INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You'll need tiles in two different colors. These should be 2x2" (or multiples of 2, such as 2x4" or 2x6"). You can buy these in sheets that you split up or you can buy them individually. Look for sample sheets or sale tiles to save money. You'll also need 1x2 lumber, 1/4" plywood, and glue. If you can only get 2x4" or 2x6" tiles, you'll also need a saw that can handle masonry. Talk to your local hardware store for advice. You'll need to cut a roughly 19x19" base from the 1/4" plywood. The size will depend on whether you are grouting your tiles or not. If your tiles are not already 2x2" square, then you'll want to cut them using an appropriate saw. If they are square but are apart of a sheet, you'll need to use a utility knife to cut them free. Measure and mark for the location of the squares on your base. Then, use grout or glue to secure the tiles to the wood. Let this set completely before continuing. Using a miter saw or miter box, cut and miter your frame (picture frame style) to fit around your tiles. You'll need to adjust the size, depending on whether or not you're using grout, but assuming that you are not then the inside measurement for the frame will need to be 16" and the outside will need to be 19". Paint or stain your frame, or finish it however you want to. Sanding first might help get a better look, depending on the wood you bought. Glue and then place your frame around the tiles. You can add any finishing touches that you want, like attaching shoe molding around the outer rim, in order to get a more finished look. Otherwise, enjoy your new chess board!

SUMMARY: Get your materials. Cut your base. Cut the tiles. Place the tiles. Cut your frame. Paint your frame. Place your frame. Add finishing touches.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Cats have a hard time absorbing protein derived from plants.  Check your cat food’s nutrition label to ensure it contains meat.  You could also add a small amount of cooked chicken, tuna, or baby foods which contain meat to your cat’s diet.  Try warming your cat’s food slightly before serving to bring out the flavor for your cat. Give fish only occasionally, as health problems are associated with cats that consume large amounts of fish. From the time cats are six months old through the time they grow to maturity, most cats need to be fed twice each day.  After a cat reaches one year old, you can reduce the amount of food the cat is eating.  You may need to make adjustments to your cat’s food if he starts to become overweight. However, check with your veterinarian before making any drastic changes. Feeding your cat just once each day is often acceptable for adult cats.  Most cats like to graze, so if you put the required amount of food in your cat’s bowl, then he can snack on it throughout the day. Fill your cat’s water bowl up each day.  Place the water bowl next to the food bowl so your cat can eat and drink at the same time.  While cats get most of their water from their food, they will drink water to help digestion.  At the start of each day, dump the old water out and fill it with new water. Taurine is an important part of keeping your cat’s eyes healthy.  A taurine-deficient diet can lead to death or blindness in cats.  Most cat foods are fortified with taurine, but if they are not, obtain supplemental taurine and use as directed to ensure your cat is taking in enough taurine. Dry cat foods tend to be high in carbs, which can lead to diabetes and obesity.  Wet cat foods tend to be higher in lean protein which keeps your cat healthy.  In addition, wet cat foods will keep your cat better hydrated than dry foods. Do not feed your cat dog food.

SUMMARY: Provide animal-based protein for your cat. Feed younger cats more than older cats. Provide fresh water for your cat. Check your cat food for taurine content. Don’t feed your cat a lot of dry food.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You can make your own echinacea tea or buy it at your local health food store. Echinacea has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help to fight off the symptoms of walking pneumonia. Make your own echinacea tea by steeping 1 teaspoon of the dried herb in one cup of boil water for five to ten minutes.  You can also make your own elderberry tea or buy elderberry tea at your local health food store. Elderberry can help to treat respiratory infections and is often popular with kids.  It should be noted however that Elderberries do not have sufficient scientific support and that the latest scientific review concluded that more research is needed in order to recommend it to patients Garlic has powerful antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties that can fight against walking pneumonia. Mince 1 teaspoon garlic and add it to a cup of boiling water to steep. You can also add garlic to your chicken soup or other easy to digest foods you eat while sick. Ginger can help to settle an upset stomach and also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. You can make your own ginger tea by steeping chopped ginger in hot water or buy ginger tea at your local health food store. Ginger tea is safe for consumption by pregnant women and children. Inhaling boiled herbs can help to clean out your lungs and throat of the virus.  Start by boiling two inches of water in a pot over the stove and then turn off the heat. Add ½ teaspoon of thyme, oregano, and one to two drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Use a towel to cover your head and hover 12 – 15 inches away from the steam. Make a tent over your head with the towel and inhale the steam through your mouth and nose. Load up on minerals and vitamins by taking supplements like vitamin C.  You can also take zinc supplements. Only take the recommended amount on the label, as zinc can be toxic in high amounts. Consider taking selenium supplements, an essential mineral that can help with antioxidant reactions. Some people lack selenium due to the soil that is selenium deficient in their area. Only take up to 100 mcg/day of selenium. Take probiotic supplement as antibiotics destroy your healthy gut flora.

SUMMARY: Have echinacea tea or elderberry tea. Eat more garlic. Consume more ginger. Do an herbal steam treatment. Take vitamin supplements.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Wearing tight shoes and/or socks is a common cause of ingrown toenails. If your shoes are too narrow, try to find some wide shoes in your size or opt for open-toed shoes when possible.  High-heeled shoes may also cause ingrown toenails, so wear flats or low-heeled shoes as much as possible. Stick to plain white, cotton socks. Dyes from the fabric of colored socks may irritate an ingrown nail. If you can go without socks and wear sandals instead, then that may help your ingrown nail to heal even faster. Cutting your toenails in a curved fashion may increase your chances of developing an ingrown toenail. To eliminate this risk factor, cut your toenails in a straight line and do not cut them too short. Repeated stubbing your toe or kicking a ball can lead to ingrown toenails as well. If you think that your ingrown toenails may be due to participation in sports or frequently stubbing your toes, then try getting some protective footwear. Reinforced or steel toe shoes may help to protect your toes from injury. Keeping your feet clean and dry may not prevent an ingrown toenail, but checking your feet often and taking good care of them may help you to detect ingrown toenails before they get out of control. Wash your feet daily and put on a new pair of clean dry socks every day.  Check your feet if you notice any pain or redness in your toes. If you notice that one of your toenails seems to be growing inwards, then take steps to prevent it from progressing. If you have diabetes, then you need to check your feet every day. If you cannot do it yourself, the you will need to ask someone to do it for you.

SUMMARY:
Wear shoes and socks that fit well. Cut your toenails straight across the top. Protect your feet during sports or activities that may injure your toes. Keep your feet clean and dry.