Try to make a new dog sound enticing. Bring up the potential positive aspects of having a new dog. For example, you can talk about how a new dog could keep your current dog company. You could also talk about the potential benefits for the family. Have a new dog to train, walk, and play with will give everyone more exercise. You can also have more family time together, as you can take the dog on weekend hikes or attend obedience classes together. A lot of kids decide they want animals on a whim. Your parents may feel you have no thought this through on a practical level. Illustrating that you have will make you look responsible enough to handle a second dog, so tell your parents how you plan to care for the dog.  Talk about how you understand there will be extra work. For example, say, "I'll make sure to let the dog out and feed it." Bring up anything you learned while researching introducing a new dog into the home. For example, say, "We can introduce the dogs slowly. The new dog can stay in my room until Sparky gets used to having another dog here." Your parents may be hesitant to say, "Yes" if you come off as entitled. Showing a little gratitude can go a long way in terms of getting a "Yes" answer. Tell your parents how much you respect them when asking for a dog. For example, say something like, "I know how hard you two work and I really appreciate you getting me one dog. I know raising a kid and a dog is hard when you're both working full time." Do not interrupt when your parents are sharing their perspective. Remember, there are two sides to every story. Your parents may have good reasons to be hesitant to get another dog, so try to hear them out.  Let your parents speak. After you've stated your case, be quiet and allow your parents to contribute to the conversation. Try to empathize with your parents when they talk. Your parents work hard to make money, and want to spend it wisely. A new dog may be costly. It will also take a lot of time to introduce a new dog to the home. Your parents' time may be limited, so they may be hesitant to get a new dog. You need to accept this and try to come up with a solution to financial struggles.
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One-sentence summary -- Discuss the positives. Illustrate you understand the responsibility of a new dog. Show gratitude. Listen to your parents perspective.


During the second trimester (it’s not detectable in the first trimester), at roughly 16-18 weeks, spina bifida is typically detected via the MSAFP which measures something called alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).  Higher levels of AFP are a potential sign of an uncovered neural tube. Keep in mind that the MSAFP test is not 100% accurate, and further tests may be required. If your AFP levels are high, then your doctor will probably want to do an ultrasound. An ultrasound can provide images of an unborn baby’s spine and spinal cord, which may enable the doctor to diagnose spina bifida. During amniocentesis, the doctor extracts some amniotic sac fluid that protects the fetus.  Using the fluid, the doctor can screen for high levels of AFP.  The one downside to this test, however, is that it is not thorough enough to know the degree to which spina bifida has affected the baby. Scans that are postnatal, after the baby is born, are often the only way milder forms of spina bifida are discovered.  An x-ray, MRI, or CT scan examination can be performed.  This option is used primarily when the spina bifida symptoms are not clearly visible.
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One-sentence summary -- Get the maternal serum alpha fetoprotein (MSAFP) test. Have an ultrasound. Request an amniocentesis. Ask for an internal scan for spina bifida.


In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheeses, chives, eggs, cream, and pepper. Pour the mixture into the center of the pie shell, and then arrange the asparagus on top of the filling. Drizzle the asparagus with oil and bake the tart for 25 minutes in an oven that’s been preheated to 400 °F (204 °C). Serve the tart at brunch with fruit or a light side salad.
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One-sentence summary -- Bake an asparagus tart.


It's a series of curving lines in the top-right side of the menu bar. Clicking it will invoke a drop-down menu. If you assigned a name to your router when setting it up, the name will appear here; otherwise, look for your router's brand and/or model number. For example, you might see "Cisco" and a series of numbers and letters for a Cisco router. You'll do so in the text field to the right of the "Password" heading.  If you didn't add a password to your network when setting up the router, the password (called a "Security Key") is on the back or bottom of the router unit. You can also check the "Remember this network" box to sign into this network automatically whenever you're in range. As long as your password is correct, this will connect your Mac to the wireless router.
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One-sentence summary --
Click the Wi-Fi icon. Click your router's network name. Enter the password. Click OK.