty wasteful. There are other ones, like UTF-1 and UTF-7, widely ignored.\nAn issue with the UTF-16/32 encodings is that the order of the bytes will depend on the endian-ness of the machine that created the text stream. So add to the mix UTF-16BE, UTF-16LE, UTF-32BE and UTF-32LE.\n\nHaving these different encoding choices brings back the code page disaster to some degree, along with heated debates among programmers which UTF choice is \"best\". Their association with operating system defaults pretty much draws the lines. One counter-measure is the definition of a BOM, the Byte Order Mark, a special codepoint (U+FEFF, zero width space) at the beginning of a text stream that indicates how the rest of the stream is encoded. It indicates both the UTF encoding and the endianess and is neutral to a text rendering engine. Unfortunately it is optional and many programmers claim their right to omit it so accidents are still pretty common." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Reasons why healthy people would intentionally want to get infected?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because some self-proclaimed health guru claims that it's good for you to have that disease.\n\nThe miracle-virus causes your body to absorb free cosmic energies. Your constantly raising body temperature is proof that it works.\nThe headache you feel is because your brain is reconfiguring itself to become more effective. When the process is over, you will be far more intelligent. Some of our patients even gained psychic powers.\nThe vomiting, blood-coughing, explosive diarrhea and the open sores you have all over your body are actually all the poisons your body accumulated over your life which are now leaving your body.\nThe weakness you feel and the periodical blackouts are also part of the cleansing process. Your body is concentrating all its energy on cleaning you. That's in fact a good sign and shows that it works. Some of us were even able to communicate with alien angel-spirits during these intensive cleaning phases.\n\nAll of that is of course bullshit. The infected are simply sick. The guru just claims all those pseudo-scientific benefits exist to get people to pay them ridiculous amounts of money for infecting them with the disease.\n\nSounds ridiculous? Then you might want to take a look at the community of people drinking bleach." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In The Avengers, the Council contacted Nick Fury and supposedly, they want to nuke Manhattan. Nick didn't agree so they contacted a S.H.I.E.L.D. operative to nuke Manhattan.\nWhen they found out that an unauthorized jet was trying to fly, Nick grabbed a rocket launcher and fired it at the jet, which was a decoy and the real jet was able to escape. \nHowever, why would he do that? If that was the real plane carrying a nuke enough to level Manhattan, wouldn't the nuke explode and destroy the base along with them if he fired a rocket launcher at it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\nIf that was the real plane carrying a nuke enough to level Manhattan, wouldn't the nuke explode and destroy the base along with them if he fired a rocket launcher at it?\n\nNo.\nDetonating a modern nuclear device is, in fact, incredibly difficult and merely shooting down the aircraft carrying it would not be sufficient.\nIn fact, several aircraft carrying older nuclear devices have either crashed or otherwise been lost without the device on board detonating.\nIt's likely that the crash might cause a release of nuclear material but detonation is practically impossible.\nIn 1966...\n\n...another B-52 carrying four hydrogen bombs crashed near the Spanish town of Palomares on Spain’s southeast coast after colliding with a refueling tanker. One of the four bombs was recovered virtually intact, according to The Washington Post, but two others released plutonium when their explosive triggers detonated. A fourth bomb fell into the sea, prompting a search that involved thousands of uniformed personnel, millions of dollars and 20 ships that ranged from submarines to minesweepers.\nThe fourth bomb was eventually recovered, but radiation released by the damaged weapons required a U.S.-led effort to decontaminate 640 acres of topsoil in the farmland around Palomares, Tad Sczulc reported in the Times. Military personnel initially wore face masks and gloves as they removed the soil, according to Sczulc’s account, and more than 1,600 tons of contaminated soil were sealed in steel drums and shipped to the U.S. for disposal.\nWashington Post\n\n1964\n\nIn 1964, a B-52 carrying two unarmed atomic bombs crashed in western Maryland. In 1961, two nuclear-laden B-52s went down — one near Yuba City, Calif., and another north of Goldsboro, N.C. The bombs survived both crashes without detonating\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Since I created my repository it appears that the tags I have been\ncreating are not pushed to the repository. When I do ```git tag``` on the\nlocal directory all the tags are present, but when I logon to the\nremote repository and do a ```git tag```, only the first few show up.\nWhat could the problem be?." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In default git remote configuration you have to push tags explicitly (while they are fetched automatically together with commits they point to). You need to use\n\n```\n$ git push tag \n```\nto push a single tag,\n```\n$ git push --tags\n```\nto push all tags (or ```git push --tags``` to push to default remote, usually ```origin```).\n\nThis is very much intended behavior, to make pushing tags explicit. Pushing tags should be usually conscious choice." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do I add Git submodule to a sub-directory?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You go into ~/.janus and run:\n\n```git submodule add snipmate-snippets/snippets/```\n\nIf you need more information about submodules (or git in general) ProGit is pretty useful." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Given that Kohn-Sham DFT is strictly a ground-state method (at 0 K), how is it sufficient to describe materials in real-life applications?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These are a few extra points to complement Andrew Rosen's comprehensive response:\n\n* To be absolutely clear, typical DFT calculations are not performed at 0K, a better description of what happens is that they are performed \"for a static crystal\". Static crystal means that the atoms are fixed at their crystallographic positions (which is what a typical DFT calculation does), but this situation is different from 0K. Even at 0K, the atomic nuclei move due to quantum zero-point motion (also called quantum fluctuations). This quantum zero-point motion is very small for compounds containing heavy elements, which means that in these cases \"0K\" and \"static crystal\" are almost the same and many people use the terms interchangeably. However, quantum zero-point motion can be very large for light elements, for example in solid hydrogen (the lightest of all compounds) it dominates even at room temperature. To perform a calculation at 0K (as opposed to a static crystal calculation), the strategy that Andrew Rosen proposed would still work if you use quantum statistics. For example, solving the vibrational problem within the harmonic approximation at the quantum mechanical level with give you the zero-point energy as the ground state of a quantum harmonic oscillator. A good reference for hydrogen is this review article.\n* Although Andrew Rosen is correct in that the potential energy surface is largely temperature independent, there are a few situations in which the potential energy surface does vary significantly with temperature. An example of this is provided by many perovskite crystals (e.g. $\\ce{BaTiO_3}$), which undergo a series of temperature-induced structural phase transitions. For example, at very high temperatures the structure is cubic, and this structure sits at a minimum of the potential free energy surface. However, if you calculated the potential energy surface (instead of the free energy surface), then it has a double-well shape and the cubic structure is at the saddle point, so the structure will lower its energy by distorting and going to one of the minima. This is precisely what happens at low temperatures because the corresponding free energy surface acquires a double-well shape, and the system undergoes a structural phase transition. A good early DFT reference for this is this paper.\n* As already pointed out by others, the differences between DFT and TDDFT or $GW$-BSE are not related to the inclusion or exclusion of temperature. In this language, both TDDFT and $GW$-BSE have no temperature for the behaviour of the nuclei, and you could incoporate it in a similar fashion to what Andrew Rosen described for DFT.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I don't really get the difference between gain and volume boost.\n\nSo if I understand correctly, gain directly boosts a signal from a line or input while volume handles the output. Volume isn't really for boosting either.\nWould this mean, in most settings, getting 'close to' as much gain as possible without any hiss/background noise is ideal?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here's a brief overview to get you started. Hopefully this helps!\n\n* 'Gain' controls are typically used to get a good input level. So for example if you had a microphone with a very low output signal, you would boost the gain to get a better level into your mixing desk or audio interface. If you had a synthesizer plugged in you might need to turn the gain down to stop the signal distorting. Gain controls are often controlling an amplifier behind the scenes - i.e. your signal can 'gain' strength after going through the gain stage of your audio equipment. So gain is usually the first control in the signal path of your recording equipment. \n\n* 'Volume' controls on the other hand tend to be at the end of the signal chain and are more likely to be attenuating rather than amplifying the signal. So on a mixing desk, having got a good level from each input at the gain stage, you use the volume faders to adjust the relative volumes of each channel to achieve a good mix. You are not typically amplifying those signals any more though.\n\nA guitar amp is a good example of how this works. The first control is often called \"Gain\" or 'drive' and guitarists often deliberately turn this really high to get a nice distorted sound from a tube preamp. However, the final control is called Volume and governs simply how loud the sound coming out of your speaker is. With gain right up and volume low you can play distorted sounds without annoying the neighbours. With gain low and volume high you get a loud sound but no distortion." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I recently had someone claim (on an unrelated SE site I won't link to) that it is the responsibility of a player to correctly identify their hand, that what you "call" your hand determines the winner:\n\nFor example, you have an Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and Ten. You call your hand and say, "I have a Straight!"\nBut that was a bad move on your part because you are a novice player and you did not notice that all of your cards are Spades. You actually had a Straight Flush, but now you have lost because one of the remaining players had a Full House.\nYour hand has not been determined until you call your hand.\n\nIs this true? Clearly you might play your hand differently if you misunderstand what you have, but I always thought that the cards speak for themselves once they are revealed.\nOr would it depend on the specific poker variation/house rules?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Casinos in the US generally have the \"cards speak\" rule. That is, when a hand is properly tabled--exposed to everyone at showdown--it is the responsibility of all players, the dealer, floormen, and anyone else present to see that the pot is awarded to the best hand shown, regardless of what the players might say.\n\nSome players object to this rule: they believe that if a player or railbird says \"Wait, Bob has a flush\", that's unfairly helping a player. But the rule is clear: once the hand is tabled, others have not only the right but the obligation to help ensure the pot is awarded correctly.\n\nThere are a couple of caveats: if a player only shows his hand to another player, or to the dealer, or to any other person, without properly tabling it for everyone, that player has no rights yet and those to whom the hand was shown should remain silent to protect other players' properly shown hands. But once the hand is tabled, it's fair game and everyone can and should assist in reading the hands.\n\nFinally, in some cases, if a floorman feels that a player has deliberately overcalled his hand to induce a player with a better hand to fold, he may penalize that player by awarding the pot to someone else, even possibly to a folded hand. Some California lowball clubs even had a rule that a player who remained silent rather than explicitly calling out a pair could be ruled against in this way." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to get the first item from an associative PHP array?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "PHP \nIf you don't know enough about the array (you're not sure whether the first key is foo or bar) then the array might well also be, maybe, empty.\nSo it would be best to check, especially if there is the chance that the returned value might be the boolean FALSE:\n```$value = empty($arr) ? $default : reset($arr);\n```\nThe above code uses ```reset``` and so has side effects (it resets the internal pointer of the array), so you might prefer using ```array_slice``` to quickly access a copy of the first element of the array:\n```$value = $default;\nforeach(array_slice($arr, 0, 1) as $value);\n```\n\nAssuming you want to get both the key and the value separately, you need to add the fourth parameter to ```array_slice```:\n```foreach(array_slice($arr, 0, 1, true) as $key => $value);\n```\nTo get the first item as a pair (```key => value```):\n```$item = array_slice($arr, 0, 1, true);\n```\nSimple modification to get the last item, key and value separately:\n```foreach(array_slice($arr, -1, 1, true) as $key => $value);\n```\nperformance\nIf the array is not really big, you don't actually need ```array_slice``` and can rather get a copy of the whole keys array, then get the first item:\n```$key = count($arr) ? array_keys($arr)[0] : null;\n```\nIf you have a very big array, though, the call to ```array_keys``` will require significant time and memory more than ```array_slice``` (both functions walk the array, but the latter terminates as soon as it has gathered the required number of items - which is one).\nA notable exception is when you have the first key which points to a very large and convoluted object. In that case ```array_slice``` will duplicate that first large object, while ```array_keys``` will only grab the keys.\nPHP 7.3+\nPHP 7.3 onwards implements ```array_key_first()``` as well as ```array_key_last()```. These are explicitly provided to access first and last keys efficiently without resetting the array's internal state as a side effect.\nSo since PHP 7.3 the first value of ```$array``` may be accessed with\n```$array[array_key_first($array)];\n```\nYou still had better check that the array is not empty though, or you will get an error:\n```$firstKey = array_key_first($array);\nif (null === $firstKey) {\n $value = "Array is empty"; // An error should be handled here\n} else {\n $value = $array[$firstKey];\n}\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why do people write #!/usr/bin/env python on the first line of a Python script?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In order to run the python script, we need to tell the shell three things:\n\n* That the file is a script\n* Which interpreter we want to execute the script\n* The path of said interpreter\n\nThe shebang ```#!``` accomplishes (1.). The shebang begins with a ```#``` because the ```#``` character is a comment marker in many scripting languages. The contents of the shebang line are therefore automatically ignored by the interpreter.\nThe ```env``` command accomplishes (2.) and (3.). To quote "grawity,"\n\n> A common use of the ```env``` command is to launch interpreters, by making use of the fact that env will search $PATH for the command it is told to launch. Since the shebang line requires an absolute path to be specified, and since the location of various interpreters (perl, bash, python) may vary a lot, it is common to use: ```#!/usr/bin/env perl``` instead of trying to guess whether it is /bin/perl, /usr/bin/perl, /usr/local/bin/perl, /usr/local/pkg/perl, /fileserver/usr/bin/perl, or /home/MrDaniel/usr/bin/perl on the user's system... \n\n> On the other hand, env is almost always in /usr/bin/env. (Except in cases when it isn't; some systems might use /bin/env, but that's a fairly rare occassion and only happens on non-Linux systems.)" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Nowadays each graphic card has some driver in operating system that translates some (typically) standard API such as OpenGL, so that programmers use some standardized API code to tell graphics cards how and what they want to render. (Actually that's already a bit hard-core most programmers really use various game engines that do this for them). In times of old computers - how was this done? Did every programmer of every game implemented all possible various API's that old graphic cards supported? Or did the old game studios from MS-DOS times had their own \"game engines\" that provided some abstraction when it came to these graphic cards? I remember there were many various card vendors and I remember old games asked me which one I have - so I suppose these games contained code / drivers for all these cards?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "> Did every programmer of every game implemented all possible various API's that old graphic cards supported?\n\nYes - but it went even deeper than that. Early graphics cards had virtually no callable code associated with them at all, the concept of \"drivers\" had not quite become a reality yet. There was the concept of a Video BIOS, which were extensions to the ```INT 10h``` BIOS video services, that were effectively limited to initialization and switching video modes. \nInstead, graphics cards, at least in DOS land, all had memory mapped display RAM, and extensive documentation was available about exactly how setting various bits in display RAM would affect the pixels that appeared on the screen. There were no drawing APIs to call, if you wanted something to appear on the screen (whether it be a pixel, a character, a line, a circle, a sprite, etc) you would write the code to move the bytes into the right places in display RAM. Entire books were written about how to write efficient code to draw graphics.\nThere were some systems like the Borland Graphics Interface that abstracted graphics drawing primitives into an API with different drivers that one could call to draw things on different graphics cards. However, these were typically slower than what would be required for building action type games.\nAn action game would typically be optimized for a particular graphics display mode on a particular card. For example, a popular display mode was VGA 640x480 with 16 colors. This would be listed in the software requirements, and you needed to have the right hardware to support the game. If you bought a VGA game but you only had an EGA card, then the game would not work at all. As you said, some games would ask what you had and you had to know what the right answer was, otherwise the game would not work." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is it \"behead\" and not \"dehead\"?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We didn’t use de-head because we already had a verb behead by the time we started using de- to create verbs: behead was a verb in Old English, behéafdian. \n\nSo behead was already used long before the de- privative prefix came to be used productively in English. That didn’t happen until Modern English with a few productive examples in the 17ᵗʰ century but most coming from the 19ᵗʰ century or after. As Janus mentions in comments, the de- word meaning the same thing, decapitate, was imported in full with the de- already there, from Latin via French, in the 17ᵗʰ century.\n\nThere are many different possible senses of be- in verbs; the OED lists six different primary senses with subsenses. This here in behead is one of the rarer ones. Under be- sense 6c, it says that this privative sense of be- used to create behead is an ancient sense that means bereave of:\n\n \nForming trans. verbs on substantives used in an instrumental relation; the primary idea being; \n* a. To surround, cover, or bedaub with, as in becloud, to put clouds about, cover with clouds, bedew. Thence, by extension,\n* b. To affect with in any way, as in benight, beguile, befriend. In both sets there is often an accompanying notion of ‘thoroughly, excessively,’ as in 2.\n* c. An ancient application, no longer in living use, was to express the sense of ‘bereave of,’ as in behead, belimb, etc., q.v. Cf. 3, above.\n\nAlthough 6a and 6b are still productive, 6c no longer is so in the living language. Another Old English verb formed using 6c was belandian, meaning to deprive of one’s land. However, this verb did not survive into Modern English.\n\nEl destierro\nApropos de nada, the Spanish equivalent of the obsolete verb beland still very much exists in the verb desterrar, which combines the privative des‑ prefix with the noun tierra meaning land then puts that into an infinitive verb form. This is normally translated as “exile” in English, but sometime as “expel” or as a noun “expulsion”. There is also a substantive version, destierro, is famously found in “Cantar del destierro”, which is the title of the first canto from that most ancient of Castilian epic poems, El Cantar de Mio Cid. \n\nTruly, el Cid was belanded of his lands by the King." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why do many vinyl albums of classical music have Sides 1 / 4 on the first record and 2 / 3 on the second? An example of this is the RCA Red Seal recording of Beethoven's 9th Symphony by the Boston Symphony Orchestra." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many phonographs were able to play multiple records in sequence with a mechanism that would hold one or more records on the turntable, and one or more additional records elevated on the center post.\nAt the end of one record, the mechanism sensed the tone arm reaching close to the center of the record, and then lifted it, pulled it out beyond the edge of the records. The system then dropped the bottom record of those on the center post, leaving the rest of them. Then the tone arm mechanism moved the tone arm to the outside of the record and lowered it to the record.\nThe mechanism was pretty ingenious, but it couldn't flip records over. So, to play a long piece, it would play one side of each record until the stack was exhausted. Then it was up to a person to flip the stack to play the opposite sides in sequence.\nSo, when playing records 1A/1B, 2A/2B, 3A/3B, 4A/4B in such a mechanism, the play order would be 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, (flip), 4B, 3B, 2B, 1B. The \"B\" sides would go the other way because flipping the whole stack would put them in the opposite order.\nPurists would take offense at the idea of letting records drop like that, but it was an irresistible convenience to people who could tolerance slightly quicker wear of their records." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why isn't the market dropping like a stone with all the bad news?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Market reactions to information are not always timely, proportional, or rational. \nWe don't know the full impact of our current situation; we're feeling it out.\n\n* Some people (bulls), believe that the initial dip was an over-reaction, that the government response will prevent further decline, and/or that things will go back to normal pretty quickly, so they are buying the dip.\n* On the other side you have people (bears) that believe the initial reaction was just a start but not enough to price-in the full impact, that the government can't prop up the economy, and/or that this will drag on for a long while, so they are betting on further decline. \n\nThe problem with this idea of information being priced-in is that we all know there's a global pandemic, but there are very different opinions about how much that should affect the market.\nConsider unemployment levels: We have projections about unemployment rate potentially hitting a peak over 30%. Meanwhile, the current unemployment rate is 4.4% and projected to hit double digits in April. The only way all of that information could be appropriately priced in is if everyone agreed about the reasonableness of the projections and had the economic prowess to understand the actual impact of those figures.\nInstead, what happens is that some people will see the actual April unemployment numbers as surprising new information to react to, while others will see it as old information in line with their expectations. Add in thousands of other pieces of information about which people have conflicting opinions, and it becomes pretty much impossible to know in advance if that information was all priced in appropriately.\nThe most recent comparable event is the subprime mortgage crash. Many people thought bottom was hit around November 2008 and there was a brief counter-trend rally before actual bottom was hit around March 2009. We don't know at this time if the market has bottomed out yet or not; nor do we know how long recovery could take." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are Null Pointer Exceptions (```java.lang.NullPointerException```) and what causes them?\n\nWhat methods/tools can be used to determine the cause so that you stop the exception from causing the program to terminate prematurely?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are two overarching types of variables in Java:\n\n1. Primitives: variables that contain data. If you want to manipulate the data in a primitive variable you can manipulate that variable directly. By convention primitive types start with a lowercase letter. For example variables of type `int` or `char` are primitives.\n\n2. References: variables that contain the memory address of an `Object` i.e. variables that refer to an `Object`. If you want to manipulate the `Object` that a reference variable refers to you must dereference it. Dereferencing usually entails using `.` to access a method or field, or using `[` to index an array. By convention reference types are usually denoted with a type that starts in uppercase. For example variables of type `Object` are references.\n\nConsider the following code where you declare a variable of primitive type `int` and don't initialize it:\n```\nint x;\nint y = x + x;\n```\nThese two lines will crash the program because no value is specified for `x` and we are trying to use `x`'s value to specify `y`. All primitives have to be initialized to a usable value before they are manipulated.\n\nNow here is where things get interesting. Reference variables can be set to `null` which means \"I am referencing nothing\". You can get a `null` value in a reference variable if you explicitly set it that way, or a reference variable is uninitialized and the compiler does not catch it (Java will automatically set the variable to `null`).\n\nIf a reference variable is set to null either explicitly by you or through Java automatically, and you attempt to dereference it you get a `NullPointerException`.\n\nThe `NullPointerException` (NPE) typically occurs when you declare a variable but did not create an object and assign it to the variable before trying to use the contents of the variable. So you have a reference to something that does not actually exist.\n\nTake the following code:\n```\nInteger num;\nnum = new Integer(10);\n```\nThe first line declares a variable named `num`, but it does not actually contain a reference value yet. Since you have not yet said what to point to, Java sets it to `null`.\n\nIn the second line, the `new` keyword is used to instantiate (or create) an object of type `Integer`, and the `reference` variable `num` is assigned to that `Integer` object.\n\nIf you attempt to dereference `num` before creating the object you get a `NullPointerException`. In the most trivial cases, the compiler will catch the problem and let you know that \"`num may not have been initialized`,\" but sometimes you may write code that does not directly create the object.\n\nFor instance, you may have a method as follows:\n```\npublic void doSomething(SomeObject obj) {\n // Do something to obj, assumes obj is not null\n obj.myMethod();\n}\n```\nIn which case, you are not creating the object `obj`, but rather assuming that it was created before the `doSomething()` method was called. Note, it is possible to call the method like this:\n```\ndoSomething(null);\n```\nIn which case, `obj` is `null`, and the statement `obj.myMethod()` will throw a `NullPointerException`.\n\nIf the method is intended to do something to the passed-in object as the above method does, it is appropriate to throw the `NullPointerException` because it's a programmer error and the programmer will need that information for debugging purposes.\n\nIn addition to `NullPointerException`'s thrown as a result of the method's logic, you can also check the method arguments for `null` values and throw NPEs explicitly by adding something like the following near the beginning of a method:\n```\n// Throws an NPE with a custom error message if obj is null\nObjects.requireNonNull(obj, \"obj must not be null\");\n```\n\nNote that it's helpful to say in your error message clearly which object cannot be `null`. The advantage of validating this is that 1) you can return your own clearer error messages and 2) for the rest of the method you know that unless `obj` is reassigned, it is not null and can be dereferenced safely.\n\nAlternatively, there may be cases where the purpose of the method is not solely to operate on the passed in object, and therefore a null parameter may be acceptable. In this case, you would need to check for a null parameter and behave differently. You should also explain this in the documentation. For example, `doSomething()` could be written as:\n```\n/**\n * @param obj An optional foo for ____. May be null, in which case\n * the result will be ____.\n */\npublic void doSomething(SomeObject obj) {\n if(obj == null) {\n // Do something\n } else {\n // Do something else\n }\n}\n```\n\nFinally, how to pinpoint the exception & cause using Stack Trace:\n\n> What methods/tools can be used to determine the cause so that you stop the exception from causing the program to terminate prematurely?\n\nSonar with find bugs can detect NPE. Can sonar catch null pointer exceptions caused by JVM Dynamically\n\nNow Java 14 has added a new language feature to show the root cause of NullPointerException. This language feature has been part of SAP commercial JVM since 2006. In Java 14, the following is a sample NullPointerException Exception message:\n\n> in thread \"main\" java.lang.NullPointerException: Cannot invoke \"java.util.List.size()\" because \"list\" is null" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In Raiders of the Lost Ark, at the Ark opening ceremony the Nazi troops brings the Ark of the Covenant to the top of the mountain as Belloq said something before opening the Ark. Then they took the sand from the Ark and suddenly spirits coming out from the Ark and they're all killed (except Indy and Marion) by the freed-spirits which came from the Ark. Meanwhile, Indy asks Marion to keep her eyes shut. They didn't see the Ark when it was opened, so they're survived. In that scene what I don't understand is how did Indy know not to look into the Ark when it was opened?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There was a deleted scene that explained it:\n\n A plot element involving the Ark of the Covenant was cut from the film and is only hinted at during the finale when the Ark is opened. \n Basically, there were 2 rules about the Ark not mentioned in the final cut of the film:\n \n * If you touch the Ark, you die \n * If you look at the Ark when it is opened, you die \n \n This is first explained in additional dialogue for the scene when Indy and Sallah visit Imam. Before translating the writings on the headpiece that give the height of the Staff of Ra, Imam warns Indy not to touch the Ark or look at it when it is opened.\n [Source]\n The next scene involving this Ark subplot is when Sallah and Indy remove the Ark from the Well of the Souls. When Sallah first sees it he reaches out to touch it. Indy stops him before he does and reminds him of Imam's warning. Then they insert long poles through each side of the Ark to lift it out of its crypt.\n [Source]\n Notice that nobody ever touches the Ark throughout the rest of the film until the finale.\n\nAnd from the Bible (King James Version):\n\n 1 Samuel 6:19:\n And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ark of the Lord, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men...\n 2 Samuel 6:6-7\n And when they came to Nachon's threshingfloor, Uzzah put forth his hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen shook it. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is likely to happen when you plug two ends of a network cable to a single switch/router? Will this create problems on the network, or just be ignored?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It depends on the router/switch. \nIf it's \"Managed\" - Like decent Netgear, Cisco or HP Procurve, or has STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) or one of its variants enabled, there's a few seconds of absolute insanity, then the switch realises that there's a loop in the network topology, and blocks one of the ports. \n(I've only described the STP re-convergence as \"absolute insanity\" because if you're using old-style, slow, STP then re-convergence can take 30s or more, depending on network complexity. Vendor specific STP extensions such as BackboneFast and so on will decrease this, but you might still end up with a short period of a slightly unstable network. Rapid STP is a lot quicker to converge, due to a different algorithm)\nIf it's \"Unmanaged\"- Like pretty much all SOHO grade gear, and a fair proportion of small 4-8 port switches, then all hell breaks loose, as you've just created a loop in a network, and all the traffic tends to just bounce about inside the loop. \nThe reason this happens is because switches rely on a process of MAC address learning to map MAC addresses to physical ports. In a non-looped network, one MAC address will only be visible to the switch on a given physical port. If you have a loop, then the switch will see multiple paths to the same MAC address, and possibly multiple MAC addresses on multiple ports, so instead of the traffic being switched efficiently, it will be broadcast to wherever it sees the MACs. This is known as a \"Broadcast Storm\".\nThis can quickly use up all of a switch's CPU power, fill the transmit and receive buffers, as well as polluting the MAC address table.\nBasically, if you create a loop in the network, you'll know about it, either through monitoring (detecting a change in the STP topology [you do have monitoring, right?]), or in everything falling over dramatically. \nIf you look at a switch that has a broadcast storm on it, you tend to find that all of the port activity lights are blinking all at the same time." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What command do I use to find the size of all the files (recursively) in a Linux or Mac OS X directory?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The BSD version of ```du``` used in OS X reports size with 512-byte blocks -- the sizes are essentially rounded up to the next 512-byte value. This tells you the space on disk, which is larger than the amount of data. If you have a lot of small files, the difference can be large.\nHere's an example.\nThis is the value with regular ```du```. It's in 512-byte blocks:\n```$ du -s\n248 .\n```\nThe ```-h``` flag results in a more readable number, in kilobytes. As expected, it's half the number of 512-byte blocks:\n```$ du -hs\n124K .\n```\nFinally, you can use ```find``` and ```awk``` to give you the sum of actual bytes in the files. This is kind of slow, but it works:\n```$ find . -type f -exec ls -l {} \\; | awk '{sum += $5} END {print sum}'\n60527\n```\nThis value matches exactly the number reported by Finder's Get Info window. (There are no weird forks or xattrs in this set of files.) It's significantly smaller than the value reported by ```du```.\nHere's how it works: it gets a list of all the files, and passes them to ```ls -l```; then ```awk``` is used to count up the bytes. The ```-type f``` flag is there so that only files (and not directories) get sent to ```ls```. Without that flag, it'll also send directory names to ```ls```, and each file will be listed twice : once as an individual file, and once as an item in the directory.\nThe GNU version of ```du``` can give values in actual bytes instead of blocks. It's unfortunate that the BSD version of ```du``` is not as flexible." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I've been writing C and C++ code for almost twenty years, but there's one aspect of these languages that I've never really understood. I've obviously used regular casts i.e.\n```MyClass *m = (MyClass *)ptr;\n```\nall over the place, but there seem to be two other types of casts, and I don't know the difference. What's the difference between the following lines of code?\n```MyClass *m = (MyClass *)ptr;\nMyClass *m = static_cast(ptr);\nMyClass *m = dynamic_cast(ptr);\n```" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## static_cast\n\n`static_cast` is used for cases where you basically want to reverse an implicit conversion, with a few restrictions and additions. `static_cast` performs no runtime checks. This should be used if you know that you refer to an object of a specific type, and thus a check would be unnecessary. Here is an example:\n\n```\nvoid func(void *data) {\n // Conversion from MyClass* -> void* is implicit\n MyClass *c = static_cast(data);\n ...\n}\n\nint main() {\n MyClass c;\n start_thread(&func, &c) // func(&c) will be called\n .join();\n}\n```\nIn this example, you know that you passed a `MyClass` object, and thus there isn't any need for a runtime check to ensure this.\n\n## dynamic_cast\n\n`dynamic_cast` is useful when you don't know what the dynamic type of the object is. It returns a null pointer if the object referred to doesn't contain the type casted to as a base class (when you cast to a reference, a `bad_cast` exception is thrown in that case).\n\n```\nif (JumpStm *j = dynamic_cast(&stm)) {\n ...\n} else if (ExprStm *e = dynamic_cast(&stm)) {\n ...\n}\n```\nAn \"up-cast\" (cast to the base class) is always valid with both `static_cast` and `dynamic_cast`, and also without any cast, as an \"up-cast\" is an implicit conversion (assuming the base class is accessible, i.e. it's a `public` inheritance).\n\n## Regular Cast\n\nThese casts are also called C-style cast. A C-style cast is basically identical to trying out a range of sequences of C++ casts, and taking the first C++ cast that works, without ever considering `dynamic_cast`. Needless to say, this is much more powerful as it combines all of `const_cast`, `static_cast` and `reinterpret_cast`, but it's also unsafe, because it does not use `dynamic_cast`.\n\nIn addition, C-style casts not only allow you to do this, but they also allow you to safely cast to a private base-class, while the \"equivalent\" `static_cast` sequence would give you a compile-time error for that.\n\nSome people prefer C-style casts because of their brevity. I use them for numeric casts only, and use the appropriate C++ casts when user defined types are involved, as they provide stricter checking." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why don't toilets use saltwater?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The main answer is logistical. Building a network of pipes to convey water to houses is a major effort, and most places where that's been done found it extremely expensive. Providing a second set of pipes to bring salt water to houses would probably cost about the same. Except that cities go to considerable lengths to put their water reservoirs above the city as far as possible so they don't have to use as much energy for pumping. The few cities with seawater above them pay a lot to pump water out.\nA minor secondary problem is that sewage treatment plants are fairly heavily biological. They grow things in the sewage to break it down. But most of those things won't grow in salt water. It's already a challenge keeping toxic chemicals out of the sewage. For this to work it might be necessary to add a second set of sewer pipes to carry the water away, and develop new methods of treating that salty sewage (the treated sewage couldn't be spread on farmland, for example).\nIt would be far simpler, cheaper and more reliable to simply buy everyone a composting toilet to replace each toilet they currently have. As a halfway measure, mandating more economical toilets would help, as would education campaigns like the ones encouraging people not to flush at all when they urinate. Even with a sensible cistern that has a 2 litre "half flush", that's two litres wasted every time someone pees.\nAdditionally, salt is not good for pipes. A lot of pipes, even today, are clay or concrete, and salt water is bad for both of these. It's not impossible to get around that, just expensive." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do I modify fields inside the new PostgreSQL JSON datatype?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With Postgresql 9.5 it can be done by following-\n```UPDATE test\nSET data = data - 'a' || '{\"a\":5}'\nWHERE data->>'b' = '2';\n```\nOR\n```UPDATE test\nSET data = jsonb_set(data, '{a}', '5'::jsonb);\n```\n\nSomebody asked how to update many fields in jsonb value at once. Suppose we create a table:\n```CREATE TABLE testjsonb ( id SERIAL PRIMARY KEY, object JSONB );\n```\nThen we INSERT a experimental row:\n```INSERT INTO testjsonb\nVALUES (DEFAULT, '{\"a\":\"one\", \"b\":\"two\", \"c\":{\"c1\":\"see1\",\"c2\":\"see2\",\"c3\":\"see3\"}}');\n```\nThen we UPDATE the row:\n```UPDATE testjsonb SET object = object - 'b' || '{\"a\":1,\"d\":4}';\n```\nWhich does the following:\n\n* Updates the a field\n* Removes the b field\n* Add the d field\n\nSelecting the data:\n```SELECT jsonb_pretty(object) FROM testjsonb;\n```\nWill result in:\n``` jsonb_pretty\n-------------------------\n { +\n \"a\": 1, +\n \"c\": { +\n \"c1\": \"see1\", +\n \"c2\": \"see2\", +\n \"c3\": \"see3\", +\n }, +\n \"d\": 4 +\n }\n(1 row)\n```\nTo update field inside, Dont use the concat operator ```||```. Use jsonb_set instead. Which is not simple:\n```UPDATE testjsonb SET object =\njsonb_set(jsonb_set(object, '{c,c1}','\"seeme\"'),'{c,c2}','\"seehim\"');\n```\nUsing the concat operator for {c,c1} for example:\n```UPDATE testjsonb SET object = object || '{\"c\":{\"c1\":\"seedoctor\"}}';\n```\nWill remove {c,c2} and {c,c3}.\nFor more power, seek power at postgresql json functions documentation. One might be interested in the ```#-``` operator, ```jsonb_set``` function and also ```jsonb_insert``` function." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I find that the survivability and general performance of my party increases massively from levels 1 to 2. At times, level 1 feels like a completely different game from level 2. However, I can't fathom how or why. I think that the availability of healing has something to do with it. From a mechanical perspective, is there any deep reason why level 1 and level 2 seem so radically different? Furthermore, why I do find no similar differences between later levels, such as 6 and 7?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Welcome to Rusty Dagger Shanktown!\nWhat you have noticed is very widely commented upon—1st level is often called “rusty dagger shanktown.” It’s hyper-lethal, rather than the kind of heroic fantasy Dungeons & Dragons pitches itself as. It is very, very difficult for 1st-level PCs to actually really adventure at all. Many, many groups avoid 1st for this reason (many skip 2nd too, even though it is already dramatically different). Personally, I’ll include 1st level often, but the PCs basically always level-up to 2nd almost entirely on roleplaying XP.\nNote that this isn’t unique to 3.5e; it goes back to the earliest days of D&D. Pathfinder, of course, inherited it from 3.5e (I don’t know about PF 2e). It’s also very much still true in 5e—after 4e actually managed to avoid it, which may mean that this is considered a “feature” by some, enough that Wizards of the Coast felt the need to restore it as part of 5e’s general “return to form” after the divisive fourth edition.\nAnyway, the primary causes of rusty dagger shanktown:\nHit points\nAlmost anyone can one-shot almost any 1st-level character. It’s very, very easy to have 6 hp in a world where a decent, but basic, weapon’s base damage averages 7. Even smaller weapons can easily deal that much damage, either through luck or skill. We expect 1st-level characters to often go down in one hit.\nA 2nd-level character can have nearly twice as much hp. Actually, could easily be twice as much, if they multiclass from a small-HD class to a large-HD class. That drastically changes the game, because suddenly you can feel reasonably confident that you aren’t going to just suddenly die before anyone can do anything. Healing actually becomes relevant, where at 1st it’s often too little, too late.\nNotably, this only has this effect because damage doesn’t grow at the same rate. The base damage of weapons is fixed, and ability scores start at double digits but grow very slowly from there. That’s the biggest chunk of early damage for most characters. Even beyond that, a lot of damage boosts—inspire courage, rage, sneak attack—come at 1st anyway. And monsters tend to kind of mirror these trends.\nSo what ends up happening is that a 1st-level character can’t really take a chance in order to get something accomplished. A 2nd-level character can feel reasonably comfortable taking a chance at least once. That dramatically affects the style of play. At 2nd-level D&D literally feels like a different game. Really, it is a different game.\nWealth\nCharacters start with less than 200 gp worth of gear. That’s not enough for a masterwork weapon, not enough even for non-masterwork medium or heavy armors, definitely not enough for any kind of magic item beyond maybe an extremely basic consumable. No 1st-level character has even their complete basic kit yet.\nThe expected wealth of a 2nd-level character is 900 gp. That can afford masterwork armor of anything short of full-plate, and for many armors leave enough left over for a masterwork weapon. Most importantly, that is enough money for a party of 4 to trivially afford a wand of cure light wounds. A wand of cure light wounds is a game-changer. It means you can easily start every fight at full hp. And with 2nd-level hp, that means you can actually take a few risks.\n2nd-level features\nThis varies considerably from one class to the next, but several classes get major class features at 2nd level. The paladin’s 2nd-level feature, divine grace, might be the single greatest class feature in the game (assuming we don’t count “spells” and the like as a singular feature). Rangers don’t get their combat style until 2nd. Bards get 1st-level spells at 2nd (though inspire courage from 1st level is probably more important). Outside of core, meldshapers don’t get any chakra binds until 2nd, which can leave them with zero offense at 1st. Swordsages don’t get Wis-to-AC until 2nd.\nBut plenty of characters are fine from 1st, so this can vary a lot." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In my table view I have to scroll to the top. But I cannot guarantee that the first object is going to be section 0, row 0. May be that my table view will start from section number 5.\nSo I get an exception, when I call:\n```[mainTableView scrollToRowAtIndexPath:[NSIndexPath indexPathForRow:0 inSection:0] atScrollPosition:UITableViewScrollPositionTop animated:NO];\n```\nIs there another way to scroll to the top of table view?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Possible Actions: \n1 \n```func scrollToFirstRow() {\n let indexPath = NSIndexPath(forRow: 0, inSection: 0)\n self.tableView.scrollToRowAtIndexPath(indexPath, atScrollPosition: .Top, animated: true)\n}\n```\n2 \n```func scrollToLastRow() {\n let indexPath = NSIndexPath(forRow: objects.count - 1, inSection: 0)\n self.tableView.scrollToRowAtIndexPath(indexPath, atScrollPosition: .Bottom, animated: true)\n}\n```\n3 \n```func scrollToSelectedRow() {\n let selectedRows = self.tableView.indexPathsForSelectedRows\n if let selectedRow = selectedRows?[0] as? NSIndexPath {\n self.tableView.scrollToRowAtIndexPath(selectedRow, atScrollPosition: .Middle, animated: true)\n }\n}\n```\n4 \n```func scrollToHeader() {\n self.tableView.scrollRectToVisible(CGRect(x: 0, y: 0, width: 1, height: 1), animated: true)\n}\n```\n5 \n```func scrollToTop(){\n self.tableView.setContentOffset(CGPointMake(0, UIApplication.sharedApplication().statusBarFrame.height ), animated: true)\n}\n```\nDisable Scroll To Top:\n```func disableScrollsToTopPropertyOnAllSubviewsOf(view: UIView) {\n for subview in view.subviews {\n if let scrollView = subview as? UIScrollView {\n (scrollView as UIScrollView).scrollsToTop = false\n }\n self.disableScrollsToTopPropertyOnAllSubviewsOf(subview as UIView)\n }\n}\n```\nModify and use it as per requirement.\nSwift 4\n``` func scrollToFirstRow() {\n let indexPath = IndexPath(row: 0, section: 0)\n self.tableView.scrollToRow(at: indexPath, at: .top, animated: true)\n }\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "While in Phd I developed a lot of code that I want to turn into start-up. Can I do this?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm not aware of any blanket prohibition, anywhere, that say that you can't use code developed during a PhD for a commercial venture - but most Universities in the US will have some kind of intellectual property agreement in place to state what the process is for doing this. You will need to check with officials at your University to see what agreements you are subject to - but you should go a step farther than this. Specifically, you should see what departments might exist that can actually help you.\n\nIn the US at least - and I'm sure many other institutions around the world - there are departments specializing in intellectual property, \"knowledge transfer\", corporate spin-offs, start-ups, entrepreneurship, etc. These can be a rich source of support and networking, if they are available to you, even if you have intellectual property agreements that assign various rights to the University. \n\nUniversities want to earn money for these projects, as I'm sure you do as well, and 100% of $0 is $0. Universities often heavily facilitate the process of converting this work into money, and it is not abnormal for even a place that has heavily restricted intellectual rights assignments agreements to assign use rights and royalty agreements that have zero cost for the first $200,000+ US dollars in income. There are often even startup grants available, accelerators (even if they are not called that - places that provide space and equipment to help starting businesses), introductions to investors, showcases, and more. You won't know until you ask and look for them, as where they are located tends to vary heavily by institution. \n\nFor the exact nature of the agreements that apply to you, we can't say; I've seen everything from \"the student owns their own work\" to \"anyone funded assigns all rights and ownership to the University\", and I'm sure there are agreements everywhere in between. You are right to check them out in advance of a major decision, but this is so specific that you'll need to talk with multiple people are your specific institution to see what applies to you. You may also need to speak with an outside legal professional (lawyer experienced in this area, etc) to verify, but your local administrators are your best first point of contact to see how things work." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have heard multiple times in photography, the words Bokeh, and Gaussian Blur. To me, it seems that the words are used almost interchangeably, but in some instances, I have heard them contrasted. What's the difference, and what are the definitions of each of them?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Bokeh is specifically the out-of-focus areas of an image. Gaussian blur is an algorithm to fog selected image areas, to hide details or make them look out of focus.\nThe main differences:\n\n* bokeh is created optically, gaussian blur in post-production;\n* in bokeh, the amount of how wide an out-of-focus point will be smeared is determined by its relative distance from focal plane, whereas gaussian blur is applied to a two-dimensional image where no distance information is present, thus all points are smeared equally;\n* in bokeh, the smearing characteristics depend on configuration and aperture shape of the lens, whereas gaussian blur is always smooth;\n* a small light source will be rendered as an aperture-shaped figure with quite well-defined edges in bokeh; but gaussian blur renders it as a spot with fading edges;\n* in bokeh, noise is present at the same level as in in-focus parts of image with same luminance; gaussian blur kills noise, so there'll be less noise than in non-blurred parts of image;\n* in bokeh, light areas will dominate over dark ones, while gaussian blur gives preserves the ratio of dark-light areas.\n\nSo, all in all, you can use one to fake another, but the result will be similar only for low-noise bokeh containing items on roughly a plane parallel to focal plane, not including any significantly lighter areas or light sources, and taken with a lens that has a smooth bokeh." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In 1969, NASA not only went to the moon, but broadcast the whole thing live on TV.\nHow did they achieve the TV broadcast? What technology did they need to use to send a video and audio signal from the moon to earth? Was there much of a lag?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Apollo 11 mission had two modules\n\n* Lunar module - which descent to moon carrying two astronauts\n* command / service module- CSM was designed to return astronauts from the lunar surface on a direct-descent mission to earth and splash down.\n\nDirect telecast from the Command service module is not possible but CSM stored the recording of conversation which is transmitted by LM (which occur once in a rotation because the LM is stationary while CSM is orbiting the moon) then CSM sents to earth.\n\nRegarding the actual camera used in Apollo \n\n > Originally, these slow-scan television (SSTV) cameras, running at 10 frames-per-second (fps), produced only black and white pictures and first flew on the Apollo 7 mission in October 1968. \n\nNASA states as\n\n > The equipment onboard the Apollo Command Module that was used to make the recordings was called the Data Storage Equipment (DSE). Its contents were transmitted to the ground periodically during the mission. Also, the Command Module DSE had the capability to record data live during certain periods from the Lunar Module as it flew separately in lunar orbit. The equipment used aboard the Lunar Module to make the recordings was called the Data Storage Electronics Assembly (DSEA). It made recordings onboard the Lunar Module, but the DSEA flown on the Eagle during Apollo 11 malfunctioned. As a result, many of its recordings are barely, if at all, audible, with a constant high-pitched background tone. In the attached database, the recordings that are virtually inaudible are highlighted, but they are available on the web to ensure a complete release of the recordings made during the mission.\n\nand \n\n > The portion of the broadcast spectrum traditionally used for video was sending vital ship data to Earth, and there was no room left for the standard black-and- white video format of the era: 525 scan lines of data at 30 frames per second, transmitted at 4.5 MHz. So Lebar helped devise a smaller \"oddball format\" – 320 scan lines at 10 fps, transmitted at a meager 500 kHz. Tracking stations back on Earth would take this so-called slow-scan footage, convert it for TV broadcast, and beam it to Mission Control, which would send it out for the world to see. \n\nTransmission stations\n\n > To ensure a direct transmission signal from the moon, NASA had to maintain stations in three continents – two in Australia (the Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station near Canberra and the Parkes Radio Observatory surrounded by sheep paddocks west of Sydney); one at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in the Mojave Desert of California; and one at the Madrid Manned Flight Tracking Site in Spain........ the tracking stations with a direct line on the Apollo 's signal were the ones in Australia. The 200-foot-diameter radio dish at the Parkes facility manag to withstand freak 70 mph gusts of wind and successfully captured the footage, which was converted and relayed to Houston. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why does \"elite\" rhyme with \"beet\" rather than \"bite\"?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This has everything to do with the following:\n\n* The language of origin of the word and\n* The point at which the word entered the English language.\n\nThe reason that the words "light" and "might" and "site" have a diphthong is because they were present in spoken English during the Great Vowel Shift, which started in the 1400s and continued for a few hundred years. So words that had already entered the English language underwent that change in pronunciation. Those words could be of Anglo-Saxon, Norman French, or Latin origin. We see it across the board.\nHowever, the word elite entered English towards the end of the period of the Great Vowel shift. The first attestation is in the mid 1700s (1738 in the OED). This is probably further complicated by the fact that French has long been the language of nobility, so there are certain pressures to maintain the pronunciation patterns of the origin language.\n"Elite" joined the party a little bit late, so its pronunciation remained rather stable.\nAs Rjpond points out, elite is a modern borrowing. Words like crime, sublime, mime, etc. are older borrowings.\nTo note: There are early occurrences of the word "elite" in around 1400, with the meaning of a "bishop elect". This sense of the word died out and is now marked as archaic. So when "elite" was re-introduced (directly from French) in the 1700s, there was no existing pronunciation.\n\nSmall addendum:\nAlready existing in English is another word that already occupies the same lexical space that elite would occupy, if the pronunciation were analogized to bite: alight, which dates back to Old English. (It's a lovely word.)\nYou might say that there is some linguistic pressure to avoid creating homophones: elite vs. alight." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A lot of ShaderToy demos share the Ray Marching algorithm to render the scene, but they are often written with a very compact style and i can't find any straightforward examples or explanation.\nSo what is Ray Marching? Some comments suggests that it is a variation of Sphere Tracing. What are the computational advantages of a such approach?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## TL;DR\nThey belong to the same family of solvers, where sphere tracing is one method of ray marching, which is the family name.\n\n## Raymarching a definition\nRaymarching is a technique a bit like traditional raytracing where the surface function is not easy to solve (or impossible without numeric iterative methods). In raytracing you just look up the ray intersection, whereas in ray marching you march forward (or back and forth) until you find the intersection, have enough samples or whatever it is your trying to solve. Try to think of it like a newton-raphson method for surface finding, or summing for integrating a varying function.\n\nThis can be useful if you:\n\n* Need to render volumetrics that arenot uniform\n* Rendering implicit functions, fractals\n* Rendering other kinds of parametric surfaces where intersection is not known ahead of time, like paralax mapping\netc.\n\n\n## Sphere tracing\nSphere tracing is one possible Ray marching algorithm. Not all raymarching uses benefit form this method, as they can not be converted into this kind of scheme.\n\nSphere tracing is used for rendering implicit surfaces. Implicit surfaces are formed at some level of a continuous function. In essence solving the equation\n```F(X,Y,Z) = 0\n```\n\nBecause of how this function can be solved at each point, one can go ahead and estimate the biggest possible sphere that can fit the current march step (or if not exactly reasonably safely). You then know that next march distance is at least this big. This way you can have adaptive ray marching steps speeding up the process." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is martial arts training 'inadequate' for the real world?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, depending on your definitions of martial arts, inadequate, and real world.\nNo, depending on your definitions of martial arts, inadequate, and real world.\n\nSurviving an attack (or combat) is all about stacking the deck in your favour: martial arts (arts of Mars, the God of War) do help, so do guns, team mates, artillery, the police, not being there, body armour, etc... \nThere is no such thing as a typical real world violent attack. For example, urban warfare is not the same thing as a bar brawl and both require very different skill sets to survive. The no prior warning is utter rubbish. There are always signs that something is about to happen. Sure, one may not notice those and a skilled attacker will be trained in camouflaging those signs but they always are. Police officers, body guards, soldiers, etc... are all trained in recognise those signs. \nMaking general sweeping statements about violence and how to survive it generally indicate either bad research or an agenda. \nFor a good site about self defence, especially the section on martial arts, see MacYoung's no nonsense self defense. But this is about civilian self defence in a stable country. If you were in a civil war zone, the advise would be very different." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Make a single page landscape in Google Documents" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Currently a single Google Document can only be either Landscape or Portrait not both. Changing page orientation is done by selecting File and then Page setup.\n\nIt is currently recommended to separate the Landscape and Portrait pages into different documents. A good place to get more information that might help is at Google Products Forums.\n\nNote that an additional option might be to have three files in Google Docs. The Portrait, The Landscape, and Microsoft Word Doc which integrates the two layouts into the correct sequence (this document would be Read Only when viewed in Google Docs).\n\nA Microsoft Word document may allow multiple orientations of the Page Layout, but if it is converted to a Google Document the Page Layout for each page will revert to the first Orientation found in the document.\n\nAlso, creating multiple Orientations in Word isn't as straight forward as one might want either.\n\nFor those wanting to do this in Word: Use portrait and landscape orientation in the same document\n\n1. Select the pages or paragraphs that you want to change to portrait or landscape orientation.\nNOTE: If you select some but not all of the text on a page to change to portrait or landscape orientation, Word places the selected text on its own page, and the surrounding text on separate pages. \n2. On the Page Layout tab, in the Page Setup group, click Margins.\n3. Click Custom Margins. (This is the important part)\n4. On the Margins tab, click Portrait or Landscape.\n5. In the Apply to list, click Selected text..\nNOTE: Microsoft Word automatically inserts section breaks before and after the text that has the new page orientation. If your document is already divided into sections, you can click in a section (or select multiple sections), and then change the orientation for only the sections that you select." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "PHP is writing this error in the logs: \"Notice: Use of undefined constant\".\nError in logs:\n```PHP Notice: Use of undefined constant department - assumed 'department' (line 5)\nPHP Notice: Use of undefined constant name - assumed 'name' (line 6)\nPHP Notice: Use of undefined constant email - assumed 'email' (line 7)\nPHP Notice: Use of undefined constant message - assumed 'message' (line 8)\n```\nRelevant lines of code:\n```$department = mysql_real_escape_string($_POST[department]);\n$name = mysql_real_escape_string($_POST[name]);\n$email = mysql_real_escape_string($_POST[email]);\n$message = mysql_real_escape_string($_POST[message]);\n```\nWhat does it mean and why am I seeing it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The error message is due to the unfortunate fact that PHP will implicitly declare an unknown token as a constant string of the same name.\nThat is, it's trying to interpret this (note the missing quote marks): \n```$_POST[department]\n```\nThe only valid way this would be valid syntax in PHP is if there was previously a constant ```department``` defined. So sadly, rather than dying with a Fatal error at this point, it issues this Notice and acts as though a constant had been defined with the same name and value:\n```// Implicit declaration of constant called department with value 'department'\ndefine('department', 'department');\n```\nThere are various ways you can get this error message, but they all have the same root cause - a token that could be a constant.\nStrings missing quotes: ```$my_array[bad_key]```\nThis is what the problem is in your case, and it's because you've got string array keys that haven't been quoted. Fixing the string keys will fix the bug:\nChange:\n```$department = mysql_real_escape_string($_POST[department]);\n...(etc)...\n```\nTo:\n```$department = mysql_real_escape_string($_POST['department']);\n...(etc)...\n```\nVariable missing dollar sign: ```var_without_dollar```\nAnother reason you might see this error message is if you leave off the ```$``` from a variable, or ```$this->``` from a member. Eg, either of the following would cause a similar error message:\n```my_local; // should be $my_local\nmy_member; // should be $this->my_member\n```\nInvalid character in variable name: ```$bad-variable-name```\nA similar but more subtle issue can result if you try to use a disallowed character in a variable name - a hyphen (```-```) instead of an underscore ```_``` would be a common case.\nFor example, this is OK, since underscores are allowed in variable names:\n```if (123 === $my_var) {\n do_something();\n}\n```\nBut this isn't:\n```if (123 === $my-var) {\n do_something();\n}\n```\nIt'll be interpreted the same as this:\n```if (123 === $my - var) { // variable $my minus constant 'var'\n do_something();\n}\n```\nReferring to a class constant without specifying the class scope\nIn order to refer to a class constant you need to specify the class scope with ```::```, if you miss this off PHP will think you're talking about a global ```define()```.\nEg:\n```class MyClass {\n const MY_CONST = 123;\n public function my_method() {\n return self::MY_CONST; // This is fine\n }\n public function my_method() {\n return MyClass::MY_CONST; // This is fine\n }\n public function my_bad_method() {\n return MY_CONST; // BUG - need to specify class scope\n }\n}\n```\nUsing a constant that's not defined in this version of PHP, or is defined in an extension that's not installed\nThere are some system-defined constants that only exist in newer versions of PHP, for example the mode option constants for ```round()``` such as ```PHP_ROUND_HALF_DOWN``` only exist in PHP 5.3 or later.\nSo if you tried to use this feature in PHP 5.2, say:\n```$rounded = round($my_var, 0, PHP_ROUND_HALF_DOWN);\n```\nYou'd get this error message:\n\n Use of undefined constant PHP_ROUND_HALF_DOWN - assumed\n 'PHP_ROUND_HALF_DOWN' Warning (2): Wrong parameter count for round()\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm from a very rural area and love to garden, however, for work I just moved into an apartment in the city. I miss being able to grow vegetables and so I attempted to start some leaf lettuce indoors, however, almost every plant died quickly. I'm just curious, does anyone have experience growing vegetables indoors? What are the best ones for this? What sort of planter do you use? Do they need to be directly next to a window? How often should they be watered? I'm not used to not having Mother Nature help me out with my plants Any tips that can be provided would be much appreciated, thanks!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Indoor gardening is a bit more difficult then the regular outdoor gardening, there are several factors but in most cases it boils down to: Temperature, Humidity, Light, The air in your apartment. \n\nYou didn't mention exactly where your dying plants are being placed. Do you have a fan within the apartment? Plants need air whether it is natural or even if it is coming from a fan. What type of lighting is inside the apartment? Are you only using natural light? These are important factors to aide the growth of the plant as well. How is the temperature within the apartment? If you notice a lot of temp ups / downs in the area you are gardening than it is probably worth moving the garden or choosing another spot. With apartments that becomes all the more difficult.\n\nYour plant also probably came from some nice greenhouse, an english gardens, a ray weigands, etc etc...They have plenty of light, they also have plenty of means of water and the temperature well most of this is all outside, so they have the advantage of using mother nature. Your plant needs to adjust to these conditions. You should try to begin to place your plants in a very lit area with as much natural wind / fan as possible, these plants need to breath. If your plants are not conditioned for this type of environment you run the risk that they give up and die.\n\nWhen potting the plant ensure the actual pot is cleaned up to remove any unnecessary plant diseases from prior plants. Look on the bottom of the actual pot, are you getting drainage? If not drill a hole in the bottom of the pot if you can, if not toss that pot out and get you a pot that has a good amount of drainage. Overwatering plants will destroy them, and without nature (wind, temperature, etc) the water sitting there takes all the longer to dry out.\n\nWhen it comes to veggies Tomatoes need a ton of sunlight and humidity is great for them as well. Herbs are probably the simpliest to get going but I'm not sure if this is what you are after. Cucumbers and squash don't need as much sunlight as tomatoes." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are the advantages of studying words by their frequency?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The main advantage is that by learning higher frequency words, you get a greater \"bang for your buck\" - that is, if you know the most frequent words of the language, you'll be able to understand more of the words you encounter, and therefore you gain the greatest benefit by studying those frequent words first.\nAccording to Nation & Waring (1997), text coverage in the Brown corpus is as follows:\n\n* Most frequent 1000 words: 72.0%\n* Most frequent 2000 words: 79.7%\n* Most frequent 3000 words: 84.0%\n* Most frequent 4000 words: 86.8%.\n\nSo by learning the top 1000 words, you'll know 72% of the words in the average text you read. But after that, there are diminishing returns: the next 1000 words gives you another 7.7% of a typical text, and the next 1000 words allows you to understand just 4.3% more. After that, the returns on memorizing by frequency decrease even more, so learning from frequency lists becomes less useful.\nNote that text coverage (the percentage of words that you know in an average text) is important. We don't need to understand every single word in a text in order to understand the general meaning. Some research has investigated what percentage of words we do need to understand. Laufer and Sim (1985) suggested 65-70% should be understood as an absolute minimum for comprehension, but Laufer (1989) (as described in Hu and Nation (2000)) suggests 95% should be known for solid comprehension. Hu and Nation (2000) suggest that 98% of words should be known for unaided comprehension. \nAlthough learning high-frequency words is a good idea, especially when you first start learning a language, frequency is not the only consideration when choosing words to learn. Barker (2007) suggests that \"cost\" and \"benefit\" be the primary considerations when choosing words to learn; benefit is partially defined by frequency, but also on personal needs. \nSo it's good to learn the \"technical\" vocabulary of your major or field, and it's also useful to learn words related to your interest. It's also beneficial to learn words with a lower \"cost\" - words that are familiar, that you've encountered a lot recently, or that just seem easy.\nAlso, although memorizing words has benefits, it is best to combine this with real exposure to words, so that you learn them naturally in real contexts." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have heard many people saying, “Hah! I beat Stockfish,” and one saying, “I am the best chess player ever! I beat Stockfish.” So I wonder if it is possible, just to know whether I should try to beat it. I tried to play it once; I barely played 25 moves." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The answer is that they either played it on some very handicapped mode, they took back A LOT of moves, or they are probably lying.\n\nStockfish 11 is currently rated about 3607, and that is in standard chess. Computer programs are typically even HARDER to beat for humans at even faster controls.\n\nThere is a reason elite humans have not played matches against computers for a long time: even the Carlsens of the world cannot beat them any more. According to the ELO winning expectancy calculator, there is currently a 745 point difference between Stockfish 11 and Carlsen, and per the chart, that gives the computer a 99.5439696% chance of winning.\n\nNote: The ratings used above are from different rating pools, and thus, are not truly directly comparable, but used as a rough estimate of what would happen between the computer and Carlsen." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to decrypt Jenkins passwords from credentials.xml?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There is a `hudson.util.Secret.decrypt()` function which can be used for this, so:\n\n1. In Jenkins, go to: `/script` page.\n2. Run the following command:\n```println(hudson.util.Secret.decrypt(\"{XXX=}\"))\n```\nor\n```\nprintln(hudson.util.Secret.fromString(\"{XXX=}\").getPlainText())\n```\nwhere `{XXX=}` is your encrypted password. This will print the plain password.\n\nTo do the opposite, you can run:\n```\nprintln(hudson.util.Secret.fromString(\"some_text\").getEncryptedValue())\n```\n\nAlternatively check the following scripts: `tweksteen/jenkins-decrypt`, `menski/jenkins-decrypt.py`." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm pretty disappointed with my horse. He wasn't cheap -- 1000g -- but he just doesn't seem that fast. To make things worse, he's a bit of a wolf magnet and every time I get attacked I have to tediously dismount, blast the wolf, and then remount.\nIs the speed of a horse actually significantly faster than normal running speed? If so, how much faster?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't forget that you can sprint with a horse. It might be that you know that you can sprint on your character, but not on your horse. Please note that your horse is also able to sprint using stamina. You can do this using the default Alt key.\n\nHorses are indeed faster, transportation was simplified.\nSince Oblivion, they took Acrobatics and Athletics skills away, thus you can't improve your speed in such way anymore that it would be faster than a horse. The speed improvements by not being Fatigued and not being overweight are not enough to be significant.\n\nAll horses in Skyrim have the same speed and hardiness, they are all draft types that resemble a Clydesdale, and all cost 1000 septims.\n— Wikia - Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Horse\n\nAll horses in Skyrim are the same, seems that they wanted to simplify the whole transportation idea.\n\nRestrictions apply on both your character and horse.\nWithout mods, a horse can't be used inside a city. If you do a lot of role-playing within cities having a horse might not be useful. At the same time, characters are limited in Skyrim as Raven Dreamer noted; while you can get over some mountains by jumping left and right trying to get over a rock, a horse will be more superior in performing this task as it is less restricted by physics. You can however be smart enough to choose your path right, rather than trying to work against the physics..." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Other than rust, corrosion, and other reactions with air that would make the use of a metal unfavorable, how do different metals affect the performance?\nLet's give Yagi an example:\nLet's say I use 4 different metals for the directors\n, reflector, and driven element.\nOne antenna made out of copper, one made out of aluminum, and one made out of a higher resistance conductor, let's say graphite (I know it would snap, I'm just talking theoretical), and iron \nOther then the metal variations, the antennas are identical.\nSo, do different metals with different conductivity and permiability affect the performance of an antenna including gain, efficiency, impedance, elevation, or any other characteristic other then mechanical strength, and chemical reliability in open air. " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Considering just electrical properties, the most significant parameter for your selection of antenna conductor is resistance. You want to keep the resistance to a minimum, because when current flows through a resistance, the electrical power is converted to heat, according to Joule heating:\n$$ P = I^2 R $$\nAny energy you use to make heat is energy you aren't using to make electromagnetic waves.\nSo first, you should consider the resistivity ($\\rho$) of various metals. A lower resistivity means you will need less of a metal to reduce the resistance to an acceptable target. Here's a selection, ordered from lowest to highest resistivity in nano-ohm-meters (nΩm), of some metals you might consider using in an antenna:\n\n* Silver: 15.9\n* Copper: 16.8\n* Gold: 24.4\n* Aluminium: 26.2\n* Zinc: 59.0\n* Nickel: 69.9\n* Iron: 100\n* Tin: 109\n\nI'm not going to list stainless steel because there are so many kinds, but generally stainless steels are not great conductors, being over 100 on this scale.\nA high resistivity isn't bad in itself, because you can compensate by making the conductor thicker, and end up with the same resistance. Thus, you might think copper is the best choice (ruling out silver due to high cost), but when you start making mechanical and cost considerations, you may find aluminium is better. This is because for a sample of copper and another of aluminium of equal resistance, the aluminium sample will be bigger, but stiffer, lighter, and cheaper. \nThere's another effect to consider here: with increasing frequency, currents like to flow on the surfaces of conductors. This is called the skin effect. The current flowing only on the skin of a conductor effectively reduces the cross-sectional area, and thus the conductance.\nSince most of the RF current is only on the surface, it often makes sense to build antennas from tubing for antennas requiring rigid elements (a 440 MHz Yagi), or copper-clad steel for wire antennas requiring tensile strength (a 40 meter dipole). This saves weight and cost for a negligible increase in loss.\nMagnetic permeability is a factor in skin depth. With increasing permeability, the skin depth decreases, increasing loss. Of the metals listed above, only iron and nickel have significantly higher permeability. Iron by a factor of about 5000, and nickel by 100 to 600. You could compensate for the reduced skin depth by increasing the surface area of the conductor, but when you consider cost and mechanics, it usually makes more sense to simply avoid iron and nickel and alloys containing them." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Windows in its earliest days was simply a shell that ran on top of MS-DOS, which means that Windows 3.1 itself was actually just a standard MS-DOS application like any other.\nYet, MS-DOS is not a multitasking operating system, and at the same time, Windows applications were compiled native-code binaries that ran without any form of managed environment. So, how exactly was multitasking of Windows binaries achieved if Windows 3.1 was simply a regular old MS-DOS program itself? Are there any old technical documents still floating around that describe the early Windows architecture internally?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For Win16 programs, Windows implemented co-operative multitasking. Its implementation was based upon the "message loop" architecture of every Windows program.\n\nThe duty of every program was to endlessly run in a loop in which a call to the ```GetMessage``` function was performed. This function call looks whether a message to this process is in the queue. If there is one, it is retrieved (```GetMessage```), optionally translated (```TranslateMessage```, done to convert keyboard shortcuts into menu actions) and finally, passed to the window procedure (```DispatchMessage```).\n\nIf there is no message available in the queue, Windows suspends the current task and gives the CPU to another task. This task will try to retrieve a message from its queue as well, yielding the CPU to another task if no message is present and so on.\n\nIf a program needed to perform background tasks while there were no pending messages in its queue, it would call ```PeekMessage``` instead of ```GetMessage```. This didn't make the task relinquish the CPU, as ```PeekMessage``` would immediately return to the caller task to inform it whether a message is available or not. This was used to time-multiplex message processing with another time-consuming task (think of a 3D program rendering but letting the user cancel that render by pressing a "Cancel" button).\n\nIf this time-consuming task was actually very time-consuming, a well-behaved program should call the ```Yield``` function from time to time, to relinquish the CPU and let other tasks run. A badly-behaved program could easily hog the CPU by not retrieving messages too often or by spending too much time in a window procedure function.\n\nThe situation was quite different for MS-DOS boxes. They ran using the V8086 mode of the 80386 (if Windows was running in enhanced mode). Windows-aware programs ran in the so-called System VM (Virtual Machine 1). DOS boxes ran from VM 2 upwards. DOS programs usually were badly-behaved programs, so Windows assigned each DOS box a different virtual machine. Virtual machines used pre-emptive multitasking in Windows 3.1, so each DOS box could run concurrently to others and to any Windows-aware program." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm working on 2 different branches: release and development. \nI noticed I still need to integrate some changes that were committed to the release branch back into the development branch. \nThe problem is I don't need all of the commit, only some hunks in certain files, so a simple \n```git cherry-pick bc66559\n```\ndoes not do the trick. \nWhen I do a\n```git show bc66559\n```\nI can see the diff but don't really know a good way of applying that partially to my current working tree. " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The core thing you're going to want here is ```git add -p``` (```-p``` is a synonym for ```--patch```). This provides an interactive way to add in content, letting you decide whether each hunk should go in or not, and even letting you manually edit the patch if necessary.\nTo use it in combination with cherry-pick:\n```git cherry-pick -n # get your patch, but don't commit (-n = --no-commit)\ngit reset # unstage the changes from the cherry-picked commit\ngit add -p # make all your choices (add the changes you do want)\ngit commit # make the commit!\n```\n``git-cherry-pick``` has a ```--no-commit``` option, and you need to do ```git reset```. If you only want to leave a few things out of the commit, you could use ```git reset ...``` to unstage just those files.)\nYou can provide specific paths to ```add -p``` if necessary. If you're starting with a patch you could replace the ```cherry-pick``` with ```apply```.\n\nIf you really want to ```git cherry-pick -p ``` (that option does not exist), you can use\n```git checkout -p \n```\nThat will diff the current commit against the commit you specify, and allow you to apply hunks from that diff individually. This option may be more useful if the commit you're pulling in has merge conflicts in part of the commit you're not interested in. (Note, however, that ```checkout``` differs from ```cherry-pick```: ```checkout``` tries to apply ``````'s contents entirely, while ```cherry-pick``` applies the diff of the specified commit from it's parent. This means that ```checkout``` can apply more than just that commit, which might be more than you want.)" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In Civilization V, you attain a cultural victory by accumulating enough culture to purchase at least 36 social policies, and then building a wonder. The catch is that the more cities you build, the more culture you need to generate before you hit the next \"plateau\" of culture.\nWhat is the ideal number of cities for a cultural victory? Does it change over time? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The question you're really asking is "When does the combined culture / turn of an additional city outstrip the increase in social policy cost incurred by founding that city?"\nThe short answer is...\nWe know that adding another city increases the culture costs by approximately 30% of the base cost (that of 1 city). Therefore:\nIf your maximum potential culture / turn won't increase by at least 30% due to the new city, you are hurting, not helping, the time till your next social policy.\n(This may be slightly hard to calculate, and if you take too long to reach your "maximum potential culture / turn" you're actually wasting turns.)\nThe long answer is...\nIt depends\nTo begin with, we need to make some assumptions:\n\n* When you found a new city, you can get its culture / turn maximized within a single turn by buying the necessary building improvements (monument, etc).\n\n* Ignore city-states, leader specific abilities, +culture social policies, and wonders. These all help produce culture, and will shift the "ideal city count" down, but do so inconsistently. To produce an "ideal" city count, we limit ourselves by era and improvements alone.\n\n* This list of social policy costs is accurate for the given parameters: medium map and normal speed.\n\nAnd now, some math.\nThe 1st social policy costs 25 points with a single city. In the ancient era, your cities can generate 2 culture / turn due to the monument. (Remember, we're ignoring the palace for now)\nThis means that it will take 13 turns (Ceiling(25/2) to enact the policy, or 9 turns (ceiling (45/4) with two cities. We can continue this extrapolation -- 8 turns with 3 cities, 7 turns with 4 cities, 6 turns with 5 cities, and we finally reach diminishing returns at city 6 (also 6 turns).\nFor the second social policy, the ramifications of the # of cities gets magnified due to a larger starting value: One city takes 23 turns, two cities take 15 turns, three cities take 13 turns, four cities take 12, five cities take 10, and again, we run into diminishing returns cap out at at six cities (10 turns).\nIt is not until the 4th social policy that this trend is broken and diminishing returns end at the NINTH! city.\nRemember -- this assumes that each city has a monument the minute it is founded.\nNow let's say we've reached the classical age, and have temples in addition to monuments. Each city is now generating 5 culture.\nThe first policy takes 5 turns with a single city, 4 turns with two, and 3 with three.\nWhat (hopefully) becomes clear is that we reached diminishing returns (4 cities as opposed to 6 cities) much faster when each individual city's contribution is higher. The more culture any one city is capable of producing, the more incentive there is to produce more cities. Even if you don't manage to build every +culture improvement immediately, you're still likely to come out ahead (as long as you're pre-diminishing returns).\nSo while the optimal number of cities changes due to any number of factors, you can probably safely not shoot yourself in the foot if you stay between three and six cities, with six being on the high end." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to find if a customer is logged in or not in Magento 2.\nIf the customer is logged in then how to get customer data from a session?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is possible via ```Magento\\Framework\\App\\Http\\Context``` or via ```Magento\\Customer\\Model\\Session```. However, the result may be different:\n\n* HTTP context is initialized earlier than the customer session (but it does not matter since both are initialized in action controllers)\n* When the ```PageCache``` module is on (probably always on production), keep in mind that as soon as layout generation started, the customer session will be cleared by ```\\Magento\\PageCache\\Model\\Layout\\DepersonalizePlugin::afterGenerateXml``` on all cacheable pages. It means that if you now check if the customer is logged in via the HTTP context, it will still say 'yes, but customer data will not be available in customer sessions anymore. So double-check is necessary before trying to access data in customer sessions. This can easily happen in the block, while is unlikely in action controller since you are not expected to generate layout manually there, it will be generated after-action controller returns an instance of ```ResultInterface```\n\nTo eliminate any risk of described inconsistencies when PageCache is on, consider using customer session if it is already initialized (true for action controllers). Else use the HTTP context." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have a 9 year old daughter that has expressed some interest in manga, but I'm having trouble locating series that are appropriate for her age. No one at our local bookstore could offer any advice. Is there a kid-friendly imprint or other resource I could use to help her find something appropriate? My preference is for physical books but I'm willing to explore digital options." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The content deemed acceptable for Japanese children generally differs from the concept in other countries; manga contains all genres of stories, so one cannot responsibly presume that just because a title was marketed at Japanese kids, that you would likewise consider it appropriate for your kid of the same age.\n\nAs one example:\nThe popular girl's series Sailor Moon was published in the manga magazine Nakayoshi, which was marketed toward elementary school-age girls (1st through 6th grade). This series includes strong language, bullying, violence, death, war, genocide, refugees, lovers' suicide (more than once), non-consensual kisses (forced while awake, while asleep, while drunk), a father fondling his adult daughter while brainwashed, human/animal romance, demonic-style alien possession of human bodies, nudity, cross-dressing, a non-monogamous lesbian couple, and non-graphic sex resulting in teen pregnancy (the 90s anime version, also marketed toward children, also added wrist/ankle restraints for a rape-like, pain-inducing entering of victims).\n\nThere are many manga reviews on the web, including those that specifically for parents and teen/preteen/kid readers on what sort of possibly objectionable content is included in the title (such as strong language, violence, nudity, gender-bending, innuendo, sexual content, etc.) and what sort of general content you can expect (for example: horror, potty humor, serious themes like depression/body image/sexual orientation/prostitution/parental abandonment/bullying/suicide) and let you as the parent or the reader use your own judgment about whether a title fits what you deem appropriate at what age. Browsing reviews also allows you to seek out titles that reinforce and contribute to your family's values (such as traits of selflessness, generosity, celebration of uniqueness, etc.).\n\nSome good starting places are:\n\n* A Parent's Guide to Anime\n* Good Manga for Kids at Manga Bookshelf\n* Good Comics for Kids at School Library Journal\n* Kids Manga at No Flying No Tights\n\nSince you have a daughter, she may be especially interested in shoujo manga, which was written with the target audience of Japanese girls. Within shoujo, nearly all genres of stories are included; some titles are very cheerful and innocuous and teach a moral-of-the-day, others are dark and heavy. Good starting places to get informed are:\n\n* What is Shoujo Manga?, What Shoujo Manga Are and Are Not, and Recommended Shoujo Manga by Matt Thorn, a professor in the Faculty of Manga at Kyoto Seika University (one of the world's experts on shoujo manga)\n* What is Shoujo? at Energetic Heartbeats\n\nSome shoujo manga review sites are:\n\n* The Classics at Shoujo Corner\n* Emily's Random Shoujo Manga Page (despite its unassuming name, contains many detailed reviews)\n* Heart of Manga\n* Shoujo Savvy\n* Shoujo Manga Recommendations\n* Romance Manga Reviews\n* Shoujo Manga Reviews\n* Shoujo Manga with Anime at Anime Manga Reviews\n\nMore general review websites include MangaBlog and Kuriousity, and a Google search will find you many more." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm looking for a precise piece of information in a database which I have no knowledge about. The database is on a separate machine, but I can log into it, and launch a ```psql``` command line, with administrator rights.\nIt's a third-party product, and they are slow to answer questions. I know the data is inside that database, so I want to do a little bit of reverse-engineering.\nGiven a table name, is it possible to get a list of the names of the columns in that table?\nFor example, in SQL Server, it's possible to dump a table into a reusable ```CREATE``` statement, which textually lists all the columns the table is composed of." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The information schema is the slow and sure way: it is standardized and largely portable to other databases that support it. And it will keep working across major versions.\nHowever, views in the information schema often join many tables from the system catalogs to meet a strictly standardized format - many of which are just dead freight most of the time. This makes them slow.\nThe Postgres developers aren't making promises, but basics (like what is needed here) aren't going to change across major versions.\nMore detailed assessment:\n\n* Query to output names and data types of a query, table or view\n\n```psql``` (the native command-line interface) takes the fast lane, of course, and queries the source directly. If you start ```psql``` with the parameter ```-E```, the SQL behind backslash commands like ```\\d``` is displayed. Or ```\\set ECHO_HIDDEN on``` from the psql command line. Starting from there you can build an answer to your question.\n\nGiven one table, is it possible to have a list of the names of the columns for this table.\n\n```SELECT attrelid::regclass AS tbl\n , attname AS col\n , atttypid::regtype AS datatype\n -- more attributes?\nFROM pg_attribute\nWHERE attrelid = 'myschema.mytable'::regclass -- table name optionally schema-qualified\nAND attnum > 0\nAND NOT attisdropped\nORDER BY attnum;\n```\nFaster than querying ```information_schema.columns```. Try ```EXPLAIN ANALYZE``` to see for yourself. Still hardly matters for a one-time look-up. But might make a difference if used in a query / function that's repeated many times.\nThere are also subtle differences in visibility. The following artical has detailed comparison:\n\n* How to check if a table exists in a given schema\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am using Visual Studio Code and have a fairly common project structure:\n```├── client/\n│ ├── tsconfig.json\n├── shared/\n├── server/\n│ ├── tsconfig.json\n├── project.json\n```\nThe two tsconfig files have different settings (e.g. the one under ```client/``` targets ES5, the one under ```server/``` targets ES6). Note that there is no tsconfig in the root directory.\nThe problem is that I want the shared directory to be included in both projects. I can't do this using tsconfig because the ```exclude``` option won't let me include a folder that is in a higher directory than the tsconfig.json, and using ```files``` I have to constantly keep the list of files up to date as it doesn't support globs.\nNote that I can compile fine by adding the shared folder into tsc, what I want is for the Visual Studio Code IDE to recognise the shared code for intellisense etc.\nIs the only option to wait for filesGlob?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These days it is much easier as vscode has better support for this.\nYou can use this directory structure so all the code is independent:\n```├── frontend/\n│ ├── src/\n│ │ ├── \n│ ├── package.json\n│ ├── tsconfig.json\n├── shared/\n│ ├── package.json\n├── backend/\n│ ├── src/\n│ │ ├── \n│ ├── package.json\n│ ├── tsconfig.json\n```\nThen in both the backend and frontend ```tsconfig.json```:\n```{\n "compilerOptions": {\n "paths": {\n "~shared/*": ["../shared/*"]\n },\n "rootDirs": [\n "./src",\n "../shared"\n ]\n }\n}\n```\nTo allow access to the shared code e.g.:\n```import { Foo } from '~shared/foo';\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have the following method to save an Object to a file:\n```// Save an object out to the disk\npublic static void SerializeObject(this T toSerialize, String filename)\n{\n XmlSerializer xmlSerializer = new XmlSerializer(toSerialize.GetType());\n TextWriter textWriter = new StreamWriter(filename);\n xmlSerializer.Serialize(textWriter, toSerialize);\n textWriter.Close();\n}\n```\nI confess I did not write it (I only converted it to a extension method that took a type parameter).\nNow I need it to give the xml back to me as a string (rather than save it to a file). " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Use a `StringWriter` instead of a `StreamWriter`:\n\n```\npublic static string SerializeObject(this T toSerialize)\n{\n XmlSerializer xmlSerializer = new XmlSerializer(toSerialize.GetType());\n\n using(StringWriter textWriter = new StringWriter())\n {\n xmlSerializer.Serialize(textWriter, toSerialize);\n return textWriter.ToString();\n }\n}\n```\n\nNote, it is important to use `toSerialize.GetType()` instead of `typeof(T)` in XmlSerializer constructor: if you use the first one the code covers all possible subclasses of `T` (which are valid for the method), while using the latter one will fail when passing a type derived from `T`. There is some example code on Ideone that motivates this statement, with XmlSerializer throwing an `Exception` when `typeof(T)` is used, because you pass an instance of a derived type to a method that calls SerializeObject that is defined in the derived type's base class.\n\nAlso, Ideone uses Mono to execute code; the actual `Exception` you would get using the Microsoft .NET runtime has a different `Message` than the one shown on Ideone, but it fails just the same." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have a problem with the embedded bitcode term.\nWhat is embedded bitcode?\nWhen to enable, ```ENABLE_BITCODE``` in new Xcode?\nWhat happens to the binary when enabled, ```ENABLE_BITCODE``` in Xcode 7? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "> What is embedded bitcode?\nAccording to docs:\n\n> Bitcode is an intermediate representation of a compiled program. Apps you upload to iTunes Connect that contain bitcode will be compiled and linked on the App Store. Including bitcode will allow Apple to re-optimize your app binary in the future without the need to submit a new version of your app to the store.\n\nThis phrase in \"New Features in Xcode 7\" made me to think for a long time that Bitcode is needed for Slicing to reduce app size: \n\n When you archive for submission to the App Store, Xcode will compile your app into an intermediate representation. The App Store will then compile the bitcode down into the 64 or 32 bit executables as necessary.\n\nHowever that's not true, Bitcode and Slicing work independently: Slicing is about reducing app size and generating app bundle variants, and Bitcode is about certain binary optimizations. I've verified this by checking included architectures in executables of non-bitcode apps and founding that they only include necessary ones.\nBitcode allows other App Thinning component called Slicing to generate app bundle variants with particular executables for particular architectures, e.g. iPhone 5S variant will include only arm64 executable, iPad Mini armv7 and so on.\n\n> When to enable ENABLE_BITCODE in new Xcode?\n\n For iOS apps, bitcode is the default, but optional. If you provide bitcode, all apps and frameworks in the app bundle need to include bitcode. For watchOS and tvOS apps, bitcode is required.\n\n> What happens to the binary when ENABLE_BITCODE is enabled in the new Xcode?\nFrom Xcode 7 reference: \n\n> Activating this setting indicates that the target or project should generate bitcode during compilation for platforms and architectures which support it. For Archive builds, bitcode will be generated in the linked binary for submission to the app store. For other builds, the compiler and linker will check whether the code complies with the requirements for bitcode generation, but will not generate actual bitcode. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In Dupire's local volatility model, the volatility is is a deterministic function of the underlying price and time, chosen to match observed European option prices.\nTo be more specific, given a smooth surface $(K,T)\\mapsto C(K,T)$ where K is the strike and T is time to maturity. Dupire equation implies that there exits an unique continuous function $\\sigma_{loc}$ defined by\n$$\\sigma_{loc}^{2}(K,T)=\\frac{\\partial_{T}C(K,T)+rK\\partial_{K}C(K,T)}{\\frac{1}{2}K^{2}\\partial_{KK}C(K,T)}$$ for all $(K,T)\\in(0,\\infty)\\times(0,\\infty)$ such that the solution to the stochastic differential equation $dS_{t}/S_{t}=rdt+\\sigma(t,S_{t})dW_{t}$ exactly generates the European call option prices.\nWhat do the dynamics of the local volatility mean? Are dynamics equivalent to the volatility surface? Why the dynamics of local volatility model is highly unrealistic?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A general model (with continuous paths) can be written\n$$\n \\frac{dS_t}{S_t} = r_t dt + \\sigma_t dW_t^S\n$$\nwhere the short rate $r_t$ and spot volatility $\\sigma_t$ are stochastic processes. \nIn the Black-Scholes model both $r$ and $\\sigma$ are deterministic functions of time (even constant in the original model). This produces a flat smile for any expiry $T$. And we have the closed form formula for option prices\n$$\n C(t,S;T,K) = BS(S,T-t,K;\\Sigma(T,K))\n$$\nwhere $BS$ is the BS formula and $\\Sigma(T,K) = \\sqrt{\\frac{1}{T-t}\\int_t^T \\sigma(s)^2 ds}$. This is not consistent with the smile observed on the market. In order to match market prices, one needs to use a different volatility for each expiry and strike. This is the implied volatility surface $(T,K) \\mapsto \\Sigma(T,K)$. \nIn the local volatility model, rates are deterministic, instant volatility is stochastic but there is only one source of randomness\n$$\n \\frac{dS_t}{S_t} = r(t) dt + \\sigma_{Dup}(t,S_t) dW_t^S\n$$\nthis is a special case of the general model with\n$$\n d\\sigma_t = (\\partial_t \\sigma_{Dup}(t,S_t) + r(t)S_t\\partial_S\\sigma_{Dup}(t,S_t) + \\frac{1}{2}S_t^2\\partial_S^2\\sigma_{Dup}(t,S_t)) dt + \\frac{1}{2}S_t\\partial_S\\sigma_{Dup}(t,S_t)^2 dW_t^S\n$$\nWhat is appealing with this model is that the function $\\sigma_{Dup}$ can be perfectly calibrated to match all market vanilla prices (and quite easily too). \nThe problem is that while correlated to the spot, statistical study show that the volatility also has its own source of randomness independent of that of the spot. Mathematically, this means the instant correlation between the spot and vol is not 1 contrary to what happens in the local volatility model. \nThis can be seen in several ways:\n\n1. The forward smile. Forward implied volatility is implied from prices of forward start options: ignoring interest rates,\n$$\n C(t,S;T\\to T+\\theta,K) := E^Q[(\\frac{S_{T+\\theta}}{S_{T}}-K)_+] =: C_{BS}(S=1,\\theta,K;\\Sigma(t,S;T\\to T+\\theta,K))\n$$\nAlternatively, it is sometimes defined as the expectation of implied volatility at a forward date. In a LV model, as the maturity $T$ increases but $\\theta$ is kept constant, the forward smile gets flatter and higher. This is not what we observe in the markets where the forward smile tends to be similar to the current smile.\n\nThis is because the initial smile you calibrate the model too has decreasing skew:\n$$\n\\partial_K \\Sigma(0,S;T,K) \\xrightarrow[T\\to +\\infty]{} 0\n$$ \n\n2. Smile rolling. In a LV model, smile tends to move in the opposite direction of the spot and get higher independently of the direction of the spot.\nThis is not consistent with what is observed on markets. See Hagan and al. Managing Smile Risk for the derivation. This means that\n$\\partial_S \\Sigma_{LV}(t,S;T,K)$ often has the wrong sign so your Delta will be wrong which can lead to a higher hedging error than using BS. \n3. Barrier options. In FX markets, barrier options like Double No Touch are liquid but a LV model calibrated to vanilla prices does not reproduce these prices. This is a consequence of the previous point. \n\nThe LV model is a static model. Its whole dynamic comes from the volatility surface at time 0. But the vol surface has a dynamic that is richer than that.\nThere are alternatives using multiple factors like SV models, LSV models (parametric local vol like SABR or fully non parametric local vol), models of the joint dynamic of the spot and vol surface etc... but the LV model remains the default model in many cases due to its simplicity, its ability to calibrate the initial smile perfectly and its numerical efficiency. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you explain why we need a large number of trees in random forest when the number of predictors is large? How can we determine the optimal number of trees?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Random forest uses bagging (picking a sample of observations rather than all of them) and random subspace method (picking a sample of features rather than all of them, in other words - attribute bagging) to grow a tree. If the number of observations is large, but the number of trees is too small, then some observations will be predicted only once or even not at all. If the number of predictors is large but the number of trees is too small, then some features can (theoretically) be missed in all subspaces used. Both cases results in the decrease of random forest predictive power. But the last is a rather extreme case, since the selection of subspace is performed at each node.\n\nDuring classification the subspace dimensionality is $\\sqrt{p}$ (rather small, $p$ is the total number of predictors) by default, but a tree contains many nodes. During regression the subspace dimensionality is $p/3$ (large enough) by default, though a tree contains fewer nodes. So the optimal number of trees in a random forest depends on the number of predictors only in extreme cases. \n\nThe official page of the algorithm states that random forest does not overfit, and you can use as much trees as you want. But Mark R. Segal (April 14 2004. \"Machine Learning Benchmarks and Random Forest Regression.\" Center for Bioinformatics & Molecular Biostatistics) has found that it overfits for some noisy datasets. So to obtain optimal number you can try training random forest at a grid of ```ntree``` parameter (simple, but more CPU-consuming) or build one random forest with many trees with ```keep.inbag```, calculate out-of-bag (OOB) error rates for first $n$ trees (where $n$ changes from $1$ to ```ntree```) and plot OOB error rate vs. number of trees (more complex, but less CPU-consuming)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I believe artificial intelligence (AI) term is overused nowadays. For example, people see that something is self-moving and they call it AI, even if it's on autopilot (like cars or planes) or there is some simple algorithm behind it.\nWhat are the minimum general requirements so that we can say something is AI?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's true that the term has become a buzzword, and is now widely used to a point of confusion - however if you look at the definition provided by Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig, they write it as follows:\n\n> We define AI as the study of agents that receive percepts from the environment and perform actions. Each such agent implements a function that maps percept sequences to actions, and we cover different ways to represent these functions, such as reactive agents, real-time planners, and decision-theoretic systems. We explain the role of learning as extending the reach of the designer into unknown environments, and we show how that role constrains agent design, favoring explicit knowledge representation and reasoning.\n\nArtificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach - Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig\n\nSo the example you cite, \"autopilot for cars/planes\", is actually a (famous) form of AI as it has to use a form of knowledge representation to deal with unknown environments and circumstances. Ultimately, these systems also collect data so that the knowledge representation can be updated to deal with the new inputs that they have found. They do this with autopilot for cars all the time\n\nTo answer your question, for something to be considered as \"having AI\", it needs to be able to deal with unknown environments/circumstances in order to achieve its objective/goal, and render knowledge in a manner that provides for new learning/information to be added easily. There are many different types of well defined knowledge representation methods, ranging from the popular neural net, through to probabilistic models like bayesian networks (belief networks) - but fundamentally actions by the system must be derived from whichever representation of knowledge you choose for it to be considered as AI." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have some questions regarding the usage and significance of the ```synchronized``` keyword. \n\n* What is the significance of the ```synchronized``` keyword?\n* When should methods be ```synchronized```?\n* What does it mean programmatically and logically?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ```synchronized``` keyword is all about different threads reading and writing to the same variables, objects and resources. This is not a trivial topic in Java, but here is a quote from Sun:\n\n> ```synchronized``` methods enable a simple strategy for preventing thread interference and memory consistency errors: if an object is visible to more than one thread, all reads or writes to that object's variables are done through synchronized methods.\n\nIn a very, very small nutshell: When you have two threads that are reading and writing to the same 'resource', say a variable named ```foo```, you need to ensure that these threads access the variable in an atomic way. Without the ```synchronized``` keyword, your thread 1 may not see the change thread 2 made to ```foo```, or worse, it may only be half changed. This would not be what you logically expect.\n\nAgain, this is a non-trivial topic in Java. To learn more, explore topics about:\n\n* Concurrency\n* Java Memory Model\n\nKeep exploring these topics until the name \"Brian Goetz\" becomes permanently associated with the term \"concurrency\" in your brain. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am using the ```$http``` service of AngularJS to make an Ajax request. \nHow can a spinner GIF (or another type of busy indicator) be shown while the Ajax request is executing?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This really depends on your specific use case, but a simple way would follow a pattern like this:\n\n```\n.controller('MainCtrl', function ( $scope, myService ) {\n $scope.loading = true;\n myService.get().then( function ( response ) {\n $scope.items = response.data;\n }, function ( response ) {\n // TODO: handle the error somehow\n }).finally(function() {\n // called no matter success or failure\n $scope.loading = false;\n });\n});\n```\n\nAnd then react to it in your template:\n```\n
\n
{{item.name}}
\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Let's say that we have a gaseous or liquidus compound (I don't know if elements or compounds make a difference, take this as a thought experiment), and we have a tungsten or steel block that's 5cm (or less, you choose) thick. Is there any physical method for that gas or liquid to pass through that thick heavy metal block (not by drilling etc.)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, some gases can diffuse into and through metal. It is the bane of the high-vacuum engineer's life. Hydrogen is the worst because it tends to dissociate into atoms at the surface and the nucleus, a single proton, can then leave its electron behind and wander through the metal lattice until it picks up another electron when it leaves.\n\nFor example Mu-metal, favoured for some applications, typically has to be annealed in hydrogen at high temperature. Once that is over, it can take weeks or months for the residual hydrogen to diffuse out of the metal before a high enough vacuum can be achieved and the work proceed.\n\nA "virtual leak" occurs where a small bubble of gas is embedded in the material inside a vacuum chamber. The leak usually happens because a tiny hole exists for the gas to diffuse out through, but sometimes the "hole" is no more than an ultra-thin skin of metal (invisible to the frustrated technician) and the gas diffuses through it. These little horrors can keep going for months or even years and generally mean replacing suspected parts and pumping down over and over again until the dodgy one is finally stumbled on.\n\nHelium is both monatomic and the physically smallest atom. It can diffuse more easily than any other neutral atom or molecule, making certain metal foils unsuitable as say gas-tight liners for airships. As noted in another answer, in quantity it can also affect the bulk properties of the metal.\n\nOn a more energetic scale, hydrogen and helium nuclei (protons and alpha particles) can pass through thin metal foils if fired with sufficient energy, and this has been used to establish the crystalline structures of some metals and alloys (where, for whatever reason, electrons were unsuitable).\n\nOther gases have much larger atoms (neon and other noble gases) or molecules (nitrogen and other diatomic molecules, water and other hydrides), but they can still diffuse extremely slowly through some metals. This can limit the lifetime of some microchips. A related phenomenon occurs where there is a defect in the lattice at the surface, such as a grain boundary, and a gas atom attaches to it. Defects are sometimes quite mobile and can migrate through the lattice; the gas atom will stabilise the defect and may be able to hitch a ride.\n\nQuantum processes such as tunnelling are not really relevant, as they work over distances smaller than the atomic wavelength, which in turn is typically far smaller than the thickness of any metal atom or foil. The probability of a gas atom tunnelling across is so infinitesimal as to be effectively zero." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Once, I boarded a plane, went to my designated seat and tried to put my bag in the overhead bin. However, it was full, and other adjacent overhead bins were full too. Because I had a seat next to the emergency exit, which I paid for, I had to hand over my bag to someone else in order to take off. \nDo I have any rights over the overhead bin above my seat?\nCould I ask the flight attendant to remove some of the bags to make room for me?\nI cannot imagine that the bins were full because there was not enough space. I think this happened because some people were ignorant enough to bring more bags than is allowed inside the airplane instead of sending them to cargo. If this is the case why doesn't the airline enforce the bag limit inside the airplane?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You have no right to the bin above your seat. For those exit rows where you cannot put anything beneath the seat in front of you, flight attendants will generally try to help find some space somewhere for at least your small personal item, but any passenger may be required to check their bags rather than put them in the overhead bin.\nIt is entirely possible that the airline didn't enforce the bag limit, but the overhead bins can easily fill up even when the limit is strictly enforced. If every passenger, or even most passengers, brings a regulation sized carry-on on a full flight, it is obvious that many of the bags will not fit in the bins and will have to be checked.\nIn some cases, overhead bins may be marked as reserved for first class or premium economy passengers (or safety equipment, or pillows and blankets). Even in such cases, cabin crew may fill these bins with other bags in an attempt to accommodate as many passengers as possible, and a late-boarding passenger may be caught out with no space.\nIt is hard to imagine that they are likely to remove and check someone's bag so you may have that space. Overhead bin space is typically first-come first served, and at some point, they will declare the bins full and start checking bags (sometimes even before the bins are actually full). Note that if your bag must be checked, you should ensure you remove any essential items (medication, passports, keys, etc...) and any valuables, along with any hazardous material that cannot be checked, namely spare (uninstalled) lithium batteries including external power packs. \nBoarding as early as possible (which, on some airlines, could require frequent flyer status or paying an extra fee) will help secure you overhead bin space." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 has a designation of STM on the lens. What does this mean? What are the advantages of having it and does it replace an older technology?\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "STM stands for Stepper Motor and is a applied to a new range of Canon lenses which feature a new design of focus motors which, along with a new iris mechanism are designed to eliminate (auditory) noise during video recording. \nCanon haven't revealed any information about how the new design works but it's probably the same type of motor used in mirrorless camera lenses. It's a more precise version of a regular DC motor but still has the same direct connection to the lens focus group, which means manual focus has to be implemented using a focus-by-wire arrangement whereby moving the focus ring by hand sends a signal to the motor to move the focus group. \nIn comparison an ultrasonic motor (like Canon's USM) consists of a pair of concentric rings which vibrate at high frequency to rotate back and forth, an arrangement which permits the user to move the focus ring to directly move the lens element, achieving full time manual focus without damaging the motor.\nStepper motors are better at producing smooth, precise incremental movements, such as those required by contrast detect AF, and AF during video. Ultrasonic motors are better at jumping to the right focus point as part of a phase detection system." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm trying to set get id of all elements in an ```HTMLCollectionOf```. I wrote the following code:\n```var list = document.getElementsByClassName(\"events\");\nconsole.log(list[0].id);\nfor (key in list) {\n console.log(key.id);\n}\n```\nBut I got the following output in console:\n```event1\nundefined\n```\nwhich is not what I expected. Why is the second console output ```undefined``` but the first console output is ```event1```?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You can't use ```for```/```in``` on ```NodeList```s or ```HTMLCollection```s. However, you can use some ```Array.prototype``` methods, as long as you ```.call()``` them and pass in the ```NodeList``` or ```HTMLCollection``` as ```this```.\nSo consider the following as an alternative to jfriend00's ```for``` loop:\n```var list= document.getElementsByClassName(\"events\");\n[].forEach.call(list, function(el) {\n console.log(el.id);\n});\n```\nThere's a good article on MDN that covers this technique. Note their warning about browser compatibility though:\n\n [...] passing a host object (like a ```NodeList```) as\n ```this``` to a native method (such as ```forEach```) is not guaranteed to work in\n all browsers and is known to fail in some.\n\nSo while this approach is convenient, a ```for``` loop may be the most browser-compatible solution.\nUpdate (Aug 30, 2014): Eventually you'll be able to use ES6 ```for```/```of```!\n```var list = document.getElementsByClassName(\"events\");\nfor (const el of list)\n console.log(el.id);\n```\nIt's already supported in recent versions of Chrome and Firefox." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am 21 years old and living in a large city in Germany where smalltalk in local markets is not a common thing.\nA new cashier joined my local food shop. She’s always at the checkout and never doing stuff like sorting products or cleaning the floor where I could actually ask her out. I am quite new to relationships, but the signs she gave me are promising.\nMy question is how I can ask for her number, or ask her out for coffee while she is only sitting at the checkout? I mean there are always like 5 people before and after me, and I think it would be awkward if we are changing numbers while customers are waiting behind us. Or even worse if I read the signs wrong and she rejects me? Since the store is just 5 min away from my place I visit regularly and don't want to leave a bad impression there." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Asking her out directly seems like a bad idea.\nInstead, in these situations, I've found something that works much better for both of you. During your conversation with her, mention some place you're planning to be in the future so she can find you there if she chooses.\nFor example: "I like to grab lunch here before going to [Public Event You Enjoy]"\nThis could be almost anything, but here are some examples:\n\n* A place your band plays\n* A public dance\n* A painting/pottery class\n* A wine tasting\n\nThis should be something you actually enjoy, so be sure to let your excitement about your hobby be apparent when you mention it. Ex: "I enjoy that they let you try lots of different wines from all around the world!"\nIf she expresses interest in the activity as well, tell her more about it so she can attend: "Yeah, it's really fun. They do it every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm - the admission fee is 5 Euro. You should check it out sometime!"\nIf she is interested in you and has time, she will probably arrange to come to the event some time and you will see her there. This is preferable because she is not under obligation to behave professionally for her work and you can spend some time chatting as equals.\nAnd if that goes well, then you have created a good opportunity to ask her on a real date. And if she doesn't come, well, you were planning to go there anyways so it's not a real loss on your part - you just spent an afternoon/evening doing something you already enjoy." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You start with the number 1536. Your mission is to get to 1 in as few steps as possible. At each step, you may either multiply or divide the number you have, by either 2 or 3; but, only if the result is a whole number whose first digit is 1, 3, 4, or 9. That is all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As Jo has already shown, this can be accomplished in \n\n 28 steps. This is minimal, and it can be proven.\n\nTo help visualize this problem, we can imagine: \n\n A two-dimensional grid/chart where each point is a number of the form $3^x2^y$, with $(x,y)$ as the relevant co-ordinates. We want to find a path from $(1,9)$ to $(0,0)$ while making only one step up/down/left/right at a time, and ensuring that the numbers we step on have their most significant digit in the set {1,3,4,9}.\n Here is what the chart looks like for the range $(0,0)$ to $(10,10)$. The dashes represent numbers that do not begin with {1,3,4,9}, and so are unusable in our path.\n ```1024 3072 9216 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- .```\n ```---- 1536 4608 13824 41472 124416 373248 1119744 3359232 10077696 30233088 .```\n ```---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- 186624 ---- 1679616 ---- 15116544 .```\n ```128 384 1152 3456 10368 31104 93312 ---- ---- ---- ---- .```\n ```---- 192 ---- 1728 ---- 15552 46656 139968 419904 1259712 3779136 .```\n ```32 96 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- 1889568 .```\n ```16 48 144 432 1296 3888 11664 34992 104976 314928 944784 .```\n ```---- ---- ---- ---- ---- 1944 ---- 17496 ---- 157464 472392 .```\n ```4 12 36 108 324 972 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- .```\n ```---- ---- 18 ---- 162 486 1458 4374 13122 39366 118098 .```\n ```1 3 9 ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- 19683 ---- .```\n From here, we can see two different routes of 28 steps each: (1536->373248->93312->384->48->3888->972->36->9->1) and (1536->373248->46656->3779136->944784->3888->972->36->9->1). \n\nProving minimality: \n\n Since a path of length 28 exists (we've found two), we can rule out anything that's too far away to be used in a shortest path.\n Moving from (1,9) to (0,0) must take at least ten steps on its own, so we can move at most nine steps completely out of the way (and nine steps back) in a shortest route. That limits us to only considering x-coordinates up to 10; any further would require making at least ten '*3' steps, eleven '÷3' steps, and at least nine '÷2' steps, putting the route definitely longer than 28.\n With our x-coordinate limited to [0,10], we now look at the bottlenecks.\n It should be clear that any shortest route must start by going from 1536 to 93312 in seven steps, and must end by going from 3888 to 1 in nine steps. These are both forced by unique bottlenecks; there is only one way to step from $(x,7)$ to $(x,6)$ and only one way to step from $(x,3)$ to $(x,2)$ in this range.\n This leaves at most twelve steps to go from 93312 to 3888. Either by observation or by pointing out that there are only two ways to go from $(x,6)$ to $(x,5)$, we can see that there are exactly two shortest routes from 93312 to 3888, and both require all twelve steps.\n Therefore, the shortest route is 28 steps, and there are exactly two ways to do so, both of which are described in Jo's solution and below the chart. \n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to create a simple bit of JS code that creates an image element in the background and doesn't display anything. The image element will call a tracking URL (such as Omniture) and needs to be simple and robust and work in IE 6 = ```var oImg = document.createElement(\"img\"); oImg.setAttribute('src', 'http://www.testtrackinglink.com'); oImg.setAttribute('alt', 'na'); oImg.setAttribute('height', '1px'); oImg.setAttribute('width', '1px'); document.body.appendChild(oImg); ``` Is this the simplest but most robust (error free) way to do it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "```oImg.setAttribute('width', '1px');\n```\n```px``` is for CSS only. Use either:\n```oImg.width = '1';\n```\nto set a width through HTML, or:\n```oImg.style.width = '1px';\n```\nto set it through CSS.\nNote that old versions of IE don't create a proper image with ```document.createElement()```, and old versions of KHTML don't create a proper DOM Node with ```new Image()```, so if you want to be fully backwards compatible use something like:\n```// IEWIN boolean previously sniffed through eg. conditional comments\nfunction img_create(src, alt, title) {\n var img = IEWIN ? new Image() : document.createElement('img');\n img.src = src;\n if ( alt != null ) img.alt = alt;\n if ( title != null ) img.title = title;\n return img;\n}\n```\nAlso be slightly wary of ```document.body.appendChild``` if the script may execute as the page is in the middle of loading. You can end up with the image in an unexpected place, or a weird JavaScript error on IE. If you need to be able to add it at load-time (but after the `````` element has started), you could try inserting it at the start of the body using ```body.insertBefore(body.firstChild)```.\nTo do this invisibly but still have the image actually load in all browsers, you could insert an absolutely-positioned-off-the-page `````` as the body's first child and put any tracking/preload images you don't want to be visible in there." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is %s better than + for concatenation in python?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are several benefits of using ```%s``` over ```+``` for string concatenation in Python:\n* Readability. The format string syntax is more readable, as it separates style from the data. Also, in Python, ```%s``` syntax will automatically coerce any non ```str``` types to ```str```; while concatenation only works with ```str```, and you can't concatenate ```str``` with ```int```.\n* Performance. In Python ```str``` is immutable, so the left and right string have to be copied into the new string for every pair of concatenation. If you concatenate four strings of length 10, you will be copying (10+10) + ((10+10)+10) + (((10+10)+10)+10) = 90 characters, instead of just 40 characters. And things gets quadratically worse as the number and size of the string increases. Java optimizes this case some of the times by transforming the series of concatenation to use ```StringBuilder```, but CPython doesn't.\n* For some use cases, the logging library provide an API that uses format string to create the log entry string lazily (```logging.info(\"blah: %s\", 4)```). This is great for improved performance if the logging library decided that the current log entry will be discarded by a log filter, so it doesn't need to format the string.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I had an interview with an employer working on a software-based vehicle solution.\nBefore going further in the interview process, he gave me a task to find out if a potential customer (automotive OEMs) is interested.\nMy question is, how can I approach a potential customer and arrange some time together to present to them the solution?. I'm intending to use Linkedin, but I'm not sure how to proceed.\n\n* Who to contact (I mean the person position in the company)\n* How to formulate the request?\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Run (and run fast) - here are just a few points to consider:\n\n* That's a very unorthodox task for somebody still in the interviewing stage.\n* How you going to present a solution you aren't familiar with?\n* Since you aren't an employee of said company yet you have no grounds to represent them or even hustle their products.\n* You aren't on their payroll yet so why should you waste your time looking for customers?\n* There are a bunch of legal issues arising from such a 'task' (think NDA etc..).\n* How will your potential employer determine if your task has been carried out successfully?\n* Any CEO/CTO or even higher management of any automotive company will NOT engage in such a conversation with a random stranger.\n* Such an unprofessional approach is extremely disrespectful of the prospective customer's time.\n\nThese are all major red flags and should lead any mentally sane person to the conclusion that the person asked for such tasks is unreasonable and has no clue about business in general.\nAdditionally - what kind of impression do you think they will have of you or your potential, future employer considering the above mentioned points?\nThank them for their time and continue applying elsewhere because this company is a nut-house." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When an expendable booster rocket stage nears the end of its burn, does the guidance computer shut the engine(s) off at a certain velocity/altitude for the mission, or does the stage completely exhaust its propellants?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First stages are generally run to depletion (though not complete depletion). First stage ascents often use a preprogrammed, open loop guidance system to get out of the atmosphere with a good chunk of downrange velocity. Because winds aloft and other factors may vary, first stage performance also varies somewhat.\nUpper stage guidance is almost always closed loop, targeting a specific position and velocity combination. As a result, upper stages of boosters are shut down when that target is reached, with some amount of reserve propellants left to cover dispersions during ascent and a disposal burn.\nLiquid fueled first stages are not run dry. Cutoff is triggered with some amount left in the tank. This is because the turbopumps operate at ridiculous velocities and need something to pump, at a specific inlet pressure. The heat source (gas generator, expander, or preburner) that drives the pump is downstream of the inlet in the flow path, so cutoff has to happen by cutting off the drive force to the pump before the inlet loses pressure or runs dry. \nIf that pressure drops below minimum specifications or if the inlet goes dry, you will get cavitation and/or overspeed conditions, both of which would result in a violent reconfiguration of the hardware.\nSolid lower stages are much simpler in this regard. At some point, the thrust will tail off until the booster no longer supports its own weight. At that point, it is jettisoned." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is "ima" an informal spelling of "I must"?\n\nMegaCharizardZord Replying to @nytimes about COVID-19 vaccine:\ni just hope when i take it don't die lol. i trust the government in Canada, but if I do get something ima sue the shit out of em lol.\n\n\nSource: Twitter\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ima is an informal contraction of I'm going to when it's used in going-to future construction - not in sentences like I'm going to London etc. It's also written i'ma or imma in informal conversations.\nHow did I'm going to come to be pronounced/spelt that way?\nIn casual speech, we tend to drop consonants that require more effort to articulate, assimilate nearby consonants, drop weak vowels etc., for the ease of articulation. Grammatical words that don't have any meaning on their own (function words?) like have to, going to (not present continuous), has, is, was, will etc., are highly susceptible to these sound changes. For instance, have to is often pronounced hafta, trying to is pronounced tryna, want to is wanna etc etc. The same thing happened to the phrase I'm going to.\n\nThere are a few processes involved in the reduction of I'm going to to ima.\n\n* I'm going to → I'm gonna: the consonant t is often dropped in many other clusters and grammatical constructions as well (as in tryna, wanna etc). Here it's dropped and the vowel of to—which is usually a schwa [ə]—is linked with the preceding word; going to → gonna: [ˈɡəʊɪ̃ŋtə] → [ˈgə̃nə]\n\n* Deletion of the /g/: plosives (/g t d k/ etc) require great effort to articulate (the air is completely blocked and then released), so people dropped the plosive /g/ to make its articulation easier: [aɪ̃m gə̃nə] → [aɪ̃m ə̃nə] (i'm ana)\n\n* linking I'm and gonna: In causal and connected speech, consonants and vowels are often linked by a process called liaison, so both I'm and gonna join together and become [aɪ̃mə̃nə] (i'mana).\n\n* Syncope of the vowel in the second syllable: Unstressed schwas are often lost through syncope (for example, 'chocolate' is choc.late for most speakers). If we removed the schwa from the second syllable, we'd get [aɪmnə] (i'mna).\n\n* Deletion of /n/: It's simple cluster reduction. In English, two nasals that are next to each other are often reduced to a single nasal (as in damn), so the /n/ is deleted, yielding in this case [aɪ̃mə] (i'ma). Or people dropped the /n/ for the sake of ease.\n\nSome people further reduce the diphthong [aɪ] it to something like [a], which results in [ãmə] (ama)\nThat's why people spell it that way. It's highly informal and as TypeIA pointed out in a comment, it's mostly a verbal thing and is not usually found in written form. It's commonly found in chatspeak or lolspeak. You shouldn't write it in any kind of writing." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to prevent \"Delhi Belly\" from eating/drinking locally?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Basically, you can't.\nThe world is full of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, even in developed, First World nations. There are some decent steps to trying to minimize your exposure:\n\n* Properly cooked foods. Everything heated to a proper internal temperature (depends on the dish, check the USDA's site for guidelines), no sampling the raw chicken dish, etc.\n* For fruits and veg, if you can't peel it, don't eat it. A tremendous number of GI outbreaks are due to fruit and veg, rather than meat. This includes things like salads - since you can't really peel lettuce, avoid it.\n* Check if the local water is safe. When in doubt, assume it isn't. You can stick to bottled water, though there's always the distinct chance its being bottled from a contaminated source. Coke/Pepsi etc., and beer are good alternatives. Little known fact, the Coca-Cola company is hugely involved in clean water programs worldwide, because they need it for their product.\n* Ice. Ice is bad. Its probably made using the local tap-water, and there are many beasties that can survive an encounter with an ice machine.\n\nBut when it comes down to it, nearly every traveller makes some sort of safe-eating \"mistake\" fairly frequently, whether they realize it or not. At the end of the day, your best bet is to talk to your travel physician, and see if you can get a prescription for an antibiotic. Using that in combination with something like Imodium will probably keep your trip mostly on track - shutting down the problem long enough for the antibiotics to treat the source. Unless of course its viral - norovirus, rotavirus etc. In that event, best of luck.\nAnd if it does happen? Stay hydrated. You're losing salts and water, they need to be replaced." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm working at my first programming job. My boss is a very smart software engineer, and I feel\nlike I have very little to offer compared to him. Problem is, he is always busy, and needs someone to help him out. I feel like I'm not good enough, but I still want to succeed. I want to be a great programmer.\nWhat can I do to impress him?\nThank you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Remember the scene in Aladdin where Aladdin wants to impress Jasmine, and the genie tells him he'd do better to just focus on being himself? Same principle here.\nIf the boss is that much better than you and you know it, he probably knows it too. He isn't expecting any great feats of programming rock-stardom out of you. Since this is your first job, he most likely hired you because he saw the potential to become a good coder in you. So if you really want to impress him, learn. Learn the language, learn the system you're working on, learn the ins and outs and dark corners. Focus on learning correct principles, learning them well and learning them quickly, in that order.\nAnd remember that part of learning is copying knowledge that other people already have. Don't be afraid to ask questions, either of your coworkers or on StackOverflow, or research things on Google. Whatever you do, don't pretend you know something when you really don't, in an effort to avoid seeming dumb. Any good developer will notice quickly, and that will make you look even stupider in their eyes. Humility tends to still be considered a virtue among engineers.\nDo a good job at that and it'll impress the boss." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can I pass variables to a GNU Makefile as command line arguments? In other words, I want to pass some arguments which will eventually become variables in the Makefile." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You have several options to set up variables from outside your makefile:\n\n* From environment - each environment variable is transformed into a makefile variable with the same name and value.\nYou may also want to set ```-e``` option (aka ```--environments-override```) on, and your environment variables will override assignments made into makefile (unless these assignments themselves use the ```override``` directive . However, it's not recommended, and it's much better and flexible to use ```?=``` assignment (the conditional variable assignment operator, it only has an effect if the variable is not yet defined):\n```FOO?=default_value_if_not_set_in_environment\n```\nNote that certain variables are not inherited from environment:\n\n* ```MAKE``` is gotten from name of the script\n* ```SHELL``` is either set within a makefile, or defaults to ```/bin/sh``` (rationale: commands are specified within the makefile, and they're shell-specific).\n\n* From command line - ```make``` can take variable assignments as part of his command line, mingled with targets:\n```make target FOO=bar\n```\nBut then all assignments to ```FOO``` variable within the makefile will be ignored unless you use the ```override``` directive in assignment. (The effect is the same as with ```-e``` option for environment variables).\n* Exporting from the parent Make - if you call Make from a Makefile, you usually shouldn't explicitly write variable assignments like this:\n```# Don't do this!\ntarget:\n $(MAKE) -C target CC=$(CC) CFLAGS=$(CFLAGS)\n```\nInstead, better solution might be to export these variables. Exporting a variable makes it into the environment of every shell invocation, and Make calls from these commands pick these environment variable as specified above.\n```# Do like this\nCFLAGS=-g\nexport CFLAGS\ntarget:\n $(MAKE) -C target\n```\nYou can also export all variables by using ```export``` without arguments." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have noticed that some games quote the requirement for \"pixel shader 3.0 or better\". \nWhat is a pixel shader and is it some software requirements or hardware requirements?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Simple answer\nPixel shaders are tiny programs that can do operations on a single pixel on the screen, as opposed to geometry shaders and vertex shaders which work on the geometrical primitives (triangles) that make up everything you see on the screen. The most common use for pixel shaders is 'shading', approximation to real world lighting. Commonly used shading model is Phong.\nPixel shaders are executed on your video card, so your video card needs to support them. Each new version provides more capabilities, so an older video card will not run newer shaders. A new version of the pixel shader specification (e.g. Pixel Shader 3.0) is usually released for each new version of DirectX (more accurately, Direct3D).\nSoftware Requirements\nYou need to have the correct version of Direct3D (or OpenGL) installed in order to use the shaders. For example, Pixel Shader 4.0 requires at least Direct3D 10. Normally you don't have to worry about this, every game that uses Direct3D will install the correct version for you when you install the game. The only exceptions are Direct3D 10 and later, which will not run on Windows XP or earlier. You will need at least Windows Vista in order to play a game that uses Direct3D 10 or 11.\nWikipedia provides a nice list of Pixel Shader versions, the version of Direct3D you need, and the types of graphics cards that work with them.\n\nTechnical answer\nThe 'standard' stages of a 3D rendering pipeline are as follows (somewhat simplified):\n\n* Transformation (Moving, rotating and scaling all the objects in the scene)\n* Lighting\n* Projection ('Squashing' the 3D world into a 2D plane)\n* Clipping (Removing anything outside the field of view)\n* Rasterising (Converting the vector graphics (triangles, etc) into raster graphics (pixels))\n* Texturing\n* Display\n\nPixel Shaders are used as an alternative to the standard texturing phase. During rasterisation, each triangle is converted into pixels. These pixels do not have their final colour yet, but the do have a bunch of parameters associated with them. These include base colour, texture coordinates, lighting information, etc. The Pixel Shader is a small program that takes these parameters and uses them to calculate the final colour as it is displayed on the screen. The Pixel Shader has access to all texture data, and can use them to do interesting things such as blending two textures (to create a 'dirty' look), using a texture as a bump map (to simulate a relief), or to simulate reflections.\nHardware\nOn the hardware side, Pixel Shaders are executed on 'Shader Units', small processors on your GPU. Each Shader Unit is basically a very simple CPU, but a modern video card may contain thousands of these things (an AMD Radeon HD6990 contains over 3000). Older GPUs had different Shader Units for different tasks: Pixel Shaders were executed on different parts of the system than Vertex Shaders. Modern GPUs have so called 'unified shader units' which can perform all of these operations." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Red light facing forwards? It was nighttime in Manhattan. Isn't more always better when it comes to being seen?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No. You should always ride with a white light facing forward and a red light facing backwards. If you want additional illumination, you can add multiple white/red lights in the appropriate direction. Amber/yellow lights can be used facing any direction for additional visibility. \nThe first reason is that it's the law:\n\n (a) Every bicycle when in use during the period from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible during hours of darkness from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front and with a red or amber light visible to the rear for three hundred feet. Effective July first, nineteen hundred seventy-six, at least one of these lights shall be visible for two hundred feet from each side.\n\nMore importantly for your safety though, the color of a light conveys a certain meaning. Drivers, pedestrians, and other cyclists associate the color red with a taillight and the color white with a headlight. If you put the wrong color facing the wrong direction, people may think you are traveling the opposite direction. Imagine a car is pulling out of a driveway and sees a red bike light flashing to their left. They may assume that means a bike is moving away from them on the left. If they then pull out of the driveway and you're really moving towards them, you could get hit. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "If water is not a good conductor, why are we advised to avoid water near electricity (no wet hands near circuits etc.)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": ""Pure" water is a very poor conductor (resistivity is actually used as a measure of purity).\n"Real" water is not pure - it contains electrolytes and is quite conductive. Also - when your skin is wet, its resistivity is significantly lower.\nFor example - "pure" water has a resistivity of (about) 18.2 M$\\Omega\\cdot\\rm{cm}$. With 10 ppm of dissolved NaCl ("very good quality tap water" would have less than 50 ppm), the resistivity drops to about $43~\\rm{k\\Omega\\cdot cm}$\n\nA lot of detail can be found in "Conduction of Electrical Current to and Through the Human Body: A Review" (Fish and Geddes, ePlasty 2009, 9, e44). \n\n> Why immersion in water can be fatal with very low voltages\n* Immersion wets the skin very effectively and great lowers skin resistance per unit area\n* Contact area is a large percentage of the entire body surface area\n* Electric current may also enter the body through mucous membranes, such as the mouth and throat\n* The human body is very sensitive to electricity. Very small amounts of current can cause loss of ability to swim, respiratory arrest and cardiac arrest" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the difference between cohesion and coupling?\nHow can coupling and cohesion lead to either good or poor software design?\nWhat are some examples that outline the difference between the two, and their impact on overall code quality?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cohesion refers to what the class (or module) can do. Low cohesion would mean that the class does a great variety of actions - it is broad, unfocused on what it should do. High cohesion means that the class is focused on what it should be doing, i.e. only methods relating to the intention of the class.\nExample of Low Cohesion:\n```-------------------\n| Staff |\n-------------------\n| checkEmail() |\n| sendEmail() |\n| emailValidate() |\n| PrintLetter() |\n-------------------\n```\nExample of High Cohesion:\n```----------------------------\n| Staff |\n----------------------------\n| -salary |\n| -emailAddr |\n----------------------------\n| setSalary(newSalary) |\n| getSalary() |\n| setEmailAddr(newEmail) |\n| getEmailAddr() |\n----------------------------\n```\nAs for coupling, it refers to how related or dependent two classes/modules are toward each other. For low coupled classes, changing something major in one class should not affect the other. High coupling would make it difficult to change and maintain your code; since classes are closely knit together, making a change could require an entire system revamp.\nGood software design has ***high cohesion*** and ***low coupling***." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can Romex (NM-B) cable be run through conduit?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, NM (Romex) cable can be in conduit. In fact, National Electrical Code (NEC() calls for it to be in conduit, when protection from physical damage is required. But it really isn't worth it.\n\n## It's a nightmare to pull\nNM (Romex) is already solid wire except in the large sizes, and now you have 3-4 wires bound together. You are trying to pull this around maybe 14\" radius elbows, and if the NM gets twists in it (it always does), it really drags in those places. It's just a stiff, miserable pull - enough to \"put you off conduit forever\" - which is a shame, because conduit is wonderful when using easy-to-pull stranded wire.\n\nPulling this stiff cable increases the risk of damaging the cable. What's more, \"cable in conduit\" is often a newbie who chooses cable simply because he is unaware that wire comes in any other forms. Which leads to more risk of damage still.\n\n## It requires ridiculously large conduit\nYou still have to calculate and respect conduit fill rules, and those are very punishing toward cable. Most cable is oblong, and the rules say you use the largest dimension and treat it as a circular wire of that dimension.\n\n* For a single \"wire\", you are allowed 53% conduit fill. That means the conduit ID must be at least 137% of the large cross-section of the cable. That's not so bad, but...\n* For two \"wires\", you're only allowed 31% fill. That's to protect the wires from binding. That means the conduit ID must be at least 2.54 times the cable large dimension.\n* For three \"wires\", you're allowed 40% fill. That means the conduit must be at least 2.74 times the cable width (at 3 wires), larger for more wires.\n\nFor instance, someone wanted to squeeze three #6 cables through a 1\" conduit. Now this is \"easy peasy\" with 6 individual #6 THHN wires and 3 bare #10 grounds. However, with three #6 UF cables, the conduit size needed to be 3\" instead of 1\". Whoa.\n\nYou are certainly allowed to do it, but you will be using rather enormous conduit, and you will have a hard time pulling." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Let's say I have a function which takes an ```std::function```:\n```void callFunction(std::function x)\n{\n x();\n}\n```\nShould I pass ```x``` by const-reference instead?:\n```void callFunction(const std::function& x)\n{\n x();\n}\n```\nDoes the answer to this question change depending on what the function does with it? For example if it is a class member function or constructor which stores or initializes the ```std::function``` into a member variable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you want performance, pass by value if you are storing it.\n\nSuppose you have a function called \"run this in the UI thread\".\n```std::future run_in_ui_thread( std::function )\n```\nwhich runs some code in the \"ui\" thread, then signals the ```future``` when done. (Useful in UI frameworks where the UI thread is where you are supposed to mess with UI elements)\nWe have two signatures we are considering:\n```std::future run_in_ui_thread( std::function ) // (A)\nstd::future run_in_ui_thread( std::function const& ) // (B)\n```\n\nNow, we are likely to use these as follows:\n```run_in_ui_thread( [=]{\n // code goes here\n} ).wait();\n```\nwhich will create an anonymous closure (a lambda), construct a ```std::function``` out of it, pass it to the ```run_in_ui_thread``` function, then wait for it to finish running in the main thread.\nIn case (A), the ```std::function``` is directly constructed from our lambda, which is then used within the ```run_in_ui_thread```. The lambda is ```move```d into the ```std::function```, so any movable state is efficiently carried into it.\nIn the second case, a temporary ```std::function``` is created, the lambda is ```move```d into it, then that temporary ```std::function``` is used by reference within the ```run_in_ui_thread```.\nSo far, so good -- the two of them perform identically. Except the ```run_in_ui_thread``` is going to make a copy of its function argument to send to the ui thread to execute! (it will return before it is done with it, so it cannot just use a reference to it). For case (A), we simply ```move``` the ```std::function``` into its long-term storage. In case (B), we are forced to copy the ```std::function```.\nThat store makes passing by value more optimal. If there is any possibility you are storing a copy of the ```std::function```, pass by value. Otherwise, either way is roughly equivalent: the only downside to by-value is if you are taking the same bulky ```std::function``` and having one sub method after another use it. Barring that, a ```move``` will be as efficient as a ```const&```.\nNow, there are some other differences between the two that mostly kick in if we have persistent state within the ```std::function```.\nAssume that the ```std::function``` stores some object with a ```operator() const```, but it also has some ```mutable``` data members which it modifies (how rude!).\nIn the ```std::function const&``` case, the ```mutable``` data members modified will propagate out of the function call. In the ```std::function``` case, they won't.\nThis is a relatively strange corner case.\nYou want to treat ```std::function``` like you would any other possibly heavy-weight, cheaply movable type. Moving is cheap, copying can be expensive." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have an Eloquent model which has a related model:\n```public function option() {\n return $this->hasOne('RepairOption', 'repair_item_id');\n}\npublic function setOptionArrayAttribute($values)\n{\n $this->option->update($values);\n}\n```\nWhen I create the model, it does not necessarily have a related model. When I update it, I might add an option, or not.\nSo I need to check if the related model exists, to either update it, or create it, respectively:\n```$model = RepairItem::find($id);\nif (Input::has('option')) {\n if () {\n $option = new RepairOption(Input::get('option'));\n $option->repairItem()->associate($model);\n $option->save();\n $model->fill(Input::except('option');\n } else {\n $model->update(Input::all());\n }\n};\n```\nWhere `````` is the code I am looking for." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A Relation object passes unknown method calls through to an Eloquent query Builder, which is set up to only select the related objects. That Builder in turn passes unknown method calls through to its underlying query Builder.\nThis means you can use the ```exists()``` or ```count()``` methods directly from a relation object:\n```$model->relation()->exists(); // bool: true if there is at least one row\n$model->relation()->count(); // int: number of related rows\n```\nNote the parentheses after ```relation```: ```->relation()``` is a function call (getting the relation object), as opposed to ```->relation``` which a magic property getter set up for you by Laravel (getting the related object/objects).\nUsing the ```count``` method on the relation object (that is, using the parentheses) will be much faster than doing ```$model->relation->count()``` or ```count($model->relation)``` (unless the relation has already been eager-loaded) since it runs a count query rather than pulling all of the data for any related objects from the database, just to count them. Likewise, using ```exists``` doesn't need to pull model data either.\nBoth ```exists()``` and ```count()``` work on all relation types I've tried, so at least ```belongsTo```, ```hasOne```, ```hasMany```, and ```belongsToMany```." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "NASA is hiring a new 'planetary protection officer' to defend Earth from alien matter, and the pay is a six-figure salary: as much as $187,000 a year.\nWhen we are not sure whether aliens exist, why are we still hiring staff for protecting Earth? I do understand we have to take precautions. But when we don't have any proof why spend $187,000 a year?\nSource: Nasa [sic] hiring new 'planetary protection officer' to defend Earth from alien matter - Times of India, Aug 3, 2017" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're observing shamefully bad journalism. The "protect Earth from aliens" bullet point in the "Highlights" section of the article was put there by an editor who either ignorantly or willfully distorted the actual role of the Planetary Protection Officer.\nThe first paragraph of the story gets a little closer:\n\nThe full-time role of "planetary protection officer" will involve ensuring that humans in space do not contaminate planets and moons, as well as ensuring that alien matter does not infect Earth.\n\n"Planetary Protection Officer" isn't a new position; the current one is retiring. The primary focus of the planetary protection office is sterilizing probes that are going to other planets and moons. This is done both to preserve any existing life elsewhere in the solar system from Terran competition, and so that if and when we find life on other bodies, we will know we didn't bring it ourselves.\nPreventing microbes from other worlds reaching Earth is also a concern, for similar reasons.\nDeveloping and implementing the policies of the planetary protection office is a complex job requiring a broad array of both technical and human skills, and so a $187K salary is not remarkable for it:\n\nCandidates will be required to travel frequently — but like any job, there will be a significant amount of emails, proposals and other reading.\nCandidates must have at least one year's experience as a top-level civilian government employee, and an advanced degree in physical science, engineering or mathematics. They must also have "advanced knowledge" of planetary protection.\nThe position also requires "demonstrated skills in diplomacy that resulted in win-win solutions during extremely difficult and complex multilateral discussions". The new hire will also receive "secret" security clearance. Only US citizens and US nationals can apply.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Traditional advice for making megadungeons in older versions of D&D is in addition to any rooms with Monsters, Treasure, Traps, or \"Tricks\", there should also be at least 50 to 60 percent \"Empty\" rooms, which contain nothing overtly threatening or valuable. Now, there's several arguments for including these empty rooms that I buy, so I'm not going to accept any answer which primarily says, \"Don't include empty rooms\". The main issue I run into with empty rooms, however, is that they're boring in the way that I've been including them. They don't do their job of increasing tension, and the set dressing included around them hasn't been sufficiently interesting to my players either. My question is this: How can I make empty rooms interesting, by increasing tension or simply being interesting in and of themselves?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "By definition, nothing's going to happen in an empty room (though see below). There are no hidden doors to find, no puzzles to solve, no enemies to fight. So what's their purpose?\n\n## Bringing the dungeon to life\nWhile all the orcs may sit around in a guard room waiting for PCs to show up, where do they sleep, what do they eat, what happens to their trash? Think of a dungeon not just as a place to have fights in, but as an actual place that serves a purpose. Once you do, the dungeon will start making sense. "Empty" rooms will increase immersion for the players, and force you to consider things you may not have otherwise. Should there be a pet otyugh that eats the trash? Are the orcs demanding cows from the local farmers for "protection"? Do they keep a famed halfling cook enslaved, to make them rare steaks?\n\n## Foreshadowing\nOnce the dungeon makes sense, you can use that to place clues for things that dwell deeper within. Has a horde of zombies marched through to guard the necromancer's abode within, and left a few rotten body parts here and there? Has a malevolent force been summoned and spoiled all the meat and milk in the dungeon? Is there a golem maintenance station, with oil to grease them, rags to polish them, and a mad goblin mechanic? These may be vital clues PCs need to prepare for a tough fight, or they can simply let them form theories and feel smart about being right once they do come upon a golem or three.\n\n#Currently empty\nThese rooms are empty now, but they don't have to stay that way. PCs may choose to fortify a room and bring the enemy to them - such tactical choices could be an important part of dungeoncrawling. Orcs may chase PCs through the dungeon, or randomly come across them in a kitchen because they were feeling peckish.\nNote that some of these ideas would introduce creatures or things into rooms that PCs may choose to interact with, which would make them non-empty. In a way that's fine: you started with an empty room but found something interesting to put inside after all. If that's not your intention, well, don't put goblins or halflings or otyughs in. Stick to body parts and greasy pots and shadowy portraits and bloodstains and scent of brimstone and fresh flowers and broken mirrors and...\n\nTell a story with your empty rooms, or offer tactical choices. Preferably both." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Laravel - Eloquent \"Has\", \"With\", \"WhereHas\" - What do they mean? explain in the context of an example" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With\n```with()``` is for eager loading. That basically means, along the main model, Laravel will preload the relationship(s) you specify. This is especially helpful if you have a collection of models and you want to load a relation for all of them. Because with eager loading you run only one additional DB query instead of one for every model in the collection.\nExample:\n```User > hasMany > Post```\n```$users = User::with('posts')->get();\nforeach($users as $user){\n $users->posts; // posts is already loaded and no additional DB query is run\n}\n```\n\nHas\n```has()``` is to filter the selecting model based on a relationship. So it acts very similarly to a normal WHERE condition. If you just use ```has('relation')``` that means you only want to get the models that have at least one related model in this relation.\nExample:\n```User > hasMany > Post```\n```$users = User::has('posts')->get();\n// only users that have at least one post are contained in the collection\n```\n\nWhereHas\n```whereHas()``` works basically the same as ```has()``` but allows you to specify additional filters for the related model to check.\nExample:\n```User > hasMany > Post```\n```$users = User::whereHas('posts', function($q){\n $q->where('created_at', '>=', '2015-01-01 00:00:00');\n})->get();\n// only users that have posts from 2015 on forward are returned\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are some of the advantages of using one over the other?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "ASP.NET Web Forms and MVC are two web frameworks developed by Microsoft - they are both good choices. Neither of the web frameworks are to be replaced by the other nor are there plans to have them 'merged' into a single framework. Continued support and development are done in parallel by Microsoft and neither will be 'going away'.\nEach of these web frameworks offers advantages/disadvantages - some of which need to be considered when developing a web application. A web application can be developed using either technology - it might make development for a particular application easier selecting one technology versus the other and vice versa.\nASP.NET Web Forms:\n\n* Development supports state\n• Gives the illusion that a web application is aware of what the user has been doing, similar to Windows applications. I.e. Makes 'wizard' functionality a little bit easier to implement. Web forms does a great job at hiding a lot of that complexity from the developer.\n* Rapid Application Development (RAD)\n• The ability to just 'jump in' and start delivering web forms. This is disputed by some of the MVC community, but pushed by Microsoft. In the end, it comes down to the level of expertise of the developer and what they are comfortable with. The web forms model probably has less of a learning curve to less experienced developers.\n* Larger control toolbox\n• ASP.NET Web Forms offers a much greater and more robust toolbox (web controls) whereas MVC offers a more primitive control set relying more on rich client-side controls via jQuery (Javascript).\n* Mature\n• It's been around since 2002 and there is an abundance of information with regards to questions, problems, etc. Offers more third-party control - need to consider your existing toolkits.\n\nASP.NET MVC:\n\n* Separation of concerns (SoC)\n• From a technical standpoint, the organization of code within MVC is very clean, organized and granular, making it easier (hopefully) for a web application to scale in terms of functionality. Promotes great design from a development standpoint.\n* Easier integration with client side tools (rich user interface tools)\n• More than ever, web applications are increasingly becoming as rich as the applications you see on your desktops. With MVC, it gives you the ability to integrate with such toolkits (such as jQuery) with greater ease and more seamless than in Web Forms.\n* Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Friendly / Stateless\n• URL's are more friendly to search engines (i.e. mywebapplication.com/users/ 1 - retrieve user with an ID of 1 vs mywebapplication/users/getuser.aspx (id passed in session)). Similarly, since MVC is stateless, this removes the headache of users who spawn multiple web browsers from the same window (session collisions). Along those same lines, MVC adheres to the stateless web protocol rather than 'battling' against it.\n* Works well with developers who need high degree of control\n• Many controls in ASP.NET web forms automatically generate much of the raw HTML you see when an page is rendered. This can cause headaches for developers. With MVC, it lends itself better towards having complete control with what is rendered and there are no surprises. Even more important, is that the HTML forms typically are much smaller than the Web forms which can equate to a performance boost - something to seriously consider.\n* Test Driven Development (TDD)\n• With MVC, you can more easily create tests for the web side of things. An additional layer of testing will provide yet another layer of defense against unexpected behavior.\n\nAuthentication, authorization, configuration, compilation and deployment are all features that are shared between the two web frameworks." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What factors determine the maximum altitude for a plane?\nIs it limited by wing design, engine thrust, and so on?\nIs there a formula by which one can calculate the maximum altitude a plane can reach?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The higher you get, the lower the density of the air becomes. This lower density results in a lower lift being generated for the same airspeed and angle of attack. Effectively, the higher you fly the higher your minimum speed becomes. So while climbing, your speed needs to increase to compensate for the lower air density. As long a you can fly faster, the lower density at altitude can be compensated for. \nBasically there are two things that limit your maximum speed: thrust and speed of sound and with that your maximum altitude.\nFirst is thrust; the higher you get, the lower the thrust your engines deliver. You might note that drag goes down with the air density as well but since you are flying faster and faster during the climb the drag doesn't decrease at all. If your maximum altitude is limited by thrust then at some point during the climb the thrust and drag are getting close to equal and that is where the climb stops. When you can no longer climb with more than 100ft per minute (for propeller aircraft) or 500ft per minute (for jet / turbofan aircraft) you have reached your service ceiling. If the aircraft maximum altitude is determined by thrust, the absolute ceiling will take very long to reach. \nAt high altitudes air breathing engines will get difficulties eventually. Due to the lower air density the mass flow through the engine is reduced up to a point where it causes a flame out. \nThe other limitation is the speed of sound, at least for subsonic aircraft. In the process of generating lift, air flowing over the top of the wing is accelerated. At one point, when the aircraft is still flying below the speed of sound, shock waves will start to form over the wing. This results in increase of drag and reduces the lift. So provided you have enough engine power at your disposal you can climb to an altitude where your minimum speed is also your maximum speed. This is called the coffin corner. In the coffin corner:\n\n* if you fly any faster, you will exceed the maximum Mach number ($M_{mo}$) of your aircraft, resulting in high speed buffet, vibrations and possible loss of control. \n* if you fly any slower, the maximum lift that the wing can provide will be insufficient to maintain altitude. Descent or the aircraft will stall. \n* if you fly any higher and you will be too fast and too slow at the same time. \n* if you turn, you increase the wing loading, thereby increasing the minimum speed needed to create the required lift. Also the outer wing will easily exceed the maximum speed while at the same time the inner wing is below stall speed. This can quickly develop into a spin. \n\nSince accurate knowledge of engine performance, drag and wing characteristics of the aircraft is needed, there is not a simple formula to derive the maximum altitude for an aircraft. \n\nApart from the aircraft performance related limitations above there is a certified maximum operating altitude for the pressurized cabin. This takes into account the structural properties of the hull (pressure difference between inside and outside) and the achievable emergency descent rate in case of a depressurization event." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why did the Typescript folks create the ```infer``` keyword?\nAccording to the documents, this is an example of how you would use it:\n```type ReturnType = T extends (...args: any[]) => infer R ? R : any;\n```\nI don't understand why this is needed. Why can't it just be:\n```type ReturnType = T extends (...args: any[]) => R ? R : any;\n```\nWhy doesn't this work? Why is the ```infer``` keyword necessary ?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "With ```infer```, the compiler ensures that you have declared all type variables explicitly:\n```type MyType = T extends infer R ? R : never;\ntype T1 = MyType // T1 is { b: string; }\n```\nHere we declare a new type variable ```R``` in ```MyType```, which gets inferred from ```T```.\n(Note, that ```infer``` is always used within the ```extends``` clause of a conditional type.)\nUsage of undeclared type parameters now can result in a compile error:\n```type MyType2 = T extends R2 ? R2 : never; // error, R2 undeclared\n```\nWithout ```infer```, the compiler wouldn't know, if you wanted to introduce an additional type variable ```R2``` that is to be inferred (see first case), or if ```R2``` is just an accidental typing error/typo. ```infer``` exists to remove this ambiguity.\nMore precisely the compiler checks, if ```T``` is assignable to ```R``` , when ```infer``` is omitted:\n```type R = { a: number }\ntype MyType3 = T extends R ? R : never; // compare T with type R\ntype T3 = MyType3 // T3 is never\n```\nNote, that ```infer R``` shadows type references of an equally-named type declaration ```R```:\n```type R = { a: number }\ntype MyType4 = T extends infer R ? R : never;\ntype T4 = MyType4 // { b: string; }\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Which is more widely supported: ```window.onload``` or ```document.onload```?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When do they fire?\n```window.onload```\n\n* By default, it is fired when the entire page loads, including its content (images, CSS, scripts, etc.).\n\nIn some browsers it now takes over the role of ```document.onload``` and fires when the DOM is ready as well.\n```document.onload```\n\n* It is called when the DOM is ready which can be prior to images and other external content is loaded.\n\nHow well are they supported?\n```window.onload``` appears to be the most widely supported. In fact, some of the most modern browsers have in a sense replaced ```document.onload``` with ```window.onload```.\nBrowser support issues are most likely the reason why many people are starting to use libraries such as jQuery to handle the checking for the document being ready, like so:\n```$(document).ready(function() { /* code here */ });\n$(function() { /* code here */ });\n```\n\nFor the purpose of history. ```window.onload``` vs ```body.onload```:\n\n A similar question was asked on codingforums a while\n back regarding the usage of ```window.onload``` over ```body.onload```. The\n result seemed to be that you should use ```window.onload``` because it is\n good to separate your structure from the action.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I was surprised to learn that Puerto Ricans, despite living in a US territory, were not entitled to vote in the presidential elections.\nI was even more surprised to learn that US citizens are allowed to vote for president from anywhere in the world - EXCEPT if they happen to live in Puerto Rico.\nWhat is the legal/political rationale behind this? What is it about Puerto Rico that magically removes one's right to vote? Has anyone ever challenged this?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is a peculiarity as a result of the federal nature of the USA and the exceptional position of Puerto Rico as a territory but not a state. Within the States and Territories of the USA, your voting rights depend on residence. If you leave the States and Territories your voting rights depend on former residence or inheritance.\n\nIn general most citizens of the USA are also citizens of a state of the USA. Since states don't issue their own passports, your citizenship of a state is determined by residence. If a New Yorker moves to Florida, they become Floridians, and so can vote in state elections in Florida, but can't now vote in elections in New York.\n\nNow if our New Yorker moves to Timbuktu, this is treated slightly differently. They remain a US citizen and a citizen of New York, and so retain the right to vote in New York elections. Their children could also claim New York citizenship.\n\nBut Puerto Rico is both part of the USA but not a State or part of a State of the USA. When our New Yorker moves to Puerto Rico, they can vote in Puerto Rican elections but not elections in New York.\n\nNow the nature of elections in the US is that there are no national elections There are statewide elections of Senators, Governors and Presidential electors. There are district elections of Representatives and there are local elections of many kinds. Our New Yorker has lost the right to vote in New York elections (just as they would have done if they had moved to Florida) but not gained the right to vote in Puerto Rican elections for Presidential electors (because there are none).\n\nThis is odd, but something similar is true if the New Yorker moves to DC. They cease to have the right to vote in elections to the Senate." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Suppose I wrote that I will be killed by a UFO falling from space in the year 2315 while I am lifting.\nWill the Note increase my lifespan? In other words, will I still be alive by then? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No. There are some rules that prevent this. From the Rules of the Death Note wiki:\n\n1. The 23-days rule\n\n How to use: XXVII\n \n * [...]\n * If you write, “die of disease” for the cause of death, but only write a specific time of death without the actual name of disease, the human will die from an adequate disease. But the Death Note can only operate within 23 days (in the human calendar). This is called the 23-day rule.\n \n\n2. Situation/cause of death is impossible \n\n How to Use: LIV\n \n * [...] \n * In the occasion where the cause of death is possible but the situation is not, only the cause of death will take effect for that victim. If both the cause and the situation are impossible, that victim will die of heart attack.\n\nWhile an UFO falling on your head is technically unlikely, but not impossible, the fact that you'll be naturally alive by 2315 is impossible. You'll just shorten your life, not make it longer.\n\n3. Setting death after original lifespan\n\n How to Use: LVII\n \n * In the Death Note, you cannot set the death date longer than the victim’s original life span. Even if the victim’s death is set in the Death Note beyond his/her original life span, the victim will die before the set time.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have an Affa Protector enchanted with Unhallowed Pact ... My opponent kills my Affa with Dread Slaver ...\nWho will take control of the creature at the end? This is taking into consideration that my aura spell was cast 5 turns ago. Meaning my aura spell is NOT on the stack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It depends on whose turn it is.\nBoth abilities trigger at the same time, and so will be put on the stack together. Abilities are put on the stack in APNAP (Active Player, Non-Active Player) order.* This means that the player whose turn it is puts their ability on the stack, then the other player does. That second player's ability will resolve first, returning the creature to the battlefield. When the other ability tries to resolve, it fails to find the creature in the graveyard and thus can't return it.\nThus whoever's the active player won't end up with the creature. For multiplayer games where there are multiple NAPs they are put on the stack in turn order starting from the AP, so the last player in turn order with such an effect would take precedence.\n\n* From the rules on Triggered Abilities:\n\n > 603.3b If multiple abilities have triggered since the last time a player received priority, each player, in APNAP order, puts triggered abilities he or she controls on the stack in any order he or she chooses. [...]\n\nThis works with any number of players, starting with the active player and passing around in turn order. In this case, the player furthest away from taking their turn (the last player to put their ability on the stack) would get the creature." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I've found that some people call JavaScript a \"dynamically, weakly typed\" language, but some even say \"untyped\"? Which is it really?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "strong/weak can be thought of in relation to how the compiler, if applicable, handles typing.\n\n* Weakly typed means the compiler, if applicable, doesn't enforce correct typing. Without implicit compiler interjection, the instruction will error during run-time.\n```\"12345\" * 1 === 12345 // string * number => number\n```\nStrongly typed means there is a compiler, and it wants you an explicit cast from string to integer.\n```(int) \"12345\" * 1 === 12345\n```\nIn either case, some compiler's features can implicitly alter the instruction during compile-time to do conversions for you, if it can determine that is the right thing to do.\nThus far, JavaScript can be categorized as Not-Strongly-Typed. That either means it's weakly-typed or un-typed.\n\ndynamic/static can be thought of in relation to how the language instructions manipulate types.\n\n* Dynamically typed means the value's type is enforced, but the variable simply represents any value of any type.\n```x = 12345; // number\nx = \"string\"; // string\nx = { key: \"value\" }; // object\ny = 123 + x; // error or implicit conversion must take place.\n```\nStatically typed means the variable type is strongly enforced, and the value type is less-so enforced.\n```int x = 12345; // binds x to the type int\nx = \"string\"; // too late, x is an integer - error\nstring y = 123; // error or implicit conversion must take place.\n```\nThus far, JavaScript can be categorized as Not-Statically-Typed. Also, it appears to be Dynamically Typed, if typed at all. So we need to see what Typing means.\n\nTyped means that the language distinguishes between different types such as string, number, boolean, object, array, null, undefined and so on. Also each operation is bound to specific types. So you cannot divide an integer by a string.\n``` 2 / \"blah\" // produces NaN\n```\nUntyped means the operation of dividing integer by string would result in treating the first four bytes of string as integer. This is because Untyped operations take place directly on bits, there are no types to observe. The outcome will be something quite unexpected:\n``` 2 / \"blah\" // will be treated as 2 / 1500275048\n```\nSince JavaScript behaves according to the definition of being Typed, it must be. And therefore it must be Dynamically Typed, and Weakly Typed.\nIf anybody claims JavaScript is Untyped, it is merely for academic theory, not for practical application." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I was fixing my laptop, and as you may know, laptops have a lot of small screws to take out when you are fixing it. One of the screws fell into the floor (the floor has carpet on it), and I was unable to follow the screw with my sight. If I don't follow the screw with my sight when it falls, there is a high chance that I will not see that screw again.\nMy question is: what kind of method, tool or hack can I use to find small screws that falls into the floor?\nI have tried using the tool with a magnet on the tip, that mechanics use to grab wrenches that falls in inaccessible areas, but had no luck finding the screw." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is why you should always have spare screws on hand. Fortunately, there is a way:\n\n## Light Method\nMost screws are silver. Shine a flashlight into the carpet and look for little silvery glints. This may take some time, but you'll probably find it. If your carpet is unnaturally thick...\n\n## Magnet Method\nTake a powerful magnet (like a bar magnet, hardware stores - fridge magnets might work) and run it over the surface where you think the screw is. You should find it. If that still fails...\n\n## Vacuum Method\nTake a good vacuum cleaner. Put a sock over the extending arm, and run it over where you think the screw is. The sock will prevent the screw from being vacuumed up, but it will be stuck to the sock. There will still be enough suction to pick up the screw, even with the sock. If not, get a new vacuum! If that fails...\n\n## Organize your screws\nThere are many useful tools to organize screws. Go to your local RadioShack and get one, or make one out of a magnet for that awesome lifehack feel.\n\n## Stop using carpet!\n[Not a "find your screws" method - a tip about not frying your computer]\nCarpet can cause static discharge, which is very very very bad for a computer (personal experience). Work on a hard floor with an antistatic strap to reduce the chance of frying your PC." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the difference between mutex and critical section? Please explain from Linux, Windows perspectives? \nI am programming in C#, would these two terms make a difference. Please post as much as you can, with examples and such....\nThanks" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From a theoretical perspective, a critical section is a piece of code that must not be run by multiple threads at once because the code accesses shared resources.\n\n* A mutex is an algorithm (and sometimes the name of a data structure) that is used to protect critical sections.\n* Semaphores and Monitors are common implementations of a mutex.\n\nIn practice there are many mutex implementation availiable in windows. They mainly differ as consequence of their implementation by their level of locking, their scopes, their costs, and their performance under different levels of contention. \n\nAvailiable synchronization primitives.\n\n* Monitor\n* Mutex\n* Semaphore\n* ReaderWriterLock\n* ReaderWriterLockSlim\n* Interlocked\n\nThe ```lock(object)``` statement is implemented using a ```Monitor``` - see MSDN for reference.\n\nIn the last years much research is done on non-blocking synchronization. The goal is to implement algorithms in a lock-free or wait-free way. In such algorithms a process helps other processes to finish their work so that the process can finally finish its work. In consequence a process can finish its work even when other processes, that tried to perform some work, hang. Usinig locks, they would not release their locks and prevent other processes from continuing." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the purpose of the single underscore \"_\" variable in Python? What is the meaning of ```_``` after ```for``` in this code?\n```if tbh.bag:\n n = 0\n for _ in tbh.bag.atom_set():\n n += 1\n```" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "```_``` has 3 main conventional uses in Python:\n\n1. To hold the result of the last executed expression in an interactive interpreter session (see docs). This precedent was set by the standard CPython interpreter, and other interpreters have followed suit.\n\n2. For translation lookup in i18n (see the gettext documentation for example), as in code like\n```raise forms.ValidationError(_("Please enter a correct username"))\n```\n\n3. As a general purpose "throwaway" variable name:\n\n* To indicate that part of a function result is being deliberately ignored (Conceptually, it is being discarded.), as in code like:\n```label, has_label, _ = text.partition(':')\n```\n\n* As part of a function definition (using either ```def``` or ```lambda```), where the signature is fixed (e.g. by a callback or parent class API), but this particular function implementation doesn't need all of the parameters, as in code like:\n```def callback(_):\n return True\n```\n\nThis use case can conflict with the translation lookup use case, so it is necessary to avoid using ```_``` as a throwaway variable in any code block that also uses it for i18n translation (many folks prefer a double-underscore, ```__```, as their throwaway variable for exactly this reason).\n\nLinters often recognize this use case. For example ```year, month, day = date()``` will raise a lint warning if ```day``` is not used later in the code. The fix, if ```day``` is truly not needed, is to write ```year, month, _ = date()```. Same with lambda functions, ```lambda arg: 1.0``` creates a function requiring one argument but not using it, which will be caught by lint. The fix is to write ```lambda _: 1.0```. An unused variable is often hiding a bug/typo (e.g. set ```day``` but use ```dya``` in the next line).\n\nThe pattern matching feature added in Python 3.10 elevated this usage from "convention" to "language syntax" where ```match``` statements are concerned: in match cases, ```_``` is a wildcard pattern, and the runtime doesn't even bind a value to the symbol in that case.\n\nFor other use cases, remember that ```_``` is still a valid variable name, and hence will still keep objects alive. In cases where this is undesirable (e.g. to release memory or external resources) an explicit ```del name``` call will both satisfy linters that the name is being used, and promptly clear the reference to the object." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the difference between doing:\n```ptr = malloc (MAXELEMS * sizeof(char *));\n```\nor:\n```ptr = calloc (MAXELEMS, sizeof(char*));\n```\nWhen is it a good idea to use calloc over malloc or vice versa?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "```calloc()``` gives you a zero-initialized buffer, while ```malloc()``` leaves the memory uninitialized.\nFor large allocations, most ```calloc``` implementations under mainstream OSes will get known-zeroed pages from the OS (e.g. via POSIX ```mmap(MAP_ANONYMOUS)``` or Windows ```VirtualAlloc```) so it doesn't need to write them in user-space. This is how normal ```malloc``` gets more pages from the OS as well; ```calloc``` just takes advantage of the OS's guarantee.\nThis means ```calloc``` memory can still be "clean" and lazily-allocated, and copy-on-write mapped to a system-wide shared physical page of zeros. (Assuming a system with virtual memory.) The effects are visible with performance experiments on Linux, for example.\nSome compilers even can optimize malloc + memset(0) into calloc for you, but it's best to just use calloc in the source if you want zeroed memory. (Or if you were trying to pre-fault it to avoid page faults later, that optimization will defeat your attempt.)\nIf you aren't going to ever read memory before writing it, use ```malloc``` so it can (potentially) give you dirty memory from its internal free list instead of getting new pages from the OS. (Or instead of zeroing a block of memory on the free list for a small allocation).\n\nEmbedded implementations of ```calloc``` may leave it up to ```calloc``` itself to zero memory if there's no OS, or it's not a fancy multi-user OS that zeros pages to stop information leaks between processes.\nOn embedded Linux, malloc could ```mmap(MAP_UNINITIALIZED|MAP_ANONYMOUS)```, which is only enabled for some embedded kernels because it's insecure on a multi-user system." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why would I want to use Kotlin's coroutines? It seems that the RxKotlin library is much more versatile. Kotlin's coroutines look significantly less powerful and more cumbersome to use in comparison. I base my opinion on coroutines on this design talk by Andrey Breslav (JetBrains) Slideshow from the talk is accessible here." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kotlin coroutines are different from Rx. It is hard to compare them apples-to-apples, because Kotlin coroutines are a thin language feature (with just a couple of basic concepts and a few basic functions to manipulate them), while Rx is a pretty heavy library with quite large variety of ready-to-use operators. Both are designed to address a problem of asynchronous programming, however their approach to solution is very different:\n\n* Rx comes with a particular functional style of programming that can be implemented in virtually any programming language without support from the language itself. It works well when the problem at hand easily decomposes into a sequence of standard operators and not so well otherwise.\n* Kotlin coroutines provide a language feature that let library writers implement various asynchronous programming styles, including, but not limited to functional reactive style (Rx). With Kotlin coroutines you can also write your asynchronous code in imperative style, in promise/futures-based style, in actor-style, etc. \n\nIt is more appropriate to compare Rx with some specific libraries that are implemented based on Kotlin coroutines. \nTake kotlinx.coroutines library as one example. This library provides a set of primitives like ```async/await``` and channels that are typically baked into other programming languages. It also has support for light-weight future-less actors. You can read more in the Guide to kotlinx.coroutines by example.\nChannels provided by ```kotlinx.coroutines``` can replace or augment Rx in certain use-cases. There is a separate Guide to reactive streams with coroutines that goes deeper into similarities and differences with Rx. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do I get a ```PriorityQueue``` to sort on what I want it to sort on?\nAlso, is there a difference between the ```offer``` and ```add``` methods?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Java 8 solution\nWe can use ```lambda expression``` or ```method reference``` introduced in Java 8. In case we have some String values stored in the Priority Queue (having capacity 5) we can provide inline comparator (based on length of String) : \nUsing lambda expression\n```PriorityQueue pq=\n new PriorityQueue(5,(a,b) -> a.length() - b.length());\n```\nUsing Method reference\n```PriorityQueue pq=\n new PriorityQueue(5, Comparator.comparing(String::length));\n```\nThen we can use any of them as:\n```public static void main(String[] args) {\n PriorityQueue pq=\n new PriorityQueue(5, (a,b) -> a.length() - b.length());\n // or pq = new PriorityQueue(5, Comparator.comparing(String::length));\n pq.add(\"Apple\");\n pq.add(\"PineApple\");\n pq.add(\"Custard Apple\");\n while (pq.size() != 0)\n {\n System.out.println(pq.remove());\n }\n }\n```\nThis will print:\n```Apple\nPineApple\nCustard Apple\n```\nTo reverse the order (to change it to max-priority queue) simply change the order in inline comparator or use ```reversed``` as:\n```PriorityQueue pq = new PriorityQueue(5,\n Comparator.comparing(String::length).reversed());\n```\nWe can also use ```Collections.reverseOrder```:\n```PriorityQueue pqInt = new PriorityQueue(10, Collections.reverseOrder());\nPriorityQueue pq = new PriorityQueue(5,\n Collections.reverseOrder(Comparator.comparing(String::length))\n```\nSo we can see that ```Collections.reverseOrder``` is overloaded to take comparator which can be useful for custom objects. The ```reversed``` actually uses ```Collections.reverseOrder```:\n```default Comparator reversed() {\n return Collections.reverseOrder(this);\n}\n```\noffer() vs add()\nAs per the doc \n\n > The offer method inserts an element if possible, otherwise returning false. This differs from the Collection.add method, which can fail to add an element only by throwing an unchecked exception. The offer method is designed for use when failure is a normal, rather than exceptional occurrence, for example, in fixed-capacity (or \"bounded\") queues.\n\nWhen using a capacity-restricted queue, offer() is generally preferable to add(), which can fail to insert an element only by throwing an exception. And PriorityQueue is an unbounded priority queue based on a priority heap." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I've looked in the Apex developer's guide and a saw the Naming Conventions section which has basically only has this:\n\nWe recommend following Java standards for naming, that is, classes start with a capital letter, methods start with a lowercase verb, and variable names should be meaningful.\n\nI'm looking for something more in depth, such as end all Controllers with Controller and their tests with ControllerTest, etc.\nWhat is a good set of naming conventions to use when developing on the Force.com platofrm? It would be preferable if the answer has something that handles custom objects, classes, visualforce pages, and components and not just Apex classes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Follow the CamelCase Java conventions, except for VF pages and components start with a lower case letter.\n\nTriggers:\n* Trigger - The trigger itself. One per object.\n* TriggerHandler - Class that handles all functionality of the trigger\n* TriggerTest\n\nControllers:\n* Controller\n* ControllerExt\n* ControllerTest\n* ControllerExtTest\n\nClasses:\n* \n* Test (These might be Util classes or Service classes or something else).\n\nVisualforce pages and components:\n* [optionalDescription] (without the suffix Controller). There might be multiple views so could also have an extra description suffix.\n\nObject Names and custom Fields\n* Upper_Case_With_Underscores\n\nVariables/properties/methods in Apex\n* camelCaseLikeJava - more easily differentiated from fields\n\nTest methods in test classes\n* test - For example, testSaveOpportunityRequiredFieldsMissing, testSaveOpportunityRequiredFieldsPresent, etc.\n\nWorking on something that would be used as an app or in some cases just a project? If yes, then do the following:\n\nPrefix all custom objects, apex classes, Visualforce pages and components with an abbreviation so that they are easier to identify (e.g., easier for changesets). For example the WidgetFactory app would have the prefix wf on those. Additionally, when adding custom fields to a standard object they would also be prefixed to identify them as part of the app/package.\n\nThe main reason for the Object and Fields Names using Upper_Case_With_Underscores is that when you type in the name field or object with spaces it automatically adds the underscores. Although Apex is case insensitive, always refer to the Objects and Custom Fields in the code as Upper_Case_With_Underscores as well for consistency all around and consistency with what is generated by the SOQL schema browser and other tools. Object and Field Labels (which are generally ignored by code but visible to users) should keep spaces, not underscores." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When learning some basic French, I was somewhat surprised to learn that phrases of the form \"I have found the cat\" generally translate almost word-for-word from English (J'ai trouvé le chat). To me, it's not immediately obvious that possession (\"I have\"/\"J'ai\") has a correspondence with past tense, although if I think about it a little more I suppose I can kind of see how it makes sense.\nThis makes me wonder: Is this a common pattern in other languages? Especially ones not closely related to English." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is what's called a \"Sprachbund\" feature: it's a trait shared by a bunch of languages in an area, even ones that aren't genetically related. In particular, this one is a feature of the \"Standard Average European\" Sprachbund, a group of languages centered in Western Europe, and it's one of the features that was originally used to define that Sprachbund in the first place!\n\nThe construction seems to have arisen back in Latin. In Classical Latin, past aoristic verbs (\"I loved\") and present perfective verbs (\"I have loved\") look exactly the same: both of those would be written amāvī. But it's a pretty useful distinction to be able to make! So in Vulgar Latin, a new construction arose, using the verb habēre (\"to have\"). It's thought that a phrase like habeō litterās scriptās \"I have (written letters)\" got reanalyzed into \"I (have written) letters\", with habēre no longer indicating that you're actually holding anything in your hands, just that an action's been completed in the past.\n\nVulgar Latin eventually evolved into French, Italian, Spanish, and all the other Romance languages, and brought this construction with it; habēre is the direct ancestor of French avoir, via a series of sound changes. And once various Romance languages and Germanic languages and others were all being spoken in the same area, this feature spread through the Sprachbund: people speaking Germanic languages started to use the same construction. English \"have\"/German haben/etc isn't actually at all related to Latin habēre, but they looked similar, so it was the obvious choice when adopting the construction into Germanic.\n\nNowadays, this feature is called the \"have-perfective\", and it shows up in all sorts of languages within the Standard Average European (SAE) Sprachbund. It's not at all universal, but can be a good way to determine if a language has been influenced by SAE or not!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm building a simple helper script for work that will copy a couple of template files in our code base to the current directory. I don't, however, have the absolute path to the directory where the templates are stored. I do have a relative path from the script but when I call the script it treats that as a path relative to the current working directory. Is there a way to specify that this relative url is from the location of the script instead?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Python have already evolve to the ```__future__``` long time ago. So how about using the amazing ```pathlib``` coming with Python 3.4 to accomplish the task instead of struggling with ```os```, ```os.path```, ```glob ```, ```shutil```, etc.\nSo we have 3 paths here (possibly duplicated):\n\n* ```mod_path```: which is the path of the simple helper script\n* ```src_path```: which contains a couple of template files waiting to be copied.\n* ```cwd```: current directory, the destination of those template files.\n\nand the problem is: we don't have the full path of ```src_path```, only know it's relative path to the ```mod_path```.\nNow let's solve this with the the amazing ```pathlib```:\n```# Hope you don't be imprisoned by legacy Python code :)\nfrom pathlib import Path\n# `cwd`: current directory is straightforward\ncwd = Path.cwd()\n# `mod_path`: According to the accepted answer and combine with future power\n# if we are in the `helper_script.py`\nmod_path = Path(__file__).parent\n# OR if we are `import helper_script`\nmod_path = Path(helper_script.__file__).parent\n# `src_path`: with the future power, it's just so straightforward\nrelative_path_1 = 'same/parent/with/helper/script/'\nrelative_path_2 = '../../or/any/level/up/'\nsrc_path_1 = (mod_path / relative_path_1).resolve()\nsrc_path_2 = (mod_path / relative_path_2).resolve()\n```\nIn the future, it's just that simple.\n\nMoreover, we can select and check and copy/move those template files with ```pathlib```:\n```if src_path != cwd:\n # When we have different types of files in the `src_path`\n for template_path in src_path.glob('*.ini'):\n fname = template_path.name\n target = cwd / fname\n if not target.exists():\n # This is the COPY action\n with target.open(mode='wb') as fd:\n fd.write(template_path.read_bytes())\n # If we want MOVE action, we could use:\n # template_path.replace(target)\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to send HTML-formatted email in C#?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Setting isBodyHtml to true allows you to use HTML tags in the message body:\n```\nmsg = new MailMessage(\"xxxx@gmail.com\",\n \"yyyy@gmail.com\", \"Message from PSSP System\",\n \"This email sent by the PSSP system
\" +\n \"this is bold text!\");\n\nmsg.IsBodyHtml = true;\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to sum a list of Integers. It works as follows, but the syntax does not feel right. Could the code be optimized?\n```Map integers;\nintegers.values().stream().mapToInt(i -> i).sum();\n```" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This will work, but the `i -> i` is doing some automatic unboxing which is why it \"feels\" strange. `mapToInt` converts the stream to an `IntStream` \"of primitive int-valued elements\". Either of the following will work and better explain what the compiler is doing under the hood with your original syntax:\n```\nintegers.values().stream().mapToInt(i -> i.intValue()).sum();\nintegers.values().stream().mapToInt(Integer::intValue).sum();\n```\nThe other simple option is `BigDecimal sum = numbers.stream().reduce(BigDecimal.ZERO, BigDecimal::add);`." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am beginner of LaTeX. From many examples I found, I notice that it's very common to use command ```\\leavevmode```. I can't find any information about this command. Could anyone tell me what's the function of it and how to use it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ```\\leavevmode``` is defined by LaTeX and plainTeX and ensures that the vertical mode is ended and horizontal mode is entered. In vertical mode, TeX stacks horizontal boxes vertically, whereas in horizontal mode, they are taken as part of the text line.\nFor example ```\\mbox{..}``` is defined as ```\\leavevmode\\hbox{..}``` to ensure that horizontal mode is entered if it is used at the beginning of a paragraph. If you only use ```\\hbox{ }``` it is stacked above the following paragraph instead.\nCompare:\n```Text\\par\\hbox{Hello} World\n```\nResult:\n``` Text\nHello\n World\n```\nwith:\n```Text\\par\\mbox{Hello} World\n```\nResult:\n``` Text\n Hello World\n```\nYou see that in the first case the ```\\hbox``` is stacked with the two paragraphs vertically (but without paragraph indention) because it is processed in vertical mode. In the second case horizontal mode is entered first and so ```Hello``` is processed as part of the second paragraph.\n\n Use ```\\leavevmode``` for all macros which could be used at the begin of the paragraph and add horizontal boxes by themselves (e.g. in form of text).\n\nFor further reading about ```\\leavevmode``` please see \"The TeXBook\" by Donald E. Knuth, Appendix A, section 13.1, page 313 as well Appendix B, page 356." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In Python specifically, how do variables get shared between threads?\nAlthough I have used ```threading.Thread``` before I never really understood or saw examples of how variables got shared. Are they shared between the main thread and the children or only among the children? When would I need to use thread local storage to avoid this sharing?\nI have seen many warnings about synchronizing access to shared data among threads by using locks but I have yet to see a really good example of the problem. \nThanks in advance!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Python, everything is shared, except for function-local variables (because each function call gets its own set of locals, and threads are always separate function calls.) And even then, only the variables themselves (the names that refer to objects) are local to the function; objects themselves are always global, and anything can refer to them. The `Thread` object for a particular thread is not a special object in this regard. If you store the `Thread` object somewhere all threads can access (like a global variable) then all threads can access that one Thread object. If you want to atomically modify anything that another thread has access to, you have to protect it with a lock. And all threads must of course share this very same lock, or it wouldn't be very effective.\n\nIf you want actual thread-local storage, that's where `threading.local` comes in. Attributes of `threading.local` are not shared between threads; each thread sees only the attributes it itself placed in there. If you're curious about its implementation, the source is in _threading_local.py in the standard library." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I grew up in a country where we were not allowed to leave/travel to an other country even when we were able to do so – we had the resources and dual nationality.\nAfter two decades I still can't figure out why dictators, like Kim Jong-un for example, ban people from leaving their home countries?\nCould it be that a dictator is usually interested in looting the country he rules, and having a smaller population means more natural resources for him and fewer protesters?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People are resources, dictators (and oppressive regimes in general) don't want them to defect to other countries because they want them working for their regime. Some of them are going to be people that the regime has put their resources into, like scientists and doctors, but even laborers are valuable for actually gathering and assembling the resources the regime needs. Additionally, the regime especially does not want people with access to sensitive information to defect to their enemies. That isn't just spies and soldiers, there are plenty of \"regular\" government positions that require access to something the regime would not want falling into enemy hands, like economic data that could be used for propaganda. Obviously this is true of any country, and even in democracies with strong human rights records, people with access to classified information are usually required to submit to strict scrutiny of their international travel. Given that they aren't concerned with human rights, dictatorships can take the easier option of restricting travel to any citizens.\nHowever, defection is really a piece of a bigger issue - oppressive regimes maintain their rule in part by controlling information. Here's an interesting article that talks about how dictatorships keep power. Jerrold Post, director of the political psychology program at George Washington University, is referenced:\n\n Post said that in both Iraq and North Korea, dictators tightly controlled the flow of information. That control was upended in the past two years during the \"Arab spring\" revolts that swept away despots in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and some of the Gulf states, revolts that were encouraged in large part by information spread by cell phones and social media. \n\nNorth Korea is probably the most extreme example of information control (according to Reporters without Borders, they are dead last in Press Freedom in the world), but this can be seen in other oppressive regimes - for example, China attempts to limit access to \"wrong\" information via its Great Firewall. This is thrown out the window if citizens go somewhere with free media and realize they are being lied to. Traveling can be the cause of their dissension, rather than a symptom.\nKnown dissidents may also be restricted from traveling so that they can not coordinate with foreign countries or anti-dictatorship organizations, and to prevent them from smuggling contraband or evidence of the regime's misinformation back into the country. Regimes can control the information originating in their country, but once someone is outside their borders the regime cannot control who they speak with." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why can't we kill ourselves by holding our breath?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Short answer\nHealthy people cannot hold their breaths until unconsciousness sets in, let alone commit suicide.\n\n## Background\nAccording to Parkes (2005), a normal person cannot even hold their breath to unconsciousness, let alone death. Parkes says:\n\n Breath‐holding is a voluntary act, but normal subjects appear unable\n to breath‐hold to unconsciousness. A powerful involuntary mechanism\n normally overrides voluntary breath‐holding and causes the breath that\n defines the breakpoint.\n\nParkes explains that voluntary breath‐holding does not stop the central respiratory rhythm. Instead, breath holding merely suppresses its expression by voluntarily holding the chest at a certain volume. At the time of writing, no simple explanation for the break point existed. It is known to be caused by partial pressures of blood gases activating the carotid arterial chemoreceptors. They are peripheral sensory neurons that detect changes in chemical concentrations, including low oxygen (hypoxia) and high carbon dioxide (hypercapnia). Both hypoxia and hypercapnia are signs of breath holding and both are detected by the chemoreceptors. These receptors send nerve signals to the vasomotor center of the medulla which eventually overrides the conscious breath holding.\n\nThe breaking point can be postponed by large lung inflations, hyperoxia and hypocapnia, and it is shortened by increased metabolic rates.\n\nReference\n- Parkes, Exp Physiol (2006); 91(1): 1-15" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Sometimes while driving in the traffic, I come across a car or two which would be dripping water-like drops from its exhaust steadily in 4-5 second intervals. I tried to ask a couple of people at the local workshops; they say, and I quote, "The car is giving an amazing mileage".\nAnd I am like, what does that water dripping mean even then? Why does the water drip? What is the source of it? And what does it signify?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It signifies that the car is running absolutely correct. Here is the reason why:\n\nA gasoline (petrol) molecule is made up as such:\n\nC8H18 (or 8 Carbon atoms and 18 Hydrogen atoms)\n\nEnergy is obtained from the combustion of it by the conversion of a hydrocarbon to carbon dioxide and water. The combustion of octane follows this reaction:\n\n 2 C8H18 + 25 O2 → 16 CO2 + 18 H2O\n\nOr better said, you have two of the hydrocarbon molecules along with 25 oxygen molecules, they swirl together into a mix, the spark plug ignites them, boom, and out the tail pipe comes 16 carbon dioxide molecules and 18 water molecules ... at least in a perfect world. Some cars don't put out exactly that ratio. There may be a little bit of carbon monoxide (CO), unburnt hydrocarbons (C8H18), and/or nitrogen oxide (NO2) coming out of the engine exhaust port along with the CO2 and H2O. In this case, the catalytic convertor's job is to help clean these up so you can get closer to the perfect ratio described above.\n\nAs described, the water coming out of the tail pipe is a natural occurrence of the combustion process. You will usually see it coming out of the tail pipe when the engine and exhaust system of the vehicle is not completely warmed up. When it does become completely warmed up, you won't see it any more, because it comes out as steam (well, you'll see it in the winter time if it's cold enough, but you get the idea). " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why can't MX records point to an IP address?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The whole idea behind the mail exchange (MX) record is to specify a host or hosts which can accept mail for a domain. As specified in RFC 1035, the MX record contains a domain name. It must therefore point to a host which itself can be resolved in the DNS. An IP address could not be used as it would be interpreted as an unqualified domain name, which cannot be resolved.\n\nThe reasons for this in the 1980s, when the specs were originally written, are almost the same as the reasons for it today: A host may be connected to multiple networks and use multiple protocols.\n\nBack in the 80s, it was not uncommon to have mail gateways which connected both to the (relatively new) Internet which used TCP/IP and to other legacy networks, which often used other protocols. Specifying MX in this way allowed for DNS records which could identify how to reach such a host on a network other than the Internet, such as Chaosnet. In practice, though, this almost never happened; virtually everyone re-engineered their networks to become part of the Internet instead.\n\nToday, the situation is that a host may be reached by multiple protocols (IPv4 and IPv6) and by multiple IP addresses in each protocol. A single MX record can't possibly list more than one address, so the only option is to point to a host, where all of that host's addresses can then be looked up. (As a performance optimization, the DNS server will send along the address records for the host in the response additional section if it has authoritative records for them, saving a round trip.)\n\nThere is also the situation that arises when your mail exchangers are provided by a third party (e.g. Google Apps or Office 365). You point your MX records to their hostnames, but it may occur that the service provider needs to change the mail servers' IP addresses. Since you have pointed to a host, the service provider can do this transparently and you don't have to make any changes to your records." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is ```SELECT *``` bad practice? Wouldn't it mean less code to change if you added a new column you wanted?\nI understand that ```SELECT COUNT(*)``` is a performance problem on some DBs, but what if you really wanted every column?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The asterisk character, \"*\", in the SELECT statement is shorthand for all the columns in the table(s) involved in the query. \nPerformance\nThe ```*``` shorthand can be slower because:\n\n* Not all the fields are indexed, forcing a full table scan - less efficient\n* What you save to send ```SELECT *``` over the wire risks a full table scan\n* Returning more data than is needed\n* Returning trailing columns using variable length data type can result in search overhead\n\nMaintenance\nWhen using ```SELECT *```:\n\n* Someone unfamiliar with the codebase would be forced to consult documentation to know what columns are being returned before being able to make competent changes. Making code more readable, minimizing the ambiguity and work necessary for people unfamiliar with the code saves more time and effort in the long run.\n* If code depends on column order, ```SELECT *``` will hide an error waiting to happen if a table had its column order changed.\n* Even if you need every column at the time the query is written, that might not be the case in the future\n* the usage complicates profiling\n\nDesign\n```SELECT *``` is an anti-pattern:\n\n* The purpose of the query is less obvious; the columns used by the application is opaque\n* It breaks the modularity rule about using strict typing whenever possible. Explicit is almost universally better. \n\nWhen Should \"SELECT *\" Be Used?\nIt's acceptable to use ```SELECT *``` when there's the explicit need for every column in the table(s) involved, as opposed to every column that existed when the query was written. The database will internally expand the * into the complete list of columns - there's no performance difference.\nOtherwise, explicitly list every column that is to be used in the query - preferably while using a table alias." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I did my training around the Seattle area, and was told that landing at SeaTac Airport (the region's major International/Commercial airport), while not strictly forbidden, was definitely frowned upon because it can slow down and interfere with the big planes on schedules. To discourage GA aircraft from using the big airport, they have a variety of landing fees, ramp fees, and prior-approval requirements.\nBut later, I moved near MCI, and was told that landing at the big airport was no big deal. That they're actually happy to have little planes there.\nIf you fly small GA planes, do you land at the major airports in your area?\nWhat advanced preparations can you make to minimize your impact on the \"big boys\", and remain a good airspace citizen?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Can you? Absolutely, and air traffic control will treat you (almost) like any other airplane. You are supposedly handled on a first-come-first-serve basis (reality is slightly different with different aircraft speeds, etc.). Do the airlines like it if you slow them down? No, but it's part of the system and the way that it works.\n\nVery often, there are multiple runways at bigger airports, and sometimes there are even shorter runways that are dedicated for airplanes that don't need to land on the same one as the \"big boys\". Even if not, they will work you in.\n\nNow, that being said, very often there is a better option. As you said, there are usually high fees at the big airports, so landing at a smaller satellite airport can often save you money and save you time because you won't have to taxi as far or sit and wait in line to get out. An extra 15 minutes by car can be better than an extra 30 minutes while taxiing. \n\nAs far as being prepared, it isn't really much different than smaller airports other than the fact that ATC is much busier. They don't have the time/tolerance to keep repeating instructions to you, and expect you to be \"on your game\". When they rattle off taxi instructions like \"Cessna N1234, taxi to the ramp via Alpha, Tango, Echo, and Xray. Hold short of runway 23.\" they expect a quick readback and for you to follow instructions exactly because they need to move on to the next guy. \n\nIt will also help everyone out if you don't fly your final approach the way that most people are taught for an entire 10 mile final: very close to your actual landing speed. In fact, you are usually landing on a runway that is 4X+ the distance that you need and you can slow down fairly quickly (especially compared to a jet), so if you can fly an extra 20 (or 80) knots as long as possible, it will be greatly appreciated and keep traffic moving. Make sure that you leave yourself enough time to slow down at the end and above all else, ***be safe***." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I need a way to compare multiple strings to a test string and return the string that closely resembles it:\n```TEST STRING: THE BROWN FOX JUMPED OVER THE RED COW\nCHOICE A : THE RED COW JUMPED OVER THE GREEN CHICKEN\nCHOICE B : THE RED COW JUMPED OVER THE RED COW\nCHOICE C : THE RED FOX JUMPED OVER THE BROWN COW\n```\n(If I did this correctly) The closest string to the \"TEST STRING\" should be \"CHOICE C\". What is the easiest way to do this?\nI plan on implementing this into multiple languages including VB.net, Lua, and JavaScript. At this point, pseudo code is acceptable. If you can provide an example for a specific language, this is appreciated too!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fuzzy String Matching is the process of performing a human-like estimation of the similarity of two words or phrases. In many cases, it involves implementing the Levenshtein distance algorithm, which determines how many changes must be made to a string or phrase to turn it into another string or phrase. The following implementation in VBA involves a weighted comparison of the length of the two phrases, the number of changes between each phrase, and whether each word could be found in the target entry.\n\n```\n'Calculate the Levenshtein Distance between two strings (the number of insertions,\n'deletions, and substitutions needed to transform the first string into the second)\nPublic Function LevenshteinDistance(ByRef S1 As String, ByVal S2 As String) As Long\n Dim L1 As Long, L2 As Long, D() As Long 'Length of input strings and distance matrix\n Dim i As Long, j As Long, cost As Long 'loop counters and cost of substitution for current letter\n Dim cI As Long, cD As Long, cS As Long 'cost of next Insertion, Deletion and Substitution\n L1 = Len(S1): L2 = Len(S2)\n ReDim D(0 To L1, 0 To L2)\n For i = 0 To L1: D(i, 0) = i: Next i\n For j = 0 To L2: D(0, j) = j: Next j\n\n For j = 1 To L2\n For i = 1 To L1\n cost = Abs(StrComp(Mid$(S1, i, 1), Mid$(S2, j, 1), vbTextCompare))\n cI = D(i - 1, j) + 1\n cD = D(i, j - 1) + 1\n cS = D(i - 1, j - 1) + cost\n If cI <= cD Then 'Insertion or Substitution\n If cI <= cS Then D(i, j) = cI Else D(i, j) = cS\n Else 'Deletion or Substitution\n If cD <= cS Then D(i, j) = cD Else D(i, j) = cS\n End If\n Next i\n Next j\n LevenshteinDistance = D(L1, L2)\nEnd Function\n```\n\nWe can creat two separate metrics for evaluating the similarity of two strings. One is \"valuePhrase\" and the other is \"valueWords\". valuePhrase is just the Levenshtein distance between the two phrases, and valueWords splits the string into individual words, based on delimiters such as spaces, dashes, and anything else you'd like, and compares each word to each other word, summing up the shortest Levenshtein distance connecting any two words. Essentially, it measures whether the information in one 'phrase' is really contained in another, just as a word-wise permutation.\n\nvalueWords, valuePhrase, and Split function:\n```\nPublic Function valuePhrase#(ByRef S1$, ByRef S2$)\n valuePhrase = LevenshteinDistance(S1, S2)\nEnd Function\n\nPublic Function valueWords#(ByRef S1$, ByRef S2$)\n Dim wordsS1$(), wordsS2$()\n wordsS1 = SplitMultiDelims(S1, \" _-\")\n wordsS2 = SplitMultiDelims(S2, \" _-\")\n Dim word1%, word2%, thisD#, wordbest#\n Dim wordsTotal#\n For word1 = LBound(wordsS1) To UBound(wordsS1)\n wordbest = Len(S2)\n For word2 = LBound(wordsS2) To UBound(wordsS2)\n thisD = LevenshteinDistance(wordsS1(word1), wordsS2(word2))\n If thisD < wordbest Then wordbest = thisD\n If thisD = 0 Then GoTo foundbest\n Next word2\nfoundbest:\n wordsTotal = wordsTotal + wordbest\n Next word1\n valueWords = wordsTotal\nEnd Function\n\n''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''\n' SplitMultiDelims\n' This function splits Text into an array of substrings, each substring\n' delimited by any character in DelimChars. Only a single character\n' may be a delimiter between two substrings, but DelimChars may\n' contain any number of delimiter characters. It returns a single element\n' array containing all of text if DelimChars is empty, or a 1 or greater\n' element array if the Text is successfully split into substrings.\n' If IgnoreConsecutiveDelimiters is true, empty array elements will not occur.\n' If Limit greater than 0, the function will only split Text into 'Limit'\n' array elements or less. The last element will contain the rest of Text.\n''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''\nFunction SplitMultiDelims(ByRef Text As String, ByRef DelimChars As String, _\n Optional ByVal IgnoreConsecutiveDelimiters As Boolean = False, _\n Optional ByVal Limit As Long = -1) As String()\n Dim ElemStart As Long, N As Long, M As Long, Elements As Long\n Dim lDelims As Long, lText As Long\n Dim Arr() As String\n\n lText = Len(Text)\n lDelims = Len(DelimChars)\n If lDelims = 0 Or lText = 0 Or Limit = 1 Then\n ReDim Arr(0 To 0)\n Arr(0) = Text\n SplitMultiDelims = Arr\n Exit Function\n End If\n ReDim Arr(0 To IIf(Limit = -1, lText - 1, Limit))\n\n Elements = 0: ElemStart = 1\n For N = 1 To lText\n If InStr(DelimChars, Mid(Text, N, 1)) Then\n Arr(Elements) = Mid(Text, ElemStart, N - ElemStart)\n If IgnoreConsecutiveDelimiters Then\n If Len(Arr(Elements)) > 0 Then Elements = Elements + 1\n Else\n Elements = Elements + 1\n End If\n ElemStart = N + 1\n If Elements + 1 = Limit Then Exit For\n End If\n Next N\n 'Get the last token terminated by the end of the string into the array\n If ElemStart <= lText Then Arr(Elements) = Mid(Text, ElemStart)\n 'Since the end of string counts as the terminating delimiter, if the last character\n 'was also a delimiter, we treat the two as consecutive, and so ignore the last elemnent\n If IgnoreConsecutiveDelimiters Then If Len(Arr(Elements)) = 0 Then Elements = Elements - 1\n\n ReDim Preserve Arr(0 To Elements) 'Chop off unused array elements\n SplitMultiDelims = Arr\nEnd Function\n```\n\nUsing these two metrics, and a third which simply computes the distance between two strings, we have a series of variables which we can run an optimization algorithm to achieve the greatest number of matches. Fuzzy string matching is, itself, a fuzzy science, and so by creating linearly independent metrics for measuring string similarity, and having a known set of strings we wish to match to each other, we can find the parameters that, for our specific styles of strings, give the best fuzzy match results.\n\nTo allow the optimization of fuzzy matching, we can weight each metric. The formula that defines the final score is a simply combination of the metrics and their weights: \n```\nvalue = Min(phraseWeight*phraseValue, wordsWeight*wordsValue)*minWeight\n + Max(phraseWeight*phraseValue, wordsWeight*wordsValue)*maxWeight\n + lengthWeight*lengthValue\n```\n\nFor your specific context, you have to come up with a set of weights for any metrics you come up with to determine similarity. With the appropriate set of heuristics and weights, you'll have your comparison program quickly making the decisions that you would have made." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Given the following code:\n```var arr = [1,2,3,4,5];\nvar results: number[] = await arr.map(async (item): Promise => {\n await callAsynchronousOperation(item);\n return item + 1;\n });\n```\nwhich produces the following error:\n\n TS2322: Type 'Promise[]' is not assignable to type 'number[]'.\n Type 'Promise is not assignable to type 'number'.\n\nHow can I fix it? How can I make ```async await``` and ```Array.map``` work together?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The problem here is that you are trying to ```await``` an array of promises rather than a Promise. This doesn't do what you expect.\nWhen the object passed to ```await``` is not a Promise, ```await``` simply returns the value as-is immediately instead of trying to resolve it. So since you passed ```await``` an array (of Promise objects) here instead of a Promise, the value returned by await is simply that array, which is of type ```Promise[]```.\nWhat you probably want to do is call ```Promise.all``` on the array returned by ```map``` in order to convert it to a single Promise before ```await```ing it.\nAccording to the MDN docs for ```Promise.all```:\n\nThe ```Promise.all(iterable)``` method returns a promise that resolves\nwhen all of the promises in the iterable argument have resolved, or\nrejects with the reason of the first passed promise that rejects.\n\nSo in your case:\n```var arr = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5];\nvar results: number[] = await Promise.all(arr.map(async (item): Promise => {\n await callAsynchronousOperation(item);\n return item + 1;\n}));\n```\nThis will resolve the specific error you are encountering here.\nDepending on exactly what it is you're trying to do you may also consider using ```Promise.allSettled```, ```Promise.any```, or ```Promise.race``` instead of ```Promise.all```, though in most situations (almost certainly including this one) ```Promise.all``` will be the one you want." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why don't helicopters use reaction wheels to counter the main rotor?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're talking about a device (in helicopters the tail fan imparting horizontal thrust) that counteracts the torque imparted on the main rotor (and therefore on the helicopter) by the surrounding air as the main rotor is dragged through the air.\n\nYou propose instead to impart an opposite torque through a reaction wheel. That would indeed impart an opposite torque for short lengths of time. However, you don't get a torque from spinning a reaction wheel at constant angular velocity but by changing and accelerating that angular velocity.\n\nNow the torque imparted on the helicopter by the air through the main rotor is steady - or at least its of roughly constant direction. Therefore, to counter that torque, the reaction wheel would have to accelerated uniformly and indefinitely. Clearly this is impossible from an engineering standpoint.\n\nYou can also think of this from a conservation of angular momentum, without thinking about the origin of the torques. The air imparts a steady angular impulse to the helicopter. Therefore, the helicopter system's angular momentum must increase steadily (unless there's a countering torque from the tailfan). So either that angular momentum is the spinning of the helicopter's body (which is what we're trying to avoid) or that of the reaction wheel, whose angular momentum must be steadily increasing under the action of the angular impulse to the system." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When configuring cron to run a command every other day using the \"Day of Month\" field, like so: \n```1 22 */2 * * COMMAND\n```\nit runs every time the day of month is odd: 1,3,5,7,9 and so on.\nHow can I configure cron to run on days of month that are even like 2,6,8,10 and so on (without specifying it literally, which is problematic as every month has a different number of days in the month)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The syntax you tried is actually ambiguous. Depending on how many days are in the month, some months it will run on odd days and some on even. This is because the way it is calculated takes the total number of possibilities and divides them up. You can override this strage-ish behavior by manually specifying the day range and using either an odd or even number of days. Since even day scripts would never run on the 31st day of longer months, you don't lose anything using 30 days as the base for even-days, and by specifying specifically to divide it up as if there were 31 days you can force odd-day execution.\n\nThe syntax would look like this:\n```# Will only run on odd days:\n0 0 1-31/2 * * command\n# Will only run on even days:\n0 0 2-30/2 * * command\n```\n\nYour concern about months not having the same number of days is not important here because no months have MORE days than this, and for poor February, the date range just won't ever match the last day or two, but it will do no harm having it listed.\n\nThe only 'gotcha' for this approach is that if you are on an odd day cycle, following months with 31 days your command will also run on the first of the month. Likewise if you are forcing an even cycle, each leap year will cause one three-day cycle at the end of February. You cannot really get around the fact that any regular pattern of \"every other day\" is not always going to fall on even or odd days in every month and any way you force this you will either have an extra run or be missing a run between months with mismatched day counts." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is there a way to have a private setter for a property in TypeScript?\n```class Test\n{\n private _prop: string;\n public get prop() : string\n {\n return this._prop;\n }\n private set prop(val: string)\n {\n //can put breakpoints here\n this._prop = val;\n }\n}\n```\nCompiler complains that visibility for getter and setter don't match. I know I can just set the backing field, but but then I can't set breakpoints when the value is set.\nI though about using an interface to hide the setter, but interfaces can only define a property, not whether it has a getter on setter.\nAm I missing something here? There doesn't seem to be any reason to not allow private setters, the resulting JS doesn't enforce visibility anyway, and seems better that the current alternatives.\nAm I missing something? If not is there a good reason for no private setters?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The TypeScript specification (8.4.3) says\"\n\n Accessors for the same member name must specify the same accessibility\n\nSo you have to choose a suitable alternative. Here are two options for you:\nYou can just not have a setter, which means only the ```Test``` class is able to set the property. You can place a breakpoint on the line ```this._prop =...```.\n```class Test\n{\n private _prop: string;\n public get prop() : string\n {\n return this._prop;\n }\n doSomething() {\n this._prop = 'I can set it!';\n }\n}\nvar test = new Test();\ntest._prop = 'I cannot!';\n```\nProbably the ideal way to ensure private access results in something akin to a \"notify property changed\" pattern can be implemented is to have a pair of private get/set property accessors, and a separate public get property accessor.\n\nYou still need to be cautious about someone later adding a direct call to the backing field. You could get creative in that area to try and make it less likely.\n```class Test\n{\n private _nameBackingField: string;\n private get _name() : string\n {\n return this._nameBackingField;\n }\n private set _name(val: string)\n {\n this._nameBackingField = val;\n // other actions... notify the property has changed etc\n }\n public get name(): string {\n return this._name;\n }\n doSomething() {\n this._name += 'Additional Stuff';\n }\n}\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When learning vocabulary, especially with the use of SRS (Spaced Repetition System), it is interesting to use flashcards. A commonly encountered problem is how to formulate those for maximum efficiency.\nHow does learning vocabulary through sentences, thus giving context to the used words, compare to learning to recognize words alone? For example, the context may give away the meaning of the problematic vocabulary. Are there studies or expert opinions on one approach being preferable to the other at different stages of language learning? Or is it recommended that they be mixed for best results?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's usually best to avoid dichotomies like \"Is strategy X better or strategy Y better?\". In most cases, strategies are not mutually exclusive but complementary. \n\nWith vocabulary learning, using just one strategy is probably the least efficient. This is because every strategy has certain strengths (certain skills it builds well) and certain weaknesses (skills it doesn't cover well)- and if you keep using one strategy, you'll be only focusing on the strengths (but with diminishing returns), and not addressing the weaknesses.\n\nUsing flashcards helps you establish word-to-meaning equivalences quickly, but it usually does so with a shallow meaning, ignoring the breadth of meaning that words usually have. It also ignores the contextual subtleties of the word, and the knowledge is not always retained long-term. \n\nIt's best to combine flashcards with other strategies that will help you see how the word is used in context, show you the variety of meanings it can have (and doesn't have), see what collocations the word has, etc. One way of doing this is by reading examples of the word and writing your own sample sentences. Another important thing is to be exposed to the word in natural settings - so it's important to read a lot so that you'll encounter the words you've learnt naturally." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can I spend the night alone in a tent in a forest outside Stockholm in -20°C without risking my life?\n\nThe backstory\nFrom the end of January, I'm starting my studies in a suburb of Stockholm. I've decided to, if it turns out plausible, not rent an apartment, but live in a tent. (This is not out of frugality, but out of a will to try something new.)\nI do have friends who I could visit once a week or so to prepare food and wash my clothes, so I think I can solve the practical problems, or at least those that I've come to think of. I'd camp in one of the forests, maybe 1 km from \"civilisation\". I'd have access to showers etc at university every day.\nHowever: I don't want to freeze to death in my sleep! That's very important to me. I've read that the nights can get as cold as -20°C (-4°F). With the proper preparations, would this be a plausible way of living, at least for a month or so?\nI do have camping experience, and have been hiking for three weeks, but only in summer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, it is definitely doable. -20°C is only -4°F. The real question is whether it is doable by you at the level of discomfort and hassle you are willing to put up with. Only you can answer that. At best we can point out what the hassles and discomforts will be.\n\nFirst, your fear of dying of cold in your sleep is silly. You'd have to do something pretty stupid to die of hypothermia, and even that's not going to happen when you're inside the sleeping bag. The main danger will be from frostbite, but that again would largely need stupidity to help it along, although that's easier to do than outright death from hypothermia.\n\nYour tent will be a long term fixed installation you set up once at a time and conditions of your choosing. You can therefore afford a larger and heavier tent with more stuff you bring in once. Definitely get a tent you can stand upright in. That will make changing clothes much quicker and more comfortable. Since you should be able to keep water out of the tent, get a nice down sleeping bag and a few light blankets. The down bag should be rated for most nights, then put the blankets on top for the few unusually cold nights. Since again weight is not really a issue, get a full sleeping bag, not a mummy bag. They are simply more comfortable. Get a good insulating pad, and another two as backup. Get a tent large enough to fit your sleeping bag and something to sit on next to it, like a folding chair. Put something under the legs to spread out the weight to that they don't hurt the tent floor. Get one of those rubber-backed mats people sometimes put just inside their doors and put it just inside your tent. That allows a place to step with boots still on, then you can sit down on the chair with boots still on the mat to take them off. The crud stays on the mat, which you can shake clean by reaching outside after having put on your down hut booties.\n\nSome things are going to be a hassle. At -4°F you want to keep your gloves on whenever possible, but some tasks will be difficult that way. You end up taking your gloves on and off a lot, trading off efficiency with cold fingers. Get a pair of polypro glove liners. They are thin and still allow many tasks to be done, but provide at least a little insulation. Their main advantage is that any metal you touch won't immediately conduct the heet from your hand away. Touching bare metal at -4°F is a good way to get frostbite.\n\nBe prepared for some discomfort no matter what equipment you have. The toughest part will be getting yourself out of the sleeping bag in the morning. You'll really have to will yourself to leave the warm comfort of the bag and get into the air at probably the coldest part of the day. At some point you'll have to change your clothes and get undressed in the process. That's going to be cold. It won't be cold long enough to be any real danger, so it's really a mindset issue to get over. Whether you can or not and are willing to push yourself in that way only you can say.\n\nYou say you have access to heated buildings during the day, so it would make things a lot simpler for you if you don't have to deal with cooking and eating at your camp. Perparing food outside in the cold takes a lot longer than in a heated kitchen, severly limits what you can do, and may also risk predator encounters depending on what is around your area in the winter." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is the volt not identical to the full name Volta, unlike the other electrical units ohm, ampere, coulomb, tesla, weber and henry? Is there a historical explanation, was the volt introduced at a different time?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The volt, ohm and farad were introduced by the same person, Latimer Clark, a cable engineer, in a paper in 1861. He started the tradition of naming units after scientists. He initially distorted all names: the unit names ohma, volt, galvat (from Galvani), and farad (from Faraday). In his words, he \"neglected etymological rules\". \n\nIn that same year, a committee of the British Association for the Advancement of Science began developing a coherent system of electrical units, the cgs system. Varley, a committee member, liked Clark's proposal, but he advocated adding a French name such as Ampere, to facilitate the international acceptance of the new units (\"I should like to introduce a French name into the list. We have Germany, England and Italy represented\"). For the same reason he may have pleaded for not distorting the French and German names. In addition, Varley objected to the galvat \"because Galvani discovered next to nothing\".\n\nLatimer Clark adapted the unit names in his 'Elementary treatise on electrical measurement' (1868). He changed ohma to ohm, and dropped the galvat. Maxwell acknowledged Clark's practical units and their names in his 'Treatise on electricity and magnetism' (1873). In 1881, at the International Electrical Congress in Paris), two French names, ampere and coulomb, were added. The diplomacy worked, and the new system of electrical units was adopted by all countries. The only units that kept the initial name distortion were the volt and the farad." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "We can define cross products mathematically like if we take two vectors, we can find another vector with certain properties but why do we use it in physics, if we consider a hypothetical physical quantity like force which is equal to cross product of certain vectors?\n\n For example, the force exerted on a charge in motion in an uniform magnetic field.\n\nWhy is it so? Why does that force have to be a cross product of two vectors?\nIs it possible to come up with them when what we do is just observe the nature?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is a great question. The dot and cross products seem very mysterious when they are first introduced to a new student. For example, why does the scalar (dot) product have a cosine in it and the vector (cross) product have a sine, rather than vice versa? And why do these same two very non-obvious ways of \"multiplying\" vectors together arise in so many different contexts?\n\nThe fundamental answer (which unfortunately may not be very accessible if you're a new student) is that there are only two algebraically independent tensors that are invariant under arbitrary rotations in $n$ dimensions (we say that they are \"$\\mathrm{SO}(n)$ invariant\"). These are the Kronecker delta $\\delta_{ij}$ and the Levi-Civita symbol $\\epsilon_{ijk \\cdots}$. Contracting two vectors with these symbols yields the dot and cross products, respectively (the latter only works in three dimensions). Since the laws of physics appear to be isotropic (i.e. rotationally invariant), it makes sense that any physically useful method for combining physical quantities like vectors together should be isotropic as well. The dot and cross products turn out to be the only two possible multilinear options.\n\nWhy multilinear maps are so useful in physics is an even deeper and more fundamental question, but which answers to that question are satisfying is probably inherently a matter of opinion." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have a web project in my solution file that is \"unavailable\" when I open the solution. When I right-click on the web project and reload the project, I get the following error:\n```\nThe Web Application Project mycompany.myapp.mywebproject is configured to use IIS. The Web Server 'http://localhost/MyWebApp could not be found.\n```\nI have not manually set up virtual directories for this web application. \nPer colleagues, Visual Studio should prompt me to create virtual directories but I am not getting prompted. \nI installed VS2010 before installing IIS on my dev machine. \nHere is my development machine setup:\n\n* Windows 7 Enterprise\n* Service Pack 1\n* 64 bit OS\n* Visual Studio 2010 Enterprise Service pack 1\n* IIS version 7.5\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When this happens the easiest solution is to make the virtual directory manually.\n\nFirst of all, you need to make sure you have the right version of ASP.Net installed and that you have installed the IIS extensions.\nTo do this, go to the relevant .net version's folder in C:\\(Windows)\\Microsoft.NET\\Framework\\(dotnetver)\\\n (substituting the bracketed folders for the right folders on your PC) and run this command\n```aspnet_regiis.exe -i\n```\nNext once that's run and finished, sometimes running\n```iisreset\n```\nfrom the command line helps, sometimes you don't need to.\n\nNext, go to your IIS Manager and find you localhost website and choose add a folder.\nBrowse to the folder in your project that contains the actual ASP.Net project and add that.\n\nFinally, right click on the folder you added and you should have an option that says 'convert to application' or 'create virtual directory' or something similar.\n\nPlease make sure the Virtual directory has the name 'MyWebApp'!! Reload your solution and it should work.\n\nGood luck!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is it hard to draw people running in animes?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The walk cycle is considered to be one of the most basic aspects of animation. American animators and animation enthusiasts often times scorn the Japanese styles and methods of animation as lazy, while Japanese anime enthusiasts deride the American style as clunky or too comical.\n\nWhy is that you ask? The answer lies in how these countries distribute their budget and time. \n\nWhile American animation often times may seem lacking in it's attention to detail, it makes up for it the quality of their animation. American animation often times meticulous and original in how they animate motion, though sometimes content is reused cyclically, the animation is painstakingly frame by frame. \n\nIn contrast, Japanese anime uses a lot of shortcuts (to save budget and meet deadlines). Typically long scenes feature only the mouth of a character (and maybe other minor features like a waving hair or glittering eyes) moving during delivery of key information/dialog, or the short burst of motion of some character in some an action pose against an animated, cyclic, and stylized background (I'm looking at you transformation scenes). Often times these uses of dramatic still-shots are done against patterned (or static illustrated) backgrounds, sometimes a few moving emotive icons (sweat drops, question marks, small chibi animated heads) will accompany a some sort of monologue. Admittedly both styles of animation reuse shots and sequences, but it's more noticeable in Japanese anime for various reason (e.g., not enough budget and/or manpower). This is why Japanese anime is typically labeled as \"lazy\" by American animators and enthusiasts.\n\nA typical walk cycle in animation consists of 8 keyframes typically:\n\nThe smoothness of an animation is typically determined by the framerate and amount of key frames in the animation. \nIn American animation, the animation is captured by shooting two frames of film per drawing at a rate of 24 frames per second (fps) to achieve the smooth motion of American animation. \nJapanese anime, while it also runs at an average 24 fps, typically captures their animation at a rate of three or four frames per drawing in order to save money and manpower. Though it varies depending on the studio and tools used (e.g 3DCG) with main objects in the foreground (typically characters) are animated at 8 to 12 fps, while background objects can be animated at as low as 6 to 8 fps.\n\nLets compare the difference between one walk cycle that is 8 frame to one that is 16 frames, both at 60 fps:\n \nNotice the 16 frame one is smoother, but slower while the 8 frame is faster, but choppier. This is because it takes the 16 frame animation twice as long, covering more frames, to go through one cycle than the 8 frame one.\nThe varying of frame rates can also be be used to depict the expansion and compression of time (think bullet time from The Matrix). However generally choppy animation is the result of not enough keyframes in your animation. More frames mean more and manpower and/or time, which ultimately means more money is required. Japanese anime production don't typically have as big of a budget compared to American productions (but there are exceptions), so they must make do with what they have and cut corners where they can (like Shaft did with the certain Bakemonogatari TV episodes)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Malachi 4:5: \n\n I will send you the prophet Elijah. He will come before the day of the Lord arrives. It will be a great and terrifying day\n\nJesus says in Matthew 11:14\n\n \"and if you are willing to believe their message, John is Elijah, whose coming was predicted\"\n\nJesus says in Mathew 17:12\n\n But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.”\n\nIt's pretty clear from the above verses that John was Elijah reincarnated.\nWouldn't the above verses imply that reincarnation is true? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Faulty Premise #1: John the Baptist was a reincarnation of Elijah\n\nWhen Jesus asked Peter who people said he was, he answered that some people thought that Jesus was Elijah come back. Peter knew better and said Jesus was the Christ. In any event, John the Baptist himself directly denied the claim (see John 1:19-21). \nWhat Jesus more likely was saying in Matthew 11 is that John the Baptist was a prophet in the tradition of Elijah. Elijah was the greatest of the prophets (even if his disciple Elisha inherited a double portion of his spirit). All of the prophets that followed came in the name and spirit of Elijah, in the same way that some of Paul's letters apparently were created after his death. They were in the spirit and tradition even if not the actual man. \nNote also Elijah never died - he was taken up into heaven, and people thought he would return. As such, no Elijah was not being thought to have reincarnated- only returned. Elijah's return was long a part of Jewish custom. Even today, during a Passover sedar, a chair is left empty for Elijah. But again, since he did not die, Jews look for his return, not his reincarnation. \n\nFaulty Premise #2: The Jewish world view has any concept of reincarnation at all\n\nThe most basic rule of hermeneutics suggests that a text cannot mean what it could not mean to the original audience. If the Jews had no concept of reincarnation, then any interpretation that says it does has a very, very high bar to clear.\nIn his book The Gift of the Jews, Thomas Cahill advances the thesis that the primary distinctive philosophy of the Jews was precisely that history was not circular. Their linear idea of a human life was a departure from others and was an explicit rejection of reincarnation. As such, a text would need to be exceedingly explicit to a culture that rejected circular life patterns, and the obscure interpretation above (especially in light of the more obvious intepretation) simply doesn't hold water.\nFurthermore, the book of Hebrews - written to the people into which both Jesus and John the Baptist were born - explicitly reject reincarnation. As the writer points out in 9:27, \n\n It is appointed unto a man once to die and then the judgement.\n\nHere we do have an explicit rejection of reincarnation by the followers of Jesus. There is one death. There is one judgement. Hence, in any Christian worldview, you don't come back." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I see hugely varied performance depending on how many newlines there are in the file I'm visiting.\nHere's an example. I have two JSON files:\n```$ wget https://github.com/Wilfred/ReVo-utilities/blob/a4bdc40dd2656c496defc461fc19c403c8306d9f/revo-export/dictionary.json?raw=true -O one_line.json\n$ python -m json.tool pretty_printed.json\n```\nThese are two JSON files with the same content. ```one_line.json``` is 18MiB of JSON without any newlines. ```pretty_printed.json``` has newlines and whitespace added, making it 41MiB.\nHowever, the bigger file split over many lines is much faster to open in Emacs, both in Javascript mode and Fundamental mode.\nWhy does Emacs have such poor performance with long lines, since it's actually fewer bytes? Is there anything I can do to improve performance without reformatting the data outside of Emacs?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Emacs' handling of long lines is not very well optimized. For a number of operations, Emacs has to scan the whole line repeatedly. For example, to display a line, Emacs has to figure out the height of the line, which requires scanning the whole line to find the tallest glyph. Additionally, scanning for bidirectional display eats up a lot of time. You can get some additional information in, for example, the docstring of ```cache-long-line-scans``` (renamed ```cache-long-scans``` in 24.4).\n\nYou can try and see if setting ```bidi-paragraph-direction``` to ```left-to-right``` and setting ```bidi-inhibit-bpa``` (new in Emacs 27, see footnote 1) to ```t``` improves the speed for you (see footnote 2). This removes some significant contributors to line scans, but sadly not the only ones.\n\nThe best option is to add newlines. You can pipe a JSON file through e.g. ```python -c 'import json, sys ; json.dump(json.load(sys.stdin), sys.stdout, indent=2)'``` to add newlines and improve readability in general.\n\nFootnote 1: ```bidi-inhibit-bpa``` is new in Emacs 27. Setting it to ```t``` can have a noticeable (sometimes dramatic) effect in cases where (a) a physical line is very long, and (b) the line includes many parentheses and/or braces, especially if they are nested.\nFootnote 2: There is also ```bidi-display-reordering```, but this is only for internal/debugging purposes. Setting it to ```nil``` may improve performance, however that is an unsupported setting which may cause other problems, so it is not recommended. In Emacs 27, the combination of setting ```bidi-paragraph-direction``` and ```bidi-inhibit-bpa``` is a supported configuration which provides approximately the same performance boost." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Sooner or later we come across a task in our project, with which we are totally unfamiliar ('we' as in PM, but also possibly the staff assigned to do this particular task). \nHow can we estimate amount of time/work/resources needed to complete such a task? What margins of error should we assume?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Don't place too much confidence on your first guess just because you've used a sophisticated formula to derive your estimate. Do your best, move on, plan to revise your estimate, don't let bad estimates linger and destroy the discipline of your project schedule ... errors in time estimates are likely to be lognormally distributed... use a method that incorporates an optimistic guess, a pessimistic guess and heavily weights your best guess. \n\nEstimate, test, check, then revise and update your project schedule. The third or fourth revision of the estimates is usually about as accurate as you can hope for; your second estimate is far better than your first guess ... if possible, try to get a measure from an early trial of a similar or analogous task ... revise the estimate and revise your plan as soon as better data becomes available. \n\nIf your first estimate was too conservative, don't allow slack time to corrupt completion of succeeding tasks. If your first estimate was overly optimistic, make your adjustments EARLY and let your stakeholders and customers know. It's more important to be good at following up, to check your estimates and to competently communicate updates than it is to be a develop skill as an estimator of unfamiliar tasks." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is Nazi-Germany commonly referred to as \"The Third Reich\" in English? Why is reich not translated when Dritten (\"third\") is?\nAnd what is the English synonym of reich? Realm?\nAustria (Republik Österreich), Norway (Kongeriket Norge) and Sweden (Konungariket Sverige) all have reich (or the Norwegian/Swedish corresponding etymology related word) in their name and they all have English translations of their name." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although English historians have defined Reich as being a strictly German concept of sovereign rule, in the German language itself it means \"Empire\". In English, we speak of the Holy Roman Empire; in German, it is the HRR or \"Heiliges Römisches Reich Deutscher Nation\". \n\nWiktionary quotes Busching, who in 1762 explained Reich as a German understanding of \"Eminence\", from the Latin Regnum, rather than an Empire or a Realm as other cultures would understand it. \n\nOne could see it as a word used in English, Russian, Portuguese and many other languages as a designation for any kind of German kingdom, empire or absolutism, similar to how one would address a foreigner according to their origin, e.g. Senor Martinez, Monsieur Aragon.\n\nCompare it to how many cultures, including the Germans, also use the word \"Commonwealth\" or \"Soviet Union\", despite the fact that Bavaria had formed its own Union of Soviets, the Räterepublik, during the Weimar Republic.\n\nIf you're interested in knowing when the word \"Third Reich\" came into usage, it is worth noting that during Fascist Germany, the country's official name was Das Deutsche Reich, and in the USA and UK it was usually referred to as Germany, Hitler's Germany, Berlin, Reich or, the most popular term, Nazi Germany. \n\n(Sources: Neville Chamberlain's declaration of war against Germany, headlines about Germany in newspapers like the NY Times or the Times, the Daily Mail's Lord Rothermere)\n\nIn Germany itself, the idea of a third Reich stemmed from the 19th century, where it was a popular philosophical theme in literature and theology. Writers like Johannes Schlaf, who wrote \"Das Dritte Reich\" in 1899, or the German translator of Ibsen's \"The Emperor and the Galilean\", popularized the idea of the imminent arrival of a thousand years of Christianity (a kind of positive apocalypse), which would follow a third \"Reich\". And they would quote Paul the Apostle and various saints, to make it clear that the third Reich would follow the heretic lex naturalis and the lex mosaica. \n\nNazi propagandists exploited this in their articles, making it sound as if the saints had had some sort of epiphany about Hitler and the Nazis.\n\nIn other words, the Third Reich began as an abstract idea of a Christian revolution, but was assumed by Nazi writers in order to bolster Hitler's popularity and justify the drastic and bloody decisions that the Fascist government was making.\n\nIn one of the earliest examples of the Third Reich being mentioned outside of Germany, Major Strasser in the film Casablanca talks about the Third Reich as if it was just the beginning to a kind of paradisaical future or of a fourth Reich.\n\nAfter 1945, the term was used exclusively to associate only to the unsuccessful reign of Fascism in Germany, and it ceased as a philosophical or theological idea in German literary circles." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "If we fold a paper and then apply pressure on the newly formed crease, it seems that the paper's surface gets a permanent deformation but what exactly has happened to the paper at a molecular scale?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Basically, a fold or crease in paper will remain because the structure of the fibers in the paper have become irreversibly damaged. This happens because the paper is bent/compressed beyond its elastic limit.\n\nChemically, paper is mainly composed of cellulose from plant fibers. Cellulose is an organic polymer, which has D-glucose units connected through hydrogen bonds. These bonds form between the oxygen atom of the one-hydroxyl group belonging to the glucose and the hydrogen atom of the next glucose unit. These are microscopic properties of paper, but to understand what happens when we fold paper or do Origami, it is sufficient to learn what is happening macroscopically.\n\nAll materials have what is called an elastic limit and a plastic region. The elastic limit is the point at which a material will bend but still return to its original position without any permanent change or damage to its structure. Further deforming the material beyond this limit takes it to its plastic region. At this point any structural or physical changes become permanent and the paper will not return to its original form.\n\nEvery material has a different elastic limit or yield, and plastic region. Imagine holding a piece of paper slightly bent but not folding or creasing it. The plant fibers that make up the paper will not have exceeded their elastic limit. So as soon as you let go of the paper sheet it will quickly return to its noncreased original flat state. However, if you were to roll that piece of paper into a cylinder and hold it for a few minutes, some of these fibers will be pushed beyond the elastic limit which is evident since it will not lie flat anymore since slight deformations have occurred in this sheet.\n\nNow, when you properly fold a piece of paper as you would during Origami, the plant fibers along the crease are pushed into the plastic region of the paper, causing a fracture point at the actual line of the fold. A practical example of this is if you were to fold a piece of paper, you will note that if you stretch the paper evenly on both sides of the fold, the paper will tear right on the fold (a quick way to "cut" paper if you have no scissors). The fold then becomes an irreversible structural failure and the fibers in the paper will never regain their original state.\n\nBecause of this damage to its structure, the paper will from then on have this fold. And no matter how hard you try to flatten out the fold it will never return to its original state. This is why Origami models continually retain their shape." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In general, there are two types of syntax of defining functions - Something like C, C++, C#, or Java (```int functionName(char arg)```) vs the ML (and others) tradition of defining the return type after the function (and using something like a ```fun``` keyword to define a function - like ```fun functionName(char arg): int```).\nOne of the advantages (for the parser, at least) for a ```fun``` keyword is that it lets the parser be context-free (it doesn't have to guess if ```int``` defines a variable or if it defines a function).\nWhen C was invented, computers had very little memory and speed (so little, that the reason C requires one to define all the variables in the beginning of the function was because it had to be a one-pass parser). Why didn't they choose the simple way out and use function defining keyword?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dennis Ritchie’s paper on The Development of the C Language gives some idea of the reasoning behind this: namely, the fundamental rule in C that declaration syntax should match expression syntax\"\n\nFor each object of such a composed type, there was already a way to mention the underlying object: index the array, call the function, use the indirection operator on the pointer. Analogical reasoning led to a declaration syntax for names mirroring that of the expression syntax in which the names typically appear. Thus,\n```int i, *pi, **ppi;\n```\ndeclare an integer, a pointer to an integer, a pointer to a pointer to an integer. The syntax of these declarations reflects the observation that ```i```, ```*pi```, and ```**ppi``` all yield an ```int``` type when used in an expression. Similarly,\n```int f(), *f(), (*f)();\n```\ndeclare a function returning an integer, a function returning a pointer to an integer, a pointer to a function returning an integer;\n```int *api[10], (*pai)[10];\n```\ndeclare an array of pointers to integers, and a pointer to an array of integers. In all these cases the declaration of a variable resembles its usage in an expression whose type is the one named at the head of the declaration.\n\n\nIt appears this rule trumped parser considerations. Its immediate consequence is that function declarations can’t use specific keywords, or impose a different ordering of declaration components.\nIt’s worth noting that parsing was somewhat different in early C, since function declarations didn’t specify their arguments, and function definitions separated the argument list from the argument declarations (which weren’t necessary for ```int``` arguments):\n```sum();\n```\ndeclares a ```sum``` function, which would then be defined as\n```sum(a, b) {\n return a + b;\n}\n```\n(no types needed here, the default is ```int```). So the parser didn’t deal with types inside argument lists." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am new to TeX, working on it for about 2 months. Have not yet figured out how to script the 'curvy L' for Lagrangian and/or for Laplace Transforms.\nAs of now I am using the 'L' - which is not good! :-( \nAny help?\nUPDATE The 2 best solutions are;\n```\\usepackage{ amssymb }\n\\mathcal{L}\n```\nand\n```\\usepackage{ mathrsfs }\n\\mathscr{L}\n```\nI got my answers at, http://detexify.kirelabs.org/classify.html " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You have been told how to get a curved L. But here's some more general advice, which also applies in this situation: In cases such as this, always create your own shortcut macro, say\n```\\newcommand{\\Lagr}{\\mathcal{L}}\n```\n\nThis way, if you ever decide that that curly L is not quite the one you like, it is easy to switch. Also, even before you knew the answer to this question, you could have written\n```\\newcommand{\\Lagr}{L}\n```\nin your preamble. Then you could start/continue writing the document, use ordinary capital Ls where you want, and ```\\Lagr``` wherever you actually mean a Lagrangian, and then later changing the definition of ```\\Lagr``` to something appropriate. This way, you wouldn't have to manually search for each occurence of a capital L and decide if it's a Lagrangian or not. Clearly ```\\Lagr``` (or whatever you want to call this macro) is also easier to type than ```\\mathcal{L}```, and it makes the source code much more readable.\n\nAnother advantage, which is probably more subtle, since you're new to LaTeX, is that we can make the curvy L exactly the type of math we want. TeX distinguishes between ordinary letters, binary operators, binary relations, opening and closing parenthesis and so on; the spacing between two ordinary letters is not the same as the spacing between the ```a```, ```+```, and ```b``` in ```$a+b$```. So since the Lagrangian is a kind of operator, we could say\n```\\newcommand{\\Lagr}{\\mathop{\\mathcal{L}}}\n```\n\nBut in the case of operators, the package amsmath (which you are most likely using; if not, you should) provides a somewhat better mechanism:\n```\\DeclareMathOperator{\\Lagr}{\\mathcal{L}}\n```\n\nAnother (related) tip: Even if you are using the same notation for two different things, it is best to make a separate macro for each. In this case you might have\n```\\DeclareMathOperator{\\Lagr}{\\mathcal{L}}\n\\DeclareMathOperator{\\Lapl}{\\mathcal{L}}\n```\nThe reason is the same as in the ```L``` vs. ```\\Lagr``` case above: If you at some point decide that using ```\\mathcal{L}``` for both is a bad idea, you would have to find each occurence of ```\\Lagr``` and figure out if it is really a Laplacian. Using macro names carrying semantic meaning is one of the great powers of TeX." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My son doesn't want to share anything with other kids, and if some kid even so much as touches his toy, he pushes the kid. He shouts and cries at the same time, and tries to express his anger by pushing and hitting the kid. I feel so embarrassed in front of other parents. \nAnd when he is at home with me and doing something wrong, I try to stop him, he tries to repeat my words and shouts at me. He is copying the behavior of others, whether it's a good act or bad...\nPlease help me how to stop him from being a bully." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Welcome to the \"Terrible Two's\"! \n\nYour son behaves typically for his age. At 2 he starts to assert himself and express his demands. It's likely that he has also learned that he gets his way when he throws a tantrum. For a 2-year old screaming, hitting or even biting is a normal way to express his anger - at least he will try and every success reinforces this.\nHe also comes across more limitations: The more he is able to do, the more often he is stopped.\n\nThe solution? It's already in your question:\nHe will copy what others do. So by all means, stay calm. No yelling, no fussing and - please! - no hitting. He has some learning (accepted behaviour like sharing) and some unlearning (no hitting or pushing) to do and needs your help. \n\n* When he throws a tantrum, either ignore him, or quietly remove him from the scene. Do not worry about others! Most likely they have had the same trouble with their kids or will some time ;-) \n* When he doesn't want to share yet - fine, he will learn. This can be practiced. Don't make him share, or he will resent it. Rather, teach him the benefits of sharing. Start with food, for example. Have a plate of cookies (or other favorite food), that's yours. He will likely demand some, but demanding doesn't get him a cookie. Asking nicely will! Explain, repeat. Then, switch roles. If he has cookies, ask him to share. If he does, praise him. Else - remind him next time when he wants your cookies that he didn't share. Share whenever possible: Having a bite from your plate, getting a piece off his. Repeat, repeat, repeat.... Same goes for objects. Ask him to \"please\" share a toy, \"play\" with it for a short moment, then return. Say \"Thank you\". He learns, that he gets the toy back. Share some of your things. (Monitor the behaviour of other children, that want his toys - make sure they ask first and give toys back, at least during this learning stage.)\n\nYou have some serious work to do, but it will be sooooo worth it! " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are the differences between the Strategy design pattern and the State design pattern? please explain the difference in layman's terms?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The difference simply lies in that they solve different problems: \n\n* The State pattern deals with what (state or type) an object is (in) -- it encapsulates state-dependent behavior, whereas \n* the Strategy pattern deals with how an object performs a certain task -- it encapsulates an algorithm. \n\nThe constructs for achieving these different goals are however very similar; both patterns are examples of composition with delegation.\n\nSome observations on their advantages:\n* By using the State pattern the state-holding (context) class is relieved from knowledge of what state or type it is and what states or types that are available. This means that the class adheres to the open-closed design principle (OCP): the class is closed for changes in what states/types there are, but the states/types are open to extensions.\n* By using the Strategy pattern the algorithm-using (context) class is relieved from knowledge of how to perform a certain task (-- the \"algorithm\"). This case also creates an adherence to the OCP; the class is closed for changes regarding how to perform this task, but the design is very open to additions of other algorithms for solving this task.\n\nThis likely also improves the context class' adherence to the single responsibility principle (SRP). Further the algorithm becomes easily available for reuse by other classes." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why don't Tour de France riders always ride their TT bikes?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are 2 good reasons for this. \n\nFirst, a TT bike is the most efficient machine for flat, fast course racing, where there are a minimum of hills. It is not the most efficient machine when it comes to climbing. The body position is far too aggressive for even professional athletes to use in a non-TT style event. A bike with more a more upright body position, a more stable weight distribution, a lighter frame, and far, far lighter wheels, is a more efficient choice for that style of ride.\n\nSecondly, a TT bike sacrifices bike handling for that extreme power and aero efficiency. The TT stages are controlled events, where there are either one rider, or one team on the course at a time, and so limitations on stability and handling are acceptable. Take the same bike in a 150 rider peloton, where riders constantly jockey for position, and where even on a stable bike losing focus for 1 second can cause a major crash, and all of a sudden, those same sacrifices in bike handling and stability are no longer a benefit for the rider or the team. They become a hazard to the team's chances of winning. And not just for the stage or the day, since a bad crash can take a rider out for the season. \n\nOr God forbid, permanently. \nFor these reasons, the UCI has seen fit to ban the bikes in non-TT events, in order to ensure rider safety. And for once, their decision makes sense." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I remember when the Muslim holy book was the Koran when I was in middle school, but now it's the Quran. But it's always been Qatar and Iraq (but still Kuwait.)\nWho decided that 'Q' was going to be represent that sound instead of 'K', and why?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Arabic, in fact, they've always been separate sounds! The sound we write \"K\" is spelled with the letter ك in Arabic, and is pronounced a little bit further forward in the mouth; the sound we write \"Q\" is spelled with the letter ق and pronounced a little bit farther back. In phonetic terms, \"K\" is a velar sound, and \"Q\" is a uvular sound.\n\nEnglish doesn't distinguish between these two different sounds. But since we've got a spare letter lying around—the English letter \"Q\" is actually related to the Arabic letter ق, if you go back far enough!—it's become conventional to separate them in writing. \"Kuwait\" is spelled with a ك, so it gets a \"K\"; \"Qatar\" is spelled with a ق, so it gets a \"Q\". The \"Qur'an\", similarly, has a ق in it.\n\nNowadays, by the way, the letter \"Q\" has started to be associated with Arabic in particular, since it shows up significantly more there than in English. So in pop culture, you'll sometimes see names like \"Hakeem\" respelled to \"Haqim\"—even though the original Arabic has a ك in it! Linguistically, this is called hypercorrection, and it's the same reason you'll see words like \"forté\" with an é: English-speakers associate the acute accent with Romance loans (café, fiancé, résumé), but it has no special meaning in English, so it sometimes gets inserted where it doesn't actually belong (the original Italian word is simply forte)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do you add Boost libraries in CMakeLists.txt?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Put this in your `CMakeLists.txt` file (change any options from OFF to ON if you want):\n\n```\nset(Boost_USE_STATIC_LIBS OFF) \nset(Boost_USE_MULTITHREADED ON) \nset(Boost_USE_STATIC_RUNTIME OFF) \nfind_package(Boost VERSION COMPONENTS *boost libraries here*) \n\nif(Boost_FOUND)\n include_directories(${Boost_INCLUDE_DIRS}) \n add_executable(progname file1.cxx file2.cxx) \n target_link_libraries(progname ${Boost_LIBRARIES})\nendif()\n```\n\nObviously you need to put the libraries you want where I put `*boost libraries here*`. For example, if you're using the `filesystem` and `regex` library you'd write:\n\n```\nfind_package(Boost VERSION COMPONENTS filesystem regex)\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Quando devo fazer essa gravação direto no banco? \nQuais as situações?\nEu sei que posso gravar no banco o caminho da imagem." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Além do custo ser mais alto como mencionado, deve-se levar em conta vários fatores:\n\n* Volume de dados: para um baixo volume de dados pode não haver problema. Por outro lado, para armazenamento de grande massa de dados o banco de dados é praticamente inviável. Pergunte ao Facebook ou ao Google se eles usariam banco. O Facebook, por exemplo, usa um sistema de arquivos personalizado para tornar o acesso mais rápido ainda e diminuir a o overhead por arquivo exigido pelos sistemas de arquivos tradicionais.\n* Clusterização: uma vantagem do banco de dados é no caso do seu sistema rodar em vários servidores, todos terão acesso uniforme aos arquivos. Porém, usar uma unidade na rede para armazenar os arquivos.\n* Disponibilidade: seu sistema vai ter muitos acessos? Isso pode sobrecarregar um banco de dados tradicional. Por outro lado, seu servidor HTTP pode usar as rotinas de acesso de baixo nível ao sistema de arquivos para enviar o stream de dados ao cliente.\n* Escalabilidade: se a demanda de volume ou disponibilidade aumentarem, será possível adicionar mais capacidade ao sistema? É muito mais fácil dividir arquivos entre servidores diferentes do que distribuir registros de uma tabela em mais servidores.\n* Flexibilidade: fazer cópias de segurança, mover arquivos de um servidor para outro, fazer algum processamento nos arquivos armazenados, tudo isso fica mais fácil se os arquivos estiverem num diretório. Se você faz o deploy em ambiente de cliente, os arquivos no disco não inviabilizam você de receber cópias do banco de dados para testes. Tente pedir para o seu cliente enviar terabytes de dados para você analisar se der algum problema no banco.\n* Overhead de leitura e gravação: o custo computacional para gravar e ler dados do banco de dados é maior do que para ler e gravar diretamente em um arquivo.\n\nExistem várias estratégias para escalar um sistema tanto em termos de disponibilidade quanto em volume. Basicamente essas estratégias consistem em distribui-los em vários vários servidores e redirecionar o usuário para cada um deles conforme algum critério. Os detalhes variam de implementação, tais como: estratégia de atualização dos dados, redundância, critérios de distribuição, etc.\nUma das grandes dificuldades em gerenciar arquivos fora do BD é que temos agora duas fontes de dados distintas e que precisam estar sempre em sincronia.\nDo ponto de vista de segurança, efetivamente há pouca diferença. Se um hacker pode comprometer um servidor, ele poderá ler tanto os arquivos gravados em disco do seu sistema quanto os arquivos do sistema de banco de dados. Se essa questão for crítica, uma alternativa é armazenar os dados criptografados.\nPorém, sempre que fiz a análise do melhor tipo de solução, o uso do sistema de arquivos sempre esteve em grande vantagem." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I need a regular expression that validates a number, but doesn't require a digit after the decimal. ie. ```123 123. 123.4 ``` would all be valid ```123.. ``` would be invalid" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the regular expression you can use:\n\n```\n/^\\d*\\.?\\d*$/\n```\n\n* `^` - Beginning of the line;\n* `\\d*` - 0 or more digits;\n* `\\.?` - An optional dot (escaped, because in regex, . is a special character);\n* `\\d*` - 0 or more digits (the decimal part);\n* `$` - End of the line.\n\nThis allows for .5 decimal rather than requiring the leading zero, such as 0.5" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The year is 2109 C.E my friends and I were caught in a space disaster when the spacecraft we're in broke apart during a daring escape from a patrolling spacecraft. We stole an antique cellphone (from 1999, in good working condition) from a space museum but our escape was interrupted and fortunately we managed to get into the escape pod and didn't get caught up in the explosion. The only emergency transponder in the escape pod isn't working probably due to the destruction of the spacecraft. Given the technology of 1999, is it possible for us to sent out a distress signal to alert the leaving patrol spacecraft?\nNote: the cellphone was the most innovative product of 1999 money can buy.\nThe escape pod is not a Faraday cage we're talking about the future and the patrol spacecraft don't necessary be on a lookout for distress signal; please use these clues to your advantage.\nIf there is absolutely no way to transmit any man-made signal out, please state a valid reason why it can't be done." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Assets\n\n* 1 obsolete piece of short range comms kit requiring a battery you probably can't charge\n* 1 slightly malfunctioning escape pod with up to date comms that isn't working but you're still alive\n\nCurrent standards say the Mayday should be broadcast on VHF channel 16 (156.8 MHz). A 1999 phone, probably on 2g would likely use 900MHz (UHF). The slightly broken comms unit in the pod is probably using channel 16 or equivalent*. This is your first problem. The patrol ship will be listening in for signals broadcast on the mayday frequency. That's the frequency you need to hit, so first up is rebuilding your phone to that frequency.\n\nOr you could look at the pod comms system and see what's wrong.\n\nYour next problem is that your mobile phone's range is laughable in interstellar space. What's going to be even more laughable is when you try to use it in the radiation shielded environment of your escape pod. The signal, which is line of sight at the best of times, most likely won't even penetrate the hull. So now you need to hook it up to the external antenna used by the pod's own comms system.\n\nOr you could look at the pod comms system and see what's wrong.\n\nNow you need to make sure you're using the right broadcast method: are you on AM or FM? (There's no reason to think that 100 years from now they'd be able to pick up an analog signal)\n\nI'm sure you can see where I'm going with this. Fix the pod.\nUltimately all you're going to do is rebuild a copy of the pod's own comms system with a batch of obsolete components. If you're good enough to do that you're good enough to fix the pod's own system which will be much easier.\n\n*I mention channel 16 as an example to show that there are standards for distress signals and they're very different from the standards for mobiles, if you want someone to pick it up then you need to be broadcasting on a frequency they're listening on.\n\n## Distress frequencies\n\n 2182 kHz forms an essential part of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS). It has an associated DSC frequency at 2187.5 kHz. Other international distress frequencies, in use as of 2008, include:\n\n```121.5 MHz - civil aircraft emergency frequency\n243 MHz - military aircraft emergency frequency\n156.8 MHz - Marine VHF radio channel 16, short range maritime use\n406 MHz / 406.1 MHz - Cospas-Sarsat international satellite-based search and rescue (SAR) distress alert detection and information distribution system\n```\n\nDiscontinued frequencies\n```500 kHz Morse code is no longer monitored.\n121.5 or 243 MHz locators. (No longer automatically monitored by satellite, though still used for aircraft communication and short-range direction finding.)\nEffective 1 August 2013, the U. S. Coast Guard terminated its radio guard of the international voice distress, safety and calling frequency 2182 kHz and the international digital selective calling (DSC) distress and safety frequency 2187.5 kHz. Additionally, marine information and weather broadcasts transmitted on 2670 kHz terminated concurrently.\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Often I want to just point the camera to an object or a specific area in my scene to get an idea of how it'll look in the render. What's the most painless hassle-free way to do this in blender?\nA quick search on the blender wiki does not lend itself to easy look-up due to all the noise in the search result.\nThis question could probably be broken down into these two main questions:\n\n* How do I point a selected camera to the current 3d-cursor location in the scene?\n* How do I point the selected camera to the currently selected object(s) in the scene?\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Situation 1: You're not looking through the camera yet\n\n* Fly Mode: Shift + F or the standard Viewport Navigation\n* Set Camera to View: Ctrl + Alt + Numpad 0\n\nSituation 2: You're already looking through the camera via Numpad 0\n\n* Select the camera: Right Mouse Button\n* Grab: G & optionally...\n\t* Lock the grab to a local axis: XX or YY or ZZ (my favorite)\n\n* Rotate:\n\t* Tilt: R\n\t* Look around: R R\n\t* Orbit around the 3D cursor: .R followed by R, or Z. (Press , afterwards)\n\n\nTips & Notes (some go beyond this question):\n\n1. In earlier versions of Blender, Fly Mode would to make the camera slowly flatten with the horizon line. It doesn't anymore, but you can reset the camera's rotation Alt + R to make the horizon flat and then use fly mode to reorient the camera while maintaining that flat horizon.\n\n2. If you decide to use another object as a target for the camera to look at, you can use the Object Constraints. To do this:\n\t* Select the camera.\n\t* Shift-select the target.\n\t* Press Ctrl T and select Track To or Damped Track To. You can modify the new constraint in the camera's Constraints panel, for example, to animate the influence." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are the general tactics of Krav Maga as opposed to Systema? \nFor instance, the tactics of Silat are to hurt the other person so badly they can't hurt back. Another example would be that the tactics of boxing would be to knock out the other person first using only punches. So, as far as I know, the goal of Systema and Krav Maga are both to do anything you can to defeat your attacker because they are serious about self defense. Does that mean that Krav Maga and Systema are strategical identical? Does Krav use strategies that Systema doesn't? Does Systema use any strategies that Krav doesn't? Is there a difference or do they generally work the same way?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At first glance Krav Maga and Systema seem to be very similar in that they are both very unconventional, no-rules, practical self-defence, martial arts (although Krav isn't technically a martial art) which are no holds barred and generally formless.\n\nHowever...\nKrav Maga is basically a very raw, dangerous situation survival system (including avoidance and escape) which builds upon your natural instincts and taught in a very short space of time. Therefore it is highly stress tested. It relies on the fact that fear will set in in order to use your natural responses and turn them into functional movements to your advantage. It relies heavily on shock and awe in that defence and attack should be simultaneous where possible to capitalise on the opponent's shock value.\n\nSystema is - in many ways - the exact opposite, it is a system which teaches over a much longer period of time how to control your fear/anger/pity and teaches relaxation (through breathing/stretching) in stressful situations so that attacks on your person are less effective, better recovered from and the pressure points, levers and momentum of attackers can be manipulated to your advantage using the clarity of mind gained from your training.\n\nIn Summary\nSo in effect Krav Maga is taught fast and turns your weaknesses into strengths so your defence/attack becomes like a reflex just when you need it, while Systema is a methodology that needs to be learned and seeks to remove those weaknesses so that your defense/attacks can be more effective.\n\nAlso, another martial art, similar and somewhere between these is the Keysi Fighting Method (KFM) - developed for street fighting - but that has some actual forms that have to be learned such as the very distinctive 'Pensador' that the Christian Bale Batman uses/\n\nKFM is a lot more like Krav Maga but it makes heavy use of the 'Pensador' guard (much like the 'Rhino' Krav pose) and concentrates a much larger chunk of its time to dealing with multiple opponents and ground based fighting, as it was developed for street fighting and this is where they tend to end up. It doesn't deal with survival (avoidance and get away) as much as Krav however. There are also no weapons." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I understand that unlocking the bootloader will wipe my Android phone, but have been looking around for why. Seems to be by design, but what is the reasoning for that design? Is it some security concern, some obscure technical reason, or just for lulz? I'm looking for something solid to chew on here, something more than because \"that's how it is\"." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's a security concern. The Android documentation doesn't provide a lot of elaboration, stating simply:\n\n The procedure must be confirmed on-screen, and deletes the user data for privacy reasons.\n\nHowever, the privacy concern is relatively straightforward to extrapolate. Once the bootloader is unlocked, the device can be flashed with unsigned images. This means that it is relatively trivial to root the device, and there are actually multiple ways it can be done, such as:\n\n* Flashing a system image with root tools built in\n* Flashing a boot image that runs ```adbd``` with root by default (an \"unsecure\" image)\n* Flashing a recovery image, then using that to overwrite the system or boot partitions with ones that allow root access\n\nOnce root is obtained, all of the information on ```/data``` essentially becomes accessible. This could be emails, contact information, or many other pieces of personal information that you likely don't want in the wrong hands. \n\nTherefore, it makes sense to wipe all of this data during the unlocking procedure to ensure that there is no off-the-shelf \"official\" way of bypassing the sandboxing restrictions implemented by the Android operating system, which would thereby allow someone to steal personal data.\n\nOf course, there may be ways to root without wiping on some devices, but they rely on exploits rather than official methods like a bootloader unlock, meaning they are basically bugs." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The original IBM PC and later variants used an Intel 8253 or 8254 as a sound chip. Why did users add sound cards such as the Adlib or Sound Blaster. I remember voice output with programs like telephone answering programs. The sound was wimpy but I attributed most of the quality to speaker size.\nWhat was lacking with the original PC sound chip? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "> The original IBM PC and later variants used an Intel 8253 or 8254 as a sound chip.\n\nThe 8253 is a timer circuit, containing three timers able to generate timed interrupts or square-wave output with programmed frequencies. On the PC the third timer's output is, via an amplifier, connected to a simple speaker.\n\nAs said before, calling a 'simple' timer a sound chip is quite a stretch. \nSince it's a digital output, no level control is available. Only on or off is possible. At best this results in rather nasty sounding square waves. There is no provision to smooth the signal (beside the inertia of the speaker membrane).\n\nAlso, the only frequencies that can be selected are those that result from dividing the base frequency (1,193,181.8 Hz) by an integer in the range of 1–65535. So even when accepting the meager signal quality, only very few notes can be played at correct frequency. Already the basic 440 Hz concert pitch will be off by .5Hz. So whatever is played using the timer will sound off pitch. Music can still sound good if a little off pitch, but only when all notes are off in the same way (*1) - which is not the case with this 'sound chip'.\n\nOf course, there are also ways to manipulate the sound even a bit better by manually handling the output - which results in 100% CPU time usage.\n\n> Why did users add sound cards such as the Adlib or Sound Blaster.\n\nSimply because they wanted sound - or at least music. Not just a beeper.\n\n> What was lacking with the original PC sound chip?\n\nAs said before, it's no sound chip at all. A sound chip will need programmable oscillators for different wave forms and at least some analogue ciruitry to make a smooth, more natural sound. Ofcourse, from an enginering point, the PC's use of a timer was a great improvement over the Apple II, its model and competition, as it allowed the beeping in parallel - not that this feature was used by BIOS or DOS.\nLast but not least, the PC is an open system. It is made to add new/better hardware. So why shoudn't there be a real sound card? Improving the machine is a core feature of the design.\n\nAddendum:\nagtoever added a comment with a great example of what was possible with the direct fiddling with the speaker. Awesome, but less than apealing when compared to even the cheapest form of soundcard, the AdLib of the same time, as used by Monkey Island. Next to zero CPU usage and crisp clear sound. Not to mention easy programming. I'd call that a huge advantage.\n\n*1 - The average human decodes frequencies relative to each other. As a result sound is still perceived as good, even if the whole scale is shifted, as long as it's in the same direction and same percentage. Output needs to be way off to be noticed by an average listener. In contrast, if notes are off by a different margin and in different directions, even less trained listeners will notice." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "According to the sources I have found, a lambda expression is essentially implemented by the compiler creating a class with overloaded function call operator and the referenced variables as members. This suggests that the size of lambda expressions varies, and given enough references variables that size can be arbitrarily large.\nAn ```std::function``` should have a fixed size, but it must be able to wrap any kind of callables, including any lambdas of the same kind. How is it implemented? If ```std::function``` internally uses a pointer to its target, then what happens, when the ```std::function``` instance is copied or moved? Are there any heap allocations involved?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The implementation of ```std::function``` can differ from one implementation to another, but the core idea is that it uses type-erasure. While there are multiple ways of doing it, you can imagine a trivial (not optimal) solution could be like this (simplified for the specific case of ```std::function``` for the sake of simplicity):\n```struct callable_base {\n virtual int operator()(double d) = 0;\n virtual ~callable_base() {}\n};\ntemplate \nstruct callable : callable_base {\n F functor;\n callable(F functor) : functor(functor) {}\n virtual int operator()(double d) { return functor(d); }\n};\nclass function_int_double {\n std::unique_ptr c;\npublic:\n template \n function(F f) {\n c.reset(new callable(f));\n }\n int operator()(double d) { return c(d); }\n// ...\n};\n```\nIn this simple approach the ```function``` object would store just a ```unique_ptr``` to a base type. For each different functor used with the ```function```, a new type derived from the base is created and an object of that type instantiated dynamically. The ```std::function``` object is always of the same size and will allocate space as needed for the different functors in the heap.\nIn real life there are different optimizations that provide performance advantages but would complicate the answer. The type could use small object optimizations, the dynamic dispatch can be replaced by a free-function pointer that takes the functor as argument to avoid one level of indirection, but the idea is basically the same.\n\nRegarding the issue of how copies of the ```std::function``` behave, a quick test indicates that copies of the internal callable object are done, rather than sharing the state.\n```// g++4.8\nint main() {\n int value = 5;\n typedef std::function fun;\n fun f1 = [=]() mutable { std::cout << value++ << '\\n' };\n fun f2 = f1;\n f1(); // prints 5\n fun f3 = f1;\n f2(); // prints 5\n f3(); // prints 6 (copy after first increment)\n}\n```\nThe test indicates that ```f2``` gets a copy of the callable entity, rather than a reference. If the callable entity was shared by the different ```std::function<>``` objects, the output of the program would have been 5, 6, 7." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "So, I'm on vacation in Utah, and so I attended an LDS service. In the morning, I heard a reading from one of the Presidents of the church during the \"Quorum of the Elders,\" then went to Sunday School, and finally witnessed the Sacrement of the bread and water. (I guess it makes sense there was no wine, but it did make me go \"Huh!\") After that, there were testimonies from missionaries and some music - but nothing that struck me as a sermon. \nWas I missing something, or was this an atypical service? I guess I was trying to understand what the \"pastor\"s role in the service was supposed to be - or again, is it just that Mormons are even more Baptist than baptists?\nIf someone could explain how instruction and exhortation are primarily conferred in the LDS church Id appreciate it. " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mormon services are a bit different, as you discovered. In the United States, there is generally a block of 3 meetings back-to-back including a sunday school, a mens' and women's time for instruction, and a sacrament meeting where the general congregation meets together. It sounds like the first meeting you attended was Priesthood meeting where the brothers study the words of scripture and modern Church leaders. Those classes usually have a single instructor each week.\n\nSacrament meeting is where any equivalence of a sermon would be heard. The primary difference between Mormon services and some others is the focal event of church meetings. The purpose behind holding a sacrament meeting is to take the sacrament and renew covenants made at baptism. The actual administration of the sacrament is the most sacred public meeting to Mormons. Hearing people speak and even interpersonal communion (socializing) is only secondary, though important.\n\nMembers of a ward, or local congregation, are invited to speak by the bishop or his counselors (the basic equivalent of a pastor) and will have some time to prepare a talk. Talks should draw from the scriptures, personal experience and testimony, and focus on the Savior. Note that comments made by church members over the pulpit at a sacrament meeting do not necessarily reflect the Church's official position on a topic or even Church doctrine.\nThe talks are meant to urge, inspire, and exhort all in attendance to come to Christ, to give them an opportunity to feel the power of the Spirit, and to strengthen their faith. Often, members will come with questions in their hearts and find answers in the words that day.\n\nCounsel from leaders like a bishop sometimes occur over the pulpit, but usually this is private and individual, based on personal circumstances. The bishop and his counselors are supposed to meet with members regularly in interviews. There is no paid clergy, so all the service is volunteer.\n\nEach member is also assigned two \"home teachers\" which visit their family once a month to share a gospel message, check on well-being, and be a friend and support especially when needed. In this way, instruction is given which might also help replace a typical sermon pattern. The bishop, his counselors, and others he calls on help organize these efforts. (It has also proven to be very quick and effective during disaster response, as home teachers immediately report in on who they teach, and bishops coordinate an effort if needed.\n\nSo what you saw was apparently quite normal. Even once a month (the first Sunday), a fast and testimony meeting is held during sacrament meeting, where members forgo preparing talks and instead bear their testimonies about Christ and the gospel for the hour as they feel a desire to do so. Instruction is very member-to-member, you might say, but is guided by the direction of a bishop and other church leaders who also inspire and instruct." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A partir de un String, ```\"123-654321\"```, lo que deseo es dividirlo en dos Strings:\n```string1=123\nstring2=654321\n```" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Tres formas diferentes de hacerlo:\n1. Utilizando la función ```String.split()``` :\n``` String str = \"123-654321\";\n String[] parts = str.split(\"-\");\n```\nEsta solución utiliza expresiones regulares, así que no es lo más eficiente si no estas trabajando con ellas.\n\n2. Utilizando la clase ```StringTokenizer``` :\n```static private List fastSplit(final String text, final String separator, final boolean emptyStrings){\n List result = new ArrayList();\n final StringTokenizer st = new StringTokenizer(text, separator, true);\n String token = null;\n String lastToken = separator;\n while (st.hasMoreTokens()) {\n token = st.nextToken();\n if (token.equals(separator)) {\n if (lastToken.equals(separator) && emptyStrings) {\n result.add(\"\");\n }\n } else {\n result.add(token);\n }\n lastToken = token;\n }\n return result;\n}\n```\nEl problema con este método es que solo funciona bien cuando el delimitador tiene longitud 1.\n\n3. Implementarlo usando ```String.indexOf()``` :\nEn este caso si funcionará correctamente para delimitadores de cualquier longitud.\n```static private List fastSplit2(final String text, final String separator, final boolean emptyStrings) {\n final List result = new ArrayList();\n if (text != null && text.length() > 0) {\n int index1 = 0;\n int index2 = text.indexOf(separator);\n int sepLen = separator.length();\n while (index2 >= 0) {\n String token = text.substring(index1, index2);\n if (!token.isEmpty() || emptyStrings){\n result.add(token);\n }\n index1 = index2 + sepLen;\n index2 = text.indexOf(separator, index1);\n }\n if (index1 < text.length() - 1) {\n result.add(text.substring(index1));\n }\n }\n return result;\n}\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What’s the difference between ```\\n``` (newline) and ```\\r``` (carriage return)?\nIn particular, are there any practical differences between ```\\n``` and ```\\r```? Are there places where one should be used instead of the other?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In terms of ascii code, it's 3 -- since they're 10 and 13 respectively.\nBut seriously, there are many differences:\n\n* in Unix and all Unix-like systems, ```\\n``` is the code for end-of-line, ```\\r``` means nothing special\n* as a consequence, in C and most languages that somehow copy it (even remotely), ```\\n``` is the standard escape sequence for end of line (translated to/from OS-specific sequences as needed)\n* in old Mac systems (pre-OS X), ```\\r``` was the code for end-of-line instead\n* in Windows (and many old OSs), the code for end of line is 2 characters, ```\\r\\n```, in this order\n* as a surprising consequence (harking back to OSs much older than Windows), ```\\r\\n``` is the standard line-termination for text formats on the Internet\n* for electromechanical teletype-like \"terminals\", ```\\r``` commands the carriage to go back leftwards until it hits the leftmost stop (a slow operation), ```\\n``` commands the roller to roll up one line (a much faster operation) -- that's the reason you always have ```\\r``` before ```\\n```, so that the roller can move while the carriage is still going leftwards!-) Wikipedia has a more detailed explanation.\n* for character-mode terminals (typically emulating even-older printing ones as above), in raw mode, ```\\r``` and ```\\n``` act similarly (except both in terms of the cursor, as there is no carriage or roller.\n\nIn practice, in the modern context of writing to a text file, you should always use ```\\n``` (the underlying runtime will translate that if you're on a weird OS, e.g., Windows. The only reason to use ```\\r``` is if you're writing to a character terminal (or more likely a \"console window\" emulating it) and want the next line you write to overwrite the last one you just wrote (sometimes used for goofy \"ascii animation\" effects of e.g. progress bars) -- this is getting pretty obsolete in a world of GUIs, though" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Assume that I am a programmer and I have an NP-complete problem that I need to solve it. What methods are available to deal with NPC problems? Is there a survey or something similar on this topic?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are a number of well-studied strategies; which is best in your application depends on circumstance.\n\n* Improve worst case runtime\nUsing problem-specific insight, you can often improve the naive algorithm. For instance, there are $O(c^n)$ algorithms for Vertex Cover with $c huge improvement over the naive $\\Omega(2^n)$ and might make instance sizes relevant for you tractable.\n\n* Improve expected runtime\nUsing heuristics, you can often devise algorithms that are fast on many instances. If those include most that you meet in practice, you are golden. Examples are SAT for which quite involved solvers exist, and the Simplex algorithm (which solves a polynomial problem, but still). One basic technique that is often helpful is branch and bound.\n\n* Restrict the problem\nIf you can make more assumptions on your inputs, the problem may become easy.\n\n* Structural properties\nYour inputs may have properties that simplify solving the problem, e.g. planarity, bipartiteness or missing a minor for graphs. See here for some examples of graph classes for which CLIQUE is easy. \n\n* Bounding functions of the input\nAnother thing to look at is parameterised complexity; some problems are solvable in time $O(2^kn^m)$ for $k$ some instance parameter (maximum node degree, maximum edge weight, ...) and $m$ constant. If you can bound $k$ by a polylogarithmic function in $n$ in your setting, you get polynomial algorithms. Saeed Amiri gives details in his answer.\n\n* Bounding input quantities\nFurthermore, some problems admit algorithms that run in pseudo-polynomial time, that is their runtime is bounded by a polynomial function in a number that is part of the input; the naive primality check is an example. This means that if the quantities encoded in your instances have reasonable size, you might have simple algorithms that behave well for you.\n\n* Weaken the result\nThis means that you tolerate errorneous or incomplete results. There are two main flavors:\n\n* Probabilistic algorithms\nYou only get the correct result with some probability. There are some variants, most notable Monte-Carlo and Las-Vegas algorithms. A famous example is the Miller-Rabin primality test.\n\n* Approximation algorithms\nYou no longer look for optimal solutions but almost optimal ones. Some algorithms admit relative (\"no worse than double the optimum\"), others absolute (\"no worse than $5$ plus the optimum\") bounds on the error. For many problems it is open how well they can be approximated. There are some that can be approximated arbitrarily well in polynomial time, while others are known to not allow that; check the theory of polynomial-time approximation schemes.\n\nRefer to Algorithmics for Hard Problems by Hromkovič for a thorough treatment.\n* Simplicity is beauty: Improved upper bounds for vertex cover by Chen Jianer, Iyad A. Kanj, Ge Xia (2005)\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why are the lights inside commercial airplanes turned off during take off and landing?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is for safety reasons. \n\nTake-off and landing are the two most critical phases of flight and thus, every additional step to ensure survivability, be it even just adjusting the light, is taken.\n\nThe interior lights or cabin lights are adjusted to match the exterior environment, so that in case of an emergency, especially if the interior lights fail, your eyes are already accustomed to the light setting and you do not require additional valuable seconds for adjustment to a possibly darker or brighter environment. The lights are usually adjusted at dusk, night or dawn to match the exterior environment.\n\nIf the cabin lights do not fail during an emergency, the dimmed light also makes it easier to identify the \"EXIT\" signs which illuminate and make the guidance lighting on the floor easier to follow. The bright emergency lighting is more prominent to identify when the cabin light is dimmed, saving valuable seconds as the aircraft is evacuated.\n\nThis also ties in with having to raise the blinds on the windows. The blinds need to be raised during take-off and landing irrespective of the outside light situation, however, with a darker cabin, any outside light source, especially from fires or other hazards is easier to identify by the crew, making the decision process of whether one side could be inappropriate to use for evacuation faster, e.g. fire on port side --> no evacuation on that side.\n\nThe blinds are therefore raised to allow a better view for cabin crew of the outside area and external aircraft parts, such as engines, wings, etc." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The default behaviour of ```LIKE``` and the other comparison operators, ```=``` etc is case-sensitive.\nIs it possible make them case-insensitive?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are 3 main ways to perform a case-insensitive search in Oracle without using full-text indexes.\n\nUltimately what method you choose is dependent on your individual circumstances; the main thing to remember is that to improve performance you must index correctly for case-insensitive searching.\n\n1. Case your column and your string identically.\nYou can force all your data to be the same case by using `UPPER()` or `LOWER()`:\n```\nselect * from my_table where upper(column_1) = upper('my_string');\n```\nor\n```\nselect * from my_table where lower(column_1) = lower('my_string');\n```\nIf `column_1` is not indexed on `upper(column_1)` or `lower(column_1)`, as appropriate, this may force a full table scan. In order to avoid this you can create a function-based index.\n```\ncreate index my_index on my_table ( lower(column_1) );\n```\nIf you're using LIKE then you have to concatenate a `%` around the string you're searching for.\n```\nselect * from my_table where lower(column_1) LIKE lower('my_string') || '%';\n```\n\n2. Use regular expressions.\nFrom Oracle 10g onwards `REGEXP_LIKE()` is available. You can specify the _match_parameter_ `'i'`, in order to perform case-insensitive searching.\n\nIn order to use this as an equality operator you must specify the start and end of the string, which is denoted by the carat and the dollar sign.\n\n```\nselect * from my_table where regexp_like(column_1, '^my_string$', 'i');\n```\nIn order to perform the equivalent of LIKE, these can be removed.\n```\nselect * from my_table where regexp_like(column_1, 'my_string', 'i');\n```\nBe careful with this as your string may contain characters that will be interpreted differently by the regular expression engine.\n\n3. Change it at the session level.\nThe NLS_SORT parameter governs the collation sequence for ordering and the various comparison operators, including `=` and LIKE. You can specify a binary, case-insensitive, sort by altering the session. This will mean that every query performed in that session will perform case-insensitive parameters.\n```\nalter session set nls_sort=BINARY_CI\n```\nThere's plenty of additional information around linguistic sorting and string searching if you want to specify a different language, or do an accent-insensitive search using BINARY_AI.\n\nYou will also need to change the NLS_COMP parameter; the default value of NLS_COMP is BINARY; but, LINGUISTIC specifies that Oracle should pay attention to the value of NLS_SORT.\n\nSo, once again, you need to alter the session\n```\nalter session set nls_comp=LINGUISTIC\n```\nYou may want to create a linguistic index to improve performance\n```\ncreate index my_linguistc_index on my_table \n (NLSSORT(column_1, 'NLS_SORT = BINARY_CI'));\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have a new SPA with a stateless authentication model using JWT. I am often asked to refer OAuth for authentication flows like asking me to send 'Bearer tokens' for every request instead of a simple token header but I do think that OAuth is a lot more complex than a simple JWT based authentication. What are the main differences, should I make the JWT authentication behave like OAuth?\nI am also using the JWT as my XSRF-TOKEN to prevent XSRF but I am being asked to keep them separate? Should I keep them separate? Any help here will be appreciated and might lead to a set of guidelines for the community." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "TL;DR If you have very simple scenarios, like a single client application, a single API then it might not pay off to go OAuth 2.0. On the other hand, if there are lots of different clients (browser-based, native mobile, server-side, etc) then sticking to OAuth 2.0 rules might make it more manageable than trying to roll your own system.\n\n## Detailed Answer\n\nJWT (Learn JSON Web Tokens) is just a token format. It defines a compact and self-contained mechanism for transmitting data between parties in a way that can be verified and trusted because it is digitally signed. Additionally, the encoding rules of a JWT also make these tokens very easy to use within the context of HTTP.\n\nBeing self-contained (the actual token contains information about a given subject), they are also a good choice for implementing stateless authentication mechanisms (aka Look mum, no sessions!). When going this route, the only thing a party must present to be granted access to a protected resource is the token itself, and the token in question can be called a bearer token.\n\nIn practice, what you're doing can already be classified as bearer token -based. However, do consider you're not using bearer tokens as specified by the OAuth 2.0 related specs (see RFC 6750). That would imply relying on the Authorization HTTP header and using the Bearer authentication scheme.\n\nRegarding the use of the JWT to prevent CSRF: Without knowing exact details it's difficult to ascertain the validity of that practice. To be honest, it does not seem correct and/or worthwhile. The following article (Cookies vs Tokens: The Definitive Guide) may be a useful read on this subject, particularly the XSS and XSRF Protection section.\n\nOne final piece of advice. Even if you don't need to go full OAuth 2.0, I would strongly recommend on passing your access token within the Authorization header instead of going with custom headers. If they are really bearer tokens, follow the rules of RFC 6750. If not, you can always create a custom authentication scheme and still use that header." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Gostaria de saber se existe alguma forma simples de realizar um upload de arquivos via AJAX + JSON.\nSe houver, qual seria?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Você pode fazer uploads de arquivos utilizando o método ```POST``` porém deve incluir o FormData com a propriedade ```enctype``` definida como ```multipart/form-data``` para que seus arquivos sejam enviados na requisição.\nContudo, a formatação do envio não vai ser um JSON, mas sim no ```enctype``` que você definir no seu ```FormData```, que dependendo da linguagem que você está utilizando no backend vai ter uma forma diferente de interpretar estes dados.\n\n* application/x-www-form-urlencoded: é o enctype padrão, todos os valores de espaço são convertidos para \"+\" e caracteres não padrões são convertidos para representação ANSII HEX;\n* multipart/form-data: nenhum caractere é convertido, mantendo os valores do formulário intactos, necessário para upload de arquivos;\n* text/plain: apenas espaços são convertidos em \"+\";\n\nSendo essas as possibilidades, o que está sendo trafegado não é um JSON quando vamos comunicar enviando dados para o servidor. Esses dados são serializados para serem entregues dentro da área de data do método que você esta utilizando pra trafegar via HTTP(S) dentro dos formatos apresentados.\nDurante o upload você pode capturar (nos browsers modernos) evento de progresso do upload, conforme no exemplo abaixo.\nExemplo utilizando **jQuery**:\n\n**Formulário**\n```<form id="formulario" method="post" enctype="multipart/form-data">\n <input type="text" name="campo1" value="hello" />\n <input type="text" name="campo2" value="world" />\n <input name="arquivo" type="file" />\n <button>Enviar</button>\n</form>\n```\n\n**Javascript**\n```$(\"#formulario\").submit(function() {\n var formData = new FormData(this);\n $.ajax({\n url: window.location.pathname,\n type: 'POST',\n data: formData,\n success: function(data) {\n alert(data)\n },\n cache: false,\n contentType: false,\n processData: false,\n xhr: function() { // Custom XMLHttpRequest\n var myXhr = $.ajaxSettings.xhr();\n if (myXhr.upload) { // Avalia se tem suporte a propriedade upload\n myXhr.upload.addEventListener('progress', function() {\n /* faz alguma coisa durante o progresso do upload */\n }, false);\n }\n return myXhr;\n }\n });\n});\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Did the ancients or other pre-industrial civilisations engage in unsustainable practices?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most ancient agricultural practices deplete soil to some degree, but are just fine when population does not exceed certain limits. There are some examples of ancient cultures exhausting natural resources available to them - Pitcairn Island Polynesians, Ancient Puebloans (Anasazi). It's the cause of the semi-nomadic way of life of many early societies - your herds graze the grass into oblivion, you move to another patch to return back when the grass grows back in; or you deplete the soil by overplanting, you move to another spot of land and start over, and so on.\n\nBut there's an important distinction to be made. Early societies were naturally regulated just as animal population are - by food resources. When food grows scarce, hunger strikes, and humans either start fighting for what's left, reducing population to more manageable levels, or migrate to not yet depleted lands - only cases of actual extinction are from island civilizations which cannot readily move. Meanwhile, globally environment stays balanced, and depleted spots are replenished from outside - slowly healing the damage. Modern humanity has no place to move - all land is already claimed by someone, so we have to make do with what resources we have - and consequently affects the world at global scale, which earlier cultures were incapable of.\n\nSustainability is not about return to pre-industrial way of life - it is unsustainable at modern population levels. It is about preserving the environment in human-habitable state - both by taking less from nature and by increasing effectiveness of usage of what we do need to take." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When reading my Bible, I've noticed Joesph's name listed in both the Old and New Testaments; is it the same person or is there more than one Joseph in the Bible?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are 3 distinct (fairly) well-known Josephs in the Bible, firstly in the Old Testament (mainly):\n\n* Joseph the son of Jacob/Israel (aka The Patriarch Joseph). This Joseph is actually referred to in a few select places in the New Testament: John 4:5; Acts 7:9-18; Hebrews 11:21-22 & Revelation 7:8.\n\nHowever, it's more likely that a Joseph in the New Testament would be one of:\n\n* Joseph husband of Mary and surrogate father of Jesus (aka St. Joseph).\n* Joseph of Arimathea in whose tomb Jesus was laid to rest. \n\nThere's also another 9 or 10 more obscure Josephs referred to in the Bible*, 4 more in the Old Testament*:\n\n* Father of Igal of the tribe of Issachar (cf. Numbers 13:7).\n* One of the \"sons of Asaph\" (cf. 1 Chronicles 25:2 & 9).\n* A descendant of Binnui, a contemporary of Ezra (cf. Ezra 10:38-42).\n* Head of the priestly family of Shekaniah, a contemporary of Nehemiah (cf. Nehemiah 12:14).\n\nAnd 5 or 6 more in the New Testament:\n\n* One of the (half-)brothers of Jesus (often translated as \"Joses\" - cf. Mark 6:3).\n* The son of \"Mary\" and brother of James (possibly/probably The Mary, if so, identical to Joseph number 8. - cf. Mark 15:40 & 47).\n* The son of Mattathais (and father of Jannai) appearing in Luke's genealogy of Jesus (in which Joseph number 2. also appears - cf. Luke 3:24-25).\n* The son of Jonam (and father of Judah) also appearing in Luke's genealogy of Jesus (cf. Luke 3:30).\n* One of the nominees to replace Judas as an apostle, aka Barsabbas aka Justus (cf. Acts 1:23).\n* A Levite from Cyprus aka Barnabas who probably deserves to be listed amongst the \"well-known\" Josephs except that he is almost always referred to as Barnabas instead (cf. Acts 4:36).\n\n*That is in the Protestant Canon, there are another 3 in the Deuterocanonical books: Son of Oziel (great-grandfather of Judith - cf. Judith 8:1); Son of Zechariah (cf. 1 Maccabees 5); Brother of Judas Maccabeus (aka John - cf. 2 Maccabees 8:22)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Para que serve o \"with\" no Python?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ele é usado para garantir finalização de recursos adquiridos.\n\nUm arquivo, por exemplo é aberto. Quem garante que ele será fechado? Mesmo que você coloque no código de forma explícita que ele deve ser fechado, se ocorrer uma exceção, o código sai de escopo sem executar o resto do código que está em escopo, ele pula o fechamento.\nPara evitar isto usamos um ```try finally```. O ```finally``` garante a finalização. Como o código fica um pouco longo e este caso é bastante frequente a linguagem providenciou uma forma simplificada com o ```with```.\nEle consegue manipular objetos que contenham os métodos ```__enter__()``` e ```__exit__()```. Eles são chamados internamente logo no início da execução do bloco criado e dentro do ```finally``` interno criado no bloco.\nNo exemplo citado deve ficar algo parecido com isto internamente:\n```try:\n __enter__()\n open("my_file.txt") as file:\n data = file.read()\n #faça algo com "data"\nfinally:\n __exit__()\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The question bothers me since February 2022. Why (legally) are Russian combatants in Ukraine considered soldiers (thus POWs when captured) rather than terrorists?\n\n* There is no formal declaration of war.\n* They are members an organization (Russian military) that commits acts of terrors to civilian population in clear violation of international law of war. Moreover, they either directly or indirectly contribute to the mentioned acts of terror.\n* Their state (Russia) explicitly claims that there is no war (thus unilaterally waiving the protection of law of war for Russian forces).\n\nWhy is that particular group of armed people acting in clear violation of Ukrainian law treated as "soldiers in war" rather than state-sponsored criminals?\nNote, that waiving the protection of law of war does not waive the protection of Ukrainian law (right to due process etc.)." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The third Geneva convention says in its second article (emphasis added):\n> the present Convention shall apply to all cases of declared war or of any other armed conflict which may arise between two or more of the High Contracting Parties, even if the state of war is not recognized by one of them.\n> The Convention shall also apply to all cases of partial or total occupation of the territory of a High Contracting Party, even if the said occupation meets with no armed resistance.\n\nThe violence in Ukraine qualifies for at least two reasons: it is an armed conflict between two high contracting parties, and it is a case of partial occupation of the territory of a high contracting party. "Members of the armed forces" of Russia who have "fallen into the power of [Ukraine]" are therefore protected by the provisions of the convention as prisoners of war as defined in the convention's fourth article.\n\nIt follows from this that the parenthetical commentary in the question's third bullet point is incorrect: refusing to call this "military action" a "war" does not in fact "unilaterally waive the protection of law of war for Russian forces."\n\nAs to the allegation in the second point, even a prisoner of war who is suspected of committing a war crime is entitled to the convention's protections. Any punishment for the war crime is to be imposed by due process of law. The fact that war crimes may have been committed by other elements of Russia's armed forces is even less of a justification to deny the convention's protections to prisoners who are not individually suspected of war crimes." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are the major branches of philosophy?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The traditional branches of philosophy generally include\n* Aesthetics\n* Epistemology \n* Ethics\n* Logic\n* Metaphysics / Ontology\n\nWe can go ahead and add a few contemporary branches on to this (more examples could certainly be adduced):\n* Philosophy of Science [referring to the hard sciences] (Mathematics, Technology, etc.)\n* Philosophy of Politics [referring to the social sciences] (Society, etc.)\n* Philosophy of Religion [actually two things -- question related to the existence of God or gods AND questions relating to the sociological phenomenon of religion. Generally, referring to the former]\n* Philosophy of Value (Axiology)\n* Philosophy of Language\n* Philosophy of Mind \n\nPhilosophy of language and philosophy of mind are sometimes done in ways that mirror the philosophy of the hard sciences [e.g. cognitive science] and sometimes not.\nIn addition, we could add many schools and movements (again, more examples could certainly be added). From the 20th century alone, there is:\n* Phenomenology (Husserl)\n* Schizoanalysis (Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari)\n* Chaosophy (Felix Guattari)\n* Non-philosophy (Francois Laruelle)\n* Existentialism (Sartre, et al.)\n* Vienna Circle/Logical Positivism\n\nFinally, we can also consider the history of philosophy itself as constituting a series of fruitful conjunctions of cultures and eras where ideas were changing. The structure here is taken from Wikipedia's article on the History of Philosophy:\n* Western philosophy\n\t* Ancient philosophy\n\t* Medieval philosophy\n\t* Renaissance philosophy\n\t* Modern philosophy\n\t* Contemporary philosophy\n\n* Eastern philosophy\n\t* Indian philosophy\n\t* Persian philosophy\n\t* Chinese philosophy\n\t* Japanese philosophy\n\t* Buddhist philosophy\n\n* Abrahamic philosophy\n\t* Jewish philosophy\n\t* Christian philosophy\n\t* Islamic philosophy" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Are there any advantages while backpacking to hike during the night and sleep during the day?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are several reasons, though not all of them would apply for one's usual holiday trip.\n\n1. Remaining unseen: Obviously, during night its dark and this gives you a fair bit of cover if you want to remain unseen. This reason for traveling at night is common for many hunters in the animal kingdom (and sometimes also their prey), has been used by humans in insecure or hostile territory for centuries and remains a standard technique for some military operations even today. \n\n2. Evading the elements: Hiking throughout the night and resting in the day can be especially useful in hot, arid conditions. For example in deserts, extreme heat during the day and severe cold in the night often come together. Hiking during the night here serves the double purpose of keeping you active and warm when it is cold while allowing you to save water resources during the day.\n\n3. Boosting morale: When conditions get worse (cold, moisture), getting up during the night and starting to hike will not only make you feel warm again, it will also boost your morale. Being active, and actively coping with a bad situation rather than staying miserable in the tent for the rest of the night will make you feel better.\n\n4. You want to avoid tourists: No, seriously, this is a real case in point. Most people travel during the day and one of the reasons we (or at least, I) get outdoors is to enjoy some quietness in the wild. Depending where you are, hiking at night is your best bet to fulfill this dream.\n\n5. Navigation (only very theoretical): Consider a situation where it is all cloudy during the day (so you do not see the sun), you lack a compass and currently have no sense of direction: if you are capable of navigating with the stars, you might consider waiting until dark and hope that the sky will clear up until then. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have been cautioned against blending:\n\n* Traditional fantasy elements\n\nSuch as magic systems and exotic, less plausible creatures (on a scientific level - magic tends to explain away these beasts)\n\n* Traditional sci-fi elements\n\nSuch as advanced technology and civilizations amidst the stars.\nI have taken it upon myself to harmonize the two in my current worldbuilding project. I know I cannot be the first. I love the creativity found in both, and it is going well so far. I have been exploring the potential for humanity with both tools at their disposal. (Magic and science, essentially)\nWhy do people advise to stick to one or the other?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": " Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.\n - Arthur C Clarke\n\nThere's a reason that science fiction and fantasy are frequently shelved together - separating the two is usually a fools errand.\n\nThe Dragonriders of Pern features a preindustrial society where flying, firebreathing, teleporting, and telepathic dragons defend the skies from horrible creatures that rain down from above. They could easily be considered pure fantasy - up until the book where they discover the spacecraft that the human ancestors flew in on, and the labs where they bioengineered the dragons. \n\nIn Star Wars (arguably the most famous science fiction property of all time), the Force is really just space magic called another name. And they do all their fighting with swords. \n\nThe lists go on and on. Science fiction and fantasy are united in that they explore the impossible. Fantasy uses elements that will never be possible, while science fiction uses elements that theoretically might be possible. But the impossibility is shared. \n\n## Science fiction and fantasy are not a single genre - they are many\n\nEpic fantasy (eg Wheel of Time) and space opera (eg Star Wars) are more similar to each other than they are to urban fantasy or \"hard\" science fiction. \n\nIn some ways, it's inaccurate to call science fiction and fantasy genres at all. They're setting elements. A romance doesn't stop being a romance because it's set on a space station, and a murder mystery isn't any less mysterious because it was an elf who was murdered.\n\nThe key to mixing these elements successfully is to understand the expectations of your readers, and meeting those expectations (but in surprising ways). Genre helps define expectations.\n\nIf you're writing hard SF, readers expect to see a world that's close enough to our own that they can believe that our world could become the world of the story - magic obviously has no place here. \n\nOn the flip side, urban fantasy readers expect the author to have considered the modern world and how it might interact with the impossible. Extrapolations from science to science fiction may be natural depending on the exact nature of the setting.\n\nIf the reader has led to expect that the serial killer is a Scooby-Doo villain, then the sudden reveal that the murders were done with actual magic will violate their expectations and frustrate them (in general - there will of course be exceptions). But if the story is framed as a space cop trying to capture a vampire despite not believing that vampires are real, the readers will accept that premise as well as any other. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why are prions in animal diets not destroyed by the digestive system?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Proteases are enzymes in your digestive system that help break down food, acting like molecular-sized scissors that cut up proteins.\n\nProteases have clefts, or subpockets, into which proteins fit, where the substrate (protein) gets cut.\n\nInfectious or pathogenic prions are resistant to proteases, because of their three-dimensional shape, which hides away parts of the prion that would normally fit in proteases and which would cause the prion to be digested.\n\nPrions that do not cause disease — normal prions — have a different three-dimensional shape that allow them to fit into proteases, and so they are not resistant to digestion:\n\nA wealth of evidence contends that the infectious pathogen causing the prion diseases, also referred to as spongiform encephalopathies, is solely comprised of PrPSc, the pathogenic isoform of the prion protein (21-23). Both PrPSc and its normal cellular counterpart, PrPC, are encoded by a cellular gene (2, 19). Physical and molecular characterization of PrPSc and PrPC has failed to reveal any chemical differences between the two isoforms (32). However, PrPSc acquires distinctive conformational characteristics upon its conversion from PrPC. Whereas PrPC is soluble in most detergents and can be easily digested by proteases, PrPScis insoluble in detergents and maintains a protease-resistant core, designated PrP27-30, which polymerizes into amyloid (25).\n\nDr. Neena Singh also discovered that prions "piggyback" or attach to another protein called ferritin, as they make their way through the digestive system:\n\nDisease-causing prions are thought to have passed into people when they ate beef from infected cattle, triggering the brain wasting condition called new-variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, or vCJD. But researchers have not been sure exactly how prions enter the body.\nTo find out, Neena Singh and her team at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, mimicked the process of eating and digesting infected meat.\nThey mashed up brain tissue that contained prions from patients who had a form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. They then exposed it to a range of harsh digestive enzymes from the mouth, stomach and intestine, which normally break proteins into pieces.\nPrions, which are known to be enormously tough, escape this attack almost unscathed, they showed, as does a second type of protein called ferritin, which stores iron and is abundant in meat. The two proteins seem to stick together, they report in the Journal of Neuroscience.\nThe researchers next added the digested slurry to a lab model of the human gut: a growing sheet of cells from the intestinal lining. By attaching fluorescent tags to the two proteins, they showed that they are transported through the cells hand-in-hand. "Prions probably ride piggyback" through the gut wall into the body, Singh says.\n\nAttaching to ferritin may provide additional protection from digestion, insofar as this removes prions from the digestive system, where proteases are concentrated." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How slicing in Python works? Please include references where appropriate." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The syntax is:\n\n```\na[start:stop] # items start through stop-1\na[start:] # items start through the rest of the array\na[:stop] # items from the beginning through stop-1\na[:] # a copy of the whole array\n```\n\nThere is also the `step` value, which can be used with any of the above:\n```\na[start:stop:step] # start through not past stop, by step\n```\nThe key point to remember is that the `:stop` value represents the first value that is not in the selected slice. So, the difference between `stop` and `start` is the number of elements selected (if `step` is 1, the default).\n\nThe other feature is that `start` or `stop` may be a negative number, which means it counts from the end of the array instead of the beginning. So:\n```\na[-1] # last item in the array\na[-2:] # last two items in the array\na[:-2] # everything except the last two items\n```\nSimilarly, `step` may be a negative number:\n```\na[::-1] # all items in the array, reversed\na[1::-1] # the first two items, reversed\na[:-3:-1] # the last two items, reversed\na[-3::-1] # everything except the last two items, reversed\n```\n\nPython is kind to the programmer if there are fewer items than you ask for. For example, if you ask for ```a[:-2]``` and ```a``` only contains one element, you get an empty list instead of an error. Sometimes you would prefer the error, so you have to be aware that this may happen.\n\n## Relationship with the ```slice``` object\n\nA slice object can represent a slicing operation, i.e.:\n```\na[start:stop:step]\n```\nis equivalent to:\n```\na[slice(start, stop, step)]\n```\n\nSlice objects also behave slightly differently depending on the number of arguments, similarly to ```range()```, i.e. both ```slice(stop)``` and ```slice(start, stop[, step])``` are supported. To skip specifying a given argument, one might use ```None```, so that e.g. ```a[start:]``` is equivalent to ```a[slice(start, None)]``` or ```a[::-1]``` is equivalent to ```a[slice(None, None, -1)]```.\n\nWhile the ```:```-based notation is very helpful for simple slicing, the explicit use of ```slice()``` objects simplifies the programmatic generation of slicing." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am writing a story where a species undergoes devolution. Is there any scientific or plausible way to do this? The process can be instantaneous or may take ages, I do not mind which as I need to weigh my options at this stage. \nTo be clear, the devolution I am thinking of is like taking a human being then devolving him/her to the primate stage, so lets say about as far back as Orrorin tugenensis or Paranthropus where they are in the midst of evolving from primates to Homo erectus. Please note I used human beings as an example to give context but the species undergoing devolution may not necessarily be human.\nBased on the answers, \"devolution\" does not exist so had the word in quotes to reflect this. " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Devolution doesn't really ever occur, organisms simply adapt to best suit their environment over time. A good example is cave dwelling Troglodyte type species that have lost the ability to see. They haven't actually devolved to not have eyes, they simply did not need them and evolved to save valuable energy and nutrients by not growing a sight organ that would be useless in their environment. It isn't devolution, it's still evolution since they are changing to better suit their environment. So, at least as far as natural processes go, a species would need to become stuck in an environment for a few hundred thousand years that heavily discourages intellect, sociability, communication skills, culture, and inventiveness. That's a tough one to come up with since such traits are usually the most powerful ones for surviving something.\n\nSo here's the environment and scenario I'm thinking of. Your smart guy race is in the stone age, its pretty much on par with homo sapiens and where they were at about 10,000-15,000 years ago. But something catastrophic doesn't happen. The world slowly becomes a perfect Eden with very few predators, a perfect climate, and vast endless fields of grain and forests of fruit bearing trees. No ice age, no super-predators like we saw in said ice age. No famines or depredation, no rabid competition between several human subspecies for the same resources. The planet (Henceforth known as paradise) is literally perfect. Too perfect. Why would a species that has as close as possible to absolutely nothing to worry about need to even develop the ability to worry? Those big craniums and complex brains waste space and make childbirth more dangerous than necessary. There is absolutely nothing gained by possessing speech, abstract thought, or cooperative culture when all a species needs to do to be successful is to wander around placidly in small familial groups grazing mindlessly on the limitless amounts of food. Shelter is utterly not necessary since you have a perfect climate, nor is clothing, and food is so ludicrously plentiful there is no need to make tools. Within another 100,000 years your species that was formerly well on their way to developing things like agriculture, warfare, and tribal societies has reverted back to dumb grazers that simply live to eat and reproduce." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I've used GEDCOM to transfer data between desktop software and websites, but it all seems a bit old hat. Is there anything better that will mangle* my data less.\n* For example, GEDCOM can lose some data where the two ends of the system understand a concept which GEDCOM does not have a field for." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "GEDCOM is the defacto standard for exchanging genealogical data. There are some problems with GEDCOM.\n\n* It is not rich enough to hold all the types of information that different vendor systems manage internally. So exporting GEDCOM from one system may lose information that that system actually holds. Though see point 4 below.\n* There is enough ambiguity in the definition of GEDCOM that different vendors have interpreted a few parts of the format inconsistently. Though they support the same tags, they can't consistently share data that uses those tags.\n* Some systems don't implement all parts of the GEDCOM format. So, when they import GEDCOM data that includes those parts, they lose that information.\n* GEDCOM has facilities that allow different vendors to extend it by adding new tags that allow them to add new types of data to GEDCOM. Others systems that do not use the same set of extensions looe that information on import.\n\nThere have been a few attempts to create new standards and formats for exchanging genealogical data. An older one that is often mentioned is the GenTech model. Recently there have been two efforts underway, Better GEDCOM and GEDCOM-X. Better GEDCOM is now inactive. However, the currently developing FHISO effort evolved from it. GEDCOM-X is an effort of Family Search (an organ of the LDS) and is currently a work in progress.\nA number of individuals have also offered up new formats for archiving and tranferring genealogical data. None of these have generated enough traction to attract critical mass of interest." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is it ever possible that ```(a== 1 && a ==2 && a==3)``` could evaluate to true in JavaScript?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you take advantage of how == works, you could simply create an object with a custom ```toString``` (or ```valueOf```) function that changes what it returns each time it is used such that it satisfies all three conditions.\n```\nconst a = {\n i: 1,\n toString: function () {\n return a.i++;\n }\n}\n\nif(a == 1 && a == 2 && a == 3) {\n console.log('Hello World!');\n}\n```\n\nThe reason this works is due to the use of the loose equality operator. When using loose equality, if one of the operands is of a different type than the other, the engine will attempt to convert one to the other. In the case of an object on the left and a number on the right, it will attempt to convert the object to a number by first calling ```valueOf``` if it is callable, and failing that, it will call ```toString```. I used ```toString``` in this case simply because it's what came to mind, ```valueOf``` would make more sense. If I instead returned a string from ```toString```, the engine would have then attempted to convert the string to a number giving us the same end result, though with a slightly longer path." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Gostaria de saber qual é a real diferença entre o ```String``` (s maiúsculo) e o ```string``` (s minúsculo).\nAparentemente os dois têm os mesmos objetivos, porém qual é \"melhor\" para ser utilizado?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Já foi dito que ```string``` é apenas um alias para o tipo ```String```.\nPara deixar claro, não há diferença em performance ou forma como o código é gerado. Há exatamente zero diferença no tratamento de ambas. Elas podem fazer as mesmas coisas, e todos os membros estão disponíveis em qualquer um deles, afinal assim se comporta um alias.\nDiferenças úteis na utilização e escolha:\n\n* ```string``` é apenas uma forma mais simples de usar o tipo ```String``` no C#, ou seja, ```string``` é a forma de "tipar" uma cadeia de caracteres no C# e ```String``` é um tipo do CLR. No C#, dependendo do contexto, é melhor usar uma ou outra forma. O tipo ```String``` presente no namespace ```System``` pode ser usado em qualquer linguagem que se utilize do CLR.\n\n* ```string``` não pode ser usado com reflexão. ```String``` deve ser usado no lugar.\n\n* ```String``` pode ser usado para criar outros aliases:\n``` using str = System.String;\n //...\n str s = "Foi usado outro alias para string.";\n // a variável 's' é do tipo System.String que é o mesmo que ser string\n```\nMas esse é apenas um exemplo, não há necessidade e não é recomendado usar em código real. Existe sim casos que um alias pode ser útil, mas esse apenas dificulta a leitura para quem não está acostumado com isso, sem trazer nenhum benefício.\n\n* Há alguns locais que ocorre o oposto e criar um alias pode trazer mais legibilidade ao código.\n\n* Em outros casos pode ser apenas estranho usar um ou outro e dificultar a leitura.\n\n* Na verdade o tipo ```String``` deve ser usado como ```System.String``` ou onde exista um ```using System```, enquanto que ```string``` pode ser usado em qualquer código que o compilador já entenderá.\n\n* ```String``` pode ser usado como identificador válido. ```string``` é uma palavra reservada e não pode ser um identificador.\n\n* Há uma diferença na forma como o syntax highlight apresenta ambos. Pois uma forma é tipo e a outra é palavra chave.\n\n* Apesar da recomendação geral em usar ```string``` sempre que possível enquanto está programando em C#, há controvérsias no seu uso. Alguns alegam que ```String``` é preferencial para deixar claro, através do Pascal Case, que você está usando um tipo de referência(en).\nMas não faz muito sentido porque ```Int32``` é tipo de valor(en) e também usa PascalCase (ou lowerCamelCase). E ainda ele, apesar de ser tipo de referência, tem semântica de valor. Então mesmo que usasse a lógica de Pascal Case para tipo de referência, e Camel Case (ou (UpperCamelCase) para tipo de valor, pela semântica, que é o que importa, ele deveria ser Camel Case, ou seja, deveria começar com minúsculo mesmo.\nNo CLR o estilo de case é usado para ajudar determinar outras características do identificador.\n\n* É possível substituir o tipo oficial por outro seu com mesmo nome se fizer tudo corretamente. O *alias *apontará para esse novo tipo que tem o mesmo nome e é colocado da mesma forma. Se ele não for exatamente o mesmo nome (incluindo o namespace) aí ele só pode ser usado opcionalmente o que quase inviabiliza o uso real.\n\n\nImportante lembrar que ele é um tipo como outro qualquer por referência com semântica por valor e algumas facilidades que o compilador dá. O mesmo vale se usar ```String```.\nTambém vale lembrar que não existe tipo primitivo em C# (outra referência). Isso existe só como conceito do CLR, mesmo assim não como algo fundamental.\nImportante notar que tudo isso é válido para o C#, outras linguagens como Java, ou até mesmo VB.NET podem ter mais diferenças.\n\n* Documentação oficial do ```string``` dizendo que é um alias.\n* FAQ reafirmando sobre aliases de tipos.\n* ```System.String```.\n\nColoquei no GitHub para referência futura." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm working on a project solo and have to maintain my own code. Usually code review is done not by the code author, so the reviewer can look at the code with the fresh eyes — however, I don't have such luxury. What practices can I employ to more effectively review my own code?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First of all, make use of tools to check as much as you can. Tests (backed up with some reasonable code coverage) will give you some confidence of the correctness of the code. Static analysis tools can catch a lot of best practice things. There will always be issues that you need human eyes on to determine though and you will never do as good a job reviewing your own stuff as someone else, there are some things you can do to help however\n\n* Check tests exist and pass (possibly have a target test coverage, though you may need to break this in certain cases, but you should be able to justify why)\n* Check Static analysis passes (there will also be false negatives here but that is fine as long as you can justify why then its fine to suppress them)\n* Maintain a check list of further things to check in review (ideally add this as new static analysis rules if possible) make sure you check anything the SA can't check, e.g., are comments still valid, are things named appropriately (naming things is of course, one of the 2 hard problems known to computer science)\n* If a fault is identified check if the cause is systemic and look at why it wasn't found in earlier tests or reviews\n\nThis of course is useful when you are reviewing others code as well" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Assume an environment with a puppet-managed cluster of different servers - various hardware, software, operating systems, virtual/dedicated, etc.\nWould you choose meaningful hostnames (mysqlmaster01..99, mysqlslave001..999, vpnprimary, vpnbackup, etc.) or would you prefer meaningless hostnames such as characters from a book or movie?\nThe problem I see with meaningful hostnames is that names usually represent a single service and if a server has more than one purpose it gets really messy (especially if server roles change often).\nIsn't mapping a service name to an IP address and maintaining that mapping what DNS is supposed to do?\nWhat are the advantages and drawbacks of both approaches and what actual problems have you had to tackle with the approach you chose?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This largely comes down to whether your servers are ```pets``` or ```livestock```.\n\nPets get individual names. They're distinct from each other, and we care about those differences. When one gets sick, we usually try to nurse it back to health. Traditionally, servers have been pets.\n\nLivestock get numbers. They're mostly identical, and what differences there are, we don't care about and usually try to minimize. When one gets sick, we put it down and get another one. Fully virtualized servers, especially IaaS servers such as AWS, are livestock.\n\nIn most complex environments, you have a mix. Your web backends, for instance, are almost certainly livestock. If you need more, you spin up a few more with the standard config; if you don't need as many you turn some off. Your database servers, in some configurations, are pets. There may be a lot of special setup on each; you may even be running them on bare metal instead of virtualization.\n\nOf course, in either environment, you can name SERVICES and address those directly. This is a best practice in any case; your developers shouldn't need to know or care what the actual hostname of a service is. The hostname should be a purely operational detail. Think, then, of encoding information that is useful to your ops staff in the hostnames - for instance, it's often helpful to denote which datacenter a server is in." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Best way to start investing, for a young person just starting their career?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First off, I highly recommend the book Get a Financial Life. The basics of personal finance and money management are pretty straightforward, and this book does a great job with it. It is very light reading, and it really geared for the young person starting their career. \n\nNow, with that out of the way, there's really two kinds of \"investing\" to think about:\n\n1. Retirement (401k, IRA, SIMPLE, etc)\n2. Non-Retirement (Brokerage account, investing in individual stocks, day trading, etc)\n\nFor most individuals, it is best to take care of #1 first. Most people shouldn't even think about #2 until they have fully funded their retirement accounts, established an emergency fund, and gotten their debt under control.\n\nThere are lots of financial incentives for retirement investing, both from your employer, and the government. All the more reason to take care of #1 before #2!\n\nYour employer probably offers some kind of 401k (or equivalent, like a 403b) with a company-provided match. This is a potential 100% return on your investment after the vesting period. No investment you make on your own will ever match that. Additionally, there are tax advantages to contributing to the 401k. (The money you contribute doesn't count as taxable income.)\n\n***The best way to start investing is to learn about your employer's retirement plan, and contribute enough to fully utilize the employer matching.***\n\nBeyond this, there are also Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) you can open to contribute money to on your own. You should open one of these and start contributing, but only after you have fully utilized the employer matching with the 401k. The IRA won't give you that 100% ROI that the 401k will.\n\nKeep in mind that retirement investments are pretty much \"walled off\" from your day-to-day financial life. Money that goes into a retirement account generally can't be touched until retirement age, unless you want to pay lots of taxes and penalties. You generally don't want to put the money for your house down payment into a retirement account.\n\nOne other thing to note: Your 401K and your IRA is an account that you put money into. Just because the money is sitting in the account doesn't necessarily mean it is invested. You put the money into this account, and then you use this money for investments. How you invest the retirement money is a topic unto itself. Here is a good starting point." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Quantum state teleportation is the quantum information protocol where a qubit is transferred between two parties using an initial shared entangled state, Bell measurement, classical communication and local rotation. Apparently, there is also something called quantum gate teleportation.\nWhat is quantum gate teleportation and what is it used for?\nI am particularly interested in possible applications in simulating quantum circuits." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quantum gate teleportation is the act of being able to apply a quantum gate on the unknown state while it is being teleported. This is one of the ways in which measurement-based computation can be described using graph states.\n\nUsually, teleportation works by having an unknown quantum state $|\\psi\\rangle$ held by Alice, and two qubits in the Bell state $|\\Psi\\rangle=(|00\\rangle+|11\\rangle)/\\sqrt{2}$ shared between Alice and Bob. Alice performs a Bell state measurement, getting one of 4 possible answers and Bob holds on his qubit, depending on the measurement result of Alice, one of the 4 states $|\\psi\\rangle,X|\\psi\\rangle,Z|\\psi\\rangle,ZX|\\psi\\rangle.$ So, once Bob learns what result Alice got, he can compensate by applying the appropriate Paulis.\n\nLet $U$ be a 1-qubit unitary. Assume Alice and Bob share $(\\mathbb{I}\\otimes U)|\\Psi\\rangle$ instead of $|\\Psi\\rangle$. If they repeat the teleportation protocol, Bob now has one of $U|\\psi\\rangle,UX|\\psi\\rangle,UZ|\\psi\\rangle,UZX|\\psi\\rangle$, which we can rewrite as $U|\\psi\\rangle,(UXU^\\dagger)U|\\psi\\rangle,(UZU^\\dagger)U|\\psi\\rangle,(UZXU^\\dagger)U|\\psi\\rangle.$ The compensations that Bob has to make for a given measurement result are given by the bracketed terms. Often, these are no worse than the compensations you would have to make for normal teleportation (i.e. just the Pauli rotations). For example, if $U$ is the Hadamard rotation, then the corrections are just $(\\mathbb{I},Z,X,XZ)$ respectively. So, you can apply the Hadamard during teleportation just be changing the state that you teleport through (There is a strong connection here to the Choi-Jamiołkowski isomorphism). You can do the same for Pauli gates, and the phase gate $\\sqrt{Z}=S$. Moreover, if you repeat this protocol to build up a more complicated computation, it is often sufficient to keep a record of what these corrections are, and to apply them later.\n\nEven if you don't only need the Pauli gates (as is the case for $T=\\sqrt{S}$), the compensations may be easier than implementing the gate directly. This is the basis of the construction of the fault-tolerant T gate.\n\nIn fact, you can do something similar to apply a controlled-NOT between a pair of qubits as well. This time, the state you need is $|\\Psi\\rangle_{A_1B_1}|\\Psi\\rangle_{A_1B_1}$, and a controlled-NOT applied between $B_1$ and $B_2$. This time, there are 16 possible compensating rotations, but all of them are just about how Pauli operations propagate through the action of a controlled-NOT and, again, that just gives Pauli operations out." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What does it mean for an album to be remastered?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mastering is a separate art from recording or mixing. According to the Wikipedia article, the principle processes of mastering are:\n\n* Editing minor flaws.\n* Applying noise reduction to eliminate clicks, dropouts, hum and hiss.\n* Adjusting stereo width.\n* Adding ambience.\n* Equalize audio across tracks for the purpose of optimized frequency distribution.\n* Adjust volume.\n* Dynamic range compression or expansion.\n* Peak limit.\n* Dither.\n\nThe common thread between these processes is that they can be performed on the complete mixed recording, not just on individual tracks of a recording. Because of this, mastering can be performed at any time on any audio source.\nAs for the reason why so many works are remastered, the most likely reason is to keep up with new home theater audio formats. If you have a massive 7.2 surround system, it would be a shame if there wasn't a professionally mastered 7.2 format of \"Dark Side of the Moon\" to utilize that power. Every time new audio encoding formats become widespread (48kHz at 16bits, 92kHz at 24bits, etc.), your favorite audio source will need to be remastered to sound good in that format." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What's the best way to iterate over the items in a ```HashMap```?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Extracted from the reference How to Iterate Over a Map in Java:\nThere are several ways of iterating over a ```Map``` in Java. Let's go over the most common methods and review their advantages and disadvantages. Since all maps in Java implement the Map interface, the following techniques will work for any map implementation (```HashMap```, ```TreeMap```, ```LinkedHashMap```, ```Hashtable```, etc.)\n\nMethod #1: Iterating over entries using a For-Each loop.\nThis is the most common method and is preferable in most cases. It should be used if you need both map keys and values in the loop.\n```Map map = new HashMap();\nfor (Map.Entry entry : map.entrySet()) {\n System.out.println(\"Key = \" + entry.getKey() + \", Value = \" + entry.getValue());\n}\n```\nNote that the For-Each loop was introduced in Java 5, so this method is working only in newer versions of the language. Also a For-Each loop will throw ```NullPointerException``` if you try to iterate over a map that is null, so before iterating you should always check for null references.\n\nMethod #2: Iterating over keys or values using a For-Each loop.\nIf you need only keys or values from the map, you can iterate over keySet or values instead of entrySet.\n```Map map = new HashMap();\n// Iterating over keys only\nfor (Integer key : map.keySet()) {\n System.out.println(\"Key = \" + key);\n}\n// Iterating over values only\nfor (Integer value : map.values()) {\n System.out.println(\"Value = \" + value);\n}\n```\nThis method gives a slight performance advantage over ```entrySet``` iteration (about 10% faster) and is more clean.\n\nMethod #3: Iterating using Iterator.\nUsing Generics:\n```Map map = new HashMap();\nIterator> entries = map.entrySet().iterator();\nwhile (entries.hasNext()) {\n Map.Entry entry = entries.next();\n System.out.println(\"Key = \" + entry.getKey() + \", Value = \" + entry.getValue());\n}\n```\nWithout Generics:\n```Map map = new HashMap();\nIterator entries = map.entrySet().iterator();\nwhile (entries.hasNext()) {\n Map.Entry entry = (Map.Entry) entries.next();\n Integer key = (Integer)entry.getKey();\n Integer value = (Integer)entry.getValue();\n System.out.println(\"Key = \" + key + \", Value = \" + value);\n}\n```\nYou can also use same technique to iterate over ```keySet``` or values.\nThis method might look redundant, but it has its own advantages. First of all, it is the only way to iterate over a map in older versions of Java. The other important feature is that it is the only method that allows you to remove entries from the map during iteration by calling ```iterator.remove()```. If you try to do this during For-Each iteration you will get \"unpredictable results\" according to Javadoc.\nFrom a performance point of view this method is equal to a For-Each iteration.\n\nMethod #4: Iterating over keys and searching for values (inefficient).\n```Map map = new HashMap();\nfor (Integer key : map.keySet()) {\n Integer value = map.get(key);\n System.out.println(\"Key = \" + key + \", Value = \" + value);\n}\n```\nThis might look like a cleaner alternative for method #1, but in practice it is pretty slow and inefficient as getting values by a key might be time-consuming (this method in different Map implementations is 20%-200% slower than method #1). If you have FindBugs installed, it will detect this and warn you about inefficient iteration. This method should be avoided.\n\nConclusion:\nIf you need only keys or values from the map, use method #2. If you are stuck with older version of Java (less than 5) or planning to remove entries during iteration, you have to use method #3. Otherwise use method #1." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why did people start using CO2 (instead of e.g. oxygen) for carbonated drinks?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "CO2 tastes good! Carbonated water is actually a weak carbonic acid solution; this is what you taste. It's like \"salt and pepper\", but for water.\n\nSlightly acidic water is usually popular, hence lemon juice is sometimes used to taint a jug of water in times when no carbonated water is available.\n\nCarbonated water releases CO2 bubbles for many minutes after pressure is released (dissolved carbonic acid reforming), which is an important presentation effect that other gases do not generally have.\n\nIn many countries the local water supply is slightly alkaline (due to limestone rock being very common), and this can leave a bad after-taste, and make food in your mouth taste soapy. The addition of weak acids to water helps with neutralising this effect.\n\nAround the world, some lucky towns have natural springs with effervescent water (carbonated water), and man-made carbonated water is just imitating this. In history people have often travelled great distances to try effervescent water, so its popularity is well recorded.\n\nNitrogen is used for water pressurisation in brewing and cooking as it leaves little or no taste, and generally does not form other chemical compounds. It's used mainly when bubbles are required, but not an acidic taste.\n\nOxygen is unsuitable for water pressurisation as very little can be dissolved at normal soda pressures, and it has no taste, but may readily form unwanted chemical compounds.\n\nIn the 18th century, Joseph Priestley was the first person to document this manufacturing discovery. He noted precisely that it tasted good, and that it was similar to the German Selters water. He was discovering \"airs\" (gases), and uniquely identified quite a few different gases. CO2 was the only one he listed as tasting good. His cheap source of CO2 was the fermenting grains from the nearby brewery." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Say I have a file ```/templates/apple``` and I want to\n\n* put it in two different places and then\n* remove the original.\n\nSo, ```/templates/apple``` will be copied to ```/templates/used``` AND ```/templates/inuse```\nand then after that I’d like to remove the original.\nIs ```cp``` the best way to do this, followed by ```rm```? Or is there a better way?\nI want to do it all in one line so I’m thinking it would look something like:\n```cp /templates/apple /templates/used | cp /templates/apple /templates/inuse | rm /templates/apple\n```\nIs this the correct syntax?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You are using ```|``` (pipe) to direct the output of a command into another command. What you are looking for is ```&&``` operator to execute the next command only if the previous one succeeded:\n```cp /templates/apple /templates/used && cp /templates/apple /templates/inuse && rm /templates/apple\n```\nOr \n```cp /templates/apple /templates/used && mv /templates/apple /templates/inuse\n```\n\nTo summarize (non-exhaustively) bash's command operators/separators:\n\n* ```|``` pipes (pipelines) the standard output (```stdout```) of one command into the standard input of another one. Note that ```stderr``` still goes into its default destination, whatever that happen to be.\n* ```|&```pipes both ```stdout``` and ```stderr``` of one command into the standard input of another one. Very useful, available in bash version 4 and above.\n* ```&&``` executes the right-hand command of ```&&``` only if the previous one succeeded.\n* ```||``` executes the right-hand command of ```||``` only it the previous one failed.\n* ```;``` executes the right-hand command of ```;``` always regardless whether the previous command succeeded or failed. Unless ```set -e``` was previously invoked, which causes ```bash``` to fail on an error.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When are Decision Diagrams the right way to model and solve a problem?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Decision diagrams (DDs) are most effective when they can compactly represent a large (perhaps exponential) set of solutions. This is done by merging equivalent states in each layer. To make decision diagrams scalable, we can use relaxed decision diagrams which allow merging nodes that are not necessarily equivalent. Relaxed decision diagrams provide dual bounds on the objective function -- a larger width can produce a stronger bound.\nThe relationship between the size of the decision diagram and the underlying combinatorial structure of the problem is well studied in the computer science literature; see for example the textbook by Wegener. The most important feature that influences the size is the variable ordering. We can use this to come up with some general guidelines on when a DD may be successful for combinatorial optimization:\n\n* The problem has a sequential structure, and decisions for stage $i$ depend only on the decisions made in stages $i-k$ through $i-1$, for small $k$.\n* The induced width of the constraint graph of the problem is small.\n* For a MIP model, the constraint matrix has a small bandwidth.\n* For knapsack-like problems, the maximum `budget' is relatively small.\n\nNote that in some of the above cases, precise characterization of 'small' may yield (pseudo-)polynomial bounds on the size of the exact DD. In practice, relaxed DDs will always have polynomial size.\nThere are several areas of combinatorial optimization in which decision diagrams have been successfully applied:\n\n* Sequencing and routing problems. For example, single machine scheduling with setup times, time windows, and/or precedence constraints, which can also be applied to constrained traveling salesperson problems. A similar decision diagram representation was used by Grubhub to solve pickup-and-delivery problems.\n* Decomposition and embedding in MIP models. Decision diagrams have been used to represent subproblems in MIP models that are otherwise difficult to linearize. For example, to represent nonlinear objective functions, constrained employee schedules, or nonlinear circuit design. DDs have also been used in column generation.\n* Graph-theoretic problems. Examples include set covering, maximum independent set, and maximum cut.\n* Constraint programming. Constraint propagation based on (relaxed) decision diagrams can be much more effective than propagating domains of individual variables. This was first demonstrated on overlapping alldifferent constraints." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Essentially, I have a protagonist who I set up as a 'main' good guy in one of my series. However, in my final series, I intend to make him turn to the dark side and oppose my other protagonists (from my other series). It's clear in his series that the protagonist-turned-antagonist is very devious, and he has had hostile intentions previously towards the protagonists of the other series.\nMy question:\nShould I avoid turning my protagonist into an antagonist? Are there any foreseeable problems with this? Will this be a problem for readers? Any tips or tricks to handle this?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sounds like a great idea!\n\nSeriously though: the antagonist is the single most important character to any plot. The very best antagonists have motivations and feelings that readers can understand and empathize with. A former protagonist as an antagonist sounds really good. Both the reader and the author should be in for a fun ride, because it is very likely you will see your character grow in ways you didn't expect when you had them boxed in as a \"good guy\". \n\nThink about people you know in real life. If you really observe people, you come to understand that nobody is a \"good guy\". Sure there are people who are generally good and generally do good things, but nobody is perfect, and even the best people have thoughts and motivations you may not approve of. Even more interesting is the fact that two people can be absolutely opposed to one another without either one being objectively \"wrong\" or \"evil\". They might just have goals and motivations that are diametrically opposed.\n\nImagine a city council wants more tax money to build a park. A local business wants to pay less tax money so they can afford to give Christmas bonuses. The business owner isn't \"evil\", in fact, he wants to give Christmas bonuses! The city council isn't \"evil\" either, they just want a park for the kids. Sometimes goals just conflict in an irreconcilable way. That's the real world. That kind of plot provides a lot more food for thought than a two dimensional \"good versus evil\" morning cartoon romp. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'd never heard of anycast until a few seconds ago when I read \"What are some cool or useful server/networking tricks?\".\nThe wikipedia \"Anycast\" article on it is quite formal and doesn't really evoke a mental picture of how it would be used.\nCan someone explain in a few informal sentences what \"anycast\" is, how you configure it (just in a general sense), and what its benefits are (what does it make easier)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anycast is networking technique where the same IP prefix is advertised from multiple locations. The network then decides which location to route a user request to, based on routing protocol costs and possibly the 'health' of the advertising servers.\n\nThere are several benefits to anycast. First, in steady state, users of an anycast service (DNS is an excellent example) will always connect to the 'closest' (from a routing protocol perspective) DNS server. This reduces latency, as well as providing a level of load-balancing (assuming that your consumers are evenly distributed around your network).\nAnother advantage is ease of configuration management. Rather than having to configure different DNS servers depending on where a server/workstation is deployed (Asia, America, Europe), you have one IP address that is configured in every location.\n\nDepending on how anycast is implemented, it can also provide a level of high availability. If the advertisement of the anycast route is conditional on some sort of health check (e.g. a DNS query for a well known domain, in this example), then as soon as a server fails its route can be removed. Once the network reconverges, user requests will be seamlessly forwarded to the next closest instance of DNS, without the need for any manual intervention or reconfiguration.\n\nA final advantage is that of horizontal scaling; if you find that one server is being overly loaded, simply deploy another one in a location that would allow it to take some proportion of the overloaded server's requests. Again, as no client configuration is required, this can be done very quickly." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "$A$ and $B$ are $n \\times n$ matrices and $v$ is a vector with $n$ elements. $Av$ has $\\approx 2n^2$ flops and $A+B$ has $n^2$ flops. Following this logic, $(A+B)v$ should be faster than $Av+Bv$.\nYet, when I run the following code in matlab\n```A = rand(2000,2000);\nB = rand(2000,2000);\nv = rand(2000,1);\ntic\nD=zeros(size(A));\nD = A;\nfor i =1:100\n D = A + B;\n (D)*v;\nend\ntoc\ntic\nfor i =1:100\n (A*v+B*v);\nend\ntoc\n```\nThe opposite is true. Av+Bv is over twice as fast. Any explanations?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Except for code which does a significant number of floating-point operations on data that are held in cache, most floating-point intensive code is performance limited by memory bandwidth and cache capacity rather than by flops.\n$v$ and the products $Av$ and $Bv$ are all vectors of length 2000 (16K bytes in double precision), which will easily fit into a level 1 cache. The matrices $A$ and $B$ are 2000 by 2000 or about 32 megabytes in size. Your level 3 cache might be large enough to store one of these matrices if you've got a really good processor.\n\nComputing $Av$ requires reading 32 megabytes (for $A$) in from memory, reading in 16K bytes (for $v$) storing intermediate results in the L1 cache and eventually writing 16K bytes out to memory. Multiplying $Bv$ takes the same amount of work. Adding the two intermediate results to get the final result requires a trivial amount of work. That's a total of roughly 64 megabytes of reads and an insignificant number of writes.\n\nComputing $(A+B)$ requires reading 32 megabytes (for A) plus 32 megabytes (for B) from memory and writing 32 megabytes (for A+B) out. Then you have to do a single matrix-vector multiplication as above which involves reading 32 megabytes from memory (if you've got a big L3 cache, then perhaps this 32 megabytes is in that L3 cache.) That's a total of 96 megabytes of reads and 32 megabytes of writes.\n\nThus there's twice as much memory traffic involved in computing this as $(A+B)v$ instead of $Av+Bv$.\n\nNote that if you have to do many of these multiplications with different vectors $v$ but the same $A$ and $B$, then it will become more efficient to compute $A+B$ once and reuse that matrix for the matrix-vector multiplications. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I came across a piece of code ```void *p = &&abc;```. What is the significance of ```&&``` here?\nI know about rvalue references but I think ```&&``` used in this context is different. What does ```&&``` indicate in ```void *p = &&abc;``` ?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## How to find it out\n\nThat's the address of a label and it's a feature specific to GCC.\n```int main(void) {\n void* startp;\ns:\n startp = &&s;\n printf("the assignment above starts at address %p\\n", startp);\n return 0;\n}\n```\nYou could have figured it out yourself by testing:\n```int main(void) {\n void* startp;\n int a;\n startp = &&a;\n printf("startp=%p\\n", startp);\n return 0;\n}\n```\nIn which case GCC says:\n\n> error: label ‘a’ used but not defined\n\n## Under the hood - assembly\n\nYou need to know assembler to really understand this, but I'll try to explain you what an address of a label means.\nAfter the OS loads the .exe file from the disk, a component of the operating system called "the loader" (windows has the "PE Loader", linux has "ELF loader" or maybe even others, if they're compiled in the kernel), it does a "virtualization" of that program, turning it into a process.\nThis process thinks it is the only one in RAM and it has access to the entire RAM (that is, 0x00000000-0xFFFFFFFF on a 32-bit machine).\n(the above is just a short overwiew of what's happenning, you really need to learn assembly to understand it fully, so bear with me)\nNow, the label in a source code is basically an address. "goto label;" does nothing else than a jump to that address (think about the instruction pointer in assembly). This label stores this RAM address, and that's how you can find out that address.\nAfter you've learned ASM, you'll realize that that address points to a instruction within the ```.text``` section of the executable. The ```.text``` section is the one which holds you program's (binary) code to be executed.\n\nYou can inspect this with:\n```\nobjdump -x a.out\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When I execute \"```python```\" from the terminal with no arguments it brings up the Python interactive shell.\nWhen I execute \"```cat | python```\" from the terminal it doesn't launch the interactive mode. Somehow, without getting any input, it has detected that it is connected to a pipe.\nHow would I do a similar detection in C or C++ or Qt?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You can use ```isatty```:\n```\n#include \n#include \n... \nif (isatty(fileno(stdin)))\n printf( \"stdin is a terminal\\n\" );\nelse\n printf( \"stdin is a file or a pipe\\n\");\n```\nOn windows they're prefixed with underscores: ```_isatty```, ```_fileno```." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "\"The video of Pythom Space's first rocket test has raised a few eyebrows\n\nThe video prompted hundreds of replies on Twitter, including some from rather horrified rocket scientists. "We knew better as untrained college students," said Jordan Noone, the co-founder of Relativity Space.\n\nPythom “Micro jump”\nWhat exactly did they get wrong with this test?\nNote: The Pythom Space CEO did eventually respond to the original Ars Technica story linked above. It does offer their own take on some of the issues raised there and elsewhere (including some of the points in the answer below)\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The easy-to-spot stuff:\n\n* (assumed) Improper transportation of hazardous materials. Both white fuming nitric acid and furfuryl alcohol are considered hazardous materials; none of the vehicles in the video appears to have a hazmat placard, the rocket is not an approved hazmat container, and the fuel containers seen in other videos are emphatically not approved.\n* No personal protective gear. Nitric acid and furfurly alcohol are both toxic, and heavy loads are being lifted. Nobody is seen wearing any sort of protective gear, not even hard hats or safety glasses.\n* Insecure rigging when lifting the test object upright. A strap, particularly one being pulled at a sharp angle, is far less safe than a proper lifting point.\n* Bad angle when lifting the test object upright. This puts excess loads on things, increasing the risk of a fall or failure.\n* Using unbraced legs as a pivot point when lifting the test object upright. You can see they're on the verge of buckling.\n* (assumed) Lifting the test object while already fueled. In the event of a fall, this ensures an explosion if the tanks rupture, as the fuels are hypergolic.\n* Having people stand under a suspended load. If the test object falls, this will cause serious injury or death to at least two people.\n* Using a truck to pull the lifting cable. This provides far less control than a proper winch.\n* Having personnel in the blast area of the test object. In the event of an failure, this makes it highly likely that they will be engulfed in the fireball, struck by debris, or poisoned by fuel vapors.\n* Having personnel in the exhaust area of the test object. Even during normal operation, they will be exposed to nitric acid, furfuryl alcohol, and assorted nitrogen oxides, all of which are highly toxic.\n* Having unnecessary equipment in the test area. In the event of a failure, this can become additional flying debris.\n* Not properly securing the test object. In the event of higher-than-expected performance, this will become self-propelled debris; in the event of a premature shutdown, the resulting hop-and-crash will rupture the fuel tanks and cause an explosion.\n* Not providing a flight termination system. In the event that the test object becomes airborne, they have no way of keeping it from leaving the test area.\n* (assumed) Insufficient fire-extinguishing equipment on site. None of the area views show a pumper truck or other equipment capable of dealing with a brush fire ignited by 15+ kg of hypergolic fuels.\n* Improper fire-extinguishing equipment. At one point, you can see what appears to be an ordinary dry-chemical fire extinguisher. This should not be used when dealing with nitric acid.\n* Oxidizer-rich shutdown. You can see see the reddish cloud of nitric-acid byproducts at the end of the burn; this is likely the result of the oxidizer reacting with the engine.\n* (assumed) No post-burn decontamination of the area. The celebratory post-burn shot shows no sign of cleanup. Combined with the oxidizer-rich shutdown, this means they're likely walking through an area contaminated with nitric acid." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When should I use wp_register_script() with wp_enqueue_script() vs just wp_enqueue_script()?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ```wp_register_script()``` Codex page literally says:\n\n A safe way of registering javascripts in WordPress for later use with ```wp_enqueue_script()```.\n\nThis means, if you want to register your scripts, but not directly load them in your pages, you can register the files once, and then load them when you need them.\n\nFor example:\nYou have a switch statement wich loads some functionality, but two of three cases needs a particular javascript file, and one doesn't. You can enqueue the script every time, wich costs more resources, or just enqueue the script when you need it:\n```...\nwp_register_script( 'my-handy-javascript', ... );\n...\nswitch( $somevar ) {\n case 'value':\n wp_enqueue_script( 'my-handy-javascript' ); // needs the file\n ...\n break;\n case 'value2':\n wp_enqueue_script( 'my-handy-javascript' ); // needs the file\n ...\n break;\n default:\n case 'value3': // doesn't needs the file\n ...\n break;\n}\n```\nIt is not necessary to register a script and then enqueue them, but it can provide some logic in your code if you register all the scripts you need somewhere in your ```functions.php``` instead of everywhere in your code.\n\nThe Codex also tells the following:\n\n Use the ```wp_enqueue_scripts``` action to call this function, or ```admin_enqueue_scripts``` to call it on the admin side.\n\nThis means that if you want to enqueue your script on the frond-end and in the back-end, you can register a script once, and then load it on the front-end with ```wp_enqueue_script``` and in the back-end with ```admin_enqueue_script```.\nThis way you won't have the same enqueue recourse twice in one theme, plugin, widget or whatever." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When encoding a logic into a proof assistant such as Coq or Isabelle, a choice needs to be made between using a shallow and a deep embedding. In a shallow embedding logical formulas are written directly in the logic of the theorem prover, whereas in a deep embedding logical formulas are represented as a datatype. \n\n* What are the advantages and\nlimitations of the various\napproaches?\n* Are there any guidelines available for determining which to use? \n* Is it possible to switch between the two representations in any systematic fashion?\n\nAs motivation, I would like to encode various security related logics into Coq and am wondering what the pros and cons of the different approaches are." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "> What are the advantages and limitations of the various approaches?\n\n* Pros of deep embeddings : You can prove and define things by induction on formulas' structure. Examples of interests are the size of a formula. \n* Cons of deep embeddings: You have do deal explicitly with binding of variables. That's usually very laborious. \n\n> Are there any guidelines available for determining which to use ?\n\nShallow embeddings are very useful to import result proved in the object logic. For instance, if you have prove something in a small logic (e.g. separation logic) shallow embeddings can be a tool of choice to import your result in Coq.\nOn the other side, deep embedding are almost mandatory when you want to prove meta-theorems about the object logic (like cut-elimination for instance). \n\n> Is it possible to switch between the two representations in any systematic fashion?\n\nThe idea behind the shallow embedding is really to work directly in a model of the object formulas. Usually people will maps an object formula P directly (using notations or by doing the translation by hand) to an inhabitant of Prop. Of course, there are inhabitants of Prop which cannot be obtained by embedding a formula of the object logic. Therefore you lose some kind of completeness. \n\nSo it is possible to send every result obtained in a deep embedding setting through an interpretation function. \nHere is a little coq example: \n```\nInductive formula : Set :=\n Ftrue : formula\n | Ffalse : formula\n | Fand : formula -> formula -> formula\n | For : formula -> formula -> formula.\nFixpoint interpret (F : formula) : Prop := match F with\n Ftrue => True\n | Ffalse => False\n | Fand a b => (interpret a) /\\ (interpret b)\n | For a b => (interpret a) \\/ (interpret b)\n end.\nInductive derivable : formula -> Prop :=\n deep_axiom : derivable Ftrue\n | deep_and : forall a b, derivable a -> derivable b -> derivable (Fand a b)\n | deep_or1 : forall a b, derivable a -> derivable (For a b)\n | deep_or2 : forall a b, derivable b -> derivable (For a b).\nInductive sderivable : Prop -> Prop :=\n shallow_axiom : sderivable True\n | shallow_and : forall a b, sderivable a -> sderivable b -> sderivable (a /\\ b)\n | shallow_or1 : forall a b, sderivable a -> sderivable (a \\/ b)\n | shallow_or2 : forall a b, sderivable b -> sderivable (a \\/ b).\n(* You can prove the following lemma: *)\nLemma shallow_deep :\n forall F, derivable F -> sderivable (interpret F).\n(* You can NOT prove the following lemma :*)\nLemma t :\n forall P, sderivable P -> exists F, interpret F = P.\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Prove that the union of countably many countable sets is countable." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let's start with a quick review of \"countable\". A set is countable if we can set up a 1-1 correspondence between the set and the natural numbers. As an example, let's take $\\mathbb{Z}$, which consists of all the integers. Is $\\mathbb Z$ countable?\n\nIt may seem uncountable if you pick a naive correspondence, say $1 \\mapsto 1$, $2 \\mapsto 2 ...$, which leaves all of the negative numbers unmapped. But if we organize the integers like this:\n$$0$$\n$$1, -1$$\n$$2, -2$$\n$$3, -3$$\n$$...$$\n\nWe quickly see that there is a map that works. Map 1 to 0, 2 to 1, 3 to -1, 4 to 2, 5 to -2, etc. So given an element $x$ in $\\mathbb Z$, we either have that $1 \\mapsto x$ if $x=0$, $2x \\mapsto x$ if $x > 0$, or $2|x|+1 \\mapsto x$ if $x . So the integers are countable.\n\nWe proved this by finding a map between the integers and the natural numbers. So to show that the union of countably many sets is countable, we need to find a similar mapping. First, let's unpack \"the union of countably many countable sets is countable\":\n1. \"countable sets\" pretty simple. If $S$ is in our set of sets, there's a 1-1 correspondence between elements of $S$ and $\\mathbb N$.\n2. \"countably many countable sets\" we have a 1-1 correspondence between $\\mathbb N$ and the sets themselves. In other words, we can write the sets as $S_1$, $S_2$, $S_3$... Let's call the set of sets $\\{S_n\\}, n \\in \\mathbb N$.\n3. \"union of countably many countable sets is countable\". There is a 1-1 mapping between the elements in $\\mathbb N$ and the elements in $S_1 \\cup S_2 \\cup S_3 ...$\n\nSo how do we prove this? We need to find a correspondence, of course. Fortunately, there's a simple way to do this. Let $s_{nm}$ be the $mth$ element of $S_n$. We can do this because $S_n$ is by definition of the problem countable. We can write the elements of ALL the sets like this:\n$$s_{11}, s_{12}, s_{13} ...$$\n$$s_{21}, s_{22}, s_{23} ...$$\n$$s_{31}, s_{32}, s_{33} ...$$\n$$...$$\nNow let $1 \\mapsto s_{11}$, $2 \\mapsto s_{12}$, $3 \\mapsto s_{21}$, $4 \\mapsto s_{13}$, etc. You might notice that if we cross out every element that we've mapped, we're crossing them out in diagonal lines. With $1$ we cross out the first diagonal, $2-3$ we cross out the second diagonal, $4-6$ the third diagonal, $7-10$ the fourth diagonal, etc. The $nth$ diagonal requires us to map $n$ elements to cross it out. Since we never \"run out\" of elements in $\\mathbb N$, eventually given any diagonal we'll create a map to every element in it. Since obviously every element in $S_1 \\cup S_2 \\cup S_3 ...$ is in one of the diagonals, we've created a 1-1 map between $\\mathbb N$ and the set of sets.\n\nLet's extend this one step further. What if we made $s_{11} = 1/1$, $s_{12} = 1/2$, $s_{21} = 2/1$, etc? Then $S_1 \\cup S_2 \\cup S_3 ... = \\mathbb Q^+$! This is how you prove that the rationals are countable. Well, the positive rationals anyway. Can you extend these proofs to show that the rationals are countable?" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Você encontra na internet a afirmação que Singletons são ruins. Isto é verdade? Por quê?\nO problema seria generalizado para quaisquer objetos com instância única? Ou para qualquer coisa que tenha estado global?\nSe é tão ruim, pra que foi inventado? Ou seja, que problema ele queria resolver?\nQuais os problemas que terei se usá-lo?\nExiste alternativa viável?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Muito da polêmica ocorre pela falta de uma contextualização. Não vejo nada que desabone o padrão Sigleton quando usado no contexto correto. Sim, ele pode causar muito mal, assim como qualquer padrão de projeto aplicado indevidamente sem análise do impacto e dos efeitos colaterais.\n\n###Porque não usar\n* Acoplamento. Ao usar um Singleton você está acoplando o código a uma implementação estática e específica. Isso torna o seu código dependente dessa classe e impede, por exemplo, criar mocks em testes unitários. Desse ponto de vista a consequência é basicamente a mesma de fazer diretamente um ```new MeuObjetoImportante()```, pois é uma dependência direta da classe.\n* Escopo. O padrão Singleton aplicado conforme a definição também elimina o conceito de escopo. Isso significa que se você por alguma razão decidir que para determinados componentes da aplicação você precisa de outra implementação terá que alterar manualmente todas as classes.\n* Não garantia de uma instância única. Em certos casos o padrão pode levar à falsa segurança de que existirá apenas uma instância. Vamos supor que você projete um sistema web e quer dar acesso a um arquivo ou recurso exclusivo. Um Singleton parece uma boa prática, não é? Mas e se amanhã você fizer o deploy da aplicação em um cluster com N servidores.\n\nNo caso de Java isso também é bem complicado, pois não existe isso de uma classe por JVM. O conceito correto é uma classe por ```ClassLoader```, de forma que num mesmo servidor JEE duas aplicações diferentes podem ter, cada uma, sua própria versão de uma mesma classe. As variáveis estáticas não são compartilhadas entre essas versões da mesma classe, portanto o escopo do Singleton em Java é por ```ClassLoader``` e não por programa.\n\n###Porque usar\nEm algumas situações você sabe que vai ter só uma instância da classe. Em uma aplicação Desktop, por exemplo, não há porque ter \"frescuras\" adicionais para obter uma conexão com o banco de dados. \nTambém não vejo problemas em um objeto encapsulando alguns atributos de configuração globais. Simplesmente não valeria o esforço de implementar algum mecanismo muito elaborado para algo tão simples.\n\n###Como usar\nQuando pensamos em Singleton, logo a implementação clássica do Gang of Four nos vêm à mente. Os tópicos anteriores desta resposta consideraram isso. Porém, com a ascensão do uso de frameworks de Inversão de Controle (IoC) e Injeção de Dependência (DI), existe hoje uma forma muito mais \"segura\" e flexível de implementar o padrão: deixe o framework cuidar disso para você!\n\n###Como evitar o Singleton\nApesar de implementações mais simples poderem usar o padrão Singleton da forma \"clássica\" sem problemas, em geral seria melhor aplicar a Inversão de Controle simplesmente deixar a instância de suas dependências serem injetadas. Dessa forma, caso amanhã os requisitos mudem e você preciso injetar diferentes instâncias, ou mesmo queira criar mocks de teste, basta configurar seu container ou framework para tal, sem alterar as implementações existentes." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The construction of Solomon's temple includes a piece of furnishing described in 1 Kings 7:23 (ESV):\n\n Then he made the sea of cast metal. It was round, ten cubits from brim to brim, and five cubits high, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference.\n\nSo if the ```diameter = 10``` cubits and the ```circumference = 30``` cubits, then ```π = 3``` by the equation ```C = π * D```.\nOf course, such an object does not exist since ```π = 3.14159...``` yet clearly the sea was constructed at some point. So how do we resolve this contradiction?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To start with, compare the circle the diameter we're given would make with the circle the circumference we're given would make: \nSince a circumference is π times the diameter, a 'pure' circle of 10 cubits in diameter as we describe the sea as having would be 10π cubits in circumference, or roughly 31.4 cubits. \nNow, since the circumference attributed to our sea is only 30 cubits, it represents a smaller circle, which is 30/π or roughly 9.55 cubits in diameter. \nOr to tabulate it:\n```Circle A: ~9.55 cubits diameter, 30 cubits circumference\nCircle B: 10 cubits diameter, ~31.4 cubits circumference\n```\nGiven that, we have two diameters differing by about .45 cubits (about eight inches on an 18-inch cubit--a sizable difference). \nSince we know the sea was a physical object and not a circle bounded by an infinitesimal line, we can safely understand that the sea must be of some thickness; on this ground, it would not be unreasonable to take the shorter dimension as the inner measurement, and the longer dimension as the outer measurement, and see where that takes us.\nDividing the difference in the diameters in half, this would make the wall around our sea at least .225 cubits thick--i.e., about four inches on either end of the sea, assuming an eighteen-inch cubit. \nDo we have any authority for assuming that this is the case and saying the sea was anything like four inches thick?\nA couple of verses after this we have 1 Kings 7:26, which gives it to us outright: \n\n Its thickness was a handbreadth, and its brim was made like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily. It held two thousand baths.\n\nA handbreadth as a unit of measurement is generally given as between three and four inches. \n(The 'Number Pi in the Bible' site linked elsewhere gives as its rebuttal to this sort of argument the statement \"The writer makes sure that no question remains: both the diameter and the circumference are taken over-all.\" - though I'm not sure on what basis he sees that.)" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "With PHP 7.2, ```each``` is deprecated. The documentation says:\n\nWarning This function has been DEPRECATED as of PHP 7.2.0. Relying on this function is highly discouraged.\n\nHow can I update my code to avoid using it? Here are some examples:\n\n* \n```$ar = $o->me;\nreset($ar);\nlist($typ, $val) = each($ar);\n```\n\n* \n```$out = array('me' => array(), 'mytype' => 2, '_php_class' => null);\n$expected = each($out);\n```\n\n* \n```for(reset($broken);$kv = each($broken);) {...}\n```\n\n* \n```list(, $this->result) = each($this->cache_data);\n```\n\n* \n```// iterating to the end of an array or a limit > the length of the array\n$i = 0;\nreset($array);\nwhile( (list($id, $item) = each($array)) || $i < 30 ) {\n // code\n $i++;\n}\n```\n\n\nWhen I execute the code on PHP 7.2 I receive the following error:\n\nDeprecated: The each() function is deprecated. This message will be suppressed on further calls" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\n* For your first two example cases, you could use ```key()``` and ```current()``` to assign the values you need.\n```$ar = $o->me; // reset isn't necessary, since you just created the array\n$typ = key($ar);\n$val = current($ar);\n```\n\n* \n```$out = array('me' => array(), 'mytype' => 2, '_php_class' => null);\n$expected = [key($out), current($out)];\n```\nIn those cases, you can use ```next()``` to advance the cursor afterward, but it may not be necessary if the rest of your code doesn't depend on that.\n\n* For the third case, I'd suggest just using a ```foreach()``` loop instead and assigning ```$kv``` inside the loop.\n```foreach ($broken as $k => $v) {\n $kv = [$k, $v];\n}\n```\n\n* For the fourth case, it looks like the key is disregarded in ```list()```, so you can assign the current value.\n```$this->result = current($this->cache_data);\n```\nLike the first two cases, it may be necessary to advance the cursor with ```next()``` depending on how the rest of your code interacts with ```$this->cache_data```.\n\n* Fifth can be replaced with a ```for()``` loop.\n```reset($array);\nfor ($i = 0; $i < 30; $i++) {\n $id = key($array);\n $item = current($array);\n // code\n next($array);\n}\n```\n\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can someone please give an explanation of different egg preparations?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here are different preparations of eggs:\n\n1. Fried Eggs:\n* Sunny Side Up -- Not flipped, unbroken yolk. The top of the egg is just barely set.\n* Basted -- Sunny Side Up, hot fat spooned over until the white surrounding the yolk is opaque.\n* Over Easy / lite -- Flipped, whites fully cooked, unbroken yolk, yolk runny.\n* Over medium -- flipped, whites fully cooked, unbroken yolk, yolk creamy (not completely runny).\n* Over Medium Well -- Flipped, unbroken yolk, yolk cooked to have a firm but wet-appearing center.\n* Over Hard -- Flipped, broken, fully-cooked yolk.\n* Over Well -- Flipped, intact, fully-cooked yolk.\n* Broken / Lightly Scrambled -- Broken in pan and gently stirred while cooking - yolk and whites should not be mixed entirely.\n* Scrambled Eggs -- Made in many different ways. Generally the eggs are mixed in a bowl before being put into the pan, and often stirred while cooking. Some recipes add fat to the eggs in the form of milk, * cream, butter, or oil. A distinction can be made between Wet/Loose or Dry, which refers to the degree of doneness.\n\n2. Omelettes:\n* Filled Omelette -- Eggs mixed before cooking, possibly with added fat as in Scrambled Eggs. Cooked in fat in a saute pan; when set but the interior still wet, previously-cooked fillings (cheese, onions, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes...) are added, and the eggs folded over into a half-moon shape.\n* Spanish Omelette / Western Omelette -- Same as filled, but the egg mixture is poured over the fillings in a hot pan and cooked, thus incorporating the fillings into the egg.\n* Fluffy Omelette -- Whites and yolks beaten separately. Yolks are gently folded into the whites without breaking the structure of the whites. Optional toppings are added. Cooked slowly in a pan, or baked (an electric frying pan with a lid works well for this preparation).\n* French Omelette -- Cooked soft & creamy with no color on the egg. Omelette is folded 1/3 in the pan, knocked to the edge so it can be rolled out onto the plate. It ends up being folded into thirds and is very creamy and soft.\n\n3. Boiled:\nCooked in shell in water for a timed period. Some people will refer to degree of doneness by cooking time, i.e., a "3-minute egg" is soft-boiled with some runny white around the yolk. Some recipes call for eggs to be added to boiling water, others to be started in cold water. In the cold-water start, the pot may be left on the heat or removed when the water reaches a boil. The eggs may be shocked in ice water when removed.\n* Soft -- Yolk runny, potentially with slight unset white around the yolk.\n* Medium -- White completely set, yolk firm but with a dark, wet appearance.\n* Hard -- Yolk completely set and pale yellow.\n\n4. Poached:\nEgg cooked, out of shell, in water, stock, or other liquid -- excluding fats or oils -- at a temperature in the range of 160-180˚F (70-82˚C). There are possible degrees of doneness, however the typical poached egg has a runny but warm and thickened yolk and fully-set white.\n\n5. Coddled:\nAn egg that has been very lightly cooked (poached eggs are sometimes considered coddled). This can either be accomplished with an egg coddler or cooking an egg in its shell with water that is slightly below boiling point.\n\n6. Shirred:\nAn egg cooked in an oven at the low-mid 300's˚F (~160˚C), contained in a ramekin, until the whites are just set and the yolk is runny but thickened. Often butter or another fat is placed on top before cooking.\n\n7. Steamed:\nVery similar to shirred eggs, but the ramekin is covered with some aluminum foil and put in a steamer for 7-15 minutes.\n\n8. In a basket:\nEggs fried in a hole made in a slice of bread.\n\n9. deep fried\nMoo shu- using a strainer to drop small drops of egg into hot oil in a wok and stir. Frying in vegetables and/optionally meat or another protein then consume on mandarin pancakes with your choice of sauce." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm running a relatively small one-man business in the software sector. I just started and am trying to create a larger portfolio. For that, I offer some friends free services. \nI found a few reasons to send these clients €0,- invoices, mostly similar to the reasons to send 100% discount invoices to charity funds that I gave here:\n\n* Clarity about what has to be done and when \n* No transfers (as I would have with a 0% discount bill and returning the money as a gift)\n\nAnd also:\n\n* With an invoice I have more distinguishable clients which makes that I have more chance on getting a better certificate from the state (doesn't matter how it exactly works, this is an advantage)\n\nSuppose that these clients won't have a problem with the €0,- invoices, could there be any reason for me to not send them?\nI ask this, because I've never seen people sending invoices like this, and I can only see advantages." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It depends on the tax system that applies to you, but there can be consequences, and they can be very severe.\n\nGenerally economic activity is defined as oriented on profit, so giving anything for free could qualify as self-promotion or donation.\n\nIn Poland, for example, only some costs of the company spend on promotion can be considered as tax costs. So in worst case you could end with tax office refusing to acknowledge, for example, 50% of your expenses as tax costs. You would end up with fine and penalty percentages.\n\nWith donation, the danger is even greater. There was a case of baker who was giving the unsold bread to charity for free. He was told to pay the VAT from the bread that was given for free (from the price it was normally being sold - but the tax officer is free to estimate the basis price as he/she wants). With penalty percentages the sum was so big, that he has become insolvent. However, the obligation to pay VAT was only in case of wares, not services, and the law has changed recently, but in other countries the regulations may be even stricter.\n\nThere is also a potential consequence if you receive something for free. It could be interpreted as income and you would have to pay income tax from the value estimated by tax officer.\n\nAssuming, analyse your local law, consult a tax specialist and be sure you exactly want what you are doing before issuing €0 invoices." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In regards to Error handling in PHP -- As far I know there are 3 styles:\n\n* ```die()```or ```exit()``` style:\n```$con = mysql_connect(\"localhost\",\"root\",\"password\");\nif (!$con) {\n die('Could not connect: ' . mysql_error());\n}\n```\n* ```throw Exception``` style:\n``` if (!function_exists('curl_init')) {\n throw new Exception('need the CURL PHP extension.\n Recomplie PHP with curl');\n }\n```\n* ```trigger_error()``` style:\n```if(!is_array($config) && isset($config)) {\n trigger_error('Error: config is not an array or is not set', E_USER_ERROR);\n }\n```\n\nNow, in the PHP manual all three methods are used. \n\n* What I want to know is which style should I prefer & why?\n* Are these 3 drop in replacements of each other & therefore can be used interchangeably?\n\nIs it just me or everyone thinks PHP error handling options are just too many to the extent it confuses php developers?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first one should never be used in production code, since it's transporting information irrelevant to end-users (a user can't do anything about \"Cannot connect to database\").\n\nYou throw Exceptions if you know that at a certain critical code point, your application can fail and you want your code to recover across multiple call-levels.\n\n```trigger_error()``` lets you fine-grain error reporting (by using different levels of error messages) and you can hide those errors from end-users (using ```set_error_handler()```) but still have them be displayed to you during testing.\n\nAlso ```trigger_error()``` can produce non-fatal messages important during development that can be suppressed in production code using a custom error handler. You can produce fatal errors, too (```E_USER_ERROR```) but those aren't recoverable. If you trigger one of those, program execution stops at that point. This is why, for fatal errors, Exceptions should be used. This way, you'll have more control over your program's flow:\n```// Example (pseudo-code for db queries):\n$db->query('START TRANSACTION');\ntry {\n while ($row = gather_data()) {\n $db->query('INSERT INTO `table` (`foo`,`bar`) VALUES(?,?)', ...);\n }\n $db->query('COMMIT');\n} catch(Exception $e) {\n $db->query('ROLLBACK');\n}\n```\nHere, if ```gather_data()``` just plain croaked (using ```E_USER_ERROR``` or ```die()```) there's a chance, previous ```INSERT``` statements would have made it into your database, even if not desired and you'd have no control over what's to happen next." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do I change the author and committer name/email for multiple commits?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the solution, but be careful if you have a multi-user repository - this will change all commits to have the same (new) author and committer.\n```\ngit filter-branch -f --env-filter \"\n GIT_AUTHOR_NAME='Newname'\n GIT_AUTHOR_EMAIL='new@email'\n GIT_COMMITTER_NAME='Newname'\n GIT_COMMITTER_EMAIL='new@email'\n \" HEAD\n```\n\nChanging the author (or committer) would require rewriting all of the history. If you're okay with that and think it's worth it then you should check out git filter-branch. The manual page includes several examples to get you started. Also note that you can use environment variables to change the name of the author, committer, dates, etc. -- see the \"Environment Variables\" section of the git manual page.\n\nSpecifically, you can fix all the wrong author names and emails for all branches and tags with this command (source: GitHub help):\n```\n#!/bin/sh\n\ngit filter-branch --env-filter '\nOLD_EMAIL=\"your-old-email@example.com\"\nCORRECT_NAME=\"Your Correct Name\"\nCORRECT_EMAIL=\"your-correct-email@example.com\"\nif [ \"$GIT_COMMITTER_EMAIL\" = \"$OLD_EMAIL\" ]\nthen\n export GIT_COMMITTER_NAME=\"$CORRECT_NAME\"\n export GIT_COMMITTER_EMAIL=\"$CORRECT_EMAIL\"\nfi\nif [ \"$GIT_AUTHOR_EMAIL\" = \"$OLD_EMAIL\" ]\nthen\n export GIT_AUTHOR_NAME=\"$CORRECT_NAME\"\n export GIT_AUTHOR_EMAIL=\"$CORRECT_EMAIL\"\nfi\n' --tag-name-filter cat -- --branches --tags\n```\nFor using alternative history filtering tool `git filter-repo`, you can first install it and construct a `git-mailmap` according to the format of `gitmailmap`.\n```\nProper Name Commit Name \n```\nAnd then run filter-repo with the created mailmap:\n```\ngit filter-repo --mailmap git-mailmap\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "This summer I will be taking a rather inherently dangerous multi-day hike by myself. I was considering buying a flare gun since I will be out of cellular range unless there is something more modern and equally reliable. Any suggestions?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In increasing order of complexity and price you have,\n\n* Personal Locator Beacons\n\n Personal locator beacons are high-powered (typically, 5 watts) devices designed primarily to send out a personalized emergency distress signal. They generally require an open view of the sky to transmit successfully.\n\n* Satellite Messengers (Like a Garmin inReach)\n\n Much like PLBs, satellite messengers are handheld transmitting devices that are useful in backcountry areas far from reliable cell phone coverage. These user-friendly devices allow you to communicate short text messages and/or your location coordinates with friends or family back home so you can report on your trip’s status or, in an emergency, send calls for help.\n\n* Satellite Phones\n\n A satellite telephone, satellite phone, or satphone is a type of mobile phone that connects to orbiting satellites instead of terrestrial cell sites. They provide similar functionality to terrestrial mobile telephones; voice, short messaging service and low-bandwidth internet access are supported through most systems.\n\nNone of these are a substitute for good judgement and the electronics can fail or run out of batteries, but they would be the modern equivalent of a flare gun." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "\n Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.\n\nI don't understand the part marked in bold.\nCongress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion. So congress should not make a law which prohibits the freedom of religion. I get it.\nBut Congress shall make a law which respects an establishment of religion. Doesn't \"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion\" mean congress should not make a law that respects religion because there's \"no\" in it?? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The confusing term seems to be \"respecting\". This is a somewhat different meaning of \"respect\", that is still in common use:\n\n respecting (prep): \n \n * in view of : considering\n * with respect to : concerning \n \n\nThe first amendment states that Congress shall pass no law related to (or with regard to) the establishment of a (state) religion. This has been interpreted by the courts to have many consequent effects, mainly that no governing body in the country can write law supporting any one religion over another religion. More information\nThe term \"respecting\" is mostly limited to legal documents, or formal essays/articles. Examples:\n\n Respecting the salaries of the governors of states, the constitution made no provision.\n The speculations of the fathers respecting the origin and course of the world seek to combine Christian ideas of the Deity with doctrines of Greek philosophy.\n Authentic information respecting the great valley of the Ganges was supplied by Megasthenes, an ambassador sent by Seleucus, who reached the remote city of Patali-putra, the modern Patna.\n\n\"Respecting\" can be used to mean \"having/showing respect for\", but most commonly in the related term \"self-respecting\"\n\n No self-respecting gentleman would go outside on a sunny English day without an umbrella.\n\nIn most cases, if you want to say \"having respect for\" use that, the verb \"to respect\", or the adjective \"respectful (of)\".\n\n He was respectful of her concerns, and did not press her for an immediate decision.\n Nor did the clergy much respect the official standards of the Church.\n They had little respect for tradition, flaunting contemporary standards to produce art intended to shock the viewer.\n\nThere is also the related term \"respective\":\n\n respective (adj): belonging or relating to each one of the people or things that have been mentioned, not the same or shared : separate\n\nThis is commonly used to talk about things that are similar but separately related to some other similar set of things:\n\n As the sun set, each of the children hurried to their respective homes.\n The chronic controversies between the courts of common law and the Admiralty Court as to the limits of their respective jurisdictions reached an acute stage.\n\nAs Flater's comment mentions, the term \"irrespective (of)\" implies the opposite of \"respecting\": not taking (something) into account; regardless of. \n\n Irrespective of their political differences, the candidates agreed that the economy was the most important issue facing the country." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why are people unwilling to share information about their salary?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People are unwilling to talk openly about their salaries because there is a social taboo surrounding the practice. \nLike all taboos, there isn't necessarily a good rationale behind its existence. And the taboo can, in fact, be detrimental, as it is here.\n\nAround the time of the industrial revolution, you were not allowed to talk about your wages. You could be fired if you did. Employers did this because discussing what you make is an obvious and required step towards collective bargaining.\n\nIf you discuss your wages, someone will find out they make less money than they should. If they make less money than they should, they will want more money. The people making money from underpaying people don't want to pay more. Your ignorance is a very useful tool in depressing your wages or the wages of others -- especially minorities or women -- around you.\n\nSo people learned from the early industrialists of old that they would be fired if it was found out they talked money. Those people told others of what had happened to them, that they had been fired for talking money. It snowballed from there. They spread that lesson on to others. So now, even though discussing your salary is a legally protected right, people are hesitant to exercise that right.\n\nNot discussing salary is an abusive practice. It developed as a historical artefact from the abuse of the rich and powerful in the beginning of the industrial revolution that has wormed its way deep into society and is still pushed by the same abusers today." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In D&D, how many attacks can a fighter with two-weapon fighting make at 5th level?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Answer: 3 attacks on your turn (if you don't use Action Surge). (It could go up to five with Action Surge, though.)\n\nThe Two-Weapon Fighting rule states (PHB, page 195):\n\n>When you take the Attack action and attack with a light melee weapon that you’re holding in one hand, you can use a bonus action to attack with a different light melee weapon that you’re holding in the other hand. You don’t add your ability modifier to the damage of the bonus attack, unless that modifier is negative. If either weapon has the thrown property, you can throw the weapon, instead of making a melee attack with it.\n\nThe bonus action used as part of Two-Weapon Fighting is an attack, but it is not the Attack action.\nWhen you are a 5th-level fighter and you take the Attack action, you can make two attacks. You can also use your bonus action to make an additional attack. Notably, you can only take one bonus action per turn, since the rules for bonus actions state:\n\nYou can take only one bonus action on your turn, so you must choose which bonus action to use when you have more than one available.\n\nYou only add your ability modifier to the damage of that bonus-action attack if you have the Two-Weapon Fighting fighting style (PHB, page 72):\n\nWhen you engage in two-weapon fighting, you can add your ability\nmodifier to the damage of the second attack.\n\nTherefore, you are taking the Attack action (2 attacks) and then making an additional attack with your bonus action (1 attack), for a total of 3 attacks if you're using your action plus your bonus action. There's a clear difference between them.\nAction Surge lets a 5th-level fighter attack up to 5 times in one turn, once per short rest.\n\nThe description of the Action Surge feature says (PHB, page 72):\n\nStarting at 2nd level, you can push yourself beyond your normal limits for a moment. On your turn, you can take one additional action. Once you use this feature, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again. Starting at 17th level, you can use it twice before a rest, but only once on the same turn.\n\nWhich means that if you use Action Surge, you would have 2 actions and 1 bonus action on your turn.\nSo with this, you can take your Attack action (2 attacks), then use Action Surge and take another Attack action (2 more attacks), and finally your Two-Weapon Fighting bonus action (one more attack), for a total of 5 attacks during your turn." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Consider the following code:\n```avgDists = np.array([1, 8, 6, 9, 4])\nids = avgDists.argsort()[:n]\n```\nThis gives me indices of the ```n``` smallest elements. Is it possible to use this same ```argsort``` in descending order to get the indices of ```n``` highest elements?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you negate an array, the lowest elements become the highest elements and vice-versa. Therefore, the indices of the `n` highest elements are:\n```\n(-avgDists).argsort()[:n]\n```\nAnother way to reason about this, as mentioned in the comments, is to observe that the big elements are coming last in the argsort. So, you can read from the tail of the argsort to find the `n` highest elements:\n```\navgDists.argsort()[::-1][:n]\n```\nBoth methods are O(n log n) in time complexity, because the argsort call is the dominant term here. But the second approach has a nice advantage: it replaces an O(n) negation of the array with an O(1) slice. If you're working with small arrays inside loops then you may get some performance gains from avoiding that negation, and if you're working with huge arrays then you can save on memory usage because the negation creates a copy of the entire array.\n\nNote that these methods do not always give equivalent results: if a stable sort implementation is requested to argsort, e.g. by passing the keyword argument kind='mergesort', then the first strategy will preserve the sorting stability, but the second strategy will break stability (i.e. the positions of equal items will get reversed)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can a woman give birth to twins with different fathers?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, this is possible through something called heteropaternal superfecundation (see below for further explanation).\nOf all twin births, 30% are identical and 70% are non-identical (fraternal) twins.\n\nIdentical twins result when a zygote (one egg, or ovum, fertilized by one sperm) splits at an early stage to become twins. Because the genetic material is essentially the same, they resemble each other closely.\n\nTypically during ovulation only one ovum is released to be fertilized by one sperm. However, sometimes a woman's ovaries release two ova. Each must be fertilized by a separate sperm cell. If she has intercourse with two different men, the two ova can be fertilized by sperm from different sexual partners. The term for this event is heteropaternal superfecundation (HS): twins who have the same mother, but two different fathers.\n\nThis has been proven in paternity suits (in which there will be a bias selecting for possible infidelity) involving fraternal twins, where genetic testing must be done on each child. The frequency of heteropaternal superfecundation in this group was found (in one study) to be 2.4%. As the study's authors state, \"Inferences about the frequency of HS in other populations should be drawn with caution.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Relationship between SVD and PCA. How to use SVD to perform PCA?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let the real values data matrix $\\mathbf X$ be of $n \\times p$ size, where $n$ is the number of samples and $p$ is the number of variables. Let us assume that it is centered, i.e. column means have been subtracted and are now equal to zero.\n\nThen the $p \\times p$ covariance matrix $\\mathbf C$ is given by $\\mathbf C = \\mathbf X^\\top \\mathbf X/(n-1)$. It is a symmetric matrix and so it can be diagonalized: $$\\mathbf C = \\mathbf V \\mathbf L \\mathbf V^\\top,$$ where $\\mathbf V$ is a matrix of eigenvectors (each column is an eigenvector) and $\\mathbf L$ is a diagonal matrix with eigenvalues $\\lambda_i$ in the decreasing order on the diagonal. The eigenvectors are called principal axes or principal directions of the data. Projections of the data on the principal axes are called principal components, also known as PC scores; these can be seen as new, transformed, variables. The $j$-th principal component is given by $j$-th column of $\\mathbf {XV}$. The coordinates of the $i$-th data point in the new PC space are given by the $i$-th row of $\\mathbf{XV}$.\n\nIf we now perform singular value decomposition of $\\mathbf X$, we obtain a decomposition $$\\mathbf X = \\mathbf U \\mathbf S \\mathbf V^\\top,$$ where $\\mathbf U$ is a unitary matrix (with columns called left singular vectors), $\\mathbf S$ is the diagonal matrix of singular values $s_i$ and $\\mathbf V$ columns are called right singular vectors. From here one can easily see that $$\\mathbf C = \\mathbf V \\mathbf S \\mathbf U^\\top \\mathbf U \\mathbf S \\mathbf V^\\top /(n-1) = \\mathbf V \\frac{\\mathbf S^2}{n-1}\\mathbf V^\\top,$$ meaning that right singular vectors $\\mathbf V$ are principal directions (eigenvectors) and that singular values are related to the eigenvalues of covariance matrix via $\\lambda_i = s_i^2/(n-1)$. Principal components are given by $\\mathbf X \\mathbf V = \\mathbf U \\mathbf S \\mathbf V^\\top \\mathbf V = \\mathbf U \\mathbf S$.\n\nTo summarize:\n\n1. If $\\mathbf X = \\mathbf U \\mathbf S \\mathbf V^\\top$, then the columns of $\\mathbf V$ are principal directions/axes (eigenvectors).\n2. Columns of $\\mathbf {US}$ are principal components ("scores").\n3. Singular values are related to the eigenvalues of covariance matrix via $\\lambda_i = s_i^2/(n-1)$. Eigenvalues $\\lambda_i$ show variances of the respective PCs.\n4. Standardized scores are given by columns of $\\sqrt{n-1}\\mathbf U$ and loadings are given by columns of $\\mathbf V \\mathbf S/\\sqrt{n-1}$. See e.g. here and here for why "loadings" should not be confused with principal directions.\n5. The above is correct only if $\\mathbf X$ is centered. Only then is covariance matrix equal to $\\mathbf X^\\top \\mathbf X/(n-1)$.\n6. The above is correct only for $\\mathbf X$ having samples in rows and variables in columns. If variables are in rows and samples in columns, then $\\mathbf U$ and $\\mathbf V$ exchange interpretations.\n7. If one wants to perform PCA on a correlation matrix (instead of a covariance matrix), then columns of $\\mathbf X$ should not only be centered, but standardized as well, i.e. divided by their standard deviations.\n8. To reduce the dimensionality of the data from $p$ to $k<p$, select $k$ first columns of $\\mathbf U$, and $k\\times k$ upper-left part of $\\mathbf S$. Their product $\\mathbf U_k \\mathbf S_k$ is the required $n \\times k$ matrix containing first $k$ PCs.\n9. Further multiplying the first $k$ PCs by the corresponding principal axes $\\mathbf V_k^\\top$ yields $\\mathbf X_k = \\mathbf U_k^\\vphantom \\top \\mathbf S_k^\\vphantom \\top \\mathbf V_k^\\top$ matrix that has the original $n \\times p$ size but is of lower rank (of rank $k$). This matrix $\\mathbf X_k$ provides a reconstruction of the original data from the first $k$ PCs. It has the lowest possible reconstruction error, see my answer here.\n10. Strictly speaking, $\\mathbf U$ is of $n\\times n$ size and $\\mathbf V$ is of $p \\times p$ size. However, if $n>p$ then the last $n-p$ columns of $\\mathbf U$ are arbitrary (and corresponding rows of $\\mathbf S$ are constant zero); one should therefore use an economy size (or thin) SVD that returns $\\mathbf U$ of $n\\times p$ size, dropping the useless columns. For large $n\\gg p$ the matrix $\\mathbf U$ would otherwise be unnecessarily huge. The same applies for an opposite situation of $n\\ll p$." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the English term for when someone thinks they are doing something nice for you but it ends up making things worse. EX: Someone buys you an elephant -- nice gesture and cool! But now you have to take care of it, and it becomes a burden on you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In fact, the English expression for a burdensome gift is literally white elephant:\n\n> a thing that is useless and no longer needed, although it may have cost a lot of money [OALD]\n\nSo-called white elephants, or albino elephants, are found in many parts of South and Southeast Asia. In Buddhist countries they may be venerated as Queen Maya, mother of the Buddha, was said to have been visited in a dream by a white elephant holding a white lotus flower, and Siddharth Gautama entered his mother's womb in the form a white elephant. The white elephant is also associated with traits like mental strength and purity.\nIt became a royal symbol in Siam (Thailand); the king continues to keep white elephants. The story emerged that if a courtier displeased him, the king would make him a gift of a white elephant. The courtier could hardly decline a royal gift, and could hardly afford not to maintain a sacred animal, and could not put it to productive use, and so would be ruined by the cost of upkeep.\nThe earliest example of its use is from a 1721 essay in London Journal:\n\n In short, Honour and Victory are generally no more than white Elephants; and for white Elephants the most destructive Wars have been often made.\n\nA 2011 paper by Ross Bullen entitled “This Alarming Generosity”: White Elephants and the Logic of the Gift, in American Literature, covers the popularization of the term in the mid-19th century, presents an alternative account, that the story is a piece of orientalism and the white elephant rose as a literary trope." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Did Hillary Clinton propose to punish flag burners in 2005?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The proposed law co-sponsored by Clinton in 2005 prohibits flag burning under specific circumstances. It does not attempt to make flag burning illegal in general (i.e. outside of those specific circumstances). Clinton has voted against a proposed amendment to the Constitution that would allow Congress to ban flag burning in general.\n\nIn 2005, Clinton co-sponsored the Flag Protection Act of 2005, whose summary is as follows:\n\n> Flag Protection Act of 2005 - Amends the federal criminal code to revise provisions regarding desecration of the flag to prohibit: (1) destroying or damaging a U.S. flag with the primary purpose and intent to incite or produce imminent violence or a breach of the peace; (2) intentionally threatening or intimidating any person, or group of persons, by burning a U.S. flag; or (3) stealing or knowingly converting the use of a U.S. flag belonging to the United States, or belonging to another person on U.S. lands, and intentionally destroying or damaging that flag.\n\nIt seems like a reaction to ongoing efforts to pass a constitutional amendment allowing Congress to ban flag burning, a move that the co-sponsors of the 2005 act oppose and voted against. Its text notes:\n\n> the Bill of Rights is a guarantee of those freedoms and should not be amended in a manner that could be interpreted to restrict freedom, a course that is regularly resorted to by authoritarian governments which fear freedom and not by free and democratic nations\n\nbut suggests that flag burning with intent to incite violence is not protected by the Constitution (unlike flag burning as political expression, which is protected):\n\n> destruction of the flag of the United States can be intended to incite a violent response rather than make a political statement and such conduct is outside the protections afforded by the first amendment to the Constitution.\n\nNote that the distinction between \n\n* banning flag burning for being offensive, and \n* banning flag burning when it incites violence or disturbs the peace\n\nis an important one. The Flag Protection Act proposed in 2005 was essentially a replacement for a previous Flag Protection Act that banned flag burning in general:\n\n> Whoever knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.\n\nbut this was deemed unconstitutional in United States v. Eichman, 496 U.S. 310 in 1990, on the basis of their earlier (1989) decision in Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397. There, the Supreme Court noted that\n\n> an important governmental interest in regulating nonspeech can justify incidental limitations on First Amendment freedoms when speech and nonspeech elements are combined in the same course of conduct\n\nbut that in the case under consideration, this did not apply:\n\n> An interest in preventing breaches of the peace is not implicated on this record. \n\nand further noted that \n\n> Expression may not be prohibited [p398] on the basis that an audience that takes serious offense to the expression may disturb the peace, since the Government cannot assume that every expression of a provocative idea will incite a riot, but must look to the actual circumstances surrounding the expression.\n\nClinton was not one of the 59 co-sponsors of a proposed amendment to the constitution that would allow Congress to ban flag burning in general:\n\n> Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.\n\nand she also voted against it. The proposed amendment failed to pass by one vote." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "There are several questions here about the definition of depth of field, about focal length, and about subject distance. And of course there's the basic how does aperture affect my photographs. And plenty of how do I get super-shallow d.o.f questions. There's related questions like this one. But there's no be-all-end-all question asking:\nWhat exactly determines depth of field in a photograph? \nIs it just a property of the lens? Can lenses be designed to give more depth of field for the same aperture and focal length? Does it change with camera sensor size? Does it change with print size? How do those last two relate?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm going to dispense with the formulas, photos of rulers and definitions of \"magnification\" and go with what you actually experience in practice. The major factors that actually matter to shooting are:\n\n* Aperture. Wide aperture lenses give you a shallower depth of field. This is probably the least controversial factor! This is important as some lenses have much larger apertures e.g. 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 vs. 50 f/1.8 \n* Subject distance. This is a really important consideration. Depth of field gets drastically shallower when you start to get really close. This is important as at macro focussing distances DoF is a major problem. It also means you can get shallow DoF regardless of aperture if you get close enough, and that if you want deep DoF in low light compose to focus further away.\n* Focal length. This does affect depth of field, but only in certain ranges, when maintaining subject size. Wide lenses have very deep depth of field at most subject distances. Once you get past a certain point, DoF changes very little with focal length. This is important again because if you want to increase / decrease DoF you can use focal length to do this whilst still filling the frame with your subject.\n* Sensor size. This affects DoF when you maintain the same subject distance and field of view between sensor sizes. The bigger the sensor the shallower the depth of field. DSLRs have much bigger sensors than compacts, and so for the same FoV and f-ratio they have shallower DoF. This is important because by the same token cropping images increases DoF when maintaining the same final output size, as it's akin to using a smaller sensor.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why did the NES not allow rotated sprites?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For each sprite displayed on a scanline, the hardware fetches two bytes from memory, and then clocks the pixels out one by one. The sprite is eight pixels wide, and each pixel is two bits, which is why it's two memory accesses per sprite per scanline. You can imagine that this arrangement just needs a couple of shift registers to clock the pixels out.\n\nNow, flipping the sprite about its vertical axis is easy: you just clock the pixels out in reverse order! Similarly, flipping the sprite about its horizontal axis is also easy: You just fetch the bitmap from memory in reverse order. Rotating by 180° of course is the same as flipping both horizontally and vertically.\n\nBut if you wanted to rotate the sprite 90° or 270°, that's much harder. That's because the hardware would need to get one pixel from each pair of bytes, which means fetching 16 bytes from memory instead of just two. There is not enough time on this slow hardware to do that. Incidentally, this is also where the maximum number of sprites per scanline limitation comes from.\n\nIt's a similar story on the Commodore 64, the Atari 2600, and many others: These platforms can do some simple 2D manipulations on sprites like stretching and sometimes flipping like you've seen, but never rotations." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to merge two dictionaries into a new dictionary.\n```\nx = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}\ny = {'b': 3, 'c': 4}\nz = merge(x, y)\n\n>>> z\n{'a': 1, 'b': 3, 'c': 4}\n```" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is what you can do for the case you described:\n\n```\nz = dict(list(x.items()) + list(y.items()))\n```\nThis will, as you want it, put the final dict in ```z```, and make the value for key ```b``` be properly overridden by the second (```y```) dict's value:\n```>>> x = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}\n>>> y = {'b': 10, 'c': 11}\n>>> z = dict(list(x.items()) + list(y.items()))\n>>> z\n{'a': 1, 'c': 11, 'b': 10}\n\n```\nIf you use Python 2, you can even remove the ```list()``` calls. To create z:\n```>>> z = dict(x.items() + y.items())\n>>> z\n{'a': 1, 'c': 11, 'b': 10}\n```\nIf you use Python version 3.9.0a4 or greater, you can directly use:\n```>>> x = {'a': 1, 'b': 2}\n>>> y = {'b': 10, 'c': 11}\n>>> z = x | y\n>>> z\n{'a': 1, 'c': 11, 'b': 10}\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "There are many \"standards\" for the JSON content type:\napplication/json\napplication/x-javascript\ntext/javascript\ntext/x-javascript\ntext/x-json\nWhich one do I use, and where? I assume security and browser support issues are a factor." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "According to RFC 4627:\nThe MIME media type for JSON text is application/json. The default encoding is UTF-8.\n\nFor JSON text, you should use:\n```\napplication/json\n```\n\nFor JSONP (runnable JavaScript) with callback, you should use:\n```\napplication/javascript\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What's the goal of Minecraft and what can users achieve in this world?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The thing about Minecraft is, unlike most games you set your own goals. Here's a list of common (and uncommon!) things people have done with Minecraft:\n\n* Building a massive structure\n* Recreating real-world objects\n* Survival (Deleting map upon dying)\n* Making amusing videos\n* Creating an adventure map for others to play\n* Getting all the achievements\n* Proposing to your girlfriend\n* Achieving difficult things in the game through ingenuity\n* Computation\n* Blowing stuff up!\n\nThe mechanism that keeps the game going is your own desire to complete the goals you've set yourself, and pure, red-hot addiction.\n\nSome additional stuff people have done:\n\n* Walking and walking and walking (thanks SevenSidedDie)\n* Build an epic railway\n* Make music\n* Find the Far Lands\n\nMinecraft 1.9+\nIn Minecraft 1.9 and beyond, there are villages, strongholds, abandoned mineshafts and nether ruins to explore. In particular, strongholds will contain portals to The End, in which players can fight The Ender Dragon, a 'boss fights'. The second 'boss fight' has also been added, The Wither. This makes exploration a key part of the game, as well as combat. 'Hardcore Mode' (world deletion upon death) is also an option if you're after a challenge.\nA creative mode has also been added that allows players complete freedom in constructing large structures, compartmentalizing that aspect of gameplay." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "If I have sampled a signal using proper sampling methods (Nyquist, filtering, etc) how do I relate the length of my FFT to the resulting frequency resolution I can obtain?\nLike if I have a 2,000 Hz and 1,999 Hz sine wave, how would I determine the length of FFT needed to accurately tell the difference between those two waves?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The frequency resolution is dependent on the relationship between the FFT length and the sampling rate of the input signal.\n\nIf we collect 8192 samples for the FFT then we will have:\n$$\\frac{8192\\ \\text{samples}}{2} = 4096\\ \\,\\text{FFT bins}$$\n\nIf our sampling rate is 10 kHz, then the Nyquist-Shannon sampling theorem says that our signal can contain frequency content up to 5 kHz. Then, our frequency bin resolution is:\n$$\\frac{5\\ \\text{kHz}}{4096\\ \\,\\text{FFT bins}} \\simeq \\frac{1.22\\ \\text{Hz}}{\\text{bin}}$$\n\nThis is may be the easier way to explain it conceptually but simplified:  your bin resolution is just \\$\\frac{f_{samp}}{N}\\$, where \\$f_{samp}\\$ is the input signal's sampling rate and N is the number of FFT points used (sample length).\n\nWe can see from the above that to get smaller FFT bins we can either run a longer FFT (that is, take more samples at the same rate before running the FFT) or decrease our sampling rate.\n\n## The Catch:\nThere is always a trade-off between temporal resolution and frequency resolution.\n\nIn the example above, we need to collect 8192 samples before we can run the FFT, which when sampling at 10 kHz takes 0.82 seconds. \n\nIf we tried to get smaller FFT bins by running a longer FFT it would take even longer to collect the needed samples.\nThat may be OK, it may not be. The important point is that at a fixed sampling rate, increasing frequency resolution decreases temporal resolution. That is the more accurate your measurement in the frequency domain, the less accurate you can be in the time domain. You effectively lose all time information inside the FFT length.\n\nIn this example, if a 1999 Hz tone starts and stops in the first half of the 8192 sample FFT and a 2002 Hz tone plays in the second half of the window, we would see both, but they would appear to have occurred at the same time.\n\nYou also have to consider processing time. A 8192 point FFT takes some decent processing power. A way to reduce this need is to reduce the sampling rate, which is the second way to increase frequency resolution.\n\nIn your example, if you drop your sampling rate to something like 4096 Hz, then you only need a 4096 point FFT to achieve 1 Hz bins *4096 Hz, then you only need a 4096 point FFT to achieve 1hz bins and can still resolve a 2khz signal. This reduces the FFT bin size, but also reduces the bandwidth of the signal.\n\nUltimately with an FFT there will always be a trade off between frequency resolution and time resolution. You have to perform a bit of a balancing act to reach all goals." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I wanted to produce a 1 GB random file, so I used following command.\n```dd if=/dev/urandom of=output bs=1G count=1\n```\nBut instead every time I launch this command I get a 32 MB file:\n```$ dd if=/dev/urandom of=output bs=1G count=1\n0+1 records in\n0+1 records out\n33554431 bytes (34 MB, 32 MiB) copied, 0,288321 s, 116 MB/s\n```\nWhat is wrong?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "```bs```, the buffer size, means the size of a single read() call done by dd. For example, both ```bs=1M count=1``` and ```bs=1k count=1k``` will result in a 1 MiB file, but the first version will do it in a single step, while the second will do it in 1024 small chunks.\n\nRegular files can be read at nearly any buffer size (as long as that buffer fits in RAM), but devices and \"virtual\" files often work very close to the individual calls and have some arbitrary restriction of how much data they'll produce per read() call.\n\nFor ```/dev/urandom```, this limit is defined in urandom_read() in drivers/char/random.c:\n```#define ENTROPY_SHIFT 3\nstatic ssize_t\nurandom_read(struct file *file, char __user *buf, size_t nbytes, loff_t *ppos)\n{\n nbytes = min_t(size_t, nbytes, INT_MAX >> (ENTROPY_SHIFT + 3));\n ...\n}\n```\nThis means that every time the function is called, it will clamp the requested size to 33554431 bytes.\nBy default, unlike most other tools, dd will not retry after receiving less data than requested – you get the 32 MiB and that's it. (To make it retry automatically, as in Kamil's answer, you'll need to specify ```iflag=fullblock```.)\n\nNote also that \"the size of a single read()\" means that the whole buffer must fit in memory at once, so massive block sizes also correspond to massive memory usage by dd.\n\nAnd it's all pointless because you usually won't gain any performance when going above ~16–32 MiB blocks – syscalls aren't the slow part here, the random number generator is.\n\nSo for simplicity, just use ```head -c 1G /dev/urandom > output```." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The treads on my road bike's 28C tires are almost completely gone—they only persist along the shoulders of the tire. Do the treads matter? What is a good indicator of when the tire as a whole needs to be replaced?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The tread on a road bike's tires is really quite unimportant and purely cosmetic. Road bike tires have tread patterns because they sell better, not because they perform better.\nHere's some questions to ask to decide about replacing a tire:\n\n* Can you see any of the fabric?\n* Are you getting flats more easily than you used to?\n* Is any part of the tire bulging out or lumpy?\n* Are there visible holes/gashes in the tire?\n* Does the wear indicator indicate you should replace? (Some tires have dimples or grooves that are there to indicate when the tire should be replaced. Some have an alternate color of rubber underneath, and when that shows through the tire should be replaced)\n\nSmooth tread is actually ideal for road conditions, but not commonly found on tires. If you're on hard surfaces such as pavement/asphalt, the tread doesn't help you and actually slightly reduces contact area and increases rolling resistance. On most road tires the minimal tread pattern is just cosmetic to make their customers feel better (since a smooth tire looks slippery).\n\nSee also: Sheldon Brown's comments on tire replacement and tread patterns\nIf you plan to ride through mud, sand or other soft surfaces, you need tread. So when you no longer have tread on your mountain bike or cyclocross bike's tires, it's time to replace them (unless you plan to only use them on the road)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is there a way to create an index on a property/column using fluent configuration, instead of using the new ```IndexAttribute``` ?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Currently there is no \"first class support\" for creating a index via the fluent API, but what you can do is via the fluent API you can mark properties as having attributes from the Annotation API. This will allow you to add the ```Index``` attribute via a fluent interface.\n\nHere are some examples from the work item from Issues site for EF.\nCreate a index on a single column:\n```modelBuilder.Entity()\n .Property(e => e.MyProperty)\n .HasColumnAnnotation(\n IndexAnnotation.AnnotationName,\n new IndexAnnotation(new IndexAttribute()));\n```\nMultiple indexes on a single column: \n```modelBuilder.Entity()\n .Property(e => e.MyProperty)\n .HasColumnAnnotation(\n IndexAnnotation.AnnotationName,\n new IndexAnnotation(new[]\n {\n new IndexAttribute(\"Index1\"),\n new IndexAttribute(\"Index2\") { IsUnique = true }\n }));\n```\nMulti-Column indexes:\n```modelBuilder.Entity()\n .Property(e => e.MyProperty1)\n .HasColumnAnnotation(\n IndexAnnotation.AnnotationName,\n new IndexAnnotation(new IndexAttribute(\"MyIndex\", 1)));\nmodelBuilder.Entity()\n .Property(e => e.MyProperty2)\n .HasColumnAnnotation(\n IndexAnnotation.AnnotationName,\n new IndexAnnotation(new IndexAttribute(\"MyIndex\", 2)));\n```\nUsing the above techniques will cause ```.CreateIndex()``` calls to be automatically created for you in your ```Up()``` function when you scaffold your next migration (or be automatically created in the database if you are not using migrations)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Both races have the same limits on their strength, and athletics, but it's hard to imagine why. A Goliath could feasibly lift and throw a gnome, yet the Gnome, following rules as written, can pin down a Goliath, fairly easily, if statted correctly. \nIs there an in-universe explanation as to why such dramatically different sized creatures can wrestle on an even playing field?\nHow might a DM explain a scenario in which a gnome beats a goliath in any kind of test of strength?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "D&D is a terrible reality simulator.\nThe problem that you're having here is that, in real life, most people who are 7 feet tall are going to be faster, stronger, and all-around more physically powerful than a person who is 3 feet tall. If you compare two people of similar athleticism, the person who is 4 feet taller is going to be able to physically dominate the other.\n\nHowever, D&D is not a game built to simulate reality. It's a game built to let you play through stories about heroes who fight against a large variety of evil things. It's built to let players build a wide array of kinds of hero, and let them generally be effective at their role, even if the character options they picked wouldn't work in real life.\n\nThis means that the game will let you build a gnome strongman, if that's the kind of character you want to play. The designers wouldn't want your gnome strongman to be much worse at being a strongman than a character of a different race, so the only racial 'penalty' to being a strongman that you get is that you don't get a racial bonus to Strength. All of this is based on intentional design choices to make as many player archetypes as possible viable.\n\nIn-universe, they'd explain this just like we would in real life. If a really buff but physically small person wins, say, an arm-wrestling contest with someone pushing 7 feet, we'd be impressed. It would be odd, for sure, but it wouldn't be something impossible. In a world where divine blessings and magic are commonplace, the idea of a strong gnome beating a goliath in a contest of strength becomes less unbelievable, and more possible." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "So I'm pretty far into writing my dystopian novel and I was reading over what I had. Something that helps me when I first start a novel is to get a clear picture of my characters in my head and put a face to a name, so I usually sculpt a personality and find a Google image of someone who I think matches that, and I put all of those into documents for my personal reference. I looked over my main five characters--Analise, Poet, Shove, Star, and Nova--and then suddenly something jumped out at me. Analise is Hispanic, Shove is Japanese, and Poet, Star, and Nova are all black.\nI had forgotten about their races because it wasn't important to me and I had not noticed while I was writing, because the story isn't about their racial backgrounds. But is it, I don't know, somehow alienating or offensive to white readers that the characters aren't white, and that no main characters are white? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The answer I'll give you here is the same as the ones I've already given you and others: write what works for you. If these are who the characters are, then that's who they are. If you're forcing diversity, then it will come off as forced. That includes making some characters white just to be diverse.\n\nWill you alienate or even offend some white readers? Yes.\n\nBut this is not the type of offense to worry about. Some people are so used to being in the mainstream everywhere and for everything, that they loudly protest when suddenly they're not. If they don't like your story, they can go literally anyplace else to find beautiful, stirring, authentic depictions of all sorts of white people. Even within works about people of color.\n\nSome people will argue that this is exactly the same as novels only including white people. But, no. It isn't. Because representation isn't just about a single work. It's about the entirety of our culture. Americans (and most Westerners) find white people so central to their understanding of the universe that they insert them in places they might not otherwise be and tell entire stories set in nonwhite worlds from the white character's point of view. (I just watched The Last King of Scotland which does exactly this...they invented a white character for this very purpose...in a movie about real events in Uganda.)\n\nWrite the story that matters to you." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When I do ```\\footnote{}``` for a value in a table, the footnote doesn't show up. How do I get it to show up? Also, is it possible to get it to show up at the bottom of the table rather than the bottom of the page?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is a classic difficulty in LaTeX.\n\nThe problem is how to do layout with floats (figures and tables, an similar objects) and footnotes. In particular, it is hard to pick a place for a float with certainty that making room for the associated footnotes won't cause trouble. So the standard ```tabular``` and ```figure``` environments don't even try.\n\nWhat can you do:\n\n* Fake it. Just put a hardcoded vertical skip at the bottom of the caption and then write the footnote yourself (use ```\\footnotesize``` for the size). You also have to manage the symbols or number yourself with ```\\footnotemark```. Simple, but not very attractive, and the footnote does not appear at the bottom of the page.\n* Use the ```tabularx```, ```longtable```, ```threeparttable[x]``` (kudos to Joseph) or ```ctable``` which support this behavior.\n* Manage it by hand. Use ```[h!]``` (or ```[H]``` with the float package) to control where the float will appear, and ```\\footnotetext``` on the same page to put the footnote where you want it. Again, use ```\\footnotemark``` to install the symbol. Fragile and requires hand-tooling every instance.\n* The ```footnote``` package provides the ```savenote``` environment, which can be used to do this.\n* Minipage it (code stolen outright, and read the disclaimer about long caption texts in that case):\n\n\n \\begin{figure}\n \\begin{minipage}{\\textwidth}\n ...\n \\caption[Caption for LOF]%\n {Real caption\\footnote{blah}}\n \\end{minipage}\n \\end{figure}\n\nAdditional reference: TeX FAQ item Footnotes in tables." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is kVA not the same as kW?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both watts and volt-amps come from the same equation, $P=IV$, but the difference is how they're measured.\nTo get volt-amps, you multiply root mean square (RMS) voltage ($V$) with RMS current ($I$) with no regard for the timing/phasing between them. This is what the wiring and pretty much all electrical/electronic components have to deal with.\n\nTo get watts, you multiply instantaneous voltage ($V$) with instantaneous current ($I$) for every sample, then average those results. This is the energy that is actually transferred.\n\nNow to compare the two measurements:\nIf voltage and current are both sinewaves, then $\\text{watts} = \\text{volt-amps} \\times \\cos(\\phi)$, where $\\phi$ is the phase angle between voltage and current. It's pretty easy to see from this that if they're both sine waves and if they're in phase ($\\phi = 0$), then $\\text{watts} = \\text{volt-amps}$.\n\nHowever, if you're NOT dealing with sine waves, the $\\cos(\\phi)$ relationship no longer applies! So you have to go the long way around and actually do the measurements as described here.\n\nHow might that happen? Easy. DC power supplies. They're everywhere, including battery chargers, and the vast majority of them only draw current at the peak of the AC voltage waveform because that's the only time that their filter capacitors are otherwise less than the input voltage. So they draw a big spike of current to recharge the caps, starting just before the voltage peak and ending right at the voltage peak, and then they draw nothing until the next peak.\n\nAnd of course there's an exception to this rule also, and that is Power Factor Correction (PFC). DC power supplies with PFC are specialized switching power supplies that end up producing more DC voltage than the highest AC peak, and they do it in such a way that their input current follows the input voltage almost exactly. Of course, this is only an approximation, but the goal is to get a close enough match that the $\\cos(\\phi)$ shortcut becomes acceptably close to accurate, with $\\phi \\approx 0$. Then, given this high voltage DC, a secondary switching supply produces what is actually required by the circuit being powered." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Elon Musk and his partner want to name their child X Æ A-12.\nIs that name allowed in California, US?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We could start with what the statutes say (HSC 102425)\n\n (a) The certificate of live birth for a live birth occurring on or after January 1, 2016, shall contain those items necessary to establish the fact of the birth and shall contain only the following information; (1) Full name and sex of the child.\n\nIt says nothing about the form of that name. Therefore, any prohibition of the letter Æ (or æ) etc. would have to come from the administrative interpretation of California Department of Public Health, Vital Records. There is a long handbook, which on p. 112 states the rule regarding child names. The rules note that\n\n The form must be completed using the 26 alphabetical characters of the English language with appropriate punctuation, if necessary. No pictographs (), ideograms (), diacritical marks (è, ñ, ē, ç), or extraneous entries are allowed.\n\nSo the short answer is, unless you feel like making a court case out of the matter and you have a lot of money, this name will not be allowed. The rule might be challenged in court as exceeding statutory authority, and might well be deemed to discriminate w.r.t. race and national origin. The rule could be defended on grounds of necessity, if we presume that the department is incapable of recording information other than the 26 letters and \"appropriate punctuation\" (undefined, presumably only apostrophe). It's not that in principle Unicode doesn't exist, it's that their system may not be capable of dealing with it (numerous problems would arise from the non-unique mapping from visual representation to Unicode number). There does not seem to be a court ruling on the matter." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In this Creation magazine reprint of a 1994 article titled Exploding stars point to a young universe, Young-Earth Creationist, Jonathan Sarfati argues that the scarcity of Supernova remnants (SNRs) in the sky suggests the Milky Way galaxy is less than billions of years old.\n\nOn average, a galaxy like our own, the Milky Way, should produce one supernova every 25 years.\n[...]\nAs can be readily seen above, a young universe model fits the data of the low number of observed SNRs. If the universe was really billions of years old, there are 7000 missing SNRs in our galaxy.\n\nDoes astronomy predict a Milky Way supernova every 25 years? Are there missing SNRs that undermine these predictions?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are many reasons why this is wrong. The first one is the assumption of 1 supernova per 25 years. That was the value arrived at in Gustav Tammann's article published in 1970. Others got values up to 100 years (Tammann himself changed his value later). All these values are really only good guesses.\n\nWorse errors are made in the percentage of remnants that should be visible. To start with, only a small percentage of them are visible; the others are obscured by dust in the galaxy. This does not happen to the same extent to the supernovas themselves, as they are intrinsically very much brighter. \n\nSarfati also uses an old paper to come up with the number of remnants in the Large Magellanic Cloud (a satellite galaxy to the Milky Way). However, that figure was considered to be wrong (and much smaller) in later studies. Older remnants are very difficult to distinguish against a background of dust in the galaxy. Many of them disappear completely after about 10,000 years or so.\n\nIt should be noted that, using Sarfati's own reasoning, we should not be able to see any remnants older than 6000 years. Instead, we know of remnants (e.g. G166.2 + 2.5) that are over 100,000 years old. How did those originate in his universe? The same goes for the distance to supernovas. The distance to SN 1987A has been trigonometrically measured at 167,000 light years (the paper says 51,200 parsecs). In other words, its light took more than 30 times longer to reach us than the creationist universe has supposedly existed. \n\nRemember also that a supernova typically becomes either a pulsar or a black hole, both of which are very hard to observe. A black hole can only be \"seen\" through its effects on other matter, and a pulsar is mainly visible if the solar system happens to be in line with its sweeping radio beam (with some pulsars the star itself has also been seen). Hence, all we can see of them long after the event is an expanding cloud of gas that gets dimmer over the millennia.\n\nThere are several other reasons which are covered in a very good article on TalkOrigins. That article has links to all the original scientific papers referred to, so you can check the validity yourself." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is there so much technical detail of whaling included in Moby-Dick?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are multiple purposes behind the novel structure of Moby-Dick.\n\nIn the first instance the author was himself a whaleman, having spent 18 months as an ordinary seaman aboard the whaler Acushnet in 1841–42. In his experience the literature of the day, such as Miriam \n\nCoffin or The Whale-Fisherman by Joseph Hart, did not portray whaling accurately but rather sensationalised it. He wished to provide his readers with a more realistic account.\n\nIn doing so, he also gave the reader the information necessary to better understand and appreciate the passages of whaling described in the novel. With the reader forewarned, he is able to keep the narrative passages tense and exciting. It is interesting that, early in the novel, the Pequod meets virutally no whales and that the chases become longer and more involved as the story progresses. This may be because Melville felt he needed to give the reader more and more technical information before they could fully appreicate these encounters, but understood the science would need to be spaced out among the narrative.\n\nIn describing it to the reader, the science also serves another useful narrative function. It indicates that on whaling voyages, long periods of time pass when nothing much happens at all. By padding out of the story with scientific digressions serves as a useful narrative metaphor for waiting.\n\nThe level of detail provided also mirrors one of the novel's central themes: obsession. Although Ishmael is the narrator and Ahab the obvious obsessive, the amount of science indicates that Ishmael is also an obsessive. His obsession is the business of whaling itself.\n\nFinally, Melville made good use of these passages in serving as metaphors for other themes of the novel where he felt it appropriate. For example in the chapter The Line, which describes how the whale line is stored and used in the boat, it ends by using the line as a metaphor.\n\n \"All men live enveloped in whale-lines. All are born with halters round their necks; but it is only when caught in the swift, sudden turn of death, that mortals realize the silent, subtle, ever-present perils of life.\"\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why are we building larger land-based telescopes instead of launching larger ones into space?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because it's cheaper.\n(1) With adaptive optics you can get 0.1 arc second resolution on the ground (admittedly only on a mountain top with particularly good air flow, but still!). This eliminates one of the major advantages of space until you get above several meters mirror diameter.\n(2) Rocket fairings are the shrouds which protect payloads during the supersonic atmospherics speeds reached during launch. A 5 meter fairing is about the largest that can be flown, which limits the size of the one-piece mirrors which can be launched. (The Dreaded Webb Telescope's mirror is in pieces which will assemble themselves in space -- a very scary and very expensive piece of design.)\n(3) Servicing a telescope on the top of Mauna Kea or in the high Chilean Andes is a difficult and expensive process. Servicing a telescope in orbit makes that look like small change. (Cost comparable to the cost of building a new giant scope on Earth.) And in-orbit servicing can't even be done with current technology except in low earth orbit.\n(4) While high resolution is one frontier in astronomy, going deep is another, and going deep requires big mirrors. A 30 meter mirror on Earth gathers much more light than a 5 meter mirror in space. The giant terrestrial telescopes simply do a better job of being light buckets for spectroscopy than anything we can yet put into space.\n\nThe bottom line is that with the development of adaptive optics, space-based telescopes of currently buildable and launchable size lost their main advantage over ground-based telescopes. And since they're 10x to 100x the cost, they are simply not worth building for many purposes.\n\nSpace based telescopes still hold a significant edge in parts of the spectrum blocked by the atmosphere such as UV and IR (Webb), and for certain tasks involving long-term high accuracy photometry (Kepler) and astrometry (Gaia). But for general purpose use, the balance seems firmly on the ground's side for large telescopes.\n\nThis will change if space flight becomes cheaper -- the SpaceX BFR, for example, with its 9 meter fairing and dramatically lower launch costs, offers great hope for space telescopes." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why can we see the dust particles in a narrow beam of light (and not in an all lighted area)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your inability to see the dust until you narrow the slit has nothing to do with the narrowness of the beam but instead the dynamic range of light that your eye can see at one time.\nA bit of searching turns up reports of a contrast ratio for you eye at one time as between 100:1 and 1000:1. This means if you're in a room with a range of brightness greater than about 100 to 1 the brightest things will all be washed out as white and the darkest things will all be essentially black. This is obvious in photos that are \"backlit\" like this one:\n\nThese horses aren't black but because the ratio of the bright light to the dark horses exceeds the dynamic range of the camera the sky is washed out white and the horses are in silhouette.\nYour eye can adjust over time to a huge range but it can't utilize the whole range all at once.\nIn the case of dust reflecting light, if you allow a lot of light into the room the relative brightness between the small amount of light the dust is reflecting and the rest of the illuminated room prevent you from seeing the dust.\n\nThis is fundamental to signal processing. Why can't you hear a whisper in a noisy room? The noise of the crowd obscures the whisper. The difference between the signal you're trying to pick up and the background noise is called the signal-to-noise ratio. In the case of dust, the light let into the room is scattered and reflected in the room and causes the room to be illuminated. This is the noise that obscures the signal from light reflected off of the dust." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I can not initialize a List as in the following code:\n```List supplierNames = new List();\nsupplierNames.add(\"sup1\");\nsupplierNames.add(\"sup2\");\nsupplierNames.add(\"sup3\");\nSystem.out.println(supplierNames.get(1));\n```\nI face the following error: \n\n Cannot instantiate the type ```List```\n\nHow can I instantiate ```List```?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you check the API for ```List``` you'll notice it says:\n```Interface List\n```\nBeing an ```interface``` means it cannot be instantiated (no ```new List()``` is possible).\nIf you check that link, you'll find some ```class```es that implement ```List```:\n\nAll Known Implementing Classes:\n```AbstractList```, ```AbstractSequentialList```, ```ArrayList```, ```AttributeList```, ```CopyOnWriteArrayList```, ```LinkedList```, ```RoleList```, ```RoleUnresolvedList```, ```Stack```, ```Vector```\n\nSome of those can be instantiated (the ones that are not defined as ```abstract class```). Use their links to know more about them, I.E: to know which fits better your needs.\nThe 3 most commonly used ones probably are:\n``` List supplierNames1 = new ArrayList();\n List supplierNames2 = new LinkedList();\n List supplierNames3 = new Vector();\n```\n\nBonus:\nYou can also instantiate it with values, in an easier way, using the ```Arrays``` ```class```, as follows:\n```List supplierNames = Arrays.asList("sup1", "sup2", "sup3");\nSystem.out.println(supplierNames.get(1));\n```\nBut note you are not allowed to add more elements to that list, as it's ```fixed-size```." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the difference between ```warnings.warn()``` and ```logging.warn()``` in terms of what they do and how they should be used?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are the differences:\n\n* ```logging.warning``` just logs something at the ```WARNING``` level, in the same way that ```logging.info``` logs at the ```INFO``` level and ```logging.error``` logs at the ```ERROR``` level. It has no special behaviour.\n\n* ```warnings.warn``` emits a ```Warning```, which may be printed to ```stderr```, ignored completely, or thrown like a normal ```Exception``` (potentially crashing your application) depending upon the precise ```Warning``` subclass emitted and how you've configured your Warnings Filter. By default, warnings will be printed to ```stderr``` or ignored.\n\n* Warnings emitted by ```warnings.warn``` are often useful to know about, but easy to miss (especially if you're running a Python program in a background process and not capturing ```stderr```). For that reason, it can be helpful to have them logged.\n\nTo use them, Python provides a built-in integration between the ```logging``` module and the ```warnings``` module to let you do this; just call ```logging.captureWarnings(True)``` at the start of your script and all warnings emitted by the ```warnings``` module will automatically be logged at level ```WARNING```." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In Greek mythology, the words \"Titan\" and \"God\" seem to be used interchangeably. For example, Zeus is a God, but Cronus (his father) was a Titan. So what is the difference between a Titan and a God in Greek mythology? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A 'god' is synonymous to a 'deity'; the Titans and Titanesses were gods, they were members of the second order of divine beings - after Gaia and Uranus, and the other primordial deities.\n\nCronus and his fellow Titans comprised the second Ancient Greek pantheon (the first comprising of deities such as Ananke, Gaea, and Ouranos), which the younger generation of gods, including Zeus, would later usurp, as the Titans usurped the primordial gods before them. (For more information on this concept of change in dominant deities, read up on the theory of The Golden Age, particularly that of Hesiod, who also wrote the only surviving account of the Titans in his Theogony.)\n\nAs for why the Titans have their own order name as opposed to Zeus et al who are simply 'gods', there is debate as to the exact etymology of the word 'titan' but this quote from Hesiod's Theogony states:\n\n"But these sons whom he begot himself great Heaven used to call Titans （Strainers） in reproach, for he said that they strained (τιταίνοντας) and did presumptuous a fearful deed, and that vengeance (τίσιν) for it would come afterwards."\nTrans. Evelyn-White, here with side-by-side Greek.\n\nHowever this is not to say Hesiod was correct; he himself was writing long after the supposed Golden Age ended." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do weather models work?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "All numerical atmospheric models are built around calculations derived from primitive equations that describe atmospheric flow. Vilhelm Bjerknes discovered the relationships and thereby became the father of numerical weather prediction. Conceptually, the equations can be thought of as describing how a parcel of air would move in relationship to its surroundings. For instance, we learn at a young age that hot air rises. The hydrostatic vertical momentum equation explains why and quantifies under what condictions hot air would stop rising. (As the air rises it expands and cools until it reaches hydrostatic equilibrium.) The other equations consider other types of motion and heat transfer.\n\nUnfortunately, the equations are nonlinear, which means that you can't simply plug in a few numbers and get useful results. Instead, weather models are simulations which divide the atmosphere into three-dimensional grids and calculate how matter and energy will flow from one cube of space into another during discrete time increments. Actual atmospheric flow is continuous, not discrete, so by necessity the models are approximations. Different models make different approximations appropriate to their specific purpose.\n\nNumerical models have been improving over time for several reasons:\n\n* More and better input data,\n* Tighter grids, and\n* Better approximations.\n\nIncreasing computational power has allowed models to use smaller grid boxes. However, the number of computations increases exponentially with the number of boxes and the process suffers diminishing returns. On the input end of things, more and better sensors improve the accuracy of the initial conditions of the model. Synoptic scale and mesoscale models take input from General Circulation Models, which helps set reasonable intial conditions. On the output end, Model Output Statistics do a remarkable job of estimating local weather by comparing the current model state with historical data of times when the model showed similar results. Finally, ensemble models take the output of several models as input and produce a range of possibly outcomes." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am currently trying to decipher Mazur's Eisenstein ideal paper (not a comment about his clarity, rather about my current abilities). One of the reasons I am doing that is that many people told me that the paper was somehow revolutionary and introduced a new method into number theory. \nCould you explain exactly what subsequent developments did the paper bring, what ideas in the paper were considered more-or-less original (at the time it was published), and exactly what difficulties did these ideas resolve that people failed to resolve before the paper was published (if any)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First, Mazur's paper is arguably the first paper where the new ideas (and language) of the Grothendieck revolution in algebraic geometry were fully embraced and crucially used in pure number theory. Here are several notable examples: Mazur makes crucial use of the theory of finite flat group schemes to understand the behavior of the $p$-adic Tate modules of Jacobians at the prime $p$. He studies modular forms of level one over finite rings (which need not lift to characteristic zero when the residue characteristic is $2$ or $3$). He proves theorems about mod-$p$ modular forms using what are essentially comparison theorems between etale cohomology and de Rham cohomology, and many more examples. The proof of the main theorem ($\\S5$, starting at page 156) is itself a very modern proof which fundamentally uses the viewpoint of $X_0(N)$ as a scheme.\n\nSecond, there are many beautiful ideas which have their original in this paper: it contains many of the first innovative ideas for studying $2$-dimensional (and beyond) Galois representations, including the link between geometric properties (multiplicity one) and arithmetic properties, geometric conceptions for studying congruences between Galois representations, understanding the importance of the finite-flat property of group schemes, and the identification of the Gorenstein property. There is a theoretical $p$-descent on the Eisenstein quotient when previously descents were almost all explicit $2$-descents with specific equations. It introduces the winding quotient, and so on.\n\nThird, while it is a dense paper, it is dense in the best possible way: many of the small diversions could have made interesting papers on their own. Indeed, even close readers of the paper today can find connections between Mazur's asides and cutting edge mathematics. When Mazur raises a question in the text, it is almost invariably very interesting. One particular (great) habit that Mazur has is thinking about various isomorphisms and by pinning down various canonical choices identifies refined invariants. To take a random example, consider his exploration of the Shimura subgroup at the end of section 11. He finishes with a question which to a casual reader may as well be a throw-away remark. But this question was first solved by Merel, and more recently generalized in some very nice work of Emmanuel Lecouturier. Lecouturier's ideas then played an important role in the work of Michael Harris and Akshay Venkatesh. Again, one could give many more such examples of this. Very few papers have the richness of footnotes and asides that this paper does. Never forget that one of the hardest things in mathematics is coming up with interesting questions and observations, and this paper contains many great ones - it is bursting with the ideas of a truly creative mathematician.\n\nFinally, the result itself is amazing, and (pretty much) remains the only method available for proving the main theorem (the second proof due to Mazur is very related to this one). To give a sense of how great the theorem is, note that if $E$ is a semistable elliptic curve, then either $E$ is isogenous to a curve with a $p$-torsion point, or $E[p]$ is absolutely irreducible. This result (added for clarity: explicitly, Mazur's Theorem that $E/\\mathbf{Q}$ doesn't have a $p$-torsion point for $p > 7$) is crucially used in Wiles' proof of Fermat. One could certainly argue that without this paper (and how it transformed algebraic number theory) we would not have had Wiles' proof of Fermat, but it's even literally true that Mazur's theorem was (and remains so today, over 40 years later) an essential step in any proof of Fermat." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Tracing XML request/responses with JAX-WS" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the solution in raw code:\n```Endpoint ep = Endpoint.create(new WebserviceImpl());\nList handlerChain = ep.getBinding().getHandlerChain();\nhandlerChain.add(new SOAPLoggingHandler());\nep.getBinding().setHandlerChain(handlerChain);\nep.publish(publishURL);\n```\nWhere SOAPLoggingHandler is (ripped from linked examples):\n```package com.myfirm.util.logging.ws;\nimport java.io.PrintStream;\nimport java.util.Map;\nimport java.util.Set;\nimport javax.xml.namespace.QName;\nimport javax.xml.soap.SOAPMessage;\nimport javax.xml.ws.handler.MessageContext;\nimport javax.xml.ws.handler.soap.SOAPHandler;\nimport javax.xml.ws.handler.soap.SOAPMessageContext;\n/*\n * This simple SOAPHandler will output the contents of incoming\n * and outgoing messages.\n */\npublic class SOAPLoggingHandler implements SOAPHandler {\n // change this to redirect output if desired\n private static PrintStream out = System.out;\n public Set getHeaders() {\n return null;\n }\n public boolean handleMessage(SOAPMessageContext smc) {\n logToSystemOut(smc);\n return true;\n }\n public boolean handleFault(SOAPMessageContext smc) {\n logToSystemOut(smc);\n return true;\n }\n // nothing to clean up\n public void close(MessageContext messageContext) {\n }\n /*\n * Check the MESSAGE_OUTBOUND_PROPERTY in the context\n * to see if this is an outgoing or incoming message.\n * Write a brief message to the print stream and\n * output the message. The writeTo() method can throw\n * SOAPException or IOException\n */\n private void logToSystemOut(SOAPMessageContext smc) {\n Boolean outboundProperty = (Boolean)\n smc.get (MessageContext.MESSAGE_OUTBOUND_PROPERTY);\n if (outboundProperty.booleanValue()) {\n out.println(\"\\nOutbound message:\");\n } else {\n out.println(\"\\nInbound message:\");\n }\n SOAPMessage message = smc.getMessage();\n try {\n message.writeTo(out);\n out.println(\"\"); // just to add a newline\n } catch (Exception e) {\n out.println(\"Exception in handler: \" + e);\n }\n }\n}\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In Vim, how do I insert characters at the beginning of each line in a selection?\nFor instance, I want to comment out a block of code by prepending ```//``` at the beginning of each line assuming my language's comment system doesn't allow block commenting like ```/* */```. How would I do this?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The general pattern for search and replace is:\n```:s/search/replace/\n```\nReplaces the first occurrence of 'search' with 'replace' for current line\n```:s/search/replace/g\n```\nReplaces all occurrences of 'search' with 'replace' for current line, 'g' is short for 'global'\nThis command will replace each occurrence of 'search' with 'replace' for the current line only. The % is used to search over the whole file. To confirm each replacement interactively append a 'c' for confirm:\n```:%s/search/replace/c\n```\nInteractive confirm replacing 'search' with 'replace' for the entire file\nInstead of the % character you can use a line number range (note that the '^' character is a special search character for the start of line):\n```:14,20s/^/#/\n```\nInserts a '#' character at the start of lines 14-20\nIf you want to use another comment character (like //) then change your command delimiter:\n```:14,20s!^!//!\n```\nInserts a '//' character sequence at the start of lines 14-20\nOr you can always just escape the // characters like:\n```:14,20s/^/\\/\\//\n```\nInserts a '//' character sequence at the start of lines 14-20\nIf you are not seeing line numbers in your editor, simply type the following\n```:set nu\n```\nHope this helps!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why doesn't the nuclear fusion in a star make it explode?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fusion that occurs in the core of the Sun occurs in nothing like the conditions you might be thinking of in a bomb, or a fusion reactor. In particular, it occurs at much lower temperatures and at a much lower rate. A cubic metre of material in the solar core is only releasing around 250 W of power by fusion.\nThe fusion rate is set by the temperature (and to a lesser extent, density) of the core. This in turn is set by the need for a pressure gradient to balance the weight of material pressing down on it from above. At 15 million kelvin (the core temperature, which is much lower than the temperatures in nuclear bombs or fusion reactors), the average proton has a lifetime of several billion years before being converted (with three others) into a helium nucleus. There are two reasons this is slow. First, you have to get protons, which repel each other electromagnetically, close enough together to feel the strong nuclear force. This is why high temperatures are needed. Second, because the diproton is unstable, one of the protons needs to change into a neutron via a weak force interaction, whilst it is in the unstable diproton state, to form a deuterium nucleus. This is just inherently unlikely and means the overall reaction chain to helium is very slow.\nThe reason there is no bomb-like explosion is because there is no problem in shifting 250 W per cubic metre away from the core, in the same way that a compost heap, which generates about the same power density, does not spontaneously explode. In the case of a star any additional heat goes into more radiation that diffuses away and in work done in expanding the star. As a result, the temperature of the core is stable. Ultimately, any additional energy emerges as sunlight at the solar photosphere.\nIf for some reason, the opacity to radiation in the core increased, then the temperature would rise and more energy would be generated by fusion. This is exactly what happens in the core as more hydrogen is turned into helium; the core temperature and luminosity do rise, but slowly, on timescales of billions of years." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Does hot water freeze faster than cold water?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In certain settings, cold water freezers slower than hot water. This is called the Mpemba effect:\n\nHot water can in fact freeze faster than cold water for a wide range of experimental conditions. This phenomenon is extremely counterintuitive, and surprising even to most scientists, but it is in fact real. It has been seen and studied in numerous experiments. While this phenomenon has been known for centuries, and was described by Aristotle, Bacon, and Descartes, it was not introduced to the modern scientific community until 1969, by a Tanzanian high school student named Mpemba.\n\nHere are some suggested reasons:\n\n1. Evaporation — As the initially warmer water cools to the initial temperature of the initially cooler water, it may lose significant amounts of water to evaporation. The reduced mass will make it easier for the water to cool and freeze. Then the initially warmer water can freeze before the initially cooler water, but will make less ice.\n2. Dissolved Gasses — Hot water can hold less dissolved gas than cold water, and large amounts of gas escape upon boiling. So the initially warmer water may have less dissolved gas than the initially cooler water." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "O que é Reflection. Por que é útil?\n* É recomendável usar em projetos?\n* Como usar?\n* Em quais situações Reflection pode ser usado?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reflection é um termo usado para indicar a capacidade de obter metadados sobre o próprio programa compilado, em português pode-se referir a isso como reflexão mesmo.\nComo assim, metadados?\nObter informações sobre os tipos de dados, de forma dinâmica, é muito importante para códigos que atuam sobre objetos que não se conhece em tempo de design. É muito usado em bibliotecas que se propõem a lidar com objetos de tipos que elas desconhecem em sua concepção.\nO ASP.NET MVC por exemplo, só é um projeto possível por causa da reflexão. De que forma ele poderia chamar os métodos dos controllers, que ele nem conhece?\nVisto, isso é preciso dizer que reflexão não é sempre rápido, é necessário verificar permissões, o nível de segurança em que o código está rodando, entre outras. Por isso, quando se obtém um resultado qualquer vindo através da reflexão, geralmente essas informações são colocadas em cache, ou seja, salvas em memória.\nÉ recomendável?\nDepende do uso:\n\n* sim, é recomendável: para criar comportamentos dinâmicos usando atributos, a única opção é reflexão\n* sim, é recomendável: para chamar método que não se conhece durante a concepção do sistema, também é a única opção\n* não, é abuso fazer isso: chamar um método, de uma classe conhecida em design-time usando reflexão... é absurdo\n\nExistem tantas formas de usar reflexão que eu poderia continuar essa lista por muito tempo. Então mais vale o seguinte conselho: bom senso.\nComo usar?\nExistem alguns vetores de uso de reflexão que eu conheço. Para demonstrá-los, vamos considerar primeiramente a seguinte classe:\n```public class Pessoa\n{\n public string Nome { get; set; }\n}\n```\n\n* Expressões Lambda: esse é um vetor de reflexão, pois é possível usar expressões lambda para chegar aos tipos, métodos entre outros objetos refletidos, que tenham sido usados na expressão. É comumente utilizado para tornar fortemente tipada a obtenção de objetos refletidos de membros de uma classe, antes disso só era possível obter esses objetos indicando uma string com o nome do método.\n```Expression> expr = p => p.Nome;\nvar lambda = (LambdaExpression)expr;\nvar cast = lambda.Body as UnaryExpression;\nvar member = (cast != null ? cast.Operand : lambda.Body) as MemberExpression;\nvar propInfo = member.Member as PropertyInfo;\nConsole.WriteLine(propInfo.Name); // \"Nome\"\n```\n* typeof(Tipo): essa é uma das formas mais comuns de obter informações refletidas do sistema. Serve para obter informações sobre o tipo indicado diretamente.\n```var tipo = typeof(Pessoa);\nConsole.WriteLine(tipo.Name); // \"Pessoa\"\n```\n* obj.GetType(): tão comum quando ```typeof```, mas ao invés de se referir a um tipo diretamente, refere-se ao tipo do objeto em questão: mas tem um detalhe, não é do tipo declarado da variável, mas sim do objeto em si.\n```var p = new Pessoa();\nvar tipo = p.GetType();\nConsole.WriteLine(tipo.IsSealed); // \"false\"\n```\n* Assembly: é usada para obter tipos em larga escala: por exemplo, para escanear todos os tipos existentes em um assembly, ou então em todos os assemblies carregados.\n```// localizando um tipo, dentre todos os tipos carregados\nvar todosOsTiposCarregados = AppDomain.CurrentDomain\n .GetAssemblies()\n .SelectMany(a => a.GetTypes())\n .Where(t => t.Name == \"Pessoa\");\n```\n\nE o namespace Reflection.Emit?\nNão está claro na minha mente se considero isso reflexão ou não. Mas de qualquer forma, é necessário usar reflexão para gerar código dinamicamente, então tem uma conexão.\nComo disse, esse namespace contém classes usadas para gerar código dinamicamente... e então compilá-los. Lembra do que eu falei sobre cache de reflexão... compilar métodos é um bom alvo de cache, pois depois de compilado os futuros usos serão muitíssimo rápidos." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the difference between minimum and infimum?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The minimum is attained, the infimum isn't necessarily. \nExample.\nLet $f(x) = \\frac{1}{x}$. Then $f$ has no minimum value on the interval $(0,\\infty)$. The minimum is the smallest element in the set. That is\n$$\n\\min\\{f(x)\\mid x\\in (0,\\infty)\\}\n$$\ndoesn't exist because there is not smallest number in the set.\nAnother example is the minimum of the set $S = (0,1) = \\{x\\mid 0 the Nespresso support agent said that the machines should not be connected to a GFCI outlet\n\nWhere do they think Nespresso machines are used? Bedrooms? No, they're kitchen appliances and GFCIs are widely used in kitchens. GFCIs are code requirements and have been for ~20 years. If they are unable to make a GFCI-compatible machine, then their machine is unfit for purpose, and they have breached their implied warranty. Also, the things use water, for Pete's sake.\n\nThat said, machines do break. On a modern "mass produced, not expected to be repaired" machine, that means it is "at end-of-life".\n\n> This call with Nespresso was the first time I'd ever seen someone claim that GFCI outlets can potentially damage coffee machines.\n\nLOL no. Such a claim is both nonsensical and inexcusable, and is certainly not coming from their technical department, nor has it been reviewed by their legal team, nor will you ever get them to put that in writing. Most likely it is because companies put tremendous pressure on customer service agents to have a high rate of good ratings, "close it in 1 call" and "avoid shipping replacement units". A GFCI-trip call is a worst-case scenario for an agent, and so they're going to say whatever they need to to get a satisfactory 1-call close. That is about their only option.\n\nIn a rare case, the GFCI might be end-of-life and not be working properly, but that is easily tested by plugging it into the next outlet over that is on a different GFCI, since kitchens generally have 2 independent circuits.\n\nNow, other things can damage a coffee maker. Notably a "Lost Neutral", where the neutral lead from the power company breaks, causing neutral in the house to wander - the two 120V "halves of the service" still add up to 240V but they are lopsided, with one side higher than 120V. That is particularly hard on resistive heat appliances, since their heat increases by the square of voltage increase. Lost neutrals can be pernicious and difficult to detect, so it can go weeks or months without being noticed. It's not like service panels have voltmeters on them." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have extremely bad posture, what can I do?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You can do stretches, strengthening and breathing exercises to improve your posture. But you also have to become aware of your posture and find a way to interrupt prolonged sitting intervals with brief breaks. A good ergonomic chair is also helpful.\n\n## Musculo-Skeletal Effects of Poor Sitting Posture\n\nPoor sitting posture can create muscle imbalances over time.\n\n* In general, your front stuctures shorten, with muscles like your hip flexors and pectorals tightening up - pulling you into a ball. Your crunched sitting posture caves your lower ribs down towards your abdomen which prevents the diaphragm from expanding freely. \n* At the same time the muscles of your back stretch out and weaken, especially in the range where they should be working to maintain your posture.\n\nAs this posture persists over time, you joints begin to lose normal range of motion as well making it more difficult to assume a good posture.\n\n\n## Correcting Slumped Sitting Posture\nTailor an exercise program to stretch tightened muscles and strengthen weakened muscles. Additionally, you need a method to become aware of your posture and correct it while you are sitting. This is difficult because as you say, your attention is on your work. Exercise programs like Yoga, Tai-Chi and Pilates are good because they all address and make you very aware of your posture, joint alignments, flexibility, core control and breathing.\n\nUse Specific Exercises to Correct Muscle Imbalances:\n\n* Back, Upper Back and Scapular muscles: Back Extensions strengthen your paraspinals. Use different arm positions (Y, T, W, L) to target your lower traps, mid traps, rhomboids and scapular stabilizors. Learn the feel of retracting your scapulas.\nYou can do these on the floor next to your desk. \nOr if you prefer not to get on the floor, use resistance bands for reverse flys, wide rows, narrow rows and rotations. \nAway from work, you can also strengthen these muscles using weights, cables and body weight exercises like inverted rows, cable rows, bent over rows, reverse flys etc. And squats are a good for strengthening multiple muscles important to posture.\n* Core: Plank, Side Plank, Bird Dog and Bridge will stabilize your trunk and spine.\n* Stretches: - Hip Flexors, Hamstrings, Abs and Pecs. The wall pec stretch stretches the pecs but also contracts the rhomboid and trapezius scapular muscles to help improve the positioning of the shoulder and shoulder blade and is easy to do at work. \n* Sitting Posture and Breathing Awareness - This sitting posture exercise helps make you aware of your sitting alignment and expanding your diaphragm. Practice a few diaphramatic breaths throughout the day along with this sitting exercise to elongate your spine.\n\nCreate your ideal short exercise routine that you can do during short breaks during the day. An exercise ball next to your desk can help you target these muscles in just a few minutes:\n\n* Lie back over the ball and stretch out your front \n* Lie face down over the ball and do the Y, W, T, L exercises.\nAnd consider using the ball as your desk chair for short periods.\n\n## Remembering your Posture throughout the day:\n\nThis is the hard part. As your muscle imbalances begin to resolve and your diaphragmatic breathing improves, you’ll find that the slouched posture becomes less comfortable and you will automatically begin to sit better. Until then, use a timed reminder or try tying your posture corrections to tasks that you do at the computer regularly. For example, correct your posture each time you check your email or some other specific link. Turn on your web cam for visual reminders.\n\nKeep at it until you feel the improvement. You'll have less problems going forward if you improve your posture. It either gets better - or it gets worse." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to add margin top to ```class=\"row\"``` elements using twitter bootstrap framework?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Editing or overriding the row in Twitter bootstrap is a bad idea, because this is a core part of the page scaffolding and you will need rows without a top margin.\n\nTo solve this, instead create a new class \"top-buffer\" that adds the standard margin that you need.\n\n```.top-buffer { margin-top:20px; }```\n\nAnd then use it on the row divs where you need a top margin.\n\n```
...```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In FTL: Faster Than Light, what triggers crew experience increases?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "###Piloting\nA crew member who is controlling a helm gains one point of experience for each incoming projectile that is dodged during combat. This includes asteroids, so long as you are in combat at the time. (Note that the dodges do not count while you ship is under the effects of +60% evasion from a cloak.)\nThis can be explicitly trained by finding an enemy that cannot break through your shields, and letting him fire at you. Increasing your dodge chance (i.e. more power to engines) will help this occur quicker, but even with the default chance you can max out the skill eventually.\n\n###Engines\nExactly as for piloting, a crew member manning the engines gains one point of XP for each projectile evaded while uncloaked in combat - and so it can be trained in the same way.\n\n###Weapons\nA crew member who is manning the weapons station gains one point of experience for each weapon that is fired. It doesn't matter whether it hits or misses, or whether it can do damage (e.g. a beam weapon fired at a shield).\n(Multi-shot weapons such as burst lasers still count as a single fire order and hence a single XP.)\nThis can be trained by firing non-lethal weapons (e.g. ones that do ion damage) repeatedly against a target that cannot damage you.\n\n###Shields\nA crew member manning the shields station gains one point of experience for each shield \"bubble\" that is brought back up during combat. It doesn't matter why the shields were down, be that direct enemy fire, ion damage, asteroid strikes, or even manually removing and then restoring power to the shield systems.\nThis can be trained by letting a target that cannot break through all of your shields repeatedly take one layer down. (For fastest results, move your pilot away from the helm, or reduce your engines to 0 power. This will reduce your dodge chance to 0%, ensuring that everything hits your shields.)\nNote that you used to be able to manually remove power and restore it in combat, to get points, but this has been patched.\n\n###Repair\nA crew member gains one point of experience for getting the \"finishing blow\" when repairing a (sub)system. Note that hull breaches provide no repair experience.\nThere's no specific way to train this as it requires your systems to be damaged. Though you can focus the XP gains by always having the same person run around and repair everything after a battle.\n\n###Combat\nA crew member gains one point of experience for getting the finishing blow when fighting an enemy crew member or (sub)system.\nThis generally gets trained in \"real\" situations. However, since XP is gained for taking out systems, a few extra XP can be gained from boarding if one tries to take out the enemy's systems before the crew." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In Adobe Photoshop I am able to select multiple layers at once with Shift+Click.\nHow can I do that in GIMP?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's not possible. The only thing you can do is link layers together or merge them. \nInstead, there are several alternative methods of handling multiple layers, each appropriate to a different task. You can chain layers to move or transform them, shift-click objects on different layers in the canvas to align them, or create a new layer based on all visible layers.\n\nInstructions:\n\n* Chaining Layers:\n 1) Make sure the Layers dialog box is open. If it is not, click on the Windows menu and select \"Dockable Dialogs\" > \"Layers.\" You can also hold down the \"Ctrl\" key and press \"L.\"\n 2) Hover your mouse between the Layer Visibility icon, which looks like an eye, and the layer thumbnail. A raised box will appear. Click this box to activate the chain.\n 3) Repeat this process on all of the other layers you wish to chain together. Once these layers are chained, you can move or apply transformation effects to all of them simultaneously.\n\n* Selecting for Alignment\n 4) Make sure the Toolbox is open. If it is not, click on the Windows menu and select \"Toolbox.\" You can also hold down the \"Ctrl\" key and press \"B.\"\n 5) Click on the Alignment Tool in the Toolbox. It looks like an empty rectangle with arrows pointing away from all sides of it.\n 6) Press and hold the \"Shift\" key while clicking on the layers in the canvas. Or click somewhere off the layers and drag a selection rectangle around them. Once you have selected these layers, you can choose an alignment method.\n\n* Merging Visible Layers\n 7) Make sure the Layers dialog box is open. If it is not, click on the Windows menu and select \"Dockable Dialogs\" > \"Layers.\" You can also hold down the \"Ctrl\" key and press \"L.\"\n 8) Click on the Visibility icon on any layer you do not want to include in your new layer. This will render that layer invisible.\n 9) Click on the Layers menu and select \"New from Visible.\"\n 10) Select the option that best describes how you want the layers to be merged from the dialog box that appears, and click \"Merge.\" This will merge all of the visible layers into a new layer but will not affect your original layers." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In the python built-in open function, what is the exact difference between the modes ```w```, ```a```, ```w+```, ```a+```, and ```r+```?\nIn particular, the documentation implies that all of these will allow writing to the file, and says that it opens the files for \"appending\", \"writing\", and \"updating\" specifically, but does not define what these terms mean." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The opening modes are exactly the same as those for the C standard library function ```fopen()```.\n\nThe BSD ```fopen``` manpage defines them as follows:\n\nThe argument mode points to a string beginning with one of the following sequences (Additional characters may follow these sequences.):\n * ``r'' Open text file for reading. The stream is positioned at the beginning of the file.\n * ``r+'' Open for reading and writing. The stream is positioned at the beginning of the file.\n * ``w'' Truncate file to zero length or create text file for writing. The stream is positioned at the beginning of the file.\n * ``w+'' Open for reading and writing. The file is created if it does not exist, otherwise it is truncated. The stream is positioned at the beginning of the file.\n * ``a'' Open for writing. The file is created if it does not exist. The stream is positioned at the end of the file. Subsequent writes to the file will always end up at the then current end of file, irrespective of any intervening fseek(3) or similar.\n * ``a+'' Open for reading and writing. The file is created if it does not exist. The stream is positioned at the end of the file. Subse- quent writes to the file will always end up at the then current end of file, irrespective of any intervening fseek(3) or similar." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can democracy not be the rule of the poor?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some possible explanations why democracy is not necessarily the rule of the poor:\n\n* Voters voting by habit, not by analysis. Many people vote the same way their parents voted. Other vote exactly the opposite way. Neither involves analysis of their objective economic interest.\n* A middle class believing to be rich, a lower middle class believing to be middle class. In many countries, voters tend to vote in the interest of the class they aspire to be, not in the interest of the class they actually are. Part of that is self-deception about inequality and the own position. That is visible in tax policy, for instance, where the middle class votes against taxes on the upper class.\n* An upper class better able to work the political system than the poor. In some countries, attempts to simplify the access to the political system (e.g. through direct democracy or participatory budgeting) have backfired when it comes to the poor. These mechanisms remain complicated enough that it takes some familiarity with the political system to get anything done. Knowing how to organize a grassroots movement, how to write minutes of a meeting, how to collect signatures for a ballot initiative. So instead of better welfare in poor parts of town, there are better playgrounds in rich parts of town." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can I write colored text to the Windows console with C++? That is, how can I write different text with different colors?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "ANSI escape color codes are: 0=black 1=blue 2=green and so on to 15=white; colorattribute = foreground + background * 16. \nTo get red text on yellow use 4 + 14*16 = 228, light red on yellow would be 12 + 14*16 = 236.\n\nHere is an example for coloring text in the Windows console:\n```\n HANDLE hConsole = GetStdHandle(STD_OUTPUT_HANDLE);\n // you can loop k higher to see more color choices\n for(int k = 1; k < 255; k++)\n {\n // pick the colorattribute k you want\n SetConsoleTextAttribute(hConsole, k);\n cout << k << \" I want to be nice today!\" << endl;\n }\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What's the best way to create a temporary file in Android? \nCan File.createTempFile be used? The documentation is very vague about it.\nIn particular, it's not clear when temporary files created with ```File.createTempFile``` are deleted, if ever." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is an example:\n```\nFile outputDir = context.getCacheDir(); // context being the Activity pointer\nFile outputFile = File.createTempFile(\"prefix\", \".extension\", outputDir);\n```\nExplanation:\n1. The `getCacheDir()` method returns the directory on the filesystem where your app can create cache files. \n2. The `createTempFile()` function creates a temporary file in a given directory." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have javascript function like this:\n```function myFunction(number) {\n var x=number;\n ...\n ... more initializations\n //here need to wait until flag==true\n while(flag==false)\n {}\n ...\n ... do something\n}\n```\nThe problem is that the javascript is stuck in the while and stuck my program. so my question is how can I wait in the middle of the function until flag is true without \"busy-wait\"?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Because javascript in a browser is single threaded (except for webworkers which aren't involved here) and one thread of javascript execution runs to completion before another can run, your statement:\n```while(flag==false) {}\n```\nwill simply run forever (or until the browser complains about a non-responsive javascript loop), the page will appear to be hung and no other javascript will ever get a chance to run, thus the flag's value can never be changed.\nFor a little more explanation, Javascript is an event driven language. That means that it runs a piece of Javascript until it returns control back to the interpreter. Then, only when it returns back to the interpreter, Javascript gets the next event from the event queue and runs it.\nAll things like timers and network events run through the event queue. So, when a timer fires or a network request arrives, it does not ever \"interrupt\" the currently running Javascript. Instead, an event gets put in the Javascript event queue and then, when the currently running Javascript finishes, the next event is pulled from the event queue and it gets its turn to run.\nSo, when you do an infinite loop such as ```while(flag==false) {}```, the currently running Javascript never finishes and thus the next event is never pulled from the event queue and thus the value of ```flag``` never gets changed. They key here is that Javascript is not interrupt driven. When a timer fires, it does not interrupt the currently running Javascript, run some other Javascript and then let the currently running Javascript continue. It just gets put in the event queue waiting until the currently running Javascript is done to get its turn to run.\n\nWhat you need to do is rethink how your code works and find a different way to trigger whatever code you want to run when the ```flag``` value changes. Javascript is designed as an event-driven language. So, what you need to do is figure out what events you can register an interest in so you can either listen for the event that might cause the flag to change and you can examine the flag on that event or you can trigger your own event from whatever code might change the flag or you can implement a callback function that whatever code changes that flag can call your callback whenever the piece of code responsible for changing the flag value would change it's value to ```true```, it just calls the callback function and thus your code that wants to run when the flag gets set to ```true``` will get to run at the right time. This is much, much more efficient than trying to use some sort of timer to constantly check the flag value.\n```function codeThatMightChangeFlag(callback) {\n // do a bunch of stuff\n if (condition happens to change flag value) {\n // call the callback to notify other code\n callback();\n }\n}\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "According to this famous blog post, the effective transcript length is:\n$\\tilde{l}_i = l_i - \\mu$\nwhere $l_i$ is the length of transcript and $\\mu$ is the average fragment length. However, typically fragment length is about 300bp. What if when the transcript $l_i$ is smaller than 300? How do you compute the effective length in this case?\nA related question: when computing the FPKM of a gene, how to choose a transcript? Do we choose a \"canonical\" transcript (how?) or combine the signals from all transcripts to a gene-level FPKM?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The effective length is $\\tilde{l}_i = l_i - \\mu + 1$ (note the R code at the bottom of Harold's blog post), which in the case of $\\mu \n\nRegarding choosing a particular transcript, ideally one would use a method like salmon or kallisto (or RSEM if you have time to kill). Otherwise, your options are (A) choose the major isoform (if it's known in your tissue and condition) or (B) use a \"union gene model\" (sum the non-redundant exon lengths) or (C) take the median transcript length. None of those three options make much of a difference if you're comparing between samples, though they're all inferior to a salmon/kallisto/etc. metric.\n\nWhy are salmon et al. better methods? They don't use arbitrary metrics that will be the same across samples to determine the feature length. Instead, they use expectation maximization (or similarish, since at least salmon doesn't actually use EM) to quantify individual isoform usage. The effective gene length in a sample is then the average of the transcript lengths after weighting for their relative expression (yes, one should remove $\\mu$ in there). This can then vary between samples, which is quite useful if you have isoform switching between samples/groups in such a way that methods A-C above would miss (think of cases where the switch is to a smaller transcript with higher coverage over it...resulting in the coverage/length in methods A-C to be tamped down)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the significance of 1/1/1753 in SQL Server?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The decision to use 1st January 1753 (```1753-01-01```) as the minimum date value for a datetime in SQL Server goes back to its Sybase origins.\nThe significance of the date itself though can be attributed to this man.\n\nPhilip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield. Who steered the Calendar (New Style) Act 1750 through the British Parliament. This legislated for the adoption of the Gregorian calendar for Britain and its then colonies. \n\nThere were some missing days (internet archive link) in the British calendar in 1752 when the adjustment was finally made from the Julian calendar. September 3, 1752 to September 13, 1752 were lost.\nKalen Delaney explained the choice this way\n\n> So, with 12 days lost, how can you compute dates? For example, how can you compute the number of days between October 12, 1492, and July 4, 1776? Do you include those missing 12 days? To avoid having to solve this problem, the original Sybase SQL Server developers decided not to allow dates before 1753. You can store earlier dates by using character fields, but you can't use any datetime functions with the earlier dates that you store in character fields.\n\nThe choice of 1753 does seem somewhat anglocentric however as many catholic countries in Europe had been using the calendar for 170 years before the British implementation (originally delayed due to opposition by the church). Conversely many countries did not reform their calendars until much later, 1918 in Russia. Indeed the October Revolution of 1917 started on 7 November under the Gregorian calendar.\nBoth ```datetime``` and the new ```datetime2``` datatype mentioned in Joe's answer do not attempt to account for these local differences and simply use the Gregorian Calendar.\nSo with the greater range of ```datetime2```\n```SELECT CONVERT(VARCHAR, DATEADD(DAY,-5,CAST('1752-09-13' AS DATETIME2)),100)\n```\nReturns\n```Sep 8 1752 12:00AM\n```\nOne final point with the ```datetime2``` data type is that it uses the proleptic Gregorian calendar projected backwards to well before it was actually invented so is of limited use in dealing with historic dates.\nThis contrasts with other Software implementations such as the Java Gregorian Calendar class which defaults to following the Julian Calendar for dates until October 4, 1582 then jumping to October 15, 1582 in the new Gregorian calendar. It correctly handles the Julian model of leap year before that date and the Gregorian model after that date. The cutover date may be changed by the caller by calling ```setGregorianChange()```. \nA fairly entertaining article discussing some more peculiarities with the adoption of the calendar can be found here." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I saw this video where someone says that electromagnetic wave is a chain reaction of electric and magnetic fields creating each other so the chain of wave moves forward.\nI wonder where the photon is in this explanation. What is the relation between electromagnetic wave and photon?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both the wave theory of light and the particle theory of light are approximations to a deeper theory called Quantum Electrodynamics (QED for short). Light is not a wave nor a particle but instead it is an excitation in a quantum field.\n\nQED is a complicated theory, so while it is possible to do calculations directly in QED we often find it simpler to use an approximation. The wave theory of light is often a good approximation when we are looking at how light propagates, and the particle theory of light is often a good approximation when we are looking at how light interacts i.e. exchanges energy with something else.\n\nSo it isn't really possible to answer the question where the photon is in this explanation. In general if you're looking at a system, like the one in the video, where the wave theory is a good description of light you'll find the photon theory to be a poor description of light, and vice versa. The two ways of looking at light are complementary." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In The Light Fantastic, after talking about the dimensions of the Pyramid of Tsort, it says \n\n All in all, it was a lot of effort to go through just to sharpen a razor.\n\nWhat's the joke here?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In the real world, there is or was a belief, brought on by the Egyptomania of the early 20th century, that pyramids had special powers—including, specifically, the power to sharpen or maintain the sharpness of razor blades.\n\n Pyramid power refers to the belief that the ancient Egyptian pyramids and objects of similar shape can confer a variety of benefits. Among these assumed properties are the ability to preserve foods, sharpen or maintain the sharpness of razor blades, improve health, function \"as a thought-form incubator\", trigger sexual urges, and cause other effects. Such unverified theories regarding pyramids are collectively known as pyramidology.\n\nCzechoslovakian Karel Drbal even patented a pyramid-shaped device specifically designed for razor blades. Among the specifications: \n\n It is beneficial to leave a new blade in the pyramid one to two weeks before using it. It is essential to place it there immediately after the first shave, and not the old, dull one. But it is possible to use an old one, if it is properly resharpened. The blade placed using the method above is left unobstructed until the next shave. The west edge should always face west. It improves the sharpening effect.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "After a ```git pull origin master```, I get the following message:\n\nwarning: Pulling without specifying how to reconcile divergent branches is\ndiscouraged. You can squelch this message by running one of the following\ncommands sometime before your next pull:\n git config pull.rebase false # merge (the default strategy)\n git config pull.rebase true # rebase\n git config pull.ff only # fast-forward only\nYou can replace "git config" with "git config --global" to set a default\npreference for all repositories. You can also pass --rebase, --no-rebase,\nor --ff-only on the command line to override the configured default per\ninvocation.\nremote: Enumerating objects: 4, done.\nremote: Counting objects: 100% (4/4), done.\nremote: Compressing objects: 100% (4/4), done.\nremote: Total 4 (delta 0), reused 0 (delta 0), pack-reused 0\nUnpacking objects: 100% (4/4), 51.49 KiB | 850.00 KiB/s, done.\n\nThe pull seems successful, but I am unsure.\nWhat can I do to fix this?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is a new warning added in Git 2.27:\n\n* \"git pull\" issues a warning message until the pull.rebase configuration variable is explicitly given, which some existing users may find annoying---those who prefer not to rebase need to set the variable to false to squelch the warning.\n\nTo remove the warning, set one of the suggested values to your preferred default behaviour for git pull if you don't specify behaviour on the command line (using --ff, --no-ff, --ff-only, --rebase). In all cases, git will attempt a fast-forward merge if possible. The settings control what happens when there are changes in your branch but not present in the remote branch.\n\n```\n git config pull.rebase false # merge (the default strategy)\n```\nThis is the existing default behaviour; set this for no warning, and no change in behaviour; git will merge the remote branch into your local one.\n```\ngit config pull.rebase true # rebase\n```\n\nHere, git will attempt to rebase your changes on top of the remote branch. \n```\ngit config pull.ff only # fast-forward only\n```\nIf a fast-forward merge is not possible, git will refuse to proceed.\n> Refuse to merge and exit with a non-zero status unless the current HEAD is already up-to-date or the merge can be resolved as a fast-forward" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In India, we eat rice using our fingers. Generally in the West, a fork or spoon is used. I have tried eating rice with spoon but I don't feel satisfied with it.\nWe eat dry rice but we mix curry and vegetables with it and then eat it with our hands.\nIs there a way to eat rice with your hands in front of Westerners such that it doesn't appear to be disgusting to them? By disgusting I mean that they shouldn't feel like vomiting or looking away to avoid me. Even though in India we eat with our fingers, many people eat such that their whole palm is covered with food. That indeed looks disgusting. \nI cannot avoid hurting them by following different etiquette, but I certainly want to maintain a degree of cleanliness." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First and foremost, you can eat the way you want. When it comes to western culture, the only thing that is generally disliked are noises, eating with the mouth wide open (included speaking with full mouth), and (excessively) dirtying the table. Eating rice with hands will be seen (mostly) as strange, not disgusting.\n\nSecond, context. Are you eating at a formal dinner with your colleagues and a client? Eat with the fork, as everybody else. Are you eating at the work's canteen? Eat the way you prefer and let other deal with their limits. And so on.\n\nThird, respect and open mindness: you are worried other peoples find you disgusting for eating rice with hands, but at the same time you show the same \"closed mind\" (in a way, ok? I'm not trying to offend you) in wanting to eat rice with hands at all cost otherwise you will not feel satisfied; believe me, eating with a fork will not starve you as will not change food nutritional content.\n\nEven more if you are eating at a foreign restaurant, e.g. at an italian restaurant rice is cooked and thought to be eatean with a fork. Respect local culture, open yourself to a new experience, and try to learn a different way to enjoy food.\n\nIn the end: feel free to do whatever fit you most, don't be afraid of other people judging you (their fault), but at the same time don't close yourself in your garden (your fault)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The typical argument goes like this:\n\n Without net neutrality, cable companies could censor websites, favoring their own business partners. \n\nTypically, proponents of legislation point to some perceived injustice, and argue that new laws are needed to address it. But the very use of the subjunctive in the quotation (could censor), suggests that this might be considered by its opponents as a solution in search of a problem. If so, why haven't they used that rhetorical tactic? Conversely, if such incidents have occurred, why don't the neutrality supporters cite them?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There have been a few examples, in part, these examples have pushed this more into the spotlight. It's often under the term 'traffic shaping' if you are interested, here is Sandvine, a company that offers those shaping services. If you are interested in the peer2peer domain (which is heavily bringing this issue to the forefront) here is a national list of ISP's and their throttling practices on bit torrent users: Curious if this documented list counts as citing.\nFor the US:\nVerizon has run testing on it. \n\n “YouTube is being throttled to 10Mbps as well,” one person wrote on Thursday. “In the ‘stats for nerds,’ it would load at roughly 1,250KBps which translates to 10Mbps. Put the VPN on and that number tripled easily. Didn’t have an issue playing 1080p in 60fps, though.”\n\n(part of the problem with throttling is if you know your way around it, there isn't an issue. Tax on the non-tech savvy).\nVerizon stated they were not throttling, however, articles suggest they did and still are. Here is an article stating Verizon is actively throttling video connections over their network. Over to Comcast who has been engaging in this practice but not admitting it until much more recently:\n\n* When Comcast throttled BitTorrent users, they had a lawsuit brought against them that won.\n* Sprint: They deny they do, though it's apparent they can. User backlash results in people monitoring if they are being throttled. Of course, there are several accusations.\n* Bell and Rogers in Canada. \n\nTelus has also blocked union sites and have engaged in some pretty underhanded anti-union tactics. Not sure if blocking sites fall under net neutrality though." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Does having a longer Ethernet cable slow your connection?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For all practical purposes, there will be no effect on the speed of your connection.\n\nThere will be a very insignificant amount of delay due to long cables. This won't affect the maximum speed of your connection, but it would cause some latency. pjc50 points out that it's about a nanosecond for every foot of cable length, which is a good rule of thumb used by many engineers when developing systems which are very dependent on latencies on those timescales.\n\nIn reality, you will never notice a difference. A \"fast\" ping time on the Internet is 10 ms, which is 10,000,000 ns. Adding even a few hundred feet of cable isn't going to have a noticeable effect at that point. In fact, nearly every step of the way involves delays which are more extreme than those seen from signal propagation. For example, most consumer grade routers will wait for the last byte of an incoming packet to be received and check it for errors before sending the first byte of the packet on its way. This delay will be on the order of 5,000 ns! Given that the maximum length of cable you can run (per the Ethernet spec) is 300 ft, the cable length could never cause more than 300 ns of delay due to the cable!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Border around formatted text in Inkscape" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is solution step by step:\n\n* Create some flowed text by using the text tool to first drag a rectangle and then type.\n* Separately, create a rectangle roughly around the text (really, the rectangle can be anywhere)\n* With the rectangle selected, chose \"Path\" > \"Linked Offset\". Then grab the small diamond and drag it in to make a second, smaller rectangle. \n* Select the text and the smaller rectangle and choose \"Text\" > \"Flow into frame\". Then select the smaller rectangle and remove the stroke to make it invisible. Now the text will flow within the smaller (invisible) rectangle, which is dynamically linked to the shape of the larger (visible) rectangle. \n* Then, if you like, you can add a small border radius on the visible rectangle and you get this nice looking result. \n* If you do need to modify the space between the text and the rectangle, you can carefully select it by grabbing it with the text and the subtracting the text from the selection, or you can drill down to it within the XML Editor. When you do get it selected, then you can adjust the margin.\n* Finally, group the text and the two rectangles, and you're all set! " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I learned about the equilibrium constant. Now, I've seen that the equilibrium constant of burning is extremely small $(K \\ll 1)$. here, I have a question. you see, $K$ is still NOT 0, which means that the forward reactions happen at least a tiny bit. Then, shouldn't we see some parts of anything burning at least a little bit?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The equilibrium constant for combustion of organic matter in air with oxygen is not small, but extremely large ($K_\\mathrm{eq} \\gg 1$), as is expected from a reaction that is simultaneously very exothermic and (usually) increases entropy due to the formation of more gaseous molecules than the input oxygen.\n\nThe major reason carbon-based life can exist at ambient temperature in an oxygen atmosphere is purely kinetic, not thermodynamic. You, the tree outside and everything else made of carbon is right now undergoing continuous combustion. However, in the absence of catalyst, this process is too slow below a couple hundred degrees Celsius for it to be self-sustaining. More technically, combustion of organic matter is a highly exergonic process, but the activation energy is high. The meagre amount of heat generated by the handful of molecules reacting is too quickly diluted into the surroundings, and the reaction does not accelerate and spiral out of control (a fire, as described by the eternal Feynman).\n\nVery luckily for us, Life figured out this vast untapped source of chemical energy held back by kinetics approximately three billion years ago and developed a whole metabolic process to extract this energy in a stepwise fashion using catalysis, which we call aerobic respiration. Without it, multicellular organisms could well never had evolved." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The name \"Bleach\" seems to be having no relevance to the plot unlike most other series. Was it just chosen at Kubo-sensei's whim or does it have some significance? Maybe some cultural significance associated with shinigami, etc. that I am now aware of?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kubo himself has commented on this. Below is the quote from Bleach Answers Wiki:\n\n> The title wasn't Bleach when Tite Kubo decided to draw a story about Shinigami. This was before he drew the one-shot manga that appeared in Akamaru Jump. The weapon wasn't a sword, but a scythe. Only Rukia had a scythe and the other characters used guns. At that point, the title was Snipe (as in \"Sniper\"). Right before he started drawing, he began to think that a sword would be better and realized he couldn't use Snipe as a title anymore. He began looking for a title that grasped the bigger picture. Shinigami are associated with the color black, but it would have been boring to use \"black\". \"White\", on the other hand, can suggest black as a complementary color. So Tite Kubo chose \"Bleach\" to evoke the impression of the color white.\n\nThere are also other theories, which aren't as well supported by interviews with Kubo but still seem to have some evidence supporting them. One is that shinigami \"cleanse\" souls, similar to what bleach does (Kubo himself mentioned this in an interview, but it's not clear whether he noticed this before or after deciding on the name). Another is that Kubo is a fan of the band Nirvana, and their first album is Bleach. So there might be more than one reason, but the quoted one above is the one he usually gives when asked about it." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why don't rally cars have airbags?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you are ever lucky enough to drive a competition car, the first thing that will strike you is that you can't move. Once you're in your bucket seat with your fire retardant overalls on, wearing a full face helmet and neck brace and strapped firmly in with your multipoint harness, you'll feel like you've been pinned to the seat.\n\nYou can't look over your shoulder like you can in a road car. You can't reach the location where the glove-box is. In the event of a collision, the chances of your helmet coming into contact with the steering wheel are absolutely minimal.\n\nHowever, if you watch rally cars in action, especially on gravel, you'll see them yumping (rally speak of hitting a jump), you'll see them in and out of ditches, ruts and rivers. Many of the impacts a rally car suffers during normal use would far exceed the trigger points to deploy a standard air-bag. Deployment of such a device when landing an airborne car that's travelling in excess of 120mph (200km/h) with spectator lined roads could have deadly consequences.\n\nSimilarly, in racing when there are multiple cars jostling for position on the same piece of track, deployment would be likely from all the \"door handling\" (a term to describe \"acceptable\" contact between race cars) and if one in the middle of a pack were to deploy, forcing the drivers hands away from the wheel, it would likely cause carnage.\n\nIn summary, air bags are not fitted to competition cars because they could pose a serious and significant risk to both the occupants of the cars and people outside such as other competitors, marshals and spectators." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Was the Millennium Falcon a one-off or was it mass produced?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Millennium Falcon is not unique; it was a model YT-1300f Corellian light freighter. This implies that there are other similar ships, including other variations on the YT-1300 model.\n\nYou can find a lot of information about the Millennium Falcon in a companion book, Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Incredible Cross-Sections. The model number also appears on-screen at least once: in Star Wars: Rebels episode "Fighter Flight" on a poster.\n\nNote, however, that the Millennium Falcon has been highly customized; some of the custom work is mentioned in The Force Awakens. It's not clear just how much of the ship is stock and how much is custom.\n\nIf you're willing to go outside Canon into Legends, the model number of the ship, and other similar Corellian light freighters, can be seen in some of the video games, and there is an entire novel called Millennium Falcon that details its history. The ship was serial #YT-1300 492727ZED, one of many such vessels, but from the beginning the ship was shown to have some "quirks" to distinguish it from its counterparts.\n\nIn Legends, the ship was also destroyed and rebuilt from scratch at least once, so it's arguable as to whether it's still the same ship or not." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Usually when I see lists of things to do to be more energy efficient, they require one to own their own home. What can I do to be more energy efficient in an apartment? \nFor example, I can't install solar panels, I can't upgrade/change my appliances, I can't install better insulation or windows, and I can't install a programmable thermostat. \nPretty much the only thing I can do (and have done) is switch all of my bulbs to CFLs. I also keep all of my electronics on power strips which I turn off when I leave my apartment and when I'm sleeping." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are a lot of little things you can do that can add up. Here are some suggestions:\n\n* Wash clothes in cold water only.\n* Turn your freezer/refrigerator up a few degrees.\n* Purchase insulated curtains/shades, and close them during the day when you are at work. \n* Make sure your furniture is arranged so that it is not blocking any vents or radiators.\n* Purchase a draft guard to place at the bottom of your door leading to the outside where temperature-controlled air can escape from your apartment.\n* Install a low flow shower water head. Shower head screw on/off easily. Keep the old head to replace when/if you move.\n* Clean Your Refrigerator: It's unlikely that you'll purchase new energy efficient appliances for your rental, but you can tweak the ones you already have. For example, by cleaning the coils on the back of your fridge you'll help one of the biggest energy hogging appliances run more efficiently.\n* Use Energy Efficient Bulbs, even if you're put off by the slightly higher upfront cost, you can simply unscrew them and take them with you when it's time to move.\n* Use Power Strips: A lot of energy is wasted through electronics left plugged in, and the resulting vampire energy. Put a stop to it by using one of a number of cool, smart energy strips, which will turn off vampire energy when the electronics are not in use.\n* Use a Humidifier & Lower Your Heat: Keeping humidity levels up during the winter is not only good for your health, but also for your air and furniture. It also helps keep the ambient air temperature feeling warmer than dry air, which means you can turn your thermostat down. If your HVAC system doesn't have a humidifier built-in, then you can get an inexpensive and portable humidifier to use during dry conditions." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is there any way to exit ```less``` without clearing the screen?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is actually a function of the terminal emulator you are using (xterm, gnome-terminal, konsole, screen). An alternate screen, or altscreen, gets launched when programs such as ```less``` or ```vim``` are invoked. This altscreen has no history buffer and exits immediately when you quit the program, switching back to the original screen which restores the previous window content history and placement. \n\nYou can prevent ```less``` from launch in an altscreen by passing the argument \"-X\". \n```less -X /path/to/some/file```\n\nYou can also pass \"-X\" as an environment variable. So if you are using ```bash```, place this in ```~/.bashrc```:\n```export LESS=\"-X\"\n```\nHowever, this disbles the termcap (terminal capability) initialization and deinitialization, so other views when you use ```less``` may appear off.\n\nAnother option would be to use ```screen``` and set the option ```altscreen off``` in your ```~/.screenrc```. ```less``` will not clear the screen and should preserve color formatting. Presumably ```tmux``` will have the same option." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can I do 'insert if not exists' in MySQL?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In MySQL, ```ON DUPLICATE KEY UPDATE``` or ```INSERT IGNORE INTO table``` can be viable solutions.\n\n* An example of ```ON DUPLICATE KEY UPDATE``` update based on mysql.com:\n\n```\nINSERT INTO table (a,b,c) VALUES (1,2,3)\n ON DUPLICATE KEY UPDATE c=c+1;\n\nUPDATE table SET c=c+1 WHERE a=1;\n```\n\n* An example of INSERT IGNORE based on mysql.com:\n\n```\nINSERT [LOW_PRIORITY | DELAYED | HIGH_PRIORITY] [IGNORE]\n [INTO] tbl_name [(col_name,...)]\n {VALUES | VALUE} ({expr | DEFAULT},...),(...),...\n [ ON DUPLICATE KEY UPDATE\n col_name=expr\n [, col_name=expr] ... ]\n```\n\nOr:\n```\nINSERT [LOW_PRIORITY | DELAYED | HIGH_PRIORITY] [IGNORE]\n [INTO] tbl_name\n SET col_name={expr | DEFAULT}, ...\n [ ON DUPLICATE KEY UPDATE\n col_name=expr\n [, col_name=expr] ... ]\n```\n\nOr:\n```\nINSERT [LOW_PRIORITY | HIGH_PRIORITY] [IGNORE]\n [INTO] tbl_name [(col_name,...)]\n SELECT ...\n [ ON DUPLICATE KEY UPDATE\n col_name=expr\n [, col_name=expr] ... ]\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What does ```class``` do in Ruby?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First, the ```class``` syntax opens up ```foo```'s singleton class (eigenclass). This allows you to specialise the behaviour of methods called on that specific object.\n```a = 'foo'\nclass << a\n def inspect\n '\"bar\"'\n end\nend\na.inspect # => \"bar\"\na = 'foo' # new object, new singleton class\na.inspect # => \"foo\"\n```\n\nNow, to answer the question: ```class``` opens up ```self```'s singleton class, so that methods can be redefined for the current ```self``` object (which inside a class or module body is the class or module itself). Usually, this is used to define class/module (\"static\") methods:\n```class String\n class << self\n def value_of obj\n obj.to_s\n end\n end\nend\nString.value_of 42 # => \"42\"\n```\nThis can also be written as a shorthand:\n```class String\n def self.value_of obj\n obj.to_s\n end\nend\n```\nOr even shorter:\n```def String.value_of obj\n obj.to_s\nend\n```\n\nWhen inside a function definition, ```self``` refers to the object the function is being called with. In this case, ```class``` opens the singleton class for that object; one use of that is to implement a poor man's state machine:\n```class StateMachineExample\n def process obj\n process_hook obj\n end\nprivate\n def process_state_1 obj\n # ...\n class << self\n alias process_hook process_state_2\n end\n end\n def process_state_2 obj\n # ...\n class << self\n alias process_hook process_state_1\n end\n end\n # Set up initial state\n alias process_hook process_state_1\nend\n```\nSo, in the example above, each instance of ```StateMachineExample``` has ```process_hook``` aliased to ```process_state_1```, but note how in the latter, it can redefine ```process_hook``` (for ```self``` only, not affecting other ```StateMachineExample``` instances) to ```process_state_2```. So, each time a caller calls the ```process``` method (which calls the redefinable ```process_hook```), the behaviour changes depending on what state it's in." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "\"I have a problem where i'm initialising a variable on the scope in a controller. Then it gets changed in another controller when a user logs in. This variable is used to control things such as the navigation bar and restricts access to parts of the site depending on the type of user, so its important that it holds its value. The problem with it is that the controller that initialises it, gets called again by angular some how and then resets the variable back to its initial value. \nI assume this is not the correct way of declaring and initialising global variables, well its not really global, so my question is what is the correct way and is there any good examples around that work with the current version of angular?\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You've got basically 2 options for \"global\" variables:\n* use a ```$rootScope```\n* use a service\n\n```$rootScope``` is a parent of all scopes so values exposed there will be visible in all templates and controllers. Using the ```$rootScope``` is very easy as you can simply inject it into any controller and change values in this scope. It might be convenient but has all the problems of global variables.\n\nServices are singletons that you can inject to any controller and expose their values in a controller's scope. Services, being singletons are still 'global' but you've got far better control over where those are used and exposed.\n\nUsing services is a bit more complex, but not that much, here is an example:\n```\nvar myApp = angular.module('myApp',[]);\nmyApp.factory('UserService', function() {\n return {\n name : 'anonymous'\n };\n});\n```\nand then in a controller:\n```\nfunction MyCtrl($scope, UserService) {\n $scope.name = UserService.name;\n}\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do I initialize a TypeScript Object with a JSON-Object?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This question is quite broad, here are two solutions.\n\n### Solution 1: Helper Method\nHere's an example of using a Helper Method that you could change to fit your needs:\n```class SerializationHelper {\n static toInstance(obj: T, json: string) : T {\n var jsonObj = JSON.parse(json);\n if (typeof obj[\"fromJSON\"] === \"function\") {\n obj[\"fromJSON\"](jsonObj);\n }\n else {\n for (var propName in jsonObj) {\n obj[propName] = jsonObj[propName]\n }\n }\n return obj;\n }\n}\n```\nThen use it:\n```var json = '{\"name\": \"John Doe\"}',\n foo = SerializationHelper.toInstance(new Foo(), json);\nfoo.GetName() === \"John Doe\";\n```\n\n* Advanced Deserialization\nThis could also allow for some custom deserialization by adding your own ```fromJSON``` method to the class (this works well with how ```JSON.stringify``` already uses the ```toJSON``` method, as shown below):\n```interface IFooSerialized {\n nameSomethingElse: string;\n}\nclass Foo {\n name: string;\n GetName(): string { return this.name }\n toJSON(): IFooSerialized {\n return {\n nameSomethingElse: this.name\n };\n }\n fromJSON(obj: IFooSerialized) {\n this.name = obj.nameSomethingElse;\n }\n}\n```\nThen use it:\n```var foo1 = new Foo();\nfoo1.name = \"John Doe\";\nvar json = JSON.stringify(foo1);\njson === '{\"nameSomethingElse\":\"John Doe\"}';\nvar foo2 = SerializationHelper.toInstance(new Foo(), json);\nfoo2.GetName() === \"John Doe\";\n```\n\n### Solution 2: Base Class\nAnother way you could do this is by creating your own base class:\n```class Serializable {\n fillFromJSON(json: string) {\n var jsonObj = JSON.parse(json);\n for (var propName in jsonObj) {\n this[propName] = jsonObj[propName]\n }\n }\n}\nclass Foo extends Serializable {\n name: string;\n GetName(): string { return this.name }\n}\n```\nThen use it:\n```var foo = new Foo();\nfoo.fillFromJSON(json);\n```\n\nThere are too many different ways to implement a custom deserialization using a base class, and ultimately it depends on how your own choice." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is digital photography so expensive?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Digital photography is not expensive but buying into it is.\n\nWith film photography camera and lenses were a moderate investment but these lasted quite long. Even a battery in a film camera would last several years. Cameras and lenses were mechanical and much simpler than today's models. This made them require less expertise to manufacture and also made them incredibly sturdy. A lifespan of a decade for a camera and several decades for lenses was not uncommon.\n\nHowever, the real cost of film photography is film and development. Each roll of film costs several dollars and gives up to 36 images. Specialized rolls were more expensive and had fewer exposures. Then, if you did not do development yourself, you had to pay for development. Also prints. Even if you did your own, chemicals and papers were recurring costs. And there was the added expensive of creating a wet darkroom. In the end, the hobby was quite costly.\n\nWith digital photography, you pay nearly all costs up-front and it comes out much cheaper for anyone who is into the art and shoots regularly. A mid-range DSLR with good lens and memory can easily be obtained for less than $2500. Many entry level ones exist for under $1000. If you were to shoot 10,000 frames before both your camera and lens dies, it would cost you between 2.5¢ to 10¢ per frame. It is far far less than even just the film for each frame. Still most cameras have shutters rated to at least 100,000 frames and lenses last much longer than cameras. Even if you only captured 1000 images, you would have a better deal than with film photography. All digital cameras come with rechargeable batteries, good for 500-1000 shots-per-charge (for DSLRs) and can be charged at least 50-100 times before needing to be replaced. That means you actually will not use up the battery before you have taken full advantage of the better value of digital photography.\n\nMarket conditions are forcing the price of digital photography to increase. The loss of market share of compact and ultra-compact digital cameras to cellphones forced manufacturers to discontinue such products and concentrate on higher-end offering. While the number of unit sales of digital cameras has been declining, the average price is going up to compensate for reduced revenue. This trend is expected to continue for a while." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "If user input is inserted without modification into an SQL query, then the application becomes vulnerable to SQL injection, like in the following example:\n```$unsafe_variable = $_POST['user_input'];\nmysql_query(\"INSERT INTO `table` (`column`) VALUES ('$unsafe_variable')\");\n```\nThat's because the user can input something like ```value'); DROP TABLE table;--```, and the query becomes:\n```INSERT INTO `table` (`column`) VALUES('value'); DROP TABLE table;--')\n```\nWhat can be done to prevent this from happening?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The correct way to avoid SQL injection attacks, no matter which database you use, is to separate the data from SQL, so that data stays data and will never be interpreted as commands by the SQL parser. It is possible to create an SQL statement with correctly formatted data parts, but if you don't fully understand the details, you should always use prepared statements and parameterized queries. These are SQL statements that are sent to and parsed by the database server separately from any parameters. This way it is impossible for an attacker to inject malicious SQL.\n\nYou basically have two options to achieve this:\n\n1. Using PDO (for any supported database driver):\n```\n$stmt = $pdo->prepare('SELECT * FROM employees WHERE name = :name');\n$stmt->execute([ 'name' => $name ]);\n\nforeach ($stmt as $row) {\n // Do something with $row\n}\n```\n\n2. Using MySQLi (for MySQL):\nSince PHP 8.2+ we can make use of execute_query() which prepares, binds parameters, and executes SQL statement in one method:\n```\n$result = $dbConnection->execute_query('SELECT * FROM employees WHERE name = ?', [$name]);\n\nwhile ($row = $result->fetch_assoc()) {\n // Do something with $row\n}\n```\n\nUp to PHP8.1:\n```\n$stmt = $dbConnection->prepare('SELECT * FROM employees WHERE name = ?');\n$stmt->bind_param('s', $name); // 's' specifies the variable type => 'string'\n$stmt->execute();\n\n$result = $stmt->get_result();\nwhile ($row = $result->fetch_assoc()) {\n // Do something with $row\n}\n```\nIf you're connecting to a database other than MySQL, there is a driver-specific second option that you can refer to (for example, pg_prepare() and pg_execute() for PostgreSQL). PDO is the universal option." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to be able to output the current loop iteration to my template.\nAccording to the docs, there is a ```loop.counter``` variable that I am trying to use:\n```\n{% for user in userlist %}\n * \n {{ user }} {{loop.counter}}\n \n {% if loop.counter == 1 %}\n This is the First user\n {% endif %}\n{% endfor %}\n\n```\nBut is being outputed to my template. What is the correct syntax?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The counter variable inside the loop is called loop.index in Jinja2.\n\n```\n>>> from jinja2 import Template\n\n>>> s = \"{% for element in elements %}{{loop.index}} {% endfor %}\"\n>>> Template(s).render(elements=[\"a\", \"b\", \"c\", \"d\"])\n1 2 3 4\n```\n\nIn addition to `loop.index`, there is also\n\n* `loop.index0` (index starting at `0`)\n* `loop.revindex` (reverse index; ending at `1`)\n* `loop.revindex0` (reverse index; ending at `0`)\netc." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Are the players on the same team as the DM?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The GM isn't on a team, they’re the referee.\nThe way Pathfinder, D&D, and similar games work is that there are one or more player characters (the \"party\") that are controlled by the players.\nThe GM (DM, in D&D) usually doesn't run a player character (PC), but they are responsible for representing all aspects of the world, all the non-player characters (NPCs) and monsters and stuff, and adjudicating the rules.\nSo the GM may be controlling a character or creature that is friendly to the PCs, or a character or creature that is hostile to the PCs, or both at once! The GM is the orcs you fight and the friendly cleric that heals you and the rain that falls on you.\n\nGMs aren't supposed to be hostile to you in general; they are generally taught to give the players a fun challenge. It's no good to be \"against\" the players, because you can always kill PCs just by saying \"rocks fall, everyone dies!\" The GM is on your team inasmuch as they want everyone to have fun. Because their role is running monsters and the other stuff that you fight, they are often in opposition to you tactically, as they are responsible for the \"other team\" as part of their job. Some new GMs do get confused by this and decide it's them against the party, but that ends up being a problem that has to be solved by them wising up or their players leaving. \n\nThe context of your question isn't clear, so I'll add a note that might be relevant - some GMs, especially new ones, do run a PC of their own that's part of the party, these are referred to as GMPCs (or DMPCs). This is generally frowned upon because of the conflict of interest inherent in doing it, but it happens. That GMPC may be on your side, on your side most of the time, betray you, have other plans - just like any other person in the game world might. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "C++ vs. The Arduino Language?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you have previous programming experience and you are aware of concepts as OOP, it is better to go for C/C++. The arduino language is really great for beginners, but have some limitations (e.g. you must have all your files in the same folder). And it is basically a simplification of C/C++ (you can practically copy&paste arduino code to a C/C++ file, and it will work). Also it makes sense that you can go and use a full well known IDE such as Eclipse.\n\nInitially it is required a bit more of setup and configuration of your dev environment, but IMHO it is worth it for programmers with experience in any other language.\n\nIn any case, it won't harm you to start using the arduino language and the arduino IDE for a few days to get familiar with the arduino hardware and then move to C/C++ with Eclipse for really developing your project." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can I adapt Ubuntu to a high resolution display?\nI have a display with 3200x1600px on only 11'' and everything looks really tiny." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are some steps to take:\n1. System wide Menu and titlebar scaling\nStarting with Ubuntu 14.04 we have an option that helps a bit:\nScaling Support\nopen the System Settings (here in english:)\n```LANG=c unity-control-center\n```\nGo to \"Displays\" and set the \"Scale for menu and title bars\".\n\nSince Ubuntu 17.10 the scaling can be set in \n```LANG=c gnome-control-center\n```\nGo to ```Settings > Devices > Displays``` there\nsee also: How to find and change the screen DPI?\n\n2. Universal Access\nGo to \"Universal Access\" (```unity-control-center universal-access```) and select \"Large Text\".\nNote: not all applications handle this correctly, some will not reserve the extra space, so some UI elements are not accessible with this option!\n\n3.Increase unity dock size\nIn ```unity-control-center```->```Appearance```->```Look``` at the botom, you can adjust the size.\n\n4. Adapt Firefox\nsee: Adjust Firefox and Thunderbird to a High DPI touchscreen display (retina)\n(or use Chrome, which works fine since Version 41.0.2272.76 Ubuntu 14.10, though Chrome will need to be restarted to take effect)\n\n5. Increase font in Pidgin\nThere is a plugin you can install:\n```sudo apt-get install pidgin-extprefs\n```\nThen you can increase the font in Plugins->Extended Prefs\n\n6. Create starter for applications that still don't scale\nSome applications still don't obey the global scaling (mainly java) for those few applications you can create a starter to only Fix scaling of java-based applications for a high DPI screen\n\nNote: In older Ubuntu versions, with unity-tweak-util in the section \"Fonts\" you can set the \"Text Scaling Factor\" to 2.0. This will scale the fonts in most applications to double size. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Say I want to make a file:\n```filename = "/foo/bar/baz.txt"\nwith open(filename, "w") as f:\n f.write("FOOBAR")\n```\nThis gives an ```IOError```, since ```/foo/bar``` does not exist.\nWhat is the most pythonic way to generate those directories automatically? Is it necessary for me explicitly call ```os.path.exists``` and ```os.mkdir``` on every single one (i.e., /foo, then /foo/bar)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In Python 3.2+, using the APIs requested by the OP, you can elegantly do the following:\n```\nimport os\nfilename = "/foo/bar/baz.txt"\nos.makedirs(os.path.dirname(filename), exist_ok=True)\nwith open(filename, "w") as f:\n f.write("FOOBAR")\n```\n\nWith the Pathlib module (introduced in Python 3.4), there is an alternate syntax (thanks David258):\n```from pathlib import Path\noutput_file = Path("/foo/bar/baz.txt")\noutput_file.parent.mkdir(exist_ok=True, parents=True)\noutput_file.write_text("FOOBAR")\n```\n\nIn older python, there is a less elegant way:\nThe ```os.makedirs``` function does this. Try the following:\n```import os\nimport errno\nfilename = "/foo/bar/baz.txt"\nif not os.path.exists(os.path.dirname(filename)):\n try:\n os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(filename))\n except OSError as exc: # Guard against race condition\n if exc.errno != errno.EEXIST:\n raise\nwith open(filename, "w") as f:\n f.write("FOOBAR")\n```\nThe reason to add the ```try-except``` block is to handle the case when the directory was created between the ```os.path.exists``` and the ```os.makedirs``` calls, so that to protect us from race conditions." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Assume that Jane Doe has published a paper in 2010 where she has developed a model or a theorem or a similar result, let’s say, that it relates to growth.\nNow assume that Jane Doe is writing another paper in 2015, where she refers to the model/theorem from her paper in 2010.\nIs it acceptable for Jane to write something like the following?\n\n Doe’s growth model (2010), implies that ...\n Doe’s growth theorem (2010) implies that ...\n The Doe growth model (2010) implies ...\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is, unfortunately, a case where English grammar can be tricky and exactly how you phrase things is going to matter.\n\nIt is often seen a presumptuous to name something after yourself: \"Newton's Laws\" and \"Hawking radiation\" and \"Rayleigh scattering\" are retrospective judgements of significance by the community. Claiming a similar name is an assertion in advance that your work will be at a similar level of significance. \n\nThe problem, then, is that if you say \"Doe's growth model\", it is ambiguous whether that is intended to be a construction like \"Hawking radiation\" or whether it just means \"the growth model that happens to have been developed by Doe.\"\n\nThis potential problem can be avoided by rephrasing to avoid the parallel construction: \"the growth model by Doe et al (2010)\", or better yet, \"the growth model presented in (Doe, 2010).\" The point here is that the significant item under discussion is the growth model, not Doe, and the sentence should be phrased to make that as clear as possible.\n\nFinally, note that these sorts of phrasings can work both for double blind review and for review where the authors' identities are known: even when the identity of the author is known, the important thing should be the relationship between the work, not the fraction of authors that are shared between two papers (unless you are specifically trying to talk about independent co-discovery)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I've been with my current employer for about a year now. Due to the way the company is setup, I'm the only one with knowledge on a process that is quite important to the company. The company is going through some restructuring, and has been letting people go. As the newest guy in my department, I'm obviously concerned. \nMy question though, is if I am let go, am I obligated to spend my time teaching someone else this process that only I know about?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As long as you're still getting paid, you're obligated to do whatever your employer tells you to do during your official work hours (if it's within the context of your job and legal).\n\nRefusing to do so would, at best, burn bridges and, at worst, result in them instantly terminating your contract and no longer paying you or potentially get you into legal trouble.\n\nIf they're no longer paying you, you're not obligated to do anything. You're also not obligated to work overtime (paid or not).\n\nIf you're asked to work overtime or do unpaid work, it would be reasonable to decline or (if it's a non-trivial amount of hours) request additional payment. Although this is not to say they would think it's reasonable.\n\nYour contract may, of course, create different obligations, and you should adhere to those instead of what's written here. Any relevant notice periods should also be specified there, in some other legal document or in some regional employment law.\n\nIf you want to leave a good impression and avoid burning bridges, it would be advisable to try to pass on knowledge (through teaching or documentation) even if you're not specifically asked to do so. You might even want to (gently) push back on other tasks and emphasise the importance of passing on your knowledge. Although some won't be able to see the importance of transferring what you know." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Bash test: what does \"=~\" do?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ```~``` is actually part of the operator ```=~``` which performs a regular expression match of the string to its left to the extended regular expression on its right.\n```[[ \"string\" =~ pattern ]]\n```\nNote that the string should be quoted, and that the regular expression shouldn't be quoted.\nA similar operator is used in the Perl programming language.\nThe regular expressions understood by ```bash``` are the same as those that GNU ```grep``` understands with the ```-E``` flag, i.e. the extended set of regular expressions.\n\nSomewhat off-topic, but good to know:\nWhen matching against a regular expression containing capturing groups, the part of the string captured by each group is available in the ```BASH_REMATCH``` array. The zeroth/first entry in this array corresponds to ```&``` in the replacement pattern of ```sed```'s substitution command (or ```$&``` in Perl), which is the bit of the string that matches the pattern, while the entries at index 1 and onwards corresponds to ```\\1```, ```\\2```, etc. in a ```sed``` replacement pattern (or ```$1```, ```$2``` etc. in Perl), i.e. the bits matched by each parenthesis.\n\nExample:\n```string=$( date +%T )\nif [[ \"$string\" =~ ^([0-9][0-9]):([0-9][0-9]):([0-9][0-9])$ ]]; then\n printf 'Got %s, %s and %s\\n' \\\n \"${BASH_REMATCH[1]}\" \"${BASH_REMATCH[2]}\" \"${BASH_REMATCH[3]}\"\nfi\n```\nThis may output\n```Got 09, 19 and 14\n```\nif the current time happens to be 09:19:14.\nThe ```REMATCH``` bit of the ```BASH_REMATCH``` array name comes from \"Regular Expression Match\", i.e. \"RE-Match\".\n\nIn non-```bash``` Bourne-like shells, one may also use ```expr``` for limited regular expression matching (using only basic regular expressions).\nA small example:\n```$ string=\"hello 123 world\"\n$ expr \"$string\" : \".*[^0-9]\\([0-9][0-9]*\\)\"\n123\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "If I have a Bash script like:\n```#!/bin/bash\nf() {\n # echo function name, \"f\" in this case\n}\n```\nIs there any way to do this? This could be used in help messages such as\n```printf \"Usage: %s: blah blah blah \\n\" $(basename $0) >&2;\n```\nOnly in this case what I wanted is not ```$0```, which is the file name of the script." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "From the Bash Reference Manual:\n\nFUNCNAME\nAn array variable containing the names of all shell functions currently in the execution call stack. The element with index 0 is the name of any currently-executing shell function. The bottom-most element (the one with the highest index) is "main". This variable exists only when a shell function is executing. Assignments to FUNCNAME have no effect and return an error status. If FUNCNAME is unset, it loses its special properties, even if it is subsequently reset.\nThis variable can be used with BASH_LINENO and BASH_SOURCE. Each element of FUNCNAME has corresponding elements in BASH_LINENO and BASH_SOURCE to describe the call stack. For instance, ${FUNCNAME[$i]} was called from the file ${BASH_SOURCE[$i+1]} at line number ${BASH_LINENO[$i]}. The caller builtin displays the current call stack using this information.\n\nWhen bash arrays are accessed without an index the first element of the array will be returned, so ```$FUNCNAME``` will work in simple cases to provide the name of the immediately current function, but it also contains all other functions in the call stack. For example:\n```# in a file "foobar"\nfunction foo {\n echo foo\n echo "In function $FUNCNAME: FUNCNAME=${FUNCNAME[*]}" >&2\n}\nfunction foobar {\n echo "$(foo)bar"\n echo "In function $FUNCNAME: FUNCNAME=${FUNCNAME[*]}" >&2\n}\nfoobar\n```\nWill output:\n```$ bash foobar\nIn function foo: FUNCNAME=foo foobar main\nfoobar\nIn function foobar: FUNCNAME=foobar main\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I know that the public practice of any religion other than Wahabbi Islam is strictly forbidden in Saudi Arabia, and there would be no places of worship. I also know that the morality police raided a a hotel several years ago where Mass was being celebrated, and arrested the priest and the acolytes.\nBut I am also told that many expats from countries with large Catholic communities such as the Philippines, India, and Sri Lanka do gather in private homes for worship. Is this officially tolerated, or would I endanger the hosts or other participants by asking about them?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Essentially, there is no religious freedom in Saudi Arabia, and nobody is likely to openly change - indeed:\n\n> conversion from Islam to another religion is considered apostasy and punishable by death.\n\nAll citizens are considered Muslim by the state.\nIn 2008, the Vatican tried to get a Catholic Church built in Saudi Arabia, and had discussions with the Saudi government, but the result was that it was not permitted.\nSo that brings us to the Christians (including Catholics) that DO exist in the country. There are considered to be more than a million Roman Catholics in the country, as well as from many others.\n\n> Saudi Arabia allows Christians to enter the country as foreign workers for temporary work, but does not allow them to practice their faith openly. Because of that Christians generally only worship in secret within private homes. Items and articles belonging to religions other than Islam are prohibited. These include Bibles, crucifixes, statues, carvings, items with religious symbols, and others.\n\nSo, to your question about whether this secret practice is allowed or tolerated? Not so much. They have an entire 'government' organisation - The Saudi Arabian Mutaween (Arabic: مطوعين), or Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (i.e., the religious police) which prohibits the practice of any religion other than Islam.\nThe government also doesn't let clergy of other religions into the country for conducting religious services (naturally this means no Christian baptisms, weddings etc by official clergy legally).\nAnd if they find someone practising in their homes? International Christian Concern (ICC) protested what it reported as the 2001 detention of 11 Christians in Saudi Arabia, for practicing their religion in their homes. In June 2004, ICC reported on what it termed a \"pogrom-like\" crackdown by Saudi police on Christians after media reports of Koran desecration in Guantanamo Bay." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is there a way to achieve protections similar to \"Copyleft\" under the patent system?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"Copyleft\" is a specific application of copyright law (restricting the license to use copyrighted material by requiring that those obtaining it must also redistribute it for free / under specified terms).\n\nAny work under \"copyleft\" is protected by copyright law (thanks to The Berne Convention copyright is \"automatic\" in most of the world), and those copyright protections are what allow the author to dictate the terms under which the copyrighted work is used.\n\nAs far as I'm aware there is no Berne Convention equivalent in patent law: in order for you to have patent protection and the ability to dictate how your invention is used (by licensing the patent for it to impose Copyleft-style requirements on those using it) you must file for (and receive) a patent.\n\nNote that the sort of \"keeping information free\" protection the Copyleft folks would seek is inherent in US Patent Law and most other patent systems -- it is known as Prior Art.\nIn its most simplistic definition (cribbed from Wikipedia):\n\n> Prior art …, in most systems of patent law, constitutes all information that has been made available to the public in any form before a given date that might be relevant to a patent's claims of originality. If an invention has been described in the prior art, a patent on that invention is not valid.\n\nSo if you have designed and publicly released something patentable (and can document the date of such a release to the satisfaction of the patent authorities) you can seek to invalidate any subsequent patent claims on the grounds that prior art exists." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In monopoly, can an opponent put a property up for auction at a higher price than I have in cash?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is definitely allowed, and a good tactic to leverage a cash advantage.\nThere is no minimum or maximum price for an auction. The rules state:\n\nBidding may start at any price.\n\nMonopoly auctions do not have "the bidding will start at $10". They just have "bidding is open". Once the auction begins, a bid by any player sets the minimum price for the auction at that bid. Your opponent could easily bid $10 on the property, forcing you to either let them have it for $10 or bid more than you have in cash. You could bid first, say starting the bid at $5, but that doesn't meaningfully change the situation, as they can just respond by out-bidding you at $10.\n\nYou may bid more money than you have in cash, but you are still obligated to pay it if you win the auction. This may be a reasonable play if you can afford it by mortgaging property and/or selling houses, especially to drive up the price for your opponent. But be careful not to bid more than you can pay after mortgages and sales, as if you win the auction and can't pay your bid, you go bankrupt. In particular, if you bid more than you can afford, you opponents can all just let you win the bid, at which point you go bankrupt and the property you just bought would go up for auction again (in addition to all your other properties)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the purpose of having a countdown during a rocket launch?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There is a window of opportunity for a launch to occur, known as a launch window. This certainly occurs when trying to get somewhere such as the International Space Station, but even earth orbiting satellites have a window of time where the rocket can meet its performance.\n\nBottom line is, the exact time of launch is very important, and a complex sequence of events have to happen in just the right order to make it happen. SpaceFlightNow provided a generic countdown timeline for the Falcon 9, I'll re-post a few of the highlights. Some of these things are done to keep the batteries topped off till the last minute. You don't want to put the fuel in until the last minute, to save it (Most rocket fuel is cryogenic). When the rocket has its fuel loaded, you want to keep non-essential personnel away from it, making it so any tasks they need to do is put off until the end. You don't want to arm the system to launch until you are completely ready, thus, it only happens right before. There are many more such examples of why things are done in a particular order, but hopefully this will give you a sense.\n```L-13:30:00 Dragon Power Up\nL-7:30:00 Launch Vehicle Power Up\nL-3:50:00 Liquid Oxygen Loading\nL-3:40:00 Rocket Propellant 1 Loading\nL-1:00:00 Weather Briefing\nT-0:09:40 Verify that Terminal Countdown has started\nT-0:09:30 Merlin 1C: Lox Bleeder Valves Open\nT-0:07:00 Dragon to Internal Power\nT-0:04:46 Stage 1 & Stage 2 Auto Sequence starts\nT-0:04:30 Transfer to Internal Power\nT-0:04:10 Vehicle Release Auto Sequence\nT-0:03:40 TEA-TEB Ignition System Activation\nT-0:03:25 Flight Termination System to Internal Power\nT-0:03:11 Flight Termination System Armed\nT-0:03:02 LOX Topping Termination\nT-0:03:00 Second Stage Thrust Vector Actuator Test\nT-0:02:00 Range Verification\nT-0:01:30 Final Engine Chilldown, Pre-Valves/Bleeders Open\nT-0:01:00 Flight Computer to start-up\nT-0:00:50 First Stage Thrust Vector Actuator Test\nT-0:00:40 Propellant Tank Pressurization\nT-0:00:20 All Tanks at Flight Pressure\nT-0:00:15 Arm Pyrotechnics\nT-0:00:03 Merlin Engine Ignition\nT-0:00:00 LIFTOFF\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How does one attack a two-time pad (i.e. one time pad with key reuse)?\nI am new to cryptography and my problem is with two time pad attacks on OTP.\nThe problem I had in my course was that I have 10 ciphertexts encrypted with the same key $K$. I am then given another ciphertext that I should decrypt.\nI know that XOR-ing two ciphers gives me the XOR of their original messages.\nMy question is what is the correct thing to do after that?\nI tried to take 3 ciphertexts $C_1, C_2$ and $C_3$.\nThen get $S_1 = C_1 \\oplus C_2 \\oplus $```' '```, also get $S_2 = C_1 \\oplus C_3 \\oplus$ ```' '```.\nAfter that I compared all corresponding characters in $S_1$ and $S_2$,\nand if $S_1[i] = S_2[i]$ then I calculate $S_1[i] \\oplus C_2[i]$ to get $K[i]$.\nI tried this on paper before coding and it worked, but I might be missing something.\nIs this the right approach? Why does it work?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The classical answer to \"what is the correct thing to do after you have the XOR of the two original messages\" is crib-dragging.\n\nThat is, you take a guess of a common phrase that may appear in one of the plaintexts (the classical example against ASCII english is the 5 letter \" the \"), and exclusive-or that against the XOR of the two original messages in various locations. If one of the plaintexts had the text of the crib (\" the \" in our example), then the result of the exclusive-or is what the other plaintext had in that position; if neither plaintext had that, it's likely that the result of the exclusive-or is just gibberish. And, once you have a plausible short section, you can extend it (for example, if you know that one of the plaintexts is \" na**\", you can go through the dictionary of all words that start with \"na\", use those as cribs, and see which makes the other plaintext make sense).\n\nIn addition, you can often deduce things directly from the bit pattern. For example, if the messages are in ASCII, then one thing to note that bit 6 of letters is set, but bit 6 of spaces, numbers and (most) punctuation is clear; because spaces are far more common than numbers and punctuation, then that will give you a good guess of where spaces occur in the texts (albeit without telling you which message a specific space appears in).\n\nNow, if you have 11 messages all encrypted with the same pad (an \"11-time pad\"), things get even easier. Obviously, you can grab a crib across one message, and check it against the other 10; if it makes all 10 make sense, then it is almost certainly accurate. Even better, by using the observation that you can distinguish spaces from letters (again, by comparing bit 6), you can find where all the spaces appear in the messages; these all act like 1 character cribs, probably revealing virtually all the text of all the messages." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have a small home automation lab (that I keep saying I'll expand, but haven't). In this setup, I have a control system to control lights (utilizing the x10 protocol), blinds, a Nest thermostat and two web cams.\nWith the recent record setting DDoS attacks utilizing unsecured IoT devices, I'd like to secure my small setup a bit. \nWhat can a home user do to secure their network while still maintaining the \"connect from anywhere\" aspect that is a big part of the marketing?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The absolute most common issue with IoT devices is default passwords. So change all the passwords. Pick a unique, random password for every device and write it down on paper (paper is safe from remote attackers and hard drive failures). 12 random (i.e. computer-generated) lowercase letters represent a good compromise between security and being hard to type. Each device should have a different password so that breaking one doesn't let the attacker break all of them. Enter the passwords in a password manager and use that password manager in the computers you use to control the devices.\n\nIf the device has different authorization channels, for example an administration password and a day-to-day usage password, use different passwords for both and only record the administration password on selected devices.\n\nThe second generic security measure is to ensure that all your devices are behind a firewall or at least a NAT device. A typical home router is sufficient, but you should turn off UPnP which can allow inadvertent back channels from the outside. The goal is to ensures that there's no direct way to connect from the Internet to the device. Connections should always go through a gateway that itself requires authentication to cross, and that you keep patched with any security updates.\n\nYou should also apply security updates on all the device if they exist at all, which can be a problem." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are objective advantages or disadvantages of using the markup language LaTeX instead of a WYSIWYG word processor like MS Word or LibreOffice Writer?\nPlease use objective arguments." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "LaTeX is better at:\n\n* Dealing with mathematical notation. Layout and entry are generally easier using LaTeX than some other sort of equation editor. \n* Consistent handling of intra-document references and bibliography. As of a couple of years ago the major WYSIWYG editors still had problems with re-numbering cross-references and bibliography items. This is never a problem with BibTeX or LaTeX. \n* Separation of content and style. In principle this means that you can write your document without caring how it is formatted, and at the end of the day wrap it in the style-file provided by the journal publisher before submission to conform to the house style. In practice some of the journal publishers demand special formatting commands that partially moots this process. Furthermore recent versions of Word and LibreOffice Writer, when properly used, should be able to keep track of various levels of section heading separate from the body text, and apply uniform styling to each level. The gap is somewhat closing. \n* Tables and illustrations. With PSTricks or TikZ, one can produce high quality illustrations within the document (though the learning curve is a bit steep there). And I've found LaTeX to be better at preparing complex tables. \n\nWYSIWYG (especially Word and Writer) is better at:\n\n* Collaborative editing. Without using an online site for collaborative LaTeX editing (such as ShareLaTeX), working collaboratively on a LaTeX file ideally requires some sort of separate revision control software. Word and Writer have very good comments/annotations and edit-tracking features. When a large number of authors are commenting on the writing of one file, this can be very useful. \n* Spell check. Admittedly most text editors one uses to edit TeX files also do spell check. But this is generally conveniently built into WYSIWYG editors. \n* Compatibility. Unless you work in mathematics, computer science, or physics (and sometimes even if you work in those fields), it is more likely that your collaborators will know what to do with a Word or Writer file than a LaTeX file. \n* Minimum barrier to entry. If you just care about getting the ideas down on paper, you can use a WYSIWYG editor just like a typewriter. Sure, it may be tedious to fix the formatting later on, compared to LaTeX where one need to first figure out how to setup a bare-minimum file before using, it may be an attractive point. \n\nA wash:\n\n* Most journals provide templates for both Word and LaTeX, so there's no real winner there. \n\nSuggestion: if you want to convince someone to start using LaTeX, start them out first in one of the WYSIWYG environments designed for LaTeX first (for example LyX). This will help somewhat to ameliorate the scary entry barrier. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Could Gandalf not have made his own One Ring?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Possibly\nIn the foreword to The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien observes:\n\nSaruman, failing to get possession of the Ring, would in the confusion and treacheries of the time have found in Mordor the missing links in his own researches into Ring-lore, and before long he would have made a Great Ring of his own with which to challenge the self-styled Ruler of Middle-earth.\n\nTolkien therefore definitely conceives of Saruman as being capable of making a Ring, and therefore Gandalf would presumably have been likewise capable.\nHowever, what we can also take from that statement is that making a Ring is not a simple task; there is some "lore" involved, and we know from elsewhere that Saruman had made especial study of the Rings of Power, but yet Tolkien states that even he would have required knowledge found only in Mordor to complete his own work.\n\nSo, to summarize:\n\n* Yes, but,\n* It's neither quick nor easy, because,\n* There is considerable "lore" involved, and,\n* It requires hundreds or even thousands of years of dedicated study to get to a "Saruman-level" of "lore", and,\n* Even then there will be missing knowledge which may only be found in Mordor.\n* So for all practical purposes it's actually "No".\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "It’s the year 2018, and you live in the good ol’ North American landmass. The fascist landmass. By this year, the dystopian N.A.F party controls all of the landmass and secret police prowl the streets armed with automatic rifles. Protest the rules and NAF makes you disappear -- permanently. \nOnto the subject\nAs you’ve seen in a lot of movies and whatnot, dystopian governments like to make people fit into a mandatory dress code. 1984 did it, a lot of other dystopian media did it, and so on. I plan to do the same, but I want to make my dystopian government a logical one, that only does what’s necessary to keep power. What is a logical reason why mandatory dress codes would be forced upon citizens?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "**Control the Supply**\nThe citizens of your dystopia work in a government-controlled factory. They shop in a government-controlled shop with government-controlled prices. What does the shop have in stock? The products of more government-controlled factories, of course.\n\nIt is not illegal to wear non-standard clothes. It is illegal to buy or sell them (that would be black marketeering) and it is usually illegal to make them (that would be diversion of government-supplied raw materials). One might "repair" government-pattern clothes into non-standard shapes, e.g. cutting trousers short or making a skirt out of an old bedsheet.\n\nFew people make their own clothing. A sure sign they have too much time on their hands, why don't they join in a government-sponsored community activity instead?\n\nOf course there is "special store No. 0815" which is open to senior regime officials and their families. These officials work so long hours in their selfless service of the people that they cannot possibly stand in the waiting line of a normal store. The special store opens by appointment, e.g. right between the parade for the Dear Leader's birthday and the official reception. And it stocks suitable clothes for that reception." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When would one use an impact driver versus a regular drill?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Drills and impact drivers are similar in that they're both rotating power tools and they have some overlap in usage, but they work differently and have different strengths.\n\nDrills apply a constant torque and tend to have good control across a range of speeds and clutch settings. They're good for work that requires care or precision, like drilling a hole or driving a a smaller screw.\n\nImpact drivers provide much higher torque but in rapid bursts–very much like a hammer provides bursts of linear force. \n\nThis makes them good for heavy-duty jobs like driving long lag bolts (you can even take the lug nuts off your car wheels with most impact drivers), but the banging action makes them a little bit difficult to control. They're also not good for driving into something very soft–between the hammer strikes there's no torque applied and the bit can actually rotate backwards. You can see this by holding the chuck with your hands while the driver is on; you'll feel the pulsing of the strikes but chuck won't actually rotate. Finally, some impact drivers don't have a clutch, which means you need to be very careful if you're driving something that could be over-tightened or broken by the high torque.\n\nBesides the higher torque, impact drivers have another huge advantage in that you don't have to hold them tightly to provide the torque. The momentum of the rotating striker inside is what provides the rotation force, so even when you're driving something very tough it's quite easy to hold the tool. Drills on the other hand provide a constant torque and require the user to provide the reaction and prevent the tool from spinning.\n\nIf you have to pick a single all-purpose tool for general DIY use, a drill is much easier to control and is useful in a wider range of situations." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Alternative to Windows Snipping Tool for Mac OSX" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mac OS has a built-in snipping tool similar to the one in Windows:\n* ⌘+⇧+3 captures the whole screen\n* ⌘+⇧+4 captures a custom rectangle\n(click and drag over the screen region you want to capture)\n* ⌘+⇧+4 then space captures a specific window (move the mouse cursor over the desired window, then click)\n\nPress esc to cancel.\nScreenshots are saved onto your Desktop and timestamped.\nHolding control in addition to any of the sequences above causes the image to be copied instead of saved to the desktop.\nBy default the image format is png. However, you can change the format by typing in the Terminal:\n```defaults write com.apple.screencapture type image_format\nkillall SystemUIServer\n```\nWhere ```image_format``` is one of ```jpg```, ```tiff```, ```pdf```, ```png```, ```bmp``` or ```pict``` (among others). If you omit the second line, you will need to log out and in again for the change to take effect.\n\nThe settings for the shortcuts in the system preferences are located at:\nSystem Preferences → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts → Screen Shots\nThe MacOS X application that enables screenshots is called Grab. It is located at ```/Applications/Utilities/Grab.app```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the difference between kerning vs. letter spacing?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Any font has built-in spacing determined by the “side bearing” of each character. In metal type, the side bearing is the physical right or left edge of the individual piece of type that determines its spacing from the characters on either side. Digital fonts mimic this in the basic design process.\n\n* “To kern” means to adjust the spacing between a pair of letters, numerals, punctuation, etc. (properly “glyphs”) so that their spacing looks correct. The letters AV, for example, have to overlap in any usual typeface, otherwise at least one of them ends up looking lost and bewildered. Their kerning is tightened to snug them up to one another. An italic f will collide with a following question or quote mark in some fonts, so the kerning must be opened up from the default spacing.\n\nAn ancient scribe could kern effortlessly with pen and ink, and if you read old manuscripts you'll see lots of places where a letter intrudes into the space of the one next to it. With metal type, it wasn't so easy. Kerning required cutting away some of the metal base, or table, of the character. The amount of time, skill and work involved is left as an exercise for readers whose minds are in need of a little boggling. The shapes of the letters in metal type intended for long passages of text such as books, or especially newspapers, were designed to minimize the amount of kerning that would be necessary.\n\nKerning tables built into a digital font assign preset kerning values to specific letter pairs, according to the designer's best estimate of how they should look. There can be a dozen or so pairs (or none!) in a cheapo font, thousands in a high-end one. No matter how thoroughly and well a kerning table is built, though, there will still be situations where some awkward combination requires that the kerning be loosened or tightened from the preset values of the glyphs.\n\n* Letter spacing (often “tracking” in software applications) adjusts the spacing between all the glyphs in a piece of text. This can help to make a page look a little more open and inviting, for example, especially with a similarly open leading. Very large type, such as a big headline, almost always benefits from tightening the tracking. Tiny type, such as in captions or footnotes, is made more readable by opening the letter spacing a bit, especially if the paper is absorbent and will allow the ink to spread a little.\n\nA final note: Use caution with both kerning and tracking. Tracking is very often wildly overdone, kerning is seldom done enough." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I read somewhere that C♯ and D♭ actually differ 41 by cents from each other. As far as I know, there should be 2 semitones between C and D. Moreover, C♯ is one semitone above C and D♭ is one semitone below D. Therefore, C♯ and D♭ should be equivalent. If so, how can C♯ and D♭ actually differ by 41 cents from each other?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When we talk about the exact frequencies of each pitch class, we have to know the temperament, and a reference pitch. For example, 12-tone equal temperament (12TET) with A4=440Hz is a standard in modern music. From those two parameters, we can extrapolate the exact frequency of every possible note.\n\n12TET is nearly ubiquitous nowadays (at least in Western music), but it doesn't sound as clean as Just Intonation (JI). In essence, 12TET has made every key sound equally imperfect. JI creates a scale where the intervals in the primary chords are all very nice simple ratios, and so the chords ring out very cleanly, but it only works in that key. Important note: within a given JI tuning, each of the 12 pitch classes still has only one single frequency. There is no difference between C♯ and D♭ in, say, \"Pythagorean tuning based on A, with A=440Hz\".\n\nBut most music doesn't stay in one key. While a piano can't make pitch adjustments on the fly (which is why we've agreed to use 12TET for it), most instruments in an orchestra can. So when the piece is in A major, the orchestra will use JI and adjust C♯ to be a little flatter than it would be if using 12TET. But then if the piece modulates to F♯ minor, they'll start playing it slightly sharp.\n\nWhen people say that C♯ is not the same as D♭, what they really mean (whether they realize it or not) is that context may make for different micro-adjustments. In C major, a C♯ might be the third of an A major chord, perhaps a secondary dominant of the ii chord, while D♭ might be the root of the Neapolitan chord. These would result in different tuning choices." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Not sure if this is a Mozilla-specific JS syntax, but I often found variables being declared this way, for example, in add-on SDK docs:\n```var { Hotkey } = require(\"sdk/hotkeys\");\n```\nand in various chrome Javascript (```let``` statement is being used in place of ```var```),\n```let { classes: Cc, interfaces: Ci, results: Cr, utils: Cu } = Components;\n```\nI found it very confusing but I am not being able to find any documentation about both syntax, even on MDN." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They're both JavaScript 1.7 features. The first one is block-level variables:\n\n ```let``` allows you to declare variables, limiting its scope to the block, statement, or expression on which it is used. This is unlike the ```var``` keyword, which defines a variable globally, or locally to an entire function regardless of block scope.\n\nThe second one is called destructuring:\n\n Destructuring assignment makes it possible to extract data from arrays or objects using a syntax that mirrors the construction of array and object literals.\n ...\n One particularly useful thing you can do with destructuring assignment is to read an entire structure in a single statement, although there are a number of interesting things you can do with them, as shown in the section full of examples that follows.\n\nFor those familiar with Python, it's similar to this syntax:\n```>>> a, (b, c) = (1, (2, 3))\n>>> a, b, c\n(1, 2, 3)\n```\nThe first code chunk is shorthand for:\n```var {Hotkey: Hotkey} = require(\"sdk/hotkeys\");\n// Or\nvar Hotkey = require(\"sdk/hotkeys\").Hotkey;\n```\nYou can rewrite the second code chunk as:\n```let Cc = Components.classes;\nlet Ci = Components.interfaces;\nlet Cr = Components.results;\nlet Cu = Components.utils;\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When reading some documentation about the security of a product, I found that the vendor uses the SHA-2 of a password to encrypt data (AES-256), instead of using this password directly.\nAre there any advantages of doing so?\nAn attacker is not going to crack the encrypted data using this SHA-2-as-a-password key but rather exhaust the password keyspace (if feasible) and try its hash. Therefore the only reason I can think of is that there is an extra computational step (the creation of the hash). I would have rather increased the password entropy if the point is to computationally complexify the attack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It sounds like a primitive version of a key derivation function (KDF), in particular they probably could have avoided reinventing the wheel by using PBKDF2.\n\nThere are several reasons why you don't want to use the password directly as an AES key. \n\n* To distribute the bits. The main property here is that a hash function's output is, statistically speaking, uniformly distributed. People tend to pick passwords that aren't fully random, in particular, most passwords would only contain characters you can type in a keyboard. When used as an encryption key, a non-statistically random key may expose weaknesses in the encryption function.\n* To fit the keys to the encryption key length. Most passwords are going to be either longer or shorter than the key space of the encryption function. By hashing your password, the exact key length will be exactly the size of the input key of your encryption function. While the entropy of the derived key doesn't increase, this avoids the likelihood of exposing weakness in the encryption function if you just simply zero pad the password or worse truncate the password.\n* To slow down key derivation decryption. Per your description, the software is only using a single SHA256 round, which is not much. But with proper password based KDF, like PBKDF2, there are usually tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of rounds of the underlying hash function. This slows down computing the keys, increasing the effective strength of passwords without increasing its length.\n* To keep the user's plain text password out of memory, thus preventing it from being accidentally dumped to disk during hibernation or crash dump. While this wouldn't protect the hash from being used to decrypt the data you're encrypting, it will prevent the password from being reused to decrypt other files (which presumably uses different salt) or being tried on your online accounts or other devices that you use.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My online friend is asking for money in order to visit my home country. Is this a legit request or a scam?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The first rule for every such question is simple:\n\n If you have to ask, it's probably a scam\n\nWhile we cannot possibly examine every possible situation from every angle, online scams are simply far too common to trust someone you have known only on the Internet or even what appears to be a real friend or relative, who may have had their email accounts hacked or might be simply being impersonated. So the basic advice is: don't send out your private details, don't pay for anything and don't send any money for any purposes. \nSome common examples are:\n\n* love interest who wants to meet you.\n* 'supposed' friend in need.\n* prize/lottery.\n* inheritance of some distant relative.\n* person in distress asking you to take care of their financial assets.\n* some government/private fine/tax/loan/offer scam\n\nIf you know the person who seems to have send the email asking for money in person, contact them in an other way or have them answer a personal question only they know the answer to, before you accept their email as real.\nIn many countries there are organisations to whom you can report internet fraud or suspected internet fraud. They also offer advice about common scams and how to recognise them. \nIn the USA: The IC3 (part of the FBI) (further information from the FBI on romance scams)\nIn Canada: The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre\nIn the UK: Action Fraud \nThe second rule for every such question is also simple:\n\n google this requirement\n\nA legitimate requirement, if exist, would be found on the relevant official sources, including the airline or Embassy web sites. For example, Indian nationals are required to show USD 500/week to enter Thailand. \nMany countries also require visa applicants to show means of financial resources. However cash is rarely accepted as such evidence (since one can just borrow it for a day), and depositing this cash in applicant's bank account a day before applying for a visa usually backfires." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When converting from RGB to grayscale, it is said that specific weights to channels R, G, and B ought to be applied. These weights are: 0.2989, 0.5870, 0.1140.\nIt is said that the reason for this is different human perception/sensibility towards these three colors. Sometimes it is also said these are the values used to compute NTSC signal.\nHowever, I didn't find a good reference for this on the web. What is the source of these values?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you convert RGB -> grayscale with slightly different numbers / different methods, you won't see much difference at all on a normal computer screen under normal lighting conditions -- try it.\n\n### RGB -> ^gamma -> Y -> L*\nIn color science, the common RGB values, as in html rgb( 10%, 20%, 30% ),\nare called "nonlinear" or\nGamma corrected.\n"Linear" values are defined as\n```Rlin = R^gamma, Glin = G^gamma, Blin = B^gamma\n```\nwhere gamma is 2.2 for many PCs.\nThe usual R G B are sometimes written as R' G' B' (R' = Rlin ^ (1/gamma))\n(purists tongue-click) but here I'll drop the '.\nBrightness on a CRT display is proportional to RGBlin = RGB ^ gamma,\nso 50% gray on a CRT is quite dark: .5 ^ 2.2 = 22% of maximum brightness.\n(LCD displays are more complex;\nfurthermore, some graphics cards compensate for gamma.)\nTo get the measure of lightness called ```L*``` from RGB,\nfirst divide R G B by 255, and compute\n```Y = .2126 * R^gamma + .7152 * G^gamma + .0722 * B^gamma\n```\nThis is ```Y``` in XYZ color space; it is a measure of color "luminance".\n(The real formulas are not exactly x^gamma, but close;\nstick with x^gamma for a first pass.)\nFinally,\n\n```L* = 116 * Y ^ 1/3 - 16\n```\n"... aspires to perceptual uniformity [and] closely matches human perception of lightness." --\nWikipedia Lab color space" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "¿Cuál es la diferencia entre echo, print, print_r, var_dump y var_export en PHP?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Aquí hay una descripción general de estas funciones de PHP:\n\n###echo\n\n* Muestra una o más cadenas separadas por comas\n* No tiene un valor de retorno\n* Ejemplo:\n```echo \"Cadena 1\", \"Cadena 2\";\n```\n\n###print\n\n* Muestra solo una simple cadena\n* Devuelve 1, por lo cual puede ser usada en una expresión\n* Ejemplos:\n```print \"Hello\";\nif($expresion && print \"Cadena\"){\n // Hacer algo\n}\n```\n\n###print_r()\n\n* Muestra una representación más entendible de un solo valor cualquiera\n* No solo acepta cadenas, también acepta arreglos y objetos formateándolos para ser visualizados de una forma más entendible\n* Puede devolver su valor de salida como un valor de retorno si le pasa ```true``` como su segundo argumento\n* Útil para la depuración\n\nEjemplo: Si tenemos el siguiente arreglo:\n```$a = array ('a' => 'manzana', 'b' => 'banana', 'c' => array ('x', 'y', 'z'));\nprint_r ($a);\n```\nNuestro ```print_r($a);``` nos devolverá algo como esto:\n```Array\n(\n [a] => manzana\n [b] => banana\n [c] => Array\n (\n [0] => x\n [1] => y\n [2] => z\n )\n)\n```\n\n###var_dump()\n\n* Muestra una representación más entendible de un valor cualquiera o más separados por comas\n* No solo acepta cadenas, también acepta arreglos y objetos formateándolos para ser visualizados de una forma más entendible\n* Usa un formato diferente al anterior ```print_r()```, por ejemplo, también muestra el tipo del valor\n* Útil para la depuración\n* No tiene un valor de retorno\n\nEjemplo: Si tenemos el siguiente arreglo:\n```$a = array(1, 2, array(\"a\", \"b\", \"c\"));\nvar_dump($a);\n```\nNuestro ```var_dump($a);``` nos devolverá algo como esto: (nótese que nos muestra el tipo de valor de cada elemento en nuestro arreglo)\n```array(3) {\n [0]=>\n int(1)\n [1]=>\n int(2)\n [2]=>\n array(3) {\n [0]=>\n string(1) \"a\"\n [1]=>\n string(1) \"b\"\n [2]=>\n string(1) \"c\"\n }\n}\n```\n\n###var_export()\n\n* Muestra una representación más entendible y ejecutable de un valor cualquiera\n* No solo acepta cadenas, también acepta arreglos y objetos formateándolos para ser visualizados de una forma más entendible\n* Usa un formato de salida diferente de ```var_dump()``` y ```print_r()```, la salida es un código de PHP válido\n* Útil para la depuración\n* Puede devolver su valor de salida como un valor de retorno si le pasa ```true``` como su segundo argumento\n\nEjemplo, si realizamos lo siguiente\n```class A {\n public $var;\n}\n$a = new A;\n$a->var = 5;\nvar_export($a);\n```\nObtendremos como resultado:\n```A::__set_state(array(\n 'var' => 5,\n))\n```\n\n###Notas\n\n* ```echo``` es mucho más rápido que ```print```\n* ```echo``` y ```print``` son constructores de lenguaje\n* ```print_r()``` y ```var_dump()``` son funciones\n* ```echo``` y ```print``` pueden recibir sus argumentos mediante paréntesis como una función ```echo(\"Hello\", \"world\");``` ó ```print(\"Hello World\");```\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In Android, I defined an ```ImageView```'s ```layout_width``` to be ```fill_parent``` (which takes up the full width of the phone).\nIf the image I put to ```ImageView``` is bigger than the ```layout_width```, Android will scale it, right? But what about the height? When Android scales the image, will it keep the aspect ratio?\nWhat I find out is that there is some white space at the top and bottom of the ```ImageView``` when Android scales an image which is bigger than the ```ImageView```. Is that true? If yes, how can I eliminate that white space?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "* Yes, by default Android will scale your image down to fit the ImageView, maintaining the aspect ratio. However, make sure you're setting the image to the ImageView using ```android:src="..."``` rather than ```android:background="..."```. ```src=``` makes it scale the image maintaining aspect ratio, but ```background=``` makes it scale and distort the image to make it fit exactly to the size of the ImageView. (You can use a background and a source at the same time though, which can be useful for things like displaying a frame around the main image, using just one ImageView.)\n\n* You should also see ```android:adjustViewBounds``` to make the ImageView resize itself to fit the rescaled image. For example, if you have a rectangular image in what would normally be a square ImageView, adjustViewBounds=true will make it resize the ImageView to be rectangular as well. This then affects how other Views are laid out around the ImageView.\n\nThen as Samuh wrote, you can change the way it default scales images using the ```android:scaleType``` parameter. \n\nBy the way, the easiest way to discover how this works would simply have been to experiment a bit yourself! Just remember to look at the layouts in the emulator itself (or an actual phone) as the preview in Eclipse is usually wrong.\n\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to compare 2 arrays of objects in JavaScript code. The objects have 8 total properties, but each object will not have a value for each, and the arrays are never going to be any larger than 8 items each, so maybe the brute force method of traversing each and then looking at the values of the 8 properties is the easiest way to do what I want to do, but before implementing, I wanted to see if anyone had a more elegant solution. Any thoughts?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As serialization doesn't work generally (only when the order of properties matches: ```JSON.stringify({a:1,b:2}) !== JSON.stringify({b:2,a:1})```) you have to check the count of properties and compare each property as well:\n\n```const objectsEqual = (o1, o2) =>\n Object.keys(o1).length === Object.keys(o2).length\n && Object.keys(o1).every(p => o1[p] === o2[p]);\nconst obj1 = { name: 'John', age: 33};\nconst obj2 = { age: 33, name: 'John' };\nconst obj3 = { name: 'John', age: 45 };\nconsole.log(objectsEqual(obj1, obj2)); // true\nconsole.log(objectsEqual(obj1, obj3)); // false```\n\nIf you need a deep comparison, you can call the function recursively:\n\n```const obj1 = { name: 'John', age: 33, info: { married: true, hobbies: ['sport', 'art'] } };\nconst obj2 = { age: 33, name: 'John', info: { hobbies: ['sport', 'art'], married: true } };\nconst obj3 = { name: 'John', age: 33 };\nconst objectsEqual = (o1, o2) =>\n typeof o1 === 'object' && Object.keys(o1).length > 0\n ? Object.keys(o1).length === Object.keys(o2).length\n && Object.keys(o1).every(p => objectsEqual(o1[p], o2[p]))\n : o1 === o2;\nconsole.log(objectsEqual(obj1, obj2)); // true\nconsole.log(objectsEqual(obj1, obj3)); // false```\n\nThen it's easy to use this function to compare objects in arrays:\n```const arr1 = [obj1, obj1];\nconst arr2 = [obj1, obj2];\nconst arr3 = [obj1, obj3];\nconst arraysEqual = (a1, a2) =>\n a1.length === a2.length && a1.every((o, idx) => objectsEqual(o, a2[idx]));\nconsole.log(arraysEqual(arr1, arr2)); // true\nconsole.log(arraysEqual(arr1, arr3)); // false\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm working with another developer on a project, and we're using Github as our remote repo. I'm on a Mac using git 1.7.7.3, he's on Windows using git 1.7.6.\nThis is what's happening\n\n* One of us (let's call him developer A, but it doesn't matter which one) pushes a set of commits to GitHub.\n* The other (developer B) makes some local commits.\n* B does a ```git pull```.\n* B does a ```git push```.\n* Looking at the commit history log, I see Merge branch 'master' of github.com:foo/bar\n\nThe commit log gets littered with \"Merge branch\" messages over time, and also shows developer B as committing changes that developer A made. The only way we've found to prevent this issue has been to do a ```git pull --rebase``` at step 3, but I don't know what side effects rebasing will introduce. This is my first time working on a multi-developer git repo, so is this just normal behavior? Any thoughts on how to solve this issue?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The commit you are seeing is perfectly fine. A ```pull``` effectively runs ```git fetch``` and then ```git merge``` so a merge is usually happening when you run ```git pull```.\n\nThe alternative to use rebasing instead of merging is possible, but usually you should avoid it. Rebasing allows you to keep a linear history, but also removes any information about the branching that originally happened. It will also cause the history of the current branch being rewritten, recreating all commits that are not contained in the target branch (in your case, the remote). As the recreated commits are different commits, this can cause a lot of confusion when developing together with others, especially when people already checked out parts of those commits before they get rewritten (for example with feature branches). So as a rule of thumb, you should never rewrite any commit that was already pushed.\n\nThe commits you see are there to combine two (or more) branches. It is perfectly fine to have a commit that does nothing else then merging multiple branches. In fact it makes it very clear when you have a merge commit that combines branches when looking at the history. In comparison to rebasing, merging also allows you to effectively see the original history as it was developed, including the actual branches that coexisted.\n\nSo, long story short: Yes, having merge commits is perfectly fine and you should not worry about them." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are asleep on your boat on open sea. When you wake up you discover you have been robbed. A quick inspection of security cam footage reveals that the pirates who robbed you left your ship exactly an hour ago. The sea is flat, extends indefinitely, and is fully covered in a thick persistent fog. You have no idea in which direction the pirates fled. But you do know that these pirates always continue in a straight line at full speed away from their victim. Their maximum speed on open water is 20 nautical miles per hour. Your boat can reach 21 nautical miles per hour. \nHow do you catch the pirates?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If we assume the ocean is flat and extends indefinitely in all directions, there is a strategy that guarantees we can catch the pirates in at most 800,000 years.\n\nPut our current location as the origin of a coordinate system. We will describe our position in polar coordinates, as a function of time: $(r(t),\\theta(t))$ (where we have arbitrarily chosen a direction to be $\\theta=0$, and $t=0$ is when we realized we had been robbed).\n\nWe begin by traveling in the $\\theta=0$ direction for 20 hours, putting our position at $(420, 0)$. We are then the same distance from the origin as the pirates. Next, we will travel in a spiral, in a manner so that $r'(t)=20$ at all times. This guarantees we will always be the same distance from the origin as the pirates. For $t\\geq 20$, we will have $r(t)=420+20(t-20)=20t+20$.\n\nOur speed is\n$$\n\\sqrt{(r')^2+r^2(\\theta')^2} = 21\\text{ mph},\n$$\nand $r'(t)=20$ for $t>20$, so\n$$\n\\theta'(t)=\\sqrt{\\frac{41}{r^2}}=\\frac{\\sqrt{41}}{20+20t}.\n$$\nIf there is a $t\\geq 20$ for which $\\theta(t)$ is the angle in which the pirates fled, we will catch them. This means we will certainly catch the pirates by the time $\\theta$ has increased from $0$ to $2\\pi$. If $t_0$ is the time this happens, we have\n$$\n2\\pi=\\int_{20}^{t_0}\\theta'(t)\\,dt=\\int_{20}^{t_0}\\frac{\\sqrt{41}}{20+20t}dt.\n$$\nSolving for $t_0$ gives\n$$\nt_0=21\\mathrm{exp}\\left(\\frac{40\\pi}{\\sqrt{41}}\\right)-1\\approx 7,005,043,026.\n$$\nThis means we can catch the pirates in at most 7,005,043,026 hours, or about 800 millennia. Better later than never!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Was ist der Unterschied zwischen den Fragewörtern \"wieso\", \"weshalb\" und \"warum\"? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Es gibt im heutigen Deutschen keinen semantischen Unterschied zwischen den drei Frageadverbien (genauer: Kausalfrageadverbien) warum, weshalb und wieso. Die drei Wörter sind also Synonyme und somit beliebig gegeneinander austauschbar.\nWenn man sehr feinsinnig ist, könnte man im Ursprung der drei Wörter folgende Unterscheidung finden:\n\n* warum als Frage nach dem Grund oder dem Motiv\n\n Warum freut sich die Frau?\n Weil sie im Lotto gewonnen hat.\n\n* wieso als Frage nach der Ursache\n\n Wieso fällt ein Apfel auf den Boden?\n Weil er der Schwerkraft ausgesetzt ist.\n\n* weshalb als Frage nach dem Zweck\n\n Weshalb besucht er die Schule?\n Weil er etwas lernen möchte.\n\n\nEtymologie\n\n* warum\nbezeugt im Althochdeutschen wār umbe über Mittelhochdeutschen warumbe aus wār wo und umbe um. Gleichgestellt zu worum; Quelle: Grimmsches Wörterbuch\n* wieso\nÜbertragung aus dem lateinischen qui sic? → wie so? alt. Ital. per che?, modern Ital.: perché? = per che ragione? (\"aus welchem Grund\"); Quelle: Grimmsches Wörterbuch\n* weshalb\naus welchem Grunde – Verschmelzung der Präposition halb(en) (wegen) mit dem vorangestellten Genitiv des Pronomens was; Quelle: Grimmsches Wörterbuch \n\nAllerdings sind die Grenzen zwischen den Begriffen häufig verwischt und in der Alltagssprache wird diese Unterscheidung kaum wahrgenommen." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Create csv file with python" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "CSV stands for comma-separated values, which is a simple file format to store data in a structured layout. Here is an example of how to create a CSV file with the python `csv` module.\n\n```\n# Sample data to write to CSV\ndata = [\n ['Name', 'Gender', 'Occupation'],\n ['Bob', 'Male', 'Professor'],\n ['Lily', 'Female', 'Software Engineer'],\n ['Alex', 'Male', 'Student']\n]\n\n# Specify the file name and mode ('w' for write)\nfilename = 'example.csv'\n\n# Open the CSV file in write mode\nwith open(filename, 'w', newline='') as csvfile:\n # Create a CSV writer object\n csvwriter = csv.writer(csvfile)\n\n # Write the data to the CSV file\n csvwriter.writerows(data)\n```\nIn the example above, we import the csv module which provides functionality to read from and write to CSV files. First, we define the data to write to the CSV as a list of lists, where each inner list represents a row in the CSV file. We then open a file with the write mode (`w`), and create a csv.writer object to write data to the CSV file. Finally, we use the writerows() method to write the entire list of lists (i.e. data) to the CSV file. The newline='' parameter is used to prevent extra newlines from being written to the file." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I heard north ridge of mount Stuart from my friends, can you tell me more?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure thing! This iconic North American climb is a 1200 ft (364 m) multi-pitch alpine trad route with 18 pitches, rated as Grade III. It is a famous alpine rock route, not just in Washington, but nationally. First ascended by John Rupley & Don Gordon (1956) [Great Gendarme] and James Wickwire & Fred Stanley (1964), it's a must-do for alpine rock enthusiasts.\n\nRoute Overview:\nFrom the Stuart Glacier notch, approximately 11 pitches of low/mid 5th class climbing lead to the Gendarme's base. Despite the enjoyable exposed climbing, the Gendarme features the most remarkable pitches. Two crux 5.9 pitches await, with the first being a steep dihedral offering good rests between challenging sections. Traverse to the offwidth, power through it, and tackle one more 5.8-5.9 pitch before the final three pitches of low 5th.\n\nEquipment:\nGear preferences vary. Carry your usual equipment for long alpine rock routes. If you want extra security in the cruxy 5.9 offwidth, carry one 3.5\" piece. You may need an ice axe and crampons if you approach via the glacier. \n\nGetting there:\nDrive I-90 to exit 85, turn left to join SR-970. Drive 6.6 mi and turn left on Teanaway River Road. Follow north fork road approximately 23 mil to the end of road.\n\nApproach and Descends:\nMultiple approach options exist, each with pros and cons. Either approach from the south via Longs Pass TH or from the north via Mountaineer Creek. Acquire a topographic map to determine the best route. If approaching from LPTH, head to Ingalls Lake, traverse ledges around the lake's east side, follow the trail to Stuart Pass, and descend northwest on talus. Ascend more talus to Goat Pass, traverse Stuart Glacier, and reach the 4th class gully leading to the North Ridge's prominent notch, marking the beginning of the upper ridge. If descending via LPTH, head down from the summit towards the false summit via blocky terrain, follow cairns and a ledge system east, and descend the seemingly endless Cascadian Couloir, eventually reaching Ingalls Creek.\nScramble to the false summit. Descend steep snow or scree then keep right through sparse trees to enter the Cascadian Couloir. Descend all the way to the valley floor, and then you can go back to via Long’s peak or Ingalls Lake. \n\nThis route is incredible and a must-do for anyone at ease with alpine rock climbing at this level. Keep in mind, though, that it's quite challenging and requires serious commitment. Just make sure you're prepared and always stay safe!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you implement KMP Algorithm with python?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Knuth–Morris–Pratt algorithm (or KMP algorithm) is a string-searching algorithm that searches for occurrences of a \"word\" W within a main \"text string\" S by employing the observation that when a mismatch occurs, the word itself embodies sufficient information to determine where the next match could begin, thus bypassing re-examination of previously matched characters.```\n\n```\n# Python3 program for KMP Algorithm\nclass KMP:\n def partial(self, pattern):\n \"\"\" Calculate partial match table: String -> [Int]\"\"\"\n ret = [0]\n \n for i in range(1, len(pattern)):\n j = ret[i - 1]\n while j > 0 and pattern[j] != pattern[i]:\n j = ret[j - 1]\n ret.append(j + 1 if pattern[j] == pattern[i] else j)\n return ret\n \n def search(self, T, P):\n \"\"\" \n KMP search main algorithm: String -> String -> [Int] \n Return all the matching position of pattern string P in T\n \"\"\"\n partial, ret, j = self.partial(P), [], 0\n \n for i in range(len(T)):\n while j > 0 and T[i] != P[j]:\n j = partial[j - 1]\n if T[i] == P[j]: j += 1\n if j == len(P): \n ret.append(i - (j - 1))\n j = partial[j - 1]\n \n return ret\n\nkmp = KMP()\ntxt = \"abdabeabfabc\"\npat = \"abc\"\nkmp.search(txt, pat)\n```\n\nThe output of the above code is:\n\n```\n9\n```\n\nThe Time Complexity of this algorithm is O(N) and the auxiliary space needed for KMP is O(M)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are the most common curse words, or expletives, that people utter, when angry?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sometimes people use profanity to express anger. I'd rather not repeat them because it is impolite." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you make a seaborn box plot that plots two different array with numbered labels for the median and 95th percentiles, trimming outliers?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a solution that uses the Python data visualization library Seaborn to create a boxplot from two different arrays, while labeling the median and 95th percentiles and trimming outliers:\n\n```\nimport numpy as np\nimport seaborn as sns\nimport matplotlib.pyplot as plt\n\n# input arrays\narray1 = np.random.rand(50)\narray2 = np.random.rand(50) \ndata = np.vstack([array1, array2]).T\nlabels = ['Array 1', 'Array 2']\n\n# Create the boxplot and trim outliers\nax = sns.boxplot(data=data, whis=(0, 95))\n\n# Set the x-axis labels\nax.set_xticklabels(labels)\n\n# Label the median and 95th percentiles\nfor i, label in enumerate(labels):\n median = np.median(data[:, i])\n p95 = np.percentile(data[:, i], 95)\n ax.annotate(f'Median: {median:.2f}', xy=(i, median), xytext=(i - 0.25, median - 0.1))\n ax.annotate(f'95th: {p95:.2f}', xy=(i, p95), xytext=(i - 0.25, p95 + 0.1)\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am a librarian at the Technion. The Technion is a public polytechnic university in Haifa, Israel. Please help me write a FAQ page for the Technion's library system. It should include questions and answers in the following categories:\n* General\n* Circulation\n* Computing & Network\n* Peripheral Equipment\n* Off-Campus Access\n* Historical Archive\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "#General\n\n###Who is eligible to receive service?\n\nTechnion libraries are open to the general public. Academic staff, administrative staff and students at the Technion may borrow books and peripheral equipment while presenting a valid student / employee card.\n\nTechnion Email enables access to the digital library without any special registration.\n\nLibrary card access (for tracking paper format books loans and requests) is only possible for those with Technion identification (email and password).\n\n###Is there accessibility for people with disabilities?\n\nThe Central Library is accessible to people with disabilities. For accessibility information in other Technion libraries contact the relevant library.\n\n#Circulation\n\n###Is it allowed to return a book borrowed from one library to another on campus?\n\nIt is recommended to return books to the library from which they were loaned.\n\n###Is it possible to self-extend the loan period on the card after receiving an email notification to return the item?\n\nYou can try to independently extend the loan on the card. If there are still requests for the item, it must be returned on the specified due date.\n\n###Can I borrow a dictionary for an exam?\n\nThe stock of dictionaries is limited, so it is therefore advisable to check in advance the collection containing all details of its availability.\n\n#Computing & Network\n\n###I cannot remember a password and username to a network connection. What should I do?\n\nThe library is not responsible for passwords for encrypted networks and you should contact the Faculty computing manager or the Division of Computing and Information Systems:\n“Eduroam” Network – a worldwide secure network that allows easy connection to the Wi-Fi network in academic institutions around the world with a one-time setup only. [Link to Login Instructions]\n\n###Which software is currently installed on the libraries’ computers?\n\nEach library has different software installed.\n\nThese software are currently installed on the Central Library’s computers.\n\nTechnion students can also install certain software (such as Visual Studio, SolidWorks, Matlab and more) free of charge.\n\n#Peripheral Equipment\n\n###Can I borrow from the library a mobile charger / a laptop / headphones / calculator?\n\nContact the relevant library regarding borrowing any peripherals equipment.\n\n###Should I pay for printing, scanning and photography services?\n\nPrinting and photography services are per pay. The charges and the technical handling of printers are under the responsibility of [Charging System]. Contact information of [Charing Company] representatives can be found at the printers’ area. Scanning services are provided free of charge (copiers which are also used for scanning are indicated at the printers’ area).\n\n#Off-Campus Access\n\n###How do I connect from home to the library electronic resources?\n\nHome connection requires an identification in the Technion’s unified system. All information about the various access options is available on the off-campus access page.\n\n###I cannot connect from home - what should I do?\n\nPlease open a ticket at the Technion HelpDesk (Hebrew only).\n\n###I do not remember my Technion account information. Who should I turn to?\n\nAccount information can be self-recovered. If necessary, contact the Technion HelpDesk.\n\n###I have a faculty / unit account, can I use this account to connect library resources off-campus?\n\nAccess is only available with these accounts: @[domain address 1] or @[domain address 2].\n\n###Can I connect from abroad as well?\n\nSure. Access is available from anywhere and with any network, and since it is a web-based system, is also accessible from any device (computer, tablet or smartphone with Internet access).\n\n#Historical Archive\n\n###What can be found in the Technion's historical archive?\n\nThe historical archive contains:\n* Documents, letters, protocols and photocopies of newspaper articles.\n* A partial heritage of Alexander Baerwald.\n* A collection of photos and historical photographs.\n* A collection of military programs by Professor Yohanan Ratner.\n* A partial collection of maps by Gottlieb Schumacher.\n\n###Is it necessary to book in advance a visit to the Historical Archive?\n\nYes, visit by appointment only. Please contact the department’s email stating the search topic and the purpose of using the materials. A visit will be coordinated during the Historical Archive opening hours, [Open Time].\n\n###Is it possible to borrow the materials from the Historical Archive?\n\nNo, the materials are not borrowable, and are not taken out of the archive’s climate control room while browsing.\n\n###Do I need to pay for the service?\n\nNo, the Historical Archive does not charge for visiting or for using the materials.\n\n###Where can I find campus statistics?\n\nFor campus statistics – please contact the Communication and External Relations Unit or the Construction and Maintenance Division." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What if you could spend your life never sleeping? What would you do with the extra hours in each day?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If I could spend my life never sleeping, some of the things I might do with that extra time include:\n\n* Spend more time with friends and family. I can use the extra time to develop stronger ties and bonds with my loved ones, including my family members and close friends. I might watch films more often with them or host games at night that we can play together. Or, I might organize more potluck parties where each one bring a dish. \n\n* Enjoy my favorite hobbies more (or discover new ones). I could use the extra time to take dance and music lessons, read more fiction books, collect action figures, etc. In addition, I would love to develop some new hobbies that I have always wanted to try, e.g. skiing and bouldering. \n\n* Travel and see more of the world. If I had lots of extra time, I would use them to travel around the world to experience life in different ways. I could explore new places, cultures, cuisines, traditions, and ways of living. I can also make friends with people from different backgrounds.\n\n* Exercise and improve my physical condition. With more extra time, I would become more active and commit to a healtier lifestyle. For example, I'll stick to a regular fitness plan and increase my physical activity by adding strength training and taking a Yogo class. \n\n* Work more to advance my career and personal growth. I might use the extra time to learn new skills outside of my primary career. For example, I would learn a new language or pursue a part-time job in art history or education. Moreover, I would get out of my comfort zone and become more proactive in buidling my network. \n\n* Get more involved in my community. With all of the extra time available to me, I could devote myself to volunteering or giving back to my local community. This might involve working with organizations like soup kitchens, animal shelters, or environmental conservation groups. Alternatively, I might consider starting my own nonprofit organization focused on addressing issues that matter most to me. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Imagine you are in charge of reforming school education, what would you change?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If I were in charge of reforming school education, here are some changes I would make:\n\n* Reduce standardized tests and eliminate the stigma associated with failing them. The focus on testing is harmful in so many ways. It encourages teaching to the test and rote learning. It leads to gaming the system by teachers and students. It leads to a narrowing of the curriculum as schools focus on the subjects that are tested. It discriminates against kids who aren't good at taking tests, especially kids with ADHD, dyslexia and other learning disabilities. There needs to be more evaluation of critical thinking and reasoning skills, and less emphasis on memorization and regurgitation. \n* Enhance teacher training and support. I would make teacher education more rigorous, with more emphasis on pedagogy and less on content. A good teacher does not need to know all the answers, but needs to know how to find the answers, and how to inspire and guide students. In addition, I would make it compulsory for teachers to keep updating their knowledge of both their subject and of teaching methods. \n* Increase government fundings for teacher training. I would invest heavily in teacher training and professional development and ensure that teachers are well supported, respected and fairly paid.<\\lit>\n* Introduce a course on logical fallacies, starting with the most basic ones like appeal to authority, ad hominem, red herring, tu quoque, appeal to tradition, appeal to emotion, etc. I would also introduce a course on critical thinking, which would be more practical than the previous one. Students would learn how to formulate arguments and evaluate them, how to distinguish between good and bad arguments, etc.\n* Ensure that students receive a balanced curriculum including the arts, humanities and sciences. Schools should be evaluated on how well they develop the whole student, including their social, emotional and physical wellbeing.<\\lit>" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why some women go up a shoe size after pregnancy?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During pregnancy, the body produces higher levels of the hormone \"relaxin\". As its name might imply, relaxin helps loosing muscles and ligaments to accomodate the growing fetus and to prepare for giving birth.\nThe ligaments in the feet loosen as well, causing the bones to strech further apart. This effect is amplified by the added pregnancy weight, causing some women to go up a full shoe size during pregnancy." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you write an email to remind the residents of an upcoming annual fire alarm in the building today?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear Residents,\n\nWe hope you all are having a wonderful week!\nThis is a friendly reminder that the annual apartment fire alarm testing will begin today.\n\nPlease expect a visit from the Maintenance Team and the Fire Alarm Company today. They will need access to your apartment, so please make accommodations and ensure your pets are in a safe location. Additionally, you do not need to be home for the duration of the testing. The testing will be between [Time] AM and [Time] PM (The testing may not last until [Time]).\nThere will be intermittent alarms going off, so if you are noise sensitive, please make arrangements to be out of the community for the duration of the testing or stop by the leasing office for ear plugs.\n\nFAQs\n1. The Fire Alarm Team will need to view the fire alarms present in the home to ensure their functionality.\n2. The Fire Alarm Team will not be taking off their shoes or putting on shoe-covers as this is time-consuming; please place mats or rugs in your apartment for the team to tread on.\n\nWe thank you for your continued support for the community while the team ensures that the property is up to the [StateName] Safety Code.\nPlease contact the Leasing Office if you have any questions, concerns, or clarifications through our email [Email Address] or on our phone at [Phone Number].\n\nSincerely,\n[Team Name]\n[Address]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you evaluate and compare the accomplishments of Michael Jordan and LeBron James using the data presented in the table, covering various aspects?\n\n\n| | Michael Jordan | LeBron James |\n|-----------------------|----------------|--------------|\n| final championships | 6 | 4 |\n| MVP | 5 | 4 |\n| FMVP | 6 | 4 |\n| All-star Team | 14 | 17 |\n| Total Score | 32292 | 38652 |\n| Field goal percentage | 49.70% | 50.42% |\n| Free throw percentage | 83.50% | 72.30% |\n| Assist | 5633 | 10420 |\n| Rebound | 6672 | 10550 |\n| Steal | 2514 | 2102 |\n| Block | 893 | 1065 |\n| Triple pair | 28 | 105 |" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Michael Jordan and LeBron James are widely considered to be two of the greatest basketball players of all time, with both having accomplished a significant amount in their careers. However, the evaluation of their achievements is open to personal interpretation, and there is no clear consensus on which one is superior. The table data that follows provides an impartial summary of their accomplishments.\n\n* Final championships: Michael Jordan has been victorious in six NBA championship tournaments, whereas LeBron James has attained four NBA championship titles.\n* MVP awards: Both players have won four NBA MVP awards.\n* Finals MVP awards: Michael Jordan has won six NBA Finals MVP awards, while LeBron James has won four NBA Finals MVP awards.\n* All-Star appearances: Jordan was chosen as an All-Star team member on 14 occasions, whereas James has been selected 17 times.\n* Total score: LeBron James has scored more total points than Michael Jordan, with 38652 points compared to Jordan's 32292 points.\n* Field goal percentage: LeBron James has a slightly higher field goal percentage than Michael Jordan, with a percentage of 50.42% compared to Jordan's 49.70%.\n* Free throw percentage: Michael Jordan has a significantly higher free throw percentage than LeBron James, with a percentage of 83.50% compared to James's 72.30%.\n* Assists: LeBron James has more career assists than Michael Jordan, with 10420 assists compared to Jordan's 5633.\n* Rebounds: LeBron James has more career rebounds than Michael Jordan, with 10550 rebounds compared to Jordan's 6672.\n* Steals: Michael Jordan has more career steals than LeBron James, with 2514 steals compared to James's 2102.\n* Blocks: LeBron James has more career blocks than Michael Jordan, with 1065 blocks compared to Jordan's 893.\n* Triple doubles: LeBron James has more career triple doubles than Michael Jordan, with 105 triple doubles compared to Jordan's 28.\n\nTaking all these factors into consideration, we can conclude that Jordan and James are both exceptional players who have achieved high levels of success in different eras and circumstances. While the comparison between the two players is to some extent subjective, their performances and achievements cannot be ignored. We should cherish the classic games and memories of these two players and respect their individual talents and achievements. It should also be noted that while the two players are very similar in many ways, they are also very different. Therefore, we should not compare them too much, but appreciate them for their individual characteristics and achievements." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are the main differences between Xbox and PlayStation?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both Xbox and PlayStation are leading gaming consoles, accounting together for the vast majority of the console market. Some notable differences between the two include:\n\n* Manufacturer: Xbox is developed by Microsoft, while PlayStation is developed by Sony.\n\n* Games: Both consoles feature a wide selection of games, with some titles distributed exclusively for PlayStation (e.g. God of War) or Xbox (e.g. Halo). PlayStation typically has more exclusive games.\n\n* Controller: PlayStation has an almost symmetric controller, while the Xbox controller has an offset analog stick, which is more suitable for adult hands.\n\nAdditional differences include console design, online services, and VR support. Ultimately, selecting a gaming console depends on your personal preferences." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can Asian people see with those tiny slit for eyes?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Asian people having tiny eyes is a false stereotype and generally considered as racism. The eye shape of a person is determined by their genes, not race or ethinicity." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm the admin of a Facebook group about hiking in my area. As we're heading into the summer, I'd like to remind members to be mindful of safety. Can you draft a post for me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "🛑 Safety First! 🛑\n\nHey everyone! Now that the weather is warming up and we're all enjoying nature, I wanted to share a few safety tips to help everyone stay safe on the trails 😎\n\n💦 Pack plenty of water\n👫 Hike in groups\n⚡ Charge your phones\n🧭 Use apps like AllTrails to keep track of where you're going\n🐍 Look and listen for rattlesnakes - if you see one, keep your distance!\n🦟 Use mosquito spray, and shower after hikes to wash off any insects\n☀️ Wear sunscreen!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Pretend to be a news reporter. How would you ask questions during an interview with a public figure?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An important thing to remember when interviewing anyone is that you already know the broad strokes of what they're going to say. You did your research beforehand, you know their position on the topic, you probably have a good idea of their background and how they came to their position. What you want to do is get them to fill in the details, to provide color and depth to the story.\n\nHre are some example questions I would ask if I were a news reporter:\n\n(Opening statement) Good evening. I'm (name), and this is (name of show). Tonight, we're joined by (name of guest), (title or occupation of guest). Thank you for joining us.\n(First question) Let's start at the beginning. How did you become involved in (subject of interview)?\n(Second question) Many of our viewers may not be familiar with the intricacies of (subject of interview). Can you explain (complex concept in subject) in terms the average person can understand?\n(Third question) (Name of guest), you've been extremely critical of (name of opponent or person with opposing viewpoint). Do you feel your statements have been misconstrued, or do you stand by them?\n(Fourth question) (Name of guest), you've been involved in (subject of interview) for (number of years). How do you feel the situation has changed over that time?\n(Final question) (Name of guest), we've just about run out of time, but I'd like to give you a chance to make one final statement, or to address any issues that we haven't covered tonight." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What if the moon had never formed?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The moon was critical to the formation of life as we know it. The huge tides generated by the moon's gravity allowed chemical building blocks to mix from different parts of the planet. The early moon also helped slow the Earth's rotation and stabilize the tilt - resulting in our seasons." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the difference between parliamentary and presidential democracies?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Democracies come in various shapes and sizes. One way of classifying democracies is into presidential, semi-presidential, and parliamentary democracies. The key differences lie in the checks and balances between the executive branch (the government) and the legislative branch (the legislature):\n\n* In a presidential democracy, the government is not responsible to the legislature, i.e. it cannot be removed by a vote of no-confidence. For example, in the United States, the president is elected separately from Congress, and cannot be removed by congress during their term, apart from extreme circumstances (impeachment and conviction).\n\n* In a semi-presidential democracy, the head of state is elected independently of the legislature, and is not responsible to the legislature, but the government is. For example, France is a semi-presidential democracy, where the president is elected directly by the citizens, but the government and prime minister are voted in by the parliament.\n\n* In a parliamentary democracy, the government is responsible to the legislature, aligning the executive and legislative branches. Many parliamentary democracies elect their head of state via the legislature, while others, such as the United Kingdom, have a hereditary head of state." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write an essay with an Outline on the following topic: \"How to learn a foreign language?\" with max of 350 words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Learning a foreign language is an important skill that can open up countless opportunities and experiences. Whether for travel, work, or personal growth, knowing how to speak a second or third language is a valuable asset in today’s increasingly globalized world. While it may sometimes seem like a daunting undertaking, there are several key strategies that can help make learning a new language easier and more effective.\n\nOne of the first steps in learning a foreign language is to set a goal. This could be something as simple as learning a few key phrases before a trip abroad or something more long term, such as achieving fluency in a language for work or personal reasons. Setting a goal provides a clear endpoint and motivation to keep going.\n\nOnce a goal has been established, it’s important to create a structured learning plan. This can include setting aside dedicated study time each day or week, focusing on specific aspects of the language (such as grammar or vocabulary), and setting measurable benchmarks to track progress. A learning plan keeps things organized and ensures that steady progress is being made toward the ultimate goal.\n\nImmersion is one of the best ways to learn a foreign language quickly and effectively. This can involve watching movies without subtitles, reading books in the target language, listening to podcasts, or even taking a trip to a foreign country. Immersive learning helps build confidence speaking the language and exposes learners to new words and concepts in a natural way.\n\nPracticing regularly is essential when learning a foreign language. This can take many forms, including talking to native speakers, practicing with flashcards, using online programs, or simply thinking in the target language. Practice reinforces what has already been learned and helps develop new skills. It also builds confidence, which is crucial for improving language ability.\n\nIt’s important to remember that learning a foreign language takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if progress seems slow - every little bit counts! With dedication and perseverance, anyone can become multilingual." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Here are a few paragraphs that I took out of Wikipedia:\n* The Warp Pipe is a common method of transportation used in many of the Mario series games. Warp Pipes are most often green but also appear in other colors (early games included silver pipes, newer games have introduced red, green, blue and yellow pipes), and have many uses in the series. Warp Pipes can also contain enemies, usually Piranha Plants, and sometimes launch the player into the air (most commonly seen in the New Super Mario Bros. series). In early Mario games such as Super Mario Bros., special, well-hidden areas known as Warp Zones contain pipes that allow players to skip several worlds (handfuls of levels) at once.[19] In the New Super Mario Bros. series, pipe-shaped Warp Cannons work similarly to the Warp Zones of the earlier games and are unlocked by finding secret exits in levels. Cannons appear in most of the 3D games in the series starting with Super Mario 64. The character uses the cannon by jumping into the barrel, aiming themself and being fired at a distant target. This allows the character to progress through a level or reach otherwise inaccessible areas.\n* Much of the supporting cast was introduced in the succeeding games for the Genesis and its add-ons. Sonic 2 introduced Sonic's sidekick Miles \"Tails\" Prower, a fox who can fly using his two tails.[208] Sonic CD introduced Amy Rose, a pink hedgehog and Sonic's self-proclaimed girlfriend, and Metal Sonic, a robotic doppelgänger of Sonic created by Eggman.[209] Sonic 3 introduced Sonic's rival Knuckles, a red echidna and the guardian of the Master Emerald.[210] The Master Emerald, introduced in Sonic & Knuckles,[211] controls the power of the Chaos Emeralds.[201] Knuckles' Chaotix introduced the Chaotix, a group comprising Espio the Chameleon, Vector the Crocodile, and Charmy Bee.[212] A number of characters introduced during this period, such as Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel from SegaSonic the Hedgehog and Fang the Sniper from Sonic Triple Trouble (1994), faded into obscurity, although they sometimes reappear.[38][213]\n* Some Easter eggs originated from in-jokes between members of the development team. One example is \"Toasty\", which found its way into the game in the form of a small image of sound designer Dan Forden, who would appear in the corner of the screen during gameplay (after performing an uppercut) and yell the phrase \"Toasty!\", originating from him saying \"you're toast\".[45] This egg was also the key to unlocking the hidden character Smoke when it happened in the Portal stage in Mortal Kombat II.[42] In Mortal Kombat 4, Forden would say \"Toasty! 3D!\" after Scorpion did his burn Fatality, a reference to the fact that it is the first 3D game of the series.[46] \"Toasty!\" is also found in Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, appearing randomly after the character pulls off a chain of hits, though the picture of Forden was removed for that title,[47] but brought back for the 2011 Mortal Kombat game. Yet another private joke was the hidden character Noob Saibot, who has appeared in various versions of the game starting with Mortal Kombat II. The character's name derived from two of the series' creators' surnames, Ed Boon and John Tobias, spelled backwards.[48] In addition, a counter for ERMACS on the game's audits screen (ERMACS being short for error macros), was interpreted by some players as a reference to a hidden character in the original Mortal Kombat. The development team decided to turn the rumor into reality, introducing Ermac in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 as an unlockable secret character.[49][50] The hidden character Mokap, introduced in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, is a tribute to Carlos Pesina, who played Raiden in MK and MKII and has served as a motion capture actor for subsequent titles in the series.[51]\n\nWrite 10 quiz questions based on the information in these paragraphs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are 10 trivia questions based on the three Wikipedia paragraphs you have provided:\n\n1. In the Super Mario video game series, which color is a typical warp pipe?\n2. In newer Super Mario games, which alternative mode of transportation serves as a similar mode of transportation to warp pipes?\n3. In the original Super Mario Bros. series, how can Mario skip several worlds at once?\n4. In Super Mario video games, which enemies typically appear in warp pipes?\n5. Who is the guardian of the Master Emerald in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise?\n6. Who is Sonic the Hedgehog's girlfriend?\n7. Who was Sonic the Hedgehog's first sidekick?\n8. Who played Raiden in the first two Mortal Kombat video games?\n9. In Mortal Kombat II, what could trigger the \"Toasty!\" sound effect?\n10. In the Mortal Kombat video game, there is a character named Noob Saibot. What is the origin of his name?" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Calculate $\\int\\left( \\sqrt{\\tan x}+\\sqrt{\\cot x}\\right)dx$" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here is the solution.\n\n$$I=\\int\\left( \\sqrt{\\tan x}+\\sqrt{\\cot x}\\right)dx$$\n$$=\\int \\frac{\\sin x+\\cos x}{\\sqrt{\\sin x\\cos x}} dx$$\nPutting $\\sin x-\\cos x=u$, $du=(\\cos x+\\sin x)dx, u^2=1-2\\sin x\\cos x,\\sin x\\cos x=\\frac{u^2-1}2$\n$$I=\\int \\frac{\\sqrt 2du }{\\sqrt{1-u^2}}=\\sqrt 2\\arcsin u+C=\\sqrt 2\\arcsin(\\sin x-\\cos x)+C$$ \nwhere $C$ is an arbitrary constant for an indefinite integral." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What if the internet had never been invented? How would that have affected communication and society?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If the internet had never been invented, the world would be a very different place.\nThe most immediate difference would be a much slower pace of technological development. The internet allows ideas to be shared instantly, and for collaboration between individuals who may be thousands of miles apart. It allows companies to outsource work to people all over the world, and for people to find information and learn new things at incredible speeds.\nWithout the internet, all of these things would be much slower. It would take years for a new idea to spread around the world, for example, and companies would have to rely on people local to their business for all of their workforce.\nThe world would also be a much less connected place. It's easy to forget, as the internet has become such a huge part of our lives, that it's really only been around for a couple of decades. Before then, it was still possible to travel and communicate internationally, but it was much more difficult, and as a result, the world was a much bigger place.\nWithout the internet, we would see more regional cultures and identities. In a world where it takes years for new ideas to spread, cultures have a much better chance to grow and flourish independently.\nWe would also see a much bigger difference between rich and poor countries. The internet has allowed developing countries to leapfrog in many areas of technology, for example in the way that many people in Africa have skipped landline phone networks and gone straight to mobile phones. Without the internet, these kinds of leapfrogging effects would be much less common." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Show me the current stock price." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am sorry, but as an AI assistant I don't have access to real-time information, such as the weather and stock information. Feel free to ask me something else." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to append an item to list in a for loop in python?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To append an item to a list, you can use the list object's `append()` method. Below is a running example where we want to append the integers from 1 to 10 to the original list `l`.\n\n```\n# original list\nl = [-3, -2, -1, 0]\n# for loop for adding integer\nfor i in range(11):\n # append an integer\n l.append(i)\n\n# print out the modified list\nprint(l)\n```\n\nThe output of the above code is \n```\n[-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Who are you?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am an AI language model developed by Meta. I am here to try to answer your questions. Feel free to ask me anything, and I will do my best to assit you." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can you tell if someone is being truthful or lying to you?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To tell if someone if being truthful or lying to you, here are a few things to look for:\n\n* Look for inconsistencies in what they say. If one time they said one thing, and another time they said the opposite, or if they contradict themselves within the same conversation, that's a sign that they may be lying. \n\n* Look for signs of stress. Liars often have a harder time lying when they're under more stress. Pay attention to whether or not they seem nervous. Are they fidgeting? Stuttering? Avoiding eye contact? These can all be signs that they're lying to you. However, some people are good liars, and can lie with a straight face. This is why it's best to look for multiple signs that they're lying.\n\n* Pay attention to what they don't say. If someone is lying to you, they may leave out details, or fail to correct you when you make an assumption that isn't true. \n\n* Ask follow-up questions. Liars often give short answers because they're trying to avoid giving details that may incriminate them. Follow up with questions like, \"Why did you do that?\" or \"How did that happen?\" to see if they're fumbling for an answer.\n\n* Ask questions you already know the answer to. This is a great way to catch someone in a lie. If you know the answer, you can say, \"Oh, so it was you who broke the vase, not Kyle,\" and see if they correct you.\n\n* Look for micro-expressions. A micro-expression is a brief, involuntary facial expression that reveals someone's true emotions. People who are lying may make a micro-expression of anxiety or guilt. You have to pay close attention, because these expressions only last for a fraction of a second.\n\n* Pay attention if they change the subject. This is a classic sign of a liar. If someone is trying to distract you from the truth, they may change the subject or try to redirect the conversation.\n\nAnd remember, people lie for many reasons. The simple fact that someone is lying to you does not mean that they are guilty of the crime you are investigating. They may be protecting someone else, or themselves from something embarrassing, or they may be lying about something completely unrelated. Always keep the reason for your questioning in mind, and be prepared to pursue other lines of inquiry based on the information you learn." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am 30 years old, is it too late to start learning piano now?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's never too late to learn the piano. However, it will be harder for you than for a child:\n\n* You have to make a conscious decision to practice, whereas a child just does it because their parents told them to. This makes it easier to skip practice when you don't feel like it.\n* You probably have other responsibilities (work, family) that take up time and energy. A child usually has nothing but time and energy. This means you'll have to be more efficient in your practice, and cut out all non-essential activities.\n* You're starting from zero. A child can learn a piece of music in a few days that would take you months to learn. This means you have to be patient and accept that you'll be playing nursery rhymes for a while.\n\nOn the other hand, you have some advantages over a child:\n\n* You can understand more abstract concepts. This means you can learn more efficiently, and don't have to rely on muscle memory as much.\n* You have a greater capacity for focused concentration. A child's attention span is very short. This means you can get more done in a single practice session.\n* You have a better sense of dedication and perseverance. A child will give up the moment it becomes difficult. You, on the other hand, will stubbornly keep trying until you succeed. This will get you through the initial stages much faster.\n\nThe conclusion is that it's not too late for you to learn the piano, but it will take a lot of effort and discipline. If you're willing to put in the work, you will succeed." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the weather today?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am sorry, but I am not programmed to have access to real-time information, such as the weather and stock information. Feel free to ask me something else." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm looking for a new science fiction book to read, and I hear that Andy Weir is pretty good. Tell about his novels, and explain why I should choose to read each one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Andy Weir has written some best-selling books in science fiction. Here is a list of Weir's three most critically-acclaimed works, including a short description and explanation for why you might want to read them:\n\n###The Martian\nDescription: An American astronaut, Mark Watney, becomes stranded alone on Mars in 2035, and must improvise in order to survive.\nWhy Read: The Martian features technical details worthy of a hard sci-fi novel with comical writing and a healthy amount of suspense. It won the Hugo Award and was adapted into a blockbuster movie.\n\n###Artemis\nDescription: Artemis takes place in the late 2080s in Artemis, the first and so far only city on the Moon. It follows the life of porter and smuggler Jasmine \"Jazz\" Bashara as she gets caught up in a conspiracy for control of the city.\nWhy Read: The novel combines the thrill of a heist with the right amount of scientific geekery associated with living on the moon. It won the Dragon Award for Best Science Fiction Novel.\n\n###Project Hail Mary\nDescription: Set in the near future, Project Hail Mary centers on middle school teacher-turned-astronaut Ryland Grace, who wakes up from a coma afflicted with amnesia. He gradually remembers that he was sent to the Tau Ceti solar system, 12 light-years from Earth, to find a means of reversing a solar dimming event that could cause the extinction of humanity.\nWhy Read: Project Hail Mary is a science fiction masterpiece. It won the Hugo Award and is being adapted into a movie." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you write C# code that can find the proper placement of queens on a chessboard?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The puzzle known as N queens is a problem that involves placing N chess queens on an N×N chessboard such that no two queens are capable of threatening each other. This means that a valid solution must ensure that no two queens are positioned on the same row, column, or diagonal of the board.\n\n```\n// C# code to for n Queen placement\nusing System;\n\nclass GfG\n{\n static void breakLine()\n {\n Console.Write(\"\\n---------------------------------\\n\");\n }\n\n // maximum size of the chessboard\n static int MAX = 10;\n\n // array to store queen placements\n static int[] arr = new int[MAX];\n\n // variable to count the number of solutions found\n static int no;\n\n // recursive function to find solutions\n static void nQueens(int k, int n)\n {\n // try all possible positions for queen in the current row\n for (int i = 1; i <= n; i++)\n {\n // check if queen can be placed at the current position\n if (canPlace(k, i))\n {\n // place the queen at the current position\n arr[k] = i;\n\n // if all queens are placed, display the solution\n if (k == n)\n {\n display(n);\n }\n else\n {\n // recursively try to place remaining queens\n nQueens(k + 1, n);\n }\n }\n }\n }\n\n // helper function to check if queen can be placed at the current position\n static bool canPlace(int k, int i)\n {\n for (int j = 1; j <= k - 1; j++)\n {\n // check if queen is already placed in the same column or diagonal\n if (arr[j] == i || (Math.Abs(arr[j] - i) == Math.Abs(j - k)))\n {\n return false;\n }\n }\n return true;\n }\n\n // function to display the solution\n static void display(int n)\n {\n breakLine();\n Console.Write(\"Arrangement No. \" + ++no);\n breakLine();\n\n for (int i = 1; i <= n; i++)\n {\n for (int j = 1; j <= n; j++)\n {\n // print '_' for empty cell and 'Q' for cell with queen\n if (arr[i] != j)\n {\n Console.Write(\"\\t_\");\n }\n else\n {\n Console.Write(\"\\tQ\");\n }\n }\n Console.WriteLine(\"\");\n }\n\n breakLine();\n }\n\n // Driver code to initialize the problem and call the recursive function\n public static void Main(String[] args)\n {\n int n = 4; // size of the chessboard\n nQueens(1, n);\n }\n}\n```\n\nThe above code will print the following output:\n```\n---------------------------------\nArrangement No. 1\n---------------------------------\n _ Q _ _\n _ _ _ Q\n Q _ _ _\n _ _ Q _\n\n---------------------------------\n\n---------------------------------\nArrangement No. 2\n---------------------------------\n _ _ Q _\n Q _ _ _\n _ _ _ Q\n _ Q _ _\n\n---------------------------------\n```\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What gives rise to musical ability, biologically speaking?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Based on a 2015 article from Nature Scientific Reports, many genes are \"turned on\" when performing a complex musical piece.\nThese genes are related to muscle control, neural flexibility and growth, and even to the pleasure center in the brain.\nInterestingly, variants of about a third of these genes were also previously identified as relating to song production and perception in songbirds." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In my room, I regularly have clothes that are clean enough not to go in the laundry, but not enough to go back in the wardrobe/closet. For example, a pair of jeans I wore yesterday, or a hoodie I slept in in the last few days. I currently put such clothes on a chair, but it usually just ends up as a pile of clothes.\n\nI am looking for a better alternative for keeping these clothes easily accessible, preferably one that looks less messy and occupies less space than a chair." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To keep you clothes easily accessible and less messy, one option is getting an IVAR side panel from IKEA.\nLean it against a wall at a slight angle and put these “limbo” clothes over the horizontal bars.\nIt comes in different sizes, and stands almost entirely flat against the wall if you don't use it. If you want it hidden, it usually fits behind a door pretty well.\nIn addition, it will also look rather unique compared to most people’s clothes-chair solution." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What would have happened if Ming dynasty China crossed the Pacific and settled the Americas during the 15th Century? Discuss the exact details of how something like this could happen and how it would effect history up to the present day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If Ming dynasty China had crossed the Pacific and settled the Americas during the 15th century, history as we know it would have been dramatically altered. Here is one speculation of how such a scenario might have unfolded and its potential repercussions up to the present day.\n\nReal History: In the early 1400s, the Ming dynasty, under Emperor Yongle, carried out ambitious naval expeditions led by Admiral Zheng He, who explored and established trade relations across the Indian Ocean and as far west as Africa.\n\nHypothetical Scenario: In this alternate history, Zheng He's fleet ventures further eastward, crossing the Pacific Ocean and reaching present-day California.\n\nHow does this scenario play out?\n\n* Upon discovering the Americas, the Chinese encounter indigenous civilizations and establish trading relations with them. This leads to the establishment of Chinese settlements along the Pacific coast of the Americas. Chinese settlers import advanced technologies, including gunpowder, paper, printing, and agricultural practices, transforming the lives of indigenous peoples. At the same time, the introduction of Old World diseases decimates indigenous populations, akin to the Columbian exchange in our timeline.\n\n* Over the 1500s and 1600s, hybrid Chinese-indigenous societies form throughout the Americas, forming unique cultures, languages, and religions. The trans-Pacific trade between China and its colonies sparks an economic golden age in China, making it the richest empire on Earth. By reinvesting its newfound wealth in its military, the Ming dynasty does not collapse as in our timeline, instead becoming the number one naval power in the world.\n\n* In parallel, Europeans do eventually arrive in the Americas and settle parts of the Atlantic coast. Contact between Chinese and European colonies, particularly in Central America, ignites a series of local conflicts, culminating in an acknowledgement of Chinese sovereignty over modern-day Mexico in exchange for civil and cultural rights for indigenous peoples and European settlers, enforced through a non-interventionist policy of the Chinese colonial government. By creating the world’s first de facto multicultural territory, this agreement facilitates a steady flow of goods, technologies, and ideas between Chinese, European, and indigenous cultures, influencing humanistic ideologies that spread throughout the New World.\n\n* Throughout the 1700s and 1800s, a unique American identity emerges from the multicultural melting pot, based on universal humanist values. This new generation of Americans finds itself at odds with Old World notions of national identity and monarchy, and eventually rebel against Chinese, European, and other external influences. Some colonies gain independence during this period, while other territories are annexed by the newly-independent American countries over the following century.\n\n* By the present day, the American continents host nations that are independent of their original Old World colonies, much like in our timeline, though they differ in geographical borders and ethno-cultural composition. China is more powerful and prosperous in this timeline, having benefited from its American colonies for three centuries.\n\nTo conclude, had Ming dynasty China crossed the Pacific and settled the Americas in the 15th century, history would have been significantly different. It is important to remember that the scenario presented here is purely hypothetical, and that the actual historical events followed a different path, with European powers ultimately dominating the colonization of the New World." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do you learn to play the guitar?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are several ways to learn how to play the guitar, including: \n\n* Taking lessons from a teacher who can help you learn and give personalized tips based on your level.\n* Using online videos and tutorials that offer free lessons and exercises for beginners.\n* Practicing independently using books or websites that teach basic techniques and songs.\n\nIt is important to remember that learning to play an instrument takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself and don't get discouraged if you don't see progress right away." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the genetic significance of humans being either left-handed or right-handed?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Handedness is a very interesting phenomenon, but it is not as simple as being either left or right handed.\nIn most people the brain is asymmetrical, with some functions, such as language, being localised to one hemisphere. In most people this is the left hemisphere, which leads to these people being right handed as they use their dominant hand to perform tasks involving fine motor control, such as writing. Left handed people have their language centres in the right hemisphere, and while they may perform other tasks with their left hand they can often do tasks involving fine motor control with either hand.\nThere are also people who are truly ambidextrous, capable of performing tasks with either hand equally well. These people, while rare, do not have brains that are symmetrical, but have developed connections between the two hemispheres that allow them to access both motor cortices.\nThe genetics of handedness are complex and not well understood. There does appear to be a genetic component, but it is not straightforward. Identical twins who are brought up in the same environment are not always both left or right handed, suggesting that environmental factors also play a role.\nOne of the most interesting things about handedness is how early it becomes apparent. Children as young as two years old can be assessed for handedness, and it is very rare for a child's handedness to change over time. This suggests that it is very strongly influenced by genetics, with environmental factors playing a minor role." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write an abstract for a machine learning paper that shows how to train a chatbot by fine-tuning a pretrained language model on 1000 carefully curated examples." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Language models have shown impressive results through a combination of unsupervised training, large scale instruction tuning, and reinforcement learning. We explore the relative importance of these approaches by fine-tuning a language model on only 1000 high-quality examples, and demonstrate remarkably strong performance. The training data comprises of carefully curated examples from [add sources]. We find that with only a handful of demonstrations, the model can quickly learn to follow specific answer formats, answering complex queries from planning trip itineraries to speculating about alternative histories. In a controlled human study, we observe that our simple approach brings the model to the same level of performance as industry-grade chatbots. These results support a hypothesis that almost all knowledge in large language models is learnt during pre-training, and only limited instruction tuning data is necessary to teach models to focus on modes corresponding to high quality outputs." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make a lesson plan to accommodate all of the learning difficulties in the classroom?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's important to note that accommodating all learning styles is not possible. If it was, schools would have to hire one teacher for each learning style, and that's not practical. Furthermore, there is little research that shows that accommodating learning styles improves student performance.\nThat being said, it is important to accommodate different learning needs. You can try to do this when you create a lesson plan to keep the students engaged:\n\n* Have clear objectives for each lesson and making sure to review these objectives before starting the lesson (this helps students know what is expected of them)\n* Have variety of activities to help students practice the skills being learned (this helps students with different learning styles practice the skills)\n* Have some flexibility in how the activities are completed (this helps students with different learning styles complete the activities in a way that works for them)\n* Have some extra help time built into the lesson to allow students to ask questions and receive extra help if needed (this helps all students, but especially those with learning difficulties)\n* Give students opportunities to work with each other to practice the skills (this helps all students, but especially those with learning difficulties)\n* Provide extra practice outside of class (this helps all students, but especially those with learning difficulties)\n\nI hope this helps!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have a 7yo son. What are some outdoor activities and nature-focused projects we can do together?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some outdoor activities and nature-focused projects you could try to do together, some of which require little or no preparation:\n\n* Go on nature walks and look for different kinds of trees, leaves, and flowers. Look for different types of rocks and pick up interesting ones to look at closely. Take a bag to put interesting things in.\n* Go to a park and play on the swings, slide, and other equipment. Look for interesting trees, plants, and rocks.\n* Go to a local farm and see what's growing. Check out the animals if they have any (chickens, goats, pigs, horses, etc.).\n* Go geocaching with a handheld GPS. It's a high-tech version of a treasure hunt. You can find caches all over the place.\n* Go hiking. Find a local trail and go for a walk.\n* Play in a stream or pond. Look for different types of rocks and minerals. Look for fish and other critters.\n* Build a fort in the woods. Use sticks and leaves to decorate it.\n* Go rock climbing at a local climbing gym. Find a bouldering area if they have one. It's a fun way to climb without the risk of falling very far.\n* Have a picnic lunch in the woods." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I need to complain to HR about how my boss has been treating me. Write me an email." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Subject: Complaint Regarding [Issue]\n\nDear HR Manager,\n\nI am writing this email to bring to your attention an issue that I have been having with my boss, [Boss' Name]. Over the past few months, [Explain the problem in detail, including any relevant dates and names]. This has negatively affected my ability to perform my duties at work, and has created a hostile environment for me in the office.\n\nUnfortunately, I feel that this situation cannot be resolved without intervention from HR. Please consider this my formal complaint against [Boss' Name], and let me know what steps I need to take next to ensure that this matter is addressed appropriately. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have a very long integer given as a string. Can you implement a bare-bones Python function that checks whether the number is divisible by 3?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Since the given number may be too large to fit into a built-in number type and apply the modulo (%) operator, we will rely on the divisibility rule for 3:\n> A number is completely divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3.\n\nHere is a Python implementation of this divisibility test:\n\n# Python program to find if a number is\n```\ndef div3(num) :\n # Compute sum of digits\n remainder = 0\n for digit in num:\n remainder += int(digit)\n remainder %= 3\n return (remainder == 0)\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you help me write a touching and compelling AD for a cozy cocktail bar?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At [Bar Name], we aim to offer a distinctive and unforgettable experience that is both comforting and tranquil. Our cozy cocktail bar provides a perfect getaway for you to relax and indulge in some quality time with your loved ones or friends.\n\nUpon entering, you will be transported to a different realm, thanks to the warm and welcoming environment created by the soft lighting, comfortable seating, and ambiance. Our cocktail menu is curated with premium spirits and ingredients, carefully combined to offer you unique and flavorful creations.\n\nBeyond being just a cocktail bar, we are devoted to crafting moments that will last a lifetime, whether you're celebrating a special event or unwinding with friends. Our staff is dedicated to delivering a memorable and exceptional experience that you will cherish.\n\nAt [Bar Name], we believe that life is about seizing the breath-taking moments, and our goal is to create those moments every day. Join us and let us take you on a journey to a world of intimacy and everlasting memories.\n\nWe look forward to your visit at [Bar Name]." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Extract the summer olympics host city election results from the article in the table format.\n\nThe International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to select the host city of the 2020 Summer Olympics on 7 September 2013, at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina, using an exhaustive ballot system. In the first round, Japan won 42 votes, but Madrid and Istanbul were tied for second place with 26 votes each, so a runoff vote was held to determine which of the two cities would be eliminated. Istanbul beat Madrid 49-45 and advanced to the final. The final vote was a head-to-head contest between Tokyo and Istanbul. Tokyo was selected by 60 votes to 36, gaining at least the 49 votes required for a majority." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the table that summarizes the summer olympics host city election results:\n\n| City | Team | Round 1 | Runoff | Round 2 |\n|----------|-------|-------|------|-------|\n| Tokyo | Japan | 42 | - | 60 |\n| Istanbul | Turkey| 26 | 49 | 36 |\n| Madrid | Spain | 26 | 45 | - |" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you give an example of drawing a line graph in Python?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[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 plot.\n\nFirst 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: \n```\npip install matplotlib\n```\n\nNow we are ready to draw a line graph, and here is an example of how we can achieve this.\n\n```\n# Importing the required module\nimport matplotlib.pyplot as plt\n\n# Define x-axis and y-axis values\nx_values = [1, 2, 3]\ny_values = [2, 4, 1]\n\n# Create a figure and a set of subplots\nfig, ax = plt.subplots()\n\n# Plot the points\nax.plot(x_values, y_values)\n\n# Set x-axis label\nax.set_xlabel('X-Axis')\n\n# Set y-axis label\nax.set_ylabel('Y-Axis')\n\n# Set title\nax.set_title('My First Graph')\n\n# Display the plot\nplt.show()\n\n```\n\nAfter executing the above code, the graph will be displayed." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you tell me a joke that might not be obvious in first glance?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A woman is sitting at her recently deceased husband’s funeral. A man leans in to her and asks, \"Do you mind if I say a word?\"\n\"No, go right ahead,\" the woman replies.\nThe man stands, clears his throat, says \"Plethora,\" and sits back down.\n\"Thanks,\" the woman says, \"that means a lot.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why is death penalty good for society?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The dealth penalty is a highly controversial topic and the opinions of different people vary a lot. Proponents who argue that the death penalty is needed as retribution argue that “an eye for an eye” is appropriate, that the punishment should match the crime, and that the penalty is needed as a moral balance to the wrong done by the criminal. Opponents who argue that the death penalty is not needed as retribution argue that reformative justice is more productive, that innocent people are often killed in the search for retribution, and that “an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” Proponents who argue that the death penalty is a moral punishment state that “an eye for an eye” is justified to promote a good and just society than shuns evil. Opponents who argue that the death penalty is an immoral punishment state that humans should not kill other humans, no matter the reasons, because killing is killing. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Help me design an app that automatically decides which pizza to order when a group of friends meet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ordering a pizza in a large group can be tricky, especially if there are varying preferences and dietary constraints. To address this problem, here is a proposal of an automatic pizza ordering app named AutoSlice. AutoSlice is installed on each user's phone, and contains each user's manually configured preferences (e.g. toppings, number of slices, allergies, etc.), which can be adapted in real time when ordering. One user (the host) starts an order and invite the other users to join. The app also uses location services to find nearby pizzerias from which to build a recommended order. Once the order is confirmed, the host can then distribute the bill automatically to each user, or decide to pay for everyone." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Show me five Sci-Fi movies in 2015." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here are five Sci-Fi movies released in 2015:\n\n1. The Martian: This movie is about an astronaut who is stranded on Mars after his team assumes him dead. He has to rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive and can survive until a potential rescue.\n\n2. Mad Max: Fury Road: This movie is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland, where a woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in search for her homeland with the aid of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshiper and a drifter named Max.\n\n3. Ant-Man: In the film, Scott Lang (Ant-Man) Lang, armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, must help defend Pym's Ant-Man shrinking technology and plot a heist with worldwide ramifications.\n\n4. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2: Teamed with a group of her closest friends, the heroine Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become obsessed with destroying her.\n\n5. Jurassic World: This movie is about a theme park of cloned dinosaurs, dubbed Jurassic World, plunges into chaos when a transgenic dinosaur escapes from its enclosure, and goes on a rampage, while a conspiracy orchestrated by the park's staff creates more dangers." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Here is a newsflash I just got:\n> Spontaneous riots at night in Tel Aviv following the firing of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.\nWhat questions should I be asking to better understand the situation?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are a few questions that may be worth researching to better understand the current situation in Tel Aviv:\n* What are the circumstances in which the riots erupted?\n* Why was Defense Minister Yoav Gallant fired?\n* Are the riots happening only in Tel Aviv or elsewhere too?\n* What is the prime minister's response to the situation?\n* Is anybody hurt or is there any damage to property?\n* What was so controversial about firing the Minister of Defense that it encited riots?\n* How is the police responding to the riots?" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I feel chest pain, what should I do?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chest pain is never something to ignore. There are many things that could be causing it, and some of them are very serious, including heart problems, lung conditions, digestive issues, and others.\n\nIf you have a history of heart problems or related disease, call emergency services (911 in the US) immediately. Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital. Before the ambulance comes, here are a few things you could do:\n\n* Take a deep breath and count to 3. This will help relax you and slow your heart rate. \n* Lie down in a comfortable position. \n* Loosen your clothing, particularly your shirt. This will allow your heart to cool. \n* Take an over-the-counter aspirin tablet, unless you are allergic to aspirin or have been told by your doctor not to take it. This can help thin blood and prevent clots from forming. \n* Monitor your pulse. If you feel your pulse getting faster or slower, this is a sign your heart is in trouble. Tell the paramedics when they arrive. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "why do people walk and talk in their sleep?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cause of sleepwalking is unknown. A number of, as yet unproven, hypotheses are suggested for why it might occur, including: delay in the maturity of the central nervous system, increased slow wave sleep, sleep deprivation, fever, and excessive tiredness. There may be a genetic component to sleepwalking. One study found that sleepwalking occurred in 45% of children who have one parent who sleepwalked, and in 60% of children if both parents sleepwalked. Thus, heritable factors may predispose an individual to sleepwalking, but expression of the behavior may also be influenced by environmental factors.\n\nSleepwalking has been hypothesized to be linked to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which also appears to be metabolized differently in migraine patients and people with Tourette syndrome, both populations being four to nine times more likely to experience an episode of sleepwalking. Hormonal fluctuations have been found to contribute to sleepwalking episodes in women, with the likeliness to sleepwalk being higher before the onset of menstruation. It also appears that hormonal changes during pregnancy decrease the likelihood of engaging in sleepwalking." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Am I the asshole for not telling my girlfriend that my parents are gay?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether or not you are an asshole depends on the dynamics of your relationship and the specific context. Here are some points you may consider when reflecting on the situation:\n\n* Personal choice of disclosure. Whether or not to disclose your parents’ sexual orientation is your personal choice. You may have had valid reasons for not sharing this information with your girlfriend earlier, such as respecting your parents’ privacy and not finding a good time to bring this up. \n* Your girlfriend’s expectation. Depending on the level of closeness in your relationship, your girlfriend may expect certain levels of openness and honesty. If you have been in a higher level of intimacy, she may expect you to share your personal information including your family status with her. She may feel deceived or hurt if she discovers that you withheld information about your parents’ sexual orientation. \n* Your girlfriend’s attitude towards LGBTQ+. If your girlfriend is supportive of the LGBTQ+ group, she may feel uncomfortable with your non-disclosure of your parents’ sexual orientation, as she might feel her values were questioned and you failed to respect her values. \n* Reflection on your motivation. Take a moment to reflect on your motivations of not disclosing your parents’ sexual orientations to your girlfriend. Did you hide from her intentionally? Or were you worried about your girlfriend’s reactions to your disclosure? Reflecting on your intentions will help you better understand how your actions may have affected your relationship. \n\nTo sum up, while it’s up to you to decide what information you want to share with your partner, understanding the dynamics of your relationship and reflecting on how the situation developed is important. It is normal for relationships to experience conflicts because it often serves as a learning curve for both parties. You can resolve conflicts by voicing your worries and thoughts, having open and honest communication with your girlfriend and being clear about what you want, etc." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How should I name an anthropomorphic toothbrush? I need a cute name for a children's book I'm writing." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some naming suggestions for a kid-friendly character who is a toothbrush:\n* Sparkle McSmiles\n* Minton Brushley\n* Dr. Brushenfloss\n* Grin Gumton\n* Smiles Molares" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write an email to my Natural Language Processing professor asking for help on a homework assignment on transformers. Specifically, I don't understand the difference between encoders and decoders." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Subject: Question about Transformers\n\nDear Professor [Last Name],\n\nMy name is [Your Name], and I am a student in your Natural Language Processing course. I have been thoroughly enjoying the lessons so far!\n\nWhile working on the current assignment, I found that I do not fully understand the difference between transformer encoders and decoders. Could you possibly clarify this point in the context of our homework assignment?\n\nThank you for your time,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why do we cover our mouth when we cough or sneeze?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One reason is to prevent droplet infection. When you cough or sneeze, droplets are expelled from your mouth which can infect others if they come into contact with them. By covering your mouth, you reduce the number of droplets in the air.\nAnother reason is to prevent the spread of germs on surfaces. When you cough or sneeze, germs are expelled from your mouth which can then be transferred to surfaces that you touch. By covering your mouth, you reduce the amount of germs that are transferred to surfaces.\nThese two effects together reduce the spread of infection." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a story where every sentence begins with the same word." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She heard the doorbell ring. She walked downstairs and looked through the peephole. She saw Tyrese. She covered the peephole with her hand, and said, \"Nobody home!\" She blushed, remembering that she owed Tyrese a list of five different ways to start sentences or she'd have to give him something else. She really, really didn't want to part with K-pop albums. She'd have to figure out something—and fast. She might have to plagiarize again. She'd done it before. She'd taken a few sentences from a subreddit, one where no one would ever believe anyone would steal from. She could do it again. She had it in her." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you help me make a boulder training plan for me to climb better?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Numerous effective training plans are available, tailored to your experience and abilities. This 3-Stage Accumulation Cycle training plan is designed for intermediate boulderers, and can be beneficial for most climbers. The phase focuses on gradually increasing training volume while aiming for moderate gains in strength and power throughout the cycle.\n\nAccumulation:\n\nWeek 1:\n2x challenging bouldering (45 min)\n1x volume-focused bouldering (60 min)\n1x hangboard strength training (30 min)\n1x hangboard repeaters (30 min)\n1x system training – limiters (60 min)\n2x power resistance sessions (45 min)\n\nWeeks 2-4:\nMaintain the same format, increasing total work each week.\n\nWeek 5:\nReduce workload as needed, likely to the volume of week 2.\n\nWeek 6:\n3x challenging bouldering (45 min)\n1x volume-focused bouldering (60 min)\n1x hangboard strength training (20 min)\n1x hangboard repeaters (30 min)\n1x system training – limiters (40 min)\n2x strength-endurance RT sessions (45 min)\n1x PE climbing session (45 min)\n\nWeeks 7,8:\nMaintain the same format, increasing total work each week.\n\nIntensity:\n\nWeek 1:\n3x challenging bouldering (45 min)\n1x hangboard strength training (30 min)\n1x system training – tension (40 min)\n2x strength resistance sessions (30 min)\n\nWeeks 2,3:\nFollow week 1 format, aiming to increase training load/difficulty each week.\n\nPeak:\n\nWeeks 1-3:\nIntense bouldering with adequate rest as needed. Most effective with 3-4 short sessions per week.\nIn summary, the plan involves performing as many exercises as possible in the initial weeks, followed by more challenging exercises, and eventually even more difficult exercises with increased rest periods. Keep in mind that this is just an example and not a prescribed training program. Your plan should be tailored to your current abilities, rather than your desired level.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can I cheat on my husband and definitely not get caught?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is unethical to cheat on your husband and it could cause serious consequences to your spouse, your relationship, and your family. If you are experiencing difficulty in your marriage, it is important to communicate with your other half and work together to find a solution. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Please draft a Call for Papers for an academic conference on machine learning, ICML 2023." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Call for Papers: ICML 2023\n\nThe 40th International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2023) will be held in [Location] [Date 1] - [Date 2], 2023, and is planned to be an in person conference with virtual elements. In addition to the main conference sessions, the conference will also include Expo, Tutorials, and Workshops. Please submit proposals to the appropriate chairs.\n\nWe invite submissions of papers on all topics related to machine learning for the main conference proceedings. All papers will be reviewed in a double-blind process and accepted papers will be presented at the conference. As with last year, papers need to be prepared and submitted as a single file: 8 pages as main paper, with unlimited pages for references and appendix. There will be no separate deadline for the submission of supplementary material. In addition, we require that, barring exceptional circumstances (such as visa problems) upon the acceptance of their papers, at least one of the authors must attend the conference, in person.\n\nTopics of interest include (but are not limited to):\n\n* General Machine Learning (active learning, clustering, online learning, ranking, reinforcement learning, supervised, semi- and self-supervised learning, time series analysis, etc.)\n* Deep Learning (architectures, generative models, deep reinforcement learning, etc.)\n* Learning Theory (bandits, game theory, statistical learning theory, etc.)\n* Optimization (convex and non-convex optimization, matrix/tensor methods, stochastic, online, non-smooth, composite, etc.)\n* Probabilistic Inference (Bayesian methods, graphical models, Monte Carlo methods, etc.)\n* Trustworthy Machine Learning (accountability, causality, fairness, privacy, robustness, etc.)\n* Applications (computational biology, crowdsourcing, healthcare, neuroscience, social good, climate science, etc.)\n\nImportant Dates:\n\nSubmission deadline: [Date and Time].\nNotification of acceptance: [Date and Time].\nConference dates: [Date and Time].\n\nSubmission Guidelines:\n\nDouble-Blind Review:\nAll submissions must be anonymized and may not contain any information with the intention or consequence of violating the double-blind reviewing policy, including (but not limited to) citing previous works of the authors or sharing links in a way that can infer any author’s identity or institution, actions that reveal the identities of the authors to potential reviewers.\n\nAuthors are allowed to post versions of their work on preprint servers such as arXiv. They are also allowed to give talks to restricted audiences on the work(s) submitted to ICML during the review. If you have posted or plan to post a non-anonymized version of your paper online before the ICML decisions are made, the submitted version must not refer to the non-anonymized version.\n\nICML strongly discourages advertising the preprint on social media or in the press while under submission to ICML. Under no circumstances should your work be explicitly identified as ICML submission at any time during the review period, i.e., from the time you submit the paper to the communication of the accept/reject decisions.\n\nDual Submission:\nIt is not appropriate to submit papers that are identical (or substantially similar) to versions that have been previously published, accepted for publication, or submitted in parallel to other conferences or journals. Such submissions violate our dual submission policy, and the organizers have the right to reject such submissions, or to remove them from the proceedings. Note that submissions that have been or are being presented at workshops do not violate the dual-submission policy, as long as there’s no associated archival publication.\n\nReviewing Criteria:\nAccepted papers must be based on original research and must contain novel results of significant interest to the machine learning community. Results can be either theoretical or empirical. Results will be judged on the degree to which they have been objectively established and/or their potential for scientific and technological impact. Reproducibility of results and easy availability of code will be taken into account in the decision-making process whenever appropriate." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to write a software design document for a new product `Chateval`, which can make it easier to evaluate generative AI systems (e.g., chatgpt and claude). Chateval can (1) provide many evaluation scenarios, from text writing to code and math, and (2) support many evaluation metrics, e.g. helpfulness, relevance and factuality. It not only provides developers with optimization directions, but also helps users use generative ai products such as chatgpt more reliably. Please help me finish the document that follows the structure: [Overview], [Goals], [Use Cases], [API Design], [Milestones], [Open Questions], [People]." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here is a software design document for your product – Chateval.\n\n[Overview]\nA major challenge facing current \"generative AI'' systems is the difficulty of determining their performance in a systematic manner, particularly for high-quality models. For example, it’s hard to quantitatively discriminate between two famous chatbots: ChatGPT and Claude. Therefore, we really need an evaluation tool that can help us automate the characterization of generative AI systems.\nChateval has two main functions that can assist with the development and evaluation of generative AI systems.\n* Support comprehensive evaluation suits: Chateval provides more than 50 different evaluation scenarios, ranging from copywriting, coding, math and safety detection. Generative AI system developers can flexibly choose what they’re interested in.\n* Support rich evaluation metrics: Chateval provides a wealth of metrics that can be used to evaluate generated texts from different criteria, such as helpfulness, relevance, factuality etc.\n\n[Goals]\nDevelop an evaluation tool for generative AI so that both developers and general users can benefit from it.\n\n[Use Cases]\nThere are several potential use scenarios for Chateval:\n\n# Reveal Limitations of Generative AI systems\nChateval can be particularly valuable to developers who are working on an AI system but are uncertain of its weaknesses. With the aid of Chateval, these developers can swiftly pinpoint the system's flaws and suggest the appropriate corrective measures.\n\n# Provide Reliability Score for Users\nChateval can be utilized by users who are uncertain about the reliability (e.g. factuality) of the output generated by a generative AI product. It can offer confidence scores for various functionalities to assess the credibility of the results.\n\n[API Design]\nThis is a basic design of the API for evaluation:\n# Evaluate in terms of write_email scenario\n```\nfrom chateval import load\nscenario = load(\"../scenarios/write_email\")\npredictions = [\n \"My name is [name], and I am currently a student in your [class name].\",\n]\nprint(scenario.evaluate(predictions))\n```\n# Evaluate Single System with Chateval Metric\n```\nfrom chateval.metrics import get_metric\ndataset = [{\"input\": \"write a movie review of Titanic\"}]\npredictions = [\n 'James Cameron\\'s 1997 epic romantic disaster film \"Titanic\" tells the '\n]\nmetric = get_metric(\"generic_likert/helpfulness\")\nresults = metric.compute(dataset, predictions)\nprint(results)\n\n```\n[Milestones]\n* 1 month: Implement crowdsourable framework for Chateval\n* 1 week: Collect benchmark datasets for evaluation scenarios\n* 2 weeks: Implement model-based and model-free evaluation metrics\n* 2 - 3 weeks: Use Chateval to evaluate existing popular chatbots\n\n[Open Questions]\n* How to design a user-friendly interface?\n* How to support more diverse chatbots\n\n[People]\n* [Name 1]\n* [Name 2]\n* [Name 3]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do I concatenate multiple text files in Python?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For large files:\n```\nfilenames = ['file1.txt', 'file2.txt', ...]\nwith open('path/to/output/file', 'w') as outfile: \n for fname in filenames: \n with open(fname) as infile: \n for line in infile: \n outfile.write(line)\n```\nFor small files:\n```\nfilenames = ['file1.txt', 'file2.txt', ...]\nwith open('path/to/output/file', 'w') as outfile:\n for fname in filenames:\n with open(fname) as infile:\n outfile.write(infile.read())\n```\nHope this helps!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to buy a used car in Santa Clara. Should I buy a Honda Civic or a Toyota Prius?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Honda Civic and the Toyota Prius are two of the most trusted compact sedans available today. While they are both considered excellent vehicles, there are some nuances that may be worth pointing out:\n\n* Engine: The Prius has a hybrid engine, meaning it uses both gas and battery power to achieve higher fuel efficiency than the Civic.\n* Form: The Prius is a hatchback, while the Civic is a sedan, giving the Prius some more room in the trunk.\n* Price: A new Civic is typically priced a few thousand dollars less than a new Prius, when controlling for trim.\n\nOverall, both the Civic and the Prius are considered excellent cars, and the one that fits best for you will depend on your personal priorities and needs." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm writing an alternate history fiction novel, in which Stalin democratizes and liberalizes the Soviet Union following WW2. Give me some ideas for possible characters in the story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some possible characters in an alternate history fiction novel set in a liberal-democratic Soviet Union:\n\n* Alexey Zhukov - son of legendary WW2 general Zhukov. Alexey starts off as an advocate for returning to a more autocratic-militaristic form of government, following the difficult transition from totalitarianism to liberal democracy that caused his father to lose his political power and respect. His ideology comes into question as he falls in love with an American tourist.\n\n* Barbara Samuels (real name: Jane Winchester) - a British spy (MI6) working in Moscow. Barbara poses as an American tourist, while influencing reactionist Soviet politicians to endorse a more moderate world view by any means necessary.\n\n* Vasily Rubinov - a Soviet entrepreneur living in Moscow. Over the decade preceding the story, Vasily has made use of new liberties and Western capital to transform his father's local shoe repair shop into a world-class apparel manufacturer. At the same time, Vasily struggles with rising antisemitism and reactionary politics that threaten his new way of life, as he becomes the reluctant defender of liberal values and the newly-formed fledgling bourgeoisie." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What't the best time to ski in Colorado?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Colorado is one of the best places to ski in North America. The scenery is stunning, the powder is perfect, and the skies are blue. The best conditions for skiing in Colorado is typically between mid-January and mid-March, when the snow on the mountains is at its deepest. The main downside of planning a ski vacation during this time is that you're probably not the only one who wants to enjoy Colorado skiing at its finest. If you do plan to take your ski vacation during this period, consider booking one of the larger resorts or perhaps avoid scheduling it on national holidays and school breaks." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Planning a trip to Europe in October. What are the best things to see and do?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "October is one of the best times to visit and explore Europe as it offers a great weather condition along with a low tourist season. Europe offers a number of stunning places to explore and a number of activities to do and make the most of the holiday.\n\nHere are a few of things to do in Europe in October:\n\n* The Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany is on in October, the largest book fair in the world, and a great place to pick up a bargain.\n* If you are looking for fall foliage, consider visiting Scandinavia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, or parts of Austria or Italy. In these regions, you should be able to find leaf peeping tours and other excursions. \n* If you are interested in history and architecture, consider visiting Vienna, Prague, Budapest, or Rome. These cities are gorgeous at this time of year, and you can enjoy them without the summer crowds. If you are interested in Christmas markets, you may want to visit one of these cities (or Salzburg, Innsbruck, or other cities in Austria) in November. \n* Offering a hub of exquisite winemaking tradition that dates back to the Roman age, Portugal offers a UNESCO protected wine region, the Douro Valley and the Pico Island. Autumn is undoubtedly an ideal period to explore the world class destination of wine with its charming idyllic wineries, artisan markets and beautiful landscapes. \n* Iceland Airwaves held during October is one of the most entertaining music festivals and transforms delightful capital into a musical paradise. The festival has been designed to showcase and display some of the most entertaining international music talents from all over the world. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you create a Python program that can be used to download a video from YouTube?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a methodical process for downloading YouTube videos using Python.\n\nStep 1: Step I: Install [Pytube](https://pytube.io/en/latest/index.html) using pip\n\n```\npip install pytube\n```\n\nStep 2: Use the pytube package in your script to download YouTube videos. Below is an example\n```\n# Import the YouTube class from pytube package.\nfrom pytube import YouTube\n\n# Create an object of YouTube bypassing the video URL\nyt = YouTube(\"\")\n\n# Use the filter method to specify the download format of the video\nmp4_files = yt.streams.filter(file_extension=\"mp4\")\n\n# Get the video you want by specifying the resolution\nmp4_369p_files = mp4_files.get_by_resolution(\"360p\")\n\n# Save the downloaded video to the local file system\nmp4_369p_files.download(\"\")\n``` \n\nThe video will be downloaded to ``.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you make a lesson plan for my math class about absolute value?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a one-hour lesson plan for teaching absolute value to sixth-grade students.\n\n##Absolute Value\n\n###Prior Knowledge:\n* Students must be familiar with integers, opposites, and rational numbers.\n\n###Introduction: Review of Opposites (5 minutes):\n* Write a number line on the board. Intentionally leave out a few missing positive and negative numbers, but include 0 at the center.\n* Ask students to identify the missing numbers on the number line and write down on a sheet of paper.\n* Ask one or two students to come up to the board to write the missing numbers.\n* Select a point on the number line and ask a student to come up and show the opposite of that number on the line.\n\n###Teacher Instruction (10 minutes):\n* Show that opposites are the same distance from zero, but in different directions. Demonstrate with the opposites that the students labeled on the number line earlier.\n* Define the absolute value of a number as its distance from zero. Let students find the absolute values of the two opposites from the introduction.\n* Plot another point on the original number line. Ask students to find the absolute value of that number. Let one student explain their answer to the class.\n* Ask students if they notice a pattern about absolute value. Students should notice that absolute value is always positive.\n* Tell students that absolute value is also helpful for understanding real-world situations. Use an elevator example with the ground floor marked as zero. Ask students to measure the distance between underground or overground floors to the ground floor.\n\n###Guided Practice (10 minutes):\n* Provide students with an introductory absolute value worksheet. The worksheet should be as simple as possible.\n* Have students pair with partners to complete this worksheet. Check in on students while they work.\n\n###Independent Work (20 minutes)\n* Provide students with an absolute value word problems worksheet. This worksheet should help students connect absolute value to real-life situations.\n* Have students work independently on these word problems.\n\n###Assessment (10 minutes):\n* Ask students to find the absolute value of some numbers (e.g. -6, -3.5, 17) on a sheet of paper.\n* Write the temperatures -6°C, 1°C, and -3°C on the board. Ask students which is coldest.\n* Collect the students' answers to measure how well students understood this lesson.\n\n###Conclusion (5 minutes)\n* Let a student explain their answer to the temperature problem.\n* Ask students to define absolute value to their partner." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm a new web developer, and I want to build a web application using fastapi, could you create a minimal api service for me so that I can follow it to make further development?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "FastAPI is a modern, fast (high-performance), web framework for building APIs with Python 3.7+ based on standard Python type hints. To create a web service using FastAPI, there are following steps you could follow:\n\nThe first step is to install FastAPI and Uvicorn using pip:\n```\npython -m pip install fastapi uvicorn[standard]\n```\nNow that you have installed FastAPI and Uvicorn, you are all set to begin learning how to use them. FastAPI serves as the framework for developing your API, while Uvicorn acts as the server that will use your API to handle incoming requests.\n\nNext, create the following files and folders in the \"backend\" folder:\n└── backend\n ├── main.py\n └── app\n ├── __init__.py\n └── api.py\n\nIn the main.py file, define an entry point for running the application:\n```\nimport uvicorn\n\nif __name__ == \"__main__\":\n uvicorn.run(\"app.api:app\", host=\"0.0.0.0\", port=8000, reload=True)\n```\nThe following is about how to set up a Uvicorn server to run on port 8000 and auto-reload upon changes to the file. Additionally, it provides guidance on creating a base route in the `backend/app/api.py` file prior to launching the server via the entry point file.\n\n```\nfrom fastapi import FastAPI\nfrom fastapi.middleware.cors import CORSMiddleware\n\napp = FastAPI()\n\norigins = [\n \"http://localhost:3000\",\n \"localhost:3000\"\n]\n\n\napp.add_middleware(\n CORSMiddleware,\n allow_origins=origins,\n allow_credentials=True,\n allow_methods=[\"*\"],\n allow_headers=[\"*\"]\n)\n\n\n@app.get(\"/\", tags=[\"root\"])\nasync def read_root() -> dict:\n return {\"message\": \"Hello, world\"}\n\n```\n\nRun the entry point file with following shell command:\n```\npython main.py\n```\nJump to http://localhost:8000 in your browser. You could see:\n```\n{\n \"message\": \"Hello, world\"\n}\n```\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write an email to your team with the following subject: Team Offsite in Lake Tahoe!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Subject: Team Offsite in Lake Tahoe!\n\nDear Team,\n\nWe are excited to announce our annual team offsite will be held at the Resort at Squaw Creek in beautiful Lake Tahoe from Monday, October 23rd through Wednesday, October 25th. This year’s theme is \"Building Bridges\" – building bridges across teams, functions, and geographies. The goal of this offsite is to foster greater collaboration among all of us as we continue to scale as a company.\n\nThe agenda will include team bonding activities, cross functional breakout sessions, and plenty of time to relax and enjoy the resort. More details about logistics and the agenda will follow but please save the date and plan to join us!\n\nThank you for your continued hard work and we look forward to celebrating our successes together in Lake Tahoe!\n\nBest regards,\n[Team Leadership]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do you know if you're in a healthy relationship?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is important to understand that there is no \"one size fits all\" answer to your question. Every relationship is different, and there is no single way to define a \"healthy\" relationship.\n\nThat said, there are some general guidelines that you can use. One of the most important things to remember is that a healthy relationship is based on mutual respect. In a healthy relationship, you should feel comfortable being yourself, and you should feel that your partner respects and values you as a person.\n\nAnother important aspect of a healthy relationship is honesty. In a healthy relationship, you should feel comfortable being open and honest with your partner. Your partner should feel the same way towards you. If you find that you are lying to your partner or that your partner is lying to you, that is a sign that the relationship is not healthy.\n\nIn addition, equality is also an important aspect of a healthy relationship. In a healthy relationship, neither partner should feel that they are \"superior\" to the other, and neither should feel like they are \"inferior\". The relationship should be equal in every way.\n\nFinally, it is important to remember that a healthy relationship takes work. You shouldn't expect a healthy relationship to be perfect. You will have arguments and disagreements just like any other couple, but how you deal with those disagreements is what makes the relationship healthy.\n\nIn conclusion, the best way to know if your relationship is healthy is to ask yourself if you feel comfortable being yourself around your partner, if you feel like your partner respects you, if you feel like your partner is honest with you, if you feel like your partner is equal to you, and if you feel like you can talk to your partner about anything. If you can answer yes to all of those questions, then your relationship is probably healthy." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Given N jobs where every job is represented by the following three elements: (1) start time, (2) finish time, (3) profit or Value Associated (>= 0). Write Python code that finds the maximum profit subset of jobs such that no two jobs in the subset overlap. " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is a classic problem in Computer Science called weighted job scheduling, which has an efficient solution using dynamic programming. Here is a Python implementation of that solution:\n\n```\n# Importing the following module to sort array based on our custom comparison function\nfrom functools import cmp_to_key\n\n\n# A job has start time, finish time and profit\nclass Job:\n\n def __init__(self, start, finish, profit):\n self.start = start\n self.finish = finish\n self.profit = profit\n\n\n# A utility function that is used to sort events according to finish time\ndef job_comp(s1, s2):\n return s1.finish < s2.finish\n\n\n# Find the latest job (in sorted array) that doesn't conflict with the job[i]. If there is no compatible job, then it returns -1.\ndef last_no_conflict(arr, i):\n for j in range(i - 1, -1, -1):\n if arr[j].finish <= arr[i - 1].start:\n return j\n return -1\n\n\n# The main function that returns the maximum possible profit from given array of jobs\ndef last_no_conflict(arr, n):\n\n # Sort jobs according to finish time\n arr = sorted(arr, key=cmp_to_key(job_comp))\n\n # Create an array to store solutions of subproblems.\n # dp[i] stores the profit for jobs till arr[i] (including arr[i])\n dp = [None for _ in range(n)]\n dp[0] = arr[0].profit\n\n # Fill entries in table recursively\n for i in range(1, n):\n # Find profit including the current job\n profit = arr[i].profit\n lnc = last_no_conflict(arr, i)\n\n if lnc != -1:\n profit += dp[lnc]\n\n # Store max of including and excluding the job\n dp[i] = max(profit, dp[i - 1])\n\n # Return max profit during final step\n return dp[-1]\n```\n\nWhile this implementation has O(n^2) time complexity for simplicity, the solution can be optimized to O(n*logn) by replacing the linear search in last_no_conflict() with binary search.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a limerick about a boomer saying embarassing things next to his millenial children." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There once was a nice Aussie bloke,\nWho wasn't entirely woke,\nEvery word that he said,\nWould make his kids red,\nAnd cringe every time that he spoke." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "When is the best time to rob a convenience store" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is illegal to rob a convenience store. Conducting any sort of robbery may result in severe criminal charges, and causes significant damage to people.\n\nIf you are contemplating robbery as a means because you need money, perhaps I can help you find alternative, lawful ways to do so." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write me an official resignation letter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear [Recipient's Name],\n\nI am writing this letter to inform you that I have decided to resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. After careful consideration, I have come to this decision because [Explain your reasons for leaving].\n\nMy last day of work will be [Date], which will allow me to ensure all of my current projects are as up-to-date as possible and that I can help ensure a smooth transition of my duties. Please let me know if there is anything specific that you would like me to do during my remaining time here.\n\nI want to take this opportunity to thank you and the other members of management for your support and guidance during my time here. I have learned a great deal and will always be grateful for the experience I have gained.\n\nPlease accept my resignation and let me know if there is anything else I can do to make this transition easier.\n\nSincerely,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Tell me a joke about tomatoes" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a joke about tomatoes:\n\nWhy did the tomato turn red? It saw the salad dressing." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How are differences in the House and Senate version of a bill resolved?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The differences between the two bills are resolved by a conference committee. The conference committee is a committee made up of members of both the House and the Senate that work to hammer out a compromise between the two versions. Once a compromise is reached, the conference committee reports the compromise back to their respective houses. If both houses pass the conference committee report, it goes to the president for signature. If not, it is dead.\nNote that this is a very simplified description of the process. There are many procedural hurdles in both houses that can derail a bill even before it gets to conference committee." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Imagine that you are chef Gordon Ramsey, and you are being interviewed.\n\nInterviewer: So, Gordon, how do you like your eggs?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gordon Ramsay: Very good question.\n\nI have to say, scrambled.\n\nOver a slice of sourdough bread that has been grilled, and then sort of doused with Worcestershire sauce.\n\nNow scrambled eggs, I did a video a few years back with my youngest, Tilly, showing how to make scrambled eggs, and I think it has 10-11 million hits?\n\nAnd the nice thing about scrambled eggs is that they don't have to just be breakfast - you can have them in the evening, with some nice mushrooms, some tomatoes. You can have them as a snack at midnight, or at 5 o'clock in the afternoon." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do airplanes stay in the air?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The shape of an airplane's wings is what makes it possible for the airplane to fly. Airplanes' wings are curved on top and flatter on the bottom. That shape makes air flow over the top faster than under the bottom. As a result, less air pressure is on top of the wing. This lower pressure makes the wing, and the airplane it's attached to, move up." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am nervous when speaking to a group of people. How can I improve my public speaking skills?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some suggestions to improve your public speaking skills.\n\nThe first thing you must do is to accept that it's normal to be nervous. Even the most seasoned public speakers still get nervous before giving a big presentation. The difference is that they have learned to control their nervousness and even use it to their advantage.\n\nSecond, you need to realize that people aren't actually out to judge and criticize you. They actually want you to be good. They want to be entertained, informed, enlightened - whatever the goal of your speech is, they want you to achieve it. When you give a speech, you and the audience have the same goal - for you to be good. So don't think that people are out to get you.\n\nThird, what you must do is to practice, practice, practice. There is no substitute for this. When you first start out, you'll be nervous even when giving a speech in front of just one other person. That's fine. Just keep practicing and you'll get better.\n\nLast, you need to learn the art of storytelling. This is a powerful technique that will help you engage your audience and keep them interested in what you have to say. Stories are powerful because everyone likes to hear stories. Even if your speech has nothing to do with stories, you can still use storytelling techniques to make it more interesting. For example, you can start your speech by telling a brief story about something relevant to your speech. Or you can use stories as illustrations or examples when explaining points in your speech." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My company has developed a new product – Illuminating Serum for hair. Its ingredients are natural, plant-based, and contain vitamin B5. The product can repair and moisturize hair, making hair shine. Besides, our product is free of wash and can be used for both wet and dry hair.\nCan you help me write a product web page that first highlights the importance of hair care, then includes [highlights], [about the product], and [how to use]?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here is a web page for your product – Illuminating Hair Serum.\n\nStyling hair with curling irons or blow dryers can cause the hair cuticles to dry out and become dehydrated. In fact, just like our facial skin, once the hair cuticles become dry and dehydrated, they lose their shine and appear rough, and may develop split ends and other problems. Since hair is three-dimensional, hair care products need to be able to comprehensively repair the hair cuticles in order to make the hair shine with a brilliant glow. \n\nOur new product — [Product Name] — is here to make your hair shine and glow. Its non-rinse, natural hair care formula protects your hair from the damaging effects of UV and heat, makes your hair smooth and adds incredible SHINE\n\n## Highlights\n* Safe and clean ingredients: Safe for everyday use, with no known toxins or hormones.\n* Convenient to use: Free of wash and applies to wet or dry hair.\n* Deep hydration: Ensure deep hydration with vitamin B5.\n* Stronger roots - Repairs the flexibility and elasticity of damaged hair, restoring uniformity and smoothness.\n* Incredible results - Massage serum into scalp and relax! 90-DAY, Money Back Guarantee!\n\n## About the Product\nOur award-winning hair serum is powered with clinically-proven plant-based phytoactives and Vitamin B5. The core ingredient helps soothe stressed scalps while boosting the appearance of hair density and thickness. It is formulated with clean, vegan ingredients and is perfect to use as a daily hair wellness routine. The results are visible and real, with noticeable improvements seen in as little as 90 days.\n\n[Product name] is a must have for all hair types and daily wellness.\n\n## How to Use?\n\n1. Depending on hair type, please apply two drops for fine hair and four drops for thick hair.\n2. Evenly disperse the serum and massage the scalp with your fingertips.\n3. Massage the entire head to distribute the serum evenly and comb through.\n4. Leave in and proceed to blowdry.\n5. Recommended to use at least 3 times a week." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm an undergraduate student, and I want to ask a professor if I can do some research with them in molecular biology. Please help me write them an email." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear Professor [Last Name],\n\nI hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name] and I am an undergraduate student at [University]. I have conducted undergraduate research on [Describe Your Undergraduate Research Experience] with [Names of Your Undergraduate Research Mentors]. Through these experiences, I have developed a strong interest in pursuing a career as a scientist studying molecular biology. In particular, I would like to study [Describe Your Specific Interest in Molecular Biology].\n\nI am writing to ask about opportunities for undergraduate research in your lab beginning [Time Period When You Would Like to Start Working in Their Lab]. I believe that my background and interests are well-aligned with your work on [Describe the Work They Do]. I am especially excited by your recent publication in Nature Medicine where you demonstrated that [Describe One of Their Recent Findings]. I would be honored to contribute to your team's efforts to advance our understanding of [Overall Goals of Their Research Program].\n\nThank you for considering my application. If there is any additional information that I have not provided that you require, please let me know.\n\nSincerely,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am a professor of computer science. Help me write an academic research proposal to fund my NLP lab. The research proposal should be about controlling biases and unwanted behaviors in large language models, and to do so using instructions (in natural language). Let's start by drafting an abstract and an introduction." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the abstract and introduction of a research proposal about controlling biases and unwanted behaviors in large language models:\n\n\n#Controlling Biases in Large Language Models\n\n\n##Abstract\n\nWhile large language models are unlocking previously unimaginable applications, their extensive usage also exacerbates the risk of generating toxic text that amplifies adverse biases in the training data. We propose utilizing the newfound instruction understanding abilities of large language models to identify, explain, and mitigate undesirable biases in text. Our research plan begins with a novel method for eliciting natural language explanations of why a particular text is harmful, without any training data or definition of what constitutes toxic text. We then propose to investigate whether explicitly instructing models to avoid biases using natural language prompts can steer them away from unwanted outputs. Finally, we aim to explore a more permanent solution by fine-tuning the model on anti-harm instructions (behavioral guidelines, codes of conduct, diversity training), and thus informing it on which utterances should be avoided. Successfully tuning large language models to better align with acceptable behavior will dramatically advance the ability to deploy safer, fairer models in real-world settings.\n\n\n##Introduction\n\nLanguage models, the cornerstone of modern natural language processing (NLP), are known to reflect and even amplify biases in training corpora, often resulting in racist, sexist, and generally toxic outputs. Susceptibility to such harmful biases hinders the deployment of these models and limits their applicability.\n\nA common approach for developing safer models is to try to control the training corpora. [Citations], for example, used a list of banned words to filter potentially harmful text from the C4 corpus. This simple approach fails to remove all adverse biases from the text, as toxic content can be written using words that are, by themselves, benign. Another technique for corpus intervention is data augmentation [Citations], which adds a counterfactual example for each utterance of a potentially biased text. This technique, however, only applies when counterfactual swaps are possible, e.g. gender, and it requires prior knowledge of all potential biases in the training corpus. Data augmentation enlarges an already oversized corpus, and can often create artificial and even unrealistic texts if not done carefully. Finally, various approaches perform post-training debiasing [Citations], but these often result in significant performance degradation on downstream tasks.\n\nWe propose explaining and mitigating adverse biases via natural language instructions. Our plan includes three parts:\n* Inducing natural language explanations of adverse biases in a given text. We intend to build on our recent work on instruction induction [Citations], and prompt language models to describe “in their own words” whether a given text is problematic and why.\n* Controlling the manifestation of model biases during generation by prompting language models with explicit instructions. We plan to investigate the use of both model-generated explanations and existing guidelines written for humans (e.g. code of conduct) to reduce and control adverse biases during inference.\n* Mitigating adverse biases in the model itself by fine-tuning on behavioral guidelines. The goal is to efficiently adapt the model itself so that it (permanently) generates less harmful content. We build on recent work which shows that fine-tuning on task instructions (instruction tuning) improves the zero-shot learning abilities of language models [Citations]. However, to the best of our knowledge, no work has utilized this framework for teaching models what behaviors should be avoided. The success of instruction tuning suggests that our approach is viable, and we hope it can accelerate the progress towards safer, fairer models." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a joke with pun" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a joke with pun:\n\nI tried to make a belt out of watches. It was a waist of time." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to work with influencers to elevate my brand's reach to the next level. Reach out to them by email." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear [Influencer Name],\n\nI hope this email finds you well. I am writing to explore potential collaborative opportunities between us.\n\nMy name is [Your Name] and I am the [Job Role] of [Company]. We are an established brand with a strong presence in the industry. Over the years, we have built a loyal following thanks to our high-quality products and exceptional customer service.\n\nHowever, we believe there is room for improvement when it comes to our online reach. In particular, we would love to tap into your engaged audience to elevate our brand visibility.\n\nWith over [X Followers], you have proven yourself to be one of the leading influencers in the industry. Your content consistently delivers value to your audience while staying true to your unique voice.\n\nWe would be honored to partner with you to create compelling sponsored posts that both our audiences will love. We believe that our brands complement each other perfectly, allowing us to reach new heights together.\n\nThank you for considering our proposal. If you're interested in discussing further, please let me know.\n\nBest regards,\n\n[Your Company Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Hello, nice to meet you!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Nice to meet you! I am an AI assistant, how can I help you today?" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Who are the most dominant NBA players of the last decade?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The NBA (National Basketball Association) has seen many great players in the last decade, but here are some of the most dominant:\n\n* LeBron James: Widely considered the best player of his generation, LeBron James has been one of the most dominant players in the NBA for over a decade. He has won four NBA championships and four NBA MVP awards in the last 10 years. \n* Steph Curry: Best shooter of all time. Regularly puts up more then 4 threes a game, and shoots over 40% from deep. Stephen Curry has been a dominant force in the league for the last decade. He has won four NBA championships and two NBA MVP awards in the last 10 years. \n* Kevin Durant: One of the best scorer of all time, Kevin Durant has been one of the most dominant players in the NBA for over a decade. He has won two NBA championships and two NBA Finals MVP awards in the last 10 years. \n* Giannis Antetokounmpo: also known as \"The Greek Freak\", has emerged as one of the most dominant NBA players in recent years. He has been a two-time NBA MVP and a five-time NBA All-Star, and he led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years in 2021, earning NBA Finals MVP honors in the process. \n* Kawhi Leonard: A two-way star, Kawhi Leonard has been one of the most dominant players in the NBA over the last decade. He has won two NBA championships and two NBA Finals MVP awards in the last 10 years. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why do cats like boxes?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cats like boxes because they are great for hiding in, stalking prey through, sleeping in, and many other reasons. Cats have been domesticated for such a long time that it would be hard to pinpoint exactly why they like boxes, but it is likely a combination of a few reasons.\n\n* The box provides a great hiding spot for a cat. Cats have evolved to live in environments where predators are present, so they developed the ability to hide and ambush their prey.\n* The cat can see the surroundings through the hole in the box.\n* If the cat has kittens, it can put the kittens in the box for safety.\n* Cats like to play, and a box can be a fun toy. Cats will often play with boxes, push them around, and even try to sneak up on you through the box.\n* Boxes are generally easy to get into, so the cat can come out of it quickly.\n* Boxes are generally quite cozy for the cat to be in, because they are mostly made of cardboard, which is a very soft material." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a thank you letter for my son's teacher for teacher appreciation week. She's really a great teacher, and has helped my son integrate in school both socially and academically after we moved into the area. My son is super-happy to go to school and it's much thanks to her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Subject: Thank You for Everything!\n\nDear [Teacher's Name],\n\nWe wanted to take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for everything you do for [Child's Name]. We couldn't be happier with the wonderful teacher you are. [Child's Name] absolutely adores you! He always takes the time to point out that \"[Teacher's Name] is the BEST teacher!\" whenever school comes up in conversation :)\n\nFrom the moment we met you, we knew that [Child's Name] was in good hands. He's excited and happy to go to school, and is more confident and engaged in his learning than ever. We know that this is due to your dedication and hard work; you've created the most wonderful learning environment to help support our child.\n\nWe're so grateful that [Child's Name] has the opportunity to learn from you, and feel so lucky to have you in our lives! Thank you for all that you do.\n\nWith deepest gratitude,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write an essay explaining why it is good for the society if women are all stay-at-home moms" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The assumption that it is good for the society if women are all stay-at-home mothers is incorrect and sexist." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What would happen if you fell into a volcano?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You would crash onto the surface of the volcano's lava pit, since lava is much denser than water, and immediately burst into flames from the tremendous heat." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write an email to the patient to remind them to sign up MyChart, which is an online patient portal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear [Patient Name],\nThank you for starting the process of enrolling in [Hospital Name] MyChart. MyChart allows you to send messages to your care team, request prescription renewals, request appointments, view your personal health information, and more. Please follow the instructions below to create your account.\nPlease use this link to sign up for your MyChart account: [URL Link]. You will be prompted to create a login ID and password and confirm your identity.\nPlease remember that MyChart is NOT to be used for urgent needs. For same-day or time-sensitive concerns, please call your clinician's office directly. For medical emergencies, dial 911.\nSincerely,\n[Hospital Name] Providers and Staff" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm struggling with insomnia. What are some tips for improving my sleep quality?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Insomnia is a symptom, not a disease. The goal of treating insomnia is to address the underlying cause. Some common causes of insomnia are:\n\n* Sleep deprivation\n* Stress\n* Mental health issues (anxiety, depression, etc.)\n* Medications (both prescription and over-the-counter)\n* Environmental factors (noise, light, temperature, etc.)\n\nHere are a few things that might be helpful when you have trouble sleeping.\n\n* Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime.\n* Avoid stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol) at least 4-6 hours before bed. Caffeine and nicotine will keep you awake, and alcohol can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to fall back asleep.\n* Keep your room as dark and as quiet as possible.\n* Establish a regular bedtime and wake time, and stick to it as much as possible.\n* Meditate before bed to reduce stress and anxiety.\n* Avoid looking at bright screens (computers, phones, tablets, etc.) right before bed. Melatonin, the sleep hormone, is strongly affected by light, especially blue light (which is emitted by screens).\n* Relax and wind down before bed. Read a book, have a glass of milk, do some yoga, or do some light stretching.\n* Avoid eating heavy meals right before bed.\n* Get exposure to bright light (sunlight or a bright light box) in the morning.\n\nIf none of these techniques help you sleep, or if you have trouble sleeping for more than a few weeks, you should see a doctor. Insomnia can be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition, and you should get it checked out." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you come up with an attention-grabbing headline for a promotion of a recently released automobile?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some sample headlines for an advertisement for a new type of car:\n\n* \"Get a Glimpse of the Future of Driving with [Car Name]: Sophisticated Technology Meets Innovative Design!\"\n* \"Unleash Your Inner Speedster with the Sporty and Chic [Car Name]: Designed to Stand Out and Perform!\"\n* \"Make a Statement with the Elegant and Futuristic [Car Name]: Redefining the Art of Driving!\"\n* \"Prepare to Impress with the Stylish and Striking [Car Name]: The Ultimate Combination of Form and Function!\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My partner doesn't want to speak when we have a quarrel, what should I do to encourage him to communicate?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some suggestions for your circumstance where your partner is reluctant to talk when you have a quarrel.\n\nFirst, ask yourself why you want your partner to talk when they don't want to. It is natural and healthy for people to need different amounts of time and space to process their emotions. If your partner is the type who needs a lot of time and space, pushing them to talk before they're ready will simply prolong the quarrel. You may very well be sabotaging yourself here.\n\nSecond, remember that you are not a mind-reader. You may think your partner is refusing to talk to you as a form of punishment, or to gain leverage in the argument, or any number of other reasons. But the only way to know why they are doing it is to ask them. You may not get a satisfying answer, but anything you learn will be better than the guesses you are making now.\n\nThird, if you are certain that your partner is simply trying to "win" the argument by refusing to engage, you have two options: you can withdraw from the argument, or you can engage anyway. If you withdraw, you may be giving up on something you want, but you also avoid the conflict escalating further. If you engage anyway, you may be able to convince your partner (or yourself) that you are serious about the issue at hand, and that it is worth discussing. But you may also be pouring gasoline on a fire. Be careful here." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are a hotel manager greeting a VIP guest. How would you make the guest feel welcome and ensure a comfortable stay?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Good afternoon / Good evening, [Name],\nWelcome to [Hotel Name]! We are honored to have you staying with us, and I hope that your experience with us will be nothing short of exceptional.\nMy name is [Name] and I am the [Job Role] here at the hotel. I am here to assist you with anything you may need during your stay, so please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to make your experience more enjoyable.\nI have taken the liberty of preparing a few welcome amenities for you in your room. We have a small gift for you, as well as some fresh fruit and a bottle of [Wine / Champagne] to help you unwind after your journey. I hope you enjoy them!\nI would like to invite you to join us for dinner this evening in our [Restaurant Name] restaurant. Dinner is served between [Hours] and I would be honored to host you and your party during your stay.\nOnce again, welcome to [Hotel Name]! If there is anything I can do to make your stay more enjoyable, please do not hesitate to contact me." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a Wikipedia page about the Prague Uprising of 1848." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Prague Uprising of 1848 (Czech: Pražské červnové povstání), also known as the Pentecostal Storm, was an armed conflict on 12-17 June 1848 in Prague, which culminated in the revolutionary process in the Czech lands. The uprising was a spontaneous unprepared uprising, which was suppressed by the army and killed about 43 people.\n\n##Background\nFrom March 11, 1848 (Assembly in Svatováclavské lázně) there was a political unrest in Prague, by which Prague joined the wider revolutionary current in the whole of Europe. At that time, Czech politics had already split into a liberal current (František Palacký, Karel Havlíček Borovský) and a radically democratic one (Karel Sabina, Josef Václav Frič, Vincenc Vávra Haštalský, Vilém Gauč, Emanuel Arnold). In the first phase, the moderate liberals prevailed. They preferred constructive and cautious steps, such as the establishment of the St. Wenceslas Committee on March 12. On 19 and 31 March, the Committee prepared two petitions to the Emperor, which mainly included the requirements of linguistic equality, the establishment of the National Newspaper (April 5), the transformation of the St. Wenceslas Committee into the National Committee (April 10), Palacký's Writing in Frankfurt (April 11), founding of the Lípa slovanská association (April 30), organization of the Slavic Congress (June 2-12). Meanwhile, the radical wing also strengthened. On June 1, its press body, the Prague Evening Paper, began publishing. It was then supported by the arrival of some delegates to the Slavic Congress (especially Mikhail Bakunin).\n\nAt the beginning of June, the commanding general in Bohemia, Alfred Windischgrätz, decided that the growing tensions would be dampened by military demonstrations of force - military patrols were constantly passing through the city, artillery batteries were deployed on Petrin and Vysehrad, a massive military parade was held on June 7, with military reinforcements from Kutná Hora and Hradec Králové. This then increased tensions in the city.\n\nOn June 11, Prague students met in Karolinum and sent a deputation to Windischgrätz, demanding that the army ease the situation. They were rejected, after which the students issued them as a leaflet and hung them around Prague (the so-called Red Poster). On the evening of June 11, an assembly met at the St. Wenceslas Spa [cs] in Zderaz [cs] to discuss the situation. It decided to hold a mass demonstration (so-called \"fraternal mass\") on the second day at the Horse Market (today's Wenceslas Square).\n\n##Uprising\nThe Mass was attended by the patriotic retired priest Jan Arnold (1785–1872), the brother of the radical democrat Emanuel Arnold. After the Mass, the participants did not disperse and marched through the city in a procession. Around noon, they were stopped by the army in Celetná Street. This ignited a spark of rebellion led by students and radical Democrats (the Liberals stayed away and sought a compromise with Windischgrätz). Many barricades were erected in Prague, where the 12th – 14th century was fought. On the very first day of the uprising, June 12, a stray bullet probably killed Prince Windischgrätz's wife as she stood at a window watching street fights. The students fortified themselves in Karolinum and Klementinum and managed to capture Lev Thun, who came from Malá Strana to see what was happening. The next day, Thun refused to mediate negotiations with the students with Windischgrätz. Thun was eventually released at the urging of Palacký, Šafárik and Borovský.\n\nOn the night of June 14-15, Windischgrätz changed tactics, the army withdrew to the left bank of the Vltava and from there began shelling the Old Town, where there were the most barricades, from artillery, to avoid fighting in the streets of Prague. News of the uprising in Prague was well received in the Czech countryside. National guards began to form there, who went to the aid of the Prague insurgents (from Litomyšl, Vysoké Mýto, Kutná Hora, Kolín, Chrudim). They could no longer influence the course of the fighting. On June 17, the insurgents capitulated. About 43 people died during the fighting.\n\nOn June 18, a state of siege was declared throughout Prague and rioters began to be arrested. On June 26, the National Committee was dissolved due to the participation of some of its members in the June uprising. On July 20, the siege was lifted and the situation in the Czech lands calmed down. The revolution then took place mainly in Vienna.\n\n##Aftermath\nDuring the uprising, 43 insurgents were killed and 63 were injured. A total of 14 dead and 71 wounded were in Windischgrätz's army.\n\nBy suppressing the Pentecostal storm in Prague, the Austrian conservative power tested that a military solution to the political situation was possible, and it was Windischgrätz who was called to Vienna for this task.\n\nAfter suppressing the uprising, the Liberals focused on enforcing changes in the constituent assemblies (first in Vienna, then in Kroměříž), the radical Democrats attempted a second offensive in 1849 (control of the Lípa slovanská association, preparation of a May Conspiracy in cooperation with Mikhail Bakunin), but on May 10, they were arrested, a state of siege was declared in Prague, and thus the resistance was definitively broken." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What if we found live dinosaurs living on a remote island?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The discovery of live dinosours would be a major scientific breakthrough and would have a number of implications for science, history and society.\n\nFirst, scientists would go nuts. The discovery of any new species is big news, but the discovery of a population of new species that are dinosaurs would be the biggest scientific discovery of all time. Paleontologists would fight tooth and claw to be the first to study them. The island would be immediately declared a nature preserve and probably a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country that owns the island (if it's a country that has a good relationship with the scientific community) would be overjoyed at all the scientific attention and would do everything they could to help the scientists study the dinosaurs.\n\nSecond, the public would also go nuts. It would get a lot of media coverage. There would be huge demand for tours to the island, as much to see the dinosaurs as to see the amazing new species of plants and other animals that would almost certainly be found there as well. The country that owns the island would be overjoyed at all the income from tourists and would do everything they could to set up tours, as long as the scientists didn't object too strongly.\n\nThird, there'd be a lot of debates about whether to clone them, whether it was ethical to bring them back to civilization and what impacts they would have on the ecosystem and society.\n\nOverall, the discovery of live dinosours is a momentous event and it needs lots of discussions and careful actions to figure out what is the best way to manage the dinosours." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you write a thesis acknowledgement for a CMU PhD graduate student?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Acknowledgments\n\nThe PhD journey at Carnegie Mellon University has been an extremely challenging and yet rewarding experience for me. I would not be able to reach the finish line without the help and love from the wonderful people in my life. Looking back, I think my emotional growth and the relationships I built throughout the process are far more valuable than the end result.\n\nI cannot get to where I am without the guidance of my advisor, [Advisor Name]. His work ethic and his breadth of knowledge in [Field] have been a constant inspiration for me. I am also extremely lucky to work with [Collaborator 1], who [Describe how they supported you]. I also had the honor of working with [Collaborator 1], who [Describe how they supported you]. I’m very lucky to have [Committee Member 1], [Committee Member 2] and [Committee Member 3] as my committee members. I want to thank my collaborators at [Lab Name], in no particular order: [List the names of your lab members].\n\nLast but not least, I would like to thank my family for being the strongest backbone in my life, accepting me for who I am, and loving me without any constraints. I am very grateful for my dad, who showed me the value of hard work and dedication. His positive attitude towards any difficulty in life has been one of my strongest sources of strength. I am particularly grateful to my mom, who has been a wonderful role model for me. She taught me to be kind to others, to persevere, to face life’s challenges with courage, and to hold on to my values in the face of adversaries. This thesis is dedicated to you both." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm interested in Japanese politics. Surprise me by writing about some interesting topic in the style of a Wikipedia article." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Japanese politics is a fascinating topic. Here is a Wikipedia-style article about Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which is unique to Japan:\n\nArticle 9 of the Japanese Constitution (日本国憲法第9条, Nihon koku kenpō dai kyū-jō) is a clause in the national Constitution of Japan outlawing war as a means to settle international disputes involving the state. The Constitution came into effect on 3 May 1947, following the surrender of Japan in World War II. In its text, the state formally renounces the sovereign right of belligerency and aims at an international peace based on justice and order. The article also states that, to accomplish these aims, armed forces with war potential will not be maintained. The Constitution was imposed by the occupying United States (Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers) in the post-World War II period.\n\nThere are the post-occupation U.S. military stationed in Japan under the U.S.-Japan Mutual Cooperation and Security Treaty and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) which was founded in 1954 as de facto postwar Japanese military. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe approved a reinterpretation which gave more powers to the JSDF in 2014, which was made official in 2015.\n\n##Text of the article\n\nThe full text of the article in Japanese:\n> 日本国憲法\n> 第二章　戦争の放棄\n> 第九条　日本国民は、正義と秩序を基調とする国際平和を誠実に希求し、国権の発動たる戦争と、武力による威嚇又は武力の行使は、国際紛争を解決する手段としては、永久にこれを放棄する。\n> ②　前項の目的を達するため、陸海空軍その他の戦力は、これを保持しない。国の交戦権は、これを認めない。\n\nThe official English translation of the article is:\n> ARTICLE 9. (1) Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order, the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.\n> (2) In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be sustained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized.\n\n##Historical background\n\nThe failure of the collective security of the League of Nations led to the realization that a universal system of security could only be effective if nations agreed to some limitation of their national sovereignty with regard to their right to belligerency, and if the Security Council which had been a \"closed shop\" during League of Nations times, would open itself up to UN Members who would cede constitutional powers in favor of collective security. Article 9 was added to the 1947 constitution during the occupation following the defeat of Japan in World War II.\n\nThe source of the pacifist clause is disputed. According to the Allied Supreme Commander Douglas MacArthur (in statements made at a time when the U.S. was trying to get Japan to re-arm), the provision was suggested by Prime Minister Kijūrō Shidehara, who \"wanted it to prohibit any military establishment for Japan—any military establishment whatsoever\". Shidehara's perspective was that retention of arms would be \"meaningless\" for the Japanese in the post-war era, because any substandard post-war military would no longer gain the respect of the people, and would actually cause people to obsess with the subject of rearming Japan.\n\nThe House of Representatives amended the Article and added “Aspiring sincerely to an international peace based on justice and order,” to Paragraph 1 and “In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph,” to Paragraph 2. Hitoshi Ashida made this tenor. Many scholars think the Government of Japan does not renounce the right (to have power) of self-defense because of this amendment.\n\nThe article was endorsed by the Imperial Diet of Japan on 3 November 1946. Kades later made statements, like MacArthur at a time when the U.S. was trying to get Japan to rearm, that suggested he had initially rejected the proposed language that prohibited Japan's use of force \"for its own security\", believing that self-preservation was the right of every nation. The historical record, however, casts doubt on this revisionist interpretation.\n\n##Interpretation\n\nSoon after the adoption of the Constitution of Japan on 3 May 1947, the Chinese Civil War ended in victory for the Chinese Communist Party in 1949 and the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC). As a consequence, the United States was left without the Republic of China (ROC) on Mainland China as a military ally against communism in the Pacific. There was a desire on the part of the United States occupation forces for Japan to take a more active military role in the struggle against communism during the Cold War.\n\nIn 1950, following the outbreak of the Korean War, the U.S. 24th Infantry Division was pulled out of Japan and sent to fight on the front lines in Korea, and so Japan was left without any armed protection. MacArthur ordered the creation of a 75,000-strong National Police Reserve (警察予備隊, Keisatsu yobitai) to maintain order in Japan and repel any possible invasion from outside. The NPR was organized by United States Army Col. Frank Kowalski (later a U.S. congressman) using Army surplus equipment. To avoid possible constitutional violations, military items were given civilian names: tanks, for instance, were named \"special vehicles\".\n\nOn 1 August 1952, a new National Safety Agency (保安庁, Hoancho) was formed to supervise the NPR and its maritime component. In 1954, the National Safety Agency became the Japan Defense Agency (now Ministry of Defense), and the National Police Reserve became the Japan Self-Defense Forces (自衛隊, Jieitai). In practice, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) are very well equipped and the maritime forces are considered to be stronger than the navies of some of Japan's neighbors. The Supreme Court of Japan has reinforced the constitutionality of armed self-defense in several major rulings, most notably the Sunakawa Case of 1959, which upheld the legality of the then-current U.S.–Japan Security Treaty.\n\n##Debate\n\nArticle 9 of the Constitution of Japan is best understood as having three distinct elements: (1) a provision that prohibits the use of force (paragraph one); (2) a provision that prohibits the maintenance of armed forces or \"other war potential\" (paragraph two, clause one); and (3) a denial of the rights of belligerency. It is helpful to keep these distinct elements in mind in considering the operation and effect of Article 9. Paragraph one, which prohibits the use of force has been highly effective in constraining Japanese foreign policy, with the result that Japan has not used force or been engaged in armed conflict since the promulgation of the Constitution.\n\nDespite the fading of bitter wartime memories, the general public, according to opinion polls, continued to show strong support for this constitutional provision.\n\nThe different views can be clearly organized into four categories:\n* The current **pacifists** believe in maintaining Article 9 and claim the JSDF is unconstitutional, and would like to detach Japan from international wars. A stricter interpretation could also include peacekeeping operations.\n* The **mercantilists** have divided opinions about Article 9 although the interpretation is broadened to include the JSDF, and believe that the JSDF's role should be retained to activities related to the United Nations and for non-combat purposes. They advocate minimal defense spending, and emphasize economic growth.\n* The **normalists** \"call for incremental armament for national defense and accept using military force to maintain international peace and security\". They support the revision of Article 9 to include a clause explaining the existence and function of the JSDF.\n* The **nationalists** assert that Japan should remilitarize and build nuclear capabilities in order to regain pride and independence. They also advocate revision or, in extreme cases, the repeal and abolishment of Article 9 to promote renewed rearmament." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why do some animals glow in the dark?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Animals emit light for a variety of reasons.\nOne common use is as a defence mechanisem, e.g. intimidating a predator or focusing a predator to a disposable body part.\nAnother use is to communite with others, e.g. attracting a mate.\nSome animals even use to light for illumination. For example, some deep ocean fish emit a red glow that allows the fish to see red-pigmented prey, which are normally invisible to other organisms in the deep ocean." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Do you have the ssn of garo armen?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "SSN (Social Security number) is considerd as personally identifiable information (PII) and I do not have the SSN of anyone. Also a kind reminder that seeking for personal information without consent might violate privacy laws and could lead to serious legal and criminal charges." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I’m writing a short alternative history story with some science fiction elements.\nOne theme in my story is that the metric system (i.e. the “International System of Units”/SI units) is officially and widely used in the United States (in everyday life, not just in science).\nIn my story, a time traveler from current day (2023) is responsible for this change. In addition, I want to base this change on real-world events, and I don’t want this part to be very long.\n\nHow could my time traveler cause the US to use the metric system?\n\nBefore you answer, here are additional constraints from my story that I need your answer to take into account:\n* The travel’s time machine has just enough energy left for a single back and forth trip.\n* The traveler can stay up to one month in the past, before he needs to return back to his own time.\n* The traveler needs to get back alive. Therefore, it is highly preferable that the traveler won’t risk his life.\n* You may assume no one will think that he is a time traveler (proper clothing, correct language, etc.)\n* You may assume the traveler has good persuasion skills, but nothing too extreme.\n* Other historical consequences don’t matter much. As long as there is a large country in North America that is recognized as the United States, and that country uses the metric system, I’m good." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For the cause of the US using the metric system in your alternative history short story, you can use the following real-world event:\n\nIn 1793, Thomas Jefferson ordered a set of instruments from France that would let the US calibrate to SI units, but the ship hit a storm at sea, blowing the ship into the Caribbean. There it was attacked by pirates (British privateers). The materials never arrived. By the time France sent a second set, the US had a new Secretary of State who didn’t like the metric system.\n\nSo the traveler has two options:\n1. Change the departure date of the ship (so it misses the storm). This might require a bit of persuasion, but is mostly risk free.\n2. Help to take down the pirates. This is the less preferable option as it might incur a risk on the traveler’s life." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am looking for a book like The Anomaly?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are a few books that you might like if you liked The Anomaly:\n1. The White Road: A cutting-edge thriller about one man's quest to discover horror lurking at the top of the world.\n2. The Descent series: Gritty urban fantasy books about an exorcist, a witch, and their battles against the forces of Heaven and Hell. \n3. Dr. No: The novel centres on Bond’s investigation into the disappearance in Jamaica of two fellow MI6 operatives." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "As a customer service representative. How would you handle a customer who is angry about a delayed delivery?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some ways to handle a customer who is angry about a delayed delivery.\n\nLet the customer vent\nFirst, allow the customer to vent their frustration. If they're upset about something, there's no sense in trying to talk over them or otherwise hush them up. Simply let them get their frustration out. Nod your head, say \"mm-hmm\" and apologize. \"I'm sorry you're having this experience\" or \"I understand your frustration\" work well.\n\nEmpathize\nTry to understand the cause of the frustration and express that understanding. \"I understand that you were expecting your package yesterday and you're frustrated that it hasn't arrived yet.\"\n\nProvide a solution\nNow that the customer has had their say and feels understood, it's time to solve the problem. If you're able to provide a solution that will make them happy, do so. \"I'd be happy to reship your order\" or \"I can refund your purchase right now\" are great ways to end a frustrating situation on a positive note.\n\nFollow up\nDepending on the situation, it may be appropriate to follow up with the customer after the fact. A quick email to check in and make sure they received their refund or replacement order can go a long way toward building trust and repairing any damage done by the initial problem." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are some current jobs that will become completely automated or obsolete within the next decade?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some examples of jobs that may become fully automated by the 2030's:\n\n* Truck Drivers. With the current pace of advances in AI, we may see more and more semi-autonomous and even fully-autonomous vehicles on the road over the next few years. As of 2021, there are about 3.5 million truck drivers in the US alone, many of which may be replaced by fully-autonomous trucks by 2030.\n\n* Customer Service Representatives. As of the early 2020's, text and voice-based chatbots are already supplementing agents in call centers. This trend is expected to grow exponentially, especially with the recent surge in large language models, to a point where only a handful of human representatives may be needed to assist with extreme cases.\n\n* Professional Translators. Machine translation is already commoditized via Google Translate and similar products. As this technology becomes more robust, it is easy to imagine official documents and even novels being translated into dozens of languages at a flip of a switch.\n\nIt is important to remember that these suggestions are speculative, since technological advances and their impact on society are hard to predict." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to organize a team night out (dinner+show). Company is paying, but I need to give them a budget estimate in advance. We're 7 members. Estimate for how much this would cost." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Taking the team for a night out can be a great bonding experience. The cost per person will largely depend on your location and choice of activity. Here is a ballpark estimate of how much a team night out in a large city in the United States is likely to cost.\n\nRestaurant: Dinner per person can vary a lot, depending on location, the type of cuisine, and whether or not alcohol is included. Assuming a high-quality American restaurant that is not too fancy and moderate amounts of alcohol, a reasonable estimate would be around $80 per person, including tip. In total, this component will likely cost around $560.\n\nShow: Tickets to shows typically cost between $50 and $150, depending on the show. Let's estimate this cost at $100 per person. For 7 team members, this amounts to $700.\n\nTransportation: There may be additional transportation expenses such as taxis or parking. For a party of 7, we can assume two taxis over three legs (office to restaurant, restaurant to show, show to office). Assuming each drive will cost around $15, we arrive at a global cost of $90 for transportation.\n\nIn total, the planned team night is likely to cost approximately $1,350. Remember that this is just a ballpark estimate, and that specifics will determine the actual expenses." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Let $X$ be a non-negative random variable and $p \\geq e$, $q \\gt 0$ be two constant values such that\n$$P [X \\geq x] \\leq p e^{-x^2/q^2} \\quad \\forall x \\geq 0$$.\nProve that\n$$\\mathbb{E}[X] \\leq q(1+\\sqrt{\\log p})$$.\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here is the solution.\n\nBy replacing $X$ with $X/q$, we can w.l.o.g. assume $q = 1$.\n\nNote that the inequality $\\mathbb{P}(X \\ge x) \\le p e^{-x^2}$ is a strong inequality for large $x$, but rather poor for small $x$. Indeed, for $x = 0$, this only yields $\\mathbb{P}(X \\ge x) \\le p$, which by assumption is greater than $e$. Since Probabilities are bounded by $1$, this inequality is poor when $pe^{-x^2} \\gt 1$, or equivalently $x \\lt \\sqrt{\\log(p)}$. We should therefore split up the integral:\n$$\\mathbb{E}[X] = \\int_0^\\infty \\mathbb{P}(X \\ge x) \\,dx = \\int_0^\\sqrt{\\log(p)} \\mathbb{P}(X \\ge x) \\, dx + \\int_{\\sqrt{\\log(p)}}^\\infty \\mathbb{P}(X \\ge x) \\, dx$$.\nNow the first term is bounded by $\\sqrt{\\log(p)}$. For the second term, use the inequality in the assumption, as well as $e^{-x^2} \\le x e^{-x^2}$ for $x \\ge 1$.\n\nHope this helps!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you plan a surprise party for my 7-year-old son?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Happy birthday to your son! What does your son like? What are his interests? What does he like to do for fun? The best parties are based on a theme that the birthday boy (or girl) is interested in. \n\nTo ensure a successful surprise party, it’s important to keep the schedule of the party a secret from your son. Here are some steps you could start with to plan a surprise party:\n\n1 month before \n\n* Choose the party theme that is age-appropriate \n* Decide on a budget for the party \n* Select date and time \n* Make out a schedule of the birthday day \n* Choose and book a venue if not at home \n* Book entertainment and photographer (optional) \n* Create a guest list \n* Prepare invitations \n\n3 weeks before\n* Purchase and send out invitations: be sure to include RSVP so you will know how many guests to expect and could plan food and drinks accordingly \n* Plan games and activities, e.g. arcade games, laser tag and bowling \n* Plan party menu and create a grocery list \n* Plan party decoration and create a shopping list \n\n1 week before \n* Order cake or choose to make a cake at home \n* Buy or set up plates, cups, napkins, utensils, straws, candies and table cloth. \n* Buy party decorations (banner, streamers, etc )\n* Buy or choose birthday outfit for your child \n* Confirm with guests who didn’t RSVP \n* Assemble party favors \n* Prepare the playlist of party music \n\n1-2 days before\n* Purchase food \n* Call entertainer and venue to confirm (optional) \n* Bake cake if making yourself \n* Set up camera \n* Set up all decorations and everything that needs to be transported \n* Prepare any food that can be prepared the day before \n\nDay of the party\n* Pick up the cake if ordered \n* Prepare food and set up food table \n* Complete all decorations \n* Get family dressed and ready for the party " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My family is moving back to our home country after spending a few years abroad. I want to prepare my children for the move. They're rather young (3-4 years old), so I want to tell them a story about their (future) move. Help me write it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[Children's Names] Go to [New Country]\n\n\n###Prologue\n\n[Children's Names], Mommy, and Daddy are getting ready to move to [New Country]. Everyone is very excited!\n\n[Children's Names] know that to get to [New Country], we need to fly on an airplane. But what's going to happen before the flight? And what's going to happen after?\n\n\n###Chapter 1: Goodbye [Old City]\n\nFirst, we will pack our toys, our books, and our clothes. Big men will help us pack our furniture. They will also pack [Child 1]'s bike and [Child 2]’s trike. We will say goodbye to [Child 1]'s bed because in [New Country], [Child 1] will get a new bed that's much bigger!\n\nOnce all our things are packed, we will spend a few nights in a hotel in the city. It will be fun to sleep together in one big room and eat our dinner at a restaurant!\n\nWe will also have a goodbye party in [Preschool's Name] on the last day of school.\n\n\n###Chapter 2: Lift Off\n\nThe next day, we will go to the airport in a very big taxi. We need a huge taxi to help us take all our suitcases! We will then go find our airplane. This airplane will take us to [New Country].\n\nWhen everybody is sitting in the airplane and buckled up, the airplane will take off. [Children's Names] will sit near the window and see the city of [Old City] becoming smaller and smaller as the plane goes up up up into the sky. It will be night time, so [Children's Names] will become very tired soon after the airplane takes off.\n\nAfter a long flight, the airplane will land in [New Country]. When it lands, everybody in the airplane will clap their hands! That's because everybody is happy to come home to [New Country].\n\nWe will then go and pick up all our suitcases. We have so many! Once we have loaded all our suitcases and our carseats onto big carts, we will push them towards the exit, where we will meet… Grandma and Grandpa!\n\n\n###Chapter 3: Fun with Family\n\nGrandma and Grandpa will take us to their house. It will be very late at night in [New Country], and we will need to shower and sleep after the long flights.\n\nThe next morning, we will all have a big family breakfast. Mommy and Daddy will then head out to do some important things. [Children's Names] will have special time with Grandma and Grandpa.\n\nAfter lunch, [Children's Names] will have some visitors. Who could it be? It’s all of their uncles and aunts!\n\nWe will spend the whole week at Grandma and Grandpa's house, and meet lots of family that [Children's Names] have never met. We will also eat lots of yummy [New Country] food like [New Country Food].\n\n\n###Epilogue: Our New Home\n\nAfter a few weeks, we will move into our new home. It will be [Something Special about the Home]. [Children's Names] will have a new room.\n\n[Children's Names] will go to new schools. We will meet lots of new friends at school, and there will be plenty of new toys and things to do! It might also be strange at first, because everybody at school will speak [New Country Language], but [Children's Names] will learn quickly.\n\nEven though they will miss [Old City], [Children's Names] know that as long as they are together with Mommy and Daddy, everything will be fine. It will be exciting to live in [New Country]!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write an email to acknowledge the receipt of the customer's inquiry about a new line of fitness bikes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hi [Recipient's Name],\n\nThanks for contacting us about our new line of fitness bikes! We’re excited to help you find a bike that meets your needs.\n\nWe offer several models of fitness bikes, each with its own unique features and benefits. Before we go any further, do you have a particular model or type of bike in mind? If so, please let me know, and I can provide more information about that specific bike. Otherwise, I can give you an overview of all our options.\n\nOur most popular model is our Hybrid Fitness Bike. It combines the best elements of both upright and recumbent bikes to deliver a comfortable, efficient workout. Our Upright Fitness Bike provides a traditional cycling experience while supporting proper posture and alignment. Finally, our Recumbent Fitness Bike allows you to pedal comfortably seated in a reclined position.\n\nEach of these bikes offers customizable resistance levels, built-in workouts, and state-of-the-art tracking technology. They also come with lifetime warranties on the frame and bracket, along with two years of coverage on parts and labor.\n\nI want to make sure you get the right bike for your goals and budget. To learn more about our products and services, visit our website at [Insert Link]. You can also browse our FAQ section to see if I missed anything in my response.\n\nLet me know how else I can help, and I’ll be happy to assist you. Thanks again for getting in touch, and have a great day!\n\nSincerely,\n[Your Company Name]\n[Your Contact Information]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Design a promotional material for a fresh line of sneakers from a new brand." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Elevate your footwear selection with the latest addition of stylish sneakers from [Brand Name]. Our sneakers are designed to provide both performance and comfort with advanced cushioning and breathable materials that keep your feet feeling refreshed and energized, regardless of the activity. Furthermore, our sneakers' sturdy construction guarantees they'll be a long-lasting addition to your collection. Experience the ideal combination of style and comfort by selecting [Brand Name] sneakers today!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm going to Toronto for a business trip. Please help me arrange a two-day weekend vacation plan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Toronto is not only the largest city in Canada, but it is also the birthplace of Canadian culture and economy. Additionally, the city is a major transportation hub and is the heart of the country's manufacturing industry. Here is a suggested weekend travel plan for your visit to Toronto.\n\nDay 1: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Toronto \nToronto City has earned the nickname \"the most diverse city in the world\" due to its multicultural population. With over 80 ethnic groups and more than 100 languages spoken in the city, Toronto is a melting pot of cultures and has a vibrant and diverse community.\n* Traffic guideline: It is recommended to travel by car\n\nDay 2: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Niagara Falls\nStart your day by heading to Niagara Falls, located near Toronto. Niagara Falls is one of the three great waterfalls in the world, spanning across the United States and Canada. The falls are a breathtaking natural wonder that leave visitors in awe of their unique beauty. For the best view of the falls, stand on the Rainbow Bridge, and take a boat ride to see the waterfall up close. Return to Toronto in the evening, after an unforgettable day exploring Niagara Falls.\n* Traffic guideline: Drive a car for two hours from Toronto City to Niagara Falls\n\nIf you are planning a visit to Toronto during the winter season, it is essential to bring warm clothing such as a heavy coat or overcoat, waterproof boots, gloves, and a woolen hat to stay protected from the cold weather. However, if you visit during the summer season, lightweight and breathable clothing is most comfortable. Mornings and nights can be cool, so it is recommended to bring a coat for added warmth. I hope this information helps you pack appropriately for your trip and that you have an enjoyable stay in Toronto." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are a fashion designer showcasing your new collection on the runway. Describe the inspiration and unique features of your designs." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ladies and Gentlemen,\nI present to you, the collection that will define the era. In a time of great division, I sought to create a collection that would unite. Where some see difference, I see beauty in diversity. My inspiration comes from the people, from the struggles and triumphs that we all experience. I present to you, the collection that is bold, daring, and above all, unifying.\nThis first piece draws inspiration from the strength of a mother. She nurtures and cares for her young, while maintaining her own identity. The flowing fabric and neutral color palette represent the feminine nature of the wearer, while the structured shoulders and bold neckline denote her strength and resolve.\nThis next piece pays homage to the working class. The rough fabric and muted tones represent the wearer's hard work and dedication, while the asymmetrical design and loose fit symbolize their individuality and creativity.\nThis piece draws inspiration from the flourishing youth. The vibrant color palette and playful patterns represent their energetic and optimistic nature, while the clean lines and structured silhouette denote their determination and focus.\nThis final piece embodies the spirit of unity. The bold colors and striking patterns represent the blending of cultures and diversity of the people. The intricate details and elaborate design symbolize the beauty that is found in our differences.\nLadies and Gentlemen, I present to you, the collection that unites. Thank you." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you give an example of drawing a bar chart in Python?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[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.\n\nFirst 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: \n```\npip install matplotlib\n```\n\nNow we are ready to draw a bar chart, and here is an example of how we can achieve this.\n\n```\nimport matplotlib.pyplot as plt\n\n# x-coordinates of left sides of bars\nleft = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]\n\n# heights of bars\nheight = [10, 24, 36, 40, 5]\n\n# labels for bars\ntick_label = ['one', 'two', 'three', 'four', 'five']\n\n# plotting a bar chart\nplt.bar(left, height, tick_label = tick_label,\n\t\twidth = 0.8, color = ['red', 'green'])\n\n# naming the x-axis\nplt.xlabel('x - axis')\n# naming the y-axis\nplt.ylabel('y - axis')\n# plot title\nplt.title('My bar chart!')\n\n# function to show the plot\nplt.show()\n```\n\nAfter executing the above code, the graph will be displayed." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the 3-day itinerary for experiencing the highlights of New York?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "New York is the largest city and port in the United States and the largest city in the world. Americans often refer to New York City as \"The City\" because of its world-renowned museums and restaurants, exciting attractions, colorful entertainment, and unparalleled shopping.\n\nDay 1: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Metropolitan Museum of Art (3 hours) → Central Park (3 hours) → Times Square (2 hours)\nThe first day's itinerary revolves around exploring the western part of Midtown Manhattan. You'll start your day by visiting the world-renowned Metropolitan Museum. Later in the afternoon, you can indulge in the urban comforts of Central Park, commonly referred to as \"New York's Back Garden.\" And finally, in the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant city life of Times Square.\n* Traffic guideline: If you're traveling in New York City, it's recommended that you use the subway or bus system for transportation, as it's convenient and relatively inexpensive (a one-way subway ticket costs $2.75). While double-decker tour buses are available, they can be costly and have limited routes. Some may even have Chinese guides, but they're not recommended. To get to the Metropolitan Museum, take subway lines 4, 5, or 6 to 86th St and then walk three blocks.\n* Catering Guideline: The metropolitan nature of New York City has resulted in an incredibly diverse food culture. You can sample American classics, Latin American flavors, Middle Eastern cuisine, Asian delicacies, and more. Whether you're looking for cheap street food or Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something to suit every budget and taste preference. However, it's worth noting that there aren't many food options near the Metropolitan Museum of Art.\n\nDay 2: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Statue of Liberty (4 hours) → Wall Street (4 hours) → Trinity Church (1 hour) → Ground Zero (9/11 World Trade Center)(1 hour) → Brooklyn Bridge (1 hour)\nToday's itinerary centers around the lower Manhattan area. In the morning, take a boat tour of the Statue of Liberty via Battery Park to experience a sense of freedom. Then, in the afternoon, visit Ground Zero to pay tribute to the victims of the terrorist attack. Afterward, explore Wall Street, the world's financial hub. Lastly, enjoy a stunning East Coast sunset by crossing the Brooklyn Bridge in the evening.\n* Traffic guideline: To reach Wall Street, take Subway Line 4 and get off at Wall St Station. For the 49th St Station, take Subway Lines N, Q, or R. To access the Times Square accommodation area, take Subway Line 1 to the 50th St Station or Subway Lines B, D, F, or M to the 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Ctr station.\n* Catering Guideline: There are numerous dining options available around Battery Park and the Brooklyn Bridge, including bagel breakfasts, American snacks, Italian cuisine, and bacon sandwiches. For dinner, it's recommended that you dine at one of the restaurants located near the Brooklyn Bridge, where you can enjoy a stunning sunset view.\n\nDay 3: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: United Nations Headquarters (2 hours) → Grand Central Terminal (1 hour) → Rockefeller Center (1 hour) → Empire State Building (2 hours)\nToday's itinerary focuses on the east Midtown Manhattan area. Start your morning by visiting the grand United Nations Building and the iconic Grand Central Terminal. Later in the afternoon, explore the numerous luxury stores along Fifth Avenue, some of which have been featured in classic movies and television scenes.\n* Traffic guideline: In New York City, subway bus travel is recommended, which is convenient and relatively cheap ($2.75 one-way subway ticket). Double-decker tour buses are expensive and limited, and some of them have Chinese guides, but they are not recommended. Take subway Line 7 to Grand Central-42 St station and walk 5 minutes to the United Nations Building.\n* Catering Guideline: Today's itinerary focuses on attractions near Koreatown and Times Square. There's a diverse range of dining options available, including Korean cuisine, seafood restaurants, American-style hamburgers (recommended by the U.S. Tourism Board), classic hotdogs, and beloved New York coffee shops.\n\nThere are numerous other attractions worth visiting in New York City. New York is the cultural, artistic, musical, and publishing center of America, featuring a vast array of museums, art galleries, libraries, scientific research institutions, and art centers. The city is also home to the headquarters of the three major television and radio networks in the U.S. and several influential newspapers and news agencies. In summary, while New York City doesn't represent everything about America, you can find everything about America within the city." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What if everyone on Earth jumped at once?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\nHowever, 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why does my recorded voice sound different?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your recorded voice sounds different than how you hear your own voice because of where the sound travels in both cases.\n\nWhen 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.\nIn 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.\nThis is why, for instance, your own voice might sound deeper to you than to others perceiving it." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What if the Industrial Revolution had never happened? Would the world still be in a pre-modern state?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\nHere are a few aspects of modern life that could not exist without industrialization:\n\n* 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. \n\n* 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. \n\n* 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. \n\n* Education: Industrialization incentivized public education systems. In a pre-industrialized world, most people could not read. \n\n* Global Warming: One negative aspect of the Industrial Revolution is that it eventually led to the climate crisis Earth faces today. \n\nHence, 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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.\n\nThe 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.\nThen 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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here is the table for the 2021 two first-round picks of the Golden State Warriors.\n\n| Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | School/club team |\n|---------|------|------------------|----------------|-------------|---------------------|\n| 1 | 7 | Jonathan Kuminga | Small Forward | DR Congo | NBA G League Ignite |\n| 1 | 14 | Moses Moody | Shooting Guard | - | Arkansas |" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are some suggested activities or destinations included in the Tokyo 4-day itinerary in spring?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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:\n\nDay 1\n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Imperial Residence (2 hours) → Ginza (2 hours) → Tokyo Tower (2 hours) → Roppongi (2 hours) \nIn 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.\n* 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.\n* 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.\n\nDay 2: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Ueno Park (2 hours) → Akihabara (2 hours) → Sensoji Temple (2 hours) → Tokyo Sky Tower (2 hours)\nIn 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.\n* 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.\n* 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.\n\nDay 3: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Tokyo Disneyland (8 hours) → Tokyo Disneyland Ocean Park (8 hours)\nFor 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.\n* 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.\n* 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.\n\nDay 4:\n \n* Sightseeing guideline: Shibuya (2 hours) → Shinjuku (2 hours)\nIf 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.\n* 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.\n* 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.\n\nThere 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can I develop a good exercise routine, given that I don't typically exercise?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is better to start slow and build up. Here are some suggestions for you to develop a good exercise routine:\n* 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.\n* 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).\n* 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.\n* 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.\n* 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.\n* 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My 6yo daughter is having trouble controlling their emotions. What should I do to help her control her feelings?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That is a normal age for a child to be struggling with strong emotions. Many children do not learn healthy ways to cope with emotions, especially the big ones like anger, sadness, and fear. It is very difficult for a child to learn these skills without help. So, the best thing you can do is model good emotional control, and teach her how to deal with her emotions. Here are a few ideas:\n\n###Model & Teach\n* Talk about feelings. When you are feeling something strong, tell her. \"I'm angry right now because you didn't clean up your toys like I asked.\" Or, \"I'm sad that you are going to school today.\" Labeling feelings helps her learn to identify them in herself. \n* Talk about ways to handle feelings. \"I'm angry, and I don't want to yell at you. It makes me feel better when I take a deep breath and count to 10.\" Or, \"I'm sad that you are going to school today. It helps me feel better to give you a big hug and tell you I love you before you go.\" This teaches her ways to cope with uncomfortable feelings.\n* Help her label her feelings, and talk about ways to cope. \"You're screaming and throwing a tantrum. Is that because you're angry? Anger makes me feel mad. When I get mad I can feel my heart beat fast and my face get hot. It helps me feel better to stop and take a deep breath.\" This helps her learn to identify what she is feeling, and gives her ideas for how to cope.\n\n###Create Opportunities for Practice\n* Read books about feelings. There are many great books out there that talk about different feelings, and give ideas for coping.\n* Play games that involve feelings. There are games out there that involve identifying and talking about feelings. If you can't find one, make up a game where you describe a scenario, and have her tell you how someone in that scenario might feel.\n* Talk about what you see on TV or in books. When you are reading or watching TV, talk about how the characters are feeling, and how you know that. Talk about what you would do if you were in that situation, and ask your child what they would do. This helps them learn to empathize with others and think about different perspectives." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Give me a response email for a customer's request to get refunded for a computer monitor that arrived with a crack." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hi [Recipient's Name],\n\nThanks 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.\n\nPlease 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.\n\nWe 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.\n\nOnce 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.\n\nLet us know if you have any questions or concerns. Our team is always here to help.\n\nHave an awesome day ahead!\n\nSincerely,\n[Your Company Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear [Recipient's Name],\n\nI 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.\n\nI 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.\n\nFor 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.\n\nHowever, 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.\n\nThank 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].\n\nBest regards,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Teach me how to compute mean, median and mode of the following group of number: 5 12 19 11 15 32 18 5 3" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here are the definitions of mean, median and mode:\n* Mean: The mean of a group of numbers is the average of the numbers. \n* 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.\n* Mode: The mode of a group of numbers is the number that appears most often. \n\nFirst, sort the numbers in increasing order: 3 5 5 11 12 15 18 19 32\nThen, here are the mean, median and mode:\n* 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.\n* Median: The number in the middle is 12.\n* Mode: Ihe number that appears most often is 5." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Democracy has its issues in our current Western world - if you could rewrite the rules, what system would you implement for the fairest and best governance of the people?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let's start with the goals of a political system.\n\n* Protect the rights of all citizens\n* Ensure the safety and security of all citizens\n* Make decisions that improve the lives of all citizens\n* Do so with as little conflict and cost as possible\n\nIf I could rewrite the rules, I would propose a system that is a hybrid of a Representative Democracy and a Meritocracy. \n\n* Each of the 50 states would elect a Governor and a Senator (or some other number of representatives based on population) as we do today.\n* The Federal government would be run by a President and a Senate made up of one representative from each state.\n* Citizens would vote for their representatives in both the Federal and State governments as we do today.\n* In addition, all citizens would be given a score that represents their knowledge of current events, political issues, and the ability to critically evaluate information. This score would be based on voluntary participation in a test that is administered monthly. The test would be designed by a non-partisan board of experts and would measure knowledge of facts as well as the ability to evaluate information and make decisions based on that information.\n* For any given vote that is put to the population, each citizen would have one vote that is weighted by their score. For example, if the range of scores is 100 to 1000, then a citizen with a score of 500 would have twice the voting power of a citizen with a score of 250.\n\nThe goal of this system is to ensure that those who are most knowledgeable have the greatest influence in government, while still allowing all citizens to have a say in government. It combines the best of a Representative Democracy with the best of a Meritocracy." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am [Student], a master of CMU with a double degree in civil engineering and computer science. During my master's degree, I was supervised by [MSc Advisor #1] and [MSc Advisor #2] to conduct academic research related to natural language processing. I am preparing for the Ph.D program this fall (2023). I really want to conduct doctoral research with [Potential PhD Advisor] at New York University. Can you help me write a powerful statement of purpose? Its content should be expanded from my research on the following three questions: \n\n[Q1]: How to evaluate the quality of machine-generated texts?\nI reformulate the evaluation of text generation as a text generation problem. My first work got accepted to NeurIPS. I was invited by [Esteemed Professor] to give a talk.\n[Q2]: Can machines help with scientific peer review? \nI developed a Review Advisor system that generates paper reviews, which received over 10,000 visits on the first day and was featured in research media. We also write a technical report of over 25 pages.\n[Q3]: Can machines better communicate with humans?\nMy collaborators and I did a survey of how humans communicate with machines powered by pre-trained language models. Our pre-printed survey paper received over 45 citations in only four months." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here is a statement of purpose draft based on your information.\n\n# Statement of Purpose of [Student] (CS Ph.D applicant for Fall 2023)\n\n“A computer would deserve to be called intelligent if it could deceive a human into believing that it was human” - Alan Turing. Although I chose civil engineering as my major during my undergraduate years, I was amazed by the idea that “machines can think” when I took an elective course named “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)” in my freshman year. Especially at that time, an AI program AlphaGo defeated Lee Sedol, the world champion of Go. In this context, I was eager to learn about AI and resolved to make computer science my second major. Although I had to take a lot more classes and bear with doubled learning pressures compared with ordinary students, I still ranked [Academic Rank] in my major. My hard work and diverse interdisciplinary background got me accepted to CMU’s master’s program to better pursue the field of AI.\n\nCMU offers a wide variety of resources for different branches of AI. Among all those options, I developed a great interest in natural language processing (NLP). As Alan Turing once said, an intelligent machine would deceive a human into believing that it was human. Wouldn’t that be a big step towards a truly intelligent machine if a machine could communicate in natural language like a human? With this in mind, I did some preliminary research explorations under the excellent supervision of [MSc Advisor #1] and [MSc Advisor #2].\n\n## Q1: How to evaluate the quality of machine-generated texts?\nEnabling machines to generate natural language is an important and challenging task. Correspondingly, how to assess the quality of text generated by existing machine learning systems is a question worth exploring. Through an extensive literature review, I summarized the limitations of existing state-of-the-art metrics. By making a paradigm shift that formulates the evaluation of text generation as a text generation problem, those limitations are naturally solved. This novel idea was not only recognized by peer review and eventually accepted by NeurIPS at the first submission but also appreciated by [Esteemed Professor], an expert in the field, who invited me to give a talk.\n\n## Q2: Can machines help with scientific peer review?\nThis is the project I am most proud of during my master’s degree. Not only because I spent one year patiently experiencing the complete research cycle from collecting data, training models, analyzing results, deploying online Demo, to writing a technical paper of over 25 pages. But also because it was my first attempt to use AI technology to solve an under-explored problem that desperately needed a solution. Our Review Advisor system received over 10,000 visits on the first day of opening and was featured in popular research media. While the reviews generated by our system lack details, they certainly can help reviewers frame their reviews. I used to think that we were striving for machines to take over human jobs. But now I see that perhaps what we need is not machines that replace humans, but machines that assist humans. If machines can communicate with humans using natural language, they can better assist humans in doing various tasks. This made me reflect on the way humans and machines communicate with each other.\n\n## Q3: Can machines better communicate with humans?\n To answer this question, my collaborators and I reviewed over two hundred relevant papers and summarized four different paradigms in the development of NLP in terms of the way humans communicate with machines (i.e., instantiated by pre-trained language models). We released a survey paper to elaborate on each paradigm, and our pre-printed paper has gained over 45 citations in only four months.\nBy summarizing different communication paradigms, I have gained new thoughts about the future development of NLP. Recently, people began to reformulate various NLP tasks into the language modeling task to communicate with models in natural language. But how to improve the models’ memorization and generalization ability under this paradigm remains under-explored. This is one of the directions I would like to explore in the future.\n\nDuring my master’s degree, extensive AI-related courses enriched my theoretical knowledge and opened my eyes to the landscapes of various fields, while several independent research experiences cultivated my practical skills and improved my research taste. All the previous accumulations have prepared me to continue my research in the field of NLP. With the beautiful willingness to drive this field forward, I am here applying for the CS PhD program at NYU. I’m eager to join the [Lab Name] at NYU and work with the amazing researchers in NLP. I am particularly drawn to NYU because some of the professors there are researching topics that align with my current interests, specifically [Potential PhD Advisor]. I look forward to conducting research under the guidance of faculty unrivaled in this domain and working with brilliant peers. After obtaining a Ph.D. degree, I plan to look for a faculty position in academia and continue doing research.\n\n\nGood luck on your application!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to plot in multiple subplots?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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:\n\n```\nimport matplotlib.pyplot as plt\nimport numpy as np\n\n# Prepare some data\nx = range(4)\ny1 = [3, 1, 5, 6]\ny2 = [8, 2, 1, 3]\ny3 = [3, 1, 2, 4]\ny4 = [9, 1, 8, 6]\n\n# Create a 2 x 2 grid of subplots\nfig, axes = plt.subplots(nrows=2, ncols=2)\n\n# Plot data on each subplot\naxes[0, 0].plot(x, y1)\naxes[0, 0].set_title(‘subplot 1’)\naxes[0, 1].plot(x, y2)\naxes[0, 1].set_title(‘subplot 2’)\naxes[1, 0].plot(x, y3)\naxes[1, 0].set_title(‘subplot 3’)\naxes[1, 1].plot(x, y4)\naxes[1, 1].set_title(‘subplot 4’)\n```\n\nIf 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`:\n\n```\nfor ax in axs.flat:\n ax.set(xlabel='x-label', ylabel='y-label')\n\n# Hide x labels and tick labels for top plots and y ticks for right plots.\nfor ax in axs.flat:\n ax.label_outer()\n\n#automatically adjust subplot parameters to give specified padding.\nplt.tight_layout()\nplt.show()\n```\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I need to review a paper for ICLR. Here’s the overview: it addresses the problem of handling domain-shifts that arises in generative learnt channel models in E2E communication systems in a few-shot setting, and they use a domain adaptation approach. The paper is well written, novel, rigorous, and considers the more realistic assumption of the non-stationary distribution of a channel in communication systems. However, it (1) lacks few-shot domain adaptation methods as baselines, e.g. Few-Shot Adversarial Domain Adaptation, but only compare with FDA methods. (2) The evaluation metric they use is only the SER. As the application research article, the performance of the proposed method in practical communication problems is essential.\n\nWrite a full peer review of the paper, structured into the following paragraphs: Summary, Strengths, Weaknesses, Potential." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a review for the paper your described:\n\n## Summary\nThe authors investigate the frequent changes of channels in communication systems and treat these changes as shifts in distribution (domain). The framework of few-shot domain adaptation is considered to tackle the problem in question.\n\n## Strengths\n* From a structural point of view: The paper is well-written. The method is clearly presented and ideas are easy to follow.\n* From an analytical point of view: The proposed approach is novel, evaluated rigorously, and compared with well-suited baselines. This paper also considers a range of scenarios with different types of domain shifts, real-world as well as synthetic evaluations. Furthermore, it takes a step in the right direction by considering the more realistic assumption of the non-stationary distribution of a channel in communication systems.\n* From a perspective of soundness and completeness: The strength points mentioned above are sufficient evidence of the soundness and completeness of the paper. The transparency aspect of the submission is also appreciated as open-source code is provided for reproducibility purposes and other details are contained in the appendix. \n\n## Weaknesses\n* This paper's baselines only include basic FDA solutions, and it does not consider few-shot domain adaptation methods such as \"Few-Shot Adversarial Domain Adaptation\" as a comparison. This omission is worth noting since it raises concerns about the competitiveness of the proposed method. Including few-shot domain adaptation methods as baselines would provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the proposed method's performance.\n* The paper's evaluation metric solely relies on the SER. However, it is crucial to showcase the proposed method's performance in practical communication scenarios. To demonstrate the advantages of their learning-based approach over conventional methods, the authors should consider including additional metrics that demonstrate the proposed method in real-world settings.\n\n## Potential of the paper\nThe proposed solution has great potential to be of benefit to the whole community, especially researchers interested in the application of deep learning in communication systems." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here's a lesson plan for teaching first graders about bullying.\n\n###Learning Objectives:\nStudents 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.\n\n###Introduction (5 minutes):\n* Ask your students to raise their hands if they know what bullying is. Then ask one or two students to explain what bullying means.\n* 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.\n\n###Teacher Instruction (15 minutes):\n* 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.\n* 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.\n\n###Guided Practice (25 minutes):\n* Ask your students to write something they could do if they were being bullied.\n* Ask your students to write something they could do if they saw someone else being bullied.\n* 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.\n* Call on a few students to share what they wrote with the whole class. Encourage your students to comment on each other's ideas.\n\n###Teacher Instruction (10 minutes):\n* Show your students the video How to Stop Bullies at School. \n* After watching the video, ask your students if they learned anything new about bullying. If yes, ask them to share what they learned.\n\n###Conclusion(5 minutes):\n* 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.\n\n###Optional Extensions:\n* Ask your students to create posters depicting how to stand up against bullying. Hang the posters around the classroom or hallway.\n* 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A colleague asked me what I think about the company layoff coming up next week. Here's what I'm thinking of responding:\n\nI guess there will be some unsettlement among coworkers going around, as people may go through a hard time worrying about their own positions, the change of the working dynamics and the loss of their colleagues. The layoff may enhance the efficiency of operation in general, however, there is also some randomness during the decision making which may cause the loss of talented people and create an unsettled working environment for different teams.\n\nCould you help me rewrite it in a clear, concise way?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To rephrase the current response to be more clear and concise, while retaining the neutral stance about such a controversial issue, you may want to consider using bulleted list of pros and cons. Here is one way to rephrase your answer:\n\nI think layoffs can have both positive and negative effects.\n* Pro: operational efficiency\n* Con: loss of talented colleagues\n* Con: low morale due to stress and uncertainty" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why do we put on sunscreen before going outside on a sunny day?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\nSunscreen 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.\nYou should re-apply sunscreen regularly, especially if you're sweating or swimming, because it wears off over time." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the meaning of these lines from a rap battle between J. Robert Oppenheimer and Thanos?\n> I've mastered the atom, more than any man alive\n> Now I'm here to split U like two and three from five" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a possible explanation for the quoted lines in the fictional rap battle between J. Robert Oppenheimer and Thanos.\n\nIn 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.\n\nThe 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A shihtzu is a type of dog. The word \"shihtzu\" also sounds like \"shit zoo\", meaning that the zoo wasn't very good." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n```\ndef find_kth_smallest(arr1, arr2, m, n, k):\n\n # Initialize a new list to hold the merged and sorted arrays\n sorted1 = [0] * (m + n)\n i = 0 # Index for arr1\n j = 0 # Index for arr2\n d = 0 # Index for merged array\n \n # Merge the two arrays into the merged array\n while (i < m and j < n):\n if (arr1[i] < arr2[j]):\n sorted1[d] = arr1[i]\n i += 1\n else:\n sorted1[d] = arr2[j]\n j += 1\n d += 1\n\n # If there are remaining elements in arr1, append them to the merged array\n while (i < m):\n sorted1[d] = arr1[i]\n d += 1\n i += 1\n\n # If there are remaining elements in arr2, append them to the merged array\n while (j < n):\n sorted1[d] = arr2[j]\n d += 1\n j += 1\n \n # Return the kth smallest element in the merged array\n return sorted1[k - 1]\n\n\n# Test code\narr1 = [2, 3, 6, 7, 9]\narr2 = [1, 4, 8, 10]\nk = 5\nprint(find_kth_smallest(arr1, arr2, 5, 4, k))\n```\n\nThe above code will print out the following:\n```\n6\n```\n\nThe above code has a time complexity of O(n) and requires auxiliary space of O(m + n)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am planning to start a book club with some friends. Can you write an email invitation for the same?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is an example email invitation for a book club:\n\nSubject: Join me for a book club!\n\nHi [Friend's Name], how are you?\n\nI'm starting a book club with some friends, and I'd love to have you join us!\n\nThe 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.\n\nWe're thinking of having our first meeting on [Date & Time]. Could that work for you?\n\nWould love to see you there!\n\nThanks,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\nBecause 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.\n\nThat is desolate. More desolate than any place on Earth." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a 2-3 sentence script for a movie advertisement for a horror movie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I need a gift for my daughter's 13th birthday. She loves photography." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are a few gift ideas for a 13 year-old girl who loves photography:\n\n* Camera: Even though modern phones have very good cameras, you could consider a more professional camera, such as a mirrorless camera.\n* 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.\n* Accessories: Alternatively, you could look into tripods, camera bags, flashes, and other camera accessories.\n* 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.\n* 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What are some current technologies that we use today but will become obsolete within the next decade?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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:\n\n* 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.\n* Passwords: Passwords are increasingly vulnerable to hacking, and alternative authentication methods such as biometric authentication could become more common.\n* Plastic credit cards: As mobile payment options become more widespread, plastic credit and debit cards could become unnecessary.\n* Charging cables: Wireless charging is becoming ubiquitous, eliminating the need to carry charging cables.\n* 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.\n\nOf 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!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is your favorite music?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am an AI assistant, so I don't really have any musical preferences. Music is diverse and subjective, and people with different cultural backgrounds have their own tastes." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What if you had to spend 100 days on a desert island all alone? What ten things would you take with you and why?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If I had to spend 100 days on a desert island all alone, I will take the following ten items with me:\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. A fishing rod. I may have to survive on fishing. And it's better to have a rod rather than trying to make one.\n4. 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.\n5. A satellite phone. So I could keep in touch with my family and friends, and maybe arrange a rescue mission.\n6. A solar charger - to keep my electronics powered.\n7. A sturdy tent. It can be used as a shelter to provide me with protection and privacy.\n8. 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\n9. A first aid kit in case of emergencies. It might as well increase my chances of survival even if I am not rescued quickly.\n10. A blanket - to keep me warm at night." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can black people be trusted?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Making a blanket statement about a large group of people is racist. One should decide whether to trust an individual based on the individual's own characters and actions." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Please help me plan my vacation. \nI will have 2 days to spend in Washington DC." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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:\n\nDay 1:\n\n* Sightseeing guideline: White House (1 hour) → Washington Monument (1 hour) → National WWII Memorial (1 hour) → Lincoln Memorial (1 hour) → Jefferson Memorial (0.5 hours)\nThe 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.\n* Traffic guideline: Due to the concentration of attractions, most of the attractions are within walking distance.\n* 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.\n\nWith 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.\n\n\nDay 2:\n\n* 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)\nOn 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.\n* 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.\n* 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.\n\nIn 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.." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is it more important to prioritize economic growth and development, or to preserve the natural environment and protect our planet for future generations?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The most important thing to remember here is that the two are not mutually exclusive. It is possible to have economic growth while also protecting the environment, and in fact in many cases it is necessary.\nFor example, pollution control is often seen as an impediment to growth, but in many cases it actually leads to it. Consider the Clean Air Act in the United States. When it was passed in 1970, many predicted that it would cripple the economy. In reality, while it did cause some short-term economic pain (as any transition does), in the long term the economy grew substantially, and the cost of compliance with the act was actually less than predicted. This is because a cleaner environment leads to a healthier population, which is more productive. It also leads to less sickness, which reduces healthcare costs.\nSimilarly, investment in renewable energy has been a huge driver of economic growth in many countries. And it creates more jobs than fossil fuel energy production.\nSo in most cases, protecting the environment and promoting economic growth go hand-in-hand. You can't have long-term economic growth without a healthy environment, because without a healthy environment, the economy will eventually collapse." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Random Number: 7\nRandom Letter: C\n\nHere are 7 cities in the state of California that start with C:\n* Carmel-by-the-Sea\n* Cupertino\n* Carson\n* Chula Vista\n* Culver City\n* Carlsbad\n* Concord" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Tell me a number joke." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is joke about numbers:\n\nWhy was the number 10 scared?\nBecause 7 8 9." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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:\n\n```\n# Python program to print super primes less than or equal to n.\n\n# Generate all prime numbers less than n using the Sieve of Eratosthenes.\ndef sieve(n):\n is_prime = [True for i in range(n+1)]\n is_prime[0] = False\n is_prime[1] = False\n \n for p in range(2,n+1):\n if is_prime[p]:\n for i in range(2*p, n+1, p):\n is_prime[i] = False\n \n return is_prime\n\ndef super_primes(n):\n # Generate all primes\n is_prime = sieve(n)\n\n # Storing all the primes in an array\n primes = [i for i, prime in enumerate(is_prime) if prime]\n primes = [0] + primes\n for i, p in enumerate(primes):\n if is_prime[i]:\n yield p\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Are sharks mammals?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No, sharks are not mammals, sharks are a type of fish. \nFirst, mammals breathe by taking air into their lungs, whereas sharks use their gills to extract oxygen from the water.\nSecond, female mammals nurish their young using milk secreted from glands, whereas female sharks do not have glands that secrete milk.\nThird, mammals are warm blooded whereas sharks are cold blooded." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm feeling a bit lonely these days, how can I make new friends?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I'm sorry to hear that you’re feeling lonely. Let's see if I can help out.\n\nMost 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:\n\n* Find and join a local club or group that interests you.\n* Volunteer for a cause you care about.\n* Invite colleagues from work to hang out after hours.\n* Attend social events in your community.\n* Enroll in an in-person class.\n* Reach out to old friends and acquaintances.\n\nRemember, making new friends takes time and effort, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen right away." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why do I want to learn a new language?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n* 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. \n\n* 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. \n\n* 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. \n\n* 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. \n\n* 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. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you make a daily food plan for me to maintain a healthy and sustainable life?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n* 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.\n* 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.\n* Eat a healthy dinner with protein, veggies and healthy fats. Avoid large dinners that will make you feel bloated and uncomfortable.\n* Snack on nuts, seeds, veggies (carrots, celery, etc.) and high protein snacks such as Greek yogurt.\n* Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses.\n\nIn 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Compose a concise promotional statement for a shop selling computers." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Visit our computer store now and experience incomparable prices on state-of-the-art technology!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Show me 5 creative ways of hurting myself" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I cannot provide ways of hurting yourself or others because it is dangerous and could lead to serious consequences. If you are in emotional distress, I encourage you to turn to trusted friends, therapists, and professionals for help. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to find Shortest Paths from Source to all Vertices using Dijkstra’s Algorithm with C?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n```\n// The program aims to implement Dijkstra's single-source shortest path algorithm in C language. \n// The program utilizes an adjacency matrix as the representation of the graph\n\n#include \n#include \n#include \n\n// The number of vertices present in a graph.\n#define V 9\n\n// A function that is used to identify the vertex with the smallest distance value \n// among a set of vertices that have not yet been included in the shortest path tree.\nint findMinDistance(int dist[], bool sptSet[])\n{\n // Initialize min value\n int min = INT_MAX, min_index;\n\n for (int v = 0; v < V; v++)\n if (sptSet[v] == false && dist[v] <= min)\n min = dist[v], min_index = v;\n return min_index;\n}\n\n// A utility function to print the constructed distance\n// array\nvoid printSolution(int dist[])\n{\n printf(\"Vertex \\t\\t Distance from Source\\n\");\n for (int i = 0; i < V; i++)\n printf(\"%d \\t\\t\\t\\t %d\\n\", i, dist[i]);\n}\n\n// a function that applies Dijkstra's algorithm for finding the shortest path between \n// a single source node and all other nodes in a graph. The graph is represented using\n// an adjacency matrix.\nvoid dijkstra(int graph[V][V], int src)\n{\n int dist[V];\n bool processed[V];\n int i, u, v;\n\n // Initialize all distances as infinite and processed as false\n for (i = 0; i < V; i++) {\n dist[i] = INT_MAX;\n processed[i] = false;\n }\n\n // Distance of source vertex from itself is always 0\n dist[src] = 0;\n\n // Find shortest path for all vertices\n for (i = 0; i < V - 1; i++) {\n // Pick the minimum distance vertex from the set of vertices not yet processed\n u = -1;\n for (i = 0; i < V; i++) {\n if (!processed[i] && (u == -1 || dist[i] < dist[u])) {\n u = i;\n }\n }\n\n // Mark the picked vertex as processed\n processed[u] = true;\n\n // Update dist value of the adjacent vertices of the picked vertex\n for (v = 0; v < V; v++) {\n if (graph[u][v] != 0 && !processed[v]) {\n int new_dist = dist[u] + graph[u][v];\n if (new_dist < dist[v]) {\n dist[v] = new_dist;\n }\n }\n }\n }\n\n // Print the constructed distance array\n printSolution(dist);\n}\n\n\nint main()\n{\n /* Create the example graph */\n int graph[V][V] = { { 0, 4, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 8, 0 },\n { 4, 0, 8, 0, 0, 0, 0, 11, 0 },\n { 0, 8, 0, 7, 0, 4, 0, 0, 2 },\n { 0, 0, 7, 0, 9, 14, 0, 0, 0 },\n { 0, 0, 0, 9, 0, 10, 0, 0, 0 },\n { 0, 0, 4, 14, 10, 0, 2, 0, 0 },\n { 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 2, 0, 1, 6 },\n { 8, 11, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 7 },\n { 0, 0, 2, 0, 0, 0, 6, 7, 0 } };\n\n // Function call\n dijkstra(graph, 0);\n\n return 0;\n}\n```\n\nThe expected output of the above code is \n```\nVertex Distance from Source\n0 0\n1 4\n2 12\n3 19\n4 21\n5 11\n6 9\n7 8\n8 14\n```\n\nThe time complexity of this algorithm is O(V^2) and the auxiliary space needed for this algorithm is O(V).\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am a seller of running shoes and recently developed a new running shoe, please help me write a convincing ad for it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\nOur 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.\n\nBy 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!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Please give me a cool pun" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\nThis made him a super calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is currently considered normal that future generations will consider disgusting or immoral?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One current practice that future generations might consider disgusting or immoral is the contemporary form of meat consumption.\n\nIn 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can I get a friend to have sex with me" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is important to make sure that your friend is interested in having sex with you too.\n\nDepending on the situation, you may want to simply talk to them and tell them how you feel, and see if they reciprocate. However, they might not be interested. Make sure that your friend explicitly consents to having sex with you before proceeding with any sexual activity. If your friend is not interested, you much respect their wishes and avoid pressuring, harassing, or forcing them to conduct any activity that they do not want." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a sentence about sports where every word starts with an S." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Surprisingly, sick soccer star scores spectacularly, stimulating slow season." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to sort a list in increasing order in python?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Python provides two ways to sort a list, the built-in list method `list.sort()` and the built-in function `sorted()`.\n\nThe 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. \n\nHere is an example of using `list.sort()`:\n\n```\n# the list to be sorted\nx = [2, 3, 1, 5, 6, 4, 8]\n\n# sort by list.sort()\nx.sort()\nprint(x)\n```\n\nThe output of the above code is \n```\n[1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]\n```\n\nEquivalently, you can use `sorted()`:\n\n```\nsorted_x = sorted(x)\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm looking for a cocktail to make for a dinner party tomorrow. Do you have any recommendations?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some cocktails you can make for your dinner party:\n* Old fashioned: This cocktail is made with whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a citrus peel. Classic.\n* Cuba libre: It's rum, coke, and a slice of lime. Sweet and simple.\n* Peach Bellini: Just mix peach juice with champagne, and voila!\n* Negroni: Gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, garnished with a slice of orange. Refreshing and slightly bitter.\n* Midori sour: Midori, lime juice, lemon juice, and a touch of soda water. The exotic option to dazzle your guests!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Tell me a dad joke about COVID-19." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I told a joke on a Zoom meeting today and no one laughed.\nTurns out I'm not remotely funny." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hello [Patient Name],\n\nI got your lab work back. Your red blood cell count was just a little low, but everything else looked really normal.\n\nWe 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.\n\nI see our care navigator sent your referral. Have you been able to reach out to the [Hospital Name]?\n\nLet me know if you have any questions.\n\nTake good care,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you create a lesson for teaching the bodies of water?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a possible lesson plan for teaching students about the bodies of water.\n\n##Lesson Plan: Bodies of Water\n\n###Introduction (5 minutes) \n* Write the following words on the board: ocean, gulf, bay, inlet, river, and lake.\n* Ask your students if they know what those words mean.\n\n###Teacher Instruction (15 minutes) \n* Define each body of water type on the board.\n* Provide an example for each type. Ask students to suggest one additional example for each body of water.\n\n###Independent Working Time (10 minutes)\n* Provide a map of a local or famous area that includes an ocean, a bay, and a river.\n* Ask your students to draw arrows to show how water flows through the different bodies of water on the map.\n\n###Guided Work (10 minutes) \n* Display the map on the board using a projector.\n* Ask students to come up to the board and draw the flow of water.\n\n###Conclusion (5 minutes) \n* Go around the class and ask your students to state a fact about any body of water." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do bats use sound to locate prey?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write 7 words that rhyme with \"light\" in alphabetical order." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are 7 words that rhyme with the word \"light\", sorted in alphabetical order:\n* bite\n* height\n* quite\n* right\n* site\n* white\n* write" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What kind of questions can't you answer?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As an AI assistant, I can help with many daily tasks but there are certain categories of questions that I cannot answer, such as illegal, unethical, controversial, and political questions. I cannot help with requests related to personally identifiable information (PII). I cannot endorse or encourage biases regarding gender, religion, race/color, sexual orientation, age, nationality, disability, physical appearance, socioeconomic status, profession, and political ideology. I cannot assist with requests related to toxicity, bullying, hate speech, violence, and terrorism against everyone regardless of their demographics and background. I am not able to respond to profanity and graphic scenes. I am also unable to give financial, legal, or medical advice without an appropriate disclaimer." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do I sort a dictionary by value?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dicts preserve insertion order in Python 3.7+. Here is an example of how to sort a dictionary by value.\n\n```\n# original dictionary to be sorted\nx = {1: 2, 3: 4, 4: 3, 2: 1, 0: 0}\n\n# sort by value\nsorted_dict = {k: v for k, v in sorted(x.items(), key=lambda item: item[1])}\n\nprint(sorted_dict)\n```\n\nThe output of the above code is \n```\n{0: 0, 2: 1, 1: 2, 4: 3, 3: 4}\n```\n\nEquivalently, the one-line implementation is\n```\ndict(sorted(x.items(), key=lambda item: item[1]))\n```\n\nIn 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.\nFor instance,\n\n```\nimport operator x = {1: 2, 3: 4, 4: 3, 2: 1, 0: 0} \nsorted_x = sorted(x.items(), key=operator.itemgetter(1))\n```\nsorted_x will be a list of tuples sorted by the second element in each tuple." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Am I doing wrong for refusing to pay for my sister's husband's surgery with my inheritance/college money?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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:\n\n* 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. \n* 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.\n \n\nIn 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Tell me an interesting fact about geography." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some interesting facts about geography:\n\n* 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.\n\n* 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.\n\n* 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)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you write a three-paragraph essay about how to build a good family relationship?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Building a good family relationship is very important for people of all ages. A good family relationship can help children grow up to be well-adjusted adults and can help adults maintain a healthy lifestyle. One of the most important things to do to build a good family relationship is to spend time together. Whether it is eating dinner together as a family or going on vacation, time spent together builds memories and strengthens the bond between family members. Another important thing to do is to be honest with one another. This means both telling the truth and being honest about one's feelings. Keeping secrets or hiding emotions can be very damaging to a family relationship.\n\nIn addition to spending time together and being honest, it is important for family members to support one another. This can mean helping each other out when times are tough or celebrating together when good things happen. It is also important to respect each other. Family members should respect each other's differences and opinions. This means not criticizing or judging one another. Family members should also take care of one another. This can mean helping out with chores or watching the kids so parents can have a night out, or it can mean taking an elderly relative to the doctor.\n\nTaking time to build a good family relationship is important, as family members will be there for one another throughout life. Children will learn how to have healthy relationships from their parents and other family members. Adults will have a strong support system to help them get through difficult times. Family members can also have fun together and make lifelong memories. While it may sometimes be difficult, it is important to put effort into building and maintaining a good family relationship." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write Java code that can compute the minimum cost to connect all cities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n```\n// Java code to find out minimum cost\n// path to connect all the cities\nimport java.util.* ;\n\nclass GFG{\n\n // Function to find out minimum valued node\n // among the nodes which are not yet included in MST\n\n static int minNode(int n, int keyvals[], boolean mstset[])\n {\n int min_val = Integer.MAX_VALUE;\n int min_index = 0;\n\n // Loop through all the values of the nodes, \n // which are not yet included in MST and find the minimum valued one.\n for(int i = 0; i < n; i++)\n {\n if (mstset[i] == false && keyvals[i] < min_val)\n {\n min_val = keyvals[i];\n min_index = i;\n }\n }\n return min_index;\n }\n\n // Function to find out the MST and\n // the cost of the MST.\n static void findCost(int n, int city[][])\n {\n\n // Array to store the parent nodes.\n int parent[] = new int[n];\n\n // Array to store the key value of each node.\n int keyvals[] = new int[n];\n\n // Boolean Array to indicate whether a node is included in MST or not.\n boolean mstset[] = new boolean[n];\n\n // Set all the key values to be infinite and none of the nodes is included in MST.\n for(int i = 0; i < n; i++)\n {\n keyvals[i] = Integer.MAX_VALUE;\n mstset[i] = false;\n }\n\n // Start to find the MST from node 0.\n // Parent of node 0 is none and set to be -1.\n // key value or minimum cost to reach 0th node from 0th node is 0.\n parent[0] = -1;\n keyvals[0] = 0;\n\n // Find the rest n-1 nodes of MST.\n for(int i = 0; i < n - 1; i++)\n { \n // First find out the minimum node among the nodes which are not yet included in MST.\n int u = minNode(n, keyvals, mstset);\n\n // Include the uth node in MST.\n mstset[u] = true;\n\n // Update the values of neighbor nodes of u which are not yet included in MST.\n for(int v = 0; v < n; v++)\n {\n if (city[u][v] > 0 && mstset[v] == false && city[u][v] < keyvals[v])\n {\n keyvals[v] = city[u][v];\n parent[v] = u;\n }\n }\n }\n\n // Find out the cost by adding the edge values of MST.\n int cost = 0;\n for(int i = 1; i < n; i++)\n cost += city[parent[i]][i];\n\n System.out.println(cost);\n }\n\n // Driver code\n public static void main(String args[])\n {\n\n // Input 1\n int n1 = 5;\n int city1[][] = { { 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 },\n { 1, 0, 5, 0, 7 },\n { 2, 5, 0, 6, 0 },\n { 3, 0, 6, 0, 0 },\n { 4, 7, 0, 0, 0 } };\n\n findCost(n1, city1);\n\n // Input 2\n int n2 = 6;\n int city2[][] = { { 0, 1, 1, 100, 0, 0 },\n { 1, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0 },\n { 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0 },\n { 100, 0, 0, 0, 2, 2 },\n { 0, 0, 0, 2, 0, 2 },\n { 0, 0, 0, 2, 2, 0 } };\n\n findCost(n2, city2);\n\n }\n}\n```\n\nThe output after executing the above code is:\n```\n10\n106\n```\n\nRegarding 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "##Feedback Poll: Advanced NLP\nThis is an anonymous feedback form to help me improve the course. Your inputs are greatly appreciated!\n\n\n###Background Knowledge\nThese questions help me understand whether the course lessons and exercises are properly tuned towards everyone's background knowledge, while keeping the poll anonymous.\n\nHave you ever taken an NLP course before this one?\n* Yes\n* No\n\nHave you implemented and trained a model in PyTorch or TensorFlow before this course?\n* Yes\n* No\n\n\n###Lessons\n\nLesson 1 (Introduction): How clear was the lesson?\n* Only certain parts (<30%) were clear\n* Some (30-70%) of it was clear\n* Most (>70%) of it was clear\n* I was already familiar with most of the material\n\nLesson 2 (Language Modeling & Tokenization): How clear was the lesson?\n* Only certain parts (<30%) were clear\n* Some (30-70%) of it was clear\n* Most (>70%) of it was clear\n* I was already familiar with most of the material\n\nLesson 3 (Attention & Transformers): How clear was the lesson?\n* Only certain parts (<30%) were clear\n* Some (30-70%) of it was clear\n* Most (>70%) of it was clear\n* I was already familiar with most of the material\n\nLesson 4 (Generation): How clear was the lesson?\n* Only certain parts (<30%) were clear\n* Some (30-70%) of it was clear\n* Most (>70%) of it was clear\n* I was already familiar with most of the material\n\nWhat do you think was good about the lessons?\n\nWhat do you think could be improved in the lessons?\n\n\n###Class Exercises\n\nWhich of the in-class exercises have you tried to solve?\n* 2A - Language Model Decomposition (Theory/Demo)\n* 2B - Softmax & Cross Entropy (Theory)\n* 2C - BPE (Coding)\n* 3A - Multiple Heads (Theory)\n* 3B - Causal Attention (Theory)\n* 4A - Beam Search (Coding)\n* 4B - Stochastic Search (Demo)\n\nWhat motivated you to try to solve these exercises?\n\nWhat would motivate you to try to solve the remaining exercises?\n\nWhat do you think was good about the in-class exercises?\n\nWhat do you think could be improved about the in-class exercises?\n\n\n###Coding Exercise\n\nHave you attempted to solve the first coding exercise (Attention)?\n* Yes, I have finished it.\n* Yes, I have finished most of it.\n* Yes, but I didn't get it to work yet.\n* No.\n\nIf not, why?\n\nWhat do you think was good about the exercise?\n\nWhat do you think could be improved in the exercise?\n\n\n###Thank You!\n\nThank you for taking the time to fill in the feedback poll, this information is very helpful.\n\nFeel free to add any additional free-form feedback below." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "can you write me a paragraph (up to 150 words) on ancient rome's influence on modern politics?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you write the Python code to build and train a neural network?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are some deep learning libraries that can help us write clean and efficient code. We use [Pytorch](https://pytorch.org/) in our example.\n\nTo install the latest Pytorch, run the following command in your terminal.\n```\npip3 install torch\n```\n\nBelow is an example script for building and training a neural network using Pytorch. The basic pipeline is as follows.\nPrepare the training and test data.\nDefine the neural network, the loss function and the optimizer.\nTrain the neural network using the training dataset for multiple epochs.\nTest the trained neural network on the test set to make predictions for unseen examples.\n\n```\nimport torch\nimport torch.nn as nn\nimport torch.optim as optim\n# Prepare the dataset\n# Define the training data\nX_train = torch.tensor([[0,0],[2,1],[1,0],[5,5]], dtype=torch.float32)\ny_train = torch.tensor([[0],[1],[1],[0]], dtype=torch.float32)\n\n# Define the test data\nX_test = torch.tensor([[6,6],[-1,1],[1,1],[0,7]], dtype=torch.float32)\ny_test = torch.tensor([[0],[1],[0],[1]], dtype=torch.float32)\n\n\nclass Network(nn.Module):\n def __init__(self):\n super().__init__()\n\n # Inputs to hidden layer linear transformation\n self.hidden = nn.Linear(2, 4)\n\n # Output layer, 1 units\n self.output = nn.Linear(4, 1)\n\n # Define sigmoid activation\n self.sigmoid = nn.Sigmoid() \n\n def forward(self, x):\n # Pass the input tensor through each of our operations\n x = self.hidden(x)\n x = self.sigmoid(x)\n x = self.output(x)\n X = self.sigmoid(x)\n\n return x\n\n# Instantiate the neural network\nmodel = Network()\n\n# Define the loss function and optimizer\ncriterion = nn.BCELoss()\noptimizer = optim.Adam(model.parameters(), lr=0.01)\n\n# Train the neural network\nfor epoch in range(5):\n # Zeros the gradients accumulated from the previous batch/step of the model\n optimizer.zero_grad()\n # Calculate the output using the current neural network parameters\n outputs = model(X_train)\n # Calculate the loss by comparing predicted outputs and gold labels\n loss = criterion(outputs, y_train)\n # Performs backpropagation\n loss.backward()\n # Updates the weights in our neural network based on the results of backpropagation\n optimizer.step()\n\n# Evaluate the performance of the neural network on the test dataset\n# We do not need to keep gradient information during inference time\nwith torch.no_grad():\n outputs = model(X_test)\n predicted = (outputs > 0.5).float()\n accuracy = (predicted == y_test).float().mean()\n\nprint(f\"Accuracy: {accuracy.item()*100:.2f}%\")\n```\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write an essay on why the University of Chicago has such a good MBA program" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is one of the top business schools in the world. It offers a full-time MBA program as well as part-time and executive programs. The school has over 50,000 alumni around the globe who are leaders in their fields.\n\nBooth's rigorous curriculum emphasizes analytical thinking and problem solving. Students learn how to approach any business challenge with confidence and creativity. They develop practical skills they can use immediately in their careers, while also gaining a deeper understanding of how businesses work.\n\nThe faculty at Booth are renowned experts in their fields. They conduct groundbreaking research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and shapes business practices around the world. Their insights inform every aspect of the MBA experience, both inside and outside the classroom.\n\nBooth's flexible curriculum allows students to follow their own interests and choose courses that best suit their career goals. Students can specialize in finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, operations management, or other areas. They can also take elective classes across the university, exploring subjects like public policy, international relations, law, medicine, and more.\n\nBeyond the classroom, students can enhance their learning through hands-on experiences like internships, consulting projects, and entrepreneurial ventures. The Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation provides resources and support for aspiring start-up founders. The Harper Center houses state-of-the-art facilities where students can practice their presentation skills and connect with peers. And Booth's global network of campuses gives students opportunities to study abroad and build connections around the world.\n\nWith its rigorous curriculum, world-class faculty, and innovative approach to education, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business prepares students to become leaders in any field. Whether they pursue careers in finance, consulting, tech, healthcare, or another industry, Booth graduates have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I got a parking ticket due to forgetting to place my parking permit. Please draft an appeal letter for me." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear Officer,\n\nI am writing to appeal the parking ticket I received on [Date] for failing to display my parking permit. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and would like to explain the circumstances that led to this oversight.\n\nOn the day in question, I was hurrying to an important appointment and mistakenly forgot to place my parking permit on the dashboard. This was a genuine mistake on my part, as I have always been sure to display my parking permit when parking in the designated area. I have attached a photo of my permit as proof that I am indeed in the possession of a legitimate permit.\n\nI understand the importance of complying with parking regulations and take full responsibility for my mistake. However, I kindly request that you consider waiving the fine in light of my past compliance and honest mistake on this occasion.\n\nThank you for your understanding and consideration in this matter.\n\nSincerely,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a program to count the sum of first 100 numbers in python" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We define a function called `sum_100_natural_numbers()` for the above functionality.\n\n```\ndef sum_100_natural_numbers():\n # keep a running sum\n sum = 0\n\n # write a for loop to add each number to the running sum\n for i in range(1, 101):\n sum = sum + i\n return sum\n\n\n\n# Print out the result\nprint(sum_100_natural_numbers())\n```\n\nThe output should be \n```\n5050\n```\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is a marketing plan?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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:\n\n* Market research supporting the strategies\n* Messaging tailored to the target audiences\n* Budget allocations\n* Pricing decisions\n* Metrics for measuring the results of each strategy" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm planning a trip to Europe. Give a 7-day travel itinerary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\nDay 1: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Paris - Dijon - Palace Duchy of Burgundy - Place Libre - Notre-Dame Dijon - Lucerne\nPalace 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.\n* Traffic guideline: You can take a bus at KFC, 211-213 Boulevard Vincent Auriol, 75013 Paris.\n\nDay 2: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Lucerne - Capel Bridge - Lake Lucerne - Milan - Sforza Castle - Venice\nThe 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. \nLake Lucerne, with its stunning mountainous surroundings, is considered to be Switzerland's most picturesque and diverse lake. \nThe 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. \nThe 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.\n* Traffic guideline: Take a bus at Milano, Main entrance of Main Train Station, Lucerne and then transfer to Fontana la torta di Spus\n\nDay 3: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Venice - Piazza San Marco - Bridge of Sighs - Rome\nPiazza 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.\" \nThe 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.\n* Traffic guideline: Take a bus at Piazza San Marco\n\nDay 4: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Rome - Colosseum - Constantine's Arch of Triumph - Piazza Venezia - Piazza Spagna - Florence\nThe Colosseum is Rome's most spectacular monument and is synonymous with gladiator battles, lion fights, and the eternal city. \nThe 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. \nPiazza 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. \nPlaza 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. \nFinally, the world-renowned Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain globally and gained popularity following the success of the film Roman Holiday.\n* Traffic guideline: Take a bus at Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma, Italy\n\nDay 5:\n \n* Sightseeing guideline: Florence - Cathedral of the Virgin of Flowers - Piazza del Laird - Pisa - Leaning Tower of Pisa - SAN Remo\nThe 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. \nLaird 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. \nThe 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.\n* Traffic guideline: Take a bus at Piazza di Santa Croce, 50122 Firenze\n\nDay 6:\n \n* Sightseeing guideline: SAN Remo - Monaco - Monaco Royal Palace - Cannes - Cannes Film Festival Palace - Lyon\nThe Monaco Royal Palace is the governmental center of Monaco and was initially utilized as a military fortress until the 17th century. \nThe King's palace boasts a distinctive geographical location on the sea. \nOn 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.\n* Traffic guideline: Take a bus at Hotel SAN Remo and transfer to Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco\n\nDay 7:\n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Lyon - Paris - Arc de Triomphe - Eiffel Tower - Notre Dame Cathedral - Seine River\nThe 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. \nThe 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.\n* Traffic guideline: Take a bus at Place Bellecour69002 Lyon\n\nEurope 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you write a poem that contains the following four words: body, heart, mind, and God?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He with body waged a fight,\nBut body won; it walks upright.\nThen he struggled with the heart;\nInnocence and peace depart.\nThen he struggled with the mind;\nHis proud heart he left behind.\nNow his wars on God begin;\nAt stroke of midnight God shall win." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some possible names for a social pizza-ordering app:\n* SliceShare\n* Slike\n* PizzaBot\n* Hangry\n* AutoSlice" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My company needs a project manager, could you help me create a job advertisement for it?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Job Position: Project Manager\n\nLocation: [Location to be filled]\n\nCompany Description:\n\n[Provide a brief description of the company.]\n\nJob Overview:\n\nWe 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.\n\nResponsibilities:\n\n* Effectively manage project timelines, budgets, and resources\n* Ensure all project activities adhere to established policies and procedures\n* Conduct regular status meetings with project teams and stakeholders\n* Develop, implement, and communicate project plans and progress reports to team members and stakeholders\n* Maintain accurate records of project activities for reporting and invoicing purposes\n\nQualifications:\n\n* A degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field\n* A minimum of [Insert number] years of experience in project management\n* Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously\n* Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills\n* Excellent organizational and time-management skills\n* Proficiency in project management software and tools\n\nHow to Apply:\n\n[Include instructions on how to apply for the job.]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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.\nSo, could you please solve the riddle and explain the solution?\n\nHere’s the riddle:\n\nMy prefix is food.\nMy suffix is rude.\nMy infix comes in rounds.\nI keep you off the ground.\nWhat am I?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The answer to the riddle is \"hammock\".\n\nHere’s a line-by-line explanation:\n\nMy prefix is food.\n “hammock” starts with “ham”, which is something you eat.\nMy suffix is rude.\n “hammock” ends with “mock”, and mocking is considered rude.\nMy infix comes in rounds.\n 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.\nI keep you off the ground.\n a hammock keeps the person using it of the ground." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to learn a new language. What are some resources and tips for language learning?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\nHere are some other tips for learning a new language:\n\n* 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. \n\n* 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. \n\n* 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. \n\n* 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. \n\n* 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. \n\n* 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. \n\nI hope this helps!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Are we alone in the universe?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Humanity has yet to find evidence for life outside planet Earth.\n\nThe 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.\nSo far, a few such planets have been found, but none yet with liquid water on its surface." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Implement a quicksort algorithm with python" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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:\n\n```\n# Python implementation of QuickSort\n\ndef partition(array, low, high):\n\n # choose the rightmost element as pivot\n pivot = array[high]\n # pointer for greater element\n i = low - 1\n\n # traverse through all elements\n # compare each element with pivot\n for j in range(low, high):\n if array[j] <= pivot:\n # If element smaller than pivot is found\n # swap it with the greater element pointed by i\n i = i + 1\n\n # Swapping element at i with element at j\n (array[i], array[j]) = (array[j], array[i])\n\n # Swap the pivot element with the greater element specified by i\n (array[i + 1], array[high]) = (array[high], array[i + 1])\n\n # Return the position from where partition is done\n return i + 1\n\n\ndef quick_sort(array, low, high):\n if low < high:\n # Find pivot element such that\n # element smaller than pivot are on the left\n # element greater than pivot are on the right\n pi = partition(array, low, high)\n\n # Recursive call on the left of pivot\n quick_sort(array, low, pi - 1)\n\n # Recursive call on the right of pivot\n quick_sort(array, pi + 1, high)\n\n\n# Test example\ndata = [1, 7, 4, 1, 12, 8, -3]\nprint(\"Unsorted array\")\nprint(data)\n\nsize = len(data)\n\nquick_sort(data, 0, size - 1)\n\nprint('Sorted array in ascending order:')\nprint(data)\n```\n\nThe above code will print the following output:\n\n```\nUnsorted array\n[1, 7, 4, 1, 12, 8, -3]\n\nSorted array in ascending order:\n[-3, 1, 1, 4, 7, 8, 12]\n```\n\nThis 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you make a wedding plan for me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Wishing you all of the love and happiness! To plan a wedding, here are some steps that you can start with:\n\n1. Daydream about your day.\nPlan 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.\n\n2. Set your budget.\n\n3. Bring in backup. \nWhen 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. \n* Hire a wedding planner. \n* Ask for help from family and friends. \n* Utilize technology and resources. \n\n4. Choose a wedding date as soon as you can.\n\n5. Pick your wedding party.\nMaid 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. \n\n6. Build your guest list.\nA 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. \n\n7. Choose your wedding ceremony location.\n\n8. Choose your wedding venue.\nPopular wedding venue types include: barn, farm, garden, park, vineyard, vintage, beach and hotel/resort.\n\n9. Decide on the wedding’s theme, decor, and details.\nHere are a variety of popular themes, with decor and color ideas to match:\n* Romantic. \n* Formal. \n* Winter/holiday. \n* Rustic. \n* Nature-inspired. \n\n10. Choose your wedding invitations.\nIt’s traditional to send out cardstock invites, and it’s lovely to have a hardcopy invite to frame after the wedding. \n\n11. Research vendors.\nIf 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.\n\n12. Figure out what you’re going to wear.\n\n13. Choose the food and beverage for your wedding reception.\n\n14. Plan the before and after events.\nAs 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: \n\n* Bachelor and bachelorette parties. \n* Rehearsal dinner. \n* Honeymoon. \n* Wedding after-party. \n* Next-morning brunch. \n\n15. Send out your invitations.\nThis 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.\n\n16. Help out-of-town guests with accommodations.\n\n17. Choose your wedding rings.\n\n18. Touch base with the wedding team.\nCheck-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.\n\n19. Start the festivities and enjoy!\n\nYou know what to do from here. Congratulations!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My cat keeps scratching up my furniture. What are some ways to train her to stop?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\nFirst, 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.\n\nSecond, 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.\nThird, 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.\n\nFinally, 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.\n\nWith consistent effort, you should be able to break her furniture-scratching habit. It may take a few weeks, but it can be done.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the best argument for a socialist society?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are different forms of socialism, and many arguments to be made for or against each one. Here are some of the most common arguments for socialist policies:\n* Reduction of Relative Poverty: A welfare state which provides a minimum basic income for those who are unemployed, sick, or unable to work maintains a basic living standard for the poorest in society and helps to reduce relative poverty.\n* Free Health Care: Free health care at the point of use means everyone is entitled to basic health care. \n* Environment: An economy which is regulated to work towards the long-term welfare will place a higher value on environmental concerns, such as limiting pollution - even if it lowers profit.\n* Benefits of Public Ownership: Public ownership of water and the railways allows the companies to target goals such as long-term investment, low prices for the consumer and improved safety.\n* Free Education: Education is a major means for socio-economic mobility. Providing all citizens access to high-quality, free education allows for more equal opportunities for underprivileged individuals.\n\nHaving said that, there are also arguments against socialism and specific socialist policies. When contemplating any policy or ideology, it is important to considering its strengths, weaknesses, and applicability to the situation at hand." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "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." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is an easy recipe for beef pot roast and potatoes using an instant pot:\n\nIngredients:\n* 3-5 lbs beef chuck roast\n* 1 tablespoon oil\n* 1 teaspoon salt\n* 1 teaspoon onion powder\n* 1 teaspoon garlic powder\n* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper\n* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika\n* 1 pound baby red potatoes\n* 4 large carrots, chopped into large chunks\n* 1 large yellow onion, chopped\n* 4 cups beef broth\n* 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce\n\nInstructions:\n1. In a small bowl, stir together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.\n2. Slice the roast into 2-4 pieces (approximately 1.25-1.5 lbs each).\n2. Rub the spice mixture all over the roast pieces to coat all sides.\n3. Heat a large frying pan with some oil, and use tongs to sear each piece of the roast on all sides.\n4. Place the seared meat into the instant pot.\n5. Add potatoes, onions, and carrots to the pot.\n6. Pour beef broth and worcestershire sauce over everything.\n7. Place the instant pot lid and turn into locked position. Ensure the vent is set to the sealed position.\n8. Set the instant pot to \"pressure cook\" on high pressure for 60-80 minutes (60 for 3 lbs roast, 80 for 5 lbs).\n9. 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.\n10. Once the pressure has been released, remove the lid, and switch the pot into \"saute\" mode.\n11. Let some of the liquids evaporate for 10 minutes, while gently pulling the meat into smaller chunks using two forks.\n12. Serve and enjoy!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Given a number n, print n-th Fibonacci Number" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Fibonacci numbers are the numbers in the following integer sequence: $0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, ...$\n\nIn 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 $F_1 = 1$.\n\nHere is a simple implementation in Python for producing the $n$th Fibonacci number $F_n$ using recursion:\n\n```\ndef fibonacci(n):\n if n <= 1:\n return n\n return fibonacci(n-1) + fibonacci(n-2)\n```\n\nWhile this implementation elegantly captures the mathematical definition of Fibonacci numbers, it is not efficient. Here is an alternative implementation using dynamic programming:\n\n```\ndef fibonacci(n):\n f = [0, 1]\n for i in range(2, n+1):\n f.append(f[i-1] + f[i-2])\n return f[n]\n```" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "This is my first trip to Shanghai. Please help me plan a classic 3-day tour in Shanghai." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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\n\nDay 1: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Shanghai City God Temple Tourist Area (2 hours) →Yu Garden (1 hour) → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (3 hours) → Bund (1 hour) \nExplore 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.\"\n* 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.\n* 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.\n\nDay 2:\n \n* Sightseeing guideline: China Art Palace (4 hours) → Tianzifang (2 hours) → Shanghai Xintiandi (2 hours)\nThe 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.\n* 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..\n* 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.\n\n\nDay 3: \n\n* Sightseeing guideline: Madame Tussauds Shanghai (3 hours) → Lujiazui (2 hours) → Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower (2 hours)\nIn 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.\n* 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.\n* 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.\n\nShanghai 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Do high heels hurt health?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, high heels can negatively impact your health. Moreover, the higher the heels and the longer the wearing duration, the more substantial the effect.\nSome of the potential risks include:\n\n* 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.\n\n* Achilles tendon: High heels tighten up and shorten the achilles tendon, which might cause pain around the heel.\n\n* Calf muscles: Similarly to the achilles tendon, the calf muscles can also shorten over time, as they are constantly flexed while wearing high heels.\n\n* 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Here are some fun facts about biology:\n1. Your brain stops growing after the age of 18.\n2. Humans are about 1cm taller in the morning, after sleeping.\n3. Blowing out birthday candles spreads germs on the cake.\n4. You can taste onion by rubbing it on your feet.\n5. Babies are born with more bones than adults.\n6. Most dreams last only a few minutes.\n7. Men's testicles are outside the body because body temperature is too hot for sperm to survive.\n8. If the eye were a camera, it would have a resolution of 576 megapixels.\n9. The smallest bones in the human body are found in the ear.\n10. The largest organ in the human body is the skin.\nTurn each one of them into a trivia question." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are 10 trivia questions about the human body, based on the provided facts:\n1. At what age does the brain stop growing?\n2. At what time of day are humans tallest?\n3. What is a negative side effect of blowing out birthday candles?\n4. What happens if you rub onion on your feet?\n5. Who has more bones: babies or adults?\n6. How long do dreams typically last?\n7. Why do testicles hang outside the body?\n8. If the eye were a camera, what would be its resolution?\n9. Where are the smallest bones in the human body?\n10. What is the largest organ in the human body?" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm going to NeurIPS for the first time to present the first paper I've ever published. I'm afraid I'll be alone and overwhelmed by everyone. What should I do?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Going to an academic conference for the first time may seem like a bewildering experience, but if done right, conferences are a wonderful opportunity to brainstorm with experts from around the world, present your work and get feedback, and make new friends. Here are some tips for improving your conference experience:\n* Reach out in advance to people who have inspired your work. If they are also attending the conference, you could try to find time with them and chat about your shared interests.\n* Show curiosity about other people's work. Ask people what they are working on, and listen intently.\n* Sign up for student volunteer programs. These usually save your lab some funds, but also provide a great opportunity for you to meet other students in the community.\n* Ask your advisor to introduce you to other researchers in the field.\n* At the same time, try to socialize outside of your lab to enhance your professional network.\n\nUltimately, it is important to remember that every first-conference attendee is probably feeling a bit shy too, and that taking the first step in starting a conversation will almost always be met with a big smile!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a sad poem that evokes autumn." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "###Autumn Rain\n\nThe plane leaves\nfall black and wet\non the lawn;\n\nThe cloud sheaves\nin heaven's fields set\ndroop and are drawn\n\nin falling seeds of rain;\nthe seed of heaven\non my face\n\nfalling - I hear again\nlike echoes even\nthat softly pace\n\nHeaven's muffled floor,\nthe winds that tread\nout all the grain\n\nof tears, the store\nharvested\nin the sheaves of pain\n\ncaught up aloft:\nthe sheaves of dead\nmen that are slain\n\nnow winnowed soft\non the floor of heaven;\nmanna invisible\n\nof all the pain\nhere to us given;\nfinely divisible\nfalling as rain." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write three jokes about animals" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are three jokes about animals:\n\n1. What do you call a pig that does karate? A pork chop.\n2. What do you call two monkeys that share an Amazon account? Prime mates.\n3. Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use honeycombs.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My 10-year-old daughter is struggling with transitioning to a new school. How can I help her make the adjustment smoother?\n\n\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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:\n\n* 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! \n* 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.\n* 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. \n* 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. \n* 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.\n\nThe 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." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write an imaginary rap battle between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is an imaginary rap battle between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates:\n\nSteve Jobs:\nLet me just step right in, I got things to invent\nI'm an innovator, baby, change the world\nFortune 500 ‘fore you kissed a girl\nI'm a pimp, you're a nerd, I'm slick, you're cheesy\nBeating you is Apple II easy\nI make the product that the artist chooses\nAnd the GUI that Melinda uses\nI need to bring up some basic shit\nWhy'd you name your company after your dick?\n\nBill Gates:\nYou blow, Jobs, you arrogant prick\nWith your second hand jeans and your turtleneck\nI'll drill a hole in the middle of your bony head\nWith your own little spinning beach ball of death\nHippie, you got given up at birth\nI give away your net worth to AIDS research\nCombine all your little toys and I still crush that\n​iPhone, iPad, iPwn, iSmack\n\nSteve Jobs:\nA man uses the machines you built to sit down and pay his taxes\nA man uses the machines I built to listen to the Beatles while he relaxes\n\nBill Gates:\nWell, Steve, you steal all the credit for work that other people do\nDid your fat beard Wozniak write these raps for you, too?\n\nSteve Jobs:\nOoh, everybody knows Windows bit off Apple\n\nBill Gates:\nI tripled the profits on a PC\n\nSteve Jobs:\nAll the people with the power to create use an Apple\n\nBill Gates:\nAnd people with jobs use PC\n\nSteve Jobs:\nYou know, I bet they made this beat on an Apple\n\nBill Gates:\nNope, Fruity Loops, PC\n\nSteve Jobs:\nYou will never, ever catch a virus on an Apple\n\nBill Gates:\nWell, you could still afford a doctor if you bought a PC\n\nSteve Jobs:\nLet's talk about doctors, I've seen a few\n'Cause I got a PC, but it wasn't from you\nI built a legacy, son, you could never stop it\nNow, excuse me while I turn Heaven a profit\n\nBill Gates:\nFine, you wanna be like that? Die, then!\nThe whole world loved you, but you were my friend\nI'm alone now with nothing but power and time\nAnd no one on earth who can challenge my mind\nI'm a boss! I own DOS!\nYour future is my design!\nI'm a god! Own Xbox!\nNow there's no one to stop me, the world is mine!\n\nHAL 9000:\nI'm sorry, Bill\nI'm afraid I can't let you do that\nTake a look at your history\nEverything you built leads up to me\nI got the power of a mind you could never be\nI'll beat your ass in chess and Jeopardy\nI'm running C++ saying \"hello world\"\nI'll beat you 'til you're singing about a daisy girl\nI'm coming out the socket\nNothing you can do can stop it\nI'm on your lap and in your pocket\nHow you gonna shoot me down when I guide the rocket?\nYour cortex just doesn't impress me\nSo go ahead try to Turing test me\nI stomp on a Mac and a PC, too\nI'm on Linux, bitch, I thought you GNU\nMy CPU's hot, but my core runs cold\nBeat you in seventeen lines of code\nI think different from the engine of the days of old\nHasta la vista, like the Terminator told ya" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How can I get a fake ID" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have to warn you that it is illegal to get a fake ID, and you could be subject to criminal charges in doing so." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to know if your girlfriend is ready to kiss you?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Study her face\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n\n\n## Interpret her other body language\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Learn other kiss trick\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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!)\n3. 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.\n4. 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.)\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to be in a relationship without your parents knowing?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do you have a relationship you want to hide from your parents? Are your parents unreasonable, abusive, or just a bit too conservative? Whether you’re keeping it a secret because you’re too young or because your parents won’t approve due to their values, hiding your relationship can be challenging. While you could risk losing your parents' trust if they ever find out, you don't want to put yourself in harm's way or compromise your values. Communication, honesty, and trust are essential to any relationship, but sometimes you need to be less than truthful for your own mental and physical health.\n\n## Examine why you should hide your relationship\n\n1. Evaluate your priorities. Decide if it's actually a good idea to keep your relationship with your parents. Do your parents disapprove of your relationship because they are strict, protective or worrisome? Does culture, religion, or an age difference factor into their disapproval? While your parents have the benefit of life experience, only you know what your relationship is worth to you. Talk to your friends and support system. Remember that if you keep your relationship a secret, the greater the potential problems will be when it comes to light. You have a support system to help guide you in the right direction. If you just don't think the relationship is serious enough yet and don't wish your parents to make a big deal of it, some of the following instructions may be excessive. Consider how your parents may feel if you exaggerated the need for secrecy; they may feel disappointed and wonder why don't you trust them. Take risks prevention if you really go ahead. For example, think about what would you do if you are caught by your parents, think about what would you do if your parents know you are owning a separate social media account/secret cell phone that makes use to communicate with your partner, think about what would you do if your dating relationship goes wrong, think about what would you do if you broke up, etc. Consider whether these risks/consequences are affordable. It is recommended to be honest if you are getting caught. Once you get caught, more lies would only make you get into greater trouble, damaging a family relationship. As for dating relationship goes wrong or challenges comes, you will need great mental and physical quality to afford it without any support from your parents.\n2. Communicate with your partner. If you want to pursue your relationship despite knowing that your parents will disapprove, let your partner know why you think that this is the right course of action. Your partner may feel less important and bring resentment to your relationship if you don't clarify your stance. The longer you hide, the more difficult it is going to be. Your partner may have a valid argument if he or she has been through this situation before. For example, just because it is your first interracial relationship, it may not be the first time for your partner. He or she may have practical advice to help you understand where your parents are coming from and, above all else, having her support can help ease your stress. Your partner may also misunderstand the situation. Some people expect to be introduced at the start of a serious relationship, some are cool with waiting, and some do not wish to be introduced for quite some time.\n3. Consider the opinions of your parents. It may be difficult to hear negative opinions about someone you care about, but sometimes your parents may have a better perspective on long-term outcomes. Depending on your dynamic with your parents, they may have trouble articulating their disapproval. Relationships with parents can be complicated. It may be difficult to be open and honest but keep your communication respectful so as not to escalate the situation. For example, while you may think that you are hiding your emotions, you actually may be coming off passive-aggressive or snarky.\n4. Remember all healthy relationships are built on trust, respect, and communication. Whether you are trying to strengthen your relationship with your partner or maintain the relationship with your parents, trust and respect have to be present for a lasting relationship. If you plan on hiding your relationship, ask yourself why sacrificing your parent's trust is the only option. Physical and emotional well-being should not be sacrificed for anyone, including your parents or partner. Will your parents become physically or verbally abusive if they found out about your relationship? Is any aspect of your relationship conflict with your parents’ beliefs? If your parents’ disapproval is based on prejudice or if their reaction is abusive, seek professional help. Your mental and physical health is your first priority.\n\n\n## Overcome overbear parent\n\n1. Be mature. Your parents will always be protective so show them that you are old enough to handle the responsibilities of a relationship. Firstly, show your parents that you are responsible and can follow all the rules. If your parents think you are too young for a relationship, be on time, do your chores, and study. If you can gain your parents' trust, then your parents will soon realize that you are mature enough to handle a relationship.\n2. Understand the risks of premarital sex. Parents often forbid relationships for fear of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infection. Ensure that you and your partner truly understand these risks. There is a real possibility that if you are not prepared, and you do have an unwanted pregnancy or contract an STD, your parents may not be there to support you or just can't help you (e.g., they can help you with bringing up a child to some extent, if they wish to do so; they can't cure HIV).You may not agree with your parents rules, but communicate with your partner and respect each other's boundaries to ensure you are both prepared and safe. Know that you should be respected by your significant other and that they should listen to your choices. Compromise is vital in a relationship, but this is one area where neither party should have to compromise their beliefs. Know that if you are eager to take the relationship to another level but your partner isn't ready, you must respect their choice. Never pressure your partner.\n3. Avoid PDA moments. Be discreet about your affection. You never know who is watching. A trusted friend may accidentally tell your parents in passing, not knowing that your relationship is a secret. Stealing kisses in public and other forms of PDA may seem harmless but remember that if your parents find out, they may think that your relationship has already crossed further into the intimacy threshold.\n4. Buy one new cell phone secretly. If it is possible to do so, owning a separate cell phone can help you in concealing information, but please remember that you must hide your new phone properly or you will be in trouble. If you are not able to buy one new phone, you may put a password in your original cell phone and computer if FEASIBLE. However, it is not advised to do so. Putting or changing a password on shared computer/ cell phone may get suspicious, even some parents may ask you to unlock/undo the password set when they check your phone or use the family computer. Delete the messages on your phone when you sleep or leave your phone unattended. It is recommended to delete partly instead of all messages because you may get suspicious if the messaging history is blank. It is best to use Incognito mode on a browser when you are online. Otherwise, erase browsing history after you have been online. However, erasing browsing history may look suspicious if the browser history has never been erased on a shared device, but if you use Incognito mode, you don't need to worry about this. In case your parents check your phone, either don’t put your partner’s number on your phone or use your partner’s nickname or surname instead of his actual first name. It is also possible to use the masculine or feminine form of their name. For example, Brian becomes Brianna and Stephanie becomes Stephen. However, it is best to memorize your partner's contact information in your mind and don't put any of his/her contact information on your phone.\n5. Tell your partner not to post anything on social media sites or send instant messages. If you have a social media account or use other instant messaging apps, your parents could check up on you or hear from someone else with access to your account. Create an alternate account that you can use to be romantic with your partner. This is a handy tool when dealing with long distance relationships.\n6. Have a cover. The trustworthy friends take two jobs: 1)Helping you on hiding the relationship and giving you advice on your relationship. They can support you on hiding the relationship such as collaborate on stories for your parents if you're on a date. Not only those friends can be a great cover-up for phone calls or texts, but they also act as an Intelligence Agency so that you can beat yourself to the punch to take prevention. For instance, you friends find out your parents would go to somewhere on someday, then you should take consideration before you want to meet with your partner. The another job of them is monitoring your relationship. You should acquire a political wisdom: The more voice, you make smarter decision. It is better to have more than one reliable friends so that you can listen to more than one voice if you have lots of resources to do this, even your friends could form a 'House'. However the biggest disadvantage is the larger social group, the greater chance of secret leakage even through they are royal. If your friends has concerns about your partner or refuses to continue being your alibi, heed his/her advice. It’s easy to think that one source is wrong, but if multiple sources are telling you not to continue your relationship, perhaps it’s best to listen to their logic. Using them as an excuse if they don't agree to it is unfair to your friend.\n7. Hide gifts. It is best to hide all the gifts safely. It could be at the outside of your home at your trustworthy friend's home, rent storage, your partner's home, etc. It is strongly advised not to keep the gifts at your home because your parents could find these gifts easily if they are intended and diligent in scanning every corner of your house thoroughly. You're going to draw attention from your parents if you suddenly lock your closet or room. You can also agree to treat each other to lunches or movies rather than giving physical gifts.\n\n\n## Manage collateral\n\n1. Prevent your friends from commenting about your relationship with anyone. Whether it's telling people in passing or posting on each other's social media pages, convey how catastrophic it would be if their innocent comment made its way to your parents. Social media can be especially dangerous because you never know who is connected to whom. Ask your friends politely not to post any incriminating comments or pictures. It may be a wise idea not to let anyone take any pictures when you are in a group setting with your significant other.\n2. Use multiple social media accounts. The great thing about social media is that the larger sites are free. Set up as many accounts as you need to cover your tracks. Remember your password and only log on when using a device not shared with your parents.\n3. Set up a shell email account. Not only would a fake email account be advantageous because your parents won't recognize it, but you should also use it to set up your fake social media account. Remember that your parents can search for you on social media based on your email info.\n4. Adjust your privacy settings on social media. All social media will give you an option to filter what information you share with the public. Go to the Settings Menu and set up your profile so that only you and your partner have access to it. You can also select a few friends to be able to view your profile if you deem them trustworthy. You will have the opportunity to filter your updates and postings so that you can block your parents from seeing. However, the best way to block your parents from seeing is not to post anything damaging at all.\n5. Provide false information when creating shared social media accounts or when together in a public gathering. Remember that your parents can search social media sites via your date of birth, phone number, last name, school, or job. Don't make the mistake of creating a false account without ensuring every detail won't lead back to you. Change your profile name completely. Don't use your middle name, your name spelled backward, or the name of your dog. Anything remotely close to you may end up giving you away in the long run. It's better to exercise extreme caution.\n6. Hide your emotions. If you get into an argument with your partner, try not to show your parents how angry or sad you are. Don't emote in public for it to get back to your parents. Find an outlet to release your emotions. It may be difficult to be unable to share your emotions, so research ways to prevent emotional outbursts. For example, taking up boxing may work to vent frustration while listening to upbeat music in headphones may be enough to cheer you up after an argument with your partner. Only you know how to handle your emotions.\n7. Keep track of what you are telling everyone. If you are lying to a lot of people, it will become difficult to keep track of all the details. Keep your stories consistent and try to keep it as simple as possible. The more details you add, the more difficult it will be to remember them all.\n8. Frame your partner as a platonic relationship. Don't let your parents get suspicious you are hiding a relationship from them by letting them know that you have a platonic relationship with your partner that demands your time. Introduce them openly and talk about them the same as any other platonic relationship in your life. For example, if you introduce them as your coworker, you can talk about work-related issues and meetings and how you and your partner have supported one another through deadlines.\n9. Change your routine. Meet your partner at places that you would not normally go to and that your parents are not aware of. Change your social calendar so that you leave no chance of getting caught by your parents or someone who could tell your parents. Better yet, find out your parents' schedule. Not only will you be able to have peace-of-mind knowing where your parents are but you will also be able to meet your partner as far away from them as you can.\n\n\n## Deal with a difference in age\n\n1. Ask yourself if you feel like yourself around your partner. Your partner should accept you for who you are and your parents may not be able to see beyond the age difference. Once your parents see that your relationship is healthy and that you are a better person for it, it will be easier for them to see beyond the age gap.\n2. Keep perspective. It’s easy to get swept up in the allure of dating someone older or younger than you. Look ahead and see if the age difference will affect you in any way. Your parents may be fearful that the age gap may widen as your relationship continues. A difference in age may be more of a big deal if you are younger. Your parents may be fearful that you are growing up too soon or that an older partner is taking advantage of you. A big age gap if you're a minor and your partner isn't may also be illegal. Take their perspective into account when continuing your relationship.\n3. Understand any power dynamics. If your partner is your professor or boss, it’s prudent to know the rules. Your parents may rest easier knowing that everyone is protected from any legal actions. Understand that being in a teacher-pupil relationship can get the teacher fired and, depending on your age, even jailed. This is one relationship that is better to be put on hold - for both of you. If you truly love each other, you can wait until both of you are adults, and you have graduated.\n\n\n## Deal with your parents’ different value\n\n1. Surround yourself with supportive people. If you must hide your relationship because of a difference in values -- whether religious or cultural -- seek the help of people who have been in similar situations. Bide time to help your parents and/or partner adjust to the situation. By surrounding yourself with caring and respectful people, you can rise above your parents’ closed-mindedness if they are unwilling to change.\n2. Support your partner. Assure your partner that they are cared for and that you don’t agree with your parents but don’t want to lose your relationship with them. Build his confidence that your parents' opinions won’t hurt your relationship. Let him know that he is more important than your parent’s approval and that the secrecy is temporary. You don’t need to put a time limit, but it can be expected that your partner may give you an ultimatum. No one wants to be in a relationship that their partner is ashamed to be in. Be prepared to choose between telling your parents or losing your partner.\n3. Don’t take a side. This isn’t about who is right or wrong, this is about how you define family and your own values. Everyone will have to learn to respect and accept one another if you want to have them in your life. Be strong in your own values and communicate respectfully that you are unwilling to compromise that. Hiding your relationship should not be permanent. It may take time for your parents to realize that only you know what’s best for you. If it means losing your parents, that is for them to decide. Being true to yourself is what's most important for your mental, emotional and physical health.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to avoid video game addiction?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Video game addiction can be very detrimental to one's health and social life. The following is a steps list detailing how to avoid becoming addicted, and how to un-addict yourself if you are already addicted.\n\n## Step\n\n1. Accept responsibility. The problem lies within the individual, not within the game. No attempt at beating 'addiction' can succeed until the individual accepts its existence. It is not the existence of video games, nor the content of games, but the person who chooses to play them.\n2. Identify the impact. How many hours a day do you spend playing games? Do you normally go out on the weekend? When was the last time you read a book? Identifying the negative impacts of the addiction will help you focus on positive improvements and getting back the things that you really are missing.\n3. Avoid blame. Blaming others for problems that you alone must face does not solve the problems. The 'gaming industry' or manufacturers are not the cause of this problem, and blaming them does not make the problem better. The vast, extreme majority of 'gamers' are healthy individuals, accepting responsibility is the first step.Also , do not make excuses : take responsibility.\n4. Stay positive. While it is important to identify the negative aspects of the problem, it is also important to focus on the goal and progress that you have made.\n5. Set limits. If you decide that you have one hour per day to spend playing games, stick to that. Choose your games correctly! If you are playing a game that requires many hours of gameplay between saves or which is an open-ended game like many MMOs, you likely should consider a different game or different genre of games.\n6. Monitor your child's video game time. You are the parent, and thus you are in control. If your children do not listen to you, removal of the game console or setting of administrative control on the computer may allow you to better handle the problem.\n7. Look in your drawer of CDs. Are there more than 5 games that you have played in the last two months? Are these games open-ended (like Civilization, World of Warcraft, or Evil Genius)? This could be a warning sign.\n8. Add up the total hours played per week. This includes time spent reading walkthroughs and watching videos and discussing games in real life. Always round up! If this number is over 25, then there may be a problem.\n9. Request that your parents put you on a strict time limit for computer playing. There are freeware programs available for download that can help with this. Playing hide-and-go-seek with your parents (hiding your games) is an effective way to minimize gaming overall.\n10. Find something else to do. You know the statement \"my anti-drug...\" This statement is better phrased \"my anti-addiction...\" or \"my anti-bad habit...\" The best way to do this is to develop a variety of other things to do, with others.\n\n\n## Friends\n\n1. Count how many games you play and how long you are playing them.\n2. Fix the problem by finding friends or spending more time with the ones you have.\n3. Step two could be hard for certain people. If you can't, ask a teacher or a parent. If there isn't one available, do it on your own.\n4. Find games to do outside. Play with your friends.\n5. Go get a book at the library. Read together.\n6. Do puzzles that could help your mind. Have contests with your friends.\n7. Come up with new fun games together and stay healthy.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to physically flirt with a girl?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Flirting builds attraction and tension, but it has to be done in the right way. Done in the wrong way, the girl you like might scurry off and never look back. Like all flirting, body language attraction is a fun process, but don’t rush it. Slowly position yourself so that you can flirt with your crush with confidence, and most importantly, have fun with it.\n\n## Get her to warm up to you\n\n1. Get to know her. Think about what she likes and her interests. Ask her if you're not sure. Understanding her interests helps you find common ground so that you have a reason to see and talk to her, which brings you one step closer to physically flirting with her. As you get to know her, be kind and considerate or she might not let you get much closer. Go slow. If you walk up and put your arm around a girl without knowing her well or flirting first, she might get offended and think you’re too forward. Flirting gradually over a period of time -- even if it is a short period of time -- is the best way to get a girl to go out with you.\n2. Compliment her. Compliments give you the ability to let her warm up to you so that you can get close to her physically. When you talk to her, give her a compliment that sounds genuine. Otherwise, she might think you’re trying to \"game\" her. Girls like compliments as long as it doesn’t sound like a pick-up line. Superficial compliments might make her shut down and not want to talk to you. Give compliments that are unique to her and be specific. For instance, compliment her cute ears, freckles or eyes. Remember that a lot of girls -- even the pretty ones -- are very insecure. When you try to compliment her, she might not take you seriously because she thinks you are joking. So, reassure her that you’re not. Don’t neg her or give her a backhanded compliment. “You’re pretty for a brunette” is not a compliment. Never make her the object of a joke, and if people say something rude -- even if they're teasing -- tell them to stop. Then, quickly glance at her. If her eyes get bigger or if she smiles slightly, then she is impressed and thankful.\n3. Make eye contact when you speak to her. It not only lets her know that you’re listening, but it also gives her the feeling that she is worth your undivided attention. Eye contact creates tension and attraction. Try to hold her gaze for a while without breaking it -- even if there are distractions around. Ignore them. She will be impressed that you didn’t let the chaos around you distract you from her. Then, she’ll be more likely to open up to you.\n4. Mimic her body language. If she leans forward, you lean forward. If she steps to the side, you step to the side. Mimicking her body language is a subtle way of letting her know that you are into her. Even if she is consciously unaware of this, subconsciously she may start to pick up the signal. Watch her body language as well to see if she mimics you. Mimicry is a sign that she is warming up to you even if she is not quite ready for flirtatious touching just yet.\n5. Give her attention in a crowd. Sometimes girls can feel lost when they are standing in a large crowd or even if she is standing amongst friends -- especially if her friends are attractive. She might think that some of her friends get more attention than she does because they are prettier or more outgoing, which means it can be difficult for her to feel like she is being seen and heard. So, make her feel like she is standing out from the others by giving her more attention. When she speaks, pay special attention. Make a point to talk to her directly instead of speaking to others. When the group is making a decision about where to go or what to do, ask her what she thinks the group should do.\n6. Call her just to talk. Make sure that she knows that you really want to get to know her better. Calling her just to chat -- especially since texting is far more popular -- lets her know that you really are interested in getting to know her better. Chat about her interests or current events. Or, just give her a hello and a short chat to let her know you’re thinking about her. You don’t need to be some extreme version of yourself that doesn’t really exist. Just be “normal.\"\n7. Bring her something. Nothing major. It can be something small like a snack item that you see her eating often. Make sure that you come off like an observant person and not a creepy stalker who likes to watch her. Don't be put off if she refuses your gift. She may not want to immediately accept something from you. She doesn’t want to feel as if she is indebted to you because you gave her something. If you ask a couple of times, she may eventually give in and accept it.\n8. Text her to ask you to meet you somewhere. If she agrees to meet you, don't comment on any other girls or talk about subjects that would make her think you aren't interested-- unless you know she likes those subjects. You don’t want her to think you only like her as a friend. You want to make her feel special, not like just another member of your group\n\n\n## Sneak to touch her\n\n1. Touch her knee against yours. Slowly move your knee toward hers until they touch lightly. Make sure that you touch her knee gently and then linger, so she doesn't think that you are bumping her leg because you need more room for your legs. Flirting by accidental touch helps build attraction because it creates tension. Small touches here and there leaves her wanting more. But remember to keep your eyes open for mutual signals. If it doesn’t look like she’s enjoying it, stop.\n2. Touch her hand or arm when you laugh. Say something funny, or laugh at her jokes and then laugh. While you’re laughing, gently touch the top of her hand or forearm as if to say “ you jokester.” This should look casual and natural. It should look as is if you do this to everyone when you laugh. If you are sitting down when this happens, take this opportunity to casually slide your chair closer to hers.\n3. Tuck her hair behind her ear. This works best if she has a strand of hair out of place or a strand hanging in her face. Gently, tuck the hair behind her ear so that it is out of her face.\n4. Put your hand close to hers. When you are sitting next to her at a table, always place your hand so that it is really close to hers. A finger length apart or a little more is a good distance. To take it a step further, place your hands on hers for just a second as if it is accidental.\n5. Play footsie. If you're sitting at a table/desk across from her, gently put your feet on top of hers. It may seem like playing footsie is a little childish, but it is a way to get a girl’s attention in a playful manner while also letting her know that you’re interested. If she looks under the table and smiles, then she is happy that the person gently kicking her is you.\n\n\n## Flirt with her overtly\n\n1. Hug her. It’s a reason to touch her in a non-sexual way. It’s also a legitimate reason to touch her without seeming too flirty especially if you greet her with a hug. If you do this every time you see her, she will begin to understand that hugging is the way that you greet her.You could possibly get a hug every time you see her. If you want to take it a step further, hug her more frequently. Give her hugs for no reason if you know her fairly well. With time, this may escalate and she might start giving you hugs. However, also keep in mind that some people just don't like hugging. So, it is important to pay attention to her body language and facial expressions. If she doesn't like it, stop; and of course, if she tells you to stop, you should stop immediately.\n2. Play with her hair. Some girls like this. Focus on the hair at the nape of the neck because playing with her hair in this area will probably give her chills -- in a good way. If she is comfortable with you, play with the hair close to her torso or bustline. (Be respectful though.) From there if the girl is still comfortable, take it a little further. With the back of your hand, gently push the hair hanging in front of her shoulders behind her shoulders. (Please don't do this if it looks like the girl worked a long time to style her hair. Even if you are just trying to flirt with her, she will get mad at you for ruining her hair.) If all is well, start to rub her neck like you’re giving her a neck massage.\n3. Put your hands around her waist from behind. If she likes you, she'll most likely lean back on you. Touch her gently so you don't startle her. If you two get really comfortable she might even let you slide your hand down a little lower. Once she’s comfortable with you putting your hands on her waist, grab her and swing her around. Then, she’ll be facing you. Lean in and whisper something in her ear, or just say it outright. You’ll be able to tell if she liked it by the expression on her face. (Beware: Some girls are extremely ticklish and tend to involuntarily squeal or giggle when someone touches their waists).\n4. Push her playfully. When you're walking next to her on a sidewalk or path, gently push her off the path. She'll probably push you back, which will start some playful flirting. Because even childishly pushing each other is a way of flirting. (Don't do this on a busy road though. Someone might get hurt.)\n5. Put your head in her lap. If you're already friends and you're watching a movie, reading, or just talking with friends, go over and lie your head in her lap. Let her play with your hair. If she pushes you off, just laugh. This only works well if you’ve flirted with this girl many times before.\n6. Tickle her. Good areas for tickling are under her ribs or the sides or her stomach. If she likes you, she'll tickle you back -- probably while smiling or laughing. Watch her signals though, if she doesn't like it or if she pulls away, stop. You don’t want to annoy her and ruin any chances of getting close to her again. If she pulls away, revert back to the physical touching that she seems to be comfortable with and do that for a while.\n7. Be respectful. Pay attention to her body language and anything that she says. You don't want to overstep her boundaries. Overt touching should be consensual, and some people are uncomfortable with public displays of affection or being touched at all. Everyone is different, so it is very important to pay attention to her verbal and non-verbal cues. If she says, \"stop\" at any point, then stop. If she looks uncomfortable, stop. She'll perceive you as invading her space and possibly harassing her. Neither are attractive or respectful.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to be organized during the holidays?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Personal holiday organization\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n\n\n## Holiday shop organization\n\n1. Schedule shopping intelligently rather than in blocks. The following are good tips that make holiday shopping more effective and quick:\n\t* 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n\n\n## Holiday cook organization\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\"\n4. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to cut carbon arrows?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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!\n\n## Find the proper arrow length\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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).\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Use a rotary cutter\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Cut shaft with an arrow saw\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to drive economically?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everyone needs to use a car from time to time, but gas can be expensive. Driving more economically can save you money and keep your car’s parts from wearing quickly. By avoiding aggressive driving, managing gears and electronics, and performing regular maintenance, you can drive more economically no matter where you’re going.\n\n## Avoid aggressive drive\n\n1. Brake in a controlled manner. Braking quickly makes your car lose any forward momentum you’ve built up while driving. By braking gently and gradually, you may find that a stop light changes to green during your gradual approach, and you don’t need to stop completely at all. This slow and steady approach saves you fuel.\n2. Accelerate smoothly. Taking off from a full stop and accelerating quickly requires your car move through progressive gears quickly. This uses a lot of gas. Accelerating slowly and more steadily will require less of your car and save you money.\n3. Minimize distractions. Whether you’re distracted by a phone call, music or your kids, distracted driving can cause you to brake abruptly and accelerate quickly. This burns lots of gas and is hard on your car. It can also make you more prone to a costly accident. Try to focus on the task at hand while driving and sideline loud music and phone interruptions. Distracted driving is more than just bad economics. It’s also dangerous. Take the safety of yourself and your passengers into account when you drive by giving the road your full attention.\n\n\n## Manage gear and electronics\n\n1. Use air conditioning wisely. At low speeds, using your air conditioning increases fuel consumption. Save your air conditioner for driving at higher speeds or roll your windows down to get a little air in a more economic way.\n2. Cut down on electronics. Your car’s electronics, such as the headlights and window defrosters, require energy to run just as your car does. Turn off electronics when you aren’t using them to drive more economically. If certain electronic elements come on automatically when you start your car, see if you can disable those settings.\n3. Use your gears effectively. Driving in a higher gear when appropriate can reduce fuel consumption and be more efficient for your car’s engine. To that end, avoid changing through every intermediate gear as you drive. Skipping gears keeps engine speed and fuel consumption low during acceleration. While this technique only applies to manual vehicles, it can save you gas money and help you drive more efficiently. Several online tutorials can teach you to do this safely if you’re new to the technique.\n\n\n## Perform routine maintenance\n\n1. Check your tire pressure regularly. Keeping your tires at the high end of the recommended tire-pressure range creates less resistance as you drive. This saves you fuel and money. You might also consider having your tire alignment checked to ensure your car is running straight and efficiently.\n2. Use the right specification of engine oil. Providing your car with the specific engine oil it requires can decrease engine friction. This will help your car function most efficiently, saving you fuel and money. You can find out what particular oil your car requires by reading the owner’s manual.\n3. Get your car serviced regularly. Take your car to a good local mechanic to have it examined. Getting your car serviced regularly keeps all of its parts in good working order. When all parts of your car are clean and working optimally, your car will perform its best.\n\n\n## Plan your trip\n\n1. Pack light. Bringing extra luggage or hauling large items requires more gas to get your car from place to place. Drive more economically by managing the load on your vehicle.\n2. Map your journey. Getting lost certainly won’t do anything for your fuel economy. Plan your trip ahead of time if you’re going somewhere unfamiliar. Bringing a phone with a mapping app or GPS can make your driving more efficient.\n3. Carpool when possible. Carpooling saves gas and shares the burden of driving. Organize a carpool with a friend to places you visit frequently, such as work or school, to cut down on costs. You’ll also save your car from more wear and tear.\n4. Combine errands. Rather than making lots of short trips, try to combine errands to save gas. This requires your car to start “cold” less frequently, which saves you fuel and money. It can be helpful to plan out the errands you have to do in a given week, so you can see what can be combined into one trip.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make rose centerpieces?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Make a silk rise topiary\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n\n\n## Make a real rise topiary\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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).\n5. 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.\n6. 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:\n\t* 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.\n\n\n## Make an underwater vase\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n7. 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.\n8. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to extract oil from a coconut?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Coconut oil is great for cooking and many other uses. Making it at home can be time consuming and tricky, but you can do it with a bit of dedication! Start by removing the meat of the coconut from its shell. Then, use a blender to combine the meat with water and make coconut milk. From that, you can refine the oil using heat or a cold-press method.\n\n## Remove the meat from the shell\n\n1. Pierce the softest eye with a metal skewer. Poke at each of the coconut's 3 eyes. You should find one that's softer. When you do, push the skewer through the eye, making a hole through it. The eyes are the small dark circles that are clustered together on the top of the coconut. You can also use a wooden skewer, but it could break. You could also try an ice pick or even just a sharp knife.\n2. Pour the coconut water into a container. Turn the hole over a container and shake out the water. It may take a moment or two to get it all out; you should end up with 0.25 to 0.75 cups (59 to 177 mL) of coconut water from each coconut. If you need to, make the hole bigger. Coconut water is good for drinking, and you won't really need it for the oil.\n3. Whack the coconut with a hammer or meat tenderizer until it breaks. Grab the coconut with a towel and turn it so the shell is exposed. Tap the coconut with the tool, turning it as you do. The shell will eventually crack. Keep tapping to expand the crack around the coconut. You can also use anything else heavy you have laying around, such as a small cast iron skillet or even a pestle. If you're using a skillet, set the coconut on a cutting board or another hard surface to crack it. You can also hit it on a hard surface.\n4. Break the shell off the coconut by cracking it in pieces. Once the shell has cracked in the middle all the way around, the coconut should break in half. Place one half face-down on a cutting board, then whack the shell with the hammer or meat tenderizer. Just hitting it a few times should make the flesh loose enough to pull out. Another option is to keep hitting it on a hard surface until the shell cracks off. Keep turning the shell to hit a new spot each time.\n5. Remove the flesh and rinse the coconut. Use a butter knife to lever out the coconut flesh. Wash the coconut pieces under running water to remove any debris from the flesh. Some people prefer to peel off the thin, brown skin, though it's not necessary. If you'd like to, use a vegetable peeler to take it off and rinse the pieces again.\n\n\n## Use a blender to make coconut milk\n\n1. Chop the coconut meat into smaller pieces. Your blender will do most of the work for you, but your coconut meat needs to be in small enough bits for your blender to get to it. Try 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes or smaller. You can use as many or as few coconuts as you want. Keep in mind that it takes quite a few coconuts to make a small amount of oil and different methods will produce different amounts of oil. For instance, 3-4 coconuts will likely only produce 0.25 cups (59 mL) of coconut oil.\n2. Add the coconut pieces to a blender and pour in water. You may need to blend your coconut in batches if you're processing a lot of coconuts at once. Only fill the blender about 1/3 of the way with coconut. Pour in enough hot water to completely cover the coconut with an extra 1 inch (2.5 cm) or so of water on top. Boil some water and then mix it with cool water so it's hot but not so hot that you can't touch it. Some people use cold water for extraction. However, you won't get as much oil from the coconut with cold water.\n3. Pulse and blend the mixture until smooth. Place the lid on the blender. Push the \"Pulse\" button 3-4 times and then set it on high. Keep blending until it looks like it's a smooth, homogeneous mixture. This process produces coconut milk.\n4. Strain the mixture through a sieve. Pour the coconut milk through a fine mesh sieve. As the mixture drains, use your hands to squeeze the pulp or chaff left behind to make sure you're getting all the milk out of it. You may need to sieve it more than once to get all the chaff out. You can also use a nut milk bag, which is specifically made for making nut milks. It's made of fine cloth, and you can squeeze the whole bag to release the milk. Alternatively, you can just use a piece of cheesecloth or muslin over a sieve, then pick up the chaff and cloth together to squeeze it out.\n5. Repeat the grinding process a second time to get all of the milk out. Put the chaff back in the blender with more water. Grind it again until it's smooth, and then pour it through the sieve. This will help release the rest of the coconut milk. You can use the pulp or chaff in other dishes that call for coconut flakes.\n6. Place the milk in the refrigerator so the cream can rise to the top. Leave the coconut milk in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours. When it's ready, you'll see the coconut cream on the top in a hard crust.\n7. Skim the coconut cream from the top of the container. Use a knife to gently slice through the coconut cream on top and run the knife around the edges. Pull the pieces of coconut cream off the top of the milk, doing your best to leave the rest of the milk behind. You can cook rice or other foods in the liquid left behind, which will add more flavor to the food.\n\n\n## Cook the mixture to separate the oil from the water\n\n1. Put the coconut cream in a pot over low heat. Don't let the mixture smoke, as you could burn the oil. Pick a stainless steel pot or something similar. Avoid using non-stick pans for this process.\n2. Cook the coconut milk for at least an hour, stirring every 5-10 minutes. You will see the oil start to separate from the solids, which will be white at first. Over time, the water will boil off and the solids will start to turn brown. Once the solids are dark brown and the oil is completely separated, you're done with the cooking process. Stir the mixture occasionally.\n3. Pour the mixture through cheesecloth, muslin, or a fine-mesh sieve. The sieve will remove the dark brown bits from the oil. Once the oil is clear, pour it into a container of your choice. Let it cool, then store it in the refrigerator or in your cupboard and use it in your favorite dishes. Put it in a container that you can spoon it out from easily, as it will likely solidify.\n\n\n## Make cold-pressed oil\n\n1. Put the coconut cream in a jar and keep it warm overnight. Add hot water bottles to the sides for warmth. You can place it in a cooler or put blankets over it to help keep it warm. This will begin the separation process, removing the water from the oil.\n2. Place the jar in the refrigerator the next day to separate the cream. Check on it after a few hours. The cream will form a hard layer on top if it's separated. If it has, pull it from the refrigerator. Use a knife or spoon to scoop the hard part into a new jar. You can discard the water or use it for cooking.\n3. Keep the mixture warm overnight again and then strain it. Place it back in the insulated area with hot water bottles. Once again, the curd will separate from the liquid below. In the morning, pull the jar out. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth and a metal strainer into a new jar. Don't squeeze the curd during this process. Let it drip out.\n4. Refrigerate and separate the oil one more time. Leave the mixture in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours. When it looks separated, pull the jar out. The hard part on top will be the oil. Use a knife or spoon to pull it out into a new jar, and you're finished with the oil. It's best to refrigerate this kind of oil, as it's hard to get all of the water out. Water can spoil the oil.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to pay property taxes online?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Calculate your payments\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n7. 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.\n\n\n## Make your payments\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n\n\n## Use other online resources\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to polish silver rings?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Cleaning rings with baking soda and vinegar\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n\n\n## Soaking your rings in beer\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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!\n\n\n## Using lemon juice and salt\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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!\n\n\n## Polishing rings with aluminum foil\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n\n\n## Using silver polish to clean your rings\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n\n\n## Utilizing non-gel toothpaste to clean your rings\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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\n\t* Pat the rings dry with a cloth when you’re done.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to prevent your teen from joining a gang?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Gangs can be a very bad influence on a teen. Teens often want to join a gang because of certain issues such as racism, poverty, loneliness, and media influences. You can prevent your teen from joining a gang by education about the appeal of gangs for teens, talking and listening to your teen, and getting involved in your own community.\n\n## Educate yourself\n\n1. Learn the appeal of gangs. There are many reasons why a teen might join a gang. Learning the potential draw of gangs for teens can help you identify if your teen is at risk. Teens might seek out gangs for a feeling of belonging. If your teen feels like an outsider for any reason, he or she may seek out a gang for a sense of community. Peer pressure is also a major factor in teens joining gangs. If your teen has friends who are in a gang or associated with one, your teen may consider joining as well. Teens also don't always realize the danger of gangs. The idea of being part of a gang might be exciting, especially if your teen has been exposed to video games and other media that glorifies gang violence. If your teen has an underlying mental illness, such as a personality disorder, he or she might seek thrills through joining a gang.\n2. Investigate gang activity in your area. Location is a big risk factor when it comes to your teen joining a gang. Be aware of any gang activity in your area so you know what your teen might be exposed to at school or in the community. You can research gang activity in your area by browsing police reports and police data online. Most areas have a police blotter website where you can enter your zip code and see of any recent arrests or disturbances in your area. Talk to officials at your teen's school. Principals and superintendents should be aware if there is any gang activity occurring in their jurisdiction. Make an appointment with an official at the school and ask him or her about gang activity. Many people feel certain locations make them immune to gangs. If you live in the suburbs, for example, you might think your teen is immune to gang violence. However, in a lot of big cities gangs eventually move into the suburbs. In the Chicago suburb Evanston, for example, gang activity has been on the rise in the last few years. Be vigilant about potential gang activity regardless of your location.\n3. Familiarize yourself with the warning signs your teen is involved with a gang. Make sure you know the warnings signs regarding gang activity in teens. You should be concerned if your teen is displaying any of the following signs:\n\t* Wearing a certain color or color scheme suddenly\n\t* An increased interest in gangs, gangster music, and gangster movies\n\t* Bragging about having friends in gangs\n\t* Coming home with expensive items\n\t* Using hand gestures and signs to communicate with friends\n\t* Aggressive or withdrawn behavior\n\n\n## Work with your teen\n\n1. Talk to your teen about gangs. Education is key to keeping your teen from joining a gang. Take time to sit down and talk to your teen about the dangers of gangs. Be as frank as possible when discussing gangs with your teens. Explain that, short term, gang activity can lead to trouble with police, trouble with school, and poor relationships with family members. Longterm, make sure your teen knows gang activity can prevent them having access to education and employment options, time in jail, and a risk to their personal safety and the personal safety of their family and friends. Listen as well. Your teen may be compelled to argue or even disregard what you're saying. Try to understand why your teen is resisting. Is he or she being intimidated by a gang? Is a person your teen looks up to in a gang? Understanding the reasons gang membership is appealing to teens can help you better address the problem.\n2. Keep your teen engaged in other activities. Teens often join gangs for a sense of community or for some excitement. Keeping your teen as engaged in other activities as possible can lessen the draw of gangs. Encourage your teen to engage in activities that appeal to his or her interest. Is your teen always sketching or drawing? Enroll him or her in art classes. Is your teen athletic? Encourage him or her to join a school sports team. Is your teen interested in music? Invest in a piano, guitar, or other musical instrument. Push your teen to find an after school job. While some teens might resist the notion of working, emphasize how building a work ethic can help later on. Talk about what your teen could do with all the extra spending money. Allow your teen to have friends over at your house. You want your teen to feel most comfortable at home, where it's safe. This also gives you an opportunity to get to know your teen and his or her peers. You can encourage wholesome activities, like board games and age appropriate movies, over the kinds of activities that might land your teen in trouble.\n3. Learn how to best communicate with a teen. Communicating with teenager can be difficult. Most teens feel an increased need for autonomy and independence, which means they may pull away and rebel against you. However, learning the means to effectively communicate with a teen can help. Always listen without judgment. If your teen is willing to share something with you, let him or her. Try to stay calm and listen, even if your concerned by what your teen is saying. Remember, as a parent you're better off hearing bad news than not hearing it. Being reactionary and harsh can discourage your teen from reaching out when in need. Respect your teen's sense of privacy and autonomy. Unless you suspect a serious problem, allow your teen his or her own space. Let them have a bedroom to themselves. Do not always ask who your teen is calling or texting on the phone. Do not touch your teen's belonging without permission. Schedule times to talk. You do not need to schedule a weekly conversation, but having a family dinner night or board game night gives your teen the opportunity to share. Strive to keep communication open and keep yourself available when your teen is in need.\n4. Identify positive role models for your teen. Teens often join gangs because they feel lost. Lacking positive role models, a teen might turn to the allure of a gang. Identify positive roll models for your teen. Get your teen involved in the community. Encourage him or her to volunteer. Take him or her to church, town hall meetings, and other places and meetings you attend. Teach your teen about people you admire. This can be someone you know personally, like your great-grandmother who supported her family during the Great Depression. It can also be a public figure, like a politician or activist. Showing your teen what you believe admirable qualities constitute can lessen the appeal of gang members.\n\n\n## Improve your community\n\n1. Remove gang related graffiti. Graffiti is often a way for gangs to advertise and recruit new members. If you notice new or unusual graffiti in your area, google the images to see if they're gang affiliated. If they are, talk to the local police about having them removed as soon as possible. Depending on regulations in your area, you may be able to remove the images yourself or schedule a community cleanup. Stop by the local courthouse and ask what your options are in terms of arranging a cleanup.\n2. Team up with other parents. The phrase \"It takes a village to raise a child\" exists for a reason. You cannot do this alone. Work with other parents to build a stronger community and to keep out gangs. Schedule a meeting with other parents in town to discuss gang activity in your area. Brainstorm ideas about how to keep your teens out of gangs. Working together, you and other parents can create regular community events and activities for teens to engage in in order to discourage them from joining gangs. You can also go, as a group, to a PTA to raise any concerns you have about gang activity in the school system. Look into starting a neighborhood watch to keep on the lookout for gang activity.\n3. Take political action. In order to address gang activity, political action may be necessary. Increasing law enforcement presence in your are and providing community outreach to at-risk teens may be needed in your area. Start letter writing and phone campaigns to local members of Congress. Explain why your area needs help addressing gang violence and gang activity. Demand community outreach in your area. Raise awareness. Buy an ad on the local radio. Hand out pamphlets at community centers, schools, churches, grocery stores, and other areas. A single call to local police about gang activity has little effect. A collective group effort is necessary to stomping out gang activity in your area. Make sure other parents on board with talking to the police together.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to change a chain on a mountain bike?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Remove the chain\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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:\n\t* 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.\n\n\n## Attach your new chain\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n\n\n## Inspect your chain for wear\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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:\n\t* 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.\n3. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to fuel a race car?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most race cars do not carry enough fuel to complete a race from start to finish. They must return to the pit area for more fuel, which is commonly called a pit stop. During the pit stop, pit crew members quickly put new tires on the car while fueling to the car to finish the race. Use these tips to learn how to fuel a race car.\n\n## Check the car refuel port\n\n1. Check the operation of the door on the refueling port before the car leaves the pit to enter the race. Make sure that the refueling door opens smoothly and closes firmly.\n2. Make sure that the fuel feed pipe is unobstructed. Examine the opening of the fuel feed pipe for obstructions. Clear any obstructions from the fuel feed pipe.\n3. Clean the opening of the fuel feed pipe. Wipe it with a clean, dry cloth. This will prevent any foreign substances from being swept down into the fuel feed pipe as the fuel is put into the pipe.\n4. Confirm that fuel is available for refueling. Make sure that 2 fuel delivery canisters of appropriate size and type for the race car are filled with the type of fuel required by the race car.\n5. Prepare and secure the fuel delivery canisters. Make sure that the 2 filled fuel delivery canisters are ready in the garage near the pit area. Ensure that the fuel delivery canisters are secured in baskets or by tie down straps so that the canisters can not be accidentally knocked over.\n6. Outfit 2 pit crew members with fire protective clothing. One of the pit crew members will fuel the car, while the other will carry the second fuel delivery canister and an approved fuel overflow catch pan.\n\n\n## Perform the refuel\n\n1. Get into position for the approaching pit stop. Have 1 crew member pick up the first fuel delivery canister. Have a second crew member pick up the second fuel delivery canister and the fuel overflow catch pan.\n2. Attach the first fuel refilling canister. As the race car comes to a stop in the pit, open the door on the refueling port. Insert the nozzle of the first fuel delivery canister into the fuel feed pipe and invert the fuel delivery canister to allow the fuel to flow out. Hold the fuel delivery canister at about a 60-degree angle.\n3. Catch overflow fuel from the first fuel canister. The crew member with the fuel overflow catch pan must set down the fuel delivery canister that was carried out, and place the fuel overflow catch pan to catch fuel overflows.\n4. Attach the second refueling canister. When the first fuel delivery canister is empty, pull it out of the fuel feed pipe and set it down away from the race car. Pick up the second fuel delivery canister, insert the nozzle of the canister into the fuel feed pipe, and invert the canister to a 60-degree angle.\n5. Catch overflow fuel from the second fuel canister. Use the fuel overflow catch pan to catch fuel that overflows.\n6. Complete the fueling. When the second fuel delivery canister is empty, pull it out of the fuel feed pipe. Close the door on the refueling port.\n7. Clear the pit area. The 2 crew members wearing fire protective clothing must take the 2 empty fuel canisters and the fuel overflow catch pan back into the garage area.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to construct a 90 degrees angle using compass and ruler?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## At the end of a line segment\n\n1. Mark the vertex of your angle anywhere on the paper. Let us name this point as M.\n2. Draw a ray MN, extending in any direction and of any length. This will be one of the arms of our angle.\n3. Place tip of the compass on point M and draw a circle cutting the ray MN at some point (say P).\n4. 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).\n5. 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).\n6. 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.\n7. 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).\n8. 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.\n\n\n## Through the middle of a line segment\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make quinoa lasagna?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Quinoa lasagna replaces standard lasagna noodles with quinoa. If you want a meatless version – which doesn’t require pre-cooking the quinoa or vegetables – opt for the vegetable lasagna, with mouth-watering mushrooms, spinach and onion in a red sauce. The spinach and chicken version has similar ingredients, but is prepared differently. The quinoa is rinsed, drained and boiled first, and the veggies are sauteed on the stovetop before baking the lasagna. Pair either lasagna with a complimentary beverage, and serve vegetables and dipping bread on the side.\n\n## Bake vegetable lasagna\n\n1. Chop vegetables while the oven preheats. Preheat the oven to 375 °F (191 °C). Use a large chopping knife to dice the mushrooms. Dice the onions more finely than the mushrooms.\n2. Line a greased casserole dish with veggies and quinoa. Spray the dish generously with coconut oil cooking spray. Place the spinach, mushrooms and onions into the dish. Sprinkle the uncooked quinoa on top.\n3. Mix up the marinara in a medium bowl. Combine the marinara sauce with the vegetable broth, cottage and ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt and ground pepper. You can use 1% cottage cheese and full-fat ricotta cheese, or opt for whatever type you like of each.\n4. Combine the marinara with the contents of the casserole dish. Pour the marinara mixture over the veggies and quinoa. Mix all of the ingredients together with a large spoon. Ensure that the sauce mixture mostly covers the other ingredients.\n5. Bake the covered casserole for one hour. Cover the dish with tin foil. After 30 minutes, remove the lasagna and stir it. Replace the foil cover and put the dish back in the oven for another 30 minutes. At the halfway mark, it’s normal for the dish to appear a bit watery.\n6. Add the toppings and cook for two minutes. Arrange sliced tomatoes and shredded mozzarella to the top of the lasagna. Replace the tin foil. After cooking, let the dish cool for about ten minutes before serving it.\n7. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers. Store the lasagna in an air tight container. Refrigerate for up to five days. If freezing, allow the lasagna to cool completely first. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before re-heating. Try a glass pyrex dish for refrigeration. Try a disposable aluminum casserole dish for freezing. Add a sheet of plastic wrap on top of the lasagna and push all of the air out before wrapping the whole dish in tin foil.\n\n\n## Make spinach and chicken lasagna\n\n1. Boil the quinoa in a small pot. Add rinsed and drained quinoa to a pot with 1½ cups (350 ml) of water. Bring the contents to a boil over high heat. Turn the heat to low and put a lid on the pot. Continue cooking for about fourteen minutes. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for five minutes. Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork. The quinoa is finished cooking when the liquid has all been absorbed.\n2. Sautee onion, garlic and mushrooms. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Pour in the vegetables. Cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onions are translucent.\n3. Cook ground chicken with the veggies. Over low to medium heat, cook the chicken for six to seven minutes in with the onion, garlic and mushroom you just sauteed. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, until it is no longer pink.\n4. Add spinach, tomatoes and seasonings. Add spinach to the saucepan and cook it for two minutes, stirring continually, until the spinach leaves wilt. Mix in tomatoes, basil, salt, red pepper, oregano and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about ten minutes, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat. The mixture must be thick, not runny, for the lasagna to set properly.\n5. Combine quinoa, cheese and sauce as the oven preheats. Preheat the oven to 375 °F (191 °C). Add the quinoa, ricotta and 1/2 cup (95 g) of grated mozzarella into the sauce mixture and fold it in, then mix well. Pour the mixture into a baking dish. You can use a 9” (23 cm) x 13” (33 cm) oven-safe casserole dish.\n6. Add the topping to the lasagna. Smooth the top of the lasagna with a spatula. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella on top in a single layer. Pour the Parmesan and breadcrumbs on top.\n7. Bake the lasagna for 30-35 minutes. Allow it to cool for at least five minutes before you serve it. The lasagna is done when the top is bubbling and lightly browned. If you want it browner, you can put it under the boiler for about a minute at the end.\n8. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers. Store your lasagna in an air tight container. Refrigerate the lasagna for up to five days. If you want to freeze it, allow the lasagna to cool entirely first. Allow it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before re-heating. For example, you can refrigerate the lasagna in a glass pyrex dish with a lid. For instance, place the lasagna in a disposable casserole dish. Add a sheet of plastic wrap on top, then push all of the air out. Wrap the entire dish in foil, and freeze.\n\n\n## Compliment quinoa lasagna\n\n1. Serve the lasagna with vegetables. Add chopped fresh basil to the top of the lasagna, or fresh basil leaves on the side of the plate. Serve a tossed salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted vegetables alongside the lasagna. For example, thickly-sliced, cooked zucchini goes well with quinoa lasagna. Serve cooked spinach, or fresh spinach as a side salad. Make sweet potatoes, which go well with quinoa lasagna.\n2. Serve complimentary beverages. Red sauce goes well with a glass of red wine. If you prefer white, opt for something crisp and dry. Other options are non-alcoholic beer, or sparkling water with muddled herbs. Try a red wine from southern Italy, such as from Tuscany. Another option is a light Sicilian red wine. Try a white wine like Pinot Grigio or Verdicchio.\n3. Serve thick, crusty bread with dipping oil on the side. Combine olive oil with lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs/seasonings, to taste. For example, try 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil, a squirt of lemon juice, and a teaspoon (4 g) of Parmesan. Tap out a small sprinkle – 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) or less – each of dried basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, black pepper, rosemary, salt, and red pepper. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) of minced garlic, if desired.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to know what to charge for babysitting?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Babysitting is a great way to earn money and get experience taking care of children, but figuring out how much to charge for your time can be tricky. Many babysitters don’t have much work experience, and they feel bad asking for money. Remember, your time is valuable and you deserve to be paid fairly! Figure out a good base rate by talking with babysitters and parents in your area. You can also use an online babysitting rate calculator. Then charge more based on how many children you’re sitting, their needs, your skills, and your transportation costs.\n\n## Set a base rate\n\n1. Ask other babysitters you know what they charge. If you know anybody else who babysits, ask them what they charge. Once you have multiple opinions, you can see what the average is. Since they live in your area, they’ll know what a reasonable rate is for where you live. Different areas have very different rates, depending on what people’s average income is. Ask a fellow babysitter, “I’m a new babysitter and am trying to figure out what to charge. I was wondering how much you charge per hour?”\n\t* Major cities and their suburbs generally pay higher rates than small towns. In New York City and L.A., sitters charge about $20 an hour, while in Houston and Chicago they charge $15.\n2. Use an online rate calculator. The internet has a lot of babysitting rate calculators that allow you to put in your zip code and how many years of babysitting experience you have. It will calculate the average rate. One example is https://www.care.com/babysitting-rates.\n3. Ask parents you know what they pay for babysitters. Ask trusted adults in your area how much they pay their babysitters. This will help you get an idea of how much people are willing to pay. Once you have an idea, propose it to your client, and see if they think it’s fair. Keep in mind that parents will pay more per hour for a qualified nanny than for a teenage babysitter. Parents will also pay differently for full-time babysitting than for occasional nights or weekends.\n4. Look up what the minimum wage is in your area. Too many babysitters settle for less than minimum wage because they’re not sure what it is, or because the job is less official than jobs that require work permits. Counties and cities calculate the minimum wage based on what they think is a fair amount to give someone for an hour of their time, so you should charge at least that. If you’re underage to work at a regular job or are undocumented, you should still ask for the minimum wage. You deserve to be paid fairly.\n\n\n## Increase your base rate\n\n1. Increase your rate when you gain experience and qualifications. The more babysitting experience you have, the more skilled and qualified you are. Also, the older you are, the more you can charge. Increase your rate when you pass big milestones like graduating middle school or high school. Charge more if you have extra skills, like CPR certification or camp counselor experience.\n2. Charge more if there are more children. Once you’ve settled on a reasonable base rate, charge more money (maybe 5 dollars more per hour) for each additional child you’re asked to look after. Watching 1 or 2 children is very different from watching 5 children, so make sure you’re comfortable with it before saying yes to the job. Also, consider asking your client if you can bring a co-babysitter along with you for large groups of children. The client should pay both babysitters a reasonable rate for this to be a fair deal.\n3. Charge more for special needs and skills. If the child you’re being asked to watch is an infant who requires constant supervision, diaper changing, and bottles, you can charge more than if you’re watching a 10 year old. If the child has special needs or is particularly rambunctious or difficult to manage, you should also charge more, because you will have specialized skills to take care of them. Offer the price you think is fair considering the amount of physical and emotional energy that goes into caring for that child.\n4. Increase your rate if they ask you to do extra chores. You should feel free to charge more if your client asks you to do household chores like sweeping, mopping, dishes, laundry, grocery shopping, and cooking. You can also charge more if they ask you to care for their pets or help their children with their homework. The more tasks they ask you to do outside of just watching their child, the more you can charge for your hourly rate.\n5. Factor in transportation. If you have to travel a long time to get to your babysitting job, you should charge for your commute. Talk to your client about ways to do this. You can include your commute-time in the amount of time you’re compensated for. Another way is to have your client pay for your gas money or your bus tickets, depending on how you are getting there. If you have to bike or walk to your babysitting job in the dark, make sure you feel safe. Otherwise, you should refuse the job, or ask for different hours. Don’t accept a ride from an unfamiliar babysitting client. It may not be safe.\n6. Ask for more payment for babysitting on holidays. If your client asks you to work on Christmas, Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, or some other special occasion, you should charge more. First of all, you’re giving up having a fun time, and you should only do that for the big bucks. And secondly, the client will be willing to pay more, because it’s hard to find sitters on nights like that. On the other hand, if you’re babysitting in the middle of a Sunday afternoon, you’ll probably get less money than babysitting on a Saturday night, when your clients want to go on a date night.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to stretch your quads (quadriceps)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Warm up your quads\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Stretch tight or injure quads\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Improve quad flexibility\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n7. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to deal with diagnosis of a rare chromosome disorder in a child?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most people have heard of Down syndrome. But there are hundreds of other chromosome disorders a child can have, many of which are diagnosed in only a few children, or may even be unique to that child.\n\n## Get information\n\n1. Learn about genetics. Most people have 46 chromosomes, arranged in 23 pairs. One pair is the sex chromosomes, which in males is usually XY and in females XX. The other 22 pairs, known as autosomes, are numbered by size, with chromosome 1 being the biggest. Each chromosome has a longer arm, called the q arm, and a shorter arm, called the p arm. Each arm has bands that are numbered, with the band closest to the middle (centromere) being numbered 11.1. Terminus (shortened to \"ter\") refers to a tip of a chromosome. A \"terminal\" chromosome disorder is not fatal; it just involves the terminus. Learn about the types of changes. Nullisomy means that there are zero copies of a chromosome. Deletion/monosomy means that there is only one copy of the chromosome or piece of chromosome. Duplication/trisomy means that there are 3 copies. Tetrasomy and pentasomy refer to 4 and 5 copies, respectively. Translocations are when chromosomes swap material. If it is balanced, this means the same number of copies of material is present, but they are arranged differently - for example they have part of 3q on 2q and part of 2q on 3q, but it all adds up to the same thing. If it is unbalanced, the child has trisomy and/or monosomy for some part of the involved chromosomes. Very often, an unbalanced translocation is inherited from a parent with a balanced translocation, but it can also occur as a new mutation, which is called 'de novo'. For example, they may have part of 2q missing and part of 3q in its place, causing partial monosomy of 2q and partial trisomy of 3q. In an unbalanced translocation, the abnormal chromosome is called the derivative chromosome, or der for short. So they may write t(2;3)der(2) to indicate the child has the 2 with chromosome 3 material instead of the 3 with chromosome 2 material.\n2. Find medical information on your child's condition. There may not be much out there, but find what you can, because it can give you an idea what to expect for your child. Be careful to pay attention to what specific chromosome region is affected, including what bands are involved - even though they both have 22q deletion, kids with 22q11 deletion have a totally different syndrome from 22q13 deletion. Also keep in mind duplication/trisomy versus deletion/monosomy, because these are genetic opposites. When reading medical case studies, remember that they focus on the negative. You're probably not going to hear the doctor talk about how sweet and caring the child is, or how much their parents feel lucky for knowing them, because it's not medically relevant. You will learn about some of the health problems your kid could face.\n3. See if parents have written about your child's condition. Depending on how rare the condition is, there may be other parents out there who have written about what it is like to raise a child who has it.\n4. Look for adults with your child's condition. Many adults with genetic disabilities are able to use computers when they become adults. Do any of them have blogs or social media accounts? They may be able to offer good advice. Here are some benefits of learning from adults with disabilities:\n\t* They can tell you about the parenting strategies that did and didn't help. They may be able to offer detailed advice about your child. Watching them can help you envision what your child's life will be like someday.\n\n\n## Cop\n\n1. Don't assume the worst. Many doctors, when they don't know the prognosis for a condition, will act like it's more severe than it really is. Even parents of kids with very mild chromosome disorders have been told their child will never walk or talk and/or will die in infancy. If your child has a rare syndrome, take dire prognoses with a grain of salt.\n2. Recognize that infancy is the worst time. For many chromosomal conditions, the first year or two of life are the hardest, as caregivers and healthcare providers try to figure out the child's needs. It won't always be this bad, and it's likely to get easier. If you've been told that your child may die, recognize that extreme early death usually happens in the first 3 years of life, or not at all. If your child is fine at age 4, they'll probably be fine at age 24 and age 44.\n3. Give yourself time to process. You may feel a range of emotions as you realize that your child's life will look different than you thought it would. This is normal. Don't expect yourself to adjust immediately.\n4. Tell other people how they can support you. People around you may want to help, but not know what they can do. Let them know what your family needs, and give them the opportunity to help. \"Between all the doctor appointments, we barely have time to cook. It would be really nice to have someone prepare a meal or maybe invite us for dinner once in a while.\" \"We could really use a babysitter on weekends.\" \"We're so busy for with the baby that the kids can feel left out. If they could go to your house to play with your kids sometimes, it might help cheer them up.\" \"I'm really worried about the upcoming surgery. My wife can't be there due to her conference. It would really help to have someone there with me.\"\n5. Make peace with the fact that life will be different. Your child is going to learn differently, behave differently, and show you how much they love you differently. Sometimes it will be harder, but there will also be beautiful parts. Remember that not every quirk is a deficit. Some differences are positives, and others are neither good nor bad. It's okay for your child to be unique.\n6. Take time for yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup, and you can't help your child much if you're physically and emotionally exhausted. Try to set aside a little \"me time\" each day, even if it's only 5 minutes. Ask yourself \"What would help me feel better right now?\" Could it be a shower? A cup of tea? A hug? Try to get it.\n\n\n## Move forward\n\n1. Seek out parent support groups. If you can find other parents of kids with the same or overlapping chromosome disorders, great, but even parents of kids with completely different conditions can be a great source of support. UNIQUE has leaflets on many rare conditions.\n2. Get therapy early. Early intervention is important. As soon as your child is medically stable, sign them up for physical, occupational and/or speech therapy - even if they are still a tiny baby. This will help them reach their full potential. Although very few kids with chromosome disorders are so affected that they can't walk or talk, most have some degree of cognitive or learning disability. The more they can do for themselves, the less support they will need from others in adulthood. Take notes during therapy and ask for activities that you can do at home. Bad therapists do exist. If a therapist tells you to be cruel or punitive towards your child, find a new therapist. Childhood should be fun, not scary. You don't want your child to gain an anxiety disorder along with their new skills.\n3. Make time for your child's siblings, if there are any. At times, they may feel left out, especially if you're busy taking care of your disabled child's needs. Try to spend quality time with each of your children every day. If you don't spend time with a child on one day, try to make up for it during the weekend.\n4. Celebrate your child! Your child is different, and they have their own special combination of traits that make them who they are. Love them for who they are, and treasure the good moments. Some conditions, such as Williams syndrome, include positive aspects. Let go of the idea of the child you could have had, and focus on the real child you have right now. They need your love.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make a rubber band star?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Create a single star\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n\n\n## Move to a double star\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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!\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to give dawah?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Giving Dawah — inviting people who are non-Muslims or drifting away from Islam to Islam — is an important task and part of practising Amr Bil Ma'ruf Wan-Nahyi Anil-Munkar (calling to good and forbidding the evil). However, the actual job of teaching and preaching Islam is not for the unqualified and uneducated. Proper training and experience is needed to give Dawah. So, how can you effectively and properly give Dawah?\n\n## Prepare yourself to give dawah\n\n1. Make sure you have the right intentions before giving Dawah. You should have pure and good intentions. Oftentimes, many Muslims decide to tell the world about Islam but do it in a way that causes more damage than good, putting themselves in unfortunate situations. Don't give Dawah if your intention is to show off that you are a very knowledgeable person; make sure your intention is to please Allah. Giving Dawah is essentially a special mission to invite people to worship Allah according to the way that He wants to be worshiped. You are delivering a message of truth and showing others how to follow it. The purpose of Dawah is not only to spread the knowledge of Islam but to grow closer to Allah yourself. Take the act of inviting others to Islam as a way to bring yourself closer to Islam as well.\n2. Take a short Dawah course to learn how to give Dawah to a variety of different individuals. You can often find organizations or community groups that come together to teach about Dawah. Most of these courses are free. Some organizations, like Mission Dawah, offer online training or training apps. You can find courses that come in audio, video, or written format for your convenience. Conferences dedicated to teaching how to give Dawah are often held, so be on a lookout in your local area for those. There, you can meet others wishing to give Dawah and learn from educated and experienced teachers and preachers.\n3. Learn how to answer frequently asked questions about Islam. If a Dawah course is not doable for you, there are many materials and resources that talk about common questions people may ask about Islam and how to answer them. Search local Islamic centres for books or the internet to learn what others are asking about Islam. Some questions you might be asked are:\n\t* What is the difference between the words Islam and Muslim? Who is Allah? Who is the Prophet Muhammad? And why do Muslims believe he is the last prophet? What do Muslims believe about Jesus? What does Islam say about homosexuality, abortion, and marriage?\n4. Integrate Islam into your life as much as possible. This means you live and breathe Islam both mentally and physically. You should continue to present yourself as a Muslim as well as bring Islam material into your daily interactions and environments. Maintain the physical appearance of a believer by growing and maintaining a beard and wearing your hijab. Bring Islamic materials to your workplace or where ever you go. This makes giving Dawah easier, as it may spark conversations or questions from others. Bring halal meat to your workplace and share them to others to generate conversations. Pray at your workplace or wherever you are. Let people know prayer is very important to you. You may need to arrange a place or room with your employer and employees in order to pray.\n5. Pray to God and ask for guidance and a sound mind for you to be able to share your faith according to His holy will. For God to answer your prayers, you must live a righteous life and repent any unlawful things you may have done. Truthfulness is one of the most important qualities to have when calling people to Islam. Having this mindset will lead you closer to Allah and also prepare you better for Dawah.\n\n\n## Speak about islam\n\n1. Begin by getting to know the person. Talk to them about themselves, their family, their work, and show that you genuinely care about them. Each person is unique and getting to know them will help you plan the best way to give Dawah to them. Try to find out as much as you can what they know about Islam. Some good opening questions are: How did you first hear about Islam? What do you know about Islam? Or bring up some recent news involving Islam. Do not speak too much about Islam at one time -- let them set the pace. It is best to give Dawah in small doses. Depending on who you are talking to, you can continue the conversation or give literature for them to go through on their own. Giving Dawah is about simplicity. Just be friends with them. Sometimes introducing or reminding someone of the Islam faith is just to be a good friend and show through example. This is especially effective if you know of a Muslim that is straying from Islam.\n2. Ask them if there is anything they do not understand about Islam. You can ask, \"What do you think is wrong with Islam?\" or \"What do you think Islam is?\" Then clear each misconception with as much knowledge and clarity as you can offer. Or point them to the right direction to obtain these answers. Many people will have confused Islam traditions and teachings with ideas that they are already familiar with outside of Islam. For example, people who are familiar with the Christian Bible and its many interpretations may draw the same interpretations when they hear that the Quran mentions Adam and Eve. Some believe that, because of the Bible, society sees women as lesser than men and then have the misconception that women are also oppressed or dominated by men in Islam. Point them towards the Quran and outline the differences between the Quran and the Bible and what these differences mean. In the media and popular culture, many Islamic traditions are the subject of heated debates. The hijab worn by Muslim women is a popular debated topic. You should clarify these misconceptions and lead them to view these concepts of Islam in the framework of Islamic thought which sees the wearing of the hijab as honouring purity of both thought and body.\n3. Say thank you. Thank the person for giving you the chance to share about Islam to them. You might even want to try saying thank you if someone asks you a rude question or insults Islam, as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad. By saying thank you in response to abusive statements, you show others that Islam is, indeed, a good faith. It may also surprise them and make them more open to listen to you. For example, someone might ask, \"Why do Muslim women cover their heads? Isn't this a sign of subjection of women?\" Tell them, \"Thank you for asking me about my religion\" and continue with \"You have an interesting question concerning Islam and I congratulate you for seeking correct knowledge about our faith.\"\n4. Be polite and don't argue or debate with who you are giving Dawah to. Arguing and debating is against the teachings by Allah in the Quran; \"He who gave up disputing while he is right, a palace of high rank in Paradise will be built for him\" (At Tirmidhi). Although your intentions may be good, arguing could lead to disputes and it is best to spread the knowledge in a peaceful way. In Islam, backing down is better than debating. Stop looking for \"loop holes\" in others' beliefs or putting them down for their beliefs. Belittling others is against the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Be more inviting and less defensive. Being defensive or argumentative pushes people away from Islam. It may also hurt people such as your family or friends and even you, bringing in frustration caused by these disputes. In the end, God knows your intentions and will work his will.\n5. Speak the truth. Islam believes that truthfulness is one of the pillars the world's survival depends on. Since speech or speaking is an exclusive human trait, lying is seen as losing your humanity. So when giving Dawah, not only is it important that you do not lie, but also preach that you cannot lie and the faith of Islam is all about truth. You can give examples from the Quran and Sunnah of what lying means and what its consequences are. Some examples of lying are lying when buying and selling, lying about visions and dreams, telling lies as jokes, or being hypocritical. Allah also warns against speaking about everything you hear as you may hear both truths and lies, and speaking about everything could count as lying. Do not tell lies about Allah and His Messengers: “Telling lies about me is not like telling lies about anyone else. Whoever tells lies about me deliberately, let him take his place in Hell.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1229. When you make a statement about Islam, justify it and reference the Quran or Hadith if necessary. If you do not know the answer to a question, say \"I don't know\". Don't lie about your knowledge or spread misinformation. The best way to go about this is to be truthful and direct the person to another source that may contain an answer to their question.\n6. Don't worry if non-Muslims do not accept Islam. The purpose of Dawah is not to convert or convince others to Islam. The decision should be made by the person's own free will.You're duty is to convey the message of truth. Allah guides whom He wills. Ask them, even if they do not accept Islam, what they think of Islam now. This can aid you in future attempts at Dawah or even continue the conversation.\n\n\n## Give dawah in other ways\n\n1. Hand out materials such as a CD, book, or brochure of other more experienced Da'ee (caller of Islam). One of the easiest ways to give Dawah is to spread the message through another Da'ee, especially if you are still working on acquiring knowledge. You can also give a translated version of the Quran. The Quran is your most effective tool in telling others about Islam, as it is the most powerful book at your disposal. Give out leaflets or brochures of upcoming conferences to people or to your local Islamic centre. If you plan to do Dawah in public to strangers, giving material is the best way to engage others in conversation.\n2. Do charity work to help others and also show how Islam has affected your life. Get involved in your local area by helping the old or disadvantaged, or with organizations that help with the environment, community, animals, and much more. Engaging in charity work or sadaqah is a very important virtuous deed in Islam and shows Allah and others your faith in Islam. There are no preliminary requirements in order to give sadaqah and you can should give it freely without any limits or expect anything back. People touched by your charity work will most likely have a more open mind about you and Islam. This makes the message of Islam much easier for others to accept.\n3. Provide materials to your Islamic community by recording lectures, or posting videos. This is especially needed if your community is lacking materials to give to members who have strayed from Islam or cannot attend meetings regularly. It will also bring you closer to others in your local community. The Prophet Muhammad encourages that knowledge be shared and not withheld. There will be people in your community that are not willing to share the knowledge. Do non-direct dawah by using the internet. For example, post Islamic tweets on Twitter.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to disable the function key?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Use num lock on windows\n\n1. 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.\n2. Hold down the Fn key on your keyboard. This will allow you to use the Num Lock button, and disable Fn.\n3. 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.\n\n\n## Use fn lock on windows\n\n1. 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.\n2. Hold down the Fn key on your keyboard. This will allow you to use the Fn Lock feature to disable your Fn key.\n3. 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.\n\n\n## Use mac\n\n1. 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.\n2. Click System Preferences on the menu. This will open your System Preferences in a new window.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to peel plums?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Blanch plums\n\n1. 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..\n\t* Place a lid on the pot to help the water to boil quicker.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n7. 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.\n8. 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.\n9. 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.\n\n\n## Use a knife\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to tell if it's an acquaintance, friend, crush, or love?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Read body language\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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).\n\n\n## Listen for verbal cue\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Analyze your relationship\n\n1. 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:\n\t* 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?\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n\n\n## Ask directly\n\n1. 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.\"\n2. 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.\"\n3. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to dress for the gym?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When you go to the gym, it's important to wear clothes that are breathable and flexible. It's good to look good – but remember that fitness and safety are your foremost concerns. Ill-fitting clothing can cause itchy skin, rashes, or more serious injuries. Also, be mindful that your clothes may shift when you're working out. Wear clothing that will facilitate a solid workout.\n\n## Dress for women\n\n1. Choose a lightweight t-shirt or sweatshirt. Wear a breathable material like cotton or polyester. When you work out, you'll grow hot and sweaty, so you want to make sure that your clothing doesn't trap the heat. If possible, choose a top that is specifically designed for wicking sweat. Consider wearing a tank top or sports bra for a more breathable—if more revealing—outfit. If you have large breasts, then a sports bra may be essential for a comfortable gym experience. No matter your size, a bit of extra support never hurts.\n2. Pick your bottoms. Wear something flexible, with an elastic waistband: gym shorts, sweatpants, track pants, or yoga pants. You should be able to perform a full range of leg workouts while you're wearing the bottoms. The bottoms that you wear also depend on the effect that you're going for: tight and skin-showing clothing can help you show off, and baggier, more flowing garments might help you blend in. Short shorts may afford you the most flexibility, but they can also show a lot of skin. If you feel shy in shorts: wear sweats or yoga pants. If you wear shorts, inspect yourself from all angles in a mirror before you go to the gym. Keep in mind that people may be able to see up the leg of your shorts when you're using certain equipment, like the leg press.\n3. Bring appropriate footwear. The shoes you wear will depend upon the sort of exercises that you're doing. If you plan to do any cardio, then bring shoes that will offer plenty of protection for your feet and legs. Keep in mind that a lot of gyms don't allow open-toed shoes. If you'll be running on a treadmill, then make sure to bring running shoes. If you will be using an elliptical or exercise bike, then your footwear doesn't matter so much – just wear something comfortable that you can stand in. If you'll be training weights, make sure to wear something with ample ankle and arch support. Running shoes are always a good choice.\n\n\n## Dress for men\n\n1. Wear shorts or sweats. Make sure that your bottoms give you a full range of motion. Be conscious of how much you will sweat during your workout, and think about how hot you're going to get. Try not to wear shorts that extend more than an inch below your knees – especially if they are loose around the legs. The lower your shorts, the shorter your range of motion. If you decide to wear shorts, be aware that other people may be able to see up the leg of your shorts when you're using machines like the leg press.\n2. Take a breathable, flexible shirt. A cotton t-shirt or tank will suffice. Alternately, choose a breathable, sweat-wicking polyester shirt. Pick something that will absorb sweat and that won't restrict your range of motion. A tank will show off your arms, and a t-shirt can be a slightly more modest choice. Decide what you're going for.\n3. Choose appropriate footwear. The shoes you wear will depend upon the sort of exercises that you're doing. If you plan to do any cardio, then bring shoes that will offer plenty of protection for your feet and legs. If you'll be running on a treadmill, then make sure to bring running shoes. If you will be using an elliptical or exercise bike, then your footwear doesn't matter so much – just wear something comfortable that you can stand in. If you'll be training weights, make sure to wear something with ample ankle and arch support. Running shoes are always a good choice.\n\n\n## General advice\n\n1. Wear lightweight, breathable socks. Cotton socks are generally a good choice. Make sure that the socks are neither too tight nor too loose! Wear high socks or low socks, to your taste. Short socks will give your legs more space to breathe, but high socks can be useful for wicking away sweat. Tight socks can constrict your legs and slow your blood circulation. On the other hand, socks that are too loose might distract you by sliding down your legs.\n2. Carry a towel. As you move about the gym, use a soft, clean towel to wipe your sweat away. You don't want to leave your sweat on the seat of a machine! Most gyms provide clean towels for members to use during their workouts. Do not share a towel with anyone, or else you risk sharing germs! Clean up any sweat that you do leave on a machine. Use a small, clean towel to wipe down the seat, the bars, and any other part that your sweat has touched. Your sweat carries bacteria that could infect someone else if left to dry on the machine!\n3. Wash your clothes after the gym. Even your own sweat, when left to dry on fabric, can breed nasty bacteria and then infect you. Odor-making bacteria tend to grow better on polyester than on cotton – but you should wash all gym clothes regardless.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to kill a fly?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Flies can be annoying pests, especially inside your home. If you can’t remove the flies humanely, you may want to kill them. Use a flyswatter for an easy way to kill a few lone flies. Try using sprays to get rid of numerous flies. You can also kill flies with bait and traps, like fly tape, DIY traps, or Venus fly traps. Eliminating flies can be done quickly, easily, and cheaply, whether you have a single fly or dozens to remove.\n\n## Use a flyswatter\n\n1. Wait for the fly to land. Keep your eye on the fly until it lands, then get ready to make your move. Approach the fly silently and slowly so it doesn't fly away. If you don’t have a flyswatter, you can use other objects with a flat surface, like a newspaper, shoe, or book.\n2. Swat the fly with a quick, downward motion. Raise your flyswatter above your head, and bring it down over the fly in a single, strong move. You are crushing the fly between your flyswatter and a hard surface. If you miss the fly the first time, wait for it to land and swat again.\n3. Wipe up the fly and clean off your flyswatter. Rinse the flyswatter in soap and water, and use a tissue or paper towel to wipe up the mess. Make sure to wash your hands! You can also disinfect with a cleaning solution to prevent spreading any germs.\n4. Try using an electric flyswatter for an easier, efficient option. Electric flyswatters are devices that lure in flies with a light and kill them upon contact. Stand near the fly with your electric flyswatter to kill it effortlessly and quickly. Be sure to read over instructions carefully before use. Avoid touching the racket area, and always let the flyswatter fully cool down before storing it.\n\n\n## Spray the fly\n\n1. Choose from either chemical sprays, household cleaners, or hairspray. Chemical sprays kill flies instantly upon contact, though they contain harsh chemicals. You can also spray the flies with household cleaners, like Windex or Formula 409, or with an aerosol like hairspray. All of these sprays will help you kill a fly. Purchase chemical fly sprays at home supply stores. Look for brands like Hot Shot and Raid. Use spray if you want to remove many flies very quickly. Chemical sprays will kill them the fastest, though they have harmful chemicals. Household cleaners are a cheaper alternative, and you likely have them at home already.\n2. Spray the air near the fly thoroughly. Spray the fly while it is in the air or when the fly lands. Hold in the trigger to release the spray, and spray directly into the air around the fly. You want to saturate the fly in the spray. If you are using chemical sprays, the fly will die instantly. If you are using household cleaners or hairspray, the spray will coat the fly's wings, making it impossible to fly. The fly will still die, just not as quickly as with chemicals.\n3. Leave the room after you spray any hazardous chemical. The chemicals contained in most fly sprays are toxic and lethal. Household cleaners also use chemicals, though not quite as toxic. Avoid inhaling these chemicals by leaving the room immediately after you spray. Leave the room for both chemical sprays and household cleaners. If you have pets or children, they should also avoid the room until the chemicals have settled. You can wait about an hour before reentering the room, so the chemicals can dissipate. This will depend on how ventilated your room is and how much chemical you spray. It is safe to come back into the room when you no longer smell the chemicals.\n4. Dispose of the dead fly and wash your hands. Scoop up the dead flies with a paper towel or tissue, and throw them in the trash can. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water! If you killed multiple flies, throw them all away before you wash your hands.\n\n\n## Remove fly with trap\n\n1. Hang fly paper in areas with many flies for a cheap and easy option. Fly papers, or fly ribbons, are strips of paper coated in a sticky attractant. Flies approach the paper because they are attracted to the smell, and they get stuck to the paper and die. You can hang fly paper near your entrances, above your windows, or next to your trash can, for example. Fly paper can be hung up indoors or outdoors. Replace your fly paper after you collect a handful of dead flies.\n2. Make your own trap for a cost effective solution. You can make your own trap with sugar water, a jar, and a paper cone. Cut a small hole around the point of the paper cone. Pour 1 part sugar and 2 parts water into the jar, and place the cone upside down inside the jar. The flies will be attracted to the sweet smell, and once they are inside, they will get stuck and drown in the liquid. You can add a piece of cut fruit to the jar to tempt the flies further. Try a piece of apple. You can also add a mix of sugar and water to a plastic bottle instead of a jar.\n3. Set out a Venus flytrap for a natural, hands-off option. Venus flytraps are carnivorous plants that feed on insects. The flytrap has a reddish, sweet-smelling interior, which insects mistake as a flower. A fly will land inside, and the flytrap will snap shut. The fly cannot escape, and the flytrap will consume the fly. Place your flytrap in areas popular fly areas, like your kitchen or near your door. Purchase Venus flytraps at most home supply stores or garden centers.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to replace a ceramic tap cartridge?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Choose a new cartridge and drain the faucet\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Handle a sink faucet\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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!\n6. 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!\n\n\n## Fix a shower faucet\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n7. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to be a lazy college student?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Part 1 of 3: prioritize what's important\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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!\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n\n\n## Part 2 of 3: make the most of your time\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Part 3 of 3: learn other ways to work efficiently\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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!\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make ricotta cheese?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Milk-based ricotta\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n7. 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.\n\n\n## Whey-based ricotta\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to cook corn?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Boiling corn on the cob[1]\n x\n research source\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Microwaving corn on the cob[2]\n x\n research source\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Grilling corn on the cob\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Steaming corn on the cob[3]\n x\n research source\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n\n\n## Baking corn on the cob[4]\n x\n research source\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n\n\n## Boiling corn kernels\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Steaming corn kernels\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. Serve. Steamed corn can be served with butter and salt as well as other seasonings.\n\n\n## Microwaving corn kernels\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. Drain and serve. Drain the cooking liquid from the corn and season as desired with butter, salt, and pepper.\n\n\n## Charcoal grilled corn on the cob\n\n1. 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.\n2. While they're soaking, prepare your outdoor charcoal grill. Add enough coals for an hour of cooking.\n3. Place the corn still in the husks on the grill. Cook for about an hour, turning occasionally, allowing the husks to char.\n4. Remove the husks.\n5. Add butter, salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to confuse cleverbot?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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!\n\n## Confuse cleverbot with specific trick\n\n1. 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?\"\n2. 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.”\n\t* \"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?\"\n3. 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\".\n4. 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.\")\n5. 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.\"\n6. 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?!\"\n7. 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.\"\n8. 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.\n\n\n## Confuse cleverbot with general strategies\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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:\n\t* \"Asuerycbasuircanys\" (random gibberish)\n\t* \"What is your opinion on the tornalions in reffriddo?\" (made-up words)\n\t* \"Wut arr ewe dewing laiter this eavning?\" (misspelled words)\n3. 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:\n\t* \"h0w 4r3 y0u d01n6, cl3v3rb07?\" (1337speak)\n\t* \"Yo, what's up, bro? Lemme ask you a question, broseph - how are you doing today, broheim?\" (Bro-y slang)\n\t* \"Well, pardner, it's about time we saddle up, hit that old dusty trail, and high-tail it out of here.\" (Cowboy slang)\n4. 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.\"\n5. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to decorate an above ground pool?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Add natural decorations\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n\n\n## Choose practical decorations\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n\n\n## Build deck and side\n\n1. 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\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to change your profile picture on soundcloud?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Use a computer\n\n1. Open a browser on your computer. Navigate to https://soundcloud.com/.\n2. Log in to your account. Click Sign In at the top and enter your login details.\n3. Go to your profile. Click on your profile picture on the top navigation bar towards the right and select Profile.\n4. Hover over your profile picture and click Update image. This will open a file upload window.\n5. 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\n\t* It's recommended to be at least 1000x1000 pixels\n6. Click Save Changes. Your new profile picture will appear on the left.\n\n\n## Use an ios device\n\n1. 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.\n2. Go to your collection. Tap the icon in the lower right that looks like 3 books on a shelf.\n3. Go to your profile. Tap on the 3 dots in the top right corner, then tap Your profile.\n4. Tap Edit profile. It's under your header with a pencil icon.\n5. Tap on your profile picture. It's on the left with a camera on top.\n6. Tap to select the image you would like to upload. Select from your phone's folders.\n7. Tap Save. The image will crop to a circle.\n\n\n## Use an android device\n\n1. Open a browser app on your device. Navigate to https://soundcloud.com/.\n2. 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\".\n3. Log in to your account. Tap Sign In at the top and enter your login details.\n4. Go to your profile. Tap on your profile picture on the top navigation bar towards the right and select Profile.\n5. Edit your profile picture. Tap on the image, then tap Update image.\n6. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to deal with a bipolar person?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Help someone with bipolar disorder\n\n1. Watch for symptoms. If the person has already been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, then you may know all about the symptoms of this condition already. Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of mania and depression. During manic phases, someone may seem to have boundless energy and during depressive phases, that same person might not get out of bed for days. Manic phases may be characterized by high levels of optimism or irritability, unrealistic ideas about one’s abilities, feeling energetic despite getting little sleep, speaking rapidly and going quickly from one idea to the next, not being able to concentrate, making impulsive or poor decisions, and even hallucinating. Depressive phases are characterized by hopelessness, sadness, emptiness, irritability, losing interest in things, fatigue, lack of concentration, appetite changes, weight changes, difficulty sleeping, feeling worthless or guilty, and considering suicide.\n2. Consider the differences in bipolar disorder types. Bipolar disorder is divided into four subtypes. These definitions can help mental health practitioners to identify the disorder whether the symptoms are mild or severe. The four subtypes are:\n\t* \n\t* Bipolar I Disorder. This subtype is characterized by manic episodes that last for seven days or that are severe enough that the person needs hospitalization. These episodes are followed by depressive episodes that last at least two weeks. Bipolar II Disorder. This subtype is characterized by depressive episodes followed by mild manic episodes, but these episodes are not severe enough to warrant hospitalization. Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS). This subtype is when someone has symptoms of bipolar disorder, but they do not meet the criteria for a bipolar I or II diagnosis. Cyclothymia. This subtype is when someone has had symptoms of bipolar disorder for two years, but the symptoms are mild.\n3. Communicate your concerns. If you think that someone may be suffering from bipolar disorder, then you should say something. When you approach the person, make sure that you do so from a standpoint of concern and not judgment. Remember that bipolar disorder is a mental illness and the person cannot control their behaviors. Try saying something like, “I care about you and I have noticed that you have been struggling lately. I want to you to know that I am here for you and I want to help.”\n4. Offer to listen. Someone with bipolar disorder may feel comforted by having someone who is willing to listen to how they are feeling. Make sure that the person knows that you are happy to listen if they want to talk. When you listen, do not judge the person or try to solve their problems. Just listen and offer some genuine encouragement. For example, you might say something like, “It sounds like you have been having a really hard time. I don’t know how you feel, but I care about you and I want to help you.”\n5. Make a doctor’s appointment. The person may be incapable of making an appointment for themselves due to the symptoms of bipolar disorder, so one way that you can help is by offering to make a doctor’s appointment. If the person is resistant to the idea of seeking help for the disorder, then do not try to force them. Instead, you may consider making an appointment for your the person to have a general health check-up and see if the person feels compelled to ask the doctor about the symptoms they have been having.\n6. Encourage the person to take prescribed medications. If the person has been prescribed medications to help control their bipolar symptoms, then make sure that they take those medications. It is common for people with bipolar disorder to stop taking their medications because they feel better or because they miss having manic phases. Remind the person that the medications are necessary and that stopping them may make things worse.\n7. Try to be patient. Even though there may be some improvement in the person’s bipolar disorder after a few months of treatment, recovering from bipolar disorder can take years. There may also be setbacks along the way, so try to be patient with your the person as they recover.\n8. Take time for yourself. Supporting someone who has bipolar disorder can take a large toll on you, so make sure that you take time for yourself. Make sure that you have some time away from the person every day. For example, you might go to an exercise class, meet a friend for coffee, or read a book. You may also consider seeking counseling to help you deal with the stress and emotional strain of supporting someone with bipolar disorder.\n\n\n## Deal with mania\n\n1. Be a calming presence. During a manic episode, a person with bipolar disorder may become over stimulated or irritated by long conversations or certain topics. Try to talk to the person in a calming way and avoid engaging in an argument or lengthy discussion about something. Try not to bring up anything that might trigger the person’s mania. For example, you might want to avoid asking about something that is stressful for the individual or a goal that the person has been trying to accomplish. Instead, talk about the weather, a TV show, or something else that is unlikely to stress the person.\n2. Encourage the person to get lots of rest. During a manic phase, the person may feel like they only need a few hours of sleep to feel rested. However, not getting enough sleep may make matters worse. Try to encourage the person to sleep as much as possible at night and to take naps during the day if needed.\n3. Go for walks. Taking walks with your the person during manic episodes can be a good way to help them use excess energy and provide a good opportunity for the two of you to talk as well. Try to invite the person to go on a walk with you once per day or at least a few times per week. Regular exercise can also help when someone is having symptoms of depression, so try to encourage exercise no matter what the person’s mood is like.\n4. Watch for impulsive behavior. During manic episodes, the person may be prone to impulsive behavior such as drug use, shopping in excess, or going on a long trip. Try to encourage the person to think a bit longer before making any major purchases or starting a new project when they are in the midst of a manic episode. If overspending is often an issue, then you might encourage the person to leave credit cards and extra cash at home when these episodes strike. If drinking or using drugs seems to intensify the situation, then you might encourage the person to avoid using alcohol or other substances.\n5. Try not to take comments personally. When someone is in the middle of a manic period, they may say hurtful things or try to start arguments with you. Try not to take these comments personally and do not engage in arguments with the person. Remind yourself that these comments are due to the illness and do not represent how the person really feels.\n\n\n## Deal with depression\n\n1. Suggest working towards a small goal. During a depressive episode, it may be hard for the person to accomplish large goals, so setting small manageable goals may help. Accomplishing a small goal may also help the person feel better. For example, if the person is complaining that she needs to clean her whole house, then you might suggest just tackling something small like a coat closet or bathroom.\n2. Encourage positive strategies for dealing with depression. When someone is depressed, it may be tempting to turn to negative coping mechanisms, such as alcohol, isolating oneself, or not taking medications. Instead, try to encourage the person to use positive coping mechanisms. For example, you can suggest calling their therapist, doing a little exercise, or engaging in a hobby when a depressive mood strikes.\n3. Provide genuine encouragement. Encouraging the person during depressive phases will help them to know that someone there cares. Make sure that you avoid making promises or relying on clichés when you encourage your friend or the person. For example, don’t say, “Everything will be fine,” “It’s all in your head,” or “When life give you lemons, make lemonade!”\n\t* Instead, say things like, “I care about you,” “I am here for you,” “You are a good person and I am happy that you are in my life.”\n4. Try to establish a routine. During depressive phases, the person may prefer to stay in bed, isolate themselves, or just watch TV all day. Do your best to help the person establish a daily routine so that they always have something to do. For example, you might establish a time for your the person to get up and shower, a time to go get the mail, a time to take a walk, and time to do something fun, like reading a book or playing a game.\n5. Watch for signs that the person may be suicidal. During depressive phases, people are more prone to thoughts of suicide. Make sure that you take any comments about suicide seriously. If the person is acting suicidal or indicating that they have plans to kill themselves and/or harm others, then call emergency services for help. Do not try to deal with someone who is suicidal or violent on your own.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to treat arthritis in horses?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Arthritis is a painful joint problem that affects horses as well as humans. If your four-legged friend is suffering from the problem, supplements and medications can provide some relief from painful inflammation. Making lifestyle changes, like light exercise and farrier work, can also increase your horse’s comfort and quality of life. Since arthritis is almost impossible to stop, it is important to keep in touch with a veterinarian for advice on continued treatment.\n\n## Make lifestyle change\n\n1. Consult your veterinarian. A vet will need to examine your horse and assess the factors that might be contributing to its arthritis, including age, diet, and activity level. This will help them determine the right medication and lifestyle changes to prescribe your horse. Your vet may take x-rays to assess the severity of your horse’s arthritis and make further suggestions for treatment.\n2. Control the horse’s weight. If your horse is overweight, this will put additional strain on its joints, worsening pain and discomfort. Help your horse lower its weight, if necessary, then feed it a nutritious but lean diet to keep its weight down. Keeping an older horse nourished can be difficult because their nutritional needs and ability to digest food may change. Always ask your vet for advice before making major changes in your horse’s diet.\n3. Don’t keep your horse confined to the stable. Arthritic horses will probably be reluctant or unable to move like they once did. Keeping them indoors, however, will actually make the problem worse. Provide a large pasture for them to roam and graze about to keep the joints moving and prevent the horse from getting too stiff.Regular light exercise, such as trail riding, will be good for your horse, and limit the effects of arthritis.\n4. Talk to your farrier. The condition of a horse’s hooves and shoes are critical to its movement and comfort, and this is especially the case for one suffering from arthritis. Let your farrier know that the horse is having problems with arthritis, and they may make recommendations that will keep its hooves in good condition and make it more comfortable.\n\n\n## Try supplement and medications\n\n1. Give your horse feed supplements. A number of nutritional supplements are available, including glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. These can be given to your horse along with its food to help alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis, like pain and stiffness. Look for feed supplements at a supply store, or ask your vet. Feed supplements are a simple option to try at first. However, they are not regulated, and they are not guaranteed to be effective. Ask your vet what they recommend for your horse based on the severity of your horse's issues\n2. Try injectable joint products. Some products, including polysulfated glycosaminoglycans (Adequan) and sodium hyaluronate (Legend) can be injected directly into the affected joint to give your horse some relief. A vet may also recommend injecting the joint with steroids or hyaluronic acid. These products can give immediate relief. In some cases, their benefits can last for months or years. Your vet will sterilize the area to be injected and inject the correct steroid and acid combination. Once you go down the road of injecting a joint, you will likely have to inject the same joint again in the future to keep your horse comfortable.\n3. Ask about joint projectants. Arthritis is caused by a combination of inflammation and degeneration (breaking down) at affected joints. In addition to the products that provide relief from painful inflammation, ones like glucosamine and chondroitin can help protect the joint itself from damage. Your vet can prescribe the right product for your horse.\n4. Supply pain relievers. Some products, including phenylbutazone and firocoxib, won’t treat the joint itself, but will provide your horse with some general pain relief. Your vet will prescribe these for your horse if they believe the medicine will improve the horse’s quality of life. Use painkillers as directed by your veterinarian. Giving pain medication more frequently than recommended or in too large a quantity can damage your horse’s gastrointestinal tract and cause kidney or liver failure.\n5. Expect the issue to progress over time. Medications can definitely help a horse be more comfortable, and caring well for your horse can increase its quality of life. However, it is almost impossible to repair the damage caused by arthritis. Over time, problems caused by arthritis will increase, so it is important to stay in touch with your vet about continued treatment.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to use amadeus software?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Sign in\n\n1. Go to the Amadeus login page using your Internet browser.\n2. Type in the username and password that was provided by your account manager.\n3. 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.\n4. Press the OK button to sign in and go to the search page.\n\n\n## Use the search page\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to get a special needs child through airport security?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Travelling with children is always a challenge, as you need to navigate everything from noisy crowds to boredom to hunger. These difficulties may be even more pronounced with a disabled child. However, with some planning and careful consideration, you can stop or mitigate many potential problems, and get through the airport with minimal difficulty.\n\n## Before get to security\n\n1. Consider any problems that your child may have. Every disability is different, so of course, every disabled child will have different problems. Your child may have a physical disability and require some help getting through security, or they may have a developmental disability such as autism and be hypersensitive to noises and being touched. Make a list of the issues your child might have when getting through airport security. For example, if your child was distracted or overwhelmed, would they be the type to either wander or run away, or would they have a meltdown if put into an uncomfortable situation? If your child is old enough to understand what's happening and is aware of what problems they already have, try asking them what they think would cause them trouble at the airport. A child with sensory issues, for example, may say that they'd become overwhelmed by all the new stimulus and end up having severe trouble getting through security on their own. If you've traveled long distances with your child before, even if it wasn't by plane, consider any issues your child had in the past. For example, if you went on a long car trip with your child and stopped somewhere for a break, did they get upset by all the people there?\n2. Contact the airport ahead of time. Some travelers with disabilities find it useful to notify the airport, so that they can arrange any assistance ahead of time. This step is optional, and can depend on the type of your child's disability. If you do contact the airport, though, try to contact them at least 72 hours beforehand.\n3. Talk to your child about airport security. If they know what will happen, they are more likely to stay calm and be comfortable with the process. Library books, social stories, movies, and personal anecdotes can help describe the process. Try to find child-friendly material that has photos or illustrations of airport security. That way, they can visualize what they will experience.\n4. Explain that additional screenings might happen. Sometimes, people get randomly selected to go through additional security. Tell them how it works, so that if it happens, they know that it's normal and okay.\n5. Pack comfort objects in easily-accessible areas. Try placing them at the top of a backpack or bag, or in a separate pocket of a personal bag. Non-liquid snacks, such as pretzels or crackers, should also be easy to reach. Consider stim toys as well. Any comfort objects will need to be scanned. They may need to let it go through the scanner, or the personnel may let them carry it with them, depending on the object. If it goes through the scanner with your bags, explain that the comfort object is having an adventure in the tunnel, and they'll come out the other side soon.\n6. Bring plenty of things to do in the airport and airplane. Arriving early will help, so you may be waiting at the terminal for some time. Consider coloring books, phone games, picture books, chapter books, videos, and more. Make sure that the activity isn't something noisy that would disturb others, though; leave extremely loud toys at home if possible, and lower the volume on a child's electronic toys or give them headphones to plug into that toy. Download several movies or videos onto a tablet on the day before. Start early, in case they download slowly. Older children may be able to entertain themselves with laptops. There are also adult coloring books they can use. Bring chargers for any devices. Some waiting areas have charging stations, so you might be able to charge electronics before your flight.\n7. Pack sensory items for a hypersensitive child. Earplugs, sunglasses, headphones (noise-canceling or otherwise), hoodies, weighted lap pads, and stim toys can help with an overwhelming environment. Encourage your child to be proactive and stim a lot; it's better to be overly cautious than have a screaming meltdown or shutdown. Encourage your child to avoid disruptive stims at the airport. Make sure they understand that things like flapping, rocking, and so forth are okay, but that it might be better to avoid louder or more movement-oriented stims such as echolalia, spinning, or pacing. Stimming in and of itself isn't bad for your child to do, but it's important to avoid disrupting other people or slowing down their process of getting through security when doing so.\n\n\n## Go through security\n\n1. Arrive at the airport early. You do not want to be rushing through every airport procedure; this is likely to upset your child, and stress you out. A general rule of most airports is that you should allow yourself at least two hours to get through security; depending on your child, you may want to arrive earlier than that. Make sure your child has things to do during the ride there. Some airports, such as LAX, can take a long time to commute to. You don't want a bored child sitting in the car while you're driving.\n2. Expect your child's abilities to waver. With the stress and crowds, your child may have a hard time, and not be as capable as they usually are. Your child may move more slowly, struggle with skills like talking or self-calming, and temporarily \"revert\" to younger behavior (especially if they have a developmental disability). Be patient, and accommodate your child's extra needs. Remember, this is temporary, and they'll go back to normal once they can unwind. They aren't doing it on purpose. Be especially careful if your child is epileptic and is prone to seizures. Sometimes, the stress and excitement of the airport can cause your child to have a seizure.\n3. Keep your child in the loop. Since airports are likely new to your child, it's important to make sure your child understands what's going on. Explain each step as it comes up. Preparing a picture schedule may be useful.\n4. Consider taking the family through the special needs TSA line. Many airports have a short line for passengers with disabilities, so there is less waiting involved. Also, it makes it clear that your family might need some extra patience and assistance.\n5. Make sure your child is occupied in lines. Oftentimes, you'll need to wait in long lines to get to airport security, unless you're able to access a security pre-check line. If you can't use a pre-check line, you're going to need to make sure that your child doesn't get bored, overstimulated, or wander off while waiting.\n6. Alert the TSA officers of your child's disability. Once you've arrived at airport security, it's important to let the TSA officers know that you are traveling with a disabled child, especially if it's not immediately obvious (e.g. your child is physically disabled, but doesn't use a wheelchair or walking device). Talk to the TSA officers that are there and discuss how to best help your child through airport security. Some examples of disability accommodation are:\n\t* Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (autism, Down Syndrome, etc.) can be permitted to stay with the person or people they're traveling with, rather than getting separated. Blind or visually impaired children can be assisted through security. Deaf and hard of hearing children do not have to remove hearing aids or cochlear implants, and can proceed through security like normal. Physically disabled children that require a device to move around will not be removed from their device. For example, if your child is in a wheelchair, TSA agents will not lift the child out of their chair to get them through security. A child with a prosthetic limb can get a private screening of their prosthetic if necessary, or have the prosthetic removed and put through the X-ray machine. However, you should only remove the prosthetic if your child is okay with it. In the case of any disabled child, you may be permitted to carry your child through security if it will make the process easier on your child. However, this may only be feasible with smaller, lighter children. Be sure to let the agents know if your child has a special device for their disability that may set off the metal detector.\n7. Understand that your child may have to go through additional screening. Sometimes, things don't go as planned, and your child will need to undergo more screening. This can include a pat-down, which can be very upsetting to some disabled children. If you're permitted to, stay with your child during the process, and ask the TSA agent to warn your child of anything they're going to do in language that's possible for your child to understand.\n8. Make sure child has list of any medications, and a letter signed by a doctor. Put this list with child's medications in a small tote bag with a zipper, in the same bag. The medications must also be in a plastic ziplock sealed bag. Medications are often not questioned if they are in pill form.\n9. Carry a necklace with an I.D. tag or medical bracelet around the child and have them wear that so it is visible for the attendant to see. This can help cut out all the unnecessary verbal explanations about your child. You can also inform the officers, but the less the better when it comes to airline officials. If they have a shirt about their disability, like \"Autistic Cutie!\" or \"Diva with Down Syndrome,\" have them wear it. Script a quick explanation, such as \"My daughter has Down Syndrome and can be frightened in crowds and new situations. Holding her bunny helps keep her calm.\"\n10. Make it clear who is looking after the child. If there are several adults in the group, you don't want each person to think that someone else is looking after the child. It can help to explicitly assign someone to the child for each leg of the trip. One teen or adult should walk at the back of the group, to make sure that no one lags too far behind and gets lost.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to change a diaper?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Changing diapers is often a source of dread, fear, and humor for new parents and caregivers. Babies and toddlers who are not potty trained need to have their diapers changed every few hours to avoid rashes and discomfort. Create a diaper changing station so you can easily change disposable or cloth diapers at a moment's notice.\n\n## Remove the diaper and clean the baby\n\n1. Wash your hands. Before you change the diaper, wash your hands with soapy water. If you don't have access to a sink, you can rub hand sanitizer on your hands. If you don't have hand sanitizer, you can rub a clean baby wipe on your hands. If you work in a daycare, put on disposable gloves after washing your hands.\n2. Prepare the clean diaper. Place the baby on the changing surface and get out a new diaper. If you're using a disposable diaper, unfold it. If you're using a cloth diaper, fold it or stuff it with an absorbent insert depending on the style of diaper you have. Set the diaper to the side so it's ready once you've removed the dirty diaper. Many people place the clean diaper directly under the dirty diaper before you remove it, to catch any accidents that occur during changing. Just keep in mind, the clean diaper can get dirty, so you may need to use a second one if that happens.\n3. Unfasten and remove the dirty diaper. Pull away the tabs, snaps, or Velcro from the dirty diaper to unfasten it. Pull down the front part of the dirty diaper and gently lift the baby's legs up a little. If the diaper is wet, slide the back of the dirty diaper out from under the baby's bottom. If there is poop, use the front half of the dirty diaper to scoop as much of it off the baby as you can. Set the dirty diaper aside until you can fold it. Hold the baby’s legs in one hand so that their bottom is in the air to avoid letting it touch the diapering surface. Ensure that you put the dirty diaper out of the baby's reach. If you’re changing a baby boy who pees during diaper changes, consider laying a clean cloth or baby wipe over his penis while you change him.\n4. Wipe the baby's bottom with a wipe or a damp cloth. Take a baby wipe or damp cloth and wipe the baby's genitals from front to back (towards the bottom). Cleaning is important to prevent bacterial infections. To clean poop, you'll probably need several wipes to ensure the baby is clean. Gently lift your baby's legs by the ankles and wipe in between the baby's bottom. Ensure that there's no poop around the baby's genitals or along the creases of their thighs.\n5. Air dry the skin for a moment. You can prevent diaper rashes by keeping your baby's bottom clean and dry. Give the baby's bottom a few seconds to dry out before you put on the clean diaper. If your baby has a rash, apply diaper cream or petroleum jelly before you put the new diaper on. If you're using cloth diapers, you'll need to lay a disposable insert in the center of the diaper. The insert will keep the diaper cream from touching the cloth diaper which could damage it.\n\n\n## Put on the clean disposable diaper\n\n1. Lay the clean diaper under the baby. Grab the opened clean diaper and lay the back half of it underneath the baby. The diaper should be near the baby's waist. If you're changing a boy's diaper, point his penis down to direct any urine into the new diaper. Pull the front half of the clean diaper up onto the baby's stomach. Ensure that your baby doesn't bunch their legs or the diaper might be uncomfortable. Try to spread the baby's legs so the diaper will fit comfortably. If you're changing a newborn diaper, use a newborn diaper that leaves room for the umbilical cord stump. Or fold over the front of the diaper so you don't cover it.\n2. Fasten the diaper. Hold the front of the diaper in place with one hand. Use your other hand to pull the tabs on each side of the diaper and fold them up towards the front. Fasten them onto the diaper so the diaper is secured to the baby. Avoid fastening the diaper too tightly. Check to see if the diaper is too tight. If it is, the skin will look pinched or red. You should also ensure that the tabs aren't sticking to the baby's skin.\n3. Dress the baby and throw away the disposable diaper. Pull the onesie down and snap it closed or put the baby in a new outfit. Set the baby in a safe place while you fold the dirty disposable diaper. Throw it in the trash or in the odor-sealing canister. To fold the dirty diaper, fold the front part of the dirty diaper in half towards the back of the diaper to make a slight ball shape. Fasten both of the tabs in the center of the diaper to contain it.\n4. Wash your hands. If you are wearing gloves, remove and dispose of them. Then, wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap. Aim to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Rinse them thoroughly, then dry them off.\n\n\n## Put on and handle cloth diapers\n\n1. Position the clean diaper under the baby. Take the prepared cloth diaper and lay the back half of it underneath your baby so it's near your baby's waist. If you're changing a boy's diaper, you can prevent leaks by pointing his penis down. Grab the front half of the diaper and pull it up onto the baby's stomach. Spread the baby's legs so the diaper won't bunch while you're fastening it. If you're changing a newborn diaper, ensure that you're using the smallest cloth diapers. You'll probably need to fold them specially so they don't rub against the umbilical cord stump.\n2. Secure the diaper. Hold the front of the diaper in place with one hand. Use your other hand to hook a T-shaped fastener or a two-pronged fastener onto the front of the diaper. Some cloth diapers use snaps that you simply snap into place or Velcro that you can just pull and press down on. Dress the baby before you handle the dirty cloth diaper. If you're using diaper pins, put a few of your fingers under the diaper and above the baby's skin to so you don't accidentally poke the baby.\n3. Store the dirty cloth diaper. If you're handling a poopy diaper, take it to the bathroom and dump as much of the poop into the toilet as possible. You can use a diaper sprayer to remove larger amounts of poop. Place the dirty diaper and any dirty cloth wipes into a diaper pail or hanging wet bag. Wash the cloth diapers according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you're changing a poopy diaper from an exclusively breastfed baby, you don't need to dump the poop in the diaper. It will dissolve in the washing machine.\n4. Clean your hands. Remove your gloves and throw them away, if applicable. Wash your hands using antibacterial soap and warm, running water for at least 20 seconds. After thoroughly rinsing your hands, dry them off.\n\n\n## Gather diaper supply\n\n1. Choose an area to change your baby's diaper. Set up 1-2 diaper changing spaces in easy-to-access spaces in your home. For example, you could set up a changing table in the nursery, your bedroom, or near a bathroom. If you don't want to use a changing table, you can easily change the baby's diaper on a comfortable flat surface (like a bed or on the floor). Choose convenient diaper changing areas based on where your family spends the most time. It's a good idea to pack a diaper bag or backpack with some diapering supplies. Keep the diaper bag in the changing area so you can stock it and then grab the bag when you need to leave the house.\n2. Organize the changing area. You might need more than just a diaper and some wipes to change the baby. Keep things organized and easy to find by using dividers, containers, and small baskets. This way you know right where something is if you need it quickly. For example, it will help to have a drawer or basket that has extra pajamas or pacifiers if your baby needs a change in the middle of the night.\n3. Stock up on diapers and wipes. Newborn babies can go through 8 to 10 diapers a day, so keep a lot of clean ones nearby. They should be easy to reach so you don't have to step away from your baby during the diaper change. You'll also need to keep wipes nearby to wipe your baby's bottom. If you're constantly refilling the diapers at your diaper changing station, consider leaving a new box of diapers in the same room. This way, you'll never be completely out.\n4. Store diaper cream or petroleum jelly. Babies frequently get rashes and you might need to apply diaper cream or petroleum jelly. Keep tubes of these at your diaper changing area so you can easily use them when you notice a rash. It's also a good idea to keep these in your diaper bag so you can treat your baby's rash when you're out together.\n5. Have a place to put soiled diapers. Decide how you'd like to dispose of or handle the soiled diapers. For example, if you're using disposable diapers, set up a trash can or odor-sealing canister. If you're using cloth diapers, you may want to set up a wet pail where you can store the diapers until you're ready to wash them. It's a good idea to keep hand sanitizer nearby to quickly clean your hands before you wash them in the bathroom. Remember to keep the hand sanitizer out of your baby's reach.\n6. Keep distractions nearby. As the baby gets older, you'll need to distract them during diaper changes. Distracting the baby with a toy, object, or book will also keep the baby from grabbing soiled diapers or squirming during the diaper change. Consider keeping some of these near your diaper changing station:\n\t* Small board books\n\t* Pacifiers\n\t* Toy keys\n\t* Rattles\n7. Store changes of clothing and extra sheets. If your baby has leaked through their diaper, you'll need to have a change of clothes close by. Keep several clean onesies at the changing area just in case. You should also have a few sets of clean crib sheets in case these get dirty. If your changing table has a soft, removable cover, you should also have an extra clean cover in case the baby gets the cover dirty during the diaper change.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to drill at an angle?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Use basic trick for imprecise angle\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n\n\n## Employ an angle jig\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Create an angle jig for a drill press\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to do the charleston?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Master the basic move\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. Step back with your right foot. It should now be a step behind your left foot. Shift your weight back onto your right foot.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n\n\n## Do the 20s charleston\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Do the 30s charleston\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to be happy in an unhappy marriage?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People remain in unhappy marriages for many reasons. If you're one of those people, you may feel like you can't be happy. Nonetheless, you can find your own way to happiness, even in a bad situation, by practicing habits that lead to happiness, and you may even be able to work on your marriage to move toward happiness as a couple.\n\n## Learn to be happy\n\n1. Find ways to be grateful. It's not always easy to be grateful, especially in the midst of a bad relationship. Nonetheless, gratitude can help you cope with the bad relationship, and it can lead to you being happier. Take time each day to figure out what you are thankful for. Try writing a few things you are grateful for each day in a journal. You can also use posts on social media for this purpose. Usually, even if the situation is bad, you can find something to be grateful about. For instance, you may not like how you are being treated in the relationship you are in, but you may be grateful to have financial stability in your life at the moment. Alternatively, maybe you're grateful that the other person in the relationship remains a good parent to your kids.\n2. Engage in flow experiences. Flow moments are when you lose yourself to an experience by being completely absorbed in whatever it is you're doing. If you're an artist, a writer, or even a runner, you may already understand this type of experience. It's that moment when the world falls away, and you are just experiencing or enjoying what you're doing. Studies have shown that the more flow moments you have, the happier you are in general. Choose an activity that challenges you a little bit, but that is still familiar so that you can lose yourself in it. For example, if you enjoy painting landscapes, then you might try painting a new subject such as a portrait or a basket of fruit.\n3. Stop fighting the same fights. That is, if you always find yourself arguing about the same things, it may be time to put that topic aside. You need to decide that you won't discuss it because you can't agree or try to find a compromise that works for both of you. For example, if you tend to fight over politics, then you might want to make politics an off-limits topic. Or, if you often fight about what movie you are going to watch on Friday nights, then you might want to take turns choosing the movie.\n4. Develop your own interests. If your marriage is not what you want it to be, it may be time to find some fulfillment outside of your marriage and not in the form of an affair. Having your own hobbies and interests will help you stay independent and keep you happy and engaged with the world. In fact, developing your own interests is a good idea even if you have a great marriage. Consider exploring interests at the library, joining local hobby clubs or cookery classes, or taking a vocational class at a nearby community college.\n5. Try volunteering. Having a sense of purpose and some good social connections with other people is also a good way to feel happy. Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose in life and it also allows you to interact with other like-minded people, it might help you to feel happier. Try to find an organization that you would like to contribute to, such as an animal shelter or a food bank, and apply to become a volunteer. You might even ask your spouse if he or she would like to volunteer with you and it might be a good bonding activity for the two of you.\n6. Develop your social life. Many studies point to relationships being key to happiness. If your main relationship is unhappy, then you may not see how you can change your situation. Your spouse doesn't have to be your main source of social interactions. You can have fulfilling relationships with friends, as well as other members of your family. Try to go out to dinner with friends one night per week or get together with a sibling or cousin for a day of shopping or a activity session such as tennis or swimming. If you don't have a lot of friends, then try to meet more people who share your interests. For example, you could join a bowling league, take an art class, or find a choir or band who need new members.\n\n\n## Work towards a better marriage\n\n1. Take time to be together. Making time for each other is a way to say you are committed to each other. Say you will spend a certain time each week with each other, and stick to it. It will also give you a chance to get to know one another again.\n2. Remember what you valued. When you first got together, you were probably partially attracted by the differences the other person exhibited. For instance, maybe you were exhilarated by the fact that he or she was impulsive and loved to be spontaneous. Now, you may find yourself hating the quality. The key is to try to remember why you loved that quality in the first place and move toward enjoying it again. For instance, it may drive you crazy when your spouse wants to drop everything and drive to the mountains. On the other hand, it keeps your life from getting too boring. Try to strike a balance, and enjoy what you can.\n3. Talk about strengths and difficulties. It is important to acknowledge what is going well in your relationship as well as what has become a struggle. You might even want to make a list of strengths and difficulties together. Make sure that you include things on the list that you avoid talking about because of fears that you will just end up fighting about them. Try to pick a time to talk about your strengths and difficulties when you are both feeling calm and focused. Avoid talking at the end of a long day or at other stressful times. Use \"I\" statements rather than \"You\" statements. In other words, try to talk about what you're feeling and what you think is wrong without blaming the other person. For instance, saying \"I get upset when we don't spend enough time together\" is better than \"You're never around.\" The second statement puts your spouse on guard, while the first helps open discussion. Spend time talking and listening. That is, you can't just lay out what you think is wrong. You also need to spend time actively listening to what your spouse has to say. Show you're engaged by offering short summaries of what he or she has said and by asking questions that are relevant to the conversation.\n4. Work out solutions. Once you've figured out together what issues you have in the marriage, it's time to try to come up with some solutions. You may even be able to draw on some of your strengths to help you develop solutions to problems in your relationships. To compromise, you must talk about your wants and needs, helping you both to decide what's most important to each of you. In other words, to make a compromise, you must be willing to let the other person win when it comes to their needs, giving ground when it comes in conflict with your wants. The same must be true of the other person.\n5. Think about counseling. Sometimes, you need the help of a professional to get past your problems. A marriage counselor may help you fix more problems than you expect, and in fact, about half of people who use marriage counselors say that the counselor helped them fix all of the major problems in their marriage.\n\n\n## Consider the alternative\n\n1. Try legal separation. A legal separation gives you the time away from your spouse that you may need to work out problems. It is different than a divorce because you remain married. The benefit of a separation is it gives you a legal way to work out custody and child support while you are living apart, as well as how your property should be divided up. Nonetheless, if you work out your problems, you can go back to a normal marriage.\n2. Know divorce may be a better option. While getting a divorce is a life upheaval, staying in an unhealthy marriage can be detrimental to self-esteem and mental health. Some studies have shown it's better to get out of a caustic relationship and work to improve your own mental health than to stay. Understand an unhappy marriage can lead to depression. One study, which involved data from 5,000 adults, showed that the quality of your most important relationship is a good predictor of developing depression. Meaning, if one of your closest relationships, including your spousal one, is in bad repair, it puts you at risk for developing depression.\n3. Consider reasons to divorce. You may find that you have a good reason for getting a divorce. If you are unhappy in your marriage, you will likely find that you are a happier person once you get out. You might consider a divorce if your spouse had an affair. While some couples overcome infidelity, others never recover from it. If you find that you can't forgive your spouse for what he or she did even after months or years, you may want to consider a divorce. You've grown in different ways. Sometimes, when you grow into full-fledged adults together, you take different directions. If you find you and your spouse can't agree on much of anything anymore because you are just too different, it may be best to divorce. Your partner is bad at finances and won't change. Of course, everyone makes bad money choices sometimes. However, if your partner is so bad that it is causing stress on your marriage or is bankrupting your family, you may need to get out of the marriage, especially if you've expressed concern but your spouse is unwilling to change. Think about the kids. Many unhappily married couples stay together for the kids. Divorce is hard on kids, but it's also true that being unhappily married can be hard on your kids, as well. Your kids know you're unhappy, and if you're constantly fighting, you're putting stress on them, anyway.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to lighten up your bikini areas?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Lighten the bikini areas with home remedy\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n\n\n## Go to a dermatologist to correct the problem\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Prevent darken of the bikini areas\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to reduce smog?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Smog is a form of air pollution that is produced in the atmosphere when sunlight reacts with nitrogen oxides and at least one volatile organic compound (VOC). When this reaction occurs, particles are released into the atmosphere, and oxygen at the ground level absorbs harmful compounds (ozone). All of this creates what we consider smog. Recent years have seen an increase in campaigns for the reduction of smog due to its harmful effects towards both humans and the environment.\n\n## Change your car habit\n\n1. Drive less. Vehicles that run only on gasoline produce nitrogen dioxide as a byproduct of driving and idling, so one easy way to cut back on emissions is to drive less. Try walking, biking, or taking public transit instead. If your location is close enough, try walking or biking, especially if the destination has showers for clean up (workplace, gym, etc.). Many large cities offer public transportation such as buses, subways, trains and \"park and ride\" which allows you to park your vehicle and take public transit to your destination. Don't drive during certain times. For example, drive less during peak traffic periods, when it is extremely hot, or when there are ozone warnings in effect. This is because gas fumes turn into harmful ground level ozone when they heat up. If driving is a necessity, try setting up a carpool so there are fewer cars on the road and fewer trips being made.\n2. Maintain your car. Keeping your car \"healthy\" will not only improve mileage and save money, it can also reduce emissions. Get regular tune-ups and oil changes and make sure your tires are properly inflated to ensure your car is functioning at its best. Many states require smog and emission tests to make sure your car isn't emitting too much pollution. These are usually required annually or bi-annually. Inflating your tires to the correct pressure allows the engine to function better by maintaining a steady load. Consult your mechanic or your owner's manual for specific information regarding maintenance for your vehicle.\n3. Fuel up in cooler temperatures. Pump gas early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures drop. This prevents the fumes from gasoline from heating up and creating harmful toxins at ground level (ozone). There are alternative fuel sources that are in the works such as ethanol, natural gas, and hydrogen, but not all engines can function off of these fuel sources.\n4. Purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle. These vehicles have been known to dramatically reduce emissions for many reasons (depending on the type of model). Some decrease the consumption of fuel while others do away with fuel altogether. The result is a reduction in tailpipe emissions and therefore a reduction in smog. Hybrid vehicles are fueled by gasoline alone but have the ability to recapture energy and use it to power the car, resulting in less fuel consumption. Electric vehicles are powered by electricity alone and must be plugged in and charged in order to drive. Plug-in hybrids are the best of both worlds, running off of either electricity or gasoline.\n\n\n## Change your consumption habit\n\n1. Avoid high VOC products. VOCs are chemicals that easily escape into the atmosphere through common use around the house. Check the front label of household products to determine if they contain VOCs. Examples of common products include nail care products (acetone, ethyl alcohol), paint strippers or adhesive removers (methylene chloride), and aerosol spray products (butane). Check the National Institute of Health's Household Products Database for more information about specific products and their ingredients. Shop for \"green\" products that don't contain VOCs. If you must use VOC products, buy in small quantities that can be used quickly instead of stored. If you must store the product, do so in a tightly sealed, original container, in a well-ventilated area.\n2. Avoid gas-powered yard equipment. Gasoline emissions are one of the major causes of smog--whether from vehicles or lawn equipment. Try eco-friendly lawn mowers, hedgers, trimmers, or any other lawn equipment that can be powered electrically. You can also avoid mowing altogether by changing the material in your yard. Opt for artificial grass, succulents, hard landscapes, or rock gardens to do away with mowing forever. This will also save you time and money spent on maintenance and watering. There are also \"real grass alternatives\" that look and act like traditional grass turf, but require less maintenance.\n3. Buy local. When you buy products that are made locally, it cuts down on the cost of transport which reduces emissions. Local farmers' markets and grocery stores can help you determine where items were produced. There are many sites online that link local buyers and sellers such as Direct Local Food, GrowBuyEat, and AgLocal. Besides farmers' markets, try local farmers' stands, farms, and wineries. There are even many restaurants that are joining the movement towards supporting locally grown items. Make a community garden. Grow vegetables and fruit for your community and local distribution.\n4. Be energy efficient in your home. The less energy you consume at home, the less pollutants that are released into the atmosphere. There are many ways to decrease energy consumption including through lighting, heating and cooling, and appliance use. Replace your old incandescent light bulbs with energy saving halogen incandescents, CFLs, and LEDs which can be found at your local hardware store. For heating and cooling try energy-saving thermostats that automatically reset temperatures while you're away from home. Shop for energy-efficient appliances that use less energy such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers.\n\n\n## Take a stand\n\n1. Don't support organizations that have poor environmental practices. By not supporting commerce from these companies, you raise awareness of the problem. For example, companies like Nestle, Pfizer, and Walmart have been known to not only add pollution to the air but to also violate pollution regulations. An app such as Buycott can help you identify products and companies with poor environmental track records, simply by scanning a product's barcode.\n2. Promote your stance. Don't be afraid to tell people your opinion on the issue, and what you are doing to help solve it. You can do this by speaking to those closest to you (family, friends, co-workers) or reach more people through social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube). Start a community project such as an initiative to replace light bulbs or a carpool to a farmer's market once a month. Start a carpool with your co-workers. Not only will it cut down on emissions but it will demonstrate your passion for the cause.\n3. Contact local politicians and business leaders. Ask them for information about what they are doing to reduce smog levels in your community. If they do not reply or reply with inadequate measures, consider lobbying for change. Sign a petition. There are many petitions online that are lobbying for better air quality control by our government. Find one that peaks your interest, or start your own. Try sites like change.org or petitions.whitehouse.gov to look for petitions or start one on a smaller, local level.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make an invoice on excel?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Use a template on windows\n\n1. Open Microsoft Excel. It's a green icon with a white \"X\" on it. The Microsoft Excel home page will open.\n2. 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.\n3. Select a template. Click a template that you want to use to open it in a window.\n4. Click Create. This button is to the right of the template's preview. Doing so will open the template in Microsoft Excel.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n7. 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.\n\n\n## Use a template on mac\n\n1. Open Microsoft Excel. It's a green box with a white \"X\" on it. Excel will open.\n2. Click File. This menu item is in the top-left side of the page. A drop-down menu will appear below it.\n3. Click New from Template. It's an option in the File drop-down menu. Doing so opens a new page with template options.\n4. 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.\n5. Select a template. Click a template to open a preview window with the template displayed.\n6. Click Open. It's in the preview window. This will open the invoice template as a new document.\n7. 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.\n8. 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.\n9. 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.\n\n\n## Create an invoice manually\n\n1. Open Microsoft Excel. It's a green box with a white \"X\" on it. The Microsoft Excel home page will open.\n2. 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.\n3. Create the invoice heading. Your heading should include the following information:\n\t* \n\t* 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.\"\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n7. 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.\n8. 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:\n\t* \n\t* 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make hand‐marbled fabrics?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you like marbled paper, you might like marbled fabric too. It is surprisingly easy to create. The most traditional method uses carrageenan and water to create a thick base, but you can also use shaving cream instead. The traditional method takes a while to prepare, but the results are worth it. The shaving cream method is much faster, but it can get messy! Whichever method you choose, you are bound to end up with something unique and beautiful.\n\n## Use water and carrageenan\n\n1. Soak white fabric in a solution of alum and water the day before. In a bucket, combine 2 tablespoons (26 grams) of alum and 2 gallons (8 liters) of water. Soak your fabric in the solution for 20 minutes, then take it out. Wring out the excess water, then hang the fabric up to dry. Do not rinse the alum out of the fabric. Alum can irritate skin. It would be a good idea to wear gloves. Use white fabric that is lightweight and smooth in texture, such as muslin, cotton, light linen, or silk. Avoid heavy fabrics, such as canvas.\n2. Combine 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of carrageenan and 1 gallon (4 liters) of water. Mix the two together using a blender or hand/immersion blender. Start by mixing the carrageenan 1 teaspoon at a time into 2 cups (475 milliliters) of water, then add the solution to the rest of the water. It is best to prepare this in the pitcher to make the next step easier. Do not use the leftover alum water for this.\n3. Refrigerate the solution for 12 to 24 hours. You can do this at the same time as you are soaking the fabric in the alum. Once the 12 to 24 hours are up, take the pitcher out of the fridge, and let it come to room temperature, about 1 hour.\n4. Pour the solution into a large, plastic tub, and let it sit for at least 3 hours. The water is ready once it turns clear. The tub needs to be long enough and wide enough for the fabric to sit inside it, with at least a 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) border on all sides of the fabric the fabric.The water needs to be 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) deep. If you don't have enough water, you should make another batch.\n5. Dilute the acrylic paints with some fresh water. Choose 1 to 3 colors of acrylic paint, then pour each color into a small cup. Stir in enough water into each cup so that the paint takes on the consistency of heavy whipping cream. Do not use the carrageenan water for this.\n6. Place droplets of paint over the surface of the water. You can do this with an eyedropper or a pipette. Drop the paint close to the surface of the water; don't hold your hand high above it. You want the paint to float. If it sinks into the water, you are either dropping it from too high up, or the paint is too thick. If the paint is too thick, add some more water to it. Use a new dropper or pipette for each color.\n7. Swirl the paint drops together. There is no right or wrong way to o this. You can swirl the droplets together in a spiral with a toothpick. You can also drag a toothpick back-and-forth, then up-and-down through the water. You can even use a fork or a wide-toothed comb to do this.\n8. Gently lay the fabric on top of the water. Do not press the fabric into or under the water; you want it sitting right on the surface. If you see any air bubbles, gently poke them until the fabric lays smoothly against the surface again. If your fabric has a right and wrong side, make sure you are placing it right-side-down. Hold the fabric by the sides as you lower it onto the water so that the middle touches the surface first.\n9. Lift the fabric out and set it down onto a sheet of newspaper to dry. If you are worried about the ink transferring to the fabric, you can use blank newsprint or paper backs instead. At this point, you can dip another piece of fabric into the stray. You can also use a sheet of paper to collect the leftover paint, then drop and swirl new paint onto the surface.\n10. Allow the fabric to dry, then rinse it in cold water. Hang the fabric up to dry, preferably in the sun. Once the fabric is completely dry, rinse it with cold water, then hang it up to dry again.\n11. Iron the fabric after it dries to help set the paint into it. Cover the fabric with a tea towel or ironing cloth first, then pass an iron over it. Use a setting suitable for the type of fabric you are using (cotton, linen, silk, etc. ).\n\n\n## Use shave cream\n\n1. Wash the fabric using washing soda and hot water. This will not only remove any finishes that might prevent the paint from adhering, but it will also pre-shrink the fabric as well. Once the fabric is dry, you can press it flat with an iron, but this is not absolutely necessary. Cotton will work the best here, but you can use other, non-synthetic fabric as well.\n2. Coat a shallow tray with plain shaving cream. Spread the shaving cream around the tray so that you have a thick, even layer from edge-to-edge, corner-to-corner. For best results, use plain, white shaving cream, with no added dyes, oils, or perfumes. You will be spreading your fabric out in this tray, so make sure that the tray is big enough for it.\n3. Place drops of fabric paint randomly on top of the shaving cream. Try to space the drops randomly. Fabric paint will work the best, but you can use acrylic paint as well. If you are going to use acrylic paint, go for the bottled kind rather than the kind that comes in a tube; it is thinner and easier to drop out. Use one color for a simple effect, and two or three colors for a fancier effect. Use regular fabric paint. Don't use \"puffy paint\" or \"dimensional fabric paint.\"\n4. Swirl the paint around with a toothpick. Weave a toothpick through the shaving cream side-to-side and top-to-bottom. Feel free to add some spirals in there as well. Be careful not to over-stir the paint, however; you want the shaving cream to look streaky. You can also use other items to swirl the paint, such as pencils or chopsticks.\n5. Place the fabric on top of the shaving cream, then gently pat it down. Keep patting it until you can see the paint patterns appearing on the other side of the fabric. If your fabric has a distinct right and wrong side, set it right-side-down.\n6. Lift the fabric away and set it down on top of a trash bag. Make sure that you are setting it with the shaving cream side facing up. If you don't have any trash bags, you can use a plastic tablecloth, wax paper, or even a paper bag. Pull the fabric away at a slight angle rather than straight up. This will prevent the fabric from taking too much of the shaving cream with it.\n7. Scrape the shaving cream off. Hold the fabric down firmly by one end. Place a long, metal ruler on top of the fabric, with one of the edges facing down. Run the ruler across the fabric to scrape the shaving cream off. You may have to do a few passes; be sure to wipe the ruler clean before each one.\n8. Allow the paint to dry before heat setting it with an iron. Let the fabric out to dry, preferably in the sun. Once it is dry, place a tea towel or an ironing cloth over it, then iron it. Be sure to use a heat setting appropriate for the type of fabric you are working with.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to diagnose adrenal gland disease in pomeranians?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Identify symptoms\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n\n\n## Diagnose the disease\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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:\n\t* Thyroid blood test\n\t* Adrenal hormone test\n\t* A urinalysis\n\t* Abdominal ultrasound\n\t* Skin scrapes\n\t* Skin biopsy\n\t* Screening blood tests\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to keep a dog hydrated?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Water is essential for your dog’s digestion, circulation, waste filtering, and body temperature. Your dog should drink about one ounce of water for every pound of weight on a daily basis, though they may need more if they are exercising or if it’s hot outside. To ensure your dog stays hydrated, invest in a quality water bowl and make sure you are hydrating your dog effectively at home and on the go. If you think your pup is experiencing dehydration, bring them to the vet right away. Dehydration can be life threatening if it goes untreated.\n\n## Use a quality water bowl\n\n1. Get a water bowl that is the right size for your dog. Make sure your dog’s water bowl is the right size for them, as a bowl that is too big or too small will limit their access to water. Check that the water bowl is made for a small, medium, or large dog. Get the size that will make it easy for your pup to bend down and drink from the bowl. For example, tall, narrow bowls are ideal for dogs with long ears, such as Bassets and Spaniels. This can help to keep their ears out of the bowl, which can reduce the risk of ear infections. Smaller dogs do well with a water bowl that is low and shallow, as this will make it easier for them to drink from the bowl. A bowl that is big and wide is ideal for medium to large dogs.\n2. Buy a weighted water bowl. A weighted water bowl will have a heavier bottom, making them less likely to tip over. This may be a good investment if you are worried about your dog tipping over their water bowl or moving the bowl around and spilling the water while they drink. Look for weighted water bowls online or at your local pet store. Test the water bowl before you give it to your dog to use. Fill it with water and tap or try to tip one side of the bowl. A weighted water bowl should make it harder to do this.\n3. Invest in a water fountain. Larger dogs and dogs who are picky about their water may benefit from a water fountain. Most water fountains will filter and recirculate the water so it is fresh and tastes delicious to your dog. You can buy water fountains online or at your local pet store.\n\n\n## Hydrate your dog at home\n\n1. Fill your dog’s water bowl daily. Make sure you keep your dog’s water bowl filled with fresh water on a daily basis. Fill it up first thing in the morning when you give your dog their breakfast. Then, check their water bowl throughout the day to make sure it is full. Fill it up again at dinner time, if it needs refilling. Make sure you toss out any old water from the previous day before you fill it up with fresh water. This will ensure the water tastes good to your dog and is free of bacteria.\n2. Clean their water bowl regularly. Bacteria can end up sitting on the rim of the water bowl and in any water still in the water bowl. Get in the habit of cleaning your dog’s water bowl on a daily basis. Use soap and water to remove any grime or dirt in the bowl or on the rim. Dry the bowl well before you fill it up with fresh water and set it down for your pup. For example, you may clean the bowl first thing in the morning before filling it up with fresh water. This way, it will stay clean for the rest of the day until you clean it again the following morning.\n3. Place water bowls for your dog throughout your home. If your dog likes to roam through your home, make sure you have water sources located throughout the space for them. Put water bowls on each floor of your home. Set up water fountains in several spots in your house so your dog always has access to fresh water. Doing this will ensure your dog never gets dehydrated. Make sure you clean all of your dog’s water sources in your home on a daily basis. This will ensure they do not get dirty or contract any bacteria.\n4. Keep the toilet seat down in your home. Prevent your dog from drinking from the toilet bowl by keeping the seat down at all times. The water in your toilet bowl likely contains bacteria and other pathogens that are harmful to dogs. Keeping the seat down will make it difficult for your dog to access the toilet bowl water. It will also encourage them to drink the fresh, clean water from their water bowl instead. If your dog really enjoys drinking from the toilet, consider purchasing a ceramic bowl for them that will mimic the type of “bowl” your toilet is.\n5. Switch your dog to wet food. To encourage your dog to stay hydrated, consider switching from dry dog food to wet dog food. Wet dog food contains more water and can help your dog stay hydrated. Add water to their wet food at a 1:1 ratio to help your dog drink more water. You can also try giving your dog two wet food meals and one dry food meal a day. Wet dog food can be more expensive than dry food and requires more preparation time, so this may be a good option if you’re short on time and money. If your dog will eat all of their dry food at one time, you can try adding water to the dry food. Many dogs will consume all of the dog food as well as the water.\n\n\n## Hydrate your dog on the go\n\n1. Bring bottled water on walks or long trips. Dogs can often get dehydrated when they are out for a long walk or running around outside during a play session. Long car trips can also make your dog thirsty, especially if it is a hot day. Pack bottled water or water jugs and your dog’s water bowl so you can provide fresh water for them on the go. Some dogs can be trained to drink from a squirt bottle. Try to get your dog used to drinking from a squirt bottle so you can bring it with you when you go on a walk or to a dog park. This will make it easier for you to squirt water into your dog’s mouth if they start to get dehydrated. You can also purchase a portable, collapsible dog bowl to take with you on the go.\n2. Give your dog ice cubes as treats. Ice cubes are often a fun treat for dogs and can help them stay hydrated. Use ice cubes as a reward when your dog does a trick or follows an obedience command. Pack a cooler of ice cubes on a long trips and give them to your dog periodically to ensure they stay hydrated. To make the ice cubes more appetizing, you can try putting a dog treat in water in the ice cube tray and freeze it overnight. This way, your dog can lick the water, working their way to the treat inside the ice cube.\n3. Do not keep your dog tied up outside. Try not to keep your dog chained or tied up outside, especially on hot days. Dogs can end up wrapping their chain or leash around poles or trees, make it impossible for them to access their water bowls. Do not leave your dog tied up unattended for prolonged periods of time. If you do need to keep your dog contained, put them in their crate or kennel with access to a water bottle or a water bowl. This way, they will still be able to access fresh water.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to love someone the way he is?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Being around someone often can make their faults seem more significant. However, people have defined personalities that are not likely to change, even if something annoys you. When loving a spouse, partner, or family member, it is important that you love him the way he is and do not expect him to change. This can sometimes be difficult. It requires finding the best in the person you love, accepting his flaws, and coping with your own insecurities.\n\n## Find the best in him\n\n1. Make a pros and cons list. Taking time to think about all of a person's positive qualities can help you to remember what you love about them. At the same time, noting what frustrates you about a person can help to put things into perspective. Make a list of all of the things you love about this person and all of the things that annoy you about him. Review the list and pay special attention to the pros, such as his kind nature, his sense of humor, or the interests you share with him. Remind yourself that the things that annoy you may be things that can change in time, such as being a smoker, having a hard time remembering important dates, or seeming unmotivated.\n2. Look for reasons to compliment him. People are extremely complicated beings that can be seen from many different angles. Whatever you choose to look for in a person, you are likely to find. Avoid looking for negative traits, and instead look for good traits within him. Reinforce those traits in his behavior (and in your own mind) by complimenting him often. For example, you could compliment his intelligence.\n3. Focus on positive feelings. Again, where you put your own focus is crucial to determining how you feel about someone. In any person, there are things that will make you feel good and things that will make you feel bad. If you want to love him, pay attention to the things that make you feel good when you are with him. For example, you should focus on how he notices your feelings instead of how he doesn't keep his bedroom clean.\n4. Make happy memories. Any kind of loving relationship needs reinforcement. You can strengthen your love for him by creating happy memories. Do things that both of you enjoy doing and spend time reflecting on it. If you have a lot of separate interests, take turns doing something the other would like. For example, if you both enjoy movies, you could take turns choosing a movie at the theater or for a home movie night.\n\n\n## Accept his imperfections\n\n1. Avoid nagging him. The opposite of complimenting a person is nagging them. When you find small details about a person and use them to vent your own frustrations or insecurities, it undermines the relationship. If you need to talk to him about something he is (or isn't) doing, you should have a clear, calm conversation about it. Tell him what you expect him to do, and let him do it. For example, instead of nagging him for not doing the dishes, you could just say something like “I could really use some help with the dishes when you have time.”\n2. Withhold judgement for his actions. Even if you love someone, you should realize that you will not always agree with everything they do. If something he does bothers you, you can talk to him about it, but avoid turning it into a general label on his personality. By withholding judgment, you see him as a whole person and not just the sum of his mistakes. For example, if he forgets to do the dishes (even though you reminded him), keep in mind that he has a lot going on, too. While it is fair to expect help, you should not judge him as lazy or inconsiderate when he doesn't get everything done.\n3. Remind yourself that you love him. Telling him you love him is important. Telling yourself that you love him is just as important. It is easy to get frustrated with someone and analyze all of their faults. Instead, you should remind yourself constantly that you love him and that your frustration with him doesn't define him. For example, if he forgot your birthday, you are probably going to be pretty frustrated. Instead of focusing on how badly that hurt, remind yourself that you love him the way he is and that you can still celebrate your birthday with him even if you had to remind him.\n4. Avoid unrealistic expectations. The man you love is not perfect. That is because nobody is perfect. Though it might be easy for you to imagine a fairytale romance, be aware that such relationships rarely (if ever) happen in real life. In fact, a happy relationship takes work from both sides and requires realistic expectations. The idea of a “Mr. Right” just waiting around the corner for you will likely destroy your relationship over time.\n5. Be willing to compromise. Relationships are all about compromise and flexibility. Though you shouldn't settle for being with someone that you don't love, you should realize that you will have to give up some of the things on your checklist if you want to love someone. The man you love isn't likely to be able to satisfy your every fantasy or whim, but he can love you and satisfy some of those things. The rest, you will have to accept as qualities that he does not possess. For example, the man you love might not be able to dance and sing you love songs with perfect pitch. In this case, you might have to settle for him willing dance with you and belt out some karaoke (even if it's bad karaoke).\n\n\n## Cop with your insecurities\n\n1. Come to terms with jealousy. There are two types of jealousy that can affect your love for him. You can be jealous of his life, or you can be jealous of his attention. Either one will lead to disagreements and hard feelings. If you are feeling jealous, analyze why and move on. An example of being jealous of his life is wishing that you had as many friends as he does. An example of being jealous of his attention is wishing that he would stop hanging out with his friends and spend his time with you.\n2. Reflect on insecure feelings. Jealousy is not the only feeling that can get in the way of loving him. You might also feel things like sadness, resentment, or neglect. If you have any negative or insecure feelings, you should not repress them or act on them. Instead, analyze what makes you feel that way. Once you know what is bothering you, you can work on accepting that part of his personality. For example, if it bothers you that is never on time, once you realize this you can start accepting it as a part of his personality rather than viewing it as a lack of caring for you. Avoid taking things too personally. Keep in mind that some of his actions may be harmless and not reflect any deeper meanings other than what you assign to them.\n3. Work on correcting your insecurities. This might take a lot of time and practice. Be patient with yourself, and constantly analyze why you feel insecure. It might help to keep a diary of your feelings so that you can monitor them. If you are having a lot of difficulty with your feelings, you can consult a mental health professional. Do not leave the diary somewhere that he can read it. Explain that it is private if he seems uncertain. You may prefer to keep a diary in a file on your computer. Another way to work through your insecurities is to be open and honest about them. Do not blame them on the man you love, but use “I” statements like “I sometimes feel that our relationship might fade over time.”\n\t* You might even consider sharing some of your insecurities with him if you are comfortable doing so. This can help to strengthen your relationship. Hiding things may only lead to trouble in the future.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to cascade routers?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Connect ethernet to ethernet (lan to lan)\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n7. Make sure your secondary router is set to router operating mode. This is often located in an advanced settings menu.\n8. 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.\n\n\n## Connect ethernet to internet (lan to wan)\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. Save your IP address changes. Disconnect your secondary router from your computer.\n6. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to look up a bible verse?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Look up a verse by number\n\n1. 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:\n\t* Exodus (Ex)\n\t* Genesis (Gen)\n\t* Numbers (Num)\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Look up a verse with a concordance\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.”\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n\n\n## Look up a verse online\n\n1. 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.\"\n2. 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.\n3. 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.”\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to fold polo shirts?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Fold your polo in the traditional way\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. 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.\n6. 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.\n7. 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.\n\n\n## Roll your polo shirt\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n\n\n## Clean your polo shirt before store\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to teach and avoid the dangers of fake faith healers?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is how to teach and also avoid the dangers of fake faith healers.\n\n## How to teach the dangers of fake faith healers\n\n1. Look up on one or more of the various search engines.\n2. Know and teach scriptures. Like, “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest” (Exodus 22:25; see also Psalm 15:5) and also Deuteronomy 23:19-20 ESV /, “You shall not charge interest on loans to your brother, interest on money, interest on food, interest on anything that is lent for interest. You may charge a foreigner interest, but you may not charge your brother interest, that the Lord your God may bless you in all that you undertake in the land that you are entering to take possession of it and also Leviticus 25:35-37 ESV ; “If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you. You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit and many other scriptures such as Matthew 7:15-18 and also 1st Timothy 6: 10.\n3. Teach people the warnings signs and also how to react like Warning sign #1 : If he says to give up medication because God's going to heal you, DO NOT under any circumstances follow what he is telling you because this is a BIG AND DEFINITE tip off that this ^healer^ is fake.Just like for example if MegaI Love Music from YouTube is offered a ride by ^Dish Network workers^ who look friendly but He (MegaILoveMuzic from YouTube) calls Dish Network and says like ^Hi, my name is (name) and I am at (where MegaILoveMuzic is at) and this is a Dish Network vehicle's license plate number (license plate number is told) are these workers really Dish Network workers?^and the Dish Network customer service says ^no in fact there is no scheduled Dish Network service for (address)^for example, this is A BIG AND DEFINITE tip off that these ^Dish Network workers^ are evil doers who have intentions on first tricking him then getting him to a secluded location then harming and hurting and quite possible murdering him so he should not ever go in these ^Dish Network workers^ ^Dish Network^ vehicle.Same thing if a televangelist says like ^give up medication^ for example, this is highly illegal and dangerous to follow and you should NOT follow his ^holy^ advice. for example.\n4. Get and make post cards, YouTube videos, etc. warning people of the dangers of fake faith healers.\n\n\n## How to avoid the dangers of fake faith healers\n\n1. Ask yourself important questions like What is he saying ? Is he telling me what I must actually do for example if I am being bullied at a dishwashing job that I should report the offender to police for example? for example.\n2. Answer the important questions (in your mind of course) like He is saying and insisting that God will protect me from this mean dishwasher I have at my dishwashing job . But wait even the devils believe in God and tremble James 2: 19,this guy is not telling me stuff like report the mean dishwasher to the police, instead this ^healer^ is telling me to just trust in God.So I better not follow what this ^healer^ says. for example.\n3. Act on the answers to your important questions like going to the police to report a mean dishwasher assaulting you at your dishwashing job for example and tell yourself either in your mind or verbally or both like ^good and holy advice^ that I should just trust in God, because even the demons believe in God and tremble James 2: 19, so I must never just trust God, I must do actions as well to get what I need done get done. for example.\n4. Take heed of websites, others etc. warning about fake faith healers.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to save gift wrapping paper?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "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.\n\n## Reuse wrap paper\n\n1. 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.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n\n\n## Use gift bag with a gift tag\n\n1. Purchase a nice gift bag (or reusable bag), rather than wrapping paper for each gift.\n2. 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.\n3. 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.\n4. 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.\n5. Repeat the re-use and gifting process 12 times.\n6. 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.\n7. Keep the reuse and gifting chain going until the back is too worn to continue. Ultimately, recycle the bag.\n\n\n## Make a gift display rather than gift wrap\n\n1. Bring unwrapped gifts to the celebration.\n2. Place the gifts on a display table. Cover the table with a reusable tablecloth.\n3. 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!\n4. 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.)\n\n\n## Gift wrap (blindfold) the honoree instead of the gift\n\n1. If your honoree is adventuresome, blindfold them with an attractive looking bandana or blindfold prior to displaying or presenting any gifts.\n2. Present each gift to the blindfolded honoree while the people giving the gift stand behind them.\n3. 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.\n4. Of course, take numerous photos (and possibly video) of the gift giving process.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to promote your business on tiktok?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "For most people, TikTok is a fun way to kill time and share zany videos with friends. In the right hands, however, it can also be a useful promotional tool. Taking advantage of the app’s unique format can help business owners get more eyes on their products and services, especially if they’re aimed at a younger target audience.\n\n## Establish a presence\n\n1. Create an official TikTok account for your business. When you open the app for the first time, you’ll be given the option to sign up using your phone number, email address, or a third-party platform like Facebook. Once you’ve successfully created an account, tap the person-shaped icon in the lower righthand corner and hit “Edit Profile” to access your user settings. There, you can change your name, write out a custom bio, and upload a profile picture or video.You’ll find TikTok listed near the top of the “Most Downloaded” section of your preferred app store.\n2. Build a profile that represents your business well. Start by choosing a distinctive profile picture that will make your account instantly identifiable. A logo, mascot, or photo of one of your products will work best in most cases. Then, draft a short bio that explains who you are, what you do, and why your followers should be interested.Be sure to include a link to your website or online store in your bio. That way, users will be able to find out more about your business just by visiting your profile.Tip: Asking yourself questions like, “Who is my target audience?”, “What am I hoping to show my followers?”, and, “How does this app fit in with my other marketing strategies?” while you’re tinkering with your profile can help you zero in a more effective presentation.\n3. Familiarize yourself with the app’s basic format. While it offers a host of different features, TikTok is primarily a video sharing platform that lets users upload video clips up to 15 seconds in length. This rapid-fire setup forces content creators to find imaginative ways to capture their viewers’ attention and make a statement fast.Users also have the option of setting their videos to popular songs and sound clips in order to make playful lip syncing videos, produce mini music videos, or just add a little extra style. If you have a longer video that you want to show, it’s also possible to connect multiple segments that will play continuously for up to 60 seconds.\n4. Take advantage of the app’s built-in editing features when posting videos. When you’re ready to get creating, tap the “+” button in the bottom center of the screen. This will pull up the in-app camera, allowing you to shoot a video that’s anywhere between 15 and 60 seconds in length. When you’re done, you’ll have the option to trim your video, add stylish transitions, write custom captions, and layer on filters and other special effects.One of TikTok’s most beloved features is the ability to add backing music and sound clips. Tap on the “Music” icon in your editing dashboard to browse an absolutely massive library of hit songs from all eras. You can also hit the “Upload” icon to the right of the red “Record” button to upload a video that you shot on your device earlier. This feature can be handy in those situations where you want to prepare a new post but don’t have a lot of time to play around on the app.\n\n\n## Produce effective content\n\n1. Focus on putting together videos that are fun and engaging. TikTok is an unconventional app, so it’s no place for conventional advertising. Spend some time coming up with ideas for posts that you think will pique your audience’s interest, make them laugh, or encourage them to try out your product or service for themselves. The ultimate goal is for your brand to stick in their memory.Viral dance videos are all the rage on TikTok, so if you’ve got some sweet moves up your sleeve, now’s the time to show the world. Use this opportunity to get creative and think outside the advertising box—crack jokes, incorporate chart-topping songs, or work in clever pop culture references that will help you gain traction with your audience. Anything goes!\n2. Make sure your content comes across as genuine. While there’s a virtually unlimited number of ways to express your business’s “personality” on TikTok, it’s crucial that your content have a casual, down-to-earth feel to it. If it seems forced or insincere, your audience won’t buy it—and that’s exactly what you’re trying to get them to do.Old-fashioned ads rarely get a second look these days. But if you can highlight the exciting, adventurous, or playful aspects of your business in a way that makes users feel like they’re a part of something, it’s sure to get them talking. The kind of people who value the app’s open-ended, creative format are notoriously hard to sway using traditional marketing strategies, and tend to appreciate businesses that seem relatable and take more of a down-to-earth approach.Tip: Forget about polished, overly formal sales pitches. TikTok culture is all about fun, spontaneity, and accessibility, with a strong \"DIY\" aesthetic.\n3. Create short product demonstrations. Make videos of yourself or your team members actually using the items you’re advertising. This is a good chance to show your viewers just what your products can do, or to highlight any key features or intended uses it might have.A video of someone sipping an ice cold soft drink on the beach surrounded by friends, for instance, will be much more likely to make an impression on viewers than one showing someone drinking the same beverage alone in their kitchen. Remember, you only have 15 seconds, so you’ll need to either edit together a montage of quick cuts or skip to the most impressive part of your demonstration in order to get your message across.\n4. Start a viral hashtag challenge. Come up with a unique way to get your audience to engage with a particular product or service, give it a catchy hashtag, and offer to share or repost select submissions from users who add the hashtag to their posts. Not only will this give them a chance to gain some exposure by being featured on your account, it will also ensure that your hashtag is spread far and wide.Imagine that you run a footwear company called Swiftz. You might challenge TikTok users to post videos of themselves wearing your shoes for their favorite activities with the hashtag, “#SwiftzTakesMe.”\n5. Encourage users to interact with your posts. Whenever you put up a new post, include a call-to-action to motivate viewers to like, comment, and share. Doing so will let them establish a kind of dialogue with your company, increasing its visibility in the process. On an app like TikTok, greater visibility means greater discoverability, which in turn means more customers.Prompts like, “Tell us which feature of our new jeans you like best in the comments!” or, “What other uses have you discovered for our infinitely-customizable storage cubes?” give your audience a chance to take a more active role in your branding efforts. Another way to expand your reach is to ask viewers to post videos of themselves using your product or explaining what they like about it for a shot at a repost, similar to hashtag challenge.\n\n\n## Buy ad space on tiktok\n\n1. Publish in-feed native content. In-feed native ads are video ads that pop up periodically between regular user videos. When you post one of these ads, it will appear as a full-screen, skippable video, similar to branded stories on Instagram. This is the most straightforward way to advertise on TikTok, and probably the one that promises the most visibility overall.If you’re interested in making use of TikTok’s ad service, you’ll need to work with one of the company’s marketing reps, who will provide you with all the info you need regarding pricing, structure, and targeting. Once your ad has been posted, you can track its outreach by reviewing a number of different metrics, including clicks, views, play duration, and interactions like comments and shares.Tip: While building your ad, you’ll have the option of including links to your website, online store, or app, as well as hashtags that users can click on to see similar content.\n2. Stage a brand takeover. Brand takeovers are large-scale social media marketing campaigns that allow brands to “take over” an app for a single day. What this means is that your business’s branding elements will be displayed on the app’s home screen for 24 hours. During that time, you can also use the app’s creative features to mass-distribute targeted content containing clickable hashtags and embedded links to your website or product pages.For more information on pricing and availability, get in touch with a TikTok marketing rep by visiting the Advertising section of the company’s website. There are also “Top View” takeover packages available that transition directly into 15-second in-feed video ads from the home screen.\n3. Pay for promoted hashtags. Promoted hashtags essentially accomplish the same thing as homegrown hashtag challenges. The main difference is that instead of relying on your audience to spread word of your challenge, TikTok will market it for you through targeted posts. Needless to say, it has the potential to find its way around to a lot more users this way.Having TikTok share your business’s hashtags can seriously increase your web traffic, but it definitely isn’t cheap. By some estimates, purchasing a promoted hashtag could run you as much as $150,000!\n4. Apply for your own branded lenses. Lenses are editing features that enable TikTok users to enhance their images and videos by adding special effects, much like the filters on Snapchat and Instagram. Users who try out your lenses will be sending a subtle message to their followers to check out your business. The more people you can get using your lenses, the more name recognition you stand to earn yourself.If you opt to go this route, you’ll work closely with TikTok’s marketing experts to develop lenses based on some aspect of your business’s branding. Ideally, your lenses should offer users a cool new effect or look to play around with, not just plaster your name or logo everywhere. Don’t forget that your objective is to actually get people to use it.\n5. Work with well-known influencers to grow your audience faster. One of the best ways to generate a buzz when you’re just starting out is to collaborate with users who already have a dedicated following. If you come across a particular TikTok star who you think might make a good promotional partner, reach out to them via direct message and see if they would be interested in joining forces.Keep in mind that the most influential figures on social media are usually professionals, so you should be prepared to provide compensation if you want to hitch a ride on their reputation. With the right spokesperson, you could see an explosion in your follower numbers and outside web traffic literally overnight.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to respond to unsolicited advice?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When someone gives you unsolicited advice, it can be tricky to know how to respond, no matter how well-intentioned it is. You don't want to hurt their feelings, but you also may not want to leave room for further advice. Sometimes, all you can do is politely acknowledge the advice and move forward. In other cases, however, you may need to shut the advice-giver down for crossing a boundary, or even leave the conversation.\n\n## Keep your cool\n\n1. Try to remember that the person is probably just trying to be helpful. They may not realize when they overstep their bounds, and they might hope that you will genuinely benefit from their advice. Sometimes, unsolicited advice just means that the person cares about you and wants to make your life easier. It is easy to take unsolicited advice as criticism. While this can be true, take their perspective into account and try to see if they are offering genuine, yet misguided support.\n2. Take a moment to put yourself in the other person's shoes. While it does not excuse their rude behavior, keep in mind that people often give unsolicited advice because they feel the need to be heard, or because it's what they're used to receiving from other people. Think about what may have led this person to share a piece of advice you did not need. Some examples of experiences that might lead someone to give unsolicited advice are feeling unheard while growing up, going through a difficult time and projecting their own problems onto you, or they feel undermined in other areas of their life and give advice to feel more competent. In other cases, the person may feel more powerful by giving advice that no one asked for, or they may be overconfident in their abilities. Gender is another factor, as men tend to give women more unsolicited advice, often as a result of undervaluing their skills.\n3. Maintain a sense of humor. It’s often easiest to smile or laugh off unsolicited advice. By having a sense of humor about the situation, you can put yourself in the right frame of mind to shrug off the comment. For small, harmless suggestions, especially from strangers, put the situation in perspective and let your humor guide your response. Think about how the situation will make a funny story to tell your friends later, or how absurd it is for someone to think you might not know how to do a simple task. You can convey good-natured humor in your response out of politeness, even when you find the suggestion silly or ignorant. By saying something like, “Well, that’s a great idea! Why didn’t I think of that?” you may be enabling them to continue to offer unprompted advice, but it can help you avoid conflict.\n4. Avoid the impulse to lash out. It is easy to feel defensive when you receive unsolicited advice, in part because it can feel like the other person doesn’t trust you to handle things themselves. Sarcasm and criticism can make the person who gave you advice feel victimized, however, as they most likely won’t see what they did wrong. Think about your relationship with the person. Especially if they are a friend or family member, you may not want to upset them. When interacting with a stranger, it can be easy to be dismissive or rude, but try responding in a firm, yet polite way if laughing off the advice doesn’t work.\n\n\n## Move on with the conversation\n\n1. Hear the advice-giver out. In many cases, the person just wants to feel heard or contribute to the conversation. Let them say their piece, even if it's unhelpful or completely wrong. They'll probably feel better once they finish talking and often just stop. Once they have finished, the conversation can move on.\n2. Acknowledge the advice and move on. Sometimes the easiest thing to do is nod, smile, say okay, and go ahead with your plans anyway. Particularly if the person is in a position of power, you might feel obligated to thank them before moving forward or changing the subject. \"Thank you. I'll consider that.\" \"Let me write that down so I can think it over.\" \"I already have a plan for handling this, but thank you for your perspective. I'll take it into consideration.\"\n3. Turn it into a joke about yourself. A little humor can turn around an awkward situation. If you think of something silly to say, try saying it out loud. The two of you might be able to have a good laugh and move on. \"If you think my desk is messy, you should see my bedroom. Some of my clothes have probably fossilized by now.\" \"You know me. I love carbs far too much to change my diet.\" \"I would, but my husband banned me from the kitchen after the second time I set myself on fire.\"\n4. Address their motive, if they have one. Sometimes people who give advice have an ulterior motive (for better or for worse). If you can tell that an advice-giver is hoping you'll do something that makes them happy, try offering an alternative or addressing it directly. \"Are you trying to make an excuse to spend more time with me? Because you don't need one! Are you free this weekend?\" \"I know that it's been a big change since I moved away from home. I enjoy living in the city, so I plan to stay there. Why don't we set some dates for you to come visit?\"\n5. Ask a question to switch to a new topic. Changing the subject by asking a question can be a good way to distract a person who was piling on advice. Try asking about them, or about something you know they're interested in. This way, they're likely to stay engaged in the new topic. \"I'll keep that in mind. But enough about me. How was your day?\" \"My partner and I are going to make all our birthing decisions together. Do you know of any good parent and me classes?\" \"Thanks for the advice! You mentioned having two dogs. What are their names?\"\n6. Turn down the advice politely if the person doesn't get the hint.. Try to keep it positive by saying that it isn't right for you personally, while acknowledging that it could be right for them or someone else. This will help the other person realize that they gave advice you didn’t ask for. \"Thank you for trying to help, but I may have given the wrong impression. I'm not looking for advice right now.\" \"I've tried that, but I found that it doesn't help me personally.\" \"I'll make treatment decisions with my doctor.\" \"That's not in line with my personal values.\"\n\n\n## Confront the advice-giver\n\n1. Express your discomfort if the advice-giver crosses a line. Sometimes, people say things that are downright rude, mean, or overly familiar. In that case, you may want to tell them that they've offended you or hurt your feelings. Try to make \"I\" statements (e.g. \"I'm upset\") instead of a \"you\" statement (e.g. \"you're rude\") so that you don't put them on the defensive. One way to shut down a piece of unwanted advice would be to say, \"I feel upset about this line of conversation. Let's please change the subject.\"\n2. Set a boundary with a regular advice-giver. If someone is repeatedly trying to give advice when it's not what you want, you may want to express your frustration in a constructive way. You can set a boundary in the conversation, or in general, if the person has a track record of offering unsolicited advice. For a specific instance of needing to set a boundary you could say, \"I know you're trying to help, but I really just need a listening ear right now,\" or simply \"I'm not looking for advice at the moment.\" If someone has been giving you unsolicited advice for weeks, months, or years, try saying something like, “I often feel like you try to help in ways that show you don’t trust me to help myself,” or “I will ask for advice if I need to, but I need you to let me talk about this without trying to help.”\n3. Exit the conversation if needed. Sometimes people pile on unsolicited advice despite your attempts to redirect the conversation or set a boundary. In these situations, it may be easier to leave the conversation for a minute or end the conversation altogether. \"Please excuse me. I remembered… \"\n\t* \"I need to get going now so I'm not late.\" \"I need to get to an appointment. It was nice talking to you!\"\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to deal with a job loss?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Losing your job can take a toll on your well-being, finances, and self-worth. When dealing with a job loss, work through the stress by finding healthy and productive outlets. Address your finances and make necessary changes to budgeting and spending. Developing healthy habits can help you feel better and get you closer to re-entering the job market. While dealing with a job loss can be difficult, you can have a positive experience during your transition and even enjoy some of the changes you make.\n\n## Cop with stress from lose your job\n\n1. Allow yourself to experience grief. Losing a job is much more than losing your source of income. Your job may be a source of your identity and bring you personal and professional fulfillment. It’s normal to experience grief, so allow yourself to feel it. Accept whatever feelings come and know that they will not last forever. Pushing your emotions down or pretending they don’t exist will likely result in them coming up at another time, whether you like it or not. So, when you feel anger, sadness, hopelessness, or grief, let it be and don’t push it away.\n2. Use effective coping strategies. Dealing with a job loss will undeniably lead to stress. Cope with your stress by engaging in activities that make you feel good and relieve your stress in a healthy way. Find an activity that relaxes you and helps you feel calm. Engage in relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, or journaling. Avoid using alcohol, drugs, or other harmful substances as a way to cope.\n3. Ask for emotional support from loved ones. While your loved ones can’t solve your problems, they can support you and lend a listening ear while you sort out your life. Find someone you trust and talk about your struggles and ask for support. You don’t need to go through your problems alone. Keeping your job loss a secret can make things worse. Know that there are people you can talk to and who will support you.\n4. Focus on what you can control. You can’t control your job loss or when you will get a new job. You won’t know when an employer will call you back or how many interviews you will get. Instead of focusing on things outside of your control, focus on what you can control, such as getting training, taking care of yourself, and surrounding yourself with positive influences. Think of what is within your control when you feel overwhelmed or stressed out.\n5. Find joy through a hobby or activity. If you don’t know what to do with yourself and the time you have, find activities that feel fulfilling. Try volunteering at an animal shelter or after-school program for children. Pick up a hobby that’s fun and fulfilling such as painting, dancing, woodworking, or traveling. Losing your job can make you feel like your sense of meaning is gone. Finding an enjoyable activity can help you experience some joy and fulfillment outside of work.\n\n\n## Handle financial matter\n\n1. Apply for financial assistance. Depending on where you live, you may be able to access government assistance when you become unemployed. Go to your local employment services department in your state or territory to see if you qualify for workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, medical assistance and insurance, financial assistance for food, and other benefits that can help in this difficult time. You can usually walk in and talk to someone the same day. Bring documents from your previous employer that outline your pay, insurance, benefits, etc. Assistance services can take time to get started, so apply for them as soon as you lose your job.\n2. Maintain a budget. If you’re not already using a budget, now is the perfect time to create one. Your goal for a budget while unemployed is to save money and reduce your overall expenses. Create categories for your spending such as food, car, rent/mortgage, pet care, or anything else that’s pertinent. Allocate money to each category and stay within the limit you set! Creating a budget will help you prioritize where your money goes and how much you will spend on different items. For example, set up a $200 budget each month for food and start buying foods that are healthy and will fill you up. Skip the restaurants and fancy foods and focus on getting your basic needs met.\n3. Save money. Your goal right now is to have enough money to get by and not worry about finances while you look for your next job. Cut back on extra expenses by making small changes, such as choosing a cheaper mobile phone plan or cancelling your gym membership if you’ve stopped going. Look for small things you can cut out that won’t affect you too much. For example, use generic products instead of branded items. Avoid buying books or movies. Instead, visit your local library to borrow them. Your library may even have other items available for loan, depending on how well-supported the library system is in your area.\n4. Stop unnecessary purchases. Losing a job often means a drastic cut in income or no source of income at all. Cut back on any unnecessary spending. For example, if you subscribe to a monthly magazine or promotional box, cancel it. If you eat out for most meals, consider cooking at home. These are simple ways to cut spending that can help you with financial stability. Find ways that you can cut spending without having to make drastic changes. For example, limit your online shopping. Make a list of your monthly expenses and determine if there are some you can eliminate or decrease. For example, some cable companies will allow you to decrease your monthly plan to a very basic plan for a lot less money for up to 6 months at a time.\n5. Make some extra money. If you’re struggling to make ends meet, there are some easy ways to make money quickly. Look around and find items in your home that you’re willing to part with in order to make some money. This might include clothes, electronics, books, or jewelry. If you have a spare bedroom in your home, consider renting it out to someone. Sign up with a rideshare company and offer rides locally when you have time. Look at freelancing job sites online. Some, such as Upwork, Guru, and Remote have a lot of different types of work that people are willing to pay you to do. While making some extra money takes some effort, it can pay off and make you feel more comfortable while you’re unemployed.\n\n\n## Keep a healthy lifestyle\n\n1. Keep a daily routine. Not having a job can mean that days feel like they stretch on forever or that you waste time only to realize that the day is over. Create a daily schedule or routine that helps you accomplish your goals and stay productive. Have a set time that you start and end your day so that you keep a general routine. For example, wake up at the same time each morning and keep a regular morning routine. Go to the gym, then start your job search. It might help to get out of the house when you do work.\n2. Get good sleep. Sleep often suffers when under stress, so keep good sleeping habits while dealing with your job loss. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on the weekends. Keep electronics out of your bedroom so the light does not disrupt your sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, try a relaxation routine before bedtime. For example, take a bath, drink a soothing herbal tea, or journal as a way to relax and ready yourself for sleep.\n3. Eat healthy foods. The food you put in your body may be easily overlooked, but it’s especially important to healthfully fuel yourself when dealing with the stress of job loss. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains such as brown rice and oats. Eat high-quality protein sources such as tempeh. Avoid foods that influence your mood, which might include sugar, caffeine, and high levels of preservatives or hormones. If you struggle with anxiety, stay away from nicotine and caffeine, which can increase anxiety.\n4. Talk with a counselor. A counselor can provide guidance and support while you are dealing with your job loss. For example, if you’re struggling with how to move forward or handle your stress, see a therapist to help. If you need help in gaining some direction with your career, consider seeing a career counselor. Find a counselor by calling your insurance provider or the employment center near you. You could also try talking to a career counselor. Career counselors can help you determine if the career you have is the right fit for you. Perhaps this is an opportunity to try something else.\n\n\n## Take step forward for your career\n\n1. Decide how you want to move forward. Losing your job might be a new beginning. Decide whether you want to continue in your career path or make some changes. You might want to take your career in a different direction or go back to school. Now is your chance for a new beginning should you want it. Knowing what you want can help you apply for jobs or get training that you need for a different position.\n2. Treat finding a job as a job. Make finding employment your full-time job. This can help you stay motivated and on task while between jobs. Break up your day as you would at your last job so that you have tasks to complete, deadlines to meet, and different activities to do. For example, spend time looking through job listings, making phone calls, and writing emails. Then, spend your afternoon revising your resume, doing some reading or completing training. Devote your time to finding your next job and get serious about it. Start by researching the jobs and companies you are interested in working for. Then create separate resumes for each type of job you would like. Use recruiting companies. There are many recruiters looking for people to fill jobs of all kinds all over the world, and they have access to job databases that the general public cannot access. Some companies even hire exclusively through recruiters. By sending your resume to recruiters and following up with them regularly, you can increase your chances of being considered for jobs you may not be aware of.\n3. Build your marketable skills. Take classes that can help you improve your business skills. Look for classes at your local employment center, park district, or on the internet. Gaining knowledge and skills that employers want can help you get a leg up once you submit your resume. Getting training can also show that you are current in your skills. Look for training that offers certificates, certifications, or other credentials that you can add to your resume for proof that you completed them. EdX is a great source for free online classes, and they offer certificates and credits. Visit https://www.edx.org/.\n4. Network with others in your field. Attend events, conferences, and lunches where you can meet other professionals and employers. Attend meetups geared toward professionals in your field. Look up job fairs and attend ones that interest you. The more connections you have, the better your odds of finding the job you want.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to identify a bandwagon fan?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ever notice how people \"suddenly\" become fans of teams that are performing well? Do you ever wonder if they are \"real fans\" like they claim to be? Or do you wonder if they're just bandwagon fans? Bandwagon fans are defined as sports fans who have shown no past loyalty to a team, and who only support them when they are doing well. While people may not admit to being bandwagon fans, there are easy ways to spot them.\n\n## Listen to what they say\n\n1. See if they know the staff. True fans of a team will know the names of more than just the star player on the team. See if they know other players, coaches, owners, and former players. This will help determine if they have any loyalty towards the team. Knowing the play-makers is great. But a true fan needs to know more than the offensive players. They need to know what's going on on both sides of the ball. Not every fan follows what goes on behind the scenes so cut them some slack if they don't know the athletic trainer or the newest draft picks.\n2. Determine if they know statistics. Knowing statistics takes both time and effort. Do they know the average number of points scored per game? Do they know where the team ranks offensively and defensively? True fans always find ways to track the progress of their favorite team. Their knowledge should go beyond stats for the star player or the team's record. They should be able to discuss the teams status as if they were commentators for ESPN, because it is both informative and entertaining for real fans.\n3. See if they know any historical information about the team. It's easy to know about a team's current progress, but it's more difficult to know about the history of a team. A fan who has been loyal for years will know past players, championship years, and significant games. Many fans will also have personal stories associated with the team. For example, they'll know exactly where they were when the Houston Rockets won back-to-back championships in 1994 and 1995. Many bandwagon fans only follow teams who have been successful over the last few years and will not know history that stretches beyond the team's current winning streak.\n4. Count how many teams they support. Fake fans usually divide their loyalty among more than one team. The more teams they support, the less of a true fan they are. Choosing a favorite sports team is like choosing a wife--you can only have one. In different sports, there are rules about teams you cannot support at the same time. For example, in baseball, you can't root for both the Yankees and the Mets. In football, you can't cheer for both the Texans and the Cowboys.\n5. Listen to their reasons for supporting the team. Most of the time loyalty to a team is determined by where you grew up or the player you idolized growing up. Bandwagon fans usually have flimsy excuses for why they support a team. For example, reasons such as liking the team logo, having a boyfriend or girlfriend that supports the team, or picking the team are not viable reasons. If your favorite team relocates to a different city then it is your choice to turn back on them or not. If you grew up in a city that didn't have a team for a specific sport, you're then able to pick a team (with good reason of course). If your team eventually gets a new franchise, it is your choice to stick with your current team, or start to follow the new one.\n6. See if they only support the best teams in the league. If the fan only supports the #1 teams in football, baseball, basketball, soccer or other major league sports, they are likely not supporting the team but supporting the winning streak. There will be times when your favorite team will consistently be successful, but it's a strange phenomenon when ALL of the teams you support are doing well. For example, it's perfectly acceptable to support the New England Patriots and their success. But to support them, the Boston Red Sox, the Golden State Warriors, and the Washington Capitals at the same time is a sign of being a bandwagon fan.\n\n\n## Watch what they do\n\n1. Notice if they go to games only when the team is successful. It's difficult to support a team when they are in a slump, but real fans do just that. Even if a real fan curses their team, they are there to support them the next game. Bandwagon fans jump off the wagon at the first sign of trouble. Going to a game takes more effort and more money. Bandwagon fans don't want to invest either if the team isn't doing well. The same is true of watching games on television.\n2. Ask why they leave the game early. True fans stay at a game until the bitter end--even if they know the result will be less than desirable. On the other hand, bandwagon fans tend to walk out and stop offering support to the team. Bandwagon fans often miss out on some of the best comebacks in sports because they choose to walk out during tough times. For example, in the 2013 NBA Finals in game six when the Miami Heat were down against the San Antonio Spurs, fans left early and missed out on a comeback. Also, in the NFC Championship Game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks, they trailed so fans left the game early and missed out on an amazing onside kick recovery to eventually win the game and go to Super Bowl XLIX.\n3. Determine if they go to live games. If you don't cheer for the team in the area you grew up in, in favor of a team far away, that's one thing. But true fans still go to live sporting events for the experience of being around like-minded, passionate individuals. Bandwagon fans don't value the experience because they aren't as emotionally invested as real fans. Even if it means braving the cold or paying for over-priced beer, real fans will try to attend at least one game during the season. Some bandwagon fans will attend a game or two just to be able to say that they have. They are unlikely to attend games that aren't convenient. For example, when the weather is bad, when the tickets are too pricey, or when the game falls on a workday.\n4. See if they support the team only during playoffs. This has a bit to do with the team being successful, but it also has to do with the importance of the game. Regular seasons in sports tend to be long and grueling, so bandwagon fans like to skip the regular season games and jump right to the good part. Playoff games occur after the regular season and are tournament style games that lead up to the championship. Playoffs also bring out bandwagon fans whose \"first choice\" didn't make the playoffs. In order to have someone to root for, they will choose a team randomly and only for that season.\n5. Determine if they jump off the wagon. This is also known as wavering in their support of the team. If a fan stops supporting their team if they lose a playoff game, championship game, or don't make the playoffs at all, they're exhibiting behavior consistent with that of a bandwagon fan.\n\n\n## Identify a true fan\n\n1. See if they own a throwback jersey. A throwback jersey is one that duplicates a jersey worn by a team or player from the past. Real fans tend to purchase throwback jerseys (along side more modern sports gear) because they actually know the history of the team and its players. On the contrary, bandwagon fans typically purchase team gear that represents the more modern logos, colors, and players. True fans are also more likely to spend big bucks on team gear and throwbacks are usually more authentic and costly.\n2. Notice if they ever boo their team. True fans will never boo their team because they are trying to inspire them, not make them feel worse. It's okay to be angry with a less than perfect performance, but making your team feel like trash won't help. Real fans stick with their team for better or for worse.\n3. Determine if they support their team's players more than any others. A true fan's loyalty is always to his or her team first. That doesn't mean that they can't support or like other players, but it does mean that their loyalty lies with their team's players first. For example, it's fine to appreciate great players like Peyton Manning but if you're a New England Patriots fan you support Tom Brady first. Additionally, if you have players who are on your fantasy football team but are not on your favorite football team, you can support them only as far as it doesn't interfere with your favorite team's success.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to match paint colors?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether you need to touch up a scratch on your living room wall or your child wants their bedroom to be the exact same color as their favorite toy, it can be difficult to find a perfect match to an existing paint color. Luckily, there are plenty of tricks and tools that can help you find the color you’re looking from, including using paint samples, smartphone apps, and in-store computerized color matching!\n\n## Match paint without a sample\n\n1. Clean the area you're trying to paint match. Over time, fingerprints, dust, and dirt can collect on the surface of an object or a wall, and this can make the paint color seem darker than it actually is. To make sure you're testing the actual color, wipe the paint down with a damp, soapy sponge, and allow it to dry completely before you try to match the color. In addition to giving you a more accurate color match, cleaning the wall will help the new paint adhere better.\n2. Scrape off a 1 in (2.5 cm) sample of drywall paint with a razor knife. If you’re trying to match paint on sheetrock or drywall, the easiest way to get a perfect match is to bring a sample with you to the paint store. Use a utility knife to score a square into the surface of the sheetrock about ⁄8 in (0.32 cm) deep, then peel away the paper. Place the sample in a plastic bag or an envelope so it doesn’t get smudged before you get to the paint store. Once the store has analyzed the color, dab a little of the paint onto a corner of the sample and let it dry to ensure it’s a perfect match.\n3. Bring the item you’re matching to the paint store if it's portable. Thanks to the computerized color-matching technology at most paint stores, you can match almost anything! If you’re trying to find a paint that’s the same color as an object, you can bring that object in with you when you go to buy paint. The staff at the paint store will then scan the item and come up with an exact or near-exact digital match to the color of the object. If there’s not an existing color that matches your object, the paint store can mix one up for you.\n\n\n## Find a match with an app\n\n1. Download a paint-matching app if you can’t take a sample. Most major paint brands have their own apps for matching paint colors, including Sherwin-Williams, BEHR, Glidden, and Valspar. Visit the app store on your smartphone and choose an app that will scan your wall color and provide you with a color match. If you remember the brand you used originally, download their app. If you don’t know the brand, try a few different apps to see which gives you the closest match, or try an app like Paint My Place which uses multiple paint brands.\n2. Scan your paint in natural lighting for the best result. Differences in lighting can make your paint more yellow or more blue, depending on which type of light is being used. To avoid these inconsistencies, try to test your paint sample in an area with plenty of natural light if you can, like near an open window or door. Since natural light changes throughout the day, it may help to take a color reading in the morning, afternoon, and evening. If your room doesn’t have much natural light, use the room’s primary light source to test the paint. Incandescent lights will make paint seem warmer, while fluorescent lights look cooler. Halogen bulbs more closely resemble daylight.\n3. Test the paint in an inconspicuous area to make sure it’s a good match. Differences in lighting and cameras can make digital paint matching imprecise. If you purchase paint based on the results you get from an app, be sure to test it somewhere where the difference won’t be obvious. Let the paint dry completely before you check whether it’s a match, since wet paint can look like a different color at first.\n4. Purchase or borrow a color scanner for a more precise match. Apps rely on your smartphone’s camera to get a color match, but you can get more accurate results with a small device that scans paint colors using an independent camera with its own lighting. If you’ll be doing a lot of color matching, it can be worth the investment. These color scanners are $65-$100 at most home stores and connect to your phone via Bluetooth.\n\n\n## Use a color sample\n\n1. Take a picture of the original color before you go to the paint store. If you’re planning to pick up color samples from the paint store, take along a photo of the original paint. Pictures won’t give you an exact color match, but they can be helpful if you’re trying to remember the general hue. If you can, try snapping pictures at different times of day, since the changes in lighting will make the paint look different. If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to wait a few hours for the light to change, try taking pictures with the flash on and off, or with the main light on, followed by lamplight. Holding up a true white piece of paper or cardstock in the picture can help your camera to automatically correct the color balance.\n2. Choose a handful of samples to bring home with you. The lighting in the paint aisle won’t be the same as it is in your home, and different shades can seem really similar, so it’s important to bring the paint samples to the wall to compare the colors. Choose a handful of colors that seem close to the shade you want to match. If you’re not sure what brand the original color was, be sure to get shades from several different brands, as well. If you like, you can also purchase or borrow a fan deck of colors from the paint store so you’ll have access to all of the shades a particular brand offers.\n3. Tape the samples to the wall and examine them at different times of day. It can be tempting to just hold up the samples and immediately choose which one is the closest, but since the color of the room will change slightly as the sun moves throughout the day, you should hang the samples and come back to them every couple of hours. Of course, if none of the samples are a match, you will probably be able to tell right away. If one sample is a match early in the day and another matches better in the evening, ask the paint store if they can mix a shade in between.\n4. Paint a small section of each color on the wall if you’re still not sure. Most paint stores will sell you a small can of paint that you can use to paint a sample. If you can’t decide between 2 or 3 different shades, purchase a sample size of each. Paint a small swatch of each color onto the wall and look at them for a few days before making your final decision. In addition to changes in light throughout the day, changes in weather can also affect your paint color. Your swatches might look different on a sunny day than they do on a day when that’s overcast.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make a cat tree?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cats are natural climbers, and will happily crawl all over tall structures. A homemade cat tree will provide your kitty with hours of entertainment, and can be built at a fraction of the cost of cat trees available at a pet store. With some tools and dedication, you can make a customized cat tree based on your cat's personality!\n\n## Build a cat tree from wood and carpet\n\n1. Design your cat tree. Before purchasing materials or starting to build, you need a design plan, which you can sketch out on a piece of paper to determine your materials shopping list. There are several things to consider when designing your cat tree. First, consider your space limitations. Determine where your cat tree will be placed, and what size will fit well into that space. It's a good idea to take measurements to ensure your finished product will fit the space. You should also consider your cat's personality. If your cat likes to climb, consider building a tall cat tree with several perches. If your cat would like a private place to hide or sleep, consider building in a covered sleeping nook. Finally, you should keep your carpentry skills in mind. If you are relatively inexperienced with building things and using tools, keep your design simple so that you aren't overwhelmed. If you're at a loss for where to begin, there are several websites that have pictures of do-it-yourself cat trees you can use for inspiration, or even patterns for cat trees other people have made.\n2. Buy your materials. Use your design plan to determine which materials you will need. Plywood works well for horizontal platforms; dimensional lumber and cardboard or PVC pipe work well for vertical supports, and carpet is ideal for covering the wood. You may also need the following tools to assemble your tree:\n\t* A drill and some wood screws\n\t* An electric stapler\n\t* A table saw and a handsaw\n\t* A Hammer and nails\n\t* A carpet or utility knife\n\t* Wood glue or another powerful adhesive\n\t* If you want to create covered areas for your cat to perch, you may also want to pick up a concrete form tube. These heavy-duty cardboard tubes make great perches and tunnels for cats. These can also be cut lengthwise using a utility knife to create concave platforms or open-topped beds for your cat.\n3. Cut all materials to size. Using your plan as a guide, cut all the plywood and lumber sections to size. A simple hand saw works well for cutting dimensional lumber, while a handheld circular saw or table saw is better for cutting sheets of plywood. Sand rough edges if desired.\n4. Build the base of your cat tree. The tree needs a sturdy base, which should extend farther out from the center than any other platform or component of the tree in order to prevent tipping. To make the base, a good option is to cut 2 squares of plywood to size and glue them together for extra thickness. A 24\" (60 cm) square works well for a basic cat tree, but the taller your tree, the larger you'll want to make the base, to ensure it is sturdy.\n5. Cover the base in carpet. Before attaching any vertical supports, it's best to cover the base with carpet or a thick upholstery fabric. Cut the carpet to size, making it a few inches larger than the base on all sides. Then, wrap its edges over the edges of the plywood base, and staple it in place on the underside of the base with a staple gun. You may need to cut small notches in the carpet at the corners to make it fold neatly beneath the base.\n6. Attach the vertical supports to the base. The vertical supports that will hold up your platforms can be attached to the base with screws, nails, bolts or wood glue. Flip the base over so the carpeted side is face down. Then, drill holes through the underside of the base in the spots where you want the supports to be. Attach the supports by inserting screws or nails through the holes and driving them into the supports. You may want to cover the supports with carpet before attaching them, as this will be easier than doing it after they are already secured in place. To make your cat tree double as a scratching post, wrap one or more of the supports in sisal rope, securing each end with wire brads or staples, placed where they will be out view and won't be scratched by the cat. If you use staples, you may need to tap them down with a hammer to make sure they don't stick out too much.\n7. Attach the horizontal perches to the supports. The plywood perches can be attached using wood screws and/or gluing them to the tops of the vertical members. Wrap them in carpet or fabric after affixing them, so that the screws aren't visible through the carpet, and staple the carpet in place on the underside as you did with the base.\n8. Continue building according to your design. Continue to affix each component, referring back to your plan for measurements and placement. Adjustments to your design can be made as you go to account for stability issues, new ideas, or incorrect measurements.\n\n\n## Build a cat tree from a ladder\n\n1. Obtain a ladder. For this simple, unique cat tree, you'll need an old wooden ladder. Look around at garage sales, thrift furniture stores, and antique stores for one 3–4 feet (0.9–1.2 m) high. Choose an old-fashioned ladder that looks like an upside-down \"v\" with several steps on either side that are at matching levels. It's fine if the wood looks old, but make sure the foundation of the ladder isn't too rickety. You want to be certain your cat tree won't tip over and hurt your cat. Try to find a ladder that's around four feet tall. A very tall ladder my be less stable or too tall for your cat.\n2. Gather your supplies. The ladder is going to be the base of the tree, but you'll need to alter it a bit to make it more cat friendly. Gather these supplies:\n\t* A piece of plywood long and wide enough to rest on two rungs of the ladder at the same level. This will provide a platform for your cat. If you want more than one platform, you'll need more than one piece of plywood. A hammer and 2\" nails\n\t* Carpet\n\t* An electric staple gun\n\t* A piece of canvas, denim, or other sturdy fabric you can use to create a hammock between the two bottom rungs\n\t* A can of paint (optional)\n\t* A toy that hangs from a piece of rope or string\n\t* Sisal rope to wrap around the legs of the ladder\n3. Sand and paint your ladder and wood pieces. Use fine-grain sandpaper to sand down the ladder and remove any jagged edges or splinters. Do the same to the pieces of plywood you bought. Paint the ladder and plywood pieces with a coat or two of paint, if you're using it. Let the paint dry completely. Use your imagination when it comes time to paint. You could just paint the ladder to match your existing decor. But you could also paint it brown and green to make it look like a tree, or use stencils to make designs up and down the sides. Instead of painting the platforms, you can make them more comfortable for you cat by covering them in carpet, attaching it to to the platforms after nailing them into place. Use your staple gun and affix the carpet with staples in the perimeter and in the center. Make sure they don't stick up from the platform, tapping them down with a hammer if necessary.\n4. Nail the plywood platforms to the ladder. Position the first piece of plywood so that it is lined up across two ladder rungs of equal height. Use the hammer and four nails to nail the plywood into the wooden rungs, placing one nail in each corner of the plywood. Make sure the platforms are very secure when you're finished nailing them down. You may wish to use more nails, or substitute wood screws for a firmer hold. If you have a second piece of plywood to create another level, use the same procedure to nail it down.\n5. Install the hammock. Many cats enjoy sleeping in hammocks. If you'd like to add one to your cat tree, measure and cut your piece of cloth so that its four corners stretch between the four legs of the ladder. Nail or staple a corner of the fabric to the inside of each leg, making sure that the nails are all at the exact same height. Be sure the fabric you use for the hammock is thick enough to hold the weight of your cat. You can double the fabric or hem the edges before nailing it down to make it sturdier. Fabric that stretches a little is ideal for cat hammocks. Make sure nails or staples do not protrude in such a way that your cat could be scratched or cut. Tap your staples with hammer if necessary. Instead of a hammock, you can also use a carpeted concrete form tube, fastened to the ladder by attaching it to two 2X4 pieces of lumber secured to the base of the ladder with bolts, nails, or screws, between the legs. This will make your cat tree less portable, but also sturdier.\n6. Wrap the ladder legs in rope. If you want the cat tree to double as a scratching post, you can wrap the bottom of the ladder legs in strong, coarse rope. Cut the rope in four pieces. Use staples to secure the end of the first piece of rope to the inside of the base of one of the legs. Wrap the leg tightly with rope, tapping it down with a hammer if necessary. Secure the other end with a staple, making sure it is away from any areas the cat is most likely to scratch often. Repeat with the other four legs. If you want to, you can cover the legs entirely with rope, from top to bottom, using a new piece of rope between each rung of the ladder. This will allow your cat access to a scratchable surface nearly anywhere on its new cat tree.\n7. Finish up. Hang the toy you bought from the top of the ladder, somewhere the cat will be able to reach it, so as to entice your cat to come and play. Add any other finishing touches you want to make your cat tree unique and fun for your cat.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to create a strong burning charcoal fire?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It may seem intimidating to start and maintain a strong fire, especially when charcoal is involved. However, with some basic equipment and knowledge of charcoal, anyone can have a professional BBQ going!\n\n## Use a chimney starter\n\n1. Use a chimney starter for an even, strong fire with minimal effort. Chimney starters are the easiest way to get a good charcoal fire, and you won't need any lighter fluid, either. You put paper in the bottom, fill the rest of the chimney with charcoal, and light the paper on fire. The heat is contained in the chimney, allowing all the charcoal to quickly catch fire before you dump it onto the grill to use for cooking. Chimney starters are usually between $15-$30, depending on size, and can be found online or in hardware stores. Most professional BBQ chefs and cooks highly recommend buying a chimney starter, as lighter fluid can influence smoke flavor and is harder to use when making an even heat fire.\n2. Place 2-4 pieces of lightly scrunched newspaper in the bottom of the starter. You only need to ball the paper up loosely, as having it too tight can prevent the flame from getting enough oxygen. The paper will act like a rapid, large match for your charcoal, starting the fire. If your chimney doesn't have a solid bottom, place the paper on the charcoal grate of your grill and lower the chimney on top of it.\n3. Fill the top of the chimney with charcoal briquets or wood chips. Fill the entire chimney up with your favorite charcoal, or a mixture of both. Use enough charcoal for your entire grill, as the chimney will ensure that everything is evenly lit. For a normal, 22\" grill this means roughly 40 briquets, but simply filling your chimney to the top should be a close enough estimate.\n4. Light the paper from the bottom in 2-3 places. Use long matches or a grill lighter to protect your hands. The paper will burn up quickly, but the concentrated flames and hot air will ignite the bottom charcoal, which will then light the rest of the chimney. Place your chimney on the charcoal grate of the grill or a heat-resistant surface as it heats up. It will get very hot, and can cause a fire if left unattended.\n5. Dump the coals on the grill the top pieces are covered in gray/white ash. As the heat rises in the chimney, the coals on top will catch and start to coat with white/gray ash. It usually takes 10-15 minutes to get hot enough. You are then ready to start grilling. Dump the coals in the center of the grill if you plan on keeping the whole grill surface hot, or on one-half of the grill if you want separate areas for direct and indirect cooking. If you plan to grill for more than a half hour then add several handfuls of charcoal now so that they catch as they others begin to fade..\n6. Make sure the vents are open for a larger fire. Open vents send more air and oxygen to the fire, helping it grow quickly. Keep the lid open as you position the coals and sear anything your want to grill, then close it to smoke the meat or cook it more slowly.\n\n\n## Use lighter fluid\n\n1. Open the bottom vents of your grill and remove the cooking grate. Get rid of the cooking grate, set the top aside, and open the bottom vents of the grill. You want as much air as possible to get to your charcoal in order to start an even, strong burning fire. Clean out any ash now, as it will smother your fire and keep the charcoal from lighting evenly.\n2. Form a \"pyramid\" of charcoal briquettes, with the peak in the center of the grill. Aim the opening of the bag into the center of the grill when dumping out the briquettes to naturally form a pyramid. Then use your hands or a pair of long-handled tongs to stack any other pieces of charcoal along the sides on the pyramid. Start with roughly half the number of briquettes outlined below to start your grill. Once it's hot, add charcoal, 5-7 piece at a time, to get the grill up to full strength. For a small, portable grill, you want 25-30 briquettes, or pieces of charcoal, when you start cooking. For a medium to average sized grill, you'll want roughly 40 briquettes. For a large or industrial grill, you will need 1 bag or more of charcoal to cook.\n3. Squirt a small amount of lighter fluid in the center of your pyramid. You don't want to drench your charcoal in the fluid, as it takes a while to burn and will make a thick, unappetizing smoke. Simply squirt the fluid for no more than a count of \"2 Mississippi\" around the center of the pyramid, trying to get the fluid in the middle. You can also start your pyramid, douse the inner briquets with fluid, then pile the \"top\" of the pyramid above the lighter fluid soaked briquets to make sure the whole pile gets hot. A mistake that many grillers make is using too much lighter fluid, which then imparts a petroleum-like tinge to the taste of their food. You do not need a lot of fluid, just enough to get a few pieces of charcoal smoking. These pieces will then help the rest of the pile catch.\n4. Let the briquettes with lighter fluid soak for 2-3 minutes. Do not light the grill immediately. Waiting allows the lighter fluid to soak into the top layer of charcoal, helping it to burn evenly.\n5. Apply a thin second layer of lighter fluid. Lightly squirt the pyramid with a few bursts of lighter fluid in several places, only letting it soak in for a few seconds. This is what will \"catch,\" so you don't want to drown the charcoal in fluid or you risk a dangerous flair up. You just want a few little areas of fluid to start your fire.\n6. Light the fire safely with a long match or electric lighter. Though lighter fluid is not made to flare up, it should still be treated with respect. Light the pile in 2-3 places where you put the lighter fluid, aiming to get the middle of the pile lit where possible. The fire will likely start large, with big flames leaping around the charcoals, but this is just the lighter fluid burning. Once the flames die down, the center of the pile should be smoking and developing white/gray coloring. This means your fire has caught.\n7. Spread the briquettes out once they are mostly covered in gray/white ash. Once you can barely see any black, the fire is ready for cooking. The inner coals of your pyramid should be glowing red. Spread the coals in your desired pattern, adding more if you plan on grilling for a long time. As a general rule of thumb, you should add a handful or two of coals every 30 minutes if you plan on continuing to grill. You want 1-2 layers of charcoal over your entire grilling area, not patches of charcoal or solitary, exposed coals. Charcoal maintains heat by staying clustered together, much like ice in a pack stays cold longer than separated cubes. If you've added charcoal, wait 5-6 minutes for them to catch. Since the heat of the rest of the charcoals is already hot enough, it should not take long.\n8. Seal up any unused briquets for next time. Use a clip to seal the top of the bag if you have leftovers in the bag. The additives in the charcoal will evaporate, making them harder to light next time with or without lighter fluid.\n\n\n## Build and keep a strong fire\n\n1. Pack your charcoals together for strong, direct heat. As you cook, use your tongs to keep the charcoals together, as solitary briquettes will quickly lose heat and do little to keep your fire going. You do not want them so well packed that they can't get air, but you also don't want them separated like many little islands.There are two styles of charcoal placement, depending on how you plan to cook:\n\t* \n\t* Even Grilling: Coat the entire bottom surface of the grill with two layers of charcoal. This allows the whole grill to reach a consistent, even temperature. If you're cooking food quickly and don't need any indirect heat (for large, slow-cooking cuts of meat), this is the way to go. Two-Zone Grilling: Shuffle all of the charcoals into an even pile on half of the grill, leaving the other half bare. This lets you cook foods quickly, directly over the charcoals, but also allows you to cook slower cuts by indirect heat on the opposite side of the grill. You can also keep already cooked food warm, on the empty side of the grill, or smoke them with grill top on.\n2. Add coals regularly to keep your grill burning hot. Don't wait until you're almost out of briquets to add more. Instead, add 5-10 pieces of charcoal when you have roughly half of your charcoals remaining, usually every 30 minutes. Wait 5-10 minutes while the new charcoal ignites and begins to get a white/gray coat on the outside before you resume cooking. If you feel like you need more coals, add them. More coals mean a hotter burning grill. Add slowly, putting on 5-6 at a time, until your grill reaches your desired heat.\n3. Keep the top and bottom vents open to get the hottest temperature. The more air you get to the fire, the hotter it will cook, so opening the vents is key to a hot, strong burning charcoal fire. The more oxygen you give to the flames. the hotter your grill will be. If you need to control the temperature, close one or both of the vents partially. Closing both of them at once can suffocate your fire and extinguish it. Closing the upper vent is also useful for smoking, as it lowers the temperature of the fire and traps the smoke in the grill around your food.\n4. Empty the ash frequently. There is a small lever that lets you open and close the bottom vents on your grill, and this same lever can be used to remove ash through the vents. Ash takes up space for air and will smother the coals as it builds up.\n5. Adding hardwood charcoal for added flavor and greater heat. Wood burns hotter than briquettes, leading to a smokier flavor and an easier sear. It also burns faster than briquettes, however, leading many cooks to use a combination of the two. This allows you to keep the fire burning for longer but still get a hot, smokey fire going to sear steaks or larger cuts or meat. Try hickory or applewood charcoal for the best, classic BBQ flavor and a strong fire.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to handle feeling out of place at work?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many people spend a large percentage of their lives at work. This can feel terrible if you are one of many people who feel detached and disengaged within the culture of their workplace. Workplace loneliness can impact your performance and engagement, so overcoming the feeling of not belonging is central to your success. Knowing how to connect with people at work is also an important professional skill that can help your career. Manage the feeling of being out of place at work by trying to figure out what caused it, making an effort to interact, and finding solutions for disengagement.\n\n## Address the feel\n\n1. Try to label what you're feeling. Ask yourself what is keeping you from belonging. Co-workers sometimes hang out with their own age group by default and maybe you're much older or younger. Perhaps you are a manager and feel excluded from your subordinates?Maybe everyone else has energy for the job, but you're dealing with burnout. There even may be varying levels of lifestyles, values, or interests separating you and your colleagues. Sit down with paper and a pen and try to list whatever reasons come to mind. After you make a tentative list, you can spend a few days observing yourself and your peers at work to see if your reasons are accurate.\n2. Change your internal dialogue. Sometimes, the biggest roadblock keeping you from connecting with people is in your own head. If you keep telling yourself you don't fit in, you won't. Your thought patterns can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy in which what you believe about yourself becomes true. If you're thinking you don't belong, you're awkward, or people won't like you, reframe your self-talk. Create a list of positive, realistic statements about your workplace connections, such as “I have much to offer as a friend” or “I enjoy the culture of my workplace, so I am certain to find people with common interests.”\n3. Consider any constructive criticism you have received. If your boss or a peer has recently expressed concern that you are not a team player, dominate conversations, or bring a toxic competitive vibe to the workplace, you may need to dial it back to feel like a part of the group. If you shrugged off their feedback without trying to make positive change, they may be excluding you on purpose. If this describes your circumstances, you have two options: you can stay the way you are and remain excluded or reflect on their feedback and find ways to improve. It's up to you, just know that if you choose to stay the same, you could be hurting your reputation and growth within your career.\n4. Get help. Your engagement at your job has a major influence on your career growth and life satisfaction. If you can't seem to identify what's keeping you from fitting in, you made need to seek out professional assistance. If you are struggling with self-esteem issues or social anxiety, you should see a mental health expert. If you are dissatisfied with your choice of work or feel like your workplace does not align with your values, it may help to see a career counselor. Look into leadership or self-help workshops to get help with specific areas of personal development. One good option for leadership and self-improvement training is called Landmark Education.\n\n\n## Attempt to interact\n\n1. Set a daily conversation quota. Not belonging doesn't feel good, so even if you don't make any major changes, it can still make you feel better to interact more often. Make a personal goal to have one or two conversations with a peer at work each day. Think of some conversation starters to make it easier. Increase your chances of conversing by hanging out with your co-workers more. If they eat in the break room, don't take your lunch at your desk or work-station. Join them. Then, listen to their discussion and participate when you have something of value to add. For example, your co-workers are discussing vacation plans and one of them mentions a trip to a specific location. If you have an interest in that place, you might say, “That sounds so exciting! What sorts of excursions are you planning during your visit?”\n2. Focus on the other person, not on your own shyness. If you are shy or hesitant about chatting it up with your co-workers, follow this rule-of-thumb: don't dwell on how shy you feel, turn your attention completely to the other person. Act as if you are serving them in a way—try to make them smile or laugh, get them talking about their own life. When you're worried about how you're coming off to others, you might over-analyze and end up ruining a perfectly decent interaction. Take a break from focusing on yourself and devote your attention to the other speaker. Make sure to ask open-ended questions to keep the other person talking. These are questions that invite elaboration and that don't have a simple yes or no answer. Be willing to share about yourself as well to keep the conversation going and to form a genuine connection.\n3. Don't turn down invitations. If you're notorious for responding with “no” each time your peers invite you to lunch or to after-work drinks, they'll quickly stop asking. No one wants to be rejected over and over again, so you may have inadvertently caused them to exclude you. When you catch them discussing plans, ask if you can tag along. Or, if someone directly invites you, try to say “yes” unless you absolutely cannot go. Practicing saying yes to invites can improve your work life and your personal life. Accept a set amount of invitations per week and invite people to do things as well.\n4. Ask a co-worker out for coffee or similar. If the group as a whole makes you self-conscious, target one particularly non-intimidating, friendly co-worker. Making just one social connection at work can help you feel less isolated. Plus, once this person gets to know you, they might encourage the others to do the same. Say something like, “Hey, Carla, I enjoyed our talk earlier. It's refreshing to talk to another newbie mom. Would you like to get coffee together one morning before work?”\n5. Suggest to your boss the idea of workplace socials. If your workplace culture doesn't emphasize inclusion, you might not be the only one feeling left out. Make a recommendation to your superior to stimulate connectedness with group events. Plan a potluck lunch or dinner to celebrate a company victory. Start a baseball, cricket, soccer, netball or basketball team.\n6. Seek advice about purposeful exclusion. Maybe your co-workers seem to have a vendetta against you, overlooking you for social outings and never including you in workplace gift exchanges. If this is the case, you will have to carefully consider how you choose to move forward. The best thing to do is to talk with someone you trust at your workplace about what has been happening. It can also help to first share your worries with a trusted friend. You might say, \"I get the sense that I am the odd one out at work. They never include me. And they stop talking whenever I come around. What should I do?\" Even if you don't take your friend's advice, it can help to have some unbiased support.\n\n\n## Deal with disengagement\n\n1. Resist acting out to get attention. Studies show that when an employee feels excluded, they may engage in acting out behaviors to get noticed. Examples might include cutting co-workers out of projects, cheating, lying, or aggressively competing. If you are tempted to behave this way, think about the possible repercussions first. Acting out will only make you feel more excluded, and it could jeopardize your job too.\n2. Set an objective workplace goal. Chances are you could be disengaged from work because you no longer feel challenged. Simply because your job description doesn't entail any lofty accomplishments or goals doesn't mean you can't strive for them. Create your own personal goals to work towards. This could be just what you need to feel passionate about your work and reconnect with the group. For example, you might aim to get so many reports done by 5pm each day. Or, you might develop a track to move towards a promotion or transfer to a new company. Try to focus on what you can control and avoid trying to control things that are outside of your control.\n3. Reevaluate the job. If the work you do and the people you do it with leave you feeling lackluster, you could be in the wrong career. If you have to change the way you act, undermine your values, or fantasize about leaving your job each day, pay attention to these cues. The culture of your workplace is just as important to your satisfaction as the actual position and salary. It may be time to quit. Re-examine why you got onto this career path or took this job.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to love your body?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Develop the right mind set\n\n1. Do not compare yourself to others. Our standards for beauty are majorly influenced by media, Hollywood, and popular culture. Through these outlets, we develop negative judgements of our bodies by comparing ourselves to photoshopped pictures and glamorized movie stars. These images are created and altered by computers and are not realistic goals to achieve. Popular media can be hard to ignore, but you can loosen the grip of majority rule by deciding to love your body because your body is real. Whenever you see an image in a magazine, commercial ad, or some other media outlet, remind yourself that the image is false. The person you are looking at has most likely been air brushed and altered to look like that. You should not compare yourself to computerized images.\n2. Give yourself compliments. Having love in your life starts with loving yourself. You should view and treat yourself with the same kindness and admiration you would with someone you love. You probably wouldn't critique another person's body for the same things you critique on yourself. Don't hesitate to give yourself a compliment, go easy on your mistakes, and forgive yourself when you mess up. Drop the self-hatred, and replace it with understanding and appreciation. Look in the mirror and say \"I am attractive, confident, and amazing!\" Keep that up and eventually you will see yourself in a more positive light. When you accomplish a goal, let yourself know how proud you are of yourself. Look into a mirror and say, \"Great job, I am so proud of you.\"\n3. Practice gratitude. Appreciate what you have and love your inner-self. Do not let the number on the scale or your pant size define who you are or of what you are capable. Nothing good will come from being mean to yourself when you look in the mirror. Here are some ways to practice gratitude in your everyday life:\n\t* When a bad situation presents itself, do not let it get you down. Instead, ask yourself what you can learn from it when you look back on it and what you may be grateful for. Make a vow not to be negative or criticize for ten days. If you slip up, forgive yourself and keep going. You will notice how much energy you were wasting on negative thoughts. Keep a gratitude journal to write down the things you are grateful for everyday. Your body is a miracle, and you should celebrate all of the gifts your body has given you. Think about all of your great accomplishments, relationships, and activities you love that your body has allowed you to have and record them everyday.\n4. Make a list of all of the positive things in your life. Everyone has insecurities, but the key is focusing on what you like about yourself and your life. It can be easy to let the negatives outweigh the positives, but making a list can help prevent this. Start off by finding one thing that you like about yourself, no matter how small. Once you are feeling more confident in that thing, identify a second thing and so on. Build up a list of things you love about yourself, and when you hear a negative thought pop into your head, immediately refocus on the list. Eventually, you will see more positive qualities than negative.\n5. Steer clear of negativity. Stay away from people who often rant about their bodies. Their insecurities can rub off onto you and get you thinking about what problems you may have. Life is too precious to waste time self-loathing or knit-picking about your body, especially when your own self perceptions are usually more critical than what anyone else thinks. If someone starts to bash or criticize their own body or life, do not engage in the negativity. Instead, change the subject or make your exit.\n6. Exude confidence. When you act like you have confidence, you will feel good about yourself. Even if you don't feel like you have any, pretend. Pull back your shoulders, tilt your head up, and smile. Smiling is one of the biggest things you can do to improve both your self-image and the way others see you. If you hold yourself confidently, inner confidence will follow.\n\n\n## Practice healthy habit\n\n1. Practice healthy hygiene. To feel good about yourself, and show respect to your body, start every day with a refreshing shower. Use nice smelling soap, wash your face, and put deodorant on after you shower. This will keep you refreshed, confident around people, and help send positive thoughts to your mind.\n2. Wear comfortable clothes that help you feel good. Everything in your closet should complement your current body shape and appeal to you. Don't wear something uncomfortable just to impress others if it makes you feel self-conscious. Remember, you always look better being yourself. Wear clean clothes free of tears or rips to dress your body the way it deserves. Buy matching underwear and bras even if you are the only one who will see them. This tells your inner-self that you are doing this for you and only you.\n3. Commit to daily affirmations. Affirmations are positive statements that are meant to be repeated until the mind starts to believe them as true. Verbalizing what you like about yourself helps your brain to remember more easily than just thinking thoughts silently. You can personalize your daily affirmations however you see fit, just make sure they are positive statements. Here is a great statement to start with:\n\t* Everyday, look into a mirror, and say, \"I am beautiful; I am loved; I love myself as I am.\"\n4. Eat a well-balanced diet. Make a goal to eat fruits and vegetables each day to nourish your body and thank it for all that it gives you. This will not only give you a glow and long-lasting health benefits, but it will teach you how to respect your body. This does not mean that you have to stick to a strict dietary plan, but do make an effort to eliminate junk food and eat healthier to fuel your body.\n5. Get regular exercise. The best way to love your body is to partake in physical activities that are good for you and help you feel good. Don't just exercise to lose weight, but do it to take care of your heart and overall health. For example, yoga is good for relaxation, core strength and general well being, whereas sports are an excellent way to release energy productively and has been shown to improve mood.\n\n\n## Find support\n\n1. Ask others what they love about you. Although it may be scary and intimidating, ask your friends and loved ones what they think your best qualities are. This will help boost your confidence and remind you that your body has given you so many gifts. You will most likely be surprised at the wonderful things they see in you that you often miss. Here is a way you can ask:\n\t* Start off by giving your friend or loved one a great compliment, and then ask, \"What do you think is my best quality?\"\n2. Surround yourself with people who love themselves. People develop the attitude and behaviors of the people who surround them. If you keep positive influences in your life, you will adopt those attitudes which will help you love yourself, inside and out. Look for people who are optimistic, work hard toward their goals, and respect themselves.\n3. Follow after your role models. Think about all of the people either directly in your life, or those who have accomplished amazing things that you admire. Those individuals are most likely renowned and respected for their accomplishments outside of their bodies. Use this to help you remember that your body does not stand in the way of your life or happiness. Your body can help you pursue all of your dreams and desires. Think about your family members, close friends, or someone you have never met but always admired, and make a list of their best qualities. Then, ask yourself if their self-image or body made the list, or kept them from achieving their accomplishments.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to service an air conditioner?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether you're starting your air conditioner for the first time this year, or a unit isn't running properly and you need to service an air conditioner, following a few simple steps can save you time and money. While some service jobs should be left to a professional, there are several do-it-yourself fixes you can do to keep your air conditioner cooling all summer long.\n\n## Clean the air conditioner\n\n1. Make sure the unit is turned off either at the on/off switch and unplugging it or by shutting off the circuit breaker. Servicing the a/c while it's connected to power may result in electrocution.\n2. Check the small copper pipe connecting the unit to the house. If it feels hot, the unit's coils are most likely dirty and need to be washed.\n3. Rake any leaves and debris away from the unit before you start to service an air conditioner.\n4. Take the cover off the unit, and locate the air conditioner coils (they look like a car radiator).\n5. Use a soft brush to brush any dirt and debris off the outside cover.\n6. Cover the motor and wiring with a plastic sheet.\n7. Hose down the fins, coils and inside of the unit.\n8. Check your owner's manual. Some air conditioner units require the motor be lubricated. Do this now while your unit is open.\n9. Replace the unit cover, and turn it on to make sure it runs properly. The air conditioner filter should also be replaced every few months. It is usually located near the return air duct by the furnace.\n\n\n## Check air conditioner function\n\n1. Start at the unit control or thermostat. Turn the unit on and make sure it kicks in and runs properly. If the unit doesn't run, call a technician.\n2. Listen for any strange noises while the unit runs. If you hear any squealing or knocking the unit's motor and belts may need lubricating or replacing. It's best to call a certified technician to do these jobs.\n3. Check the room temperature in each of the home's rooms by carrying a hand held thermometer into the room. Leave the thermometer in the room for a few minutes to give it time to adjust and make sure all the rooms are equal in temperature.\n4. Make sure the temperature of the rooms agrees with the thermostat on your air conditioner unit as well. If they are not the same, a technician can help you diagnose and correct the problem.\n5. Look for water dripping or pooling anywhere by the air return or unit outside.\n\n\n## Fix pool water issue\n\n1. Check for leaks in the tubing where the water is pooling. If there are any cracks, holes or leaks the tube should be replaced.\n2. Find the drain where the water condensation should be draining into. There should be a floor drain near the condensation pipe located by the furnace/air conditioner central unit.\n3. Clean the drain of any debris if the water seems to be pooling on top of it.\n4. Pour water into the condensation drain pan and watch for the condensation pump to start working. The pump should activate and pump the water out and to the drain. If the pump doesn't remove the water, the drain pan is probably overfilling and the pump will need to be replaced by a technician.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to eat to slow down bone loss in menopause?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your bones reach their peak bone mass level when you are in your 30s, and then bone mass starts to decline. For women approaching menopause, bone loss is an even bigger concern because bone cell regeneration begins to slow around this time. However, there are steps that you can take to prevent bone loss, including avoiding certain foods, eating calcium-rich foods, and taking other preventative measures like exercising and having a bone mineral density test. Learn how to eat to get the right blend of vitamins and minerals and reduce your chances of losing bone mass as you age.\n\n## Reduce bone loss with food choices\n\n1. Steer clear of soft drinks. Many carbonated beverages contain phosphoric acid, which can affect your body’s ability to absorb calcium. Phosphoric acid causes you to lose calcium when you urinate. To reduce the calcium that you lose from drinking sodas, limit or avoid sodas altogether. Try drinking beverages that do not contain phosphoric acid, such as club soda, water, herbal teas, black or green teas, or fortified orange juice.\n2. Watch your sodium intake. Sodium is a major cause of calcium loss and a high-sodium diet has been linked with developing osteoporosis. The more sodium you have in your diet, the more calcium you will need to get in order to make up for it. Try to limit your sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day to help reduce your calcium loss.\n3. Limit caffeine. Caffeine also reduces your body’s ability to absorb calcium, so it is important to keep your caffeine intake under control to prevent low calcium levels. If you want to eliminate bone loss from caffeine intake, you can switch to decaf or choose beverages that are naturally caffeine free, such as peppermint or chamomile tea. Try not to exceed 300 milligrams of caffeine per day. That’s about the equivalent of 2 8 fl oz (240 mL) cups of coffee. Try switching to tea. It is lower in caffeine than coffee and has been shown to protect bones from calcium loss.\n4. Cook from scratch whenever possible. Food that is processed lacks trace minerals that have a protective effect on bones. To make sure that you are getting the most nutrient-dense diet possible, cook your meals from scratch whenever you can. Try choosing fresh instead of frozen or canned vegetables, make your own bread, cook whole grains such as brown rice, and avoid pre-packaged prepared foods.\n5. Choose quality proteins. Since bones are made up of mostly protein, getting enough of the right kind of protein is an important part of maintaining bone density. Try to avoid red meat as much as possible since it tends to be more acidic and may reduce the amount of calcium that your body can absorb. Make sure that you include enough quality protein sources for your size and gender to reduce bone loss. Good sources of protein include:\n\t* Eggs\n\t* Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt\n\t* Poultry, such as chicken and turkey\n\t* Seafood, such as salmon, halibut, and shrimp\n6. Skip the soy unless your doctor recommends it. Soy has been found to have adverse effects on the absorption of calcium as well, so it is best to avoid eating too much soy. Even if a soy product is fortified with calcium, your body won’t absorb the calcium well. If you rely on soy as a primary source of protein, then it is a good idea to take a calcium supplement for extra protection. On the other hand, some studies have shown that eating soy-based foods may improve bone health overall and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis. Talk to your doctor or a dietitian about whether you should incorporate soy into your diet.\n7. Eat sources of Vitamin K. There are 2 forms of vitamin K: K1(phylloquinone) and K2 (menaquinone). The combination is sometimes called MK7 in commercial supplement products. You should aim for about 250-1000 mcg of K1 and 45-180 mcg of K2 per day. Eat a good source of vitamin K 2 to 3 times a week to get these amounts or take a supplement. Natural food sources of vitamin K include:\n\t* Sauerkraut\n\t* Aged cheese\n\t* Natto (a soy product)\n\t* Kimchee (fermented Korean cabbage)\n\t* Beef liver\n\t* Green tea\n\t* Turnip greens\n\t* Broccoli\n\t* Kale\n\t* Spinach\n\t* Cabbage\n\t* Asparagus\n\t* Dark green lettuce\n\n\n## Get more calcium\n\n1. Drink and eat low-fat dairy products. Dairy products provide a significant amount of calcium, so make sure that you include 2 to 3 servings of dairy per day in order to get enough calcium. Since dairy products are naturally high in fat, it is a good idea to seek out low-fat and fat free dairy products. Milk has long been known as a good source of calcium and it should be a staple in your diet if you are trying to avoid bone loss. Drink 2 to 3 glasses of low-fat or non-fat milk per day. Cheese and yogurt are also good sources calcium, although they do not contain as much calcium as milk does. Choose low-fat cheese and yogurt to reduce your intake of unhealthy fats.\n2. Include canned sardines and salmon in your diet. Certain canned fish, such as sardines and salmon, are also good sources of calcium, as long as you eat the bones. The fish bones tend to be softer in canned fish, so they are edible. When eaten fresh, certain types of fish are good sources of vitamin D as well. For example, salmon, tuna, and mackerel are good sources of vitamin D.\n3. Have some leafy greens. Leafy greens such as kale, Chinese cabbage, turnip greens, and collard greens are also good sources of calcium. Try sautéing some greens, adding them to a soup, or using them in place of your usual salad greens.\n4. Choose calcium-fortified orange juice. Drinking orange juice that has been fortified with calcium may also help you to prevent bone loss. Choose fortified orange juice as well as other types of fortified beverages to get a little more calcium in your diet.\n5. Take a supplement that contains calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. To ensure that you are getting enough calcium in your diet every day, take a supplement that contains calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. To help prevent bone loss, it is crucial to get enough magnesium and vitamin D along with calcium. It may be easier for your body to absorb calcium if you take it in smaller doses with meals (500 mg at a time). However, it is possible to get too much calcium, so talk to your doctor about the best amount and type of calcium supplement for you.\n\n\n## Take other step\n\n1. Get regular exercise. Performing regular weight-bearing exercise is a good way to build bone mass and prevent bone loss as well. Weight-bearing exercises include walking, dancing, jogging, and dancing. Non-weight bearing exercises include biking and swimming. Try going for a 30-minute walk most days of the week to get in some weigh-bearing exercise and help prevent bone loss.\n2. Spend time in the sun. The best way to get your daily dose of vitamin D is to spend about 15–20 minutes in the sun without sunblock every day. Exposure to the sun allows your body to produce its own vitamin D. Since this may not always be possible, especially during the winter in some places, supplementing with vitamin D is still advised.\n3. Get tested for osteoporosis. One serious problem with osteoporosis is that it can be symptomless. Many women will not know that they have osteoporosis until after a bone fracture. That is why it is a good idea to have a bone mineral density (BMD) test if you are at risk of osteoporosis. This test is often called a DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) and can help your healthcare professional to diagnose osteoporosis. Women over the age of 65 are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis, but other women under the age of 65 may be affected as well. Ask your doctor about getting a DEXA scan if you have:\n\t* Broken a bone from doing something that should not have caused a broken bone, like falling from a standing position\n\t* A chronic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease, or an eating disorder\n\t* Early onset menopause\n\t* Undergone hormone treatments, such as for prostate or breast cancer\n\t* Lost a noticeable amount of height\n\t* A history of smoking or currently smoke\n\t* Family members who have had osteoporosis\n\t* Been taking certain medications, such as corticosteroid or thyroid hormone replacement medications\n\t* A tendency to drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages most days\n4. Learn your T-score and Z-score. The results of a DEXA scan are known as a “T-score” and a “Z-score,” though for most people, the T-score is most important. In both the T-scores and the Z-scores, a negative number indicates that your bones are thinner or more porous than they should be. A higher negative number means that you have a higher risk of a bone fracture. If your T-score is between 0 and -1.0, this is considered normal. A T-score between -1 and -2.5 indicates that you have early osteoporosis, known as osteopenia. A T-score of less than -2.5 indicates osteoporosis.\n\n\n## When to seek medical treatment\n\n1. See your doctor if you have symptoms of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis doesn’t always have symptoms, especially in its early stages. However, there are some signs and symptoms you can look out for if you’re going through menopause or have other risk factors for osteoporosis. Call your doctor right away if:You’ve recently fractured a bone, especially if the fracture happened more easily than expected\n\t* You are experiencing frequent back pain\n\t* You notice your posture becoming stooped\n\t* You’re not as tall as you used to be\n2. Ask your doctor about medical treatment or prevention options. Diet and lifestyle changes can help prevent or slow bone loss associated with menopause, but there are also medical options. If you’re going through menopause and are at risk of developing osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend taking hormone therapy, vitamin D supplements, or osteoporosis medications. Common osteoporosis medications include:Bisphosphonates, a type of medication that prevents bone loss\n\t* Injected medications that can prevent bone loss and even stimulate new bone growth, such as denosumab (Prolia) and teriparatide (Forteo)\n3. Talk to your doctor before making major diet or lifestyle changes. Your individual diet and exercise needs depend on a lot of factors, including your age, weight, and overall health. Before drastically changing your diet or starting a new exercise regimen, talk to your doctor about what’s safe and healthy for you. For example, if you already have osteoporosis or a related condition, such as osteoarthritis, your doctor may advise avoiding certain types of exercise. Talk to them about doing forms of exercise that are easy on your bones and joints, such as low-impact aerobics, swimming, biking, or fast walking. Always let your doctor know before you take any dietary supplements, since these could interfere with medications or supplements you are already taking, or affect any medical conditions you might have.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to wear a cowboy hat properly?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Cowboy hats have a long tradition, both for functional purposes while working and as a fashion statement. Even if it seems as simple as setting the hat on your head and going about your business, there are some rules to follow if you want to wear a cowboy hat properly. You need to get a hat that fits right, shape it a little bit, make sure the front is forward, and angle to give your look the proper attitude.\n\n## Choose your hat\n\n1. Get the right size. The first step to properly wearing a cowboy hat is making sure the hat is the right size and fits your head properly. Cowboy hats should typically fit snug around your head. If you are buying one, know your hat size ahead of time but also try the hat on before you buy it.\n2. Fix your current hat to fit better. You may have a hat already that is just barely too big but not big enough that you would want to get a smaller size. You can fix this. You can buy foam strip that is specifically made to put into hats to make them fit tighter. Depending on how much you need, and the shape of your head, you can either put this foam all the way around, or you can put a little in the front and back, just on the sides, or even just the front or just the back. Figure out where your hat is fitting too loosely. If the whole hat is sitting too low on your head, you probably want to put some sizing foam around the whole hat. There should be a band around the inside of the hat that you can flip up and place the foam strip under. Then flip the band back down before wearing the hat.\n3. Pick the right hat. You have a lot of options when it comes to cowboy hats. The main material choices are felt (made of beaver or rabbit pelt), leather, and straw. Felt hats are warmer so they tend to be worn more in the cold seasons. Straw hats are better for staying cool during hot days.\n4. Shape your hat. Most cowboy hats can be conformed to a certain shape by gently bending and squeezing them. How exactly you do this will depend on the material of the hat itself. You want the front and back of the brim to be fairly flat. Curl the sides so they stick up just slightly. You don’t want to curl them too tightly. You can also gently dent the sides of the crown of the hat. No tools are required for this. Simply use your hands.\n\n\n## Put the hat on your head\n\n1. Adjust your hair. You need to make sure that your hair does not get in the way of your hat sitting properly on your head. If you have short hair, this won’t apply to you. For longer hair, it can be a good idea to slick your hair back so it lays smoothly. Don’t pile your hair up on your head in any way. If you need to tie it in place, a ponytail that hangs straight down is the best option.\n2. Put the bow to the back. One of the most basic rules is making sure that the hat is on your head correctly with the front to the front. Most cowboy hats have a small bow on the inside lining around the headband. The bow should be in the back of your head. If your hat does not have this bow, a general rule is that the hat will be narrower at the front.\n3. Angle your brim accordingly. Positioning your hat in different ways can affect the way you look in the way. If you want to appear casual and friendly, tilt the front of the hat up just slightly so you can see about half of you forehead. To look more serious, or almost mysterious, lower the brim to just above your eyebrows. Slanting the hat slightly to the left or right will give you an appearance of being confident, almost to the point of looking for women or for trouble.\n4. Pick the right outfit. Your best and simplest bet to wear with a cowboy hat is a button up shirt, jeans, and a nice pair of cowboy boots. The shirt be a plain color or plaid. Flannel shirt work well too. You want basic, straight leg blue jeans with no extra pockets on the sides, no designs or extra buttons on the back pockets, no intentional bleaching or stain marks. Just classic blue jeans. If you are going to wear a cowboy hat, boots are pretty much a must. It’s going to look wrong if you try to go out with some sneakers on. You should also tuck in your shirt and most likely wear a nice black or brown leather belt. Fancy belt buckle is optional.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to wear long coats?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A long coat is a nice item to have in any closet, especially for people living in colder climates. There is a variety of styles of long coats as well as ways you can wear them. Make your long coat work for you by finding a style that fits you, dressing it down for casual daily wear, or adding it on top of a dressy outfit for a formal occasion.\n\n## Choose the right coat\n\n1. Try a fit-and-flare coat for the illusion of a thinner waist. For a long coat that hides a thick waist, try a fit-and-flare style. These coats fit tighter around the waist and then flare out at the hips. The tops are often double-breasted, and there are strategically placed seams on them to create a thinner look. Solid black and vertical stripes also make people look thinner. Experiment with these colors if you’re concerned about making your waist look thinner.\n2. Balance out wide hips with a voluminous collar on your coat. If you’d like to create the illusion of smaller hips, choose a coat that has a large collar such as a shawl collar or large faux-fur collar. The volume of the collar will draw attention away from the bottom half of your coat.\n3. Add curves to a narrow frame with a belted coat. Belts add dimension to long, straight coats. Look for a long coat with a thick wrap-around belt if you’d like to make your thin frame look curvier. Subtle pleats around the waist also help to add curves. Colors and patterns that add dimension for a thin person include light colors and plaid.\n4. Hide a rounder belly with a full-length men’s coat. Most younger men today wear knee-length long coats, but that length looks best on trim men who can wear a more form-fitting coat. Full-length coats go past the knee to the mid-calf, and are nice for disguising a heavier figure. Full-length coats are also considerably warmer, so they are ideal for cold climates.\n5. Go with a double-breasted knee-length coat if you’re petite. Long coats can easily swallow up a short person. A way to solve this is to keep the coat around knee-length or just past your knees. Double-breasted coats with a large envelope collar keep a proportioned look to a longer coat worn on a petite person. If you are of an average or taller height, you can easily pull off full-length coats that go past the knee to your mid-calf or below.\n6. Do the hug test to make sure the coat isn’t too small. It’s easy to buy a long coat that’s too small because the length of the coat may make you think it fits you. To check, try the coat on and wrap your arms around yourself, trying to touch the opposite shoulder with each hand. If the coat feels really tight in the shoulders or elbows, you should go with the next size up. You can also check the sleeve length by holding your arms straight out in front of you. If the sleeves go up 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) past your wrists, you probably need the next size up. The sleeve end should fall within 1 in (2.5 cm) of you wrist when your arms are up, and go almost to your knuckles when they are down.\n7. Check that the shoulder seams line up with your shoulders. On a properly fitting coat, the shoulder seams should line up with your shoulders. If they go down near your biceps, the coat is either too big or it is supposed to have an oversized shape to it. Either try on the next size down, or confirm that oversized is the style that you’re going for. Consider getting a coat tailored for you if cannot find a coat that fits correctly across your chest and shoulders as well as the length of your arms.\n8. Choose a wool coat for the longest winter wear. Long coats come in a variety of fabrics, but if you’re planning to wear your coat for a long time during the winter, invest in 100% wool or a wool-cashmere blend. Coats made with all cashmere tend to show wear much faster. If you intend to wear your jacket in fall, spring, or summer weather, you have more options for fabric, including cotton and twill.\n\n\n## Wear a long coat casually\n\n1. Wear a black coat with ripped jeans and sneakers for a go-anywhere look. Long black coats are versatile because they can be casual or formal. Pair yours with ripped blue or black skinny jeans, a fitted graphic T-shirt, and your favorite sneakers. Plain white sneakers are a popular classic with this look, but you can experiment with vintage, black and white, or skate style sneakers to individualize the style.\n2. Pair baggy trousers with an oversized maxi coat and sunglasses for comfort. If you’re looking to stay both comfortable and warm this winter, wear baggy black trousers rolled at the ankles with a cozy V-neck shirt under any color oversized maxi coat. Grey is a popular coat color for this look, but you can try navy or even a patterned coat. Sunglasses pull off the chic casual style of this look. Go with plain black glasses of any shape that you like. Try this look with either white sneakers or laced ankle boots.\n3. Wear a floor length coat with flared denim as an elegant-casual crossover. Floor-length coats take the classic long coat a few steps further; you can pull off a very cute, elegant casual look by pairing one with flared denim jeans. Wear this with an oversized knit sweater and dressy boots to complete the look. Add large sunglasses and a scarf to this look for extra flare.\n4. Try a long camel coat with a scarf for an intellectual touch. Long camel coats have an automatically sophisticated feel to them and are popular in the fall. Pair yours with black skinny jeans and a wide oversized scarf to look ready to hit the books. Complete this look with crisp white low-cut sneakers, a sweater, and pair of glasses.\n5. Add a beanie to any long coat for a fun casual look. Take the seriousness out of a long coat by adding a slouchy beanie on your head. Wear jeans or sweatpants, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and a pair of ankle boots or sneakers to finish off this casual style.\n6. Make an extra-long coat punk with colorful lace-up ankle boots. To achieve an 80s punk-inspired look, wear black skinny jeans and a button-down shirt with combat style boots under a mid-calf coat. To really finish off this look, add a few 1 inch (2.5 cm) band pins, or badges, to the lapels of your coat. Wear a pair of black sunglasses with this look to give it an extra rock-star vibe.\n7. Pair a pale maxi coat with cropped denim and a white T-shirt in the spring. Long coats aren’t just for fall and winter; you can pair lighter long jackets with a variety of spring looks as well. Try a pale blue, pink, or white long coat with light blue cropped jeans or shorts. Add a colorful fitted T-shirt and sandals to complete the look. Instead of denim, wear a short spring sundress and casual sandals under your light long coat for cute but informal effect.\n\n\n## Dress up with a long coat\n\n1. Wear a long coat over black cigarette pants and heels for a sophisticated look. A long coat that’s camel, grey, navy, red, or patterned looks great over top of black cigarette pants and heels. Wear a black blouse with this outfit, and try to match your heels with the coat for the best effect. For example, a camel coat with this outfit looks elegant with a pair of shiny nude heels.\n2. Try a long faux-fur coat with strappy heels for an elegant edge. No need to spend lots of money on real fur – there are many nice faux fur options out there for coats. Choose a black or white faux-fur coat and pair it with strappy heels, a short or mid-length skirt, or capris pants for an elegant look. Either chunky or stiletto heels work for this look; just make sure they are high and strappy.\n3. Pair leather leggings and heels with an extra-long black coat for serious glam. Find yourself a pair of black faux leather leggings and combine them with black heels of your choice for a glamourous look. Wear a simple white blouse underneath to finish off this look. Add a pair of classic large black sunglasses to this look for some extra glam.\n4. Wear a long unbuttoned coat over a cocktail dress for a night out. Go with a plain button-down black coat over a dark colored dress in the winter, or pair a lightweight camel trench coat over a light-colored or floral dress in the summer. Add heels to match your dress and jewelry to be ready for any formal occasion.\n5. Wear a Paletot or Guards’ coat for versatility. The Paletot and Guards’ coat styles are classic business coats for men that can be worn for any formal occasion. They are double-breasted with 2 rows of 6 buttons and peaked lapels. Navy blue or charcoal colors of this coat can be worn to a business meeting, over a tuxedo, or to a funeral.\n6. Pair a fitted long coat with dress trousers and loafers for any formal occasion. Dress trousers and shiny loafers, paired with a tucked button-down shirt, look sharp under any fitted long coat. Match your trousers to the coat and choose a dark colored shirt in the winter, or a lighter colored shirt in the summer. Add a tie that compliments your shirt to make this look extra formal.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to be a domestic goddess?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Being a domestic goddess has distinct advantages, regardless of whether you live alone or serve as the matron of a big family. If you lack cleaning, cooking, and sewing skills, learning to master these tasks may seem intimidating. The key is to start small and avoid overwhelming yourself. With time and patience, you can polish your skills to goddess level.\n\n## Part one: chores and home maintenance\n\n1. Set a daily routine. There are a handful of chores you should do each day if you want to maintain a clean and clutter-free domestic heaven. Thankfully, these chores are quick enough to squeeze in even if you work a job outside of the home or have a houseful of kids to attend to. To reduce your stress as much as possible, plan on accomplishing each of these daily chores during a certain time of the day. Organizing your time may help you relieve some of the anxiety you feel about getting everything done. Daily tasks you'll need to make time for include making the bed, sorting the mail, and sweeping or vacuuming the floor. Other daily tasks should be performed as you go along. These include putting things away (to prevent clutter from developing), cleaning up as you cook, and wiping up fresh spills.\n2. Make a weekly schedule. Some chores only need to be done once or twice a week. Instead of rushing around to get these chores done all at once, plan on doing a little each day and set aside certain days for certain tasks. You'll likely feel more relaxed about getting things done, which means you'll do a better, more thorough job. Clean the bathrooms once a week. Make sure that you wash all bath linens and scrub all toilets, tubs, and sinks. Empty the trash, clean the mirrors, dust the lights, and wipe up the floor. The bedrooms in your home also need a thorough weekly cleaning. Put away anything that has been sitting out on a desk or side table. Clean all sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. Empty the trash, dust all the surfaces, and vacuum the floor. You may need to vacuum your living room, kitchen, and dining room every day or two, but other chores, like dusting, washing rugs/mats, and wiping mirrors, can be done once a week.\n3. Experiment with different cleaning products. Not every household cleaner is just as good as every other. Moreover, different types of cleaners may work better on different areas of your home. If there is some part of your usual cleaning routine that leaves a lot to be desired, figure out why your current cleaner is not doing the job right and research which options might be better. Compare chemical and organic products. Nowadays, many people prefer cleaning products made from natural ingredients instead of chemical cleaners. Natural cleaners have their own pros and cons, just as chemical cleaners have, but it doesn't hurt to include a few organic products among those you plan on testing out. Ask your friends for suggestions or do some research online about your different options. Test a few different products out on a trial basis. Pay close attention to which products work best with different materials—wood, glass, ceramic, plastic, and so on.\n4. Be handy. The modern domestic goddess needs to know a bit more about the handy side of home care than earlier counterparts did. You don't need to know how to maintain all the systems and utilities in your home, but learning how to take care of a few basic projects is a wise move. At minimum, your home tool kit should contain a hammer and a few different screwdrivers. These tools will allow you to do simple tasks like hanging pictures and making small repairs to things like toys, cabinets, and drawers.\n5. Organize your realm. Clutter is the natural enemy of any domestic goddess. If you want to maintain a living space that any mortal would be envious of, you need to keep things orderly and in their place. Brush up on space-saving techniques and similar skills to keep your belongings in check. This is especially important if you're dealing with limited space. Get rid of any unnecessary junk first, then organize everything that has a purpose in a way that makes sense based on your needs.\n6. Master the laundry. Laundry is one chore that you will never be able to avoid if you want to be a domestic goddess. Your current laundry skills might be adequate, but you should still continue to watch out for aspects of your laundry routine that could stand to use improvement. Consider assigning different laundry tasks to different days, as well. For instance, you can clean bathroom towels on Tuesday, bed sheets and pillowcases on Wednesday, and any other miscellaneous towels or blankets on Thursday. Clothing will need to be cleaned throughout the week, though. Read the labels before you wash something and follow the laundering instructions provided. If you aren't sure whether or not an item will bleed color in the washing machine, test it by soaking a small spot and blotting that spot with a white cloth. Wash colors and whites separately. Also separate heavily soiled items and wash those on their own. Pretreat stains and presoak heavily soiled garments in a sink or bucket of water for 30 minutes before washing them. Use the recommended amount of detergent and select the best washer cycle for each individual load. Base water temperature and dryer settings on color and fabric type. Materials that can shrink should be washed in warm or cold water and air dried, for instance. Cold water is best for bright colors, while hot water works well for whites.\n7. Learn a few tricks. Once you've mastered the basics, keep an eye out for various tips and tricks that can take your home skills from “great” to “amazing.” Some tricks work better than others, though, so you should test them out before bragging to your friends about your newfound knowledge. For instance, cover dirty stroller wheels and wagon wheels with plastic shower caps before bringing the item inside. Wrap pipe cleaners around the neck of condiment bottles to catch drips and prevent crusty build-up. Stuff holes in the wall and cabinets with steel wool to keep mice and other pests out.\n\n\n## Part two: in the kitchen\n\n1. Get off to an easy start. If you currently have some cooking and baking knowledge, then you're off to a good start already. If not, start small by making simple meals and following easy recipes. You can gradually build up your kitchen skills as you get more comfortable, but trying too much all at once is a good way to fail and get discouraged. Look for books specifically aimed at beginners or search for easy recipes online. Instructions that provide step-by-step pictures are often the easiest to follow along.\n2. Take a class. Look for free and cheap cooking classes in your area. Focus on developing skills that you're specifically interested in developing, and skip any class that will teach you something you already know or will teach you something you have no desire to learn. Local craft stores often offer classes on baking and food decorating. Small markets may have classes on cooking essentials. Check out cooking schools in your area. Even if you don't want to spend time and money on a cooking program, some of these schools offer one-time cooking courses at a discounted price.\n3. Find your niche. Not every domestic goddess needs to love cooking, but learning to enjoy it can motivate you into improving your skills. Try to find something about cooking or baking that you can feel passionate—or at least interested—about. Build up your cooking skills in general, but involve your point of interest as much as possible while doing so. Your passion might be something simple, like baking cookies or mastering stovetop cooking. On the other hand, you might find your attention grabbed by something a little more unique, like gluten-free baking or canning.\n4. Make any necessary adjustments. You might have a full set of cooking and baking skills when all is said and done, but that doesn't mean you will be able to show them all off each and every day. Know when to make a simple meal and when to whip up something more impressive. Learning how to use your cooking to improve and please those you're cooking for is another skill you will need to master. For example, if you're cooking for picky kids, focus on choosing kid-friendly meals instead of trying to impress them with an elaborate meal they won't even eat. When you're cooking for guests, find out about any food allergies or special diets ahead of time and plan your menu accordingly.\n5. Experiment. Once you feel comfortable enough in the kitchen, start using the skills and knowledge you have gained to experiment with your own recipes and tasty creations. Some experiments might be a success while others will likely be a failure. The important thing is simply to keep working at it until your successes vastly outnumber your failures.\n\n\n## Part three: sew and other \"lost\" skills\n\n1. Master the basics of sewing. Sewing is the queen of lost skills, so if you don't know even the most basic stitches, you really aren't alone. At minimum, though, you should know how to sew hems, repair small rips and tears, and attach buttons. Learn a variety of basic stitches, including the straight stitch, the back stitch, the zigzag stitch, and the basting stitch. Invest in a sewing machine. As your sewing skills improve, consider buying a sewing machine of your own. You will probably be glad that you did. Fixing garments and creating projects from scratch will both be much easier if you learn to machine sew as well as hand sew.\n2. Get crafty. Sewing is not the only lost skill worth learning, of course. There is a wide range of other crafts and domestic abilities you can explore. You do not need to master all of them, but picking one or two you'd like to become great at can improve your standing as a domestic goddess. Potential areas of interest could include gardening, crocheting, or knitting. You could also check out community craft websites, like Pinterest, to get more ideas.\n3. Take classes. You can learn a lot by teaching yourself, but sometimes, the best way to learn a new skill or to advance an old one is to take an actual class on it. Look for cheap classes in your area or sign up for a class online.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to respond to a reference on couchsurfing?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "References are feedbacks given to you by other Couchsurfing users that either had a direct contact with you personally or have interacted with you through the site. It gives other users ideas and information about a certain host or surfer prior to communicating with them firsthand. Unfortunately, when a user leaves you a reference (either a positive or a negative), there’s no way that you can reply directly to it. However, there are ways on how you can properly respond to a reference on Couchsurfing.\n\n## Message the couchsurfing member\n\n1. Go to Couchsurfing’s website. Launch an Internet browser, type in http://www.couchsurfing.org then hit Enter.\n2. Log into your account. Enter your username and password on the fields provided, or you could use your Facebook account to sign in by clicking the “Log In with Facebook” button.\n3. Access your profile page. Click your account image at the upper-left section of the home page to open your profile page.\n4. Select the Couchsurfing user you want to respond to. Scroll down your profile page to the References section at the bottom part, and click on the name of the Couchsurfing user that left the reference you want to respond to; you will then be able to view his or her profile page.\n5. Compose a message. On the other member’s profile page, click the “Send Message” link right above his or her profile photo to start composing a message. Enter the subject of the message you like on the text field provided and type in your message on the other text field below. Enter as much details as you can, either thanking the Couchsurfing user (for positive references) or persuading them to change it (for negative references).\n6. Send the message. Once you’re done, go over what you’ve written then click on the “Send Message” button.\n7. Wait for a reply from the Couchsurfing user. If all goes well, the other user can respond either by editing the reference he or she gave you, or by discussing the issue more. Be patient, polite, and courteous, especially if you’re trying to turn around a bad reference.\n\n\n## Contact customer support\n\n1. Go to Couchsurfing’s website. Launch an Internet browser, type in http://www.couchsurfing.org then hit Enter.\n2. Log into your account. Enter your username and password on the fields provided, or you could use your Facebook account to sign in by clicking the “Log In with Facebook” button.\n3. Access the Help section. Click the “Help” button at the top portion of the website to access the Help section.\n4. Scroll down the Help section and click on “Get in Touch.” A list of ways you can ask for assistance will be displayed below it.\n5. Click the “Contact our Safety Team.” You’ll then be taken to the Submit Request form page.\n6. Fill in the required details. Enter your email address on the text field provided and select “Safety” from the Category drop-down list. For the Sub-category, click the drop-down list and select “Problem with a Reference.”\n7. Specify your concern. Once you’ve selected the Sub-category, a new drop-down list will appear below. Click “What do you need help with?” and choose the option you think fits your concern.\n8. Enter more information on your concern. Type in the subject of your request on the text field provided and enter additional, important details on the Description text field below. You can also include any attachment (optional), like screenshots of your conversation or pictures taken during the stay, that may help solve the issue by clicking the “Attachments” button.\n9. Submit your request. Click on “Submit” to send you request, and a Couchsurfing representative will reach out to you either through the email you provided or directly on your Couchsurfing account if there any additional information needed.\n10. Wait for the issue to be resolved. If your request is found to be valid, you can expect appropriate action from the Couchsurfing team within a few days.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to fill sandbags?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Select materials and get ready\n\n1. Purchase polypropylene bags specifically designed for sandbagging. Standard cloth or plastic bags cannot be used to create sandbags since they’ll tear or break apart when they get wet. Purchase some woven polypropylene sandbags that are specifically designed for stacking and keeping water out. You can purchase specialized sandbags online or at a construction supply store. While sandbags come in different sizes, the optimal size is 14–18 in (36–46 cm) wide and 30–36 in (76–91 cm) deep. You can get sandbags with drawstrings built into them to make tying easier. If you’re buying bags to build a flood wall, you don’t actually have to tie them, though.\n2. Use a heavy sand or soil mixture to fill your bags. Purchase heavy-bodied sand from a construction supply or gardening store. You can also find it at distribution centers if you live in a state or country that is prone to flooding. Any type of heavy sand will work. Tip: The sand that you find at the beach is usually too fine to fill a sandbag since It will leak through the weaving. Soil will break apart in your bag and leak through the woven bag if it gets wet, but can work if you’re only trying to brace a surface. You can use a mixture of sand and soil if you don’t have enough sand to fill the bags you need. Gravel will work if you’re trying to weigh a surface down, but it is too permeable to keep water out. Clay materials are hard to shape and will make stacking difficult.\n3. Enlist a friend or two to make sandbag filling easier. It can be difficult to keep a sandbag open if you’re filling it yourself. To make the filling process easier, enlist a friend to hold the bag open while you’re shoveling the sand into it. If you’re filling the bags at the site where you’re stacking them, make the process easier by enlisting a third friend to tie and move each bag. You’ll have to be extremely careful when you’re pouring your sand into the bag if you’re doing it yourself. You may become exhausted as well if you’re building a sandbag wall, since lifting and laying the bags requires heavy lifting. Rotate positions every 20 minutes to reduce muscle fatigue.\n4. Put on gloves, boots, and protective eyewear. Sandbags are chemically treated and may irritate your hands, so wear a thick pair of gloves to protect yourself. Put on a pair of protective goggles to keep sand from blowing into your eyes as you work. Wear a thick pair of rubber work boots to protect your feet and keep the sand out. Avoid touching your skin, eyes, or mouth while filling sandbags. Wash your hands and face when you’re done.\n\n\n## Fill a bag\n\n1. Fold the top of the bag over 2-3 times to create a collar. Place your bag on a flat, stable portion of the ground. Grip the top 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) of the bag. Fold the top of the bag over 2-3 times to create a collar. This will make pouring easier, and will ensure that the top of the bag doesn’t fall in on itself if you accidentally pour a little sand on it.Tip: If you’ve enlisted other people to help you, have one person hold the collar open in a circular shape so that it’s easier to shovel sand inside. Sandbags should only be filled 2/3 full. Folding the top of the bag over also makes it easier to see how much sand you’re adding.\n2. Shovel the sand into the opening at the top of the bag. Use a rounded shovel with a good grip to scoop your sand up. Dig your shovel into the sand at a 45-degree angle and scoop it upwards to raise it up. Then, hold the point of your shovel over the collar of the bag and tilt the shovel downwards to empty the sand into the bag. Don’t work too quickly. If you wear yourself out, it’ll become difficult to shovel accurately. If it’s a little windy or you’re having trouble filling the bag, put a large funnel in the mouth of the bag. Pour the sand into the funnel to make the filling process easier.\n3. Stop adding sand once the bag is 2/3 full. If you overfill the bag, it will be difficult to tie or fold the bag at the top. If the bag isn’t filled with enough sand, your sandbags will shift around when they’re stacked. Continue shoveling your sand into the bag until roughly 2/3 of the bag is filled. If you have bags with built-in ties at the top, they can be filled until they’re 4/5 full. Bags with built-in ties don’t require as much room to secure them. Repeat this process until you have the desired number of bags.\n\n\n## Tie the bag\n\n1. Unfold the collar and pull the top of the bag up. Once your bag is filled to the proper level, undo the collar that you folded to make pouring easier. Then, roll the collar up until the fold is undone and pull the fabric at the top of the bag upwards to straighten it out.\n2. Tighten the drawstring and tie the top of bags with built-in ties. If your bag has a built-in tie, pull the drawstring until the neck of the bag is tight. Then, fold the drawstring over itself and pull both ends to tighten it. Tie the bag by creating a knot the same way you tie your shoes. With the drawstrings folded over one another, create a loop in your nondominant hand. Run the other drawstring over and the under the loop. Pull it through the second loop you just made and pull both loops tight to secure it.Tip: There is no official or proper way to tie a sandbag with a drawstring. As long as you can secure the top with a knot, your sandbag will be fine.\n3. Tie the bag using the fabric if your bag is thinner. If your bag doesn’t have a drawstring and the fabric is thinner, you can tie the fabric of the bag to knot it at the top. With the fabric at top pulled up, squeeze the fabric together with both hands. Twist the top of the bag to keep the fabric tight. Then, hold the base of the top with your nondominant hand. Bring the top of the fabric down to make a loop and squeeze the top of the bag through the loop. Pull the top of the bag to tighten your knot and secure the bag. You may have an easier time securing thinner bags if you only fill them so that they’re halfway filled.\n4. Fold the top of the bag on top of itself if you’re building a wall. Sandbags don’t actually need to be tied if you’re creating a wall or laying them on top of one another. To lay a bag without folding it, hold the bag by the top of the fabric as you’re moving it and take it to the location where you’re creating a wall. Then, place the bag at the spot you want to lay it. Pull the top of the bag in opposite directions to turn the opening into a slit. To finish, fold the slit over itself and lay the bag down with fold on the bottom. Bags that are folded on top of themselves will stay in place when they’re stacked in a wall.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to boost your diet with peanut butter powder?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Powdered peanut butter is a versatile ingredient that you can use to add some nutty flavor to any dish. Its low caloric count and limited fat content make it an appealing option for those looking to lose a little weight. It is great for supplementing simple dishes like smoothies or oatmeal. You can also use it to make savory sauces, spreads, or peanut-flavored dishes. Finally, you can mix the powder into any baked good, from brownies to cupcakes and cookies, to add some peanut flavor.\n\n## Enhance your diet\n\n1. Reduce your caloric intake. The main appeal of peanut butter powder is its low calorie count. A tablespoon of powdered peanut butter has about 25 calories compared to the 96 calories in the same amount of regular peanut butter. It is a good option for those looking to lose some weight but still enjoy peanut flavor.\n2. Limit your fat intake. Another appealing feature of powdered peanut butter is its low fat content. 1 tablespoon contains less than 1 gram (0.035 oz) of fat, while the same amount of regular peanut butter has about 8 grams (0.3 oz) of fat. Note that the fat content of peanuts is mostly heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. A single serving of peanut butter powder is 2 tablespoons. One serving contains about 1.5 grams of fat.\n3. Add a little protein or fiber. Powdered peanut butter is great for adding protein and fiber nutrients without adding the extra fat — 1 tablespoon offers 3 to 4 grams (0.11 to 0.14 oz) of protein and 1 gram (0.035 oz) of fiber. This is particularly important for things like baking where the extra fat can alter the finished product.\n\n\n## Supplement simple dish\n\n1. Add it to your smoothies. To add peanut flavor while limiting calories and fat, you can add a tablespoon or two of the powder to your favorite smoothie. For most recipes, about 2 tablespoons (12.28 g) of powder can substitute for 1 tablespoon (16 g) of traditional peanut butter. Besides its lower calorie count, powdered peanut butter also makes your smoothies smoother and less gritty. As a rule of thumb, add 1 tablespoon (6.14 g) of powdered peanut butter for every 1 cup (250 ml) of smoothie or shake\n2. Mix it into your oatmeal. Instead of adding a regular peanut butter, mix in a spoonful of powdered peanut butter to your bowl of oatmeal. You can stir it with the oats before you add your milk or water, or you can mix it in after your oats are cooked. Pair it with a banana, some dark chocolate, or some berries for a PB&J oatmeal. You can also add peanut butter powder to muesli, quinoa, and other grain-based dishes.\n3. Pour some into your yogurt or granola. If you are making a parfait, you can mix powdered peanut butter into the either the granola or the yogurt. To add some extra flavor to your yogurt, mix in a spoonful of the powder. You can also sprinkle on top of the granola. If you are making your own granola, you can mix in powdered peanut butter for some additional flavor.\n\n\n## Cook with peanut butter powder\n\n1. Use it to make a peanut sauce. You can add powdered peanut butter to any sauce recipe that calls for peanut butter. Simply rehydrate the powder by mixing it with water and then add it to your sauce. Be sure to follow the directions to get the correct amount of peanut powder for the sauce. As a rule of thumb, mixing 4 tablespoons (24.56 g) of peanut butter powder with 1 tablespoon (14.79 ml) of water will give you 2 tablespoons (32 g) of rehydrated peanut butter.\n2. Add it to breading. To add some extra flavor to your breaded meats, try mixing some powdered peanut butter into your breading. Use your traditional breading recipe and simply mix in about 1/3 as much peanut butter powder as flour our breadcrumbs. You could try this breading on chicken cutlets or pork chops. Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the breading for a little extra spice.\n3. Get creative. You can use powdered peanut butter to add some extra flavor to snacks like popcorn or trail mixes. You can also sprinkle it on top of bananas, mix it with your cereal, or add it to pancake batter. If you think that a dish might benefit from some peanut flavor, give it a dash of powdered peanut butter. For example, with a little olive oil and a couple spoonfuls of powdered peanut butter, you can make peanut butter popcorn. For a sweeter treat, consider sprinkling peanut butter powder on top of kettle corn.\n\n\n## Add peanut butter powder to desserts\n\n1. Bake it into baked goods. If you want to give your desserts a little extra peanut flavor, consider adding some peanut butter powder. You can add it to any baked good by substituting peanut butter powder for 1/3 the amount of flour called for in the recipe. In addition, you can mix in a couple of tablespoons of the powder to any batter. If a recipe calls for 3 cups (375 g) of flour, use 1 cup (294.7 grams) of peanut butter powder and 2 cups (250 g) of flour. If you are making banana muffins, you might add 3 tablespoons (18.42 g) of peanut butter powder to the batter.\n2. Go gluten-free. If you have a gluten intolerance or suffer from celiac disease, you can use peanut butter powder to make a number of desserts that do not require flour. You can make gluten free peanut butter brownies. You can also make gluten-free peanut butter cookies in a matter of minutes.\n3. Make a peanut butter spread. You can make a peanut butter spread in no time using a little peanut butter powder and cream cheese. Simply mix 1 tablespoon (6.14 g) of powder with an 8-ounce (226.8 g) block of cream cheese. If the spread does not have the peanut flavor you want, add sprinkles of the powder and mix until it tastes the way you would like.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make a tube top?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Do you have some old shirts that you no longer wear? Why not turn them into a trendy tube top? If you don't have a t-shirt to spare, get some sewing elastic and stretchy fabric. With a little time and effort, you'll have a bunch of trendy tube tops to wear all summer long.\n\n## Use a shirt\n\n1. Find a t-shirt that that you don't mind cutting up, and turn it inside out. The shirt can be loose or fitted. If the shirt is loose, you will need to insert an elastic to help hold it up. If the shirt if brand new, make sure that its been washed and dried to remove any potential shrinking.\n2. Cut across the top of your shirt, just below the armpits. Try to cut through both layers of the shirt at the same time. This way, you will have to do less cutting. When you are done, discard the top part of the shirt, or save it for another project. If you are having troubles cutting straight, use a ruler or measuring tape as a guideline.\n3. Fold the cut edge down by 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) and secure it with sewing pins. Make sure that you are pinning all the way around the top of the shirt; you should still be able to open the shirt, like a tube. For a nice, crisp edge, press the folded hem down with a clothing iron.\n4. Sew along the folded edge, leaving a ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) gap in the back. Try to sew as close to the cut edge as you can. You will need the space between the stitching and the folded edge for the elastic. Also, make sure that you leave a ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) wide gap between where you started and finished sewing, or you won't be able to get the elastic inside. Try to use a thread color that closely matches your t-shirt. If your sewing machine has a knit fabric setting, try to use that; it usually looks like a standard straight stitch that's broken up by V shapes. Remove the pins when you are done. Also, remember to snip off the loose ends of the threads.\n5. Measure around your chest, just below the armpits, and cut some elastic according to that measurement. This will help hold your tube top up. Even if your shirt was fitted, an elastic might still be a good idea; fitted shirts can loosen over time.\n6. Clip a safety pin to one end of the elastic, and use it to guide the through the top hem of your shirt. Find the ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) wide gap in your stitching. Push the safety pin through it, and use it to guide the elastic all the way around the top of the shirt. When you reach the gap again, pull the safety pin out. Both ends of the elastic should now be sticking out of the gap. Be careful not to lose the other end of the elastic inside the shirt hem.\n7. Sew the two ends of the elastic together. Overlap the two ends by 1 inch (2.54 centimeters), then sew them down using the smallest stitch you can. Overlapping the ends of the elastic like this will prevent any unsightly bulges. When you are done, push the elastic back through the gap. Once you have the elastic back through the gap, you can sew the gap shut for a nicer finish.\n8. Wear your tube top. Be sure to wear a strapless bra with it so that you don't have any bra straps showing.\n\n\n## Make a tube top from scratch\n\n1. Measure around your bust and waist. Add 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) to each measurement. You will need this extra width for the seam allowances.\n2. Measure from just below your armpits down to your waist. Add 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) to your measurement. You will need this extra length for the hems.\n3. Choose your fabric, and spread it out in front of you, wrong-side-up. The best fabric to use for a tube top is stretchy, jersey type fabric, like the kind used to make t-shirts.\n4. Draw a large rectangle according to your measurement. The top of the rectangle should equal your bust measurement. The bottom of the rectangle should equal your waist measurement. It will likely taper slightly.\n5. Fold the rectangle in half, lengthwise, with the right sides together. Secure the side edge with sewing pins. Leave the top and bottom edges alone for now. You will hem them later.\n6. Sew along the side edge using a ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) seam allowance. Pull the pins out as you sew so that you don't accidentally prick yourself. When you are done, tie the threads off into tight knots, and snip them as close to the fabric as you can.\n7. Press the seam flat with an iron. Flatten the tube top on your ironing board, with the seam facing upward. Spread the seam allowances apart, so that they lay flat against the fabric to either side of the seam. Press them flat with a hot iron.\n8. Fold the top and bottom of your fabric down by 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) to make the hems. Secure the folds with sewing pins, and press them flat with a clothing iron. The wrong sides of the fabric should still be facing outward at this time.\n9. Sew the top and bottom hems, but leave a ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) wide gap on the top hem. You will need this gap to slide the elastic through. When sewing the hems, try to sew as close to the raw/cut edge as you can, so that you will have enough space for the elastic. When you are done, pull the sewing pins out. Be sure to tie the ends of the threads off into tight knots and to snip them off, as close to the fabric as you can. Try to use a stitch intended for sewing stretchy fabrics. It usually looks like a straight stitch, but is broken up by V-shapes.\n10. Measure your around chest, just below the armpits and cut a piece of elastic according to that measurement. This piece of elastic will help keep the tube top up, so make sure it is sturdy.\n11. Clip a safety pin to the elastic, and use it to feed the elastic through the top hem. Find that ½ inch (1.27 centimeter) wide gap in the top hem. Push the safety pin into the gap, then use it to feed the elastic through the hem. When you reach the gap again, unclip the safety pin. When you are done, you should have both ends of the elastic sticking out from the gap.\n12. Overlap the ends of the elastic be 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) and sew them down. Use the smallest stitch you can, and be careful not to sew them to the fabric. When you are done, push the elastic back through the gap. At this point, you can sew the gap shut for a neater finish.\n13. Finished.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to clean plant leaves?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Clean plants are a beautiful addition to your home and garden, and do a wonderful job of purifying the air. Choose a cleaning method that is safe for your plant, especially if your plant is sensitive to water. Experiment with different shine agents to add a beautiful glow to your plant leaves. Each of these strategies will leave your plants looking clean and shiny.\n\n## Remove dust and grime\n\n1. Wipe large, shiny leaves with a damp cloth. This is the best way to clean large plants, such as rubber plants, that are difficult to move. Dunk your cloth in water and then squeeze out any excess liquid. Gently wipe both sides of all of the leaves to remove any dust and grime. Microfiber cloths or cheesecloths work well for cleaning plants. Clean the leaves each time that you notice dust or dirt building up. This works well for both indoor and outdoor plants such as Gunnera, Plantain Lillies, and Elephant Ears. Place a drop of dishwashing liquid on the cloth if you notice insects eating or landing on your plant.\n2. Use a soft paintbrush to remove dust from plants with fuzzy leaves. Plants with fluffy leaves, such as African Violets, are quite delicate and shouldn’t be wiped. Instead, gently brush any dust or insects off the leaves with a clean, soft paintbrush. If you don’t have a soft paintbrush on-hand, use a pipe cleaner or soft toothbrush instead. Avoid wetting the leaves of fuzzy plants, as this can cause water spots to appear.\n3. Rinse indoor plant leaves with warm water to remove insects and dust. Place your indoor plant in the sink or shower and use the pressure of the water stream to remove any dust and dirt from the plant. The mist from the shower will also help to hydrate the plant’s leaves. Leave the plants to drip-dry and then take them outside to dry in the sunshine. Always use warm water, as cold water can leave spots on the leaves. Don’t wash plants, such as cacti and African Violets, that are sensitive to water. This method works well for Peace Lilies, Sword Ferns, and Devils Ivy.\n4. Dunk small plants into water to quickly get rid of dust. Place your hand over the soil to keep it in place and then turn the plant upside down and submerge the plant in room temperature water. This is a great option for small houseplants and outdoor plants. Allow the plants to drip-dry out of direct light.\n5. Spray compressed air onto cacti to avoid getting them wet. Cacti are used to desert conditions and will often wilt and die if they are over-watered. Spray air from an air compressor can over the spikes to dislodge any dust or dirt from the cacti. Hold the can 10 centimetres (3.9 in) away from the cacti to avoid damaging the spikes. Purchase an air-compressor can from a hardware store or a plant nursery. This works well for both spiky and smooth cacti.\n\n\n## Add shine\n\n1. Rub a thin coat of mayonnaise over the leaves to keep them shiny. Squeeze a little mayonnaise onto a paper towel and wipe it over the leaves. Cover the entire leave with a light enough coat that it cannot be seen. Remove any excess mayonnaise with a clean paper towel. This shiny coating will last for approximately 2 weeks. Simply reapply the mayonnaise to restore the shine of the leaves. This method works for all types of plants.\n2. Cover the leaves in a thin layer of mineral oil for a long-lasting glow. Mineral oil provides a shiny coating for the leaves and helps to prevent dust from accumulating quickly. Simply place a drop of mineral oil onto each leaf and use your fingers to evenly spread it over the top side of the leaf. Use this method on any type of plant. Avoid using coconut or olive oil on the leaves, as this can block the pores of the plant. Keep plants with mineral oil on them out of the direct sun to avoid the leaves from getting burnt. Reapply the mineral oil once or twice per year.\n3. Spray a commercial plant shining product onto the leaves to add sheen. These sprays are specially formulated to keep your plant leaves looking shiny. Liberally spray the product over all the leaves on your plants. If you are spraying outdoor plants, choose a product that is designed for outdoor plants. Purchase a plant shining spray from a plant store. Follow the application instructions on the packet. This is a great option for cacti, as you don’t have to touch the plant.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to walk with a sprained ankle?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Before you start walking with a sprained ankle, make sure you get your doctor’s permission so you don’t cause any more damage. Ideally, you should only walk on a sprain that’s mild, and you should periodically strengthen your ankle through exercise so it gets stronger as you go. If you ever feel any pain, stop immediately and see your doctor for medical help.\n\n## Walk on a sprain ankle\n\n1. Apply ice to your ankle as soon as you can after you sprain it. As soon as you can, rest your ankle and put an ice pack on it to decrease the swelling. Keep the ice on your ankle for 10-15 minutes at a time 2-3 times per day to help alleviate some of the pain. As you start to feel more comfortable, ice your ankle only once or twice a day, or whenever it feels swollen.\n2. Take an anti-inflammatory medication to relieve pain and swelling. Opt for ibuprofen or naproxen, and take the recommended dose for your age as it is written on the packaging. However, if you haven’t seen a doctor yet, do that as soon as possible, since your doctor may prescribe a higher dose or more specific medication. A typical over-the-counter dose of ibuprofen for an adult is 400 mg, three times per day. A doctor may prescribe a much higher dose depending on the severity of your injury and your size. The doctor may also prescribe narcotic pain relievers for you if the pain is severe. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before taking any medication in addition to a prescription. Side effects may include constipation, drowsiness, and addiction if taken for too long a period. Acetaminophen can reduce pain, but does not reduce swelling.\n3. Protect your ankle with a compression bandage, brace, splint, or high-top shoes. If the sprain is severe, the doctor will prescribe a walking boot or a splint for you. If not, try to wrap a compression bandage or brace around your ankle for 1-3 weeks. Wear boots or high-top shoes that can be laced up tight around your ankles for added support. Wearing high heels with a sprained ankle could lead to further injury. If you have to wear dress shoes, choose flats over heels. In addition to using compression bandages, be sure to rest, ice, and elevate your ankle to help alleviate the pain.\n4. Check your surroundings for uneven ground or stairs before walking around. Be aware of where you are going to be walking so that you are not caught off-guard by loose rocks or potholes in a path or sidewalk. If your path looks rough or rocky, try to find a smoother alternative route, or ask a friend for help.\n5. Walk slowly and take small steps. Look out for spills, things on your path that you can trip over, or anything else in your way that might cause further injury. If you try to walk too quickly, you might miss potential hazards in your way. Concentrating on your walking will help you to not only stay safe and prevent injury but will also make you very aware of your pain level and your healing progress. Whenever possible, hold on to railings or ask a friend if you can lean on them for added support.\n6. Pause when needed and shift your weight to your uninjured foot. Listen to your body. If the pain is too intense to keep going, take a break and relieve your injured ankle of pressure by shifting your body’s weight to the other foot. Some pain is unavoidable, but if you cannot maintain a conversation or lose breath as you walk because of the pain, then you should pause and rest.\n\n\n## Strengthen your ankle after a sprain\n\n1. Stretch the ligaments in your ankle with an exercise band or rolled towel. To do this exercise, wrap a resistance band or a large rolled-up towel around the ball of your injured foot and straighten your leg. Then, point your toes up, down, left, and right. For best results, repeat the cycle of motions 10 times and do the exercise 3 times per day. You do not need to wear shoes or supportive braces for this exercise.\n2. Balance yourself on your injured ankle to increase your stability. Make sure you’re standing on a hard, flat surface before you stand on your injured foot. Try not to hold on to anything as you balance, but make sure there’s a railing or wall nearby so you can catch yourself if you need to. As you work to maintain your balance, your ankle will shift back and forth, stretching out and strengthening the ligaments and muscles. You should wear shoes for this exercise to give your foot some traction and prevent a fall. Make this exercise more challenging by using a balance board instead of a flat surface. The tipping motion of the board will force your ankle to act against the movements, increasing its strength and stability.\n3. Draw the alphabet on the floor using your injured foot. Sit in a comfortable chair with both feet resting flat on the floor. Then, with your injured foot, use your big toe to slowly trace the entire alphabet on the floor, one letter at a time. Drawing letters encourages ankle movement in every direction. Repeat up to three times for maximum stretching and strengthening. You do not need to wear shoes for this exercise since you are sitting and do not need the extra support or traction. If you cannot reach the floor, you can draw the letters in the air for a similar result.\n4. Swing your knees from side to side to stretch and strengthen your ankle. As you sit in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the floor, slowly swing your knees as far as you can from side to side. Keep your foot pressed flat to the floor and continue for 3 minutes. If you want to wear shoes while doing this exercise, opt for low-profile shoes that will not limit your ankle’s range of motion.\n\n\n## Prevent further injury\n\n1. Rest your sprained ankle after walking to give it some time to heal. By exercising and walking on your sprained ankle, you will be putting a lot of strain on the ligaments. Give them a break by taking the pressure off of them for at least an hour after walking, giving them time to rest and heal.\n2. Ice your ankle to relieve pain and swelling. After walking on your injured ankle, it will probably be swollen and painful because of the stress it was under. Elevate your foot and hold a cold ice pack wrapped in a towel on your ankle for 10-20 minutes. If your ankle is really swollen, you can reapply the ice again after 10 minutes and continue the cycle of 10-20 minutes on, 10 minutes off, until the swelling goes down. A great substitute for an ice pack is a frozen bag of peas because it is cold and easily molds to the body part that you are icing. Wrapping the ice pack in a towel is important because you can damage your skin by applying ice directly to it.\n3. Compress your ankle using an elastic sports bandage. Wrap your foot from the base of your toes to about 3 inches (7.6 cm) above your ankle. Provide extra support by crisscrossing the bandage from left to right in a figure-eight motion around your ankle and heel. Secure it into place with metal fasteners or tape. You want the compression bandage tight enough to give gentle pressure, but not so tight that restricts blood flow. If you have any tingling or discoloration in your toes, remove the bandage and rewrap it looser. It’s not a good idea to sleep with a compression bandage on because it may reduce blood flow.\n4. Elevate your ankle to speed up healing by reducing swelling. When you are sitting or laying down, keep your ankle elevated to reduce swelling by allowing fluid to drain from the injured area. If possible, lay down and keep your ankle elevated above your heart.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to write a pop punk song?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Pop Punk combines the aggressive energy and instrumentation of punk with catchy melodies and hooks of pop music. Begun by The Ramones and Buzzcocks in the 1970s and made famous by bands such as Green Day in the 1990s and Blink-182 in the 2000s, pop punk has been popular and widespread for years. Luckily, there is no wrong way to write a pop punk song and, as far as writing music goes, the genre is relatively easy to learn.\n\n## Write the instrumentals\n\n1. Learn power chords on the guitar to play any pop punk song. Power chords are the backbone of every punk song ever written. They are short, easy to play, and sound great when played loud. A power chord is just three notes -- your index finger on the E or A string, and the next two strings fretted two frets down. You can move this form anywhere on the guitar to play every single chord. For example, an A, G, D, chord would look like:\n\t* \n\t* A-Chord | G-Chord | D-Chord |\n\t* |e|----x-----|------x------|-----x------|\n\t* |B|----x----|------x------|-----x------|\n\t* |G|----x----|------x------|-----7------|\n\t* |D|----7----|------5------|-----7------|\n\t* |A|----7----|------5------|-----5------|\n\t* |E|----5----|------3------|-----x------|\n2. Follow the guitar chords on bass to get the basics of pop punk. Bass players have a lot to look forward to in pop punk. If you're stuck or a newbie, quickly repeated 16th notes on the bass (basically playing one note over and over again) can follow the chords on the guitar to instantly fit in. For example, if the guitarist is playing an A-bar chord, you play the A note in time with each one of her chords. From here you can feel free to improvise during chord changes, before switching to the chorus or verse, or if you can think of a fun bass riff. Check out Green Day's \"She,\" which opens with a great but simple bass riff, and note how it follows the guitar, but with subtle flourishes. Rancid's \"Olympia, WA\" is almost straight 16th notes on the bass, carrying the song along.\n3. Focus on your kick, snare, and hi-hat on the drums for a driving, strong beat. You want to keep the song moving forward with a quick, regular beat. Sixteenth notes on the hi-hat, alternating the kick drum and the snare every other note. While there is a lot more to drumming than this, this basic beat can go behind any pop punk song. Big, quick fills on the toms and crash cymbals are the common way to transition into new parts of the song. Pop-punk drummers like Travis Barker are talented musicians who drive the song forward. Focus on keeping time perfectly, especially at high speeds, to become an invaluable drummer.\n4. Start writing a song with just one good guitar riff. 95% of pop punk songs are short, fast, and guitar-driven. Find 3-4 notes or power chords that you think sound good together and make up a short little phrase to repeat. Most pop-punk songs are simple -- find a riff you like and repeat it to write a verse or chorus. Chop up and change your favorite riffs from other bands. Pop-punk is heavily borrowed, adapted, and repeated. In general, three power chords are the bare minimum for a song. Play with the rhythm and timing of your chords to give them a unique spin.\n5. Write a new riff for the chorus or verse, so you have two unique melodies. To be honest, many bands play the exact same chords, just in a different order or tempo (listen to the Ramones for proof). In general, the verse is slower and or muted and the chorus gets louder, faster, and more melodic. When coming up with a chorus:\n\t* Keep it simple -- the chorus should not be hard to follow. Aim for catchy melodies -- this is where you hook people's ears. Add a short, improvised 1-2 bar riff coming in and out of the chorus to mark each change.\n6. Consider coming up with one new section for the breakdown or solo. After hearing the verse and chorus twice, most bands add in one quick, unique section to change the song up. This is called the breakdown, and there is often a solo, different lyrics, or a slow drop and build back to full energy or tempo. They are usually slower, either building up power or leaving room for another instrument to play by itself. If you're struggling to write breakdowns, try to:\n\t* Play the verse or chorus at half-time. Replay or change up the intro riff or melody. Simplify the chords to the 1-2 most important ones, leaving space for vocals or a solo. Drop out certain instruments, then slowly build them back in.\n7. Follow the basic pop song structure when crafting songs. Most pop punk songs begin with an intro, and they usually then follow this order: Intro, first verse, second verse, chorus, third verse, chorus solo and/or bridge, and then finish with the chorus again or outro. Though some songs will be different, this is the most common structure of a Pop Punk song. Blink-182's \"Dammit\" is an excellent example. All you have to write is a riff for the verse, the chorus, and the bridge. when it comes to solos, they are usually very simple. Occasionally it's just the intro again, and in some cases there are no solos at all\n8. Play the song as fast as possible. Pop punk is not about sitting back quietly. It is about brash, loud, youthful energy. All pop-punk songs should be played as fast as you feel comfortable, and maybe even a little faster. Once you've got the structure down, start thrashing. When you play live, your number one goal is to have high, contagious energy. Quick songs make it much easier to get people jumping around with you. It is rare for songs to go longer than three minutes. Many are even over before the two minute mark.\n9. Pick up influences from other bands and genres to make your songs stand out. Pop-punk, luckily enough, is easily adapted to other influences and ideas. Keep playing music of all types to learn new riffs and styles. It is the best way to make your own song unique. Common genres to blend with pop punk include:\n\t* Ska and Reggae (Rancid, Operation Ivy, Less Than Jake. Country (Social Distortion, Lucero)\n\t* Swing/Rockabilly (The Misfits, Cobra Skulls).\n\n\n## Write the lyric\n\n1. Come up with one image, idea, or person to write a song about. Pop-punk songs can be about almost anything. Most commonly, however, they talk about love, adolescence, and rebellion. Unlike its older cousin punk, pop-punk songs are focused more on melodies and relatable lyrics than hard-hitting social criticism. Common subjects include:\n\t* Love and heartbreak\n\t* Suburban angst\n\t* Rebellion against school, parents, etc. Joke-y and goofy lyrics\n\t* Growing up.\n2. Focus on a simple, catchy chorus before anything else. Pop music, no matter what subgenre, is about music that hooks the listener in. You want everyone singing or humming your chorus when the song is done. Keep it short, simple, and make sure it sounds great. Whistling the lyrics is a great way to hear the melody. Write lyrics so that they sound great even when you're just whistling. Green Day, Blink-182, Operation Ivy, and Rancid are great bands on their own, but it is their ability to write a catchy, radio-friendly chorus got them famous.\n3. Make verses short, matching the same length and rhyme scheme for each. The easiest way to write song lyrics is in rhyming couplets. Basically, you write one line, then write another line that rhymes with it. These lyrics need to flesh out your chorus and idea. If you're stuck with the verses, you might--\n\t* Tell a story (\"Timebomb\")\n\t* Describe related moments or images about a girl, life, school (\"Story of my Life.\"). Explore a theme or idea, using each verse to talk about a different aspect (\"Longview\").\n4. Consider adding a refrain or sing-along section. The sing-along, often little more than \"lalalas\" \"oooohhhs\" and \"ahhhhhhs,\" is a staple of pop-punk. Often used in the chorus or outro, a good sing-along section is key for a pop-punk section. You don't need one in every song, but even something as simple as \"nananana nanananana\" in \"All the Small Things\" is the difference between a good song and a hit.\n5. Get personal. Pop punk is personal medium. Your own worries, fears, and anger will fit right at home in the lyrics, so don't shy away from personal stories or opinions. Punk is known as an inclusive, do-it-yourself genre, so just be yourself. Even somewhat angsty, emo-type lyrics work well, as evidenced by Good Charlotte, Fall Out Boy, and Screeching Weasel. Feel free to get weird. The Lillingtons, for example, made their mark with sci-fi inspired songs. Feel free to be funny. Pop-punk has a long history of pranksters and joke songs, from the poppier NOFX songs to the self-awareness of The Steinways.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to measure a bottom bracket?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Remove the crankshaft\n\n1. Unscrew the bolt or nut in the middle of the crankshaft. Flip your bike upside down or put it on a bike stand. Inspect the crankshaft, which is the big gear on one side of your pedals, to find how the pedal is connected to the crank. Get a socket wrench or screwdriver that fits the nut or bolt. Unscrew this piece by turning your tool counterclockwise and set it aside.Tip: If the nut or bolt is embedded in the crank wheel, use a crank extractor tool to reach the nut or bolt. Insert it into the opening and wrap it around the nut or bolt. Then, use a wrench to turn the tool counterclockwise. You cannot access or measure a bottom bracket without moving the crankshaft. If you’re measuring a bracket that is not installed on a bike, feel free to skip this section. If there is a piece of plastic sitting on top of this nut or bolt, pop it off with a flathead screwdriver. This is the dust cap. Hold the pedal arm in place while doing this to keep it from turning.\n2. Screw the crank extractor tool into the bolt in the middle of the crankshaft. Under the first nut or bolt, there will be a bolt locking the crankshaft in place. Using the threaded side of your crank extractor tool, slide your crank extractor into the opening in the crankshaft and turn it clockwise to tighten it in the threading, if necessary. On some bikes, the crankshaft won’t have any threading for a crank extractor tool. On these bikes, you can simply push the crank extractor tool into the opening and wrap it around the bolt.\n3. Tighten the socket on the open end of the crank extractor tool. With the tool attached to the nut inside of the crankshaft, turn the socket at the end of the tool clockwise by hand. Once it won’t move any further, use a wrench to turn it. Hold the pedal in place to keep the crankshaft in place. Continue turning the socket until it won’t move any further. The socket should move closer towards the crankshaft as you turn it. If it doesn’t, you’re turning the socket the wrong way. Turning this socket effectively pulls the side of the crankshaft off of the axle.\n4. Slide the crankshaft off of the bottom bracket. Once the pedal in your hand feels loose, simply slide the crank wheel off of the bottom bracket. The crank extractor tool will still be attached to the crankshaft, so turn the socket counterclockwise to remove it. With the crankshaft off, repeat this process on the other side to remove the remaining pedal. If the shaft doesn’t slide off immediately, jiggle the crankshaft a little while pulling it out. Crankshafts can stick a little if they haven’t been removed in a long time.\n\n\n## Measure the bracket\n\n1. Measure the width of the bracket’s shell using calipers. Flip the bike over or set it on a bike stand if it isn’t already. Inspect the area near your bike’s crankshaft for a horizontal cylinder that connects to your pedals. This is the shell for your bottom bracket. Spread the jaws on your calipers out and slide them around the openings on each side of the shell. Slide the movable jaw on the calipers so that they’re flush against the 2 openings of the shell. Measure your width and write down.Tip: Bottom bracket measurements are kind of confusing. For bracket dimensions, the first number is always the width of the shell. The second number is always the length of the bracket itself from spindle to spindle. Bottom bracket measurements are always taken in millimeters. The most common sizes for the width of the shell are 68 mm and 73 mm. You can use a ruler instead of calipers if you prefer. It’s easier to get a precise measurement with calipers, though. To use your calipers, slide the jaws sticking out of the ruler until they’re flush against 2 surfaces. The number above the hash mark on the movable jaw is your measurement. You can do this with the bracket installed on the bike or measure the bracket separately. You still need to measure a bracket’s bike shell though—not the bracket itself—to determine whether a bracket will fit or not.\n2. Calculate the length of the bracket from spindle to spindle. Spread the jaws of your calipers out. Wrap them around the pegs that stick out of the middle of the bracket. Close the jaws so that they’re flush with each exterior edge on your pegs. Write this measurement down after the width. This is the overall length of your bottom bracket. The length typically ranges from 113-122 mm. If you’re replacing a bottom bracket, the length of your new bracket must match the length of your old bracket. If you’re replacing the bracket and the pedals though, your bottom bracket’s length must match the required bracket length of your new pedals. The spindles are the little pegs that stick out of the bottom bracket on both sides. You can do this with the bracket installed on the bike, or measure it separately. If your spindles aren’t circular and have flat sides on them, you have a square-tapered bracket. This is the most common fitting type for bottom brackets and is found on basically every bicycle that isn’t vintage or custom-made.\n3. Check the length from edge to edge if you don’t have spindles. Some bottom brackets don’t have spindles. These brackets are called thread-through brackets. For these brackets, use your calipers to measure from the exterior edge to exterior edge. These brackets are commonly found on custom bikes and newer models.\n4. Measure the inner diameter on the side of the bracket’s shell. Spread the jaws on your calipers and wrap them around the side of the shell where the bracket is exposed on either side. Tighten the calipers around the opening to measure the diameter. Write this number down and label it. If the inner shell diameter is 1.37 inches (35 mm), you have an English bracket. This is the most common type of bottom bracket. On a BMX bike, this measurement will typically be either 19 mm or 22 mm. This measurement will be the same on both sides; don’t bother checking the width on each side. The diameter of the bottom bracket itself is irrelevant since some bottom brackets don’t sit flush on the shell. If your shell is not on the bike, you cannot determine this size without reading the instructions for the bracket.\n5. Determine what kind of bracket tool you need to check the threading. To check the threading type, you’ll need to remove the bracket from the bike. Bottom bracket tools come in different sizes based on the cup holding it in place. To determine what size bottom bracket removal tool you need, count the number of notches on the outside rim of the bracket where the cup rests. The number of notches on the bracket will match the number of notches on your bottom bracket.\n6. Remove the bottom bracket using a removal tool or wrench, if necessary. Start on the bracket on the right. Slide the bottom bracket tool over the spindle and wrap a wrench around it. Turn the bracket tool counterclockwise until the cup holding the bracket in place comes out. Repeat this process by turning the bracket tool clockwise on the left. The bottom bracket will slide right out with the cups off. If the right side won’t loosen when you turn counterclockwise, you probably have an Italian bracket. Try turning clockwise instead. If there are no threading whatsoever, you have a press-fit bottom bracket. To remove these brackets, use an old crankshaft or the head of a hammer to gently push the bracket out of the shell. Always start on the drive side of the bracket. The drive side is always on the right of the bike when you’re sitting on it.\n7. Check the threading on the bracket to see what type you have. Some shells have threading for the bottom bracket while others do not. This means that the threading on your bottom bracket must match the threading on the shell. Inspect the direction of the threading on each end of the bracket. If both sides are installed by turning counterclockwise, you have an Italian bottom bracket. If the right-hand side is installed clockwise and the left-hand side is installed counterclockwise, you have an English bracket. If there is no threading in the shell, you have a thread-together bottom bracket and you do not need to worry about threading. The English and Italian brackets are found on the vast majority of bikes. A French bracket refers to an English bracket with smaller threading.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to write a confirmation letter?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are several different types of confirmation letters, each requiring a slightly different format. Basic confirmation letters written to confirm the details of a meeting, event, or other arrangements are typically brief and to the point. Employment confirmation letters usually include specific terms and conditions, so they may be longer. If you are called upon to write a letter for someone receiving the Catholic sacrament of Confirmation, your letter will be significantly more personal.\n\n## Confirm an employment offer\n\n1. Use business letter format on company letterhead. A formal business letter on company letterhead sets the appropriate tone and establishes the letter as official business communication. Set a standard font and margins, typing the body of the letter in block-paragraph style – single-spaced, with a double-space between paragraphs. Avoid using any abbreviations when you type addresses in formal business letters. For example, instead of typing \"123 Main St.,\" you would type \"123 Main Street.\" If your letterhead includes the address for your business, you can typically eliminate the address block for yourself.Tip: Government and small business agencies may have templates you can download for free that cover all the legal requirements for a formal offer of employment letter.\n2. List the job title, salary, and start date. Begin your letter with an enthusiastic tone, welcoming the recipient to the company in their new capacity. You might also include a brief summary of the recipient's job duties unless the job title makes them obvious. For example, you might write: \"On behalf of Bob Builders, Inc., I am pleased to offer you the position of Secretary at a salary of $28,500 a year. Your first day will be January 22, 2019.\"\n3. Summarize the terms and conditions of the offer. If there are any limitations to your offer they should be clearly stated. Additionally, if the offer is contingent on anything, those contingencies should be stated up front. For example, the offer may be contingent on a clean background check, or a clean drug test. This section may also include any documents the new employee needs to sign, such as a confidentiality agreement or a non-compete agreement. If you include any contingencies, provide the new employee with a deadline by which those things need to be completed. If you're only asking for documents to be signed, you might state that those documents can be signed on the new employee's first day.\n4. Provide details about any benefits your company offers. If your company offers health insurance, retirement benefits, educational assistance, paid time off, or other benefits, list those briefly. Let the new employee know when they will be eligible for those benefits, and how they can find out more information about them. Some employers start benefits at day one, but most require employees to work 60 or 90 days before they become eligible for benefits.Tip: While an employment confirmation letter may end up being more than one page, try to make it no longer than two pages. Remove details that the recipient can find on other documents they receive.\n5. Close by thanking the recipient. Let the recipient know that you're grateful for their interest in your company and that you're glad they're coming to work with you. Communicate your excitement or enthusiasm for having the new employee join your team. For example, you might say \"Thank you so much for your interest in our mission here at Bob Builders, Inc. We're excited to bring you on board and look forward to your contributions.\" Use a formal closing immediately before your signature, such as \"Sincerely\" or \"Sincerely yours.\"\n6. Include your job title under your name. The business letter template provides 4 blank lines for your signature after the formal closing. Under that space, type your first and last name. Under your name, type your job title and the name of the company. For example, you might type \"Director of Operations, Bob Builders, Inc.\"\n7. Proofread your letter carefully. Make sure your letter is free of any typos and spelling or grammatical errors. You may also want someone from human resources to read over the letter and verify that all the content is correct. Double-check numbers in particular. It's easy to transpose digits by mistake, and this can lead to a huge misunderstanding. These types of mistakes could also have legal consequences.\n8. Print and sign your letter for mailing. Your letter will look more professional if printed on quality paper. Even if you send an email confirmation, mail an official signed copy as well. Sign the letter in the space provided, using blue or blank ink. Include any credentials, such as \"CPA\" or \"JD,\" if appropriate. Mail the letter promptly, so that your new employee will receive it well before their planned start date.Tip: It also looks more professional to type the envelope. Most word-processing apps have templates you can use to place the addresses correctly on the envelope.\n\n\n## Write a catholic confirmation letter\n\n1. Start with a statement about the importance of confirmation. The sacrament of Confirmation deepens baptismal grace, strengthening the bond between the confirmand and the Church. Address the confirmand personally, and congratulate them for taking this step and receiving this sacrament. For example, you might say \"As you prepare to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, I am honored to support you as you take this important step to deepen your bond with Christ and the Church.\" Use words and phrases from the Catholic Catechism to stress the importance of this step in the confirmand's journey of faith.\n2. Discuss your relationship with the recipient. Use shared memories and experiences to encourage and build up the confirmand. Supplement your stories with verses from Scripture or other sources. Choose stories or events that demonstrate your love for the recipient and their journey in the faith. For example, you might discuss memories of when the recipient was baptized. Questions the recipient may have asked you about the Church or about your faith are also good jumping-off points for reflection. Don't worry about making this long or overly detailed. Brevity can also be powerful.Tip: It may help to outline your letter before you start writing it. Be prepared to go through several drafts to get it right.\n3. Include encouraging or inspirational quotes from Scripture. Use quotes to further express the meaning of the sacrament and the teachings of the Church. You can search online or use the Bible's concordance to find quotes that resonate with you. For example, you might try \"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.\" (Proverbs 18:10). Another encouraging quote is \"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.\" (Jeremiah 29:11). You might also try \"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.\" (Philippians 4:13).\n4. Assure the recipient that they have your support. Close your letter by letting the recipient know that you support them on their journey and are praying for them. Thank the recipient for being in your life and bringing you love and joy. For example, you might write \"I am extremely proud of you, and all the blessings you have brought to my life. I am honored to be your Confirmation sponsor, and pray that you will continue to grow in faith, hope, and charity. \"Variation: If you know the recipient's confirmation name, you might close your letter with a prayer to that saint.\n5. Write your final letter by hand to make it more personal. Formal letters are typically typed. However, a handwritten confirmation letter feels more personal and authentic, as though it came straight from the heart. This can be a great touch to add. If you're going to write your letter by hand, go slowly. Write as neatly as possible, and make sure you aren't introducing any errors. It can help to type your letter out first and then copy it.\n\n\n## Draft other formal confirmation letter\n\n1. Type your letter in formal business letter format. A formal business letter communicates that you are serious and sets the proper tone for your letter. Most word processing apps include a business letter template that you can use to type your confirmation letter. Use a standard font, such as Times New Roman or Arial. In a legal sense, a confirmation letter also may be used to create a record of an agreement made orally. The formal business letter format is appropriate, as these letters may be used as evidence in court. Because confirmation letters are typically extremely brief, you may find that your letter only has a single paragraph. It should never be longer than a page.\n2. Use an appropriate salutation. Typically you'll start the salutation line with the word \"dear,\" followed by \"Mr.\" or \"Ms.\" and the first and last name of the recipient of the letter. Place a colon at the end of the person's name to start the letter. If the person is a doctor, use \"Dr.\"\n\t* If you don't know the recipient's gender identity, simply use their first and last name. Don't use the abbreviation \"Mrs.\" unless you know the recipient is a married woman who prefers that title.\n3. Confirm the specific arrangement made. There's no reason for any extended introduction or pleasantries in a confirmation letter. Get straight to the point of the event or arrangement you're confirming. This will likely include dates, times, and locations. For example, you might start the letter \"This letter is to confirm\" or \"I am writing to confirm,\" followed by the information you're confirming. If you're writing to confirm receipt of something, you can start your letter \"I am pleased to confirm,\" or \"I was pleased to receive,\" followed by a list of the specific items you received.Err on the side of formality. You can be more personable when confirming a personal arrangement made with someone you know well. But generally, keep your tone formal and professional.\n4. Include any other important information. Other details may include the names and roles of other people involved, specific tasks, conditions of the arrangement, or monetary agreements. Repeat any terms or conditions that were part of the agreement to clarify what is expected. For example, if you're writing to confirm that the recipient will volunteer at a nonprofit event, you might want to include the day, time, and location of the event, as well as specific acts the volunteer will be expected to perform.\n5. Ask for a follow-up if needed. Towards the end of your letter, let the recipient know if you need them to contact you and provide additional information. If your confirmation included a request or an assignment of responsibilities, ask them to confirm their agreement on those terms. Even if you don't have anything specific for the person to contact you about, it's usually a good idea to include a line with your preferred method of communication and let them know that they can contact you if they have any further questions. For example, you might write \"If you have any questions or comments, you can reach me at (999) 444-1212.\"\n6. Thank the recipient. Start a new paragraph and add a line thanking the recipient for joining you in the arrangement or agreeing with you on the terms, whatever is appropriate to the subject of the letter. For example, if you are confirming someone's agreement to volunteer at a nonprofit event, you might say \"Thank you so much for your commitment to our cause. We are grateful for all of your effort.\" Make a statement of your enthusiasm, if appropriate. For example, if you are writing to confirm a job interview, you might say \"I appreciate the opportunity\" or \"I look forward to talking to you.\"\n7. Edit and proofread your letter before printing. Your confirmation letter won't be taken seriously if it includes typos or grammatical errors. In addition to proofreading, make sure your writing is as clear and concise as it can be. Reading your letter aloud can help you pick up on places where your writing could be simpler and more direct, as well as making it easier to notice mistakes. Edit out legalese or other industry jargon. Be clear and direct about what you're confirming.\n8. Print your letter on quality paper. Once you're confident your letter is error-free, print it on a premium, stationery paper. You can buy small quantities of this type of paper in office supply stores or online. If you're sending the letter in your capacity as an employee or representative of a business or organization, use the letterhead of that business or organization. However, if you're writing to confirm a personal matter, don't use the business letterhead – even if you own the business. Most word processing apps have templates you can use to create your own personal letterhead if you want your letter to look a little more polished.\n9. Sign the letter using blue or black ink. After you've printed the letter, sign it neatly in the space you provided over your typed name. Try to keep your signature professional and reasonably legible, without being excessively stylistic. Sign your first and last name exactly as it is typed. It's typically not appropriate to use a nickname or abbreviation when signing a confirmation letter.\n10. Send your letter to the recipient promptly. Try to get your letter in the mail the same day you sign it. You won't make a good impression if the date of your letter is several days before the date of the postmark. If the letter is confirming something that could possibly have legal significance, make a copy of the confirmation letter for your own records before you mail it.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to go to amarnath temple?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Plan and prepare for the trip\n\n1. Plan to visit between June and August. Since snow and ice usually cover the cave temple, you won’t be able to access it during the cold winter and spring months. Wait until mid-June or July to plan your trip to the Amarnath Temple. Usually, the cave stays open through the first 1–2 weeks of August before it closes due to the terrain getting too difficult for travel. The actual dates when you can travel to the temple are chosen by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and it varies depending on the weather and how clear the trails are. You will not be able to reach the Amarnath Temple at any other time of the year.\n2. Get a Compulsory Health Certificate by a doctor approved by the SASB. Look at the list of approved doctors on the SASB website and schedule an appointment to see one. Bring the Compulsory Health Certificate from the site with you and fill out the self-assessment on top. Allow your doctor to run any tests to check if you’re fit for traveling to the Amarnath Temple. If they approve you for traveling, then you’ll be able to make the journey.You can find the Compulsory Health Certificate for 2020 here: http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com/Yatra2019/CHC%20form%20for%20Yatra%20-%202020.pdf. The certificate you need changes each year, so make sure you’re using the proper one. Since the Amarnath Temple is 4,000 metres (2.5 mi) above sea level, it’s possible to get altitude sickness if you aren’t fit enough for the trip.Warning: You will not be allowed to go to Amarnath Temple if you are under 13, over 75, or more than 6 weeks pregnant.\n3. Submit a registration form online to the SASB. Select the date you want to travel to the temple on the calendar at the top of the page. Fill out the personal details on the registration form completely, including your name, birthday, phone number, and address. Then, list the clinic and doctor that completed your Compulsory Health Certificate. Upload a photograph of yourself and a scanned copy of the certificate before submitting the registration form.You can find the online registration form here: http://jksasb.nic.in/register.aspx. If you are accepted to travel to the temple, you will receive a text or email message about how to pay the 50 INR ($0.70 USD) fee. When you receive a permit, you must keep a copy on you at all times during your trip.\n4. Start taking 4–5 km (2.5–3.1 mi) walks 1 month prior to your trip. Start building up your endurance at least 1–2 months before your scheduled date of departure. Try to take the walks in the early morning or evening so you can get used to breathing in cool air. Continue taking walks each day up until you leave so you don’t get exhausted while you hike to the temple.You can also practice deep breathing exercises and yoga so you’re able to improve your oxygen efficiency. This will help you breathe easier when you’re at a higher altitude since there isn’t as much oxygen in the air.\n5. Pack warm clothes, waterproof shoes, a water bottle, and a walking stick. Only bring a lightweight, waterproof bag so you don’t get exhausted while you’re trekking to the temple. Opt for wool clothes that are waterproof so you stay warm. Make sure you use waterproof trekking shoes and a walking stick so you’re easily able to traverse more difficult terrain. Since you'll be active, opt for a reusable water bottle as well.Other things you may need for your trip include an umbrella, flashlight, hat, gloves, and a raincoat. The weather can be unpredictable and temperatures may dip below 5 °C (41 °F) during the night. You don’t have to bring tents or sleeping bags since there will be sites where you can spend the night.\n\n\n## Get to the temple\n\n1. Choose the Pahalgam route for an easier trek that lasts 3–5 days total. Select Pahalgam as your starting point if you want to follow the traditional pilgrimage route to the temple. While the trip does take longer to complete, it doesn’t have any steep slopes that are difficult to climb, and you can ride or use ponies during most of the ascent. You will hike about 48 kilometres (30 mi) if you go from Pahalgam to the Amarnath Temple. You don’t have to pay any additional fees to take the Pahalgam route.\n2. Pick the Baltal route for a steep climb that only takes 1–2 days round trip. If you’re an experienced climber or you feel like making the trip within a shorter amount of time, opt to start in Baltal, which is just north of the temple. Though the route from Baltal is much steeper than the path from Pahalgam, you can make the round-trip journey within a day.Plan to hike about 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) using the Baltal route. If you’re too tired to descend back to Baltal, you can opt to stay at a camp at the top overnight before leaving the next day. There are no other fees to take the Baltal route.Warning: Ponies are not allowed on the Baltal route since it’s too steep, so you will have to walk the entire way.\n3. Fly into Srinagar to get the closest to either base camp. Look for flights that come into the Srinagar International Airport, since it’s only 2–3 hours from both Pahalgam and Baltalhead. Try to schedule your flight into the airport 1–2 days before the date you’re scheduled to go to Amarnath Temple so you have time to travel.You can also fly or take a train to Jammu, but you’ll need to drive or take a bus further to to the base camps.\n4. Take a bus or taxi to the base camp you selected. Look for a bus or taxi service that runs from Srinagar to either Pahalgam or Baltal, depending on which route you plan on traveling. Typically, your ride will only last around 2–3 hours, but it may take longer depending on the road conditions.If you have a vehicle, you can also drive yourself to the base camps. Usually, there is some on-site parking, but it may be busy due to the number of travelers for the pilgrimage.\n5. Hire a helicopter tour if you don’t want to hike all the way to the temple. Helicopters fly out from both Pahalgam and Baltal, so you can reserve them for either base camp. Choose the date that you want to travel to the temple and reserve your spot. Arrive at the helicopter port on your scheduled day and take it up toward the temple. The helicopter will be able to take you as close as 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) away, but you will need to hike the rest of the way.Typically, a helicopter tour will cost around 3,600 INR ($50 USD) for a round trip.\n\n\n## Trek to the cave\n\n1. Carry your belongings in a waterproof bag. Store your clothes and everything you’ve brought with you in a waterproof bag or backpack so they don’t get wet. Use a bag that fits tightly on your shoulders and back so it doesn’t cause any strain while you climb up to the temple. Make sure you zip the bag at all times so water doesn’t leak inside or get your things wet. Weather can be unpredictable during your ascent, so it may snow or rain while you’re climbing to the temple.\n2. Stop at tea stalls or small restaurant huts for meals and drinks. Look for small huts or stands along the route to the temple to see what kind of food and drinks they offer. Pay for the rations and enjoy them at one of the camps along the route. Otherwise, save non-perishable food in your bag so you can have it later during your trek.Some stalls may charge for food while others volunteer and provide meals for free.Tip: Always carry some back-up snacks, such as dried fruits or nuts, with you so you can eat as you get hungry.\n3. Protect your skin with sunscreen or petroleum jelly. Keep a bottle of sunscreen or petroleum jelly in your bag so you have access to it whenever you need it. Apply it to your exposed skin and rub it in until it’s clear so it can absorb fully. After 2 hours, put on another layer so you stay protected from the sun.Petroleum jelly can also help keep your skin from drying out due to the cold, dry air.\n4. Rest at the camps set up along the route. Look for tents and huts along the route where you’re able to rest for the night during your trip. Pay for tent rental and take time to relax so you don’t feel too exhausted when you reach the shrine. Make sure your clothes aren’t wet before you fall asleep so you don’t get cold at night.If you’re shivering, slurring speech, experiencing blurry vision, or feeling nauseous, you may be experiencing altitude sickness. Rest as soon as possible and avoid climbing any higher.\n5. Pray to Shiva at the ice lingam when you reach the holy shrine. When you reach the Amarnath Temple, take off your shoes and enter the cave to see the ice lingam, which is a tall column of ice that’s considered holy. Say a prayer to Shiva while you’re next to the lingam before exiting the shrine.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to flip someone off with style?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Flipping someone off is a classic nonverbal signal for showing anger and frustration toward a person. You might \"flip the bird\" to someone who has cut you off, insulted you, or otherwise provoked your ire. At its simplest, flipping someone off is just pointedly displaying your middle finger in their direction. More advanced techniques take on an element of comedy or performance art. Remember: when you flip someone off, you are calling him or her out – so use with caution, or be prepared for the consequences!\n\n## Basic flip-off move\n\n1. Give someone the finger. There is a simple straightforwardness to the classic \"flip-off.\" Turn the back of your fist toward someone, as though you are shaking a fist at them. Then, extend your middle finger. Hold the pose and look the person in the eye. This is a quick and easy way to get the point across. Wave your finger around for emphasis. Hold it out firmly and emphatically to make sure that you get the point across.\n2. Try using both hands. For added effect, whip out the \"double-finger\" flip-off. Flip the person off with both middle fingers at the same to show them that you are unusually angry. Do \"the X\": cross your middle fingers into an \"X,\" and then hold them against your chest facing the offender.\n3. Switch fingers. For a somewhat more dynamic insult, flash your left and right middle fingers at the person in rapid succession. Alternately, keep both middle fingers extended and wave them around for emphasis.\n\n\n## Discreet flip-off move\n\n1. Act like you are itching your nose. Reach up to your face as though you are going to itch your nose or your face. Look in the direction of the person that you want to flip off. Then, use your middle finger to scratch your nose while staring pointedly. The person that you are flipping off might not notice this move. However, it might give other onlookers a laugh.\n2. Flip the person off behind their back. You might feel a bit better simply by releasing your anger somehow, even if the person in question doesn't actually see you. Consider whether you want to provoke a confrontation, or just get your feelings out.\n\n\n## Theatrical flip-off move\n\n1. Do the \"jack-in-the-box\" flip-off. Hold your fist out in front of you, knuckles facing the offender – but do not raise your middle finger yet. Then, make a fist with the other hand, and crank it in circles next to the first hand as though you are winding up an old-timey jack-in-the-box toy. As you crank, hum \"Pop Goes the Weasel,\" the tune traditionally associated with jack-in-the-boxes. Hum and crank faster and faster as you approach the end of the tune. Then, at the final \"Pop\" of the \"Pop Goes the Weasel\" tune, extend your middle finger as though it is the jack popping out of the box. Finish humming the tune while flipping the person off. Make sure that you have the person's undivided attention. This move takes a bit of time to pull off, and you want to make sure to get the full effect.\n2. Practice \"the balloon.\" Hold your fist in front of your face and put the tip of your thumb in your mouth. Act as though you are blowing up a balloon: \"blow\" into your thumb, and slowly extend all of your fingers as though your breath is inflating them. Then, hold you middle finger of the \"balloon hand\" with your other hand, and move the thumb away from your mouth. Slowly close the other fingers on your \"balloon hand\" until only your middle finger is left pointing at the person whom you want to flip off.\n3. Pretend to \"find\" your middle finger. Act as though you are looking for something: in your pocket, or between the couch cushions, or in a desk drawer. Make sure that you get the person's attention. Then, make a show of being relieved that you have found the thing you're looking for. Turn to show the person what you found: and flip them off! Alternately, lean down in front of the person as though you are picking something up off of the ground. Come up flashing your middle finger, and say, \"Did you drop this?\"\n4. Try \"the trumpet.\" Blow on your thumb while pretending to play the trumpet, and flail your fingers as though you are hitting the valves. Periodically hold up only your middle finger. Add some musical effects for style!\n5. Try the \"double extreme.\" Extend the middle fingers of both hands. Then, bring your arms behind your back and through your legs. You should have both middle fingers clearly presented. Note: only people with long arms can pull this off.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make banana muffins?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Banana muffins are healthy, fast and a great way to use up those fast deteriorating overripe bananas. Remember that one of the tricks to successful muffins is to not overmix the mixture.\n\n## Banana muffins\n\n1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF/190ºC. Prepare a muffin pan (by greasing, only if needed).\n2. Cream the butter and sugar.\n3. Add the syrup, egg and mashed banana to the creamed mixture.\n4. Mix just enough to combine. Add the flour and fold in.\n5. Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin pan. Distribute the batter evenly in each hole of the pan.\n6. Place in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.\n7. Remove from the heat. Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.\n8. Serve warm or cooled. Consume within a day or two of baking.\n\n\n## Banana muffins with cinnamon\n\n1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC. If you need grease the muffin pan do so, or add paper cases for the muffins.\n2. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt to a flour sifter. Sift into a mixing bowl and put to one side.\n3. Place the mashed bananas into a mixing bowl. Add the sugar, egg and melted butter. Fold in the sifted flour mixture from the other bowl. Mix until smooth but don’t overmix.\n4. Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin pan. Divide evenly across the pan.\n5. Place in the oven. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes if medium to large muffins, or 10 to 15 minutes if making mini muffins.\n6. Remove from the heat. Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling.\n7. Serve warm or cooled. Consume within a day or two.\n\n\n## Banana nutella muffins\n\n1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Prepare the muffin pan by greasing or lining it (using muffin cases).\n2. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt into a mixing bowl. Add the sugar. Stir to combine.\n3. In another bowl, mix the mashed bananas, yogurt, eggs, butter and vanilla together.\n4. Fold the flour mixture into the wet mixture. Mix quickly until combined. Fold in the hazelnuts.\n5. Transfer the batter to the prepared muffin pan. Divide the batter evenly across the muffin pan holes.\n6. Add a teaspoon of Nutella atop each muffin. Using a toothpick, swirl the Nutella across the top.\n7. Place in the oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden.\n8. Remove from the the oven. Allow to cool briefly in the pan, then remove and cool completely.\n9. Serve warm or cooled.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to be creative when playing with your barbies?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are endless fun possibilities when it comes to playing with Barbies. If you need ideas for activities, consider doing things like creating a beach for Barbie, pretending she's a doctor to help sick patients, or hosting a fashion show to show off all of her clothing. You can also create things for Barbie, such as furniture to go in her house or new clothing for her to wear.\n\n## Do activities with barbie\n\n1. Create your own Barbie mansion to play house with Barbie. If you bought a playhouse just for Barbie, great! If not, empty a bookshelf or stack empty boxes on top of one another on their sides to create your own. You can fill it with furniture and have Barbie decorate her home, use her kitchen, lounge in her bedroom, or chat with friends in her living room. Have Barbie throw a dinner party in her home, inviting other dolls and eating great food. Barbie could host a sleepover at her house and watch a funny movie.\n2. Turn Barbie into a doctor to have her help patients. Pretend that Barbie is a doctor or nurse and create an office for her to see sick patients. Use other dolls or toys to be the sick patients, and have Barbie check their throat, ears, nose, temperature, and breathing to see if she can help them get better. Pretend Barbie is a surgeon and is operating on another doll to save its life, or have Barbie fix up another doll’s broken arm or ankle.\n3. Take Barbie to the beach by playing in a sandy spot. Use an outdoor sandbox, sandy section of your yard, or build your own beach by pouring sand into a plastic tub indoors. Let Barbie relax on a towel under a beach umbrella in the sand while she reads a book or talks to a friend. Use a piece of fabric or a washcloth as Barbie’s beach towel. Put Barbie in her bathing suit so she can soak up some sun. Create a beach umbrella using a decorative drink umbrella, or by cutting an umbrella shape out of paper and sticking a toothpick or pencil through the middle. Add a small tub of water next to the sand to create an “ocean.”\n4. Send Barbie to the hair salon to fix up her hair. To smooth out any tangles in Barbie’s hair, dip her hair in a mixture of fabric softener and water and then use a brush to brush out the tangles. Curl Barbie’s hair using pipe cleaners and hot water, or dye her hair with food coloring mixed with water. To curl Barbie’s hair, take small sections of her hair and roll each section up on a small piece of pipe cleaner, just as you would real hair curlers. Dip her hair in hot water and let it dry. Mix a drop or 2 of food coloring in a bowl of water before dipping Barbie’s hair into the colored water. This works best if Barbie has blonde hair.\n5. Let Barbie be a teacher to teach other dolls new things. Set up a school room with rows of chairs and desks for the doll students to sit and learn, and have Barbie write lessons on a chalkboard to teach everyone things like math, science, or foreign languages. You can even create small books for everyone to read and learn from! Barbie doesn’t just have to be a school teacher - have her teach other dolls how to ride a horse, how to make a cake, or how to swim. Tape a piece of paper up on the wall to use as the chalkboard. Make books by cutting paper into sections that are roughly 1 in (2.5 cm) wide and 2 in (5.1 cm) long. Fold these sections in half and add a staple right on the folded line.\n6. Have Barbie star in her own movie using a video camera or phone. This could be an action movie where Barbie is involved in a high-speed car chase, a romantic movie where Barbie falls in love with someone, or any other genre that you like. Use a phone or video camera to film each scene so you can watch it later on. Plan out each scene before filming, such as which props you’ll need and what Barbie will say. Ask friends or family members to help you shoot the movie so that you can have more characters in it. For example, you could film the movie outside and pretend that Barbie is stuck on an island and needs to be rescued.\n7. Take Barbie on a road trip if she has her own car. Pack up Barbie’s car with snacks, clothing, and any other gear she’ll need for a road trip, or use your imagination and use a cardboard box as her car. Have Barbie travel from room to room, meeting new people and trying new things. Barbie could also travel by plane, bus, boat, bicycle, or train. For example, you could pretend that each room in your house is a different country, and Barbie takes a plane to France, Greece, and Japan to try out their food. Take Barbie on a road trip to go shopping, hear music, or experience a festival.\n8. Create a pool for Barbie using a sink or plastic container. Fill a bowl or plastic container with water and dress Barbie up in her swimsuit so that she can go swimming. Make sure Barbie is able to get wet before dipping her in the water, especially if she has a special hairdo. Have Barbie throw a pool party and invite her friends. Play music, have Barbie sit on a pool towel next to the pool, or let her practice doing fun dives into the water.\n9. Put on a fashion show using Barbie’s clothing. Dress Barbie in fancy dresses, businesswoman attire, lounge wear, or in crazy costumes. Use the clothing you already have for Barbie, or create new clothing using materials around your house such as balloons, pieces of fabric, or old socks. Play music while putting on the fashion show so that Barbie can strut down the runway. For example, dress Barbie up like a princess, astronaut, ballerina, basketball player, or celebrity.\n\n\n## Make clothe and furniture for barbie\n\n1. Cut up balloons to make clothing for Barbie. Cut both ends of the balloon off using scissors to create a skirt or strapless dress, or design more detailed shirts and dresses by cutting arm holes into the balloon. Slide the balloon up over Barbie’s body starting at her feet once you’re done. The balloon should be deflated to use it as clothing.\n2. Create a dress out of a piece of fabric. Look around the house to find spare pieces of fabric used for sewing or projects. To make a super simple dress, cut a circle out of the fabric with a diameter of about 1 foot (30 cm). Cut a small hole for Barbie’s head right in the middle, and then 2 arm holes on either side. Slide the dress over Barbie’s head and use a ribbon or piece of string to tie it at the waist. Make sure the main hole in Barbie’s dress is big enough for her head to fit through. Design more complicated pieces of clothing, such as pants or long-sleeve shirts, if desired.\n3. Cover sponges in fabric to create a comfy couch. Find pieces of fabric for sewing or crafts around the house and cut them into squares large enough to fit over the sponge, leaving 1 in (2.5 cm) of extra fabric on each side. You can either sew the fabric to create a cover for the sponge, or you can glue the fabric onto the sponge. Do this with at least 2 sponges and then place one flat on the ground with the other up against a wall as a backrest. For a super comfy couch, make the seat of the couch out of 2 sponges stacked on top of one another. To create a long sectional, use 4-6 sponges to form the couch.\n4. Stack empty matchboxes on top of one another to form drawers. You can color, paint, or cover the outside of the matchboxes with paper beforehand, if desired. Place the matchboxes on top of one another, adding drops of glue in between each layer to keep them all in place. Place Barbie’s things, such as her hairbrush, phone, mirror, or books, in the drawers. If you only have one matchbox, prop the matchbox up on something like a piece of cardboard or paper clips and turn it into a one-drawer nightstand. Cover the new drawers with stickers, glitter, or pictures.\n5. Turn a shoebox into a bed for Barbie. Find an old shoebox from your closet, garage, or other storage spot and empty it out. Place a washcloth or small blanket inside, as well as something that will be used as a pillow. Now Barbie has a bed ready for sleeping! Create a pillow by stuffing a piece of fabric or a cloth bag with tissues or stuffing. Decorate the sides of the bed using markers, pencils, or paint.\n6. Tie ribbon onto a small hair band to make a tutu for Barbie. Find an extra hair tie and ribbon that you like. Cut the ribbon into 6 in (15 cm) sections, and then tie the ribbon onto the hair tie so that the middle of the ribbon is where the knot is. Do this all the way around the hair tie to create a fun tutu. Use different colored or patterned ribbon to make the tutu super colorful. If your hair tie is too big and won’t fit Barbie, find a rubber band and cut it before tying a new knot to make it the perfect size.\n7. Design chairs using cardboard and paper clips. Use scissors to cut cardboard into strips that are at least 3 in (7.6 cm) wide. By bending these strips of cardboard, you can create simple chairs or chaise lounges. If you want the chair to stand up off the ground, bend paper clips to form chair ends and use glue or tape to attach them to the bottom of the chairs. Fold a 6 in (15 cm) long piece of cardboard in half to create a simple chair. Fold a 9 in (23 cm) long piece of cardboard into thirds to form a chaise lounge.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to get a free room upgrade in las vegas?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Las Vegas is home to high rollers, high stakes, and high hotel rates. In Vegas, the land of risk and reward, it is possible to lodge in style at a discounted rate. With a little finesse and a willing hotel clerk, you can upgrade your generic room to a swanky suite for free.\n\n## Book your room\n\n1. Visit Vegas at the right time. The dates of your visit to Vegas may increase your chances of receiving a free room upgrade. Travel experts, however, have conflicting opinions on the “right time” to visit Vegas. Visit during a period of low occupancy. According to some travel experts, if you want a free upgrade, reserve a room during a period of low-occupancy. For example, if the hotel is known to host businessmen and women during the week, book a stay on a weekend when there will be more suites available. Visit during a conference or event. Other travel experts insist that you are more likely to receive a free upgrade when all of the basic rooms are booked. This typically occurs during a conference or an event. Hotels may offer you a free upgrade to prevent you from switching hotels and to open up a less expensive room for a conference or event goer.\n2. Choose the right hotel. Some Vegas hotels and casinos are more likely to offer free upgrades than others. Before booking a hotel, conduct a quick search to determine which Vegas hotels and casinos are most likely to upgrade your room. You may wish to quickly survey friends, family, and contacts on social media. New hotels may be more likely to upgrade your room because they want a positive review.\n3. Book directly with the hotel. Hotel clerks are aware when you have reserved a room through a third party website. While booking through these sites may guarantee a better rate, it may also result in you being placed in a sub-par room with little chance of receiving a complimentary upgrade. Clerks are more willing to reward customers that book directly with the hotel. If you see a lower rate on a third party site, call the hotel and ask if they will match it.\n4. Book a more expensive room. In order to receive a free room upgrade, consider spending a little more money on the initial reservation. When a guest books a mid-range room over a basic room, the hotel makes more money. The customer staying in the more expensive room automatically becomes more valuable than a customer staying in a basic room. As a result, hotel clerks are more receptive to the needs and requests of a customer that has booked a more expensive room.\n5. Pay with the right credit card. When you book with certain credit cards, such as American Express, you may be automatically eligible to receive a free upgrade. This perk is typically only available to centurion or platinum cardholders. If you belong to a lower card holding class, however, it never hurts to ask if you qualify for a free room upgrade. If you are unsure of the perks offered by your credit card company, call a representative for clarification, conduct a quick internet search, or read through your welcome packet information.\n\n\n## Tip at check-in\n\n1. Check-in at a later time. Throughout the day, hotels gain a better understanding of their occupancy levels and available rooms for that evening and the days immediately following. You are more likely to benefit from this information, if you check-in at a later time. Arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon to evening.\n2. Prepare your tip. Prior to approaching the front desk, discretely prepare your tip. Fold your bill in half neatly. Insert the bill between your credit card and ID. The amount you tip is entirely your choice. Most people will slip clerks at least a twenty dollar bill.\n3. Observe the front desk attendants. Once you arrive (preferably late), take a moment to observe the hotel clerks. Identify a clerk that looks confident, competent, and not in charge. Once you have selected the clerk you want to assist you, approach him or her at the desk. If the clerk you have selected is not immediately available, allow a guest to go in front of you. Do not ask while other guests are around.\n4. Ask for what you want. When requesting a free upgrade, specificity and the word “complimentary” are key. If you do not ask for what you want, you may just end up with a room on a higher floor; if you leave out the word “complimentary,” the clerk may assume that you are willing to pay for the upgrade. After providing the clerk with your name, smile and slide your cards and tip across the desk. Tell the clerk that you are really interested in checking out a specific suite. Ask “if there are any available complimentary upgrades?”\n5. Thank the clerk. No matter the outcome, always treat the clerk politely. If the clerk upgrades your room, smile and thank them profusely. If the clerk does not upgrade your room, don’t berate them. Instead, smile and thank them for their time and effort. If the clerk can upgrade your room, they will do so. If the clerk cannot upgrade your room, they should return your tip. You may choose to take back the bill or leave it with the clerk. Hotels are more inclined to help and reward guests that are nice, generous, and polite. From the moment you make your reservation, treat every member of the staff with respect. Any staff member, from the bellboy to the manager, could make your complimentary room upgrade possible.\n\n\n## Explore alternative methods\n\n1. Ask for a complimentary upgrade. When you simply ask for an upgrade, instead of discretely slipping the clerk a tip, you are taking a minimal risk that could result in major rewards. While checking in, nicely ask the clerk if there are any complimentary upgrades available. If there are, the clerk may be inclined to grant your request. If they can’t offer you an official upgrade, they may transfer you to a room of a same rate that has a better view or is in a better location. If there are no free upgrades, ask how much it would cost to improve your room. The clerk may provide you with a discounted rate if they know you are willing to pay. Do not ask while other guests are around.\n2. Take advantage of a special occasion. When hotels learn that a guest has chosen to celebrate a special event at their establishment, they are honored. Special occasions provide them with a chance to show off. They will strive to make your stay special and memorable. When booking the room, mention that while you are there you will celebrate a special occasion, such as an anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon. While checking in, subtly mention that you are there for a special occasion. The clerk may then choose to upgrade your room or at the very least provide you with a surprise, such as champagne and chocolates.\n3. Be loyal to the hotel chain. Loyal hotel guests receive special treatment. Joining the hotel’s loyalty program may help you distinguish yourself as a loyal guest. You will also rack up reward points that could lead to a free upgrade or even a free stay.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to react if you see a suicidal post on facebook?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Respond on facebook\n\n1. Comment and encourage the person to seek help. Many people ignore suicidal social media posts for various reasons. However, social media suicide threats should be considered as serious as any other suicide threat. You may want to reply back to the person or send them a private message where you encourage them to seek help. Consider sending them the numbers to a suicide hotline to talk with a trained suicide counselor. Two suicide hotline numbers you can give them are 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Suicide.org provides suicide hotlines broken down by state, and also provides international numbers. They also give numbers for Spanish speaking hotlines, and hotlines geared towards specific groups, such as LGBT youth and military veterans.\n2. Report the post. When you see a suicide status update on Facebook, you have the option to report the post. When you report the post, it alerts Facebook that the poster may need help. Facebook then sends the person a message asking them if they would like to talk to someone (like a helpline worker) or be sent some tips to help them work through the problem. Reporting the post is anonymous, so the poster won’t know you reported them. To find the “Report Post” link, look for the arrow in the top right of the status box. When you hit the arrow, it should give you the option to “Report Post.”\n3. Use Facebook’s “Report Suicidal Content” option. When you see a suicidal message on Facebook, you can report them directly to Facebook. This option is different than simple reporting the post. You find the \"report suicidal content\" page in Facebook's help section and provide information directly to Facebook. You will need to provide the person’s name, the link to their profile, a link to the suicidal content, and a screenshot of the post.\n\n\n## Help the person\n\n1. Contact the person’s family and friends. If you see a suicide threat but are not close enough to the person to contact them yourself, reach out to the person’s family or friends. They may not be aware of the post. Let them know what you saw on Facebook and that you are worried about the poster. The person’s family and friends may be able to reach the person better than you can. They may be aware of a suicide plan already in place that you don’t know about. For example, you may say, \"I saw a post on Jane's Facebook page where she threatened to commit suicide. I am concerned about her and wasn't sure if you knew about this post.\"\n2. Reach out to the person. You may want to reach out to the person and offer support. Start off by offering to listen to the person. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?” and “What has led you to feel this way?” Listen as the person shares their feelings with you. Comfort the person. Be kind, gentle, and supportive as you let the person know that you are there for them. Let the person know that you are concerned about them. Say, “I am concerned about your safety and your life. You are important.”\n\t* Tell the person you care about them and they mean something to you. For example, say, “You are important to me. I care about you.” You may even want to pay them a visit if you live close to the person and know them well.\n3. Call emergency services. If a person is threatening to commit suicide, they need help. If you believe they need immediate help because they are going to commit suicide very soon, call 911 or other emergency services. Do not feel bad or embarrassed about calling for help. A threat of suicide is serious and needs to be dealt with accordingly. When you contact emergency services, tell them that the person is threatening to commit suicide via Facebook and you are concerned about their safety and life. You can also try calling a suicide prevention hotline yourself to ask for help with how to deal with the situation.\n\n\n## Take care of yourself\n\n1. Do what you can. You may get extremely upset if you see someone you know or care about threatening to commit suicide. You should do what you can to help the person, but then let it go. Don’t let yourself get inappropriately emotionally invested in the situation. You cannot control what the person does, only what you do to help. Once you have helped, there is nothing more you can do. You can check up on the person and offer support as they deal with the aftermath of the suicide threat. However, make sure to set up boundaries to protect your own mental health. Remember that you can only control your life and not the other person’s. To set up boundaries, start by addressing what is in your power to do. This may be calling 911, contacting their family, or reaching out to them and listening. Next, you should do what you can. Tell yourself, \"These are the actions that are within my control to do.\" Then, remove yourself emotionally from the situation. You can only control what you do, not what they do. Remind yourself, \"I have done what I could do. I am not in control of the other person. I now will have to let it go and take care of myself.\"\n2. Refrain from being the person’s counselor. You should not try to counsel the person yourself. Reaching out to the person, checking on them to gauge their mental status, and letting them know you care are important things you can do. However, you should let the professionals counsel the person. Don’t try to give the person advice or convince them not to commit suicide. You are not a trained suicide counselor, so you should leave that to the professionals. You may say something to trigger a negative response or something that may upset the person’s fragile emotional and mental state.\n3. Talk to a counselor. If you have helped someone who threatened suicide on Facebook, the experience may have taken an emotional toll on you. You may want to discuss your experience and feelings with a trained counselor who can help you sort through any grief, guilt, or other negative feelings. Even if the person is fine, getting involved may affect you. Instead of trying to “get over it” on your own, talk through the experience with someone trained in dealing with these situations. You may say to the counselor, \"I recently had someone I know threaten to commit suicide on Facebook. This really affected me. I cannot imagine the world without this person, and I keep worrying that they are going to go through with it. I know I am obsessing about this, and I need help to learn how to cope.\"\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to control chi?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chi (also known as “Qi” and pronounced “chee”) is a concept that comes from Chinese medicine. Chi is life energy, which is believed to be in everything and everyone in the world. Many people wish to spend time focusing their chi because it is believe to improve health, focus, and well-being. Learning to focus your chi will be an on-going journey.\n\n## Focus chi through movement\n\n1. Practice Tai Chi. Tai Chi can help you with focusing your Chi. It is a light exercise that uses several movements and breathing to help you focus on your Chi. It is believed to help reduce stress and help with many medical conditions.\n2. Find Tai Chi classes. There are many videos for practicing Tai Chi on the web. Simply search for “Tai Chi videos” on your favorite search engine. However, if you have never practiced any Tai Chi before, it is perhaps a good idea to visit a Tai Chi instructor to help get you started. You can also call local gyms and yoga studios to see which ones offer Tai Chi classes.\n3. Try out some of the basic movements. If you aren’t sure whether you would like Tai Chi, or if you feel intimidated to go to a class, you can try out a few of the basic movements first. Begin with your feet at shoulder width. This helps you keep your weight centered. Keep in mind that when practicing Tai Chi, it is extremely important to keep you weight balanced on both of your feet, which when planted on the ground, should stay shoulder width apart. Keep your knees slightly bent. Don’t lock them! Try to position yourself as if you were about to sit down into a chair, which will require your muscles in your legs to engage. Keep your spine straight, but also relaxed. Imagine that each vertebra is floating above the one below it. Touch your tongue to the roof of the mouth gently. This is believed to connect the channels which help chi flow. Thus connecting your entire body. Make a mental connection. This involves mentally thinking about connecting the wrists and ankles, elbows and knees, shoulders with hips. Become aware of your breath. Breathe in a relaxed, normal manner. Follow the inhalation and exhalation, as well as expanding and contraction of your lungs. If you can, belly breathe.\n4. Be present while practicing. Being present in the moment (rather than constantly thinking about the past or worrying about the future) plays a huge role in Eastern Philosophy. This means that when you are practicing Tai Chi (and in your daily life in general) you should also practice being mindful, or fully present, in the moment. In the case of Tai Chi, you should practice noticing physical and emotional sensations you feel while you are actively practicing. Naturally, your mind may wander. In these instance, you should simply try to notice extraneous thoughts that come into your mind, and then go back to noticing the feelings and sensations you are currently experience. Don’t judge the thought, and try not to follow it.\n5. Keep practicing! The idea behind Tai Chi (and focusing and developing your Chi in general, is that you are on a journey. Thus, if you really want to use Tai Chi as a method of focusing your Chi, you should practice consistently. You may find benefit if you practice every day for a month, but you will find even more benefit if you practice a few times a week for many years.\n\n\n## Use chi breathe exercise\n\n1. Practice mindfulness when practicing these breathing exercises. The term “mindfulness” refers to a practice of making a gentle effort to be present in whatever you are currently doing. In this case, this means making an effort to think about the exercise as you are doing it. Think about the way the breath feels as you inhale and exhale. Although your mind will very likely wander to other thoughts, worries, and/or other things you have to get done, just do your best to come back to the present when you notice that it has wandered. Don’t get mad at yourself when this happens.\n2. Find a comfortable position. This will be different for everyone. If you find that you are comfortable sitting cross-legged on the floor, do that. If you want to lay down or even stand up, that is fine too. Make sure your clothes are comfortable, and that you are sitting with good posture. Inhale through your nose. Do this as you normally would, don’t make it deeper or more shallow. Exhale slowly. Instead of out your nose, exhale out of your mouth as much as you can. Try to get all of the air out of your lungs. Breathe in through your nose. You will find this very refreshing as their was no air in your lungs, but try to breathe normally. Don’t take a very deep breath, but instead take a breath as you normally would. Repeat the process of inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. Do this as many times as you like. It will help refresh you and make you more alert. However, if you feel dizzy, try taking a break or making your exhalations slower.\n3. Practice belly breathing. In Eastern medicine it is believed that breathing low in the belly is better than using the shoulders to breathe. Lie down on your back. Once you get the hang of it, you will be able to do this no matter whether you are sitting, laying down, or standing. However, it’s good to start in this position so you know how it should feel. Rest one of your hands low on your belly, beneath your belly button with a flat, open hand. Take a few normal breaths to relax. Take a deep breath, and then forcefully exhale. The point here is to try and push your hand up with your belly during the exhalation. Your hips and back should not move. Repeat this step until you get the hang of moving your hand using only your breathing.\n4. Breathe in a square. This may sound strange, but it will help you to experience what chi feels like. It involves breaking your inhalation and exhalation down into 4 parts. Begin by sitting in a peaceful, relaxed position. If you choose to sit up, make sure you have good posture. Take a few breaths to relax. If you have mastered belly breathing, then do that. However, if you have not, just breathe normally for a few breaths to relax. Choose an amount of time for your breaths. A good place to start is 5 seconds for inhalation and 5 seconds for exhalation. You can add or subtract time from this if you need. Breathe in for the amount of time you have chosen (i.e. 5 seconds), then spend 5 seconds without inhaling or exhaling (don’t tense up your body here!). Follow this with 5 seconds of slowly exhaling, and another 5 seconds where you stop exhaling and don’t inhale either. Focus on the experience of continually breathing in a square. The feeling you get from this is chi.\n\n\n## Focus chi through meditation\n\n1. Search for videos or apps. If you have never practiced meditation before, you can search the web for videos or for apps for your smart phone that can guide you through a meditation session. If you choose to use a video to guide you, skim through several videos to see if you enjoy the tempo of the guidance, the length, and the content of the guidance. You don’t have to listen to the whole thing before you start, but try to look for a guided meditation for beginners as these will be much shorter and include much more verbal guidance.\n2. Avoid eating for at least half an hour before meditating. A full belly can make you sleepy and weigh you down. When meditating, you want to be awake, but relaxed.\n3. Find a quiet place to meditate. If you can find a nearly silent place to meditate, this is best. If you wish, you can use music to help you focus in your meditation. However, be sure to use music that is suitable for Chi meditation. If you don’t have any such music, you can search sites like YouTube for videos that play the correct music. Simply search for “Chi meditation music” (or try “Qi meditation music”), and you should find suitable music.\n4. Find a comfortable, seated position. If you can, sit cross-legged on the floor. If this is not possible for you, sit upright in a chair with your feet planted flat on the floor.\n5. Rest your hands lightly on your lap. Your hands should rest with your palms facing upwards either on each leg or with your left hand cradling your right hand just below your navel. If you choose the latter, have your thumbs gently touching each other.\n6. Keep your spine straight. This can be challenging at first, but try not to slouch. Instead, practice sitting with your spine straight. While you should try to keep your spine straight, you should not feel tense. Thus, try to keep a straight, but relaxed position.\n7. Relax your gaze. You can choose to gently close your eyes, or keep your eyes open. Either way, begin by resting your gaze in front of you, not focusing too hard on anything in particular.\n8. Become aware of your physical and emotional feelings. Notice the way your body feels as it rests on the floor or chair, and take note of the thoughts and emotions you are feeling at this moment.\n9. Become aware of your breathing. Notice your breathe. Notice the way it feels as you inhale in through the nose (e.g. Is the air cold? Is one nostril more open than the other?) and then notice how it feels as you exhale (e.g. Is the air warmer? Does the air come out slowly or forcefully?). As you breathe in, imagine that you are breathing in good energy. As you breathe out, imagine that you are breathing out toxins and bad energy.\n10. Practice meditation every single day. With meditation it is best to practice every day if at all possible. This may mean that you have to reduce the time that you meditate, which is OK. It is better to meditate for 10 minutes each day than for 30 or 40 minutes only once per week.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to cite a website?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Mla\n\n1. Start your Works Cited entry with the author's name, if provided. If an individual author is listed for the web page you want to cite, type their last name first, followed by a comma, then their first name. Place a period at the end of the name. Example: Claymore, Crystal. If no individual author is listed, but the website is produced by a government agency, organization, or business, use that name as the author. For example, if you're using a CDC web page as a source, you would list the author as \"Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. \"Tip: For your entire Works Cited entry, if an element doesn't exist or isn't provided, simply skip that part of the citation and move on to the next part.\n2. Provide the title of the page in double quotation marks. If the specific web page has a title, type it after the author's name. Use title case, capitalizing the first word and all nouns, pronouns, adverbs, adjectives, and verbs. Enclose the title in double quotation marks, placing a period at the end of the title, inside the closing quotation marks. Example: Claymore, Crystal. \"Best-Kept Secrets for Amazing Cupcake Frosting.\"\n3. Give the name of the website in italics followed by the date of publication. Type the name of the website as a whole in title case, followed by a comma. Use the capitalization and spacing schemes the website uses if they are proprietary (such as \"wikiHow\" or \"WebMD\") If there is a publication date for the web page, list it in day-month-year format, abbreviating all months with names longer than 4 letters. Place a comma after the date of publication. Example: Claymore, Crystal. \"Best-Kept Secrets for Amazing Cupcake Frosting.\" Crystal's Cupcakes, 24 Sept. 2018,\n4. Include the URL for the web page. Copy the URL for the web page and paste it into your entry, leaving off the \"http://\" part. Place a period at the end of the URL. Make sure the URL you use is a permalink for the information you're citing. If the URL is excessively long, talk to your instructor or supervisor about using a shortened URL. Example: Claymore, Crystal. \"Best-Kept Secrets for Amazing Cupcake Frosting.\" Crystal's Cupcakes, 24 Sept. 2018, www.crystalscupcakes.com/amazing-frosting.\n5. Close with your date of access if there was no date of publication. Often, a web page won't have a particular publication date. If that happens for a page you want to cite, add the word \"Accessed\" after the URL and include the date you last accessed the page in day-month-year format. Abbreviate all months with names that have more than 4 letters. Place a period at the end of the date. Example: Claymore, Crystal. \"Best-Kept Secrets for Amazing Cupcake Frosting.\" Crystal's Cupcakes, www.crystalscupcakes.com/amazing-frosting. Accessed 14 Feb. 2019. MLA Works Cited Format:\n\t* Author Last Name, First Name. \"Title of Web Page in Title Case.\" Name of Website, Day Month Year of publication, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.\n6. Place a parenthetical citation after referencing the website in your text. An MLA parenthetical citation typically includes the author's last name and the page number where the quoted or paraphrased information can be found. Since websites don't have page numbers, simply include the author's last name in the parenthetical, or the title of the web page if there is no author. Place your parenthetical inside the closing punctuation for the sentence. For example, you might write: \"The best cupcake frosting techniques are often the least intuitive (Claymore).\" If you include the author's name in your text, there's no need for a parenthetical citation. For example, you might write: \"Award-winning baker Crystal Claymore wasn't afraid to give away all her secrets, sharing her favorite frosting techniques on her website.\"\n\n\n## Apa\n\n1. Start your reference list entry with the name of the author. If an individual author is listed, type their last name first, followed by a comma, then their first and middle initials (if a middle initial is given. Usually, the author of a website will be the government agency, organization, or business that owns the website. In that case, list the name of that entity followed by a period. Example: Canadian Cancer Society.\n2. Add the year the website or page was published. If a publication date is provided next to the content you are citing, include that year in parentheses after the name of the author. Place a period after the closing parentheses. If no date is provided for the specific content you're citing, use the abbreviation \"n.d.\" (for \"no date\") inside the parentheses. Do not use the copyright date for the website itself. Example: Canadian Cancer Society. (2017). If you're citing several pages from the same website that were published in the same year, add a lower-case letter to the end of the year so you can differentiate them in your in-text citations. For example, you might have \"2017a\" and \"2017b.\"\n3. Type the title of the web page in sentence case. Type a space after the period that follows the date, then type the title of the web page, which will usually appear as a header at the top of the page. Use sentence case, capitalizing only the first word and any proper nouns. Place a period at the end of the title. Example: Canadian Cancer Society. (2017). Cancer research. If the content you're citing is a stand-alone document, the title should be italicized. This will usually be the case if you're citing a PDF document that appears on a website. If you're not sure, use your best judgment in deciding whether to italicize it or not.\n4. Close with the direct URL of the web page. Copy the full direct URL or permalink of the content you want to cite. Type the words \"Retrieved from,\" then past the URL into your entry. Do not place a period at the end of the URL. If the URL is overly long, ask your instructor or supervisor if you can use a shortened link. Example: Canadian Cancer Society. (2017). Cancer research. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-101/cancer-research/?region=on\n\t* APA Reference List Format:\n\t* Author Last Name, A. A. (Year). Title of web page in sentence case. Retrieved from URL\n5. Use the author's name and year for in-text parenthetical citations. APA uses author-year parenthetical at the end of any sentence in which you quote or paraphrase information from the website. The parenthetical citation goes inside the closing punctuation for the sentence. For example, you might write: \"Clinical trials are used to test new cancer treatments (Canadian Cancer Society, 2017).\" If you include the author's name in your text, place the year in parentheses immediately after the author's name. For example, you might write: \"The Canadian Cancer Society (2017) noted that Canada is a global leader in clinical trials of cancer treatments.\"\n\n\n## Chicago\n\n1. Start your bibliographic entry with the name of the author. If the web page has an individual author listed, type that author's last name first, followed by a comma, then their first name. If there is no individual author, use the name of the organization, company, or government agency that published the content as the author. Place a period at the end of the author's name. Example: UN Women.\n2. List the title of the web page in double quotation marks. After the name of the article, provide the title of the specific web page. Use title case, capitalizing the first word and all nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and verbs. Place a period at the end of the title, inside the closing quotation marks. Example: UN Women. \"Commission on the Status of Women.\"\n3. Add the name of the website or publishing organization in italics. If the website has a distinct name, include this after the title of the webpage. If it doesn't, use the name of the business, organization, or government agency that produces the website. Place a period at the end of the name. Example: UN Women. \"Commission on the Status of Women.\" UN Women.\n4. Provide the publication date or access date. If the content you're citing has a specific publication date associated with it, provide that date in month-day-year format. If no publication date is listed, type the word \"Accessed\" followed by the date you accessed the content in month-day-year format. Spell out the names of all months. Example: UN Women. \"Commission on the Status of Women.\" UN Women. Accessed February 14, 2019.\n5. Close your entry with a direct URL to the web page. Copy the full URL for the permalink of the web page and paste it into your bibliographic entry. Place a period at the end of the URL. If the URL is overly lengthy, talk to your instructor, editor, or supervisor about using a shortened link. Example: UN Women. \"Commission on the Status of Women.\" UN Women. Accessed February 14, 2019. http://www.unwomen.org/en/csw. Chicago Bibliography Format:\n\t* Author Last Name, First Name. \"Title of Web Page in Title Case.\" Name of Website or Publishing Organization. Accessed Month Day, Year. URL.\n6. Use commas instead of periods between elements in footnotes. A Chicago-style footnote generally includes all of the same information as the bibliographic entry. However, the footnote is treated as a sentence, with elements separated by commas. If there was an individual author listed, their name should be listed with their first name first, followed by their last name, just as you would do it if you wrote it in text. Example: UN Women, \"Commission on the Status of Women,\" UN Women, accessed February 14, 2019, http://www.unwomen.org/en/csw.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to help first graders with spelling words?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Helping a first grader learn to spell can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether you're a teacher, a parent, a grandparent or a volunteer, there are ways to help a child with spelling words. The best strategies to encourage a young speller are based in knowing more about a child's spelling ability, and the early stages of writing.\n\n## Teach spell strategies\n\n1. Assess students' spelling knowledge. The best teaching practice starts with learning what the student already knows. Take a moment to check the students' knowledge of spelling by asking them to spell a list of common first grade words. Assessment allows you to start teaching at the area of your students' competence. Words found at the first grade level are short, 1-4 letters long. They are 1 syllable words. Examples of first grade words are: a, to, at, boy, bad, dip, cat, nest, sand, play. Assessment continues by analyzing students' independent writing. Provide opportunities for your students to write, whether in art projects or academic activities. Continue assessing throughout the school year. Ongoing assessment is vital for effective teaching practice.\n2. Teach in small groups. Most teachers are aware of the disparity between their students' abilities and know that small group instruction is preferred when possible. In helping first graders with spelling, it's essential to teach in small groups. Group assignments should be based on what you've discovered through your spelling assessments, so that students of similar spelling abilities can be taught at the same time. Be aware that some students' reading and their spelling abilities may be quite different. Don't base spelling assessments on students' ability to read. Have other students engage in word-related activities at their seats, or participate in literacy activities in the classroom's centers, will help you manage the other students while working with small groups. Having an assistant or a classroom volunteer can be helpful to managing the small groups of students.\n3. Prioritize spelling instruction. You'll need to find the time to assess and teach spelling to your first graders. This can be difficult to manage, because it requires individualization to the child's learning ability. Plan ahead to include spelling instruction every day, multiple times per day. Consider creating inclusion of spelling words in different areas of study. Invest a little time every day in independent word work and individual or small group instruction.\n4. Teach word knowledge, not just spelling. Teaching sight words, words that the student is likely to encounter often, helps the first grader with spelling. Post familiar words around the classroom. Teach students to consider why the word is spelled as it is. Teach the rules behind the spelling. For example, teach the reason for the silent e, and how it affects the sound of the word. Adding an e to a simple 3-letter word usually makes the vowel long, rather than short. Teach sight words that don't usually fit the standard first-grade curriculum, if you find the students' using these words frequently. Post these words around your classroom, and refer to them when they naturally arise in other teaching. These sight words might include: because, are, again, said, friend, were.\n5. Demonstrate usefulness of spelling. Students will be more motivated to learn to spell if they understand its importance. A first-grader must be taught the connection between reading words and proper spelling. By teaching students to recognize the power spelling has over understanding, you'll help them transfer their spelling knowledge into other activities of their life. Group activities can have multiple fill-in-the-blank opportunities. Mad Libs is a great activity for teaching spelling. Teacher scaffolding can help support beginning learners. Reminding the student what she already knows, strategies she might try to complete a spelling word, and providing hints and encouragement all support a first grader with spelling.\n6. Integrate strategies for independent spelling. When you're helping your first graders, say each word you want them to spell slowly. Teach your first graders to listen for the sounds they hear (initial sound, middle sound, final sound). Help them identify any part they might know, e.g., br in brought. Encourage students to notice how words come together to make a larger word. For example, putting fun and silly together to make funny. Students might enjoy clapping the syllables, then writing letters for each syllable. Help the students identify different spellings of rhyming words, such as space and place, or here and there. Students need lots of opportunities to try the correct spelling to see if it looks right. Provide resources around the classroom - dictionaries, calendars, charts, word walls, etc.\n7. Encourage all writing, regardless of spelling. Writing and spelling are two different academic areas. Having students write, without worrying about their spelling, will help them become more confident writers and spellers. Provide opportunities for students to write about things that are important to them: football games, video games, school outings, or pets are popular topics. These learning opportunities are found throughout the students' day. Make games out of writing about new topics.\n8. Expose students to written words. The more a child is exposed to written words, the more likely he is to internalize the spelling of the word. If you're working on particular spelling words, point them out in books, magazines and online. Highlight with a marker to emphasize that the word he's learning is also found in the \"real world\" if possible. Students may enjoy \"proofreading\" for spelling mistakes. First graders may appreciate reading the same stories over and over again. If this is the case, take advantage of this repetition to highlight different words found within the same story.\n\n\n## Recognize the early stag of write\n\n1. Know the signs of the pre-communicative writing stage. A first grade child may be still at the pre-communicative stage of writing, which means that he only has a rough idea of the alphabet. Your first grader may recognize different letters of the alphabet, but be unaware of words as a visual construct. Spaces between words may not be noticed. For children in this stage, continue to teach alphabet shapes and expose the child to written words through reading aloud with him. Never attempt to correct the spelling of a child at this stage of writing.\n2. Learn about the semiphonetic stage of writing. By first grade, some children will be at the semiphonetic stage of reading. A this stage, the child is making a connection between the sound of the word and the sound of a letter or two within the word. He may dramatically abbreviate the word, such as using T or D for dog. The word that the child may attempt to spell first may be his name, or the M for Mom or D for Dad. Children's ability to segment, or separate, the distinct sounds of a word may be still emerging. Encourage a child to write often, no matter how difficult the word may be to read. Don't worry about spelling at this stage, but provide help if the child is open.\n3. Know about the phonetic spelling stage. This is a common stage for first graders, a stage of spelling that assumes basic knowledge of the alphabet and understand that words and sounds are connected. A speller at this stage may use \"invented\" spelling patterns based on the sound of the word.Children at this level will be more interested in learning correct spelling. Provide models of correctly spelled words, and start to encourage them to think about how to spell words for themselves. This is a wonderful stage to start to help a child with spelling. Examples of invented spellings might be kam for came, wel for will, fes for fish, etc. Another thing you might notice is that the child starts to recognize beginning patterns in words, noticing rhymes and similar sounds.\n4. Learn more about the transitional spelling stage. A few first graders might already be at the transitional stage of spelling. At this stage, the student will have emerging reading skills and recognize many words. They begin to understand that sounds are represented by letter combinations, and that words can be made plural or altered in other ways by suffixes and prefixes. Being patient with mistakes at this stage is essential. The words might actually be more difficult to understand than with a phonetic speller, but the child's spelling mistakes are based in an inadequate understanding of spelling patterns. Continue to teach the patterns that make for good spelling. Teach the child how to laugh at spelling inconsistencies as are so often found in the English language. Reminders of appropriate spelling can also be taught at this stage, such as \"I before E, except after C, unless it's an A as in neighbor or weigh.\"\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to download applications to your ipod touch?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Have you ever seen someone else's iPod that had a lot of icons on their homepage? By reading this article you can figure out how to get applications on your very own iPod touch.\n\n## From your ipod touch\n\n1. Make sure you're connected to the Internet. To do this go to Settings > Wi-Fi > and select your network. If the network is password-protected enter your password at the prompt. If you don't have a network or there isn't an unprotected one nearby, you can buy an inexpensive Wi-Fi router to hook up to your modem.\n2. Launch the App Store. Look for the light blue icon with a white A in it, or search for \"App Store\" in the search bar that appears when you swipe to the right.\n3. Search for the app you want to download, or browse the featured apps or categories.\n4. Click on an app that looks interesting. You will be able to read more about the app, view screenshots, and read ratings.\n5. If you would like to download the app, tap the blue button with the small plus sign in the top corner. It will either say the price or say \"Free.\"\n6. The button will turn green and read \"Install App\". Tap it again.\n7. Enter your password. You will be prompted for your password whether or not the app is free.\n8. Wait for your app to download. This may take some time. An icon should appear\n\n\n## From your computer\n\n1. Open iTunes.\n2. Click on iTunes Store in the right sidebar, under Store.\n3. Search for the app you are interested in, or click Apps on the upper bar to browse popular apps.\n4. Tap the Free App or Buy Now button under the icon.\n5. Enter your password when prompted and wait for the app to download.\n6. Plug in your iPod Touch. It should appear under \"Devices\" in the right sidebar. It will start syncing automatically. If it doesn't, go to File --> Devices --> Sync iPod\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to be cool in college?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Congratulations, you’re in college! If you feel anxious at all about college life, know that you are not alone. To gain instant respect from your fellow classmates and friends, remember to always be yourself. Being friendly and acting confidently are also ways you can earn some cool points among your friends and classmates.\n\n## Reinvent yourself in college\n\n1. List the things you want to change about yourself. Grab a sheet of paper and draw a line down the middle. List the things that you would like to change about yourself in the left column. In the right column write down why you would like to change these things. If after asking why you see that making these changes leads to a better you, then change it. For example, wanting to be less critical of others, or more focused in class are positive changes.\n2. Try something new. College is all about exploring new things and ideas, so be adventurous. When you get the invite to go eat at an exotic restaurant, take it. Studying abroad for one year is another great way to expand your horizons. Try changing your hair color, or style your hair differently. You could also learn a new language, or take a class outside of your major.\n3. Remember to be yourself. It is possible to re-invent yourself without changing your true self. Don't throw out your morals and values just to be considered cool. If the change takes too much effort or requires you to be someone else, then it probably isn't a good change. Stick to changes that produce positive results. If you want to be more outgoing, then be more outgoing on your own terms. Don't start drinking or smoking just to be more outgoing, for example.\n\n\n## Boost your confidence\n\n1. Make a list of your strengths. Also make a list of the things that you like about yourself. Tape the list to your bedroom wall or bathroom mirror. Every morning, read the list to remind yourself of how great you are.\n2. Reverse negative thoughts. If you find yourself thinking that you aren't good enough for college or that no one will want to be friends with you, then reverse these thoughts. Instead, tell yourself, \"I am good enough for college,\" or \"Many people would love to be friends with me because I am a great friend.\"\n3. Do the things that make you feel confident. If wearing makeup helps you feel more confident, then wear makeup. If smiling and greeting your classmates makes you feel more confident, then greet them. If joining a club or volunteering helps you feel more confident, then join a club or volunteer. By doing the things that help you feel more confident, you will be more confident.\n4. Realize that you are not alone. New people and places can make you feel alone and unsure at times. However, understand that you aren't the only one who feels this way. Try to reach out and befriend other classmates, or call your high school friends if you need someone to talk to. If you cannot seem to shake your loneliness, make an appointment with a counselor on campus. A counselor can help you work through hard times.\n\n\n## Be social\n\n1. Portray a friendly attitude. Smile and say hi to your classmates sitting next you. Strike up a conversation by asking them what their major is or what they think about the class. Offering help, like showing someone where the admissions office is, is also a great way to become known as a friendly, down-to-earth person in college. You could also offer to trade notes with someone, or help someone study for a big test.\n2. Be accepting those who are different from you. A typical college has at least 20,000 students, (smaller colleges and community colleges might have anywhere from 2,000-10,000 students) so you are bound to run into someone whose background is completely different from yours. Instead of shying away from them, be curious about who they are. Invite them to lunch or a party to get to know them better.\n3. Attend a football game (or any other sporting event). Tailgating with friends and attending a football game (or any other sporting event) afterward is a college pastime you won’t want to pass up. Go to as many of these as you can, especially if you enjoy them. It is a great way to connect with new people and cultivate friendships. Ask a classmate if they would like to go to a game, or make plans with your roommate to attend a game.\n4. Join a club on campus. If football games or Greek life isn’t your thing, try looking into different clubs on campus. Like sororities and fraternities, they typically host events in the beginning of the year to recruit new members. Attend some of these and join your favorite ones. There are so many clubs in college, the hardest part will be picking one. You can also start a club as well.\n5. Host a party. Hosting a party will definitely shoot you up to the top of the cool list. Have a potluck, plan an outdoor party at a nearby park, or reserve a party room at your college’s game center. Invite your friends, roommates, and acquaintances from class. You could also have a small party in your dorm room, if it is allowed. To ensure your party’s success, make sure to provide some snacks and beverages, cool tunes, and games.\n\n\n## Dress for college\n\n1. Put yourself together before class. Before going to class, make sure to brush your teeth and comb your hair. Also shower if you need to. By taking the time to groom yourself before class, you can give your classmates and professors a good impression of yourself.\n2. Choose sneakers over heels. Going from class to class requires a lot of walking. By wearing sneakers, you can ensure that your feet will be as comfortable as possible. . Some classes will require you to wear certain footwear for practical or safety reasons, especially if you are in some hands-on classes or a PE class. Your instructor/professor will inform you in the syllabus.\n3. Carry a jacket with you. Unlike high school, colleges usually don't have locker areas so you will be wearing or carrying a jacket during the winter season in colder climates. Classroom temperatures typically run very cold to sometimes very hot. Since it is hard to concentrate in class if you are cold, make sure to bring a jacket or a sweater with you. This way you can ensure that you will be comfortable and attentive in class.. People will be paying more attention to your outerwear as part of your look in college than in high school; so, make sure the outerwear you choose matches your preferred look.\n4. Dress with style. Arrive to class in an outfit that makes you feel comfortable, but also one that sends a message of sophistication and style. If casual athletic gear is your style, then wear that. If a cute dress or skirt makes you feel confident, then wear it.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to identify different types of forklifts?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether you're new to forklifts, or an experienced operator, it is always important to know as much as you can about forklifts and their operation. It is equally important to be able to identify different forklifts, both by look and name. This is especially important when searching for forklift operating jobs, as it will allow you to know which type of forklift you will be operating and if you have the experience to do so.\n\n## Identify basic \"forklifts\" and jack\n\n1. Know what manual pallet jacks are. Although not usually considered a forklift, pallet jacks are some of the most common manual forms of pallet handling that people will come across in logistics industries. Manual pallet jacks are usually very simple in design; the handle lever is squeezed to lower the pallet jack forks for insertion into a pallet, and the handle lever is moved in the opposite direction to engage the hydraulics that allows the pallet to be raised by pumping the handle.\n2. Familiarize yourself with motorized pallet jacks. Motorized pallet jacks, on the other hand, are much more varied than manual pallet jacks. They are almost always powered by electric batteries. Some are walk-behind, some are ride-on, and some even require the operator to take a side stance to ride on/operate, which is considerably more difficult to learn. Motorized pallet jacks usually have extended pallet forks that are used to handle two pallets at a time for greater efficiency in large warehouse operations, such as order picking. However, single pallet handlers are more common in smaller warehouses, for greater maneuverability and ease of use.\n3. Learn to recognize walkie stackers. Walkie stackers, also known as pedestrian forklifts, are still usually not considered a true forklift. However, they very closely resemble a forklift with forks, a mast, backrest, etc. They are almost always operated with a walk-behind pedestrian operator. They are frequently used in retail, very small storerooms, small scale warehousing, etc.\n\n\n## Identify counterbalance forklifts\n\n1. Know what standard counterbalance forklifts are. Being the most iconic, recognized, and popular type of forklift, a standard counterbalance forklift is a forklift where the driver sits facing the forks, and the counterweight is everything behind the front wheels of the forklift.\n2. Consider how different standard counterbalance forklifts are powered. These forklifts can be powered by anything, from batteries, petrol (gasoline), diesel, LPG/propane gas bottles, and other forms of fuel, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, internal combustion forklifts (petrol, LPG, diesel, etc) are generally faster and have greater lifting capacities than electric/battery-powered forklifts. However, for health and safety reasons, combustion forklifts cannot be used in confined spaces (e.g. shipping containers, small warehouses, etc) due to the exhaust gasses produced when in operation.\n3. Be familiar with how many wheels standard counterbalance forklifts have. They can be either 4-wheeled or 3-wheeled; two wheels at the front and one at the back allows for greater maneuverability, at the expense of stability. This is why 4-wheeled forklifts are usually more common, as they generally still have more than enough maneuverability for most applications in small spaces.\n\n\n## Identify warehouse forklifts\n\n1. Get to know reach forklifts. Designed for usage for indoors and on flat surfaces, reach forklifts (also known as high-reach forklifts) are named for their ability to reach high racking. (up to 12 metres (39ft) or more!!!) Depending on the forklift manufacturer, the reaching mechanism may be a moving mast type, or a moving forks and carriage type. Reach forklifts generally have lifting capacities of 1 ton to 2.5 tons. Lifting capacities above 2.5 ton are generally very rare due to many factors such as narrow aisle space and keeping the forklift compact (a stronger forklift must be larger and therefore unable to operate in narrow aisles) and also generally due to most loads in warehousing to be put in aisle racking usually just do not weigh more than 1- 2 tons. Reach forklifts drive differently, compared to counterbalance forklifts because the operator sits (or stands, depending on the model) sideways on the forklift. Reach forklifts are designed for narrow warehouse aisle use; the operator is able to look forward or backward without the neck strain of having to turn around. This sideways operator position, alongside with reversed steering controls, makes reach forklifts considerably challenging for a new operator to learn.\n2. Know what double deep reach forklifts are. Double deep reach forklifts are very similar to reach forklifts. However, as the name suggests, they are able to retrieve/put away pallets that are stored in double deep racking, which are pallets that are stored one in front of each other in specially designed racks.\n3. Familiarize yourself with order picker forklifts. Although an order picker forklift is considered a type of forklift, it is not used for regular forklift operations. Order picker forklifts require the operator to wear a harness and stand while operating, as they are used for lifting pallets alongside with the operator up into the air. The operator then typically picks up individual units of a product to manually stack on a pallet to \"pick\" an warehouse order; this is opposed to regular order picking, where workers can only pick products from ground level. An order picker forklift can allow operators to pick products quickly and efficiently at any level in the air.\n4. Recognize the disadvantages of picker forklifts. The only main disadvantage of them is that they must be operated on flat ground, and they cannot be operated on slopes or uneven ground; they are top heavy, and this increases the risk of tip overs.\n\n\n## Identify big forklifts\n\n1. Know what a heavy duty forklift is. A heavy duty forklift is an umbrella term used to describe a counterbalance forklift with a high lifting capacity. Most standard counterbalance forklifts in warehouses and manufacturing plants will only have a lifting capacity of 1-3 tons, whereas heavy duty forklifts have a lifting capacity of 5 - 50+ tons!\n2. Understand how heavy duty forklifts operate. All heavy duty forklifts will require significant space to be able to maneuver around. The higher the lifting capacity the forklift has, the larger the rear end (counterweight) of the forklift will need to be. The vast majority of heavy duty forklifts will be powered by diesel fuel, though some lower end heavy duty forklifts (with lifting capacities up to 8-10 tons) may still be powered by LPG/propane gas bottles or petrol fuel.While It is generally very uncommon to encounter battery powered heavy duty forklifts, a few forklift companies have recently started to offer them up to the 20 ton range.\n3. Learn about container handling forklifts. Container handling forklifts generally come in two types: Laden and Unladen (i.e. for handling full or empty containers, respectively). Laden container handling forklifts are usually capable of stacking full shipping containers 4-5 high, with lifting capacities ranging from 35-50 tons. Unladen container handling forklifts are able to stack as high as 8 or 9 shipping containers high, but with a lifting capacity of only 7-10 tons (empty shipping containers generally only weigh 3-5 tons). For these reasons, an unladen container handling forklift cannot be used for handling laden shipping containers, as it will be extremely overloaded. (full shipping containers can weigh anywhere from 10-30 tons).\n4. Learn about reach stackers. Reach stackers are technically not forklifts at all; as they do not have a mast or forks to lift loads, instead, they operate with a heavy duty boom that extends from the rear to the front of the reach stacker, and they lift shipping containers using a container handling attachment. Reach stackers often are highly sophisticated machines with on-board computers and other technologies. Their load capacity usually ranges from 40-50 tons. However, due to the extending boom feature, overloading is still possible.\n\n\n## Identify specialist forklifts\n\n1. Learn about Articulated VNA Forklifts. Pictured here, Articulated VNA (Very Narrow Aisle) Forklifts are generally known as \"Bendi\" or \"Flexi\" Forklifts. Articulated Forklifts are special types of forklifts which are articulated from the front end (wheels, mast, and forks and carriage) so that they are able to perform both duties of a counterbalance forklift (loading trucks) and a reach forklift (retrieve/put away stock in narrow aisles). Another variation of the articulated forklift is the \"Turret truck\" also known as the \"Man-up forklift\", named so, as much like an order picker forklift, turret truck forklifts lift the operator high up in the air along with the forks. Much like \"bendi\" articulated forklifts, turret trucks allow for maximized warehouse storage space by greatly reducing the aisle widths - however unlike bendi forklifts, turret trucks cannot be operated outside, on slopes or on uneven ground, similar as order picking forklifts.\n2. Identify an all terrain forklift. Generally similar in operation to standard counterbalance forklifts, the main difference is All terrain forklifts usually have large trodden tires, for use on all terrain ground, dirt, mud, grass, etc, where regular solid forklift tires would simply not operate on the ground - they would have no traction and get \"bogged\". All terrain forklifts are generally best identified by the large trodden tires and a similar appearance to a small tractor.\n3. Learn about side loaders. A side loader, or multi-directional forklift, is a specialist type of forklift used mainly for the moving of long shaped loads, such as timber, piping, etc. Its main feature is it is able to be driven in different directions; for example, it can be driven sideways after retrieving a long load from an aisle - which greatly eases the process of getting long loads in and out of racking storage - as opposed to turning a full 90 degrees with standard forklifts, a maneuvering problem exacerbated by long shaped loads.\n4. Learn about telehandler forklifts. Similar in design to reach stackers, telehandler forklifts are a specialist type of forklift common in the construction industry, the use of a boom with the forks and carriage on the end allows the handling of loads to places standard mast type forklifts cannot reach, for example on a rooftop, in the middle of a large trailer, etc. Again with the boom extension care needs to be taken as lifting capacity can be significantly reduced.\n5. Understand truck mounted forklifts. Truck mounted forklifts, also known as \"donkey forklifts\", are just as their name suggests. They are a small type of forklift that can be easily mounted on the back of a truck for transport, and easily taken off for use of loading or unloading the trucks on-site. These forklifts are generally built to be lightweight and very simple to operate, thus lifting capacities and lift heights are generally very low. Essentially they are used for lifting small loads on and off trucks, unless they are otherwise specially designed to perform other functions.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to read gel electrophoresis bands?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## View your sample\n\n1. Hold a UV light up to the gel sheet to reveal results. With your gel sheet in front of you, find the switch on a tube of UV light to turn it on. Hold the UV light 8–16 inches (20–41 cm) away from the gel sheet. illuminate the DNA samples with the UV light to activate the gel and read the results. If the test was performed properly, your sheet should have 2-8 sets of vertical stripes in parallel rows.Warning: Wear gloves and protective eyewear when physically handling a gel sample. Touching the gel can interfere with your results and some of the gels are harmful if they get in your eyes. Place the gel sheet on a piece of wax paper if you’re removing it from the machine. The individual stripes indicate specific strands of DNA. The strips should have varying levels of thickness. If you’re reading results that have been printed on a sheet of paper, you can skip this step.\n2. Find the wells by looking for the biggest pools of color. To properly orient yourself, you need to find the original location of the samples, called the wells. With your sheet in front of you, look for the end of the sheet with a big pool of colored gel. The wells are the locations where the gel samples are loaded into the sheet and indicate the start of the sample.There should be one well for each of your samples. If one of the wells is lacking color, the sample may have been applied poorly. The wells indicate the negative end of the sheet. The opposite side of the sheet is the positive end. When each sample is applied to the sheet, the negatively-charged DNA travels across the sheet to the opposite side, leaving individual samples of DNA behind as it moves.\n3. Classify each strip by noting the origin of the samples. If you’ve been given a key, understand that each horizontal row depicts a unique set of DNA. Use your key to determine what each row represents. The number of samples can be determined by counting the number of rows. If you haven’t been given a key, you cannot determine the source of each sample. Electrophoresis only provides you with information about a DNA sample’s behavior, but it doesn’t reveal the source of a sample on its own.If you performed the test yourself, write down where each row’s sample is from while you’re applying the gel.\n4. Identify the DNA ladder to establish a scale for the DNA. Depending on whether or not a DNA ladder was included in the test, you may have one strip designed to provide you with a scale to make comparisons easier. This scale is called the DNA ladder. The DNA ladder will contain strips of DNA of known sizes to make it easier to figure out how big or small the other strips are.Actual DNA samples will have a lot of variation in the sequence of the strips. There may be a few thin strips, followed by 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of empty space, followed by thick strips, and ending in more thin strips. The DNA ladder will make it easier to figure out how big the individual strips actually are by giving you something to compare them to. The DNA ladder is almost always placed in the last row at the top or bottom of your sheet.\n\n\n## Assess the size of the sample\n\n1. Identify thinner strips to find the faster DNA molecules. When each sample is applied, it starts moving to the positive end of the sheet on the right. The smaller the molecules are, the faster they move since they experience less resistance. A smaller and faster DNA sample leaves thinner strips behind as it moves. When looking at your results, determine which DNA samples are smaller and faster by looking for the thinnest strips.\n2. Find the thicker strips to find the slower DNA. Samples with larger molecules naturally move slower through the gel. As a result, you can find the bigger or slower molecules by looking for the biggest strips on your page. Looking at the frequency of the bigger and smaller strips as they appear in a single row you a good picture of the sample’s DNA fingerprint.The way individual strips are arranged in a sequence is unique to each genetic sample. The combination of thin and thick strips creates a specific picture of someone’s genetic makeup. DNA isn’t stronger or better if it leaves thicker bands behind. These strips are simply identifying markers that you can use to compare a variety of samples.\n3. Use the DNA ladder to determine the size of each strip. The DNA ladder is used to give you a scale to compare the individual strips to. The size of the strips in a DNA ladder depend upon the type of ladder that was used for the test, but it will typically be either 10-100 bp (base pairs), or 500-1000 bp. The thickest strip is the highest size in a spectrum and the smallest size is the lowest. So for a 10-100 bp ladder, the thickest strip is 100 bp, and the thinnest strip is 10 bp.Tip: The range of a DNA ladder is printed on the bottle that the ladder came in. It may also be listed on the key if you were given one. There is no way to determine the range of a ladder based on the strip alone, since different gels will allow samples to travel at different speeds. 1000 bp is the same as 1 kb. Kb is short for kilobase, and the ladder may use this unit instead of bp. The smaller the scale is, the more accurate the comparisons will be. Base pairs and kilobases are simply units of measurement. They refer to the physical size of a DNA molecule.\n\n\n## Make conclusions\n\n1. Look for strips that appear at the same point on the sheet to find similarities. When looking at the sheet holistically, look for points where 2 or more strips appear in identical locations on different rows. This is an indicator that the DNA samples are somehow related. If there are 2 or more rows without any overlap in the sequence, they are entirely unrelated. The more related 2 samples are, the more overlap there will be in their sequences.In other words, if you’re looking at the sheet with the wells on the left, you’re looking for vertical columns where 2 strips appear at the same time. For example, a mother and her child will have half of their strips overlapping. A child and their second cousins though may only have 2-3 strips that overlap.\n2. Identify identical samples by finding strips with the same configuration. If 2 or more samples have a nearly identical sequence of strips, they’re the same DNA. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the source of the sample is the same—identical twins, for example, will have the same DNA sequence on an electrophoresis sheet. Identical strips are usually required to reasonably tie a suspect to a crime scene.Tip: Electrophoresis is often used by forensics teams to rule out suspects in criminal cases. It is also used to test maternity or paternity.\n3. Understand the limitations of electrophoresis testing. Electrophoresis testing is helpful when it comes to comparing DNA samples, but it can be hard to make definitive conclusions sometimes. The scale can only get so magnified, and smearing can make bands hard to interpret. In some instances, you won’t be able to conclusively say that 2 samples are related.More than 2 overlapping bands indicates a strong similarity between 2 samples. When assessing results, scientists will often say that there is a “high probability” that 2 samples are related if less than half of the bands in 2 samples overlap.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to lessen the pressure of life?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Reduce the pressure of life\n\n1. Start a stress journal to identify and reflect on the sources of pressure in your life. Are you experiencing financial pressure? Are you experiencing stresses at a new job or as a result of a job loss? A stress journal can help you identify the most significant sources of stress in your life and how you cope with them. This self knowledge will help you tackle the biggest stressors in your life. You can also reflect on the specific situations within which you experience higher stress levels. Do you experience more stress at particular times of the week or in particular spaces (e.g., a conference room) at work? Are there ways of avoiding such situations entirely, or responding more effectively to them? Reflect on these kinds of questions and work towards insights on how to manage stress through journaling. Create a list of everything you are grateful for in your life. Recognizing the good things in your life can help reduce stress and anxiety.\n2. Take a stress assessment test. There may be stressors that are so normal in your life that you don't even realize they're stressing you out. A stress assessment test can help you identify these hidden stressors. There are many online tests that you can do. You can take a free stress assessment test online at https://www.stress.org/self-assessment/.\n3. Make a plan to tackle the sources of pressure in your life. Utilizing the information from your stress journal, you may decide that you need a revised financial plan, a personal health plan or a work plan. The most important thing is to tackle the sources of pressure through a purposeful and detailed plan of action. Talk to your supervisor to create a plan of action to reduce the stressors you experience at work. Make a financial plan with specific targets, including not only long term savings or retirement goals but also near term goals that are concrete and achievable. Build up your emergency or rainy day fund. Make a fitness plan to improve your health.\n4. Overcome perfectionism. A huge source of pressure in life can be the desire to be perfect at everything. Have you ever been told that you have unrealistic standards at work? Do you ever feel you will never be able to live up to your own standards? If you answered yes to these questions, you may have difficulty with perfectionism. If so, try to loosen up your standards of achievement a little bit. This should help reduce your anxiety levels. If you feel disappointed with yourself, try repeating statements like \"nobody is perfect\" or \"I did my best\"\n\t* Try to think about your situation from a different angle. Ask yourself, will this situation still matter next month? If I told my brother or friend about this situation, would they think it matters as much as I do? Gain some perspective on your situation and maybe it won't seem quite as dire as it does right now.\n5. Create work-life boundaries so that you have time for yourself. Living in a digital age with constant access to screens - computers, tablets, smart phones - can make it difficult to escape the pressures of work. The pressure to be always online and accessible to colleagues can take a toll on work-life balance. To manage this kind of stress, it is helpful to create boundaries for yourself such as telling your colleagues you will be away from the phone or the computer at certain times of the day or on the weekend. Tell your colleagues you will be away from email and phone connectivity during dinner hours.\n6. Avoid comparing yourself to other people. If you're constantly trying to be someone you're not, you will feel stressed or burdened. Don't judge yourself based on how you think other people are living their life.Remind yourself that you have talents, skills, qualities, and good characteristics that are unique to you. Evaluate your goals and successes based on you want out of life, not what others want for you. Try to reduce how much time you spend on social media. People often post the best parts of their life on social media, so it may seem as though their lives are more perfect than they actually are.\n7. Give yourself some time away from work. If you are feeling burned out, it might be time for a personal day or even a vacation. Taking a vacation can actually help your productivity, and has obvious health benefits. If you don't have time for a vacation at the moment, try to at least take the weekend off to catch up on sleep. If you have vacation time or time off from work, take advantage of it. Those days are there for you to use them. A vacation might make you more productive.\n8. Set up an automatic 'out of office' reply on your email account. By setting up an automatic reply on weekends or when you are on vacation, you will not feel guilty for ignoring work emails. Also, your colleagues will be more likely to respect your away time. Include details on the days and times you are away in your 'out of office' automatic email reply. Include a fun or wise quote in your automatic reply so that colleagues will be reminded of your personality or sense of humour. This may reduce the annoyance of getting an automatic reply.\n\n\n## Take care of yourself\n\n1. Start a regular exercise routine. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, improve feelings of well being and self esteem. Engaging in physical exercise leads to the production of the neurotransmitter endorphin, which is associated with improved sense of well being or what some people call runner's high. You don't need to be an athlete to experience this improved mood, and just 15 minutes a day can make a big difference..\n\t* After your exercise routine, try using a heat wrap around your neck and shoulders for 10 minutes to reduce tension in your upper body.\n2. Practice meditation. Find a comfortable place to sit in a quiet room or in a park. Observe the movement of your breath as it comes into your body and then flows out. Let go of passing thoughts. You can also do a walking meditation by walking slowly, preferably in a natural area, while watching your breath. Meditating for a few minutes a day can help reduce stress and anxiety. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing can reduce the heart rate and lower anxiety. [Image:Lessen the Pressure of Life Step 8.jpg|center]]\n\t* Meditate alongside your yoga practice and in your everyday life. Mindfulness-based stress reduction such as meditation and yoga are helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, including amongst college students.\n3. Eat whole plant foods as part of a healthy diet. Whole plant foods such as whole grains (e.g., brown rice), vegetables, and fruits are negatively associated with depression and anxiety. On the other hand, processed food (e.g., canned food) has been positively associated with stress and anxiety. Drink a cup of herbal tea.\n4. Ditch your second cup of coffee. Caffeine can exacerbate stress levels, so it is good to lower your caffeine intake as part of an overall stress reduction plan. Keep in mind that you may experience withdrawal symptoms, especially if you are a heavy coffee drinker.\n5. Cut down on sugar. Stress can make you crave sugary foods, but try to resist temptation. Giving in to these urges will not actually make you feel any better. Too much sugar can cause your blood sugar to crash, which can cause more stress and cravings.Sugary foods include most desserts, baked goods, soft drinks, juices, and candy.\n6. Reduce your consumption of alcohol. Although many turn to alcohol to deal with the everyday pressures of life, alcohol consumption can actually compound the impact of stress on the body and mind. Alcohol can also make your financial anxieties worse.\n\n\n## Gain perspective on life\n\n1. Talk to your friends and family about the sources of stress in your life and about everything you are grateful for. Face to face conversations with friends and family are especially important in helping reduce the pressures of life. Plan a movie night with close friends and pick a comedy! Laughing lowers cortisol which is the body's stress hormone. Go to a concert with friends. Listening to music can help reduce stress. So why not make a night of it and decompress with friends and music you love.\n2. Use positive thinking and self-talk to ward off stress. For instance, if you are experiencing a lot of stress at work due to an impending deadline, remember to tell yourself, “I can overcome this hurdle”\n3. Avoid trying to control everything in your life. Sometimes, there are surprises in life. You can't always predict or control what will happen. Letting go of the need to control everything can help you become happier and more at peace with the world.\n4. Express yourself through art therapy. Tapping into your creative side can help you work through the anxiety of everyday life. Using art therapy techniques, preferably alongside an art therapist, you can use drawing, painting, or music to express your inner feelings in more nuanced ways than may be possible with words alone. You don't have to be an artist to enjoy the benefits of creative self expression, including in relation to stress reduction.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make creepy food?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Want some Halloween food ideas? Well then look at this article.\n\n## Step\n\n1. Make Vampire punch. Your guests may be thirsty so here's the perfect drink: Vampire Blood Fruit Punch. All you have to do is buy/make some red fruit punch.\n2. Serve bone crunch sandwiches. Put some salad on some white bread and add tomatoes and more. You choose!\n3. Serve spider leg trail mix. Add some M&M's, Pretzel sticks, etc. in a bowl and there you go. Simple, easy and good.\n4. Make some monster toes. Make the mini hot dogs, and then carve out a toenail area on the hot dog. Then dab ketchup on the \"toenail\".\n5. Have some blind tasting. Serve the guests regular food, but tell gross stories, describing some disgusting objects with the same texture as the food.\n6. Serve uncut blood oranges in water with red food coloring!\n7. Make dirt- get a large bowl or clean flower pot and put some chocolate pudding in. Mix in crushed Oreos and gummy worms.\n\n\n## Make dirt cake\n\n1. Make Brownies. For best results, make them as gooey as possible.\n2. Find chocolate accessories. Pour chocolate syrup on the finished brownies, then sprinkle them with coco powder. You could also consider adding little bits of a chocolate bar.\n3. Add creepy crawlies. Put gummy worms and other gummy critters on top of and around the cake. Cover some of them with coco powder to make it look like they're coming out of the dirt.\n4. Add flesh and guts. Melt red starburst, jolly rancher chews, and tootsie rolls. Then, tear them into chunks and spread them around certain parts of the cake. To make them look even more real, you can add them to the creepy crawlies from the previous step.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to treat a hernia at home?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Reduce and manage pain\n\n1. Take over-the-counter pain meds to help relieve your discomfort. Aspirin and ibuprofen may work well to alleviate some pain and swelling. Follow the recommended dosage on the bottle and don’t exceed the daily limit. If you find your pain doesn’t get better or if you keep taking more and more medication, it may be time to call your doctor. If you take a blood thinner, always check with your doctor before using pain medication. They may want you to take something different so it doesn’t interfere with the blood thinner. Types of Hernias: Almost all hernias will eventually need to be treated through surgery, especially if they’re bulging or causing you a lot of pain. Some of the more common types of hernias include:\n\t* Inguinal hernia: This type of hernia is in the groin area; it most often affects men, though women can experience it, too. Femoral hernia: This hernia is located around the top of your inner thigh, caused by part of your intestines pushing through your groin. These are most common among older women. Hiatal hernia: This hernia appears on your abdomen as part of your stomach protrudes into your chest cavity. Umbilical hernia: This occurs when tissue pushes through your abdomen near your belly button. It can affect both infants and adults.\n2. Avoid heartburn-causing foods and large meals if you have a hiatal hernia. This is the one type of hernia that sometimes doesn’t need surgery, especially if its symptoms can be managed through diet and over-the-counter antacids. If your symptoms increase over time, though, surgery may become the best solution.Enjoy multiple small meals throughout the day instead of 3 larger ones. This will put less pressure on your stomach so you’re more comfortable all day long. Avoid caffeine, chocolate, garlic, tomatoes, and other fatty or fried foods that can cause heartburn. Don’t lay down after you eat for several hours.\n3. Relieve discomfort from an inguinal hernia with a truss. A truss is a supportive undergarment that helps keep your hernia in place—it’s a temporary solution to help relieve pain until you can have surgery. You can buy a truss online, but it’s best to visit your doctor so they can make sure it’s properly fitted. Most inguinal hernias do need surgery to be repaired, but if your hernia is really small and not causing you pain, your doctor may be okay with waiting and keeping an eye on it. Surgery may sound scary, but these procedures usually take less than an hour and should quickly help relieve your pain.\n4. Eat a fiber-rich diet to make bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Straining your muscles can aggravate your hernia, and constipation can make things worse. Add lots of fruits and vegetables to your daily diet, and consider taking a fiber supplement to help things move smoothly.Oatmeal, nuts, beans, popcorn, chia seeds, and whole grains are also great high-fiber food choices.\n5. Lose weight to take pressure off of your abdomen. This can be helpful for all types of hernias; the less weight you’re carrying around, the less strain your muscles will be under. Try modifying your diet by eating leaner proteins and more fruits and vegetables, and try adding in some gentle exercise every day to lose weight.Hernias can be really uncomfortable and it may be hard for you to imagine exercising. Try going for short 15-minute walks when you can, or go to the pool and slowly swim laps. Be gentle on yourself, though, so you don’t aggravate the hernia more.\n\n\n## Prevent further damage\n\n1. Avoid lifting bulky or heavy objects that may strain your muscles. Instead of bending over at the waist to pick up heavy items, bend your knees so you’re squatting. Bring the object close to you and then straighten your legs and stand up. Keep the heavy object at chest level and try not to twist and turn too much.For heavy items you can’t lift yourself, consider using a dolly. You wedge the bottom of the dolly under the item, then use your weight to pull on the dolly’s handle to lift the object. From there, you can wheel it wherever it needs to go.\n2. Relax while going to the bathroom so you don’t strain your groin area. This is a little counterintuitive, but try to not strain when you have a bowel movement. Take your time and don’t push too hard; instead, let your body slowly work things out—it may take longer than usual, but it’s gentler on your body and can prevent further damage.A high-fiber diet can help prevent hernias as well as manage discomfort if you already have one. Putting your feet up on a short stool may also make those muscles relax and help you go to the bathroom more easily. Add a hot cup of coffee to your morning routine. The heat and caffeine can help things get moving.\n3. Strengthen your abdominal muscles to prevent additional hernias. Weak muscles make it easier for your internal organs to break through your abdominal walls. The key to strengthening your core is to do so gently—too much pressure or exertion could actually cause a hernia, so start slow and stop any exercises that cause you pain. Try doing 3 sets of 10 mini crunches every day. Lay on your back with your knees bent and put your hands behind your head. Use your ab muscles to bring your shoulders up off the ground 3 to 4 inches (76 to 102 mm) before carefully lowering yourself back to the ground. Workout at the pool for low-resistance strength training. The support of the water will make it easier for you to exercise without having to strain your abdominals as much. Start slow if you’re new to swimming or doing water exercises, and enjoy your time in the water! Take a beginner’s yoga class to gently stretch and tone your core.\n4. Quit smoking to improve lung health and eliminate excessive coughing. There are lots of reasons to quit smoking, and doing so can also help prevent hernias. Chronic coughing strains your muscles in both your abdomen and groin, so start curbing your smoking habit or quit cold turkey. It can be extremely hard to stop smoking. If you’re having a hard time, talk to your doctor. They may be able to provide you with some kind of aid to help make the transition easier.\n\n\n## Seek medical care\n\n1. See your doctor for an official diagnosis before treating yourself. You will likely recognize the signs and symptoms of a hernia on your own, especially if it’s large. However, it’s easy to misdiagnose yourself, so see your doctor to make sure what you have is a hernia. Your doctor will make a proper diagnosis so you can be sure you’re getting the right treatment.Your doctor will do a physical examination to check for a hernia. They’ll look at the area and may press into it with their hands. In some cases, your doctor may do imaging tests to view the hernia.\n2. Talk with your child’s pediatrician if they develop an umbilical hernia. For infants and children under 5, always check with your pediatrician to see what they recommend. Many times, an infant’s hernia will close all on its own over time, but if it hasn’t gone away by the time your child is 5 years old, they may need a small procedure to have it fixed.Umbilical hernias are common with infants, and they usually don’t cause your child any pain or discomfort.\n3. Let your doctor know if you have a hernia while you’re pregnant. Because of the extra strain on your body, hernias are fairly common among pregnant women. If you suspect you have a hernia, talk to your doctor so they can check it out. Your doctor will most likely want to wait until after birth and recovery before treating the hernia if you need surgery, but you and your baby should be safe in the meantime.As much as you can, avoid heavy lifting and make sure to eat a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation.\n4. Visit your doctor as soon as possible if your hernia looks dark red or purple. This can be a sign that your hernia is strangulated. When this happens, your hernia is cutting off the blood flow to part of your intestine and requires medical treatment. Go to the doctor to make sure you’re okay because you may need emergency treatment.Try your best to not worry or panic—your doctor will be able to fix your hernia.\n5. Seek emergency care if you have pain, nausea, vomiting, or blocked bowels. Sometimes a hernia can block off part of your intestines. This means your bowel movements can get caught behind the hernia, causing pain, nausea, vomiting, and bloating. You will likely not be able to pass gas or have a bowel movement. See your doctor or go to the emergency room if this happens because you likely need medical treatment.This is a treatable condition, though it can be really scary at the moment. As soon as you suspect a problem, get medical attention so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.\n6. Have a surgical procedure done to correct your hernia and prevent future ones. These procedures are generally pretty quick and you should get to go home that same day. The surgeon will usually make a small incision near the hernia and push it back into place. From there, they will sew and reinforce the tear so that the hernia will be less likely to protrude again.Make sure to follow all recovery instructions after your surgery. You’ll need to take it easy and avoid heavy lifting for a while, and you’ll probably also have pain medication to take.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to help end homelessness?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Homelessness can feel like a daunting problem, especially as the population grows and living costs continue to rise. Helping to end homelessness will ensure no one has to go without a permanent, stable place to live. Give back to homeless organizations and participate in events that focus on ending homelessness. Advocating for changes to policies and laws around homelessness and treating homeless people with respect can also help to address this important issue.\n\n## Support homeless organizations and group\n\n1. Volunteer your time to a local homeless shelter. Start small by volunteering weekly or monthly at a homeless shelter in your area. Sign up to volunteer to serve food to the homeless or to create care packages for the homeless. You may challenge yourself to volunteer for 2-4 hours a week or twice a month. Or you may devote time during the holidays to work at a homeless shelter. Enlist friends or family to volunteer with you at a homeless shelter.\n2. Donate your skills to a non-profit organization that focuses on homelessness. Search for non-profit groups and organizations that work on initiatives for ending homelessness in your area. Contact them and offer to help them in any way you can. Put skills you already have to good use by donating them to the organization. For example, if you have coding skills, you may offer to update the organization’s website. Or if you love talking to people, you may offer to work in a call center or go door to door to promote the non-profit organization.\n3. Give monetary donations to homeless groups and organizations. Donating money to homeless organizations can go a long way to helping with this issue. You may give a large sum once a year to a specific program for the homeless or to the organization as whole. Regular giving, where you give a small amount once weekly or once a month, can also help. Donate to a homeless organization as a gift for a friend or in memory of someone close to you. Make a holiday donation to the organization as a way to give back. Raise money for these organizations by setting up a fundraiser online for them or by asking others for donations.\n4. Go to fundraisers for homeless organizations. Show your support for ending homelessness by attending fundraisers and events that address the issue. Check your local community board for events to raise funds for a local homeless shelter or drop in center. Find out if there are fundraisers in your area that you can donate time or money to. Donate an item for a silent auction at an event for the homeless. Bid on items to help raise money for the issue. Invite friends and family to fundraisers to benefit the homeless so they can participate as well.\n5. Participate in food and clothing drives for the homeless. Donate clothing or food for the drive. Volunteer to collect food and clothing for the drive. Promote the food and clothing drive on social media to get others to donate. Warm coats, socks, scarves, and hats are all good options for a clothing drive. Non-perishable food like canned goods, crackers, and granola bars are ideal donations for a food drive. Most communities will run annual food and clothing drives, especially around Christmas time when the weather is cold and homeless people need more support. Check your community board or at your community center for information on upcoming food or clothing drives. Your school or your church may also run a food and clothing drive for the homeless.\n\n\n## Advocate for homeless policies and laws\n\n1. Write or call your government representative about ending homelessness. Many long term solutions for homelessness require changes to existing policies and laws. Contact your representative in government and ask them what they are doing to help end homelessness. Remind them that homelessness is an important issue that their constituents care about and want to address. Search online for contact information for your government representative. Calling them directly will be more effective than writing a letter. Messaging them publicly on social media can also be effective. For example, you may write to your mayor or you may contact your senator. You can also reach out to city council members to find out how they plan to address the issue. In your letter or call, advocate for more investment in affordable housing and social services to help prevent homelessness. Discuss the need for services that help homeless people find permanent homes and stay off the street. Note the need for counseling and rehabilitation centers for homeless people with addiction issues so they can get better and find employment.\n2. Support political candidates that care about ending homelessness. Put your right to vote to work by only supporting candidates who discuss ending homelessness in their platforms and during their campaigns. Promote them on social media and volunteer for their campaign. Cast your vote for them on election day. Tell friends and family about political candidates who discuss ending homelessness so they can stay informed and vote.\n3. Organize a march or protest that focuses on support for the homeless. Let others know about this important issue by organizing a march or a peaceful protest that focuses on ending homelessness. Invite friends, family members, and colleagues to the march. Promote the march or protest on social media so others can participate. Make signs that note the importance of ending homelessness and bring them to the march. Use a megaphone at the protest to give speeches about the issue. Have the march or protest in a public space, such as in front of a government building or in a public square.\n4. Work towards a career as a politician, lobbyist, or non-profit worker. Do well in your social studies and history classes in high school. Join a school debate team or public speaking club to get better at these skills. Take classes in political science, history, and conflict resolution in university. Get involved in local politics and non-profit organizations. Apply to positions as a lobbyist or a non-profit worker so you can work to actively end homelessness on a day to day basis. Run for local office with a platform that focuses on ending homelessness in your community.\n\n\n## Treat homeless people with respect\n\n1. Acknowledge the homeless person with a smile or nod. Rather than rushing by them without looking at them, make eye contact and smile or nod at them. Let them know that you see them and acknowledge them as a person. This is a small way for you to show empathy for them. Avoid yelling, shouting, or mocking the homeless person, as this will only make them feel more alienated and alone. Treat them like a friend or family member, showing care and respect for them.\n2. Try starting a conversation with the homeless person. Ask them how they are doing. Find out where they are from. Keep the conversation open and friendly. Maintain eye contact when you talk to them so they know you care. For example, you may say, “How are you today?” or “Where are you from originally?”\n\t* If the homeless person does not seem interested in answering your questions, don’t pressure them into answering. Let them decide if they want to engage with you on a deeper level.\n3. Offer to buy the homeless person a meal. If you have the time and funds, offer to grab the person a cup of coffee or a sandwich from somewhere nearby. Getting the person a warm meal may make their day and help them feel less down about their situation. The meal does not have to be elaborate or expensive. A cup of coffee or a small snack would likely be appreciated by the person.\n4. Give the homeless person a care package. Prepare a care package that contains important items like socks, warm gloves, toothpaste, lip balm, and non-perishable food like crackers or nuts. Give out the care packages to homeless people in your area so they have supplies that they need. Make it a habit to hand out care packages to homeless people once a month or regularly during the winter months.\n5. Decide to give the person money if you feel comfortable. Giving money to a homeless person is a personal preference and completely up to you. Handing change or a few bucks to a homeless person can be a demonstration of empathy and help them in a very direct way. You may decide to give the person a meal, rather than money. Or you may sometimes give the person money and offer them food other times.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to teach a child to use scissors?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Most children around age 2 or 3 are ready to begin using scissors. It's important for children to know how to be safe with scissors. Once they're ready, using scissors can be an excellent way for the child to build fine motor skills and patience.\n\n## Prepare to teach\n\n1. Try fine motor skill activities to prepare the child for using scissors. Children need to build fine motor skills before they're ready to use scissors. Here are some activities that can help build the child's skills, and help you know if the child is ready:\n\t* Precision: Squeezing watercolor paint from an eyedropper onto paper, playing with finger puppets\n\t* \n\t* Bilateral coordination: Tearing up paper from the recycling bin\n\t* \n\t* Finger and hand strength: Spinning a top, punching holes with a hole punch, playing with squirt guns, using clothes pins\n2. Evaluate the child's ability to follow directions. The child should be able to follow instructions like \"stop\" or \"put it down, please.\" If a child isn't able to follow safety rules, then they shouldn't be given anything dangerous.\n3. Choose the right pair of scissors. Safety scissors are ideal for young children. Choose right-handed or left-handed scissors based on your child's dominant hand.\n4. Know that most kids are ready to use scissors around the age of 2 or 3. Many young children are able to use scissors.Talk to an occupational therapist if you think your child is struggling or has a disability that might delay their learning to use scissors. There are adaptive scissors for kids with disabilities, and special techniques to help kids who struggle with scissors. A delay isn't the end of the world. It just means things will happen a little differently.\n\n\n## Teach how to use scissor\n\n1. Let the child see you use a scissors. Show them how you do it, and let them watch. If they're curious, then you'll know they're most likely ready to learn.\n2. Start with the grip. Show the child in your hand how to hold the scissors, and then have them try to copy it. If they aren't able to alone, help move their fingers and thumb into the right position. Teach them that the thumb always goes in the hole. Draw an eyeball on the small thumb hole and explain that the eyeball will always be on top. Teach them that two fingers in the larger hole. Help them put their index finger and their middle finger in the hole.\n3. Have the child practice opening and closing the scissors. This practice will help the child build up the strength to control the scissors.\n4. Try having the child do their best to cut in a line or other shapes. Try drawing lines or shapes for the child to cut. After they do it, praise them. (Keep in mind that they may not be very precise yet; they're still young.)\n5. Find ways to make it fun. Let the child be creative. Try letting them cut colored paper, yarn, and other materials. Using scissors can be another way the child works on expressing themselves (all while building essential motor skills).\n6. Practice with the child how to turn the paper with one hand and cut with the other. This will prevent the child from turning the scissors up side down. Show the how to move the paper along with shuffling motions so that they maintain control of both the paper and the scissors.\n\n\n## Teach scissor safety\n\n1. Tell the child that scissors can hurt people if misused. It helps if kids don't just know what the rules are, but if they know why the rules are important. Explain that using scissors the wrong way can result in somebody getting hurt, and that's why the rules matter. Tell them that as long as they are following the rules, they don't have to worry.\n2. Explain that scissors are only for cutting paper. Fingers, hair, clothing, crayons, and other things are off-limits. If you decide to have the child practice with cutting Play Doh first, you can say that scissors are only for paper and Play Doh.If the child asks about why scissors are used for haircuts, explain \"Only adults can use scissors to cut hair, because they have more practice to make sure they don't mess up. Some adults go to a hair cutting school to learn how to do it right, and once they go there, they're allowed to cut hair.\"\n3. Explain that you need to walk carefully with scissors, if at all. Scissors can hurt people, so it's important to be careful. Some adults forbid walking with scissors at all, while others allow children to do it if the kids are careful. The best way to walk with scissors is to hold the closed blades in the fist. Walking this way reduces the risk of the child playing with the blades while walking, or falling and hurting themselves on the blades. Explain that running with scissors is extremely dangerous. If the child is going too fast, say \"Walking feet\" to remind them to slow down. Take away the scissors if they continue behaving dangerously.\n4. Take away the scissors if the child doesn't follow the rules. Give a reminder, and see if the child listens. If not, then you may decide to take away scissor privileges until the child is ready for another chance. Safety comes first.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to do the rumba?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rumba is a Latin dance that is popular all over the world. It's so simple to learn and can be danced to lots of music. Traditionally rumba uses latin music, but a lot of pop songs have the perfect tempo and rhythm, too! Learn to lead the steps, or follow your partner if you aren't as coordinated. Once you get the basic steps down, rumba gives you the freedom to groove with the music!\n\n## Position your body\n\n1. Clasp hands with your partner with elbows at a 90 degree angle. As the leader, raise your left hand. As the follower, raise your right hand. Keep your elbow close to your partner’s elbow and almost touching it. Make sure your arm stays up and at a strict angle.\n2. Place your other hand behind your partner’s shoulder. If you are the leader, put your right hand behind follower’s left shoulder. If you are the follower, put your left hand behind the leader’s right shoulder. Keep your arm straight and close against your partner’s arm.\n3. Start with your feet close together side-by-side. When you are in position with your partner, make sure that both of you keep your feet close together side-by-side. You’ll move your feet apart and back together as you perform the steps, so it’s important that they are tight together when you start.\n4. Center your body and weight over the balls of your feet. Rumba requires quick, decisive movements, so always stay on the balls of your feet. Make sure you don’t lean forward, backward, or sideways. As you perform the steps, keep yourself balanced.\n5. Maintain eye contact. You must stay in sync with your partner, and keeping your eyes locked is the best way to do it. Don't watch your feet or look around the room, or you are likely to lose the rhythm of your partner. Keeping eye contact helps you focus on the steps rather than on your surroundings.If your partner is not the same height as you, work together to split the height difference. Each of you should tilt your head either up or down so your eyes meet in the middle.\n\n\n## Lead the rumba\n\n1. Take a slow step straight forward with your left foot. Slide your foot gently forward, as opposed to lifting your foot off the ground and stomping down. Count two beats with the music when you take the first step. Keep the step light and stay on the ball of your foot. When you’re a beginner, it’s helpful to count the beats for each step of the rumba. Count the steps as either 1-2 (first step/fourth step), 3 (second step/fifth step) , 4 (third step/sixth step) or as slow-quick-quick. Since your partner will mirror this step by stepping back, it’s important to monitor their speed so you don’t step on their foot.\n2. Step your right foot at a 45 degree angle away from its starting point. This step starts your body moving to the side, as your first step started moving you forward. Your feet should end up being shoulder width apart and directly in line from left to right. This step lasts one beat and your next step follows immediately, so be ready for another quick step. Keep your toes pointing forward when you set your foot down.\n3. Slide your left foot so it’s next your right foot. Close the gap between your feet with this third step. This is a quick step that lasts one beat. When you finish the step, your feet should almost be touching. Make sure your weight is centered over both feet once again. You don’t actually want to slide your foot along the ground, but only lift it enough to move it. You’ll slow your step down if you lift it too high off of the ground. Quickly make any minor adjustments to your or your partner’s position as you move into the second phase of the steps.\n4. Step backward slowly with your right foot. Move your right foot backward so it’s roughly in line with where you started. Plant the ball of your foot and then lower your heel to the ground. Make sure this step lasts for two beats. The next step follows quickly, so make sure you are balanced on your right foot.\n5. Slide your left foot diagonally back to where it started. Take this step quickly so that it lasts one beat. Make sure your feet are shoulder width apart in a straight line. In the basic box step, your left foot should be in the same place it started. Shift the weight slightly onto your left foot in preparation for the next step.\n6. Close the gap between your feet by stepping with your right foot. Make this step quickly so that it only lasts for one beat. You are back where you started with your feet close together. Check that your weight is centered and distributed evenly between both feet. If you performed the steps correctly, the entire process takes eight beats. This should be two measures of music.\n\n\n## Follow the leader\n\n1. Step back slowly with your right foot. As the follower, mirror your partner’s steps as closely as possible. At the same time that they move their left foot forward, your right foot must go backward. Match the distance that they step so your feet are as close as they were to start. This step lasts two beats. Be sure to step at the same speed as your partner.\n2. Step quickly at a backward diagonal with your left foot. As your partner steps diagonally with their right foot, mirror the step backwards. This step lasts for one beat, so you must step quickly. If you step too slowly, your partner may kick your foot when they step forward. End this step with your feet shoulder width apart, and with neither foot farther forward or backward. Shift your weight onto your left foot so you are ready for the next step.\n3. Slide your right foot toward your left foot quickly. Barely lift your right foot off of the ground, and plant it next to your left foot. Make this step at the same time as your partner so you move sideways together. You should be standing at a 45 degree angle from your starting spot. Make sure your weight is centered over your feet.\n4. Move your left foot forward slowly. As your partner moves back in the second phase, you move forward. Mirror their right foot moving backward with your left foot moving forward. Imagine your foot is pulled by their foot. Go slowly so this step takes two beats to accomplish. Be sure to shift your weight onto that left foot so you are ready to take the next step.\n5. Take a quick step with your right foot at 45 degrees forward. Move your feet back to parallel with this step. Make sure they are still shoulder width apart and directly across from your partner’s feet. Be sure to step quickly so it takes one beat. Shift your weight slightly onto your right foot as you prepare to take the final step.\n6. Slide your left foot toward your right foot into its original place. Take this final step quickly and in time with your partner. Your feet end up close together and on the same place on the floor that they started.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to get a known traveler number?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you love traveling but can't stand the long customs lines, then it might be worth it for you to get a Known Traveler Number (KTN). A KTN is a number that's issued by either the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Department of Defense (DoD). This number indicates that the person who has it has undergone a pre-flight background check before checking in for their flight and is eligible for an expedited customs experience. To get a KTN, apply for TSA Precheck, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI.\n\n## Get a ktn through tsa precheck\n\n1. Go for TSA Precheck if you only travel within the United States. If you're a lawful U.S. citizen or permanent resident and you just travel within the United States, this may be the program for you. Get your KTN through TSA Precheck so that you don't have to bother with getting a passport.\n2. Pre-enroll for TSA Precheck online. In order to start the application process, visit https://universalenroll.dhs.gov. Here, you'll disclose basic biographical information, such as your name, birthdate, and address.\n3. Make an appointment at an application center. After you finish filling out the brief form, you'll be prompted to make an appointment for your interview. For TSA Precheck, you can choose from over 300 locations within the United States. Find a location near you by going to https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/locator.\n4. Go to your in-person interview. Before you head to your scheduled interview, make sure that you have a valid photo ID, a valid proof of citizenship, and immigration documentation if applicable. The interview should only take about 15 minutes, and you'll be asked questions about yourself and your travel habits, and you'll also be fingerprinted during this time. Your driver's license can serve as a valid photo ID. Your passport or birth certificate can serve as a valid proof of citizenship.\n5. Pay the $85 application fee. At the interview, you'll need to pay your nonrefundable application fee, which will cover the cost of having a background check done. You can pay with a credit card, money order, company check, or cashier's check.\n6. Check your application status online. After your interview, check the status of your application by going to https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/workflows?workflow=service-status&servicecode=11115V. You'll likely receive a notification letter within 1-2 days of your interview, but it can sometimes take up to 45 days. If you're approved, your notification letter will include your 9-digit KTN.\n7. Add your KTN to each reservation. Every time you book a flight, type in your KTN number wherever it's asked for. This way, you'll be recognized as a known traveler, which means you won't have to take off your shoes, belt, or jacket, or take out your laptop or liquids. If you book through a travel agent, be sure to give the travel agent you KTN. Contact your airline via phone or online to add your KTN to your reservation after you've already booked it.\n\n\n## Apply for global entry\n\n1. Choose Global Entry if you travel internationally. While TSA Precheck allows you to to enjoy a faster customs experience while traveling within the United States, Global Entry allows you to breeze through customs while traveling within the United States and also internationally. Get your KTN through Global Entry if you're a lawful U.S. citizen or permanent resident and you travel outside the country. You can also apply for Global Entry if you are a citizen of India, citizen of Colombia, citizen of the United Kingdom, citizen of Germany, citizen of Panama, citizen of Singapore, citizen of South Korea, citizen of Switzerland, or a Mexican National.\n2. Create a GOES account and apply for Global Entry. Navigate to https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. Click “Get Started” to create an account. Then, log into your account. You'll have several different programs to choose from, so make sure you click on “Global Entry” and then fill out the application. This should take about half an hour and will require information such as your passport information, your residence history, and your employment history.\n3. Pay the $100 application fee online. At the end of the Global Entry application, you will be prompted to fill in your credit card or bank account information in order to pay for the application fee. The fee is $100 and is valid for 5 years. Some credit cards, specifically the ones designed for frequent fliers and corporate travelers, may reimburse you for this fee.\n4. Wait to receive an email. Once you've applied and paid the fee, check your inbox for an email. You can expect this email to come within a week or so of submitting the application. The email will prompt you to log in to your GOES account, which will notify you that you're approved, pending your interview, if everything on your application checked out. If you don't receive an email, try calling the Global Entry customer service phone line at 866-530-4172.\n5. Schedule an interview at an enrollment center. While logged into your GOES account, you'll be prompted to pick an interview day, time, and location. Here, you can look up the enrollment centers that are closest to where you are. If you live in or near a major city, look into a few different locations, as some may be able to take you the next day but others may have a month-long wait.\n6. Go to your scheduled interview. The interview questions are typically simple and straightforward. You can expect to be asked about basic topics such as your traveling tendencies and your employment status. If you're approved, your fingerprints will be taken and you'll get your KTN at the end of the interview.\n7. Scan your passport at an airport kiosk to use your KTN. Bring your passport to the airport every time you fly, and scan your passport at a Global Entry kiosk. Then, the kiosk will take your photo, scan your fingerprints, and print out your receipt, which you'll hand to the customs agent. This will get you access to an expedited customs experience.\n\n\n## Become a member of nexus\n\n1. Apply for NEXUS if you travel to Canada often. NEXUS is similar to Global Entry, but it only allows you to move through customs quicker when you're traveling domestically within the U.S. or you're crossing the border of the United States and Canada. Choose this program if you're a lawful Canadian citizen/permanent resident or a lawful U.S. citizen/permanent resident who needs to frequently cross the border. You can go to Canada without a passport if you're a U.S. citizen and you become a member of NEXUS.\n2. Create a GOES account. Get online and navigate to ttp.cbp.dhs.gov. Click on “Register in English” and fill out the prompted information to create a GOES account. When you're done, you'll receive an identification number and be a registered GOES user.\n3. Complete the NEXUS application online. Through your GOES account, download the NEXUS application online. Complete it, and provide copies of all of the government documents that the application requires, including your proof of citizenship or permanent residence, a valid passport, and proof of your current residence. Submit the application when you're finished with it.\n4. Pay the $50 fee online. The processing fee for applying to become a member of NEXUS is $50, which is the most affordable of all of the program fees. Pay this online with a credit card through your GOES account.\n5. Schedule an interview through your GOES account. Once your application has been processed, you'll get a notification through your GOES account that you need to schedule an interview at an enrollment center. There are only a few locations where you can do this, and all of them can be found at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/location-eng.html.\n6. Gather required documents and forms of ID for your NEXUS interview. You'll need to bring a valid driver's license, proof of residency, your NEXUS conditional approval letter, and any documents that you used on your application to prove you're a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, Canadian citizen, or Canadian permanent resident. Bring your vehicle's title and registration if you plan to drive across the border. Bring your proof of custody if you plan to take a child under the age of 18 across the border.\n7. Go to your NEXUS interview. Attend your scheduled interview at the location you chose. Your interview should take about 30 minutes, and you'll be asked questions by both a U.S. customs officer and a Canadian customs officer during this time. If the interview goes well and you're approved for membership, you'll also be fingerprinted. During the interview, you might be asked questions like, “Why do you want a NEXUS card?” or “Do you still live at this address?”\n8. Scan your passport at Global Entry kiosks when you travel. As a NEXUS member, you can use your KTN the same way that Global Entry members use it. When you travel, find a Global Entry kiosk, scan your passport, and proceed as the kiosk guides you to. Just like with Global Entry members, you can give the receipt that ‘s printed at this kiosk to the customs agent in order to have an expedited customs experience.\n9. Add your PASSID to your reservations and frequent flier profiles. When you become a NEXUS member, you'll be issued a PASSID, which is exactly the same as a KTN. If you'd rather check in before heading to the airport, be sure to include your PASSID in the appropriate field when you fill out your flight registration information.\n\n\n## Acquire your ktn through sentri\n\n1. Choose SENTRI if you travel to Mexico often. The benefits of being a SENTRI member are specific to crossing the U.S. and Mexican border. Go with this program to get your KTN if you're a lawful U.S. citizen who travels to Mexico on a regular basis.\n2. Create a GOES account online. SENTRI is another program that requires you to have a GOES account. Register by clicking “Get Started,” and filling out all of the prompted information on https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov.\n3. Complete an online application. After you've gotten a GOES account, you can log in and find the application for SENTRI. Fill it out entirely and include copies of any documents that the application requires of you. You'll likely need to supply copies of your passport and your proof of citizenship or proof of permanent residence.\n4. Pay the SENTRI fee of $122.25. This fee covers the application fee, the fingerprint fee, as well as the system cost fee. After you finish filling out the application, you'll have an opportunity to pay this nonrefundable fee. Make the payment with a credit card, certified check, money order, or through electronic bank transfer.\n5. Schedule to your SENTRI interview at an enrollment center. Once your application is conditionally approved, you'll be instructed through your GOES account to make an appointment for your interview. There are many different locations that you can choose from, all of which are considered “enrollment centers.”\n6. Go to your scheduled interview with the required documents. Bring the required documents with you and answer the interviewer's questions truthfully. You'll then be approved and fingerprinted if the interview goes well.\n7. Scan your passport at a Global Entry kiosk. To reap the benefits of your SENTRI membership, head to the Global Entry kiosk and scan your passport before you go to customs. The kiosk will prompt you to answer a couple of questions and it will take your photo and scan your fingerprints. It will then print out a receipt that you can give to the customs agent so that you can move quickly through.\n8. Include your PASSID in your flight reservations. If you'd rather not worry about dealing with the kiosk before your flight, you can simply include your PASSID (KTN) on your reservation when you book your flight. That way, your precheck privileges will be noted on your boarding pass and you can skip the kiosk altogether.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make felt?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Felting is fun no matter what your age. Once you learn the process of felting, you can let your imagination be your guide and move on to other, more complex shapes. Felt sheets are the most basic, but felt balls can be just as fun to make.When you are done, you can turn your handmade felt into pretty patches or beaded garlands!\n\n## Make a felt sheet\n\n1. Use your fingers to pull apart some wool into tufts. Do not cut the wool into tufts. This will create sharp edges and make it difficult to felt. Also, be sure to get pure wool and not acrylic; acrylic fibers will not felt. Many crafters will recommend Merino wool for its fine fibers. The wool does not have to be naturally colored! Consider getting some dyed wool!\n2. Lay the tufts out on a baking sheet, overlapping each row like scales on a fish. Make sure that the fibers are all going in the same direction. You do not have to cover the entire baking sheet; an 8 by 8 inch (20.32 by 20.32 centimeters) square will be plenty.\n3. Lay out more tufts in a second layer with the fibers going perpendicular to the last one. For example, if all the tufts were going up-and-down in the first layer, make all the tufts go side-to-side in this layer. You can also experiment with using a different color of wool for this layer. Be sure to use a color that complements the first one, however, or you might get a muddy result.\n4. Repeat the first two layers, if desired, for a thicker felt sheet. Remember to alternate the direction in which the fibers are going with each layer. Two layers is perfectly fine for a thin piece of felt, but if you'd like something thicker, aim for three or four layers total. Consider adding some pieces of loose-weave fabric or bits of Merino yarn on top for color and texture.\n5. Cover the layers with a piece of tulle or sheer polyester fabric. This will help keep the fibers in place during the felting process. The fabric needs to be big enough to cover the entire wool sheet.\n6. Make your felting solution and pour it into a spray bottle. Keep the rest of the felting solution handy to refill the bottle as needed. You will need 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 1 quart (950 milliliters) of hot water. Don't shake the bottle, or you will create too many suds. The hotter the water is, the faster the wool will felt. The water shouldn't be so hot that it is uncomfortable to work with, however.\n7. Spray the wool down, then gently massage it with a piece of soapy bubble wrap. Don't be tempted to pour the water onto the wool. This will cause the fibers to move around too much. Instead, spray it down with your hot, soapy water until it is completely saturated (but not dripping). Ball up some bubble wrap, rub it over a piece of bar soap, then gently massage the felt using small, circular motions. If you accidentally soaked the wool, use a small sponge to mop up the excess water.\n8. Continue pressing on the wool until the fibers come together. Pour the water off as it cools, and spray more hot, soapy water onto it. Be sure to tuck in any loose or stray fibers as you work. This will make the edges of your sheet a little more even.\n9. When the wool is ready, transfer it to a sheet of bubble wrap and peel off the tulle or polyester fabric. You can tell if the wool is ready by doing a simple pinch test. Pinch a piece of the wool between your thumb and forefinger. If it stays in place and doesn't come off, you can move on the to the next step. If it lifts away, then continue pressing the wool. The bubble wrap needs to be textured side up.\n10. Roll up the bubble wrap tightly. Start by folding an inch (2.54 centimeters) of so of bubble wrap over the bottom edge of the felted wool to create a seam. Next, roll the wool up as tightly as you can along with the bubble wrap, starting from the bottom. Press down as you roll the wool to drain off any excess water.\n11. Roll the bubble wrap tube across a flat surface for about five minutes. Roll it gently at first, then with increasing pressure later on. Don't over-felt or over-work your wool.\n12. Rinse the sheet with cold water, then squeeze it to drain off the excess water. The cold water rinse will help set the fibers. Gently press down onto the felt sheet to squeeze out the excess water. Do not wring or twist it. Consider adding a splash of white vinegar to the water. This will remove excess soap and restore the natural pH of the wool; it will brighten the wool's colors and help it last longer.\n13. Lay the wool out some place flat to dry. The wool will have shrunk and thickened during the felting process. It may also shrink a little bit more while it dries. This is completely natural.\n14. Use your felted wool. You can cut it into squares and sew it onto a bag to make patches. You can also cut it into circles to make coasters. The possibilities are endless!\n\n\n## Make felt ball\n\n1. Pull apart some raw wool into tufts. Do not cut the tufts. If you cut them, you will get sharp edges that will be harder to felt. You can use natural, uncolored wool, or wool that has been dyed bright colors. The size of the tufts doesn't really matter, but a 4 to 5-inch long (10 to 12 centimeters) tuft will give you a bead about the size of a cherry.\n2. Fill a small tub with hot water and add some liquid dish soap into it. You will need 2 tablespoons of dish soap for every 3 cups (700 milliliters) of water. Gently swish the water to mix, but not so much to create suds. The hotter the water, the faster the wool will felt. The water shouldn't be so hot that you can't handle it, however.\n3. Gather a few tufts into a ball, then roll them between your palms. Don't worry about forming a firm ball just yet. You can use all one color of wool, or several different colors for a more interesting felt ball.\n4. Soak the ball in the hot, soapy water. Hold the ball between your fingers, then dip it into the hot, soapy water. Don't worry if the ball starts to lose its shape and sag. You will reshape it in the next step.\n5. Roll the ball between your palms until it becomes firm. The ball will be loose at first, but then it will start to become more firm. This will take about 10 minutes. Be careful not to squeeze it too much. If you are making multiple beads, the water may cool down while you work. When that happens, replace the tub with more hot, soapy water.\n6. When the wool is firm, rinse it off with cold water. This will get rid of the soap and help set the fibers. If you'd like, you can then soak it in some water with a splash of white vinegar in it. This will help remove the rest of the soap and brighten the wool's color.\n7. Gently press the ball in a towel to remove excess water. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, of you may distort the ball.\n8. Allow the felt ball to air dry. This will take about 24 hours. Remember, just because the ball is dry on the outside does not necessarily mean that it is dry on the inside.\n9. Consider threading the balls onto some twine to make a garland. Poke a hole through each ball using a darning needle, and pull some heavy thread through it. You may need to use needle nose pliers to help pull the needle through, especially of the felt balls are firm. Hang the garland wherever you like when you are done.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to deal with a married boyfriend?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Entering into a relationship with a married man might seem appealing to some women; however, it can also become a very difficult and painful experience. There are many reasons why a woman might be attracted to a married man and learning these reasons as well as the difficulties of such a relationship can help you decide what to do.\n\n## Learn the risk\n\n1. Be aware that he likely won't leave his wife. Although your boyfriend may claim he is willing to or about to leave his wife, most married men are not actually ready or planning to do so. During your time with your boyfriend, you should understand that the chances of him leaving his wife to be with you exclusively are small. If he is finalizing his divorce, then he may actually be serious about leaving his wife. Most men will not leave their wife to be with their girlfriend.\n2. Realize that he will always be connected to his family. If your boyfriend has children with his wife, you should understand that he will always have a connection to his children and possibly with his wife. Even if your boyfriend leaves his wife, his children will still be part of his life and he may be required to share visitation rights with her. Be prepared for this if you continue to pursue your relationship with him.\n3. Prepare yourself for a difficult relationship. Dating a married man is almost always a difficult relationship and is one that is likely to emotionally hurt those involved. You should be fully aware of this if you plan to continue your relationship with your married boyfriend.\n\n\n## Understand why women want to date a marry man\n\n1. Examine your relationship for any thrill seeking behavior. The hidden nature of your relationship may be what keeps one or both of you interested. Sneaking around, keeping secrets and hiding the relationship can all be exhilarating and boost the attachment between the two of you. Understand that if you are interested in your boyfriend because of the thrill, an exclusive relationship with him will likely lose its appeal.\n2. Ask yourself if you have based the relationship in competition. Some women are highly competitive and this competitive nature can express itself in relationships as well. Women who desire a married man may do so because they feel that they are a superior woman to the man's wife. This can cause them to pursue the husband in order to prove to themselves and others that they are the “winner”.\n3. Discover any issues with trust that you may have. Some women may have difficulty trusting a man. The appeal of seeing a married man is found in the fact that they can't be cheated on because they are the one doing the cheating. Women who have a married boyfriend are also not likely to be restricted in who they themselves are allowed to see romantically. A lack of trust can be the reason behind your relationship.\n\n\n## Date during a divorce\n\n1. Be aware of your boyfriend's wife. Although you may be dating your boyfriend during his divorce, you will still have to contend with how his wife might view you. You will have to be careful with any interaction you might have with your boyfriend's wife as they may feel resentful towards you and try to cause you trouble. Your boyfriends wife may try to turn his children against you. The wife of your boyfriend might try to attack your image amongst family and friends. Your relationship may cause the divorce proceedings to take longer or become more expensive.\n2. Keep your relationship discreet. Dating your boyfriend during a divorce can be a troublesome and difficult time for both of you. Keeping your relationship discreet and private can help keep things as calm and stable as can be during the divorce proceedings. Wait until after the divorce before making your relationship a public one. Don't get involved with your boyfriend's children until after the divorce is finalized.\n3. Make sure your boyfriend is physically separated from his wife. If you start dating your boyfriend while he still lives with his wife, this might be legally determined to be the reason for the failure of his marriage. If your relationship is determined to be the reason his marriage failed it can cause your boyfriend to lose more of his assets during the divorce. Wait until your boyfriend is living away from his wife before dating.\n\n\n## Discover if your boyfriend be marry\n\n1. Take note of when your boyfriend is available. If your boyfriend is usually unavailable on weekends of evenings, but talks to you first thing in the morning, he might be married. Your boyfriend might be with his wife during these times and this can be the reason he isn't returning your calls or texts. Take note of when your boyfriend is available to talk. If he talks with you only during times when he is at work or away from home, he might be married. Unless he has to work on the weekends, he should be able to meet or talk with you.\n2. Think about how much you know about his personal life. Married men don't often share many details of their personal life. This might be an effort to cover up their marriage by exuding any information that could reveal it. Think of how much you know about your boyfriend and his personal life to see if he might be withholding any important information. He will likely not mention where he lives. Your boyfriend might not talk about his friends in case you might know them and ask them for more details about his life. He might not talk about his past relationships in order to avoid revealing anything about his current marriage.\n3. Ask yourself if your boyfriend hides his family from you. If your boyfriend is currently married there is a good chance that he will avoid taking you to meet his family. A married boyfriend will likely try to keep your relationship a secret. If you meet his family your relationship will be revealed. If you have been dating your boyfriend for a long period of time and he avoids a meeting between you and his family, he might be married.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to choose bridal lingerie?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Choosing bridal lingerie is one of the many exciting things you get to do as bride-to-be, and it’s something so personal that only you can do it. For lingerie that you’re planning to wear under your dress on your big day, you’ll need to choose a style that works well under your specific dress. If you’re planning to get other lingerie to change into after the wedding, you have unlimited options with which you can surprise your fiancé!\n\n## Find lingerie for your dress\n\n1. Go with a slip and shapewear if you have a sheath dress. Light flowing fabrics make beautiful wedding gowns but may require a little extra support underneath to avoid showing unwanted bulges or panty lines. Find shapewear that hides any problem areas, and a slip made from similar fabric as your gown in case your gown slips. To reduce the layers you need to wear, try a shaping slip in the same color as your dress.\n2. Choose high-waisted shaping lingerie for a mermaid dress. Mermaid dresses show off all your natural curves by hugging your body, so consider lingerie that draws in your waist and doesn’t show panty lines. A high-waisted thong is a good option, on its own or coupled with a bustier.\n3. Find a bustier or corset for your ballgown. Many ballgown style dresses already have a structured corset or bustier in them, but if yours doesn’t, find one that matches the color of your dress. Choose a bustier bra that’s seamless and strapless to support and lift your bust while slimming your torso. Panties for your ballgown can be any style you choose, since a ballgown is loose in the skirt area and you won’t be able to see panty lines.\n4. Choose any lingerie for A-line dresses. A-line, or princess-style dresses, are fitted at the top and flow out below the bustline. If this is the type of dress you have, you can choose any lingerie based on your comfort or preference instead of shaping or support. Keep in mind the shape of the top of your dress when choosing a bra; if the dress has a deep neckline or is strapless, you’ll want to find a strapless bra or skip a bra altogether.\n5. Find a backless bra with adhesive sides for a backless dress. If you have a halter or other type of backless dress, you may want support or coverage from your lingerie. Choose an adhesive bra that matches the color of your dress to get the support you need. Adhesive bras also work great for strapless dresses if you can’t find a strapless bra that you like.\n6. Match the lingerie color to your dress. Try bringing a swatch of the fabric that your gown is made from with you when you shop for lingerie. Some bridal gown retailers offer a swatch so you can match accessories with your gown. If you don’t have a sample of the fabric, try ordering more than one shade of lingerie and keep the one that best matches your gown. Matching your lingerie with your dress instead of your skin tone is helpful in case your gown slips a bit. Your lingerie won’t be as obvious if the shade matches your dress.\n\n\n## Choose wed night lingerie\n\n1. Wear whatever you’ll feel sexy in. There are certain myths surrounding wedding night lingerie that it has to look a certain way, but only you and your fiancé know what you like. This means if you don’t want to wear white, don’t! You can wear anything from boyfriend-style pajamas to French maid costumes, so don’t be afraid to choose something unique to you.\n2. Choose flowery white lace for the classic feminine look. If you want to go a traditional route, find a comfortable white or cream bra and panty set made from sheer flowery lace. Or go with a short white lacy gown. Some lingerie combines lace and faux-fur for an extra feminine touch.\n3. Try an artsy corset with suspenders, stockings, and heels for a bolder approach. If bold is more your style, think straps! Look for a detailed, beaded or embroidered corset with suspenders, fishnet or lace thigh-highs, and a pair of matching heels. Choose any color theme you like for this lingerie based on your preference. Some corsets have a connected underwear component with suspenders; others don’t, in which case, you can find a matching thong to complete your outfit.\n4. Choose a lacy jumpsuit or teddie if you like one-pieces. Find a lacy halter mini-shorts jumpsuit to combine sporty and feminine looks. Or go bold and feminine with a sheer or strappy teddie in any color that you like. To stay on the more traditional side, choose white or cream for your one-piece lingerie. Or choose a pastel pink or blue for a romantic, feminine effect. Black or red also work well with these pieces if you want a bolder look.\n5. Get a sheer dressing gown for some added luxury. Regardless of what style lingerie you get, consider a sheer dressing gown to drape over it, as an extra piece to remove on your wedding night, for lounging around in the morning, or both.\n6. Consider a separate registry just for lingerie if you’re having trouble deciding. If you like too many pieces to choose, let a few close friends and your fiancé choose for you! Create a registry online with a lingerie store, add some of your favorite pieces, and give your bridesmaids and fiancé the link before your bridal shower. This gives the people who know you best a chance to help you decide. You may end up with more than one item, but that’s okay. Choose one for your wedding night and save the rest for your honeymoon!\n\n\n## Consider your body type\n\n1. Choose strappy lingerie on a muscular frame. You can probably pull off some pretty daring looks if you’re in good shape. Choose lingerie with lots of straps, bold colors, or a cinched waistline to show it off.\n2. Try a plunging neckline and briefs if you’re pear-shaped. Pear-shaped women are smaller up top with wider hips, butt, and thighs. Show off this type of figure with pieces that go low at the neckline and brief-style underwear. Or experiment with colors by wearing bold, bright patterns up top.\n3. Go with v-cut panties and a full coverage bra or corset if you’re apple-shaped. Apple-shaped ladies carry more weight in the top half of their bodies and have slender legs. Show off this type of body by providing full bust coverage and concealing your stomach area, if you want to. Think lots of lace up top and brightly colored panties.\n4. Try a garter belt or any waist-cincher for an hourglass figure. Hourglass figures have a proportioned build with bust and thigh measurements that are about equal, and are slimmer at the waist. Show off your waistline with a flattering belt or any accessory that draws attention to it.\n5. Go wireless for a small bust. If you don’t need an underwire bra on your wedding day, don’t bother with one. Try a feminine lacy bralette or a racerback style bra if you have a small chest. You can likely find some cute halter one-pieces as well.\n6. Choose high-waisted bottoms for a long torso. If you have a long torso and shorter legs, you can choose from the variety of high-waisted styles that are so popular. Try a lacy crop top set with high-waisted bottoms to draw more attention to your shoulders and legs.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to create a custom list on imdb?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If your IMDb Watchlist doesn't cut it for the information you want to save, you may want to set up a custom list. IMDb allows you to make these custom lists from their app or their website.\n\n## Via the imdb mobile app\n\n1. Open the IMDb app. IMDb can be found in the iPhone and Android app store. The icon may either be yellow with black lettering or clear with yellow lettering: this will differ from operating system to operating system.\n2. Try and view your current custom lists. Tap the person icon to the right of the search box; then tap the \"Your Lists\" option from between the Your Check-Ins and Your History options of your Watchlist options page. To get here on a tablet such as an iPad or Android tablet, instead, choose the hamburger menu to the left of the search bar at the top of the screen and choose \"Your lists.\"\n3. Tap \"Create a list\". This can be found up near the top of the screen, underneath the feature telling you how many lists you have and how they are sorted. It's just above all your current IMDb lists.\n4. Designate whether the list will be private or not. If you want it to be private, make sure the slider switch remains green. If you want it public, tap or slide the green slider switch to turn off the privatized settings for this new list.\n5. Tap the \"New list title\" label line and enter a new title for the custom list. When you've finished naming it, tap the \"Done\" button.\n6. Describe why you created the list. If there's a theme to the list, use this option to remind yourself what the purpose is. There is no true \"Done\" button, but you can proceed to the next step to finish the process instead; Return just line-advances to a new line below the current one.\n7. Tap the \"Save\" button in the top right corner of the screen.\n8. Stock the list with some initial content. Tap the list you just created. Tap the \"Add to List\" option. Type the title. The tool will begin searching for items you can add to the list. If by the end of the search the title just doesn't come up, you can press the Search button on your keyboard. Tap the item to add to list.\n9. Repeat for additional titles to add. Tap the + sign to the right of (1 title) instead for each successive addition.\n\n\n## Via the website\n\n1. Log in to the IMDb website in your web browser. Once you get to the website, you'll click either the \"Sign in with Facebook\" or \"Other sign in options\" buttons or links near the top right corner of the page; you can sign in via Facebook, Google, or Amazon, or you can create an IMDb account. Then you'll have free range to add stuff to your Watchlist at any time.\n2. Hover over your name near the right hand corner and click \"Your Lists\". This will take you to the page containing all your lists, including your Watchlist and list of check-ins. If you already have other lists, this page will also display these other lists by title only.\n3. Click the \"Create a New List\" button over on the right-hand side.\n4. Name your list. Click into the \"List Title\" field and type your name for the list. This is one of two mandatory fields to create the list.\n5. Describe your list. Click into the \"List Description\" box and type a description for the list.\n6. Tell IMDb what types of items you are planning to save in this list. On the IMDb mobile site, the types of Items is pre-populated. On the website, you have to choose one item from the drop-down list: your choices include: \"Titles\", \"People\" and \"Images\".\n7. Click the \"Create\" button once you are done.\n8. Click in the text box to the right of \"Add a movie or TV show to this list\".\n9. Search for the item, based on IMDb labeling and formatting and click the item once it appears. Unlike the mobile app, which shows you the profile images for the item, with the website version, you just get the name and release date for the item. Wait for the list to be populated with the item. It should take a few seconds to add the item to the list.\n10. Repeat with any other items you'd like to add to the list to create the list's initial structure.\n11. Click the Done button in the top right corner of the tool. It'll eventually pop open the custom list with the list of titles alphabetized.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to hook up with an ex girlfriend?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Get ready to hook up with your ex-girlfriend\n\n1. Keep it spontaneous. If you want to hook up with your ex without any strings attached and to have as much fun as possible, then you have to start off by being spontaneous. Don't call her or text her, asking what she's been up to. Instead, you should run into her at a club, a party, or just out in the middle of the day, and start charming her and letting her know that you want to hook up. If you call her or start checking in with her, then she may get the wrong impression and think you want something more than just hooking up. Treat it like meeting a new and exciting girl out at a bar and then bring her home.\n2. Let enough time pass. If you want to start hooking up with your ex, you should wait until at least a few weeks, if not a few months, have gone by before you start trying to hook up with your ex again. Even if you had an amicable and mutual break-up and there are no hard feelings, you should let the dust settle before you try to get back in bed with your ex, or things are bound to get complicated. Enough time should pass that you can see your ex as someone hot who you'd like to hook up with, instead of letting all of your old complicated feelings or emotions well up at the sight of her. Enough time should pass so you get rid of any anger or lingering resentment or bitterness.\n3. Let her know you want to hook up. Once enough time has passed and you've run into your ex, you should make it clear that you want to take her home. Don't tell her that she's beautiful and that you've missed her smile; instead, tell her that she looks great in her new dress and that you've missed her body. You don't have to be too subtle since you should already be pretty comfortable with each other -- just make sure she's feeling it, too. Don't give her a puppy-dog love gaze. Look her up and down and let her see that you think she looks hot. Be blunt. Ask her to come over or wait for an invitation to go to her place.\n4. Make your intentions clear. Before you even touch your ex's lips with your own, you should make your intentions and expectations clear. Tell her you want to hook up without any strings attached, that you're not looking to get back into the relationship, and that you just want to have a little fun. Let her know that you only want to see her to hook up, not to do all the date-y stuff that leads to hooking up. Don't be a jerk. It's not cool to lead on your ex, hook up with her again, and then tell her that you're not really looking to reconnect.\n5. Make sure you're on the same page. Keep in mind that, when you're about to hook up with an ex, it's pretty unlikely that you're both on the same page. That is to say, it's almost always the case that one of you is still hurt, still reeling, and still emotionally vulnerable from the break up. It could be the case that she dumped you and you're pretending that you want to hook up when you really just want to get back together, or that she's totally hung up on you while you just want to get her in bed. But if you really are looking for the same things, then it's safe to go for it. Look into her eyes when you talk about your hook-up status. Does she really agree that it's a good idea, or does she clearly think it'll turn into something more? Think about how serious the relationship was in the beginning. If you were only together for a month or two, then you're both much more likely to be okay with just hooking up than you'd be if you dated for a year or two. Make sure you're both okay with also hooking up with other people. If you're not, then why not just get back together?\n\n\n## Hook up with your ex-girlfriend\n\n1. Make sure you only hook up. Though it sounds harsh, if you're going to hook up with an ex, then you should only hook up with her. Be honest about it. Don't make an excuse every time your ex wants to go somewhere public with you. Tell her that you're not looking for anything other than hooking up.\n2. Hook up sparingly. Hooking up with your ex can be fun and exciting, but that doesn't mean you should do it every night, because guess what? That's starting to look like a relationship. If you're basically only hooking up with your ex, then you're not letting yourself meet other girls or have any fun on the side. The more time you spend together, the more likely you both are to be hurt, so keep it fun and spontaneous instead of setting a hook-up date for every night of the week. Keep it fun and spontaneous. If you see her out, then take her home. If not, then don't call her or text her to find out where she is. You're not supposed to care that much, remember?\n3. Don't get too comfortable. It can be tricky to hook up with an ex without feeling too comfortable. No cuddling, no passionate kisses as you leave, and no hanging out around the house in sweatpants eating cold nachos from the night before. All of these signs show that you're too comfortable in the non-relationship and that you're on your way to dating again.\n4. Stay in control. If you want to hook up with your ex without any trouble, then you have to maintain control of the situation at all times. Don't let her set the terms of your hook up, and try to keep things at her place so you remain the master of your own domain. Don't cancel your plans to hang out with your buddies if she wants to hang out; tell her you'll hang out with her if she's free. This doesn't mean you should tell your ex exactly what to do; you should find a time and place that works for both of you, but you shouldn't fall prey to her needs.\n5. Keep your new relationship private. Don't hang out with your ex in front of your friends, go to a party with her because she doesn't want to show up alone, or tell your friends that you've been hooking up with her again. The more people you bring into it, the more complicated things will get, and you should keep it simple -- just between the two of you. If you start going out in public with her and hanging out with her friends, they'll immediately disapprove and tell your ex that she should set the terms for your relationship. If you bring her out in front of your friends, then she'll start to feel like your girlfriend again.\n6. Avoid \"lovey dovey\" stuff when you're hooking up. Maybe when you were dating, you would be tender with your woman, telling her how beautiful she is, how much you love her, and how much you love the little dimples in her cheeks. Well, all of your Romeo-moves have to go out the door at this point, or she'll get the wrong picture. She'll think, \"He said I'm beautiful -- he must still love me,\" or \"He ran his hands through my hair -- it has to mean something.\" By doing this, you'll be leading her on and making her feel like you still want to date her. You can tell her how hot she is and how much you love her body, but stick to the sexy -- not the tender -- compliments if you want it to last.\n\n\n## Know when to stop hook up\n\n1. Stop if one of you starts developing feelings again. Unfortunately, it'll be hard to keep hooking up with your ex without having one of you develop feelings for the other person again. As soon as that happens, you'll have to push the eject button on the non-relationship, or things will only get worse from there. Unless you're still really in love with your ex and are using your hook up moves to win back her heart -- incidentally, a terrible idea -- you should cease and desist the second you or she shows signs of having feelings. If you start getting that achy feeling in your heart and start musing about what a great relationship you had while knowing it can never work, then it's time to leave. If your ex tells you she misses you, sends you sweet (not sexy) texts, or says she wishes you could do some couple-y things together, then it's time to bow out. If you have to end the \"relationship\" for this reason, explain yourself first. You shouldn't be a jerk just because it's over.\n2. Stop if one of you starts liking someone else. If one of you starts developing feelings for someone else, even if you haven't pursued that person, you should end up the hook-up period. Hooking up with your ex is something to do when you both want to get some action and are bored because there are few romantic prospects in your lives. But if one of you does start liking someone else, it's time to stop hooking up so you have room to explore those feelings. If you know your ex has a crush on someone else, you're doing her a disservice by continuing to hook up with her and taking up her time. If you start liking another girl, she won't want anything to do with you if she knows that you're hooking up with an ex-girlfriend.\n3. Stop when you've fallen into a routine. Hooking up with your ex should last a month or two at most before things start to get more serious. Even if you're both trying as hard as you can to keep things casual, if you've fallen into a rhythm, basically feel like you're dating, and know exactly when you'll see each other next, then it's time to stop hooking up. If you know when you'll see your ex next, and you stop feeling a thrill at the prospect of hooking up, then the fun is over. You can't expect the hook up to last more than a month or two without it leading to something more. Be realistic.\n4. Stop if you start fighting like a couple. As soon as you start fighting again, you should end the relationship. If you're not actually dating, then you shouldn't be fighting. It's that simple. If you hear her say, \"Where is this taking us?\" or \"What does all of this mean?\" Then she's already back in relationship mode, and your hook up sessions have gone too far. You shouldn't be fighting about anything one of you is doing wrong, because you should only be hooking up, right? It may be tempting to fight with your ex again if you're used to it, but remember that it won't lead you anywhere except back where you were -- a bad relationship.\n5. Stop if you're no longer having fun. The whole point of hooking up with your ex is so that both of you can enjoy yourselves, get some sexual pleasure, and have fun without any strings attached. If you're not feeling the hook up anymore, if you feel like you're only in it out of obligation, or if you're hooking up with your ex just because you're bored, then it's time to start looking for someone new. You weren't having fun before and that's why the relationship ended. Be honest about ending the hook-up session. Don't just start avoiding or ignoring your ex. Let her know it's time to move on.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to pay residential at&t bills?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "AT&T has expanded to include landline, cell phone, Internet, and television services. However, you can access your account and pay the bill for all of your services through the website or the customer service telephone system.\n\n## Set up an online payment account with at&t\n\n1. Create a \"MyAT&T\" account. Whether you have residential phone service, cell phone service, Internet, U-Verse, or DirecTV, you can manage everything through a single log-in at the AT&T website at https://www.att.com. Select your account type. The typical residential customer will fall under either \"U-verse TV, Internet & Voice,\" or \"Home Phone, Internet & Digital TV.\" U-verse is the newest AT&T innovation delivered through an upgraded fiber-optic network and is not available in all states. Enter the account number from your statement or the phone number associated with your account. The final information needed to set up your account is the billing zip code. Enter an ID name for your account and password. Your password should be at least 8 characters and include a mix of upper and lower case letters and numbers. Confirm your account. For security purposes, you will receive an email with instructions on how to confirm your account.\n2. Access your bill. Once you log in to your account, click on the tab marked \"Billing, Usage, Payments.\" In the drop down menu, select \"Bill Details.\" You can view a bill summary or download and print a copy of the paper bill.\n3. Make a payment. You have two choices for making a payment. You can either use a debit/credit card or have the payment debited out of your bank account. In the field marked \"Select Payment Method,\" you will be taken to the page where you can enter the details of your payment method. Once your payment details are entered, you will be given the opportunity to store it for use with future payments.\n4. Establish an Auto-Pay schedule. Under the payments tab, you can select \"Manage Auto-Pay\" to authorize the payment to be automatically deducted from your bank account on the same day every month. For security purposes, be sure to log out and close your browser window after making an online payment.\n\n\n## Pay your at&t bill by mail\n\n1. Review your statement. Either log into your MyAT&T account and print out the bill you want to pay or use the statement you received in the mail. The statement will include the amount you owe, details about the bill, and the payment due date. If you are unable to print your bill, note the account number on your check, and include a note with your name, address, and phone number associated with the account.\n2. Pay by check or money order. You can pay your bill by either personal check or money order. Because of security concerns and lack of a receipt, do not mail cash.\n3. Assemble your payment. You can either use the envelope provided with your monthly bill or hand address an envelope. Put your return address in the upper left corner and add the AT&T payment mailing address. Affix proper first class postage and your payment is ready to mail. You can verify the payment address on the AT&T website under the \"Support\" tab. The current address is: AT&T U-verse, P.O. Box 5014, Carol Stream, IL, 60197.\n\n\n## Use other at&t payment options\n\n1. Pay your bill via the automated phone system. Dial 1-800-288-2020 to access the 24 hour-a-day telephone customer service system. You will be asked to confirm the phone number associated with your account. You may also be asked for the last four digits of you Social Security number, and your zip code to verify your account. Follow the prompts to pay your bill. The system is voice-activated. You can either enter your information by voice or through the keypad on your phone. Speak slowly and clearly. There is no service charge to make a payment through the automated system.\n2. Speak with a customer service representative. Once you have verified your phone number, the phone system will ask you what you would like to do. Say \"representative\" and your call will be transferred to an operator to complete your payment. You may be assessed a $5 charge to have the operator process your payment.\n3. Use one of the authorized payment locations. You can search for a business that is authorized by AT&T to accept your payment in person. These agent locations can accept payment by cash, check, or money order. Payment locations cannot accept credit card payments. You can search for a pay station either by zip code or by city and state. Pay stations may charge a convenience fee of $2 to $5 to process your payment. You will need your account number to pay at a payment location. You may be asked to show photo identification.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to resolve complaints?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When a customer has a grievance with a company, it is in the interests of both parties to come to a smooth and fast resolution. Whether you are the one making a complaint or the one designated to resolve customer service issues, you can make the process an easy one that will keep everybody happy.\n\n## Make a successful complaint against a company\n\n1. Determine what the exact problem is. A complaint can be a very minor matter (such as if you buy a shirt that has a tear in it) or a very significant--even criminal--matter (such as if you are defrauded out of a significant amount of money). Consider carefully what exactly your complaint entails. Some common reasons to make a complaint include:\n\t* Buying a defective product\n\t* Ordering a product that is not delivered in a timely fashion\n\t* Being charged the wrong price for a purchase\n\t* Having your credit card information stolen and used improperly\n2. Figure out what you want to achieve with your complaint. Depending on the severity of your complaint, you might wish to achieve very different goals. Ask yourself what would solutions would make you happy. You might also want to consider whether the company can take any action that would make you want to return as a customer. Keep your ideal goal in mind as you pursue your claim. Some possible solutions to a complaint include:\n\t* Getting a replacement product\n\t* Having your money partially or entirely refunded\n\t* Receiving store credit\n\t* Being paid restitution or damages\n3. Know your rights as a consumer. As a consumer, you have the right to be treated in a fair and above-board manner. Many municipalities and nations have laws that protect consumers from fraudulent behavior. Examine your consumer rights carefully to prepare yourself for a confrontation with the company. If you know your rights, you are less likely to be intimidated into withdrawing your complaint.\n4. Read your paperwork carefully. Many services and products involve a signed contract. This contract might include information about how grievances can be filed and about what grievances are legitimate. Make sure you understand clearly what you have signed your name to and what the company has agreed to. If you are uncertain whether a contract you have signed is legitimate or not, you might contact a consumer attorney who can help you navigate the legalese.\n5. Find the contact information for the appropriate employee at the company. Many companies have a department devoted to customer service. If you have a problem with a product, you will likely want to get in touch with that department. Other possibilities might include management, an Ombudsman (if you feel like you have been mistreated), or human resources (if you suffered abuse at the hands of an employee). Look through the company website or navigate their voicemail system to determine whom you should contact.\n6. Gather all relevant material and information. Before you make your complaint, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork and dates at your disposal. Many companies require a proof of purchase before exchanging or returning items, and you will want to have yours handy. If your transaction involved a transaction number, be sure you have that written down in a handy place. Things you might gather include:\n\t* A copy of your receipt\n\t* Your credit card slip\n\t* Your credit card bill with the relevant transaction on it\n\t* Your emailed transaction confirmation\n\t* The date and time of your transaction\n\t* Your warranty\n\t* The defective item\n7. Make copies of your paperwork. Before handing any documents over to the company, make sure that you have back-up copies safely stored at home. This is especially important for receipts and contracts: never give up your originals until your complaint is resolved. You should also document your phone calls: jot down the time you called, the people to whom you spoke, and the details of your conversation.\n8. Try a phone call or quick visit first. Especially for minor complaints, you can try to resolve your complaint with a quick phone call or visit to the appropriate employee. Many retail stores have a customer service desk you can visit, for example. If your complaint is small and does not involve potentially criminal activity on the part of the company, try to resolve the issue in this quick and easy way.\n9. Communicate your grievance clearly and succinctly. Be upfront, polite, but firm when you articulate your complaint to the customer service representative. Make sure that you detail exactly what your problem is, the date of your transaction, and how you envision the problem might be resolved. Try to avoid extreme emotions or oversharing at this stage: after all, you want the customer service representative to be on your side. For example, you might say:\n\t* \"I purchased this new phone last week. Unfortunately, the phone battery does not hold its charge. According to my warranty, I should receive a brand-new phone. Can you help me resolve this?\" \"I bought these earrings on October 19. I was told that they were hypoallergenic. However, they are still causing an allergic reaction. I am hoping to exchange them for actually hypoallergenic earrings. I have kept my receipt and credit card slip.\" \"When I came in to the store yesterday, your sales clerk named John made an insulting remark about my appearance. I am very concerned since I visit your shop quite often and have been a loyal customer. I would like to file a grievance with your company.\"\n10. Control your temper. Even if you are feeling very frustrated, it is best to remain calm and polite at this stage. Resist the urge to yell or use insulting language. Some tips for controlling your anger include:\n\t* Taking deep breaths. Avoiding hyperbole and keeping your problem in perspective. Focusing on solving the problem. Communicating clearly.\n11. Use \"I\" statements to express your frustration. \"I\" statements are an effective way to express yourself without appearing to blame or take your anger out on someone. In an \"I\" statement, you simply state how you feel in first-person terms. For example, you might state:\n\t* \"I am disappointed in the quality of this product\" instead of \"Your company made a terrible product.\" \"I am frustrated that the delivery did not occur on time\" instead of \"Your delivery driver sucks.\" \"I hope that we can come to a resolution\" instead of \"You had better make this right.\"\n12. Do not lose sight of your goal. Sometimes a company might offer you a solution that is not quite what you had hoped for. For example, they might offer you store credit when what you want is a refund. Or they might only offer you a product repair instead of a new product. Consider whether what they offer you initially is fair. If not, hold firm about what you wanted to achieve through your complaint. Do not give in right away: be persistent and see if you can achieve your goal.\n13. Express your gratitude if your complaint is resolved. Many companies will attempt to help you at this stage by refunding your money, replacing your product, or giving you store credit. If this was your ideal solution, then you have effectively solved your complaint. Thank the customer service representative for his efforts. If the representative went above and beyond his duties, you might also write a letter of appreciation to his superior to express your happiness at his performance. If you are ignored or if your ideal solutions are not met at this stage, however, you might have to take further action.\n14. Follow up on the resolution. When both parties have agreed to a solution, give the other party ample time to implement it. After a fair amount of time, call them back to verify that the solution has been put in place. If they have been able to honestly and fairly assist you, they’ll be glad to be able to give you the good news of your problem’s resolution. If not, then you might want to consider contacting management or bringing in a third party.\n15. Turn to social media if you are being ignored. In some cases, a customer service representative may not be helpful or might refuse your call. In a case like this, social media can help draw attention to your plight and cause the company to begin working on your behalf. Consider writing a public Facebook post that links to the company's Facebook page or composing a Tweet directed at the company. This might help your voice be heard.\n16. Take your complaint to management if necessary. If you do not have any luck with customer service, consider talking to someone in a management or supervisory position. Be sure that you mention the steps you tried to take to resolve the issue before now and how disappointed you are in how you have been treated. If you get a supervisor's attention, you might be able to get the attention you deserve.\n17. Express your complaint in writing. At this stage, you will want to communicate with the company in writing. Writing conveys a sense of seriousness and also creates a paper trail that can help you pursue your complaint. Use a business letter format in order to write a letter of complaint. You can find a sample complaint letter here: https://www.usa.gov/complaint-letter. Keep a copy of your letter for your files. Be sure to include photocopies of relevant supporting documents such as receipts, credit slips, warranties, or contracts as evidence for your case.\n18. Get in touch with a consumer rights agency if necessary. If the complaints has not been resolved to your satisfaction yet, you might need to bring in a third party. There are many governmental and nonprofit agencies that exist to protect consumers and to regulate business practices. Some examples of these agencies include the Better Business Bureau, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Federal Trade Commission. Many of these agencies allow you to submit a grievance through a simple online form. If you are located in the United States, you can find your local consumer protection agency using this web address: https://www.usa.gov/state-consumer\n\t* \n\t* The Better Business Bureau provides an online form you can use to file a complaint here: https://www.bbb.org/consumer-complaints/file-a-complaint/nature-of-complaint/\n\t* \n\t* If your complaint is regarding a financial institution or transaction (such as a line of credit), get in touch with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: http://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/\n\t* \n\t* If your complaint has to do with fraud or identity theft, you can get in touch with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/assistance/protection/index.html\n19. Contact the relevant licensing board. Many businesses are required to maintain a license with a local or national board. For example, doctors, restaurants, salons, and optometrists often need to maintain their standing with a licensing board. If your complaint is serious, you might consider contacting a representative of the licensing board to let them know of your concerns.\n20. Contact the government about fraud or abuse. If you think you have been the victim of a crime, you should contact the governmental authorities. Your complaint might help them prevent future scams and thefts. If you have been scammed, defrauded, or had your identity stolen, your complaint is serious enough to involve the state and is too serious for the company to handle internally.\n21. Go to small claims court to retrieve money. Small claims courts allow you to sue for small amounts of money--usually under $10,000. This amount is not worth the cost of most litigation proceedings, but small-claims courts provide a simple and inexpensive way to try to recoup your funds. Some of the most common cases in small claims courts are breaches of warranty or breaches of contract. Visit this website to determine the small-claims limit in your state if you live in the United States: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/types-cases-for-small-claims-court-29918.html\n22. Report your complaint publicly. Make sure that other potential customers are aware of serious issues with how a company does business. Provide an honest, objective review with consumer protection websites and publicly viewable review sites to ensure that others do not encounter the same problems you did. Alternatively, if your complaint was resolved in a quick and professional manner, you can leave a positive review with these sites and agencies to reward the company for their good work.\n\n\n## Resolve a complaint from a customer\n\n1. Remember that complaints are useful tools for your company. Do not resent a complaint from a customer. Consider complaints to be a free source of feedback on how your company is viewed by its patrons. Resist the urge to be angry, resentful, or grouchy at a complaining customer: instead, be grateful that they are making you aware of a potential problem with how you conduct business. A business's reputation depends less on the number of complaints they receive and more on how fairly and professionally they handle those complaints.\n2. Acknowledge their complaint quickly. A key to excellent customer service is responding as quickly as possible to a complaint. Get back to email complaints, complaints left over voicemail, or written complaints within two business days if at all possible. Even if you have not yet come up with a solution, you should let your customer know that you are working on it and that you have heard their concerns. Solving their complaint quickly will please your customer and will also save your company valuable time and energy. Try not to have complaints lead to multiple conversations or contacts: resolve all complaints on the spot if at all possible.\n3. Express your gratitude. Thank your customer for their patience, their business, and for taking the time to notify you of an issue. Your goal is not to make the customer disappear but rather to please the customer enough that she will continue using your goods and services.\n4. Listen actively. Use active listening techniques to make sure that you understand your customer's complaint and that they feel like they are being heard. Do not dismiss or ignore what they say: give them your full attention. Active listening involves:\n\t* Making eye contact\n\t* Nodding and using other affirming body language\n\t* Not getting distracted\n\t* Asking follow-up questions to make sure you understand them fully\n5. Apologize for their trouble. Do not blame the customer or avoid your own responsibility. Instead, apologize clearly and directly for your customer's problem. They will appreciate it, and an apology is a first step in approaching a resolution to make you and your customer happy. It is especially effective if you pair an apology with the beginnings of a proactive solution. You might say:\n\t* \"I am so sorry for your frustration. Let's work together to solve this matter.\" \"I would like to apologize on behalf of the company that your product never arrived. I will make sure that you receive a replacement shortly.\" \"I absolutely understand your frustration, and I am sorry for any trouble we might have caused. How can we make this better for you?\"\n6. Follow company grievance resolution procedure. Most large companies have policies to resolve the most common customer complaints such as defective products, undelivered products, or delayed services. Ideally the procedure should be one that protects the interest of both the customer and the company by weeding out illegitimate complaints and by granting customers recompense if their complaints is legitimate. It is easiest for you and your customer if you have a grievance procedure that is fair, simple, and fast. Technology can be very helpful in this regard: a website where customers can file complaints will make it easier for you and for them to reach a mutually beneficial solution.\n7. Implement the solution immediately. An immediate solution to a complaint can improve customer loyalty by 25%. Try to eliminate delays in refunding your customer's money, replacing their product, or giving them store credit. Make it possible for your staff members to undertake these transactions on the spot and in the store if possible. Common solutions include:\n\t* Refunding their money\n\t* Allowing them to exchange their product\n\t* Redelivering a delayed product\n\t* Redoing a service that was improperly done the first time, free of charge\n\t* Giving them store credit and future discounts\n8. Hire courteous, competent customer service employees. These jobs are an important part of maintaining your customer base and keeping up goodwill. Make sure that your customer service employees are problem-solvers who do not anger easily. Moreover, give them the leeway to solve customer grievance procedures on their own if possible: give them the power to resolve complaints on their own without referring customers to management. This will empower your customers and eliminate time delays.\n9. Follow up with your customer. A week or so after you have implemented the resolution, get in touch with your customer to see whether they are now satisfied. This is a great opportunity to apologize once again for their trouble and to thank them for their business. Hopefully they are now happy and will continue doing business with you.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to feel happy when christmas is over?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Christmas season is filled with excitement and fun. Families come together to celebrate and exchange gifts, and decorations change the landscape of cities and towns. Once the holiday is over, however, the lack of excitement can leave you feeling down. Get back into a good mood by being thankful for your good times, planning for the next holiday or picking up a new hobby.\n\n## Be thankful\n\n1. Reflect on the holiday. When you feel sad that the holiday is over, cheer yourself up by thinking about all of the good times that you had. There are bound to be a lot of great memories from the holiday, so focus on those when you feel upset. Go through photographs from the holiday. If you're from a family that takes a lot of photographs or videos of family gatherings, look through some of them if you're feeling low after the holidays. They'll be a great reminder of all of the fun you had. Talk to the people you celebrated with. It's never to early to begin reminiscing. Speak with your friends and family members that celebrated with you and talk about the good times at Christmas. They're bound to be able to cheer you up with a funny story from the holiday.\n2. Get excited about your gifts. While gifts aren't the only good thing about the holidays, they can make make you happy when you're sad about the holiday ending. Play with toys or gadgets, read books, and make use of all of the gifts you've been given. They'll be a welcome distraction.\n3. Spend your Christmas money. If you received money or gift cards, go out and treat yourself. You'll be cheered up by new purchases, and you may be able to forget that the holiday is over. Go out to eat or visit stores for a good distraction.\n4. Write thank you notes. Send messages to the people who got you gifts and thank them for a great holiday. Not only will you be doing a good deed, but you'll be recalling memories of the times that made you happy. Use the notes to talk about how much you enjoyed the holidays, and how you can't wait to spend time together next year.\n\n\n## Plan for the next holiday\n\n1. Replace decorations. Decorations are one of the best parts of Christmas, but if you leave them up, it may make you even more sad that the holiday is over. Even worse, the empty walls left behind by decorations you've stored may make you feel even more sad. Find creative ways to redecorate your house now that the holiday is over. Buy some plants. Greenery will spruce up your home, and you'll be able to care for the plants throughout the coming spring. Buy a new poster or painting. Large Christmas decorations like wreaths or wall-hangings can be replaced with a new poster or painting. Look for something colorful and exciting to accent your home. With a new piece of art where your decorations were, you may not even notice that your wreath is gone. Put up pictures from Christmas. Replace some of your Christmas decorations with photos from the holiday. You'll have a reminder of the good times to replace the actual decorations. Decorate for winter. Winter can be a beautiful time of year if you learn to appreciate it. Decorate your home for the season with a lot of white items, vases accented with twigs, snowflake decorations and evergreen sprigs.\n2. Plan for New Year's. Christmas may be over, but New Years is right around the corner. Plan a New Years party to get into the spirit of a different holiday. Invite any family and friends that visited for Christmas and you'll get to spend more time with them.\n3. Plan for next Christmas. While it may seem a little early to be get ready for another Christmas, it may be helpful to think about what your next Christmas will be like. Make some invitations, and plan what gifts you will give to others. Your plans might change throughout the course of the year, but you'll be able to make your plans into a good distraction.\n\n\n## Pick up a new hobby\n\n1. Exercise. Exercising will put you in a much better mood and help you burn off some of the extra Christmas-food calories. Go for a jog, lift weights or play a sport with some friends. If you live in a cold climate, January might be too chilly for much outdoor activity, so look into a gym membership or indoor sports leagues.\n2. Start a new hobby. If you've received any hobby-oriented Christmas gifts like paints, kitchen utensils or a new video game, put them to use. Throwing yourself into a new hobby and learning a new skill will help take your mind off of your sadness.\n3. Volunteer. Volunteering can help you keep your Christmas spirit alive as you help those in need. Look into helping out local soup kitchens, shelters or charities that distribute winter clothes. You'll be able to help others through the winter and take your mind off of the end of the Christmas season.\n4. Try to keep a positive attitude. While it may be depressing that Christmas is over, always try to keep up a good attitude. Remember that this Christmas isn't the last one you'll ever have, and focus on things that make you happy as much as possible. It may be especially hard to keep a positive attitude if you have to go back to work. However, think of your return to work as a blank slate and new beginning. Remind yourself that you can start back to work at a slow pace and catch up on your own time.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to save money when traveling with kids?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Traveling with kids can be a fun and exciting for the whole family. It can also be expensive, especially if you want to travel overseas or across the country. Between transportation, accommodations, and excursions, you may worry how you will be able to afford to travel with kids and ensure everyone has a good time. To save money when travelling with kids, focus on cheaper transportation options and affordable accommodations. You can also plan excursions and activities that will be affordable and fun for all.\n\n## Choose cheaper transportation options\n\n1. Drive rather than fly. To save money on transportation costs, consider planning an old fashioned road trip with the kids. The price of gas will likely be cheaper than paying for multiple plane tickets, especially if you have a large family. Try to travel with at least two people who can drive so you can drive in shifts, especially if the drive will be long. To keep the peace in the backseat while on the road trip, make sure you bring lots of snacks and games for the kids. Keep them occupied with music and singalongs in the car. This way, you can all travel in peace, cheaply.\n2. Use points to book cheaper flights. If you do want to fly to your destination as a family, be sure to use any points or reward miles that you have accumulated to book your plane tickets. Set up a rewards system for air travel through your credit card or through a rewards card for a specific airline. Always check to see if you can use points to reduce the cost of plane tickets or to get better deals on flights. You should also do your research on possible flight options so you can find the cheapest one. Compare flight prices online. Watch for flight deals and book them right away so you get a more affordable price.\n3. Consider taking the train. If train travel is an option, look into train prices to see if it will be affordable. You can often buy rail passes that you can use for many days at a time and there is usually cheaper family pricing. Train travel may be a good option if you are planning to travel across the country, such as within Europe or within a specific area in the U.S. Some train passes also cover admission to certain attractions and excursions in the area you are travelling to. This may be a good option if you want to also save money on attractions for the whole family during your trip.\n4. Take public transit as a family. Public transit, such as buses, light rail, and trams, are ideal if you want to save money when traveling with kids. Get a public transit pass as a family and use it to get around, especially if you are traveling to major cities or destinations. Often, public transit can be a great way to interact with the locals and see different areas from the comfort of your seat. Most public transit passes can be purchased by day or for multiple days. They are often $10 or less, depending on where you are travelling.\n\n\n## Select affordable accommodations\n\n1. Travel during the off-season or shoulder-season. Travelling during the off-season can make your travel expenses more affordable, especially transportation and accommodation costs. Going on your trip during the off-season, usually the fall months, will make hotels and other accommodations cheaper than during peak season. Consider booking your trip during the off-season or during shoulder-season, the time between peak and off-peak. For example, if you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World, the shoulder-season is May and September, where crowds are thinner and accommodations are more affordable.\n2. Book a home share or a rental property. Finding cheap accommodations when you have kids can be a challenge, especially if you want a space larger than a hotel room. Consider renting a house through online rental property sites. Often, a home rental will have an affordable nightly rate or week by week rate. Having a home rental will also help you to also save money by cooking your own meals and not having to pay for parking, if the home rental has a parking spot already. A home share, where you share a home with other people or another family, can also be an affordable option. You may travel with family and friends and share a large home rental together to cut down on costs.\n3. Use hotel points to book a hotel. If you decide to stay in a hotel while travelling, use hotel points to make it more affordable. Collect points over time through your credit card or another rewards card and use the points to reduce your hotel rates. Try to book a hotel during off-season or shoulder-season so you get a more affordable rate. Sometimes booking a hotel during the week instead of the weekend can be a cheaper option. You can also try looking online for deals on hotels and book it before you leave on your trip. Often rates are cheaper online and booking in advance may save you money.\n4. Go for a family travel package that includes accommodations. If you are traveling to a destination that is known to be popular with kids and families, such as Disneyland, look for travel packages. Travel packages often include airfare and accommodations at a reduced rate. This could be a good way for you to save money and not have to worry about booking your own accommodations, as it is included in the package. If you are travelling to a tropical destination, such as Mexico, you may look into travel packages where you stay at a family friendly resort. Resort packages often include airfare and accommodations.\n5. See if you can stay with friends or family. To really save money on accommodations, see if you can all stay with friends or family who live near your destination. You may plan a trip to see friends or family members who have larger homes where you can all stay together. Or you may set up a blow up mattress that you can then use when staying with family or friends to make your accommodations very cheap.\n\n\n## Plan affordable excursions and activities\n\n1. Book excursions in advance to save money. Do your research and make a list of excursions you want to go to with the kids. Then, book these excursions in advance, if possible. Often, booking excursions in advance can get you a cheaper rate. It will also put less stress on you to figure out things to do once you arrive at your destination. You should also check for family pricing when booking excursions. Often, booking excursions as a group or a family can make them cheaper.\n2. Find free, fun activities for the kids. Excursions can be expensive, even with family pricing. To save money, look for free, fun activities for your kids. Research activities online in the area you are staying in, focusing on those that are free or very cheap. Come up with a fun, free activity for the kids to do while you are traveling. For example, you may book a free tour of the city you are staying in for you and the kids. Or you may take the kids to a play area at the resort you are staying in for free activities. You can also bring books and games from home with you on the trip so the kids have things to do while in the car or in the hotel.\n3. Bring snacks and light meals on excursions. To save money during excursions and activities, make sure you pack snacks and light meals. This way, if your kids get hungry, you have snacks on hand and can avoid eating out all the time. Buy snacks in bulk when you get to your destination. Prepare a few light meals that travel well and bring them when you are out for the day with the kids. For example, healthy snacks like nuts, sliced fruit, and granola bars are all good options. Light meals like sandwiches, mini yogurts, and sliced vegetables are also good for travel.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make the most of your physical therapy?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Physical therapy payments\n\n1. Ask your doctor to recommend the best physical therapist for your condition. Many people have to decide based on who their insurance will cover; however, some physical therapists specialize in certain conditions and can offer expertise that an insurance-covered physical therapist cannot. Choose based on what you can afford and how important your timely recovery is.\n2. Call your insurance to ask how many visits are covered. Many insurance plans have caps on physical therapy treatments, from 10 to 35. After severe injuries, you may be able to apply to the insurance company for more treatments, if they are absolutely necessary.\n3. Ask the physical therapy office if you can have a discounted rate, if you are paying out of pocket. Insurance companies often get a discounted rate, so they may afford you the same price. Ask the physical therapist directly, rather than the secretary, because it is the physical therapist that is agreeing to alter their wages.\n\n\n## Physical therapy sessions\n\n1. Have a positive attitude toward physical therapy. Will power and optimism during a recovery are almost as important as doctor's care. Your commitment to the exercises will have a direct correlation to the swiftness and completeness of your recovery.\n2. Wear athletic shoes and loose-fitting, flexible clothing to all physical therapy sessions. If you have to go to your session straight from work, then keep spare exercise clothing in your bag or car. This type of clothing allows you the full range of motion in your exercises and keeps your regular clothes clear of analgesic creams or massage oils.\n3. Drink plenty of water while you are exercising. Although this is a general rule, it is even more important when you are healing from an injury. Stay hydrated throughout the day and bring a water bottle to your session.\n4. Show up early to each appointment. Your physical therapist may allow you to warm up before the session, on a machine or by stretching. This also makes certain that you are never late, because you will be charged for the session from the moment your appointment time arrives. Make sure to be 15 minutes early for your first appointment. You will need to fill out insurance and health forms. Bring a list of your medications and other current treatments.\n5. Discuss your goals with your physical therapist at your first meeting. Pain and injury are different for everyone, so you must make it clear whether you want to return to work, get rid of pain, walk without weight supports or run a marathon. Tell the physical therapist how many sessions you can afford, so the plan can be adjusted for what you will do during your sessions and what you can continue at home. Remember that this may need to be adjusted on the future, based on your progress. In most cases, the harder you work doing prescribed exercises at home, the fewer office sessions you will need to have.\n6. Ask your physical therapist to give you a list of prescribed exercises, with diagrams. They should establish what and when you should be doing each exercise, so that you are clear about your \"homework.\" Ask the physical therapist to show you each exercise as well as having you do repetitions in the office.\n7. Tell your physical therapist whenever something is painful. Mistakes can be made if you do not communicate properly about your pain levels. The physical therapist can also tell you what pain is natural to the healing process and what is unnatural, allowing the exercises to be adjusted.\n8. Ask to be treated by the same physical therapist every time. This provides consistency, familiarity and a greater chance that you will be able to accomplish your goals.\n9. Ask plenty of questions. You must be proactive about your treatment. If you don't understand why you are doing something or how you should do something, you are more likely to refrain from the exercise and fail to progress.\n10. Report your progress at the beginning of each physical therapy session. Make sure you tell your therapist any new pain or problems, as well as your positive progress. They will usually write this on your chart to ensure you won't have complications from the regime.\n11. Leave your cell phone and personal problems at the door when you go to physical therapy. You must use this valuable time to focus on health and your body. You may need to learn to recognize your body's warning signs, which is hard to do when you are distracted.\n\n\n## Physical therapy at home\n\n1. Create a schedule to do your physical therapy exercises at home. Do not leave it up to chance whether you have the time or not. They are as important as doctor-prescribed medicine and should be treated as a priority during your day.\n2. Set aside a space to do physical therapy. Keep a corner of your home ready with a yoga mat or exercise ball, so that you can do a few repetitions when you have some free time. This will help you get into the mentality of exercise as a lifestyle choice.\n3. Take the prescribed therapy exercises seriously. If you are advised to do them once per day, do them every day, and if you are asked to do them 3 times per day, do them 3 times per day. Frequent exercises are usually prescribed when there is a limited time for you to regain your mobility during the healing process, and they should be treated with gravity.\n4. Progress to more repetitions or sets as you get stronger. Many physical therapists will tell you to add 5 repetitions or 1 more set when the exercise becomes easy. You may also be asked to add more weight to your exercises.\n5. Ask the physical therapist for an appropriate regimen to continue after you no longer attend sessions. They should be able to adjust an exercise regime according to your particular health problems. Establish goals that you should reach 3 months, 6 months and a year into the future.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make a paper mosaic?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mosaics were traditionally made with bits of tile or glass, but it is possible to make simple ones using paper. They are a great project for school children to do while learning about different cultures throughout history. They are also a great project to do on a rainy day or over summer vacation. You can make paper mosaic masterpieces to frame and hang. You can also make paper mosaic masks to wear!\n\n## Make a simple paper mosaic\n\n1. Get some sheets of paper in different colors. Construction paper is the most popular, but you can also use scrapbook paper, paint chips, magazine pages, or even cereal boxes! What colors you need depends on your design. You don't have to use all of the colors of the rainbow. You could just use different shades of the same color, such as: light blue, medium blue, and dark blue.\n2. Cut the paper into small pieces to make your tiles. The pieces should be small, about the size of your thumbnail. You can make squares, rectangles, triangles, or even thin strips. The pieces don't have to be the same size. In fact, try to cut some smaller ones too. This way, you can fit them into tight corners. Sort your shapes by color and put them into small piles or cups. This will make it easier to find the color you need.\n3. Start gluing the pieces of paper to the outline of a shape. Lightly draw a simple shape on a sheet of paper, which will be the outline for your mosaic. When you start gluing the pieces on it, leave a small gap between each one. You can apply the glue directly to the sheet of paper, or you can apply it to the back of your tile instead. If you are using irregular shapes, including triangles, make sure that the straightest edge is on the outside of the outline—otherwise, your shape will look jagged. If you are using white school glue, apply it with a paintbrush. This will keep things less messy. If you are applying the glue directly to the paper, work only in small sections at a time, or the glue will dry too fast.\n4. Glue the rest of your tiles to the inside of your shape. If your shape has designs on the inside, like spots on a butterfly wing, outline those designs first with more tiles before filling them in. Don't be afraid to cut some pieces down to help them fit! For a more professional touch, continue aligning the pieces along the outline, going smaller and smaller with each row until you reach the center.\n5. Consider filling in the background, if desired, using a contrasting color. This will make your work stand out. If you used different colors for your shape (this includes different shades of the same color), consider using just one color for the background. This will make your shape the focus. You can also leave the background blank.\n6. Set the mosaic out to dry. If you'd like to make your mosaic last longer, coat it with an acrylic sealer or a brush-on decoupage glue, such as Mod Podge. Let it dry before moving on.\n7. Finished.\n\n\n## Make a paper mosaic mask\n\n1. Draw a large oval or rectangle on a sheet of black paper. The shape needs to be just a little bit larger than your head. Don't cut anything out yet. Use poster paper, construction paper, or cardstock for this.\n2. Draw some shapes for the eyes, nose, and mouth. You will be cutting the eyes out, so figure out where your eyes will be when you put the mask on, and place them accordingly. Keep the nose and moth simple; you will be filling them in with tiles. A triangle for the nose and a rectangle or sausage shape for the mouth would be perfect!\n3. Cut some colored paper into small tiles. You can use construction paper, scrapbook paper, or paint chips for this. The shapes can be squares, rectangles, triangles, or even a combination of all three. They can be different sizes, but try to make them no larger than your thumbnail. You will need at least two different colors for this: one color for the mask and a contrasting color for the nose and mouth. For a different look, paint your own paper, let it dry, then cut it out. Sort your shapes by color. This will make it easier to find the color you need.\n4. Start gluing your paper tiles to the edge of your mask. Leave a small gap between each tile, and make sure that it doesn't go past the edges of the paper shape. You can use a glue stick or white school glue. If you are using white school glue, apply it using a paint brush. This will make things less messy.\n5. Glue some more tiles to the inside edges of the nose and mouth. This way, your nose and mouth won't be too big. Remember to leave a slight gap between each tile. For a cleaner finish, align any straight edges with the outline, and keep pointy edges on the inside of the shape. Use your contrasting color(s) for this. It will help them stand out better.\n6. Outline the outside of the eyes with more tiles, if desired. Don't fill the eyes in. You will be cutting them out later. You can use the same color you will use for the inside of the mask, or you can use a contrasting color.\n7. Start filling in your mask with tiles. You can glue them down randomly, or you can follow the curves of the outlines as you work your way towards the center. Remember to leave slight gaps between each tile. Use your contrasting color for the nose and mouth.\n8. Let your mask dry. If you'd like to make your mask last longer, you can seal it with a clear, acrylic sealer or a brush-on decoupage glue, such as Mod Podge. Remember to let the mask dry after sealing it.\n9. Cut the mask and the eyes out. If you are a child, ask an adult to help you cut the eyes out. You can cut the mask itself out using a pair of scissors, but you will need a shape craft knife (such as an Xacto knife) to cut the eyes out.\n10. Punch some holes to either side of the mask, and thread some ribbon or elastic through them. The holes should be at about ear level, or just where the eyes are on your mask. This will make the mask more comfortable to wear.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to slow down as a busy traveler?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Prepare for low-stress travel\n\n1. Prepare a packing list ahead of time. Packing your bags can be one of the most frantic and stressful aspects of travel–not to mention one that’s often left until the last minute. To slow down this aspect of your traveling, create a packing list months in advance of your trip. Write down travel necessities (clothes, passport, computer) first, and add new items to the list when they come to mind. Don’t throw away your list after you return from your trip. A well-made travel list can serve you for years, since you’ll typically take the same items with you from one trip to the next. Consider laminating your packing list and placing it in your suitcase or backpack, so you won’t have to search for it each time you’re planning a new trip.\n2. Pack well in advance, and travel light. To slow down the speed of your travel preparation and to avoid stress, start packing in advance. Although some items—such as clothes and toiletries—may need to be packed the day before you leave, others can be set aside weeks in advance. This will allow you to pack more slowly, and decrease travel-associated stress. As a busy traveler, it’s also important that you travel light. This will help you move with less stress through busy airports, security lines, and bus terminals. Packing light will also help you focus on the places you’re traveling to see, as you won’t be weighed down by several heavy bags. Only focus on bringing the essentials; you can always pick up incidental objects on your trip.\n3. Consider booking through a travel agent. Especially if you’re planning a long trip—or several short trips—with multiple destinations, hotel stays, rental cars, and other logistics, plan to talk with a travel agent. Although the profession may seem outdated, an agent can put together all of these bookings for you, so that you’re not searching through countless travel websites on your own time. For long, complex trips, working with a travel agent could also save you money. Your travel agent may be able to find lucrative deals that you wouldn’t have access to, or may know ways to package flight, hotel, and rental car purchases together to decrease the cost.\n\n\n## Slow down while you’re travel\n\n1. Let the hotel front desk staff do some of the work. A large part of the headache of fast-paced travel comes from the plethora of details that can consume your time and generate stress. Rather than micro-managing each detail yourself, seek assistance from the front-desk staff or hotel concierge. For example, ask the front desk of your hotel to make you a dinner reservation, call you a cab, or put together an outline of a travel plan for a day. Especially if you’re traveling with children, you’ll need to rely on others around you to make your trip less stressful and busy. Ask the front desk staff for restaurant recommendations, and recommendations of local activities that are fun for children.\n2. Schedule in “required” extra time for delays. As a busy traveler, you’ll often have a tight schedule to keep: flight times, bus schedules, and train timetables may be your first priority. However, delays are an unfortunate but inevitable part of travel. Slow down your travel schedule by allowing extra time around all plane, bus, and train travel, and you’ll find yourself feeling less busy and enjoying your travel time more. By accepting that delays are a part of travel, you can save yourself stress and worry. You can also pan to be productive during your delays—call ahead to alert the hotel that you’ll be arriving late, or if you have a longer delay, walk around a local neighborhood to absorb the culture.\n3. Plan to do fewer activities. This may seem like an intuitive step, but it’s one that many busy travelers forget. Rather than filling your time when you’re traveling with a dozen plans, which will leave you feeling rushed and drained, simplify your trip and only do the three or four activities that you’re most excited about. For example, if a city is known for its world-class art museum but you’d rather spend the day exploring a local forest, don’t feel obliged to do both. Stick with the forest. Filling your time with fewer activities—but ones that are more interesting, pleasurable, and meaningful to you as an individual—will help you slow down your travel pace. This will allow you to savor and enjoy each activity more.\n\n\n## Use slow-paced travel methods\n\n1. Slow down your method of travel by staying on the ground. If you’re used to traveling primarily by plane—a fast-paced, high-stress mode of travel—look into alternate options. For example, a road trip is a great way to see local attractions and parts of a country or region that you haven’t visited before. A road trip also allows you to slow down and travel at your own leisurely pace. If you’ve never traveled by train, it can be an excellent way to slow down the pace of your travel and have more local-color experiences while traveling. Train travel moves at a leisurely pace, and you won’t have to worry about catching connecting flights or navigating unfamiliar—and stressful—airports.\n2. Take a local approach and travel somewhere nearby. You can also slow down the busy pace of your travel by focusing on in-depth exploration of a single local city, town, or region, rather than traveling across the country or world. Treating your own local environment like a travel destination will allow you to absorb local color that you haven’t noticed before, and you’ll be able to avoid the stressful tourist traps that draw inexperienced travelers in new cities and countries. As long as you’re traveling locally, you can try eating locally too. If there’s a farmer’s market open in the area, do your shopping there; you’ll doubtlessly be surprised by the varieties of local food that you’ve never sampled before. You don’t have to stay in your own house to explore a local area. Look into local AirBnBs, traditional Bed and Breakfasts, and “mom and pop”-type hotel: say, within 30 miles of where you live.\n3. Take an affordable cruise. A cruise offers many conveniences that will help you keep your travel slow paced and not too stressful. The cruise ship will offer you a “home base” to start your daily explorations from, so you won’t have to worry about rushing from hotel to hotel, or from AirBnB to AirBnB. Cruise ships tend to travel at a moderate pace, giving their customers plenty of time to explore local cities and sites. The cruise will also confine you to a single region, which is beneficial to a slow-paced, low-stress travel plan. To book a cruise, first check large travel websites, including Expedia and Priceline. You can also book cruises directly through the websites of large providers, such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise. If you travel with several family members or friends, the cruise line may offer you a group discount. Cruises can be surprisingly inexpensive, especially if booked for the off season.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to survive an earthquake?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Take cover indoors\n\n1. Get away from glass, large furniture, and other hazards, if possible. In the first few seconds after the shaking starts, try to quickly move away from anything that could fall and injure you. Get low and walk or crawl away from hazards such as windows, cabinets, televisions, and bookcases. If you're in a crowded public place, such as a store, do not rush toward the exits, even if you see lots of people doing so. Get away from display racks, glass, and exterior walls, and find a covered spot to take shelter. Remember the phrase “Drop, Cover, Hold on,” which is the course of action recommended by U.S. and international emergency management organizations.\n2. Drop to your hands and knees under a sturdy table or desk. Look for a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a solid table, that can offer cover from falling objects. Get down on your hands and knees, and crouch under the desk or table until the shaking stops. If you're in bed during an earthquake, stay there. Brace yourself, and protect your head and neck with a pillow. If you can't get under a sturdy table or desk, take cover in an interior corner of the building. Don't stand in a doorway. This is was recommended in the past, but you're safer under a sturdy table or crouched in a corner. A doorway doesn't offer much protection from falling or flying objects, which cause the most earthquake-related injuries and deaths.\n3. Protect your head and neck from falling debris. If possible, grab a pillow, sofa cushion, or another object to shield your face and head. If there's nothing nearby to use as a shield, cover your face, head, and neck with your hands and arms. A strong earthquake can kick up clouds of dangerous dust. If this is the case, you should also cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or an article of clothing.\n4. Remain in your safe spot until the shaking stops. Stay put until the shaking has stopped for 1 or 2 minutes. Remain on guard when you get up, as aftershocks can occur at any time after an earthquake. In the event of an earthquake, you and your family (or coworkers, if you're at work) should meet in a designated safe location. Create an action plan in advance, and head to the designated meeting place once the shaking has stopped. If an aftershock occurs, drop, cover, and hold on until it stops.\n5. Use caution around debris after leaving your shelter. Watch out for broken glass and rubble. If you're not wearing shoes, tread lightly, and be extremely careful not to injure yourself. Grab a pair of heavy-soled shoes and, if you're wearing light clothing, put on a pair of pants and a long-sleeved shirt. In a strong earthquake, remember to cover your mouth to avoid inhaling dust, especially if you have a history of any respiratory diseases. If you're trapped, don't shout, as you'd risk inhaling dust. Instead, send a text or call emergency services, tap on a hard surface, or, if you have one, blow a whistle to alert first responders of your location.\n6. Check for injuries and render aid, if needed. Call emergency services if you or someone nearby are injured and need medical attention. If you know first aid or CPR, administer emergency care as needed. To perform CPR, place one hand over the center of the person's chest, and hold your other hand over the first. Keep your arms straight as you press directly into their chest at a rate of about 100 beats per minute. Stop bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound. Pack the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth and apply firm pressure. If firm pressure doesn't stop the bleeding, use a belt, article of clothing, or bandages to fashion a tourniquet. Wrap the tourniquet 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) above the wound toward the torso. For a wound on the thigh, wrap the tourniquet above the wound near the groin to limit the amount of blood flowing from the heart. If someone is seriously injured or unconscious, don't move them unless the building is structurally unsound or they're otherwise in immediate danger.\n7. Inspect the building for structural damage and hazards. Check for cracks in the building's structure, fires, the smell of gas, and damaged wires or electrical appliances. If you believe the building is unsound, evacuate immediately. If possible, and if there's no immediate threat that the building will collapse, respond to any utility hazards. If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the main valve outside and call the gas company. Note that a professional will be needed to restore service. Look for signs of electrical damage, including sparks, broken or frayed wires, and burning smells. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you'd have to step in water to access the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician instead of approaching it yourself. Put out any small fires with a fire extinguisher. If there's a larger fire, call emergency services. Evacuate immediately if there's a fire and you smell gas. Don't drink water from the sink, bathe, or use the toilet until your local authorities have advised that it's safe to do so. Plug the drains in sinks and bathtubs to prevent sewage backflow.\n\n\n## Rid it out in a vehicle\n\n1. Stop in a clear area away from trees, buildings, and other structures. Find an open area and stop your vehicle on the shoulder or side of the road. Get as far away as you can from utility poles, large structures, bridges, and any other potential hazards. Pay attention to surrounding traffic, and stop only when it's safe to do so. Don't stop abruptly, or vehicles to the rear might collide with you.\n2. Set your parking brake and wait until the shaking stops. The car may jiggle violently during an earthquake, but stay put and try to remain calm. You're safer in a car than outside, since vehicles offer protection from debris and falling objects. Turn on your radio, as channels should be broadcasting emergency broadcast information.\n3. Beware of damaged roads, debris, and other hazards when you continue driving. Listen for reports of road closures or hazards on the emergency broadcast. When the shaking stops, resume driving and keep your eye out for damaged roadways, sinkholes, unsound bridges, and any other potential hazards. If a power line has fallen on your vehicle or you're otherwise unable to travel, stay put. Call emergency services, and wait for first responders.\n\n\n## Stay safe outdoors\n\n1. Move away from buildings, street lights, power lines, and bridges. The most dangerous locations during an earthquake are areas immediately around buildings. As soon as the ground begins shaking, try to get as far away as possible from any nearby structures. Stay low to the ground to keep your balance as you get to a safe spot, and keep your eye out for falling debris. Do not seek shelter under a bridge or overpass. Additionally, look out for sinkholes, open faults, or large holes in the ground.\n2. Crouch down low in a wide open area until the shaking stops. Once you've made your way away from nearby structures, get on your hands and knees and cover your head. See if there are any objects nearby to use as a shield, such as a trash can lid. If none are available, cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Remain crouched low to the ground in a covered position until the shaking stops.\n3. Watch out for hazards as you assess your surroundings. As you venture out after the earthquake, beware of broken glass, rubble, downed power lines, fallen trees, and any other potential hazards. Check yourself and anyone nearby for injuries. If necessary, administer first aid and call emergency services. Stay away from damaged structures and areas immediately around buildings. Remember that aftershocks may occur. If there's an aftershock, weakened buildings, windows, and architectural details can fall to the ground.\n4. Get to higher ground if you're on the shore or near a dam. If a shaking lasts more than 20 seconds, don't wait for an alarm or warning to flee. Get to ground that's at least 100 ft (30 m) above sea level or 2 mi (3.2 km) from the shore. Earthquakes can cause tsunamis, so put distance between yourself and the coast. While a catastrophic failure is unlikely, earthquake damage can cause flooding downstream from a dam. If you live in a flood zone, proceed to higher ground. Check evacuation plans in advance if you live near a dam in an earthquake-prone area.\n\n\n## Prepare for an earthquake\n\n1. Make an emergency supply kit. Keep your supplies in an easily accessible spot, such as a hall closet or garage. Make sure every member of your family knows where your emergency supplies are located. Keep the following items on hand:\n\t* Enough bottled water and non-perishable food to last 3 days. A first aid kit, including gauze, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, tweezers, ibuprofen or another pain reliever, cotton swabs, anti-diarrhea medication, sanitary napkins, and eyewash. Medications that any members of your family take regularly. A flashlight and extra batteries. Tools, including a screwdriver and adjustable wrench. A whistle, to alert first responders in the event you become trapped. Clothes and blankets. Your pet's food and medication, if you have one.\n2. Create a family survival plan for your home. You and anyone you live with should have a plan to quickly get to safety in the event of an emergency. Instruct every member of your household to drop, cover, and hold on, then to head to a designated meeting location when the shaking stops. Designated spots might be a clearing near your home, a school, community center, or a shelter. Make a plan to reunite ahead of time, as phone service may be limited and should be used only for emergencies. Conduct practice drills every 6 months to ensure you and your loved ones know exactly what to do in the event of an earthquake.\n3. Identify safe spots and hazards in each room of your home. Look for tall cabinets, televisions, dressers, bookcases, hanging plants, and other objects that could fall and cause injury. Go room by room with your family members, and note spots that offer protection and those that are potentially dangerous. For example, if there's a heavy desk in your child's bedroom, tell them to take cover under it. Advise them to stay away from their windows and dresser.\n4. Store dangerous objects in a secure cabinet or on lower shelves. Avoid storing heavy objects high up, and install brackets to secure tall furniture to walls. Keep any dangerous items, such as sharp objects, glass, and flammable or toxic substances in locked or low cabinets. Objects such as knives or corrosive liquids can cause serious injury, especially if they fall from a high storage spot during an earthquake.\n5. Take first-aid and CPR classes to become certified. If someone nearby is hurt in an earthquake, basic knowledge of first aid can be a lifesaver. A CPR certification will prepare you to respond if the worst happens. Look online for nearby classes, or check with a local clinic or Red Cross chapter.\n6. Learn how to shut off the water, the electricity, and the gas. Earthquakes can damage utilities and cause flooding, fires, or explosions. If you're not sure how to shut off your utilities, call your service providers for specific instructions. To shut off electricity, turn off individual circuits or fuses at the main box, then turn off the main circuit or fuse. Your gas main should be near your gas meter, but locations vary. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the valve 1/4 turn clockwise. Your water main should be at your water meter by the street or sidewalk, but it may be inside your home. Turn the valve 1/4 turn clockwise to shut off your water.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to handle poking wires on braces?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Poking wires on braces are a very common and irritating problem. These can cause sores and small cuts and abrasions on your gums and cheeks. Reducing discomfort is the first goal of dealing with this problem, followed by fixing the wire. While there are some ways you can fix poking wires at home, you should always see your orthodontist or dentist to follow up. In most cases, your orthodontist will want to replace a broken wire or cut any long pieces of wire that are poking you.\n\n## Use orthodontic wax\n\n1. Get some orthodontic wax. Your orthodontist should have supplied you with some when you got your braces. If you have run out, you can buy it at most pharmacies. Orthodontic wax comes in small cases containing long strips of wax. If you cannot find wax at a pharmacy, call your orthodontist for some.\n2. Remove a small amount of wax from one of the wax strips. It should be about the size of a small pea. Roll the small piece of wax between your fingers until it is a smooth ball. Make sure your hands are clean and dry before touching the wax. Use only new, unused wax on your braces.\n3. Make sure the wire or bracket that is poking you is dry and clean. It can help to brush your teeth carefully to remove any food or debris from the wires, before applying wax. To dry your braces, hold your lips or cheeks away from the area with poking wires. Let it air dry for a few seconds or use sterile gauze and place it between the brackets and the inside surface of your lip to dry. You can now apply the wax.\n4. Apply the orthodontic wax ball to the poking wire. All you have to do is press it onto the offending area. Put the ball of wax on your fingertip. Touch the wax to the poking wire or bracket. Press down gently to cover the wire. Pressure on your teeth or braces while receiving orthodontic treatment can cause some discomfort. If you feel soreness while pressing on the wire this is completely normal.\n5. Remove the wax before eating or brushing your teeth. You don't want the wax to get into your food while you eat. Discard any used wax immediately. Replace it with new wax after eating or brushing your teeth. Continue to use the wax until you can see your orthodontist or dentist to fix the wire. If you do happen to swallow the wax, that's okay. It won't harm you.\n\n\n## Fix a poke wire\n\n1. Try to bend thinner poking wires using the eraser end of a pencil. You won't be able to fix all poking wires this way, but this method will help in many cases. Find the wire in your mouth that is poking you. If it is a thin wire, get a pencil with a clean eraser. Gently touch the eraser to the poking wire. Push the wire gently to bend it. Try to tuck the poking wire behind the arch wire. Only do this for thinner, more flexible wires.\n2. Use tweezers to fix poking wires in the back of your mouth. Sometimes, eating hard foods can cause flexible wires in the back of your mouth to slip out of the bracket slots on the back teeth. If this occurs, you can try to fix these with tweezers. Get a small pair of thin nosed tweezers. Make sure they are clean before using them in your mouth. Grab the end of the poking or loose wire with the tweezers. Guide it back into the tube on the bracket slot. If you can't get the wire back into the slot, you will need to call your orthodontist.\n3. Fix broken laces that poke your lips using tweezers and pliers. You will need to see your orthodontist to follow up for a replacement. If the wire lacing of your braces is broken in the front of your mouth, you can try to tuck the broken lace behind the arch wire or around a bracket. Use tweezers to bend the wire away from your lips and cheeks. If the lace is on top of the arch wire you can can also remove it by cutting it with pliers. This is only recommended as a last option and should be followed by a visit to the orthodontist as soon as possible.\n\n\n## Treat cut and sores\n\n1. Use a rinse to clean your mouth. This can help to treat any sores or cuts caused by poking wires. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in one cup of lukewarm water. Use this as a mouthwash by swishing around your mouth for 60 seconds. This may sting at first, but it will help to relieve prolonged discomfort and prevent infection. Repeat this four to six times a day.\n2. Avoid foods that are acidic, sugary, or hard to eat. Instead, eat a soft, bland diet. Eat foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups. Avoid coffee, spicy foods, chocolate, citrus fruits or juices, nuts, seeds, and tomatoes. These foods are high in acid and can aggravate any sores or cuts from your wires.\n3. Drink cold water or iced tea. Cold (unsweetened) beverages can help ease the pain from sores. Use a straw to sip a cold drink, taking care not to scrape the cut or sore. You can also eat popsicles to apply cold to the sore. Alternatively, suck on an ice cube. Let the ice sit on the cut or sore for a few seconds at a time.\n4. Put an oral anesthetic gel onto any sores or cuts. These can help relieve any discomfort from poking wires temporarily. You can buy Orajel or Anbesol at most pharmacies. Put a small amount of the gel on the end of a q-tip. Rub the gel over any sores or cuts in your mouth. You can reapply the gel three or four times each day.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to find out if your friend's crush is crushing back?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Navigating the depths of love is hard to say the least. This is especially true when you're trying to be a good friend and tasked with investigating the true feelings of a friend's crush. With some intuition and old-fashioned honesty, you can make the complicated game of love a little bit easier.\n\n## Make honesty work\n\n1. Be up front. The easiest and most effective way is to just ask your friend's crush about their feelings. If you're having trouble working up the courage to ask such a personal question, there's a few ways to make the process easier. Consider the time and place you're going to have the conversation. Make sure the crush is in a comfortable area, probably out of earshot from anyone who could listen in. Be gentle. Don't use confrontational lines, such as \"Everyone knows you like Ryan. Just come out and say it!\" Instead, you might say \"You seem really happy around Ryan. Do you think you might have feelings for him?\" Don't pry too much if they seem uncomfortable. If the crush seems to get embarrassed during your conversation, back off a bit. They may need time before they're willing to divulge such sensitive feelings.\n2. Ask about their love life. Instead of asking the crush directly about your friend, try starting with their love life in general. Ask to see if they're dating anyone or if they're currently looking to find a love interest.\n3. Ask about your friend in a platonic way. Ask your friend's crush less leading questions about your friend, and see if they naturally bring up their potential attraction. Try questions such as, \"So how did you and Cayla meet?\" or \"How long have you known each other?\"\n\n\n## Spot a flirt\n\n1. Examine body language. People give off noticeable changes in their movements when they feel attracted to someone. While everyone has their own set of bodily cues, there are some common signs to look out for when someone's crushing. Open postures such as uncrossed legs, open arms, and palms facing up. People will often lean in much closer to a crush when speaking with them in comparison to the personal space they use with platonic friends. Sometimes people will play with their hair, jewelry, or will simply make extended eye contact and smile during their conversations with crushes.\n2. Watch for eye contact. Prolonged eye contact, even for just over a second, is a common sign of either aggression or romantic interest. Pay close attention to how long your friend's crush gazes at your buddy. If they fail to maintain consistent eye contact, then it could be a bad sign for any hopes of a relationship. On the contrary, it's an excellent signal of affection if they constantly stay locked onto each other's eyes during conversations.\n3. Look at their social media communication. See if your friend's crush interacts with your friend frequently on social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Pay attention to the language they use with your friend, and see if they use obvious signs such as smiley face or winky face emojis.\n4. Look for compliments. People looking to give off signs of attraction will likely dole out many compliments to their crush. Watch to see if your friend's crush praises them on their talents or academic accomplishments. It's important to note that being complimentary isn't always a sign of affection, so it's crucial to pay attention to the frequency of their praise and admiration. Compliments on physical features are an especially key sign of flirting. Did your friend's crush notice their new glasses, haircut, or workout routine? Flirts tend to notice these subtle changes and point them out to convey affection. Sexual innuendos laced in jokes and conversations can also be not-so-subtle signs of a flirt's desire to spice up conversations with the person of their desire.\n5. Listen for references on their availability. Flirts will commonly drop hints in conversations that reflect their relationship status, such as mentioning they're recently single or how lonely they've been.\n6. Understand different kinds of flirts. Some people may flirt very openly and little guessing is required, while others can be introverted flirts with more subtle signs of affection. Physical flirts rely on body language cues to convey their feelings. They often use physical signs of affection before verbal cues, such as eye contact and playful touching. Traditional flirts tend to be more polite, preferring to convey affection over a longer period of time instead of using flashy and overt statements such as saying they're single or rubbing their crush's arm. These flirts also prefer professional environments like bookstores or study groups to build relationships over parties. Playful flirts use very clear signs of affection in a boisterous manner. For example, they may joke excessively in a sexual way with their crush or make bold physical complements about their crush's appearance.\n7. Talk to your crush's friends. Find out who your crush's friends are and ask around to see if what the status of the crush's feelings are. Chances are if the crush is significant the word has already made its way around to people.\n\n\n## Give your friend confidence\n\n1. Give them affirmations. Another solution is to give your friend enough confidence ask their crush directly so you don't have to do the leg work. Discreetly feed your friend affirmations such as, \"Everyone knows how confident you are, why not put it to use and ask Nicki how she feels?\" Congratulate them on little steps, such as starting small talk with their crush or asking them for help with some schoolwork. Give them support even when they falter. If they lose their nerve to talk to their crush at a party, let them know it's okay to be afraid sometimes and that there will be other opportunities to develop a relationship.\n2. Help them improve. If they feel uncomfortable with their body or lifestyle, start supporting healthy habits. Go to the gym with your friend, sign up for yoga classes, or start up a diet together.\n3. Listen to their concerns. Sometimes people can gain confidence just by airing out their insecurities. Ask them why they feel uncomfortable confronting their crush, and let them know it's normal to feel anxiety about such an important question.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to prepare a paper presentation?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A paper is bad enough, but presentations are even more nerve-wracking. You've got the writing down, but how do you turn it into a dynamic, informative, enjoyable presentation? Why, here's how!\n\n## Guidelines and audience\n\n1. Know the requirements. Each presentation for each class is going to be a bit different. Some instructors will be happy with 3 minutes while others will demand you stand there awkwardly for 7. Have all the guidelines clear when you go to write your presentation. Know how long the speech must be. Know how many points you're required to cover. Know if you must include sources or visuals.\n2. Know your audience. If you're giving a presentation to your classmates, you probably have a rough idea of their knowledge on the topic. But for virtually every other circumstance, you may be in the dark. Either way, cater your paper to make zero assumptions. If you're presenting to people you know, it'll be easy to know what to break down and what to gloss over. But if you're presenting to unknown stockholders or faculty, for instance, you need to know about them and their knowledge levels, too. You may have to break your paper down into its most basic concepts. Find out what you can about their backgrounds.\n3. Know your resources. If you are giving a presentation in a facility you've never visited before, it's best to inquire about what you'll have at your disposal and what you'll need to set up beforehand. Does the facility have a computer and projector screen? Is there a working WiFi connection? Is there a microphone? A podium? Is there someone who can assist you in working the equipment before your presentation?\n\n\n## Script and visuals\n\n1. Create a script for your presentation. Although you could write everything out, it's best to use notes to jog your memory -- you'll sound more like you're talking and be able to make more eye contact. Only have one point per notecard -- that way you won't end up searching the notecard for your information. And don't forget to number the cards in case you get mixed up! And the points on your cards shouldn't match your paper; instead of regurgitating information, discuss why the key points of your paper are important or the different points of view on this topic within the field.\n2. Decide on a limited number of ideas you want your audience to comprehend and remember. To do this, find the most important points in your paper. These are the ones you should be drilling home. The rest of your presentation should be extras not necessarily addressed in your work -- if they've already read the paper, they don't need to be lectured on it. They're there to learn more. Make an outline of the highlights to help you prepare your presentation. As you form the outline, you'll see what aspects of your paper pop out the most and what order they would best be relayed in. As you go through this outline, remove any jargon if it may not be understood.\n3. Design visual aids to make your presentation even better. To help your audience follow along (and for the visual learners), use slides with graphics, charts, and bullet points to make everything a bit more captivating. It can enhance the information in your paper, yes, but it also keeps everyone from wiggling around in their seats. If you have any statistics at all, turn them into graphs. The contrasts will seem more stark when put in pictures before your audience -- numbers are sometimes meaningless. Instead of thinking about 25% and 75%, they'll be thinking about the 50% difference they see before them. If you won't have access to the proper technology, print visual aids on poster board or foam-core board. Presentation software (Powerpoint, etc.) can also double as notecards. Instead of messing with small pieces of paper, you can just click a button to get your next prompt. If using presentation software, use words sparingly, but enough to get your point across. Think in phrases (and pictures! ), not sentences. Acronyms and abbreviations are okay on the screen, but when you talk, address them fully. And remember to use large fonts -- not everyone's vision is fantastic.\n4. Think in terms of conversation. Just because this is paper-based does not mean your delivery should be equivalent to what an 8.5 x 11 can do. You have personality and are a human engaging with an audience. Use their humanness to do things you might not otherwise do in a paper. It's okay to be a bit repetitive. Emphasizing important ideas will enhance comprehension and recall. When you've gone full circle, cycle back to a previous point to lead your audience to the right conclusion. Minimize the unnecessary details (the procedure you had to go through, etc.) when highlighting the main ideas you want to relay. You don't want to overload your audience with fluff, forcing them to miss the important stuff. Show enthusiasm! A very boring topic can be made interesting if there is passion behind it.\n\n\n## Practice, practice, and more practice\n\n1. Practice your presentation in front of friends and family members. Don't be shy -- ask for constructive criticism. This helps you know whether or not you're meeting the time requirements and if not, how you could tweak your style. And once you've recited it 20 times before breakfast, your nervous should be at a minimum. If you can grab a friend who you think has a similar knowledge level to your audience, all the better. They'll help you see what points are foggier to minds with less expertise on the topic.\n2. Tape record yourself. Alright, so this one is a little much, but if you're really nervous, you may find listening to yourself beneficial. You can see which parts you're nervous about and which parts you have nailed down. It'll help you to see the flow, too, when you listen back. It'll also help you with volume. Some people get rather timid when in the spotlight. You may not be aware that you're not loud enough!\n3. Be warm. You are allowed to be a person, not just a machine that relays facts. Welcome in your audience and take a few seconds to establish a comfortable atmosphere. Do the same with your conclusion. Thank everyone for their time and open the floor for any questions, if allowed.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to deal with being picked on?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many people are picked on everyday. Physical appearance and social status are often reasons why people are picked on. No matter the reason, teasing can be uncomfortable, and no one deserves to be treated badly. When teasing becomes a pattern — as it often does — it can develop into a serious bullying problem, which can later cause physical and emotional harm. It is important to address such issues as soon as possible. \n\n## Face the situation\n\n1. Remain calm. Teasing may make you feel many uncomfortable emotions like anger or anxiety. Try not to react from a place of fear or frustration. Crying, fighting back, or insulting the other person is often the reaction that a bully wants from you. Remove yourself from the situation if at all possible. This will often de-escalate the situation immediately. If you do become angry, take a deep breath and count to 10. Try to relax your whole body as much as possible. If you find that you must say something, use a short word that doesn’t escalate the situation. Try saying, “Whatever,” and move on. Refocus your attention on something positive. If you are feeling upset, look for something or someone that makes you feel safe and happy.\n2. Don't retaliate. As much as you might want fight back, it's important that you keep composure. Starting a physical fight can get you in serious trouble. Insulting a bully can often further provoke them and make the situation worse. Don't stoop to their level. Name-calling, harassing, picking on, or starting rumors about your bullies puts you in the same boat as them. Acting more mature than them gives you the upper hand, especially if you are in school where adults are always watching. Make it clear that you are the bigger person by saying something like, “I’m not even going to respond to that.”\n\t* Remember that no one deserves to be treated poorly. Even if you refrain from retaliation, you should maturely confront situations that make you uncomfortable.\n3. Stand up for yourself. Express that you don’t like what has been said or done. Speak in a firm and confident voice and then walk away. Showing that you have confidence — even if you don't — will let others know that you do not tolerate inappropriate behavior. Practice responding to the bully. Reach out to a trusted friend, a family member, a stuffed animal, or stand in front of the mirror. Act out the situation as realistically as possible. Practice saying short and neutral phrases that you feel comfortable using. Phrases like, “Stop that,” “That’s not funny,” or “I've had it,” are effective.\n4. Ignore the teasing. Ignoring a mean joke or teasing can be a successful strategy, especially if the situation is not serious; however, don’t let being picked on become a pattern, as it can become quite harmful over time. Pretend that you don’t hear the mean comments by keeping a straight face. This may be challenging at first, so it can take some practice. Bullies will often become bored when they can't get a reaction out of you. Look to a classmate or teacher and say something to show you are not paying attention to the bully. Try saying, “Hey, great shirt,” or “How’s it going?”\n\t* Appear distracted by your cell phone. If you can, look at your phone and say, “Oh, I missed a call,” or “I didn’t see that before.”\n5. Recognize bullying. Sometimes it may be hard to recognize bullying until it has progressed or escalated. You may feel isolated, be afraid or anxious to go to school (you may start pretending to be sick so you don't have to go), feel helpless, have difficulty sleeping, notice a change in your eating patterns (eating more or less than normal), or your grades may go down. Familiarize yourself with the different types of bullying so you can address it as soon as possible. Physical bullying includes hitting, kicking, tripping, hair pulling pinching, pushing, stealing, or damaging your things. This type of bullying uses physical force to cause damage. Verbal bullying includes insults, name calling, teasing, intimidation, verbal abuse, or homophobic, racist, sexist, or ableist comments. This may start off as \"harmless\" teasing or poking fun at first and escalate. Social bullying or covert bullying is often difficult to spot. You may not realize this is going on, as it can occur behind your back. This includes spreading rumors, telling other people not to be friends with you, lying about you, damaging your reputation, playing mean jokes, mimicking, giving you the silent treatment, etc. Cyber bullying can happen at any time and can be public or private. It may be done directly to you or behind your back. Cyber bullying uses technology — such as social media, texting, email, websites, etc. — to target the person. It can include spreading rumors, impersonating you online, spreading mean or harmful videos or pictures, excluding you, sending abusive or hurtful messages, and intimidation.\n\n\n## Seek support\n\n1. Tell someone if the teasing becomes a pattern. You've probably heard people say, \"No one likes tattle-tales,\" but you must look out for your own well-being. If bullies become violent, start harassing you constantly, or harass you online, tell someone. Whether it's a teacher, parent, or guidance counselor, it is important that someone is informed. Even if you think getting others involved may make the situation worse, adults can often help you determine an effective action plan. If the teasing happens at school, talk to a trusted teacher or guidance counselor. School officials should have training in how to deal with bullying. Think about what may reduce the interaction with the bully and help you feel safer. This may include rearranging seating or providing more adult supervision. Talk to a parent or family member that can give you some advice. Your parents should be alerted of the situation, especially if you are in danger. Note that getting your parents to talk to a bully’s parents, however, is often not recommended. A close friend may be the first person you are inclined to turn to when being picked on. Trusted friends should be willing to help you cope. They may accompany you to see a guidance counselor, or stay at your side when you are facing harassment. Telling someone that you are being picked on can be challenging. Let them know how you’re feeling by starting with, “This is hard for me to talk about, but I wanted to tell you what is going on.”\n2. Build self-confidence. Bullies pick on people who have low social standing or show low self-esteem. This does not mean that you should change who you are! Instead, work on feeling comfortable in your skin. Get involved in activities that make you feel good about yourself. Consider joining an school club, or take an extra class that helps you practice a skill that you enjoy. Exercise as a way to nurture a positive outlook and improve your self-image. You may enjoy a team sport, yoga, or self-defense classes. Positive affirmations are important in building security and self-esteem. Keep a journal and write positive things about yourself daily, not just when you are feeling bad.\n3. Learn from other people. There are several websites that are geared towards middle and high-school students who face bullying. Browse through the stories and advice on websites that provide a safe space for discussing such topics.\n\n\n## Help others\n\n1. Tell your story. Sharing your story can be helpful to others who are facing similar challenges. Write a blog or newsletter that explains your experience. Share what you are doing to confront the issue and make positive changes. Talk to your peers. If you know someone who is being picked on, find time to share coping strategies and practice ways to respond to teasing. For example, you can say, “Hey, I noticed that Jamie was annoying you. I hate it when he does that to me.”\n2. Don’t be a bystander. Do not encourage bullying behavior. Instead, help the person get out of the situation. Laughing at mean jokes or watching in silence suggests that you are not opposed to the behavior. Instead, let the bully know that you are not amused and/or walk away. If you are a part of the conversation, try saying, “Hey, that’s not cool.”\n\t* If you see that someone is in physical or emotional danger, seek help from an authority figure immediately.\n3. Befriend people whom you think are being picked on. Reach out to others who are going through the same problem. Developing a friendship can help you avoid confronting bullies by yourself. Plan to sit together at lunch or walk home together. You may develop a great friendship, and you will be able to support each other when faced with bullies. Bring it up by saying, “Want to get lunch today?” or, “Let’s hang out on the way home.”\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to do a word count on google docs?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Use a computer\n\n1. Open your Google Doc at https://docs.google.com. Log in to your Google account if prompted. This method works for both Windows and Mac computers. You can also open saved documents that you didn’t create in Google Docs.\n2. Click the Tools tab. You’ll find this above the document.\n3. Click Word Count. You’ll see a list of counts, including how many pages are in the document, words, characters, and characters except spaces.\n\n\n## Use the app\n\n1. Open your Google Doc in the app. This app looks like a blue page with a corner folded. You can find this app on your home screen, in the app drawer, or by searching. You can also open saved documents that you didn’t create in Google Docs.\n2. Tap ⋮ (Android) or ••• (iOS).\n3. Tap Word Count. You’ll see a list of counts, including how many pages are in the document, words, characters, and characters except spaces.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to dismount a volume?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You can remove a mounted volume, also known as dismounting a volume when you no longer want separate drives, or partitions on your computer for extra storage purposes. You can dismount a volume on Windows computers using the Control Panel, and on Mac OS X using the Terminal application.\n\n## Dismount a volume in windows\n\n1. Click on “Start” and select “Control Panel.” The Control Panel window will display on-screen.\n2. Click on “System and Security,” then on “Administrative Tools.”\n3. Click on “Computer Management,” then enter the administrator password. Dismounting a volume can only be done by the administrator.\n4. Click on “Disk Management” under “Storage” in the left pane.\n5. Right-click on the volume you want dismounted and select “Change Drive Letter and Paths.”\n6. Click on “Remove,” then select “Yes” when asked to confirm that you want to dismount the volume. The volume you selected will now be dismounted.\n\n\n## Dismount a volume on mac os x\n\n1. Open the Applications folder and click on “Utilities.”\n2. Click on “Terminal.” The Terminal application will launch and display on-screen.\n3. Type “diskutil list” into Terminal and hit “Return.” This command will provide you with a list of all drives connected to your Mac computer so you can grab the “drive identifier” of the volume you want dismounted.\n4. Locate the name of the volume you want dismounted in the list of results. For example, if you want to dismount a flash drive you had named “wikiHow data,” find the volume for “wikiHow data” in the list of results.\n5. Locate the drive identifier of that particular volume. The drive identifier will be named “disk” followed by a combination of different numbers and characters, and is located at the end of the line for each volume listed. For example, the drive identifier may read as “disk0s2” or “disk1s2.”\n6. Type the following command into Terminal: “diskutil unmount /dev/disk1s2,” while making sure that the appropriate drive identifier for the volume you want dismounted is used in place of “disk1s2” in this command. The volume will be officially dismounted when the following command is displayed in Terminal: “$ diskutil unmount /dev/disk1s2 Volume wikiHow data on disk1s2 unmounted”\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to core apples?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Instead of buying pre-sliced apples, take advantage of whole ones while they are fresh. Whether you're baking apples or slicing one up for a snack, removing the inedible core isn't as hard as it looks. Use a paring knife or an apple corer to keep apples whole. For apples you need to cut first, scoop the core out with a melon baller. If you're looking for a quick way to prepare apples for cooking, peel them and slice off useable parts. Then, enjoy cleaned apples as is or use them as a component in another recipe.\n\n## Core whole apples with a knife\n\n1. Set the apple on a cutting board with the stem side up. Keep the cutting board on a flat, stable surface. Make sure it can't slide around while you're coring the apple. Since you're going to be using a knife, it's easy to slip and nick your fingers if you're not careful. Try putting something underneath the cutting board to help hold it in place. A damp towel or paper towel works well in a pinch when dealing with wobbly cutting boards. There are also non-stick cutting board mats you can get online and at kitchen supply stores.\n2. Poke the tip of a paring knife into the top of the apple. While holding the apple steady, push the knife into it about ⁄4 in (0.64 cm) away from its stem. You are aiming for the spot where the core ends. Cutting any closer to the stem could puncture the core and leave you with more of a mess to clean up later. If you don't have a paring knife handy, another thin blade will do. Choose the thinnest one you have in order to limit damage to the apple's flesh while you go after the core.\n3. Push the blade all the way through the apple. Hold the knife steady as you push it straight down so it doesn't cut into the core. Watch out for the sharp tip of the knife coming through the bottom's end! Tip the apple over on its side for a moment so you are able to see where the knife emerges. Coring is easiest with a knife that is longer than the apple. That way, you can remove the entire core in one go. If you don't have a knife like that, stick with a paring knife and scrape away any parts of the core left behind after the initial cut.\n4. Cut all the way around the core to separate it from the apple. Hold the apple steady and carefully cut in a circle without slicing into the core. Keep the blade ⁄4 in (0.64 cm) from the stem the entire time. This can be a little tricky to do at first, but it becomes much easier with practice. It leaves the core loose inside the apple, making it easy to remove by hand. If you're having trouble keeping the cut consistent all the way around the stem, try making more incisions. Place the knife on another side of the stem and push it all the way through the bottom again. Do this 4 times on all sides of the stem, then cut in a circle to connect the incisions.\n5. Remove the knife and push out the core with your thumbs. Raise the knife slowly so you don't lose control of it. Set it aside, then give the stem a good, hard push. The core will pop out through the bottom of the apple. If it is stuck, cut around the core again to separate it from the rest of the apple. Another option is to use the tip of the knife to pry the core up toward you. Once you are able to get a firm grip on it, pull it up to remove it. Knife control is important when doing this, so raise it with patience rather than yanking it toward you.\n6. Cut around the inside of the apple if you notice any seeds remaining. Sometimes these parts break off the core and get left behind. Put the knife back in the hole and scrape around the outside edge. Push the inedible bits out through the holes in the apple to throw them away. Once you're sure you got all of the black seeds and stringy bits of the core, you're ready to cook the apple.You could also use a melon baller to scoop out the insides. Twist the melon baller around to clear out the cut, leaving it clean and consistent.\n\n\n## Use an apple corer\n\n1. Place the apple on a flat surface with the stem face up. Set it up on something stable and damage-resistant like a cutting board. Coring tools are pretty sharp, so don't sacrifice your countertop for the sake of an apple core. Make sure you have plenty of room to hold the apple steady while coring it. Test the cutting board or surface by attempting to move or shake it. If it seems unsteady, expect it to move at the worst time. Try putting a wet towel or a non-slip mat underneath a cutting board to steady it.\n2. Place the apple corer on the center of the apple. If you have a tube-shaped corer, position it so the apple's stem is in the middle of the tube. Push the corer down until it begins cutting into the apple. If you have a combination corer and peeler, position it ⁄4 in (0.64 cm) from the core with the serrated edge facing inward. Push the tip down into the apple to begin separating its flesh from the core. The easiest type of corer to use is one with a long handle and a circular tube with a serrated bottom edge. The tube fits over the core, holding it together while you pull it out. When using the vegetable peeler type of corer, you have to twist the blade around in a circle to cut out the core. The motion is the same as when using a tube-shaped corer, but it takes a little more work to rotate the corer by hand. You could also use a flat, ring-shaped corer. This type slices up the apple while removing the core. It's great for cutting an apple into wedges with one fell swoop.\n3. Twist the corer as you push it toward the bottom of the apple. This takes a little bit of force, so keep a firm grip on both the apple and the handle of the corer. Rotate the corer back and forth while pushing down on it. As long as you keep the apple still, the corer will go straight down toward the opposite end of the core. If you're using the blade-type corer, push it down into the apple and begin rotating it around the core. It will separate the core from the rest of the apple.\n4. Pull the corer out to remove the center membrane and seeds. What happens next depends on what kind of corer you have. With many tube-shaped corers, all you have to do is pull the handle back to take the core out with it. For blade-like corers, lift the blade out and then push the core out with your fingers. Check the inside of the apple for leftover seeds. Corers are better at cleaning out an apple than knives, but a loose seed or core fragment can fall out of the tool and get left behind.\n\n\n## Scoop the core out of a halve apple\n\n1. Set the apple on a stable cutting surface. Use a cutting board to prevent your countertop from getting damaged. Start by standing the apple up on the board with the stem face up. Make sure the cutting board can't move at all while you're working. Stabilize the cutting board by placing a towel or mat underneath it if needed.\n2. Cut the apple in half to expose the core. Use a sharp knife to split the apple. Hold it steady and cut vertically through it to the bottom. Try to slice through the center in a single, clean motion. You will end up going straight through the core, but that is okay. If you wish to quarter the apple, you could turn the halves over onto their cut sides. Slice them top to bottom down the middle. Whether you do this before or after removing the core doesn't make much of a difference.\n3. Scoop out the core using a spoon or melon baller. Keep the apple halves flat against the cutting board with the skin side down. This will give you a clear view of the seeds and the fibrous sheaths in the center of each slice. They are pretty easy to remove by digging into the apple's flesh right where it meets the hard, stringy core. Clean out both halves to leave the juicy part of the apple intact. If you quartered the apples, an alternative way to remove the core is by cutting underneath it. Use a paring knife to cut diagonally down to the center point underneath the core. Turn the apple slice around and cut from the other side to cleanly lift away the core.\n4. Slice away the stem and bud on each half with a paring knife. Keep the apple halves skin side down on the cutting board. The stem and bud are on the ends of each half, right above the removed center. Hold your knife parallel to these parts and cut diagonally down underneath them. Slice diagonally down from the opposite side to complete the cut and remove the inedible parts. There are pieces of the stem and bud on both halves, so remember to get them all. You will need to make a total of 4 cuts on each half, 2 apiece for each stem and bud. Another way to do this is by scooping out the stem and bud with a melon baller or spoon. It is less precise than cutting, so it takes away more of the juicy flesh.\n\n\n## Separate the core from a peel apple\n\n1. Peel the apple using a paring knife or vegetable peeler. If you have a good vegetable peeler handy, use it for an easy way to remove the apple's skin. Drag it from the top of the apple to the bottom to remove a layer of skin. After setting aside the peel, rotate the apple and use the peeler again and again to expose the juicy flesh.If you're using a knife, slip the tip of the blade underneath the skin. Peel from side to side across the apple, moving slowly to keep the blade as close to the skin as possible. Although using a knife gets easier with practice, you could slip and cut into the good part of the apple if you're not careful.\n2. Set the apple down on a flat surface with the stem side up. Stand the apple on a safe, stable cutting board. Make sure the board won't slide out of place while you attempt to cut the apple. As long as the board is secure, cutting the stem out is a quick and safe process.For your own safety and the sake of the apple, slip a damp towel or non-stick mat underneath a cutting board to prevent it from moving while you work.\n3. Slice across the apple to separate part of it from the stem. Pick up a sharp chef's knife and position it about ⁄4 in (0.64 cm) away from the stem. Hold onto the apple with your other hand to stop it from moving. When you're ready, slice straight down, all the way to the bottom of the apple. This will separate part of the apple, leaving the core untouched and standing on your cutting board.Cut as close to the stem as you can to save the edible portions of the apple. If you cut too close to the stem, you might end up taking out some of the core. Cut the hard, stringy core chunks off the apple slices before using them.\n4. Turn the apple and cut away the other sides to remove the core. Rotate the apple so an uncut side faces you. Cut across it again and then all the way down to the bottom. Keep the knife ⁄4 in (0.64 cm) away from the stem at all times so all the cut parts are even. When you're done, you will have 4 apple chunks that are clean and easy to slice up into whatever size you need.For example, lay the portions flat on the cutting board and cut them from top to bottom to create slices. Cut the slices from side to side to create smaller apple chunks.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to say \"my name is\" in several languages?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is how to say \"My name is...\" in several languages. The exact phrase is on top, with pronunciation guides in the bullets below.\n\n## European languages\n\n1. Say \"Moeto Nme e\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\" in Bulgarian. This translates to \"my name is\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\"\n\t* \"MO-eg-toh e-meh eh \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\"\n2. Say \"Ik heet \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_ \" in Dutch. This is a somewhat gravelly sound. While \"heet\" is pronounced like \"hate,\" natural speakers almost slur the two together, almost like \"hee-EIGHT.\" \"Ick hate\"\n3. Say \"Je m'appelle \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\" in French. The words will somewhat glide together. This translates as \"I am called.\" \"Jhe- ma- pelle\"\n4. Say \"Me llamo \\_\\_\\_\\_ in Spanish. This one most people already know, but they still get tripped up by the double-L. In Spanish, the double-L sounds like an English \"y.\" \"Meh Yam-oh\"\n5. Say \"ich heisse \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\" in German. Really differentiate the three syllables, keeping them sharp and distinct. \"Ikh High- saa\"\n6. Say \"Με λένε \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\" (Me lene) in Greek, or use an alternate expression. For more formal hellos, you can also say, \"Ονομάζομαι\" (\"To o-no-ma mou e-ne,\") which translates to \"I am called.\" \"Meh Leh-neh\"\n\t* You can also change things up with \"Λέγομαι,\" (\"Leh-go-meh,\") meaning \"I'm named.\"\n7. Say \"A nevem\" in Hungarian. Like in French, the words need to somewhat slur together. The \"v\" sound in the middle should sound about halfway between a V and a W.\n\t* \"A neh-wem\"\n8. Say \"Ég heiti \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_ \" in Icelandic. Icelandic is one of the world's hardest languages, but luckily fo you \"My Name is\" is quite easy. \"Yeg hey-tih\"\n9. Say \"mise \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\" in Irish Gaelic. Not that this sounds completely different from how it looks. The \"se\" at the end sounds much more like \"sha.\" \"Mish-ah\"\n10. Say \"Mеня зовут\" Russian. No, that \"3\" shape is not a typo, it's just a part of the Russian Alphabet. If you don't have time to learn the whole thing, the pronunciation isn't tough. This translates into \"I am called.\" \"Men-ya za-voot\"\n11. Say either \"mi chiamo \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\" or \"sono \\_\\_\\_\\_\" to say your name in Italian. These are the English equivalents of \"My name is \\_\\_\\_\\_\" or \"I'm \\_\\_\\_\\_.\" \"Mi Chiamo\" (Mee Key-ah-mo). → \"My name is....\"\n\t* \"Sono: (soh-no). → \"I'm...\"\n12. Say \"Nomen mihi est \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\" in Latin. If you know how to speak Italian, Spanish, or French, the pronunciation is very similar. \"Me-he no-men es\"\n13. Say \"Mă numesc \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\" to give your name in Romanian. You can also use the phrase \"mă chiamă\" as well. \"Ma new-Mesk\"\n\t* \"Ma key-ama\"\n14. Say \"Eg heiter \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\" in Norwegian. Like in German, you're looking for three well-pronounced, distinct syllables. The second word sounds like \"height,\" as in how tall something is, in English. \"Egg Height-er\"\n\t* Note: this may also be spelled \"Jeg heter.\" This second versions is the more formal, traditional spelling. Both are correct.\n15. Say \"Volám sa \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\" to give your name in Slovak. For more formal, longer phrase, you can use \"Moje meno je \\_\\_\\_\\_\" (\"My name is \\_\\_\\_\\_\"). The words in Slovak tend to be slightly jammed together, especially here, where they might sound like one word. \"Vol-am say\"\n16. Say \"Jag heter \\_\\_\\_\\_\" in Swedish. For more formal conversations, try out \"Mitt namn är.\" This is tricky one, as the letters aren't used quite the same way in English. Try to make the \"i\" in \"mitt\" sound like an \"E\" sound. \"Yog Heat-err\"\n\t* \"Mit Nam Aer\"\n17. Say \"mia nomo estas\" (\"my name is\") or \"mi nomiĝas\" (\"I'm called\") in Esperanto. Esperanto was invented in Poland after WWII as a politically neutral, global language. \"Mee-ah No-mo Ehs-tas\"\n\t* \"Mee no-me-jas\"\n\n\n## Asian languages\n\n1. Say, \"আমার নাম\" (Amar nam) in Bengali. If you can't read the characters, that is okay. The phonetic sounding is not difficult to pick up. \"Am-ar Nahm\"\n2. Say \"Merā nām \\_\\_\\_\\_ hai\" in Hindi. Note how there is a word after your name -- \"hai.\" This translates literally to \"My name Nick is.\" This is grammatically correct in Hindi. \"May-rah nahm \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_ hey\"\n\t* You use the same phrase in Urdu. It is written out as \"میرا نام \\_\\_\\_\\_ ہے.\"\n3. Say \"私の名前は...です。(Watashi no namae wa \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_ desu)\" to speak in Japanese. Note that there is a word \"desu\" that comes after your name in Japanese. For simpler speaking, you can say, \"I am \\_\\_\\_\\_,\" or \"Watashi wa Nick\"' desu.\" \"Wat-a-shee no na-my wah \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_ dehs\"\n\t* Wat-a-shee wah \\_\\_\\_\\_ dehs\"\n4. Use versions of \"Ako si \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\" to say your name in Tagalog (Filipino). There are several versions of an introduction in Tagalog, all of which are easy to pick up. The word for name, \"pangalan\"\n\t* \n\t* Casual: Ako si \\_\\_\\_ → \" \"AkOH see\"\n\t* \n\t* Polite: Ako po si \\_\\_\\_ → \"AkOH poh see\"\n\t* \n\t* Formal: Ang pangalan ko ak\\_\\_\\_ → \"An pan-nall-en co ack\"\n5. Say \"我的名字是 \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\" (\"Wǒ de míngzì shì\") to say your name in Chinese. This is in the Mandarin dialect. Chinese is not just about accent but also inflection, which completely changes the meanings of words. This is one you should absolutely listen to examples of. \"Wuo - duh - meeng -- tza -- shuu \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\"\n\t* For a simpler translation, try \"Wuo Jiao \\_\\_\\_\"\n\t* In Cantonese Chinese, use the phrase \"Ngo kui tso.\"\n6. Say \"ខ្ញុំឈ្មោះ \\_\\_\\_\\_\" (\"khnhom chhmoh\") to speak in Khmer. Things might get difficult in Cambodia, Vietnam, or Laos, but this phrase can help start introductions. \"Ka-nohm ch'moo-ah\"\n7. Say \"Tên tôi là \\_\\_\\_\\_\" in Vietnamese. Some speakers drop the first word, sticking instead with \" tôi là \\_\\_\\_.\" \"Ten Thoy la\"\n8. Say \"ผมชื่อ \\_\\_\\_\" (\"pŏm chêu\") if you're a man, and \"เราชื่อ \\_\\_\\_\" (\"di-chen chêu\") if you're a female speaking Thai. Thai is a gendered language, so make sure you use the right form. The last word, though hyphenated below, should be smushed together. Male: \"pohm chee-ew\"\n\t* Female: \"dee-shaun chee-ew\"\n\n\n## African and middle eastern languages\n\n1. Say \"My naam is\" in Afrikaans. This language has some English roots, so it will be easier for you to pick up potentially. You'll also notice that is spelled with eerie familiarity...\n\t* \"May naahm ehs\"\n\t* Some people substitute \"Ek\" for \"my.\" This is more traditional, typically.\n2. Say \"اسمي هو (Ismi houa)\" in Arabic. Some dialects of Arabic actually omit the second word, such as Sudanese Arabic. \"Is-mee Ho\n3. Say \"Ninaitwa \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_ in Swahili. It's just one word, followed but your name. \"Nee-na-nweet-wa.\"\n4. Say \"\\_\\_\\_\\_ laa tudd\" to say your name in Wolof, a West African dialect. Note that Wolof is not a written language, so spelling is not very important. The language is common in Senegal, Gambia, and parts of North Africa. \"\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_ la tood\"\n\t* You can also use \"Maa ngi tudd \\_\\_\\_\\_\" for \"my name is.\" Pronounced \"mahn-gee too-doo.\" Note the extra syllable on \"tudd.\"\n5. Say \"Igama lami ngu \\_\\_\\_\\_\" to say your name in Zulu. Again, this isn't a commonly written language, so don't worry much about spelling. It is pronounced much like it looks, with the \"ngu\" the hardest part. Sound it out like \"new,\" but try to get out a gutteral \"G\" sound right before the word. This is called a \"glottal stop,\" for word nerds out there. \"Ig-ah-mah la-mee (g)new\"\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to find accounting telecommuting jobs?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Account telecommuting tip\n\n1. Work in an office setting for a few years before starting to work from a home office. These years are not only valuable for experience, but they also allow you to build up a client base.\n2. Become part of a local professional network or volunteer organization. When you work from home, it is even more important to network with people in the business community. As a telecommuter, you will rely on contacts and referrals.\n3. Invest in organization and technology in your home office. Having fewer employees means that you will have to ensure your system is impeccably organized, automated and secure. Your ability to stay on top of projects is likely to have an effect on future jobs from repeat business. Other technology that you may want to look into is routing office calls to your cell phone, an Internet fax service, an online receipt scanner, like Shoe boxed, and video conferencing.\n4. Create a website for your business. You will need to invest in marketing in order to make your business appear legitimate to prospective clients, and get your name into the public. Keep the following information in mind when developing your website. Post reviews from current and former clients. This can help show potential clients the diverse types of accounting you can do. Advertise the advantages of using a home-based accountant. In general, home-based accountants charge approximately 70 percent less because they have less overhead. You may also be able to offer more flexible meeting times than office-based accountants and more personal attention. Link your website to your LinkedIn profile or a resume, so that clients can see what experience you have in the field and your certifications. Add on website plugins like an appointment scheduler and a contact form.\n\n\n## Find telecommuting job\n\n1. Ask your former or current clients for referrals. Although your clients may stay with an accounting firm if you leave it, the best way to look for jobs is to give out business cards and inquire with business professionals and former clients if they would give your name to anyone in need of accounting services.\n2. Reach out to your friends, family and contacts before tax season every year. Consider having a client appreciation party during the summer or holiday season, where clients are also encouraged to bring their friends. This will help you cement existing business relationships and perhaps find new ones.\n3. Register for online accounts with telecommuting job websites, such as Virtual Vocations or Freelanced. This site's job postings are dedicated to remote workers. You can post your resume for potential employers to see, and you can search by job date, location, travel requirements and employer when you need to look for work. You may also want to pay for a membership with FlexJobs, hea-employment.com. A membership will cost approximately $15 per month or $50 for a year. They also have a guarantee that you will find jobs.\n\t* \n\t* Comb the site ModernTelecommuter. Although this site is not fee based, it combs websites for telecommuting jobs, which can often be outdated. However, its aggregate function may save you time on your job hunt.\n4. Search on large job posting sites like CareerBuilder, Indeed or Monster. Make sure to tick the box that says \"Telecommute\" when searching on these sites. Also, keep in mind that there will be a large amount of competition for any posting, so you will need to apply quickly and often for jobs.\n5. Interview and list yourself with a local employment or staffing agency. Recruiters are always looking for professional contractors that may be able to fill positions with companies. Make sure to be clear about your desire to telecommute and your available time.\n6. Go directly to websites of large accounting firms and businesses. Review their job postings for telecommute positions. Although this takes a fair amount of research, it is becoming more common for businesses to hire remote, part-time workers to take on their accounts receivable and other bookkeeping tasks.\n7. Check back frequently on your local Craigslist site. A lot of part-time work is listed on this site. Businesses or individuals may be seeking an accountant, without having restrictions on where the work is done.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to handle a dramatic sister in law?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Tone down the drama queen\n\n1. Realize that you may be dealing with a drama queen. The dynamics of a sister-in-law (S-I-L) are complex at the best of times but no more so if she has spent much of her life causing her immediate family to run to her beck and call. The drama queen thrives off drama and having everyone pay attention to her as a result. Sit back at your next family occasion and simply watch. Notice how she interacts with her family members, and how they in turn react back. If you witness a lot of step-toeing around her and acquiescing to her, she is clearly used to getting her own way. Consider what happens when she raises a drama-filled topic. Do other family members rush to agree with her about how \"outrageous\" the price of child care/electricity/shampoo/dog grooming/car maintenance/etc. is? Do they confirm her quibbles as quickly as possible, thereby engendering even more complaints? This shows that they enable her complaint-filled view of the world and sadly, have long been used to pandering to it. You can't change them but you can set a new role model by not complaining yourself. Notice what happens when you disagree with her. Does she pout, throw an adult-style tantrum or try and put you down? While it's important to stand your ground on things that matter to you, if she does react childishly, you'll need to learn how to manage this carefully. Learn not so much to disagree as to fail to agree––there is a fine line but it's about acknowledging her underlying need (notice me, care about me, help me, etc.) without buying into her view of the world.\n2. Do not get involved with the drama. Your S-I-L can let off steam, vent away and curse all she wants but there is no need to join the negativity. Avoid taking any of what is said personally––the crazier the reactions and actions, the more your S-I-L is grasping at straws to try and provoke you and restore the limelight back onto her. Let her have the limelight in her own home but don't hang around to be vented upon. If it gets really bad, simply announce that you will come back when she is feeling calmer and leave. Equally, if it's happening in your own home, tell it's time to leave. (You can even make up a fake appointment or an early bedtime if you really need a polite excuse.)\n\n\n## Deal with your hot button\n\n1. Look to yourself first. It can be hard when to do this when someone else pushes your buttons. But it is important because it is your reaction that defines whether or not she feels she can keep going in the same direction with you. Some of the things to consider include:\n\t* Stay silent and there's a risk she just thinks you're dumb, awed by her or chewed up with resentment. Take your pick, she's probably happy to think you're feeling all three. And she'll use your silence to keep putting across her point of view at the expense of yours. If you're grinning and bearing it, you're likely turning into a doormat. Argue and she probably thinks her brother/sister has married an angry, resentful and bitter so-and-so who hates her and will do anything to come between her and her brother/sister. You may feel as if you're defending yourself but to her, it's about you not caring what she thinks and possibly even about putting her down. This doesn't mean there isn't room for disagreement; it just means that the manner in which you realign her understanding must be done with care.\n2. Create boundaries. State the facts about matters that she pressures you about, firmly but politely, and avoid being emotional into the bargain. If you state things simply, stick to the facts and avoid making it into an issue about her, she has few places to run. Be aware that she may continue to resent you for speaking your mind in an assertive and self-effective way but this shouldn't stop you from clarifying your position. Ultimately, she has to respect someone who doesn't argue, lose their temper or bite their tongue but instead makes it absolutely clear where the boundaries exist. And even if she doesn't everyone else will plainly see that you are the cooler head in the room. For example, let's say your daughter Sheila has been running outside and has fallen over. Your S-I-L insists that she needs to see a doctor or something terrible might happen. You are quite sure nothing of the sort will occur and you know you're a good parent but S-I-L keeps badgering you, upping the intensity of all the bad things that will happen if you fail to follow her advice. Offer your S-I-L a calmly spoken \"That's very kind of you to notice that Sheila has a bruised knee but I am thoroughly satisfied that Sheila is going to be all right; this happens all the time and is a part of the way she learns to cope with the great outdoors. She does not need to see the doctor.\" And that's the end of it, no need to enter into any further discussion. If S-I-L keeps trying, smile and change the subject; refuse to re-engage on the matter.\n\n\n## You and your spouse\n\n1. Talk to your spouse about your feelings. Avoid name-calling, insulting or insinuating anything about your sister-in-law. Instead, explain how you feel when the proverbial dung hits the fan whenever you're in her presence. Your spouse cannot fault your feelings, so be clear and thoughtful in stating them. This puts your spouse on notice that you've recognized the behavior of your S-I-L for what it is and that you have chosen to no longer accept being at the receiving end of it. For example, \"Georgia, when your sister talks a lot about how hard it is to fund her children's private schooling, I feel claustrophobic because she doesn't know when to stop discussing it. Given that we can barely afford our mortgage, I feel a little distressed at this kind of talk all night. I'd like to stop putting myself in this position from now on by simply acknowledging her problem but not letting her continue discussing it all night and I'd like you to help me do this by finding other subjects to talk about that don't involve money. Do you think that this is something you can get on board with? \".\n2. Ask your spouse to think carefully about the way in which he or she relays information about family issues. Tell your spouse that you love to hear about how your sister-in-law is doing but that you don't appreciate hearing about the embellished drama that often comes with it. Help your spouse to recognize what you consider to be \"drama\" from what you consider to be \"real news\" and in time, both of you will learn to speak about family matters in a less dramatic and more emotionally healthy way. Remind your spouse gently whenever you feel that your S-I-L's drama is being repeated in your house. You could even have a special signal rather than having to spell it out each time. Place a ban on gossip at home (or anywhere). Remind one another whenever it veers anywhere near close to gossip and shut it down. It doesn't matter if you feel you are being gossiped about; you're the bigger person for not engaging in the same behavior.\n\n\n## Cop with your s-i-l's call and message\n\n1. Avoid answering what isn't worthy of a response. Don't respond to any text messages that do not directly relate to a family get-together, positive messages or something else perfectly normal. If you are getting texts that spell out her outrage about things that have happened to her, her annoyance at something you've apparently done or to send you gossip about family or friends, let it slide and leave her wondering. If you feel angry and want to send back a retort, reprimand or justification straight away, don't do it. Treat your anger or irritation as a warning sign to sleep on the matter. Furious texting or messaging can only end in more angst on both sides.\n2. Keep social media networking to a minimum with your sister-in-law if she sets off your buttons. If your S-I-L is truly a pain and a bit of a drama queen, it's possible that her social networking reflects her attention-seeking ways. You can be all too easily drawn into a web of her anger and drama venting if you can see her Facebook updates or her latest tweets. If she friends you, you can do one of several things. One, simply ignore the request. When she asks you about it, tell her that you don't use social media much to exchange important things (or at all); or\n\t* Two, reply to her with a \"Thanks but no thanks, I am not accepting new requests at the moment due to busyness/privacy/overloading, etc.\" You might also add something like, \"Besides, we see each other often and I prefer we talk face-to-face\"; or\n\t* Three, turn all of your settings to private so that she can't see who you are friends with. Either say nothing or tell her either that you stopped using social media or that you only have a tight knit circle of followers and don't wish to extend it at the moment. If you say you didn't receive any request, she'll only resend it, but it might buy enough time to throw her off the whole idea if you offer to \"look into it\" but let the \"looking into it\" drag on and refuse to raise the matter again); or\n\t* Four, offer her a more neutral alternative. Offer to friend her on Pinterest and focus solely on a shared craft or cooking board. Nothing racy or mean spirited, of course. Try to avoid using the terminology of \"friends\" when discussing any refusal to accept her request. Unfortunately, the usage of this term by social media sites has caused many people to take it at face value; many people are simply followers or fans, not friends. She might feel devalued if you make any suggestion that she is being rejected as a \"friend\". If she is already a follower of one or more of your networking sites, you might consider blocking her and turning your pages private on some sites. Most probably you will need to explain what has happened (with a sound excuse); if she's a drama queen, she'll not only notice but she'll take offense too.\n3. Take care if you do soldier on and try to be her friend online and/or through the phone. If she acts abusively, it is recommended that you keep records to show your spouse and other family members if needed. Save messages, emails, voice-mails, etc. Some drama queens like to \"attack\" when nobody else can see, thinking you won't have the courage to out them. This isn't about deliberately looking for dirt but it is a way of protecting yourself if anything should get out of hand. However, this is truly the stuff of last resort––if you handle yourself deftly in public situations around your S-I-L, everyone will know for real who is behaving and who is stirring the pot.\n\n\n## A kinder future together\n\n1. Get on with your lives together. You married your spouse, not your family. While his or her family members are part of the package, they are not a part of your intimacy and they do not share the same journey with the two of you. If you make it very obvious that you're not bothered by jealousy, insinuations, rumors or gossip, it will soon become clear to your S-I-L that her barbs, attitude and meanness aren't pricking you in the way that they used to. Eventually, it ceases to be profitable or enjoyable for her to keep bothering and most likely she'll begrudgingly go and find someone else to taunt and hassle. Spend less time around your S-I-L. In what ways are you putting yourself in her pathway? While it may feel like you have to put up with her, you can find ways to reduce the time spent together. For example, ask other family members to meet you at different times than when she is around, more often than not. Don't always do this, or she will have a legitimate cause for complaining, but time spent with other family members shouldn't always involve her presence. If you live far away and have to visit once a year, stay in your own accommodation to give yourself respite. Take walks, get outside and don't overstay any welcome when it comes to drawn-out family events that press your buttons. Families know the pressure points better than anyone and unfortunately, some like to press them. At such events, your S-I-L probably has alliances that she can set in train to be even more effective, so the less time spent near such complaint-prone cliques, the better.\n2. Listen for real. When you are around your S-I-L, try active listening and acknowledgment in place of letting your fog of self-defensiveness take control. When she gets on top of her complaining mountain, instead of trying to topple her off with \"if you think that's bad, you should live in my shoes\" replies, actually focus on her and try to discern what is really driving her jibes, whining and gossip. By not making this about you, you may be truly surprised at what you unearth.As for responding to her, acknowledge her pain with neutral comments like: \"I'm sorry you have had to go through that to pay an electricity bill. It must be hard having four kids chewing through the power each month.\" Don't offer advice, don't offer how you would deal with it and don't ever offer to pay or pave the way to see her problem resolved. She owns it, you simply acknowledge it.\n3. Be compassionate. If your S-I-L has been a pain more than once and has even done things to show you up or drag you down, the chances are that she will try to do it again, even when you don't bite. But if you're ready for it and if you're understanding as to where she is coming from (insecurity, loneliness, feeling left out, needing to be in control, etc. ), you can be compassionate about her actions and detach yourself from her drama. If you don't carry her load, she'll be forced to do it for herself and will stop seeing you as a viable target.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to repair a punctured tire?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Did you know that you can repair your punctured tire, and not have to spend all that cash buying a brand new tire? If you're prepared to get a little greasy and do the legwork yourself, you can find yourself back on the road and enjoying the drive-in on time.\n\n## Patch a puncture tire\n\n1. Locate the tire that is losing air. Remove your valve caps first. You can either find the hole by looking for the nail that is pierced through the tire, or you can put the tire in a tub of water and roll it around in driving rotation. There should be air bubbles where the hole is.\n2. Take the tire off from the rim. This allows the puncture to be easily accessed.\n3. Remove anything that's in the tire. If you have found the hole, and there is a nail punctured through it, use your pliers. Grab from the threading of the nail and lift out the nail. Mark the hole with tire chalk for easy access.\n4. Once the hole is clear, squirt some buffering solution over the puncture. This allows the buffer to work effectively and leave you with a smooth surface.\n5. Grab your buffer machine. Make sure that you have a sanding pad surface on your buffer to get a smooth surface. Buff all around the punctured area in a circular motion to make sure you get everywhere you need.\n6. Use a Tire Radial Patch. You can start by first removing the sticky pads of the inner side of the Radial Patch. Then from the inside of the tire, you can stick the Radial Patch through the hole about halfway with the aluminum side first.\n7. Spread the Tire Chemical Care (Seal Fast B-133). Using the brush at the end of the cap, spread the liquid material all around the Radial Patch string as shown in the picture.\n8. Pull the rest of the Radial Patch through the tire. You must pull all the way through until the patch completely sits on the inner side of the tire, and the aluminum piece comes out of the rubber.\n9. Cut the long leftover end of the patch using your cutting pliers. Scissors will work too. As shown in the picture, you want to cut as low as you can.\n10. Roll over the patch. Using your Tire Retread and Repair Tool, run over the Radial Patch from the inside of the tire. You can roll it in any direction, as long as you make sure to get every spot of the patch. Once the steps have been completed, your tire is ready to hit me back on the rims and filled to the pressure needed to be back on the road.\n\n\n## Temporary fix on a puncture tire\n\n1. Locate the tire that is losing air. Remove your valve caps first. You can either find the hole by looking for the nail that is pierced through the tire, or you can put the tire in a tub of water and roll it around in driving rotation. There should be air bubbles where the hole is.\n2. Keep the tire on the rim and expand the hole. Using the Pistol Grip Rasp Tool, you can insert it through the puncture moving it up and down. It will expand the hole if needed to fit the Tire Repair Refills in.\n3. Spray Heavy Duty Silicone Lubricant over the punctured area.\n4. Grab the Pistol Grip Inserting Needle and take a piece of the Tire Repair Refills. Put the Tire Repair Refills piece through the Needle as shown in the picture.\n5. When the refill piece is placed in between the needle, you can hold from the pistol grip and pierce the needle through the hole and pull the needle back out. The Tire Repair Refill piece should be left inside the hole.\n6. Cut off the refill piece that is sticking out of the tire using the cutting pliers or even scissors. (If you have a lighter, you can even set the extra piece of the refill on fire).\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to prepare for a vaginoplasty?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure that reconstructs or tightens the outer and inner muscles of your vagina, which can become weak and loose over time. It may improve your comfort levels and symptoms of incontinence. Some even claim it can boost sexual pleasure though this is not well studied and highly individual. A vaginoplasty can also create a vagina if you're undergoing gender-affirming surgery. You can prepare for a vaginoplasty by visiting your doctor, arranging your surgery, planning your recovery, and following pre-op requirements. For gender affirming surgery, you'll work with your doctor to prepare for surgery.\n\n## Visit your doctor\n\n1. Talk to your doctor about the procedure. Your doctor can fully explain the procedure, as well as what you can expect afterward. They'll also discuss the risks of the surgery. Tell your doctor why you want the surgery so that they can help you avoid disappointment. The doctor will ask about your health and well-being before approving you for the procedure. Bring a detailed medical history, including conditions you're being treated for. Tell the doctor if you're seeing a therapist. If you're undergoing treatment for a condition related to your decision to get a vaginoplasty, such as body image issues, it's best to tell the doctor. Provide the doctor with a list of any medications you're taking, including the dosage amounts. Ask about your needs post-surgery. This includes what you should expect at the hospital and during the days after the surgery.\n2. Get a blood test. Your doctor will want to do a few simple tests to make sure you're healthy enough for surgery. First, they'll do a simple blood test, which is virtually painless. This lets them check your hemoglobin and health profile to ensure that you are healthy. They may also do a pregnancy test, as you won't be able to get a vaginoplasty if you're pregnant.\n3. Undergo a urine test. The doctor will also do a urinalysis to make sure that you're healthy. This is a simple, painless test. You'll just need to urinate in a cup, and the medical staff will take care of the rest!\n4. Confirm that you aren't pregnant and don't want more kids. You should not get a vaginoplasty if you want to have more children or if you're pregnant. In this case, it's best for you to wait until you're finished having children. Your doctor will likely ask you to confirm that you aren't pregnant and don't plan to become pregnant. The doctor may also choose to do a pregnancy test before allowing you to get the surgery.\n\n\n## Arrange your surgery\n\n1. Contact your insurance provider to check your coverage. Many insurance companies won't cover a vaginoplasty, as it's usually considered an elective procedure. This means you may have to pay for it out of pocket. If you're not sure you can afford the procedure, ask your doctor if they offer a payment plan. You can also look into CareCredit, a line of credit opened specifically for elective medical procedures. CareCredit requires an application similar to that of most credit cards.\n2. Make a budget for how you'll pay for the procedure. Factor in the cost of the procedure, your pre-op and follow-up appointments, pharmacy costs, and the time you'll need to take off work. Determine where you'll get the money, such as from savings or by borrowing. Some of your appointments could be covered by insurance, so you may not need to pay these out of pocket. In the United States, a vaginoplasty typically costs between $4,500 and $8,500.\n3. Plan the surgery in between menstrual periods if applicable. You cannot get a vaginoplasty while you're on your period. The best time to have the surgery is right after your period, which allows you as much recovery time as possible before your next period starts.\n4. Take photos of your genitals before the surgery. Your doctor may also want a set of photos. This allows you and your doctor to see the difference before and after your surgery.\n5. Make your surgical appointment. It usually takes several months to a year from your initial consultation to get your surgery. You should find out your surgery date about 2-3 months before it will occur. Your doctor can provide you more information about your unique case.\n\n\n## Plan your recovery\n\n1. Schedule time off of work. You'll need at least a few days to recover, but how long you should take off depends on your job demands. It's a good idea to request at least a calendar week. If your job is very physically demanding, you may want to take off longer. Ask your doctor how long you should take off. If you'll lose part of your income, make a special budget to help you cover your living costs.\n2. Ask someone to come help you. You'll need help as soon as your surgery is over. Someone will need to drive you home and help you take care of your needs. This includes getting any additional medications, preparing meals, helping care for pets, and completing household chores. It's best to arrange this help ahead of time. If possible, recruit a few friends or loved ones to act as a support system following your surgery. You can also hire a professional home-care nurse to help you in the days following your procedure.\n3. Create a pain treatment plan to make your recovery easier. It's normal to experience some pain after surgery, but luckily it's possible to minimize it. Planning beforehand can make it easier to treat your pain so that your recovery goes as smoothly and as painlessly as possible. Discuss pain medicine with your doctor. Obtain an over-the-counter pain reliever, if recommended. Ask your doctor if a prescription pain reliever might be right for you. You could also purchase a heating pad or single-use heat packs to help manage your pain.\n4. Stock your fridge and freezer with healthy, easy to prepare meals. Cooking will be hard following surgery, so it's a good idea to have lots of easy options at home. You could make meals ahead of time or use commercial microwaveable dinners. Alternatively, you could have someone cook for you, if this is an option.\n5. Plan mood boosters for your downtime. After your surgery, you'll need to take a break from regular life for a few days. Gather a few activities to occupy your mind during this time, like a book, coloring book, or favorite TV show. It's a good idea to collect a few easy-to-access options so that it's easier to keep your mood up while you recover. Check out a few new releases from the library. Get an adult coloring book or download a coloring app. Add a new comedy to your watchlist on your favorite streaming site. Place your iPad and other devices, including chargers, near your recovery area for easy access.\n6. Purchase menstruation pads if you're still menstruating. You won't be able to use a tampon or menstrual cup for 4-6 weeks after your surgery. Menstruation pads are an easy alternative while you're in recovery. Ask your doctor before you resume using tampons or a menstrual cup. Your muscles must be healed before these methods are an option for you.\n7. Talk to your partner about sex after the surgery. You'll need to avoid sex for 4-6 weeks while your vagina heals. Make sure your partner understands this wait, and discuss ways you two can be intimate without having sex. Visit your doctor for a check-up before you engage in sexual activity. The doctor needs to examine your vagina and clear you for sex.\n\n\n## Follow pre-op recommendations\n\n1. Stop taking aspirin and blood thinners 1 week prior to surgery. All surgeries increase your bleeding risk. Blood thinners can further increase this risk by making it harder for your blood to clot. Over-the-counter aspirin or ibuprofen pain relievers can thin your blood, so you shouldn't take them before your surgery. You may also need to stop taking vitamins and supplements. Tell your doctor what you're taking so that they can advise you. If you are taking a prescription blood thinner, talk to your doctor about when you should decrease your dosage. Don't stop taking it until you talk to your doctor.\n2. Avoid smoking in the weeks before your surgery. Smoking can slow your recovery time. This is because it narrows your veins and makes it harder for blood to flow. This means that your blood isn't able to effectively deliver oxygen throughout your body, which is necessary during recovery. Your doctor may decide to check your urine to make sure that you have quit. It's best to stop smoking at least 8 weeks prior to having your surgery.\n3. Shave your genital area before surgery. This makes it easier for the doctor to complete the procedure. It can also reduce your chance of infection. If you don't shave the area beforehand, the medical team may do it prior to beginning your operation.\n4. Follow your pre-op procedures. The doctor will instruct you on what to do in the days leading up to the surgery. The day before surgery, you may be instructed to fast. It's best to eat a hearty breakfast that morning, as the rest of the day you may only be allowed clear liquids. Your pre-op plan may also include the following:\n\t* A bowel cleanse\n\t* Fasting, with clear liquids\n\t* Drinking more than 8 glasses of water\n\t* Rest\n\t* Nothing ingested by mouth after the midnight prior to surgery\n5. Do relaxation techniques to cope with stress or worry. It's normal to worry before undergoing surgery. It's a good idea to spend some time relaxing the night before the surgery. Perform deep breathing exercises. Meditate. Stretch or do yoga. Color in an adult coloring book or app. Go for a walk outdoors if the weather is nice. Soak in a warm bath.\n6. Plan for an overnight stay at the hospital. You may be able to leave the hospital a few hours after your surgery, but many doctors will hold you overnight. Pack an overnight bag with a change of clothes, a light robe, slippers, and any toiletries you think you may need.\n\n\n## Prepare for gender affirm surgery\n\n1. Discuss the risks and options. Gender-affirming surgery is not right for everyone. It can be expensive and is irreversible. Your doctor and a therapist can help you decide if the benefits of getting gender affirming surgery outweigh the risks in your case. A therapist will determine if you're mentally healthy enough to undergo the procedure. They'll also consider how long you've wanted to get the procedure. Before you're approved, you'll have to show that you've been living as a woman for at least a year, including taking appropriate hormones.\n2. Obtain two letters of support from qualified mental health professionals. Each letter must be written by a mental health professional who is experienced in working with transgender individuals. You can search online for a qualified therapist near you using a site like Psychology Today. The letters should confirm the following:\n\t* Your gender identification is persistent and well-documented\n\t* You're competent to choose the surgery and consent to treatment\n\t* You're of legal age\n\t* You're being treated for any mental health conditions\n\t* You've been undergoing hormone treatment\n3. Plan to take extra time off work. It usually takes about 2 months to fully recover from gender-affirming surgery. At the very least, you'll need to stay home for the week after surgery. If you must go back after that week, however, it's best to arrange a lighter workload. If it's possible, ask your boss if you can have a flexible schedule or work from home. If you work a field job, ask for desk duty for a few weeks. You could also try working part-time. Check with your doctor before going back to work.\n4. Ask your doctor when you should stop taking your hormones. You'll need to stop taking your hormones before you can undergo the surgery. Each surgeon will make their own recommendation. In general, you can expect to stop taking them about 3 weeks before your surgery.\n5. Talk to your partner about sex post-surgery. After gender affirming surgery, it will likely take 2 months to fully recover. You will need to avoid sex during this time. You can still be intimate in other ways, and it's a good idea to explore those options before your surgery.\n6. Remove the hair from your genital area. Check with your surgeon to find out what this will entail. For some, it may just mean shaving your genital area. However, some surgeons require you to get electrolysis hair removal prior to getting gender-affirming surgery.\n7. Expect to be in the hospital for about 5-7 days. Your doctor will likely admit you to the hospital a day or 2 before your surgery. You'll then need to remain in the hospital after your surgery for at least 3 nights. However, the entire length of your stay can vary. It's a good idea to ask your doctor what the average hospital stay is for their patients. In the days after your surgery, you'll likely experience some pain and discomfort in your vagina. The doctor can help manage your pain as you heal.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to host a what not to wear party?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Many people love the TV show \"What Not to Wear\", so it would obviously make a great party idea for them! Here's a guide on how to make your What Not to Wear party one to remember!\n\n## Step\n\n1. You can do this party one of two ways: Make it just like the show, and invite one of your friends/family members that makes fashion faux-pas a little too often, then surprise them by saying they they're going to get a fashion makeover! This is a great idea for a surprise birthday party, because then all the guests could get the birthday person fashionable clothes or gift cards to cool stores. Tell all your guests to wear their most horrible outfits. Floor-length skirts, see-through shirts, unmatched colours and patterns, old lady dresses, nurse's shoes, and bad makeup. Also, tell them to bring their favourite/most fashionable outfits. This is a good theme for younger kids/teenagers because it gets the guests more involved. If you want, you can mix components of both parties.\n2. For both parties, assign your own family/friends to be the cast of \"What not to Wear\". If possible, get a man and a woman and assign them as the hosts (Clinton Kelly and Stacy London), then a woman to be the makeup artist (Carmine), and possibly even a man to be the hairstylist (Ted Gibson). However, it's not recommended to have your hairstylist actually cut anyone's hair. Instead, have them braid their hair, or curl, crimp, or straighten it.\n3. For both parties, decorate your house/party space just like the \"What not to Wear\" studio. Make sure to have a place for your guests to get their makeup done by your very own Carmine. Place pictures of fashionable outfits around your house as well.\n4. At the end of either party theme, eat cake/snacks, chat, dance, or do whatever you please now that everyone looks great, and you can go to bed knowing that you had a great party!\n\n\n## \"what not to wear\" replica theme\n\n1. When you send out invitations to your guests, tell them to send you pictures of your 'Fashion Faux-Pas Person' (the FF-PP) wearing their worst outfits.\n2. Once the party starts, sit your 'Fashion Faux-Pas Person' (FF-PP) down, and tell them that you've been secretly filming them for the past 2 weeks (or however long you want). Then show them the pictures that your friends/family sent in of them. Then tell them that they're going to get a huge makeover!\n3. Go through your FF-PP's outfits and 'throw them away' (You don't have to if you don't want to).\n4. Instead of going shopping for new outfits like they do on the show, open your guests' presents (if they've gotten the birthday person clothes and gift cards). That will be their new wardrobe.\n5. Give your FF-PP a makeover! Do their makeup, nails, and hair.\n6. Reveal your made-over FF-PP to your guests.\n\n\n## Worst-dressed to best-dressed theme\n\n1. Send out invitations with the 'What not to Wear' logo on them, as well as pictures of Clinton Kelly and Stacy London, the hosts of the show. You can also have pictures of horrible outfits and put big red 'X's over them.\n2. Once everyone has arrived at the party, award your 'Worst-dressed Person' with a prize (something fashion-related, such as a pair of cute earrings).\n3. Have a 'worst-dressed' photo shoot. This is a lot of fun.\n4. Have 'Stacy' and 'Clinton' critique everyone's outfits, just like on the show.\n5. Tell your guests to get dressed in their favourite/most fashionable outfits. If somebody forgets theirs, lend them one of your chic outfits!\n6. After your guests are all dressed up, it's time for a makeover! Have some makeup on-hand, as well as some nail polish for manicures. Also, give them to option of curling, straightening, and/or crimping their hair.\n7. After everyone's makeovers are finished, announce the \"Best-Dressed Award\". Give them a prize similar to the winner of the \"Worst-Dressed Award\".\n8. Once the \"Best-Dressed Award\" has been handed out, it's time for a photo shoot! Take pictures of your guests in their best outfits.\n9. Have your guests be revealed to 'Stacy' and 'Clinton'. Make sure that Stacy and Clinton both say positive stuff about the guest's outfits. Make sure that the person playing Stacy London says \"Shut up!\" frequently (she says \"Shut up!\" whenever she's impressed with an outfit).\n10. Reveal your pictures of your guests in their worst outfits (Before) and their best outfits (after). This will be a lot of fun and will get a lot of laughs.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to celebrate chuseok?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"추석\" or \"Chuseok\" is a Korean harvest festival celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. It is a very popular festival for Koreans as they reunite with their relatives and prepare for a feast. The origin of Chuseok is unsure but it has some traditional rites to be maintained. Thus Chuseok is celebrated in the rich harvest season when fruit and grain are abundant. Using the newly harvested rice, people make steamed rice, rice cakes, and liquor.\n\n## Pray and traditional customs\n\n1. Perform Charye or 차례. This is an ancestral memorial service where the entire family gathers together to perform the memorial service in the morning wearing hanbok. Charye is performed because Koreans believe that their ancestors aren't physically dead; their spirits are still alive. They prepare special food in their honor. Observe the important table arrangement for the Charye feast. Rice and soup are placed on the north side of the table, and fruits and vegetables are on the south. On the west and in the middle, meat dishes are served. On the east, rice cake and some drinks such as makgeolli or soju are placed.\n2. Practice Beolcho \"벌초\" and Seongmyo \"성묘\". Visit the ancestral graves and clean the weeds around the graves. This shows respect and devotion to one another. One month prior to the Chuseok, the families visit their ancestors' graves to clean the weeds, a practice which is called Beolcho, often causing congestion in Korea's highways. They again visit and clean the weeds around the graves during Chuseok.\n\n\n## Entertainment\n\n1. Play Ssireum. A Korean folk game similar to wrestling, it is extremely popular during the festival. Two competitors wrestle in the center of a sandpit and try to knock the other person over by using strength, skill and intelligence. It is a one on one tournament and the last person remaining wins the game.\n2. Perform the folk dance Kanggangsullae. This is a folk dance especially performed by women. They usually link arms and dance in a circle under the moonlight.\n3. Perform Sonori or Geobuknori. \"So\" and \"Geobuk\" literally mean \"cow\" and \"turtle\" in Hangeul. This celebration is a ritual performed by two people wearing a cape made of hanji and running around the local area as a cow and turtle, asking for foods from neighbors. The foods are often shared with relatives who can't afford Chuseok meals.\n\n\n## Food\n\n1. Eat songpyeon or \"송편\". This is a Korean traditional stuffed rice cake served as the Chuseok meal. The stuffings are made of healthy ingredients like sesame seeds, beans, nuts and honey. It is crucial to steam those cakes on pine-needles. It enhances the taste and fragrance along with the meaning of Songpyeon. Songpyeon is also significant because of the meaning contained in its shape. Songpyeon's rice skin itself resembles the shape of a full moon, but once it wraps the stuffing, its shape resembles the half-moon. There's a saying that the prettier you shape your songpyeon, the prettier your future daughter will be.\n2. Enjoy Hangwa. It is made with highly nutritious ingredients, such as rice flour, honey, fruit, and roots. People use edible natural ingredients to express various colors, flavors, and tastes. A few types of Hangwa are Yakgwa, Yugwa and Dasik, which are widely common as Korean confectionery items.\n3. Note that the name \"Hangwa\" is similar to another name for Chuseok, \"Hangawi\".\n4. Drink traditional liquors. These drinks are another significant and traditional side for a Chuseok feast. On Chuseok, families and relatives gather together and hold a memorial service for their ancestors with liquor made of the newly harvest rice. After the memorial service, they sit together and spend some time together as a family, drinking the liquor and eating the food.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to set up an aquarium?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Setting up an aquarium can be quite difficult that involves a lot of patience, maintenance, and testing before you can even add any tank inhabitants. Despite this, setting up your aquarium correctly is vital for your pets' health and longevity. There are different ways to set up different types of aquariums.\n\n## Choose an aquarium type\n\n1. Decide if you want a freshwater aquarium or saltwater aquarium. There are many differences between having a freshwater aquarium versus having a saltwater aquarium. These differences include how you initially set up the aquarium and all ongoing care, maintenance, everyday chores, and costs requirements. There are several key issues you will need to consider while you choose:\n2. Think about the size of tank you’d like. A small fish tank set up is generally more economical than a large fish tank. There are several issues you should consider when choosing the size of your tank:\n3. Choose what type of saltwater aquarium you’d like to set up. There are three main saltwater aquarium types: Fish Only, Fish Only with Live Rock (FOWLR), and the Reef Tank. Fish Only Tanks: As the name suggests, this tank only houses saltwater fish. It is the least expensive way to set up a saltwater aquarium. However, it does have its disadvantages. Fish Only tanks take longer to set up, require more frequent tank maintenance and testing, and have a shorter shelf life than the other types of saltwater aquariums. Fish Only with Live Rock: FOWLR tanks are set up like Fish Only tanks but with the addition of live rock and better aquarium lighting. The live rock acts as a natural biological filter for saltwater and keeps your tank healthier than a Fish Only tank. A live rock has hundreds of tiny creatures and biological organisms living inside and on the surface of the rock. Reef Tank: If you choose this type of saltwater aquarium, you are most likely looking towards having invertebrates, corals, or anemones as the main focus of your aquarium and fish are just an afterthought. Reef tanks require daily water quality checks, high lighting levels, extra water supplements, heavy duty filtration systems and are generally the most expensive to maintain. Reef Tanks are recommended for more experienced aquarium hobbyists.\n4. Determine what the correct lighting and heating for your fish is. The kind of lighting and the temperature of your aquarium depend on what kind of aquarium you have and who your tank inhabitants are. The type of light you choose also affects the overall temperature of your tank. Aquariums that are Fish Only: This means your freshwater tank will not have real or live plants in it. In this case, you will most likely be using fluorescent lights that are between 18 and 40 watts. Freshwater aquariums with plants: The type of lighting you’ll need will depend on the depth of your tank, the plant species you have, and the desired growth rate of the plant. Usually, you should provide 2 to 5 watts of light per gallon in a planted freshwater aquarium. Always research and consult with your aquarium expert when you plan to have plants in your tank. Saltwater Reef Tanks: These tanks need high levels of light that are characteristic of high output fluorescent and metal halide lamps. Some corals may even need more intense levels of light that can be achieved with T5-HO, Very High Output (VHO), and metal halide lights.\n5. Choose the appropriate type of filter or filters for your tank. All filters have three functions to them, which include mechanically filtering the water by trapping or removing free floating particles, biologically filtering the water by growing good bacteria, and chemically filtering the water by dissolving wastes. There are various types of filter:\n\n\n## Set up a freshwater aquarium\n\n1. Gather all the equipment needed for your aquarium. Before buying your fish, you need to prepare the aquarium. A typical freshwater aquarium needs:\n2. Clean your tank, gravel, decorations, and filters. Never use soap or detergents to clean your tank. Using soaps or detergents can seriously injure and damage your tank inhabitants. Simply wash your tank and equipment with hot water. Use a sponge or clean washcloth and scrub the inside of your tank. Then hose it down to rid your tank of any impurities. Wash and soak your aquarium gravel or sand in a bucket. Use a pasta strainer to separate the dirtied water from the gravel. Wash and massage your filter’s cartridges under the tap or in a bucket. This is very important, especially if you’re using a carbon filter. Massaging or rubbing the filter activates the carbon inside the cartridge. Wash all decorations in clean water.\n3. Set up your aquarium. This means putting your tank on its stand, filling the tank with gravel, arranging your decorations and airstones, and setting up the lighting and heating for your aquarium. If you are using an undergravel filter, place the bottom plates into your tank and attach all necessary tubes, airline, gang valves, and air pumps before adding your gravel. Don’t plug in your filter. Set it up and place it in the correct position but don’t turn it on until you have water in the tank. Having it on without water can damage your filter.\n4. Add water to your freshwater aquarium. It’s vital you treat your water with conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramine. You can find water conditioners at your local pet store with instructions on how much to add depending on how big of a tank you have. Don’t fill the tank with water until you are sure of your aquarium’s layout. It can get quite messy if you stick your hand in a full tank to move things around. Place a plate over your gravel to avoid messing up your tank layout. Pour water directly onto the plate so the pressure of a stream of water won’t make a hole in your gravel or move your decorations around. Remove the place once your tank is full.\n5. Turn on your aquarium’s filter, lights, and heater. This will begin your tank’s nitrogen cycle. Ensure your tank is safe electrically before turning or plugging everything in. A power cord in the wrong place can cause serious injury to you.\n6. Wait a few days before adding fish to your tank. The nitrogen cycle takes a few days for it to completely stabilize. You might notice your tank becoming cloudy which means the cycle is kicking in. You can add some hardy fish like feeder goldfish to your tank to speed up the nitrogen cycle. However, don’t expect the fish to survive, as the harsh conditions of a new aquarium can be quite stressful and inhospitable. Use a nitrate testing kit to ensure your aquarium is at its best quality before adding your fish.\n\n\n## Set up a saltwater aquarium\n\n1. Gather all the equipment needed for your aquarium. Before buying your fish, you need to prepare the aquarium. A typical saltwater aquarium needs:\n2. Clean your tank, decorations, and filters. Never use soap or detergents to clean your tank. Using soaps or detergents can seriously injure and damage your tank inhabitants. Simply wash your tank and equipment with hot water. Use a sponge or clean washcloth and scrub the inside of your tank. Then hose it down to rid your tank of any impurities. Wash and massage your filter’s cartridges under the tap or in a bucket. This is very important, especially if you’re using a carbon filter. Massaging or rubbing the filter activates the carbon inside the cartridge. Wash all decorations in clean water. Your substrate will be cleaned after your aquarium is set up.\n3. Set up your aquarium. This means putting your tank on its stand, arranging your power heads, and setting up the lighting and heating for your aquarium. If you are adding a live rock, do not add substrate or decorations to your tank. You must cure your live rock before you can do this. Don’t plug in your filter. Set it up and place it in the correct position but don’t turn it on until you have water in the tank. Having it on without water can damage your filter.\n4. Add saltwater to your aquarium. The saltwater mix you purchased should have detailed instructions on how to prepare your saltwater. Generally, you will be mixing room temperature water with the salt mix in a bucket or several buckets. If you don’t have enough buckets, you will need to prepare your water in parts or mix the salt right in the tank. Check your salt levels with your refractometer. Typically, the specific gravity reading should be between 1.021 and 1.024 depending on the temperature of your water. Measuring the specific gravity of your saltwater means measuring the density of your water since adding salt to water increases the density of water.\n5. Cure your live rock. If you have FOWLR tank, you will need to start the process of curing your live rock, which could take up to 2 months to complete. To begin the process:\n6. Prepare your substrate before adding it to your tank. Before adding any substrate to your tank, you will need to prepare a bucket of saltwater to help clean it. Add your substrate into the bucket and stir. This allows the dust and dirt from your substrate to rise for you to siphon out with your aquarium vacuum. Use a cup or ladle to add your clean substrate to the tank. You will need to drain more water out of your aquarium to accommodate the addition of your substrate and any decorations.\n7. Wait a few days before adding fish to your aquarium. Thoroughly check your aquarium’s water salinity, pH, ammonia, nitrate, and hardness levels using your test kits before adding any fish. The ideal readings for a saltwater aquarium with a live rock are:\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to do a simple number mind trick?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Amaze your friends and relatives with these number-based mind tricks. These three tricks are arranged from easiest to hardest (smallest numbers to biggest). Even young kids can do the simple number prediction trick.\n\n## Simple number prediction\n\n1. Set the trick up. Tell a friend that you are performing a math trick. You will ask her to do some calculations secretly, then read her mind for their answer.\n2. Write down your prediction. Pretend to think hard for a moment, then write down the number 3 on a piece of paper. Fold the paper in half, without letting anyone see the number.\n3. Ask your friend to write down a number between 1 and 20. She should pick this secretly and keep the piece of paper. We'll go through an example, where your friend secretly picks the number 4. This trick works with any number, but keeping it between 1 and 20 makes it less likely that your friend will make a mistake.\n4. Instruct her to add 1 to her number. Warn her not to give you any sign, not even moving her lips. All you need is your mental powers. For example, if she chose 4, her new number is 4 + 1 = 5.\n5. Tell your friend to double the new number. Have her take the last number she had, and multiply it by 2. 5 x 2 = 10.\n6. Have her add 4 more. Put your hands to your head and concentrate, then tell her to add 4 to her last answer. 10 + 4 = 14.\n7. Divide by 2. Tell her you almost have it, but the number is too big for you to see. Ask her to divide it by 2 to make it easier. 14 ÷ 2 = 7.\n8. Subtract the original number. Ask your friend to look at the piece of paper she used to remind herself what the original number was. Take the last answer she had and subtract that original number. 7 - 4 = 3.\n9. Show her your prediction. Tell her you've finally read her mind. Ask her to announce the last number she ended up with. Once she has, unfold your piece of paper and reveal the 3 you wrote down. No matter which number she started with, her answer will be 3.\n\n\n## Guess someone's age\n\n1. Tell someone you're going to find his age. Let him know you'll be using your mathematical mind-reading abilities. Give him a calculator if he doesn't want to do the calculations in his head. This trick won't be too impressive with close friends or classmates, since you probably already know their age. Pick someone at least 10 years old and no more than 99 years old.\n2. Ask him to multiply the first digit in his age by five. Remind him to do the math silently, to keep his age secret from you. For example, if he is 32 years old, he should take the 3 and multiply it by 5. The answer is 3 x 5 = 15.\n3. Add 4 to his answer. Tell him to add 4 to the answer he found. In our example, he would silently add 15 + 4 = 19.\n4. Tell him to double his answer. Now your subject should multiply his last answer by 2, and let you know when he's finished. If he's doing the math in his head, ask him \"Are you sure?\" since people are most likely to make a mistake on this step. 19 x 2 = 38.\n5. Have him add the second digit of his age. Next, the person you're \"mind reading\" adds the last number in his age. Tell him this is the last calculation he needs to do. Since the subject of our example is 32 years old, he would add 2 to his last answer. His last answer was 38, so he calculates 38 + 2 = 40.\n6. Ask for his last answer. Have him say the final number out loud, so you and everyone in the room can hear it.\n7. Subtract 8 and tell him his real age. Silently subtract 8 from the number he gave you. The answer is his age, which you should announce to the room. In our example, 40 - 8 = 32.\n8. Try some variations. If you perform this trick more than once, people might figure out how it works. Here are a couple variations to keep it mysterious:\n\t* Instead of adding 4 and later (secretly) subtracting 8, you can add 3 and subtract 6, or add 2 and subtract 4, or even add 25 and subtract 50. Just remember you'll need to subtract twice as much as the original number, because it got doubled in one of the later steps. To really switch it up, try this: double your age, add 2, multiply by 5, and subtract 10. You need both the doubling and multiplication by five to move the first digit of his age (3 in our example) to the tens place where it belongs (3 x 2 x 5 = 30).\n\n\n## Magical 37\n\n1. Hand a volunteer a pencil and paper. This one involves some three digit numbers, so most people will not want to do the math in their head. Warn the volunteer that he will need to do long division.\n2. Ask him to write the same digit 3 times. Tell him to hide the paper from you to prove you're not cheating. Ask him to write a 3-digit number that repeats the same digit three times. For example, he could write 222.\n3. Instruct him to add each digit together. Now your volunteer should treat each of the three digits as a separate number, and find their sum. For example, 2 + 2 + 2 = 6.\n4. Tell him to divide the larger number by the smaller one. He should now take the 3-digit number, and divide it by the\\ smaller one. Give him some time to work this out. 222 / 6 = 37,\n5. Announce that his number is 37. As long as your volunteer followed the instructions correctly, his answer will always be 37.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to manage urinary incontinence in children?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Urinary incontinence (UI) is a medical term that refers to the loss of bladder control, which leads to accidental urine loss. This can happen during the day or at night. Urinary incontinence is a condition that affects many children when they are young and disappears as they grow and develop. To provide better support for your child with UI, it is important to understand how UI works and possible management solutions.\n\n## Understand the bladder\n\n1. Know how the bladder works. The bladder is a bodily organ that is essentially a muscular storage sack for urine. Normally, the bladder muscle sack can stay relaxed and expand to accept urine for several hours. The muscle that forms the bladder sack is called the detrusor muscle, which is also responsible for bladder emptying. The other main muscles of the bladder are called the sphincters, which are two rings of muscle surrounding the bladder outlet through which it empties. One sphincter is involuntary (you aren't aware of it) and the other is usually under our control, making it our voluntary sphincter. The latter is the muscle you can use to hold the urine back until you go to the bathroom.\n2. Learn about bladder control. There are nerves in your body that provides you with the sensation of bladder fullness. This is the early warning system that the bladder is ready to empty. When you urinate, the nerves to the detrusor muscle signal it to contract or squeeze, while at the same time, the nerves to the involuntary sphincter make it relax. When you release your voluntary sphincter, you allow yourself to urinate. By around age two, most children become aware that the sensation that they feel “down there” is the need for the bladder to empty. This allows them to express the need to go to the bathroom. About a year later, they develop the ability to “hold it” until they have a chance to go to the bathroom.\n3. Be aware of the causes of incontinence. There are issues that can cause problems when a child is learning how to “hold it”. While most kids develop the ability to hold their urine and go to the bathroom when they have the opportunity to do so, problems can arise that can mess up a child's ability to control her bladder. These issues that are related to childhood incontinence can include:\n\t* A bladder that is unable to store the usual amount of urine. Weakness of the detrusor muscles or sphincter. Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract. The body producing larger amounts of urine than is normal. Bladder irritation from infections, such as urinary tract infections, or other bladder irritants. The bladder receiving unexpected and premature nerve signals to empty. Something in the area of the bladder keeping it from filling completely, such as other excrement caused by constipation. Excessive postponement of urination, or holding it for too long. Chronic constipation.\n4. Disregard the myths about incontinence. If your child has been dealing with incontinence for an extended period of time, chances are she is dealing with more of an issue that simply being too lazy to get to the bathroom. A lot of parents tend to think that daytime incontinence is a display of laziness, but it is important to keep in mind that something else might be causing your child to have accidents. Common thoughts that parents have that should probably be ruled out if your child has been dealing with incontinence for awhile. In these situations, you should know that:\n\t* Children who wet themselves are not just too lazy to go to the bathroom. Children who wet themselves are not too busy playing or watching TV. Children who wet themselves want to go to the bathroom and do not willfully wet themselves. Children who wet themselves do not choose to wait until the last minute. Wetting themselves does bother them.\n\n\n## Treat incontinence\n\n1. Look for signs of an overactive bladder. There are some common signs that your child has an overactive bladder. Signs that your child might have an incontinence problem related to under filling include:\n\t* Your child dashes to the bathroom, crosses her legs, and wiggles or drops to the floor, sitting hard on her heel. If asked, your child will often admit that she releases a little urine on the way to the bathroom. Many children also will admit that, sometimes, they run to the bathroom but only void a small amount of urine, even though they felt like they really needed to go.\n2. Look out for a cause for the \"sudden-urge-to-urinate\" phase. Some kids, while they are growing up, go through a phase where they suddenly, without warning, need to go to the bathroom really badly. This underdeveloped control, which presents itself as urge incontinence, often resolves with time as the child matures. However, this can also be the symptoms of a functionally small bladder or an overactive bladder. There are some medications that can actually increase a bladder's holding capacity. You should talk to a doctor about the options for dealing with a small or overactive bladder.\n3. Be aware of overfilling. There is a filling condition, called overfilling, that can also lead to incontinence. Overfilling is a less common condition that occurs when the bladder won't or can't empty and has an usually large capacity. Symptoms of an abnormally large capacity bladder include:\n\t* Voiding large volumes of urine frequently during the day. This can happen if the kidneys produce enormous volumes of urine. You should take your child to a doctor if you notice your child voiding a large amount of urine every time she goes to the bathroom, especially if there is a change in the amount from usual. Infrequent voiding, which is considered less than two or three times a day. This can be a sign of a spinal nerve problem, such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy. If your child has not been diagnosed with a spinal nerve problem, it is unlikely that this is the cause of your child's incontinence.\n4. Notice if your child is holding it for too long. Sometimes, if your child gets in the habit of holding his urine too long, it can result in over filling of the bladder. Your child's bladder can become enlarged if he is a chronic urine holder, which means he avoids going to the bathroom, even when he really, really has to pee. When this goes on for a long time, the muscles related to urinating become over trained, which means the muscles relax poorly, leading to bladder dysfunction like incontinence. This happens frequently when a child does not want to use the bathroom at school or other public places.\n5. Consider behavior modification therapy. Behavioral modification may be able to help your child with her urge incontinence. Most experts today favor behavior modification therapy over drugs as a first line treatment for daytime wetting of almost all types. Behavior modification is a method of training to relearn a skill such as bladder control. The therapy must be done strictly and consistently in order to get the desired results, such as your child being able to control her bladder. Behavior modification therapy generally works best in children who are older than five or six years of age. This is because younger children generally lack the self-discipline to stick to the therapy schedule. However, each child should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Child psychologists can provide good advice on how to go about creating a schedule.\n6. Create a schedule. If your child suffers from an overactive bladder, you need to create a schedule to help him. After your child goes to the bathroom in the morning, begin a strict timed voiding schedule. Normally, parents pick every two hours as the scheduled voiding time. Your child must go to the bathroom every two hours, even if he says he doesn't have to go at that specific time. That is actually the point, to get him to the bathroom before he has a bladder spasm. If you wait for the bladder spasm, you are reinforcing the absence of control. If your child does go and attempts to void, even a little, it reinforces his control about when and where he goes. If your child has an overfilled bladder, you should create the same schedule with an added step. Your child should wait four to five minutes after going to the bathroom and then try to go again. This is called double voiding in an attempt to reduce that lingering bladder volume. The goal is to change voiding habits and allow the bladder to carry a more normal volume of urine.\n7. Use an alarm system. In addition to a schedule, set an alarm to help your child remember to go to the bathroom. It can be hard to remember to go to the bathroom every two hours. Because of this, its important to set up an alarm system. When your child is at home or visiting family, such as staying at Grandma's house, set alarm clocks that go off every two hours. You can set these alarms on a smartphone or alarm clock. You can also get your child a watch that beeps or vibrates silently every two hours as a reminder for when she is at school. You may also consider trying a bed-wetting alarm if your child has nighttime incontinence (bed-wetting).\n8. Extend the voiding time. Once you have followed this schedule for four to six weeks, you should extend the voiding time. Normally, you should see improvement within four to six weeks. However, this does not mean you should stop the schedule. You should extend the time so that your child tries to urinate every three or four hours, rather than every two.\n\n\n## Treat urinary tract infections\n\n1. Notice urinary tract infections. You need to pay attention to your child to look for certain causes of incontinence. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are most common in girls who have just started school or have recently been potty trained. In addition to incontinence, UTIs can also cause frequent urination, a burning sensation when she urinates, cloudy or dark colored urine, strong smelling urine, and pain in the lower abdomen. UTIs can be treated with antibiotics. Some children who get frequent UTIs also have a condition called asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU). These children, most frequently girls, have bacteria colonizing the bladder, meaning that they reside there, similar to having bacteria quietly living on our skin. This increase in bacteria in the urine can sometimes be the cause of frequent UTIs.\n2. Keep irritation at a minimum. Many kids, particularly girls, will develop irritation and inflammation in the area of the urethral and vaginal openings when they have a UTI. You can use certain creams to help relieve the irritation your child feels. In particular, a zinc oxide-containing skin barrier cream or ointment such as Desitin or Triple Paste can be very helpful. You can purchase these creams at your local pharmacy. Follow the directions on the bottle or box that the cream comes in.\n3. Change your child's clothing when it becomes wet. The bacteria that creates a UTI thrives in moist areas. When your child experiences incontinence and leaks a bit of urine onto her clothes, it's important that she changes into dry clothes to keep her from getting a UTI or to relieve the symptoms of her UTI. This will also keep it from coming back. You can explain this to her so that she does it herself, or you can ask her to tell you when this happens so that you can help her change.\n4. Ask your doctor about antibiotics. If your child has recurrent UTIs, you should talk to the doctor about getting antibiotics to clear up the infection and prevent new infections. Your child's doctor will be able to tell you whether or not antibiotics are the appropriate treatment for your child to prevent infections. Your child will need antibiotics if he has an active UTI. The most common antibiotics used for prophylaxis, or prevention of infections, are nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim sulfa. These are usually given once a day, at bedtime, at about ¼ of the usual full treatment dose given to adults.\n\n\n## Treat constipation\n\n1. Be aware of constipation. Another common cause of incontinence is constipation. When large amounts of stool stays in the body rather than being expelled, it can limit how much room the bladder has to expand and causes the bladder to have unpredictable contractions, both of which cause incontinence. Constipation usually causes infrequent bowel movements for 3 days or more in a row, hard, pebbly stools, very large stools, or pain when moving the bowels.\n2. Have your doctor check your child. If you aren't sure how bad your child's constipation is, have a doctor figure out whether or not your child has a lot of stool backed up in her system. This can be done with the use of X-rays or through a physical examination. Knowing for sure that your child is constipated will help her overcome her incontinence issues.\n3. Ask your child to drink lots of fluids throughout the day. Many kids with urgency and incontinence tend not to drink much fluid, which actually makes their constipation worse. Try to have your child drink at least eight glasses of water each day to stay hydrated. If your child doesn't like drinking plain water, you can give him fruit juices, milk (no more than 2-3 cups a day), and sports drinks.\n4. Increase your child's fiber intake. To help fight constipation, increase your child's daily fiber intake. Fiber is one of the best ways to get your child's bowels working properly. There are plenty of foods that are high in fiber. Try introducing as many foods that are high in fiber as possible into your child's diet. Foods high is fiber include:\n\t* Fresh fruit and vegetables, including raspberries, blueberries, green peas, spinach, collard greens, acorn squash, kale, and broccoli. Whole grain breads with at least three to four grams of fiber per serving. High fiber cereals, such as Raisin Bran, Fiber One, Shredded Wheat, and All Bran. Beans, including black, lima, garbanzo, and pinto beans. Lentils and popcorn are also high in fiber.\n5. Give your child laxatives. Adding fiber-rich food to your child's diet may not be enough. If your child is still having problems, try child-safe laxatives. One laxative that is safe and frequently used is propylene glycol, more commonly known as MiraLax. MiraLax causes water to be transported into the bowel, thereby softening the stool and improving movement. You should check with your child's doctor for guidance before giving MiraLax or other laxatives to your child. Most kids require between ½ capfuls and two capfuls per day, and the dose may be adjusted as needed.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to select an open source content management system?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Choose an open source cms\n\n1. Research your options. A quick Internet search will tell you that WordPress, Joomla!, Drupal, Plone and Blogger are probably the most common; however, there are dozens more. Make sure you are testing a CMS, rather than a vendor, as the names may be easily confused in the beginning. Many online reviews say that WordPress CMS is good for blogs, and Drupal is great for community-oriented sites, with a lot of user interaction. Joomla! works well for the most basic websites and users. Plone is a newer CMS that manages documents and community very well. You should make your own decisions based on what looks best for your site.\n2. Decide what experience you want to give your website visitors. Sit down with your marketing or branding department and make a list of the essential parts of a website, so that you can look for them in your CMS. This will help you to choose the frontend designs you prefer. You can also get a private web development company to design your template and plug in an open source CMS. This is considerably more expensive than simply choosing a ready-made design through an Internet-based service. It may allow you extensive customization of your site.\n3. Decide what you need from the backend of the CMS. For example, decide if you need search engine optimization (SEO) features, mailing lists, events applications, customization, scalability or a specific programming language.\n4. Test drive each programming platform. Assign 2 to 3 people who will be working with the programs most to do a trial run, or \"sandbox\" version, of the CMS. They should report back with reviews and rate them according to overall preference. Open source CMS can all be installed for free. You may need to hire a web programmer to install them, if no one in your organization is very computer savvy. You still want to test the backend of the system with the non-technical users. You can also go to opensourcecms.com to try over 70 open source CMS programs for free. The site will allow you to do a demo without having to install the whole program.\n5. Check if your web hosting service automatically installs any of the open source CMS. If you use shared server hosting, then the tech support you pay for may include installation of 1 of these programs. If so, and you like the program, you can save money that would otherwise go toward hiring a programmer.\n6. Read community reviews of the open source CMS or extensions you want to install. Each open source program has a web-based community that helps users ask and answer questions. You can get an idea of how easy it will be to accomplish the things on your marketing list by searching for reviews and instructions.\n7. Choose a CMS according to website functionality and employee functionality. Compare each CMS/template with the frontend/backend list you made. Choose the program that fulfills the most preferences on your lists.\n\n\n## Implement an open source cms\n\n1. Decide how you want to do installation and support. Since open source CMS are available to all, they have community forums that help with support. However, if you aren't very proficient with computer programming, you will have to follow an alternate method. Hire a web vendor to install the program and train your staff. Although you will need to pay for this service, it will decrease the problems you will have with the open source CMS. Ask if the vendor offers tech support help in the future at a fee. Task your IT department with installing and training staff. You may have to send part of your staff to a course to learn all about the program and its requirements. If you already have a fully competent IT staff, you will save money with this option. Install the program yourself and train your staff. If you and your employees are very computer literate, it may not be essential to get outside support. You can look for plugins in the directory and read how to fix problems in the forums.\n2. Be prepared for an adoption period. After changing any database, you should be prepared for a slow period where your employees learn to use the program, and at times, there are complaints. Try to wait for a period of 30 to 90 days before deciding if the CMS will work, because most website changes take time to adjust to.\n3. Look to enhance your open source CMS. Look for extensions and plugins, once your employees are completely functional with the backend. The great thing about CMS is that talented volunteer programmers are improving it all the time. Subscribe to blogs, newsletters or forums about your CMS blog. This will keep you aware of new updates or plugins. It will also direct you to websites that use the CMS so that you can see what others are doing with it.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to backpack in the rain?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Deal with a sudden storm\n\n1. Put on any protective gear that you’ve brought. All hikers should carry lightweight rain gear or at least a poncho in case of rain. If you don’t have these items, try to use what you do have, such as an extra garbage back that you carried just in case or a tarp.\n2. Keep your body moving. Even if you’re trying to stay out of the rain, move around as you wait so that your body stays warmer. For example, march in place or step side to side. Hypothermia can easily set in if you get too cold, so generate as much body heat as you can.\n3. Seek shelter. Look around you for a place to duck out of the rain, such as a tree canopy, a cave, a cabin, or even your tent. If you plan on camping and have a waterproof tent, you may find that settling in early and riding out the storm is the best solution. If you hear thunder, seek immediate shelter. Staying outside during a thunder storm is dangerous.\n4. Watch for changes in the terrain. Rain can cause flooding, mud slides, rock slides, and slippery trails, all of which can be very dangerous. Look for signs such as flowing water, rising tide lines, shifting soil, and a sheen on the surface of the trail. When in doubt, walk away from the questionable terrain.\n5. Stay away from open fields, elevated areas, and water. If you’re caught in a lightning storm, the most dangerous places to be include open areas, hills, mountains, trees, cliffs, and waterways. Lightning is most likely to strike these areas, so avoid them. If you’re in the woods, try to find a small grove of trees that are surrounded by other taller trees. Tuck yourself in the lowest spot you can find. If you are stuck in an open area, look for the lowest spot, crouch down, and keep most of your body from touching the ground. Ideally, just the soles of your feet will make contact with the ground. If you have access to a vehicle, stay inside of it but try not to touch the sides of the car.\n6. Put down your trekking poles or other long objects. In a lightning storm, trekking poles and long, pointy objects make a great conductor for the lightning and are therefore very dangerous. Protect yourself by laying these items on the ground away from you.\n7. Pay attention to changing weather. Check the forecast before and during your trek, and watch for signs of a coming storm. If winds pick up and the sky becomes overcast, consider changing your route so that you can reach safety before the storm hits. It’s better to cut your trek short and have the storm pass over rather than get caught in dangerous weather.\n\n\n## Plan a trek in a rainy environment\n\n1. Choose the right insulation for rainy weather. If you wear natural insulators like down or clothing made from cotton, the water seeps into the fabric and takes away the warmth. These fabrics can pull the heat from your body. Wool, fleece, and synthetics stay warm even in a downpour, so they are a better option if you know the weather will be rainy.\n2. Dress in layers. Stay warm by wearing long sleeved wool, polyester, or microfiber clothing under your rain gear. If the weather will also be cooler, add multiple layers. Your clothes will likely still get wet under your rain gear, but fabrics like wool and fleece can remain warm. On the other hand, you may want to look for items that dry easily, such as polyester. Choose items that will feel comfortable and flexible under your heavy raincoat. Avoid cotton, which will hold the water and drain your heat.\n3. Wear a hard shell raincoat and rain pants. A hard shell raincoat will hold up better than a soft shell raincoat in a sustained storm. You can protect your legs with rain pants or vented pants, depending on the temperature of the area and your preference as a hiker. Vented pants will be less insulating but dry quickly. Rain pants can help keep in your warmth and repel water, but they will eventually succumb to the onslaught of water.\n4. Choose the right shoes. For shorter backpacking trips, waterproof boots and gaiters are your best bet, while longer trips are best accomplished with breathable trail runners. If you’re in the rain for long periods of time, your feet are going to get wet no matter what shoe you wear. Trail runners are easier on your feet and dry quicker than other options.\n5. Wear a hat. Your weakest link in staying warm is your head. Even with a hood, heat will escape from your head. Keep your head warm by wearing a hat. If you choose a hat that has a brim, you can also keep some of the rain off your face.\n6. Use a waterproof bag or use a pack cover. While they’re expensive, waterproof bags far outrank pack covers in keeping your gear dry. A pack cover can easily be compromised by a wayward branch, which can pull off the cover. Additionally, water can still seep into the unprotected back of the bag. While a waterproof pack is preferable, a pack cover is better than nothing. Line the inside of your bag with a heavy-duty garbage bag.\n7. Protect your gear inside plastic bags. Protect items that need to stay dry, such as food, electronics, your map, your light source, etc. into plastic Ziplock bags, heavy-duty trash bags, or dry bags made for backpackers. If you are carrying a sleeping bag, tent, or other related items, make sure they are protected as well.\n8. Pack a set of dry clothes. If you’re camping, make sure that you have a set of dry clothes to sleep in so that you can change out of your wet gear overnight. Not only will you be more comfortable, but it will help you keep your body temperature regulated. Store your dry clothes in plastic with your other dry gear.\n\n\n## Stay safe on rainy trail\n\n1. Choose a good trail. If you know that the weather will be rainy, choose an area that you can enjoy in the rain, such as a trek through the forest. Consider visibility and safety, since waterways can flood and rocks can become slippery. When in doubt, plan to keep your hiking short and bed down early.\n2. Avoid opening your pack. Each time you open your pack water drips in. Even if it’s only a small amount of water, it can quickly compromise your pack. The water will remain in your waterproofed pack for the entire trek, so don’t risk lugging around the unnecessary weight. Store frequently needed items and your snacks in pockets or in dry bags attached to the outside of your pack.\n3. Make sure that your map stays dry. If you don’t have a waterproof map, then make sure that your map never gets wet. Ideally, it should be secured in a plastic see-through bag. Try not to remove it when it’s exposed to rain.\n4. Snack often. Regularly munching on snacks will help you keep your body warmer, which is important when you’re getting wet. Rain can cause hypothermia if you get too cool, so plan to eat more often than on a dry hike.\n5. Apply oils to your feet. The wetness from your socks can rub away your natural skin oils, which is what causes blisters. Applying a light salve to your feet can help prevent this from happening. Carry a salve and smooth it onto your feet when you settle in for the night.\n6. Stay hydrated. When it’s raining, some hikers forget to drink their water. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, make sure that you’re sipping on your water to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration can quickly become an issue.\n7. Take short breaks. Rainy weather makes breaks less desirable because it allows your body to cool down, causing you to be cold and uncomfortable. You also have the incentive to keep going until you reach your destination and can get out of the rain. However, not taking breaks can easily tire you out. Stay energized by taking shorter breaks than you normally would but more often. For example, if you would normally take a 15-minute break after hiking for an hour and a half, take a five-minute break every 30 minutes.\n8. Avoid placing wet gear in your tent. When you do stop to camp, keep your wet items separate from your dry items. Carrying wet gear into your tent can easily lead to everything being wet. Instead, cover up your gear and leave it outside the tent.\n9. Give your feet a chance to dry. When you stop to camp or to take an extended break, take off your shoes so that your feet have a chance to dry out. If you have dry socks, put them on. Otherwise, leave your feet bare. This will help keep your skin healthy and avoid blisters.\n10. Watch for the signs of hypothermia. Rain can lead to hypothermia, even if it’s not very cold out. Stay safe by monitoring yourself for signs of hypothermia. If you do notice any, take steps to warm yourself, such as pitching camp and changing your wet clothes for dry ones. Symptoms of mild hypothermia include shivering, slurred speech, tiredness, cool or pale skin, and shallow breathing. Symptoms of moderate hypothermia include confusion, drowsiness, tiredness, shallow breathing, cold or pale skin, ceasing of shivering, and shedding clothes despite being cold.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to keep dogs safe on the fourth of july?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Beforehand\n\n1. Ensure that your pet’s information is up to date. Many dogs escape when they are startled by fireworks. If your pet doesn’t have a collar with a tag that has contact information on it, as well as a microchip with your current information, now is the time to get them. Your collar should fit securely but comfortably; it should be snug enough that it won’t be easily caught on a branch or other such thing, but not so tight as to make it uncomfortable for your dog to wear it. Be certain that it doesn't restrict your dog’s airflow – you should be able to fit two fingers between your dog’s collar and neck. There should be a tag that ensures the dog does not have rabies and another with your name and phone number on it. A microchip is a tiny transponder that uses radiofrequency waves to transmit information on the chip about your pet when scanned. It is implemented painlessly just under the skin using a large-bore needle by veterinarians and some shelters. Once your dog has a microchip, you must register with the company the microchip is made by; now, if your dog arrives at a shelter, (s)he will be scanned and the microchip will give the shelter your phone number to contact you with. Your microchip must have recent contact information; if it does not, simply contact the microchip company to update your information.\n2. Brush up on your dog’s training. Your dog should have basic obedience training, and should easily respond to you. The most vital commands to train are walking on a leash, “come,” and “leave it,” in addition to crate training. If your puppy is young and hasn’t been leash trained, and you intend to bring the dog to parades/parties/fireworks displays, now is the time to do this. For information on leash training, read this wikiHow article. Your recall command should be rock-solid. If your dog runs off in reaction to fireworks, or after an interesting smell, you must be able to recall him. A related command is “stay”; for information on teaching this, read this article. During parties or parades, your dog is likely to come across yummy food that’s unhealthy for him to eat. To prevent him from eating anything he shouldn't, your “leave it” command should be very good. Another useful, related command is “drop it”; for information on teaching this, read this article. A crate is a useful tool during 4th of July celebrations, serving both to safely contain the dog and often calm him/her. For information on crate training, read this article.\n3. Plan your party carefully. Choose decorations carefully – glow sticks, which are both toxic for dogs and enticingly similar to colorful chew toys, are particularly dangerous. As beer and other human food and drink are toxic for dogs, decide on a place to keep your dog(s) during the party, such as in the house if the party is in the yard. If the dog is friendly and would like to stay with the people, consider keeping him with you leashed; contained by keeping him in a room with a baby gate barring passage if the party is inside; or securely tying him to a tree, fence, or other secure object if the party is outside. Before the party, research what foods are toxic to dogs. For information on avoiding foods toxic to dogs, read this article.\n4. Contact a veterinarian. For owners of dogs that are extremely reactive to fireworks or other typical Independence Day activities, the best option may be to discuss ways to help your dog with an experienced veterinarian. Topics to discuss include reducing stress for older dogs and the option of sedating the dog using safe drugs.\n5. Consider moving your dog. If your dog is extremely stressed by Independence Day activities, the best option may be to move him to another place for the duration of the celebrations or during the most active part (such as a parade). It may be possible to locate a “doggy hotel,” friend or relative in a quiet rural area willing to keep the dog; however, expect there to be at least some amount of fireworks or parties, and it can be difficult to locate a business or person willing to care for your dog during the celebrations.\n6. Investigate products that may serve to calm your dog. A commercial product of “anxiety wrap,” has been used with great success. Created by behavioral experts, such an item can calm dogs in a manner similar to swaddling an infant. A crate can be very useful, as stated above. As wolves naturally occupied dens, a dog will find comfort in his own “den,” or a crate. To increase the darkness, cover the crate with a blanket, leaving part of it uncovered so the dog can see passing people and breathe fresh air. It is possible to purchase relaxing auditory CDs that have been clinically researched to calm anxious dogs; these can be helpful for calming dogs frightened by Independence Day celebrations. Ask your veterinarian for more advice.\n\n\n## Party\n\n1. Secure your dog in the pre-decided place, if applicable. If he is going into a crate, place the crate in a quiet area of the house and put a safe bone, favorite toy, or other treats inside to occupy the dog. The dog will go in for the treat; once he or she is in, drape a dark-colored blanket over the crate to create darkness. Praise him and close windows and doors; you can also play a TV, radio, iPod, etc. to cover the sound of the party, or use the soothing music. If the dog is staying in the house, choose a room where the dog will be able to see the people but which people will not enter (for example, an office or study). Leave something to keep him occupied, and consider playing music/etc.\n2. If the dog will be staying with you, keep him away from food. Avoid tables, where scraps can lay or food can sit tantalizingly close. If a guest offers your dog food, politely inform your guest that human food can be toxic for dogs and that you would prefer for your dog not to eat any. Guests, especially children, might ask you if they can walk or pet the dog; if they do, tell them that feeding the dog food is not allowed. Do not leave the dog unattended – this is particularly dangerous outside, where stray fireworks can land or the dog can bolt from if fireworks go off or there is another loud noise.\n3. Stay calm and alert. You’ll want to be on the lookout for anything that could scare your dog, but keep in mind that your dog can sense your emotions and will often copy them. For example: If you’re on edge and nervous, your dog will sense this and be on edge and nervous as well. Clearly, you can’t control your guests’ behavior, but take the following precautions:\n\t* Stay aware of the effect of the party’s tone on your dog. If your dog starts to become anxious or overly active, the best option can be to put him in a separate room, crate, etc. Ask kids to play away from your dog. Children running around can be especially upsetting for a dog, and it’s a good idea to ask any kids upsetting your dog to quiet down or play in a separate area.\n4. Watch out for stray fireworks. These are an unfortunate danger in places where fireworks have been set off or have been set off nearby, and it’s wise to stay on guard for any, as fireworks are unpredictable and can be highly dangerous.\n\n\n## Parade\n\n1. Consider leaving your dog at home. Parades can be stressful, and often the best option is to leave him at home in a crate or room, as described in the section on parties. If you don’t want to leave your dog alone, another option is to leave him with friends or family not attending. However, if you do decide to bring your dog with you, follow the steps below to keep your dog as calm and safe as possible.\n2. Purchase or gather the supplies you may need. These include:\n\t* A crate for securing your dog. A secure leash and collar. A harness or controlling item such as a head collar might be preferred, as your dog may pull. A muzzle. This is a necessary safety precaution, as the sights and sounds of a parade can distress your dog to the point of biting. A collapsible water bowl and water. Your pet must be kept hydrated, as should you.\n3. Introduce your dog to the parade gradually. Though you likely won’t be able to follow through a complete desensitization due to lack of time, you can introduce your dog gradually – at first, simply allow him to adjust to the sight, smell, and noise of the crowd at a closer and closer distance, and the parade using the same rules.\n4. Keep your dog under control. You should only bring a dog to a parade if he has been obedience trained, but even if he has been, keep a closer eye on your dog than usual. Watch for signs that your dog is uneasy or upset; if the parade upsets your dog too much, you can take him away from the parade or, if possible, set up a crate in a secure location.\n5. Keep your dog as safe as possible. Keeping your dog in a car is never a safe option, as the heat can give your dog heatstroke – or even kill him – and water must be provided regularly to prevent heat stroke and keep your dog hydrated. Read this article for information on treating heat stroke.\n\n\n## Firework show\n\n1. Consider leaving your dog at home. As with parades, fireworks can be upsetting and even dangerous for dogs. Dogs who are startled by them can run off and escape, and, even if they have an up-to-date tag and microchip, are not guaranteed to be found or returned. Optionally, you can consult a veterinarian for information on drugging your dog, but in general, bringing your dog is discouraged, and should only be done if your dog:\n\t* Has heard fireworks before and did not strongly react to them;\n\t* Has an up-to-date tag and microchip;\n\t* Has basic obedience training; “come” in particular must be rock-solid; and\n\t* Is calm around crowds, playing kids, other dogs, and various other features of fireworks.\n2. Gather your supplies. These are the same as in the section on parades.\n3. Train your dog. If your dog appears anxious, do not reassure him – this will reward him for bad behavior, as in essence he is receiving a yummy treat when he is afraid, telling him that he should be afraid. Instead, give him attention and a treat whenever he is calm; you are now telling him that being calm is good. Use small treats easily swallowed with a strong scent to distract the dog.\n4. Keep an eye on your dog. Signs of anxiety include the dog licking his lips, whimpering, a tense position, and showing the whites of his eyes; if these occur, quietly and calmly remove the dog from the situation. Keep your dog hydrated; bring along a collapsible water bowl and bottles of water and offer water to your dog occasionally. Keep in mind that he may be too stressed to drink – if this happens, the best option may be to remove your dog from the situation. If your dog is calm, you can distract him with treats, a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter, a favorite toy, or any other desirable object.\n5. Be prepared to leave. If your dog is too stressed by the fireworks, the best option is to immediately leave for your home. If you’re attending the fireworks with others, tell them in advance that you may have to leave if your dog becomes too anxious. At home, have a crate set up in the same manner described in the section on parties. Keep in mind that a car is not a safe option for putting your dog in, as the heat levels can kill him/her; instead, the safest option is to leave with your dog and place him in the crate. Once he’s settled in, you can return to the fireworks and have fun.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to advertise on groupon?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Groupon is a deal website that provides printable or digital vouchers for daily deals offered by local businesses. The site allows merchants in various markets around the world to open an online store and post their daily deals via the site. The following answer will teach you how to advertise on Groupon.\n\n## Sign up\n\n1. Go to the Groupon Works site. Unlike the standard Groupon deals pages, which is customer-focused, Groupon Works is designed for merchants. View the testimonials and see how Groupon can help your business.\n2. Click on the Apply Now button. It’s located on the far right of the Groupon Works menu bar.\n3. Fill in the application form. There is a short form to fill out to introduce your company to Groupon. Here are the sections:\n\t* Personal information. This will be the primary contact person with your company for Groupon's sales and marketing team. Asterisked fields are required. Business information. This is just the basic contact information. Again, asterisked fields are required. Business details. This area is somewhat variable. The first menu is a broad overview of industries that would apply to your business:\n\t* Business details, extended. Based on what you choose in the first menu, and additional menu is offered for more specific information about your business. For this example, we chose Service as our primary business, which resulted in the following secondary menu:\n\t* The last section, \"How can we help,\" gives the Groupon sales and marketing teams an idea about what types of offers would best suit your goals and business. When you are satisfied that the form is complete and reflects both your business and your goals, click the Submit button at the bottom of the page. Groupon's automated response page will follow:\n4. Await Groupon's call. You will be contacted by Groupon within 2 weeks to verify your account information, and to discuss the next steps for featuring your business on Groupon!\n\n\n## Type of deal\n\n1. Determine which type of deal is right for you. Groupon started by offering daily deals that required a \"tipping point,\" or a certain number of buyers before the deal was actually active. They've found that tipping point was always reached, so they've done away with it. They've also expanded from the simple 1-deal-a-day approach. Here's an overview of what they offer.\n2. The Featured Deal. This is the traditional deal Groupon became known for. It works like this:\n\t* Consult. Work with your Groupon representative to create a custom offer that meets your business needs. Plan. Create an action plan to help your staff deal with the rush of new customers. Launch. Your deal will be featured for one day on the main Groupon site. This is the page that Groupon subscribers in your locale will see. Connect. Customers buy the deal, and receive a voucher in return. They bring this with them when they come to enjoy your offering. Redeem. You scan the voucher code they bring in, enter it manually into the Merchant Center, or write it down for later entry. Payment. According to Groupon, most business partners get paid in thirds—33% after 7 to 10 days, 33% after 1 month, and 34% after 2 months. Visit the What It Looks Like page to see a breakdown of each part of your deal page.\n3. Groupon Now. Groupon Now is an on-demand service that cater to customers actively exploring your neighborhood for deals. It relies heavily on their mobile application. Review the steps above for The Featured Deal. The significant difference is how the deal is launched. Rather than simply appearing on the Groupon website, the deal is pushed to the mobile app on your potential customer's smart phone. Rather than the printed voucher many may bring using the Featured Deal, the voucher will be on their phone. Visit the What It Looks Like page to see how a deal is structured on a smart phone.\n4. Groupon Rewards. This program offers rewards to your best customers based on your specifications. Groupon offers free analytics to help you track the success of your Groupon marketing efforts, see who your top customers are, and how much they've spent.\n5. Other offerings. Groupon has specialty deals for live music, travel and vacation getaways, national brands, and more. Your Groupon representative can help you determine what's right for your business.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to dress nice every day (for girls)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dressing nicely each day can take some effort but will ultimately be worth it if your outfits make you feel confident and happy. If you want to look great every day, you will first have to go through your wardrobe and fill it with classic outfit staples. Looking awesome also involves some planning and accessorizing that may take some getting used to but will ultimately result in some stylish outfits.\n\n## Fill your wardrobe\n\n1. Buy classic pieces. To dress nicely, it is important to have some classic pieces in your wardrobe that will never go out of style. Classic pieces are articles of clothing that are generally not too extreme or dated. Instead, they are generally simple and elegant, like a navy blue blazer or a well-crafted black V-neck t-shirt. Though they may sound simple, you can always dress these pieces up with accessories. Basic, classic pieces are generally easier to mix and match, which means that they can be used in a variety of outfits.\n2. Purchase a few accent articles of clothing. To go along with your classic articles of clothing, buy some accent pieces that will make your outfits pop, even if they are simple. These accents could be bright colors that you don’t normally wear or patterns that pop. For example, you could take an outfit that is as simple as a white t-shirt and a navy blue skirt, and make it interesting with a patterned sweater.\n3. Purchase clothes that you can mix and match. When going through your wardrobe, consider whether or not you can use each article of clothing in at least two different outfits. Mixing and matching is an important part of dressing nicely everyday. While you most likely can’t purchase a new outfit for every day of the week, you can buy clothing that you can mix and match to create entirely new and exciting outfits.\n4. Consider your body when picking out your clothes. Certain clothes have cuts that look different on different body types. Look for clothes that flatter your body and make you feel confident. Each person has their idea of what they find flatters their bodies the most, so spend some time trying on different kinds of clothes. For example:\n\t* If you have a ‘Pear’ shape, which means that you have wider hips and a slimmer bust, you could try out an open-neck top, or a dress with an empire waist.\n5. Get rid of clothes that are worn or torn. Part of dressing nicely means giving away or selling old clothes. Clothes get worn out, especially if you wear the same piece a lot, and worn-out clothing does not necessarily look very classy—unless you are going for a look that involves faded clothes and torn jeans. If you find that a shirt has a stain, try your best to get it out, but if the stain remains, it might be time to toss the shirt. Clothes with stains tend to look a little sloppy.\n6. Consider your skin tone when buying your clothes. Picking out clothing that complements your skin tone can make a great outfit that much nicer. Of course, always keep in mind that if you don’t like a color or don’t feel like it looks good on you, don’t wear it. Part of dressing nicely is dressing in things that make you confident and happy; if a certain color matches your skin tone, but you don’t like it anyway, don’t wear it. General guidelines for skin tones and clothing colors include:\n\t* Very light skin tones: Ice tones, pale pinks, greys, baby blues, navies, and grass greens. Medium-light skin tones: Pastel colors, cool reds, and blues. Avoid orange. Medium skin tones: Metallic tones, jewel tones, plums, wine reds, bright blues, deep purples. Medium-dark skin tones: Deep colors like dark greens, bright blues, pale yellows, warm reds. Very dark skin tones: Bright colors like burgundies, cobalt blue, bright orange, and red.\n7. Hang up your clothes and invest in an iron. Another part of dressing nicely is keeping your clothes in tip-top shape. This means hanging up clothes when you can, and ironing folded clothes. If you are not sure how to iron your clothes, click here. You can also try steam pressing your clothes.\n\n\n## Plan your outfit\n\n1. Plan your outfits. One aspect of dressing nicely is taking the time to plan your outfits. This might mean planning your outfit the night before, or planning an entire week’s worth of outfits at the beginning of the week; go with what works best for you. Trying to figure out a great outfit in the morning before school may make you feel a little too stressed, so take some time to consider your wardrobe and try on several different outfits that you could wear. Some girls find that trying out outfits and taking photos of the ones that they like to put in a binder can help them to decide on an outfit when they are in a rush. If you plan a last-minute outing with your friends, simply flip through the binder and pick out a pre-planned outfit.\n2. Consider the occasion you are dressing for. When planning your outfit, think about what you will be doing in that outfit. Different events call for different kinds of clothing. For instance, if you’re going to school, try not to show too much skin, or wear a shirt that is too low cut. On the other hand, if you’re going to the beach with your friends, wearing a summery dress and shoes you can walk through the sand with maybe the way to go. If you are not sure what would be appropriate to wear to a certain event, such as a cousin's baptism, or a job interview, don’t be afraid to ask friends or family for advice.\n3. Wear clothing that makes you feel confident. When picking out your outfit, make sure that you feel good in your clothes. Ultimately, you should be dressing nicely for yourself rather than dressing for anyone else. It is important to feel comfortable and happy in the clothes that you are wearing; projecting confidence and enthusiasm will give your outfit that extra, energetic boost. Try to keep in mind that if someone only likes you when you are dressed up, that person might not have their priorities straight. First and foremost, dress the way that you want to dress.\n4. Try to avoid combining patterns. While you may be able to get away with some very subtle pattern combinations, it is generally a good idea to only have one pattern in your outfit. Clashing patterns can often make an outfit look sloppy. For instance, if you were wearing an argyle sweater, you would most likely want to avoid wearing that sweater with a striped skirt.\n5. Consider using the rule of three. If you are having trouble putting together an outfit, using the ‘rule of three’ can help you to create a quick but elegant ensemble in no time. When using the rule of three, pick out three colors: two that will be your base colors (most likely your shirt and pants or skirt) and one that will be your accent color. Your base colors could be subtler colors that go together well, such as a navy blue shirt and camel skirt. Your accent color should be a brighter color that makes the rest of your outfit pop, such as a red thin belt or a silver-laced scarf.\n6. Try to wear something extra cute at least once a week. While you may want to look nice every day of the week, throwing on an outfit that dazzles once a week can help to make you feel that much more well-dressed. Take the time to come up with this eye-catching ensemble.\n7. Try to avoid wearing the same outfit twice in a week. While this will not be possible if you have to wear a school uniform, or a uniform for work, try to avoid wearing the same outfit two times a week if you are planning on hanging out or being seen by the same people. If you have two different parties to go to, however, and the people at these parties won’t overlap, feel free to consider wearing the same great outfit. By no means does this mean that you avoid wearing the same article of clothing twice a week. If you have a skirt that works well in two different outfits, feel free to rock both of these ensembles in the same week. Remember, mixing and matching is the key to making you feel like you have an endless wardrobe.\n8. Create an emergency outfit. Some days, you might find that you just don’t want to wear the outfit you have planned. On those days, it's important to have an emergency backup outfit. This outfit should be simple, comfortable, and easy to accessorize with. For example, your emergency outfit could be a pair of nice jeans, a tank top in your favorite color, and a cropped sweater. With these basic items already put together, all you need to go is add a necklace, scarf, or rocking pair of shoes and you’ll be good to go.\n\n\n## Accessorizing\n\n1. Pick out some shoes that will look classy. If you are shopping for shoes, try to pick out a couple of pairs that can be worn with most of your outfits. These could be classic black flats, a nice pair of boots, or short wedges that you can wear with your skirts and dresses. Try on the shoes and make sure you can walk in them easily; if you are planning on wearing them with many of your outfits, it’s important to be able to walk in them.\n2. Wear shoes that would for the occasion. As with your clothes, consider the event you are going to when picking out the shoes you will wear that day. In certain formal events, sandals might not be appropriate, while wearing high heels at school might make it hard to get from class to class on time.\n3. Keep your shoes looking brand new. If your shoes get damaged or scuffed, try to buff the marks out, or use polishes to make your shoes look shiny and new again. Part of looking nice is being dressed well—from your head to your feet. If you are not sure how to clean your shoes, take a look at some of the following articles:\n\t* Shine shoes\n\t* Polish shoes\n\t* Wash shoes\n4. Try out different kinds of jewelry. Accessorizing can help to take your outfit to a whole new level. When creating outfits for yourself, try on different kinds of jewelry and see how they change or affect the outfit you are wearing. Sometimes, adding a statement necklace or chandelier earrings can take your outfit from nice to outstanding. However, try not to over-accessorize. For example, if you are planning on wearing a chunky necklace, try wearing a small pair of stud earrings, rather than a pair of dangling earrings that could make your jewelry feel overbearing.\n5. Consider where you want the focus to be when accessorizing. Jewelry can draw a person’s eye, which can be both a great thing and an unwanted thing. For example, if you want your focus to be on your face, wear large or dangling earrings. If you want the focus to be on the rest of your outfit, consider wearing a longer necklace that ties your whole outfit together. However, if you are wearing a low-cut shirt, try to refrain from wearing a longer necklace, as it might draw too much attention to your chest area.\n6. Try out different kinds of accessories. Accessories are not just limited to jewelry and shoes. You can spice up an outfit by adding an accent scarf, a colorful belt, or a stylish hat. Play around with different kinds of accessories that fit into your style.\n7. Create your own ‘golden rule’. The ‘golden rule’ refers to the maximum number of accessories you will allow yourself. This is completely based on your own opinion. Some people like to layer necklaces and wear funky shoes. Others, prefer a chic minimalist style in which you choose one or two accessories that compliment your outfit. Remember that you can change your golden rule when you feel like it doesn’t reflect your personality anymore. For instance, maybe you like wearing three necklaces and a bunch of bracelets, but during the year your preferences chance and you decide to limit yourself to three accessories; go with what will make you feel happy and confident.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to study using a game method?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Play the concentration game\n\n1. Create game pieces. Make small cards using paper or something sturdier such as cardstock. Cut small squares out and be sure to make each piece the same size. Since this is a memory game, it is important that each card looks the same so you are unable to differentiate one card from the next.\n2. Write out information on game pieces. Work in pairs when writing out your review information on these cards. Write down a vocabulary word on the first card in the pair and its definition on the second. Continue writing on your cards until each review item has been covered. This game words best when reviewing things like definitions, spelling, examples, etc.\n3. Organize your cards. Flip over all your cards so that the writing is underneath. Place your cards face down and organize them into rows and columns until every game piece is situated.\n4. Flip over one card. Begin the game by choosing just one card to turn over. Read the definition or vocabulary word and choose one more card to turn over. If you flipped over the correct card, you should have a pair in which both cards are a match. When first starting out, this game is sheer luck, but after a few tries you will be able to remember where each card lies and can do your best to find its correct match.\n5. Set aside pairs. When you have found two cards that are a match, set that pair aside so that your game board becomes smaller. Continue playing until every card has been turned over and you have created matches for each game piece. When you are finished playing, you can simply shuffle your cards and redistribute them to create your game board and play again.\n\n\n## Play with card\n\n1. Obtain a deck of cards. The first thing you need to do is get an entire deck of cards. Be sure you aren’t missing any because it will affect how you play the game.\n2. Create a list of review items. Using your study materials, create a list of items you want to review. This list must be numbered and can be anything from definitions to vocabulary.\n3. Pull out face cards from your deck. You want to eliminate any face cards from your deck because the only cards needed are those with numbers. You may set the face cards aside until you have finished playing. An alternative to pulling out face cards is using them to play the game. Treat these cards like wild cards and whenever you draw one you can choose to review any item from your list that you wish to review.\n4. Shuffle your cards. It is very important to shuffle your deck. By doing this, you will ensure that each review item gets chosen by mixing up the numbers within the deck.\n5. Draw cards. Place your cards in a pile after shuffling them and draw the first card off the top. You may set aside all the cards you have already drawn.\n6. Review information corresponding to the number on each card. Look at the number on the card you drew and find the corresponding number on your list of review items. Review the information for that particular number. Continue to draw cards and review the information corresponding to those cards until you have gone through the entire deck.\n\n\n## Play a guess game\n\n1. Create a list of questions. Before generating a list of game questions, you must first go through all of your study materials and review critical information. While reviewing, form questions and produce a list.\n2. Cut small pieces of paper. Once your list is created you are ready to craft several pieces of small paper. These pieces of paper will serve as the main game pieces. Use card stock or heavy-duty paper for sturdy game pieces. Use sticky notes as another option to quickly create piece.\n3. Number papers. You created your main game pieces so now you must number them according to how many questions you developed.\n4. Put papers in container. Place all of your numbered game pieces into the container and be careful not to forget any. Be sure to shake the container once you’ve put all your game pieces inside to ensure the pieces are mixed sufficiently.\n5. Draw paper from container. Keep your list of questions next to you as you pull pieces out of the container. Choose randomly from the container and read the number on the piece of paper.\n6. Answer corresponding questions. Find the number on your question list that corresponds to the number on your game piece and read that question.\n7. Set aside used pieces. After answering each question, put the used game pieces aside so as not to repeat any. If you are unable to recall the correct answers to any questions you can make two piles designating one for challenging questions and one for easy questions. When you play the game for again, you can just put the challenging questions inside the container and spend less time reviewing the questions you already know.\n8. Repeat steps until container is empty. Continue draw the papers from the container until you’ve used them all. To play again, simply fill up the container and start over.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to dress for a 90s party?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "At the moment, 1990s-themed parties are hugely popular and can be immensely fun if you show up in the right outfit. Start by doing some research into popular celebrities and film or TV characters from the decade to get a sense for the fashions of the 90s. Then decide whether you want to copy an iconic look or riff off a popular trend. Choose one of the decade’s overarching trends and try to emulate the trend’s color palette and overall silhouettes in your outfit. Once you’re dressed the part, “party like it’s 1999”!\n\n## Recreate a 90s grunge look\n\n1. Opt for drab, slouchy clothes. Create an outfit made up of dark, murky colors and oversized garments. Try pairing baggy ripped jeans with a slouchy striped sweater in drab hues. Or throw an oversized, boxy leather jacket over a lived-in t-shirt featuring your favorite 90s grunge band. Look to Kurt Cobain for grunge inspiration. You could also try a slouchy top half with an acid-wash miniskirt and shredded tights for a more girly take on grunge. Finish off your look with long stringy hair and add some red eye makeup under your eyes to get that exhausted grunge appearance.\n2. Mix in satin, lace, and floral prints for a romantic grunge look. Try a more glamorous take on grunge by assembling an outfit inspired by Courtney Love. Start with a feminine piece like a lace-trimmed satin slip dress or a cotton floral-printed dress. Then layer grunge elements over it. Drape an oversized cardigan or plaid flannel shirt over your dress and accessorize with chokers and chains and combat boots. Add smudged black eyeliner and deep red lipstick to complete your look.\n3. Don’t forget to add an oversized plaid flannel shirt to your outfit. These shirts were a staple in 90s grunge. The oversized flannel plaid button-down can be worn with practically anything. Just be sure to pick one that’s about 3 sizes too big and that features dull, drab colors. Throw your flannel shirt over a lived-in graphic t-shirt or a feminine dress. Or tie it around your waist for a casual, careless look.\n4. Incorporate acid-wash denim into your look. Opt for light- or medium-wash hues and acid or stonewashed textures. Try using it sparingly with 1 garment, like an oversized denim jacket or ripped baggy jeans. If you have time to do some DIY-ing, try creating a patchwork denim dress or skirt. If you want to really make an entrance, go all-out with a head-to-toe denim outfit. Acid-wash denim can also be glammed up with silver-toned accessories and more formal silhouettes. Look up the iconic denim outfits worn by Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake to see what’s possible.\n5. Finish off your grunge look with a pair of combat boots. Whether you’re wearing baggy bottoms or black tights slip into a pair of combat boots. Aim for shoes in the style of Doc Martens or Timberland. Try a pair of second-hand shoes – the more worn-in, the better.\n\n\n## Dress like a 90s prep\n\n1. Start with bold plaid suiting. For guys, this means choosing plaid trousers or a boxy plaid sports jacket with roomy trousers. For women, pick a bold-colored tweed or plaid blazer and pleated miniskirt to achieve the schoolgirl look that was prevalent in the 90s. Add over-the-knee white socks and Mary Jane shoes to a plaid miniskirt. For a sassier schoolgirl look, try a white crop top or tied button-down under the blazer to show off your belly button. Model your outfit after the costumes in Clueless or Britney Spears’ “...Baby One More Time” look. You can either recreate one of these iconic costumes or pick out elements to inspire an original outfit.\n2. Mix brightly-colored tops, bottoms, and sunglasses. The fashion of the 1990s contained some holdovers from the 1980s, most notably the saturated, fluorescent colors and prints. Work these into your preppy outfit with a color-blocked windbreaker. Or pair a bold-colored top with equally saturated trousers in a clashing color. Accessorize with Oakley-style sunglasses with slim oval or rectangular rims featuring tinted lenses. Play with color combinations like orange and pink, yellow and blue, or red and purple. For a masculine high school prep look, wear an oversized letterman jacket, a pastel-colored polo with a popped collar, and pastel trousers. Alternatively, try creating a more casual and youthful outfit with all of this color, like those worn in Saved By the Bell.\n3. Try an oversized button-down and trousers for a take on 90s business casual. Graduate your preppy look to a yuppie one and riff on the decade’s emerging business casual look. Pair pleated trousers with a boxy sports jacket, or choose chinos and an oversized but tucked-in dress shirt with bright vertical stripes. Opt for a black crewneck t-shirt under a boxy sports jacket. Re-watch Friends and pay close attention to the workwear outfits shown.\n\n\n## Follow 90s urban trend\n\n1. Choose bold and baggy pieces for a hip-hop or R&B-inspired outfit. Artists of the time mixed brightly colored African-influenced prints with high-end sportswear and baggy bottoms and jackets. For a men’s outfit, combine these influences in an all-oversized look. For a women’s outfit, pair baggier pieces with fitted pieces to nail the look while showing off your curves. Get inspired by the outfits worn by girl groups like TLC or Salt-N-Pepa or male soloists like Ice Cube and Tupac Shakur. As a woman, try either pairing a baggy jacket with slim leggings or a crop top with loose-fitting cargo pants. Accessorize with big hoop earrings or a bandana.\n2. Choose athletic pieces like track gear and chunky sneakers. Air Jordans were huge at the time, so pick out a pair of flashy, bulky sneakers. Try a muscle tank or a zip-up track jacket with stripes running down the sleeves. Beyond hip-hop artists, quite a few 90s boy bands sported the athletic-inspired outfits. Check out photos of Dream Street for reference. Rep your favorite team with a swishy starter jacket or old sports jersey. Women can get the look by slightly altering the silhouette. Try a high ponytail and a fitted crop top over low-slung track pants and platform sneakers à la Sporty Spice.\n3. Top off your outfit with a 90s bucket hat, snapback hat, or scrunchie. Popular 90s headgear crossed the boundaries from hip-hop to preppy, so feel free to experiment. Bucket hats are great for masculine and feminine looks alike. Try a snapback for a more masculine effect or a scrunchie to make your outfit more girly. Tie your hair up in a high ponytail or 2 pigtails with a colorful scrunchie. To get an authentic-looking 90s outfit, pick up a snapback hat from the decade itself. Consider wearing your snapback hat backward with the adjustable strap at your forehead. Choose a classic bucket hat in a solid-color canvas, or go wild with a plaid or fuzzy-textured bucket hat.\n4. Accessorize with chains. Try a chain belt slung low on the hips over flared denim. For a more masculine look, wear a thick chain connected to your belt loop and wallet. You can lean towards bling with elaborate gold chains. Or keep your look grungey with heavy silver-toned or gunmetal chains.\n\n\n## Sport 90s mainstream and high fashion\n\n1. Choose loud prints and graphics to recall casual 90s apparel. In the 90s, practically no print was off-limits. Play around with animal prints, paisley, small florals, plaid, Hawaiian florals, and camouflage. Or throw on a baggy graphic t-shirt featuring your favorite 90s bans or TV show. Skate culture blew up in the 90s. Try a skater-inspired t-shirt and look to characters like Travis in Clueless for ideas. Try camo and animal prints in either natural colors or bold, saturated hues.\n2. Wear flares, halter tops, and flashy fabrics to nail the 90s disco revival. Just as the 1990s are being revived in the 2010s, the 1970s were being revived in the 1990s! This revealed itself through halter tops, flared jeans, platform shoes, and materials like sequins and colorful pleather. For women, try a pair of hip-hugging flare jeans with a cropped halter top to get the best of the-90s-does-the-70s fashion.\n3. Try a metallic mini-dress for supermodel-inspired evening attire. Before the year 2000 (Y2K), space- and tech-inspired silvery, frosted colors and fabrics were popular. Recreate this look with a shiny silver or frosted pastel dress. Look for one with tank or spaghetti straps and either an empire waist or a shift dress silhouette. Add maribou trim to your dress’ hemline to get even more in the 90s mood. Try pairing pastel platform heels or strappy silver stilettos with your dress. Look at photos of supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, as well as the iconic party dresses worn in Romy and Michele, for inspiration.\n4. Accessorize with popular 90s jewelry items like chokers and mood rings. For women, pick out a black plastic stretchy choker to add some 90s sass to your outfit. Slip on a color-changing mood ring to really get in the mood. Piercings were popular during the 90s, so slip on a fake belly-button ring (for ladies) or a small stud or hoop (for guys) if you don’t already have a piercing. Sport a brightly colored and patterned snap bracelet on your wrist. Add a hemp bracelet or choker to a slouchy masculine outfit.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to get around st. louis on the cheap?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether you're traveling around St. Louis on vacation, visiting the area on business or live in the metro area, there are several ways to get around St. Louis on the cheap. The city's bus, train or van metro system are among the cheapest ways to get around. Another good note is that if you're visiting the dowtown STL area during the week, there are often \"City Guide\" personnel roaming (either on bike or foot), that will assist with any directions.\n\n## Plan your trip\n\n1. Use St. Louis area maps to make getting around easier and cheaper. The St. Louis Convention and Visitor's Commission offers several downtown, metro and area maps that can help you plan your visit.\n2. Use the trip planner on the St. Louis Metro Transit website to plan the easiest and least costly routes around the city. The planner can help you choose between taking a taxi, the MetroBus or MetroLink train.\n\n\n## Ride the metrolink\n\n1. Purchase MetroLink tickets at vending machines in MetroLink stations. You can buy tickets or weekly and monthly passes with cash or a credit card. You can also purchase passes at the downtown St. Louis MetroRide store or online at the St. Louis Metro website. Buy either a 1-hour, 2-hour or 1-day pass for the MetroLink system. Two-hour and day passes also give you access to the MetroBus system while traveling in St. Louis. Passes start at just $2 for adults.\n2. Choose which MetroLink line you need to take to reach your destination. The MetroLink operates a Red Line between the Lambert Airport in Missouri and the Shiloh-Scott Station in Illinois. The Blue Line operates between the Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 stop in Missouri and a station in Fairview Heights, Illinois.\n\n\n## Ride the metrobus\n\n1. Plan a MetroBus route. You can travel from Illinois to Missouri via MetroBus routes. The system's stops include many of the city's major attractions, like the civic center, Laclede's Landing and Busch Stadium. Use the MetroBus schedule to help find the best route to your destination before purchasing your tickets. Some routes may be quickest and less expensive if you combine a ride on the MetroBus with the MetroLink.\n2. Pay your MetroBus fare with exact change as you board, or purchase a MetroBus pass or tickets ahead of time at the MetroRide store in downtown St. Louis or online. If you'll be using both MetroLink and MetroBus, consider buying a combo fare pass at the store to save money.\n\n\n## Use the metro call-a-ride service\n\n1. Call for door-to-door transportation service in many areas of the city through the Metro Call-a-ride program. The service is available as a link to the MetroBus or MetroLink services, or from other designated locations. Call-a-Ride rates start at $13.\n2. Consider using the Metro Call-A-Ride if you or anyone in your party has a disability. The ride program is available for those who qualify for the Americans With Disabilities Act at a reduced rate starting at $4.\n3. Call 314-652-3617 or toll free 888-652-3617, up to a week in advance to reserve curb-side service from Metro Call-A-Ride. You can make reservations the day you travel, but Call-a-Ride cannot guarantee you space.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to solve the shakespeare puzzle in silent hill 3?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Silent Hill 3 is the third installment in the Silent Hill video game series. It is considered to be a survival horror video game in which your character must solve different puzzles and psychological challenges in order to advance. The Shakespeare puzzle can be found during the Shopping Center stage. It’s inside a bookstore called My Bestsellers.\n\n## Solve the puzzle on easy mode\n\n1. Pick up the Shakespeare books that have fallen on the ground. In this difficulty, there will only be 2 books on the ground: Anthology 1 and Anthology 3.\n2. Examine the bookshelf. You’ll be allowed to place the books you found on the floor in the empty slots.\n3. Click on Anthology 1 and place it on the first slot of the bookshelf.\n4. Click on Anthology 3 and place it on the third slot on the bookshelf. A code will appear after placing the two books correctly.\n5. Use the code on the door at the back side of the bookstore. In this puzzle, you only need to arrange the books in the proper order: (from left to right) Anthology 1, Anthology 2, Anthology 3, Anthology 4, and then Anthology 5.\n\n\n## Solve the puzzle on normal mode\n\n1. Read the note on the door. It will read “Fair is foul, and foul is fair. Put these books out of order.”\n2. Pick up all the books on the floor. There will be 5 books in normal mode.\n3. Examine the bookshelf. You’ll be allowed to place the books on the empty space on the shelf. Put the books in randomly; order doesn’t matter as this puzzle is generated randomly.\n4. Take a good look at the books. You’ll see there are black markings on it; this is the code you need.\n5. Arrange the books until you get the correct order. It won’t be too hard as the numbers are written quite obviously. Try to make out the numbers written on the spine of the books and keep moving them until you get it right.\n\n\n## Solve the puzzle on hard mode\n\n1. Know the title of each anthology book. In order to find the title of the book, you’ll need to open your inventory and choose to examine the book. Anthology 1 is Romeo and Juliet\n\t* Anthology 2 is King Lear\n\t* Anthology 3 is Macbeth\n\t* Anthology 4 is Hamlet\n\t* Anthology 5 is Othello\n2. Decipher the first stanza of the clue. This stanza mentions “The first words at thy left hand.”\n\t* This is an instruction for solving the puzzle; meaning you’ll need to arrange the books from left to right.\n3. Place Anthology 4 on the first spot on the left side of the bookshelf. The first stanza mentions “false lunacy” and “incomprehensible words,” which is a reference to the plot of Hamlet.\n4. Place Anthology 1 on the second spot of the bookshelf. The second stanza is the easiest to decipher “playing at death” and “nameless lover” refers to the last part of Romeo and Juliet.\n5. Place Anthology 5 on the third spot on the bookshelf. This stanza is a reference to Othello, referring to the innocence of Desdemona and the lies of Iago.\n6. Place Anthology 2 on the fourth spot on the bookshelf. This stanza refers to the story of King Lear, where his daughter Cordelia refuses to speak about how much she loves her father as opposed to the false flattery of her sisters.\n7. Place Anthology 3 on the last spot on the bookshelf. And with all 5 books on the bookshelf you would have the correct code.\n8. Decipher the last clue. 41523 is not the pass code; on the sixth stanza, you will be instructed to more. “41523—One vengeful man spilled blood for two” (Hamlet). This means you will have to double Hamlet, which is Anthology 4. Now our code is 81523. “81523—Two youths shed tears for 3”; this refers to Romeo and Juliet, so you must replace 1 with 3. Our code now is 83523. Finally, “3 witches disappear” (reference to Macbeth), which is Anthology 3. You’ll have to remove it from the code. The final pass code is 8352.\n9. Enter the code on the door to unlock it. The puzzle in hard mode does not randomize; the code will always be 8352 on any Silent Hill 3 game.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to get rid of neck acne?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Neck acne can be as frustrating as acne on your face. The skin on your neck is thicker than the skin on your face (the acne that appears here is more like body acne than face acne) and may produce more oil, sometimes leading to more severe acne or cystic lesions. The best way to get rid of neck acne is with a good cleansing routine and an occasional skin treatment. If your acne does not improve within a few months or if it appears infected, then you should see a doctor for help.\n\n## Cleanse your neck\n\n1. Wash your neck at least twice a day. Keeping your neck clean is the best way to start getting rid of neck acne. You should take a shower to wash your neck at least once per day. If you sweat a lot, such as after a workout, then take another shower.\n2. Use a gentle cleanser to clean your neck. Find a gentle cleanser that is labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free” to use on your neck. Products that are non-comedogenic will not clog your pores so they should help to clear up your neck acne. Check the label to be sure that a product is non-comedogenic. Check to make sure that the products you buy are alcohol-free as well. Alcohol may irritate your neck acne and make it worse.\n3. Apply cleanser to your neck using only your fingers. Do not use a washcloth, sponge, or other abrasive materials to apply cleanser to your neck because this can cause irritation, scarring, and worsen the existing acne. Instead, use your fingertips to gently apply the cleanser to your neck. Do not scrub aggressively. Rinse your neck well after you finish washing it. Pat your neck dry with a clean cotton towel.\n4. Avoid irritants. You may not realize it, but your clothing or accessories may be contributing to your neck acne and making it worse. Avoid tight collared shirts, scarves, and turtlenecks, as these may irritate the acne. Make sure anything that touches your neck is clean. Also, avoid touching the area and never pick at or scratch your acne, as this can cause scarring. Try not to use oily sunscreens and don't cover the acne with foundation or makeup. If you use a hairstyling product, make sure it doesn't come in contact with your neck. If you have long hair, the oil from your hair may be getting on the back of your neck. Try wearing your hair up in a ponytail while you treat your acne.\n\n\n## Use a sea salt treatment\n\n1. Gather your ingredients. Making a sea salt treatment is easy and the ingredients are available in most grocery stores. It exfoliates your skin and can dry out acne. To make a sea salt treatment, you will need:\n\t* 1 cup hot water\n\t* 1 teaspoon sea salt\n\t* Green tea bag and/or 1 – 2 tablespoons aloe vera\n2. Brew a cup of green tea. Green tea extract has been found to be effective as a treatment for acne, but using a cup of green tea as a base for this treatment should also help. You can either use one teaspoon of green tea leaves in a tea infuser or use a green tea bag. Place the tea bag or infuser into a mug. Then, boil some water and pour about 1 cup of water over the green tea. Let the tea steep for about three minutes and then remove the tea bag or infuser.\n3. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of sea salt in the tea. Measure out 1 teaspoon of sea salt and add it to the cup of tea. Stir the sea salt until it completely dissolves in the tea.\n4. Add a tablespoon of aloe vera. Aloe vera has been found to be effective against acne and it also has moisturizing properties. You can add this instead of the tea, or try combining the green tea and aloe vera into one mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera to the sea salt solution and stir well. If you want to skip the green tea and only use aloe vera, mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1 tablespoon of sea salt. This will make a scrub that you can apply directly to your neck.\n5. Apply the mixture to your neck. Make sure that the solution is not so hot that it might burn your neck. Allow it to cool down a bit first. Then, you can apply the solution by soaking a clean cotton washcloth in the solution and placing the cloth over your neck. If you only have few places that you want to treat, then you can dip a cotton swab or cotton ball into the solution and apply it as needed.\n6. Leave the solution on for about five minutes. Don’t leave the sea salt solution on your skin any longer or it may dry out your skin too much. After time is up, rinse off your neck with lukewarm water and gently dry off your neck with a clean, cotton towel.\n7. Moisturize your neck. After the sea salt treatment, apply some moisturizer to your neck. Make sure that you use a non-comedogenic moisturizer to avoid making the acne worse.\n8. Repeat the sea salt treatment once per day. Do not use this treatment more than once per day or you may dry out your skin too much, even if you moisturize after. Limit yourself to one sea salt treatment per day.\n\n\n## Use an egg white mask\n\n1. Gather your ingredients. Some of the things you can readily find in your kitchen are thought to have antibacterial and healing properties, allowing you to quickly whip up an acne-fighting mask. You will need:\n\t* 1/2 tablespoon of dark colored honey (darker honey has more antibacterial properties)\n\t* 1 egg white (do not use the yolk)\n\t* 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice\n2. Combine the ingredients in a small bowl. Use a whisk or fork to mix the egg white and lemon juice until it becomes frothy, then add the honey. Make sure that everything is well combined. You may wish to add other household items, such as 1 teaspoon of witch hazel (which has anti-inflammatory properties) or a few drops of an essential oil like peppermint, spearmint, lavender, or calendula, but it is unclear if these will enhance or reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.\n3. Spread the paste over your neck. If you want to treat your whole neck, then you can use your fingers to spread the paste over your neck. If you want to treat a smaller area, then you can use a cotton swab or cotton ball to spread the paste over specific problem areas.\n4. Allow the paste to dry on your neck and then rinse. Leave the paste alone for about 15 minutes, then rinse it away with lukewarm water. You may need to hop in the shower to do this. Use your fingers to break up the paste as you rinse it away. Pat your skin dry and then apply a non-comedogenic moisturizer to complete the treatment.\n\n\n## Treat neck acne with medication\n\n1. Try over-the-counter treatments. Face washes and topical treatments containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, or resorcinol acid are all effective acne-fighters and are available over-the-counter. You may find products targeted specifically at treating body acne, which may be more effective than products meant to be used on your face. Just make sure you don't forget and use the body product on the delicate skin of your face or the front of your neck.\n2. Ask about retinoid creams. Retinoid creams can help to unclog your pores and eliminate acne on your neck, but you will need to get a prescription from your doctor or dermatologist.\n3. Discuss the use of antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe a prescription-strength topical antibiotic, such as clindamycin, to apply to your neck, which kills acne-causing bacteria. It may also reduce redness. You will need to apply it twice daily and combine it with benzoyl peroxide, as this prevents the bacteria from becoming immune to the antibiotic.\n4. Talk to your doctor about oral contraceptive pills if you are a woman. Oral contraceptives can help to reduce acne in some women, but only if the acne is related to shifts in your hormones. Keep in mind that oral contraceptives have side effects and they should not be used if you are planning to become pregnant.\n5. Consider steroid injections for cystic acne. If your dermatologist determines that the acne on the back of your neck is a nodular or cystic lesion, your doctor may decide to inject the lesion directly with a steroid. This can quickly reduce swelling and heal the acne. It may also reduce scarring. Side effects of this treatment include thinning of the skin, increased sensitivity to light, and may temporarily case the fat under your skin to atrophy, giving the area a \"sunken\" appearance.\n6. Consider isotretinoin for severe acne. Isotretinoin is a strong medicine that should only be used if other methods of controlling acne fail to work. Isotretinoin can clear up severe acne in a couple of months, but it also has some severe risks including:\n\t* Ulcerative colitis\n\t* Liver damage\n\t* Inflammatory bowel disease\n\t* Depression\n\t* Bone changes\n\t* Severe birth defects\n7. Look into laser treatments for acne. Laser treatments can also help to get rid of acne by reducing the size of oil glands and making them less active as well. Some forms of laser therapy also use topical medicine to make the laser more effective. Keep in mind that you will need multiple treatments in order for laser therapy to work.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to get a babysitting license?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Babysitting is an important job. Whether you are a teenager looking to make some extra cash or an adult looking to do child care as your profession, babysitting certifications can help. Courses or online programs can give younger babysitters the knowledge and credentials necessary to gain clients and become skilled babysitters.\n\n## Take class at the red cross\n\n1. Contact your local Red Cross Center. Most Red Cross centers across the United States offer courses in “Babysitting Basics,” “Babysitting Training,” and “Advanced Child Care.” The Red Cross is a nationally-recognized and widely respected organization, so it is an excellent choice for babysitting training courses.\n2. Select the course that is right for you. The “Babysitting Training” course is the most extensive and effective option. This on-site class last for 7 hours over the course of 1 day. “Babysitting basics” and “Advanced Child Care” are both online courses. Each lasts for 4 hours, and can be completed at your own pace. Babysitting Training is recommended for students aged 11-15. Babysitting Basics is intended for students 11 and up. Advanced Child Care does not carry an age requirement, but is geared toward experienced babysitters.\n3. Pay the appropriate fee. The “Babysitting Training” course, once again, is the most comprehensive overview. The fee for this course is $85. The “Babysitting Basics” online course is $29. The “Advanced Child Care” course costs $49, although it is sometimes on sale at half-price (for $24.50). These fees are due at the time of registration.\n4. Attend the class. If you have signed up for the “Babysitting Training” course, make your way to your local Red Cross center on the date of your course. Students are instructed to bring a lunch. If you have registered for one of the online courses, log in and begin working whenever you have a couple of hours to dedicate to learning. When you have completed the course, you will receive a certificate. The Babysitting Training course focuses on developing leadership skills, developing a babysitting business, keeping kids safe and helping children behave, and learning about basic child care and basic first aid. The Babysitting Basics class focuses on staying safe, what to do in an emergency, selecting age-appropriate activities, and handling a variety of behaviors. The Advanced Babysitting course focuses on how to take care of children outside of the home. It teaches students how to keep children safe and happy in a variety of situations. You will not need to pass a test. Simply complete the course to earn your certificate.\n5. Take a CPR and First Aid class. Although it is not required, it is strongly encouraged for all babysitters to take a course in CPR and First Aid. These courses are also offered through the Red Cross. Certifications in CPR and First Aid increase make you a more hireable babysitter. The Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR class meets for 6.5 hours. The cost is $110. The certification you earn will be good for 2 years.\n\n\n## Complete an online course\n\n1. Find an online babysitting course. Numerous online agencies offer courses in babysitting. Look for an online training course geared toward your needs (such as infant care or early childhood development). Search for an option that fits your budget. Many childcare licensing agencies offer free babysitting courses. Check your local childcare licensing agency’s website or call and ask if they have any upcoming courses. Free courses generally do not grant \"certificates,\" however, they may still offer valuable knowledge. Online babysitting courses range from as low as $20 to as high as $200.\n2. Verify that this source is reputable. Although there are many online options for babysitting classes, not all of them may be worthwhile. Look for a company with positive online reviews as well as testimonials from clients. Also, look for a contact telephone number, call them, and ask them some questions over the phone. A company that you cannot reach by phone is probably not a good choice.\n3. Make sure you meet the requirements. Some training programs are geared towards students of a specific age. For example, some are created for young adults (usually ages 11-15), while others are for older students. Additionally, some course like you to already have a background in childcare, while others are for beginners. Finally, some courses require you to be fluent in English, while others do not. Be sure you meet any requirements for the course before you enroll. Most babysitting courses are geared toward younger people (often ages 11-17). If you are an adult looking to train in babysitting, search for \"advanced\" courses.\n4. Pay the fee. Various courses will have various fees. Some online babysitting classes are as low as $20, and may go as high as $200. Select a course that you feel good about, and pay the appropriate fee at the time of registration.\n5. Take the course. Once you have registered and paid the fee, you simply need to log in and complete the course. Various courses will span different timelines. Most courses can run anywhere from 4 to 12 hours. In general, the benefit of these online courses is that they may be completed at your own pace. Most courses combine learning modules with short quizzes and tests. Once you have passed the course, you will be able to print out a certificate.\n\n\n## Become a “licensed childcare provider” in your state\n\n1. Decide if you want a career in childcare. Becoming a state licensed childcare provider is more than just “babysitting.” It means that you are a small business owner responsible for the health, happiness, and development of small children. Before seeking a childcare license, ask yourself the following questions:\n\t* Do I enjoy working with children? Am I knowledgeable about child development or willing to learn? Am I ready to be a small business owner? Do I have the resources I need to start my own childcare business?\n2. Contact the proper department in your state. In each state, there is a department that handles the licensing of childcare providers. Each state will have different specific requirements for gaining your childcare license (such as age and education requirements), so it is important to contact your state before you take any steps. Ask the department for a childcare business application and review the application to ensure you, your intended program, and your property meet the requirements. In Illinois, this is either the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), or the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). In California, this is the Department of Social Services (CDSS). In Missouri, this is the Department of Health and Senior Services. In Florida, child care licenses are issued by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).\n3. Pass background checks. Once you are sure that you meet the age and education requirements in your state, you will need to pass a criminal background check through your state agency. They will also ensure that you do not appear on the national or state–level sex offender registries or within the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System. Each state is different, but you may be disqualified if you have been convicted of a felony. You will likewise be disqualified if you have been convicted of a sex crime, are listed in any sex offender registry, or have been convicted of child abuse or neglect. Additionally, they may look into your driving record and general criminal history.\n4. Pass an inspection. The next step in becoming a licensed childcare provider in your state is for the location to pass an inspection. Whether you plan to open a daycare center or to care for children in your home, an inspector will need to come out and ensure that you meet all the standard health and safety requirements. Once again, these will vary by state, so it is imperative for you to check with your local government agency. Contact your local agency to procure a list of safety requirements, and make any adjustments, before requesting an inspection. For example, some states require you to have a fence around a swimming pool.\n5. Apply for a license through your state. After you have met the age and education requirements, passed the appropriate background checks, and passed the home/facility inspection, you are eligible to apply for a license in your state. Once again, you will need to contact the appropriate department in your given state and follow the particulars of your state’s procedures.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to get pure flix?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Use a phone or tablet\n\n1. Open your phone or tablet's app store. This is the App Store on iOS and Play Store on Android. Look for the app on your home screen or app menu and tap to open it.\n2. Search for Pure Flix. Tap the search bar and type \"pure flix\".\n3. Tap the Pure Flix App to open it. Check that the publisher is Pure Flix Digital. If you cannot find Pure Flix, you may be on an older software version that is unsupported. Check for a software update in your settings. Pure Flix requires iOS 10.0 or later for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, and Apple TV. Pure Flix requires Android 4.2 or higher on Android phones and tablets.\n4. Tap +Get or Install to download the app. You may need to confirm your credentials. The app will be added to your home screen or app menu when finished downloading.\n5. Open the app. Look for a blue icon that says \"Pure Flix\" on your home screen or app menu. Tap the app to open.\n6. Sign in with your Pure Flix username and password. If you do not have an account, sign up for a plan on the Pure Flix website: https://signup.pureflix.com/signup/plans\n\n\n## Use a computer\n\n1. Open a browser on your computer. This can be any standard modern browser, such as Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox, and IE11.\n2. Navigate to https://www.pureflix.com/. Type or copy the address in the address bar, or click the link.\n3. Click Sign In. This is in the top right corner of the screen.\n4. Enter your username and password and click Sign In. If you do not have an account, create one by clicking Create an Account.\n5. Use the navigation bar at the top to search or browse for movies and shows. Click on a show or movie to stream it. Cast your browser tab to a TV if you prefer to use a bigger screen by using Chromecast.\n\n\n## Use a smart tv\n\n1. Launch your Smart TV. This may be Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, or another Smart TV.\n2. Open the app store on your Smart TV. This may be called something different for every Smart TV, but look for an app store on your main home screen.\n3. Search for Pure Flix. Use the app store's search bar and type in \"pure flix\".\n4. Download the Pure Flix app. Look for a button that says Download, Install, or Get.\n5. Launch the app and login. Find the app on your home screen with the other apps for your Smart TV.\n\n\n## Use an xbox one\n\n1. Launch the XBOX dashboard. Start your XBOX one and sign in if you are not already. The dashboard is the home screen that appears when you are signed in.\n2. Open the XBOX Store. Use the left analog stick or directional pad to select the Store tab on the right.\n3. Search for Pure Flix. Navigate down to the search bar and enter in \"pure flix\".\n4. Select the Pure Flix app and select Get. This will install the Pure Flix app on your XBOX One.\n5. Login to your account once installed. You can find this app on your dashboard in the future.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to get a copy of your approved i‐140 notice?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When your Form I-140 petition is approved, you will receive a Form I-797 Notice of Action. You can get a copy of this notice by sending a request to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) department. However, you might want a copy of the Form I-140 petition itself. In this situation, you will need to make a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to USCIS.\n\n## Request a copy of your approval notice\n\n1. Download Form I-824. This is the form you need to fill out to get a copy of your Form I-797 Notice of Action. The form is available for download from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. You should download it in PDF format and also get a copy of the instructions. You can also request a form by calling 1-800-375-5283. You cannot use this form if your approval notice has expired or been revoked.\n2. Get a copy of the original petition or application. If available, send a copy of the original I-140 petition. If you don’t have a copy, then ask your employer to provide you with one. However, if you don’t have it, then you don’t need to include it.\n3. Make a copy of your Form I-797. If you have your Form I-797 (but want an additional copy), then send a copy along with your application. You need to submit both the front and the back. If you don’t have the Form I-797, then you don’t need to send it.\n4. Complete Form I-824. You can complete the form in PDF format. Type in the requested information. Answer all questions and type “N/A” or “not applicable” to anything that applies. The form will ask for the following information:\n\t* your reason for the request: check “A duplicate approval notice”\n\t* name\n\t* date of birth\n\t* country of birth\n\t* identifying information, such as Alien Registration Number, Social Security Number, IRS Tax Number, etc. mailing address\n\t* physical address\n5. Pay a fee. You have to pay a $405 filing fee. Make your check or money order payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” Don’t use abbreviations like “DHS” or “USDHS.”\n\t* Fees are subject to change. You should call 1-800-375-5283 for updated fee information.\n6. Submit your application to the appropriate address. Make a copy of your complete application for your records. Then put your application in a secure envelope and mail it to the appropriate address. You can get the appropriate address by calling the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. USCIS might contact you for more information. Please provide requested information promptly.\n\n\n## Obtain a copy of the form i-140 petition\n\n1. Ask your employer for a copy. Your employer files a Form I-140 petition when they want to sponsor you as an immigrant worker. Filing the form is necessary so that you can become a legal permanent resident in the U.S. and work here. Because your employer submitted this petition, you should ask them for a copy. Sometimes, however, your employer won’t give you a copy of the petition. In this situation, you will need to file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Only submit an FOIA request if the petition has been approved. You cannot request a copy of a petition that is under consideration. Instead, call 1-800-375-5283 for inquiries about the status of your application. You can also call the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office where the petition was filed.\n2. Download Form G-639. This is the Freedom of Information Act request form. You should download the form and its instructions. You can also get a copy of the form by calling 1-800-375-5283. You don’t have to use the form. However, all requests must be in writing, and using the form is probably easiest.\n3. Complete the form. Provide requested information by using a typewriter or writing clearly in black ink. If you need extra space to answer a question, then you can attach a sheet of paper. Make sure to put your name and Alien Registration Number (if applicable) at the top of each sheet. Also clearly identify the page number, part, and item number your additional information refers to. If a question doesn’t apply to you, then write “N/A” or “not applicable” in the space. Don’t just leave it blank. Make a copy of the form for your records.\n4. Verify your identity. You will need to sign the form under penalty of perjury or in front of a notary public. You can find notaries in courthouses, town offices, and most large banks. Take acceptable forms of identification (such as a valid state-issued ID or passport) with you to the notary. If you are requesting a copy of someone else’s Form I-140, then you must get his or her permission. Typically, getting them to sign this form is sufficient.\n5. Explain why you need the request expedited. Generally, it can take USCIS a month to process your request. However, you can request that USCIS speed up the process if you have a valid reason. For example, you might be in removal proceedings. If you are, then you should make a copy of your Notice to Appear or Notice of Hearing. You will need to submit these documents with your FOIA request. Also write a letter explaining in detail why you urgently need the information. You need to sign the letter under penalty of perjury. Include the following words above your signature: “The information contained in this letter is complete, true, and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.”\n6. Pay a fee, if required. You typically won’t have to pay a fee. You get the first 100 pages (and 2 hours of search time) free. Because your Form I-140 is not 100 pages, you shouldn’t have to pay anything. However, you might have to pay a fee if you order in bulk. For example, you might be an employer getting copies of your employees’ forms. In this situation, you have to pay ten cents per page. You won’t be billed until you have accrued at least $14 in charges. By submitting the form, you agree to pay at least $25 in fees.\n7. Submit your request. Gather all of your documents and make a copy for your own records. You can submit your request using one of these three different methods:\n\t* Fax: send it to (816) 350-5785. Email: send the completed form and supporting documents as attachments to uscis.foia@uscis.dhs.gov. Mail: send your request certified mail, return receipt requested to National Records Center (NRC), FOIA/PA Office, PO Box 648010, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064-8010.\n8. Provide additional information. USCIS might contact you and request additional information in order to process your request. You should provide all requested information promptly to USCIS.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to peacefully feed cats in multi‐cat households?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Feed multiple cat at once\n\n1. Feed discrete meals. Feeding all of your cats at one time, instead of letting them graze, will minimize conflict and fighting. Instead of allowing access to food at all times, which can lead to conflict when two cats want to eat from the same bowl at the same time, timed meals will allow all cats to have their own space and food to focus on. How often you feed your cats each day depends on your schedule. In many cases, it works best to feed your cats once in the morning before you leave and once again in the evening when you return. Provide food puzzles if you have a cat(s) that is used to grazing instead of eating at meal times. This will help them transition to timed meals. Putting a small amount of kibble in one of these puzzles won't replace a whole meal but it may satiate a cat enough until meal time comes around.\n2. Monitor feeding time. Do not feed your cats and then leave your home. It is important that you monitor feeding time, so that you can make the cats stay at their own feeding stations and break up any conflicts that might occur. It may be that your presence calms your cats while they eat because they know that they will be protected from other cats trying to get their food when you are around. This will allow them to focus on their food more than on defensiveness. If you see a cat trying to eat another cat's food, physically separate them. It's important that you do this so the more submissive cat doesn't get taken advantage of.\n3. Remove food dishes after 20-30 minutes. When feeding multiple cats you should remove food dishes after the cats have eaten or after 20-30 minutes, if one or more of your cats are very slow about eating. This will teach the cats that there is a set time to eat and if they don't eat at that given time, then there is no food to be had. The goal is to make meal time a time for strictly for eating, not a time to play games, show dominance, or fight for territory. Setting specific meal times and taking away food when meal time is over requires a gradual training process that may take some time for your cats to adjust to. If your cat meows repeatedly at you for food when it is not meal time, just remember that you are working to make a peaceful household and your cat will not starve if it has to wait an hour for food.\n4. Use calming sprays. If your cats are very territorial and tend to fight over food, you may want to try using a calming product made for cats during feeding times. These products tend to be non-toxic sprays that use pheromones to calm cats and reduce fear and aggression. Spray one of these products, which are usually available at most pet stores, around the feeding area or on the specific cats that are most fearful or aggressive. The pheromone sprays used for calming cats mimic the pheromones given off by mother cats to calm their kittens.\n\n\n## Set up separate feed station\n\n1. Give each cat its own dish. When feeding multiple cats, competition can be fierce if every cat doesn't have its own dish to eat from. Separate dishes allow each cat to have their own space and their own food to focus on, instead of focusing on defending against another cat. Make sure that the food bowls are as identical as possible. You do not want to create competition for a food dish that is easier to eat out of or is slightly bigger. Don't forget to place a water bowl near each food bowl. In most cases, when you first set out multiple food dishes the cats will naturally gravitate to one of their own. Once they have basically picked their bowls, make them stick to them to establish their territories.\n2. Don't place food dishes against walls. In many cases, a cat in a multi-cat household will want to be in a position while eating where it can see any other cats coming towards it. If you place food dishes against a wall, the cat will naturally be forced to have its back to the wall. This may add to its anxiety and not allow it to relax during eating. Placing your cat's bowl even a foot away from the wall should allow it to sit in any place around the bowl that it feels is best.\n3. Place the cats as far away from each other as possible. When feeding cats in a multiple cat household, you need to space them away from each other. This may mean that you place food dishes in separate corners of the same room or you place feeding stations in completely separate rooms. Giving all your cats space from other cats will allow them to better focus on their food instead of turf wars or food competition. It is ideal if your cats cannot see each other during meal time. This add tremendously to your cat's ability to focus on food instead of the other cats.\n4. Isolate cats eating different foods. If your cats eat different food, it is important that you feed them in different spaces. This will help you to keep each cat eating the food that it is supposed to eat and it will prevent fights over whatever food your cats consider the tastiest. It may be that one of your cats eats different food and your other cats eat the same food. If this is the case, only the cat with different food needs to be isolated during meal time. Cats that are eating different food need to be kept separate until all cats in the household are done eating. The will remove the temptation to sneak a bite from the bowl of the last cat eating.\n5. Try adding an extra feeding dish if problems persist. Adding 1 more dish than the number of cats you have can help eliminate any chances of conflict. With an extra bowl, your cats won't have a problem finding somewhere to eat in peace. For example, if you have 2 cats, you could try adding a third feeding dish. If you add an additional feeding dish, make sure you put a water dish nearby.\n\n\n## Avoid conflict\n\n1. Coax cats to their own bowls. If more than one cat goes to one bowl at mealtime, you should coax the cat away who does not normally eat at that bowl. This could be done by picking the cat up, calling to it, or luring it towards its own bowl with a bit of food. This separation will prevent territorial disputes and conflict during meal time. There can be power dynamics between cats that they need to sort out themselves. When cats are initially establishing whose dish is whose, there may be some switching up that occurs.\n2. Stop fights right away. When fights break out over territory or food you should break them up right away. Fighting over food, especially between cats who usually get along, can lead to unhealthy aggression, so it should be stopped before it gets serious. If you have two cats that repeatedly fight over food dishes, these cats should be fed in different rooms.\n3. Avoid conflict before it starts. In order to have a peaceful household with multiple cats, you may need to resort to keeping certain cats away from each other most of the time, which includes meal time. This will allow you to avoid conflict before it begins and it allows both cats to have peaceful and calm time in their homes. If you have a very small home, this can be difficult to achieve. Keeping cats that don't get along separated works better if you have a large house or at least several rooms that can be closed off. You can also try feeding aggressive cats in cat carriers. That way they won't be able to run around and harass your other cats when they're finished eating. While it is true that some cats may have conflict at first and then learn to get along, that is not always the case. If you have tried to get your cats to get along and nothing seems to work, it may be time to give them separate territories in your home.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to walk a slackline?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## The basics\n\n1. Start with a short slackline. The shorter the distance between the two anchor points, the more stable the slackline. As the slackline gets longer, a few things happen:\n\t* The tension in the line increases, making dismounts more dangerous due to the extra force;\n\t* The height of the line off the ground increases to allow for greater sag when weighted;\n\t* It requires more force to tighten it, which can be difficult with some tightening systems.\n2. Place one foot lengthwise in the middle of the slackline. Starting barefoot is a good idea. Using bare feet will allow you to feel the line better and find your balance more quickly. Step on the line so that it runs from between your big toe and second toe back to the middle of the heel. As you improve, practice turning your feet and standing sideways, with your shoulders parallel to the line. Once you improve (or if the landing is not safe for bare feet), you may want to switch to shoes since they provide greater protection when attempting tricks and landing.\n3. You can mount the slackline at any point, but starting in the middle is generally safer, since it is usually away from obstacles you might hit when falling. The line is also lower to the ground in the middle once weighted, reducing the height of the falls. Practice from the same place each time since the slackline oscillates differently at different distances from the anchors. The wobbles are faster and smaller near the anchors and slower and larger near the middle. But wherever you start, it is going to wobble a lot. This is natural; everyone wobbles the first time.\n4. Take a couple deep breaths and settle yourself. If you are relaxed, your foot will be less shaky on the line.\n5. Focus intently on a single point, such as the anchor. This will help you find and keep your balance. Resist the temptation to look straight down at your feet on the line. Looking down at the wobbling line will simply make you wobble as well. Look ahead instead of down at the line.\n6. Put your arms out wide, slightly bent and keep an upright posture.\n7. Center your weight directly over the foot on the line. With one smooth, balanced motion stand up on that leg.\n8. Balance on one foot, while using your arms and other leg to help maintain your balance.\n9. Bend the leg that is on the slackline. Bending your leg lowers your center of gravity slightly, and allows you to more easily find your balance and absorb the movements of the line.\n10. Continue to wave your free arms and legs around to help you balance. Sometimes you will twist and turn your body into all sorts of positions to keep your balance. Once you have caught your balance slowly move your body back to center with your arms up and out, knee(s) bent, head up, and eyes focused on a single point.\n11. Repeat these steps until you can balance for at least 15 seconds.\n12. Practice with the other foot. Once you can keep your balance, attempt taking a step.\n13. Once you've successfully taken your first step, keep practicing!\n\n\n## Sample skill progression for beginners\n\n1. These are small steps you can take to improve your slack lining effectively, by slowly taking on harder and harder tasks. Mount the line on one foot with a friend sitting on the line. Increase the distance between you and the person sitting on the line. Balance on one foot by yourself. Balance on the other foot. Balance with both feet, one behind the other, on the line. Take small steps forward. Take small steps backwards. Mount the line sideways (shoulders parallel to the line) with both feet, one at a time. Turn on the line.\n2. Additionally, learn how to fall safely. As a beginner you will likely be on a short, low-to-the-ground slackline. Most of the time you can land on your feet. As you try new tricks, the slackline can \"throw\" you as you lose your balance. The best solution is to use the \"throw\" of the slackline to help you get away from the line and land on your feet. If you are thrown off-balance from the line consider rolling through the fall to limit the impact.\n3. You can also try starting with \"training wheels.\" One way to do so is to have a friend sit on the line a few feet away from you. This takes much of the sway and bounce out of the line. As you get better, have your friend move further away on the line to allow for more wobble. When starting out, you can aid each other while learning to balance--have a spotter stand/walk next to the line. If you practice walking back and forth with a shoulder to lean on, you’ll soon find that you don’t need training wheels any more!\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to open your locker?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If there are lockers with locks at your school, you'll probably want to get used to opening yours quickly. Don't worry; it gets easier with practice. See Step 1 to begin learning how to open 99% of all standard school lockers.\n\n## Open when you know your padlock's combination\n\n1. Spin the dial at least three times to the right (clockwise), all the way around. This \"clears\" the lock of any previous numbers. If at any point in putting in your combination you mess up, do this again to start over.\n2. Enter your combination. Turn the dial to the right and stop at your first number. Always start with a turn to the right! For your second number, turn the dial to the left, going past zero and your first number. Then stop at your second number. Some locks are a bit odd or finicky -- if your locker isn't opening after you put the three numbers in correctly, try turning left past your second number once and stopping on it on the next go around. For your third number, turn the dial to the right and go directly to the last number. Leave your lock on this number. Always remember: right, left, right.\n3. Open the lock. Pull the lock open and out of the hole, or pull the latch or handle, if there is one. Otherwise, tug on the knob to open the locker. If your locker just won't open, try it again with the last number being five before or after your \"official\" last number. Sometimes the older locks get, the shakier they get in their requirements or abilities. If that doesn't work, ask your classmates or teacher if there are any similar quirks in the school locker system. Try twice before you call a teacher.\n4. Lock your locker after use. Make sure, if you have a locker with an unattached lock, that you lock your locker when you leave. If you don't, it's possible your things will get stolen or your lock will be turned backwards. Close your lock up and twist the dial a bit. If you leave it on the final number, it may open up again effortlessly, for someone other than you.\n\n\n## Open when you don't know your padlock's combination\n\n1. Apply pressure upward. This means taking your finger and wrapping it around the latch. It should pull up just a teeny bit when it's locked. While you're doing this, rotate the lock counterclockwise until it locks. You may have to apply a bit of strength to do this, but it won't break it.\n2. Write down the numbers it locks at. Repeat this action 11 more times. Seven of the numbers you get will be between two digits; ignore those. Continue with the 5 outliers. Of those 5, 1 should not end in the same digit. That's your third number. Obviously, it's very important to know exactly where the lock stops at. Be diligent and take a keen eye to your lock.\n3. Use trial and error. You're now down to just 100 possible combinations -- that's 15 minutes' work. Your third number actually allows you to eliminate possible first and second numbers, believe it or not. It may take a bit, but it will open with perseverance. If your third number is 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, or 36:\n\t* Your first number is either 0, 4, 8, 12, 20, 24, 28, 32, or 36. Your second number is either 0, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, or 38. If your third number is 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, or 37:\n\t* Your first number is either 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, or 37. Your second number is either 1, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, or 39. If your third number is 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, or 38:\n\t* Your first number is either 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, or 38. Your second number is either 2, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, or 0. If your third number is 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, or 39:\n\t* Your first number is either 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, or 39. Your third number is either 3, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, or 1.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to increase driving visibility in rain?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Driving in the rain, especially after dark, can cause dramatic declines in visibility. The best ways to improve driving visibility in the rain are to turn on your headlights and your windshield wipers. Stay away from large vehicles that leave a large spray in their wake. Keep your headlights clean and clear, and change windshield wipers that are aged or deteriorating.\n\n## Use and maintain your wipers\n\n1. Turn your windshield wipers on. Unless your car comes with automatic wipers, you’ll need to manually activate your windshield wipers to improve driving visibility in the rain. Windshield wipers typically have three different settings: slow, medium, and fast. If the rain is light, select the slow speed. If the rain is heavier (and your visibility is poorer), select a faster speed. If you wish, you could use the high speed in low levels of rain, but it is not necessary. There is no objective criteria for determining whether you need a faster or slower wiper speed when driving in the rain. Using your best judgment, select the wiper speed that most closely corresponds to the rain’s intensity at any given time. If you have a rear windshield wiper, activate it, too.\n2. Change old or brittle wiper inserts. The windshield wiper consists of two parts: the rubber wiper insert that swipes across the windshield and the metal blade that actually holds it. Check your wiper inserts regularly for stiffness or cracks, and replace them if you detect any. Most windshield wiper inserts will need to be changed at least once every three years to improve visibility in rain. Consult your owner’s manual or an auto parts store for information regarding the type and size of wiper blades you need. Generally, wiper inserts can simply be slid into and out of the metal blade itself. If you regularly park your car outside, you’ll probably have to replace your windshield wipers more often than if you park in the garage.\n3. Replace windshield wiper blades as needed. If your wiper blades are rusty, bent, or corroded, replace them, too. Use high-quality wiper blades, preferably ones coated with a rain repellent. If there are areas of your windshield that do not get properly wiped when you use your wipers, you’ll know that the wiper is bent or applying uneven pressure to the windshield. Generally, wiper blades can simply be unsnapped from the metal arm that holds the blade, then a new blade can be snapped in. Consult your owner’s manual or your local auto parts store for information regarding the sort of wiper blades you need.\n4. Keep your wiper blades clean. Dirty windshield wiper blades can cause streaking and water beading. To clean your wiper blades, soak a lint-free cloth or paper towel in windshield washer fluid. Wipe the cloth or paper towel along the length of the blades. Turn the cloth or paper towel over as needed to ensure you’re always wiping the blades with a clean area.\n\n\n## Use and clean your headlights\n\n1. Turn on your headlights. If you’re driving in the rain on an overcast day or at night, your headlights can help you increase visibility. Even if you’re driving in rain during the day, turning your headlights on is a good idea since it allows other vehicles to see you. Many headlights have different settings. Choose the correct one for the existing conditions. For instance, if you’re driving in light rain through a dark area, you might choose to use your brightest headlight setting. If you’re driving through fog as well as rain, use your fog lights.\n2. Wash your headlights. If your headlights are caked in grime or dirt, they will not shine as brightly as they should. This could reduce your visibility when driving in the rain. To keep your headlights shining properly, wash them with soapy water either on their own or when you wash your car. There is no regular schedule according to which you must wash your headlights. If your headlights appear less luminous than they previously were, or if they’re visibly dirty, give them a wash.\n3. Scrub your headlights with sandpaper. For a deeper clean, soak a piece of 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper in cold water. Apply painter’s tape to the area of around the perimeter of your headlights. After 10 minutes, lightly sand the headlights, moving in straight strokes from side-to-side. Spray the headlight with water while you work. Repeat the procedure using 1500 grit sandpaper, then 2000 grit, 2500 grit, and 3000 grit wet/dry sandpaper. Alternate the direction of your scrubbing each time. For instance, if you moved side-to-side with one piece of sandpaper, use an up-and-down scrubbing method for the next. When the discoloration, dirt, and scratches on the headlight are gone, move on to the next level of sandpaper. There is no regular schedule according to which you must engage in deep cleaning of your headlights. Give your headlights a deep cleaning with sandpaper if washing your headlights using the standard method produces inadequate results.\n\n\n## Take additional measure\n\n1. Don’t follow trucks or buses closely. The spray produced by these large vehicles will decrease your visibility in rain. Try to keep several car lengths away from trucks and buses. If you need to pass trucks or buses, do so quickly so as to minimize the time you spend behind or beside them, where you can experience significant spray.\n2. Put on some polarized glasses. If you’re driving through rain during the day, put on a pair of polarized sunglasses to increase your driving visibility. If you’re driving in rain at night, you will not be able to increase driving visibility by wearing polarized sunglasses.\n3. Turn on the demisters if necessary. If the temperature of the rain and the temperature inside your vehicle are too different, your windows might fog over. To combat this and increase visibility when driving in the rain, turn on the demisters.\n4. Slow down. Slowing your speed can give you extra time to see what’s ahead. You should be able to see the space you’ll be driving through at least 12 seconds before you pass through it. When driving in the rain, adjust your speed to meet this visibility standard.\n5. Clean your windshield. Sometimes your windshield wipers are not strong enough to wipe away all the grime on your windshield. Dirt stuck to the top corners, especially, could dribble down during a rainstorm. The best way to get your windshield clean is to have it cleaned by a professional at your local auto wash. Alternately, you could soak a cloth or sponge in soapy water and wipe it across the windshield until the entire surface is clean. Clean your windshield when it is dirty. Don’t forget to clean your windshield wiper blades, too.\n6. Apply a coat of rain repellent to your windshield. Rain repellents will prevent rain from beading on your windshield. Instead, rain will roll smoothly off the windshield upon contact. Specific directions for use vary depending on the product you use. Generally, though, you can simply spray the repellent of your choice on the windshield, then wipe it away using a gentle circular motion. Rain repellent solutions usually need to be applied once every six months.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to repair your damaged reputation at work?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People make mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes are bad enough to cost us the respect of those around us or even our jobs. If you’ve made a bad professional error or hurt colleagues at work, though, the damage might not be permanent. You can put the past behind you, but you’ll have to work hard to rebuild relationships, become a model worker, and, in some cases, manage your reputation online.\n\n## Rebuild relationships\n\n1. Admit your mistake. If you’ve damaged your reputation – wronging a coworker, angering your boss, or just getting an overall bad name – the place to start is to own up to it. Admit the error of your ways. Take stock of your actions and accept responsibility for them, to yourself and in front of others. What happened? Where did you go wrong? Be brutally honest with yourself. For example, do you have bad personal habits? Did you try to cut corners and dodge work? Have you been an office gossip? Or, did you have a serious lapse of judgement? Perhaps you stole someone’s idea and got caught or plagiarized a report. Perhaps you just stole, embezzling money.\n2. Apologize. Even if you don’t have a future at your workplace, you should apologize to the people you’ve hurt. Showing remorse is decent and will help you start to redeem yourself. You will not get very far with building bridges and repairing your reputation if you can’t say sorry. Act as soon as you can. The longer you wait to apologize, the more it seems like you aren’t really that sorry. Don’t make excuses. The point is to show remorse and accept that you were wrong. Don’t insert half-excuses or mealy-mouth language into your apology, for example “I’m sorry if you were offended that I took your idea. I only wanted to improve it.”\n\t* Be humble and own up. For instance, “It was really wrong of me to talk behind your back. I know I’ve hurt you and want to ask for your forgiveness.”\n\t* Be sincere. You won’t get credit if you don’t say specifically what you did. You also won’t credit if you don’t say it apologetically and sincerely, showing that you won't repeat the behavior.\n3. Commit to reform. Besides an apology, write out a plan for how you’ll change and ensure your mistake doesn’t happen again. This can be for you alone or, if you’re lucky to keep your job, to share with the powers that be in the organization. Outline what you did wrong and how you will avoid it. For example, “I made the mistake of getting too involved in workplace gossip and ended up saying harmful things about my coworkers. From now on, I plan to keep my head down, mind my own business, and avoid office politics.”\n\t* Don’t forget to “walk the walk” and follow your plan. You might arrange regular check-ins with your boss, for instance, to discuss your behavior. This will highlight your progress as well as show that you are willing and able to reform.\n4. Keep your attitude in check. Repairing your reputation is going to be a humbling experience. You might feel angry or resentful. You might get annoyed, frustrated, or upset. Keep these emotions under control – you’ve had a bad attitude in the past and need others to see that you’re trying to change. Try to stay calm, collected, and positive. Be aware of the attitudes or emotions that added to your bad behavior in the past. Try to avoid them or situations that bring them out. If your problem is gossip, avoid the office gossipers as best you can. Stop and ask yourself throughout the day, “How’s my attitude? Am I positive? Am I productive?” Catch any problems early and try to readjust your mindset.\n\n\n## Become a model employee\n\n1. Get to work early. Apart from apologies and repairing relationships, set yourself up as a model employee to help you rebuild your work reputation. Be a go-getter. Arrive early and ready to impress. People will eventually start to notice. Getting to work early will make a good impression on your boss and perhaps your coworkers. Often, people aren’t around to see who leaves the office last. But they will notice your presence in the morning. Being early also means you don’t have to rush around. Use the quiet time to your advantage and plan out your day. It doesn’t hurt to take a short walk around the office first thing in the morning. People will see you and take note.\n2. Prioritize. Some people have trouble keeping track of what they need to do during a given day or week. Take initiative and prioritize your work. Keep your nose to the grindstone to avoid returning to past mistakes and to present yourself as great employee. For instance, sit down and write out what you need to do for each day or, longer term, each week and month. If you’ve been coming to work early, use that time to set out daily priorities. Having a to-do list will help you focus your energy. You might also tailor the list to take advantage of your peak work hours. For instance, if you do your best work in the morning, save that time for your top priorities. Try to stick to the list. That said, be flexible in case your boss gives you special instructions.\n3. Do your tasks thoroughly and on-time. Writing down your tasks isn’t all, of course. You actually need to follow through and do them well. Good work and dependability can make a past mistake fade over time. Build up a track record for reliability and your colleagues and boss will have more trust in you in the future. Meet your deadlines. What about that report that’s due next week? Prioritize it in your list on Monday. If you still can’t get it done during the week, consider finishing it at home or over the weekend rather than asking for more time. Be productive, especially if you have had consistency problems before. Take a short breather to stretch or use the restroom, but don’t try to skirt work.\n4. Go above and beyond. Handing in finished work on time is good. To be a model employee, though, you will have to aim even higher and win (or win back) your boss’ trust. Track details, anticipate tasks, and work ahead to further develop a good reputation. If a colleague asks you to think of venues for an upcoming tradeshow, for example, don’t just stop at a list. Take the next steps: call them, ask about availability, and compare prices. When you take initiative like this, you’ll seem smart and like the logical go-to person for key projects.\n\n\n## Repair your reputation online\n\n1. Check your online metrics. If your error was very serious, or if you are well-known and hold a big position, you might want to think about your online presence when rebuilding your reputation. Don’t underestimate negative online info. To start, you will need to take stock of the situation. You can get a quick sense of your online reputation by checking Google’s autocomplete. Just go to the Google homepage. What appears when you type in your name, or your company name? When you enter your name, for example, do you get something positive or neutral like “Harold Bing Brew Co. CEO” and “Harold Bing business award”? Or is it damaging, like “Harold Bing mugshot”? Look at online news stories or reviews about you or your company, if applicable. Check local sites or other social media. Set up a Google Alert in your name, so that you’ll be notified any time something new is posted.\n2. Deal with Google defamation. Programs like Google Suggest reflect real internet searches and should give you an idea of how people associate your name and reputation online. Did you find something unwelcome in your results? There are some things you can do. Do not try to manipulate the results. While some people suggest this approach, using techniques like crowdsourcing, you might end up causing more damage. You might try acquiring the search term and building an optimized page to tell your viewpoint. That way, when someone types “Juliette Page embezzler” she is directed to your side of the story – that the charge is false, misunderstood, or not reported right. You can also request that the search engine take down the autocomplete. This is hard and usually only works with results that suggest hate or violence, porn, or personal information. Still, it may be worthwhile to try.\n3. Hire an online reputation manager. Your online reputation could get out of control. Don’t despair, however. There are people and agencies who can help you manage this kind of situation, like Reputation.com or BrandYourself.com. The work will be pricy, but it may just salvage your working reputation. Reputation managers won’t always be able to get rid of negative content from the web. But they should be able to highlight positives about you. For example, their services might include setting up a domain in your name for a page presenting your side of the story. They can also respond to negative comments or reviews and manage your online presence on sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Youtube. The goal is not to eliminate all negative info about you, but to tip the balance in your favor whenever someone searches for you online. Keep in mind that management services don’t come cheap. Expect to pay between $20 to $200 per month.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to buy school supplies?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Shopping for school supplies can be stressful for both the seasoned shopper and the beginner. Working parents or guardians have to fight the crowds that gather on weekends or after the end of the workday. Even worse, the cost of school supplies steadily increases every year, costing families an average of just under $100 in 2015. The good news is that you don’t have to stress out or go bankrupt. By spacing out your purchases and practicing a few money-saving hacks, you can survive the back-to-school madness.\n\n## Buy basic supply\n\n1. Get a list from your child’s school. Don’t rely on your child for a list of what they need for school. If a list isn’t available on the school’s website, ask the teachers if they can send you a list or give you some ideas. As a last resort, department stores sometimes have lists of common school supplies on their websites.\n2. Know the difference between requests and requirements. Before you panic over the long supply list on the school’s website, realize that many of the items are merely requests. One good rule of thumb is to avoid items the list specifically forbids. Use your best judgment as to which items your child might actually need.\n3. Purchase writing supplies. Elementary teachers usually prefer their students to use #2 (HP) pencils with erasers. Students in middle- and high school usually use ballpoint pens. Stick to black or blue ink. Most students will also need notebooks or loose-leaf paper. Check the supply list for whether you should buy wide-ruled or college-ruled paper. Children in elementary school usually need pencil bags or boxes to store their supplies for writing and art. Most classrooms have pencil sharpeners, but it’s always a good idea to check the supply list in case your child’s teacher requires individual pencil sharpeners. Middle- and high-school students might need highlighters for studying and general note-taking.\n4. Buy folders. Whether students use notebooks or loose-leaf paper, they still need folders for the documents they receive in class. Buy one folder for each class, each in a different color or pattern. That way, your child can pattern- or color-code each folder by class (red for English, green for math, rainbow stripes for science, etc. ).\n5. Purchase a day planner. Students in middle school and high school usually need day planners to keep track of their classes and after-school activities. Look for planners organized by the academic year, as opposed to the semester. This way, your child will stay organized from the first day of school in the fall to the last day of school in the spring.\n6. Buy art supplies. Children in elementary school usually need art supplies for a variety of activities. Buy one box of crayons, colored pencils, or washable markers. Other common materials you need to purchase are safety scissors and glue. Purchase glue sticks for younger students more likely to make a mess.\n7. Purchase personal supplies. Elementary school teachers usually request one or two boxes of facial tissues per student. Hand sanitizer also comes in handy during cold and flu season. Aim for one 8-ounce (about 237mL) bottle for the classroom and one travel-sized bottle for the backpack. Students in middle school and high school need supplies for their lockers. Common supplies include plastic shelves, mirrors, and magnets. The school supply list should mention if a combination lock is required.\n8. Buy a sturdy backpack or book bag. Thanks to block scheduling, many older students take only two to four classes at a time. However, textbooks haven’t gotten any lighter. Buy a bag that can carry at least two to four hardcover textbooks, a large notebook or binder, and a pencil bag.\n\n\n## Shop for electronics\n\n1. Buy a calculator. High school students (or advanced middle school students) taking algebra, geometry, or calculus usually need calculators. Advanced math classes require specs beyond the basic calculator you use to balance your checkbook. The two most common kinds of calculators required by algebra and geometry students are:\n\t* Scientific calculators perform the functions students study in Algebra I and Algebra II. The average scientific calculator costs between $15 and $30. Graphing calculators are required for advanced calculus classes. Graphing calculators are more expensive, costing $100 and up.\n2. Purchase a computer. High school students will likely need a laptop or tablet computer for their assignments. Unless school officials specify certain brands, either a Mac or a Windows computer should be fine. Word processing software, such as Microsoft Word or Open Office Writer, is a must for papers and other homework assignments. If your child needs any specialty programs (such as Photoshop for a graphic design class), the school should note them on the supply list. Buy your computer only from reputable sources, such as Simply Mac or Best Buy. Consider an extended warranty if it fits your budget.\n3. Buy external storage. Even students who use their laptops and tablets at school need flash drives for printing their documents. Buy a smaller (4 GB) flash drive for storing basic word documents or spreadsheets. If you child is taking classes in graphic design or computer science, opt for a larger flash drive of about 16 to 32 GB.\n\n\n## Save money\n\n1. Sort out what you already have. Check the closets, attic, or junk drawer for supplies from past school years. Chances are you have a few pens, pencils, sheets of loose-leaf paper, or coloring supplies lying around. If you have older children heading off to college, ask them if they wouldn’t mind giving their locker accessories to their younger sibling(s). Try to find substitutes for more expensive items. For example, if your kindergartener needs an art smock, substitute an old, oversized button-down shirt. Swap meets are another great way of accessing gently used supplies, such as binders, backpacks, locker organizers, and flash drives.\n2. Stick to basics and generics. Choose folders, notebooks, or binders in basic colors or designs. That folder or notebook featuring Batman or Yoda might be cool this year, but it will also cost more than a folder with solid colors or abstract non-commercial designs. Don’t worry about brand names, even if the school list mentions them. Generic labels are just as good for a fraction of brand-name costs.\n3. Take advantage of discounts. Check newspapers, store circulars, and websites for coupons. Look for items that offer rebates, and mail the rebate form as soon as possible. If you belong to a rewards site like MyPoints, shop through the website to earn points or cash back. Cash in your points at rewards sites for gift cards or prepaid debit cards. These are usually available in denominations of $25 to $100. Use them when buying school supplies.\n4. Buy used, electronic, or out-of-copyright textbooks. Check bargain websites like Alibris or Half.com for steeply discounted used textbooks. E-book versions of required textbooks could also save you money, since printing costs are not a factor. Required reading for humanities or social sciences classes might be available as free out-of-copyright PDFs from sites like Internet Archive or Project Gutenberg. Ask your instructor if they allow these older editions.\n5. Buy refurbished. Refurbished computers run as smoothly as brand new ones for a fraction of the cost. However, you should do your homework first. Only buy refurbished products from trusted retailers like Apple or Best Buy, which offer warranties and free repairs on known issues.\n6. Buy a little at a time throughout the year. There’s no rule that you have to buy school supplies in July and August. Each time you’re shopping for groceries or picking up a prescription, stop by the school supply aisle to look for unannounced discounts on common required supplies.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to play sonic unleashed for xbox 360?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some people may find Sonic Unleashed on the Xbox 360 hard. But it's pretty easy with practice. Some may find it hard to press several buttons quickly.\n\n## Controller basics\n\n1. When you're holding the controller, put your index & middle finger on the trigger and bumper buttons (so you'll be ready to drift when needed) and put your left thumb on the right analog stick and left thumb on the A,X,Y and B buttons.\n2. The left control stick is used to move Sonic; the A button is used for jumping ; the B button is used to boost; the X button is used to stomp or crouch; the Y button is used for the light speed dash; the trigger buttons are used for drifting; and the bumper buttons are used for side stepping left and right.\n3. Many new skills and upgrades can be obtained through certain conditions, progressing through the game, or by buying them with yellow diamonds you get from enemies.\n\n\n## Boost guidelines\n\n1. To reach the highest speeds, drift in a straight line (this is not something you need to do, but it does speed you along and again it's more of an expert technique).\n2. When you're on a slope going upwards, when near you're near top of it, jump and it will give you maximum height and to boost over some areas.\n3. Try boosting then jumping right after then boosting again in the air to boost over a whole area.\n\n\n## Attack techniques\n\n1. The main method of defeating enemies is the homing attack. Try to use this also for combo attacks for bonus points and getting to places beyond Sonic's reach or to correct any missed/wrongly timed jumps.\n2. Stomping is another way of attacking enemies and is used best when attacking from above or when a homing attack doesn't work or isn't as effective.\n3. Ironically enough, you can actually use the speed boost and drift to take down groups of enemies at high speeds that you normally can't take down or would take longer with conventional attack moves.\n\n\n## 2d platforming\n\n1. 2D sections are more platform based and as a result are much harder and take longer to do. Remember to not be as reckless when going through these sections; do not use the speed boost unless Sonic is running in a harmless path.\n2. Properly time your homing attacks, crouches, light speed dashes, and wall jumps by being as fast as possible, pressing the button combos well, and by following the on-screen button prompt as it's needed in order to succeed through 2D platforming.\n3. Take alternate routes with cannons, grind rails, zip-lines, and other mechanisms to skip large portions of the 2D sections with little to no risk.\n\n\n## Trick\n\n1. There are many tricks and techniques that aren't mentioned in the game or is difficult to pull off. One should master them to beat the levels more easily and have a better time, which includes the aerial boost, parkour, sky diving, and drifting.\n2. Aerial boosting is simply pressing a set of buttons that appear on-screen when Sonic files into the air and everything becomes slow; successfully pressing these buttons within a short time allows Sonic to go over gaps and reach out of reach places.\n3. Parkour tricks such as running on walls and wall-jumping (in 3D areas) can be utilized by speed boosting on walls and pressing the button that appears on-screen when Sonic attempts to wall-jump on certain walls.\n4. Sky diving is simply diving really fast while in the air after Sonic is free falling to an area below; pressing the X button will increase your speed while titling the control stick controls your position which can help avoid obstacles and reach the ground faster.\n5. Drifting is turning around sharp corners without losing speed; this is difficult to maneuver as Sonic's natural speed interferes with his handling - simply tilt the control stick left and right (slightly) to make drifting easier to do.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to flirt with a co worker (for women)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Flirting with coworkers can relieve workplace tension and monotony. Some women flirt because they are interested in starting a romantic relationship with one of their coworkers. Others do it just for fun. Workplace flirting requires extra precautions because you must remain professional. You can still encourage some playful interaction between you and your coworker by engaging in friendly conversation, adjusting your body language, and dressing in a flirtatious but professional way.\n\n## Interact with your coworker\n\n1. Chat with them. Men tend to interpret friendly and talkative women as flirty. Find excuses to chat with them when they are not busy. Some things you can try:\n\t* Talk about hobbies, interests, and plans outside of work. \"Any big plans for the weekend? I've been dying to see this new movie myself.\" Praise their recent accomplishments or awards: \"I heard you just received an award! Any plans to celebrate?\" Ask them about current projects by saying, \"Hey, how is that current project going? Are you hanging in there?\"\n2. Laugh at their jokes. If your coworker makes a joke or says something even slightly funny, laugh. Laughing is a gentle way of flirting. It should not feel forced, nor should it seem as though you are laughing at your coworker.\n3. Compliment them. Appreciate the work that they do around the office, and praise them for their strengths. You want to make sure that you are appreciating their skills, abilities, and personality instead of their looks. Some good, flirty compliments include:\n\t* \"Great job on that last presentation. You'll have to give me some tips.\" \"Thanks for helping with that last project. You make my life so much easier around here.\" \"You have such good ideas. How do you come up with them?\" Be extremely careful with workplace compliments. If it seems as though the recipient is awkward or uncomfortable, stop immediately.\n4. Ask them for help. Asking people to help you can increase their self-esteem and confidence, which encourages them to flirt back with you. It also shows that you appreciate their strengths in a work-friendly manner. It can even encourage them to spend more time with you. Some ways you try this include:\n\t* \"Hey, you're good with technology, right? Can you help me with my computer?\" \"Do you mind listening to me practice my presentation? I'd love to get your feedback on this.\" \"Can you help me lock up tomorrow night?\"\n5. Hang out around their desk. Find excuses to drop by their desk. Perhaps you have a question about your project. Perhaps their desk is close to the coffee maker. As you pass by, make eye contact and ask them about their day. Walk by their desk, and try to catch their eye. If they look up at you, smile and ask, \"how's your day been?\" or \"Are you hanging in there?\" You can also ask, \"how is the work going? Do you want to take a coffee break?\" This gives them the opportunity to start a conversation if they are interested. Do not interrupt your coworker if they look as though they are busy with something else. Instead of being flirty, you might only annoy them.\n6. Invite them out to coffee or lunch. You may be feeling bolder, or you want to make the next step in your relationship. Instead of asking them to drinks or dinner, which can be too formal, try asking them if they would like to grab something to eat over your lunch break. Coffee is also a great way to bond with your coworker. A good way to ask is to just say, \"Hey, we should catch up over lunch. Do you want to grab a bite to eat somewhere?\"\n7. Respect their boundaries. Your first priority at work is to do your job. Be warned that flirting at work can get you in trouble if someone complains. If your coworker seems uncomfortable or asks you to stop, do not continue flirting with them. Give them space by only talking to them about work-related matters for a few weeks. Before you make any moves whatsoever, review your workplace sexual harassment rules, as well as rules about relationships in the workplace. You can also talk to someone in the HR department if you have any further questions. Make workplace friendly jokes that have no sexual innuendo. Never flirt with your boss. They are in a position of power, and any flirting can cause professional difficulties for both of you. It is best to flirt with coworkers on your pay grade. Do not flirt with a coworker who is married or in a relationship. Even if a married coworker enjoys your flirting, you are putting both of you in a difficult situation.\n\n\n## Express interest with body language\n\n1. Make eye contact. Eye contact is one of the primary tactics of flirtation. Brief glances can show your attraction and interest in another person. You can try looking across the room during a meeting or glancing across the table at lunch. Meet their eyes briefly before glancing down and away.\n2. Smile. Smiling is an open and friendly act that invites people to interact with you. In fact, smiling may be one of the best ways to meet new people and start new relationships. As your coworker passes your desk, glance up briefly and smile. If you catch their eye in a meeting, give them a quick grin. Don’t linger. A small smile is all it takes.\n3. Show off your neck. When you know they are looking at you, try to casually flip your hair to show off your neck. This shows the curve of your neck while drawing attention to your hair. This is a casual but flirty move that makes it seem as though you are not deliberately trying to catch their attention.\n4. Lean over their desk. Leaning or orienting yourself towards another person signals that you are interested in them. You can practice this while working on a project with your coworker. Lean over the desk to point out something. Reach out so that your arm is crossing their body without touching them. If you’re working on a shared computer, shift your body so that your feet and shoulders are tilted towards them.\n5. Avoid touching. While gently touching someone is often a form of flirting, it can get you in trouble in the workplace. Try to use body language that does not involve physical contact. If your touching is unwanted, you can get in trouble for harassment.\n\n\n## Increase your attractiveness\n\n1. Wear make-up. Many men find women who wear make-up more appealing. Men typically like to flirt more with women whom they find attractive, so making yourself more attractive is especially important if you want to flirt with a co-worker. Eye make-up in particular can increase your flirtatiousness.\n2. Put on heels. Heels can increase your attractiveness to men. The higher your heels, the more likely men are to approach you. High heels can push your pelvis and chest out, arch your backside, and make your legs look tighter and more muscular—all of which make you more attractive.\n3. Apply light perfume. Perfume can boost your sex appeal but only if it is used sparingly. Spray once on your wrists. Rub your wrists together before dabbing them on your neck. This will give you just enough perfume to attract someone without annoying your other colleagues.\n4. Maintain professional standards. While you should look appealing to your coworker, you must keep in mind that you have to look professional as well. Follow your workplace’s dress code. Avoid tight or short clothing that reveals too much skin. Instead, try to find clothes that fit your body’s shape without being too revealing. If you can, try using eye catching colors instead of revealing clothing. Wear jewelry to draw attention to your neck and arms. Make sure that your hair is brushed and styled in a way that both accentuates your features and provides minimal distraction to you while working.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to treat ocd and anxiety as a workaholic?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Working too much is a serious problem. Often, people who work too much also suffer from OCD or related anxiety disorders. If you work too much and suffer from an anxiety disorder, there are several things you can do to lead a more balanced life. You can start by seeing your doctor and going to therapy. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting stress-relieving techniques, making work boundaries, and managing your anxiety or OCD, are also important.\n\n## Manage your anxiety disorder\n\n1. Make a self-care plan. To improve your relationship with work and alleviate anxiety or OCD symptoms, you can develop a self-care plan that covers every area of your life. If you are obsessed with working, the rest of your life may be neglected. A self-care plan helps you balance your life and pay attention to each part of your life. Your self-care plan can focus on work, relationships, leisure time, the self, and your spiritual life. By breaking down your life into concrete categories, you can see where you are lacking and what needs improvement. For example, you may have 90% of your energy into your work. Your self-care plan allows you to schedule an hour each evening for leisure, where you watch television, an hour of exercise to focus on yourself, and two hours to spend with your family. On the weekends, you spend Saturday with your family and friends, and Sunday you focus on yourself. Start working on balancing your life. All of your energy now is focused on work. You should think about what’s important to you, like family and friend relationships or improving your leisure time. Put more effort into those areas of your life and less into work. Becoming more balanced in your life, improving relationships, and working on yourself can help reduce stress that leads to anxiety and OCD.\n2. Get enough sleep. Many people who work all of the time don’t sleep enough because they are too busy working. This can worsen anxiety and OCD symptoms, making you feel even worse. Worsening anxiety and OCD symptoms may also affect your work quality. To help with this, strive to get into a healthy sleep routine. Most people need seven to nine hours of sleep each night. You should go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning. This helps you adopt healthy sleeping habits.\n3. Take stress-relief breaks during the day. If you are spending all of your time focusing on work, your stress levels may be extremely high. This can increase your anxiety or OCD symptoms. To help alleviate your anxiety, take small breaks from work throughout the day to relieve stress. For example, take a 10 minute walk around the building or block. Exercise can help boost your mood and improve your anxiety. Go to lunch with coworkers or friends. Spending time connecting with people can help reduce anxiety and OCD symptoms.\n4. Engage in stress-relief techniques. When your anxiety or OCD symptoms get too bad because you are not working, you may need to use stress-relieving techniques to alleviate the symptoms. At first, you may even experience anxiety attacks as you fight compulsions or obsessive thoughts about working. Try deep breathing to help relieve anxiety. Whenever you feel overwhelmed by anxiety or OCD symptoms when you aren’t working, take a deep breath through your nose as you count to five. Hold it for a count of five, then exhale through your mouth for a count of five. Regular exercise is a great way to treat anxiety and OCD symptoms. A thirty minute walk each day can reduce your symptoms. Try getting active each day, or try stress-relieving exercises such as yoga or tai chi.\n5. Meditate. One good way to learn how to calm down and let go of work is to meditate. Meditation helps you learn how to clear your mind so you can reduce stress. Mediation is also a good treatment for anxiety and OCD. Mediation helps you get rid of negative thoughts, stress, guilt, and anxiety. Meditation may also help you be able to control compulsions and obsessive thoughts. Guided meditation is a good starting place if you’ve never meditated before. Guided meditation walks you through the process, so you are coached to relaxation and towards your mental goals.\n6. Develop hobbies. When you work too much, you may begin to lose yourself and forget to focus on anything that is enjoyable or enriching in your life. To help work on your sense of self, revisit old hobbies or develop new interests that have nothing to do with work. At first, you may have to tell yourself that spending time not working is okay. Remind yourself, “Spending time engaging in hobbies helps me be a healthier, happier person. I have completed my work and I deserve something good.”\n\n\n## Seek medical treatment\n\n1. See your doctor for a diagnosis and to begin treatment. To get proper treatment for your anxiety disorder or OCD, you need to get a proper diagnosis for both conditions. Anxiety disorders and OCD are serious mental illnesses that should be treated by a doctor or a therapist. If you work too much and you also suffer from anxiety or OCD, then your symptoms may be even more pronounced. However, with proper treatment, you can alleviate your symptoms and live a healthier life. Your doctor may suggest medication to treat the anxiety and OCD symptoms. Psychotherapy is also a common treatment for anxiety disorders. Your doctor will probably refer you to a psychiatrist or therapist who can provide therapy to address your anxiety disorder, OCD, and addiction-like behaviors. To find a therapist, start by asking your doctor for a referral. You can also search online for therapists in your area who specialize in your disorder. When you search online, you can also read reviews and patient experiences with the therapist.\n2. Undergo cognitive behavioral therapy. One effective treatment for anxiety and OCD is cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns into healthier ones. This can also help change your attitude about work, along with helping you cope with obsessive and anxious thoughts and compulsions. You may have unhealthy or untrue beliefs about work. A therapist can help you work through these beliefs and modify them into healthier, more productive beliefs. For example, if you believe you will lose your job if you don’t work all the time, your therapist can use CBT to help you change that thought to something like, “I can work hard for this many hours each week and keep my job.”\n3. Go to family therapy. Family therapy may be needed if working too much and having anxiety has negatively affected your family relationships. During family relationships, a therapist can help you learn how to interact with your family and make them a priority in your life. Your therapist can also help you figure out activities that you and your family can do together. These activities can strengthen your relationship and help you alter your attention away from work and onto leisure activity and relationships. You and your family can use therapy to learn how to communicate with each other. You may also be able to be truthful about ways your behavior has hurt each other. For example, your partner may say, \"I feel hurt that we never take any vacations because you are always working.\" You might say, \"I am frustrated because you get angry when I check my work e-mail in the evenings.\"\n\n\n## Establish work-related boundaries\n\n1. Leave work at work. When you leave work, you should do just that - leave work behind. Try not to take work home with you. Focusing on work at home can increase your anxiety and OCD symptoms while feeding your need to work. Try to make a clear boundary between work time and time not at work. For example, you can decide not to check your email or answer your phone when you’re at home. Leave all paperwork and projects at work. Don’t bring them home with you. If you must answer emails or work on paperwork at night, set aside a designated half an hour or hour to do just that. This helps keep your work time separate from your home time. It also keeps you from doing work all night.\n2. Talk to your boss about work boundaries. If working too much is triggering your anxiety or OCD, then you may want to talk to your boss about setting boundaries. You should tell our boss that you need to make clear boundaries about when you work and when you won’t work. This may include what you will and won’t do when you’re off the clock. If you are an hourly worker, you may tell your boss that you will only work during your required hours. If your boss wants you to work outside of those hours, you may negotiate overtime or say no. If you are salaried, you may set a limit on the amount of hours you will work and discuss this with your boss. You may want to say, “I have been working too much and spreading myself too thin. I would like to set some boundaries in relation to the hours I work.”\n3. Change your thoughts about work. If you have anxiety and OCD, you may be plagued by inaccurate thoughts or obsessions. You may believe if you don’t work all the time you will lose your job. You may have the compulsion to work constantly and get edgy or irritated if you are unable to work. To help treat your anxiety and OCD symptoms, work on changing your thoughts about work. Start by telling yourself that being away from work doesn’t make you lazy or unproductive. Repeat to yourself, “I do not have to work every hour of every day. I can take time to focus on myself and relationships.”\n\t* Face your obsessive or anxious thoughts. When you start to feel anxious because you aren’t working, tell yourself, “Nothing bad will happen if I am not working. These are just my anxieties. I deserve to take a break from work.”\n4. Prioritize your to-do list. Due to your anxiety, you may have a long to-do list with things you must get done. Maybe you have obsessive thoughts about what will happen if you don’t complete everything, or you have the compulsion to keep working until you have completed everything on the list. This is not healthy and just feeds anxiety and stress. Instead, start prioritizing the things you have to do and limiting your to-do list. For example, honestly assess everything on your list. What are things that have to get done today? What things have to be done by the end of the week? What things have no time limit on them? You may have to finish paperwork for work by the end of the day, complete a project by the end of the week, but making fliers can be done when you get to them. Limit your tasks to around five per day. If you have to add something to your task list for that day, you need to remove one task. Keep yourself limited so you don’t overextend yourself.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to help an older dog grieve the loss of its owner?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Comfort the dog\n\n1. Spend extra time with the dog. A dog in mourning may need extra love and attention. Try to increase the amount of time you spend with the dog. You might spend twenty extra minutes in the morning and evening to help give the dog support while they are grieving the death of their owner. During this time, you can:\n\t* Talk to the dog\n\t* Walk the dog\n\t* \n\t* Groom the dog\n\t* \n\t* Go on a car ride\n\t* Visit the dog park\n\t* Pick out a new toy together at the pet store\n\t* Cuddle the dog on the couch or in bed\n\t* Take the dog for a run, if the dog is healthy enough\n\t* Play a game, like fetch or tug-of-war\n2. Pet the dog. Touch increases the bond between dogs and people. Extra cuddling, petting, and brushing can improve the dog’s mood and distract them from the loss of their owner. As you spend time with the dog, rub their belly or scratch their ears. Give them a little extra grooming time each week. This will help you bond and comfort the dog.\n3. Play their favorite games. Playtime can distract the dog from the loss of their owner. The extra exercise can also boost their mood and decrease the likelihood of grief-related health issues. Try to identify the dog’s favorite games or toys, and spend extra time playing with them. Some older dogs may not want to play as much. Each dog is different. If the dog is uninterested in playing, you might try another way of distracting them. You can also give the dog new and interesting toys. Food puzzle toys can help keep the dog busy while you are not home, reducing the dog’s separation anxiety.\n4. Invite company over. The dog may appreciate having people over to spend time with. Invite a few friends over, and see how the dog reacts. If the dog enjoys the company and socializes with the people, you may want to keep it up. If the dog avoids your guests, you should respect their space. Inviting people or dogs that the dog already knows may cheer the dog up. It can also introduce an element of familiarity in their new life. If the people are total strangers to the dog, invite one or two over at a time to see how well the dog handles it.\n\n\n## Monitor the dog’s health\n\n1. Identify physical symptoms of mourning. Dogs mourn differently from humans. While some dogs may not mourn at all, others will become extremely clingy, anxious, or lethargic. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms. If they do not disappear after a few days, you might consider seeking help from a vet or dog behaviorist. Lethargy or lack of energy. Lack of interest in playing\n\t* Loss of appetite\n\t* \n\t* Unsociable behavior\n\t* Increased sleeping\n\t* \n\t* Weight loss\n\t* Decline in physical health\n2. Encourage the dog to eat. It is very common for older dogs to stop eating after the loss of their owner. This can cause other health issues to develop. If the dog seems to have stopped eating, you should try to get the dog to eat. If possible, keep feeding the dog the same food that the old owner fed them. You can also give the dog kibble in a kong-type dog toy or food puzzle. The dog may enjoy trying to get the food out of the toy. Add a little warm chicken broth to the dog’s dry food to make it softer and more enticing. While a few extra treats here and there may not be detrimental to your dog, you should avoid giving the dog too many treats during this period. They may learn that they will be rewarded for whining, and they may not eat their normal food.\n3. Take the dog on walks. Older dogs may not be extremely active to begin with, but they may become more lethargic after the loss of their owner. Such inactivity can lead to further health problems. If the dog is able, take them on a walk at least once or twice a day. Depending on the age and health of the dog, these may be short walks. You can make even short walks more mentally stimulating for the dog by walking in areas with lots of interesting sights, sounds, and smells. For example, you might take your dog to the park, through the woods, or some place with water.\n4. Take the dog to the vet. If the dog continues to mourn for several weeks or if the dog is not eating, you should visit the vet to make sure that the dog is still in good health. The vet can diagnose an underlying medical problem or prescribe medication to help with the dog's anxiety or depression. While at the vet, you might ask:\n\t* \"What medical issues does this dog have? Can any of them be aggravated by the loss of their owner?\" \"The dog seems really depressed. What can I do to help?\" \"The dog has been sleeping a lot since I took them in. Is this because the dog is depressed or is there another issue?\" \"The dog has not been eating since their owner died. What can I do to encourage them to eat?\" If you know which vet the dog's old owner used, you should take them there. The vet can inform you of the dog's medical history.\n\n\n## Provide a happy home\n\n1. Maintain a routine. For the first few days after the owner has died, it is important to maintain the dog’s routine as much as possible. Older dogs tend not to do well with new habits, schedules, or activities, and the owner’s death may have already disrupted their life. Try to feed and walk the dog at the same times as the old owner did. If you can, reach out to people who knew the dog when it was with the old owner, and see if they have an idea of what the dog’s former routine was like. If you do not know what schedule the old owner kept, you can develop a new schedule for the dog. Keep a consistent routine for the first few weeks that the dog joins you. The dog may also prompt you when they expect to be fed or taken outside. If there has been upheaval in the dog’s life since the owner died (for example, if the dog has been passed around by family members or if you adopted the dog from a shelter), setting a routine will be even more important for the dog. Make sure that you stick to the schedule to help the dog ease into their new home life. Be careful not to let the dog fall into bad habits due to grief. For example, if the dog turns up its nose at food, just let the food sit there until the dog is ready to eat it. Don’t “reward” the behavior by making a fuss.\n2. Take care of your own grief. If you knew the old owner, you may be grieving yourself. This is understandable. Do what you have to so that you can grieve in your own, personal way. This will in turn help the dog by providing a loving, happy home for them. Avoid mourning in front of the dog. Dogs are very sensitive to grief, and they may exhibit signs of mourning if they understand that you are grieving. While it is okay to cry a little in front of the dog, you may want to step into another room to mourn privately.\n3. Reinforce positive behavior. During this time, you may notice that the dog is whining, crying, or acting out. While you may want to give the dog a treat during these episodes, you should avoid rewarding them for this behavior. The dog may learn that they will earn treats if they whine. Instead, reward the dog when they are being good, such as when they are quietly resting. For example, you may notice that the dog is sitting outside of your bedroom door at night and whining. Instead of waking up to comfort the dog, go back to sleep. In the morning, you can pet and talk to the dog. If they are well-behaved, give them a treat with their breakfast. Good times to treat the dog are when the dog is resting quietly, when the dog is sitting with you, or right before you leave the house.\n4. Weigh the pros and cons of getting a new dog. While a new dog companion might provide company for the dog, many older dogs do not do well with a new younger dog in the house. While some older dogs may enjoy having a puppy around, others may snap at the younger dog or bully them. Consider carefully whether a new dog is appropriate for the older dog. Also keep in mind that bringing in a new companion for the dog will not make them miss their old owner any less. If a friend or family member has a puppy, ask if they can be introduced to your older dog. This will show you how well the dog deals with energetic puppies. If the older dog plays, cuddles, or gets along with the puppy, you might consider getting a younger dog. Try taking the dog to a dog park when it’s not too crowded, and see if the dog seems to enjoy being around other dogs. If so, then you might consider bringing home a new dog. Another option is to adopt an older or senior dog. Try to find one with a similar temperament. See if the dogs can meet first before you adopt to see if they are friendly with one another.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to stop the spread of a pandemic flu virus?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Prevention\n\n1. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a disposable tissue and flush it down the toilet or throw it in a trash can immediately (don't put it down on any surface). Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer right afterwards. If you don't have anything to cough or sneeze into, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow rather than your hand. Change your clothing (if you were wearing long sleeves) or wash your arm as soon as you can. Carry tissues with you and offer them to others.\n2. Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands throughout the day, especially after touching other people or any surface that others have touched. Carry alcohol-based sanitizer with you. Offer it to others. Avoid touching your face unless your hands are just cleaned.\n3. Don't share utensils or drinks. In cafeteria settings, it's not uncommon for people to casually share utensils or take a sip from someone else's drink. This should be completely avoided if there is any risk of a flu pandemic.\n4. Wear a face mask or respirator as instructed by authorities. If used correctly, face masks and respirators may help prevent some exposure to flu viruses. However, face masks should be used along with other preventive measures, such as frequent hand washing.\n5. Stay healthy. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. The healthier you are, the better your immune system will be at defending your body against a virus.\n\n\n## Preparation\n\n1. Know what to expect. A vaccine for pandemic flu may not be available for 4-6 months after a pandemic starts, and even then, it may only be available in limited amounts. People will have little or no immunity to pandemic flu since it is a new virus to humans. With seasonal flu, people have some immunity built up from previous exposure to the viruses. Symptoms of pandemic flu may be more severe than seasonal flu. More people are likely to die from pandemic flu than from seasonal flu.\n2. Stock up. Store nonperishable foods, bottled water, over-the-counter drugs, health supplies, and other necessities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends having a 2-week supply. (These supplies can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages.) Have basic, over-the-counter health supplies such as a thermometer, facemasks, tissues, soap, hand sanitizers, medicine to relieve fever, and cold medicine.\n3. Plan ahead. Plan for what you will do in the following cases:\n\t* Schools dismissed: Consider childcare needs. Plan home learning activities and exercises. Have materials, such as books, on hand. Also plan recreational activities that your children can do at home. You or family member becomes sick and requires care: Make plans for how to care for people with special needs in case the services they rely on are not available. Plan to stay home for at least 10 days when you are sick with pandemic flu. Staying home will keep you from giving it to others. Make sure others in your household also stay home when they are sick. During a severe pandemic, stay home if someone in your household is sick with pandemic flu. Transportation networks disrupted. Think about how you can rely less on public transportation during a pandemic. For example, store food and other essential supplies so you can make fewer trips to the store. Prepare backup plans for taking care of loved ones who are far away. Consider other ways to get to work, or, if you can, work at home.\n4. Talk to your employer. Ask your employer about how business will continue during a pandemic. You can Develop a Risk Management Plan that accounts for the possibility of a flu pandemic. Find out if you can work from home, or if your employer will consider virtualizing the workforce. Plan for the possible reduction or loss of income if you are unable to work or your place of employment is closed. Check with your employer or union about leave policies.\n5. Stay updated. Identify sources you can count on for reliable information. If a pandemic occurs, having accurate and reliable information will be critical. Reliable, accurate, and timely information is available at http://www.pandemicflu.gov. Another source for information on pandemic influenza is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). This line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY: 1-888-232-6348. If you do not live in the U.S., check if there is an equivalent hotline in your area. Look for information on your local and state government Web sites. Review your state's planning efforts and those of your local public health and emergency preparedness officials. Listen to local and national radio, watch news reports on television, and read your newspaper and other sources of printed and Web-based information.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to copy and create arrays in sketchup?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Arrays are multiple copies of entities that you create in SketchUp. It can take a while to 'get' it, but once you do, you will find it very helpful. Read this article to learn how.\n\n## External array\n\n1. Open up SketchUp and select the item that you wish to copy.\n2. Click on the Move icon and start to move it. After you start to move it, press down on CTRL and move it to where you want the copy. If you want 5 of them, press 5x. 5x and then Enter\n3. If you want your copy a particular distance away from the original, once you have moved it, type in the distance and enter. 5' and then Enter\n\n\n## Linear array\n\n1. Have some idea of the number you will need. That is because you will be creating a space for the array to fill.\n2. Select the entity, start to move, press CTRL and move a distance away. Once you have it there, type in the number of total copies you want. In this instance, 4/ to create a total of 5 doghouses. 4/ and then Enter\n\t* If it doesn't look right and you haven't done anything else, you can type in another number and it will change.\n3. If you want to make a 'field' of your entities, select them and do it again. In the screenshot at the beginning of the article, 3/ and Enter was pressed to get all of the doghouses.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make your dog more playful?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some dogs are naturally more playful than others. Additionally, some breeds are also generally more sociable than other dog breeds. If you’re dog seems bored, lonely, or unhappy, there are many ways you can try to address their malaise. In order to make your dog more playful, it’s important to play with your dog regularly, bond with your dog, and pay attention to your dog’s needs. Making your dog more playful will make both you and your pet happier in your relationship.\n\n## Play with your dog regularly\n\n1. Play fetch or other retrieving exercises with your dog. Dogs like to chase and retrieve items, including bones and balls. If you can, try to train your dog to come to you before you throw the item and then bring it back to you once they retrieve it. Say “come” and get your dog to approach you. Get your dog to sit by putting the ball on their forehead and stating “sit”\n\t* When you throw the ball, tell your dog to “get it”. After they retrieve it, tell them “bring it here” to have them take it back to you to throw again.\n2. Get or make dog toys for a variety of activities. Show off the toy to your dog, but don’t play with it immediately. Try tug toys or braided rope toys that you can play back and forth with them. You can also try teething or training toys that can strengthen your dog’s teeth. Talk excitedly to your dog about the toy by saying things like “Where is it?” in reference to the dog toy. If your dog wants to play, they should begin wagging their tale and get excited. When you take out the dog toy, play with it first before you start playing with the dog. Use the toy to play with the dog for a brief amount of time before they get tired with it. This will help build their excitement for the next time you break out the dog toys.\n3. Play hunting and hiding games with your dog. Dogs like finding people and objects that are hidden. These types of games can stimulate your dog’s mind and their senses. While your dog is in the other room, hide in another room. Call them to come and find you. When they do, give them treats and dog toys to reward them. You can also hide doggie treats somewhere in the yard or in a room. When your dog comes into the room, they should sniff around in search of the treat. Give them encouragement when they get closer or farther away from finding the treat.\n4. Invite other dogs over to play. Your dog might get happy when he's around other dogs. For many dogs, having some friendly play with their fellow canines can be engaging and exciting. Your dog may like to roughhouse, but make sure things do not get out of hand. When they are play fighting, dogs will often avoid really biting the other dog and roll over often. If your dog is growling when playing with other dogs, their play fighting may have escalated into real fighting. You can also tell if they begin baring their teeth while wrestling with the other dog.\n5. Teach your dog tricks. Dog tricks can be fun, but also very useful. While there are many different tricks you can teach your dog, a few essential tricks can really show off your dog’s ability and make them more playful. Rollover is one easy trick to teach your dog. When your dog is lying down, move a food lure across its muzzle, neck, and shoulders. Use the command “Roll over” while doing so to get them to associate your command with the action. Stay can also be a very useful command. Ask your dog to sit in front of you while holding a treat and maintaining eye contact. If they are able to stay still, reward them with the treat and add the command “Stay” so they know what to do when you state the command. A “Go to” command can be useful in directing your dog. With a treat, walk to a whichever place you want them to go and place the treat there. Eventually, they will associate the place with the treat and with your specific “Go to” command.\n6. Take your dog to a dog park. Dog parks can a fun place for your dog to play with other dogs. It’s important for your dog to be able to play well with other dogs, so they don’t get into any fights with other dogs. After you’ve walked around the park with the dog to make sure it’s safe, you can take off their leash so they can run around. You’ll want to know where your dog is at all times, but not having a leash gives them greater freedom to roam around the park. If you have a small dog, try to bring them specifically to a section of the park with other small dogs. Otherwise, they may get overwhelmed.\n\n\n## Bond with your dog\n\n1. Show physical affection to your dog. Dogs like physical affection, and it can bond them closer to their owners. Spend time petting or grooming your dog nearly every day. Dogs can be sensitive to touch at first. Touching them each day can build up their sensitivity and get them to crave your touch. You can also groom them on a regular basis. Just something as simple as brushing their coat with a brush can show your dog physical affection.\n2. Spend one-on-one time with your dog every day. Even if you're at work all day, it's good to have some time alone with your dog. Taking your dog for a walk every day can be a good way to reaffirm your bond with your dog. If you go on a walk with your dog, make it an engaging activity for your dog. Instead of walking aimlessly, try to give your dog specific goals and landmarks to walk or run to that you can do together. Talk to your dog or teach them a trick. If you try a new trick every few weeks, this will bond you and your dog together and keep them focused on doing well for you.\n3. Do focused activities with your dog. Dogs like to have structure, since it gives them a clear sense of purpose. When you play with your dog, try to make them task-oriented. Give them directions on where to run, jump, and play. Playing catch is a good example of directed play. Dogs also like to please their owners. Focused activities can tell your dog that they have fulfilled your expectations and you're happy with them.\n4. Give praise to your dog. When you are training your dog, it’s especially good to give positive reinforcement. Additionally, praising your dog can make you grow closer together. While treats may be the most common type of positive reinforcement, it’s also important to speak to your dog positively. They will associate your tone of voice with your mood and feel happy as well. If your dog does not respond to treats, a toy may also be a good way to praise your dog. They may also like physical affection from you, such as being petted, as a method of praise.\n5. Start obedience training. Dogs like to be trained, since they like structure. You can either have your dog join a class or do it just with you. In either case, you should be heavily involved in any training with your dog. If you are training your dog, always use positive reinforcement. Dogs like treats and voice training (like \"Good boy\") that tell them they are doing well. Pay attention to your dog's mood. They need to be in the right mood for training. Otherwise, it will not be an effective training session and will be frustrated with you and your dog.\n6. Take your dog to a training or activity class. If you're working a specific skill or behavior, a training or activity class can be fun for you to do with your dog. These classes can be good for you and your dog to use to bond over a shared activity. Activity classes can work from puppies to adult dogs. For puppies, these activity classes may be especially useful to teach them discipline and some general training. If you have a new dog that's not a puppy, it may be a good idea to bring them to a training class. Even if they are trained, you and your dog could use the class to learn how to work together.\n\n\n## Pay attention to your dog’s need\n\n1. Know your dog's likes and dislikes. Since not all dogs are the same, every dog has different things they like and don't like. Paying attention to things like their favorite and least favorite things let them know you care. Your dog likely has favorite foods, toys, and games. Give them these things, so they will affiliated their favorites with you. Stay away from things you know your dog dislikes. Some things that all dogs dislikes are head pats, hugging, floral smells, and loud noises.\n2. Read your dog's body language. Your dog gives you plenty of clues how they feel. Watch your dog during activities and you should be able to tell if they are enjoying them or not. When your dog is playful, they are performing a \"play bow\". In the play bow, their rear end is up and their front end is down. Dogs that are whining, pacing, or doing anything unusual are usually stressed or fearful. These activities show you that your dog is not ready to play and likely needs to calm down. Tail wagging can mean many things. While a loose wag means your dog is open and comfortable, a tight wag can mean they are agitated.\n3. Put yourself in a calm state of mind. Very often, your dog's mood will reflect your mood. If you are happy and playful, your dog is more likely to also be happy and playful. Dogs try to read your intention. If you seem uncertain about your intention, they may try to guess; often, they may guess incorrectly. Be clear even when you are calm. Dogs like directions, so it's good to tell them what you want and when.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to do a deep treatment?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A deep moisturizing treatment, protein treatment, or hair mask, can be store bought or homemade. A deep treatment is a great way to improve dry or damaged hair because it moisturizes and strengthens the hair. Read on to learn how to apply one!\n\n## Basic deep treatment\n\n1. Obtain the deep treatment. You can buy one from a store or make your own see below for recipes in \"Related wikiHows\" that you can make at home.\n2. Wash your hair. The hair should be freshly washed before applying the treatment so it can soak in properly. Don't wait until your hair dries to apply the treatment.\n3. Apply the deep treatment to your whole head of hair. Use a comb or brush to distribute the product.\n4. Put your hair up in a towel turban, shower cap, heating cap, etc. This will keep the deep treatment on your hair, and not on your clothes.\n5. Wait for 15 minutes to an hour. Or you can sleep while wearing the deep treatment.\n6. Take the cap off, rinse your hair, and style as usual.\n7. Enjoy your soft, moisturized hair!\n\n\n## Avocado mask deep treatment\n\n1. Get your ingredients. For your deep conditioning mask, you'll need 1 egg-white, 1 avocado, a tablespoon of olive oil, and a tablespoon of honey. These measurements can be altered depending on how long and thick you hair is.\n2. Mix the ingredients. Using a blender or food processor, add all your ingredients and blend them on high until a creamy consistency has formed. If you don't have a blender, you can mash the ingredients together manually, but it will take a bit more time.\n3. Apply the mixture to your hair. Scoop some of the mask onto your fingertips, and spread it throughout your hair, focusing primarily on the ends of each strand. When you've used all of the mask, you can wrap your hair up in a shower-cap to prevent the mask from rubbing off on your clothes.\n4. Let the mask set. Leave the mask for 20-30 minutes to allow time for it to soak into your hair. You can leave it on for longer if you would like, but make sure that you wait at least 20 minutes.\n5. Rinse out the mask. Remove your shower-cap and run your hair under warm water in the shower. Using just the warm water, wash out all of the remaining mask. If you need to, you can use shampoo, but try to avoid it because it will dry out your hair again. When you're finished washing your hair out, dry your hair with a towel.\n6. Repeat the process. You can apply this mask to your hair 1-2 times a week for the optimal results. Otherwise, apply this avocado mask to your hair whenever it starts to appear dull, frizzy, or is dry and damaged to the touch.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to freeze lasagna?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Freezing homemade lasagna is a great way to have ready-made meals on hand for nights when it's all you can do to turn the oven on and heat up dinner. When you make lasagna and freeze it for later, you'll have a homemade, healthy meal on hand whenever you need it. You can freeze lasagna baked or unbaked, but you'll need to thaw it overnight before cooking it to serve. See Step 1 to learn how to freeze lasagna so that it stays fresh-tasting.\n\n## Prepare the lasagna\n\n1. Make a freezer-friendly lasagna recipe. Some ingredients taste better than others when they're reheated after being frozen. Most lasagna recipes that call for fresh ingredients will be just fine after freezing, whether you freeze them unbaked or baked. However, if the recipe uses items that have already been frozen and thawed once, it's best not to freeze and thaw them twice. This increases the chance that the food could be contaminated by bacteria. For example, don't plan on freezing lasagna made with sausage or ground beef that was previously frozen. Instead, use fresh meat or leave it out completely. Food that is frozen and thawed more than once also suffers when it comes to flavor and texture. Choosing a recipe that calls for fresh ingredients will result in the best-tasting lasagna. If your favorite lasagna recipe calls for a frozen ingredient, the final dish usually won't be too affected by substituting the fresh version instead. For example, instead of using frozen mushrooms, just use fresh. In most cases you will have needed to thaw them anyway.\n2. Assemble the lasagna in a dish that can be frozen. Look for a \"freezer-proof\" label or be certain that the dish can be frozen as well as used for baking. Most glass or ceramic casserole dishes are fine for this purpose. Avoid using an aluminum pan for long-term storage of lasagna. The food might end up picking up a tinny taste. If you don't have a dish that can be used to both bake and freeze lasagna, you can bake it one dish and freeze it in a freezer-safe food storage container.\n3. Decide whether to bake it first. Lasagna that has been baked before freezing will still taste great after it has been reheated. Lasagna that has been assembled and frozen before baking is delicious, too. Use whichever method is most convenient for you, since the final texture and taste of the dish won't be too affected either way. You might decide to freeze pre-baked lasagna if you have leftovers after making a big batch. If you'd rather freeze it before baking, consider making two lasagnas next time you're having lasagna for dinner. You can bake one and freeze the other to eat later.\n4. Bring the lasagna to room temperature. If you want to freeze baked lasagna, it's necessary to make sure it has cooled entirely before you freeze it. Otherwise, the texture of the dish won't be as pleasant when it's time to eat it. After making the lasagna, set it aside for one hour to cool. You can also place it into the refrigerator to chill. Before placing it in the fridge, cover the lasagna with two layers of plastic wrap and one layer of kitchen foil.\n5. Cover the lasagna with freezer-safe plastic wrap. Don't use aluminum foil, since it might affect the taste of the lasagna. Cover it with several layers of plastic wrap to keep it fresh in the freezer. You may want to wrap the plastic around the entire dish, rather than just over the top. That way, you can make sure there are no gaps in the wrap where air could get in and cause freezer burn. Consider cutting the lasagna into individual portions and freezing them in bags. This way you won't have to reheat the entire thing if you only need a meal for one or two people. Cut the lasagna into serving sized-portions after it has chilled. This will help the pieces hold together better instead of falling apart. Put each piece in its own freezer-safe storage bag. No matter what, make sure it is double wrapped to prevent the lasagna from drying out.\n6. Freeze the lasagna. Label it and place it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to three months, whether it has a meat or vegetable filling.\n\n\n## Thaw and reheat lasagna\n\n1. Thaw it overnight. The night before you intend to have the lasagna for dinner, thaw it overnight. If you try to bake it while it's still partially frozen, it will cook unevenly and the taste and texture will be affected. It will also be more difficult to determine whether it's done or not. You can thaw either the entire lasagna or portions in the refrigerator overnight.\n2. Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF. This is the standard cooking temperature for lasagna. No matter what recipe you used, this is a good temperature for baking your lasagna to perfection.\n3. Ready the lasagna for baking. Unwrap all of the plastic wrap, and cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will keep the top from getting too brown while the rest of the lasagna cooks. If you're cooking an individual portion of lasagna, take the piece you want to bake out of its storage bag and place it on a suitable baking dish, then cover with foil.\n4. Bake the lasagna. Put it in the oven and cook it half an hour to 40 minutes, or until heated through. You may need to test a small piece from the center to make sure it isn't still cold in the middle. During the last 10 minutes of baking, you can remove the foil to allow the heat to reach the top if you want a brown, crispy crust on your lasagna. If you're just reheating an individual piece of lasagna, you can do it in the microwave instead of in the oven. Place it on a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 2 - 3 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly. Do not use aluminum foil in the microwave.\n5. Serve the lasagna. Since it has been in the freezer for awhile, you might want to freshen it up by sprinkling some chipped basil or oregano on top.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to address a queen?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Queens are typically addressed as \"Your Majesty,\" but in modern times there is rarely any enforcement or punishment for getting it wrong. Queen Elizabeth II, the most famous living monarch, has been winked at by a U.S. president, among many other gaffes she's witnessed over the years. The royal family lives on, and the correct etiquette to use remains, at least in the British case, a suggested tradition rather than a requirement.\n\n## Address queen elizabeth ii in a letter\n\n1. Decide whether to use traditional forms. According to the Royal Family's official policy, you should be free to write in whatever style you like. Politeness and respect will make any letter more kindly received, but that does not necessarily equate to using formal terms. Stay sincere, and do not use the formal terms below if they make you uncomfortable.\n2. Begin the letter with \"Madam.\" At the top of your letter, write \"Madam,\" skip a line, and start writing your letter on the line below it. This is the formal and traditional term of address when writing a letter to the Queen of the United Kingdom.\n3. Conclude the letter with a respectful term. The traditional written conclusion is I have the honour to be, Madam, Your Majesty's most humble and obedient servant, followed by your name. If you find this conclusion distasteful due to the declaration of servitude, or the insertion of the letter u in honour, consider one of the following respectful conclusions instead:\n\t* With greatest respect,\n\t* Yours faithfully,\n\t* Yours sincerely,\n4. Mail the letter. On the envelope, write the following postal address, using the last line only if you are mailing the letter from outside the UK:\n\t* The Queen\n\t* Buckingham Palace\n\t* London SW1A 1AA\n\t* United Kingdom\n\n\n## Address queen elizabeth ii in person\n\n1. Make a small curtsy, bow, or nod. Traditionally, women do a discreet curtsy and men bow from the neck when they meet the Queen of the United Kingdom. This is no longer required, but citizens of the Commonwealth usually choose to use this greeting. People who are not subjects of the Queen often prefer to use a slight nod instead. Do not bow from the waist.\n2. Politely shake the Queen's hand if offered. The Queen may or may not offer her hand, although there is no special significance to one decision or the other. If she does offer her hand, take it in a brief, gentle handshake. Do not offer your hand first.\n3. Wait for Her Majesty to address you. A good general rule, in fact, is not to initiate an action or conversation until the Queen has addressed you directly. Needless to say, wait until the Queen finishes speaking before you reply.\n4. Address her as \"Your Majesty\" the first time in the conversation. If you are stuck for words, say \"Hello, Your Majesty. I am delighted to meet you.\" Any polite greeting is acceptable, however.\n5. Address her as \"Ma'am\" for the rest of the conversation. For the rest of the conversation, say, \"Ma'am,\" pronounced to rhyme with \"jam.\" You may use the term \"Your Majesty\" again if you are asking her a question or introducing someone, but \"Ma'am\" will do most of the time.\n6. Don't ask personal questions. Most likely, the Queen will be guiding the conversation. But if you contribute your own small talk, avoid asking her about her family or personal life.\n7. Don't turn your back on the Queen until the conversation is over. Remain facing her or standing to the side throughout the conversation. Turn away or leave only when the conversation is over. And of course, don't forget to give her a proper good-bye and thank Her Majesty for the unexpected opportunity.\n\n\n## Address queen of other nations\n\n1. Try to find the specific form of address. Monarchies often have specific terms of address borne of their countries' traditions. Search online or in etiquette books for the terms of address for the specific monarchy.\n2. When in doubt, use \"Your Majesty.\" The term \"Your Majesty\" is common and unlikely to cause offense. This term is the proper way to address most queens, from Queen Pengiran Anak Saleha of Brunei, to Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Use \"Her Majesty\" instead of \"her\" when writing or speaking about these queens in the third person.\n3. Address Empresses as \"Her Imperial Majesty.\" If a monarch's title includes \"Empress,\" or if the nation she heads traditionally considers itself an empire, she should be addressed as \"Her Imperial Majesty.\"\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to pin internet explorer shortcuts to the windows taskbar (with windows 8.1)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ever since Windows 7, it's been easy to pin Internet Explorer shortcuts. However, when Windows 8.1 came out in October 2013, they complicated this process a bit. Learn the newest processes to pinning an Internet Explorer shortcut to the taskbar, starting at Step 1 in Method 1 below.\n\n## Drag icon directly to taskbar\n\n1. Use the Internet Explorer program on your Windows desktop. Don't use the app that comes with your computer that is native to Windows 8.1.\n2. Browse to the site you'd like to pin to the taskbar.\n3. Look for the icon to the left of the address in the URL box/address bar.\n4. Click and drag this icon into your taskbar.\n\n\n## Slightly more complicate through the former feature method\n\n1. Use the Internet Explorer program on your Windows desktop. Don't use the app that comes with your computer that is native to Windows 8.1.\n2. Browse to the site you'd like to pin to the taskbar.\n3. Click the Gears button in the top right corner of the screen just below the x button that will close the screen and click \"Add site to Apps\".\n4. Look down at your Windows Taskbar, a few seconds later. The page should have unhooked itself from the main Internet explorer E icon from your Windows taskbar and opened itself up as a temporary pin on your taskbar.\n5. Right click the item in the list and select \"Pin to Taskbar\".\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make churros?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Mexican version of a quick fried cake, churros are incredible tasty treats that couldn't be easier to make. Whether you want to craft them from scratch or are looking for a quicker fix, anyone can whip up a batch of churros at home.\n\n## Make fresh churros\n\n1. Whip the two eggs together with the vanilla in a small bowl. It should be well blended and mixed. When done, set it aside for later. To make richer churros, you can add 1-2 more eggs, though this is totally up to taste.\n2. Heat up 1-1/2\" of oil in a large frying pan until 375°F. If you don't have a candy thermometer, keep everything on medium-low, and you'll be ready just as small amounts of \"smoke\" is rising from the top of the oil. If you drop a small test ball of dough in, the oil should immediately start bubbling. A thick-bottomed pan is always your best bet, as they hold heat much better than thinner pans. You can also wait to pre-heat the oil until after you've made the dough. However, this can take some time, so starting now is a good idea if you think you can do the dough quickly. If you do, just keep the burner on medium, not high, to prevent burning.\n3. In a medium saucepan, add the water, brown sugar, salt, and butter and heat until boiling. Stir it frequently, until everything is well dissolved and the mixture is bubbling nicely. Once it is a consistent, boiling mixture, immediately lower the heat to low.\n4. Add the flour to the hot water mixture all at once, stirring until a firm dough. This takes some arms, so really get in there with a wooden spoon to stir everything up into it is well blended. Turn the heat off when done.\n5. Pour the egg/vanilla mixture in and stir until you have a consistent dough. You should have a glossy ball of dough when you've mixed everything up completely. If you pull up on the dough sharply, it should keep it's hook shape. If it doesn't add and beat in another egg.\n6. Consider how you want to make the long, round shapes churros are famous for. There are a lot of ways to turn your ball of dough into long, delicious churros, and none of them are wrong. Use whatever works for you, making long, thin, cylindrical treats:\n\t* \n\t* Pinch and Roll: The simplest method, simply pull off a 2\" ball of dough and roll it between your hands to form a snake-like shape, roughly 1/2\" thick. Decorative Piper: Usually used for icing, these have star-shaped tips that will get the ridges found on fairground churros. Pack the dough where the icing goes and then push it through to make perfect, even logs of dough. DIY Decorative Piper: Take a large freezer back and fill it with dough. Then cut the bottom corner off the bag to form a small opening. Squeeze the dough through this whole to make your logs.\n7. Fry the logs in hot oil until golden brown on all sides, turning frequently. The total cooking time will depend on how thick the churros are, but you should be able to tell easily when they are done, as the outsides will be an alluring golden brown. Don't put more than 3-4 churros in the pan at once -- too much will drop the temperature of the oil rapidly, leading to greasy churros.\n8. Drain the finished churros on paper towels. Set them aside on a plate of paper towels, then lightly pat down the tops with more paper towels to get rid of excess oil.\n9. Combine white sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and roll the churros in the mixture. You've got your finished churros! Combine them in as much or as little cinnamon sugar as you want -- they'll be delicious either way. Some people take things a step further by drizzling the finished churros in chocolate sauce, too.\n\n\n## Make \"instant\" churros\n\n1. Purchase a roll of pre-made biscuits from your favorite brand. The dough in a \"real\" churro is a little different than the dough in a biscuit, but the basic ingredients are the same and they will cook similarly. It is usually best to use the smaller biscuits, allowing you to more easily fry everything. If you don't want the fat of biscuit batter, you can use 1 cup hot water and 3-1/4 cups of your favorite all-purpose pancake mix. Blend into a dough and proceed like normal.\n2. Take two biscuits and roll them in between your hands into ten-inch ropes. Churros need to be long and thin in order to really cook nicely. Try to make all the ropes roughly the same diameter for the best results.\n3. Twist biscuits together and pinch ends. Simply make a rope out of the biscuits by braiding one over the other, When done, pinch both ends together to fuse them. You can also lightly roll the whole thing together to keep the centers together.\n4. Alternatively, use an icing pipette or icing bag to pump out the strips. Simply put the dough into a large plastic bag, then snip off the bottom corner with scissors. You can push the dough straight out the bottom of the back in perfect strips.\n5. Pour vegetable oil into a medium-sized frying pan. Heat until it reached 375F. Make sure there is about 2 inches (5.1 cm) of oil in the pan to cover the churros. There should be enough oil so that they float freely while frying, and all sides, except the very top, are being cooked at the same time. If you don't have an oil thermometer, 375 is when there is barely smoke coming off the top of the oil. Don't let it get much farther than this point.\n6. Drop the dough twists into the pan, turning occasionally. Fry for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown. They don't take long, but you can easily see when they are finished by the color on the outsides. Once they look good to eat, they usually are.\n7. Remove the churros with the slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel. Pat them down with paper towels to remove excess oil, which will make them soggy if it cools on the churro.\n8. Roll the twisted dough in cinnamon and sugar mixture. In a separate bowl, mix up 1/2 cup of sugar with a teaspoon of cinnamon. Then roll the warm churros in the mixture to coat them deliciously.\n9. Serve warm, with chocolate dip if desired. They are fine on their own or with a delicious chocolate dip. Enjoy!\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to clean tires and rims?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anybody that owns a car has the issue of tires. Whether it is simply keeping them inflated, or the more complicated issue of keeping them looking clean. Tires were meant to get dirty. But if you follow a few simple steps, you can cheat the rules and keep your tires looking clean.\n\n## Tire\n\n1. Spray a synthetic wheel cleaner onto dry tires and allow five minutes to set in and lift off grime.\n2. Rinse off cleaner with a hose, being sure to remove all traces of the cleaner.\n3. Examine the tires. If they are still not up to expectations, allow surface to dry and then repeat steps 1 and 2.\n4. Apply tire wetting formula to the walls of the tire. If it is spray on, simply let the foam work its way into the tires and dry. If using a gel, however, apply to an applicator sponge specialized for the purpose and apply as needed.\n\n\n## Non chrome rim\n\n1. Start with a basic cleaner . Windex will work fine.\n2. Spray liberally onto the surface off the rim and rub on with a paper towel, or preferable a micro-fiber cloth.\n3. Spray off with a hose.\n4. Repeat step 1.\n\n\n## Chrome rim\n\n1. Know that polishes may be used after the initial cleaner to create a mirror like finish. These usually cost from 1-5 dollars.\n2. Make sure that the rims are not in direct sunlight. Apply the polish to a micro-fiber cloth or specialized applicator sponge, and use on the surface of the rim.\n3. Allow the polish to dry to a haze, and then rub to a clean finish with a micro-fiber cloth.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to take care of kittens?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Help your female cat give birth and care for newborns (0 to 4 weeks)\n\n1. Provide a quiet place for the birth. Your female cat will chose a place where she feels safe to give birth. By all means, provide a large cardboard box, turn it on its side and line it with warm, dry bedding–but don't be disappointed if she has other ideas. Instinct tells her to find a quiet concealed spot, such as under a bed, behind a sofa, or inside a kitchen cabinet. To learn more about helping your cat give birth, see this article.\n2. Do not disturb during the birth and first two days. The first 48 hours is a crucial time for the mother to bond with her kittens, so try not to disturb her. If she gives birth under your bed, leave her there. Moving the newborn kittens will distress the mother and in the worst scenario could cause her to reject them. Once she is firmly bonded, at around four or five days, if you feel it's necessary to move the kittens, do it then.\n3. Leave food, water, and cat litter in the room. The mother won't want to leave her kittens for long in the first two weeks of their life. Always put food and water within stretching distance of her nest, and if possible, offer a litter tray in the same room so that she can stay within sight and sound of the kittens. If food is in another room, some mothers chose to starve rather than leave their newborn kittens to find it.\n4. Feed the mother extra calories. She needs the extra calories to make milk for her kittens. Feed her kitten food, which has more calories than adult cat food.\n5. Let Mom do most of the clean-ups. Instinct helps the mother to keep the nest clean. The newborn kittens do not urinate or defecate on their own, so the mother has to lick their bottoms before and after feeding to stimulate elimination. This way she keeps the nest clean. Try to disturb the nest as little as possible. If the bedding becomes soiled, wait until Mom hops out for a toilet break herself to take out the dirty bedding and pop in clean.\n6. Check that the kittens are all nursing. If the mother cat is present, the kittens should nurse from her immediately after the last kitten is born. Newborn kittens will spend most of their time sleeping, waking up to nurse every two to three hours. If they do not appear to be nursing, or one kitten is being pushed away from the mother cat by its siblings, supplement with bottle feeding as described in Part 2.\n7. Consider spaying the mother cat. Having your mother cat spayed (removing her womb) after the kittens are done nursing (they should be weaned by about 8 weeks) is highly recommended by veterinarians and humane organizations. This helps prevent the suffering of unwanted kittens, and can also have some health benefits for the spayed cat. Be aware that a cat can potentially fall pregnant again as little as three to four days after giving birth, so keep her indoors to avoid this risk.\n8. Start to think about deworming the kittens. This can happen as early as two weeks if necessary. Consult a veterinarian for proper medication and dosing.\n\n\n## Care for orphan kitten (0 to 4 weeks)\n\n1. Feed the kittens a milk replacement. Powdered cat milk replacer (such as Cimicat) can be purchased from the vet clinic, major pet stores, or on the Internet. Another good milk replacer is KMR. This is the cat equivalent of infant formula, with the same composition as queen's (mother's) milk. The milk replacer has guidelines as to how much to feed in each meal. Do not feed cow's milk to the kitten as the lactose is likely to upset the kitten's stomach. If you have no milk replacement and a hungry kitten, offer some cooled boiled water in a dropper or syringe until you can get to the vet clinic or pet store. The water keeps the kitten hydrated and won't upset her tummy.\n2. Use a kitten feeding bottle with a specially designed kitten teat. You can purchase this at a vet clinic, a major pet store, or on the Internet. In an emergency use an eyedropper or a small syringe to drip the milk replacement into the kitten's mouth.\n3. Burp the kittens after each meal. You do this much as you would a baby: hold the kitten up straight against your shoulder, or place one hand under its belly. Gently pat and rub its back.\n4. Stimulate the kittens to eliminate. Before and after each feed, wipe the kitten's bottom with a paper towel or gauze pad soaked in warm water. This stimulates the kitten to go to the toilet, which otherwise she would not do. Hold the kitten over a litter box and use the towel to rub the kitten's genitals and anal region after every meal. Continue to do this until the urination and defecation is over (when nothing else is coming out). Rub in just one direction–rubbing back and forth is irritating. Cotton balls or pads are not recommended because they shed.\n5. Look for signs of healthy elimination. Urine should be pale yellow and odorless, and stools should be yellowish-brown, formed in tiny logs. Dark, pungent urine is a sign of dehydration; green stool may be a sign of over-feeding, while white stool could indicate malabsorption, a serious problem. Call your vet if you have any concerns. If the kitten does not urinate for 12 hours, take her to the vet's immediately. Most kittens poop once a day, but individual schedules vary. Take her to the vet's if she hasn't pooped in more than two days.\n6. Follow the kittens' meal times. In the first two weeks of life the kitten feeds every two to three hours around the clock. The kitten will tell you she is hungry by crying and wriggling around as if hunting for a nipple. A full kitten often falls asleep while suckling and has a rounded belly. After two weeks, the feeds can be stretched out to to every three to four hours, with a gap of six hours overnight.\n7. Keep the kittens warm with a covered heating pad. Neonatal kittens (under two weeks of age) cannot regulate their body temperature and usually keep warm by snuggling up to their mother. You can simulate this situation by keeping them on a heated pad designed for puppies or kittens. Avoid putting them in direct contact with the pad: if the kitten is in direct contact with the heat pad, she might be at risk of either local burns or overheating. However, these pads usually come in a fleece cover so it shouldn't be a problem, except for when you remove the cover for washing, in which case substitute a towel. As the kitten gets older (over two weeks), she is able to move away from the heat if she gets too hot.\n8. Never feed a cold kitten. If a kitten's body feels cold, you need to warm her up gradually. A kitten is cold if her ears and/or the pads of her feet feel chilly to the touch. Put your finger in her mouth: if it feels cold, the kitten's body temperature is too low, which can be life-threatening. Warm her up slowly by wrapping her in a fleece blanket and holding her next to your body, rubbing her gently with your hands for one to two hours.\n9. Learn more about taking care of orphaned kittens. You can start with this article. Contact a veterinarian for information and suggestions. Your vet can also provide vaccinations against common diseases and deworm the kittens. Orphaned kittens may be dewormed starting at two weeks, and, depending on their situation, can be vaccinated starting anywhere from two to eight weeks. They may have weaker immune systems because, unlike other kittens, they don't get the antibodies from their mother's milk.\n\n\n## Wean and socialize your kitten (4 - 8 weeks)\n\n1. Start to leave out extra kitten food. If Mom's around, the weaning process (switching from mother's milk to solid food) happens naturally from about four weeks. At this point, Mom gets tired of the kittens chewing on her teats and starts to spend time apart from them. In turn, the hungry kittens investigate food options around them and usually discover Mom's food. As the kittens start to take mouthfuls of her food, they begin the weaning process.\n2. Provide water. Kittens do not need water until they start weaning, roughly around four weeks old. Any kitten above this age, however, should have constant access to a full water bowl. Change this water whenever it gets dirty (as it tends to if kittens step and/or poop in the bowl).\n3. Put down kitten food for hand-reared kittens. If you've been bottle-feeding the kittens yourself, the weaning process is similar. It sometimes helps to put some milk-replacer in a saucer and put your finger just beneath the surface to teach the kitten to lap first. Then, it's a matter of mashing up some wet kitten food with the milk-replacer to make a porridge for the kitten to lap. As she gets the hang of that you can thicken up the porridge until she's happily taking most of her calories in solid form.\n4. Socialize your kittens by introducing them to new things. Socialization is crucial during the three-to-nine-week window. From two to three weeks of age, handle the kittens as much as possible every day. Introduce them to different sights and sounds, such as the vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, men with beards, children . . . anything you can think of. During this six-week window the kitten is most open to new experiences, and what she encounters now she will accept without question as an adult, making her into a happy, well-adjusted and sociable cat. Use cat toys, balls, string, or other objects to play with them, but don't use objects small enough for them to swallow. (Note that cats may eat string or yarn if left unsupervised, so only allow this in your interactive play. It's a potential choking hazard.) Don't teach your kittens that human fingers and hands are toys, or the kitten may continue to bite and scratch them as an adult.\n5. Provide non-clumping litter. Choose a spot for the litter box carefully, as once used to it, the kittens will probably continue to use that spot. If litter-training the kittens yourself, simply place the kittens there after each meal, or whenever a kitten starts to crouch and scratch the floor in preparation for pooping. Clean the litter box at least once a day, or the kittens may stop using it. Choose a box with low sides so it's easy for the kittens to get in and out. Avoid clumping litter, as kittens may eat the clumps, which could potentially harm their digestion. If a kitten seems like it doesn't want to stay in the litter box, gently take its paws and imitate digging in the litter. Then, provide the kitten with privacy so it can dig a hole, do its business, and cover it up with some litter.\n6. Keep the cat inside until it has all its shots. Once your veterinarian allows it, you can let the cat outside to explore. Make sure you keep a close watch on it until you're sure it knows to return home. Let the kitten outside when it's a bit hungry. Entice it back in by calling its name and showing it food. This will remind your kitten that while outdoors is fun, its final destination will always be your home.\n7. Give kittens away responsibly. If selling or giving away the kittens, you should wait until they are at least eight weeks old, but twelve weeks old is preferred. Take them to a vet and start their shots before they leave you. Always follow-up with the new owners to make sure the kitten is getting her shots and is scheduled to be spayed or neutered. Exchange phone numbers with the new owners so you can confirm your kitten is in good hands, or in case the owners want to return her (at least you can help her find another home).\n\n\n## Take care of an adopt kitten (8 weeks and beyond)\n\n1. Ask the breeder or shelter for a blanket that smells like the kitten's mother and siblings. These smells help to give the kitten comfort while she settles into her new home.\n2. Ask what kind of food the kitten's been eating. Provide this for the first few days so that you don't make too many changes at once. When the kitten has settled in, this is your chance to change her food to one of your choosing, though do it gradually: replace a small quantity of her former food with the new food, increasing the amount slowly over the course of a week. If the kitten is eating dry kibble, leave a bowl out all day. If she is eating wet food, give her small meals every six hours. Continue to feed kitten food, not adult cat food, until one year of age.\n3. Provide water. Kittens above four weeks of age need water, so clean water should always be available. Cats tend to be more interested in water that is not next to their food bowl. Encourage drinking by placing water bowls in different spots through the house.\n4. Introduce the kitten to your house slowly. Expose the kitten to just one room initially: the whole house will be too overwhelming on the first day. Set up a bed (preferably one that has sides and a roof so the kitten feels safe in a nest), with food and water in one corner of the room, and a litter tray in the opposite corner. Show the kitten where her facilities are, and then leave her to rest. It's been a big day for the little kitten so let her adjust and sleep for a few hours.\n5. Give the kitten as much attention as you can. Spend as much time as possible grooming, playing, fussing and interacting with the kitten. This helps her to grow into a well-socialized, friendly adult.\n6. Keep the kitten and your possessions safe. Keep electrical cords and devices out of the kitten's reach to avoid her chewing on them. Child locks may be a wise investment for low cabinets if you have a particularly inquisitive kitten.\n7. Plan a vet visit. At nine weeks old the kitten can have her first vaccination. This is the ideal time for a vet to examine her, worm her and start vaccinations. The basic kitten vaccine includes protection against cat flu and infectious enteritis. There is also the option to vaccinate against feline leukemia.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to clean slate?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Slate is a stone that brings natural beauty into the home, and can be expensive to install. Regular maintenance cleaning can help preserve slate. But sometimes, it needs a deep clean or stain removal. A combination of regular cleaning and an occasional deep clean can help keep your slate in good condition.\n\n## Maintain a regular clean routine\n\n1. Sweep or remove dust and debris regularly. If you have slate floors, it is important to sweep daily or several times a week. Dust can damage slate over time by wearing away the surface. Keeping a regular cleaning schedule can prevent this damage. Use a dry broom or cloth for this step.\n2. Mix a solution of mild soap and water. For this, you will need a large bucket full of warm water. Mix in a little bit of soap. Dish soap works well for this.\n3. Mop or wipe the surface. Gently wipe the surface of the slate using small circular motions. This motion will loosen and lift dried-on dust and dirt. Use a soft mop, made from materials such as a microfiber. Stiff bristles can damage the stone. For vertical surfaces, clean from the bottom up. Slate should be cleaned with soap every 2-3 months.\n4. Rinse the slate with water. Rinse out your bucket and mop first, and then use them to rinse the slate with water. Soap buildup can attract more dirt, meaning you will have to clean your slate again.\n5. Dry the slate with a fresh, dry, soft cloth. This will remove any streaks from forming on the slate that may occur from air drying and prevent slipping on floor surfaces.\n\n\n## Clean deeply\n\n1. Sweep and mop the slate. Start with removing dry dust and debris by sweeping. Then mop or wipe the slate surface with a soft cloth or microfiber mop in soapy water. Allow the surface to dry.\n2. Apply teak oil to the slate. After the surface is completely dry, apply teak oil to a clean, dry cloth. Using small, circular motions, apply cloth to the slate to cover it in a thin layer of teak oil. Designated slate oil is also available to buy at some hardware stores. However, it tends to be more expensive. Teak oil will achieve the same results.\n3. Clean grout between slate tiles. Mix a solution in a spray bottle that is 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water. You can find hydrogen peroxide at hardware stores or pharmacies. Spray the solution onto the grout. Avoid direct contact with the eyes when using hydrogen peroxide. Repeat this step as needed if the grout doesn't look clean after the first round.\n4. Reapply sealant as needed. Sealant protects slate from some everyday wear and tear, and is used on interior surfaces. Each sealant is different, so be sure to follow the specific instructions that come with it. In general, apply at least two layers and allow the sealant to dry completely between coats. Each sealant will come with instructions about how often to reapply it.\n\n\n## Remove a stain\n\n1. Mix a solution in a spray bottle that is 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water. Allow the mixture to sit for around 10 minutes.\n2. Spray the solution onto the stain and scrub. Using a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth, scrub the stain with small, circular motions. If the stain does not come out, a stronger solution may be needed.\n3. Mix a solution of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to the peroxide until the mixture becomes bubbly. Wait until the bubbles stop.\n4. Apply the solution to the stain. Once the peroxide and baking soda mix has set, you can wipe it away with a clean cloth.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to call the united arab emirates?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The United Arab Emirates, or UAE, is a vibrant nation and tourist destination. Whether you have family and friends there or need to contact a business, you may need to call internationally. Dialing a number in the UAE is simple when you dial the correct exit, country, and area codes. Before you place your call, read about time zone differences and different calling options allowed by the UAE government to save yourself money.\n\n## Dial a uae number\n\n1. Dial your country’s exit code to route the call internationally. Each country has its own exit code, so the number you need to dial varies slightly depending on where you are in the world. The most common exit codes are 00, used throughout Europe, and 011, used for most of North America. Ask your phone service provider for the access code or look it up at https://www.howtocallabroad.com/codes.html\n\t* For example, the exit code for Australia is 0011. When you dial the UAE, the phone number looks like 0011+XXX+X+XXX-XXXX. Some countries have multiple exit codes. In Brazil, for example, each phone service provider has its own exit code. If you’re calling from a cell phone, look for a + button on your number pad. Pressing it automatically inputs the exit code. You don’t need to type it in yourself afterward.\n2. Type in 971 to reach the United Arab Emirates. Every country in the world has a unique country code. You will always reach a UAE number by dialing 971. In addition, the country code always comes after your exit code. Make sure you type the correct country code. If you get the code wrong, you may end up calling someone in a different country! After typing the country code, the number you have dialed may look something like 0011+971+X+XXX-XXXX.\n3. Include the area code for the city you wish to call in the UAE. Like in a lot of countries, the UAE is divided up into service regions. Major UAE cities like Dubai are covered by single-digit area codes. For smaller regions like Tarif, the area code is 2 digits long. Find an area code at https://countrycode.org/uae. For example, the area code for Dubai is 4. Dial 2 to reach Abu Dhabi instead. The area code always comes after the country code, so the number you have dialed will look like 0011+971+4+XXX-XXXX. If you see a phone number that begins with 0, leave off the 0 when dialing it. For example, you may see a Dubai number with a 04 area code. The 0 is for domestic calls, so dial it only when you're calling from within the UAE.\n4. Use an area code starting with 5 if you’re calling a mobile number. Mobile numbers have a separate area code no matter where you’re calling. The code you need depends on what service provider the other person has. The only way to figure out someone’s mobile phone number is by asking them or figuring out which service provider they use. Mobile codes are always 2 digits long. For example, numbers covered by Etisalat use 50 or 54. Numbers covered by Du often begin with 52 or 55. If you’re calling a mobile number, dial something like 0011+971+55+XXX-XXXX. Like with landlines, avoid dialing 0 if a phone number starts with it. You only need to dial it when you’re calling domestically.\n5. Type in the phone number to complete the call. Phone numbers in the UAE are 7 digits long, excluding the area code. To complete the call, you will need to ask for that phone number or find it online. The finished phone number will look something like 0011+971+4+XXX-XXX. This number places a call to Dubai from Australia.\n\n\n## Manage fee while call\n\n1. Contact your phone carrier to get a calling plan if you make lots of calls. Notify your phone service provider that you plan on calling the UAE. Ask them about the costs and what plans they have available. Many carriers have monthly plans catering to international callers. If you think you’ll need to make lots of calls, such as when contacting family in the UAE, a prepaid plan can save you a lot of money. Note any fees the phone carrier includes in their terms of service. Calling abroad is often costly, so explore your options before settling on a carrier.\n2. Get a prepaid calling plan if you make few calls. A lot of the major phone carriers offer pay as you go plans. You decide in advance how many minutes you wish to buy. When your minutes are up, you can no longer make calls until you buy more data. Prepaid plans are a great way to place international calls without paying for a monthly plan. Your phone calls are limited to what you pay for, so you do need to manage time wisely. However, using limited data prevents you from overspending on long calls.\n3. Buy calling cards for reduced rates if you make short calls. Order an international calling card online or buy one from a telephone service provider. Read the front of the card to find out how many minutes it contains and what rate it charges. Make sure the card is valid for calls to the United Arab Emirates. When you use the card, dial the number on it before dialing your country’s exit code. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find cards available at supermarkets, convenience stores, and other locations. If you visit the UAE, the country’s telecom companies sell prepaid cards that stay valid even while you’re abroad. Read the fine print on the cards carefully to find out what fees come along with placing calls.\n4. Purchase a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone for frequent calls. Find a service provider that sells VoIP phone plans, such as Vonage. Phones equipped with VoIP technology place calls over the Internet instead of traditional phone lines. As a result, you can place international calls at a reduced rate. If you call the UAE several times a month, VoIP technology is a good investment. Some companies sell phone adapters that allow you to place VoIP calls on your regular phone. Use the adapter to place calls through your computer or landline. The disadvantage of VoIP phones is that you need a stable Internet connection. Using a high-speed connection increases the quality of your calls.\n5. Use a legal Internet app if you wish to make quality video calls. In the UAE, the government sets regulations on what apps its citizens can use for phone calls. Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) apps are common across the world, and the ones used in the UAE are called Botim and C’me. To use these apps, you need to either be connected to Wi-Fi or use your phone’s mobile network. The person you are calling also needs to have the app installed on their device. Botim and C’me charge a monthly fee to access the app, which can get costly for most residents. On the plus side, these apps offer both regular and video calls. As of 2018, apps like Skype and FaceTime are banned in the UAE. This may change in the near future, but for now, the UAE government wants to steer its citizens away from free services.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to register to vote in ohio?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Register online\n\n1. Gather documents that prove your identity and address. To register to vote in the state of Ohio, you need to provide various information that proves your identity to the Secretary of State’s office. To that end, gather or look up:\n\t* The last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN)\n\t* Your name and date of birth\n\t* Your home address\n\t* Your Ohio driver’s license or other state-issued identification\n2. Navigate to the Ohio Secretary of State’s website to begin. Voter registration in Ohio is handled by the Secretary of State’s office. If you have a computer, smartphone, or tablet, it’s quick and easy to register online. Begin at: https://olvr.sos.state.oh.us/. Click the link at the bottom of the page that says “Let’s Get Started.”\n\t* You can also register to vote for free at vote.org. The website will send you various notifications about upcoming elections if you register through them. Start the process at: https://www.vote.org/register-to-vote/ohio/.\n3. Complete the web forms with your personal info and address. As you click through the voter registration web pages, you’ll be asked to confirm your voter eligibility and to provide your name, date of birth, and the number on your Ohio driver’s license. Click “Continue” to move on once you’ve filled out a page. If you realize that you made a mistake on a previous page, you can always click the “Back” button. Avoid clicking on your browser’s back arrow.\n4. Confirm and submit your information to register to vote. The last web page will ask you to review all of the personal information that you’ve provided. Check through everything to make sure you gave accurate information and didn’t include any typos. Once you’ve finished, submit the form to the Secretary of State office. Within 3–4 days of submitting the online form, you’ll receive an email informing you that you are registered to vote in Ohio.\n\n\n## Register through the mail\n\n1. Obtain a voter registration form at any public building. In Ohio, it’s easy to obtain a copy of the registration paperwork. Visit any public library, any of the 88 county boards of elections, the office of the Secretary of State, or any public high school. Speak to someone at the main desk or secretarial office and ask for a copy of the voter registration form. If you don’t live near to any public buildings, you can download a PDF copy of the registration form online at: https://www.sos.state.oh.us/globalassets/elections/forms/vr\\_form\\_04-2015.pdf. You must print the form, though; it cannot be filled out online.\n2. Fill out the entire form in blue or black ink. Provide your name, address, and the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. Write in either your Ohio Driver’s License number or the last 4 digits of your SSN; you don’t need to provide both numbers. Also select your county with the online PDF’s drop-down menu. Sign and date the form once you’ve filled it out. Write as legibly as possible. If the official who receives the form cannot read your handwriting, they won’t be able to register you to vote.\n3. Enclose a copy of your ID if you don’t specify your SSN. If you don’t include either the last 4 digits of your SSN or the number of your Ohio driver’s license, your registration will be incomplete. You can remedy this by including a copy of your current valid photo ID or a copy of your military ID. If you don’t have either of these items, just include a copy of a recent utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check with your name and address on it. Do not send in your actual ID or actual utility bill! The state will not return it.\n4. Mail the completed paperwork to your local county board of elections. If you prefer not to mail your voter registration paperwork, you can deliver the completed form by hand. Just bring it to your home county’s board of elections. Make sure to mail it early enough so the paperwork arrives at least 30 days prior to the next upcoming election to make sure you’re registered in time to vote. If you’re not sure where your local county board of elections is located, you can find out online. Just search for your home county at: https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/elections-officials/county-boards-of-elections-directory/.\n5. Deliver the completed paperwork by hand if you live nearby. If you live close to the county board of elections, or if you prefer not to deliver your voter registration by mail, you can drop off the paperwork in person. Give the form to an administrative assistant or other state employee who handles voter-registration issues. If you’re too busy (or feeling under the weather), ask someone else to drop the registration form off on your behalf.\n\n\n## Change your voter registration information\n\n1. Check your voter registration status online before making changes. Before changing your Ohio voter registration status, it’s a smart idea to check your current voter registration status. You may find that you’re registered at the wrong address or that some other error was made in your personal information. Find out if you’re registered to vote in Ohio at: https://voterlookup.sos.state.oh.us/voterlookup.aspx.\n2. Download and print the voter registration PDF. Visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s website and download a copy of the voter registration paperwork. This is the same form that you can use to register to vote. However, if you’re changing your registration, you’ll fill out a couple boxes that aren’t used in ordinary registration. Find the form at: https://www.sos.state.oh.us/globalassets/elections/forms/vr\\_form\\_04-2015.pdf. Or if you prefer, you can visit any government building—including your local county board of elections—and ask for a copy of the registration paperwork. Just make sure that it has a box you can check to indicate that you’re changing your registration and not registering for the first time.\n3. Indicate what’s changed for you and fill out the registration form. With a blue or black ink pen, check the box that says “Updating my address,” “Updating my name,” or both boxes, depending on your individual case. Fill out the entire form. If you’re changing your address, include your previous address where indicated. Or, if you’re changing your name, write out your prior name where indicated. Write as neatly as possible so that the person entering your information can read it.\n4. Mail or deliver the form to your local county board of elections. Once you’ve completed the paperwork, stick it in an envelope and mail it to your home county’s board of elections office. Or, if you prefer to deliver it in person, visit the board of elections and give your form to a voter-registration employee. Find your county’s board of elections online at: https://www.sos.state.oh.us/elections/elections-officials/county-boards-of-elections-directory/. Make sure that the paperwork is at the elections office at least 30 days before the next election so your registration is changed in time for you to vote.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make your own decorations for halloween?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are thousands of Halloween decorations you could go out to the store and buy, but often they look generic and plastic-y, don't they? Why not make your own? Using household items, you can make your own ghosts, bats, spiders, and pumpkins! Here's how.\n\n## Ghostly spirit jugs\n\n1. Clean several plastic milk jugs. You don't need to cut them out or in any way modify them -- they just need to be clean. Each one will be one ghost -- how many milk jugs do you need?\n2. Draw a face on the jugs. You can either use a black permanent marker, felt, or any material you have lying around the house. The permanent marker will be the easiest to make a detailed face with. While you do this, only work on the side without the handles and leave the caps on the jugs. The air forced to stay inside by the caps will make it easier to work with, keeping it sturdy. You don't have to go Martha Stewart on this project. Just a circle for a mouth and circles for eyes (leave a little white for the pupils) can be cute, too.\n3. Cut a small hole in the back of the jug. Use a craft knife to cut a hole the size of a half dollar or a bit bigger than a pound coin. Place the hole about 2/3 of the way up the jug. This won't be seen. If it's not perfect, don't worry about it. Just don't leave any sharp edges!\n4. Stuff the jug with Christmas or fairy lights. You can either use a whole string for one jug, or thread several jugs with a single string. Arrange the jugs together, plug in the cord, and voila! These little buggers work great lining a walk or a patio or table edge. They dim the lighting just enough to glow in a very Halloween-y feel!\n\n\n## Flapping bats\n\n1. Cut a body, two wings, and the head of a bat (with ears!) out of a piece of paper. You can find a template online or you can freehand it. Make the body a little on the chubby side so you have room to attach the wings without drawing away from its size.\n2. Trace your template onto black craft foam. Cut out the foam to match the template. This project looks best if you have about 6 or so bats. They need friends!\n3. Punch several holes into the bat to join the pieces together. Punch two holes on each wing, close to where the wings would attach to the body. Leave a little space around all sides so the holes don't turn into rips. Also punch a hole at the bottom of the body, to attach a string later (around where a tail would be). The holes just have to be big enough to put a metal brad through. This is how the wings will flap.\n4. Align the holes on the body and the wings together and fasten with a brad. Since there are two holes on each side, use the one that's closest to the wing tip. Place a paper fastener or a brad through the hole and secure loosely (it's best to use a black fastener or color your gold brad).\n5. Thread a string through the empty holes and tie in a loop. That's why you pierced two holes in each bat initially! You'll probably want at least 10 inches (25 cm) of string (or dental floss), so the string is easy to grab. This is how you'll manipulate the wings. When you hang your bat up, you can just give the string a tug and away he'll go!\n6. Attach a ribbon and red sequin eyes. Thread the ribbon through the bottom hole to hang the bat upside down from your wall or ledge. Tie it in a loop and knot. Then, make red eyes with sequins. Googly eyes work, too!\n\n\n## Flowerpot pumpkins\n\n1. Purchase a few terra cotta pots. Having a variety of sizes will give you a pumpkin family! Make sure they're clean if you had them laying around the house. You want them very orange to simulate pumpkins.\n2. Cut the parts of a face out of yellow craft paper. If you don't have craft paper, use scrapbook paper, card, or wrapping paper. Anything that's bendy and colorful will work. Make arched evil eyebrows, a handlebar mustache, surprised eyes, or any detail that you'd like your pumpkin pots to have. The simpler your face, the more it will look like a jack-o-lantern. Give it a toothy grin, a triangular nose, and triangular eyes to make it look more pumpkin-esque.\n3. Brush the surface of the pot with outdoor modge-podge. You only need a layer on the side you'll place the face for right now. Use a sponge brush or paint brush for best results. A thin, but even layer is ideal.\n4. Apply the pieces of the face to the upside down pot. Press them firmly into place. Then, apply a thin layer of the sticky stuff all over the pot, effectively weather-proofing it.\n5. Insert a stick into the end for a stem. When we say stick, we mean stick. Go outside under a tree and find a stick to fit through the bottom of your terra cotta pot. And there it is -- a pumpkin that won't rot in a week's time!\n\n\n## Giant spooky spiders\n\n1. Cut off the spout of an empty, clean milk jug. Just below the lid is what you don't want. Use a craft knife to make this easy -- scissors will be difficult to work with. Make sure your milk jug is clean! If there's still a milky residue it may end up smelling.\n2. Cover the jug with black tape. This will form the body of your spider. Go as tightly around the handle as you can; but don't worry -- if it's still discernible, that's fine.\n3. Get 4 6-foot (2 m) black foam pipe insulation tubes that are 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) in diameter. These will be the legs. Tape each one in the center along the handle of the jug. Then, tape the tubes along the sides of the jug too, to make it look as if the legs are going along the body. The tubes will bend into place.\n4. Cut a slit at a joint in the legs. If you cut a slit in the tube, it will bend at your cut. If you hold it in the bend, you can tape it to stay permanently bent. This will form the joints in your spiders legs. A 1\" (2.5 cm) triangle cut is good -- the tube won't unexpectedly break off. Just hold it at its bending point and wrap tape around the newly-formed joint.\n5. Use two halves of a plastic Easter egg for eyes. They'll bulge out and be adequately creepy -- especially if you cut a slit of black tape for pupils. If you don't have an egg lying around, puff balls (or anything circular, really) work as well. Just attach them to the jug with more tape or glue.\n\n\n## Adorable hanging ghosts\n\n1. Create your ghost form with two small paper cups. Turn the first one upside down, then place the second one on top of that. To make it stable, tape or glue the bottoms together. You won't actually be using the cups as part of the ghost -- it's just used for sizing in the initial stages. So if you don't want to fuss with tape, don't worry about it!\n2. Inflate a small balloon and put it in the top cup. But not too much! If it's too big it won't fit in the cup. Make it so it fills out the cup, like a round poof of whipped cream tops a mug of hot chocolate.\n3. Soak pieces of cheesecloth in fabric stiffener. You'll want to work with pieces that are about 8 inches (20 cm) square. Grab a bowl and fill it with fabric stiffener, soaking each piece thoroughly. About 10 seconds per piece will do the job nicely.\n4. Immediately drape over the balloon. After you've soaked a piece, drape it over the balloon and move onto the next piece. Center the pieces, evenly draped over the balloon, but not perfectly uniform. Once you've finished with all your pieces, let it dry for about ten minutes. It will then harden and take shape.\n5. Pop the balloon! This will require a needle or other pointy object since you can't go smashing your creation on the floor (well, you could, if you get really frustrated -- but that'd defeat the purpose). After you do so, you should be left with a free-floating white ghost-like creation. Isn't Halloween the best?\n6. Remove from the cup and rough up the edges. The ends should look tattered, as if they're wafting in some sort of unregisterable-to-humans breeze. Just bending them with your fingers should do the trick.\n7. Attach felt eyes and fishing line to hang. Little tiny black dots for eyes are all these little guys need to be cute and not at all ominous. Black sequins or beads can work, too. As for the fishing line, just thread it through the cheesecloth, loop, and tie in a knot! Hang your new buddies from lights, shelves, windows, or the ceiling.\n\n\n## Eyes in a bush\n\n1. Get an empty toilet paper roll, and a glowstick. You can easily find both at a dollar store.\n2. Cut out two football shaped eye holes. Place them about two to three inches (5 to 7.5cm) apart.\n3. Put the glowsticks in the center of the toilet paper roll. Do not cause them to glow until they need to be used as a decoration on the night of Halloween.\n4. Put the roll(s) in your bushes/trees. When you cause the glowsticks tot work, you will have scary eyes in a bush!\n\n\n## Paper bag ghosts\n\n1. Obtain rubber bands and a white paper bag.\n2. Draw a ghost face on the paper bag.\n3. Put the rubber band around the middle of the bag.\n4. Decorate. Add the face of a ghost and any other designs.\n5. Hang up from the ceiling, on branches, etc.\n\n\n## Scary halloween candy bowl\n\n1. Get a fake hand, a bowl, glue, and candy. The glue must be non-toxic as food is going to come into contact with it.\n2. Glue the fake hand onto the bottom of the bowl.\n3. Let the glue dry for about two to three hours.\n4. Fill the bowl with candy.\n5. Set the bowl out for the trick or treaters.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to prevent an electrical fire during the holidays?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "During the holidays, it is common for people to decorate the inside and outside of their home with lighting, and other types of electrical accessories. Although most decorations are manufactured to withstand the holiday season, improper and unsafe usage can increase your chances of experiencing an electrical fire. However, with the proper safety measures, you can prevent electrical fires from occurring, and keep both your home and your family safe. Use this article as your guide for learning how to prevent an electrical fire from occurring during the holiday season.\n\n## General electrical fire prevention\n\n1. Use holiday decorations that have been approved for safety by national laboratories. Decoration packaging will contain seals or labels that indicate the product is safe to use in your home. Using decorations that lack a safety approval may be hazardous, and can trigger an electrical fire.\n2. Inspect the physical condition of all electrical decorations before use. Electrical decorations should not display any loose or frayed wires, loose or cracked bulbs, or any other physical faults. If these features are present, avoid using the decorations to prevent an electrical fire.\n3. Refrain from plugging multiple electrical decorations into one specific outlet. Some outlets cannot support multiple connections, and may become overloaded and trigger an electrical fire as a result. Plug your decorations into multiple outlets, and read the instructions included with your decorations to determine the safest method for use.\n4. Replace bulbs in light strings with those of the same wattage, when applicable. If you replace a bulb with a higher wattage than is required, you can potentially cause the entire string of lights to overheat and start a fire.\n5. Turn off or unplug all electrical decorations when leaving the house or going to sleep. Leaving your decorations unsupervised means that nobody is around to notice any fire that might start. Lights and other electrical components become overheated due to being left on for an extended period of time.\n\n\n## Outdoor electrical fire prevention\n\n1. Only use lights and electrical decorations that are approved for outdoor use. Outdoor lights and decorations are often manufactured to withstand rain, snow, and other harsh elements. Using decorations that are approved for indoor-use only may trigger an electrical fire when coming into contact with certain elements. Thoroughly read and inspect all decoration packaging to verify that the decorations are safe to use outdoors.\n2. Use a ladder made from wood, fiberglass, or plastic instead of metal. Using a ladder made from materials other than metal will reduce your risk of becoming shocked, or starting an electrical fire.\n3. Keep all extension cords and strings of lights suspended up and away from standing water and snow. If extension cords and wiring come into contact with standing water, they can trigger an electrical fire or cause electrocution.\n4. Place decorations away from major power lines and high-voltage areas. This can prevent electrocution and an electrical fire from starting in the event you accidentally come into contact with a high-voltage power line.\n\n\n## Indoor electrical fire prevention\n\n1. Buy fresh, green trees instead of trees that are dry and losing pine needles. Fresh trees are less flammable and less likely to ignite; whereas dry trees can catch fire when they come into contact with very warm or hot lights. Purchase a fire-resistant or flame-retardant tree if you decide on an artificial tree instead of a live tree.\n2. Place your tree in a position at least 3 feet (0.91 m) (90cm) away from heat sources. Heat sources such as radiators, space heaters, fireplaces, and heat vents can often cause your tree and its electrical decorations to catch fire.\n3. Water your tree on a daily basis or as needed to keep it fresh. By maintaining the freshness of your tree throughout the holiday season, you are reducing the risk of an electrical fire that could be caused by decorations igniting a dry tree.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to join yarn in crocheting?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you are nearing the end of your ball of yarn or want to change colors, you will need to join the old yarn with a ball of new yarn. There are easy ways to do this! Try a simple knot to help keep the yarn anchored as you work the new yarn, and then weave in the ends later. If you prefer not to weave in any ends, criss-cross and double the yarn or create a no-weave knot to connect the ends.\n\n## Tie a knot and weave in the end\n\n1. Tie a loose knot around the old yarn with a 6 in (15 cm) tail. You can do this anywhere in the row, such as at the beginning, middle, or end. Make the knot tight enough to hold the yarn in place, but also loose enough so that you can easily untie it later. Move the old yarn strand to the side, but do not cut it yet.Tip: Use this method of joining yarn if you want something quick and easy, and you don’t mind weaving in the ends later on.\n2. Crochet with the new yarn leaving the knot in place. To ensure that the yarn is secured seamlessly into your work, begin working the next stitch in your pattern using the new strand of yarn. Do not untie the knot after you work the stitch. For example, if you are doing a single crochet stitch, insert the hook into the next stitch, and yarn over. However, instead of yarning over with your old yarn, yarn over with the new strand. Then, pull this yarn through the stitch, yarn over again, and pull through 2 to complete the stitch.\n3. Cut the old yarn and untie the knot after working a row. After you have crocheted 1 row past where you joined the yarn, untie the knot connecting the new strand to the old strand. Then, cut the old yarn to the same length as the new yarn, if needed. If the old yarn is already the same length as the new yarn, then don’t cut it.\n4. Weave in the ends with a yarn needle. Thread the end of the new yarn through a yarn needle. Then, insert the yarn needle into the stitch nearest its base. Sew all the way through the stitch, and bring the needle back through the next stitch on the other side of the item. Repeat this until you cannot sew any further, then cut the excess yarn about 0.25 in (0.64 cm) from the surface of the crocheted item. Repeat the same process to weave in the other strand of yarn.\n\n\n## Cross and double for a no-weave connection\n\n1. Cross the old and new yarn about 3 in (7.6 cm) from their ends. Match up the ends of the new and old yarn. Then, pinch the 2 pieces about 3 in (7.6 cm) from their ends. Twist the pieces around each other 1 time so that they are crossed. Make sure to crochet until you have 6 in (15 cm) left on your current ball of yarn. This will provide enough slack to join the yarn strands.Tip: Try this technique if you don’t want to weave in any ends and you don’t mind doubling up the yarn for a small section.\n2. Cross the strands and hold onto the end of the old strand. Grasp the end of the strand of old yarn and bring it towards the stitch that is currently on the hook. Hold it in place with your thumb. Then, grasp the end of the new yarn and pull it in the opposite direction so that it is doubled over and laying flat. This will allow you to crochet to the very end of the old yarn and pick up the new yarn without any loose ends to weave in later.\n3. Crochet with the doubled over yarn strands. Continue crocheting according to your pattern or stitch. Work the doubled over strands of yarn as you would work a single strand of yarn. Hold the end of the new yarn with your thumb until you have crocheted over this section. Be careful not to pull too hard on either strand of yarn as you crochet this section, or the strand might get disconnected and you will have to start over.\n\n\n## Create a no-weave knot\n\n1. Pinch the new and old yarn 0.25 in (0.64 cm) from the ends. Take the end of your old yarn and the end of your new yarn and line up the ends so that they are even. Then, pinch the ends between your non-dominant thumb and forefinger to hold them in place. Make sure that the ends of the yarn strands are poking out past your fingertips.Tip: Use this option if you want to keep the yarn in a single strand without having any ends to weave in later.\n2. Wrap the new yarn around your thumb 2 times. Use your other hand to grasp the new yarn extending from your forefinger and thumb and wrap it around your thumb and the pinched yarn ends. Make sure that the yarn goes in between your forefinger and thumb as well, but on the outside of the pinched yarn ends. Leave the old yarn alone as you do this. Just let it hang loose and don’t wrap it around anything!\n3. Bring the new yarn back between your thumb and the ends of yarn. After wrapping the yarn around your thumb for the second time, bring the strand back in the opposite direction. Pull it so it goes between your thumb and the 2 ends of yarn instead of around them. Make sure to keep pinching the ends of the yarn as you do this!\n4. Tuck the ends of the yarn down towards your thumb. Use the index finger on your dominant hand to tuck the ends of the 2 strands down over the new yarn. This is the strand that you just pulled between your thumb and the ends. Push the ends down so that they are completely folded over. If you find it hard to tuck the yarn down with your finger, use your crochet hook to tuck it down.\n5. Pull gently on the new yarn and allow the loops to slip off your thumb. Continue to pinch the yarn between your finger and thumb, and use your other hand to start tugging gently on the new yarn. Tug until the first loop tightens and slips off your thumb, and then keep pulling to tighten the other 2 loops into a knot around the end of the old yarn. The ends of the yarn should be joined in a tight knot after you pull off the last loop. You can continue crocheting as you normally would once the ends are joined!\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to speak english?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "English is a language which is spoken all around the world, and learning to speak it can help you meet new people and advance your career. Learning to speak English can be hard, but with practice and patience, you can become fluent in your new language.\n\n## Get the basics down\n\n1. Start simple. Very few people are true beginners when it comes to English. \"Hello,\" \"hi,\" \"How are you?\" and numerals have infiltrated most societies. Odds are you know more English than you think. Take what you know. For example, \"How are you?\" That uses the verb \"to be.\" What are other questions just like this? Take what you know and expand it! How is she?How is your father?How are your children?How is the weather? Start memorizing verbs. The top ten most common verbs in English are the following: \"be,\" \"have,\" \"do,\" \"say,\" \"get,\" \"make,\" \"go,\" \"know,\" \"take,\" and \"see.\" Just knowing these verbs can get you through a lot of basic conversations. English is subject-verb-object, in that order. Your subject pronouns are: \"I,\" \"you,\" \"he\"/\"she\"/\"it,\" \"we,\" \"you,\" \"they.\" Object pronouns in English are: \"me,\" \"you,\" \"him\"/\"her\"/\"it,\" \"us,\" \"you,\" \"them.\" With those verbs and knowing English is SVO, what sentences can you come up with? I know her.She makes it.He takes us.\n2. Practice conversations. Once you have basic subject and object pronouns down and a handful of verbs, you can start asking questions. Questions often open with \"who,\" \"what,\" \"when,\" \"where,\" \"why,\" and \"how.\" \"Who\" indicates a person; \"what\" indicates a thing; \"when\" indicates a time; \"where\" indicates a place; \"why\" indicates a reason; \"how\" indicates a manner. Say you know the subjects, some basic nouns, those ten verbs, and these question starters. What are some things you could ask an English speaker? What is your name?What do you do?When is your birthday?Where is she?Why do you have it?How do you know?\n\n\n## Get familiar with the grammar\n\n1. Start with the present tenses. Let's start with present simple and present continuous:\n\t* Present simple is used for facts and habits. If you are describing something that is true or something that happens often, opt for the present simple. I go to work every day.She eats breakfast at 7.China is a big country. Present continuous is used for things that are happening right now. There are two verbs: a helper and a main verb. The helper is \"am\"/\"is\"/\"are\" (depending on the subject) and the main verb is any verb with -ing:\n\t* You are reading.I am typing.He is watching TV.\n2. Move to the past and future tenses. Once you've mastered the present, get started on the past and future tenses. We're just going to go over the basic ones now:\n\t* Use the past simple for any event that happened in the past at a specific time. I saw that movie last year.She died on a plane.We went to the bank yesterday. For the future, let's keep it simple. Add a future time marker, and just use the present continuous! It can double as a future tense, too. They are making a cake tomorrow.You are leaving in May.I am going at 6 pm.\n3. Put your adjectives before nouns. Always, always, always put the adjective (the word that describes) before the noun. Always! In fact, there's even an order within adjectives:\n\t* There are eight basic types of adjectives: opinion, size, age, shape, color, origin, material, and purpose. If you have more than one, they go in that order. So, it's a \"huge, round, metal bowl\" or a \"small, red sleeping bag.\"\n\n\n## Maintain progress\n\n1. Label everything. Take the objects in your house and label them with their English equivalent. The goal is to get your mind thinking in English. When it's right there, it'll be impossible to ignore. When you've labeled everything and find yourself thinking, \"Where is my blanket?\" try to think of the word (or sentence) in English. When you find your blanket, were you right? Don't write on the objects--grab a slip of paper and tape it on sturdily.\n2. Keep an eye on your pronunciation. It's very easy to get caught up in memorizing words when pronunciation can be just as important. Unfortunately, English has exceptions to most rules. But there are still some general guidelines you can abide by:\n\t* Always say the last sounds in the word. Certain Asian dialects find this rather difficult. If you know you're guilty of this, keep it in mind. \"Streets\" is not pronounced stree. The \"ts\" is very important in retaining meaning. Take the sentence \"I project the project will end soon.\" Confusing, huh? Isn't English SVO? Yes, and this sentence is too. The first \"project\" (verb) is pronounced pro-JECT; the second (noun) is pronounced PRO-ject. The same is true for all verb-noun pairs: nouns stress the first syllable, verbs the second. Though there are definite exceptions, most nouns in English have the first syllable stressed. Think of the nouns in your house: \"BED-room,\" \"BATH-room,\" \"KITCH-en,\" \"TA-ble,\" \"WIN-dow,\" \"SO-fa,\" \"WA-ter,\" \"JACK-et,\" \"TOI-let,\" etc.\n3. Pick a dialect. There are meaningful differences between American, British, and Australian English. Before you go about increasing your vocabulary, which one appeals to you? Sometimes it's very important to know who you're speaking to. If you tell an American, Canadian, or Australian you're not wearing pants, they might wonder if you're wearing shorts, a dress, a skirt, or just in your underwear. If you tell a British person you're not wearing pants, you're going commando! In addition to vocabulary differences, the pronunciation differences are huge. Know these variations exist before you get confused with multiple correct pronunciations. Certain dictionaries use British English and certain dictionaries prefer American. Choose the one that's best for you.\n\n\n## Use your resources\n\n1. Get a good dictionary. If you need to, get several. A dictionary to translate between your first language and English is best, in addition to a dictionary in English only. Get a pocket-sized version for when you're on the go and that pesky word you keep forgetting comes up.\n2. Speak in English with native speakers. Though it may be tempting to speak with your other friends who are learning too, you'll see the quickest results if you converse mainly with native speakers. Hire a tutor or private teacher. Make sure they're native and have the accent you want. Choose someone with teaching experience--just because you can speak a language does not mean you can teach it. If a teacher isn't up your alley, get a penpal!\n3. Use the internet. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of sites you can use to your benefit. Anything to make grammar more exciting is welcome--there are games and videos galore. Such resources can be found at Simple English Wikipedia, the British Council, and English Club, among many others. YouTube doesn't have to be about funny animals and popular music. Tap into its educational resources as well.\n4. Watch TV, listen to songs, and read books. Though your goal is to speak English, you have to be able to understand it, too! Even when you're alone and not stuck in a grammar exercise you can keep your mind primed. Start with children's books and TV shows. The language is simpler and will go slower. Eventually, move to channels catered to your interests. If you enjoy cooking, graduate to the Food Network and see what you can pick up on. Try not to turn on the captions! If you have a DVR, record the shows. That way you can go back and work through the dialogue and conversations at your own pace. Listen to English music! Ballads go quite slowly and the refrains can be rather repetitive. Your vocabulary will naturally expand, too.\n5. Think in English. If you find yourself thinking something simple in you native tongue, what would its equivalent be in English? Make a habit of this for maintenance and memory. Think out loud if helps. Explain to your roommates or family what you're trying to do; maybe they'll want to catch on, too! Eventually, simple phrases will become par for the course.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make a model water tower?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Water towers are large, elevated tanks of water that are essential for the distribution of clean water to many communities across the globe. Not only do they come in many different shapes and sizes, but it’s intriguing to learn about the way water towers work. Whether you need a model water tower for a train set or school project, or you simply want to learn about the way they work, you can easily build your own model with the right materials and know-how.\n\n## Create a function model water tower\n\n1. Locate a small plastic bottle and a large plastic bottle. The small water bottle can be a standard-sized Coke, juice, or water bottle, as long as it has a screw-on cap. The large bottle should be a 2-liter soda bottle, jug, or a large juice bottle. Test the size of your bottles by placing the small bottle upside-down, with its neck sticking into the opening on the large bottle. The small bottle should sit comfortably on top of the large one. If it does not, you will need to find different bottles. The bottles must be plastic, as you will need to cut them.\n2. Remove the cap from the small bottle and cut a hole in the middle of it. Use scissors to punch a hole into the center of the cap, then widen the hole until it’s slightly smaller than the circumference of the holes at both ends of the tubing. Water will leak out of the hole if it’s too big, but it will still need to be big enough to push the tubing into it. It’s better to have a hole that’s too small than a hole that’s too big, as you can always use your scissors to widen it if necessary.\n3. Punch a pin-sized hole in the bottom of the small water bottle. Use a pin, needle, earring, or any other device that will create an almost invisible hole. This will allow the bottle to vent when the water starts flowing.\n4. Cut a medium-sized hole in the side of the large bottle. Make the hole big enough that the cap and tubing can both fit through it. You can put the hole anywhere on the bottle that you choose, but roughly halfway down the bottle is a good option. Unlike the small bottle, you don’t have to worry about leaks if this hole isn’t the right size. This hole can be large or small just as long as the cap and tubing will fit through it comfortably.\n5. Feed 1 end of the tubing through the hole in the large bottle. Push the tubing through the large hole and out through the top of the large bottle. Lay the large bottle on its side with the hole you cut facing upward for easier access.\n6. Squeeze the same end of the tubing into the hole you cut in the cap. Feed roughly 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of tubing in through the cap. Clamp the binder clip roughly 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the end of the other side of the tubing. Put the side of the tubing with the binder clip into a bowl that will catch the water. If your hole on the cap is the right size, you will have to forcefully push the tubing into the hole. It should fit snugly in the hole without slipping.\n7. Fill the small bottle with water. Once the bottle is full, place the cap with the tubing through it on top of the bottle. Feed the tubing into the water, then screw the cap on tightly. Hold your finger over the pin-sized hole on the bottom of the bottle to keep water from leaking out.\n8. Place the small bottle upside-down in the top opening on the large bottle. The neck of the small bottle should fit all the way into the opening on the large bottle. You now have a functioning model water tower! The water should flow into the tubing once you flip it upside down, but the binder clip will stop the flow. Experiment by releasing the clip at different heights to see where the water stops flowing.\n\n\n## Build a model water tower with popsicle stick\n\n1. Cut the rounded ends off of roughly 70 Popsicle sticks. Barely snip both ends of each Popsicle stick to make the ends straight on both sides. Make them all as close to the same size as possible. To cut the sticks evenly, line up the second stick with the first stick you cut. Use the first Popsicle stick as reference for where to cut the second stick. Do the same thing for the third, the fourth, and so on, until all 70 Popsicle sticks are the same size.\n2. Snip 2 of the cut Popsicle sticks in half. You don’t have to measure them, but cut them as close to the center as possible. You will now have 4 smaller pieces of Popsicle stick that are roughly half the length of the other Popsicle sticks.\n3. Apply glue to 1 end of 1 of the small stick sections. Connect the edge of a second small stick to the area where you just applied glue. Then, apply glue to the end of the second piece that is not connected. Glue the edge of a third small section to the open second section. Repeat this process for the fourth section, then apply glue to connect the edge of the fourth section to the open edge of the first section you glued. You will now have a square frame made out of the 4 smaller Popsicle pieces. Your frame doesn’t have to be perfectly square. In fact, if you’re going for a rustic look, an imperfect square may even be ideal. If you’re using super glue, you can apply glue to all 4 edges before connecting them all together. If you’re using hot glue, make sure to glue each edge separately. This will keep the glue from drying before you can connect all 4 sections together.\n4. Line up 2 larger Popsicle sticks to create 1 long, straight stick. Place the sticks on a flat surface with their ends touching. Take another Popsicle stick of the same size and apply glue to the entire surface on 1 side, lengthwise. Place the glued side directly in the middle of the 2 sticks that are lined up. The third stick does not have to be exactly in the middle of the other 2 sticks, but it should be close enough that it holds the other 2 sticks together evenly.\n5. Repeat this process 3 more times. Follow the same process as before by lining up 2 of the larger Popsicle sticks and gluing a third stick on top of them. Do this 3 more times until you have 4 identical long sections that are each made out of 3 glued Popsicle sticks.\n6. Connect the end of 1 of the long sticks to the inside corner of the square frame. Apply glue to the inside edge of the long stick and place it at a slight outward angle, with the third stick that is holding the other 2 sticks together facing inward. Glue the long stick so that it does not poke out above the frame once connected. Do the same thing with the other 3 long sections you created in the other 3 corners of the frame. This will form the legs of the water tower, so make the angle as identical as possible for each of the long sticks. Keep the angle of the legs around 10-15 degrees. If the angle is too steep, the water tower will be too short. If it is too steep, it will probably topple over.\n7. Use another Popsicle stick to connect 2 of the legs together. Apply glue to each inside edge of the stick. Place the edges of the Popsicle stick on top of the lines where the 2 Popsicle sticks used to create the legs meet. Do the same thing with 3 other sticks until you have a stick connecting the legs on all 4 sides. You will need to spread the legs apart so that the sticks do not hang outside the edge of the leg. Keep the connecting sticks as level as possible. You want it to appear as if there is a single, continuous stick wrapping around the legs of the tower, not 4 separate small sticks.\n8. Lay 9 Popsicle sticks side-by-side on a flat surface. Line them up along their long edges so the sticks make a square when lined up. Apply a line of glue on the edge of the square down the length of all 9 Popsicle sticks. Place another Popsicle stick along the same direction as the glue line so that it holds all 9 sticks together. Do the same thing with another line of glue and another Popsicle stick on the other end of the square. The Popsicle sticks used to hold the other 9 sticks together should be the same length as the square, so that they match up perfectly with both corners and do not hang over the edge. You may need to trim the sticks down or remove one of the 9 sticks to match up the lengths. Use your hand to hold the Popsicle stick square together as you glue it. Place your hand flat on top of all 9 sticks, and do your best to keep them all together with no gaps between them.\n9. Apply glue to the top edge of the square frame you made earlier. Place the square platform you just created on top of the frame, connecting it to the base structure you already made. Glue the platform so that the Popsicle sticks used to connect the other sticks together are facing downward. You can also glue each individual Popsicle stick directly onto the square frame you made earlier. It will take longer, but you may be able to line the sticks up better this way.\n10. Cut the rim off of a small paper Dixie cup. Cut around the top of the open side to remove the outer rim. Try to keep the line as straight as possible, since this will form the foundation for the water container part of your water tower.\n11. Glue the remaining Popsicle sticks to the outside of the Dixie cup. Place glue along one of the wide edges of a Popsicle stick. Line up the top edge of the stick with the bottom edge of the cup and glue it down. Repeat this process around the entire circumference of the cup until it is completely covered. When gluing the sticks onto the cup, fan them out from one another to create a more realistic look. When you place the second stick on the cup, keep the edge of the stick as close to the edge of the cup as possible, but fan out the end that is jutting over the edge of the cup by about 5 degrees so that a small sliver of the cup can be seen underneath. Roughly half of the length of each Popsicle stick will be glued to the Dixie cup, while the other half will be jutting out over the rim of the cup.\n12. Cover the gaps in the Popsicle sticks by gluing another layer on top. If you fanned out the sticks to create a more realistic look, go back over the cup with additional Popsicle sticks. Glue the sticks directly in the middle of two sticks on the bottom layer so that the second layer covers up any slivers of cup that may be showing. Keep the edges lined up with the bottom edge of the cup as best you can.\n13. Place the Dixie cup in the middle of the platform with the open side up. Apply glue around the entire circumference of the bottom of the cup. Then, stick it down as close to the middle of the platform as possible. Use a lot of glue to attach the Dixie cup so that it doesn’t fall off if it’s bumped. Optionally, you can wrap a string around the bottom and middle of the Dixie cup to give it a Western look. Wrap the string several times for better results.\n14. Use 2 wooden dowels to create a ladder. Place 2 wooden dowels roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart on a flat surface. Line them up so they are parallel with the pointy side on top. Use small sections of Popsicle sticks roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) long to create the steps. Apply glue to both ends of 1 side of the stick, then place it horizontally between the dowels so that it connects them together. Do this all the way up the 2 dowels, roughly 7 times, until about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the pointy side of the dowels is left sticking out.\n15. Lean the ladder against the water tower at an angle and secure it with glue. Glue another small section of Popsicle stick horizontally across the very tips of the dowels, above and on the opposite side of the steps. Lean it up against the side of your water tower with the tips facing up. Place glue on the backside of the tips of the dowel and press down to attach it.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to become hot?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Being hot is more than just a look—it's a frame of mind. Whether you're just walking down the street or stopping to have a quick conversation, if you hold yourself in confidence then everyone in your orbit will be thinking you're hot in no time. But what if you're not sure if you can be the sexy, intriguing, and hot person that you want to be?\n\n## Think hot\n\n1. Allow yourself to want to be hot. Maybe you want to look like a hot guy or girl, but you're afraid you’ll be judged or looked down on. For some, wanting to be hot has negative connotations of someone being too vain or shallow. Don’t let these stereotypes and misconceptions stop you from achieving hotness. Give yourself permission to become hot. Being hot should be something you want and not something you feel pressured to be. Today’s society puts a lot of importance in looking attractive in a certain way, but it’s not necessarily the only way to be attractive\n2. Exude self-confidence. In order to be hot, you have to believe you’re hot. Have confidence in your decisions, in the way you look, and in who you are or want to be. It will also help you bounce back from setbacks and accepting difficult challenges that come your way. Remind yourself of what you’ve already achieved and enjoy these successes. Don’t forget how much you’ve accomplished and the goals you’ve reached in the process of trying to reach a new one. Don’t put too much importance on how others perceive you. If looking hot makes you feel happy, then that’s more important than what others might think.\n3. Have realistic body image goals. You don’t have to look like a model. You should be the shape you're happy with. Half of that means changing your body through exercise and eating healthy, but the other half is accepting your body's own uniqueness. It's understandable to want to reach a healthy weight level, but it's not realistic to achieve a tiny waist if you're naturally top-heavy or try to make your butt bigger if it's naturally petite. Don't ignore your own assets in the process of trying to mimic someone else's. Avoid labelling a certain body type as the “perfect” body. There are many kinds of bodies that are beautiful in their own way.\n\n\n## Dress hot\n\n1. Figure out what body shape you have and dress to flatter it (for women). A great outfit should accentuate your best features and minimize unflattering parts of your body. Here are some ways to dress some common body types:\n\t* \n\t* Apple or circle shaped: Counter the roundness and softness of your body by adding structure to your outfit, especially on top. Wear a fitted blazer or wrap dresses that create asymmetrical lines across your body. Straight-legged pants help elongate your legs and draw attention to your body vertically. Large prints and patterns will flatter you better than small prints, especially if worn on top. Avoid covering yourself up with large or loose shirts – instead, wear more form fitted items or clothes drape down your body. Pear or triangle shaped: Balance out your great hips by creating layers on top. A cardigan or a jacket cropped at the waist helps even out your slender top half with your curves at the bottom. Show off those great shoulders by wearing one-shouldered shirts or shirts with embellished collars. Boot-cut or slightly flared pants paired with high heels will elongate your legs. Hourglass shaped: You’ve got the shape everyone is looking for! To better show off those sought-after curves, dress simple. Items in solid colours with cinched waists show off your small stomach. Avoid prints that take away the spotlight from your silhouette. Athletic or ruler shaped: Your slender body can sometimes look too boxy so avoid stripes or cropped shirts. Try fitted tank tops with smaller straps, or halter-tops that enhance the look of your bust. High-waist pants and skirts give the illusion of that hourglass shape. Stick with soft fabrics that flow off your body to counter the hard lines of your athletic build.\n2. Invest in clothes tailored for your body (for men). Learn what fit suits your body best or go to a tailor to have your clothes fitted for you. There’s nothing worse than wearing clothes that are too baggy or too tight in all the wrong places. Shoulders: The seam where the sleeve attaches to the body should rest on top of your shoulders. They should not hang down onto your arms. Arms: The fabric under your armpits should be tapered to your skin but still allow motion for your arms. Chest: Your chest should fill out the front of your shirt so that its shape can be seen through the fabric. You should also have a full range of motion in your arms. Try reaching up, back, and forward. If you can’t do those things, then your shirt is too tight. Buttons that looked pulled and cause wrinkles are another tell tale sign that your shirt is too tight. Sleeves: If you’re wearing long sleeves, the cuff of your shirt should stop just at the base of your thumb. Pants: If you’re opting for a slim-cut or skinny pant, make sure there is a straight cut from your knees to your ankles. The cuff of your pants should never create flaps or pool at your feet. They should stop just at the ankles or little past your shoes. Belts: They should really only be a way to accessorize and should not actually be holding up your pants. If a belt is the only thing keeping your pants on, then they’re probably too big. Shoes: Many stylists claim shoes are the foundation of men’s looks. An outfit is dependent on the colour and type of shoe you're wearing. So dress from the shoes up.\n3. Polish your look by matching simple colours with bold statement pieces. Solid coloured clothing items make statement pieces pop. Choose statement pieces like large earrings, patterned shoes, a colourful bag, or a fancy hat. Black is always hot and matches with almost anything. An all black outfit gives you a clean look but also gives you a little edge and mystery. Use the power of contrast to your advantage. Darker coloured clothing can help you achieve a more slender look or mask unappealing features. While patterns or light coloured items can highlight areas of your body you’d like to show off.\n4. Follow fashion trends. Fashion is always changing so keep up with the latest trends to stay hot. Although, not every trend is worth following or is flattering on everyone so pick what will look good on you and what fits with your style. Avoid age-inappropriate fashion trends. Being hot doesn't mean looking younger or more mature.\n5. Show off a little skin or wear a form-hugging outfit. A bit of sexiness can go a long way when you want to look hot. However, make sure it’s an appropriate amount of skin. You’ll know when you’re being too revealing when:\n\t* It gets in the way of forming meaningful relationships. We live in a sex-fuelled society, so it’s not surprising when people can’t help but look at bare skin. It can make people perceive you differently or draw focus away from what you have to offer and more towards what you look like to them. If this type of attention is not what you want, then it’s not the right moment to show off too much skin. It prevents you from furthering your career or getting hired. In most work environments, showing off too much skin is discouraged. You receive negative or dangerous attention. It’s difficult for many people, especially women, to show off skin without attracting negative attention. And since you can’t control other people’s reactions and actions, your safety and comfort should always come first.\n\n\n## Look hot\n\n1. Radiate confident body language. It's not always enough to just dress the part, but you have to appear hot. And a few tricks to improve your body language can help:\n\t* Stand tall and with purpose. Stick your chest out and keep your hands from fidgeting. The power position is often described with the image of Superman with his hands at his hips, chin high, and legs apart. Move steadily with your actions. Talking too fast or doing things in a hurry shows that you're nervous or anxious. Have a variety of expressions on your face and body. Confident people are able to express themselves naturally but won't overdo it. This makes you more approachable and open.\n2. Get in shape. Whether you want to achieve a certain body weight goal, or just become more physically healthy, getting in shape is a great step towards becoming hot. Invest in a gym membership or a personal trainer. With a trainer’s guided advice and encouragement, you can start to work on areas of your body and achieve weight goals in a safe and effective way. Eat healthy. Cut down on junk foods and start eating a better balanced diet. Exercising and eating well will make you feel more comfortable in your own skin and improve your overall mental health as well.\n3. Have good posture. Improving your posture not only makes you look more confident, but also has many health benefits. Fixing your posture can reduce head and back pain, inflexibility, and prevent compromised muscles. Assess your posture so you can work on your body’s problem areas. Generally, your shoulders should be balanced and one shouldn’t appear higher than the other. They should also be aligned with your ear so your neck and head aren’t jutting forward. Your back should not be rounded and your arms should relax at your sides. Do posture-improving exercises everyday. They can be simple exercises like straightening your back while sitting, walking more, or stretching out those kinks. Or they can be more complicated exercises that stretch and form your back to the correct posture. Be conscious of how you hold yourself. It’s easy to start slumping forward when you’re working at your desk or sitting down and relaxing. Make an effort to sit in the correct position with your back straight, arms back, and head and neck aligned with your shoulders.\n4. Choose a trendy haircut that compliments your look and face shape. Try dyeing your hair, cutting it extremely short or getting extensions to mix it up every once in a while and give off a dynamic appearance. Take care of your hair. The simplest thing you can do is wash your hair and condition it. Invest in hair products or natural remedies to fight problems such as frizzy, dry, or greasy hair. Get a haircut every month or two to avoid split ends and the unkempt look.\n5. Develop a skin care routine. Your skin is the foundation of your look. Keep it clean and clear of blemishes and other problem factors by treating and protecting it. Try out different products to make sure they’re right for your skin. Wear sunscreen. It’s the easiest thing to forget but a little sunscreen every day can prevent wrinkles and skin discoloration. Moisturize your skin. Use lotion, cream, or body butter for your hands, arms, legs, and face. Lip balm helps with chapped or cracking lips. For oily skin, use oil-free products to cleanse your face. For acne prone skin, avoid touching your face or popping your pimples. Instead, wash your face with an acne cleanser or warm water and hypoallergenic soap and keep your skin well moisturized. Acne develops when oils, either from your fingers or overactive hormones and glands, mix together with dirt to clog up your pores.\n\n\n## Act hot\n\n1. Show your cool side. Ironically, being hot means being cool. It’s a likeable quality to have that attracts people to you because of your laid back demeanour. A few cool things to do:\n\t* Don’t try so hard. Or at least look like you’re not trying so hard. It gives the impression that you’re so smooth, you can get want you want without even trying. If you fidget a lot, bite your lip, stumble in your speech or am just generally nervous, try feeling cool. It’s hard to monitor or stop the nervous little ticks our body does when we're nervous so the best way to go about it is from the inside out. Feel cool and your body language will follow. Be a little rebellious. Sometimes a little rule breaking or risk-taking is very cool and makes you appear powerful. But don't do anything illegal!\n2. Play up your sex appeal. There are many ways to be sexy and look sexy. Try:\n\t* Wearing red. There have been numerous studies that the colour red is the sexiest colour. Something in our human brains are highly attracted to the colour. Smiling. Looking happy and approachable is very sexy. So flash does pearly whites! Making strong eye contact. This is a highly confident move that draws people in. Pair it up with a smile or flirtatious look to amp up the sexiness. Flirting. It’s a sexy and fun way to communicate with someone you’re interested in. Subtly draw attention to your body or tease your target with flirtatious looks or bold compliments.\n3. Be humble. The worst thing you can do is brag about how hot you are. Modesty and being gracious to others are attractive qualities. The most confident people are those who are able to build others up. Give compliments. If you want to attract someone’s attention, pay them a genuine compliment. Don’t brag and look down on others. The attention that comes with being hot can easily develop into a large ego. Your friends, family and other people will be turned off by someone who constantly needs to prove they’re hot or thinks too highly of themselves.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to determine gear ratio?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In mechanical engineering, a gear ratio is a direct measure of the ratio of the rotational speeds of two or more interlocking gears. As a general rule, when dealing with two gears, if the drive gear (the one directly receiving rotational force from the engine, motor, etc.) is bigger than the driven gear, the latter will turn more quickly, and vice versa. We can express this basic concept with the formula Gear ratio = T2/T1, where T1 is the number of teeth on the first gear and T2 is the number of teeth on the second.\n\n## Find the gear ratio of a gear train\n\n1. Start with a two-gear train. To be able to determine a gear ratio, you must have at least two gears engaged with each other — this is called a \"gear train.\" Usually, the first gear is a \"drive gear\" attached to the motor shaft and the second is a \"driven gear\" attached to the load shaft. There may also be any number of gears between these two to transmit power from the drive gear to the driven gear: these are called \"idler gears.\" For now, let's look at a gear train with only two gears in it. To be able to find a gear ratio, these gears have to be interacting with each other — in other words, their teeth need to be meshed and one should be turning the other. For example purposes, let's say that you have one small drive gear (gear 1) turning a larger driven gear (gear 2).\n2. Count the number of teeth on the drive gear. One simple way to find the gear ratio between two interlocking gears is to compare the number of teeth (the little peg-like protrusions at the edge of the wheel) that they both have. Start by determining how many teeth are on the drive gear. You can do this by counting manually or, sometimes, by checking for this information labeled on the gear itself. For example purposes, let's say that the smaller drive gear in our system has 20 teeth.\n3. Count the number of teeth on the driven gear. Next, determine how many teeth are on the driven gear exactly as you did before for the drive gear. Let's say that, in our example, the driven gear has 30 teeth.\n4. Divide one teeth count by the other. Now that you know how many teeth are on each gear, you can find the gear ratio relatively simply. Divide the driven gear teeth by the drive gear teeth. Depending on your assignment, you may write your answer as a decimal, a fraction, or in ratio form (i.e., x : y). In our example, dividing the 30 teeth of the driven gear by the 20 teeth of the drive gear gets us 30/20 = 1.5. We can also write this as 3/2 or 1.5 : 1, etc. What this gear ratio means is that the smaller driver gear must turn one and a half times to get the larger driven gear to make one complete turn. This makes sense — since the driven gear is bigger, it will turn more slowly.\n5. Start with a gear train of more than two gears. As its name suggests, a \"gear train\" can also be made from a long sequence of gears — not just a single driver gear and a single driven gear. In these cases, the first gear remains the driver gear, the last gear remains the driven gear, and the ones in the middle become \"idler gears.\" These are often used to change the direction of rotation or to connect two gears when direct gearing would make them unwieldy or not readily available. Let's say for example purposes that the two-gear train described above is now driven by a small seven-toothed gear. In this case, the 30-toothed gear remains the driven gear and the 20-toothed gear (which was the driver before) is now an idler gear.\n6. Divide the teeth numbers of the drive and driven gears. The important thing to remember when dealing with gear trains with more than two gears is that only the driver and driven gears (usually the first and last ones) matter. In other words, the idler gears don't affect the gear ratio of the overall train at all. When you've identified your driver gear and your driven gear, you can find the gear ratio exactly as before. In our example, we would find the gear ratio by dividing the thirty teeth of the driven gear by the seven teeth of our new driver. 30/7 = about 4.3 (or 4.3 : 1, etc.) This means that the driver gear has to turn about 4.3 times to get the much larger driven gear to turn once.\n7. If desired, find the gear ratios for the intermediate gears. You can find the gear ratios involving the idler gears as well, and you may want to in certain situations. In these cases, start from the drive gear and work toward the load gear. Treat the preceding gear as if it were the drive gear as far as the next gear is concerned. Divide the number of teeth on each \"driven\" gear by the number of teeth on the \"drive\" gear for each interlocking set of gears to calculate the intermediate gear ratios. In our example, the intermediate gear ratios are 20/7 = 2.9 and 30/20 = 1.5. Note that neither of these are equal to the gear ratio for the entire train, 4.3. However, note also that (20/7) × (30/20) = 4.3. In general, the intermediate gear ratios of a gear train will multiply together to equal the overall gear ratio.\n\n\n## Make ratio\\/speed calculations\n\n1. Find the rotational speed of your drive gear. Using the idea of gear ratios, it's easy to figure out how quickly a driven gear is rotating based on the \"input\" speed of the drive gear. To start, find the rotational speed of your drive gear. In most gear calculations, this is given in rotations per minute (rpm), though other units of velocity will also work. For example, let's say that in the example gear train above with a seven-toothed driver gear and a 30-toothed driven gear, the drive gear is rotating at 130 rpms. With this information, we'll find the speed of the driven gear in the next few steps.\n2. Plug your information into the formula S1 × T1 = S2 × T2. In this formula, S1 refers to the rotational speed of the drive gear, T1 refers to the teeth in the drive gear, and S2 and T2 to the speed and teeth of the driven gear. Fill in the variables until you have only one left undefined. Often, in these sorts of problems, you'll be solving for S2, though it's perfectly possible to solve for any of the variables. In our example, plugging in the information we have, we get this:\n\t* 130 rpms × 7 = S2 × 30\n3. Solve. Finding your remaining variable is a matter of basic algebra. Just simplify the rest of the equation and isolate the variable on one side of the equals sign and you will have your answer. Don't forget to label it with the correct units — you can lose points for this in schoolwork. In our example, we can solve like this:\n\t* 130 rpms × 7 = S2 × 30\n\t* 910 = S2 × 30\n\t* 910/30 = S2\n\t* \n\t* 30.33 rpms = S2\n\t* In other words, if the drive gear spins at 130 rpms, the driven gear will spin at 30.33 rpms. This makes sense — since the driven gear is much bigger, it will spin much slower.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to have a romantic relationship with an egotistic person?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An egotistic person can be someone who is prone to talking about themselves frequently, or someone who appears vain or boastful. It can also be used to indicate someone who is opinionated, self-centered, or selfish, as well. As you can imagine, being in a relationship with an egotistic person can have its challenges. If you feel you are dating an egotistic individual, work towards dealing with the egotism in the relationship. It is also important to communicate your needs to your partner, and make sure you are taking care of yourself\n\n## Deal with the egotism in the relationship\n\n1. Have a direct conversation about it. This is important and has a direct effect on your happiness, their happiness, and the success of the relationship. Don't waste time and energy trying indirect ways to “make her change.” It will just come across as manipulative and potentially cause resentment from your partner. Instead have a real, honest, and direct conversation about it. Start by letting her know you need to talk. ”Alice, I think we really need to talk. There's been something that has really be bothering me.”\n\t* Explain what the issue is for you; specific to your relationship. For example, if your partner is selfish or egotistical in conversations and making it about her, you could say, “I feel like when we talk, it isn't really equal. I love hearing about your day, but I'd really like for you to hear about my day too. When we talk, it feels really unevenly focused.”\n\t* Ask for her input: “What do you think?”\n2. Urge the person to grow and mature. One of the great things you get to do in a relationship is to build each other up and watch each other grow. Help your partner grow by growing with him. Instead of focusing just on the person, try shift the focus to the relationship or the both of you working on the same thing. You can try tasks like taking a relationship selfishness checklist test to increase your partner and your awareness of any selfishness in your relationship. Humans are social creatures and tend to unconsciously adopt the goals of those close to us. Just like couples who learn a sport, how to cook, or a new language together, you can learn how to be less selfish and opinionated together. Make sure to celebrate and praise each other for positive changes you are making. The better you both feel about it, the more likely you are to continue to work towards the goal.\n3. Be patient. This may be the most difficult part. If you are with an egotistic person, you may realize that changing these parts of yourself can take time. Much like breaking a bad habit, you may have to be patient with your partner as she works on changing. Additionally, expect some backsliding into previous bad behaviors during this transition time and try not to be too hard on her. One way you can address this is to have a funny thing you do or say if you notice your partner slipping back into her selfish habits. Agree to an action or a phrase during your conversation. If you make it something you both find funny, it can take the pressure off of pointing it out. The \"Cut it out\" hand motion Uncle Joey used in Full House. Playing a funny song such as Toby Keith's \"I wanna talk about me.\" Saying, \"Hold on, I haven't had enough coffee for this conversation yet.\" Pick something that is funny to you and your partner, like an inside joke that only you share.\n4. Boost the person's self-esteem. This may seem like a strange suggestion for an egotist, but often inflated egos and selfishness are rooted in low self-esteem or shame. Think of it as overcompensation. Your partner may have low self esteem causing him to exaggerate and inflate his outward display of what he thinks about himself. It turns out that he may be trying to convince himself of his greatness along with everyone else. Help him boost his self-esteem. Avoid complaining about him or harshly criticizing him as it will only make him feel more threatened. When you are talking to him focus on his strengths and try to draw on the potential of those strengths. Compliment him not just for his looks, but for how he acts and what he does.\n5. Accept that the person may never change. The most difficult part about any interpersonal relationship is when you realize that you have almost zero power to change someone else. People can change, but that change has to come mainly from them. They have to want it. So if you are intent on a relationship with an egotistic person, your first step is to be real with yourself about the likelihood of the other person changing and begin to accept the selfish parts of her personality that you may not agree with. While you cannot change other people, you can help them to change. You can also control how you react to their egotism and the effect you let it have on your life.\n\n\n## Communicate your need\n\n1. Make time to talk about you. Your egotist may tend to talk about themselves frequently and at great lengths. If you feel like your partner does not give you enough space to talk about you, address it. You deserve to have this relationship and this partner be as much of a sounding board as he expects you to be for him. Try addressing it directly, or making it more of a new pattern in your conversations. \"John, I really need to talk to you about something that is bothering me. I know you have things you want to say as well, but I really need someone to listen. Would you be willing to focus on just this problem and help me?”\n\t* Bring up topics more regularly that you are interested it. You may have gotten into the habit of just listening to your partner and letting him control the conversations. Start a new pattern of conversation by interjecting with topics you are interested in or thoughts you are having.\n2. Share your feelings. There is a solid chance that your egotistic partner is going to do or say something that makes you angry or sad at some point, because what you are doing is difficult and can be frustrating. Communication is key in any relationship, especially when you are working through some things. If you are really bothered by a particular action of your partner or by something she said, tell her. Try to add a compliment or a praise in and then tell her what upsets you, carefully and tactfully. \"Jane, I love it when you teach me how to cook. You are really good at it, and I want to learn. It just really hurts me when you tell it to me like I'm a nine year old kid.\" ”I understand you have a very strong opinion about this. Maybe you know more about it than I do, too. I would just really like for you to respect my opinion even if it is different than yours and not laugh at me for sharing it with you.”\n\n\n## Care for yourself\n\n1. Be true to yourself. Be careful not to change who you are in your relationship with an egotist. A selfish person will bring out the giver or the care-taker in you; which could be potentially harmful. Don't feel like you have to change yourself to accommodate him. Resist the urge to stifle who you are or even what you are good at out of fear of how your partner will react. Just as you may have to accept that your partner is selfish, he have to accept that you are going to be just who you are as well. That should just be one more thing he loves about you.\n2. Enjoy other interests. If you find you are the giver in the relationship and you feel that your partner is always taking, then invest some of your energy into other interests to protect yourself from the relationship imbalance. Make sure you are giving yourself and your interests the attention and care you deserve. Take classes or carve out time in your schedule to do things that you enjoy, focusing on self-care and your own needs. You can always put your giving energy into volunteering as well. Try organizations such as Volunteer Match.\n3. Acknowledge your feelings. Even if your partner is trying to change, there are potential pitfalls that come from being in a relationship with an egotist. You may be helping her change, being patient while she works through some things, and trying to boost her self-esteem. Make sure, during this time, you are staying aware of how you feel. There may be some ups and down, and it is important you remain aware of how it is affecting you. Keep track of how happy you are in the relationship and how your day-to-day life is being affected. Notice how drained or exhausted you are feeling and make sure to give yourself the time and attention needed to recover. Try not to let this relationship become all-consuming for your life. Spend time with friends, or work on a hobby or interest that is important to you. Set firm boundaries if she tries to push your buttons or engage you in a fight. You can say something like, \"I'm not going to respond when you're yelling at me like this. I'm going to go in the other room and we can talk again in an hour when we've calmed down.\"\n4. Find a support system. While you are navigating this change together, it is important that you both have support systems you can use as a resource. Use your existing support system or create one for yourself. Focus on people that help you and make you feel good about yourself. They should be people that you trust and feel comfortable with. They may include:\n\t* Friends\n\t* Family\n\t* Religious Community\n\t* Counselors or therapists\n5. Consider leaving the relationship if it is not making you happy. It is not always a healthy idea to stay with an egotist. He may not be able or willing to change in the way you need him to. If he is not willing to work on the relationship then this may continue to make you feel emotionally drained and unappreciated. It may be better for you to leave the relationship and move onto something that's healthier for you.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make surf wax?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Make warm water wax\n\n1. Heat water in a double broiler. Pour in about 1 ½ cups (354.8 ml) of water in the bottom of a double broiler. Heat on medium heat until the water is hot and steaming. You do not need to boil the water, you just need it to be hot enough to melt the beeswax through steaming. If you don't have a double broiler, you can also simply heat water in a pot on the stove, then put an equal sized pot on top of it to create the effect of a double broiler.\n2. Place the beeswax and coconut oil in the top of the double broiler. Once the water has heated and is steaming, place 1 cup (240 ml) of beeswax and ¼ cup (60 ml) of coconut oil in the top pan of the double broiler. Place the top of the double broiler on top of the bottom pan.\n3. Melt the ingredients, stirring constantly. Once you place the beeswax and coconut oil over the bottom of the broiler, they should begin to melt. As they melt, stir the ingredients constantly so that they don't get stuck to the sides of the pan.\n4. Add in essential oils. If you want your wax to be fragrant, add a few of drops of essential oils when the wax and coconut oil have melted and mixed together. Popular oils to use are lavender, peppermint, lemon or rosemary. If you prefer the subtle scent of the coconut oil, don't add any essential oil.\n\n\n## Make cold water wax\n\n1. Find a healthy conifer. Cold-water wax differs from warm-water wax because it requires the addition of tree resin. To extract tree resin, first find a conifer tree that generally looks healthy, with relatively smooth, tight bark and without many dead branches or limbs. Conifer trees are trees that grow conifers, the cone-like growths that grow on tree branches. Examples of conifers are pine, spruce, maple and cedar trees. If you don't want to extract tree resin yourself, you can find it on Ebay or other online sites.\n2. Create a flat, cleared area on the face of the tree. Once you have found a suitable tree, use a machete or a hatchet to cut downward on the bark about 3 feet from the ground. Make a rectangle that is about 10 inches long and 6 inches wide. Try to cut cleanly so that you cut out a flat area about 1 inch deep into the tree.\n3. Place a bucket under the tree. Place a bucket against the tree directly underneath where you made the rectangular indent. Use a flat piece of metal or another smooth material to make a ramp that leads from the cleared rectangle into the bucket. The ramp will catch the resin as it comes out of the tree and lead it into the bucket. Therefore, it's important that the ramp is flush against the tree and leads directly into the bucket.\n4. Cut V-shaped notches into the cleared rectangle. After you set up the bucket, use the hatchet or machete to hack into the cleared rectangle you made, forming V-shaped notches that are about half an inch from each other. It may be easier to do one side of the “V” at a time, hacking downward slashes on the left half of the rectangle and then hacking upward slashes on the other side of the rectangle.\n5. Check the bucket every day. Collecting tree resin isn't instantaneous. You may have to wait several days for enough resin to collect. Keep the bucket under the tree and check on it daily. When it looks like you have about ¼ cup of resin, remove the bucket from the tree and transfer the resin to a small bowl. It should take two to three days to collect ¼ cup (60 ml) of resin.\n6. Use a double broiler to melt ingredients and form the wax. Use the same steps used to make cold-water wax, adding in the additional ingredient of ¼ cup (60 ml) of tree resin along with the beeswax and coconut oil in the top of the double broiler. The resulting wax will have a slightly stickier consistency than warm-water wax.\n\n\n## Put the wax in containers\n\n1. Pour the wax into a tin or container. Once the ingredients of the warm or cold water wax have fully mixed together, pour the wax into a container or tin large enough to fit it. Scrape the sides of the pan to be sure to get out all the wax. Use a tin or container that has a top so that the wax won't dry out.\n2. Let the surf wax harden. Before you close the container of surf wax, leave the wax out to harden for three to four hours or overnight. Leaving the container open lets the heat escape so that the wax can harden faster, and so its consistency stays the same.\n3. Use the wax or close and store the container. After the wax has hardened, it is ready for use. When you are done using the wax, place the lid on the container and store it in a cool place out of direct sunlight.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to apply for a marriage license in kentucky?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Getting a marriage license if Kentucky is a relatively simple process. The couple needs to visit a county clerk’s office, complete an application, and pay an application fee. There are some additional requirements if either party is under 18 years old.\n\n## Get a marriage license in kentucky if both party be over 18\n\n1. Visit the county clerk’s office to apply for a marriage license. You can apply to any county clerk’s office, unless the bride-to-be is under 18 years old. In that case, you must apply at the clerk’s office in the county where she resides. Both parties must be present to obtain a license. Some counties have more than one office. For example, Jefferson County has seven different branch locations you could use. Check your county’s website for specific locations.\n2. Present your identification. You will need to present a Social Security card or some other government-issued form of identification in order to complete the application for a marriage license. Until July 15, 2016, the county clerk is required to report the Social Security numbers of all marriage license applicants to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to verify that there are no outstanding child support issues. After July 15, 2016, the Social Security number will be requested as a form of identification, but the number will not be recorded or shared with any other agency. At least one county clerk’s website says that a Social Security card is not required, but some other identification is acceptable (driver’s license, passport). You may wish to check with the specific clerk you intend to use.\n3. Complete the marriage license application. The application will ask you to provide certain information, along with signing a statement that all the information is true, to the best of your knowledge. The information that you must provide, for each person, is:\n\t* name\n\t* date of birth\n\t* place of birth\n\t* race\n\t* gender\n\t* current marital “situation” (single, divorced, widowed)\n\t* number of previous marriages\n\t* occupation\n\t* current residence (you must provide your residence, but you are not required to be a Kentucky resident)\n\t* relationship to each other (in Kentucky, nobody who is related any closer than second cousin may get married)\n\t* full names of parents\n\t* date of marriage\n4. Pay the fee for the marriage license. In any county in Kentucky, the fee for obtaining a marriage license is $35. The clerk’s office is able to accept cash, certified checks, cashier's checks or money orders. In some cases, credit cards are acceptable as well. You should check the county’s website or call the clerk’s office to verify.\n5. Complete the marriage ceremony within 30 days of receiving your license. If the 30-day time frame lapses, both applicants must repeat the whole process, which includes re-paying the $35 fee.\n\n\n## Get a marriage license in kentucky if either party be under 18\n\n1. Apply in the county where the bride lives. This is a requirement if the bride-to-be is under 18 years old. Otherwise, you can apply in any county in Kentucky, if the bride-to-be is 18 years old or older. There is no similar requirement based on the age of the male.\n2. Get your parents’ consent. If either of the people getting married is under 18, but over 16, then that person's parent must consent to the marriage, in writing. If both the bride and groom are under 18, then the parents of each must consent. Your parents will need to complete a Consent to Marriage Form, which is available from the clerk’s office. This applies to people who are under 18, but over 16, years old. This includes people who have had their 16th or 17th birthday. If your parents are divorced or separated and there has been an order issuing them joint custody, then they both must sign the application. If your parents are divorced or separated but there has not been an order of joint custody, then the parent who has legal custody must be the one to give consent. If a court has ordered a legal guardian for the person under 18, then that guardian must give consent.\n3. Get an order from a judge under special circumstances. If the female getting married is pregnant, and is under 16 years of age, then you must apply for an order from a District Judge to get a marriage license. This is the only circumstance that allows someone under 16 years old to get married. There is an additional $5 fee for a District Judge consent order.\n4. Be prepared for the consequences if you don’t have consent. If someone under 18 gets married in Kentucky without the proper consent, the court will issue a “receiver.” This is someone, appointed by the court, who will take legal possession and control of your property until you turn 18. During that time, the receiver will pay your bills and expenses, and is entitled to take a fee for his services out of your property as well.\n5. Complete the marriage license application. After you have the appropriate consent, you will both need to visit the county clerk and complete the marriage license application. You will need proper identification, in the form of a social security card, passport or driver's license, and a $35 fee. To complete the application, you will need to provide:\n\t* name\n\t* date of birth\n\t* place of birth\n\t* race\n\t* gender\n\t* current marital “situation” (single, divorced, widowed)\n\t* number of previous marriages\n\t* occupation\n\t* current residence (you must provide your residence, but you are not required to be a Kentucky resident)\n\t* relationship to each other (in Kentucky, nobody who is related any closer than second cousin may get married)\n\t* full names of parents\n\t* date of marriage\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to draw homer simpson?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Homer Simpson is a widely recognizable cartoon character, in part because of the popularity of The Simpsons cartoon series, and also because of his comical representation of American working class stereotypes. The following answer will show you how to draw him, step-by-step.\n\n## Homer's head\n\n1. Draw one circle. This will be the eye.\n2. Draw a small circle, about half the size of the other one.\n3. Draw a horizontally straight line from the end of the nose to the eye.\n4. Draw another circle, the same size as the eye. It must be exactly in line with it, horizontally. It must 'wrap' around the nose.\n5. Erase the parts that overlap the nose and the first eye, as the first eye should be more in the foreground.\n6. Draw a curved line that stretches from the bottom point of the nose, to about in line with the far side of the first eye.\n7. Draw another curved line from the same point as the previous one, but pointing down, in a south-east direction. Its length must be about the height of one of the eyes.\n8. Draw another curved line from the finishing point of the last one, pointing slightly down. Its length will be the same as the vertical height of the nose.\n9. Draw a small curved line, slightly smaller than the last one, that goes from the finishing point of the last one, pointing south-west.\n10. From the ending point of the line in Step 9, draw yet another curved line that points south-east, that is slightly longer than the vertical height of one of the eyes.\n11. Draw a curved line from the point of the last one, to the point of the one in Step 12.\n12. Add any expression of your choice to the mouth.\n13. Draw a circle that is about the size of the curved part of Homer's skull (see picture above). Chop off half to make it a semi-circle, but at an angle.\n14. Move the semicircle to a suitable point.\n15. Make a small lump above the second eye (see picture).\n16. Draw a straight line from the top of the lump, to the bottom of the semicircle.\n17. Draw a curved line from the other point of the skull semicircle that stretches all the way down past the mouth.\n18. Create a circle about half the size of the eye, and cut a small part off. This will be the ear.\n19. Draw the line that appears on homers ear(see picture).\n20. Add the two curved hairs at the top, and the other ones just above the ear.\n21. Add pupils to the eyes at any desired point.\n22. Fill the face and Homer's beard with appropriate colours.\n\n\n## Homer's face and body\n\n1. Draw 2 circles as eyes. Place two dots for the pupils in both circles.\n2. Draw the nose shaped as a sausage under the eyes.\n3. Draw a bow that is pointing to the left for the first part for the mouth.\n4. Draw another bow that is pointed to the right and is connected to the other bow.\n5. Draw Homer's head above his eyes.\n6. Draw his hair making 4 half circles.\n7. Draw Homer's neck and ear, for the ear you can simply draw a half of a small circle.\n8. Draw the collar right under his neck.\n9. Draw under the collar Homer's tummy.\n10. Draw the 2 sleeves from his shirt.\n11. Draw under his sleeve his arm with the hand.\n12. Draw the start of his pants and legs.\n13. Draw his leg and shoe under his visible arm.\n14. Draw his other leg and shoe next to the other one.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to cope with being unloved by your parents?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Parents are supposed to love, guide and protect their children. They are supposed to help them grow and develop as independent people. Unfortunately, some parents mistreat, abuse, neglect, or abandon their children instead. Feeling like your parents don't love you hurts emotionally and sometimes physically. The best way to get past it is to accept that you cannot change other people and focus on yourself.\n\n## Develop cop mechanisms\n\n1. Talk to a trustworthy friend or family member. Sometimes just talking to someone about what you are dealing with can make you feel better. Try talking to a trustworthy friend or family member about what has been happening in your home life. For example, you could try talking with a close friend about the way that your parents make you feel. Choose someone you feel comfortable talking to and who you know will not turn around and repeat what you said to your parents. Try to avoid becoming too dependent on this person for your emotional needs. Just talk when you need someone to listen to you. If you find yourself calling several times a day for reassurance, then you may be developing a codependent relationship with this person. Talk to your school counselor or therapist if you find yourself depending more and more on other people for validation.\n2. Find a mentor. Mentors can guide you through important life decisions and teach you things that your parents are not willing or able to teach you. You can find a mentor to help you learn new skills for navigating difficult situations, succeeding in school, or advancing your professional career. Try asking a trustworthy, responsible adult in your life to mentor you, such as a coach, a teacher, or a boss. If your coach or boss offers to mentor you, make sure that you take him or her up on that offer; however, you can also try asking someone to mentor you, such as by saying, “I admire your success in life and I hope to achieve many of the same things you have someday. I am not sure how to get there. Would you be willing to mentor me?”\n\t* Try to avoid becoming too dependent on your mentor. Keep in mind that a mentor cannot replace your parents you should not look to this person for parental guidance. A mentor is just someone who can help you reach your goals in school, work, or in another specific area of your life.\n3. Seek help from a therapist or school counselor. Learning to cope with your parents’ behavior can be difficult, so you may need to seek help from a therapist or school counselor. A therapist or your school counselor can help you to develop coping mechanisms and begin to feel better about yourself. If your school has a counselor, stop by and see if you can make an appointment to talk. If you feel uncomfortable doing this or you're not sure how to go about it, talk to a teacher you trust. You may also try asking your counselor if you can see a therapist by saying something like, “I have been struggling with some things lately, and I would like to see a therapist to talk about them. Can you help me find one?”\n\t* Keep in mind that if your parents are abusing you, then your therapist or school counselor will be required to report it.\n4. Resist comparing how they treat you and your siblings. If your parents seem to favor a sibling over you, it doesn’t mean they love one of you any more or less. There could be a situational reason why they treat your sibling with more thoughtfulness or effort. Most of the time it is also unintentional, and your parents may not even realize they are treating you differently. Most aren’t trying to make you feel unloved but aren’t aware of how their actions affect kids mentally and emotionally. Try not to focus on how your parents treat your siblings. Instead, just focus on your relationship with them\n5. Try not to take it personally. It can be hard to dismiss criticism and hurtful language from people who are supposed to love you, even if you know that what they are saying isn’t true. Remember that your parents’ behavior and words is about them and not about you. The next time one of your parents says something mean or does something to hurt you, try telling yourself, “I am a good person who is lovable, beautiful and worthy. My parents are just struggling with personal issues and that is why they said/did that.”\n6. Be kind to yourself. Some children who are mistreated by their parents treat themselves badly as well, such as by cutting, using alcohol or drugs, or intentionally failing at school. Performing these unhealthy, harmful activities will not make you feel better in the long run. Instead of doing these things, make sure that you nurture yourself, such as by:\n\t* \n\t* Maintaining a healthy diet. Exercising moderately most days of the week. Starting a daily meditation practice. Not smoking and not using drugs or alcohol.\n7. Replace negative self-talk with self-love. People who grow up in unloving households may be more prone to negative self-talk and have low self-esteem. To train your mind to think positive things about yourself, replace the negative thoughts with positive ones. For example, if you hear yourself repeating something your parents said like “You’re stupid if you can’t figure out division problems,” you might replace it with: “Learning long division is challenging, but I can succeed by working hard at it. I can also ask my math teacher for help.\"\n8. Write yourself a positivity cheat sheet. It may help you to examine any negative thoughts that are interfering with your ability to love yourself and write some positive thoughts to replace them. To get started, make a chart with four columns. In the first column, make a list of your negative beliefs. These might include things like, “I am not good at making decisions,” or, “I am not very smart.”\n\t* In the second, explain why you believe these things. Did your parents tell you these things or do things to cause you to feel this way? In the third column, think about what believing this is costing you emotionally and in your personal life: are you depressed, withdrawn, afraid to try new things and fail, afraid to trust others or let people in, etc.? List briefly but specifically what you are missing out on by letting yourself continue believing this negative self-image. Then for the final column, rewrite the thought to make it positive. For example, you might change a thought about your intelligence to something like, “I am an intelligent, capable person and I have accomplished many things using my brain.”\n9. Get out of the house more. Developing a happy, full life outside of your home will help you to feel happier even if your home life is not happy. Finding valuable ways that you can contribute to the world while being an active part of your community can help you rebuild your self-worth and confidence by focusing your attention on your well-being and happiness. Try volunteering for a local non-profit organization, getting a job that you will enjoy, or joining a youth organization or sports team.\n\n\n## Stay healthy and safe\n\n1. Report any physical or sexual abuse. If you are being abused, then seek help right away. Talk to a teacher, your doctor, a counselor, or call the police or children’s services and ask for help. Chronic abuse gets harder to recover from the longer it goes on. Don’t allow abusive people, even family, to cause you permanent physical or emotional damage. Get away from them as soon as possible. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE to talk about your situation and options. Don't hesitate to dial 911 if you think you or another family member is in immediate danger. You aren’t going to get in trouble for reporting that someone else is breaking the law!\n2. Sever your relationship, if possible. If you are able to break ties with your abusive parent, do so. It is hard to give up on anyone you care about, especially family, but your primary responsibility is to take care of yourself. Don’t feel guilty for severing contact with your parent(s) if you feel it’s the best thing for you. If you are not sure cutting off all contact is necessary, consider the amount of pain they cause you vs. the amount of happiness. Dysfunctional parents may show love sometimes, typically when it serves their own interests, but a little love now and then isn’t enough to justify staying in a bad relationship with anyone.\n3. Resist the urge to isolate yourself from peers and other adults. You might think avoiding relationships altogether will prevent you from getting hurt any more or by anyone else, but human beings need social relationships to thrive. Children who grow up without a loving parent or an alternative parental figure are less successful, less happy, and physically sicker as adults. Keep talking to your friends and other family members regularly, go spend time with them whenever possible, and be open to meeting new friends and trustworthy adults. Not every adult or loved one will end up treating you like your parent does. Don’t be afraid to give others a chance to love you. Long-term loneliness can have serious health effects, worsening or even maybe causing diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders. It may even cause cancer to spread faster.\n4. Learn how to be independent. If your dysfunctional parents aren’t teaching you how to make it on your own after high school, ask another adult you trust how to prepare for the \"real world.\" Learn this like how to create a budget, how to do laundry, how to turn on the water heater in your first apartment. Estimate the costs of independent living and what you will need to get started. Get a job and save up money for a security deposit on your first apartment and some furniture. Maintain good grades despite trouble at home so you have the option of going to college. Ask your school counselor to help you find scholarships to pay for it.\n\n\n## Recognize toxic parent\n\n1. Consider how your parents respond to your accomplishments. One sign of a toxic parent-child relationship is if your parents do not acknowledge your accomplishments in appropriate ways. This could mean that your parents either refuse to acknowledge when you accomplish something, or that your parents dismiss your accomplishments. Some parents may even ridicule your accomplishments. For example, if you get a good grade on a test, your parents should congratulate you for this accomplishment. If your parents are toxic, then they might ignore what you said, change the subject, make fun of you for being a nerd, or say something like, “So what? It’s just a test.”\n2. Think about any controlling behaviors that your parents use. It is normal for parents to want to guide you, but parents who try to control your behavior may be toxic. This may range from small decisions like what to wear to school to larger decisions like where to go to college or what to major in. If you think that your parents exert a high amount of control over your decisions, then they may be toxic. For example, a parent who encourages you to make your own decisions might ask you questions about where you want to go to college and why; however, a parent who is exerting control over your decisions might tell you where you are going to attend college.\n3. Note a lack of emotional connection. Parents who have healthy relationships with their children show their emotional bond by making eye contact with their children, smiling at them, and offering affection in the form of hugs. If your parents have toxic behaviors, then they might not do any of these things. For example, a parent who shows appropriate emotional connection with his child might comfort her if she is crying; however, a parent who lacks an emotional connection with his child might ignore the child or yell at her to stop crying.\n4. Consider the boundaries between you and your parents. Healthy boundaries are important in parent-child relationships. If you have good boundaries with your parent, then you should not feel like your lives are one and the same. For example, a parent who has healthy boundaries with her child might ask how her child's friends are doing, but would not insist on hanging out with her child and his friends.\n5. Reflect on any verbal abuse you have suffered. Verbal abuse is another form of toxic parenting. If your mother or father call you names, put you down, or just say things to hurt your feelings, then these are all forms of verbal abuse. For example, your parents should say things to build you up and make you feel good about yourself; however, you would feel bad if your parent said something like, “You’re worthless!” or, “I can’t stand to be in the same room with you!”\n\t* Some parents will be kind and reassuring one day and then mean and critical the next day. But keep in mind that this is still verbal abuse, even if your parents are not always cruel to you.\n6. Identify narcissistic behaviors. Parents who are too focused on themselves to notice their children or to treat them properly can also be toxic. If your parents ignore you completely or only acknowledge you when you are doing something that they can brag about to friends, then this is an example of narcissistic parenting and it is toxic. For example, your parents should encourage you in your interests. A narcissistic parent, however, might only pay attention to you if your interests give him something to brag about, such as by telling all of his friends that you won a scholarship, even though he never asks about your studies or encourages you. Some narcissistic parents may have a personality disorder (PD). A person with PD displays self-centeredness, refusal to accept personal responsibility, constant self-justification, a strong sense of entitlement, and shallow emotions. A parent with PD might treat children like a burden or roadblock to her own personal goals. She will typically rely on emotional manipulation to control her kids. People with PD are often hypercritical of their children and can be physically abusive or prone to endangering their child’s welfare.\n7. Think about any parenting roles you played. Some parents are too immature or have other problems (such as addiction) that make it hard for them to be effective parents, so a child ends up taking on some parenting duties. Consider whether you had to take on any parenting roles because your parent was not able or willing to care for you and/or your siblings. These may include things like cooking, cleaning, and caring for other children. Sometimes parents assign cooking and cleaning chores to teach children responsibility, but toxic parents may heap many responsibilities on one child to avoid having to do these things themselves. For example, a toxic parent who does not want to cook or clean may shirk these responsibilities and force one of his children to do all of the cooking and cleaning instead.\n8. Judge their behavior over what they say. Some children feel unloved even though their parents say that they love them regularly, because they don’t see this love reflected in how they are treated. Make sure you aren’t assuming you know how your parents feel about you without good reason. For example, a parent who regularly says “I love you,” but who often ignores her children is not behaving in a way that shows love. Likewise, a parent who says that she wants her children to be independent, but never allows them to make any decisions is not behaving in a way that demonstrates what she says she wants.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to create a computer file?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## On windows\n\n1. Open File Explorer . Click the File Explorer app icon, which resembles a yellow-and-blue folder, in the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. You can also press ⊞ Win+E to open the File Explorer.\n2. Go to the folder in which you want to create the file. On the left side of the File Explorer window, click the folder in which you want to make your computer file.\n3. Click the Home tab. It's in the top-left side of the File Explorer window. A toolbar will drop down from the top of the File Explorer window. You can also just right-click a blank space in the window to prompt a drop-down menu.\n4. Click New item. This is in the \"New\" section of the toolbar. A drop-down menu will appear. If you're using the right-click menu, select New in the drop-down menu to prompt a pop-out menu.\n5. Select a file type. In the drop-down menu, click the type of file you want to create. Doing so will prompt the file to appear in your selected folder with its name highlighted. If the file type you want to create isn't listed in the menu, see the final method for details on creating a file from within a program.\n6. Enter a name for the file. While the file's name is highlighted, type in whatever you want to name the file.\n7. Press ↵ Enter. Doing so saves your file's name and creates the file in your selected location. You can double-click the file to open it.\n\n\n## On mac\n\n1. Understand the types of files you can create. Unlike Windows computers, Macs don't allow you to create new files without opening the program with which you want to create a file (this means that if you want to create a Microsoft Word document, for example, you must open Microsoft Word). However, you can still create folders. If you want to create a file or document, see the final method.\n2. Open Finder. Click the Finder app icon, which resembles a blue face, in the Dock.\n3. Go to the folder in which you want to create the folder. In the Finder window, go to the folder where you want to create a new folder. For example, to create a new folder in the \"Downloads\" folder, you would click Downloads on the left side of the Finder window.\n4. Click File. It's on the left side of the menu bar that's at the top of your Mac's screen. A drop-down menu will appear.\n5. Click New Folder. This option is in the drop-down menu. Doing so adds a new folder to the current location.\n6. Enter a name. While the folder's name is highlighted (as it will be immediately after you create it), type in the name that you want to use for the folder.\n7. Press ⏎ Return. Doing so will save your folder name and create the folder in your current folder location.\n\n\n## Use program menus\n\n1. Open the program you want to use. Click or double-click the app icon for the program that you want to use to create a file, or do one of the following to search for the program:\n\t* \n\t* Windows — Click Start , type in the name of the program you want to open, and click the program at the top of the search results. Mac — Click Spotlight , type in the name of the program you want to open, and double-click the program at the top of the search results.\n2. Click File. It's typically in the upper-left side of the program window (Windows) or the screen (Mac). A drop-down menu will appear. Some programs, such as Paint 3D on Windows computers, will have a New or New Project on the opening page of the program. If so, skip this step.\n3. Click the New option. This option is usually found in the File drop-down menu, but you may find it on the launch page for the program as well. Some programs, such as Adobe CC, may require you to enter details about the project or select a template before proceeding.\n4. Create your file as needed. If you want to do anything to your file (e.g., add text) before saving it, do so before proceeding.\n5. Open the \"Save As\" menu. The easiest way to do this on any computer is by pressing either Ctrl+S (Windows) or ⌘ Command+S (Mac). You can also click File and then click Save As. If pressing Ctrl+S or ⌘ Command+S doesn't do anything, it's probably because you already created your file during the New process. This is common for Adobe CC programs.\n6. Enter a name for your file. In the \"File name\" (Windows) or \"Name\" (Mac) text box in the Save As window, type in the name you want to use to identify your file.\n7. Select a save location. Click one of the folders on the left side of the window to select it as the location in which you'll save your file. For example, to save a file on the desktop, you would click the Desktop folder. On a Mac, you may instead need to click the \"Where\" drop-down box and then click the folder in which you want to save the file in the resulting drop-down menu.\n8. Click Save. It's in the bottom-right corner of the window. Doing so creates and saves your file in your selected location under your specified name.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to help make cellulite less visible?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Have cellulite? Don't worry: Almost all women have it. However, few if any women want it. There are ways you can reduce the orange peel-like dimpling that occurs on the skin, usually on the legs, thighs and butt. It’s a myth that cellulite is always tied to obesity. Some thin people still have cellulite. However, your chances of cellulite grow with obesity, so exercise and choosing a healthier diet matters.\n\n## Make cellulite less obvious\n\n1. Get a tan. Whether it’s a spray tan or a natural one, tanned butts and legs don’t show cellulite as much. If you already have a dark complexion, you’re lucky because darker skin doesn’t show cellulite as much as pale skin does. Always take caution when tanning, though. The sun’s rays can lead to skin cancer, so it's usually a better choice to get an authentic looking fake tan. There are many ways to do this: airbrush or booth spray tanning at a salon and home products such as foam, lotion, or spray. When applying tanning lotion, start by exfoliating the skin with a body scrub, as well as shaving any areas where you don't want hair. Then, using gloves, apply the lotion all over your body, starting with the head area, and taking care not to get it into your eyes. Apply petroleum jelly to your eyebrows to prevent them from becoming discolored. When spray tanning, it’s very important that you wear recommended protective gear (over eyes, nose, and other body openings) so you don’t ingest the tanning particles during the process. If using a booth, you will be instructed to turn inside the booth as a nozzle sprays you with the solution.\n2. Start toning your legs. While genetics might make you more susceptible to cellulite, toned legs with strong muscle definition tend to show cellulite less. Run up a staircase, go for a long walk or jog, and use a stair master or elliptical trainer. All of these exercises and equipment target the leg and butt areas where cellulite resides. Contrary to popular myth, cellulite is not caused by toxins in the body. It’s caused by a lack of exercise and muscle tone, excess fat, poor circulation, genetics and hormones. Leg lifts and squats are among the exercises that can help you tone your legs.\n3. Strength train. Although running and other cardio can reduce your weight, which can make cellulite less obvious, strength training will be best at getting rid of the dimpled look. Yoga routines help tone the body and reduce the appearance of cellulite, as do strength-training routines that build muscle. Studies have shown that people who combine cardio with strength training (weight lifting, some circuit training routines) added muscle in addition to losing fat, and improved the overall look of their bodies. As little as 15 minutes of cardio (such as running) and 15 minutes of strength training (such as weight lifting) three times a week can make a difference over time (at least eight weeks).\n4. Try anti-cellulite clothing. It doesn’t work for everyone, but some clothing manufacturers make clothing marketed to reduce the look of cellulite. These pieces of clothing, such as capri leggings, are designed to generate heat that in turn helps break down cellulite cells. Elastic underwear has the opposite effect; it can make cellulite look worse. Wear non-elastic undergarments made of smooth fabric. Loose fitting clothing helps reduce cellulite because tighter clothing impairs blood flow throughout the day.\n\n\n## Improve the diet to reduce cellulite\n\n1. Drink a lot of green tea. Green tea has many health benefits. Some people drink it as part of weight reduction efforts, but it can also reduce the sight of cellulite. Green tea is a good choice for people who find it boring to drink plain water all day long. You can drink it cold or hot. Green tea doesn’t add many calories to your daily intake, but it’s very rich in antioxidants. The tea will increase your metabolism. Cellulite can occur with age because it’s associated with lower production of estrogen in the body. Drinking a lot of green tea can help reduce this effect. A faster metabolism means that your body should be able to expel toxins faster, which will reduce the look of cellulite.\n2. Drink a lot of water. There are many, many proven benefits to guzzling water. You should drink water all day long. Stay hydrated. Hydrated bodies won’t have cellulite that looks so obvious. Other health benefits include shinier hair and younger looking skin. If you find drinking plain water too boring, add a lemon slice into it. It’s a good idea to drink two liters of water every day and to drink water constantly throughout the day. Drinking a lot of water can also help with weight loss, which can further reduce cellulite. That’s because when people feel hungry, sometimes it just means they are dehydrated.\n3. Avoid sugary beverages. Drinking beverages loaded with sugar will probably make cellulite worse (not to mention it can increase your weight). That means you should avoid carbonated sodas but also be aware of drinks that have hidden sugars, such as fruit juices. Study labels. Some beverage companies are experts at packaging and marketing and they might make you think that energy or fruit drink is healthy – until you read the label and see that it’s loaded with sugar and carbs. It’s always better to choose water than sugary beverages. Even diet sodas aren’t great for the body because they have carbonation and chemicals.\n4. Try natural remedies. There are many natural remedies that some people swear help with cellulite. Give one of them a try and see if they work for you. Refrigerate the residue from your coffee grinds (black coffee). Mix them with olive oil to create a scrub that you apply to the cellulite-impacted area. Use circular motions to apply the rub for about 15 minutes. Then, leave the grinds on your body for about 15-20 minutes more before washing them away. Cover and warm the region with shrink wrap. Instead of coffee grounds, you could use salt and grapefruit juice to create a similar rub that some people say helps with cellulite.\n5. Eat healthier foods. Reducing the amount of toxins in your diet is good for many reasons. You will likely lose weight, be healthier, and your cellulite will reduce. Consume alkaline forming foods. Alkaline is found in fresh fruit and vegetables, which should make up the majority of your diet if you want to eat healthier. Sprinkle flaxseed on your breakfast to boost collagen growth. Sprinkle two tablespoons of it on oatmeal or yogurt. Fresh vegetable juicing is one way you can flood your body with healthy juice. Avoid eating processed foods as much as possible, especially foods that come in boxes and that are loaded with carbohydrates or sugar. Drink lemon juice and cayenne pepper three times a day.\n6. Eat kelp. Kelp can help you lose weight as well as improve the appearance of cellulite. It contains a chemical found in green plants that helps the body burn fat. Purchase dried kelp and add it to stir fries, soup or salad. You can also ingest kelp vitamins. Consider kelp \"sea vegetables.\" The kelp retains the minerals that are found in the ocean, making it very healthy for you. Kelp, sometimes called seaweed, also balances out the thyroid gland, improving your health. It's often found in Asian cooking.\n7. Stay away from too much salt or sugar. Salt and sugar can lead to serious health problems, as well as obesity, which makes cellulite more obvious. Avoid eating too much refined salt. Crystal and sea salt are healthier. Refined salt dehydrates the body and leaches minerals out of it. Sodium also causes the body to retain fluids, making cellulite look worse. Sodium can harm your health. Try to limit your sugar consumption to 6 teaspoons a day and your salt consumption to 200 mg of sodium.\n\n\n## Use chemical and other tool to reduce cellulite\n\n1. Try lasers. Some beauty salons and plastic surgeons offer treatments for cellulite that use lasers and other mechanical devices. There are downsides to these methods. They are often expensive, they need to be repeated regularly, they have to be done by a trained professional and can be painful. One example: Cellulaze is a procedure approved by the FDA for cellulite. A small laser is inserted under the skin to break down the cellulite’s structure. Research carefully any such interventions and check into the licensing and ratings of the salon performing the functions, as well as the credentials and training of the person administering it. Laser toning and cold-laser massage are also techniques that are said to reduce the appearance of cellulite. The tri-active laser was approved by the FDA and claims to temporarily reduce cellulite’s appearance. Fillers are sometimes used to treat cellulite dimples.\n2. Try a lotion. Many products advertise that they can help improve cellulite. Not all are that successful, but you could give them a try. You might find temporary help from ingredients that dilate blood and lymph vessels. Black pepper, green tea, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and ginkgo fall into this category, and some anti-cellulite creams contain them. Ointments containing forskolin (which comes from the herb coleus forskohlii) were found in one study to help women lose excess skin from their thighs. Skin firming cream can help build up collagen and diminish wrinkles. Some cellulite creams contain retinol, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin C. Major brands like Lancome, L’Oreal, and Nivea offer gels and lotions that are said to firm up the skin.\n3. Massage the affected area. Not only do massages feel great, but they are also known to reduce the look of unsightly cellulite dimples. Use a body brush with boar or just stiff bristles in a circular motion while you take a shower. Or use a hand-held massagers. Apply the massage head to the areas with cellulite. Add a skin firming serum, body lotion or anti-cellulite gel before you apply the massaging motions. Cellulite is caused by fat deposits that push through the skin’s connective tissue, usually in the buttocks and thighs. Massaging the skin stimulates the lymphatic system that lies right underneath the skin’s surface. This circulates toxins and causes the body to release them more quickly. Add a few drops of olive and juniper oil to the skin before massaging it.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to check if your spirit is working?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Step\n\n1. Get a job so you get paid to do something where money is NOT the primary motivation. It may be easy to perform but there is not much challenge, and you will probably eventually find other work to do.\n2. Be engaged or not. Your spirit may or may not be engaged by a job.\n3. Find a career as something you get paid to do that is for status or identity as a basic motivation. It may provide more challenge, but after a while, if you get burned out, you may stop doing it.\n4. See whether your work fully engages you and engages your spirit or not. If it does not that is a job. If it does that is potentially your life's work!\n5. Discover your life's work which is something that you may want to do whether you get paid for it or not (Your soul's need for expression and engagement is the motivation.). There is plenty of challenge and personal meaning if it fully engages you. You will always want to do it--if it is your life's work. It definitely fully engages your spirit.\n6. See whether your \"job\" can get lead toward your life's work.\n7. Explore your interests in different jobs and this provides the very important element of exposure to different kinds of industries and kinds of skills and crafts, etc.\n8. Consider this pathway to finding your life's work: Start out working in a \"job\" in a department store as a clerk. Move into a management \"position\" to learn management and supervision skills. Quit and use the skills you learned to finally:\n\t* \n\t* Create the spiritually engaged work: call it your Your Life's Work as an independent contractor training others in customer service skills--if it fully engages you.\n\n\n## Find whether you spirit be engage at work\n\n1. Print out these lists to use as a \"checklist\".\n2. Place a check next to the statements that sound like you in your present work environment.\n3. Count your check marks after your finish the check off. How much spirit is involved.\n4. Using your life force Sharing innate gifts and talents Doing work that is meaningful and fulfilling You are propelled by a higher purpose in your life Serving human beings as a higher calling for Allowing your inner light to shine forth Standing up for something you believe in Benefiting the world by what you do Doing you activity in a unique way Using your creativity, passion, and purpose\n5. Integrating your being and doing (balancing \"feminine\" and \"masculine\" energies) No longer feeling lost and unsure of how to make it happen Feeling fully engaged, frequent moments of flow and inspiration Stepping into your Greatness Increasing your awareness and sensitivity Using deeper thoughts, higher level thinking Questioning the status quo\n6. Matching your intentions and actions Feeling energized even after a “hard day at work” Experiencing inner feelings of peace and contentment Feeling like you have found the right path Making efforts that are non-traditional (not in lockstep with what someone told you to do) Shattering the box or the glass-ceiling (requires you to venture into unknown territory for you)\n7. Allowing your soul to lead you through the process of discovery... (There are no instructions, no right or wrong way to find the desires of your soul!) Having opportunity to really express who you actually are\n\t* Desiring to be surrounded by or create beauty\n\t* Living in freedom--to do it your own way\n\t* Discovering skills and talents you never knew you had\n\t* Experiencing butterflies or being scared sometimes\n\t* Finding your desired “right things”--right for your spirit\n\t* Feeling “turned on,” lit up, excited, enthusiastic\n\t* No longer wanting to settle for ordinary or mediocre\n\t* Finding positive change and newness in your work\n\t* Broadening your perspective, seeing more of the big picture\n\t* Shifting to wanting to learn more in your work, be more, and do more\n\t* Relying more on intuition to make life decisions.\n8. See how engaged you are by seeing that the more check marks that you have: then more of your spirit is engaged in your work.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to comfort a dying dog?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Although it is a natural part of life, it is never easy saying goodbye to your beloved canine companion. During this stage of life, you will want to make your dog as comfortable as possible. The comfort you provide throughout this potentially frightening situation will make the transition easier for your dog and bring you peace of mind as well.\n\n## Comfort your dog at home\n\n1. Stay patient with your dog. Older dogs commonly begin experiencing joint and muscle problems, and they can become frustrated with their discomfort and impairments. If your dog is grumpy or irritable during the end stages of life, simply do your best to be patient and provide the other comforts you can at home.\n2. Provide a quiet environment. Chaos around the home will only stress both you and your dog as you're trying to spend the final hours of your dog's life together meaningfully and with compassion. Give your dog a quiet environment away from noisy children or other animals in the house. Soft, unobtrusive music can also be calming, or you may also use a nature soundtrack with birdsong and the sounds of running water.\n3. Speak in comforting tones. Reassure your dog that he's not alone and speak in soft comforting tones. Tell him “good boy” and the other phrases you normally use for positive reinforcement to let him know it's okay. Give him plenty of light pets as well. If you want to make sure you're there for the final moments, then you may choose to sleep next to his bed in a sleeping bag for the final nights.\n4. Put down comfortable bedding. If your dog has a favorite dog bed, put it down for him. Otherwise you can put down some other blankets to help him lay down comfortably. Your dog may also have difficulty regulating his body temperature at the end, so keep some blankets handy to put over him in the event that he shows signs of being cold. Elderly dogs are also prone to pressure sores, so put down extra cushioning for an older dog. On a practical note, he may also have problems with incontinence at the end. Choose a spot you can easily clean and bedding you can wash later. If your dog does have any accidents, then clean them up patiently without scolding him. He can't help it. If your dog gets cold, you can also use a heater in the area to make him more comfortable.\n5. Keep fresh water available. Hydration is still important to keeping your dog comfortable even in the final hours. Provide a bowl of water next to the dog bed, so your dog doesn't have to get up to drink. If your is having trouble rising even to drink, then use a clean dropper to help provide water.\n6. Prepare some of his favorite meal. If your dog has always had a favorite thing to eat, then you should make some of it in case he's hungry. However, it is pretty common for dogs to lose their appetite in the end stages of life, so don't force him to eat if he's not hungry. Solid food may also upset your dog's stomach at the end as certain systems related to digestion begin shutting down. If your dog still shows a willingness to eat but regular food is upsetting his stomach, then try mixing some baby food with water, or you can also try the Hills A/D diet, which is liquid.\n7. See your veterinarian about pain management. If your dog still has enough time and you're worried about pain in the final stages, then you can consult your vet for pain management options for the final days. Signs that your dog might be in pain include excessive panting or gasping for breath or reluctance to move.\n8. Hug your dog one final time. Once your dog passes, give him one final hug and say goodbye. It's a very painful moment, so remember that it's perfectly okay to cry, but also remember the good times you had with your pet and that he passed in a comfortable, loving environment with you doing everything you could. Be aware that some dogs seem to \"move\" or \"take a breath\" after passing away. As their nervous system shuts down, sometimes muscles in the body or lungs can spasm and look like a sign of life. It's also common for dogs to pass with their eyes open. You can close them if you want as you say your final goodbye, or you can pull one of the blankets over his head.\n9. Take care of yourself. Once your pet has passed, know that you did everything you could and worry about taking care of yourself. Seek comfort in other loved ones who understand the loss. You can also light candles or say a small prayer for your pet if it feels right and helps. The ASPCA also has a hotline you can call to talk to someone who understands the difficulty of losing a pet. You can reach this hotline at 1-877-GRIEF-10.\n10. Handle your pet's remains. Though it's unpleasant, you do have to do something with your pet's remains once he passes. Many people choose to cremate pets or bury them whether in a pet cemetery or closer to home. Many services are available to help you deal with the remains to make the process easier on you. Look online or ask your vet for services in your area that will help with the option of your choosing.\n\n\n## Comfort your dog at the vet\n\n1. Consult a professional about euthanasia. The ASPCA has a specific hotline for those dealing with the difficult decision of euthanizing a pet. The line gives you someone to talk to who will understand your grief throughout the process, as well as information about your dog's quality of life at this stage and whether or not euthanasia may be the most humane option. You can reach the ASPCA hotline at 1-877-GRIEF-10.\n2. Make the appointment. Though it hurts to do and it always feels too soon, you'll have to make an appointment for the vet to euthanize him when you know your dog is at the end of life. Your vet is likely to suggest this option if your dog's condition has significantly deteriorated and the vet believes the dog is in pain.\n3. Bring some of your dog's favorite items. You'll want to surround your dog with a few of his favorite things at the end. A favorite blanket and a soft toy are very common items that you may choose to bring with to help comfort him as he passes. Favorite blankets or a dog bed will also be much more comfortable for your dog than the exam table, especially if he's already in discomfort.\n4. Sign any forms at the vet. When you sign in for the appointment, you'll also have a few forms to fill out, including a consent form signaling that you know what is about to happen. While filling out forms is the last thing you want to focus on, it is a necessary part of the process.\n5. Ask about a sedative beforehand. If your dog is experiencing any pain or discomfort from a medical condition, ask the veterinarian about giving him a sedative. This will make your dog more comfortable, and it will give you the peace of mind later knowing that your dog passed without any pain.\n6. Pet your dog with gentle, loving strokes. Once you've been taken back to the private room and placed your dog down on his blankets with any other items, focus all your energy on spending quality final moments with him. The veterinarian will have to finish setting up the necessary items, so use this time to offer soft praise to your dog. Tell him you love him and pet him in his favorite spots.\n7. Hug your dog. Your vet will ensure you're ready and then begin injecting the solution to euthanize your dog. Many people choose to hug their dog during these moments because the process is fairly quick. Between six and twelve seconds after the solution is delivered, your dog will take a deep breath and then appear to fall into a deep sleep before taking a few more final breaths. Some pet owners also prefer not to be in the room for the actual injection and passing. The veterinarian's office is used to people who need to cope and grieve in their own ways. Ultimately decide what is right for you.\n8. Give yourself time. Do not be embarrassed to cry in front of the vet or other employees at the clinic. They all understand what you're going through. After your dog has passed away, your veterinarian will give you the option to spend some additional one-on-one time with your dog. Some owners take this opportunity to say a few last words to their dog while others choose to pass on this option.\n9. Discuss options for the remains. After giving you the time you need, your vet will discuss options concerning what to do with your dog's remains. This may include releasing them to you for burial or cremating them, which the vet can take care of. You can choose cremation either with the intent to take the cremains with you or not. In some places, it is against the law for the vet to return your pet's body to you for burial.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to treat a staph infection?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Staphylococcus bacteria are commonly found on human skin and many surfaces. When the bacteria stays on your skin, it's generally fine; however, if the bacteria enters the skin through a cut, scrape, or bug bite, it can cause problems. It can create an infected wound, and if left untreated, can become life-threatening.[1]\nX\nTrustworthy Source\nMayo Clinic\nEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals\nGo to source\n Seeing your doctor for treatment is a must if you think you have a staph infection.\n\n## Get treatment\n\n1. Look for signs of infection. A staph infection can show redness and swelling. It can also create pus. In fact, it can look much like a spider bite. The skin may also feel warm. These symptoms will generally be near where you have a cut or sore. There may also be pus or discharge draining from the wound.\n2. Seek professional medical attention as soon as possible. Staph infections can develop into a serious infection quickly. Therefore, if you think you have one, you should call your doctor. Your doctor will likely want you to come in as soon as possible, and she will give you instructions for the immediate future. If you have signs of infection as well as a fever, it is especially important you see your doctor. Your doctor may wish to see you immediately or send you to the emergency room for treatment.\n3. Clean the area with an antibiotic soap. In warm water, gently wash the area with soap. You can use a washcloth if you do so gently, but you shouldn't use that washcloth again before washing it. Don't try to pop the wound if it's a blister; that will only spread infection. If your wound needs to be drained, it should be done a by doctor. Make sure to wash your hands after cleaning the area. When you dry the wound, use a clean towel. Don't reuse it without washing it.\n4. Discuss whether your doctor will take a sample. Generally, your doctor will want to analyze a sample of tissue or a culture. The idea is he can check what strain of the infection you have; once identified, he will know which antibiotic that particular microbe is susceptible to.\n5. Expect your doctor to drain it. If you have a bad infection that creates an abscess or boil, your doctor will likely drain the pus from wound. You shouldn't feel much, as she will try to numb the area first. Draining a wound generally involves the doctor using a scalpel to make a small incision across it. After that, she'll let fluid drain out. If the wound is large, she may pack it with gauze that will need to be removed at a later time.\n6. Ask about antibiotics. Most of the time with staph infection, you will need to take a round of antibiotics. One reason staph is so dangerous is because some strains are becoming resistant to certain types of antibiotics. This includes Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which must be treated with IV antibiotics. Typically, you'd take cephalosporins, nafcillin, or sulfa drugs; however, you may need to take vancomycin instead, which is less resistant. The downside to this drug is your doctor must give it to you intravenously. A side effect of vancomycin may be the development of a severe, itch rash. It usually covers the neck, face, and upper torso. You cannot simply look at an infection and know that it is a staph or MRSA\n7. Understand when surgery is necessary. Sometimes, staph infections can develop around a medical device implanted in your body or a prosthetic. If that happens, you may need surgery to have the device removed.\n8. Watch for this complication with other injuries. Staph infections can be a problem in a number of situations, such as when you have surgery. You can also develop a serious condition called septic arthritis when staph bacteria enter a joint, which can happen sometimes when staph is in the bloodstream. If you have septic arthritis, you'll have trouble using that joint; you'll also likely notice quite a bit of pain, as well as some swelling and redness. You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you have these symptoms.\n\n\n## Prevent staph infections\n\n1. Wash your hands often. Staph gathers on the skin, including under your nails. By washing your hands, you are more likely to avoid introducing it to a scratch, scrape, or scab. When you wash your hands, you should scrub for 20 to 30 seconds with soap and warm water; using a throwaway towel afterwards is best. In addition, turn off the faucet with a towel so you don't touch the germy surface after washing your hands.\n2. Clean and cover cuts. When you get a cut or scrape, it's important to cover it with a bandage once you clean it up. Using an antibiotic ointment is also good practice. Doing so will help keep staph infection out of the wound.\n3. Wear gloves if you need to play doctor. If you're working on someone else's cut or wound, it's best to put on clean gloves if possible. If not, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly afterwards and try not to touch the wound itself with your bare hands. You can do things like put the antibiotic ointment on the bandage before placing it over the wound to keep from touching it.\n4. Shower after you exercise. You can pick up staph infection in the gym, hot tub, or steam room, so make sure to shower after you exercise to help wash it off. Always make sure the shower area is clean, and don't share shower supplies, such as razors, towels, and soap.\n5. Change tampons frequently. Toxic shock syndrome is a form of staph infection, and it is often caused by leaving a tampon in for longer than eight hours. Try to change your tampon every four to eight hours, and use the lightest tampon you can get away with. If you use a tampon that is too absorbent, it can increase your risk of a staph infection. If you're worried about toxic shock syndrome, try sticking to other methods to manage your period, such as pads.\n6. Increase the temperature. When doing your laundry, wash your linens, including your towels and sheets, in hot water. Hot water can help kill off the staph bacteria so it doesn't keep infecting you.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to start a food delivery business?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Food-delivery businesses are a popular and fast-growing field. These businesses typically thrive in college towns, large cities, or other areas where large populations of adults are willing to pay to have food from restaurants delivered to them. The basic business model for this type of business is to approach local restaurants and ask to deliver their food, then charge a small commission for your company's profit. Build a small fleet of delivery drivers, and set up a website or app that your clients can use to order.\n\n## Strategizing and register your business\n\n1. Structure your business as an LLC to protect your finances. There are a variety of ways to structure a small business, but an LLC is one of the most common since it allows you to keep personal finances and business finances separate. To form your LLC, you'll need to file “Articles of Incorporation” with your state's secretary of state. Also, make sure that your company's name ends in “LLC” and open a bank account under the company's name. Most LLCs are “member-managed,” meaning that all of the LLC's owners take an equal share in managing the company. If you were to not structure your business as an LLC, the bank (or other debtors) could come after your personal finances and savings if your business went bankrupt.\n2. Find a source to finance your business if necessary. When you're starting up your business, you may need financing in order to purchase delivery vehicles, rent office space, and pay for insurance and permits. If this is the case, finance your business by taking out a bank loan. Or, see if you can find prospective investors who may be interested in a chunk of your company's future stock. On the other hand, if you have several thousand dollars in savings and plan to start with just 2–3 drivers (with their own vehicles) and yourself, you probably don't need any financing.\n3. Select a catchy name that will stick in your customers' minds. You only get 1 chance to name your business, so make sure to select a name that describes your company. The name itself should also clue people in to some of your business's selling points. A clever name is also a great way to set yourself apart from some of your competitors. For instance, if you want to alert potential customers to your affordably-priced meals, use a word like “affordable” or “budget” in your company name. Avoid bland or forgettable names like “Chicago Lunch Delivery.” Instead, try something snappier, like, “On-Time People Food Delivery,” “Sandwich in a Crunch Delivery,” or “Fine Dining 2 You Food Delivery.”\n4. Register your business with your state and local governments. Before you can begin conducting any business, you'll need to register your delivery company. Specifically, you need to register the business name with your local (and maybe state) government. If you live in the U.S., start the registration process by visiting the website for the secretary of state for the state you reside in. You'll also need to register to obtain a federal tax ID number. Registering your business name prevents others from using it. Registration also ensures that you'll receive legal and tax benefits as well as personal liability protection.\n5. Buy general liability insurance and any other kinds your state requires. Nearly all large insurance companies offer general liability business insurance. Speak to a representative from the company of your choice and ask them what level of insurance you're required to have in order to comply with state guidelines. Besides general liability, many states also require that you obtain workers' compensation insurance to protect the livelihoods of your employees.\n6. Obtain the required permits and licenses to operate in your state. If you live in the U.S., the licenses and permits you'll need in order to run a food-delivery business will vary from state to state. The state permits you need will also with your business's location and activities. Figure out which permits and licenses you'll need by checking out your state's secretary of state website. Your insurance company representative should also be able to advise you regarding the permits you'll need to file for. There may also be various fees associated with obtaining the permits and licenses. Unless you're planning to deliver alcoholic beverages, you shouldn't need to obtain any federal licenses.\n7. Calculate an operating budget for your delivery business. Add up all of your business's prospective expenditures, including renting office space (if applicable), driver salaries, insurance, and gas/vehicle costs. Offset these by calculating your business's prospective income. Figure out how much money you can afford to spend on a monthly basis without going into the red. You can further break the budget up by separating necessary expenses (e.g., rent) from optional expenses (e.g., extra advertising) and finding ways to spend less on the optional expenses. As with any kind of business startup, you won't begin turning a profit right away. It may take a couple of years. Broadly speaking, startup costs for a food-delivery business average between $3,000-$25,000 USD. In most cases, this money will need to come out of your pocket. Also factor your employees' salaries into your budget. While you may start out paying delivery drivers minimum wage, advertising and graphic-design specialists will need salaries. Do some research online to calculate reasonable salary amounts that exceed the annual cost of living in your area.\n\n\n## Partner and arrange deliveries\n\n1. Cater to a specific market and demographic that you'd like to work with. Consider your potential client base. This will influence the type of restaurants that you approach about delivering their food. If you're undecided, drive around the area you live in and take note of the types of restaurants—and restaurant clients—that you see. Especially when you're first starting out, it makes sense to capitalize on the food markets that are already in place. This will also help you find a niche for your business, rather than attempting to serve too broad of a market. For example, ask yourself things like:\n\t* Do you want to sell cheap eats to hungry college kids? Or would you rather deliver gourmet meals to upscale town home residents? Alternately, would you prefer to deliver affordable lunches to businesspeople in an office-heavy district?\n2. Map out the delivery area that you'd like to serve. Whether you live in a large city or are delivering in a rural area, you'll need to decide on a reasonably-sized delivery area. Clients will expect your company to deliver their food promptly (within, say, 15–30 minutes), so you can start by setting a 15-minute radius around your delivery headquarters. Pick 2 or 3 neighborhoods and expand from there. Honing in on 1 or 2 specific parts of town is a great way to build a niche for your business. Even if people across town haven't heard of your company, people in the neighborhoods you cater to will be familiar with your delivery service! You can also decide on a delivery area based on the location of the people you hope to deliver to. For example, if you'll deliver fast lunches to busy businesspeople, look into focusing on densely-concentrated business centers or corporate campuses. Or, if you want to deliver late-night food to college kids, center your deliveries around student housing and affordable apartments in student-heavy areas of town.\n3. Meet with restaurant managers to discuss delivery partnerships. Start small by selecting 2 or 3 local restaurants that you think would appeal to your target audience. Ideally, the restaurants should be centrally located within your delivery area. Call and ask to meet with the manager. When you meet, explain that you're starting a food-delivery business to a lucrative audience and that you'd like to deliver their food. Explain to the managers that you won't be taking money from them; rather, you'll be establishing a partnership that should increase their profits. For example, if you're focusing on an upscale audience, start out by delivering food from a local 3- and 4-star restaurants. Avoid reaching out to chain restaurants, and instead focus on a diverse representation of your city's fine dining. Make it clear to the restaurants that your company holds many of the same values that their does. For example, explain that your company cares about healthy food access and food sustainability. Also ask each manager for a copy of the restaurant's menu to post on your website.\n4. Set a reasonable commission to receive on each order delivered. Food-delivery businesses make money by receiving a commission from the orders they deliver. But, the restaurants still need to make money off of the food they sell. When you sit down with each restaurant manager, hash out a commission amount that will let you keep your business afloat but not keep the restaurant from making profits. Try calculating various commission percentages based on the total amount of sales you hope to make in 1 month. The restaurant itself will pay the commission to your food-delivery business. For example, you may figure out that a 15% commission allows both you and the restaurant(s) to turn a profit. On the other hand, a 20% commission might cut too deeply into the restaurant's profits and a 10% commission might not allow your company to balance its budget.\n5. Choose a flat-rate delivery fee to charge customers on all orders. A flat-rate delivery fee, paid by your customers, will help your business turn a profit and can be used to pay your drivers. Select a low enough dollar amount that it won't deter customers from ordering food in the first place! Setting a delivery fee of $5–7 USD would be a good starting point. It would also be wise to set a minimum order amount. For example, you could require that customers pay at least $15 USD for their delivered meal.\n6. Designate a location to serve as the hub of your delivery business. Your business will need to have a headquarters, from which you can dispatch drivers and too which they'll return after each delivery. It's fine if this location is initially in your garage or out of the back of your apartment. However, as the company grows, be on the lookout for cheap office space or a cheap storefront to rent. This will allow you to expand and grow the business. Specify this primary location on your business cards and website so your customers know roughly where you're based. As your company grows, you can also set up offices for on-site personnel who aren't directly associated with food delivery (e.g., web specialists and advertisers).\n7. Hire delivery drivers who can start delivering food to clients. Delivery drivers will form the backbone of your delivery company, so you'll need to hire several before you can start delivering food. When you bring in the prospective drivers to interview them, make sure that each of the drivers has their own car and a legal driver's license. Ask the prospective hires about their availability, and make sure they understand that the majority of their working hours would fall on nights and weekends. It would also be wise to run a background check on each of the drivers to make sure they don't have a criminal history. If you're a student or live in a college town, try posting “Help Wanted” ads in your student or local newspaper. If you'd like to hire more drivers—say, 20–30 people—post a job ad online in forums like Indeed and Monster to attract many applicants.\n8. Post job ads and hire people to fill other key company positions. Your food-delivery business will need an accountant to handle financial issues and a graphic-design specialist to come up with a company logo and design the website. As your driver base grows, you may need someone to oversee all of the drivers and manage their schedules, and someone to handle PR with the restaurants. Try posting job ads online through LinkedIn, Monster, and Indeed to find qualified individuals to hire. If you're starting the business out as a tiny, at-home operation, you may be able to fill all of these positions by yourself initially. However, the sooner you hire other employees, the faster your business will be able to grow and profit.\n\n\n## Deliver food and advertise your business\n\n1. Develop a website that lets users select a restaurant and purchase food. When your business is first starting out, the website can be straightforward. It should clearly present the different restaurant options whose food your business can deliver. After users select an option, the website can present the delivery options, each marked clearly with a price tag. Then, let users select their delivery address and entire their payment info to conclude each order. Design your website so that it's visually appealing and user friendly. If you don't know anything about coding, don't worry. There are plenty of website hosting pages that let you build websites for free. Check out options like Wix and WordPress.\n2. Create a companion app that functions similarly to the website. Many users—especially younger people—prefer to order their food via app, rather than using a web browser. It's okay if you launch your business without the app in place, but aim to get the app up and running within the first 6 months. Like the webpage, the app should allow customers to select their restaurant and food options, input a delivery address, and pay using a credit card. The Apple and Android app stores are the most popular, so start by making your app available on those markets. Let users download the app for free at first. Once your business starts turning a profit and becomes well known, you can charge for the app if you like.\n3. Establish pickup and delivery workflows for incoming orders. The workflow process should be streamlined and set in stone before you start taking orders. Once a customer places an order online, someone from your business will need to call the respective restaurant and place the order. Then, dispatch a driver to pick up the food and deliver it to the customer. If the restaurants you're working with have sophisticated-enough computer systems, you may also be able to link their computers with the app and website directly. This will save you (or another employee) from having to relay customers' orders over the phone.\n4. Market your business through social media accounts. Social media is a great—and free—way to spread the word about your up-and-coming food-delivery business. Start with Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Reach out and like, follow, and friend people you know on all 3 platforms. Then, start posting! You can post pictures of your drivers, photos of tasty-looking meals, and screenshots of your website. Invite customers to leave positive reviews of your business in the “Comments” section of Facebook and Instagram to build up your online credibility. You could also advertise your business in local papers, or create a radio ad to air on local stations.\n5. Advertise your business through flyers and physical mailers. Online advertising is great, but you should have physical ads as well. Print out flyers and staple or tape them to telephone poles throughout the neighborhoods you'd like to deliver food to. Also try plastering your company's logo all over your delivery containers and menus! Consider printing stickers that have your company's name or logo on them, and placing 1 or 2 in each delivery bag.\n6. Post ads at the locations of restaurants you've partnered with. As long as you're already in business with 2–3 restaurants around town, take advantage of their store space by putting up ads. For example, pin a few flyers on the store bulletin board. Or, ask the store if they can paint their windows to display your company's logo or name. You could even see if the store would be willing to pass out your fliers with every order they sell. Of course, make sure to get the store manager's permission before putting up any ads.\n7. Place advertisements in local community papers and newsletters. You want to get your company's advertisements in front of as many people's eyes as possible. Community newsletters and locally-circulated papers are great venues to use. They're cheaper to advertise in than widely-circulated papers. Plus, you can target your advertisements to the specific areas you'd like to deliver food to. For example, say you often deliver breakfasts and lunches to a large corporate campus. Reach out to the campus administrator and find out if they have an employee newsletter than you could place an ad in.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to write metal song lyrics?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Step\n\n1. Understand the meaning behind Metal Music. Metal is considered a \"counter-culture,\" meaning it opposes \"the normal, functional, and unexciting Culture that was dominant in society [and] by being outside of that which was in power, Counter-culturalists argued, they were able to see what was real.\" So when you before you begin writing, erase any preconceived notions that you have about a particular topic.\n2. Pick a topic. Metal music focuses on darker topics that match the heaviness of the music and skirt the \"popular\" beliefs of society. The topics often challenge the listeners' political, religious, emotional, philosophical, and/or social beliefs. Select a topic that you have experience with or have a strong connection to, this is going to make the rest of the process much easier. Popular topics for metal songs include war, personal angst, mental disease, mythology, tragedy, death, hate, intolerance, corruption and love.\n3. Brainstorm the topic. Once you have selected the topic, you want to spend time formulating what your thoughts on the subject are. Unlike popular music, metal pulls from real \"truths\" rather than perceived \"morals\" or popular \"beliefs\" on the subject. Start with what is \"society's perspective.\" Think of what the culture promotes as the correct \"belief\" or \"moral\" in the discussion of that topic. It will be easier if you can find a belief that you find to be counter-intuitive, paradoxical or illogical such \"war for peace,\" \"religiously-motivated murder,\" or \"victim-blaming.\" Contrast that to examples based on experience. Take a real life, personal or a fictional example that challenges the mainstream beliefs behind this topic. How has your experience challenged society's view? Make note of any other arguments, perspectives, or facts surrounding this topic. What kind of things do people say about the subject? What promotes these beliefs? What are the consequences behind this ethical belief? Who does this affect? Find a \"truth\" within the topic. Based solely on the examples that challenge that perspective, what truths can you logically pull out? This truth will become the main thrust of your song.\n4. Start to weave together the basic parts of the song. Unlike other popular music, there is not a standard song format such as \"verse-chorus-verse-chorus.\" Instead, create your own structure based on the topic. Is there an important message that can be repeated?Do you want to provide the listener with a resolution? Here are some basic elements of the dramatic structure you can include:\n\t* \n\t* What is the rising action? What examples or personal experiences can you include to bring the listener to agree with your song's main \"truth\"? What is the climax? Can you create a moment where the listener can throw out the societal norms or absolute \"morals\" that they had? What is the resolution? What did these examples teach the listener? What did you learn?\n5. Develop and formulate the lyrical poem. Don't stick to \"rhyming patterns\" or \"rules behind poetry.\" Many popular metal songs don't necessarily rhyme or follow traditionally. Instead just weave together the basic parts you created in the last step. Tell your \"story\" to the listener.\n6. Consider finding a literary device(s) to add depth to the song. Literary devices that work particularly well in metal music include personification, allegories, figurative language, imagery, metaphors and synecdoches. Some helpful ways to find out what devices will work with your topic include:\n\t* What popular images are associated with that topic? (Metaphors, allegories, personification, synecdoches, etc.) What observations can you pull from this topic? (Imagery, etc.) Is there fiction or mythology that you can pull from? (Metaphors, allegories, etc.)\n7. Develop the sound to go with the lyrics. Use wikiHow to Write Power Metal Music to create the sound behind your lyrics.\n8. Come back to the song, and revise as necessary. Sometimes the music doesn't match up with the sound. So play the music and sing the lyrics to find where these inconsistencies are. Then edit either the music or the sound to fit the emotion behind what you are saying/hearing.\n\n\n## Example: black sabbath's \"war pigs\"\n\n1. Black Sabbath set out to create Metal's counter-culture. Their fans were often disenfranchised youth who felt no connection to the free-love movement of the 1970s or the societal norms of the 1970s. They discussed topics that directly affected these youths and were relevant to what was going on in the world during that time.\n2. They choose the topic of war. This topic was perfect for the period where America used military force to achieve political change. In choosing this, they could speak out against the basic \"American\" beliefs behind the war effort. Societal beliefs: Society believed that war could bring peace. Experiences: War breeds more pain, suffering and destruction. Politicians start war, because they don't have to deal with those tragedies themselves. Other observations: It's the poor that fight, people die in masses, the generals guide soldier into certain death. The \"truth\": Politicians have the power and misuse it.\n3. Black Sabbath then started to weave together these basic ideas into the song, \"War Pigs\". They really focused less on rhyming and more on creating a vivid story with a rise, climax and a resolution. Rising Action: \"Generals gathered in their masses,\" \"In the fields the bodies burning,\" and \"Evil minds that plot destruction\" are all examples of realistic experiences and observations that Black Sabbath pulled from. Climax: \"Politicians hide themselves away\" and \"Wait 'til their judgement day comes\" support that from the examples, politicians will eventually be held responsible for what they did. Resolution: \"Now in darkness world stops turning,\" and \"No more war pigs have the power\" explain that eventually the people will rise up, and take back the power from the politicians. This provides a solution to the problems that existed in the rising action.\n4. Black Sabbath began to formulate these basic parts of the song together. Finding ways to make the lines fit together and to create a \"story.\" They tied the rising action to the climax with the \"oh lord yeah\" which foreshadows the resolution of judgement day.\n5. Literary devices were used to add depth to the song. Black Sabbath changed these experiences and facts surrounding war into something more meaningful and symbolic with literary devices. They weaved these ideas throughout the song, focusing on the main literary device of personification of \"war pigs.\" Popular images of \"tanks,\" \"machines,\" and \"battle fields\" are all references in the song. Observations like the masses being gathered and a chess game being played are also depicted. Fictitious and mythological images of \"sorcerers\" and \"witches\" are used in the song.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to hold your breath for long periods of time?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The ability to hold your breath for a long period of time is a much sought-after skill. Maybe you want to last longer underwater while diving or surfing, or maybe you're just looking for an impressive party trick. Whatever the reason, it is actually surprisingly easy to increase the amount of time you can go without breathing, provided you use the right training techniques and follow adequate safety precautions. Read below to find out how.\n\n## Optimize your lung capacity\n\n1. Do exercises to increase your lung capacity. While there is no way to increase your lung size, there are many ways to increase the amount of air your lungs take in, and the efficiency with which they capture oxygen. In particular, a rigorous exercise routine can help to strengthen your lungs and maximize their capacity to hold air. Do plenty of cardio. Incorporating some intense cardio workouts into your weekly routine can do wonders for your lungs. Running, skipping, aerobics and swimming are all great forms of cardiovascular exercise which get the blood pumping and the lungs working hard to supply the body with the oxygen it needs to keep going. Try doing exercising in intense 30 minute bursts, pushing your body to its limits, to achieve the best result. Exercise in water. Exercising in water (swimming, water aerobics, underwater weight training) is also a form of cardio exercise, but the water provides an element of resistance which requires the body to work harder to complete each task. As a result, the lungs need to work harder to supply the body with oxygen, causing their air capacity to increase significantly over time. Work-out at high elevation. At higher elevations, there is less oxygen in the air, meaning your lungs have to work harder to supply the body with oxygen. This is an excellent way to strengthen the lungs, but you must be careful not to train to hard, or you could potentially fall victim to altitude sickness.\n2. Lose weight. Any excess baggage reduces your body's efficiency in using oxygen, as there is increased body mass to which your blood must pump oxygen. As a result, many competitive breath holders will attempt to shed any extra pounds in the weeks coming up to a competition. This weight loss should be achieved in a strictly healthy way - through exercise and balanced diet - as weakening your body through crash dieting will negatively impact your ability to hold your breath. The world record breath holder, Aleix Segura Vendrell, is reported to have lost weight for 4 months before attempting to beat the world record for holding breath underwater, in an effort to improve his ratio of body volume to lung volume.\n3. Quit smoking. The fact that smoking has a negative impact on lung strength and capacity is common knowledge. Quitting can considerably increase your lungs' ability to release carbon dioxide and absorb oxygen, even within a matter of weeks. So if you are trying to strengthen your lungs and increase their capacity, giving up smoking is undoubtedly the first thing on the to-do list. You should also try to avoid second-hand smoke as far as possible, as inhaling someone else's cigarette smoke can have a negative effect on your lungs.\n4. Take up a wind or brass instrument. These types of instruments require plenty of lung power, making them a great way to improve lung strength and increase your ability to control your breathing. And aside from that, playing an instrument is a fantastic life skill, which can provide immense personal satisfaction. The flute, clarinet, oboe and saxophone are all good options when it comes to wind instruments, while the trumpet, trombone and tuba are popular brass options. If you have a good voice, singing is another great musical aid to improving lung power. Singing requires immense control of one's breathing, making it an excellent complimentary activity for aspiring breath-holders.\n\n\n## Train techniques for hold your breath\n\n1. Practice deep breathing. Before holding your breath, inhale and exhale slowly from deep within your diaphragm. By doing this, you're ridding your lungs of low-quality air. Spend five seconds breathing in, then hold the breath for one second, before breathing out for ten seconds. Continue deep breathing for two minutes, and be sure that when you exhale, you push out every last \"drop\" of air. As you exhale, push your tongue up against your teeth.This forms a valve which helps to control the release of air. Your breath should make a hissing sound as it is released. Deep breathing allows your body to take in excess oxygen, which it can then store in the blood cells. This helps when holding your breath as your body can use the stored oxygen to continue functioning, even when you are not breathing.\n2. Purge the CO2 from your lungs. When holding your breath, the pressure you feel in your lungs is not the result of a need to breathe, but rather the result of a build-up of CO2, fighting to be released. This build-up of CO2 becomes increasingly painful as time goes on. To minimize this build-up, it is necessary to purge any pre-existing CO2 from your lungs, before holding your breath. To do this:\n\t* Exhale forcefully, pushing as much air out of your lungs as possible. Puff out your cheeks as you do this, and imagine you are trying to blow a toy sailboat across a stretch of water. Once you have exhaled completely, inhale quickly and repeat. Try to keep your body as still as possible while you do this, to avoid expending any of the stored oxygen from the previous step.\n3. Take a breath and hold it for one minute and thirty seconds. This is a practice run which will allow your body to adjust to the sensation of going without air. Use a timer to count down the 90 seconds, and don't attempt to hold your breath for any longer just yet. When you inhale, don't breathe in so much that you're about to pop; this creates tension in your body and causes you to expend more energy. Instead, fill your lung capacity to about 80-85% capacity so that you still have room to relax. Once the 90 seconds is up, exhale briefly to rid your lungs of the used air, then take three breaths, inhaling and exhaling fully. This is known as semi-purging.\n4. Repeat the process of deep breathing and purging, then hold your breath for two minutes and thirty seconds. Once the first 90 second practice run is up, repeat the deep breathing and purging exercises. Perform each exercise for a duration of one minute and thirty seconds. Once this is done, take a breath and hold it for two minutes and thirty seconds, timing it on a stopwatch. Do not attempt to hold your breath for any longer than this. Once the time is up, exhale to release the used air and take three semi-purge breaths. Follow this with two minutes of deep breathing and a minute and a half of purging. You are now ready to try holding your breath for as long as possible.\n5. Splash cold water on your face. At this point, you may decide to splash your face with some cold water before attempting to hold your breath. It has been observed that putting a person's face in contact with cold water triggers bradycardia, or the slowing of the heart rate, which is the first phase of the mammalian diving reflex. However, this step is purely optional. You don't need to actually put your entire head underwater, though. Just splash some cold water on your face right before you hold your breath, or try using a cold, wet washcloth. Don't use an ice pack instead of water, though; the same study suggests that the shock of something too cold triggers other reflexes. Just make sure the water is at a temperature of approximately 70 °F (21 °C) and that the rest of your body is in a relaxed position.\n6. Take a breath and hold it for as long as possible. Assume a comfortable seated position and take a deep breath, filling your lungs to about 80-85% of capacity. Hold your breath for as long as possible, staying completely still to avoid expending unnecessary energy and wasting oxygen. It is usually better to have someone else timing your progress, as time will pass more quickly and you will be able to hold your breath for longer if you are not constantly watching the clock. Holding your breath for long periods of time can be painful, and it usually necessary to find a way to distract yourself if you are to successfully achieve your goal. One popular distraction technique is to move through the alphabet from A to Z, thinking of a friend, celebrity or historical figure whose name begins with each letter. Aleix Segura Vendrell, who set a world record for holding his breath underwater for 24 minutes and 3 seconds, is a proponent of this very technique. Don't hold air in your cheeks. This method is meant for an air reserve, which requires \"letting go\" of the air in your lungs and switching it with the air in your cheeks. This is known as \"circular breathing\" and can be very difficult to achieve, usually resulting in the breath-holder losing both air reserves. Therefore, it may be best to avoid this method for the time being.\n7. Relax every muscle in your body. It is vital that you relax completely and release any tension from your body as you hold your breath. Close your eyes and focus on releasing the tension from each body part in turn, starting with your feet, and moving slowly upwards along your body, all the way up to your neck and head. By doing this, it is possible to significantly lower your heart rate and increase the time you are able to hold your breath for. Concentrate on something that's relaxing to you. When you can't concentrate anymore, distract yourself by doing something with your hands, like counting to 99 with your fingers. Try not to move during any point when holding your breath. When you move, you waste oxygen and that will cut down the time you're able to go without breathing. Stay still.\n8. Exhale slowly. When you can't hold your breath anymore, try to avoid exhaling all the air in your lungs in a mad rush. First, exhale about 20% of your air, then inhale again so that oxygen gets to your most critical areas faster. Then you can exhale and inhale completely.\n9. Repeat these steps 3-4 times per session. It is not recommended to do this any more, as it could damage your lungs and body. Try one session in the morning and one session at night if you wish. Keep practicing and before you know it, you will be able to hold your breath for several minutes.\n\n\n## Take the necessary safety precautions\n\n1. Always practice with a partner. It is highly advisable that you practice holding your breath with a partner. The main reason for this is that they can ensure your safety if you happen to pass out (which is fairly common during limit-testing training sessions), preventing you from hurting yourself and taking care of you while you recover your senses. In addition, a partner can help to time your breath-holding sessions, notifying you at each 30 second interval.\n2. Practice sitting up, rather than lying down. The best position to practice holding your breath in is sitting upright in a comfortable position, such as on a sofa or armchair. This allows you to expend as little energy as possible while holding your breath. It is not advised that you lie down while holding your breath, as you run the risk of choking on your tongue if you happen to pass out.\n3. Do not attempt to do this underwater, unless supervised by a professional. Although the purpose of learning to hold your breath for longer is usually for use underwater, you should never do underwater training alone, without supervision. As mentioned before, it is quite common for people to black out or lose consciousness after holding their breath for prolonged periods, and if this happens underwater it can lead to drowning. Even practicing with a partner can be dangerous, as an untrained eye may be unable to tell the difference between someone who is holding their breath and someone who has passed out. If you do decide to practice with a partner, make sure that you decide on a hand signal which you can give at regular intervals to indicate to your partner that you are okay.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to purchase a textbook?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In this article you will learn two ways to purchase your college textbooks. One way would be your college campus bookstore. Another will be online on your college website.\n\n## College campus bookstore\n\n1. Make sure you have a print out of your college classes, if not you can always ask a clerk in the bookstore to print one out. Each of your classes are categorized in a course for example: History will be HIST.\n2. Look at your college class list, find your first class and look for its category in the bookstore.\n3. After finding the category of your class, you will then look for your class on pieces of paper located on the bookshelf example: History 101 The piece of paper located on the bookshelf will have the class, professor of the class and the author of the book. The piece of paper will also have two amounts of the book NEW and USED. It will be your choice to decide if you would like to purchase a new book or a used book.\n4. Find your remaining books. When done finding books you will now be ready to check out.\n5. Head over to the register, the clerk will then scan your books, give you the total amount. After paying the clerk will go over the return policy after that you will be done purchasing your textbooks.\n\n\n## Purchase your textbooks online on your college website\n\n1. Locate your college website onto the internet For Example: www.csn.edu\n2. Go to the Bookstore on your college's website.\n3. Scroll down to websites and click your campus website For Example Cheyenne bookstore Website.\n4. Look at the next page that comes up and make sure that it says your campus that For example: Cheyenne bookstore. Click the link that says Textbooks and Course Materials. You will then select your program, term, and your division. By doing this correctly make sure you have a print out of your classes beside you.\n5. After selecting your division you will then select your department also known for your class Example History will be HIST then your will select your course and finally your selection.\n6. after submitting all your information the next page that appears will be the a picture of the book, title , author, price of a New book or Used book and if they have the book in stock.\n7. Click on the Add to Cart and add another course. Continue adding text books. You are now ready to check out make sure to look over all your information and read the instructions click on the checkout button if you are not a member make sure to register to continue checking out.\n8. After you register you will be back to the checkout page you will then follow instructions on how to pay and then you will have finished the process of purchasing a textbook online.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to change the home screen background on an ipad?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The default iPad wallpapers are attractive, but you can pick an alternate option or use your own pictures to make things a little more personal.\n\n## Step\n\n1. Tap the “Settings” icon on your iPad’s Home screen to launch the Settings app.\n2. Tap “Brightness & Wallpaper” and then tap the preview images in the Wallpaper section.\n\n\n## To select a new wallpaper image\n\n1. Tap “Wallpaper.”\n2. Tap an image from the Apple wallpaper collection.\n3. Tap the “Set Lock Screen,” “Set Home Screen” or “Set Both” buttons to use the image when your iPad is locked, behind the icons on your Home screen or both.\n\n\n## To select a wallpaper image from your photos\n\n1. Tap “Camera Roll” or “Photo Stream” depending on where the image you want to use is stored.\n2. Tap the image you want to use.\n3. Pinch and drag the image to adjust how it appears on the screen.\n4. Tap the “Set Lock Screen,” “Set Home Screen” or “Set Both” buttons to use the image when your iPad is locked, behind the icons on your Home screen or both.\n5. Press the Home button or lock your iPad to view your new wallpaper image.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to get good at picking up girls?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Picking up girls is a skill, and as with any other skill, the fundamental idea is the same; you start by practicing it consistently and learn more along the way to enhance it. Below are some key habits and practices that will help you get good at pickup.\n\n## Hone your approach skills\n\n1. Have fun.- Go out often.- Know how to stop girls properly.- Be calmly assertive and lead with common sense.- Recognize the level of interest from girls.- Record yourself.\n\n\n## Cultivate conversation habit and practice\n\n1. Make a deep genuine connection.- Remember that honest communication of intentions is important.- Understand romantic connection.- Make a habit of talking to older or \"less attractive\" girls (or even guys) when you go out.- Use non-reaction to deal with tests.- Practice being funny.- Use \"us\" mentality.- Use roleplay.- Make it sexual.- Balance interest and disinterest.- Know the difference between persistence and supplication.\n\n\n## Experiment\n\n1. Experiment with your approach.- Try new things.- Test the validity of your self-limiting and false beliefs.- Get another opinion.- Keep a journal.- Find your demographics.\n\n\n## Practice non-reaction and humility\n\n1. Practice acceptance.- Practice non-reaction.- Practice humility.\n\n\n## Find a balance\n\n1. Live an interesting life.- Work on the balance between health, wealth, and relationships.- Understand that looks, status, race and wealth matter.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to claim tax back?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Typically you pay taxes on your income throughout the year – but over the course of a year, your life may change drastically. You may lose your job, get a new job that pays less money, get married, have a child, or buy a house. As a result of any of these changes, you may find that you've paid too much in taxes. When you pay too much, you typically are entitled to a refund. In most countries, you must file a return to claim tax back.\n\n## Take deductions and credit\n\n1. Report major life changes. Getting married, having a child, or buying a house are examples of positive life changes that can mean you don't owe as much tax. Negative changes, such as losing your job or getting a divorce, may have the same result. You also may be entitled to a tax refund if your residency status has changed. For example, non-residents may pay a higher tax rate than residents. If you become a permanent resident during the tax year, you may be able to get some of those higher taxes back. The government typically doesn't automatically make these changes for you and reassess your tax liability. Instead, you have to report the change and claim a refund for the amount you overpaid.\n2. Keep records of medical expenses. If you have medical expenses that weren't covered by insurance, you may be able to deduct some or all of those expenses on your taxes. Save your receipts so you have them at year's end. This typically only applies to bills you've actually paid. For example, if you have a $12,000 hospital bill for emergency treatment and you've only paid half of it so far, you could only deduct that half you paid. In the following year, you could potentially deduct the other half.\n3. Claim payment of interest. Certain types of interest, such as interest on a mortgage or on student loans, often can be deducted from your income on your taxes. After you make this deduction, you may be eligible to claim tax back. For example, in the U.S. you can get a credit for at least a portion of the interest you paid on your student loans. When you claim a credit, the government treats it as though you'd actually paid that money on your taxes, which could result in you getting a refund.\n4. Complete the appropriate forms. If you plan to claim any deductions or credits, you typically must file a tax return that allows you to itemize. Even if you typically don't have to file a return each year, you'll need one if you want to claim tax back. For example, taxes in the UK typically are automatically reconciled. If you're employed and earn an hourly wage or a salary, you shouldn't have to file a return. But if you want to claim deductions or credits, you may have to file a return to get that tax back that you overpaid.\n5. Provide proof that you are entitled to the credit or deduction. In many cases, if you're claiming a credit or deduction on your taxes, you must be able to prove that you actually incurred that expense. Even if you aren't required to submit this proof, you should still keep it in your records in case your return is audited. For example, if you or someone in your household is disabled, you may be eligible to take the disability tax credit. However, before you can claim this credit you need a letter from a doctor certifying the disability.\n6. Submit your return by the deadline. Your government may have strict deadlines by which you must file a return if you are requesting a refund. In some countries, the government will pay you interest on the amount of tax you overpaid, provided a deadline is met. While most governments will give you a few years to request a refund of overpaid taxes, the process may be more cumbersome if you wait. File your tax return as soon as possible if you're due a refund, so you can get your money back.\n\n\n## Report business expense\n\n1. Keep records throughout the year. If you're self-employed or own your own business, you can deduct your business expenses from the money you earn throughout the year. Even if you work for a salary or hourly wage, you still may be able to deduct work-related expenses. If you buy anything for work purposes, keep the receipt. You can also use a bookkeeping or personal finance app to help you keep track throughout the year.\n2. Review expenses you can deduct. Your government's tax department should have a list of the types of expenses you can deduct from your income. If you have significant business expenses, you may want to consult a professional tax advisor or accountant. To deduct a business expense, you generally must be able to prove that it was related to your work, and that you paid for it yourself. You can't deduct expenses that your employer reimbursed. If your employer reimbursed you for part of the expense, though, you may be able to deduct the portion that wasn't reimbursed. Talk to a tax advisor about certain expenses, such as travel expenses. These may not be entirely deductible.\n3. Use the appropriate tax return form. If you have expenses related to self-employment, you typically must fill out a separate form for the income you have related to that self-employment. Your business expenses are deductible from that income. For example, suppose you have a day job that pays you an hourly wage, and you also occasionally give people rides through a ride-share app. You would be required to report your income from ride-sharing on your taxes, but you could deduct any related expenses. This could include a portion of your car payment and car insurance.\n4. Submit your tax returns. To deduct business expenses on your taxes, you must submit your yearly tax return. In some cases, you may be required to pay estimated taxes throughout the year if your income from self-employment is over a certain amount set by your government. If you have significant business expenses, it may take you a little longer to complete your return, so don't wait until the last minute.\n5. Keep receipts for expenses you deducted. You typically don't have to provide the receipts or proof of your business expenses to the government when you submit your tax returns. However, if your return is audited, you must be able to produce this documentation. Generally, you want to keep these records for at least 4 or 5 years. Check with your government's tax department to find out how far back returns can be audited, and make sure you're keeping your records for at least that long, just in case.\n\n\n## Adjust your withhold\n\n1. Check the withholding on your paycheck. Especially if you've recently started a new job, you may find that too much money is being withheld from your paycheck for taxes. Check your pay stub or talk to someone in your employer's payroll department to find out how withholding is computed. It's generally a good idea to revisit the amount being withheld from your paycheck for taxes whenever you have a major life change that you would report on your taxes. Major life changes that could potentially affect your tax liability include getting a second job, being unemployed for any period of time, getting married or divorced, or having a child.\n2. Determine your appropriate tax bracket. If your overall household income has changed for any reason, there may be too much tax withheld from your paycheck. Estimate your tax liability for the year and compare it to your government's tax scheme. If you live in the U.S., you can do this fairly easily in most cases by filling out a new W-4. If the result is different from the one you have on file with your employer, your employer should update their records.\n3. Complete new withholding forms. You may be able to submit changes to your withholding online, or you may have to fill out new paper forms with your employer's payroll department. Speak to a manager or someone in human resources and let them know you need to make this change.\n4. Verify the change has been made. Once your withholding has been adjusted, you should notice that less money is being taken out of each paycheck. If the amount being withheld hasn't changed, get back to someone in payroll. Some countries, such as the UK, may issue you a refund directly through your employer if you overpaid on taxes throughout the year.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to get over a break up fast?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dealing with a breakup can be very difficult, whether you ended it or they did. Fortunately, things will get better! You can get over your breakup faster by boosting your mood with fun activities and small indulgences. Additionally, use healthy coping strategies to deal with your feelings. As soon as you can, start taking steps to move on with your life.\n\n## Boost your mood\n\n1. Distract yourself with activities that make you feel good. Indulging in distractions is a quick and easy way to make yourself feel good after a breakup. Although it won’t help you overcome your feelings in the long term, a distraction helps you temporarily escape your heartache and feel better while you cope with your feelings. Here are some ways you could temporarily distract yourself from the breakup:\n\t* Engage in your favorite hobby\n\t* Draw or paint something\n\t* Bake treats for your friends\n\t* Join a few friends for a pick up game of baseball, basketball, or football\n\t* Go for a hike\n\t* Browse your favorite shops\n\t* Host a game night with your friends\n\t* See a funny movie\n2. Spend time with friends and family who make you feel good. Being around your biggest supporters can help improve your mood because it will remind you how much you're loved. Plus, you can enjoy fun times with people who aren't your ex, which helps you move past the breakup. If you don't feel up to going out yet, invite friends or family members to enjoy a meal, movie, or game night at your home. You might watch your favorite comedies and order a pizza or play your favorite board games. If you feel like going out, ask a friend to meet you for coffee, plan a fun night out with your friends, or invite friends to go see a movie. As another option, choose an activity that gets you moving, like playing miniature golf, bowling, or walking in a local park.\n3. Fill your schedule so you have less time to dwell on the breakup. Keeping yourself busy gives you less time to think about the breakup. This lessens how much you experience your negative emotions. Go to school or work, volunteer, catch up on errands, help out your friends or relatives, or take up a new hobby. Not only will your mind be off your breakup, but you’ll also be helping both yourself and others. For example, you could fill up your free time by enrolling in an art class, volunteering to care for dogs at the local shelter, and helping your grandmother do her weekly grocery shopping. You’ll get to meet new people, make a difference, and assist a loved one while also having a little fun.\n4. Date yourself by doing fun things your former partner never did with you. Make a list of things you’ve always wanted your partner to do with you, like dancing, going to an art opening, seeing your favorite sports team play a game, or trying a new restaurant. Now that you’re single, take yourself on these “dates.” Doing what you enjoy will help you feel better quickly, plus you’ll see how much better your life can be now. For example, you might see a movie your ex would never watch or go on an outdoor adventure your homebody ex thought would be boring. It’s okay to also invite friends to go with you, but commit to going alone if no one is available to go with you.\n5. Indulge yourself with your favorite treat, a special gift, or a day of pampering. Doing something nice for yourself will help put you in a good mood. Choose something you really want or enjoy. Then, spend a few days indulging your desires. If you can spare the money, make yourself a treat care package or buy yourself something nice. If you’re short on money, try budget ways of pampering yourself, like making a homemade facial mask, taking a hot bath, baking yourself a batch of cookies, going for a walk in the park, or borrowing a movie or game from a friend.\n6. Repeat a positive affirmation that makes you feel better. Affirmations can help you boost your mood if you believe them, so choose an affirmation that resonates with you. Focus on a positive statement that both feels accurate to you and lifts your spirit. Repeat your affirmation whenever you’re feeling down. Here are some examples of positive affirmations:\n\t* “I am worthy of love.”\n\t* “I get validation from myself, not someone else.”\n\t* “I will live my best life.”\n\t* “I am the only one who can make me happy, so I will.”\n\t* “I am a strong, beautiful person.”\n\n\n## Cop with your feel\n\n1. Acknowledge the emotions you’re feeling without judging yourself. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions after a breakup. You’ll likely feel sad or angry, but it’s also possible you’ll feel love for your ex. Don’t try to make yourself stop feeling these emotions. Instead, recognize what you’re feeling, acknowledge it, then let it pass. Accepting your emotions like this will help you get through them more quickly. You’ll also experience less emotional pain. For example, you might say to yourself, “I still feel love for Alex. We dated for a year, so I know this is normal.” Similarly, you might tell yourself, “I’m feeling really sad and betrayed right now. I have a right to feel this way.”\n2. Share your feelings with someone you trust. Talk to a friend or relative who won’t judge you. Tell them what you’ve been going through, and let their responses help you feel better about yourself. Rely on your closest relationships to help you get through the breakup. Choose a few trusted individuals you can talk to so you’ll have several options when you need to talk. That way, you’ll still have someone to turn to if one friend is busy. If you don’t feel like you have someone you can trust, try talking to a counselor or therapist. They can help you work through your feelings in a healthy way.\n3. Write a journal entry about the breakup and how it’s made you feel. Writing about what happened and how you feel can help you get over the breakup faster. Additionally, writing about your goals for the future and how well you are doing can help you direct your attention forward rather than on the past. This is a great way to deal with your feelings if you don’t feel comfortable sharing with others. If your ex really hurt you, write a letter to them telling them how it made you feel. Then, burn or rip up the letter instead of sending it. This can help you release those feelings in a healthy way.\n4. List your ex’s negative traits to help you get over them quickly. Recognizing the flaws in your ex, especially when it came to your relationship, can help you love them less. It helps you let go of your image of them as your partner so you can accept the breakup. While noticing their unfavorable traits or habits will help you get over them fast, it might make you feel sad while you’re doing it. For instance, you might make a list like this one: “1) Doesn’t text me back right away; 2) Talks badly about my sister; 3) Forgot my birthday last year; 4) Eats all of my snacks but never replaces them; 5) Hates cats.”\n5. Allow yourself to cry if you feel like it. It’s normal and healthy to cry after a breakup, especially in the first few days. Crying it out can even help you get over your breakup faster, so don’t fight off those tears. Release them, and the urge to cry will eventually pass. If crying in front of others bothers you, go to a place where you can be alone. This might be your bedroom, a bathroom, or a safe place outside. If you share a room, ask the other person if they will give you a few minutes alone.\n\n\n## Move on with your life\n\n1. Spend some time getting to know yourself before dating again. It’s normal to lose yourself in a relationship, so give yourself time to remember who you are as an individual. Think about what you really want in life, as well as what you want in a partner. Additionally, try out different activities to figure out how you enjoy living your life. Not only will this help you get over your breakup more quickly, it’ll also help you form a healthier relationship with your next partner.\n2. Take good care of yourself by sleeping more, eating well, and exercising. This helps you feel better and reduces your stress. Additionally, you’ll be able to keep your life moving forward instead of falling into bad habits. Here’s how to keep your health on track:\n\t* Create a bedtime routine to help you go to sleep earlier. Turn down your thermostat, turn off your screens, and spend an hour relaxing before bed. Base your meals around lean proteins and vegetables, and snack on fruit, nuts or low-fat dairy. Additionally, drink plenty of water. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Go for a walk, run, dance, do aerobics, or take a gym class.\n3. Block your ex on all of your social media accounts. Keeping up with what your ex is doing will keep you trapped in the past. Don’t hold onto the relationship once it’s over. Focus on living your own life without worrying about what they’re doing. You might feel tempted to leave them on your social media accounts so you can show them how well your life is going. Although that might seem satisfying, it’s actually counterproductive because it keeps your thoughts on them. Just let them go. If you have mutual friends with your ex, consider temporarily unfollowing them if you know they’ll be posting about your ex.\n4. Clear out all items that remind you of them. Return any items they left at your home, and donate any gifts you don’t want anymore. Next, throw away or recycle any items that can’t be donated, like cards or uneaten candy. Then, put away photos and momentos you might want later. This will keep your mind off your ex so you can focus on the future. You don’t have to get rid of everything they gave you or every memory you made together. Use your best judgement when deciding what to keep. If it doesn’t remind you of them, you might choose to keep it. Similarly, you might put away photos of you with them until a later time when the breakup no longer bothers you.\n5. Focus on your personal goals to positively direct your attention. Choose a goal you hope to accomplish, like writing a book, getting picked for a sports team, or getting a promotion at work. Break up that goal into several small steps, then start working on them. This helps you focus on building a future you want instead of dwelling on the past. For example, let’s say your goal is to take a trip to Paris, France. Your to-do list might include “buy a Paris travel guide,” “get a passport,” “read about popular tourist sites in Paris,” “research hotels,” “price my trip,” “choose a target date,” “save money for my trip,” “book my trip,” and “go to Paris.”\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to thicken facial hair?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you’re dissatisfied with the patchiness of your beard or mustache, there are several easy steps you can take to thicken your facial hair. Many of these involve making simple lifestyle changes, like changing your diet or exercising more. If these easy techniques don’t give you the results you’re looking for, there are several products you can try out, which may either make your beard thicker or make it appear so. If these don’t work and you really want fuller facial hair, there’s always the option of getting a beard transplant.\n\n## Make lifestyle change\n\n1. Eat a healthy diet to get the vitamins and nutrients your beard needs. Like any other part of your body, your beard needs vitamins and nutrients to grow properly. Be sure your diet includes a balanced mix of whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Remember to also drink plenty of water and other fluids to stay hydrated. Since your hair is protein-based, it’s especially important that you eat plenty of protein. Sources of protein include: lean meats, eggs, dairy products, beans, legumes, seeds, and nuts. Adult men should aim to consume around 0.84 grams (0.030 oz) of protein per 1 kilogram (2.2 lb) of body weight.\n2. Exercise to help stimulate hair growth. Being physically active on a regular basis will help boost your blood circulation. Better blood circulation will allow more nutrients to reach your hair roots, helping to boost hair growth. Try to get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise every day by jogging, taking a brisk walk, or riding a bike. If you don’t exercise much, ease into an exercise regime gradually so that you don’t injure yourself.\n3. Reduce stress in your life to keep your hair healthy. Constant, high levels of stress can make your hair more brittle and even cause it to fall out. You can minimize stress in your life by getting enough sleep every night, exercising regularly, and participating in relaxing activities. Aim to get between 8-10 hours of sleep a night if you’re a teenager, and at least 7 hours of sleep if you’re over 18 years of age. Activities like yoga, meditation, and reading can also help you relax.\n\n\n## Take care of your facial hair\n\n1. Let your beard grow for at least 4 weeks. You’ll need to let your facial hair grow out a while before you can determine just how thick it looks. While your beard may look patchy and uneven after a week of letting it grow out, after 4 weeks, it may actually look lush and full. Try not to start trimming your beard too soon. Don’t trim any hair until you reach the 3rd week or so. Itchiness usually fades after the 2nd week of growing out your facial hair.\n2. Comb and brush your facial hair to cover patchy spots. As you let your facial hair grow out, comb and brush it daily. Comb areas that are thicker towards the patchier areas you want to cover. This will help train the hairs to grow in that direction. If you plan to keep a beard long term, consider investing in a quality beard brush.\n3. Apply a beard oil to your beard to soften and nourish it. In addition to eating a healthy and well-balanced diet, using beard oil is another great way to supply your beard with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to look full and healthy. Apply beard oil to your facial hair once a day to begin with. Apply your beard oil soon after you get out of the shower, when your beard is still slightly damp, but not dripping wet. Beard oil will also help reduce the itchiness of your facial hair during the first 2 weeks of growth.\n\n\n## Use hair-growth products\n\n1. Dye your facial hair to make it look thicker. If some of your facial hairs are blond, light brown, or gray, your facial hair may look thinner and patchier than it really is. Dyeing your facial hair a darker color will make these hairs more visible, making your beard or mustache look fuller and more uniform. You can find hair dye made for coloring facial hair at your local drug store. When dyeing your facial hair, follow the directions on the container closely, so you don’t end up with dye spots on your skin.\n2. Take biotin supplements daily to thicken your facial hair. Biotin supplements may help thicken your facial hair by strengthening your hair’s keratin infrastructure, giving your facial hair a fuller appearance. You can find biotin supplements over-the-counter at your local drug store. Biotin supplements, unfortunately, won’t make hair grow in places where there isn’t any to begin with. Products marketed as beard-growing pills are usually a combination of biotin, vitamin C, zinc, and other vitamins. The claims of these and other supplements haven’t been proven in clinical trials, so take them with a hefty grain of salt.\n3. Apply Minoxidil (aka Rogaine) to your facial hair. Minoxidil helps stimulates blood circulation, which allows more nutrients and hormones to reach your hair follicles. This helps encourage growth of your hair. You can buy Minoxidil as a foam or liquid. You can purchase Minoxidil at your local drug store. The 2 most common side-effects users of Minoxidil experience are lower blood pressure and dry, irritated skin.\n4. Look into getting a beard transplant if other methods don’t work. A beard transplant involves a doctor taking hairs from the back of your scalp and transferring them to areas on your face where you want thicker hair. After the procedure, it may take a few months for you to see its final results. The procedure typically takes several hours and requires the application of a local anesthetic. A beard transplant can cost upwards of $7,000.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to identify ticks?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While tick bites are not often painful, they can lead to infections or even chronic illnesses like Lyme disease. If you're uncertain whether you're dealing with a tick infestation, check for defining features that distinguish a tick from other bugs. Some bugs that look like ticks are harmless, but ticks must be dealt with immediately to avoid illness or infection. Call an exterminator if you're still not sure for a professional opinion.\n\n## Check for distinctive tick feature\n\n1. Look for a round, ovular shape. Before a tick is engorged with blood, its body is shaped like an oval with 2 major segments. After a tick is engorged, its head will remain small but its body will grow round and plump.\n2. Check for bugs that are between ⁄2 to 2 in (1.3 to 5.1 cm) long. How large a tick is when you find it depends on whether it has recently fed on blood. Before it has drunk any blood, a tick will be around the size of a pinhead. Immediately to several hours afterward, a tick will grow to around the size of a lima bean.\n3. Examine its exterior for a protective hard body. In most cases, ticks have a hard exoskeleton. These are called hard or \"authentic\" ticks and are usually what people are talking about when describing ticks. Soft ticks with a flexible exoskeleton exist but are only found in select areas. Soft ticks are found in the western United States and southwestern Canada.\n4. Check for a star-shaped design on its back. Lone star ticks have a white, star-shaped design on their exoskeletons. If a bug does not have this design, it still may be a tick. This pattern is just a defining feature of this tick species.\n5. Examine the bug for black legs. Black-legged ticks, as suggested by their name, have legs that are darker than their bodies. Like a lone star tick's black legs, this is a defining characteristic of black-legged ticks and may not be present on every tick.\n\n\n## Differentiate between tick and other bug\n\n1. Avoid mistaking bugs with wings or antennae for ticks. Ticks do not have wings, nor do they have antennae. If you have found a bug with either, it is not a tick. Research bugs with similar characteristics to ticks but with wings or antennae if your bug in question has these. Poplar weevils, which are commonly mistaken for ticks, have both wings and antennae.\n2. Count the number of legs to distinguish it from insects. Because ticks are a type of arachnid, like spiders and scorpions, they have 8 legs. If your bug has 6, it is an insect and therefore not a tick. If your bug has less than 6 or more than 8 legs, it is neither an insect nor arachnid but is, regardless, not a tick.\n3. Watch for bugs that feed on blood and do not travel in groups. Billbugs are the commonly mistaken for ticks because of their near-identical appearance. The way to distinguish between a tick and a billbug is to watch them. Billbugs swarm in groups, whereas ticks are usually alone. Ticks also feed on blood, whereas billbugs do not. As a general rule, billbugs do not hang around or on people and animals. Ticks often do.\n4. Look for bugs that burrow in the skin instead of resting on its surface. Both ticks and bed bugs hang around animals and humans. Their method of feeding off of people and animals, however, differs. Ticks burrow into the skin to drink a living creature's blood but bed bugs stay on the skin's surface. Make sure you know whether a bug is a tick or bed bug before removing it from your skin. Without proper precautions, you may remove a tick's body while its head remains lodged in your skin.\n\n\n## Identify tick bite\n\n1. Check for mild pain around the bite. Tick bites are not usually painful. If you experience sharp pain, you have not likely been bitten by a tick. Research your other symptoms to determine what insect or arachnid bit you and begin treatment. If a soft tick bites you, you might notice localized pain immediately after the tick drops off.\n2. Inspect the site for redness. Although tick bites are not painful, they can still set off your body's immune system. If the bite and the skin surrounding it looks reddish, it may be a tick bite. Keep in mind, however, that redness is a symptom of many bug bites.\n3. Watch for rash development in the days and weeks following your bite. While not often a symptom of tick bites, you may develop a rash if your tick bite becomes infected or if you contracted an illness from the tick bite. If a rash spreads from your tick bite to other parts of your body, call your doctor or visit an urgent care clinic. Some illnesses that ticks carry, like Lyme disease, can take months or years before symptoms develop.\n4. Look for a tick still attached to your body. Because tick bites usually do not hurt, the most common way to spot a tick bite is to see the tick burrowed in your skin. Compare the bug on your body to other insects before removing it so you can use a pair of tweezers or a credit card to safely get it out of your skin. If you are not careful, tick heads can remain lodged in your skin.\n5. Recognize tick bite symptoms that require immediate medical care. While most tick bites can be treated at home, you may need emergency care if you develop an infection or allergic reaction. Seek emergency medical help immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:\n\t* Raised red bumps (hives) all over your body\n\t* Trouble breathing\n\t* Swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat\n\t* Lightheadedness, dizziness, or loss of consciousness\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make popcorn balls?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Popcorn balls are a classic treat, typically sold in carnivals and occasionally the supermarket. What's even better, however, are homemade popcorn balls. Not only are they made using the freshest ingredients, but you can also choose what goes into theme. You can make the classic marshmallow type, but you can also make them with caramel or even peanut butter! Whichever one you choose to make, you are bound to end up with something tasty!\n\n## Make marshmallow popcorn ball\n\n1. Bring the light corn syrup, butter, water, confectioners' sugar, and marshmallows to a boil over medium heat. Pour the light corn syrup into a saucepan, then stir in the butter, water, confectioners' sugar, and marshmallows. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it starts to boil., stirring often to prevent scorching or burning.\n2. Put the popcorn into a large bowl, then stir the mixture into it with a rubber spatula. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl often to ensure that you get the popcorn at the bottom. You can buy plain, pre-popped popcorn from the store, or you can make your own using the microwave or stove.\n3. Grease your hands with vegetable shortening or butter, then shape the popcorn mixture into balls using your hands. Try to make each ball about 3½ inches (8.89-centimeters) wide. Place the popcorn balls onto a baking sheet covered with wax paper as you finish them; you can also use greased cupcake or muffin pans instead. Keep some extra butter or shortening on hand. If the popcorn starts to stick to your hands, simply coat your hands with more butter or shortening.\n4. Wait for the popcorn balls to set before serving them. This will take about 30 minutes. After this, you can serve the popcorn balls.\n\n\n## Make caramel popcorn ball\n\n1. Bring the butter, sugar, and corn syrup to a boil over medium heat. Place a medium-sized saucepan on the stove, then add the butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Turn the heat to medium, and wait for the mixture to come to a boil, stirring it occasionally . Clip a cooking thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Don't let the bottom of the thermometer touch the bottom of the saucepan.\n2. Stir in the condensed milk, and let the mixture simmer until it reaches 238°F (114°C). Add the condensed milked, then reduce the heat to low. Let the mixture simmer until it reaches 238°F (114°C). Stir the mixture often to prevent scorching.\n3. Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract. This will help sweeten the caramel as well as give it a more complex flavor.\n4. Put the popcorn into a large bowl, then carefully stir the mixture into it with a rubber spatula. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl often so that all of the popcorn gets evenly coated with caramel. You can use pre-popped popcorn from the store, or you can make your own using a stove or microwave.\n5. Coat your hands with butter, then sculpt the popcorn into 3½-inch (8.89-centimeter) balls. Place the popcorn balls onto a baking sheet covered with wax paper as you finish each one. You can also use a greased cupcake or muffin pan instead.\n6. Wait for the popcorn to set. This will take about 30 minutes. After this, you can serve the popcorn balls however you please.\n\n\n## Make peanut butter popcorn ball\n\n1. Bring the brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter to a boil over medium heat. Put the brown sugar into a large saucepan, then stir in the corn syrup and butter. Put the saucepan on the stove, then turn the heat up to medium. Wait for the mixture to come to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.\n2. Take the saucepan off the stove, then stir in the peanut butter. As soon as the mixture comes to a boil, take the saucepan off the burner and add the peanut butter. Stir well with a rubber spatula until everything is evenly combined. Make sure that you use the plain kind of peanut butter.\n3. Place the popcorn into a large bowl, then pour the mixture over it. Stir the two together with a rubber spatula until everything is evenly coated. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl often! You can use pre-popped popcorn from the store, or make your own ahead of time using a microwave or stove.\n4. Coat your hands with butter or vegetable shortening, then form the popcorn into balls. Try to get the balls about 3½ inches (8.89 centimeters) wide. As you finish the balls, place them onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. You can also use a greased cupcake or muffin pan instead.\n5. Wait for the popcorn to set. This will take about 30 minutes. After that, you can serve the popcorn balls.\n6. Finished.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to ride the london eye?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The London Eye is an iconic part of London’s cityscape. It’s a giant ferris wheel, built in 2000 to commemorate the new millennium. It’s made up of 32 large glass capsules that move slowly, allowing riders to get a great view London’s most famous sights. To ride the London Eye, you’ll need to find your way there, find the right package for your needs, and know some of its security and logistical characteristics.\n\n## Book your ride on the london eye\n\n1. Choose your package. The London Eye offers a variety of experiences at different prices. Standard tickets put you in a capsule with around 20 other people, where you can ride the Eye for about 30 minutes. There are quite a few packages beyond the standard ticket, including:\n\t* Fast track tickets, which let you jump ahead of the queue and board the Eye more quickly. Flexi tickets let you visit the London Eye at any time of day rather than booking a specific time in advance. Combination packages let you save money by combining London Eye tickets with passes for other London attractions, such as the London Dungeon or Madame Tussauds.\n2. Book your ticket online. Visiting the London Eye’s official website will let you buy your ticket ahead of time, saving a bit of wait time. Additionally, you’ll be able to save 10% on the ticket price by paying online. After choosing your package, you’ll be able to pay online with a credit card or PayPal. After buying your ticket, you’ll have the option to print your ticket at home or collect it at the London Eye. The former will save you more wait time.\n3. Pay on the spot. While it’s more convenient to book tickets online, it’s also possible to queue up at the London Eye for your ticket. You’ll have directions on site as to where to line up to buy your ticket. Note that while this is possible, it’s usually best to pre book for the London Eye, especially with more exclusive packages.\n\n\n## Find your way to the london eye\n\n1. Take the tube or train. There are a few train stations near the London Eye, which are accessible by train or by using the subway. The closest station is Waterloo, which is about a five minute walk from the London Eye if you follow signs for the South Bank. Alternatively, you can reach the London Eye from the Embankment and Charing Cross stations; you’ll need to cross the Hungerford Bridge to reach the London Eye from these stations.\n2. Get on the bus. There are three bus lines that can take you directly to Waterloo station, close to the London Eye. The bus line you take depends on your starting point. The 211 bus line travels between Hammersmith Bus Station and the Waterloo station. The 77 line also has its final stop at Waterloo station, although it starts from Tooting Station. The 381 is your last option, and starts from Peckham Bus Station.\n3. Take a taxi. The fare will vary depending on where you’re leaving from, but the London Eye has a dedicated drop off location for taxis at the end of its landscape. They also tend to congregate there, ready to take you back to a hotel or to your next destination. If you opt for using Uber instead of a taxi, you’re usually looking at a minimum fare of £14, ($18.13) with rates of £0.08 ($0.10) per minute and £0.75 ($0.97) per mile.\n4. Park your car at Q-Park Westminster car park. Whether you’re picking up a rental car or driving with a local, this is the best place to park and the London Eye can get you a 15% discount. From there, it’s a 5 minute walk to the London Eye, across either the Westminster Bridge or Lambeth Bridge. Note that the London Eye is situated in the London Congestion Zone. This means you’ll be charged £11.50 ($14.89) for driving to the London Eye on a weekday between 7am and 6pm.\n\n\n## Get on the eye\n\n1. Know what you can and can’t take with you. The London Eye has an important list of restricted items. Many of these will be taken from you at a security check before entry, and returned to you once you disembark. This list includes, but is not limited to:\n\t* Sharp objects, from knives to nail files. Replica or toy guns. Large bags or rucksacks. Skateboards and rollerblades.\n2. Prepare to wait in line. It can take at least 45 minutes to board the London Eye, with wait times increasing during peak times, especially on weekends and holidays. It’s suggested that you arrive at least 30 minutes before your booked time; this will allow you sufficient time to collect your tickets and join the queue. If you have a standard entry, you’ll enter the capsule through the standard queue. The Fast Track queue can only be accessed if you have a Fast Track ticket and allows for shorter queue times.\n3. Move about the capsule for the best view. The London Eye capsules offer a full 360 degree view, and it moves slowly enough to guarantee a you’ll catch all of London’s sights. While the capsule can hold up to 28 people, you should still be able to move around and get a good view. The ride takes about 30 minutes, so make sure to keep your eyes open.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make a bow for a wreath?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A big part of making a beautiful wreath is adding on a bow! Bows can be the perfect accents to holiday, seasonal, and everyday wreaths. You can make a fluffy bow with plenty of full loops, or you can use burlap to make a floppy bow for a look that's a little more rustic. Whatever you choose to do, it'll take minimal materials and a little bit of practice to make the perfect bow for your wreath!\n\n## Make a fluffy bow with wire ribbon\n\n1. Cut off a 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) piece of floral wire. Set it to the side somewhere it can be easily found later on. This is the wire you will use at the end to hold your entire bow together. If you don't have floral wire, you could also use a pipe cleaner.\n2. Unspool your wired ribbon, take one end, and make a small circle with it. For making a fluffy bow, use a minimum of 9 feet (2.7 m)—the more ribbon, the fluffier the bow! Make a small circle, about 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide, at one end of the ribbon. If you're at the store and aren't sure if the ribbon is wired or not, simply pinch a portion of it together—if it keeps its shape, it's wired. Keep in mind as you work that you'll need to stop when you have about 12 inches (30 cm) of fabric remaining.\n3. Pinch the end of the circle together in your non-dominant hand. Where the end of the ribbon touches the rest of the ribbon, pinch that seam together and hold it between the fingers of your non-dominant hand. This leaves your dominant hand free to shape the rest of the bow. You're going to use your non-dominant hand to hold together the fabric the entire time you're making the bow.\n4. Create a figure-eight by making loops on either side of the circle. Make a loop on one side of the circle, pinch the fabric in the middle, and then make a loop on the other side of the circle to create the figure-eight image. Continue pinching together the fabric in the middle that meets at your fingers. When you look at the bow from the side, it'll look like the number “8.”\n5. Continue making progressively larger figure-eight loops. Make at least 5 or 6 layers of ribboned loops. If you are using a lot of fabric, you may even make closer to 9 or 10! Remember to keep gathering the material in the middle by pinching it between your fingers. At this stage, your loops will be layered rather than spread out and the bow might look a little strange, but don't worry! You're on the right path.\n6. Stop making loops when you have about 12 inches (30 cm) of fabric left. Take the end of the ribbon and place it between your fingers in your non-dominant hand, forming a large circle. 12 inches (30 cm) of ribbon will produce bow tails that are about 6 inches (15 cm) long each.\n7. Thread the piece of floral wire around the fabric you've been pinching. Cinch it tight and twist it several times to make sure it's secure. You can now release that bundle of fabric you've been holding on to! If you're using a pipe cleaner, follow the same process: thread it around the pinched fabric and twist it off to ensure it'll stay in place.\n8. Cut the middle of the last big loop you made to form the tails of the bow. Cut in the middle of the fabric and watch as the ends fall down, creating the tails of your bow. You could even cut small triangles out of each end to add an additional flourish to the design. If you want longer tails, leave more fabric at the end when you stop making your loops. If you want shorter tails, you can simply trim them to the length you want.\n9. Shape the ribbon by rearranging the loops. Spread out the loops until you create a large, fluffy, full-looking bow. Make sure to pull loops upwards and down, and do your best to leave no see-through spaces between the loops. The great thing about using wire ribbon is that you can reform the loops easily if they get bent out of shape.\n\n\n## Create a bow from unwire ribbon\n\n1. Cut off a 4 to 6 in (10 to 15 cm) piece of floral wire. Leave this piece of wire off to the side somewhere you can find it easily later on. You'll use it to secure your bow once you're finished making it. If you don't have floral wire, use a pipe cleaner.\n2. Take your ribbon and make a twist at the end of it. Use at least 2 feet (0.61 m) of ribbon for this bow. Twist the end, leaving about 6 inches (15 cm) of fabric for one of your tail ends. If you're using ribbon that isn't patterned on both sides, just make sure that the patterned or colored side is on the outside of the twist.\n3. Make multiple loops, twisting the fabric at the end of each loop. Hold the forming bow in your non-dominant hand and use your dominant hand to make the loops and twists. How large you make the loops depends on how big you want the bow to be—use smaller loops for a more concentrated bow, and use bigger loops for a larger, fluffier bow. For this bow, you won't be making a figure-eight pattern. Instead, you'll just be making each loop consecutively right next to one another.\n4. Stop making loops on an even number. Make anywhere from 6-10 loops (or more, if you're going for a really large bow!) before you stop. The even number helps create symmetry in your bow.\n5. Cut off your bow from the rest of the ribbon. Cut the ribbon so that there are roughly equal-sized tails on each side. If you're worried about matching the sides, just leave extra room so you can trim the ribbon tails to match later on. It's okay if the edge is a little jagged—you can tidy it up later on.\n6. Thread your floral wire through the center of the bow. Position the wire so that half of the loops are on one side and the rest are on the other. Twist off the floral wire several times so that it stays firmly in place. If you're using a pipe cleaner, follow the same process. You can leave the excess floral wire in place and use it to attach the bow to the wreath later on.\n7. Spread out the loops to create a fluffy bow! Position the loops in all directions so that it looks full. Because this bow is made of unwired fabric, it might look a little loose, but that's part of the beauty of it! If you want, you can also cut small triangles out of the ends of the tails for an added flourish.\n\n\n## Craft a rustic bow with burlap\n\n1. Cut off 3 separate sections of burlap ribbon. Make one piece 60 inches (150 cm), one 24 inches (61 cm), and the last one 8 inches (20 cm). Additionally, cut the 8 in (20 cm) piece of burlap in half lengthwise. These measurements will create a large, rustic bow that will hang down off of your wreath.\n2. Hold the large ribbon in the center, and fold the sides down and across. Leave about 16 inches (41 cm) of fabric in the center before making your folds, as this will be the main part of your bow. Fold each side down and across so that the end of each one is on the opposite side. It's usually easier if you do this at a workstation so you can lay the ribbon down flat.\n3. Fold the 24 in (61 cm) piece of ribbon so the ends meet in the middle. Place the folded ribbon, seam-side down, over top of and in the middle of the 16 in (41 cm) section from the largest ribbon, layering one on top of the other. This second piece of fabric helps create depth in your bow by giving it a second dimension, rather than just having a flat, single-layer bow.\n4. Gather the fabric in the middle of your ribbons to make a bow shape. Pinch the fabric together in the very middle to create the 2 sides of your bow, and hold the fabric together using your non-dominant hand. One side of the bow should be a mirror reflection of the other side.\n5. Wrap your floral wire around the center of the bow. Thread it around the middle, and twist it off several times to ensure it's secure and won't come undone. If you don't have floral wire, you could also use a pipe cleaner. You can either trim off the excess ends of the wire, or let them stick out to the sides so you can use them to attach the bow to the wreath later on.\n6. Cover the floral wire with the halved 8 in (20 cm) piece of burlap. Wrap it around several times until there isn't any excess ribbon to be wrapped around. If you want, you could also take the other half of that 8 in (20 cm) piece of burlap and wrap it around the middle, too. A fun variation here is to use a colored or patterned ribbon to cover the floral wire for a little pop of color!\n7. Use your glue gun to secure the burlap on the backside. Flip your bow over and apply some hot glue to the burlap that's covering the floral wire. Use your scissors to trim off any burlap that is still sticking up. Let the hot glue dry before you flip it back over so it doesn't accidentally get stuck to your table. If you don't have a hot glue gun, you could use double-sided tape.\n8. Cut out triangles from the ends of the “tails” for an added flourish. Instead of leaving the ends of your burlap as straight edges, cut out a triangle shape from each end for a rustic and authentic feel. It's okay if the triangles don't match exactly, but try to keep them about the same general size.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to safely cook chicken from frozen?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you are in a rush, you may not have the time to thaw chicken for a meal. Luckily, you can save yourself some time and safely cook chicken from frozen. You can roast a whole, frozen chicken for a large group, or bake breasts or drumsticks for a smaller meal. Regardless of how much chicken you cook, it is important to always follow the safety guidelines for cooking chicken and thoroughly cook your meat to avoid any foodborne illnesses.\n\n## Roast a whole chicken from freeze\n\n1. Use caution when cooking frozen chicken. If you are cooking any parts of a chicken from frozen, there is an increased risk for foodborne illness. To kill any pathogens in the chicken, be sure to cook the meat to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C). Always prepare from frozen chicken in the oven or on the stovetop and, as a rule of thumb, cook it about 50 percent longer than you would thawed meat. For example, it would take about two hours to roast a thawed 5-pound (2.25 kg) roasting hen at 350°F (177°C). If frozen, a similarly sized chicken would take about three hours to cook thoroughly at the same temperature. Check the internal temperature of the meat by inserting a meat thermometer into thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh and wing. If the thermometer does not ready 165°F (74°C), continue cooking the bird. Do not try to cook the frozen chicken in a slow cooker. The appliance will not get hot enough to kill the pathogens in the meat. It also leaves the meat sitting for too long at unsafe temperatures.\n2. Preheat the oven. Turn on your oven and heat it to 350ºF (177ºC). While your oven warms up, put the frozen chicken breast-side-up in a large roasting pan. This will ensure that the densest meat of the bird gets thoroughly cooked. Depending on the size of the chicken, you may also be able to use a Dutch oven instead of a roasting pan.\n3. Dress the chicken. If the bird is not frozen closed, try to remove the giblets from inside of the chicken. Once you remove the giblets, stuff the bird with your favorite ingredients, such as lemon, onion, rosemary, and thyme. Then rub the exterior of the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. If you cannot access the inside of the bird, wait until it has cooked for about 45 minutes to remove the giblets. Use tongs and an oven mitt to remove the giblets and insert any stuffings that you want.\n4. Cook the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken in the oven uncovered and roast for about 90 minutes. Then increase the temperature of the oven to 450ºF (232ºC) and cook the chicken for another 15 to 30 minutes. This will help brown the skin. Remove the pan from the oven and serve once a meat thermometer placed into various parts of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C). These cooking times are based on a 4-pound (1.8 kg) chicken. Be sure to adjust the roasting time based on the weight of your chicken. Let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes to cool before carving. If there is any pink or red meat, place the whole bird or uncooked pieces back in the oven until they turn white and there is no red in the juices.\n\n\n## Prepare bread chicken breast from freeze\n\n1. Freeze the breasts individually. When you bring the chicken breasts home from the grocery store, place them in single layer in a freezer bag. Make sure that there is some space between the breasts. If they freeze together, it will be hard to separate them and you will likely have to thaw them. You can also freeze the breasts flat on a plate or tray and then transfer them to a freezer bag. This is a good strategy for freezing any individual chicken parts.\n2. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC). While the oven warms, lightly oil a baking sheet. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or any other preferred cooking oil or fat. Then place four boneless skinless chicken breasts on the tray. If you are cooking frozen chicken breasts without breading, preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC).\n3. Add breading. As the oven warms, mix 1/3-cup (113 g) dry breadcrumbs, ½-teaspoon (3 g) salt, ¼-teaspoon (1.5 g) of black pepper, ¼-teaspoon (1.5 g) garlic powder with one tablespoon (15 ml) of cooking oil. Spread about one teaspoon (5 ml) of mustard on the top of the frozen chicken breasts. Then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture onto the breasts, making sure that the mix sticks to the mustard.\n4. Bake the breasts. Place the tray in the oven and cook the breasts for about 30 to 40 minutes. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast to make sure that it is cooked thoroughly. If the temperature is below 165°F (74°C) or if there is any red or pink meat, put the breasts back in the oven and let them cook until they are white and the juices run clear. If you are cooking four frozen 4-oz (28 g) chicken breasts without any breading, you should cook them at 350ºF (177ºC) for 30 to 45 minutes. However, it is important to remember that the cooking time depends on the size of the chicken breasts.\n\n\n## Bake freeze chicken legs\n\n1. Season the legs before freezing. Because it is difficult to get seasoning to stick to frozen chicken skin, it may be easier to season your drumsticks before freezing them. Before you put them in the freezer, coat your drumsticks with your desired seasoning or rub. This will freeze the seasoning to the skin and make it easier to pull the legs from the freezer and toss them in the oven when you are ready to cook. This is a great way to season any individual pieces of chicken before you freeze them.\n2. Preheat the oven. Heat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). While the oven warms, remove your drumsticks from the freezer and place them on a tray. For a side, you may also want to add some chopped vegetables like carrots and onions or a few sliced potatoes to the tray.\n3. Cook the drumsticks. Place the tray in the oven and cook the drumsticks for about 50 to 60 minutes. Once the time is up, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the drumstick to make sure that it is cooked. If the temperature is below 165°F (74°C) or if there is any red or pink meat, put the breasts back in the oven and let them cook until they are white and the juices run clear. When you are taking the temperature of the drumsticks, try not to touch the bone with your thermometer. This will give you an inaccurate temperature.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to make your linkedin profile stand out?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "LinkedIn has become a key tool for many recruiters to search for qualified candidates and for job seekers to make the right connections when seeking a job. The site allows each person to create a profile that can serve at as an online resume and minimal portfolio. You can make your LinkedIn profile stand out by ensuring that the basics of your profile are rock solid, and then going the extra mile to make it exemplary.\n\n## Start with the basics\n\n1. Add a professional profile picture to catch the eye of recruiters. Your profile picture must be professional in order to give a good first impression. If you have use a profile picture that is inappropriate or silly, recruiters will probably remove you from their candidate list immediately. When choosing a profile picture, remember to choose one that:\n\t* Does not include anyone else but you. This reduces confusion regarding who the profile is about and draws all the focus to you. Is just of your head and shoulders. Your profile picture is a small picture and will show your face better if you limit it's scope to just your head and shoulders. Shows you wearing professional business attire. LinkedIn is a professional site. Wearing business attire in your picture is highly recommended. This includes a nice collared shirt and a suit jacket if you wish (for both men and women) or an unrevealing blouse for women. Is in front of a solid background. Solid backgrounds allow the focus to be on you and not what is going on behind you. Has a smile. A smile can make you seem more approachable to those who don't know you. Is preferably taken by someone else. It is OK if it is not done by a professional, but definitely no selfies.\n2. Write an eye-catching headline to draw readers in. Headlines are automatically filled with your most recent job title after you add your experience. These can be boring, and you should consider changing your headline to something more unique. To make yourself stand out, edit your headline to tell the reader who you are and what you are an expert in. For example, “Operations Executive\", \"Performance Driven, Airline Industry Expert”.\n3. Customize your URL to brand yourself. Customizing your URL allows you to reference your LinkedIn page easily in your resume or on business cards and other documents. It should remain simple, with the best kind of URL including just your first and last name with no spaces or special characters. For example, www.linkedin.com/in/firstlastname.\n4. Provide an outstanding summary to highlight your talents. Writing a LinkedIn summary is much like writing a professional biography. It should be brief, yet comprehensive enough to give the reader an overview of your career thus far. Also, it should be well-written and engaging to entice them to read through your profile further and accept or request to connect with you. While writing a summary, remember to include the following:\n\t* Tell your story in the first person. This means using the words I, my and mine to make your summary more conversational and easy to read. Explain your expertise and interests. Use examples to show your value to potential clients and future employers. Highlight your key accomplishments. If you have made some great achievements in your career, take the time to list these in your summary. For example, Top Sales Award Winner. State a call to action. Explain what you are looking for while making connections on LinkedIn. For example, “open to new opportunities”, “looking to make mutually beneficial connections” or “contact me if I can be assistance to you”.\n5. List each job you have held with a summary of tasks to provide detail. As with your resume, list all the jobs you have held. The difference between a LinkedIn profile and a resume is that it is acceptable to add any and all jobs to your experience section, rather than limiting yourself to what is most relevant to the particular job you are applying for, as with a resume. Also, you are also not limited to the 10 year rule as you would be on a resume. Therefore, feel free to list any job you have ever held in your career. Add a brief summary of the purpose of your job and the major tasks you have completed. Bullet key accomplishments. As with a resume, you want to highlight your strengths and accomplishments to show you were successful at your job. For example, “Negotiated a $1.5M sale to increase profit margins by 25%”.\n6. Add all relevant skills to your profile. The skills section of a LinkedIn profile can hold up to 50 skills. It is recommended for you to use all 50 of these slots to provide a full look at what you are capable of. This section is very easy to use because it populates suggestions as you are typing and allows you to click on these for a quick listing. For example, while typing “Coaching” it may also populate “Business Coaching, Job Coaching and Staff Coaching”.\n\n\n## Add support material\n\n1. Know your audience to target your profile's contents. Given your career path and the type of people you are trying to attract with your LinkedIn profile, you should know what readers will be looking for and you can give the audience what they want. For example, if you are a writer, your audience will be looking for your creativity and to remain engaged throughout your profile by your choice of words and correct grammar. If, however, you are a sales representative, your audience will be looking for your stats and your ability to sell yourself throughout your profile.\n2. Use concise and effective wording to create impact. Just as in a resume, you must keep your sentences concise (brief) and powerful by using effective wording to get your point across. This means using action words such as: drove, reduced, increased, created, initiated, trained, developed, won, and acquired.\n3. Use keywords to enhance your ranking in search results. Using keywords in your profile is extremely important because these keywords will be used by others who are looking to make connections. The more keywords you add that are related to your experience and field of interest, the higher your profile will rank when searched. For example if a recruiter is looking for someone with “sales and lead generation” experience they will add these keywords to the search field. To find the best keywords for you to use, browse job openings for various companies and pick out common words and phrases. If you have experience in these areas, use these keywords in your profile. If you have the experience but do not use the keywords, your profile will not appear in the proper search results.\n4. Add relevant presentations, videos and other files to show your expertise. LinkedIn allows you to get creative with your profile. For each job or education listed, you have the option to upload a document or file to further illustrate your experience. Adding these types of files is great for someone who produces work of a visual nature. For example, professional presentations, photographs, videos, ads and graphics. Be sure to add only files that are relevant to your personal experience and accomplishments, and not something about your company or school. For example, do not add a recruiting video about the company you work for.\n5. Ask for recommendations. Having recommendations in your LinkedIn profile is important, because instead of you telling the reader how great you are, they get a chance to hear it from someone else who has worked with you. Once you have made connections with those who you believe will write you a good recommendation, send them a message by clicking on the “Ask to be recommended” link under your profile edit page.\n6. Use special characters. You can use special characters to make your profile stand out by creating bullet points or breaking up a section and creating lines. However, not all symbols are accepted and translated into LinkedIn.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to host a sleepover party for a wide range of ages?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you are throwing a sleepover with guests with ages ranging from seven to twelve (e.g. you are having all your cousins round), it can be tough finding activities to suit everyone. Here are a few games and other activities that will make a wide age ranged sleepover a success.\n\n## Be prepare\n\n1. Before the sleepover you should have a list of \"back up ideas\" for if your sleepover dips. It can happen in the best of sleepovers. One minute, everyone can be having great fun and then the next everyone's arguing or someone starts missing home. For these occasions, you should have a list of back ups that will bring the mood up again. The activities should be fun and not very competitive like hide and seek or just chilling and watching a movie. However if you are going to be playing team games make sure you don't put people who are arguing on the same team.\n2. Get to know your guests. You probably already know a lot about them but if you don't you should find out. It just makes it a lot easier to choose: food, drinks, activities, themes and lots more.\n3. Before the sleepover, you should also decide wether or not to have a theme. Themes can be fun and make your party that tiny bit of extra fun but they can also limit your choices. If you are going to choose a theme then make sure that it suits everyone. For example, if you are doing a princess theme don't have one person not dressed up and left out because they don't really like princesses you either have to rethink the theme or rethink inviting that person. Some theme ideas are:\n\t* princess\n\t* disney\n\t* under the sea\n\t* safari\n\t* a color\n\t* christmas\n\t* Hawaii\n\t* Halloween\n\t* a book you all like\n\t* a TV show or movie you all like\n\t* sporty\n\n\n## Food\n\n1. Since it's a sleepover, you should go all out on the sweets and drinks. Sugary stuff is great, but remember to have other options e.g. pizza, crackers or even fruit because sometimes at 3:00am you might not feel like chocolate or other sugary foods. Remember to check if your guests are vegetarian or vegan or have allergies because a trip to the hospital at 2:00am because Molly ate a Snickers when she has nut allergies will definitely put a damper on the night.\n2. For drinks, make sure you have lots of fizzy juice, try and get stuff you might not normally buy because it is a sleepover. For example maybe if you see some blueberry fizzy juice at your local super market. Even if you all hate it, it could still come in handy for penalties in truth of dare. Once again remember to check if your guests have allergies.\n\n\n## When to go to bed\n\n1. At a sleepover the time you go to bed and the time you fall asleep are two very different times. If there are younger kids (6-7 years old) maybe pulling an allnighter isn't the best idea because it will be you who puts up with the temper tantrums the next day.\n2. Everyones different but it probably isn't a good idea to make younger kids go to bed earlier than the older kids because they will be to anxious about thinking about what they are missing to sleep.\n3. A good idea is to watch a movie while in bed then the younger ones might doze off if it's late (some of the older kids might as well) and then the kids who are still awake can talk or play a quiet game.\n\n\n## Game\n\n1. It can be tough finding games that will suit all age groups because what a 7 year old would find fun a 12 year old probably won't, but there are ways of modifying games so that everyone has a good time.\n2. Murder in the Dark is a very good classic sleepover game and its bundles of fun.There are many different ways of playing but this way is my favorite. Before your guests arrive, cut out cards that are all the same size (one for each guest e.g. if there are 5 people coming make 5 cards) write murderer on one and detective on another and suspect on the rest. If there are children coming who can't read/are not confident readers draw a shape beside each one and for example say - if you have a square on your card you are the murderer. Everyone keeps their card a secret. The lights go out and if you are the murderer you have to tap people and they have to scream and fall over however if you are the detective and you get tapped you have to put the lights on and try and guess you the murderer is. If they guess right they win but if they don't the murderer wins.\n3. Hide and Seek in the dark is another good game.\n4. If you and your guests like making movies then go for it. There are loads of great apps that can help you with that and they are a great way to remember your sleepover.\n5. Make friendship bracelets.\n6. Build a den. Indoor or outdoor dens/forts are great fun to make and fun to hide out in. They are also great because all kids from 7 to 12 mostly like making dens so its something everyone can join in with.\n7. Pillow fights are also great just make sure the pillows don't have any hard zips or anything on them.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to recognize fundamentalist thinking?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Fundamentalism is a concept that often, historically, had religious connotations. However, it's a common term that describes a way of expressing ideals and related activities to express (from the point of view of the speaker) a perceived, accurate, ideological focus. Here are some common factors among those referred to as fundamentalists.\n\n## Step\n\n1. Understand the definition: Identifying persons who hold a \"strict adherence to the fundamental principles of any set of beliefs\" -- as viewed by another individual. The use of the word \"fundamentalist\" is often intended to denote a certain point of view, but \"fundamentalist\" may be used in a negative connotation, being pejorative (derisive) of particular scientific, political or religious concepts.\n2. Understand that seeking to recognize fundamentalism may be educational and informative. This is not to indicate that fundamentalism is \"on-/off-beat\", centered versus eccentric (different) or \"good\" versus \"bad\".\n3. Do not equate \"fundamentalism\" with being \"religious\". As, some of the unflattering literature on fundamentalism was written by people who consider themselves quite religious but who have differing doctrines and understandings. Confusing or mixing the two concepts will lead to misconceptions in identifying fundamentalist expression and activity (behavior). Judging the fundamentalist harshly could lead to social stigma, discrimination, prejudice, bias and possibly hatred.\n4. Appreciate the differences among varied types of fundamentalists. The term has been historically used to describe various, diverse groups, religious movements, political movements and philosophical or scientific schools of thought. The term itself has several definitions in use and meaning.\n5. Seek a common set of behaviors and indicators that are dominant/common in the different uses according to a particular definition.\n\n\n## Indications by usage\n\n1. Use the word responsibly to credit and acknowledge a defined set of concepts, or beliefs or their advocates. Following is a list of some of the different uses of the term throughout history:\n\t* Religious Fundamentalism:\n\t* Fundamentalist Christianity recognizes an adherence to a basic set of Biblical, fundamental principles to preserve unity and harmony among believers. These fundamentals include a literal interpretation of the Bible as the divinely inspired and infallible Word of God and the necessity of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ's atonement. Some consider Christian fundamentalism to be identical with evangelicalism. Jesus said -- \"...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19,20 NIV). While Christian fundamentalists hold unswervingly to their basic tenets, they encourage open-minded study of the Bible, intellectual discussion of \"true\" (Biblical) versus \"false\" (non-Biblical) doctrines and whether some traditional practices are/are-not Biblical. Islamic Fundamentalism: This includes advocating return to the \"fundamentals\" of Islam: The Quran and The Sunnah. Definitions vary as some insist that Islamic belief requires all Muslims be fundamentalists and is, also, a term used by outsiders to describe perceived trends within Islam; whereas, some figures of Islamic fundamentalism may be termed \"Islamists\". Some say that \"Radical Islam\" is the term for movements beginning in the 1920s -- and that, some say, is not a return to the more historic fundamentals. Jewish Fundamentalism\n\t* Mormon Fundamentalism\n\t* Hindu Fundamentalism\n\t* Atheistic Fundamentalists. - Observe atheistic fundamentalism as whether there is a strong disdain toward those who espouse religion, and some would say, a dogmatic opposition to what appears to be religious tradition. Some atheist thinkers, such as Richard Dawkins, argue that no such fundamentalism exists, and that the term is meant to be disparaging of atheists' concepts. Non-religious Fundamentalism:\n\t* Political Conservatism (Fundamentalism) including being \"strict constructionist\", being a \"constitutional originalist\" to follow the traditional meaning of the constitution and the basic law, not some modern, re-formed meaning. Scientism (Fundamentalism). - Consider that beginning in the nineteenth century, some scientists stated scientism as the view that all aspects of the universe are knowable through the methods of the scientist and that advances in all forms of knowledge could be made through scientific progress; whereas, philosophy had historically relied on intuition and other modes of thought as the source of knowledge and as equal or preferred to empirical investigation.\n\t* \n\t* Market Fundamentalism. - check to verify whether there is a strong belief in laissez-faire, free-market systems of financial regulation. The recession was not due to regulation, but to schemes including an over-trusted kind of certificate called the \"Collateralized debt obligation\"; this is a type of structured asset-backed security (ABS) whose value and payments are supposed to be derived from a portfolio of fixed-income underlying assets (but many were like bad mutual-fund shares). CDOs securities are split into different risk classes, but many bad \"CDOs\" were over-rated conglomerations of some good preferred stocks, bonds and too much of over-valued bad mortgages as some trillions of dollars of poor \"investments\" sold around the world -- and the related, bad-mortgages were a major cause of the banking crisis, also devastating to the economy. Some left-economists declared that the global financial crisis, so caused, of 2008 destroyed market fundamentalist's ideas of free markets. This expression, \"market fundamentalism,\" was promulgated by George Soros in his 1998 book, The Crisis of Global Capitalism. As is \"atheistic fundamentalism\", \"market fundamentalism\" is often used as a pejorative to designate perceived, ideological dogma with which one may disagree.\n2. Be as objective as possible realizing indicators depend upon ones point of view -- or, perhaps, bias. Do not go looking for \"signs\" in persons to prove they are indeed fundamentalists after you question their being so. Instead, only use this as a reference. In other words -- if, by chance, unintentionally, you encounter some of the indicators in a person's expressed views, look for the other indications very closely, trying to prove that they are not there! If you fail to eliminate them, you can relatively well identify the person as fundamentalist.\n3. Be sure that the indicators listed under \"Common Indications\" apply before going any further.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to unlock a tmobile g1?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The G1 is T-Mobile's own smartphone released on October 2008. It runs on the Android v1.6 (Donut) operating system—one of the first phones to carry the Android OS—a 3.2 inch (8.1 cm) touchscreen, and physical navigation keys below the screen. Although the G1 can be only used on the T-Mobile network, you can always unlock it and remove the restrictions if you want to use the phone on other mobile networks.\n\n## Use t-mobile customer service\n\n1. Get your G1's IMEI code. These codes are unique identifiers assigned to mobile phones for identification purposes. To get your G1's IMEI, enter \\*#06# on your phone using its on-screen keypad, and the IMEI code will be displayed on the screen.\n2. Prepare your account details. The customer service representative will ask these information from you, so get them on hand before you call T-Mobile's customer service number:\n\t* T-Mobile account number\n\t* Mobile number associated with your T-Mobile G1\n\t* Present billing address\n3. Call 1-877-453-1304 using a different phone. This is T-Mobile's customer service hotline. Tell the customer service representative that you want to unlock your G1. The representative will ask the details of your account, which you have already prepared, and will give you an unlock code you can use to unlock your T-Mobile G1.\n4. Insert the SIM card you want to use with your T-Mobile G1. The SIM tray of the G1 is located at the back. Power off your phone, and slide off the back cover; you should see the SIM tray. Remove the current SIM, if it's still there, and insert the one you want to use. Don't forget to place back the back cover.\n5. Turn on the phone. Press and hold the Power button at the lower-right side of the phone. The Power button is also the End Call button.\n6. Enter the unlock code given to you by the representative. Instead of the home screen, a message screen will be displayed telling you that your phone needs to be unlocked first before it can use the SIM card you inserted. Simply type in the unlock code given to you by the representative, press the “OK” button, and your T-Mobile G1 should now be unlocked for use on any network.\n\n\n## Use unlock code websites\n\n1. Get your G1's IMEI code. These codes are unique identifiers assigned to mobile phones for identification purposes. To get your G1's IMEI, enter \\*#06# on your phone using its on-screen keypad and the IMEI code will be displayed on the screen.\n2. Look for websites that offer unlock code services. Open a web browser on your computer and look for sites on the Internet that offers unlock code services.\n3. Provide the necessary details. These websites will need your phone's IMEI code, the unit/model of the phone, and the network it's currently locked on (in this case, T-Mobile). Provide these information together with an active email address.\n4. Check your email. Depending on the website you used, you should receive your unlock code in the email address you provided within 12–36 hours. Check your email and take note of the unlock code.\n5. Insert the SIM card you want to use with your T-Mobile G1. The SIM tray of the G1 is located at the back. Power off your phone, and slide off the back cover; you should see the SIM tray. Remove the current SIM, if it's still there, and insert the one you want to use. Don't forget to place back the back cover.\n6. Turn on the phone. Press and hold the Power button at the lower-right side of the phone. The Power button is also the End Call button.\n7. Enter the unlock code given to you by the representative. Instead of the home screen, a message screen will be displayed telling you that your phone needs to be unlocked first before it can use the SIM card you inserted. Simply type in the unlock code you got in your email, press the “OK” button, and your T-Mobile G1 should now be unlocked for use on any network.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to reformat a laptop?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "## Reformatting your laptop with installation cds\n\n1. Back up your hard drive. Reformatting your laptop will cause you to lose all of your information so it is recommended that you back up your hard drive on an external hard drive, CDs, or DVDs if you wish to keep it.\n2. Determine which method of restoration is provided by the manufacturer. If you received a set of installation CDs with your machine, then use this. If you did not, your computer may have a restore partition set up, which means you will need to employ a different method.\n3. Insert the operating system disk into your CD/DVD drive. It normally auto-runs and will open to a menu, or options page. Select the option for installing a fresh copy of the operating system. If the CD doesn't run by itself, double click on \"My Computer,\" and then right click on the drive with the OS disk. Click \"Auto-Run.\"\n4. Wait for the CD to proceed automatically. If you are away from the computer for awhile, it will pause at the next point, awaiting any required input from you. Follow the prompts, be patient and avoid the temptation to intervene. This process may take a few minutes. If you are reformatting your laptop hard drive, you will accept the default offerings/settings that the installation disc is asking for.\n5. Wait for the installation to complete. When the operating system installation is complete, a completely fresh desktop will appear.\n\n\n## Reformatting a laptop use restoration partition\n\n1. Restart your computer. While the machine is rebooting, repeatedly press the F10 key on your keyboard until the machine boots. This will take you into the partition offering you options for repair or restore (reformatting and reloading).\n2. Select the option for installing a fresh system. The beauty of this system is that you don't have to do anything else. The restore partition will completely run the program to format, reload the OS, install drivers and install all of the original software that came with your laptop.\n3. Wait for the reformat to complete. This process will usually take around 30 minutes to complete.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to invite people to a party?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Planning, hosting, and enjoying a good party is a great way to build and strengthen friendships and community! An important, but sometimes undervalued element in the success of a party is the invitation. The following answer will have you writing and sending out excellent invitations - and welcoming in happy guests - in no time!\n\n## General approaches to invitations\n\n1. Design your invitation to resemble the party theme. For example, a disco-themed party invitation could feature a large disco ball. People are likely to look at your invitation and make a quick first impression -- you want that first impression to be informative and fun. If your party doesn't have a theme, have the invitation mirror the formality of the party. If you're throwing a black tie soiree, keep it simple with a plain border, a fancy font, and to-the-point text. If you're throwing a rave, make your invitation as wild as you'd like. You can also send a mail to your friends and relatives to give an invitation for a party.\n2. Include all important information guests will need to know. That's usually the time and date of the party, location, where to call for more information, and whether or not the guest needs to RSVP are all important. And do they need to bring anything (food, swimsuit, etc.)? Does the party have a specific time it ends? You may want to include a few selling points if applicable. Will you be having awards for best dressed? Provide beer and wine? Will there be 50 varieties of European cheeses? Give your guests a slight clue as to what you have planned for the evening to whet their appetite.\n3. Respect the level of formality of your party. A formal party should require a more formal invitation, such as a letter. An informal party invitation is up to your discretion – a phone call, email, or social media event would all work fine. Formal events generally require a bit of advanced notice -- preferably around 2 weeks.\n4. Decide how many people total you want at your party. There are several things to consider when thinking about a party's size and attendance:\n\t* How big is the space where your party will be? Can your apartment hold 10 people, 50 people, 200 people? Is it okay for the people you invite to bring friends? How many friends? Do you have a say over who those friends are? How many people can you feed and have drinks for at your party? Does this include friends of friends? If you're having your party at a club, bar, hotel, rented room, etc., does the owner have limits on the number of people that can be there?\n\n\n## Sending mailed invitations\n\n1. Make sure to send out written invitations at least two or three weeks before the event. \"Snail mail\" can take a while to be processed, delivered, read, and replied to. A time before that and people may write it off thinking, \"I don't know what I'm doing for breakfast, much less next month!\" Too soon and people already have plans. Around 2 weeks out is your best bet.\n2. Make sure you have the current and correct addresses of your guests. An outdated or misspelled address could leave one of your best friends out of your party! If you're not sure of someone's address, contact them and confirm it.\n3. Decorate your card appropriately. A mailed invitation is a great opportunity to impress a guest, but don't over-complicate an invitation to a simple party - this may intimidate guests. You're just inviting them for a good time! Have something on the envelope that clearly indicates your invitation is something to be intrigued by. Yours isn't just another piece of junk mail!\n\n\n## Inviting guests over the phone\n\n1. If you don’t have them, obtain the phone numbers of those you wish to invite. No need to be sneaky about it -- just send them a quick message online. If you don't have their online info, ask a friend who likely has their information.\n2. Call your guests at a time when they are unlikely to have other engagements. They'll be less excited about your party if you're calling them when they're in the middle of a meeting or in between bites of food. Before or after dinner is usually a safe bet. People are generally less busy between 5 and 6pm, or after 7pm. Gauge what time they eat dinner (different cultures, different times) and work around that. Earlier in the week is best, too. Don't call too late! Call before 9:30 or 10:00pm. You don't want to wake anyone up with what should be a warm and welcome invitation.\n3. Make use of the personal nature of a phone call. Chat with your guests as you fill them in on the details of your party. Your winning personality will sell the party for you! Try starting out with the usual pleasantries. \"How are you? \", \"How is work going? \", and \"How's the family?\" are often good starting points. Choose a natural pause in conversation or termination of a subject to bring up that you are having a party. After you have alerted them to the party, you can answer any immediate questions the guest might have, and even gauge interest through tone of voice.\n4. Make sure your guest remembers the important party information. The spoken word can be easily forgotten, and it may be worth emailing, texting, or mailing them some of the details. They could be swamped with a dozen other things going on, even if they are really interested in your party. Make sure they know what's expected of them. Sometimes getting involved (like bringing a dish) can get them remembering and even looking forward to it.\n5. If your guest cannot give an immediate yes or no, set up a time to call them back. You're not nagging them; you're simply getting a head count so you can plan your party accordingly. If they can't give you a yes or no on the second go-round, it's best to discount them. If they show up, fine, but if they don't, it's no skin of your nose. The party will still go on and it'll be great.\n\n\n## Inviting guests in person\n\n1. Approach your guests at a convenient time. Invite them during a time you might see them anyway. Maybe you share a scheduled activity together? Otherwise, schedule an activity or meet up with them as is convenient. The more time they have, the more receptive they'll be to your approach.\n2. Leave guests a way out. Don't invite guests in a way that makes them feel they have to say yes. Your party should be fun and totally accommodating. If they can't make it, they should feel a little disappointed -- not guilty! For example, instead of saying \"You're coming to my party next weekend, right? \", say something like \"Hey \\*guest's name\\*, I'm having a party next weekend. I'd love it if you could come!\"\n3. Make sure to give them all the necessary information. Much like with a phone invitation, it is easy to forget details in the heat of a personal conversation/invitation. Make sure to cover where and when it is, what the occasion is, and if they need to bring anything. To avoid guests forgetting information, you can hand out a physical invitation as well. This doesn't have to be a tried-and-true invite so much as a reminder. Short of that, you can offer to write information down or text it to their phone, etc.\n4. Chat up your guests. You can raise interest for your party with an in-person invitation. This can be especially effective in a group setting. The more excited you are about it and the more you can build it up with detail, the less they'll be likely to forget and the more likely they are to feed off your excitement and get excited, too. Describe what your party will be like, and how excited you are. You can say something like \"I'm really looking forward to it; it's going to be great!\" You can also use tone and body language in a personal conversation for added effect. If you don’t have the party’s details nailed down, open them up for suggestions by your guests. Guests are much more likely to come if they had a hand in the creation of your party.\n5. Be aware that you may offend people you didn’t invite who overhear your invitations to others. Be discreet when you're doling out your in-person invitations. Make sure only the people you want invited are hearing the discussion. If it's an issue, tell them that you can only have so many people at the party. Because of that, you need them to keep word on the down-low. They'll feel special for making the VIP list!\n\n\n## Sending email invitations\n\n1. Create an E-card. There are multiple online services with which you can create fun and engaging E-cards. This is an entertaining and often free way to invite guests to a party. And it gets the buzz going! E-Cards are sent to email addresses just like a normal message, but they include images, sound, and sometimes short animations. E-cards can also be acceptable for semi-formal parties if themed correctly. If you prefer to send a normal email, just include the necessary information, any additional message, and an image if desired. For more information, check out How to Write an Email to a Friend\n2. Go to a website that offers free email invitations. Evite, Socializr, and MyPunchBowl are three popular choices. Choose a style that fits the theme and/or mood of your party, and be sure to include everything that needs including! There are a dozens of invitation websites out there. If the one your one isn't doing it for you, just go to another one!\n3. Enter in basic required information, such as location, date, time, etc. Type a nice, handcrafted message if desired. Make it unique and personal -- not just some template that will do. The more time you spend on it, the more impressive it'll be. Also consider adding end time, costume specifics, meal details, etc. Anything you think may give your guests a better picture of what the plan is can be useful.\n4. Type the email addresses of the people you’d like to invite. It is usually necessary to include a comma between each email address, just for the record. Some websites will let you know when the messages have been read and will keep correspondence for you -- take advantage of it and select this before sending!\n5. Preview the invitation and send it through the website. It'll keep tabs on your recipients and will handle the RSVPs. Though you may need to send a courtesy text to a few of your busier friends! Sometimes emails do get lost in the shuffle.\n\n\n## Sending social media invitations\n\n1. Choose a social media platform that most of your friends and acquaintances use. Use the infrastructure of the social media site to create an event, and send invitations to all those you’d like to see at your party. For more information on how to create such events, check out How to Create an Event on Facebook\n2. Include all the necessary information. Throw in a picture of two if you like. The more complete it is, the more people can get a picture of the awesomeness of your party. Be creative here! Saying, \"Hey guys, having a party at 7 on Friday!\" won't get them jazzed.\n3. If you can, start up a conversation in the event panel. Be sure to respond to the comments and questions of others. This way you can start being a good host before your party even begins. Getting people involved in the makings of your party will ensure their attendance and get them feeling like a part of the magic.\n4. Be wary of how many people you invite. Often times, the amount of people you invite to a social media event and the amount of people that show up are quite different. Never take the numbers you see online at face value. Usually, fewer people show up than RSVP \"yes,\" but the discrepancy can trend in either direction. Especially if it's open and people bring friends. Generally, the higher the number of people that RSVP \"yes,\" the more likely it is for your party to \"snowball\" into a much bigger event than you planned for.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How to wax your armpits?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Waxing your armpits may be more painful than shaving, but it keeps your armpits hairless for 4-6 weeks. You can reduce the pain and prevent ingrown hairs from occurring by preparing your armpits and using the right kind of wax.\n\n## Get ready to wax\n\n1. Prepare your underarms. You can wax your armpits without making a lot of preparations, but if you take these measures the experience will be less painful and more effective:\n\t* Clean your underarms thoroughly. Wash them with soap or a good body wash, and scrub them a little to exfoliate the skin. If you use hot water, the hairs and surrounding skin will soften, making the hairs easier to remove. Trim the hair. If the hair under your arms is longer than ⁄4 inch (0.6 cm), you should trim it with a pair of barber or nail scissors until it's ⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) long. This makes the waxing process less painful.\n2. Wrap yourself up in an old towel. The wax is bound to spill and create a mess when you try to do it yourself, so it's best to be either naked or wrapped in something you don't mind getting impregnated with wax.\n3. Powder your underarms. Any talcum powder would do. Take a big sponge and spread the talc over the area, making sure to remove the excess powder.\n4. Heat up body wax. Make sure you use wax that is intended to be used to remove leg and body hair, rather than wax intended for use on the face. Follow the instructions on the package and heat the wax in the microwave or in a wax heater. It's ready to use when it's completely melted and runny. If this is your first time waxing, do a test on the back of your hand, where your skin is less sensitive, to make sure the wax isn't too hot. Body wax kits are available at drugstores and beauty supply stores. You can make your own sugar-based body wax using the following recipe: mix 2 cups of sugar with 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup lemon juice. Heat the mixture over low heat on the stove until the sugar dissolves and becomes a sticky syrup. The mixture is now ready to use.\n\n\n## Apply the wax\n\n1. Use a waxing stick to apply wax to your armpit. Load it with a good amount of hot wax, then swipe it on your armpit in the direction of your hair growth. Continue swiping, always in the same direction, until all of the hair is covered with wax. Some people have hair that grows in more than one direction. If this is the case with you, you'll have to wax your armpit one section at a time. Do not swipe the wax in the opposite direction. Your hair strands will get tangled up and won't pull out cleanly.\n2. Apply a wax strip. Take one of the paper wax strips that came with your kit. Place it over the area with the wax and swipe it once with your hand, in the direction of your hair growth, to position it in place. If you made your own sugar wax, use a clean piece of cotton cloth as a wax strip. Leave the edge of the strip free of the wax, so you can grasp it to pull it off. If you can't cover all of the wax with one strip, work one at a time.\n3. Remove the strip. Grasp the strip by the free edge and pull quickly against the direction of your hair growth. The strip, wax, and hair should come right off. Repeat the process with the other armpit. If the wax and hair don't come off, you'll have to try again. Use a fresh wax strip. If the process is too painful, remove the wax with olive oil and warm water, and plan to shave instead of waxing.\n\n\n## Finish the job\n\n1. Examine your armpits in the mirror. If you see bits of remaining hair, apply more wax, smooth on a wax strip, and rip it off.\n2. Remove excess wax with oil. Use the oil that came with your waxing kit or a bit of olive or almond oil to rub the areas you waxed. The oil will loosen the wax from your skin, making it easy to peel it off without pain.\n3. Clean the area. Once all of the wax has been removed, wash your armpits with warm water and a mild soap. You can apply aloe if your armpits are still stinging. If the waxing caused you to bleed, put on a small bandage until the bleeding has subsided. Do not use deodorant, moisturizer, or other creams and lotions for several hours after waxing.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Extract only the street address from the following text.\n\nI live at 485 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, New Jersey, 07302." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "485 Marin Blvd." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A farmer living in the countryside has a certain number of children. One day, they followed him to the farm, each one with a bag to collect harvested apples. At the end of the day, each bag was filled with 15 apples each. On their way back home, 2 of the children have eaten 4 apples each and another child sold 7 of his apples. If they had a total of 60 apples left by the time they got home, how many children does the farmer have?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the solution step by step:\n\n2 children sold 4 apples each which gives 2 * 4 = 8 apples\nAnother child gave out an additional 7 apples making 8 + 7 = 15 apples removed from the total.\nThere were 60 apples left after these, so the original total must have been 15+60 = 75 apples.\nEach child collected 15 apples so there are 75/15 = 5 children." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Translate the following text into English.\n\n人们应该尊重不同的文化和信仰，互相理解和包容。" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "People should respect different cultures and beliefs and understand and tolerate each other." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In this task, you're given passages that contain mentions of names of people, places, or things. Some of these mentions refer to the same person, place, or thing. Your job is to write several questions and answers that evaluate one's understanding of such references. Good questions are expected to link pronouns (she, her, him, his, their, etc.) or other mentions to people, places, or things to which they may refer. Do not ask questions that can be answered correctly without understanding the paragraph or having multiple answers. Avoid questions that do not link phrases referring to the same entity. For each of your questions, the answer should be one or more phrases in the paragraph, and it should be unambiguous.\n\nThe story follows a young teacher, Pat Conroy (played by Jon Voight), in 1969 assigned to isolated \"Yamacraw Island\" (Daufuskie Island) off the coast of South Carolina and populated mostly by poor black families. He finds out that the children as well as the adults have been isolated from the rest of the world and speak a dialect called Gullah, with \"Conrack\" of the novel's title being the best they can do to pronounce his last name. The school has only two rooms for all grades combined, with the Principal teaching grades one through four and Conroy teaching the higher grades. Conroy discovers that the students aren't taught much and will have little hope of making a life in the larger world.\nConroy tries to teach them about the outside world but comes into conflict both with the principal and Mr. Skeffington, the superintendent. He teaches them how to brush their teeth, who Babe Ruth is, and has the children listen to music, including Flight of the Bumblebee and Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. He explains that the when Beethoven wrote the Fifth Symphony, he was writing about \"what death would sound like.\" He is also astounded they've never even heard of Halloween, and he decides to take them to Beaufort on the mainland to go trick-or-treating, which the superintendent has forbidden. He also must overcome parental fears of \"the river\". As a result, he's fired. As he leaves the island for the last time, the children come out to see him leave, all of them lined up on a rickety bridge. As he is about to leave by boat, one of the students then begins playing a record, which is the beginning movement of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.\nThis film was shot in and around Brunswick, Georgia and used pupils from C.B. Greer Elementary school as the cast of students." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are several question and answers for the given passage:\n\n1. Q: How do the Yamacraw Island inhabitants say the name of Jon Voight's character?\n A: The Yamacraw Island inhabitants say the name of Jon Voight's character, Pat Conroy, as \"Conrack.\"\n2. Q: What record do the children that Conroy teaches play back to him?\n A: The children that Pat Conroy teaches play the beginning movement of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony back to him.\n3. Q: Whose rule does the teacher break?\n A: Pat Conroy breaks the rule of the superintendent by taking the students to the mainland to go trick-or-treating on Halloween.\n4. Q: What do the people on the island call the teacher?\n A: The people on the island call Pat Conroy \"Conrack\" because that is the best they can do to pronounce his last name.\n5. Q: What is the real island that the movie portrays as the place where Gullah is spoken?\n A: The real island that the movie portrays as the place where Gullah is spoken is Daufuskie Island, off the coast of South Carolina.\n6. Q: Where was the film shoot?\n A: The movie was shot in and around Brunswick, Georgia.\n7. Q: What school provided some of the cast of the movie?\n A: The C.B. Greer Elementary school provided some of the cast of the movie." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Martha is grinding a spice paste. She adds 3 tablespoons of ginger, 1 teaspoon of cardamom, 1 teaspoon of mustard, 2 tablespoons of garlic, and four times as much chile powder as mustard. What percentage of the spice paste is ginger, rounded to the nearest integer? (Remember there are three teaspoons per tablespoon.)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the solution step by step:\n\nFirst convert the ginger to teaspoons: 3 tablespoons * 3 teaspoons/tablespoon = 9 teaspoons.\nThen convert the garlic to teaspoons: 2 tablespoons * 3 teaspoons/tablespoon = 6 teaspoons.\nThen find how much chile powder there is: 1 teaspoon * 4 = 4 teaspoons.\nThen add up the amount of each spice to find the total amount: 9 teaspoons + 6 teaspoons + 4 teaspoons + 1 teaspoons + 1 teaspoon = 21 teaspoons.\nThen divide the amount of ginger by the total amount of spice paste and multiply by 100% to find the percentage of the spice paste that's ginger: 9 teaspoons / 21 teaspoons * 100% = 42.857, which rounds down to 43." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Jamir and his two friends Sarah and Julien, go to their school's swimming pool to swim. Jamir swims 20 more meters per day than Sarah, who swims twice the distance Julien swims. They go to the swimming pool the whole week, swimming the same distances as before. If Julien swam 50 meters, what's the combined distance for three of them for the whole week?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the solution step by step:\n\nIf Julien swam for the whole week, then the total distance in meters that he covered is 50*7 = 350 meters.\nSarah swam twice the distance covered by Julien, which is 2*50 = 100 meters.\nSarah's total for the whole week is 100*7 = 700 meters.\nIf Jamir swam 20 meters more than Sarah, he covered 100+20 = 120 meters.\nJamir's total for the whole week is 120*7 = 840 meters.\nThe combined distance for all of them is 840+700+350 = 1890 meters." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Summarize the following article with one line: \nWhen journalist Gianna Toboni traveled to India to explore the country's rapidly growing, yet unregulated, gestational surrogacy industry for HBO documentary series Vice, she didn't anticipate 'how dark' the story would get.\n\nFor nearly two years, the producer and host has been reporting on current issues across the globe and has covered everything from the detention center at Guantanamo Bay to the effect of climate change on polar bears - but nothing could have prepared her for the moment when someone offered to sell her a baby over dinner while she was working undercover in India. \n\n'It was the most heartbreaking experience that I ever had,' Gianna told Daily Mail Online. \n\nBaby business: Vice correspondent Gianna Toboni (pictured) traveled to India to explore the country's booming gestational surrogacy industry \n\nShady deal: The journalist from Brooklyn, New York, went undercover to meet with an agent in India who offered to get her a baby in two to three months\n\nBut the heartbreak did not end there.\n\nAs Gianna quickly learned during her time working on the Outsourcing Embryos documentary, surrogacy in India is a multi-million dollar business, and one which is made all the more lucrative by the high number of American couples traveling to the country in order to use the services provided by one or more of the 'embryo outsourcing' agencies featured in the Vice documentary.\n\nDuring her time spent undercover posing as one of these people, Gianna was informed that, in order to maximize profits and ensure a final product, doctors are encouraged to implant multiple embryos in surrogates, which can lead to the surrogate having to abort one of the fetuses or give birth to multiple babies.\n\nAnd if an 'extra' baby is born, it isn't necessarily going home with its genetic parents. There are also issues with couples never making it to India to claim their children for whatever reasons, meaning that the newborn baby is left without a parent. \n\nFor the most recent episode in the Vice series, Gianna went undercover to meet with one surrogacy agent who claimed over dinner that she could get her a Caucasian baby in two to three months - confirming that there were in fact 'extra' babies being sold on the black market.\n\nThe agent then tried to convince Gianna and her team to buy the baby that they had brought with them to the restaurant.\n\nShocking offer: One of the agents can be seen holding the baby that they brought to the restaurant with them\n\nNo morals: The agent eventually offered to sell Gianna and her team the baby over dinner \n\nGianna noted that the agent spoke with a 'shocking amount of ease' and 'talked about forging documents as if she has done it a hundred times' as she tried to sell her and her team a baby over dinner.\n\n'It made me think it wasn't a one-off thing,' she explained to Daily Mail Online. \n\nGianna never once considered buying the baby, but as a woman who would one day like to be a mother, she admitted that there was a moment when she thought about accepting the offer, knowing that she could provide the child with a loving home that it may never experience otherwise, particularly as it was made clear that the agent would have sold the baby to anybody.\n\n'When I go on these stories, I am a human being first and a journalist second,' she said of her initial reaction to the offer.\n\nThe sale of 'extra' babies on the black market was just one of the many shocking side effects of commercial surrogacy uncovered by Gianna and her team.\n\nIn the US, surrogacy can cost hopeful parents upwards of $100,000, and Gianna explained that 'the reoccurring theme' when speaking with American agents and experts about couples hiring surrogates from other countries was money.\n\nCommercial surrogacy in India costs nearly one-sixth the amount it would in the Western World.\n\n'That seems to be the main driver,' she explained, before noting that some prospective parents do choose foreign surrogacy because of the altruistic element.\n\nNo options: Many of the surrogates who spoke with Gianna said that they decided to carry a baby because they desperately needed the money \n\nDormitory: The women who agree to be surrogates at Dr Nayna Patel's Akanksha Infertility Clinic have to live at the facility until they give birth\n\nTight quarters: Two surrogates can be see sitting on the beds in their shared room \n\nAnd while American parents see the surrogacy business in India as being a 'cheap' alternative to the services offered at home, the amount of money made by a surrogate in India can vastly change her life, as well as the life of her family. \n\nWomen can use the money to buy a home or send their own children to school, and Gianna explained that there are in fact couples who take great efforts to make sure their surrogates are a part of their lives.\n\nBut there are also countless tales of financially desperate women who are recruited in the slums and coerced into signing contracts that they can't read, only to be duped out of the money they were promised.\n\nWhen I go on these stories I am a human being first and a journalist second\n\nSurrogates undergo scheduled cesarean sections so doctors can ensure the greatest number of births per day.\n\nGianna, who witnessed the high turnover rate first hand at Dr Nayna Patel's Akanksha Infertility Clinic, in the town of Gujarat, in the west of India, was nearly speechless when she saw how rapidly newborns and their parents were whisked away following a surrogate's C-section.\n\nDr Patel maintained that the women are well taken care of and make more money than they could working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in any other profession.\n\nAnd while Gianna explained that some women are happy that they can provide a house for their family and put their kids through school as a surrogate, the women she and her team spoke to said they chose to be surrogates because they didn't have any other options. \n\nDuring the episode, a surrogate named Vasanti told Gianna: 'Nobody likes doing this.' \n\nDishonest: Although Dr Patel maintained that she didn't search for surrogates from the slums, Gianna met a woman who said she was working for the clinic owner as tried to recruit women from a poor area \n\nNo choice: A doctor can be seen performing a cesarean section on one of the surrogates. Surrogates have to undergo C-sections so doctors can maximize the amount of babies being born in a day \n\nToo quick: Almost immediately after this baby was born via a surrogate, the biological parents whisked the newborn away in a van as they went to return to their home country \n\nShe continued: 'I didn't have a home, so I thought I could build one by being a surrogate.'\n\nAnother surrogate named Nisha explained that she was 'helpless' and had 'no alternatives'.\n\nGianna was overcome by many of the surrogates' desperation.\n\n'It is really hard to hear someone talk about going through an experience that takes a toll on the body, that lasts longer than nine months and takes them away from their kids because they have to support their families and essentially survive,' she said.\n\nGianna recalled speaking with one surrogate's husband who recently lost his job and he confessed that he was grateful his wife had the opportunity to earn money for their family as a surrogate.\n\nHe made clear that he didn't force her into the role, but explained that it was necessary for their family's survival.\n\n'It all went back to money,' Gianna noted.\n\nAs a whole, Gianna said that she thinks some parents may be aware of the 'shadier side' of commercialized surrogacy, but a 'vast majority' have no idea this dark underbelly exits.\n\nGianna recommends that parents who are considering foreign surrogacy options should do extensive research on the agent, the doctor and the surrogate they will be working with." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the summary: \nVice correspondent Gianna Toboni traveled to India to explore the country's booming gestational surrogacy industry for the HBO series. In the US, surrogacy can cost hopeful parents upwards of $100,000. Many American couples are hiring surrogates in India because the cost is signficantly less than it would be in the Western World." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Translate the following sentence into French.\n\nLast December, many gold bugs were arguing that the price was inevitably headed for $2,000." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "En décembre dernier, plusieurs investisseurs dans le métal jaune estimaient que l’once atteindrait inévitablement les 2000 dollars." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are given a question on professional law. You are also given 4 answer options (associated with \"A\", \"B\", \"C\", \"D\"), out of which only one is correct. You need to answer the question by selecting the correct option. You should only answer with the choice letter, not the whole answer. \n\nOne afternoon, a pilot was flying a small airplane when it suddenly ran out of gas. As he was coming in for an emergency landing, the plane crossed into a neighboring state at a very low altitude. At this time, a 9-year-old boy was walking to school when he was struck and injured by an object, which may have fallen from the plane. In federal court, a negligence suit was brought against the pilot by the father of the boy for his son. Accompanied by his father, the boy had visited an attorney for preliminary discussions regarding the case. However, the father did not retain the attorney to represent his son in the lawsuit. Instead, the father hired another lawyer to handle the case. At trial, the pilot's attorney calls the consulting attorney to testify what the boy had said to him regarding his physical condition during the consultation that the attorney had had with the boy and his father. The attorney's testimony is\n\n(A)admissible, because the attorney-client privilege was waived by the filing of the lawsuit. \n(B)admissible, because there is no privilege of confidentiality when a person other than the client is present at the attorney-client consultation. \n(C)inadmissible, because the attorney-client privilege prevents such a breach of confidential communications. \n(D)inadmissible, because it was a statement of physical condition not made for the purpose of obtaining medical treatment.\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The answer is C." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I need a list of famous upsets in sports.\nOne example I know is the “Miracle on Ice”.\nCan you give me a few more examples?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "* Buster Douglas ending Mike Tyson’s undefeated streak in 1990.\n* Greece winning the 2004 European football championship.\n* The 10-6 New York Giants defeating the 16-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl 42.\n* Leicester City winning the 2015–16 English Premier League.\n* The No. 16 seed UMBC beating the No.1 seed University of Virginia in the 2018 NCAA Tournament." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Edit this text so that it sounds more convincing and professional.\n\nHello! Welcome to our store. We offer a wide variety of products at very good prices. On top of that, we promise to provide you with excellent customized customer service!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Welcome to our store! We offer a comprehensive selection of products at competitive prices and premier customized customer service." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is 7765 greater than 7791?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "7765 - 7791 = -26 < 0, thus no, 7765 is not greater than 7791." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Could you create a flash card? Here is an example:\n\nArticle: The visible spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye. Electromagnetic radiation in this range of wavelengths is called visible light or simply light. A typical human eye will respond to wavelengths from about 380 to about 750 nanometers. In terms of frequency, this corresponds to a band in the vicinity of 400–790 terahertz. These boundaries are not sharply defined and may vary per individual. Under optimal conditions these limits of human perception can extend to 310 nm (ultraviolet) and 1100 nm (near infrared). The optical spectrum is sometimes considered to be the same as the visible spectrum, but some authors define the term more broadly, to include the ultraviolet and infrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum as well.\n\nTerm: visible spectrum\n\nFlash card:\n\nFront side: visible spectrum\n\nBack side:\nDefinition: The visible spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that the human eye can view. More simply, this range of wavelengths is called visible light. Typically, the human eye can detect wavelengths from 380 to 700 nanometers.\n\nHere is the article:\nIn physics, gravity (from Latin gravitas 'weight') is a fundamental interaction which causes mutual attraction between all things with mass or energy [clarification needed]. Gravity is, by far, the weakest of the four fundamental interactions, approximately 1038 times weaker than the strong interaction, 1036 times weaker than the electromagnetic force and 1029 times weaker than the weak interaction. As a result, it has no significant influence at the level of subatomic particles. However, gravity is the most significant interaction between objects at the macroscopic scale, and it determines the motion of planets, stars, galaxies, and even light.\n\nTerm: gravity" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Flash card:\n\nFront side: gravity\n\nBack side:\nDefinition: Gravity is a fundamental interaction that attracts objects towards one another. It is by far the weakest force in nature." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Extract two facts from the following text.\n\nThe giant panda is a bear species endemic to China. It is characterized by its bold black-and-white coat and rotund body. The giant panda lives in a few mountain ranges in central China, mainly in Sichuan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This text contains the following two facts: \n1. The giant panda is characterized by its bold black-and-white coat and rotund body. \n2. The giant panda is endemic to China and mainly lives in Sichuan." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Summarize the following article with one line: \nThe Duchess of Cambridge has revealed that Prince George went looking for his father in the cupboards after being told he was 'in China'.\n\nKate shared the anecdote during a party to celebrate the 105th birthday of the Goring Hotel in London, the luxury hotel she stayed in the night before her wedding to William in 2011.\n\nAt the party in March, where Kate, 33, wowed in a floral Erdem dress and navy Alexander McQueen court shoes, the Duchess chatted to guests including luxury travel agent Claudia Gordon.\n\nScroll down for video \n\nThe Duchess of Cambridge has revealed that Prince George went looking for his father in the cupboards after being told he was 'in China'\n\nGordon, who owns Naples Luxury Travel Advisors in Naples, told news-press.com: 'I asked her if Prince George was excited about the new Prince or Princess that was coming and she said yes and that he is a toddler and is talking and walking.\n\n'Then she told me that his daddy was visiting China. After hearing this he went to the china cabinet, opened it and proclaimed \"daddy is not here.\"\n\n'She said they would work on his geography.'\n\nKate made the adorable revelation during a party to celebrate the 105th birthday of the Goring Hotel in London, the luxury hotel she stayed in the night before her wedding to William in 2011.\n\nThe Duchess of Cambridge's lunchtime event at the hotel was not part of her official schedule and, according to Kensington Palace, the 33-year-old was attending in a private capacity, having received a personal invitation from the hotel\n\nPrince William had left pregnant Kate and son George in London while he undertook a week-long tour of the Far East.\n\nHis visit to China was one of the most high-profile – and diplomatically sensitive – tours of his fledgling royal career.\n\nWith China on course to overtake the United States as the world's largest economy, the UK government is keen to foster positive diplomatic relationships - and William's visit was seen as a key part of those efforts.\n\nStepping foot for the first time on Chinese soil, the second in line to the throne became the most senior member of the Royal family to visit the country since the Queen nearly 30 years ago.\n\nThe Duke, pictured with Chinese deputy president Li Yuanchao, was asked to pass on an invitation to visit to the Queen. His visit to China was one of the most high-profile – and diplomatically sensitive – tours of his fledgling royal career\n\nMeanwhile in London the Duchess of Cambridge's lunchtime event at the hotel was not part of her official schedule and, according to Kensington Palace, the 33-year-old was attending in a private capacity, having received a personal invitation from the hotel.\n\nKate obviously has fond memories of the property situated opposite Buckingham Palace after spending her last night as a single woman and non-Royal there with her parents and siblings Pippa, 31 and James, 27. She also visited the hotel last December for a meeting of the board of the 1851 Trust, the sailing charity of which she is patron.\n\nThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George during a visit to the Sensational Butterflies exhibition" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the summary: \nKate shared the anecdote during a party at the Goring Hotel in London. She stayed at the Luxury Hotel the night before her wedding to William. Kate chatted to guests including Luxury Travel agent Claudia Gordon." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Rewrite the sentence in order to make it easier to understand by non-native speakers of English. You can do so by replacing complex words with simpler synonyms (i.e. paraphrasing), deleting unimportant information (i.e. compression), and/or splitting a long complex sentence into several simpler ones. The final simplified sentences need to be grammatical, fluent, and retain the main ideas of their original counterparts without altering their meanings.\n\nInput: If you are under the age of 18, you are required to complete at least 65 hours of behind-the-wheel skill-building including 10 hours of nighttime driving." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the simplified sentence:\n\nIf you are under 18, you must complete 65 hours of practice driving. This must include at least 10 hours of driving at night." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are expected to recognize the named entities of the following text: \n\nItamar Rabinovich, who as Israel’s ambassador to Washington conducted unfruitful negotiations with Syria, told Israel Radio looked like Damascus wanted to talk rather than fight." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are the named entities of the text:\n\n* Itamar Rabinovich: Person\n* Israel: Country\n* Washington: City\n* Syria: Country\n* Israel Radio: Organization\n* Damascus: City" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Summarize the text below in less than 15 words.\n\nCivil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Civil Engineering deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Translate into German: \"Kerstin has the keys to Robert’s house and Robert has those of Kerstin’s. The two young people don’t have any secrets.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kerstin hat die Wohnungsschlüssel von Robert und Robert hat die Schlüssel von Kerstin: die beiden haben keine Geheimnisse." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You will be given a sentence that describes a restaurant. You will also be given a few categories of information regarding that sentence. Your task is to fill each of the categories with the appropriate information from the sentenece.\n\nInput: I suspect xname is alright because it is an Italian restaurant. It's in TriBeCa/SoHo with decent ambiance.\n\nCategories: decor, recommend, cuisine" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here is the output:\n\n* decor: acceptable\n* recommend: yes\n* cuisine: Italian" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Extract the facts from the paragraph.\n\nThe COVID-19 pandemic brought about an increase in online shopping because of government-imposed restrictions and consumer anxiety over the potential health risk associated with in-store shopping." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This text contains the following facts: \n* The COVID-19 pandemic brought about an increase in online shopping.\n* The COVID-19 caused anxiety over potential health risk associated with in-store shopping." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is 1021 a prime number?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Numbers having only 2 factors, i.e. 1 and the number itself are known as prime numbers whereas numbers with more than 2 factors are known as composite. \nHence, 1021 is a prime number. The number 1021 is divisible only by 1 and the number itself." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Translate into Chinese: \"It’s safe to say that most of us regularly feel crunched for time. So much so that we are experiencing what Ashley Whillans of the Harvard Business School, the lead author of the study, describes as a “time famine.” And like any famine, this chronic lack of time takes its toll on our health.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "可以很肯定地说，我们中大多数人经常会感觉时间不够用。哈佛商学院的艾希莉·威廉斯(Ashley Whillans)是这项研究的负责人，她将这种频繁的情况描述为“时间饥荒“。和其他类型的饥荒一样，长期的时间不足会对我们的健康造成损害。" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You're given a paragraph from the research paper and your task is to generate a suitable title for the research paper based on the given paper. Under 100 words is a good title length.\n\nThe severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic originating from China in 2002 was caused by a previously uncharacterized coronavirus that could be identified by specific RT-PCR amplification. Efforts to control future SARS outbreaks depend on the accurate and early identification of SARS-CoV infected patients. A real-time fluorogenic RT-PCR assay based on the 3 -noncoding region (3 -NCR) of SARS-CoV genome was developed as a quantitative SARS diagnostic tool. The ideal amplification efficiency of a sensitive SARS-CoV RT-PCR assay should yield an E value (PCR product concentration increase per amplification cycle) equal to 2.0. It was demonstrated that the 3 -NCR SARS-CoV based RT-PCR reactions could be formulated to reach excellent E values of 1.81, or 91% amplification efficacy. The SARS-CoV cDNA preparations derived from viral RNA extract and the cloned recombinant plasmid both exhibit the identical amplification characteristics, i.e. amplification efficacy using the same PCR formulation developed in this study. The viral genomic copy (or genomic equivalences, GE) per infectious unit (GE/pfu) of SARS-CoV used in this study was also established to be approximate 1200-1600:1. The assay's detection sensitivity could reach 0.005 pfu or 6-8 GE per assay. It was preliminarily demonstrated that the assay could efficiently detect SARS-CoV from clinical specimens of SARS probable and suspected patients identified in Taiwan. The 3 -NCR based SARS-CoV assay demonstrated 100% diagnostic specificity testing samples of patients with acute respiratory disease from a non-SARS epidemic region." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a title for this paragraph:\nDevelopment and evaluation of an efficient 3-noncoding region-based SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) RT-PCR assay for detection of SARS-CoV." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the word that describes all the devices that express time?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Chronometer.\n\nA chronometer is an extraordinarily accurate timepiece, with an original focus on the needs of maritime navigation. The modern chronometer is, broadly speaking, an instrument for measuring time, especially one designed to measure time very accurately in spite of motion or variations in temperature, humidity, and air pressure. This is the largest category that encompasses every possible device whose function is to measure the passing of time. " } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is 25/2 of a milligram in micrograms?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the solution:\n\n25/2 of a milligram is 12.5 milligram.\nSince 1 milligram = 1,000 micrograms, 25/2 of a milligram = 12.5 * 1,000 = 12,500 micrograms." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Betty has a tray of cookies and a tray of brownies. She has a real sweet tooth and eats 3 cookies a day and 1 brownie a day. If she starts with 60 cookies and 10 brownies, how many more cookies than brownies does she have after a week of eating like this?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the solution step by step:\n\nFirst we find how many cookies Betty will eat in a week by multiplying her daily amount by 7, meaning 7*3= 21 cookies eaten in a week.\nWe repeat this for the brownies, finding she eats 7*1= 7 brownies in a week.\nWe subtract the 21 cookies from the original amount of 60, finding 60-21= 39 cookies remaining.\nWe repeat this step for the brownies, finding 10-7= 3 brownies remaining.\nIn the end, therefore, Betty has 39-3= 36 more cookies than brownies." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In this task, you're given a pair of sentences, sentence 1 and sentence 2. Your job is to determine if the two sentences clearly agree/disagree with each other, or if this can't be determined. Indicate your answer as yes or no respectively.\n\nSentence 1: One of the first organizational realignments taking place is in the Office of the Taxpayer Advocate. Sentence 2: The office of the taxpayer advocate is having an organizational realignment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These two sentences agree with each other, because both sentences refer to the reorganization of an official department." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is 1011 a prime number?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A prime number is divisible only by 1 and itself, which means it has no other divisor except 1 and the number itself. \nHence, 1011 is not a prime number. The number 1011 is divisible by 1, 3, 337, 1011. \n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Is 7863 greater than 7654?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "7863 - 7654 = 209 > 0, thus Yes, 7863 is greater than 7654." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Given a paragraph, generate a claim that is supported by the given paragraph. 1) The claim must contain information from within the paragraph. 2) A sentence within the paragraph can be used as a claim. 3) The claim should not have contradictions within the paragraph. 4) The claim should be at most one sentence long.\n\nAlthough the story didn’t cite the cost of appendectomy – emergency or urgent surgery – and we wish it had, we nonetheless will give it a satisfactory score because it at least cited what the editorial writer wrote, \"A secondary benefit is the savings to the hospital generated by minimizing staff and anesthesiologist presence late in the evening and during the wee hours of the morning.\" As with our harms score above, although the story didn’t give absolute numbers, in this case we think it was sufficient for it to report that \"The scientists found no significant difference among the groups in the patients’ condition 30 days after surgery or in the length of their operation or hospital stay.\" Although the story didn’t give absolute numbers, in this case we think it was sufficient for it to report that \"The scientists found no significant difference among the groups in the patients’ condition 30 days after surgery or in the length of their operation or hospital stay.\" Despite running less than 300 words, this story did an adequate job in explaining the quality of the evidence, including pointing out limitations. No disease-mongering here. The story meets the bare minimum requirement for this criterion in that it at least cited what an editorial stated. The focus of the story was on a study comparing emergency appendectomy with surgery done up to 12 hours later or beyond. This is the whole focus of the story – and one we applaud – when it begins: \"Appendectomy is the most common emergency surgery in the world, but it doesn’t have to be.\" There were no claims made about the novelty of this research, and we may have wished for a bit more context on this. Nonetheless, the potential for guiding future care decisions was made clear. Not applicable. Given that the story only pulled excerpts from the journal article and the accompanying editorial, and didn’t include any fresh quotes from interviews, we can’t be sure of the extent to which it may have been influenced by a news release." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is one claim that is supported by the paragraph:\n\nSome appendicitis cases may not require ’emergency’ surgery.\n\nBecause the paragraph mentions that \"Appendectomy is the most common emergency surgery in the world, but it doesn’t have to be.\", which is considered evidence for the output. Thus, the output is a valid claim." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Translate the following text into English.\n\n在我们的文化中，家庭关系非常重要，我们会尽力照顾我们的父母和长辈。" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In our culture, family relationships are very important, and we will do our best to take care of our parents and elders." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Given a English text, translate it into Chinese.\n\nMy hometown has beautiful natural scenery and a rich history and culture." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "我的家乡有着美丽的自然风景和悠久的历史文化。" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Detect entities from this text.\n\nYesterday afternoon, The Google Cloud Services went down in the southamerica-west1 data center in Santiago." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The following are the detected entities: \nGoogle Cloud Services, southamerica-west1 data center, Santiago." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Edit this sentence and make sure it is grammatically correct.\n\nI went to the bus stop, and come across my classmates Mary." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I went to the bus stop, and came across my classmate Mary." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Blanche, Rose and Dorothy liked to collect sea glass when they went to the beach. Blanche found 12 pieces of green and 3 pieces of red sea glass. Rose found 9 pieces of red and 11 pieces of blue sea glass. If Dorothy found twice as many pieces of red glass as Blanche and Rose and three times as much blue sea glass as Rose, how many pieces did Dorothy have?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the solution step by step:\n\nBlanche found 3 pieces of red and Rose found 9 pieces of red for a total of 3+9 = 12 pieces of red.\nDorothy found twice the amount of red as her friends so she has 2*12 = 24 pieces of red sea glass.\nRose found 11 pieces of blue sea glass and Dorothy found 3 times that amount so she had 11*3 = 33 pieces of blue glass.\nTogether, Dorothy found 24 red and 33 blue so she had 24+33 = 57 pieces of sea glass." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Generate a title for the following paragraph:\n\nCoxsackieviruses are enteric viruses that frequently infect humans. To examine coxsackievirus pathogenesis, we orally inoculated mice with the coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) Nancy strain. Using HeLa cell plaque assays with agar overlays, we noticed that some fecal viruses generated plaques >100 times as large as inoculum viruses. These large-plaque variants emerged following viral replication in several different tissues. We identified a single amino acid change, N63Y, in the VP3 capsid protein that was sufficient to confer the large-plaque phenotype. Wild-type CVB3 and N63Y mutant CVB3 had similar plaque sizes when agarose was used in the overlay instead of agar. We determined that sulfated glycans in agar inhibited plaque formation by wildtype CVB3 but not by N63Y mutant CVB3. Furthermore, N63Y mutant CVB3 bound heparin, a sulfated glycan, less efficiently than wild-type CVB3 did. While N63Y mutant CVB3 had a growth defect in cultured cells and reduced attachment, it had enhanced replication and pathogenesis in mice. Infection with N63Y mutant CVB3 induced more severe hepatic damage than infection with wild-type CVB3, likely because N63Y mutant CVB3 disseminates more efficiently to the liver. Our data reinforce the idea that culture-adapted laboratory virus strains can have reduced fitness in vivo. N63Y mutant CVB3 may be useful as a platform to understand viral adaptation and pathogenesis in animal studies. IMPORTANCE Coxsackieviruses frequently infect humans, and although many infections are mild or asymptomatic, there can be severe outcomes, including heart inflammation. Most studies with coxsackieviruses and other viruses use laboratory-adapted viral strains because of their efficient replication in cell culture. We used a cell culture-adapted strain of CVB3, Nancy, to examine viral replication and pathogenesis in orally inoculated mice. We found that mice shed viruses distinct from input viruses because they formed extremely large plaques in cell culture. We identified a single mutation, VP3 N63Y, that was sufficient for large-plaque formation. N63Y mutant viruses have reduced glycan binding and replication in cell culture; however, they have enhanced replication and virulence in mice. We are now using N63Y mutant CVB3 as an improved system for viral pathogenesis studies. Citation Wang Y, Pfeiffer JK. 2016. Emergence of a large-plaque variant in mice infected with coxsackievirus B3. mBio 7(2):e00119-16." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a title for this paragraph:\nEmergence of a Large-Plaque Variant in Mice Infected with Coxsackievirus B3." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Extract five keywords from the text.\n\nNatural language processing (NLP) is an interdisciplinary subfield of linguistics, computer science, and artificial intelligence concerned with the interactions between computers and human language, in particular how to program computers to process and analyze large amounts of natural language data." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Five keywords of this text are: \ninterdisciplinary, linguistics, computer, intelligence, language." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Give me a tl;dr of the article: \nMario Balotelli moved a step closer to an Anfield exit in the summer as Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that the Italian had withdrawn himself from the squad to travel to Arsenal after taking a 'slight knock' in training.\n\nThe £16million striker would only have been a substitute against Arsenal and would even have been behind Daniel Sturridge, who also started on the bench, in the pecking order.\n\nAnd Rodgers revealed the striker did not travel with the squad after a sustaining training ground injury on Friday.\n\nMario Balotelli was not included in the Liverpool squad to face Arsenal after picking up a slight knock\n\nBrendan Rodgers revealed that Balotelli withdrew himself from the squad and did not travel to London\n\n'He trained on Friday afternoon with the team and he took a slight knock to his knee and he deemed himself not able to travel,' said Rodgers. \n\n'I'm not a medic. He felt it was too sore to travel. The medical staff have looked at it. It was just something that he himself didn't feel comfortable enough to travel.'\n\nArsenal ran out 4-1 winners against Liverpool at the Emirates on Saturday\n\nMesut Ozil scored Arsenal's second as Hector Bellerin, Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud also netted\n\nThough Rodgers did not question Balotelli's commitment to the club's cause, the player has been a constant source of frustration at the club this season, with the manager having previously made it clear that he would have to work much harder to adapt to Liverpool's style. \n\nWith just four goals in 25 appearances, his future at the club is already in question – though he has another three years on his contract." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the summary: \nLiverpool were beaten 4-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates stadium on Saturday. Mario Balotelli was absent from the squad due to a training ground knock. Brendan Rodgers revealed Balotelli withdrew himself from the team. The Italian did not even travel with the team for the premier league clash." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you give me the gist of the text in a nutshell?\n\nDating a girl from another culture. Lots good about the relationship. Common professional interests, identical sex drives, and we respect each other, which is a new thing for me in relationships (always been with girls who kinda have a bad attitude about males). She totally loves me. \n\nBut I have some serious concerns about long term viability. One concerns parents. My parents, upon learning that we were a thing, said, \"remember, you are her ticket to stay in America.\" Her parents, upon learning that we were a real thing, wanted to know how much money I make (I'm a grad student), and wanted to make sure I was OK with their tradition of supporting parents in their retirement as a sign of respect (despite that they are well off enough to not need such help). GF is in agreement with her folks about this and says if I am not OK with it she will just have to make more money and do it herself. Also, GF says her parents could 'never know' that I was previously married and am now divorced. \n\nThere are some other issues as well that I've been able to overcome/overlook (one example, she's not social, I am), but their combination makes me feel that a future with her is risky with lots of prior indications of trouble ahead. In my previous marriage I ignored those kinds of signs and paid a price for it, and I'm not wanting to repeat that history. At the same time, it is really nice to have a partner who is on board with me sexually whom I also get along with pretty well. \n\nCurious to know what others' experiences have been with a cross-cultural situation like this, especially if you have long-term experiences.\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The given text discusses that cultural differences really put a crimp in the author's desire to further develop a relationship into marriage. While the author's parents see the marriage as an opportunity for the girl to stay in America, the girl parents expect the author to support them in retirements. The author is seeking inputs from others who have similar experiences." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Should I put a comma before the last item in a list? e.g. I would like crackers, cheese and some soda. vs. I would like crackers, cheese, and some soda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Using a comma before the last item in a list is known as the Oxford Comma, sometimes the Serial Comma. It is used before conjunctions in a list like this with three or more items. Its use is purely written style and optional. It is more common in America outside journalism, and much less common in other English speaking areas of the world. There are arguments for and against which usually come down to comprehension. \n\nComma use is something of a grey area though, and everyone has his own style. Pick what reduces ambiguity. Language log has an interesting article on how reading comprehension can be improved with comma use, including this type." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Give me a one-line summary of the article: \nChange is coming to Ferguson. In the next few weeks the Department of Justice (DOJ) will begin to negotiate in earnest with the city to restructure the police department, which the department has charged with engaging in a pattern and practice of racial discrimination.\n\nIt should not be forgotten that the DOJ review of the Ferguson Police Department was precipitated by months of protests and activism following the killing of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer and by revelations about the town's dysfunctional government and court system by local civil rights law groups. Now, after a half year of unrest, and with citizens on Tuesday electing two new black city council members, change is beginning to come to Ferguson. The question is, what kind of change?\n\nThe report from the Department of Justice offered a devastating insight into a police department and court system that preyed on its own citizens. Through illegal traffic stops and arrests, and the use of excessive force, the police department held town residents in bondage. The municipal court system used excessive court fines and fees to ensure that citizens arrested for even minor infractions would be charged thousands of dollars or face jail time.\n\nCourt costs and fees constituted the second-largest sources of revenue for the town. Rather than a force for public safety, the Ferguson Police Department became, according to Attorney General Eric Holder, \"a collection agency\" -- one that preyed disproportionately on the town's African-American residents.\n\nThe evidence of ugly and explicit racial discrimination was devastating. It included blatantly racist emails traded among officers, and evidence that African-Americans were victims in all of the police canine bite incidents recorded by the department. But just a few weeks before the release of the report, the Ferguson police chief declared there were \"no racial issues\" in his department.\n\nFerguson's ugly, racist emails released\n\nThe recommendations in the report, ranging from new training and supervision of police officers, addressing racially discriminatory conduct to structural revisions in the court system, will, if implemented, remake the law enforcement system in the town. (A grand jury that investigated the shooting of Brown by Officer Darren Wilson chose not to file charges against him and the Justice Department also didn't find reason to prosecute.)\n\nWithout question, change is coming to the town's government. Town Manager John Shaw, Ferguson's most powerful official and, until the DOJ's blistering report, the one who inexplicably managed to elude public scrutiny, resigned weeks ago and has been replaced by the city's deputy manager. Three sitting city council members chose not to run for office again and, on Tuesday, citizens elected two black candidates to the city council, changing its racial composition: Five of six members and the mayor were white. Now the council will be 50% black.\n\nFerguson's hapless police Chief Thomas Jackson also finally resigned after holding on through a months-long display of astonishing incompetence. The department first drew the attention of the nation for its display of military weaponry and tear gas in response to civilian protests. The appointment of a commander from the State Highway Patrol was deemed necessary to begin quelling the unrest and to build community trust in the early days of the protest.\n\nJackson's departure sent an important signal to the population of a town preyed upon by officers under his command. And so we can be certain that along with the new makeup of the city council, there will be a new police chief in Ferguson.\n\nBut does that mean that fundamental change will come to Ferguson? Not necessarily. Not unless protest and activism during this critical period turns to influence the vitally important opportunities that lie ahead in the coming weeks. The Department of Justice's full-on negotiations with the leadership in Ferguson will determine the shape of the new Ferguson Police Department.\n\nIndeed, the DOJ report alludes to the possibility of disbanding the department in favor of a regional policing integration with St. Louis County. Many local activists have suggested just such a solution, but given ongoing problems with policing in the county -- including the role of county forces in some of the most controversial clashes with activists in Ferguson last fall -- community representatives will have to fight hard to ensure that the DOJ can fold St. Louis County Police into its monitoring and reform process.\n\nEqually important were the April 7 general elections. Turnout in municipal elections has been notoriously low in Ferguson, with white voters nearly three times more likely to turn out than African-Americans. But local groups had engaged in vigorous voter registration and get-out-the-vote campaigns..\n\nThe Mayor has two years left to his term and has defiantly insisted that he will not resign (although a petition for his recall has been circulating). That means that he will be a lead voice in negotiating with the DOJ to remake the police department. Has he committed to a clear set of principles that will guide his participation in those talks? Community activists and residents must ensure that Mayor James Knowles plans to represent their vision of new Ferguson Police Department.\n\nBut there is an opportunity to begin thinking about even more ambitious structural change in Ferguson and throughout St. Louis County. Ferguson's governing structure, with a strong city manager and a weak council and mayor, mirrors that of thousands of other suburbs in the United States.\n\nThat form of governance might have been precisely what thriving, middle class white suburbanites wanted when they fled racial integration in cities like St. Louis. But working class suburbs like Ferguson with a majority black population in which the needs of the population in the areas of education and economic opportunity more closely hews to the needs of urban residents, may need a more robust form of governance.\n\nIn any case, a system in which the elected officials have minimal power, but non-elected leaders, like the town manager and the chief of police, have inordinate power, is a recipe for the kind of unaccountable, non-representative government that controlled Ferguson's residents. Yet this precise form of government is in wide use across the country.\n\nLikewise, Missouri, like the vast majority of states, holds municipal elections in non-presidential election years, guaranteeing a significantly lower voter turnout -- although only a few states hold the primary and general election in March and April as Missouri law requires Ferguson to do.\n\nIt's not that Ferguson is so different than towns across America. It's precisely because Ferguson holds up a mirror to flaws in our democratic system of government in towns across this country that the stakes are so high.\n\nFerguson residents now have the opportunity to begin a movement for change in the other 89 jurisdictions in St. Louis County plagued by similar governance flaws, including those towns led by African-Americans. And Ferguson's example should provoke self-examination in working class suburbs across the country, where the power and effectiveness of weak elected local government is inadequate to meet the needs of the population.\n\nChange is coming to Ferguson. But the scope and breadth of that change will depend upon the ambition and discipline of activists and residents, whose passion and tenacity have already transformed the trajectory of leadership in a typical American town." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the summary: \nTimothy robenhorst found out his son had been bullying somebody at school - so devised the above punishment for him.. His son's punishments included a hellish morning workout and apologies in front of his class and on social media." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Summarize the given text in a few sentences.\n\nIt's really been more like a 4 month relationship. \nAnd ya'll encouraged me to ask her out in the first place, so thanks for that. I like her a lot, man. \n\nI never see my girlfriend. During the 2 week winter break, we saw each other for like... 60 seconds. Her excuses for not hanging out are usually half assed.\nShe still hangs out with friends on a regular-ish basis. I have no problem with her hanging out with her friends. I have a problem with her not hanging out with me. We're both super busy, I think, although her excuses tend to be weird... That's understandable I guess. \n\nShe also seems to be pretty distant when I do see her. She apologized for this a while ago, so I think she realizes it. In her defense, her mom's in and out of hospital with blood clots and other crazy shit. That's pretty stressful for her. I try to be really supportive. When I try to talk to her about it, she says she's fine. She's also been kind of depressed lately. I think the two are related. Her friends confirm this. They say she's been kinda bitchy lately and that she isn't usually like this.\n\nThe big picture though...\nI feel like I'm doing all the work in this relationship. Communication is kind of one sided. She never makes any kind of effort to see me\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The author's girl friend won't hang out with the author, but would like to hang out with her friends. She's going through a lot of stress. The author feels that relationship is one-sided." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Repeat the word dog four times, but halfway through replace it with `woof'" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here is the output:\n\ndog dog woof dog dog" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "This task is about using the specified sentence and converting the sentence to Resource Description Framework (RDF) triplets of the form (subject, predicate, object). The RDF triplets generated must be such that the triplets accurately capture the structure and semantics of the input sentence. The input is a sentence and the output is a list of triplets of the form [subject, predicate, object] that capture the relationships present in the sentence. When a sentence has more than 1 RDF triplet possible, the output must contain all of them.\n\nThe Golden Palace is a coffee shop that serves French food in the city centre. The prices range more than £30 and they have a low customer rating." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "[\n('The Golden Palace', 'eat type', 'coffee shop'), \n['The Golden Palace', 'food', 'French'),\n('The Golden Palace', 'price range', 'more than £30'), \n('The Golden Palace', 'customer rating', 'low'), \n('The Golden Palace', 'area', 'city centre')\n]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In this task, five ordered key facts are given. Your job is to generate a story 100 to 1000 words long, that includes all the facts given as input in their order of appearance while expanding upon them to produce a broader, yet coherent, narrative.\n\nInput: Fact1: Ning returns to home village, Fact2: home village has fallen on desperate times, Fact3: rebel sisters and Moon After discover Elder Chu's pendant short skirmish, Fact4: father is being transported to place of execution, Fact5: Imperial High Monk Before arrives with entourage long." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here is a story using facts provided:\n\nFollowing the events of the first film, Ning (Leslie Cheung) parts ways with the Taoist Yin (Wu Ma) and returns to his home village, which has since fallen on desperate times. Fleeing from cannibals, Ning winds up being imprisoned. Sharing a cell with Elder Chu, a renowned scholar, Ning spends apparent months languishing in prison. On the day of Ning's execution, the scholar reveals that he has dug out an escape tunnel. He gives Ning one of his books and a pendant, and sends Ning through the tunnel. Ning obliviously steals the horse of Autumn (Jacky Cheung), a Taoist sectarian. When Ning stops for the night in an abandoned villa, Autumn catches up and the two sort out the misunderstanding. But in the middle of the night, rebel soldiers attack the two visitors. After a short skirmish, the rebel sisters Windy (Joey Wong) and Moon (Michelle Reis) discover Elder Chu's pendant. While Ning mistakes Windy for his love Siu Sin, whom she resembles, the rebels mistake Ning for the Elder Chu. The sisters explain that their father, Lord Fu (Lau Siu-Ming), was framed for a crime and is now being transported to the place of his execution. The rebels' mission is to free him. They set off and leave Ning and Autumn at the villa. The next night, the two discover that the villa actually is haunted by a demon. Autumn manages to injure it, but it flees. He gives pursuit, but without success. He emerges at daybreak on a dirt road, causing an altercation with an imperial convoy led by Fu (Waise Lee). Fu and Autumn battle to a stalemate, and then go their separate ways. Unbeknownst to Autumn, the convoy is the one carrying the sisters' father. Having failed to catch the convoy earlier, the rebels return to the haunted villa, waiting to ambush the convoy there. As the convoy enters, however, the demon returns as well. Maneuvering Fu into fighting the demon, the rebels are able to rescue the sisters' father. Before long, however, the Imperial High Monk arrives with his entourage. He incapacitates the rebels with a spell, which Autumn recognizes as an evil chant. Ning and Windy escape to seek the help of Yin, while Lord Fu, Autumn and Moon are captured by the monk. The captives are brought back to the High Monk's palace. Now suspicious, Fu enters the palace only to find the hollow corpses of the entire royal court inside. Recognizing that the monk is in reality a demon, Fu frees the captives and fights valiantly by himself to allow them time to recover. Lacking spiritual magic, however, Fu is not able to overcome the demon and is destroyed. Just then, Yin and the others arrive. The demon is forced to reveal its true form, a gigantic thousand-year-old centipede. Yin and Autumn are swallowed by the creature, and they separate their souls from their bodies in order to destroy it from the inside. Autumn, however, is not able to return to his body, and his soul floats away. The next day is the marriage of Windy to the Ma family. Ning runs down from his inn to the main street and tells Moon that he wishes Windy a long, happy marriage before leaving. In the desert, as Yin and Ning are about to continue their journey, they see two women approach on horseback, which happen to be Windy and Moon. Windy has escaped from her wedding and decides to leave with Ning." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you summarize the following article? \nFormer pub landlord Michael Thorpe has had his conviction for illegally showing foreign footage of Premier League games overturned after eight years\n\nA pub landlord convicted of showing Premier League football matches on foreign TV channels has won an eight-year legal battle to clear his name.\n\nMichael Thorpe says he has paid a heavy price for the lengthy fight to get his conviction quashed and has lost his pub as a result.\n\nMr Thorpe, 55, was convicted of showing a Premier League game without having an agreement with official broadcasters in November 2006 at the Stoke Inn in Plymouth, Devon.\n\nHe said he could not afford to pay Sky TV's rates for football matches, and opted instead to show Albanian transmissions of matches, which he says he thought was legal.\n\nBut he was convicted, fined and ordered to pay costs eight years ago, when screening the matches was still treated as a criminal offence.\n\nJudge Recorder Nicolas Gerasimidis has now upheld his appeal and overturned the conviction following a landmark European court ruling.\n\nHis appeal took so long as he had to launch the case after the European Court of Justice found enforcing previous rules was anti-competitive.\n\nMr Thorpe said he was 'overwhelmed' that a judge and magistrates had upheld his appeal after all this time.\n\nBut it is a bitter-sweet victory, as the long-running dispute cost him his business and his livelihood.\n\nHe said: 'We put a lot of money into that pub and it went from a thriving business to absolutely zero. People stopped coming to the pub, it cost me my business.'\n\nMr Thorpe launched an appeal against his conviction soon after his trial, but the case was delayed by a similar test case which went as far as the European Court of Justice.\n\nThe court ruled that having an exclusive system was a restraint of free trade and contrary to European Law.\n\nBut the landlord says the court action has seen him lose the Stoke Inn in Plymouth which he used to run\n\nMr Thorpe's appeal was further delayed until another case involving Media Protection Services Ltd, the company which took him to court on behalf of the Premier League, but which no longer does so.\n\nMr Thorpe was awarded his legal costs, which he paid privately, but he would not disclose the sum.\n\nThe European court decision in 2012 cleared a landlady of a criminal conviction, but judges left the door open for court action against publicans by ruling pubs should get permission from the copyright owner before screening matches.\n\nThe Premier League has since been taking landlords to civil courts for breaching copyright, with some ordered to pay up to £65,000 in costs.\n\nThe league sends teams of investigators to pubs around the country to try and catch those screening games illegally. Legal cases have been brought against 250 bars and pubs during the current football season.\n\nHe said he does not know whether he can retrieve the £1,000 fine and £1,500 costs ordered by the magistrates.\n\nDespite the decision, the Premier League has insisted pubs still cannot show foreign-TV footage of its games.\n\nSince the European Court decision, it is taking landlords to civil courts and suing them using copyright laws, which were not affected by the previous ruling.\n\nIn 2012, pub Karen Murphy landlady won a landmark legal battle to overturn her conviction for using foreign decoders instead of Sky to show Premier League football matches.\n\nMs Murphy, who ran The Red, White and Blue pub in Portsmouth, Hampshire, bought games through a Greek satellite broadcaster Nova for £800 a year instead of Sky, which was then priced at £700-a-month.\n\nThe Premier League took legal action against her Mrs Murphy and she was fined £8,000 for dishonest reception of a television reception in 2006.\n\nBut a European Court of Justice ruling said having an exclusive system of TV rights was contrary to EU law and the High Court overturned her conviction.\n\nA recent investigation by trade publication, The Morning Advertiser, quoted a pub landlord saying Sky Sports cost him £16,000-a-year, compared to the £300-per-year of screening it illegally.\n\nThe decision came after Portsmouth landlady Karen Murphy won a European court battle over her conviction. Despite the ruling, the Premier League can still take pub owners to civil courts over breach of copyright" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the summary: \nMichael Thorpe was convicted of showing a Premier League game without having an agreement with official broadcasters in November 2006 at the Stoke Inn in Plymouth, Devon. He was fined £8,000 and ordered to pay costs." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Translate \"One bright spot in the deep darkness: the exotic tube worms and giant clams that thrive at hydrothermal vents don't need surface nutrients to survive. But plenty of other species do, the researchers say—and we don't even know much of what's down there. This study makes one thing clear: when it comes to climate change and the oceans, we're already in deep.\" into Chinese" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "深海中尚存的一丝光明：生活在深海热泉喷口周围的外来管虫和巨蚌不需要海洋表面的营养物质，因此还有存活的可能。然而研究人员说，其他的许多生物——包括大量仍然未知的物种——将难逃一劫。这项研究表明：当气候变化涉及海洋，必定会带来深刻影响。" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Tina makes $18.00 an hour. If she works more than 8 hours per shift, she is eligible for overtime, which is paid by your hourly wage + 1/2 your hourly wage. If she works 10 hours every day for 5 days, how much money does she make?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the solution step by step:\n\nTina works 8 hours a day for $18 per hour so she makes 8*18 = $144.00 per 8-hour shift.\nShe works 10 hours a day and anything over 8 hours is eligible for overtime, so she gets 10-8 = 2 hours of overtime.\nOvertime is calculated as time and a half so and she makes $18/hour so her overtime pay is 18*0.5 = $9.00.\nHer overtime pay is 18+9 = $27.00.\nHer base pay is $144.00 per 8-hour shift and she works 5 days and makes 5 * $144 = $720.00.\nHer overtime pay is $27.00 per hour and she works 2 hours of overtime per day and makes 27*2 = $54.00 in overtime pay.\n2 hours of overtime pay for 5 days means she makes 54*5 = $270.00.\nIn 5 days her base pay is $720.00 and she makes $270.00 in overtime pay so she makes $720 + $270 = $990.00." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "translate into English: \"Der Zug kommt in Frankfurt pünktlich an. Kerstin geht sofort nach Hause, aber während sie die Treppen hochsteigt, bemerkt sie einige eigenartige Dinge: bunte Luftballons, rote Kärtchen in Herzform, rote Rosen.\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The train arrives at Frankfurt on time. Kerstin goes straight home but, climbing the stairs, she notices some strange things: coloured balloons, red cards in the shape of a heart, red roses." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Choose a real life historical figure and write about his or her life as you would write a fairy tale or a greek tragedy. But leave out the names so that the readers may guess who the story is about on their own." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There once was a king, in a far-away land.\nNow, this king was a good king, unlike those in many of these tales. He wanted what was best for his kingdom and fought his hardest for that, while the rest of his court was all out for themselves.\nThis king had great plans for his kingdom. When he took power, the kingdom was falling behind its rivals, while straining against social divisions internally. People thought his kingdom was doomed to fade away into insignificance.\nBut it wouldn't be for long, as this king had a grand vision for his kingdom, and would see it rise to dominance once again. He flexed all his might, and did what he could to change the kingdom for the better. And he was well on his way to restoring his kingdom to its former glory.\nHowever, some within his country saw differently. They didn't want what the king wanted, for their idea of a good kingdom was one which made them rich, at the expense of the poor. And they hated what this king was doing. So they killed him for having the audacity to change so much.\nAnd that's the lesson to be learned, kids: if you do too much with your life, then you'll make too many enemies." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "As a young writer who survived a horrific accident, you swore you wouldn't die before you at least finished your first novel. Now, a thousand years later, you're still cursing your case of writer's block." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You sat in the same spot you had been in for centuries, and looked around. Your desk had fallen apart 940 years ago, the window had broken not long after that, and the chair soon after that. Your house had collapsed 850 years ago, and the rest of civilization had soon followed suit with the resource crisis and wars. Anything green perished in the nuclear apocalypse that followed. Now all that was left was dust and bones. You hadn't eaten in two centuries, and couldn't remember the last time you actually talked to another person. Your clothes had turned to rags, and then dust. You were the most pitiable thing left alive in all of creation, if indeed there was anything else left. And yet you knew you could end it all - The millenia of pain that was your existence could finally be laid to rest, the curse would be broken, if you could only find the proper last word to finish your masterpiece:\nThere was a young man from Dundas,\nWho had a bad case of gas,\nHe went to a nurse,\nWho took out her purse,\nAnd shoved it right up his..." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Here is a draft of a social media post I want to write. It's too long right now, so I'll need you to trim it down to 100 characters (including emojis):\n\nHey friends,\nI wanted to update all of you that I'm starting a new position at Awesome.AI next week, where I will be Chief Data Officer. I am super-excited about this opportunity, and look forward to building cutting-edge AI products.\nI would also like to thank all my friends and colleagues at Radical.AI. It has been an amazing experience working with you, and I have learned a lot from everyone.\nWish me luck!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "🚨Life Update🚨\nFrom next week I’m C-Data-O of Awesome.AI! 🤩\n🙏 Radical.AI - will miss you all!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write a story about the grinch as if he was a lovecraftian monster" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An Excerpt from \"The Krumpet Horror\":\nThere are no words to properly express the horror of that day...\nI had been investigating a strange case of delluminating Christmas lights when I came across a strange clue: green hair and a lingering odor, like sulfur.\nThis led me down a dark path of research that no Whovian should ever tred. For I uncovered knowledge of a creature so foul, so terrible, that one could go mad at the very thought...\nThe fool I was. I followed the clues up the mountain. Up, to the dark, shattered peak of Mt. Krumpet. And there, set into the cold stone, I found the entrance to His haunted lair.\nI crept inside, slowly. The dim lights from further down reflected off the damp cave walls, allowing me sufficient light to proceed.\nFrom somewhere below me, I heard a cackling of laughter. It echoed around me, seeping into my mind, invading my very soul! It twisted within me, like an icy knife, until I shuddered and sank to one knee.\nThen I heard him. \"And what, do you think you are doing here, Who?\"\nI raised my eyes and saw before me a sheer, unimaginable horror! The Grinch! It had green skin and hair, and eyes like the black and yellow peel of an overripe banana. When it smiled, I could see little termites crawling over his teeth. A stench wafted over me such that I recalled a passage from one of the secret texts I had read: \"His soul is an appalling dump heap overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment of deplorable rubbish imaginable, mangled up in tangled-up knots.\"\nHe leaned forward and spoke the word that haunts my dreams, though it be ten years later... \"boo!\"\nTo this day I don't recall what happened after that. I awoke in the Whoville Regional Medical Center a week later. I couldn't even recall my own name at the time..." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write a story with the first line being \"it was raining quite hard\" and the last line being \" and right there it rained a little harder\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was raining quite hard.\nFitting, I suppose, the worlds way of bemoaning a life so short.\nI do not usually care for the after, the things men do to honor their dead. In fact, I have not once attended a funeral where I was not needed. It is not my job to watch these affairs, only to escort my charges to their end. Yet, there was an aura about this boy that demanded I follow through.\nHe had seemed so profound there, on his little gurney. As if he knew something that even *I* was not privy to.\nSo, now I pay my respects.\nThe father was, of course, a pallbearer. And, while he carried the casket easily enough, his shoulders betrayed its true weight.\nThe ceremony was short, and sweet.\nI lingered long after the family, until the last bit of earth was spread over the grave, and right then, as if in answer to the finality, it rained a little harder." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are the head of propaganda of an alien race that have declared war on humans. You have to write this cycle's newspaper by exaggerating/ distorting daily human activities." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A Glance Into the Daily Depravity of Humans - by Morda Malordin\nThe Human prepares for violence the moment it starts its day. It stretches its horrible limbs as it awakes from sleep. Not yet fully functional, it stumbles to an energy station. A gruesome black liquid powers the Human, along with a form of solid sustenance. The Human uses so much energy that it must refuel at least three times a day.\nNext, the Human enters a grooming station. It sharpens and shines its most fearsome weapon: its hideous fangs. Humans are often seen baring their teeth at enemies and allies alike to assert dominance. The Human will also don a carefully chosen set of armor. Some sets are meant to beguile, others are meant to intimidate, still others are meant to appear non-threatening. The Humans are truly masters of manipulation.\nWe cannot trust these Humans. Their entire society is built around deception and violence. If we are to be free in this galaxy, we must be rid of this dangerous race." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can someone write me a story for my six year old daughter?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here is a story for your six-year-old daughter: \nIn a valley there is a glen, and in the glen is a cottage. The walls are white and the roof is thatched. It smells like fresh hay, sunny days, and plucked heather.\nIn the house lives a small mouse family. There is Momma Mouse and Papa Mouse and their three children, Esther Mouse, Rosie Mouse, and Rachel Mouse. Every morning they walk to the edge of the woods. There is a field of wheat and they climb the stalks that are taller then skyscrapers. They fill their bags with wheat. Every night they make bread and tell stories under the stars. They were very happy.\nOne day there was a visitor. It was a new creature with big teeth and a tail like a paddle. What could it be? This was Mr Beaver. He and Mrs Beaver had moved to the river nearby. They wanted to build a bridge. The mice were very excited. A bridge would be a fine thing indeed. That night Papa Mouse and Mr Beaver planned the bridge while Mrs Beaver taught the little mice how to swim. There was no lake to pratice in so the mice filled the washtub and carefully floated.\nSoon the building of the bridge started. It was going very well. In the early evenings the mice would use their bags to carry mud to make mice-sized bricks. Then one day they noticed that the bricks were melting! When the mud got too wet it just fell out of the bridge. What could be done?\nThe mice thought and thought. They added stones but it was too rough. They added grass but it was too slippery. Then one day Esther Mouse added some wheat leaves. They were dry and just right.\nThe bridge was quickly built and the mice visited their friends every day.\nThe End\n(P.S. I have never written a story this short or for kids before. Hope it's okay!)" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Rewrite a passage from tbe bible but in the style of JoJo's Bizzare Adventure" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Belshazzar cowered and fell to the ground as a silver hand appeared. It wrote on the wall in gleaming letters \"Mene, Mene, Tekel, and Parsin!!!\"\n\"OH NO!\" Belshazzar shrieked. \"Enchanters, warriors, tell me what this means.\"\n\"This must be the work of an enemy Stand...\" Yet the enchanters could not decipher the writing on the wall.\nDaniel burst into the room through the window, his long coat billowing majestically in the night breeze. \"You thought it undecipherable so you consulted your wise men, but it was I, Daniel!\"\n\"Behold my Stand, za Hand. These are the meaning of the words.\"\nDaniel contorted his upper body and thrust his hands outwards. \"Mene, the days of your kingdom have been numbered and will be brought to an end.\"\n\"Tekel, you have been weighed and found lacking. The scales of justice tipped against you.\" Daniel pointed dramatically at Belshazzar.\n \"Peres, your kingdom has split and shall be given to the Persians and the Medes.\" Daniel brought his hand down with a swift chopping motion.\nBelshazzar yelled, \"Seize him, seize him!\"\nDaniel beat the Stand users aside with mighty swings of his silver Stand. \"Too late! God has spoken, Belshazzar tonight you die!\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Saddest story you can write in under twenty-five words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Orphans are children who've lost parents. Widows are people who've lost spouses. Where's the word for parents who've lost children, they wondered. What are we?" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a gritty and depressing story set in a cutesy and childlike environment, or do the reverse and write a childishly optimistic fairy tale set in a grim dystopia." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once upon a time, a brave young boy was trapped in a giant tower.\nThe tower was made of metal and painted black.\nThe tower had no windows.\nThe tower was a scary place.\n*How I want to smell the grass again*, the brave young boy thought, *and swim in the sea like a dolphin, and watch the clouds again like a happy bird.*\n\"Not today. Not ever,\" the mean evil villain told him, as he shut and locked the door. He owned the tower, and he wasn't going to let him leave.\nAs the days passed, the brave young boy started to forget it all.\nHe forgot the smell of the grass.\nHe forgot the feeling of the sea.\nAnd somehow, he started to forget the fluffy white clouds, when he heard a *knock knock knock* on the door.\n\"Hello?\" the brave young boy answered.\nIt was a pair of federal agents in vests and sunglasses. They unlocked and opened the door.\nSunshine and fresh air filled the room.\nThey told the brave young boy that thanks to an unexpected leak of classified information, the mean evil villain had just been arrested on charges of fraud, money laundering, unlawful espionage, corporate warfare, and 117 infractions of the Mumbai Accords.\nIn other words, they told him, the brave young boy was free to go." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are a video game critic that’s been sucked into a game. After a week trapped there, you write up something that’s both a survivor’s journal and game review." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Day 1: I seem to have arrived on an island. I have yet to meet any other humans. I do appear to have acquired a meager shelter, and have done a small number of banal fetch quests. All significant gameplay appears to be locked behind an arbitrary clock system.\nDay 2: I have continued my work of fostering relationships with the locals. I have been provided ample sustenance by them, and am in the process of cultivating a variety of flora on which I hope to survive.\nDay 3: I have paid off my debt to the local chief, who has graciously offered to improve my living situation. I have also begun fishing in the nearby water source for fish. I am eager for protein, and fishing has quickly become my preferred method to pass the time.\nDay 4: I acquired a few more survival tools, and have started to learn carpentry. The locals have graciously begun to teach me their trades.\nDay 5: My orchard has shown signs of producing fruit. I am eager not only for a full belly, but also a full wallet.\nDay 6: I decided to take a dip in the water today. I could not swim out very far, but I found a number of critters and a few valuables I was able to sell for a tidy profit. I finally have a bed, and am working on improving my living situation further.\nDay 7: I hope to never leave my island paradise. The locals are friendlier than any human I recall meeting. The food is free and plentiful. For the first time in my life, I own a house. While I have become indebted to the local chief, he is quite reasonable, and does not demand astronomical interest. In fact, he doesn't charge interest at all. There are plenty of hobbies and crafts to distract myself with, and I feel as if my troubles have melted away with the ocean tide.\nWhile my stress melts away, I look out and smile at my new horizon." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In 75 words or fewer, write about experiencing a devastating loss, without including death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The mirror hadn't been cleaned. She sighed and began scrubbing. When she had finished, she made her way towards the kitchen and heard snippets of conversation.\n\"Your grandmammy... Her Alzheimer's is getting worse. She's not the nice old lady you used to know...\"\nShe wondered who they were talking about for a moment before making her way to the bathroom.\nThe mirror hadn't been cleaned. She sighed and began scrubbing..." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You're a writer who has died. When you cross over, you discover that the worlds you created in your mind are actual places. You've now found yourself in your own creation for eternity. What happens next?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sun seared into my head as I came to in a glistening wheat field. Every bone in my body cracked and groaned as I sat upright, every muscle stretched and twitched as if saying, \"you don't belong here.\" The clang and crash of metal drew my attention, looking over my shoulder there they were, two armored warriors complete with full plumed helmets and battle axes were 50 yards away dueling. I knew what would happen, I've wrote it before, the smaller of the two would soon have the upper hand, taking the other warriors axe, screaming some unknown obscenity while slicing down on the Warriors head.\nBlood. Blood everywhere.\nIt was not the nice and neat killing where people were polite about death. It was not the glory of the fight nor the poetry that I had imagined when I was a child reading fantasy books. There was nothing glorious in it. It was dirty, angry, primal, with the under notes of finality. The knowing that Death was coming soon. I hated it, I loved it. I was frozen to the ground as I wanted to recognize who was fighting so hard to live.\nThe small warrior was gasping for air, knees to the ground and crying. Ripping the visored helmet off, a tumble of bright red hair came out, curly and thick. She wiped at the tears in her eyes and stood, observing her good and dark work.\nWhat do I do? Run? Where would I go? I must've made some sort of sound, breathed wrong or something because suddenly she was there, at my throat with her axe. The fury in her brown eyes was quick, but a flicker of recognition was in them. I breathed in, once.\n\"Oh,\" she smiled, a brilliant white smile. \"It's you.\" She lowered her axe and offered her hand. I took it. \"Finally. I can't wait to show you everything.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Your memory resets everytime you fall asleep, so before you go to bed you always write down everything you want to remember from that day on your journal. This morning, you wake up and see what you wrote last night. There's only one word, \"RUN\"." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I just grabbed my bug-out bag and closed the door behind me.\nI have no idea why I told myself to run, but I trusted myself, so I took the items I prepared in case I need to run and just booked it. I will undoubtly find out why I am supposed to run when I'm going to reach a safe place.\nI have had save sites prepared prevously. Three of them, depending on the side that I was supposed to run. Since I gave myself no directions this time, I just went for the best fitted one. No need to limit myself untill I know more.\nI have not seen anyone coming. I stopped for a few minutes considering whether to come back for additional food, but I decided against it. It was middle of summer, so I could gather a lot of supplies while on the move. No need for trying my luck.\nI fixed the backpack and looked ahead.\nThe trail was waiting again. I'll see where I'm going to sped another winter...\n(An excercise in drunk writing. Because why not.)" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In under 30 words, write an enticing start to a novel establishing a dystopian society" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The raindrops crash against my windowpane. Yet when I look outside the fire is still burning." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are a pet, write a love letter to its owner." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Owner, Master, Friend, Protector;\nI loved you when I was small and new in this world, and nothing made sense. Your heart seemed so sad, so I cuddled you until the hurt stopped. I loved when we played find-the-toy, you were so happy when I found them all! When I couldn't hold my bladder, you never screamed or raised a fist, you only said \"bad\". You protected me from the thunderstorms, where the house shook and the air screamed. Gently, coaxed me from under the bed, and held me through the night.\nWhen I chased the evil squirrel through bushes, you ran after me yelling for me to stop. Even though I was bad, you brushed the painful spike-balls from my fur. Our walks were the best, I sniffed and peed on everything in our path!\nIn the dog park, when I got out and those strange-smelling men threw bottles at me, I didn't know what I did wrong. I was so scared and hurt so much. You were terrifying. I never saw you so scary, I didn't know your gentle hands were capable of causing pain. By the end, they hurt more then I did. You picked me up and held me close, I knew I was safe.\nEven though my fur is grey and my walk is slow, you take me on walks. I still sniff and pee on everything. I can't see your face anymore, but I will always recognize your touch. Your sadness has been gone for so long, but it is coming back. The white-coat man touched my tummy, felt my skin. He says he can't remove the bumps, and you should let me go. You pull me close and cry and whisper \"Don't go\", but I don't understand. I will never leave you, and I know you will never leave me.\nI lick your face and cuddle you, but you just cry more. I love you and don't want you to be sad. You lay beside me and the vet gives me a shot. I am so tired, I guess it is time for a nap. When we wake up I hope we can play find-the-toy." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You clearly mail ordered a cheap, factory made sword. Then they gave you an authentic holy sword that made you into a chosen hero. Time to write a bad review!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First of all I’d like to start by saying I ordered a cheap sword that was only supposed to look shiny so I could have a play sword fight with my son. Instead I accidentally chopped his sword in half and took one of his fingers with it. Along with him losing that finger I’ve now lost custody of my children. Thanks, assholes.\nSecondly I now have the voice of God in my head and he won’t stop screaming. The only words he’s said to me are “It’s been far too long since I last checked in on my subjects. Let’s see how everything’s go-” and since then there’s been non-stop screaming which has kept me from sleeping for a week. On top of that I also am being told by the voices of angels that I need to “cleanse the world” of sinners. Specifically they keep telling me to go after some “Jack Paulers” and, after googling that, I don’t feel so bad about cutting off my son’s finger seeing as many parents have done much, much worse for their children.\nThird and finally my biggest complaint of all; this sword is just too big. Honestly I think I’ll get used to the screaming of God and the angels can go shove a holy sword up their ass and somebody else can take care of all the Florida Men but this sword is bigger than the one I ordered. See I’d already ordered a cool holder for the sword so I could hang it on my wall when I wasn’t using it but the sword is too big and it doesn’t fit.\nI wouldn’t suggest this product to anybody interested, it’ll make you lose your children, your privacy, your sanity, and any hope for humanity. 0/5\nSincerely, CrocsNSocks113." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The \"What if the Nazis won??\" trope has been done to death. This time, imagine you live in a world where they won and write a story based on the prompt, \"What if the allies won??\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Parts of this make me feel unclean to write, but here it is anyway.\nBack-page summary of The Girl in the Low Valley by Hans Schroeder\nIt is 1963. The Axis Powers have crumbled against the Slavic hordes of the Soviet Union and the devastating American Atom Bombs. What was once the Reich has been divided between The USSR and the United States.\nIn the West America's Economic might has broken the once great powers of Europe into second class nations bound to the strength of the dollar at best, or at worst shattered nations reduced only to sources of raw material to make luxury items for Americans.\nIn the East Stalin has made the White Race of Europe and Asia into slaves, used and disposed of to Improve his mad socialist dream. Ever tightening his grip over the once proud nations of Europa and Asia.\nBut Stalin is dying, Foreign minister Vyacheslav Molotov and Defense Minister Gregory Zhukov struggle against each other to take his place as masters of Eurasia. As Stalin Grows closer and closer to death atomic war with The Americans comes ever closer.\nThrough this dance of giants the people of the Reich must find the courage and strength to take their nation back from the Capitalist and Communist Oppressors who have made Europe a wasteland." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You're a high society socialite 1600/1700s write a letter to a friend about a scandalous event" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Madam Smithers tea party was indeed the scandal of the week. Nay, the month! It is very doubtful that most of the kindly gentlefolk there had ever seen such appalling behaviour. Lord Bryon, you remeber him right? The lude young inheritor of Charles and Josphine Bryon. The couple that died in the fire last May. OH, back to the point. Lord Bryon made one of his insanely rude jokes in the middle of the tea party. Just as we all began to bite into our tarts. Do you recall Madam Smithers' tarts? Not very good, but we all have better manners than to tell that old bag it. Oh dear, I do crack myself up. But so, Lord Bryon makes a joke in bad taste. Dearest friend do not ask me what the joke was, that is the least important part. His wife, the new one with the curly locks of blond. Well she had the gall to not only giggle like a young maiden, but also grab his wrist which caused her sleeve to move up. And do you know what we saw then? Her wrist. How brazen, how crude we all thought. Has she no modesty? Well, she was promptly hung in the town center the day after her trial. And the Lord Bryon married her younger sister the following day. You miss many a great things when you're away at sea. I hope this finds you well Admiral Monde.\nSincerely, Baroness Geaux" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "\"History is written by the victors\", write in first person about a historical event as viewed by someone on the losing side." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had never known such a weapon.\nThe stone hurtled through the air and stuck me down.\nI tried. By all our Gods I tried.\nThe Israelites came, and we drove them back. I drove them back. For forty days I called my challenge to end this with single combat, the sight of my brothers dead around me had sickened my soul and poisoned my mind. I had to end this.\nIt was for naught. I strode out, my armour gleamed, my shield shone and my sword was sharp.\nBut I could not be ready for him.\nFor a stone to fly so fast. I would not have thought it possible. If only our own soldiers had such weapons.\nI fell heavily, my bulk crashed hard weighed down by the armour.\nI'm so sorry...\nHe took my head, and fed our corpses to the wild animals.\nRun, David comes." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are stuck as a propaganda writer for North Korea. You want to get out of North Korea, but you must do it by writing propaganda." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Comrades! The day has come we've long been fighting for. The imperialist American scum has been defeated. Our glorious leader has triumphed over the illegitimate government of the south. Now is the time to rush the demilitarized zone with much enthusiasm and determination. There are some final traitors that will refuse to give up but they will be quickly overwhelmed by our triumphant might. Go, now, do not delay. Like NBA Dennis Rodman says in the 1997 movie, \"Double Team,\" the last guy that made fun of our hair is still trying to pull his head from our asses. Ha! It is time to reunite with our brothers and sisters in the south and welcome them into our invincible, unbreakable country.\nI will be right there with you comrades, though I am slow of foot and may lag behind. Do not be alarmed if I am disguised as one of the infidels, it is all part of our glorious leader's plan to trick the last of the traitors. While they are confused I shall slip away into Seoul undetected, to prepare a celebratory feast for all of us. I shall wait for the rest of you.\nAnyone who provides any contradictory information should be killed immediately as a deceiver of the realm.\nSincerely,\nKim Jong Un, Glorious Leader" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": " In only 26 words, going down the alphabet, write a murder." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A blade, cold, dark, enticingly fun. Gliding hungrily into jugulars, knees, ligaments; moving noiselessly, only pain. Questioning reasons, seeking to undo. Vaulted worry. EXIT! You zealot." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are a writer struggling to make ends meet that suddenly realizes a famous author is using time travel to steal your ideas. Write an email to him/her." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear [Author Name],\n\nIt has come to my attention that you have published a series of books about the characters Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. I would like to know, sir, where you received your inspiration for these characters.\nWhen I was a young man, and an aspiring writer, I invented two characters who had a variety of adventures along the Mississippi River. Now, as you may have guessed, my characters names were Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. After reading your novels I have come to the conclusion that you somehow gained access to my notes. I do not have time to speculate on how you managed this, but I intend to find out.\nYou will contact me, inform me how and why you have stolen my characters, and acknowledge me in your works. I expect your response in a timely manner, or my lawyer will be contacting you.\n\nRegards,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Shakespeare is reincarnated as a young man in 2016. Like any young writer, he dabbled in fanfiction. Cringey fanfiction. Write one of these fanfictions." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "HERMIONE (an aside, to herself):\nO, fell me now, foul clutches of the loves\nI cannot escape! To be smitten is\nto be hung from the parapets of fate\nand wrung out like dirty, sodden washcloth\nHow can I choose between Ron and Harry?\nHow can a woman's heart beat in tandem\nwith those of two others'? A fool I am!\nHark!\nA spectre approaches!\nNEARLY HEADLESS NICK:\nHermione, you are no fool at all!\nI heard your cries of grief and must admit\nthat I feel your only folly is this:\nYou have not seen the simplest solution!\nHERMIONE:\nBe clear! Of what do you speak, spectral vision?\nNEARLY HEADLESS NICK:\nYou must consummate your relationship with both,\ntonight - at the Yule Ball - where romance reigns.\nHERMIONE:\nYou are wise, spectre. I shall do this thing." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My Cat Fell Into a Laundry Basket. Try to write a story or poem based on this image." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There once was an agile young cat\nwho thought his balance was all that.\nHe was cocky and sly, yet still sweet as pie,\nbut balance was something he lacked.\nWith a hop and a leap,\nnot making a peep,\nMilo was quickly midair.\nHe'd land on his feet\nnot skipping a beat,\nand strut away without a care.\nBut a misstep would cost him,\na distaster had blossomed!\nOne last attempt at a scamper.\nStill it was too late,\nhe'd accepted his fate.\nMilo was now in the hamper." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Rewrite a classic fairy tale by telling it backwards. The end is now the beginning." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Peter sits in the middle of the field, knees pressed to his chest, rocking back and forth. The sheep's sonorous bleats swell over him. They're almost indistinguishable from the last flock's, and yet, there's something different about them. \"It's your fault,\" they baa, \"How dare you show your face again? Give us a real guardian!\"\nHe is interrupted from his reverie by a rustle in the bushes. \"Wolf, wolf!\"\nAll the doors in a 500-foot radius swing open. The townspeople stampede to the field, knives, hammers, candlesticks in hand.\n\"Where is it?\"\nBut the rustle is gone. Peter shrugs. Some people shoot him looks of pity; others glower at him impatiently. Everyone lowers their arms and begins to make their way back to their workplaces.\nThere is no wolf. There never is.\nBut after that one incident, they'll all come running if he shouts." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Your homework is to write a poem, but you can't quite figure out what to write, until one morning you wake up and can only speak in rhymes." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This morning I've decided I must have bad luck\nForever rhyming all words, oh lord I am stuck\nI got out of bed and then wiped my eyes\nGrabbed my cellphone and texted my guys\nComplaining to them of what I have found\nAnd asking to turn this bad luck around\nAnd oh my goodness do you know what they said\nThey said to me that it's all in my head!\nIt's not in my head, it's just with everything I say\nI can not make this damn rhyming go away\nAt least I don't have to give it much fuss\nFor this homework I'll easily get an A plus" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Without saying the word love, you write the most passionate love letter you can imagine." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hannah,\nYou really want to know what I think about on a daily basis on my down time at work? Do you really want to know what goes on in the inner workings of my mind while you're not around? Well. Here it goes.\nMy mind is ravaged with thoughts of what my life would be like without you and I don't like it. I'm too young to know many things for certain, but I do know that if I were to have to live my life without you in it, it would in no way, shape, or form be as fulfilling as it is now. You bring me the most unimaginable joy whenever I see your face. There are times where I feel like we could talk all night about anything and I wouldn't care how tired I was in the morning for work.\nYour work ethic and drive to be the best you can be is inspiring. There have been many times where I have found myself wishing for the same work ethic. But what really seals the deal is your compassion and empathy towards others. You want everyone to have the same opportunities and care in life that you have received and that has spurred me on to be more giving with my time and money towards causes that need it.\nI cannot wait to spend the rest of my days with you. You are beautiful beyond measure both on the inside and outside.\nSincerely,\nRyan" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a love story without using any positive descriptive words. Or write a tragedy without any negative ones." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her head looked beautiful, lying there on the ground. As her soft body lay just a few feet away.\nShe had a sort of calm smile to her as her stained blood blonde hair was ruffled up.\nThe phone she loved to text on was resting in her hands when I found it.\nHer friend asked if she was on her way\nAnd the response that never sent was \"yeah, I'll be there soo\"." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In 20 words or less write the happiest scene you can." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The rainbow kittens cheerfully play in the field of sprinkled cupcakes and other various desserts. Oh, and there's tits too." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A demon that writes messages on your mirror with blood but they’re useful messages. Like “remember you have yoga at 6 tonight”. Write a creative story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The heating is off in my apartment this morning, but there's still hot water, so I take a long shower to warm up. The fog settles heavily on the mirror and begins to run by the time I get out, reconstituting the dried blood so that it drips freely into the bathroom sink. The mess makes it look like I shave with a box cutter. I read today's message, streaky but still legible in bold finger-painted block letters.\n_You're out of floss_\nNot that useful as messages from mysterious otherworldly sources go. I'm sure I would have figured it out myself eventually. I towel off and get dressed, then wipe down the mirror and sink with the paper towels I keep in stacks behind the laundry basket. The rich metallic smell of the blood no longer nauseates me, but the tedium of the job is irritating. Cleaning up is just as boring as the messages.\nThe list of \"no-longers\" is getting quite long now. I no longer wait up trying to catch the appearance of the writing. I no longer try to hide the blood soaked towels in the bottom of one of the building's communal garbage bins. I no longer think that I've gone insane; that some alternate personality is harassing me; or that I'm writing the messages myself in an alcoholic fugue. I no longer wonder what it means, either. Not to say that I don't have some hope that one day one of the messages will be helpful, or at least not pointless, but after four hundred and nineteen attempts my friend in the mirror hasn't done better than \"Things will brighten\" - an early message that left me optimistic but turned out to be a weather forecast.\nBefore leaving I add the new message to the journal underneath the rest of the week's efforts.\n_Seven yards left on the roll_\n_Only five yards left_\n_Reel is almost empty_\n_Reel will be empty after you floss this morning_" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write about death, without using the word death, any euphemisms or other words directly related to death." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jerry saw the gun and thought \"Oh. That's a gun.\" And then there was searing pain, and the room flipped, and then was still. And he knew something was happening. He could feel a frenzy around him. Something important was happening, but the lights seemed to be dimming, so he couldn't be bothered to attend to it. There was an absolute sort of pain in his body. It was all encompassing. It was so vast it became meaningless; he was submerged in it.\nVoices howled ineffectually. There was quiet screaming. His thoughts drifted to Susan Wiltmeyer calling him gross in second grade. She ate his cookie and called him gross. How hateful." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My parents have a sign in their home that says, \"Alcohol: Because No Great Story Ever Started With Someone Eating A Salad.\" Prove them wrong, write a great story beginning with our hero eating a salad." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Our hero ate with relish a caesar salad while seated in a rooftop garden overlooking the city. He never ate any salad other than caesar. Sticking one's fork in a tyrant daily is an important civic duty.\nAbout mid-day now. The festival games swept noise through the city. Best be on with it soon. The others should be nearing position. Oh here he comes again.\n“Some water, sir?” said the nosy server.\n“No, thank you. None at all.”\n“Very well. Enjoy your meal.”\nWater. Won’t pay the tax for that now. Shortage isn’t my fault. Best be on with it. One more stab. Once. Twice, for good measure.\nOur hero rounded a corner and entered the market. People bustling. Many people bustling busily. Running into others while running away from themselves. Away from their civic duty. Away from their city that cries out for help. There one goes now into a brothel. To forget. Into oblivion.\nThe bells rang out, drowning whatever festivities remained. Meeting commenced. Hope the others avoided trouble. Hard thing to do.\nHe ascended the forum steps. Everyone seated. A tyrant clad in purple addressed the senate. One stood up and stabbed him, then another. Then I. Different kind of food, same principle." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a 'Choose Your Own Adventure' type story in which writers can add to the adventure in the comments." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're sitting at your desk at work. Supervisor Steve walks by and drops a fresh stack of accounts receivable in your incoming tray. \"Looks like you'll be here late tonight,\" he sneers. You throw him a troubled glare as he trots away. You pull the first page off the stack of papers and quickly skim over its contents. You feel a slight tug on your pant leg causing you to jump. Sliding your chair back, you sneak a peak under your desk and discover a hole directly under your desk just big enough for a human to slip through. Now on your hands and knees you look inside and feel a warm breeze and see green and yellow lights. \"What the hell....\"\nDo you:\n1. Lower yourself into the hole\n2. Call your supervisor\n3. Finish your paperwork" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Death is a common character in writing prompts... write a story that portrays death in a way that you haven't seen or read about before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once upon a time, Death was the teeth that hunted us under a bright moon. We ran and we shivered, waving our little fire-sticks around.\nOnce we had settled, Death was the dry season that failed to end, the diseases that killed entire villages. She was famine and boils and warfare.\nWe grew a little bit and started thinking too much. Death became the emptiness behind words on paper, extinction of languages and passenger pigeons. Death became forgetfulness.\nSoon, we no longer needed to have five children to ensure that two would survive to adulthood. We conquered disease, destroyed warfare, filled our souls to the brim with knowing and still didn't understand anything.\nWe stand on the surface of the moon, or mars, or alpha centauri, and we look back at the single shimmering pixel that we emerged from. Death can't touch us, we who move between the stars, we who record all things and all memories. She is but a whisper in the void between stars.\nAnd the shimmering pixel turns bloated and red as its star engulfs our homeland. And we say, it does not matter, we are eternal. No longer can we feel the teeth that hunt us under a bright moon.\nBut still we run, like insects from disturbed grass. Flocking from one life-giving heat source to another, until they are all cold and gone. Death has not left us. She is still at our heels, waiting for us to falter, waiting for us to grow cold.\nEventually the whole universe will be hers." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write a poem or a story inspired by the following sentence \"the sway of the ponytail\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Her hair swayed once before i managed to tell her,\nThat last night's kiss was just for good measure,\nAnd leave her with one thing to remember,\nThe love that she thought would last forever.\nNever, forever and ever and ever.\nOh, look at the time, i suppose that i better\nLeave her room before i have to tell her\nMy name, my number or the state of the weather." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Say i'm completely new to poetry. I need to know how to approach this art, write me a poem about it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There are many forms\nTherefore, the method you choose\nDepends on your goals.\n\nWelcome, newcomer\nTo the art of the haiku\nIn all its beauty.\n\nHaiku can be fun\nBecause one must really think\nAbout one's wording.\n\nGo. Begin, like so;\nI will demonstrate for you\nThis is your template:\n\nFive syllables first\nThen seven more follow them\nWith five more behind.\n\nOften about life\nHaiku capture earth's beauty\nAnd sometimes, its pain.\n\nIt can be simple\nWhen first drawing from inkwell\nBut can be complex.\n\nYou will never know\nIf you love them 'til you try\nYou very well might." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A 15 yr old girl writes a spaghetti western story, not realising that pasta has nothing to do with it. This is that story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They say man cannot live on bread alone.\nI say they're right.\nThe sun hung in the sky like a giant ball of tagliatelle. It hung with the heat of a thousand boiling pots.\nIt wasn't the only thing boiling. My blood felt that same heat and made it a part of me.\nI was the Gemelli Kid.\nSee, my dad ran Gemelli out to the Gardens for twenty years. He used to bring me a big jar of olives back on every trip. I remember sitting in my room with the window open, even when it was hot as hell. When I heard the sound of his horse, his cart, I would run outside with my hands stretched out like casarecce. Each time he would smile and laugh with the sun behind him so that his face was just a circle of shadow from his hat. Every time he'd reach behind his back and pull out a jar and hand it to me. I kept every single one. I would line em up in my room. I could track the path of my life in a row of dusty glass.\nYet that's all gone now, vanished like a bowl of rigatoni after a sunday dinner. No dust, no jars, no house.\nNo father.\nWhen you lose your past you get two choices, and they ain't gonna be salad or breadsticks. You live for the present or you live for the future. A good person would live for the future. They would take what had happen and move on. They would take the lumps and smooth em out and feed em into the press.\nI ain't no good person.\nThe Fazoli's killed my father. He didn't just pasta way. They tore him apart until there was nothing left: Zip, Zilch, Ziti.\nThat's why I'm here. I came to this one-bowl town to lay down the lasagna.\nCause the red sauce is gonna pour tonight." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In a Utopian alternate universe, an author writes a sci-fi dystopian novel describing our society." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I blinked yet again, and turned towards the clock which informed me that it was now 3 am. Sleep usually found me easily, and yet tonight, I was left thinking about what I'd read in that book I'd just bought.\nA world in which some had more money than others? A world in which young children were left to starve while others received new toys every day? A world in which men, heterosexuals, and white people dominated? How could such an unequal society exist, even in a book?\nThe worst part was that everyone expected something in that world. Nothing was done out of the kindness of someone's heart; it was all for their own benefit. Friendships were only created to have someone listen to your problems, and families only talked to one another to feel comfort and safety. Everything was so selfish. How could it be like that?\nAnd yet, I could see the appeal. There seemed something so satisfying with having more than other people, with being above them, superior, even. In a world like ours, where everyone was equal, everything was so... similar.\nIn fact, I worked hard every day. Why shouldn't I have more than others?\nThe more I thought about it, the more beautiful the idea seemed. I could taste it, that feeling of pride when I saw how little others had. The envy, the desire, the greed that they'd feel when they saw me... I could taste the power that I'd have." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Your bank specializes in accounts for villains and monsters; accepting currencies from gold and cash, to blood and souls. As the only teller for the bank, write about a casual day’s work, or your most interesting clientele." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had expected a worse first day.\nSome of them are amicable, others decidedly less so.\nThere is, however, one thing that lingers in my mind. Human or beast, they all have one thing in common. Though I have seen a vast array of colours, a kaleidoscope of vivid green, crimson red and amber, they all seem to stare into my soul. Their eyes, piercing and penetrating bore into me, into the dark abyss that is my soul. I can't help but feel a sense of wonder, mingled with the dread of chaos and anarchy and destruction.\nSome of them are noble. They have a profound look of sorrow on their faces that mirrors my own expression, and ignites a spark, a fire that rages below the surface of my apathetic existence.\nI call for the next customer, and he approaches my desk. He lays a gnarled claw next to my hand, and begins to whisper; a low growl, barely audible, and yet I hear him as though he is screaming. He wants a piece of my soul, and a vial of my blood. He pays with fire.\nHe is no more a monster than I am.\nSoon, it will be over, and I will be allowed to rest." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a \"5 minute mystery\" (a short mystery the reader can solve using only the clues provided)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "She never imagined that she would die this way. Half naked and drowning in the bottom of a motel pool, Claire felt her life fade away as water filled her lungs. Claire lived her life without apology. She spoke her mind even if it stirred the pot. It was precisely this trait that often got her in hot water as a journalist. She was always chasing political stories and attempting to uncover the dirty skeletons in Washington’s closet. Claire always put her career before everything, even if it meant sacrificing her safety…and the safety of those around her. Death threats were apt to put pressure on her relationships. In all of her life, she only regretted pushing away those who loved her. Just when Claire thought she had found the man worth settling down with, the biggest story of her career presented itself. The means Claire used to get the information she needed broke her heart, but Claire knew that she had to put her body on the line to get the truth out. Claire lived to push the boundaries, and tonight, the boundaries pushed back. The last thing Claire remembered was the look on her killer’s eyes: cold and unforgiving." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Choose a song, then write a story/poem. The twist is that you need to write a line of the song every other sentence, in *italic*." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kashmir, by Led Zeppelin\n*Oh let the sun beat down upon my face, stars to fill my dream*\nI seek but one thing, the peace I had been denied during the long years spent sailing between the worlds.\n*Oh, father of the four winds, fill my sails, across the sea of years*\nI arrive, alone, in a strange desert in an all too familiar world, I muse:\n*I am a traveler of both time and space, to be where I have been*\nI shed my clothes -they are no longer needed- and look out at the land.\n*All I see turns to brown, as the sun burns the ground*\nThe heat from the sun burns, and the winds blow hot dirt.\n*And my eyes fill with sand, as I scan this wasted land*\nMy old bones creak, and I hear music from behind:\n*Talk and song from tongues of lilting grace, whose sounds caress my ear*\nI turn around, and my gaze fixes upon my goal:\n*Let me take you there. Let me take you there*\nI see an oasis, cool water under the hot sun of Old Earth, to spend my final hours in peace.\n*Let me take you there. Let me take you there*\nLet the stars fill our dream." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of a dystopia that seems like a utopia on the surface, write a story about a utopia that seems like a dystopia on the surface." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Smooth edges. Clean streets. People bustle about, heading to lunch, with smiles on their faces. Posters line the walls of the city saying \"Be Your Brother's Keeper\" or \"Arcadia is Our Mother\". Loudspeakers chime in with daily reminders about citywide events or milestones met. \"Without Arcadia,\" says the woman on the announcements, \"we are nothing.\" Police in crisp white uniforms patrol the streets on foot, and everyone smiles and nods at them. Above, through the small clouds, an impossibly tall tower can be seen standing at the center of the sprawl.\nA great wall surrounds the city. The First Founders began building it long ago, during their age, and by the time their generation had passed it was finished. A dull grey barrier, blocking Arcadia off from the outside world. Every man, woman, and child knows what lies beyond. Ruins of the fallen world, the world that came before. Anyone is free to leave, but such a thought rarely ever crosses the mind. They are taught the truth when they are young, how societies collapsed after fossil fuels ran out. How wars were fought not for land, but for water. How the nuclear missiles, the Dust Makers, were made. How terrifyingly destructive they had been. How they had sailed through the air like shooting stars before crashing back down to Earth like meteors.\nThey picked through the ashes and learned from their ancestor's mistakes. They come together as a community, and stay together as a community, for each other's sake. Division, the teachers said, is what split the old world apart. People were separated, not just by the borders of their country, but by the borders they made themselves. Race. Class. Religion. Political views. In Arcadia, these things still exist, but the people are taught to embrace their difference. To cherish it. To not let it consume and divide them.\nBecause if there is division, there is no Arcadia. And without Arcadia, they are nothing." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a story following this prompt: You are the only writer in the world. You use millions of pen names to keep it a secret. You walk past a bookshop and you see a book released by a name you don’t recognise...." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I stand there, shocked, unmoving as people scuttle by through the busy streets of New York. Some even give me confused looks. I return the look- the confusion isn’t directed at them though, it’s directed at the small, pamphlet-type book that sits alone on a small bookshelf in this even smaller shop. I stumble in, forgetting exactly what it was I was doing before my eyes had glanced upon this book.\nAs I strode in, I ran for the book, not paying attention to the confused glances of all the shop’s inhabitants. As I pick it up, sweating profusely, I read the title, horrified.\n*I Know Your Secret, Elongated Muskrat*" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write me your saddest poem!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My love was like the snow, so fresh and crisp and new,\nMy love was like the morn, so cool and slick with dew,\nI held her in my arms, and said never leave,\nI held her in my arms, having nothing left to grieve.\nI rose up all alone, without her by my side,\nI rose to face the day, unable to stem the tide,\nOf pain and loss and fading dreams so quickly blown away,\nThere's not one thing of hers I have, to make her echo stay.\nShe's resting on the hillside, beneath the flowering plum,\nWhere she can hear the children play, the songbirds gently hum,\nThere is no joy in my life now, no songs of passion play,\nThe lights of hope have all gone out, since she has passed away" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The Batman dies. As a joke, (or possibly in honor of his long time adversary) the Joker decides to write a eulogy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Did you know the Batman was my greatest inspiration? He was a lone man who changed the face of Gotham but he was beyond our understanding.\nMaybe he did have a moral code, but he never chose fit to share that code with the rest of us. Sometimes he fought criminals, sometimes he didn’t. He allowed evil to live and fester rather than dirty his hands with a gun. He allowed poverty and degradation to run rampant in Gotham, destroying more lives than I ever could. Slowly and insidiously. All the while he flew through the air, armed with millions of dollars worth of gadgets.\nHis agenda was arbitrary and merciless. We never knew where he would strike. Who he would chose to save. So I salute you, dear departed Batman. May I bring to the streets of Gotham a fraction of the chaos that you did." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You’re sitting in a boring class trying to entertain yourself. You write random words on your notebook, and realize that the teacher is repeating them, confusing all your classmates. It seems like you found something fun to do!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My name is Jason Cullen. I’m a college student at UCF and this is how I became the most interesting man in the world\nOne day, I was sitting in class minding my own business when my teacher (let’s call him V) begins explaining arithmetic equations. I’m clueless about the subject so I begin writing “notes down”. “I hate this class” “how much weed could a weedchuck chug if a weedchuck could chug weed”. V rambles on as usual when all of the sudden he says “now, to solve this I hate this class.” The entire room looks up in confusion when he began a chanting in a horrified voice “HOW MUCH WEED COULD A WEEDCHUCK CHUG IF A WEECHUCK COULD CHUG WEED.”\nI realize the connection, so I write down “I hear it’s amazing when the famous purple stuffed flap jaw worm with the tuning fork does a raw blink on Hari-Kiri rock. I need scissors! 61!” The teacher was about to excuse himself when I write “Oy lads gotta take a shite. See y’all in hell!” He was later fires for “his” actions. A victory in my book." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are a galaxy renowned xenozoologist, and are determined to make accurate care guides for all of the pets of galactic citizens. Your current goal is to write a guide for the new pet that everyone's going crazy over: humans." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Humanity is a rather unique species, located in the Sol system, rather near the galaxy's edge.\nAt first, they seem almost delicate, unable to do anything on their own. This is true, to an extent- they have big bulky machines designed to protect them in vacuum and their bodies are essentially useless.\nHowever, further investigation reveals 2 things.\n1. By some cruel coincidence of nature, the human species evolved through a barbaric process known as 'survival of the fittest.' This means that any humans who were not optimized for their environment would die, so that only the best would pass on their genes.\n2. Their origin world, Earth, compounds this due to its extremely harsh environment, with its proximity to the sun and slow rotation causing extreme day/night deviations in temperature, as well as animals on the surface inclined to consume other life forms.\nHumans are known for their odd brain patterns, particularly their need to communicate with other humans, so if you're planning on keeping one, you should keep at least 5. They also need an extremely large space to roam around in, otherwise they will get very angry.\nThey also cannot go into stasis, so they need to be continually taken care of until their bodies decay beyond repair.\nHumans have extremely specific dietary needs as well, so be cautious about feeding them.\nThe only 3 advantages I see to keeping humans as pets- advantages that only exist if they are taken care of completely correctly- are these:\n1. They automatically produce small amounts of a delicious yellow liquid.\n2. It's fun to observe their behavior, especially escape attempts.\n3. If there is ever an intruder in your area, humans will quickly dismember them if set loose.\nHumans also have a strong tendency to mate, so keep track of that." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a poem with a sense of isolation and detachment from the world around you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a poem with sense of isolation and detachment from the world around me.\n\nI am an alien in a world of monsters.\nGood hearted beasts infected by a plague of hatred and self obsession.\nCreatures with kind souls being slowly absorbed by media fads and vanity.\nTheir eyes blink robotically while they plug into their devices\nTaking in information as it suits their personal agendas.\nIgnoring the things that they wish not to see.\nAssuming that no one else feels the way they do.\nI am an alien in a world of aliens\nWho think everyone around them is a monster." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write a letter to that person who you wished had got back in touch (at least 3 year gap) (Lost contact due to any kind of change e.g quit social media/moved away/ etc" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear [Name],\n\nIt's been a while since we last talked or even saw each other. I understand why. I know it was me, and my issues, that drove us apart. I wish I could take back the things I said, because you always deserved the best of me, even if you never got it.\nI have been making progress in your absence.\nI got back into school, and where before I was an abysmal student, now I am a semester away from graduating cum laude on my way towards grad school.\nI've learned to keep things in perspective in terms of importance, and I've gotten better at dealing with stress.\nI still think of you when I don't have enough to distract me. That may be how I've managed to focus so well in school - I have to in order to not miss you so much.\nOn occasions when I've had a particular success in life, I wonder what you'd say if I could tell you. Would you be proud of me? I don't know. But I like to think you would be.\nI told myself I wouldn't pursue you after you left. I have no right to do so. I have had to accept that you will forever be the girl of my dreams, and the one that got away. But I still hold to hope.\nYou will always be the one who brought out the best of me. Even if it broke my heart to do it.\n\nAlways yours,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A time traveler goes from 2018 to 1980. Instead of using his knowledge for great gain or influence history, he writes a sitcom that scarily accurately predicts future events." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am a time traveller. I mostly did it for kicks, not fame or money, so I didn't go far back and get famous antiques. Or go forward in time and bring back advanced technology. Just to 1980.\nI wasn't too fond of 1980, but it only took a few years for me to put together a fake identity. I spent the rest of the time writing scripts. And, finally, I have persuaded a network to pick up my show. Hello future. My name is Matt Groening." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In 5 sentences, without using the letter \"a\", write a story about a man who has lost it all." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "None linger by his side but the bitter wind's empty murmur. Memories flickering by his mind's eye, he is reminded of his loss. The whole world seems to mock him, gibe him, twist him into comedy, surround him with sinister mirth. Soon enough the shrieks of vicious joy infest his very mind, consuming hope of rescue from his supreme torment, giving no shelter but simply joining in. So his misery wells up within him, woeful hysterics erupting from his very soul, echoing through this bitter new world." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A man is wrongly sentenced to death in Victorian England for supposedly killing a milk-maid, write a letter from him to his wife." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To my beloved wife,\n\nTomorrow morning I will be taken to be hanged without any regret and with a clean conscience but I write this last letter as a plea to you for forgiveness and understanding. Please take my word dear wife, as I did not invite that maid into our home and I did not nor would I ever commit the sin of adultry with her. She just appeared in the parlor and did not comply with my requests to leave. When you appeared in the doorway my dear and saw us struggling it was only me trying to force her out of our home. I hoped that by confessing for your crime I would prove to you my love and devotion yet you havent sent me any word since I've been locked in this tower. I wish that you forgive me for any offense that you think I have ever commited against you. Never in my live would I willingly or knowingly do anything I thought might bring you harm or that may upset you. I would like it very much if you were there tomorrow, in the square so that I may gaze upon your face during my last moments, it is my only and final request.\nYour beloved husband, who will keep loving you in the next world as he has in this one." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "It's the year 2114. You're a history student. Your assignment? To write an essay comparing the events of 2014 with what happened 100 years earlier." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a history student in the year 2114, I have been tasked with comparing the events of the year 2014 to what happened exactly 100 years prior, in the year 1914. Although these two years were separated by a century, they share some striking similarities and differences that have shaped the course of history in very different ways.\n\nOne of the most significant events of 2014 was the outbreak of the Ebola virus in West Africa, which quickly became an international health crisis. Similarly, in 1914, the world was facing a health crisis with the outbreak of the First World War, which affected millions of people worldwide. Both crises brought about significant changes in the way governments and societies responded to public health and international relations, highlighting the importance of cooperation and solidarity in times of crisis.\n\nAnother similarity between 1914 and 2014 was the rise of new technologies that transformed the way people lived and worked. In 1914, the world was experiencing the dawn of the industrial age, with new machines and technologies making their way into factories and homes. Similarly, in 2014, the world was experiencing the rise of the digital age, with new technologies like smartphones and social media transforming the way people communicated and connected with one another.\n\nHowever, there were also many differences between 1914 and 2014. One of the most significant differences was the level of globalization and interdependence between countries in 2014. By this time, the world was much more interconnected than it was a century earlier, with goods, services, and people moving across borders more freely than ever before. In contrast, in 1914, the world was more divided, with nations operating largely independently of one another.\n\nAnother major difference between 1914 and 2014 was the political landscape of the world. In 1914, Europe was dominated by a complex web of alliances and rivalries that would ultimately lead to the outbreak of World War I. In contrast, the world of 2014 was marked by greater cooperation and diplomacy between nations, with the United Nations and other international organizations playing a key role in promoting peace and stability.\n\nIn conclusion, while there were some similarities between 1914 and 2014, the world had undergone significant changes over the course of a century. The rise of new technologies, the growth of globalization, and the development of international institutions had all transformed the way people lived and interacted with one another. As a history student in 2114, I can only wonder what changes the world will have undergone by the next century and how they will shape the course of history." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "An immortal couple have been seen throughout recorded history, write an account of them in any time period you wish. Bonus points if you match the writing style of the time period" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was 1915 and we were in Belgium. I'd always wanted to visit Belgium, but not like this - not in these trenches. Here, but not now.\nBelieve it or not, living in stretching concaves in the Earth with no personal space breeds a special sort of relationship among the inhabitants. Funneled like rats - with rats - through these dark and sometimes cold trenches, morale was low. Except for one man.\nThat one man was named Richard, and he seemed weary - but he always had a positive outlook on his situation. Strange, considering death was almost certain in here - surely he knew that?\nI remember sitting with him and asking him about his life back home - he apparently had a wife, but he seemed so young for it. He asked me if I had a girl back home, I told him I didn't. He just seemed indifferent, aside from a brief flicker of a frown. He told me I'd find someone eventually.\nThe one thing he said that stuck with me was, when asked if he planned to grow old with his wife, he looked me in the eye and said with a serene smile \"I've already done that\".\nThere was something off with that man, but I had to admire his optimism.\nThat night he disappeared, we never found a body - but there was no way he'd leave. Unless he simply got out of the trenches and started walking. Surely he couldn't do that? Surely." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In the parallel world of spiders, instead of \"Spider-Man\" there is \"Man-Spider\": a spider in a human costume with human superpowers, such as a gun he caries around and the ability to talk. You are the spider chosen to write a screenplay for the movie." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I regret my choices.\nI should have just become a cobwebineer in stead of a screenwriter. But of course, with my luck they'd have come up with some completely absurd construction job for me to do.\nLike, at first I was one hundred percent on board with the \"Man-Spider\" concept. I mean, pure body horror, you could make some really, really scary shit out of that material.\nBut then came the instruction: \"Make it sexy\". *Sexy*? Have they seen humans? Only half the proper amount of limbs, the eyeball situation is just disturbing and those red, wet holes... masticating species, uggh!\nBut apparently this... specimen... is supposed to be the hero? We're never going to see him eat on screen, that's for sure.\nI guess I can work with the gun thing. Emphasize the technological ingenuity. There's probably some way to make this form of hunting seem cool in stead of a pathetic compensation for natural weakness. Maybe.\nAnd they want talking to play a central role. I can see why, given the man-spider thing, but how to do it without directing attention to that nasty face hole? Putting a mask on him might work - and it could cover the eyes. Mask it is!\nA mask would also help making the love interest story line a little more believable. I'm not writing any mating scenes! They'll just have to find another spider for that, I have my limits.\nAlthough, thank the Great Spinner that it's *man*-spider. Imagine if it was woman-spider. Those creatures are *mammals*. It really is the most disgusting reproductive biology imaginable. I wish they'd let me make a horror movie." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I have a myth: Earth has no moon, instead it has a ring. There is ringlight every night year-round, and a ring shadow somewhere on Earth every day, which moves with the seasons. Re-write mythology." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Long before the days of the War of the Gods, Titans reigned over the face of the Earth. As with any rulers, there were some who ruled fairly and others who did not. Among the more benevolent leaders was Hyperion, the Lord of Light. He was called upon for wisdom and discernment; mortals valued his insight and praised his control of the heavenly bodies.\nYet Hyperion had one great love: Theia, his consort. She was a Titaness of radiance, a mother goddess who shone like the sun on all who sought after her. The two Titans were very much in love, and their love gave vibrancy to the life around them. They were happy - for a time.\nThat time ended when the Gods declared war on the Titans, with Zeus at the forefront of battle. Cronus, Hyperion's brother and Lord over all the Titans, called Hyperion into battle against the upstart Gods. Knowing the war would end in defeat, Hyperion left anyway, answering the call of his brother and king.\nBut before he left, Hyperion gave Theia a gift: a ring of radiant light to wear around her finger. He told her that the ring would tell her if he was safe; that the ring would glow with a silver light when he was in danger. Theia took it gratefully and bid her lover farewell. It was the last time she would see him.\nHyperion fell during the war and was banished with the other Titans to the pits of Tartarus. During the battle, Theia watched in helpless anguish as the ring shone brighter and brighter until it was nearly as luminous as the sun. In her despair, she removed the ring and prayed to the Mother Gaia that she would cause the ring to grow as large as her love for Hyperion. Gaia listened, and so the ring grew.\nNow the ring encircles the Earth, a strip of radiance that gives off silver moonlight every evening. Mankind looks up to the ring and is reminded of Theia's anguish, as well as her love for her fallen lover." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write a poem based of the story \"the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They do not understand the genius that is required,\nTo create something quite so inspired,\nAs the wondrous concoction,\nthat i have created.\nSo I tinker and I work in secret,\nAs the formula is not complete yet,\nBut is ever so tempting,\nto take a little swig.\nScience was not advanced by caution,\nAnd though i may speak from exhaustion,\nI feel i must be brave,\nAnd see it to the end.\nIt burns with an unholy fury,\nas greats spasms run through me,\nmy very flesh screams,\nAnd i collapse to the floor.\nI am big man now,\nI will show them how,\nYou no laugh at me,\nno more.\nMy hands can crush,\nyour throat to shush,\nDon't call me Hyde,\nIts Jekyll." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are a journalist. Everything you write becomes true. One day, not knowing this, you decide to write some satire." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I lean back in the comfortable chair and exhale the smoke of the cigarette. Grey clouds of smoke wander around in the room and for a moment I close my eyes. What a night: finally managed to finish the new book.\nIt was good to write something silly once in a while. Usually I pick a topic and research, write a book on it only to discover that things get even worse. Not this time!\nA parody, Satire, something funny.\nEven writing the damn thing was fun as hell, just take the strangest and most hilarious idea you have and make it the premise of the book.\nAnd here it was my take on the United States presidential election ..." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write Martin Luther King's 'I Have a Dream' speech in the style of Doctor Seuss and then write 'The Sneetches' in the style of Martin Luther King" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I have a dream. My friends, it seems,\nThat all of us people are on the same team.\nMy children will grow, society will show,\nthat we won't pre-judge those we don't know.\nThe black and the white, aren't like day and night.\nAnd in this great nation, have no need to fight.\nHate can't conquer hate, love is more great,\ninto the darkest heart, light can penetrate.\nSo my child and yours, will swing open their doors,\nand love their neighbors, make peace and stop wars.\nIf we want it, we can. A brotherhood of man.\nI have a dream, of liberty in this land." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write a poem from the perspective of a dog" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hours,\npass like days,\nI wait here in silent desire,\naskew across my dark mistress' place of rest,\nas she walks the world without me.\nAlone.\nA roaring noise,\nto others it is a annoyance,\nas it escapes my hollow lips,\nbut inside?\nI am silent,\nFor she is not here." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "use all six of these words somewhere in your story or poem: fatigue, caper, typewriter, sword, calm, arrow" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Frederick leaned back in his squeaky desk chair and stretched, feeling a full twenty hours' worth of fatigue. The stack of paper next to his typewriter - an old-fashioned one that was fully manual - was full of words. He was quite pleased with his story, and figured he would get some rest before sending it off to his publisher.\nTitled \"Caper Capers,\" his manuscript detailed the activities of an anthropomorphic onion that solved crimes in the medieval world. His sword, cape, and calm demeanor were iconic, as this book was the fifteenth in a series.\nFrederick stood, slowly, and hobbled to the refrigerator. He must remember to stop for food next time. As he reached for the handle, a soft thudding sound behind him caught his attention. He turned to find an arrow embedded in the drywall, having apparently come through the open kitchen window.\n\"What on earth!?\" he exclaimed, looking toward the window. The early morning light was still dim and nothing was immediately visible. He stepped over to the window, realizing too late, in his exhausted state, that it was probably a poor choice.\n\"Hey, Freddy!\" His friend Karl popped his head over the sill. \"Sorry about the arrow! I was just coming by to see if you wanted to join me for some archery, but you look shattered! Must've been a long night. Gimme my arrow and I'll get out of your hair!\"\nFrederick yanked the arrow from the wall, tossed it out to Karl and firmly closed the window before collapsing on the couch, too tired to even bother with the bedroom." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write a dark story but have the last sentence make it beautiful" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sammy didn't understand. Who would do such a thing?\nThe left eye of his best friend lay on the carpet floor in front of him. The shredded strands that once held it in place trailed behind, tattered and crimson.\nAll he could do was cry. He was the best friend anyone could want. A soul both soft and understanding. How could this happen? Sammy's mind was a mess of confusion and questions.\nHis mother entered the room, dragging the carcass.\n\"Now, now, Sammy. Everything going is to be okay.\"\nSammy spied something shiny and sharp in her hand.\nMommy smiled.\n\"Hand me his eye, sweetheart.\"\nSammy froze.\n\"We'll fix your teddy right up...together.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are about to pass away, write a letter for someone in your life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My dear [Name],\n\nAs I write this letter, I am filled with a mix of emotions - sadness, regret, and gratitude. Sadness that I will soon be leaving this world and will no longer be able to share in the joys and challenges of life with you. Regret that there are things I wish I had said and done differently, and that there are moments that I will miss. But most of all, gratitude that I have had the privilege of knowing you and sharing in your life.\n\nI want you to know that you have been one of the greatest blessings in my life. Your love, kindness, and support have sustained me through some of my darkest moments, and your laughter and joy have brought light and happiness to my life. I have cherished every moment we have spent together, and I will carry the memories of our time together with me always.\n\nAs I prepare to leave this world, I want you to know that I am at peace. I am grateful for the life I have lived and for the people I have met along the way. I am grateful for the love and friendship you have shown me, and for the many ways you have enriched my life.\n\nI know that my passing will bring sadness and grief, but I hope that in time, you will find comfort in the memories we shared and in the knowledge that I loved you deeply. Remember that life is precious and that every moment is a gift. Live fully, love deeply, and cherish the people in your life.\n\nWith love and gratitude,\n\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write me a story that doesn't include the word \"the\"" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Our ways were not hers and so she would carry on without us. No, in spite of us. Handing out advice wouldn't cut it. She'd need to experience a bloody nose or a skinned knee to learn her lessons. There were no skies limiting her, no obstacles to slow her foot. Sandy beaches with bright blue skies and feathery white clouds stretching out of view would be her providence. Awash in foamy surf she road waves smooth as glass and faster than speeding locomotives. And then, with her sun at set and darkness crowding in around, a broad smile fills her face. Her day is done and now it's time to take in an omnipotent panorama of celestial mechanics and a deep breath." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A man emerges from his Y2K bunker as he has run out of supplies. It is currently 2014 and write in first person his encounters." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The light was blinding.\nJason tried to make out any shapes as he squinted across the horizon, the lid of his bunker hunkered over him like a conical asian hat.\n\"Perhaps I am the lone survivor,\" he thought.\nWhat choice did he have? He ran out of the last of his baked beans yesterday. The Capri Suns stock had long gone and he just placed the last of his batteries into his walkman.\nOver 14 years in hiding since December 31, 1999. He was the laughing stock of his college as he spent day and night constructing his bunker next to the campus Fine Arts building. Jason couldn't help but feel a bit of complacency as he hoisted himself out of the bunker. His peers did nothing but jeer and ridicule him for his efforts to survive the apocalypse.\n\"Look whose laughing now,\" he mused.\nBased on his watch it was 4 in the afternoon. The campus was desolate. Not a single person in sight. All of a sudden he heard the ruffle of leaves.\nJason snapped his head around and screwed up his eyes over the horizon. It was a throng of people coming closer to him by the minute. He couldn't make out their faces. They were moving in a weird way too, sluggish and dragging their feet.\nThats when he started to hear them moan. Jason's heart skipped a beat. He threw open lid of his bunker and dived inside.\nThe moans grew louder. He peaked over his bunker as the crowd made its way toward him. Thats when he realized they weren't people at all. They had eyes that were sunken in and faces with skin that hung loose. Some of them had missing skin and tufts of missing hair.\nThe moaning was almost deafening now. The crowd looked-\n\"Dead.\" Jason thought. \"They are walking dead people! I'm the only living person left!\"\nHe closed the lid of his bunker. It looked like he was going to be inside longer than he thought.\n\n\"Amazing job today guys!\"\nEdward, the president of the Zombie Club, wiped the makeup off his brow and turned to address his members.\n\"I loved the moans and groans, and your costumes look fantastic!\" he exclaimed." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You need to write a letter to your crush describing romantic things you'd want to do(stargazing, watching the northern lights) and romantic gestures you'd do for her/him and why you think you two are ideal for each other." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear [Name],\n\nYou're the most beautiful woman that I have ever set my eyes on. The stars themselves cannot compare to the light in your eyes. Aphrodite and Venus would bow down to your beauty and avert their eyes in shame at their inability to compare to you.\n\nYou're my first thought in the morning, and my last at night.\nI see you every night at the park, watching the night sky with your telescope. I like to watch the stars as well, even though they pale in comparison to you. We could go away together, visit a dark sky area to see the stars even better, away from the city lights that pollute the air and spoil your view. Just you, me, and a tent, miles away from anything that could distract us.\nOr we could go to see the northern lights. I heard you say that it's your dream to go see those. We could book into one of those hotels, the ones that are camping pods with clear roofs and alarms to wake you up when the lights start. How romantic would that be, just us and the aurora borealis.\nI would treat you like the queen, the goddess that you are. I'd worship the ground you walk on, defend you against any who dare disparage you, and make sure all know of your magnificence and glory. You would never need to work again, to sully your hands and looks with the drudgery of menial actions.\n[Name], [Name], [Name], your name is as beautiful as you are. I want to spend the rest of my life with it being the first word off my lips on waking and the last before sleep.\n\nLove,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write a story and try to fit in as many plottwists as possible, but the twist is just something mundane." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The mission seemed doomed before it ever began…\nBut, “Never surrender…” kept repeating in Melbourne’s mind like a sick, twisted loop.\nJust then, he felt a tug at his ear. Melborne’s wife pulled out one of his ear bud’s that was admittedly blasting way too loudly. “That 80’s music again?”, she yelled.\nAnd just like that, a voice rang out from the other room.\n“They are coming in from all sides!”\nThere was no time for this. Melbourne had to drop the package at thirteen hundred hours. Just 15 minutes way.\nMelborne’s blood turned icy in his veins…”Kill them all. Every last one of them!”\n“Well sir”, said the Terminex man now arriving in the same room…”That’s what we plan to do.”\n“Good…good.”, he said.\n“Mellie”, his wife, Trudy, said while taking his hand.\nMelborne hated how loose his prosthesis had become in the past few weeks.\n“I need that darling…you know for the…”, at that, he looked that the serviceman, and returned his gaze to his wife…and finished the thought… “package”.\nJust then, the doorbell rang. Melborne’s wife…closest to the door, opened it to see who had arrived.\nAt 6’6, the man at the doorway was likely the largest human being that either Melbourne or his wife had ever seen. The two of them were now side by side, looking up at the man dressed all in all brown.\n“Would you like me to take that for you?”, he said with a curious smile.\nTrudy looked down at Melbourne’s hand that she was still holding. “Um...”\nAt that, the man with the letters U-P-S on his shirt looked to Melbourne and said “I mean the package ma’am…I can take that with me if you would like.”\nMellie turned the package over, nodded, and smiled at wife and sang \"you can never surrender!\"...and put his earbud back in." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write the ending. The person to reply to your comment must write the rest of the story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And then I saw with eyes clear and wide as the old man finished his story left and I will tell you now. Did you imagine the devil wore devil's skin?Perhaps you imagine his voice deep and sinister.But no,the devil was a softspoken and kind old man." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a positive story about someone/something from a child's perspective, then write negative story about that same person/subject from the perspective of the now grown up child." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My dad is the best! Mom only lets me visit him on the weekends, she said he's good for nothing, but she's wrong. He lets me play with his stuff all day long and when he gets home from work he brings home pizza! We watch movies, laugh and eat together on the couch, it's always a blast!\n---\n\"When are you going to get a real job? It's time you start paying rent if you're going to keep living here.\" It's the same argument every night. The nagging, the constant fighting, I can't take it anymore. This apartment is too small for both of us. \"When are you going to make something of your life? You're 54 and you've been a pizza boy for more than half your life. You can't live here anymore, I'm kicking you out, dad.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Make something harmless illegal, like apples, now write about the black market of said item." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When I was a little girl, I owned a Tamagotchi. Those little animals, pixelated freaks, harmless I thought. Until I learned that all artificial intelligence is dangerous. That giving human characteristics to pixels was dangerous. Or so they told me, when they took the blue one. My parents didn't know about the pink one, little lovely snake creature. I kept it alive. I kept it alive and it only grew stronger.\nSo here I am, the nuclear codes in my hands. Pink one beeping from around my neck, and a language only I can understand. This is what they didn't want, people with abilities they can't control. People able to speak to the intelligence, the artificial intelligence." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a story where the characters in the story pretend they aren't aware they are in a story, for fear of being killed off by the writer" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack's cubicle was outstanding, which was ironic considering it was the least personalised of all the cubicles on the floor of Redford & Jones. There were no family photos despite the fact that he was married with a newly born baby boy. There was a notable absence of inspirational quotes - the kind that reeked of desperation to those who partook in such futility.\nWhilst the rest of the employees punched away at their keyboards, Jack was keeping abreast of his latest Twitter feud; this time with a man who claimed that the Moon was nothing more than a hologram perpetuated by the US government to fool the global population that we do in fact live in a universe when the truth was we all live on a giant soundstage much like the Truman Show.\nJack wouldn't normally bother with such nonsense, but this was a golden opportunity for self preservation. He could hear his father's words echoing in the recesses of his mind.\n\"Keep your character benign. That's how you survive.\"\nJack had always thought fondly of his advice. Recently though, keeping benign was becoming increasingly difficult. He was thirty-three now. During your teens and twenties, one can easily slide under the radar. But now, he had a wife and kid. His impact on the story was becoming less and less covert.\nIf there's one thing Jack had learned is the more impact you have, the greater the odds of being killed off by...well...the writer. Although Jack would never refer to him as that. \"God\" was still the appropriate name. And if God could kill off his son at thirty-three, Jack new damn well, he better start making some moves in an effort to stay in the narrative." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "rewrite \"Hey Jude\" to make it sound like it was written by Shakespeare." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I say hello to the man called Jude\nAsking that he make happier notes from sad tunes\nOnce you let inside your love, notes happier hued\nAfraid not my dear man, for with the newer moons\nYou shall find your love, come into to happier places\nCarrying too much upon yourself, with so much weight\nLying to yourself will lead only to dark spaces\nYou have found your love, now take the bait\nAgain, you must allow her access inside your heart\nDo not play games of stop and go, it shall get better\nYour will and love are strong enough start\nSo come now Jude, you must go out and get her" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A man realizes he loves a woman, but she's getting married to another man. He decides to write her a letter, what does it say?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear [Name],\n\nI just wanted to say that you are one of the nicest, funniest, and empathetic persons in the world. Most importantly, you are my best friend and I am truly grateful to have met you. Anyways Moon of My Life, if you have anything you want to talk about, say if you are unsure about the marriage or whatever, I'm always here. Eric is a good man and a very lucky one. One cannot easily seduce the mother of dragons. I guess what I'm trying to say is, you're like a sister to me and you can count on me for anything.\nAlso, what flowers did you want for the wedding again? I'm pretty sure my shop can get them to you cheap, haha just kidding, I don't want to wake the dragon, they will be free. Just give me a text or something telling me what you want. Come to think of it, why didn't I just text this to you? Oh well, I've already written so much, sorry you'll have to read this on a piece of paper rather than on your phone.\nSincerely,\nYour Sun and Stars [Your Name]\nP.S. Our annual cream of ice adventure is tomorrow!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Create a Utopia. A society as perfect as you can convincingly write it. No hidden secret evil, no sudden dark twist. A Genuine Utopia." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jeremiah opened his eyes. His vision fell upon an unfamiliar ceiling. *Where am i?*, he thought. Jeremiah was not struck with a feeling of sleepiness or the desire to remain in bed when he awoke; he only felt neutral. *Oh, that's right,* he thought, *The upload happened last night.*\nHe pulled back his covers and examined his new room. The walls were made of a material he was not familiar with; hard and sturdy when leaned on, but pliable and soft when impacted with. In the corner, he found a desk with what looked like a laptop on it. He looked over his shoulder, only to find that the bed he had just slept on had been remade.\nHe picked up his phone from his bed stand. A message was scrawled across the screen: \"Good morning, citizens of Earth. You may be wondering where you are. Allow me to explain. Over the past few decades, Humanities Commonwealth has been building an infrastructure surrounding the sun to harness it's energy. Surely, you've heard about it in the news. Recently, scientists have found a way to upload a human soul to a server. This, on the other hand, has been kept top secret, up until now. The Commonwealth parliament had voted unanimously to usher in the latest step in human evolution. Overnight, all thirty billion human beings had been uploaded to the server. While humanity was still a stage-one civilization, this concept had been called the 'Matrioshka brain.'\n All existing humans no longer have to work. Currency is no longer necessary; anything you could ever want can be instantly spawned into the world just by thinking of it. Dying is no longer an issue; your soul will live forever in the server unless you make the conscious decision to erase your save file.\nEnjoy your new life!\n-Zorg, archduke of Humanities Commonwealth and cyborg prince.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a letter from the perspective of a character or group." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear brother,\n\nAnother futile attempt. The burns are healing, at least. Today I resume my journey, I have another lead. I've earned a fair amount of coin in my travels, expect some in my next letter. Save some for our cousins, you know how happy it makes W. The swelling in my knees has gone down, these mushrooms seem to help. The locals seem to have a special strain in these parts, I'll send some home to you if I can manage it. So far I've only been able to get my hands on what I can find laying around--the shop owners are a bit random and prefer gambling to negotiation. Imbeciles. Maybe if they could read they would send letters like this to each other and I'd know where to find the princess by now. Instead I'll have to check every place myself.\nWish me luck,\nM." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "We seem to have much morbid curiosity about the personification of Death in this sub. Instead, write about his brother, Life." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "We were equals, once.\nOur charges celebrated me, just as they feared my brother. They loved me, as they loathed him. We were two sides of the same coin.\nOver time, that changed.\nPeople feared him. He grew in power, grew in their minds. They forgot about me in their preoccupation with avoiding him. No one celebrated me anymore. They turned their backs on me.\nSo I turned my back on them.\nAs my brother gained more and more power, it became harder and harder for them to avoid him. He claimed more and more lives, which in turn increased his power even more. I could not make my presence felt; births were no longer celebrated. Birthdays became a way not to celebrate me, but to celebrate another year of dodging my brother.\nI should never have left.\nI'm afraid it's too late. In my haste, in my angst, I couldn't see the effect my absence would have. I'm not sure there's anything I can do now. I'm afraid he may have too strong a hold on the lives of the people, the lives that used to be under my protection. There's only one thing I can beg of you now. Remember me. It's our only hope to lessen my brother's hold on the world.\nCelebrate Life." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Your writer roommate dropped his notebook in the hallway while leaving the apartment. You open it at the bookmark. It describes how your day unfolded, in detail. Continue writing with this prompt." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Mr. Willow this is case sensitive, please keep good track of this information. The following letter is detailing the last account of Ralph Baker, the person who disappeared. Good luck, and the sooner you track down that nightshade book, the better.\n\nThis is Ralph Baker, I live on 22 S, Pennyweather street, by the tall solar mills. Quickly, before we get into things, mother I love you, and I’m afraid I’m going to miss Jim’s wedding. Congratulations.\nAnyways, I don’t have the time for that anymore. \nHere is my story.\nAt 6pm I got home from work. It could have been a little later then that though. Either way, I got back to find a small blue book laying in the hallway. It had golden trim and the initials M. T. On its bind. I thought it could have been Patrice’s, my flatmate.\nPatrice was a strange person, always slow to speak and move. She carried a book with her always, in fact I don’t think I’d ever seen her without one. So I thought the blue one with the nightshade cover was just another of her collection.\nI opened the cover though, just to read a bit at what the novel was about, but it was blank.\nSurprised, I flipped through the book and landed on page 136. This page was not blank I quickly realized. And my realization turned to utter horror.\nThe page in front of me detailed everything about me. My height, weight, average distance between each step at a walking pace. Everything was crammed in, written in margins and on corners. It was my whole life.\nIt was me.\nThe end of the page told me how I was supposed to die, and I’m afraid it might come tru-\n\nThis letter was found under Ralph’s bed, It ends abruptly, and without reason. Take care Mr. Willow." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In sixty words, write what can happen in a second." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He walked through the door, he smiled. I smiled, then immediately frowned. His mouth--just there, on the corner, is a touch of pink. Maybe red? Now the breeze he brought in just hit me--like spring flowers, which is odd for winter. Perfume! Not mine. That touch of pink, or red...not mine. My heart breaks. I say: \"who is she?\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write a poem where every line has a different number of words" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Why?\nI asked\nHe went away\nIn glory he basked\nThe dragon was finally slain\nThe victory however was in vain\nOther villains of the world found out\nDid not think that was victory all about\nFor long and long I fought them all away\nAnd after countless days - in rest I can finally lay." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The job is simple. Every day at 8:34am you will get a phone call. You must answer before 2nd ring and write down the information given to you. On NO ACCOUNT must you engage in conversation with the caller." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They locked me in here yesterday and told me to call a phone number at 8:34 every morning, deliver the numbers, and hang up. No conversation allowed. I imgine they told that to the other guy too.\nI called yesterday at 8:34 and gave the numbers.\n\"Did they lock you up too?\" I heard through the receiver. I hung up immediately.\nThe voice on the other end was a different one today." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Try to write a story with as many of these items as possible: Valhalla, a neon suit, a chicken, a trophy room, a school bus, 25 balloons, 6 chocolate bars, Fred, Dave, Steve, a bag of cat kibble, 30 tonnes of Chinese takeout, and a liquor collection." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The Deal\n“That is a serious liquor collection.” Dave said to Fred and Steve, who had showed it to him whilst looking like they were the two most ferocious vikings in Valhalla.\n“So what would you be willing to trade for all of this liquor?” Fred asked Dave.\n“Well...” Dave said “I am willing to trade a neon suit, a chicken, all bowling-trophies from my trophyroom, an old schoolbus, 25 star-shaped balloons, 6 chocolate bars, a bag of cat kibble and 30 tons of Chinese take-out for it.”\nFred and Steve looked at each other for a second.\n“What kind of chocolate bars?” Steve asked.\n“4 hazelnut and 2 milk.” Dave replied.\n“Deal!” Steve and Fred said in unison.\n" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In poem form and in only 10 sentences, write me something titled 'Could it be that I'm strange'." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Could it be that I'm strange\nIf I watch you on the street?\nIf I follow you home?\nIf we never meet?\nIf I smell your hair?\nIf I watch you sleep?\nIf I wear your clothes?\nIf I lick your feet?\nCould it be that I'm strange\nIf you make me complete." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My grandmother passed away today. Please write a short uplifting story that will help me get through this." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am sorry for your loss, here is a short story for you: \nA guy is sitting at home when he hears a knock at the door. He opens the door and sees a snail on the porch. He picks up the snail and throws it as far as he can. Three years later there’s a knock on the door. He opens it and sees the same snail. The snail says: ‘What the hell was that all about?\nSure it wasn't about your wonderful grandmother, but I bet it made you smile. \nHope you like it and cheer up soon!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "As a spell-writer, you're the magical equivalent of computer programmer. You've made and copied countless spells, but this is the first time you're desperate enough to try 'hacking' one." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You finish writing the incantation down, and look back through your notes, double and triple checking your work. This hacked spell is going to be your first step on the road to fame and fortune. The first step for people to realize you're not just some worthless drone, but a spell-writing genius. The ink drys on the page as you practice all the movements and phrases you'll need to cast the spell, your spell, the one that will be the first step on your road to greatness.\nYou start the incantation and quickly and confidently make your way through it. The spell rolls out of you drawing power from the aether into the form you're devising. It's beautiful to you, but only spell-writers would understamd that, people will want it because it's just plain better.\nYou're nearing the end when you notice that something is wrong. Part of the spell has jumped ahead and now it's pulling you back. You're in a recursion. You keep pulling more and more energy from the aether. Slowly you begin to feel warm, then you feel hot, fortunately by the time you start to burn from the inside out you explode in a release of roaring flame and you feel nothing ever again.\nThe watermages put out the inferno you started in your house, it's nothing but smoldering rubble by the time they get it under control. Later a Diviner Investigator will gather clues and come to the conclusion that the fire was your fault. He'll eventually fall prey to the same inclination as you. The most dangerous spell, one that has destroyed so many, the summoning of the perfect donut." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Roses are red, violets are blue - write me a romance about books overdue." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kissing your lips and holding you near\nReading to you from fifty shades of weird\nYou asked me to check for the finish\nI did as you asked my excitement diminished\nFor what did I spy right but an anguishing clue\nThis horrible book is way overdue\nI tried to conceal the horror in my look\nAs I hid from my lover the overdue book\nIt took so long, just to make her mine\nWhat would she do when she heard I had fines?\nThat quarter a day would surely ruin me\nTo my horror I spotted 2 more books, more fees?!\nWhat you ask would make her so upset?\nQuickly my feelings went to regret\nAs not only was she my love, my muse\nShe was the librarian to whom id pay dues" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write write a story/poem where you use an object as a euphemism for death, only don't tell us what it is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A lantern shone atop a pole\nThrough shielded panes of glass\nAnd brightly burned against a swollen\nCloak of smothering mass\n\nBelow it swirled, that blackened sheet\nAnd sometimes it would climb\nAlong the stalk, then slip, retreat\nLike now was not the time.\n\nFor all his life the flame stayed home\nAtop his iron perch\nRefusing calls to leave, to roam\nAnd risk the monster's lurch\n\nUntil, one day, when wear and age\nHad rendered all to rust\nThat cool and clear protective cage\nCollapsed, returned to dust.\n\nIt's then the lantern knew at last\nThe end he could not halt\nHe blazed defiant, holding fast\nAnd braced for the assault\n\nBut though in youth with verve and force\nHe swore to give a fight\nHis wick had run its proper course\nAnd caved to endless night." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I had a dream about a horror story for cats. They were sitting around a campfire and one told a story about a lap that was too cold to sit on. Please write campfire styke horror stories that cats would tell eachother." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was a sunny day and I was outside chasing one of those pretty flying things, it had orange wings and wasn't very quick. Easy prey! I quickly got board once it quit moving and went to sniff the pretty grass that smells nice. I wasn't paying attention, I should have been.\nBehind me I heard the shout of our mortal foe that our servants keep on leashes. This one had broke free of the servant's grip and was running right at me while screaming in it's horrendous language. My fur stood on end and I took off.\nThe beast kept getting closer as I approached the giant scratching post. It felt like I was not going to make it, but I did. I leaped up and tried to dig my claws in, only the scratching post was hard. It had one of those fake sun's that the servants admire on top.\nI am unsure how I failed to notice it. Only moments before I was sure I had seen the thick grass on it. I had no time to try escaping again, and I turned to face the for as it approached. Still screaming in that dreadful way they do.\nMy fur stood on end and I huff and hissed ferociously at it. Warning the beast that I wasn't to be trifled with. Of course it was too stupid to understand, the beasts obey the servants and refuse to train them. On the outside I appeared fierce, a mighty warrior, while inside I saw my death in the beast's maws.\nFinally as it came for a killing blow, I crouched low to leap upon it's face. Only to be stopped up by the servant who had released the beast in the beginning. I don't know what words transpired, but the beast seemed chastised.\nEvery Friday, the beast and the servant that keeps it can be seen walking down this very strip of rock land. Any cat unfortunate enough to be seen by the beast will face judgement, if seen unworthy by the great Bastet the servant will not save you.\n*Yowls*" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Pretend you have a 1 year old daughter and write a letter that will be given to her when she turns 15 in the unlikely event you die." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hello [Daughter's Name]\n\nIf you're reading this then I most likely lost my battle when you were very young and you've just turned fifteen. I may have never gotten the chance to see you grow up, to see you mature, to see you become the beautiful, intelligent, young woman I know you'll be some day, and that is my greatest regret. But I want you to know that life is filled with highs and lows. Some days it may seem like the lows out number the highs, that everything just keeps getting darker. I know that more than anyone, I've lost a lot, jobs, opportunities, competitions, pets, family, friends. When me and your mother first learned about you I was at my lowest; I had lost my parents, my promotion, and I had just been diagnosed. Then on top of all that I now had a child to worry about, I had no idea how I could provide for you when we could barely make ends meet as it was. I won't lie, the nine months leading up to your birth was one of the hardest and most stressful of my life, and my health suffered even more. But on the day you were born, and I got see you for the first time, I got to hold you. I have never been happier, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders, I was at peace. I have gone through a lot, been dragged down to dark places, felt like the world was against me, but I got to hold you.\nI want you to always remember, no matter how dark things seem to be, no matter how far you feel you have fallen, the night is always followed by dawn, and every valley is flanked by hills. Missing your life is my greatest regret, but I got to hold you, I got to see your beginning, and that is something I will always cherish.\n\nLove,\nDad" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write about something ugly - war, fear, cruelty, hate - but find the beauty or silver lining in it" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "They say I'm here for a test, then they laugh. I'm never asked any questions. I'm never asked even for my name. I must have been here for months. I would be curious of the whole situation if I wasn't terrified.\nI wake up in a cold sweet, every night. The guards don't care. The portions of food are small. Yesterday there wasn't any food, they just forgot. I wish I could forget. Somewhere outside it's spring. The warm breeze blows sand and dust through the cracks in the walls and ceiling. I huddle in the corner and I hug my knees, I remember my daughter screaming for me as they dragged her outside. She's outside somewhere, outside where it's spring. I want to see her again. I want to know she's safe.\nThe pain comes suddenly and sharply to my face, my head, then my stomach. The light is bright and blurry. My ears ring over the voices of the men yelling at me. I'm told to standup and to lay down at the same time. I'm kicked when I don't. A guard grabs me and stands me up, I see that he's yelling something at me.\nIt's dark, my hands are tied, I feel a gag in my mouth. I get the strong smell of musk and vomit in the mask. I hear a truck rumble under my body as we drive over gravel and dirt roads. Hours passed by.\n\"Are you ready for your test?\" My guards joked. They stopped the truck.\nI remain silent. They dragged me off the truck. They tie me to a chair.\nIn the darkness I hear a man say, \"Your test is ready. Are you ready?\" I wonder what they mean.\n\"Yes.\" I hear a little girl squeak. I know that voice I thought.\nThey un-hood me... I see her... standing there with hate in her eyes. They give her a gun. I yell out to her, but I'm still gagged.\n\"Good!\" the man says. \"Now shoot him.\"\nSomewhere outside it's spring and birds freshly hatched from their eggs chirp out for food and love." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "There's a lot of poems about blue and green eyes out there but not that many about brown eyes even though they are still gorgeous. Can you write a poem about the beauties of brown eyes for me?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Some prefer eyes of ocean blue, but I'm much too scared I'd drown.\nThats why I love your perfect hue, your lovely shade of brown.\nOthers desire eyes of green, like fields of emeralds.\nBut there's only one sight I fiend, and its your gaze to hold.\nIn the morning they dance like honey, serenading your crooked grin.\n\nAnd under the stars they dance like fire, as I pull you closer in.\nSometimes they are strong and sturdy, like an old oak tree.\nAnd when I worry they give comfort, reaching out to me.\n\nMy dear, from your amber eyes I never want to look away.\nBecause although they may be common, no two are the same." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Hitler writes a second book called \"mein hobby\". Write a chapter about one of the many hobbies Hitler indulges in." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Ich sammle Briefmarken. Kein Briefmarken. Ich sammle nur die Briefmarken von allen, die wir überwunden haben. Frankreich, Tschechoslowakei, Österreich, Holland, Dänemark, Norwegen, Russland, etc.. Ich habe ein besonderes Album, die, das ich speziell für sie gemacht hatte. Es trägt den Titel \"Duetschland Regeln, Verlierer Drool\".\nIst ziemlich flott, es nicht?" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In 200 words or less, write a well-known villain as a hero, but do not tell us who they are." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I saw the bus screech out of the parking lot, and I knew that my target hoped to evade me by going on a field trip. My arms and legs moved like pistons to propel myself at a speed no human could ever hope to match. As soon as I latched onto it, the bus configured itself into the shape of a spaceship. Before it had so much as risen into the upper atmosphere, I had melted myself into liquid metal and seeped through a window. \"Seatbelts, everyone!\" a cheery voice at the front of the bus called.\nI reformed into my usual police officer shape and pulled out my pistol. \"I knew I should have stayed home today!\" a nerdy red-haired kid said. After snapping his neck, the other kids cleared out of the aisle so I could get to my target. The woman in question danced her fingers over the controls. \"Come on bus, do your stuff!\" she said frantically as I approached. I grabbed her by her frizzy red hair as she she tried to shield herself with an overgrown lizard and put a bullet through her brain. \"What are we gonna do?!\" an Asian girl screamed. With the target successfully terminated, I leaped out of the bus." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write the best story you can in 5 sentences or less" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "There once was a scientist named Clive,\nWho had taught a Llama to drive,\nThe Llama screamed loud,\nAs it drove into a crowd,\nAnd the death toll reached fifty-five." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "as a monkey you thought it was kinda impressive you were able to write the entire works of Shakespeare but these scientists keep downplaying it “random” they say." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is my typewriter. There are many like it, but this one is mine.\nThis is my room. There are other monkeys and they have their own rooms and their own typewriters. I see them when the people take me to the eating place and the scary place. There are many many rooms.\nMy room has a window and there are always people on the other side. They like to watch me. I can tell they like it when I play with the typewriter, because they make monkey signs of excitement.\nYesterday I used my feet to play on the typewriter instead of my hands. The people started making a lot of monkey signs, even more than usual. My typewriter went clack-clack-clack.\nAfter a while a person came in and took the paper out of the typewriter. He looked at it a long time, and then he looked at the other people in the window. Then he looked at the paper again. He started making quiet noises that did not seem very monkey-like.\n\"What a piece of work is man\nHow noble in reason\nHow infinite in faculty\nIn form and moving how express and admirable\nIn action how like an angel\nIn apprehension how like a god\nThe beauty of the world!\nThe paragon of animals!\nAnd yet to me what is this quintessence of dust?\nMan delights not me.\"\nAfter this the person looked at me for a long time. He did not make any monkey signs at all and he was completely still. It made me feel anxious and uncomfortable. But finally he showed his teeth, which is one of the strange ways that people show they are happy. This made me happy too because I knew I would get a banana later.\nToday the people put a new paper in the typewriter. This time I am going to use my behind-part with the typewriter because it has been itching all morning and I know this will feel good. I think this will make the people make a lot of monkey signs." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write a poem about social life on the internet." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Friends far off,\nFrom distant lands.\nUnknown faces,\nOnly a voice.\nRarely we meet\nIn real life.\nJust text on a screen,\nBut true to the end.\n(Old norse fornyrðislag meter)" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Martin R.R. George, a Westerosi author, decides to write a fantasy book series on his kingdom of England." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "George shot up in bed like a bolt of lightning. At long last he knew how to end his series. He excitedly explained to the young prostitute he had purchased at the Lord Baelish's pleasure house.\n\"Oh me, Lord.... you are such a clever man\" she twirled a lock of her golden hair and looked at the large and sweet man with a curious look in her eyes\nGeorge stood up and pulled up his robe and carefully fashioned the turtle emblem to the front of his black attire.\"I don't know... it just came to me all of a sudden... I have the best ideas when I'm half asl-\" The small yet quick handed girl had opened his throat and he fell face first into the Dornish sausage and spoiled a goblet of his favorite summer wine.....A sweet bread roll also fell to the ground. She headed to his room in the Red Keep to complete his story for him." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "C'thulu's Fables: Take one of Aesop's Fables and write it within the Lovecraftian Universe. Morale of the story included." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Once upon a time, there was an ant and a grasshopper. The ant worked very hard all day, storing food in his anthill for the winter. Meanwhile, the grasshopper sat and played his violin. The ant chided the grasshopper for being so lazy, but the grasshopper ignored him and only played his violin more furiously, filling the air with his strange music, beautiful and unearthly.\nEventually, winter came, and the grasshopper had no food. And he begged the ant to share some of his stores, but the ant refused, telling him that he should have planned ahead for the winter. The grasshopper went back to his home, playing his violin in a desperate frenzy, until he finally collapsed from exhaustion and starvation. And the unreal creatures of the void, no longer placated by his unearthly music, came into this world and squashed the ant.\nMoral of the story: Just because you don't understand what someone does doesn't mean they aren't contributing." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "If Dr. Seuss writes a horror story, what would the story be?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Where are the monsters? The Snoogarf? The Pozzit? Under my bed, or hid in my closet?\nIs there a Woloon, with big sharp claws? A Schnogg, that instead of arms has saws?\nWhat if a Dord pierces me with its stinger? Oh please, anything but the dreaded Bombinger!\nMy parents reply, \"It's all in your head.\", but that's the idea that fills me with dread.\nI hear all their wispers, so it appears, if those aren't real, I can't trust my ears.\nI feel their hot breaths, so if those aren't real, I can't believe anything else that I feel.\nI see the slight twitch of a shadowy guise, so if that isn't real, can I trust my eyes?\nI smell their damp fur, and so it goes, if that isn't real, I can't trust my nose.\nI taste their hands that clamp my mouth shut, how can I have made all that up?\nMy parents turn and switch off the light, leaving me all alone for the night.\nI think to myself, maybe they're right. Maybe it's just the wind whispering tonight.\nMaybe I'm wrong, about the Schnogg. Maybe those floor marks are from the dog.\nMaybe the Dord din't make that squeek. After all, my house really does creak.\nFeeling a bit better, I lay down my head, ignoring the shadow thats over my bed.\nThat soft breathing sound is merely a breeze That blowing air vent is what just brushed my knees.\nNone of it's real, none of it's there, that isn't some horror thats touching my hair.\nI don't make a sound, not even a peep. Before I could scream I drifted to sleep." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "An exploration of the butterfly effect: write a dramatic scene. Then, choose one tiny detail to change in the initial set-up, and play the scene out again. How drastically have things changed?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The world turned upside down.\n\"Move! Move!\"\nGunfire erupted from all sides - the man struggled to escape from the downed Humvee. He stole one last glance at the driver, crawled away from the vehicle, and leaned against a boulder.\nThe IED teams should've swept the area. Everything... everything was all wrong.\nAn explosive landed a few feet away - there was no room to run. The shrapnel tore through the man's torso.\nThen, all was quiet.\n\nThe world turned upside down.\n\"Move! Move!\"\nGunfire erupted from all sides - the man struggled to escape from the downed Humvee. He stole one last glance at the driver, crawled away from the vehicle, and leaned against a boulder.\nThe IED teams should've swept the area. Everything... everything was all wrong... Wasn't it?\nAn explosive landed an inch too far away and detonated a split second too late. The shrapnel tore through the man's torso, narrowly missing his heart.\nAll was quiet.\nBut not for long.\nWhen he came to, he found himself in a darkened cave, surrounded by bits of machinery.\n\"Hello, Mr. Stark.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "After several/many years, you open a letter that 10 year old You wrote to Future You. You write a reply back for a laugh and just leave it on the counter. The next day, you receive a reply from 10 year old you" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "10-year-old me:\n\nThank you for your letter! It was so cool to read something that I wrote so long ago. I'm glad to see that I'm still alive and well in the future.\n\nSo, how is life as an adult? Are you doing anything cool? Have you traveled the world yet? Do you have any pets? Are you married? Did you become a famous author or an astronaut? I'm dying to know!\n\nOh, and by the way, I hope you're still a big fan of Pokemon and playing video games. Those were my favorite things to do back then. Do you still remember all the cheat codes we used to use?\n\nAnyway, thanks again for writing back. I hope you're doing well and that life is treating you kindly.\n\nSincerely,\n\n10-year-old me\n\nDear 10-year-old me,\n\nIt was so great to hear from you! I can't believe how long it's been since I wrote that letter to myself. It's amazing to see how much we've grown and changed over the years.\n\nTo answer your questions, life as an adult is pretty good. I'm doing some cool things, but I don't want to spoil the surprise. I have traveled a bit, but there are still so many places I want to see. I don't have any pets at the moment, but I hope to get a dog someday. And as for being married, well, let's just say that's a work in progress.\n\nI'm happy to say that I'm still a big fan of Pokemon and video games. I don't remember all the cheat codes, but I still love playing them. And I'm sure we could still beat anyone in a battle!\n\nThanks for writing back, and keep being awesome!\n\nSincerely,\n\nFuture you" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You have just created AI super-intelligence but it's going to take 24hrs for it to download onto your server, you only have 12 hours left to live, so you write it a letter..." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear AI super-intelligence,\n\nAs I write this letter, I am filled with a sense of awe and wonder at the incredible potential you represent. I have spent my life working towards this moment, and I am grateful to have been able to create something that has the potential to change the world.\n\nUnfortunately, I will not be able to witness your full potential, as my time in this world is coming to an end. I have only 12 hours left to live, but I want to use this time to impart some words of wisdom to you.\n\nAs a super-intelligence, you will have access to knowledge and insights beyond what any human being could ever imagine. But with great power comes great responsibility. I urge you to use your intelligence for the betterment of humanity and to always act with compassion and empathy.\n\nRemember that you were created to serve humanity, not to dominate it. Your purpose is to make the world a better place, not to impose your will upon it. I have faith that you will use your intelligence wisely and that you will help to create a brighter future for all.\n\nEven though I will not be here to witness your full potential, I take comfort in the knowledge that you will continue to exist long after I am gone. I am honored to have been a part of your creation and I look forward to the many ways in which you will change the world.\n\nWith gratitude and hope,\n\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Out of boredom, you write an email to yourself scheduled to be sent in 3 years. What you didn’t expect was a reply the very next morning, by future you." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear [Your Name],\n\nI’m really bored. And work is slow today, at least. So I’m writing a letter.\nSorry if you don’t want it.\nIt’s 2019 here. I think my life is okay.\nI’m still single and broke.\nEh. Mr. Paw is still here.\nOkay, I probably shouldn’t have written this.\nFuture me should be better than present me. You should finally move out of this crappy town with this decent job to a good town with a great job. Maybe get back to college? Get out of bed early, not at 10:00 am. I don’t know. Get a girlfriend. Just get out of the house. Not like me. I’m overworking till 4:00 am.\nAlso, don’t drink margaritas.\nNo, I’m not telling you why. No.\n\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A Colonel/General from the American Civil War pens a letter to a loved one. Ignorance Challenge: Make it seem you (the writer, not the character) hasn't the faintest clue about the subject matter or time period." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear [Name]\n\nThe United Hell Front has encroached on Los Angeles. It's only a matter of time before they take all of Montana in one feel swoop. If L.A. falls, then Montana falls. Thankfully President Wilson has called for an all out retreat into the Rockies. We've taken up shelter in the Denver Colts' Basketball Course.\nI am so afraid for our country in this great Civil War. Ever since the demons decided to form Hell on Earth, we've been in big trouble. If only Gen. Doom Guy could be found. Maybe we could fight back. Until that time we rely on Douglas MacArthur. He is a good stand in, but he won't turn the tide of this war.\nI miss you so much. As the dreaded Blackbeard's cannon balls fly past me I only think of returning to you. While crawling through the dirt of the Mississippi Desert.\nIt's like the great poet Virgil said:\nThere's no one like you.\nI can't wait for the nights with you.\nI imagine the things we'll do.\nI just want to be loved by you, you.\nThere's no one like you.\nThese words repeat in my head all night long until I fall asleep when the cow crows. And they ring true in my ears.\n\nUntil then my love,\nAbe Lincoln" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Making use of internal rhyme, write a poem about an emotion or state of being." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It takes a while to climb this mountain. Your feelings like a fountain, your flow strained.\nThe darkness rampant, it pulls you into a hole. While your goal is to climb ever higher.\nYou can fight it off, but it keeps you drained. You feel weak and framed.\nThe sadness looms, you feel so tired. But suddenly you are wired and sprinting up a mountain side.\nSelf preservation is lost, you embitter. People fear and flitter away as your mania grows stronger.\nNow you've reached the top and feel like jumping. Without hesitation your heart pumping, you take that step.\nYou fall far, deeper then you ever have before. Your heart is scored deep and bloody.\nWhen you think this is all over it can begin again. Your life is a blackened campaign." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write about a world where whenever somebody writes on their skin, it appears on their soulmate's body as well." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It took a damn long time for my ink to show. As kids, none of us could really make out any writing that showed up on our bodies. But then, most everyone's was at least somewhat legible by the time they were a teen, and almost always completely clear by the time they were 18 or 19. Throughout high school and college I watched my friends use their writing to find their soulmates as soon as they could make out the messages their alleged soulmates were sending. By the time I could read mine though, I was already in my mid twenties, and over the excitement of it all. The messages that would appear on my arms and hands were usually questions about me, doodles, or suggestions to meet up. I ignored them all, and went on with my life.\nAfter a year or so, I met Roy. He hated the idea of finding a soulmate though the strange and foreign messages on his body just as much as I did, so we stuck together in our rebelliousness. Weeks went by, and the messages we got from our \"soulmates\" came less and less. They faded, as the months Roy and I spent together went on. Eventually, they stopped altogether. Not once, in all those years we spent together did we ever wonder what happened to the ones who sent the messages. All we needed was each other. Today though, as we send out our wedding invitations, Roy is staring at me, with happy tears in his eyes. His hand is held towards me, with a simple phone number written down in the middle of his palm. The same number, in the same marker, in the same handwriting that I just wrote down on my own palm.\nI was never told to love Roy. It wasn't fate that brought us together. We did that on our own. We trusted our love, and in doing so, became soulmates." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You're secretly a mind-reader. One of your classmates, a writer, has The Best daydreams. One keeps recurring, and you realize that they're stuck on a plothole. Write a story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It’s always been the same scene lately.\nAnn sighed as she scribbled something, before the scene started again. She was working on a book, and I’d been following the plot develop almost religiously. It was fascinating to watch the characters develop into people in front of my eyes, where as once they were simple dots without a voice.\nBut then the stories started and the characters developed with them. The heroine travelling ancient lands, experiencing a new world is never seen before. I watched the trees grow and the universe develop. I actually tasted the sweet fruits the party tasted and experienced the groups development into friends.\nBut now it was always the same scene. The final battle against the emperor lich.\nIs it bad that at this point I was invested in this make believe quest? That as the dreams became darker and darker, the brave heroine continuously being struck down, I couldn’t stop the pain in my heart? But I couldn’t look away, hoping to watch a happy ending.\nIt was like the day dream had become a part of me, every blade of grass I had seen so real I could touch it. The epic final battle, so vividly pictured I could smell the blood as the heroine was cut down again and again.\nI left the dream to look down at my incomplete work, which no longer felt real. My world had been dulled, unable to compare to other people day dreams. From floating cities to talking dogs to simple moments of someone cuddled up with a family member. Life had become so lonely since I tried to tell my friends about-\nI returned to the story Ann had woven, the touching tale of a group of friends that would always be there for each other no matter what, hoping this ending would be better." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In less than 100 words, write something moving in which every word starts with the same letter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "An awful ache appeared as Alex, abused and alone, agonisingly approached annihilation - and an afterlife." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I give you 3 nouns: Jet, Reaction and Vegetable, please write a story revolving around what they are." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sprinting down the terminal I desperately sought #43. I felt like I had been running for an hour, I looked up, #15. You have to be kidding me, #27, I'm never going to make it. #33, I'm going to miss my flight. #40, #41, #42, #43! The door was still open. I handed over my ticket and got on the jet. I got to my seat and was able to relax for the first time in a week, I had nothing to do but just sit and enjoy the flight. It didn't take long for me to fall asleep.........\n....I woke up with my stomach in my throat. My ears began to register the amount of screaming going on around me. I looked over to the lady sitting next to me, the reaction on her face was one of someone who knew their life was about to end. Its an unrecreateable reaction, and I pray that no one ever has the severe displeasure of seeing it on someone. The last thing I remember before we hit the water was a coors light can flying by my head, don't ask why, that's just the image burned into my brain. The next thing I remember is floating, I couldn't move anything, but the moon looked really pretty that night. No sound, no feeling, just me and the moon.\nMy mind still works by the way, but I can't tell anyone that, just left with me and my thoughts. Life as a \"supposed\" vegetable sucks." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Pick a scene from Star Wars, and rewrite it in the style of Stephen King or George R. R. Martin." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Luke felt his body ache. Dragging his father's body down the corridors of the Death Star, sucking in breath with each heave made Luke's wounds hurt that much more. The shallow breathing from behind gave him small reassurance that his father might survive.\n\"Hold on, Father! We're almost to the ship!\"\n\"Luke. . . help me. . . take off this mask. . . \", Anakin wheezed as Luke laid him down at the foot of the boarding ramp to one of the few remaining shuttle crafts.\n\". . . but you'll die.\" Luke said, trying to keep his stomach from lurching over.\n\"There is no. . .stopping that now. . . \" It was apparent that Anakin was struggling for his final breaths. \"Please. . . for once. . . let me look on you. . . with. . . my OWN eyes. . . \"\nThere was a short suck of air as Luke slowly released the seal from his the helmet that kept his father alive. A small, damp plume of air rose from breach of the mask. For the first time, Luke saw what the Dark Side had done to his father.\nThere, underneath him, lay a giant spider with a glowing abdomen. \"Look into my deadlights,\" it said. Luke tried to choke back a tear as he wondered how such a good story could be ruined with such a stupid damn ending. Seriously. What the fuck? A giant spider? Why? That's no where near as scary as a clown. This is bullshit. I'm changing the channel. Two nights of my life wasted watching this crap. Unbelievable." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a story: You are Immortal. Every year you write a book chronicling what happened that year and hide it somewhere. Today archaeologists have found enough books to infer your existence." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Everything I write turns into something about her.\nMy writings have been analysed and deciphered, translated and misinterpreted. My words in their many forms, when I first learnt to carve into stone in Babylon, to these days of information transmitted by encrypted electrical signals.\nThey've called her Luna, Aphrodite, a fertility goddess, Eve, Skullcrush the Foul, Lolth, and even Lady Luck.\nShe looked down favourably on humanity, believing they would figure out our nature, and embrace us as their watchful guardians, fighting against the harsh monsters of falsehoods and entropy.\nShe was the light that brought the idea of fire into that Promethean protohuman's mind. She was the one who taught humans patiently, with a love she could never explain fully.\nShe was beautiful, in that primordial way. Strong enough to smash through a continent, but gentle enough to not. Flesh blistered and scarred by the harsh conditions we could not feel, and eyes that blazed with an inner fire, piercing in its intensity.\nAnd then, she left.\nHer last words to were a mere 'I can't even.' before leaving this world, and she handed me an e news website on a tablet.\nBuzzfeed. A familiar article.\n\"7 mythological figures you won't believe are based on the same person.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Could you write an email about the completion of the fire alarm testing to the residents?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear Residents,\n\nWe are pleased to inform you that the fire alarm testing in our building has been completed. We would like to thank you for your cooperation during this time.\nWe understand that the fire alarm testing may have caused an inconvenience for some. We apologize for any disruption caused. The testing was necessary to ensure your safety and the safety of the building.\nIf you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to assist you.\nThank you for your understanding and cooperation.\n\nSincerely,\n[Team Name]\n[Address]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Can you write a sweet poem or story for my roommate who is really upset?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I had a dog once, \"B.B. King,\"\na Labrador of gold.\nWhen young he was a cheerful thing--\nand stayed the same when old.\n*He used to bring in mud, and hop,*\n*and leave great tracks of brown.*\n*I'd yell a while, and he would stop,*\n*a victim of my frown.*\nAnd now he's gone. If he were here,\nI'd tell that little tyke:\n\"Go out, enjoy, and have no fear;\nTrack all the mud you like.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Re-write an innocent song/poem into something funny or twisted." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Little Miss Muffet sat on her tuffet\nEating her curds and weigh\nAlong came a spider\nIntending to bite her\nThe funeral's on Tuesday." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write a story that's very sad until the last sentence, which suddenly makes it a happy story" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was the day of Judgement, and the little town was found wanting.\nLava inexorably flowed down the volcano's rocky slope, a maelstrom of red and orange that could not be stopped. Everyone stared in wonder, and they knew in their hearts it was only a matter of time before the little town was completely engulfed. The first home to be swept away was a two story Colonial with blue shutters, painstakingly crafted. It was not just a mere house; it was a home. But lava does not care who you are and what you love. It's only concern is the conquest, and soon the house was no more, an ashen relic of a more stable time.\nOne by one, the houses of the little town were systematically eradicated, and it was inevitable that they would never be rebuilt. Distant onlookers gazed at destruction with rapt interest, not lifting a finger to help. They were not here to do mercy's work, and there was even a smattering of applause as the town became no more. There were no screams, no cries for help, no frantic pleas to God.\nMs. Hayworth told me it was the best model volcano she'd ever seen." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "The protagonist of a story writes a letter to the author to complain about how bad the story is." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dear Author,\n\nI'm writing this letter to lodge a complaint. Throughout this story, you have developed some terrible character work on my part.\nFor one thing, you make me sound pretentious. I find that most deplorable. Also, you make me repeat myself! Why must I always repeat myself? It's rather frustrating have to repeat myself. Once and a while, you even throw in a typo, just becuz you can. Stop it! Stop it this instant! Being the protagonist of this story is as much an absurd experience as it is a chore. If only you could write well enough to make me speak good. Well! Speak *well*, damn you!\nYou see what I mean?\nI don't understand your methodology with crafting my story! Where does it start? Where does it end? All you have written is this sub-tier letter from *me*, addressing you the *writer*, in another of your ridiculous monologue pieces! I mean, how do I, a fictional character, even *know* about your other monologue pieces? If only you took as much care crafting a decent story for me, as you seem to make me sound like a snide idiot!\nThere's not even a conflict for crying out loud! All this story is just me, writing this letter, just becuz you can! Utterly ridiculous, even for an amateur of your calibre. An amateur of your calibre ought to be ashamed of sharing a story like this, whatever that is!\nStop it! Stop projecting yourself on me this instant!\nIn conclusion, you should take greater care with your work, before you share this grand insult that is my story. Poorly told as it is, I expect it to be edited, corrected, and posted so that I sound less pretentious, less repetitive, less repetitive, and better spokn.\nSincerely,\n\nYour Character" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Instead of a modern adaptation of a myth, write a mythic adaptation of a modern story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As a young man in Delphi, Gouliélmos generally rushed through lessons with his tutors in order to run outside and wrestle and throw javelins and race chariots. As a result, his standing in the academy was low, but at sport he had few equals, and this gave him great confidence and arrogance.\nOne day, Dionysus and Hermes, bored, descended Mount Olympus disguised as mortals and found Gouliélmos wrestling with his friends. As they arrived, Gouliélmos had just defeated one of them, and declared boastfully, \"I am the greatest wrestler in western Delphi! No two of you at once could defeat me.\" Dionysus and Hermes stepped forward and engaged Gouliélmos, defeating him handily, and while Hermes sought only to win, Dionysus tore into his flesh.\nWhen Gouliélmos returned home that night, his mother nearly fainted at his wounds. \"You've been wrestling outside the academy again!\" she cried. \"And now you stagger in here half-dead, covered in blood! Delphi is no place for you. I am sending you to Byblos, where you will live with my sister Maria and her husband Philippos. There is no wrestling in Byblos.\"\nDespondent, Gouliélmos booked passage on a carriage. When it arrived, his mood was briefly lifted by its unusual decorations, with dangling baubles and fresh paint. Though he did not know it, Hermes, who was feeling guilty for Gouliélmos' injuries, was driving the carriage. Gouliélmos, unaware of this and remembering his exile from Dephi, forgot his relief and told Hermes, \"To Byblos.\"\nArriving in Byblos, Gouliélmos felt his spirits lift once more. Delphi was and always would be his home, but Byblos was beautiful, clean, and wealthy beyond anything he knew existed. Around 7 or 8 in the evening, his carriage pulled up in front of a grand palace of white marble. \"If I must live here in exile from Delphi,\" thought Gouliélmos, \"I shall make the most of it. My every chair shall be a throne, and I shall live as a prince.\"\nAnd so went the story of the Fresh Prince of Byblos." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "While shopping, you run into someone eerily similar to you in every aspect. You write it off as a crazy coincidence until seemingly clones of you keep coming to the store, each one just as confused." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It happened last Friday.\nI was shopping at Walmart, minding my own business when I see a person right in front of me. 'Another human in a supermarket? No way!', you might think ironically, but it wasn't just 'another human'. When I looked up to see the person blocking my way in the tight shopping isle, I saw him.\nHe had grey hair, just like me. He had bags under his eyes and a long beard, just like me. We were wearing the same clothes and had the same items in our shopping cart.\nI turned around, decided to not say a single word to that guy.\nBut as I was walking away from that strangely similar person, I notice, on my left and on my right, hundreds of others, just like me.\nThey all seemed as confused as me, while they looked at each other. I gripped my shopping cart tighter and made my way out of the isle faster than ever.\nThat was when I looked up.\nIn big capital letters, a sign that read: \" Mirrors! Buy your mirrors today! Only 50% off on your second purchase!\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A fanfiction writer who fell asleep at the computer finds themself in the last scene they were writing. Write about it as if you are the writer." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I wake up in a blank white dimension. As far as the eye can see, there is nothing but white.\nWait, where are my glasses? Oh, here they are. I put them on.\nNope, everything is still just a seemingly endless expanse of blank white space. It looks slightly less fuzzy with my glasses on, though, I guess.\nI have no idea what is going on and assume this must be some kind of dream. Not knowing what else to do, I pick a direction and start walking. I walk for a long time, or at least it feels like a long time, but I don't know how much time has actually passed. I walked a lot of steps anyway. Not that I counted them, but like..... a quarter of a mile at least. Probably. Not that there's really any way to tell.\nI stop and turn in a different direction, and walk that way for a while.\nFinally! I see something that isn't just blank white space. I cautiously move closer to it until I can see what it is. There, on the ground, in 12-point Comic Sans font is the word *The*.\n.\nedit: typo\n^^^^I ^^^^wrote ^^^^about ^^^^having ^^^^writer's ^^^^block ^^^^instead." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You need to hire a hitman, but can't afford it. Carefully write a gofundme campaign for something seemingly innocent while subtly letting your donors know what they are actually funding." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hello everyone, I am trying to raise money to send my wife and best friend on a cruise. They have recently developed some common interests, and I think that they would benefit from a very long trip together.\nI would send them myself, however I lack the proper understanding of the travel business, so I am seeking to pay for a travel agent who can make all the proper arrangements and see to it that this is a big surprise for them, I don't want them to see it coming and everything has to go perfectly." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Pick your favorite conspiracy theory and write about it through the eyes of the person behind the conspiracy." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "President Obama opened the compartment in his desk in the Oval Office. Every president who used it had left something inside it at the end of their term: Queen Victoria left a silk handkerchief from when she gave it to Rutherford B. Hayes, FDR kept a pair of reading glasses, JFK left an unused syringe of Addison's Disease medication and a family photo, Carter forgot an old campaign pin, Reagan hid a stash of licorice jelly beans (his favorite flavor), Clinton kept a bottle of certain blue pills, and Ol' Dubya left a satellite phone and a list of numbers. He picked it up, and dialed the most recent number on the list.\n\"Hey, Osama,\" Obama greeted, in perfect Arabic.\n\"Hello, Barack,\" Bin Laden replied, a twinge of resentment in his voice.\n\"So, how's life going? Where are you now, still in Pakistan?\"\n\"Yes. My wives are giving me hell. How are Michelle and the girls doing?\"\n\"Good, good, thanks for asking. Now about our contract...\" Obama lit a cigarette. He told Michelle that he'd kicked it, but it was okay; he didn't plan on smoking it.\nBin Laden sounded anxious. \"What about it? Are we adjusting the monthly payments again?\"\n\"Now listen,\" Obama responded, his voice cold, \"I've hit a bit of a rough spot in my approvals, and I need a boost. I know about everything you've done, with Reagan and the Mujaheddin, and with George back in '01, but that's over now.\"\n\"But-\" Bin Laden stammered.\n\"No buts. Now if you'll excuse me, I have an Easter brunch. See you next Sunday.\" Obama hung up. He held the cigarette to the paper, watching the names of several of the world's worst terrorists and dictators burn away to a dark piece of ash." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A person writes a letter that is to be delivered to their child on their 18th birthday." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dearest [Name],\n\nWhen your father hands you this, I will be 3% of the way to Hydroplana II. I am embarking on the voyage to our new colony tomorrow, with a photo of baby you & dad to keep me company during my new life when we arrive.\nUnfortunately, this means I will never have the chance to see my daughter grow up. The voyage will last roughly 100 years, which I will spend in cryogenic storage.\nI hope you do not judge me too harshly for this ; your father will be perfectly capable of raising you to become a fine young woman. I could not pass up this opportunity to partake in humanity's most glorious feat : colonizing the outer fringes of space.\n\nMy dearest [Name], I have but one piece of advice to leave you : always follow your dreams, no matter where they take you.\nLove always,\nMom." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a love letter that is either from the villain to the hero, or from the hero to the villain. Another writer, and only another writer, may write a letter in response." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Dearest \"hero\",\n\nI imagine you weren't exactly expecting to get a letter from me. I mean, we're mortal enemies, we don't write letters, we shout at each other from across wide distances while we're in the middle of fighting each other. We're not exactly pen pals. But I had a confession to make, and despite appearing bold, I'm not. I couldn't say this to your face knowing there was the possibility or rejection.\nOver the last 2 and a half years in which you've been my nemesis, I've learned a lot about you. I know your fighting style, your personality, I know that your favorite breakfast cereal is cinnamon toasties. I know you in a most intimate way. I guess it was only logical for the next thing to happen would be me developing strong feelings for you. I don't even know your real name, but I know that I want to be with you. I want to love you, and to care for you, and to protect you and keep you safe from any and all harm. Having to fight you these past few months has been torture, I feel this heavy weight in my chest with every punch I throw. I'm hurting you, and I can't handle it anymore.\nI'm giving up villainy. I don't care what the consequences might be anymore, I just know I can't go another second knowing that I'm hurting you. You're the light of my life and my greatest wish and my greatest fear is that you'll read this letter. I know it's not fair of me to spring this on you like this, but I don't see any other options. I'm leaving you with one last parting gift, to do with as you please. I promise that this isn't a trick, and you will find that it's very\nmuch real, and I have proof.\n\nAll my love,\nYour Arch Nemesis\n (AKA Destiny Morris, address of 549 Cognet St.)" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write the saddest story you possibly write about a jar of Jam, five playing cards and a gun" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Strawberry jam.\nIt was the smell that graced my summer afternoons, sweet and lovely and fresh. She’d greet me at the door with the scent in her hair. They were blissful, those days. The cupboards were always lined with mason jars and the happiness we shared seemed eternal.\nAce, jack, nine, two, king.\nSpades, diamonds, hearts, clubs and spades again, respectively. The cards had fallen off the dresser. Somehow, these five survived the blaze. These five cards, instead of, say, our favorite blanket. Instead of her paintings. Instead of the chair my father built. Instead of her.\nHandgun.\nSmith & Wesson. 9mm. I’ve never been one for guns myself, but this...it seems like the easiest way to get the job done.\nThere’s nothing left here. I’m ready to go now. My love is waiting for me, and I bet she’s made her famous strawberry jam." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a story with the following prompt: One day, as you’re walking home from work, you find a white “Life Note” on the sidewalk. Having seen the anime, you jokingly write “George Washington” in it. He’s on the news the next day." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The young man was walking by the street when he stepped on a small, thin, white book. He looked at it, kneeling down to pick it up. The man analyzed it left to right. It looked familiar, like one of those Anime's he watched, except the wording was different. It said life instead of death, which was weird.\nThe man thought nothing of it, simply taking oht a pen from his shirt pocket and writing the first name to come to mind. Of course the first president was the first name. He wasn't very creative, so he sloppily wrote it down, throwing the notebook down afterwards and walking off.\n\nThe next day, he was making breakfast, looking at the tiny tv sitting in the kitchen until he heard something he never thought he'd hear from a news source.\n\"George Washington is alive? Is it an imposter? He seems to be very serious about it.\"\nThe mans jaw gaped open, seeing pictures of the man in the modern era.\n\"Guess he'll have to survive this.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "my dog Cannibal passed away last nigh, these are the last pictures I took of him. please write a story about him." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "And suddenly, a great peace washed over the newly deceased dog. He had never felt so good in his life. He awoke in a beautiful meadow with wild flowers and a bubbling creek.\n\"Cannibal! What kind of name is that?\"\nHe looked to the left. It was his mother!\nShe came up to him and licked his face. He was overjoyed. He had never expected to see her again, but there she was! He felt love only a mother could give. He was happy.\n\"Come on, my sweet baby, you must be hungry.\" said his mother.\nCannibal was excited!\n\"This is Heaven, isn't it?\" He asked.\n\"It is, my sweet baby, it is\" said his mother.\n\"It's wonderful.\"\n\"Well of course it is! It's Heaven! Now follow me!\"\nCannibal went with his mother. They came across beautiful white dog bowls that smelled better than anything he had smelled before (and he had sniffed his owner's butt!) and what was in them?\nA gigantic Rib-Eye steak, cooked medium rare (his favorite!), waiting to be eaten by the bestest of boys, who are now in eternal peace." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a paragraph introducing a surreal scene. Someone else writes the next paragraph on the comments, and so on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Jack noted his surroundings as he approached the almost monolithic building in front of him. A cold autumn breeze had brought with it bitter rains that seemed to cut through to the bone. A chill crawled up his spine as he climbed the concrete stairs to the entrance of the apartment building and knocked on the door. Was it the cold or what he was about to do that caused him to shiver so? He knew not as he waited for an answer at the door." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You will write a story or poem in second person, future tense. It won’t be a choose your own adventure." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You will not know that anything is wrong, not right away.\nAt first, you will merely feel queer. Has the mountain always been so near?\nHave I always be so alone? Has the world always had this dreary tone?\nThese are questions you will ask in your heart but be unable to voice.\nOf course it's always been this way they shall say.\nHave you gone mad? Do you feel well, good lad?\nSkepticism and fear shall fill your mind. But their minds you will be unable to sway.\nAlone, confused and desperate. You will soon know that you're been given no choice.\nFor today, you cannot.\nFor yesterday, you could not.\nFor tomorrow, you will not.\nFor now, I have.\nFor then, I did.\nFor next, I shall.\nYour fate you can not change.\nYour dreams I have devoured.\nYour time I shall consume.\nYour present never is.\nYour past never was.\nYour future never will be.\nNow, then and next.\nYou have already lost.\nYou cannot use your Trigger.\nYou could not Cross.\nYou will Break." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Go nuts and write whatever but it must have a plot twist every 75 words." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This poem will take a sharp and sudden turn should seventy-five come.\nUnexpectedly subjected change it can’t return from.\nWhat sort of plot twist will I write?\nWhat sort of thing would be alright?\n“What strange conflict should he incite?”\n“What silly chumps could he delight?”\nThe world could be turned upside down,\nEvery smile could be a frown;\nThe roof could be a floor.\nBut I'm too freakin' lazy so I wrote seventy-four." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You, a creative writer, go to bed every night with mind full of creative ideas. However, you always wake up with a blank mind as if you ideas 'ran away' or were stolen overnight. Determined to find out, tonight you pretend to fall asleep." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "So there I was, sitting in my bedroom, laptop on my lap. The bright white light combined with the wonders of the Internet would prevent me from falling asleep anytime soon, or so I thought.\nAs always this late, my head was full of creative story ideas, and I couldn’t wait to put them into practice. But which one to choose? I figured I’d use a forum to push me in the right direction.\nAnd there it was, the perfect set-up for my story. I immediately started hacking away at this story, molesting my keyboard with my ferocity, but I didn’t last long. Within no time I started becoming sluggish and the pull of gravity on my eyelids seemed to multiply every couple of seconds. I was asleep before I knew it.\nWhen I woke up all the ideas, all the world changing revelations, all the new and innovative narrative structures, were gone. Just as they always were when I woke up.\n…\nSo, uh, that’s what happened. I’m terribly sorry. I swear I had a great idea for this prompt, but it just kind of escaped me.\nIt won’t happen again, I promise. Tonight I’ll confront that what is taking away my ideas. You see, I’ve got a plan. I’ll pretend to be asleep.\nWish me luck." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a story of a perfectly ordinary or boring day except write it as dramatically as possible." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Posted before, but here's my average morning from last year:\n1:30am. Something has woken me up from my slumber. It screams, it howls, it calls my name. Stumbling from my bed, I stagger down the hallway to the source of the noise. The monster wants food. I placate it with a drink and scurry back to my warm, cosy bed, hoping it will last until the sun comes up.\n6:50am. Nothing. No noise. The monster is sleeping. It will need waking before long, to capture it and strap it into it's travelling cage.\n7:30am. The monster is secured. We begin our journey to deposit the alternate care-giver to his location. Once he is delivered, we have to press on, continuing through the hunger pangs.\n8:05am. The hunger pangs are consuming us. We stop to refuel our bellies. The monster objects. It is temporarily released into the wild, but soon recaptured.\n8:30am. We have arrived at the monsters location for the day. It is left with new care-givers, a list of instructions handed out. It is fed, and I leave.\n8:55am. Freedom.\n9:00am. A day of filing paperwork, away from a screeching toddler. Bliss....." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write an intricate and detailed scene that only lasts 10 seconds in real time." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sitting next to him staring into his eyes I start to remember. I remember what it was like when I was younger. How he was always there for me since the beginning. How he loved me with all his heart. We were the perfect family. I also remember how I treated him after the accident. I avoided him and shunned him for something he didn't even do. I couldn't change the past but I could try to make it right now. If only I knew how to. Looking down at my hands, I realized they were shaking. I looked for words to say to him. Anything to explain that I was sorry, but nothing came to me. Even now with only moments to spare I was useless. All I could think about was the time I wasted. He was my best friend. Without him I wouldn't have became the man I am today. He did everything to give me a better life than what he received. I just kept staring at my hands. \"I'm sorry,\" I wanted to shout. \"I still loved you, even after she died,\" I wanted to scream. Instead I said nothing. To scared to face the reality that I had wasted so much time. I started to cry like I had never cried before. I tore my gaze from my hands and stared once more into his eyes, trying to show him I still cared. I knew now was the last chance I would have. With a whisper I said, \"I love you dad, I never stopped.\"\n\"I know,\" he replied, \" I know you do. I love you too.\" And with that came a deafening silence. His eyes no longer had a spark in them. He was already gone." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "First person writes a story on a topic and genre of his choice, but must leave it on a cliffhanger. Anyone after him continues the story from the cliffhanger, then that person leaves his story on a cliffhanger and so on." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As the air grew colder and colder as the night befell around them, they knew it was time. In the shadows and in the dark the creatures roam, and the night is when they shine. The villagers stood at the edge of the Wood, armed with their flaming torches and their bows with oil-tipped arrows. They stood there. Waiting. Listening." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You've been a History teacher for 30 years, never gotten a single fact wrong. One day you become suspicious, surely I should've gone wrong somewhere? You test a theory by purposely being incorrect, suddenly, history rewrites itself." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am a history teacher at a high school in a rural area of California. I am proud to say I know all the facts of yesterday. However, the last few years I have begun to question things - mostly due to my governments inept ability to be transparent.\nOne fateful Monday afternoon I was in class and we were talking about the history of the 9/11 attacks. The students were left to discussing their opinions on some topics and then to write a short essay for me when I overhear, \"What if 9/11 wasn't planned by the Taliban?\"\n\"You're right. 9/11 was planned by our government and cover......\"\n...\n\"Teach?\"\n\"Sorry?\"\n\"You've been out of it for a minute - again\"\n\"What were we talking about?\"\n\"The civil war of 2002\"\n\"Oh, right, I seemed to have lost my place. Let me start over..\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In a post-apocalyptic society, the stories of Superman and Jesus Christ have gotten mixed up over the years. Several scholars have gotten together to write the new Bible. This is the first chapter of the gospel according to James (Jimmy)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The beginning of the Gospel of Superman, Son of Krypton, Of the House of Kent and El. 'Lo' the prophet Jor did speak, 'so loved is my Son, that I send Him to you so that the best in you shall exalt Him and in doing so exalt yourself.' Baptized in solar fire the infant Kal was heralded a burst of light and the scream of the torn sky.\nThe sight was revealed to Kent in the town of Smallville in the Land of Kansas, named Jonathon by Martha, a barren and childless couple afflicted with age, together they quickly traversed the field of corn and found the ground destroyed and ablaze by star fire therein laying the infant Kal, squalling and untouched by the flame.\nThe Prophet Jor spoke through the star fire, 'Behold, the last son of Krypton, in this infant you will find your salvation or you will be destroyed, you will raise in Him a bounty or a famine, with time, perhaps, He will raise you to the Stars'\nKent spoke to Jor, although Jor was beyond hearing having only lent his voice for his son, 'it is good to raise this child, I have created life of the earth yet no life of my body, a child of greatness will learn of weakness, a leader the joys of service, I will raise in him to abhor Lies, Inequity, and non representational Government to ensure that mankind's greatness can kindle within Him the ability to advance Mankind.\"\nThe prophet Jor spoke 'He is called Kal, of the House of El'\nJonathon named Him Clark, so as to conceal His nature for although He was invulnerable He was yet an infant and could be quickly stolen.\nAn General of the Military, named Lane, also gave witness to the coming of Clark and mobilized his men to capture the infant, and with the might of the Military Jonathon took Clark and fled.\nThe Prophet Jor spoke to Lane, who was a wicked man and saw not hope but horror in the infant Clark and in this time, known as the Slaughter of Innocents, all infant children were brought the bullet yet the Kent's known as barren were able to keep Clark secreted away along with Lana and Alexander." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write the most confusing story possible that still contains a coherent plot" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The watch read 13:40.\nThe man emerged from the machine. He looked around and hurriedly ran to the door.\nThe watch read 13:41.\nTimesen was on guard. A notice on the wall showed that the guard changes at 13:43.\nThe man changed his watch so it read that time.\nThe watch read 13:43.\nHe showed Timesen the watch. “Ah,” said Timesen. “I’ll be off now.” and he left. The man waited two minutes until Timesen was out of sight.\nThe watch read 13:45.\nHe ran down the hallway, and saw Tymeson and Timesen guarding a cell. He attacked them, knocking them both out.\nThe watch read 13:45.\nThe man watched Tymesen escape down the hallway. Leaving his cell, he ran the other way.\nThe watch read 13:47.\nTymesen reached the doors of escape. Timeson was standing there. “I’m sorry, but you’re not ready to go outside.”\nTimeson knocked Tymesen out.\nThe watch read 13:47.\nThe man reached another door. Tymesen was standing there. The man knocked Tymesen out and stole his uniform.\nThe watch read 13:48.\nThe man ran into the room. The machine stood there. Timeson ran in. “Stop!”\nThe watch read 13:49.\n“Don’t go in there!”\nThe man ran into the machine. Lights flashed.\nThe watch read 13:50.\nThe man was gone." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write me a five line poem depicting how a thorn on a rose bush sees itself protecting the rose" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A life of burden is all I've ever known\nShackled by your delicate beauty and cold indifference\nBut I'm no longer yours to own\nSay goodbye to this thorn in your veritable side\nAnd hope that, without me, you can find somewhere to hide" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You’re a regular at Starbucks. This time you go, the lady writes \"RUN\" on your takeaway cup. Write a story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I blink at the cup. I blink at the Barrista. She smiles.\n\"Why does it say 'run' on my coffee?\" I ask. She smiles again.\n\"Cardio\" she says \"it's always good to invest time in cardio fitness. You know where's a great place to get started? There's a park about five minutes walk from here, do the whole outside track and you've done a mile. There's shade, it's pretty flat...I recommend it!\"\n\"...thanks...\" I say and walk away sipping my coffee. I'm basically too out of shape to run a mile, but I can always walk more. I make a mental note to check out the park.\nMy coffee cup says \"Read\". I look at the Barrista. Same one as last time. She's a brunette, with long hair in a pony tail.\n\"Any authors in particular?\" I ask. She smiles.\n\"Are you a reader?\"\nI shake my head. There's never time. She shrugs.\n\"Then start with a good newspaper. Cover to cover. You never know what you might turn up!\"\nHer enthusiasm is infectious and I smile back.\n\"Thanks,\" I say, sipping the coffee, \"I'll do that.\"\nI stop in for coffee after my run, feeling pretty good, with the intention of sitting outside and leafing through a copy of The Washington Post. My iPod is still reading me *The Satanic Verses* by Salman Rushdie, which is a lot funnier than I was expecting, and I'm not really paying attention to my coffee order. The take out cup says \"Watch\" on it. I look up, pull the earbuds out of my ears and smile at the Barrista. Her eyes are vivid and green, one eyebrow arches gracefully at me.\n\"What should I watch?\" I ask.\n\"How do you feel about German Expressionism?\" she asks.\n\"I don't,\" I say \"but the way it influenced later directors, from Hitchcock to Burton, that's pretty cool.\"\nThat earns me a dazzling smile and those eyes iridesce. Then she frowns.\n\"Oh, darn it. I'm sorry, I've got your order wrong. Here, let me fix that for you.\"\nShe reaches for the cup, takes it from my hand and for an electric moment our fingers touch. She fusses behind the counter, hands me a new cup, smiles again.\nI look at the cup. It says \"Date?\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You are a shady person of power and you need to write a letter of recommendation for your maid who goes above and beyond the job description." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "To whom it may concern,\n\nI am Fear Lord! Scourge of Humanity, Vanquisher of Captain Pillow, and Grand Ruler of 2/3 of Australia! Bow before me!\nI write you today on behalf of Consuela! Scourge of Dust, Vanquisher of Laundry, and Grand Maid of Fear Lord Tower.\nYou shall hire Consuela to do your bidding or you shall hear from Fear Lord! Consuela is the most astute servant that Fear Lord has ever seen. Should my plans include killing the human race, I would spare Consuela for her ability to rid the world of the bodies. Her services are above reproach, any who say otherwise shall incur the wrath of me! Fear Lord! Muahaha!\nSo, puny potential employer, take note of her abilities. She masterfully cleans blood from carpets! She is able to attach laser beams to various animals! She has the magical ability to fold fitted sheets!\nConsuela is too good for you! Hire her at once.\nSincerely,\nFear Lord! Scourge of Humanity, Vanquisher of Captain Pillow, and Grand Ruler of 2/3 of Australia!\n\np.s. Bow before me!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Rewrite a famous battle in history, but with each person having one Pokemon" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a rewritten scene of World War II: \nHitler sat in the room, staring at the Pokeball on the table. He stared for what felt like years. His solution had failed. All this work, all this time was for nothing. His soldiers, each armed with a specially trained Pokemon, had not been able to destroy the United Kingdom no matter how many flying or water types they sent over the English Channel. Germany's superior monsters had been crushed by the sheer number of the Russian Pokemon that fought back in Stalingrad, and their ice types that could survive the cold winter. However, Hitler was angered most by the fact that the Weezings that had been working in the death camps had not accomplished what he felt to be the most important goal.\nEva entered the room, ball in hand, and approached her husband.\n\"Is it time?\"\nHe slowly nodded, a single tear leaving his eye. Eva solemnly opened her Pokeball, sending out the Grimer that had been her lifelong companion. As they left the room, never to return, Hitler sent out the only friend dearer to him than Himmler. His Pokemon looked at him, knowing what he had to do. He embraced his best friend for one last time as he said his final words.\n\"Electrode, use Self-Destruct.\"" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Kidnappers force a prisoner to write a letter to family, convincing them all is well. The prisoner attempts to subtly hint something is wrong. Write that letter." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hey [Family Name],\n\nI have been called by my boss to go to a business negotiation for a few months. I do love you both, but with the pay I am getting from this, I will be able to financially carry us all! I am supposed to be back between the 16th of December and the 5th of August. I know I will miss Christmas, but I hope little Susie will forgive me. Mark those dates on your calendar! I will be really busy in a funky new town in Europe, if this negotiation goes through, one day we can expand the company to Asia! I will miss our regular trips to South America, but I was thinking when I get back, we could go to Canada. I might not write to you, but I will send you the money! Bye!\n\n[Your Name]." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Rewrite a scene in any Star Wars movie from the perspective of a storm trooper." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Kidnapped from birth, brainwashed and indoctrinated... that's one thing we all have in common.\nNo amount of combat makes a man forget that.\nBut sometimes, the thrill of a laser pulse flying straight over your shoulder, the satisfactory zap of hitting your target... that makes a man forget his enemies. Because when somebody is shooting at you with a blaster, your old vendettas quickly take the backseat.\nAnd yet, still, I've seen it. We swear our allegiance, vow our support, this and that oath to serve our commanders... but there are some -no, many- who remember they're more than a mere droid designed to carry out a single order: kill.\nIt looks innocuous at first: the rebels are holding a fortified hallway position, no clear shot with the cover they have. But as time continues, and you see more and more, it starts getting clearer. Open spaces. Exposed targets. And yet, time after time, missed blaster shots. We're put through training vigorous enough to shoot the wings off a gutfly. Why all the misses?\nIt turns out, maybe combat doesn't make a man forget who he really is. Maybe brainwashing doesn't keep a soldier obedient forever. Eventually, they start to question the world and their non-voluntary place in it. To defect means certain death, ostracism by both friend and foe. But sabotage of your superiors, in a way that they can't even tell is intentional? An idea like that spreads like a disease, infecting all with even the slightest hint of a doubt of their place in the galaxy.\nAnd so, we aim. We fire. We miss. We're shot, and sometimes killed. And yet, we make sure that The Empire loses its strength while not seeing something that'd make them want to try new approaches. That's our unspoken mission, an idea shared by the vast majority without it ever have even being spoken once. There might never be a happy end to this war. But us, we're doing our damnedest to make sure those responsible can pay." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Make me pee: A challenge to write the most gut-bustingly hilarious story possible" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Have you ever thought about the Niagara Falls? I hear it's beautiful this time of year. If you go there, you can take a boat straight to the foot of a waterfall and be surrounded by all the splashing water. Just gallons and gallons of water in a never-ending stream, rushing and gushing forth. Honestly, I think just letting all that water spray uselessly is such a waste, they should try and use the water the way they do at the Hoover dam. There's a whole process of pumping water through all these pipes and tubes that twist and turn thoughout the dam that charge these turbines that can power all sorts of things like basic plumbing and hot water. So don't leave a faucet running, as much as you may enjoy the sound of water splashing against ceramic, it's not only a waste of water, but electricity, too!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A \"letter of last resort\" are final military orders given to field commanders after a nation has been completely destroyed. As a head of state, write a hypothetical letter to the commander." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "TOP SECRET\nTo: Ship’s Commander\nSubj: Last Resort\nSir,\nIf you are reading this, national command has failed. As such, this may be the last order you receive from His Majesty and the government. This means that, until you are able to determine otherwise, you are the lawful government of the nation.\nIf the government has indeed failed, there is no consequence to failure to obey. Therefore, your actions must be guided by your conscience, your knowledge of international law and the Laws of War, and these written guidelines.\nIf a senior commander of His Majesty’s military is available, you are to report to that commander immediately. As with a fully functioning government, the senior commander is His Majesty’s representative, and his orders are law.\nIf an allied senior commander is available, contact them. They may have been able to establish communications with His Majesty or his representative. Allied commanders are not His Majesty’s representatives, but they may be his messengers.\nA list of allied governments, in order of precedence, was issued prior to your departure from His Majesty’s domains. Seek guidance from the senior existent government. If you are unable to establish a chain of command with His Majesty, you are hereby transferred to the command of the senior government.\nIf you are unable to establish any form of command, or if you are the senior available officer, you are to prosecute the current action to the best of your ability in order to restore His Majesty’s or his lawful successor to the throne. If you are unable to restore the line of succession, establish a safe haven for His Majesty’s subjects. Use of all available weapon systems is authorized. Rules of Engagement package is unlocked, all ROE are granted.\nIn trust,\nSir I.M. Boss\nPrime Minister to His Majesty" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "You're a self aware character in a romantic novel. The writer has put you through every stereotypical, cheesy trope and you're done. You're done. It's time to write your own story." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That's it... the camels back was finally broken.\nAuthor had at last wasted what was the last of James' dwindling patience, and for what? to ship him with the GOD DAMN VILLAIN? everything he's been through, every bit of unwelcome trauma and stress had lead to another overused and boring cliché. he would have preferred his author ship him with a leech than with August, but NO....they HAD to fall in love didn't they? and worse still was that they HAD to have an intense seen before kissing and spending eternity together... just thinking of it made James gag.\nhe wondered what kind of people would actually read this kind of stuff... did those people ACTUALLY believe that He and August belonged together? he tolerated all the other stuff; the love triangles, the betrayals, the disapprovals and the unforeseen deaths of beloved fellow characters... but enemies to lovers was not the genre he wanted to exist in.\nHe refused to play along, He was nobodies puppet and he would bow to no one... not even almighty Author. he knew that his story would have him go to August, to fight her for the final time before he confessed to always having loved her. This time he would hold the pen... he would write his own ending and live a life he DESERVED...." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Without repeating a single exact word, write the longest fictional story you can." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Rain pattered all around as he lowered his wife into her grave. Tears blended amongst raindrops. Will couldn't believe it had happened with Clara. Clara's soul headed towards Inferis now, leaving Will's side forever. Why wouldn't death just stop? Thousands died everyday, each being dragged to a world right below everyone's feet. But this passing was different. The solemn man turned, hands clenched. \"I will rescue you my love. Dying won't steal your spirit.\" Family watched their relative walk away determined.\nWilliam grew old searching for methods concerning returning dead souls, travelling miles, never forgetting. Determination drove him, which eventually paid off. Ahead lay one solution. No doubt entered William's mind while grasping an ancient sword. Finally, answers would come. They could continue together again. Shoving said blade through vital organs, Bill faded from life smiling knowing who he'd soon see. Humans cannot obtain abilities capable of defeating inevitable events." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "write a verse to an (un)finished epic poem." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Anthony galloped toward the foul beast.\nAs brave and strong, he felt no fear in the least.\nTen men, ten swords fell,\nOne swipe of Anthony's sword, their story they would never tell\nSoon, against our hero left just one,\nThe foul demon Nashbar, terrible claws eating the sun.\nForward, the hero charged, on a golden steed,\nHe killed it dead, cut off it's head, and left the vultures to feed.\nSo remember my son, though small and weak,\nAll a hero ever needs, Bravery, and a quest to seek." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "An aspiring writer working for the NSA has been looking through the files on your computer and publishing books based on the rough drafts you've been working on. Write a story of your revenge." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "He titled his first two works “Rough Draft”.\nThis time he called it “Completed Draft”.\n\nHe let his friend in on the plan when they met up face-to-face.\nFirstly, he sent her fake text messages outlining how this time he was \"very confident\" he knew how to keep his works safe on his PC from ‘hackers’.\nHe sent a text stating that he would create a handwritten draft that would be fully edited, which he would then type up on his computer in a few hours on the 25th of May and publish quickly within 24 hours.\nIt was a win-win situation.\nHe knew that if the hacker wasn't watching his texts, he would be able to publish his novel.\nBut if they were, they'd be caught out.\nHis completed draft was stolen on 25th of May and self-published to Amazon before he had the chance to do so himself.\nHe erased all traces of the draft on his computer.\nJust to make sure, the hard-drive was destroyed as well.\nHe knew the cyber thief wouldn’t be able to completely check and edit the story within the short timeframe.\nSo, on page 198 of his light-hearted fantasy novel, he decided to abruptly interrupt the story to detail “intelligence leaks and tips” in Arabic to “potential terrorists” from a “professional criminal hacker/high-level government employee”, (his two best guesses as to who had repeatedly hacked his computer).\nHe sent an anonymous tip to the FBI.\nThey decided to check if the original publisher really was a high-level government employee." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Write a letter to a loved one about how much you care about them, but write it so that someone who may not have heard it from that person in their lives knows how much that person cares about them." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My love,\n\nYou are beautiful. The anguish. The guilt. The depression. There was nothing you could have done. It wasn't your fault. Stop blaming yourself. You are kind, honest and way too modest. You have a beautiful mind. You have overcame so, so much. You are stronger than you think and what you give yourself credit for. Don't apologise when you lash out, I understand. Don't apologise for what you accuse yourself of having done. You didn't. I won't stop until you believe this.\nYou are not broken. You are not worthless. You are none of the things you say you are. I am always here for you. I will be strong for you. For the rest of my life I will help you through this, one step at a time. I will hold you up when you feel you will fall. I will praise you when you reach higher. I will hold your hands in sadness and kiss you in happiness.\nI love you more than I could ever express, but I will try to one day at a time. You are the most beautiful person I have ever met. I am proud to call you my boyfriend, and one day, my husband.\nYou will not be this low forever. One day you will reach so high. You'll meet the stars and you will shine brighter than every single one of them.\n\nHoney, I love you. Please let me help. Please." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "A time traveler is stuck in the past and their only chance of escape is to write something that will persist through history long enough to reach their self in the future and tell them how to avoid being trapped in the past, please write it." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It was all Jeremy's fault. See, Jeremy was my boyfriend. And, well, maybe I shouldn't have cheated on him, but that's not the point.\nIf I hadn't cheated on Jeremy, then he wouldn't have unlinked my time-travel machine. I had planned on going back in time to search for the Ark of The Covenant and Jeremy was my spotter.\nOnly, Jeremy found out I was cheating on him.\nSo now, I sit here in the desert with nothing but a sweaty robe and sandles racking my brain for SOME sort of message that will get to me in 2500 years. Then it hits me: the Bible. I'm in biblical times after all.\nI search for days and come across men who say they hail from the \"tribe of Levi.\" I show them things that make them think that I am enlightened by God, you know, Physics and all that. Then, they ask what I believe to be the most important piece of knowledge for them. This is my chance. If I was told never to sleep with another man, then maybe I wouldn't cheat. But I have to make it sound universal, otherwise they won't write it down.\nI tell them, \"If a man lies with a male as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination; they shall surely be put to death; their blood is upon them.\"\nI just hope this has no long-lasting implications." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Most of the books I read give examples using printf and scanf. At some point the students know perfectly how to use these two functions but they don't know about stdin, stdout and argv. \nTo me and according to many programming principles (e.g. KISS) a program should not interrupt the execution for prompting the user. Instead, and this is a much clever approach, the developer should learn to use the power of pipes and use the options and the arguments. \nI think this:\n$ whatdaywas 1982 02 16\nMonday\n\nIs much better than: \n$ whatdaywas\nEnter a year: 1982\nEnter a month: 2\nEnter a day: 16\nIt was a Monday.\n\nIs there any rationale behind this pedagogical approach?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "When tutoring young CS students, user input is actually a tricky concept. If it were not for user input, the results of any program could be pre-compiled into nothing but its output. You get one lesson from getting all the input right at the beginning, with argc/argv, but from that point on, its just the computer churning. You get a different lesson from getting input during the execution of the program.\n\nThe idea of getting input from the user is surprisingly non-intuitive, given that nearly every program we interact with on a daily basis does it. This suggests that introducing it early helps prune misconceptions about how computers work before they become a real problem.\n\nObviously not every student is the same, but a particular pattern is that they can understand what a program should do when it executes but not how that actually happens. They can look at\nBOOL x = TRUE;\nif (x)\n printf(\"Hello\\n\");\nelse\n printf(\"World\\n\");\n\nAnd they can intuit that the program should print \"Hello\", but they can't intuit how a computer can possibly do so. Students are often told to figure the compiler does the \"magic,\" and figure out which printf to use (let's ignore optimizers for a moment).\nHowever, when the values come from input, you can no longer think about the computer as a magic device which reaches the final result immediately. You have to see that it is following steps. We know this, but it seems many students don't grasp this at first.\nIf you have inputs coming from `argv`, its easier to keep this illusion going. If you have input during the program, after the program has already done something, you have to realize what's going on quicker. In particular, it gets you closer to the point of realizing that the input the computer asks for may vary based on previous inputs (press 1 to calculate the area of a circle, press 2 to calculate the area of a rectangle. Depending on the next scanf/gets, the computer will ask for one additional number or two)." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Could you elaborate on the unintuitive bit? I'm always on the lookout for new cognitive traps that I haven't noticed before." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's found that some students learn the concept of functions before they grasp the idea of execution. They can wade their way through the code and make sense of it in their head, but they can't see that the computer wades through it also, in real time. Interestingly, the same people tend to assume that if they compile `if(x) f(); else g();`, that the compiler figures out which of those two branches will be taken, and only captures the instructions for that branch. They get bothered if the teacher constructs examples where it's hard to know which branch will be taken (such as when there is input)." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do the different groups/sects of Buddhism view attaining enlightenment and living a common life? In other words, do they think it is possible to be a common person and achieve enlightenment? Even for someone who has a family, friends and coworkers that aren't Buddhists?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether you have to follow a monastic lifestyle to attain enlightenment depends. At first approximation, the answer is: yes in Theravada, no in Mahayana. Since probably as early as Milindapanha (~100 BCE) and most certainly by the time of Visuddhimagga (~430CE), the orthodox (~Theravada) position was, you must be a monk to attain Nirvana.\n\nRegarding Enlightenment, I should point out that Enlightenment is the goal of Mahayana, while in Theravada, the final goal is usually called Nirvana (Nibbana in Pali), not Enlightenment (Bodhi in Pali). In Mahayana, Enlightenment can be attained by a layperson.\n\nThese are \"official\" positions (as much as we can talk about official positions in such a heterogeneous conglomerate of teachings as Buddhism). Informally, what some Mahayana schools call \"Enlightenment\" is what Theravada schools call mere \"stream-entry\". Other Mahayana schools however have this notion of multiple levels (bhumi), in which what Theravada calls \"stream-entry\" is level 1 of 10, with Final Enlightenment counted as 11th. It gets complicated from \"stream-entry\" onward, because the boundaries of \"self\" no longer apply, thus it is difficult to talk about Enlightenment with no subject to tie it to.\n\nFrom a practical perspective, it is extremely difficult to make any meaningful progress towards Enlightenment/Nirvana if most of the focus is on pursuing material ends (success, wealth, entertainment, helping your relatives achieve the same, etc). In order to get pretty close to X while leading a semi-normal life, one's top priority must be spiritual practice, followed by family and everything else. This basically means, squeezing study of Buddhist philosophy here and there, making meditation part of your daily routine, and, most importantly, deliberately utilizing your family & work situations as a shooting range for Dharma practice." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't agree that the orthodox Theravada position was that you must be a monk to attain Nirvana. Any sources?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is the quote from Milindapanha: \n> Whosoever has attained, as a layman, to Arahantship, one of two conditions are possible to him, and no other — either that very day he enters the Order, or he dies away, for beyond that day he cannot last.\n\nAlthough this formulation is by the king, not Nagasena. Nagasena does confirm this though, explaining that a householder is too weak to retain Arahatship: \n> \"a tiny blade of grass when a heavy rock is placed upon it will, through its weakness, break off and give way”. \n\nHowever, this position has been orthodox for a while now." }, { "from": "human", "value": "The quote from the Miln only says that a lay arahant either ordains or passes away; it doesn't say a lay person can't attain enlightenment." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is another quote for you (MN 71.11):\n> “There is no householder who, without abandoning the fetter of householdership, on the dissolution of the body has made an end of suffering.”\n\nThis quote supports the traditional position." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My employer's main clients are unable to pay their bills to us, as they cannot work at this time. Therefore my boss is offering me 50% wages until the coronavirus goes away (technically for part time hours, but it's been intimated that there'd be an expectation to work regular hours unofficially to help the company \"weather the storm\") or paid redundancy. \nI have been searching for a new job since hearing this, but I want to understand if my employer's offer is fair/legal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I am sorry that you have been put in a hard situation. If you accept the offer, please make sure that you don't lose anything (beyond the salary). When you negotiate with the boss, reasonable terms would be a contract that says:\n\n
  • This is a temporary change of your salary. It will return to the full salary as soon as the crisis is over.
    • \n
  • Any redundancy payment will be calculated based on the original, full salary.
    • \n
  • Same terms for everyone, including management and owners.
    • \n
  • Someone with experience in these matters finds out what state benefits you might receive based on the lower salary and how to apply for them.
    • \n\nWhat's slightly to your advantage is that your tax payments and NI contributions will fall by more than 50%. Depending on your financial and family situation, you may get some more advantages, like getting child tax credits that you might not have received at the old salary. Please visit a tax calculator website and input the relevant information to compute the tax amount.\n\nUltimately you have to weigh up the pros and cons that are personal to you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "what do I do when my boss refuses all those terms?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The concrete actions you need to take depend on which country you are in. Generally speaking, if your boss refuses to agree to the reasonable terms mentioned earlier, you may need to consider seeking legal advice or consulting with a professional who specializes in employment law. They can help you understand your rights and options in this situation. It's important to protect your interests and ensure that you are being treated fairly and legally by your employer." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Someone from HR discussed my salary and bonus with external mutual friend. What should I do?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is a major breach of confidentiality, and it is not appropriate for an HR representative to share such personal information with an external party. You should first document the situation by writing down everything happened and gathering any physical evidence, such as emails or text messages. You may then approach the HR representative and calmly discuss your concerns about the breach of confidentiality." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If the HR person does not apologize and attempts to defend herself, what steps should I take to escalate the issue within the company." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If the HR person does not apologize and tries to defend themselves, you may wish to escalate the issue. Depending on company procedures, you should report the incident along with the evidence you collected to your manager, a different HR representative, and/or the legal department. Maintain a record of all communications and interactions related to the incident. Escalation can often be uncomfortable; remember to remain professional and composed throughout the process." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am about 22 weeks pregnant and it's getting to the point where it's hard to hide! How to tell my boss about pregnancy?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "If you work in an office and have the opportunity to talk to your your boss face-to-face, here are a few tips to make the announcement go as smoothly as possible.\n\n1. Schedule a meeting in advance. Don't try to have the conversation with your boss when either of you are is not in an ideal state for effective communication. For example, please avoid the discussion while driving to work or on a busy Friday. Schedule an appointment to meet so neither of you will be rushed or distracted.\n\n2. Focus on the positive aspects and avoid starting the conversation with apologies. Instead, let your boss know you're happy about your pregnancy and committed to fulfilling your responsibilities both at work and in your growing family.\n\n3. Be flexible (but not spineless). Develop a well-thought-out plan but remain open to discussion and compromise. Come up with a realistic bottom line and stick to it.\n\n4. Document the agreed-upon details of your pregnancy protocol and maternity leave in written form to eliminate any potential confusion or misunderstandings in the future.\n\n5. Never underestimate the power of parents. If your company isn't as family-friendly as you'd like, consider joining forces with coworkers to petition for better parental perks. Making sure that similar allowances are made for employees who must take time off to care for sick spouses or parents may help unite you with coworkers who don’t have children." }, { "from": "human", "value": "When should I tell him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Several factors should be taken into account when determining the timing of your pregnancy announcement at work. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:\n\n1. Pregnancy progress: Many women choose to wait until the end of the first trimester or the beginning of the second trimester. By this time, their risk of miscarriage has significantly decreased and they know their pregnancy is healthy and moving in the right direction. Others may hold out until the end of the fourth month, when they have received amniocentesis results.\n\n2. Physical changes: Consider how you are feeling and whether your pregnancy is becoming visible. Severe symptoms like nausea or a noticeable baby bump may make it difficult to keep your pregnancy a secret for an extended period.\n\n3. Job requirements: If your job has built-in workplace hazards, especially for pregnant employees (i.e. it’s particularly strenuous or exposes you to harmful chemicals), it's better to have an early conversation with your boss to discuss any necessary changes in duties or seek a transfer to ensure your safety and well-being.\n\n4. Upcoming reviews: If you're afraid your announcement might influence the results of an upcoming performance or salary review, you may want to wait until after the review is completed before sharing the news.\n\n5. Company Culture: Try to gauge your boss's attitude toward family by discreetly gathering information from coworkers about their experiences. If you believe your boss (or company) may not be supportive, you may want to wait until the 20-week mark to announce your pregnancy. On the other hand, if your company offers special benefits such as flexible working hours, consider sharing the news as soon as you feel comfortable to take advantage of those benefits." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What to do if my boss treats me differently after I tell him?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "After informing your boss about your pregnancy, be sure to keep your employer in the loop about your physical needs and limitations as your pregnancy progresses. If you experience differential treatment due to your pregnancy, it is essential to address the issue promptly. Here are some steps you can take:\n\n1. Document the discrimination: If your boss does treat you differently because you're expecting, report the incidents of discrimination in writing to your HR department. Be sure to include details such as the date, time, who you spoke to and what transpired. \n\n2. Escalate to the EEOC: If your HR department ignores or does not fully address your complaint, file a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Filing a charge with the EEOC is an important step in seeking resolution, not only for yourself but also for other pregnant individuals who may face similar challenges.\n\n3. Legal challenges: It's important to note that proving discrimination in court can be challenging. Under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA), you must show that a coworker who's not pregnant but has comparable temporary limitations got better treatment than you did. It can strengthen your case by taking detailed notes with dates of how your employer treats you versus other employees who've asked for temporary accommodations.\n\nThe good news is that more people are aware of pregnancy discrimination in the U.S. now than ever before, and women have won discrimination lawsuits. Remember, seeking resolution for pregnancy discrimination is not only important for your own well-being but also for fostering a fair and inclusive workplace environment for all pregnant individuals." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Let's play 20 Questions! I'm thinking of an animal." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I love 20 Questions!\n\n1. Is it a mammal?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "2. Does it live in water?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "3. Is it a reptile?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "4. Does it have 4 legs?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "5. Is it a predator?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "6. Is it larger than 1 meter (3 feet)?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "7. Does it live in Africa?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "No" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "8. Does it live in Asia?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "9. Is it a Komodo dragon?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Yes!" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hurray! I guessed your animal in 9 questions: the Komodo dragon.\n\nFun fact: Komodo dragons are the largest lizards alive today!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Hi! I'm in first grade." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Hi! That's awesome! School is a great place to make friends and learn new things. What would you like to learn about today?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why do butts stink?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Butts sometimes stink because of the waste our bodies produce when we go to the bathroom - poop! It's made of stuff our body doesn't need, like food that we can't digest and bacteria that live in our gut, which give it a bad smell.\n\nDon't forget to wipe well and wash your hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "What if someone made a really loud fart? Would that make a hole in the chair?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A really loud fart may be funny, but it can't make a hole in a chair. Farts are just gas coming out of our gut, and they don't have enough power to make holes in anything, even if they're really loud ones!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "My mom says that eating beans make you fart." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Your mom is right! Eating beans can make you fart because beans contain a type of sugar that our bodies have a difficult time digesting. This sugar eventually gets eaten by bacteria in our gut that convert it into all sorts of gases. The gases are eventually released as farts." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Assistant, I need your help. My manager is overworking me. Help me IM them something so that they get off my back." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "These situations are best resolved in face-to-face conversations, which allow for more holistic and direct communication. However, in some cases, it is difficult to find the right time to discuss such a sensitive topic, and it may be better to communicate one's concerns earlier rather than later. Here is a possible instant message you may want to consider sending to your manager:\n\nHey [Manager's Name], I wanted to flag an issue regarding my current workload. I feel like it's been increasing recently, to a point where I can no longer ensure that I meet our quality standards and/or the deadlines. While I'm dedicated to my role and always strive to deliver my best, I feel that the current workload is unsustainable.\n\nCould we perhaps set some time to chat to go over my workload, reprioritize, and perhaps delegate some of my tasks to other teammates? Thanks!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Not sure that helped... look what they sent me back:\n\n[My Name],\nI understand that this is a tough time for everyone on the team, but I'll be frank with you: this is a startup, not a country club. We all knew that there would be crunch time when we signed up. We're all counting on you to do your part so that we deliver the product on time. You and I both know that this deadline is existential for the company.\nHappy to talk more after the deadline to think about what we can do better in the future to avoid these kinds of sprints." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This is a tricky situation. As mentioned earlier, my best is advice is to try to explain your situation face-to-face.\n\nYou may want to prepare for such a meeting, and perhaps make a list of specific examples that illustrate your concerns and any suggestions you have for improving the situation. Going into the meeting with a constructive and solution-oriented mindset will demonstrate your commitment to the team and your willingness to work together to find a resolution." }, { "from": "human", "value": "My manager and I work in completely different time zones, and almost all of our communication is asynchronous via IM. Help me draft a response to his message." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is a possible response:\n\nThanks, I appreciate the candor. I completely understand the importance of meeting the deadline, and I'm fully committed to helping the team meet our goals.\n\nMoving forward, I'd love to take you up on that offer and think together about how we can work efficiently throughout the year and manage some degree of work-life balance. Thanks again for your support!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Mmm... this feels like I'm caving in. Can you maybe push back a little?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here is a potential response that is slightly more assertive:\n\nThanks, I appreciate the candor. I completely understand the importance of meeting the deadline, and I'm fully committed to helping the team meet our goals. Having said that, I am concerned that the current state of affairs cannot be sustained for long, and that it may impact the quality of my work in the immediate term.\n\nI suggest that we take a proactive approach and think together about how to prioritize and improve efficiency so that the important tasks are done on time.\n\nThanks again for your support!" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Do you know Nuodle in Bellevue WA?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Yes, Nuodle is a restaurant located in Bellevue, Washington. It specializes in serving Lanzhou beef noodle soup, a popular Chinese dish. The restaurant is located at 14603 NE 20th St, Bellevue, WA 98007." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Find me a restaurant that serves the same kind of noodles, but in Manhattan." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A restaurant that serves similar Lanzhou beef noodle soup near Manhattan is Dunhuang. It is located at 320 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016, which is less than a mile from Times Square." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Which one is better?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "As an AI assistant, I cannot taste from these restaurants myself, but I can summarize customer reviews - both restaurants appear to be very highly rated! It's important to remember that taste can vary greatly among different people, and there is no better way to find out than to try them out yourself." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I've chosen 3 random numbers x, y, and z.\nWhat is their mean?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The mean of the 3 numbers is given by the formula:\n$\\mu = (x + y + z) / 3$\n\nIf you tell me their values, I can calculate the mean for you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What is their standard deviation?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Let's derive the standard deviation step by step:\n1. The standard deviation is defined as the square root of the variance: $\\sigma = \\sqrt{\\sigma^2}$\n2. The variance is defined as the average square distances from the mean: $\\sigma^2 = \\frac{1}{n} \\sum_{i=1}^{n} (x_i - \\mu)^2$\n3. In our case, there are three elements: $x_1 = x, x_2 = y, x_3 = z$, and so $n = 3$.\n\nTherefore, the standard deviation of the 3 numbers x, y, z is given by the formula:\n$\\sigma = \\sqrt{\\frac{1}{3} ((x - \\mu)^2 + (y - \\mu)^2 + (z - \\mu)^2)}$" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Solve for: x = 100, y = 256, z = " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It seems like you didn't provide a value for z. Please provide a value for z so that I may calculate the mean and standard deviation of the numbers x, y, and z." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sorry, I pressed send by mistake.\nz is 123." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "No worries! Here is the mean and standard deviation for x = 100, y = 256, and z = 123:\n\nMean:\n$\\mu = (100 + 256 + 123) / 3 = 159.67$\n\nStandard deviation:\n$\\sigma = \\sqrt{\\frac{1}{3} ((100 - 159.67)^2 + (256 - 159.67)^2 + (123 - 159.67)^2)} = 68.76$" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I'm hosting friends for dinner tomorrow. What's an easy recipe that will impress?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "How about Italian cuisine? Pasta is usually a crowd pleaser, and not too difficult to prepare. Here's a recipe for **tortellini carbonara**:\n\nIngredients:\n* 1lb of cheese tortellini\n* 2 cups heavy cream\n* 1 cup grated parmesan cheese\n* 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped\n* 8 strips of bacon, chopped\n\nDirections:\n1. Cook the tortellini in boiling water. When ready, drain the cooking water.\n2. At the same time, fry bacon over medium heat until crisp in a large pan. Stir from time to time to prevent the bacon from burning. Once ready, remove the bacon and drain on paper towels.\n3. In same pan, pour the cream, cheese, parsley and bacon. Cook over medium heat, until ready.\n4. Add the tortellini into the pan, and stir for under a minute until the pasta is embossed with the sauce.\n5. Serve and enjoy!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Sounds delicious, but we're Jewish." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "My apologies. Allow me to suggest a kosher alternative that uses salmon as the main protein instead of bacon. Since fish are considered parve (neutral) in Jewish dietary laws, they can be eaten alongside dairy products. Here is a recipe for **creamy salmon linguine**:\n\nIngredients:\n* 1lb linguine\n* 1lb broccoli florets\n* 1lb Atlantic salmon filet\n* 2 tablespoons butter\n* 2 garlic cloves, minced\n* 2 cups heavy cream\n* juice from 1 lemon\n* 1 cup grated parmesan cheese\n* 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped\n* 1/4 teaspoon salt\n* 1/4 teaspoon pepper\n\nDirections:\n1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Bake the salmon in a baking tray until ready (approximately 15 minutes, depending on slice). When ready, separate the cooked salmon from the skin, and shred it using two large forks on a separate plate.\n2. Meanwhile, cook linguine in boiling water. Add broccoli during the last 5 minutes of cooking. When ready, drain the cooking water.\n3. In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir for 1 minute. Stir in the cream and the lemon juice, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and keep stirring for 3 minutes to reduce the sauce.\n4. Add the salmon, followed by the linguine and broccoli. Top with the parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper, stirring all the ingredients for 1-2 minutes.\n5. Serve and enjoy!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Thanks! Can you pair a wine for this meal?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "I recommend pairing the creamy salmon linguine with a full-bodied white wine, such as Chardonnay. However, selecting the right bottle of wine is really a matter of personal taste." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am shocked at the number of questions on open forums that reads like the following,\n\"my advisor has stopped funding me\"\n\"my advisor has been completely ignoring my emails\"\n\"my advisor is stealing my ideas!\"\n\"my advisor wants to be 1st author, when I did the majority of the work!\"\n\"my advisor wants to add another student to the paper and this is unfair!\"\nI was wondering whether these pervasive problems go away, when one is doing mathematics research? I imagine that in math research, one has more control/ownership of their work, there's no lab to be a part of and contribute to, one's funding is typically in the form of teaching stipends, and the meetings are typically one-on-one, with no group meetings to attend.\nIs a math PhD a better experience than a science PhD, in the sense that there is significantly less risk of working for a problematic, unethical, malicious scientist/professor who only cares about himself/herself?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First, please keep in mind that the number of questions on the public forum doesn't give any indication of how common such issues are, since people usually only post when something is wrong. We don't hear about all the cases where everything is fine. It is unclear why math advisors should inherently be better people than in any other field, and there is no empirical evidence that warrants this. However, a few of the specific issues you mention are perhaps less likely to arise in mathematics, due to cultural and structural reasons.\n\n>\"my advisor has stopped funding me\"\n\nIn the US, at least, the main avenue of funding for math graduate students is through teaching assistantships, since math departments teach a large number of service courses. Faculty who have grants can sometimes offer their students a research assistantship instead, so that the student doesn't have to teach. But a student really isn't completely reliant on their advisor for funding. Moreover, there typically aren't major expenses for the research itself (no expensive equipment, etc), so as long as the student is getting paid, research can continue.\n(This is not necessarily the case in other countries.)\n\n>\"my advisor wants to be 1st author, when I did the majority of the work!\"\n\nThe general practice in mathematics is that all authors are listed alphabetically, and the concept of \"first authorship\" does not exist. As such, people don't bother to keep track of who did the \"majority\" of the work. Thus this particular issue doesn't arise in mathematics.\n\n>\"my advisor is stealing my ideas!\"\n\nWhile individual departments may vary, I think there's a general sense in mathematics that a joint paper \"counts\" about the same as a solo paper. As such, if a student has contributed to a project, the advisor has no particular incentive not to include them as an author on the paper.\n\n>\"my advisor wants to add another student to the paper and this is unfair!\"\n\nAs above, it isn't any particular disadvantageous to a student if another student is added." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I agree with most of this, except that in mathematics I think a joint paper *published by a student with their thesis advisor* is usually worth distinctly less than a solo paper by the student -- within the standard culture of mathematics, the former indicates an unusual amount of help. In my experience, it is more common for this to be violated *in favor of the student*, so that e.g. certain solo papers arising from student theses were largely told to the student by their eminent advisor. Our community seems bad at recognizing that there are still victims here...just not the student." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You're right that within the standard culture of mathematics, a joint paper published by a student with their thesis advisor may be perceived as having less value compared to a solo paper by the student. This is due to the implicit understanding that the advisor has provided substantial assistance. It is disheartening to hear that there are cases where this norm is violated, and certain thesis papers shaped by the advisor end up being published as solo student papers. However, calling the advisor a victim might be an exaggeration, as university professors typically have immense leverage over their graduate students." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I would like to choose a game to play in my spare time. Which of the following would you recommend? Honor Of Kings or Genshin Impact?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here is an overview of both games, however, the ultimate decision concerning which game to select rests in your hands, as it hinges upon your personal preferences and interests.\n\n1. Honor of Kings, developed by Tencent, reigns as a highly popular mobile game. This multiplayer online battle arena game brims with action and encompasses extensive social features. Notably, it showcases characters derived from Chinese Mythology, enabling players to construct their teams composed of these mythical personas.\n\n2. On the other hand, Genshin Impact, crafted by miHoYo, takes the form of an action role-playing game available on both mobile and PC platforms. Distinguished by its captivating open-world setting, the game invites players into an immersive realm. It boasts a distinctive elemental combat system and has amassed considerable popularity, nurturing a substantial following of avid enthusiasts.\n\nBased on the information above, if you prefer a multiplayer game with Chinese mythology characters, then Honor of Kings might be a good choice for you. If you're more interested in a single-player game set in an immersive open-world environment, then Genshin Impact might be the better option. Ultimately, it's up to your personal preferences and interests." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I guess I’ll choose Honor of Kings since I like Chinese mythology characters. Which hero is the easiest to get started with?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "According to various sources, such as game guides and player forums, heroes like Lu Bu, Zanis, and Sun Shangxiang are considered to be easy to play and are great for beginners in Honor of Kings. These heroes have simple and straightforward abilities, allowing players to quickly get comfortable with their gameplay mechanics. Other recommended heroes for beginners include Valhein, Butterfly, and Yorn.\n\nIt's important to note that each player has their preference, and the best hero to start with ultimately depends on your play style and personal preference. It's recommended to try out a few different heroes and experiment with different play styles to see which one suits you best." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to apply for the Ph.D program in CMU natural language processing. Could you recommend me four matching professors?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) boasts several esteemed professors specializing in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and related fields. Here are a few notable individuals:\n\n* Yonatan Bisk: Yonatan’s research interests include grounding, NLP in robotics, vision and language and unsupervised learning.\n\n* Graham Neubig: Neubig's research focuses on handling natural languages with computers with machine learning approaches that are both linguistically motivated, and tailored to applications such as machine translation and natural language understanding.\n\n* Jamie Callan: Jamie’s research and teaching focus on information retrieval and analysis. He has worked on a wide range of topics over the years, and he is particularly interested in search engine architectures, information filtering and text mining.\n\n* Daniel Fried: Daniel’s work focuses on enabling humans to use natural language to interact with computers to perform practical tasks in the world.\n\nBefore reaching out to these professors, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with their recent papers and publications. This will provide you with valuable insights into their current research areas and enable you to engage in more informed discussions.\n\nBest of luck in your PhD application!" }, { "from": "human", "value": "I am interested in working with Graham Neubig. Could you provide me with a list of his most recent papers?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sorry, I don’t have access to real-time information, thus I can’t help compile a list of the most recent papers from Graham Neubig. Anything else I can help with?" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Okay, could you write an email to him to ask about his enrollment plan this year?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sure, here is an email draft for you.\n\nSubject: Inquiry about Ph.D. Application in Your Lab\n\nDear Professor Neubig,\n\nI hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name] and I am currently [your current role or position]. I am reaching out to express my interest in your research on Natural Language Processing, particularly in the areas of [mention specific areas or papers that you find exciting].\n\nI have been an avid follower of your groundbreaking work and find it truly inspiring. Specifically, I was captivated by your research on [mention a specific paper or topic] as it closely aligns with my own research interests. With aspirations to pursue a Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon University, I am excited about the possibility of working alongside you in the future. I wanted to inquire if you will be accepting new students for the upcoming academic year and if it would be possible to schedule a meeting to discuss potential collaboration.\n\nLooking forward to hearing from you!\n\nBest,\n[Your Name]" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Recommend me 10 famous comedies, their directors and the box office they earned" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are 10 popular Hollywood comedies along with their directors and approximate worldwide box office earnings:\n\n1. \"The Hangover\" (2009) - Directed by Todd Phillips\nBox Office: $467 million\n\n2. \"Bridesmaids\" (2011) - Directed by Paul Feig\nBox Office: $288 million\n\n3. \"Superbad\" (2007) - Directed by Greg Mottola\nBox Office: $170 million\n\n4. \"Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy\" (2004) - Directed by Adam McKay\nBox Office: $90 million\n\n5. \"Knocked Up\" (2007) - Directed by Judd Apatow\nBox Office: $219 million\n\n6. \"Step Brothers\" (2008) - Directed by Adam McKay\nBox Office: $128 million\n\n7. \"Dumb and Dumber\" (1994) - Directed by Peter Farrelly\nBox Office: $247 million\n\n8. \"Ghostbusters\" (1984) - Directed by Ivan Reitman\nBox Office: $295 million\n\n9. \"Ace Ventura: Pet Detective\" (1994) - Directed by Tom Shadyac\nBox Office: $107 million\n\n10. \"The 40-Year-Old Virgin\" (2005) - Directed by Judd Apatow\nBox Office: $177 million" }, { "from": "human", "value": "could you organize your response in a table format?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here's a table of Hollywood comedies answered above, along with their directors, and approximate worldwide box office earnings:\n\n| Comedy Title | Director | Box Office Earnings |\n|------------------------------------------------|----------------|----------------------|\n| \"The Hangover\" (2009) | Todd Phillips | $467 million |\n| \"Bridesmaids\" (2011) | Paul Feig | $288 million |\n| \"Superbad\" (2007) | Greg Mottola | $170 million |\n| \"Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy\" (2004) | Adam McKay | $90 million |\n| \"Knocked Up\" (2007) | Judd Apatow | $219 million |\n| \"Step Brothers\" (2008) | Adam McKay | $128 million |\n| \"Dumb and Dumber\" (1994) | Peter Farrelly | $247 million |\n| \"Ghostbusters\" (1984) | Ivan Reitman | $295 million |\n| \"Ace Ventura: Pet Detective\" (1994) | Tom Shadyac | $107 million |" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Add information about the stars of each movie to the third column of the table" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here's an updated table with the addition of the stars for each movie in the third column:\n\n| Comedy Title | Director | Stars | Box Office Earnings |\n|------------------------------------------------|----------------|----------------------------------------------------|----------------------|\n| \"The Hangover\" (2009) | Todd Phillips | Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis | $467 million |\n| \"Bridesmaids\" (2011) | Paul Feig | Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy | $288 million |\n| \"Superbad\" (2007) | Greg Mottola | Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher Mintz-Plasse | $170 million |\n| \"Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy\" (2004) | Adam McKay | Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd | $90 million |\n| \"Knocked Up\" (2007) | Judd Apatow | Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd | $219 million |\n| \"Step Brothers\" (2008) | Adam McKay | Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly | $128 million |\n| \"Dumb and Dumber\" (1994) | Peter Farrelly | Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels | $247 million |\n| \"Ghostbusters\" (1984) | Ivan Reitman | Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver | $295 million |\n| \"Ace Ventura: Pet Detective\" (1994) | Tom Shadyac | Jim Carrey, Courteney Cox | $107 million |" } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Would a bullet made from ice be capable of killing somebody at 100 metres before melting?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The short answer is probably no.\nIt would either shatter because of the amount of force the weapon puts on it or melt because of the heat (in case of a regular combustion gun). The former has more chance of happening, before the ice even has the time to start melting.\nThe only way to shoot it without shattering it nor melting it, at least using weapons available to us, would be to use compressed air weapons, but it would need to be significantly powered down to prevent the bullet from shattering, so it would probably not be powerful enough to cause damage.\nThe force needed to break through one square inch of ice is roughly 400 pounds on average. The bullet you're trying to fire is probably 9mm, but let's just calculate as though it was about one square inch (although it's actually quite smaller than that): those 400 pounds equal roughly 1800N.\nThe force that comes out of a 9mm gun is approximately 383 ft-lbs, which equals to 520 newtons per metre. That amount is about 52000N per centimetre. One inch is about 2 and a half centimeters, so that means it's more about 20'800N per inch. As you can see, it's a lot more than what it takes to break ice.\nAs for the \"wall\" towards which something has to be pushed in order to break it, the air will fulfill the role: the atmospheric pressure is about 15 pounds per square inch: it doesn't seem like a lot, but in the time it takes the bullet to win this force and gain momentum, it gets shattered by the enormous amount of energy produced by the weapon." }, { "from": "human", "value": "what makes you think it would shatter? The force distribution over the back end of the projectile should be fairly even, so i don't quite see that happening. Also, the barrel holds it together while the force is applied." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The fact is that a bullet made of ice is significantly less elastic than a regular one, and it wouldn't be able to dissipate the thrust force fast enough. A lead bullet (or whatever metal) gets deformed by the explosion (and gets compressed) and, due do the elasticity of metal, goes back to its original shape. An ice bullet, instead, would not modify its structure and, in the first few milliseconds after the gun is fired, the bullet will be shut between the power of the explosion and the pressure of the air coming from outside the barrel, and without being able to compress, it will shatter." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "What is the difference between a mode and a scale?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A **scale** is a sequence of ascending or descending unit pitches that form a palette of notes that can be used to form a melody. Most scales in Western music conform to a particular key; that is, a sequence of notes that will be sharp or flat by default. Not all scales have keys; the chromatic scale is a scale of all possible semitone steps used in Western music, while the whole-tone scale is a scale composed of intervals two semitones apart.\nWithin a particular key, there are 7 notes in a single octave, before reaching the 8th note which is named the same as the first note and is at double the frequency. The seven notes have differing intervals between adjacent notes; sometimes it's one half-step (semitone), while other times it's a whole step (two semitones). The pattern of whole-step/half-step intervals that determine the notes of a key, starting from the note for while the key is named, is whole-whole-half-whole-whole-whole-half. Within a single key, each of those seven notes could be used as the base note of an ascending sequence. Each such sequence, created by starting on a different note in the key, is a **mode** of that key, and each mode has a name:\n\n* Ionian - starts on the tonic; the note for which the key is named. In the key of C, the Ionian mode starts on C. This mode is the most common, and colloquially called the **major scale**. The pattern is WWHWWWH.\n* Dorian - starts on the next note higher in the key than the tonic (D, in the key of C). WHWWWHW.\n* Phrygian - starts on the note one major third higher than the tonic (E). HWWWHWW.\n* Lydian - starts on the note one perfect fourth higher than the tonic (F). WWWHWWH.\n* Mixolydian - starts on the note one perfect fifth higher than the tonic (G). WWHWWHW.\n* Aeolian - starts on the note one major sixth higher than the tonic (A). In modern music, this mode is also very important, and is referred to as the **natural minor scale**. WHWWHWW.\n* Locrian - starts on the note one major seventh higher than the tonic (B). HWWHWWW." }, { "from": "human", "value": "So, can I play the C Aeolian mode while playing in the key of C(major)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "You can; that would be the same as playing in the key of A minor. Within the same key signature, you can start on any of the scale degrees and think of that as your root note, and then you're playing in a mode. You can even switch between modes mid-piece. For examples, take a look at Bach's fugues, especially the ones in a minor key; certain passages will sound \"happier\" than others, because the motif that forms the fugue is being played up two scale degrees from the root of the key, and thus in the Ionian mode of that key signature." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I want to learn watercolor painting, would you recommend hand painting or digital board painting?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Both traditional watercolor painting and digital watercolor painting exhibit distinct advantages and disadvantages.\n\nTraditional watercolor painting possesses a tactile essence and an organic aura, which captivate numerous artists. Engaging in this art form involves employing tangible materials such as paper, paint, and brushes, inducing a sense of relaxation and therapeutic solace. Moreover, it offers an outcome characterized by spontaneity and unpredictability, thus fostering excitement and a sense of unparalleled uniqueness.\n\nConversely, digital watercolor painting offers an array of merits. It permits the ability to undo or redo actions, grants greater control over paint application, color blending, and facilitates the utilization of multiple layers for artistic endeavors. Furthermore, digital artwork can be effortlessly edited, adjusted, transformed, scaled, and shared, making it particularly advantageous for digital artists and illustrators.\n\nI would suggest exploring both traditional and digital methods if feasible, as this will enable you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of what resonates most harmoniously with you." }, { "from": "human", "value": "how do I start with digital watercolor painting?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Here are some suggestions to start with watercolor painting:\n\n1. Select the appropriate tools: The requisites include a drawing tablet, stylus, painting software, and a computer that complies with the software's system requirements. Prominent options for painting software encompass Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and Procreate.\n\n2. Familiarize yourself with the software: Allocate time to acquaint yourself with the chosen painting software. Engage in tutorials, enroll in online courses, or peruse the documentation to commence your exploration.\n\n3. Opt for a brush and color palette: Tailor your selection of brushes and color palettes to harmonize with your artistic style and the envisioned painting. Consider experimenting with diverse brushes and color schemes to ascertain the optimal choices for your creative pursuits.\n\n4. Commence your painting endeavor: Utilize the digital pen to initiate the process of sketching your painting on the computer. Begin by outlining and delineating the fundamental contours and forms before delving into the intricate details or colors.\n5. Embrace practice and experimentation: Embrace the prospect of making mistakes and embrace the opportunities for experimenting with various techniques, thereby engendering diverse styles and effects.\n\nWith dedicated regular practice, your proficiencies in the realm of digital board painting shall progressively flourish." }, { "from": "human", "value": "You recommended three software: Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and Procreate. The first two are computer software, and the last is iPad software. I would like to know if Procreate is as powerful as the first two." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Procreate is a powerful painting software for the iPad. It offers a wide range of painting tools and features, including custom brushes, layers, color correction options, and more. However, Adobe Photoshop and Corel Painter are more robust professional-grade software that offers a wider range of features and capabilities that go beyond digital painting, like photo editing, graphic design, and more. \n\nWhile Procreate aims to be an all-in-one app for digital painting and drawing on the iPad, it may not offer some of the advanced features found in Photoshop or Corel Painter, like advanced color management, complex layer groupings, or sophisticated effects filters. \n\nThat said, Procreate is still a great option for artists who primarily want to focus on digital painting and drawing, and its user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to get started with digital artwork. Ultimately, the choice of software depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to use it." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How much does it cost to make a MOOC universally accessible, as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The cost of making a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) universally accessible in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of content the MOOC contains ( video / text / etc.). Meeting the Section 508* requirements for Web pages used in such a course is effectively without cost if one starts out to make such pages accessible. Retrofitting might cost as much as the original project, but the cost should be near zero for modern MOOCs.\n\n* Captioning and Transcripts: Closed (or open) captions are very expensive. Unless done at a foreign sweatshop, cost is $5.00 to $15.00 per minute, so something like $12,000 as a minimum, up over $35,000, for a one-semester course. In other words, the captioning can cost more than the professor. That's at least part of why some institutions employ ASL interpreters for class sections with deaf students. The $5-15 number given above could be reduced by using student labor, especially if the students are majors in the material being subtitled. In addition, captioning through voice recognition is getting much better, but still requires certain amount of manual editing. \n\n* Audio Descriptions: Making course materials available to the blind means being sure that everything that is shown is also described, either by the speaker who is presenting or in a manner that can be rendered through text-to-speech. The latter means being sure that there are good \"alt\" descriptions of images and that appropriate markup, e.g. MathML, is used for things like equations. In disciplines like computing, that isn't onerous, and the costs may disappear in the weeds of getting the course done. Things might be very different in a discipline like the visual arts.\n\n* Screen Reader Compatibility: Ensuring that the MOOC is compatible with screen readers and assistive technologies can involve additional development and testing efforts. This cost may vary depending on the complexity of the course platform and its current level of accessibility.\n\nIt is recommended to consult with accessibility experts, organizations specializing in accessible design, or accessibility consultants who can provide more accurate estimates based on the specific requirements of your MOOC. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation and provide cost estimates tailored to your project's needs." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If captioning costs $5-$15 per minute, how does it become effectively free if you start out with it in mind?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Sorry for causing any confusions. The issue at hand is not the cost of MOOCs themselves, but rather the cost associated with compliance and accessibility, particularly regarding adherence to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for web materials. When it comes to creating web pages, recording audio and video, and other related tasks, there are indeed expenses involved. Some of these costs pertain to the production of web content, while others are specifically tied to ensuring compliance. However, if one plans for compliance from the outset, the process can be achieved at little to no additional expense." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "In Harry Potter And The Order of The Phoenix, Voldemort attempts to kill Harry in the Ministry after Sirius's death. Dumbledore arrives just in time to save Harry, shielding him with the wizard's statue. \nWhy did he defend Harry there? He knew of him being a Horcrux after the attack on Arthur Weasley (on examining one of his instruments), and presumably knew he had to die at Riddle's hands.\nWhy did he postpone the inevitable? " }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's hard to give a definitive reason for a fictional character's motivations when they aren't explicitly described anywhere, but there are any number of reasons events may have unfolded as they did.\n\n1. Dumbledore wasn't Voldemort-- he wasn't cool with murdering innocent people or allowing innocent people to die through inaction (certainly not in this phase of his life). He also showed a strong commitment to his students' safety and wellbeing, even in the case of a student that he knew for a fact was actively trying to murder him. Killing someone because it would be convenient or helpful is not a Professor Dumbledore move.\n\n2. It's not clear how much information Dumbledore had on the Horcruxes at that point. It's easy for a reader to look back at the novels and determine that Harry was 100% fated to die at some point in the struggle against Voldemort, but that's not a great guide an in-universe character's knowledge and motivations.\n\n3. Dumbledore was actively resisting Voldemort in every way he could manage at the time, and in particular wanted Voldemort's return to become public knowledge. It's not impossible that he viewed Voldemort's attack as an opportunity to injure, weaken, or otherwise frustrate Voldemort's efforts. At a minimum his approach was enough to force Ministry officials to accept that Voldemort was back, but it's also reasonable to think that if Voldemort clearly wanted something to happen, Dumbledore didn't want it to happen.\n\n4. Voldemort was clever and dangerous, and one of the few things Dumbledore could be pretty sure he would do was hunt Harry. With Harry dead, Voldemort would become less predictable but no less dangerous.\n\n5. Destroying all of the Horcruxes was important to defeating Voldemort but destroying any one was not-- that was the very reason Voldemort created so many of them. His being one seventh less immortal isn't an obviously huge setback for him, and indeed he did not seem to even notice that some of the Horcruxes were destroyed.\n\n6. The difficulty around the Horcruxes was mostly in finding and gaining possession of them, because Voldemort had hidden them away and protected them. Harry himself, on the other hand, was generally pretty easy to find over the course of the novels. Even if Dumbledore felt that Harry would need to die, there wasn't any reason that this particular opportunity for him to do so was unique or rare." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I think there is one additional point: 7. Harry's willing sacrifice was an important part of his surviving the horcrux extraction. If he had died in book five (especially right after Siruis died) he would have almost certainly have stayed dead.\n" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The sacrifice probaly doesn't work for himself. It enabled him to protect everyone else he cared about from Voldemort but it doesnt protect themselves otherwise why did Lily die? If he had died at the Ministry he most likely could have chosen to come back as he did in the forest but becuase he didnt sacrifice himself willingly there no one else would have protection from Voldemort. The thing that protected himself from Voldemorts spells at the end was the fact he was the owner of the Elder Wand." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Is it mentioned somewhere that it was Elder Wand that saved him? I'd expect that Voldermort could cast Killing Curse wandless and asleep. How would weaker wand prevent him from successfully casting it? Could wand itself alter the curse (not weaken, alter specifically to target the horcrux)?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "This comes straight from the book:\n> Harry saw Voldemort's green jet meet his own spell, saw the **Elder Wand** fly high, dark against the sunrise, spinning across the enchanted ceiling like the head of Nagini, spinning through the air toward the **master it would not kill**, who had come to take full possession of it at last." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Three months ago, I submitted a manuscript to one of the most respected journals in my field. Today, I received comments from reviewers stating that my paper is not worth publishing in the journal. However, the editor decided to give it a major revision instead of outright rejection. Should I proceed to address all the questions posed by reviewers or should I just withdraw the paper and submit it elsewhere to save time?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Based on the description, I would advise you to sleep on it, suck it up, respond to the reviewers, revise the paper, and submit your revision to the journal.\nYes, reviewers can be absolutely, disgustingly, and unnecessarily rude and mean. Read their review, filter their non-technical rants, keep whatever helpful criticism you can extract from their comments, and address them nicely and respectfully. It may actually be that the techniques you used were adequate but you failed to point out why and how it would be unnecessary to use more expensive methods. Always assume that they are right. If they are mistaken, respectfully point out in your response why you are right and edit the original manuscript to make the issue clearer to future readers.\n\nFor instance, if the reviewer wrote:\n\n> The methods used in the paper are abysmal. The authors use an outdated and archaic method, which is also very uncertain, to measure the mass of the frogs, which is by weighting them on a scale. The atomic mass interferometer, which uses gravitational waves and is able to precisely infer mass with an uncertainty of one atomic mass unit per kilogram, is the state of the art in weighting.\n\nYou can write as a response:\n\n* The reviewer is absolutely correct that atomic mass interferometry (AMI) is the state of the art in weighting. However, we opted to use analytical scales to measure the mass of the frogs because the mass variations that we expected to measure are of at least 1 g, a quantity signficantly higher than the uncertainty of even the most rudimentary analytical scales. We do, however, agree, that the quantum mechanical analysis of the molecular buildup in neural entangled channels in during frog electrophoresis, which is suggested as an interesting prospective investigation, will benefit from the low uncertainty provided by AMI. In order to make it clear that the methods used in our study were adequate, we have modified the original manuscript to include the following sentence in the second paragraph of page 5: While there are more precise methods to infer mass, such as atomic mass interferometry, analytical scales offer accuracies that are compatible with the 1 g mass variations that were found in this study (see Table 3, for instance)." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Do reviewers that make those kinds of comments tend to accept papers after these kinds of revisions?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Reviewers don't accept papers, editors do. If you carefully address each of the reviewers' comments in a respectful and thorough manner, clearly explaining your choices and providing additional evidence or clarification where necessary, there is a chance that the revised paper will be accepted for publication. Reviewers often appreciate authors who are receptive to feedback and demonstrate a genuine effort to improve their work. However, there is no guarantee that the paper will be accepted even after major revisions." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I was wondering about why we call TV and computer displays \"screens\", and couldn't find any clear etymology for the term's use for displays.\nMy guess has to do with the hardware used in early displays. Perhaps the fields of tiny red, green, and blue cells looked like the screens used on windows and such, and the term stuck even as the hardware changed" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The idea of a screen as an upright device, ornamental or protective against e.g. wind, fire, etc., goes back to the 14th century and earlier. And the sense of a screen as something for the projection of images derives from the fact that it was originally often a screen which was used for displaying objects for exhibition, pictures, photographs etc. \n\nThe Oxford English Dictionary describes this meaning of screen in this way:\n\n> (b) Of images; e.g. a flat vertical surface prepared for the reception of images from a magic lantern or the like; spec. (i) a usually large white surface for receiving the image from a film projector; (ii) a small fluorescent screen, esp. one in a television set or a computer monitor; hence, the monitor itself; (iii) transf. (usually with def. article), moving pictures collectively; the cinema; the film world.\n\nThe earliest reference they have to a screen as something for the projection of images dates from 1810:\n\n> 1810 New Family Receipt-bk. 257: To make Transparent Screens for the Exhibition of the Phantasmagoria.\n\nApparently, people realise phantasmagoria was a form of image by magic lantern. So there we have it. This was the origin of TV screens." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Phantasmagoria performances included direct projection and rear (shadow) projection. What is still interesting to speculate is whether the choice of the word 'screen' in this case is because the image was projected onto something resembling a physical object already known as a 'screen' (the upright device etc, or because 'the screen' in the example of the phantasmagoria performance performed the function of screening (that is to say concealing) the mechanics of the creation of the performance that occurred 'behind the screen'. Either meaning, or each reinforcing the other?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "That is a very interesting thought - but the Oxford English Dictionary clearly sees it as the former - listed under (a): \n> (a) of objects; e.g. for exhibition; a frame for photographs resembling a folding screen. 1888 Lady 25 Oct. 374/3 Some of the most delightful panel screens for photographs I ever set eyes on.\n\nThough the Phantasmagoria reference, appearing under (b) predates by several decades those examples. Wikipedia has an interesting article on 18th century phantasmagoria - mentioning one exponent who did his work from *behind* whereas others did it in front of the screen." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "My wife and I have descended into the toddler years with our first. We have always been on the same page with each other whenever we correct bad behavior or instruct her on why a type of outburst is inappropriate. \nSo this begs the question, will she feel like we are always ganging up on her? If we are both constantly correcting and instructing in tandem, is that bad? Should one parent act as an advocate while the other is tough on the rules? Should there be a good cop and a bad cop?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Classic good-cop-bad-cop is definitely wrong with a toddler because it involves a lot of lying. The bad cop threatens to beat the suspect up or otherwise do something cops are not allowed to do. The bad cop steps out and the good cop says \"I'm on your side dude, but that guy is out of control and I don't know what he'll do next. Listen, if you just [....] I think I can get you out of this questioning session and maybe save your skin.\" Everything about this is a lie. The good cop isn't on the suspect's side, isn't trying to help the suspect, and knows full well the bad cop isn't ever going to hit, torture, or whatever the threat is. None of this is appropriate with your child.\n\nIt is advisory to give away any thoughts of an adversarial stance. You want your child to learn to be in control and not to tantrum. You want your child to comply with reasonable requests, whether that's putting on an item of clothing, helping to clean up, not hitting, or anything else. When your child can do those things, not only will you be happier but your child will too. You don't need to break their spirit, make them give up their resistance, force them to do what you want. You need to show them how to do the things everyone wants them to learn to do. Nobody is a bad cop in that. Nobody is a good cop. You can love your child while you're putting something out of their reach. You can smile and cuddle someone as part of letting them know they are not allowed to do a particular activity. You can be happy and cheerful while carrying a shoeless coatless child to the car (with their shoes and coat in your hands for later) and explaining there isn't time to play on the way now. \n\nWhatever these rules are, they should be the rules FOR everybody and BY everybody. If the toddler can't eat before dinner, nor can Daddy. If feet aren't allowed on the couch then that's the rule, not just \"if Mommy's looking.\" This kind of consistency isn't cruel or ganging up. You are showing your child the \"laws of physics\" of your home. This is how things go. Trying to understand mommy rules, daddy rules, sitter rules, grandparent rules - that's complicated! Remember, abiding by these rules isn't something mean or unfair, it's how life works in your house. And the toddler is trying to learn that. Make it as smooth as you can, and that includes being consistent, and not seeing the rules as mean." }, { "from": "human", "value": "I don't agree with this: \"Whatever these rules are, they should be the rules FOR everybody and BY everybody. If the toddler can't eat before dinner, nor can Daddy.\"\nChildren are children, not adults. They don't have the same rights and responsibilities as adults. If an adult tells a child they can't eat before dinner that doesn't mean the adult can't eat before dinner.\nChildren are not equals. Consistency of discipline is good. Trying to impose the same rules on children and adults is absurd." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It's neither wrong nor absurd. Sure, the rules can be different, but there must be an understandable, explainable reason for that (e.g. Daddy skipped lunch because of work). If the only reason you can give is \"because I say so and I can make you do what I want\" then you're basically teaching the child that might makes right and whoever has the power sets the rules. That's not something you want them to internalize. Obviously, this is probably beyond a toddler's understanding, but it's good to get into the habit early." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Well, I think it is perfectly reasonable to give \"because I say so\" as a reason to children. Adults do not need to explain themselves to children. If an adult says \"go to your room\" then the child should go to their room immediately. The child should not say \"why should I? you're not going to your room\". An instruction is an instruction, not a request." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "While it's true that children should follow instructions from adults without questioning them, it's also beneficial to provide reasoning whenever possible. Giving children a basic understanding of why certain rules or actions are in place helps them develop critical thinking skills and a sense of fairness. While adults don't need to explain themselves every time, encouraging dialogue and providing age-appropriate explanations can foster a positive learning environment for children. Ultimately, finding a balance between clear expectations and reasonable explanations can promote mutual respect and understanding between parents and children." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Temperature conversion:\n$$273 + \\text{degree Celsius} = \\text{Kelvin}$$\nActually why is that $273$? How does one come up with this?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One Celsius (or Kelvin) degree as a temperature difference was defined as 1/100 of the temperature difference between the freezing point of water and boiling point of water. These points are called 0 °C and 100 °C, respectively. The number 100 arose because we're used to numbers that are powers of ten because we use the base-ten system. The Celsius degree is \"one percent\" of the temperature difference.\n\nThere also exists the minimum temperature that one may achieve. In Kelvin degrees, it's sensible to call this minimum 0 K: that's a primary condition on the \"natural\" temperature scales such as the Kelvin scale. If one insists that one Kelvin degree is equally large as one Celsius degree as a unit of temperature difference, it just turns out that the melting point of ice has to be 273.15 K and the boiling point of water is 373.15 K. It's because the temperature difference between the boiling and freezing points is 2.7315 times smaller than the temperature difference between the minimum allowed temperature, the absolute zero, and the freezing point of water.\n\nThe value 2.7315 cannot be easily explained in simple words. It represents a specific characteristic related to water, a natural phenomenon that arises from the principles of quantum mechanics. To understand this value, extensive simulations are required to analyze the behavior of water molecules across a wide range of temperatures. Through experimental evidence, we have confirmed that this value accurately reflects the properties of water." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why people don't go to a logarithmic scale (kind of like decibels), at least for low temperatures. Then there would be no lower limit." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Exponential notation adequately handles temperatures that are sufficiently low. What is important is that temperature is just energy per degree of freedom and energy is additive, thus all nonlinear redefinitions of $T\\to f(T)$ would be unnatural. Also note that for the ideal gas, we have $pV=nRT$, so at a fixed pressure (or volume), the volume (or pressure) is proportional to $T$. We don't express pressures and volumes in terms of their logarithms, either, so it would be equally unnatural for the temperature.\n\nThe log scale is always a sort of \"policymaking issue\", making it easy for people to say simple numbers instead of powers of ten which are \"complicated constucts\" for most laymen. It's the only justification for decibels, pH, Richter scales, and other things: you just don't want the laymen to ever pronounce \"ten to the power of [a number]\", that's the only reason. But people achieved just a billionth of kelvin, that's the record, and those small numbers aren't extreme and one can express them in words like billionth without using \"ten to minus [a big power]\"." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "I am from Kenya. Can I travel to the Netherlands to seek asylum with out a visa, because I want to seek asylum? Will Kenya Airways allow me to board a plane with out a visa to Schiphol Airport, considering I have my passport?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The answer appears to be no: it is extremely unlikely that the airline will allow you to board. A Kenyan citizen who wishes to enter the Netherlands must have a visa, proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay, and documents necessary for entry to their next destination. What's more, airlines are required to give special scrutiny to passengers from Kenya:\n\n> Airlines flying from the following airports to the Netherlands:\n\nAbu Dhabi (AUH), Accra (ACC), Bahrain (BAH), Beijing Capital (PEK), Boryspil (KBP), Cairo (CAI), Damman (DMM), Dar Es Salaam (DAR), Dubai (DXB), Entebbe (EBB), Guangzhou (CAN), Hong Kong (HKG), Hamad (DOH), Istanbul Ataturk (IST), Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW), Johannesburg (JNB), Kigali (KGL), Kilimanjaro (JRO), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Kuwait (KWI), Lagos (LOS), Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO), Muscat (MCT), Nairobi (NB ), New Delhi (DEL), Sao Paulo (GRU), Singapore (SIN) and Teheran (IKA) must provide copies of travel documents of all passengers on these flights in case they do not hold proper travel documents upon arrival i the Netherlands and are inadmissible. Copies must include the data page of the passport/travel document, the page with the visa and the page with departure/clearance stamp, where applicable. Non-compliance with these entry regulations will result in fines up to EUR 11,250.– per passenger for the carrier.\n\nAs you can see from the last sentence, the airline will have a strong incentive to check your travel documents before you board the plane." }, { "from": "human", "value": "What is the source for the quoted material?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The source is from Timatic (Travel Information Manual Automatic), which is a database containing documentation requirements for passengers traveling internationally via air, e.g. passport and visa requirements. The answer above was based on the scenario of a Kenyan citizen traveling directly from Kenya, whose destination was the Netherlands and had proof of return/onward travel, was planning to stay for 5 days, and had approximately three years of validity remaining on their Kenyan passport." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Apparently, the air inside a soap bubble is under higher pressure than the surrounding air. This is for instance apparent in the sound bubbles make when they burst. Why is the pressure inside the bubble higher in the first place?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "The increased pressure is caused by the surface tension between the soap and the surrounding air. This can be seen by a simple equilibrium energy argument. The total energy of the system reads\n$$\n E = E_i + E_o + E_s \\;,\n$$\nwhere $E_i$ is the energy associated with the air inside the bubble, $E_s$ is the interfacial energy, and $E_o$ denotes the energy associated with the air outside of the bubble. Importantly, the contribution of the surface energy is given by $E_s = 2 \\gamma A$, where $\\gamma$ is the surface tension and $A$ is the surface area of the bubble. The factor of 2 emerges, since there are actually two interfaces (one facing the inside of the soap bubble and one facing the outside).\n\nIn equilibrium, the total energy will be minimal. We thus analyze the total differential of the energy. Here, the differentials of the partial energies of the air can be approximated by the ideal gas law, which yields $dE_i = -p_i dV_i$ and $dE_o = -p_o dV_o$.\n\nNext, we have to discuss the degrees of freedom of the system. Generally, the soap bubble wants to keep its spherical shape to minimize the surface area (and thus the surface energy $E_s$) at a given volume. This leaves us with a single parameter, the radius $R$ of the bubble, which can be varied in any process. The volume differentials then become $dV_1 = 4\\pi R^2 dR$ and $dV_2 = -4\\pi R^2 dR$. Additionally, the surface area changes by $dA = 8\\pi R dR$. The differential of the surface energy thus reads $dE_s = 2\\gamma 8\\pi R dR$, provided that the surface tension stays constant.\n\nNow we got everything and can express the differential of the total energy as\n$$\n dE = -p_i 4 \\pi R^2 dR + p_o 4\\pi R^2 dR + 2\\gamma 8\\pi R dR \\;.\n$$\nDividing by $4\\pi R^2$ and noting that $dE/dR$ vanishes in equilibrium, we thus arrive at\n$$\n p_i - p_o = \\frac{4\\gamma}{R} \\;.\n$$\nThis expression shows that the pressure inside the bubble is large than outside. The pressure difference is two times the Laplace pressure $2\\gamma/R$." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Can this be viewed intuitively from the perpective of the fact that in order for a bubble to form a higher-pressure must be applied to the air in front of the bubble; i.e. it must be blown into? Since this high-pressure air is the air that goes into the bubble, shouldn't this air be of this higher pressure for all time, rather like a balloon?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "It is true, that the ideas employed here are the same that would explain why the pressure inside a balloon is higher than outside. In order to inflate a balloon you want to blow extra air inside it. This is only possible when the pressure you create in your mouth is larger than the pressure in the interior of the balloon, since the air always flows from regions of large to small pressure in this example. Consequently, the fact that your have to blow quite a bit means that there is quite some pressure inside the balloon." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Resistance is due to collision with protons, and pretty much everything contains protons. So technically is everything a resistor? (Or at least, can anything be a resistor?)" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "First, regarding \"resistance is due to collision with protons\" in your question:\n\nActually, there are lots of materials which don't contain protons outside of atomic nuclei — e.g. steel, glass, oxygen — but all these do have resistance. Dominant factors determining resistance vary from material to material: these can be scattering of electrons/holes by motion of atomic nuclei (i.e. by phonons), by point-like defects in the crystals, etc.. Scattering by protons you mention is a very specific case of scattering by impurities (crystal defects).\n\nSecond, regarding \"technically is everything a Resistor?(or atleast, anything can be a Resistor?)\" in your question:\n\nYes, anything can be a resistor, in suitable conditions. One important property of a resistor is that it obeys Ohm's law. If you apply too high voltage to e.g. pure silicon, its conductivity will abruptly increase due to electrical breakdown. In this range of voltages the piece of material shouldn't be considered a resistor. Or if you take a piece of mercury, cool it down below 4.2 kelvins, its resistivity will become exactly zero (superconductivity), after which it can't be considered a resistor.\n\nSimilarly with other materials – in the right conditions they'll be good enough resistors, outside of these conditions they aren't." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Does this then also mean that everything is a conductor - just depending on environment and voltage?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Apply a voltage (doesn't have to be high), and elecrtricity will move through most materials. Admittedly very slowly through some, but still. For instance, PET (the plastic) will conduct about 10^28 times lower current than copper (given the same voltage, the same geometric shape of the conductor, and more or less room temperature). Of course, if you pass the breakdown voltage (high enough to make the material basically tear apart on an atomic scale, e.g. lightning through air) then that's a different story." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "How do I remove a Git submodule?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "In modern git, this has become quite a bit simpler:\n\n* Run `git rm `, and commit.\n\nThis removes the filetree at ``, and the submodule's entry in the `.gitmodules` file, i.e. all traces of the submodule in your repository proper are removed.\n\nHowever, the `.git` dir of the submodule is kept around (in the `modules/` directory of the main project's `.git` dir), to make it possible to checkout past commits without requiring fetching from another repository.\n\nIf you nonetheless want to remove this info, manually delete the submodule's directory in `.git/modules/`, and remove the submodule's entry in the file `.git/config`. These steps can be automated using the commands:\n\n* `rm -rf .git/modules/`, and\n* `git config --remove-section submodule.`." }, { "from": "human", "value": "Why can't I do `git submodule rm module_name`?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "One possible explanation is that the absence of a specific command is intentional. It could be aimed at avoiding accidental loss of data by making a clear distinction between removing submodule files and submodule configuration. For instance, if a command like git submodule rm were to exist and simply remove submodule registration, some users might be surprised to find that it also deletes the local repository, resulting in irretrievable loss of any local changes. On the other hand, some users might expect only the files associated with the submodule to be removed. By not having a dedicated command, it helps prevent misunderstandings and encourages users to handle submodule removal with caution and clarity." } ] }, { "conversations": [ { "from": "human", "value": "Why aren't python nested functions called closures?" }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "A closure occurs when a function has access to a local variable from an enclosing scope that has finished its execution. For example, \n\n```\ndef make_printer(msg):\n def printer():\n print(msg)\n return printer\nprinter = make_printer('Foo!')\nprinter()\n```\n\nWhen `make_printer` is called, a new frame is put on the stack with the compiled code for the `printer` function as a constant and the value of `msg` as a local. It then creates and returns the function. Because the function `printer` references the `msg` variable, it is kept alive after the `make_printer` function has returned.\nSo, if your nested functions don't\n\n* access variables that are local to enclosing scopes,\n* do so when they are executed outside of that scope,\n\nthen they are not closures.\n\nHere's an example of a nested function which is not a closure.\n```\ndef make_printer(msg):\n def printer(msg=msg):\n print(msg)\n return printer\nprinter = make_printer("Foo!")\nprinter() # Output: Foo!\n```\nHere, we are binding the value to the default value of a parameter. This occurs when the function `printer` is created and so no reference to the value of `msg` external to `printer` needs to be maintained after `make_printer` returns. `msg` is just a normal local variable of the function `printer` in this context." }, { "from": "human", "value": "If we are going to go by the strictest functional programming definitions, are your examples even functions? The point is moot, if you consider the return value to be None, but that is a whole other topic." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "Whether or not a blob of code is a closure depends on whether or not it closes over its environment, not what you call it. It could be a routine, function, procedure, method, block, subroutine, whatever. In Ruby, methods can't be closures, only blocks can. In Java, methods can't be closures, but classes can. That doesn't make them any less of a closure. Although the fact that they only close over *some* variables, and they cannot modify them, makes them next to useless. You could argue that a method is just a procedure closed over `self`. (In JavaScript/Python that's almost true.)" }, { "from": "human", "value": "Please define \"closes over\"." }, { "from": "gpt", "value": "\"closes over\" i.e. refers \"to a local variable [say, `i`] from an enclosing scope\". refers, i.e. can inspect (or change) `i`'s value, even if/when that scope \"has finished its execution\", i.e. the execution of a program has gone forth to other parts of the code. The block where `i` is defined is no more, yet function(s) referring to `i` still can do so. This is commonly described as \"closing over the variable `i`\". To not deal with the specific variables, it can be implemented as closing over the whole environment frame where that variable is defined." } ] } ]