Q: Use a narrow cup or glass for mixing. Pour in a 1/2 cup of baking soda. Add a 1/4 cup of salt. Stir until they are evenly mixed. Remove the stopper from the drain if there is one. Then pour the contents down the drain. Heat 1 cup of vinegar in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once it reaches simmering, pour it directly down the drain. Cover the drain immediately with a stopper, plug, or even the bottom of the cup or glass you used for mixing, because the baking soda will cause the vinegar to froth and bubble. Contain the reaction within the drain as much as possible for best results. Wait 15 minutes so the clog can absorb the mixture as much as possible. For tougher clogs, wait 30 minutes. In the meantime, boil 2 cups of water. Once the clog has had time to soak, remove the drain cover and pour the boiling water down the drain to rinse, followed by hot tap water.
A: Pour dry ingredients down the drain. Add warm vinegar. Rinse the drain with boiling water.

Q: If you want to stay home but avoid a trip to the doctor, you have to choose a sickness that's not too severe. You'll have to feign an illness that can only be cured by staying at home and avoiding any hard work, (like going to school)!   A stomach virus is a good choice because it leaves you unable to go to class but isn't necessarily severe enough to call for medical attention. The most awful symptoms of a stomach virus include diarrhea, vomiting and cramps.  A fever also works because it makes a good excuse to stay home but usually just requires a little rest and relaxation. Fever signs and symptoms might include sweating, shivering, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, dehydration and general weakness. People don't generally get sick all of a sudden, so you'll have to begin feeling bad the day before you want to stay home and let your guardians know about it. Tell your guardians that you're not feeling your best. You can do this by saying some key phrases like:  "My head hurts.” "I ate something funny at lunch today." "A lot of my classmates have been out sick lately, I hope I didn't catch anything!" If you want to stay home without going to the doctor, you have to convey that you're sick but not sick enough to need medical care.  Avoid suddenly showing all of your symptoms at once. Pretending to vomit may make your guardians concerned enough to bring you to the doctor, so it's best to stick to feigning the other two symptoms.   Avoid showing only the symptoms that you know your guardians usually treat with medication, like a headache.
A: Pick the right ailment. Complain about the ailment. Don't overly stress your performance!

Q: The most important step in the process of tapping a tree for maple is finding just the right tree. Look for a maple tree that is at least 12 inches in diameter and has a lot of direct sunlight.  Maple trees that give the most sap are of the sugar or black variety. Red and silver maple trees will also provide sap, but not as much as the other two species. One overlooked tree for sugary sap is the Black Walnut. Avoid unhealthy trees that have been damaged in the past. They will not provide as much sap as a big, strong, healthy tree. You can tap a single tree multiple times if it is large and healthy enough. For a tree 12-20 inches in diameter, a single tap is all that can be used. For a tree 21-27 inches wide, you can use up to two taps. A tree can have three taps if it is wider than 28 inches across.  Trees with a larger crown - all the branches and leaves - typically give more sap than trees with a smaller crown.
A: Find a maple tree.

Q: Argumentative people will often argue out of a desire to see an emotional response from their opponent. Don't show if the interaction is making you upset or angry. Smile. Show your antagonist you aren't going to let an argument bring you down. Sometimes that's all an angry, argumentative person is looking to do. Instead of trying to convince an argumentative person to see things your way, ask them questions to explain their viewpoint. Often this can help you get to root of the argument. For example you can ask "What is your reasoning behind that idea?" Aside from not having to justify your own position to your opponent, you are allowing them an opportunity to vent and feel their voice is heard. Many times this will be enough to calm an argumentative person, even if it doesn't resolve the disagreement. If you feel a situation is not going to be resolved in a positive manner, just step away from it. You can always pick up the topic again at a later time when you feel it can be discussed in a reasonable manner.
A:
Stay calm. Ask questions. Know when to walk away.