If you have tried plunging and snaking to no avail, consider using a wet/dry vacuum. Do not use an ordinary vacuum cleaner––it must be the wet/dry variety that can cope with water. The bowl must be free of water and any other debris in order to vacuum out the obstruction. Push it into the toilet bowl a few inches into the hole. Use just the flexible hose, rather than an attachment. Coil an old towel around the hole to create a seal around the drain. Use one hand to put pressure on the towels to create a good seal. Wait a moment or two for the vacuum to work. There's a good chance the vacuum can suck out the clog.

Summary: Buy or borrow a wet/dry vacuum. Empty the water out of the bowl using the vacuum. Place the end of the vacuum hose into the drain. Turn on the vacuum.


As with most jobs these days, academic lecturer positions are posted online on university or college websites and the websites of higher education organizations. Search specific university websites, as well as the websites of organizations focusing on higher education jobs in the UK.  There are also specialty websites that post jobs in specific academic disciplines. It may be that you will hear about jobs from colleagues and supervisors as well. For instance, if you are in a PhD program you may hear about an upcoming job from a professor in your department or from other students in your program. You should be willing to go to a variety of locations if you want to be a university lecturer. Limiting your job search by location is not a good idea. With the limited job openings there are, going where the jobs are is important. A CV, which is short for "curriculum vitae," is basically an academic resume. It lists all of your experiences in academia and the skills you have developed there. It should be done in a clear and concise format that highlights your experience and unique attributes.  One of the benefits of using a CV is that is doesn't need to be changed for each position you are applying for, since it is a thorough list of all of your work and education. At minimum, your CV should include sections for education, teaching experience, publications, and university service, as well as references. You should find out as much as you can about the school you are hoping to teach at. This includes their overall philosophy, their financial situation, and their plans for the future.  This information is usually available online. Look for general university or college information, information about the specific department you are hoping to join, and about the faculty already in that department. An academic job application will usually include a cover letter, statement of teaching philosophy, one of your publications, and other documents, in addition to your CV. When completing a job application for a lecturer position, you need to make sure to do some research about the university and its courses before you apply. You also need to read the job ad very carefully so you know exactly what they want. With the information you get in your research you can tailor your application to the needs of the institution.  Most job applications are done online these days. There is usually a link connected to the job posting where you will turn in all of your application components. When turning in electronic documents for a job application, make sure the documents are in a format that will not allow them to be changed depending on what application is used to view them. For instance, a PDF document is in a permanent form that will not be altered by the PDF viewer that is used to view it.

Summary: Look for job postings. Create a CV. Do research about the school. Complete and turn in an application.


Get some pointers from the source: your boyfriend. Candidly ask him how you can be a better partner.  You might say something like, "Hey, I want to be a better partner to you. Do you have any suggestions on how I can do that?" Take notes on what he says and try to make changes as needed. Make changes that are realistic for you— you can't become a completely different person, though. Every partner wants someone to hear them out, so practice  actively listening when your boyfriend talks. Focus on his words completely rather than thinking of how you'll reply.  Let him finish what he's saying and then try to paraphrase what he said in another way. Improving your listening skills is in itself a solution for being a better partner. But good listening also helps you to hear it when he communicates how he wants to be treated. You're hard-wired to think of yourself first, but take out the time to think about how your boyfriend feels in certain situations. Try to stand in his shoes for a moment. Doing so can help you understand him better and intuit an appropriate response.  For example, if your boyfriend is upset about a bad grade on a test, imagine how you would feel in his situation. What would you want from him if you were in the same place? Great partners are considerate, which comes down to  practicing empathy. Being together 24/7/365 is just not realistic or healthy for modern relationships. Allow your boyfriend to take time for himself (and vice versa).  Figure out how you'll give and take space ahead of time, so neither partner feels hurt by the need to disconnect. Saying something like, “I need a moment" or “Can l get lost in my thoughts for a while?” should do the trick. In addition to taking space in the moment, you should also establish a routine of taking time apart to pursue your separate interests or hang with your individual friends and families. Don't feel bad about spending time apart. Healthy relationships always involve some separation. Free yourself up to have a little extra to give to your boyfriend by practicing  self-care.  Eat healthy,  exercise, get plenty of rest, and schedule in “me time” each week. When you take good care of yourself, you are in a better position to improve yourself as a partner.

Summary: Ask your boyfriend for suggestions. Be an active listener. Consider his feelings. Establish a pattern for giving and taking space. Take care of yourself.


Check with your local recycling center to see what materials they recycle.
Summary: Don't forget to recycle your cardboard, plastic, paper, newspapers, and glass. Subscribe to online newspapers and eBooks.