INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Use a tape measure, yardstick, or meter stick to measure the length and width of your room. Also account for the dimensions of any alcoves or other recessed spaces in the room. You can use formal grid paper, but you can also sketch it out on notebook paper or plain printer paper. Determine how much space you can spare for furniture and sketch out a few different ways that furniture can fit into the room. You should also factor in at least one yard (1 meter) of free space in between pieces of furniture. Anything smaller than that will make you feel as though you have to squeeze in between your furniture as you walk. Measure how wide your doorways are to prevent potential delivery mishaps. You do not want to purchase a piece of furniture only to discover that you cannot get it into your house. After determining how much space you can spare for furniture and where you want potential pieces to go, mark those spaces on the floor to get a better visual. Use painter's tape or spread out sheets of newspaper. If your living room will act as a daily family hangout, you will need sturdy, stain-resistant furniture, especially if your kids are still young. On the other hand, if your living room will only entertain the occasional guest, you can opt for more fragile pieces made with delicate fabrics. Some rooms contain built-in design elements that may help you determine the type of furniture that will look best inside the room. For instance, if you have a rustic fireplace, cabin décor may be a better option than stark modern furniture. Modern furniture may be the best option for a living room of an apartment with a view overlooking the city, however.

SUMMARY: Take measurements. Create a floor plan. Check your doorways. Stage your living room. Think about how the room will be used. Note the room's natural architecture.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: If you don't have the program, you can download a trial version for free. Click "Design sets" and find the format of business card you like.  All business cards are in the far left column. Make sure you have a company logo on your computer and paste it in the appropriate area (the area will vary depending on the format of the card). You can get packs of card paper at your local office supplies store. Cut out your newly made business cards with scissors or a paper cutter if you have access to one.
Summary: Go into Microsoft Office Publisher. Choose a design. Fill out the proper information on the business card. Print as many copies as necessary on card paper. Cut the cards. Enjoy your cheap business cards!

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You and your dad might be fighting because you both choose bad times to have serious discussions.  Avoid hitting him with heavy topics as soon as he gets in from work, as he may want some downtime.  Opt instead for right after dinner when he is not busy or on the weekend. If he wants to talk to you about something when you are stressed, ask him politely if you can talk in a few minutes instead.  Use those few minutes to do something that relaxes you, like taking a shower. Parents appreciate when their kids show signs of maturity like confidence and directness.  Let your dad know from the get-go what you need from him.  Say “Dad, I want to talk to you about something.  I just want you to listen for right now.  I don’t want advice, I just want someone to talk to.” You can also say “There is a field trip coming up with school and it’s overnight.  Can I talk to you about that?  I would really like to go. Please hear me out before you respond.” Sometimes, you may not need to make a request of your dad, but instead confess something you did wrong or something that’s been bothering you. In these cases, approach him with calmness and humility and with possible solutions. For instance, if you have recently gotten a speeding ticket, say “Dad, I did something bad today and I need to let you know.  I was speeding on the way home and got a ticket.  But I already talked to my supervisor and he said I can pick up extra shifts every weekend this month to pay for it.” Mention to your dad that it bothers you when the two of you fight.  Admit the part that you play in the fighting but also ask him what he needs from you.  He might be stressed at work only to come home and find the dishes piled high and you playing video games.  See if he needs more help at home or more respect in general.  You can say “Dad, we’ve been fighting a lot lately and it really upsets me.  I was wondering if there’s anything that I can do to prevent this or anything that you need from me?” Let him know what you need from him, too.  Say “Dad, I really want our relationship to improve.  It’s hard for me to come to you sometimes because I know you’ll yell at me.  Do you think that you could do that less?” You might feel that your dad is very unfair or even cruel to you.  Remember that though you cannot control your father, you can control yourself.  Even if he yells at you, don’t yell back.  Don’t walk away, interrupt him, or yell.  If you have done something wrong, apologize.  If not, simply sit calmly until the fight is over.  Breathe deeply during this process, in through your nose and out through your mouth. It’s okay to show your emotions, but don’t let them consume you or cause you to do things you’ll regret. Once your father has decided something, honor that.  If you do so, he will likely be more likely to trust you in the future.  Do try to find ways to compromise, but know that it is his decision in the end.  For example, you could say, "I really want to go to the party, but I will respect your decision." You could bargain and ask if he would be willing to let you stay out an hour later on Friday night if you wash his car and mow the lawn. If your father ever tells you to do something that is harmful or illegal, tell someone.  Find an adult you trust like a teacher so that they can get you help. In most cases, fathers are only doing what they think is best for their children.  When your father makes a decision that you don’t agree with, consider his point of view.  Even if you don’t think he is right, it will help you to be able to understand.  For instance, your dad might have you on a 10PM curfew, while your friends are allowed to stay out later.  Your dad might be concerned about drunk drivers, drugs, or he may not trust your friends. You could say, "Could you explain your thinking about this so I can better understand and accept your decision?” It may help you find resolution with the issue. Then you might get on a bit better.

SUMMARY:
Choose a good time to talk. Communicate what you need. Defuse potentially difficult conversations. Ask him what you can improve on. Remain calm. Respect his decision. Understand his perspective.