INPUT ARTICLE: Article: A step-down transformer is a small electrical device that has wires with differing numbers of coils to lower the voltage from a supply to the output. For a simple converter circuit, look for a transformer that’s rated for at least 13 V so you can drop the input power lower. Place the transformer on a piece of perfboard, which has a grid of holes drilled into it and is used for prototyping circuits. Connect the transformer to the perfboard using nuts and bolts to secure it in place.  You can buy transformers and perfboard from an electronics supply store or online. If you want to raise the voltage, then you can use a step-up transformer instead. Diodes allow electricity to go through them in 1 direction, but they block the current from going the other way. Place the first diode at a 45-degree angle so the positive end points away from you and to the left. Place another diode next to the first one so they form a corner and the negative end points at a 45-degree angle to the right. Form the top of the diamond so the diode on the left has the negative side pointing up and the diode on the right has the positive side pointing up.  The diamond pattern of the diodes is known as a bridge rectifier and allows the circuit to transfer the positive and negative outputs of the AC signal. You can buy diodes from an electronics supply store or online. Make sure the diodes are pointing in the right directions or else the current won’t be able to flow through them. You can use hot glue to secure the diodes to the perfboard if you want, but it’s not required. Choose copper wires with differently colored insulation for the lines that the DC signal runs through. Wrap the end of 1 wire around the left corner of the diamond so it goes around both of the diode leads. Then attach the second wire to the diode leads at the right corner of the rectifier so it’s secure. Guide the wires toward the right side of the perfboard so they’re away from the transformer.The leads connected to the left and right carry the DC signal away from the rectifier. Turn your multimeter so the dial points at the “DCV” or “V–” option. Plug the leads into your multimeter and hold the pins against the positive and negative sides of the capacitor filter. The reading on the display will be the DC voltage converted from the original AC supply.You can also attach a DC-powered lightbulb to the wires on your capacitor filter to see if it lights up. If the light stays on consistently, then the converter worked.

SUMMARY: Attach a step-down transformer to the left side of a perfboard. Arrange 4 diodes in a diamond shape to the right of the transformer. Wrap wires around the left and right of the diamond. Use a multimeter to check the DC voltage on the wires.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: There are two types of cat harness: the Figure Eight and the H-harness. The main difference between the two is that the Figure Eight features just two loops that meet on top of the cat's shoulders, while the H-harness has a short strap that lies between the shoulder blades with the loops sewn onto either end. There is no right answer to which type of harness is best. Some owners report the Figure Eight harness is harder to wriggle out of. Indeed, the fit of the Figure Eight harness is much more snug, which could account for why it seems more secure on some cats. Harnesses usually come in different sizes, such as small, medium, or large. These sizes are typically based on the measurement around the chest, usually 12, 14, 16, or 18 inches.  Most harnesses have adjustable loops but they are not designed so that a small harness can fit a big cat. Rather, these are designed for ease of comfort and to get the harness to fit snugly. To find your cat's chest size use a tape measure and place it immediately behind the cat's front legs. Measure around their chest in a full circle, taking care that the tape is not twisted. Apply gentle pressure so the tape fits snugly but is not digging into the cat. Take this measurement and add 2 or 3 inches - this figure now gives you the size of harness you should buy. Cat harnesses are available at most pet stores and they come in a variety of colors and materials. If you have a specific model in mind, however, it may be easiest to buy the harness online. Remember that sizes may vary between brands, so a Large in one brand of harness may not fit the same as a Large in another brand.
Summary: Pick a type of cat harness. Figure out what size harness your cat will need. Buy a harness for your cat.

You probably wouldn't want to use the same prank on an 18-year-old as you would on a 7-year-old. Try to find a prank that will be appropriate for their age. You can get them into trouble with your parents, or simply prank them. It’s generally best to leave your parents out of it unless it’s a really serious situation. You might as well get your revenge in a fun way through a prank. Make sure it isn't a predictable prank. There are so many great pranks out there, there’s no reason to fall back on one that's boring. Pranks have all sorts of levels of intensity so choose one based on how much revenge you're looking for. If you know good pranks, write them in a notebook and keep it in a place no one would look such as in your desk, under a pillow, or in a box. Keep your ideas secret until you decide to act.
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One-sentence summary -- Decide your revenge depending on the sibling's age. Choose how you want to get revenge. Choose your prank.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The mental stimulation from reading can help improve thinking skills and memory. Reading improves your brain's mental flexibility, an important part of memory retention, by stimulating your entire mind and keeping every part of your brain active.  You don't need to read an entire book a day. At least 15-20 minutes of continuous reading can give you the mental benefits you need to be more intelligent. Listening to audio books is a convenient way to read every day. Reading more fiction will help you become better able to empathize with other people and view the world from their perspective, because novels and short stories encourage you to understand the motivations and points of view of multiple characters. The ability to understand other people requires a high degree of emotional intelligence, and fiction is an easy way to improve yours. Fiction also improves your cognitive flexibility by mentally placing you in different situations and settings, allowing you to imagine how you would respond. Reading the news keeps you informed and a steady diet of national, local, and international news will make you smarter, sharper, and more intelligent. Whether it's a traditional newspaper or a news app on your smartphone or tablet, aim to read at least the latest headlines for the day.  Don't neglect your local news– it's just as important to stay informed about what's going on in your community as it is to learn about what's going on in the broader world. Talk radio is a convenient way to absorb the day's news.

SUMMARY:
Read a little bit every day to improve cognitive function. Read more fiction to become more emotionally intelligent. Read the news every day to stay current on what is going on in the world.