Problem: Article: A conversation shouldn't be a struggle to see who gets to talk about themselves, or does the most talking. Think of it this way:  when you were a kid, you took turns on toys or games. A conversation is the same thing. If it's your friend's turn, let him talk. You'll have your turn, since a conversation is a two-way-street, but allow your friend equal time to talk about himself, giving him your full attention.  Don't approach it as if trying to convince the person that your idea or way of seeing/doing things is right. Instead, try to learn and grow from what he's saying. Don't manipulate the conversation to serve your own agenda and steamroll your counterpart. Consider this approach:  you're on the same team, trying to find an answer. Conversations like sports are more fun when you're interacting with each other, rather than against each other. There's an old saying, "you can't learn anything new if you're talking." You already know your perspective. To broaden, change, or confirm that point of view, you must let others state theirs.  For example, when discussing dinner, you might say:  "I prefer ordering tapas to entrees, because I get to taste a variety of the chef's offerings. Which do you prefer?" (Then, let them respond.) "That's interesting; why do you think that is?" Obviously your responses would depend on what the person says, but you can continue to probe her reasoning, so that you get a thorough understanding of why she thinks, feels, or believes what she does. You can't talk about yourself if you're asking well-thought-out questions. It requires the other person to be the focal point. This takes “look for what you can learn, not say,” to an entirely new level.   Not only does this keep your conversation partner as the focal point, it allows him to delve more deeply into his knowledge/feelings/beliefs which, in turn, strengthen the connection. Be in the moment, listening, when he answers your question. Invariably, this will lead to a mindset allowing further questions, resulting in a very positive experience for all involved. This may sound like the exact opposite of what you're trying to learn, but there's a difference between talking about yourself and your world view.  Try stating your opinion, such as "I see the two-party system as limiting our choices and narrowing the potential for alternative voices and points of view in our political system." Then follow this with something like:  "How do you see this working in our government?" Once you've put your unique point of view out there, use what you've learned in your conversation thus far to get your conversation partner to expound on his viewpoint. Then probe his point of view with questions geared to learn more. This is how to converse about ideas on a higher level.
Summary: Practice cooperation instead of competition. Look for what you can learn. Ask probing questions. Show how the world looks through your eyes.

Problem: Article: Using your home wiring as an antenna requires plugging a coaxial cable into a wall outlet using an adapter. A coaxial cable transmits radio frequencies into a TV or radio antenna port. The adapter prevents an electrical signal from traveling through the cable and overloading your TV. To start, take a tape measure and see how far your TV or radio is from the nearest outlet. That way, you can buy a cable that’s long enough. The coaxial cable should plug into the antenna jack on your TV or radio, so measure from this point. It is usually on the back of the device. Both devices have to work in tandem to pick up radio signals from your home wiring. These items are sold at electronics stores or on the internet.  Coaxial cables come in many sizes. Use the measurements you took to buy the correct length. Plug-in wall adapters are not very popular, so you’ll probably have to order one off the internet. Make sure any electrical equipment you use is UL-approved. The UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is an organization that tests electrical equipment for safety and performance. Many businesses refuse to use products that aren’t UL-approved. Look on packaging for a UL stamp of approval, or search the UL website for the product. The back of your TV or radio should have a port for the coaxial cable. This is where the cable transmits radio frequencies into. It may be labeled a few different ways, like “Antenna,” “ANT In,” or “ANT/CABLE.” Find this port and screw the coaxial cable into it by turning it clockwise.
Summary: Measure the distance from your TV or radio to the nearest wall outlet. Buy a coaxial cable and a plug-in antenna wall adapter. Screw the coaxial cable into your TV or radio antenna port.

Problem: Article: The best place to give your partner a romantic massage is on the floor, as a bed can be too springy.  Lay a duvet or a soft blanket on the floor. You can also have your partner sit in a chair, a la the massage scene between Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in the film Ghost.  Keep some small pillows close by to ensure your partner is lying comfortably during the massage. If you have access to an indoor fire, get it going to warm up the room. Look for music you know your partner would enjoy or music you find soothing and calming. The most popular massage oil is sweet almond oil as it glides easily on the skin, doesn’t get absorbed too quickly and is thin and light. Other oils like olive oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil also work well for a massage. Each of these different oils offer unique therapeutic benefits that can enhance and improve the effects of a certain type of body massage.  To warm up the oil, pour the oil into a metal container and place it in a pot of water on the stove. Turn the stove to low heat and let the oil warm up.  You can also rub the massage oil between your hands right before the massage to warm up the oil. Always check the temperature of the oil to ensure it is not too hot before you use it for the massage. You don’t want to burn your partner’s skin and turn a sensual experience into a painful one!
Summary: Choose a room with enough space to move around in and that can fit both of you. Light some candles and put on some relaxing music. Warm up the massage oil.

Problem: Article: Before you begin your foray into home brewing, get a notebook, and note down everything you do—the cleaning process, what strain of yeast, the amount and specific type of malt, what variety of hops, and any specialty grains or other ingredients used to produce your beer. This will allow you to reproduce any given brew, or provide a basis for experimentation and improvement.
Summary:
Take notes.