INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Move the tree gently side to side and be sure the root ball moves with the trunk as you do this. The base of the trunk should not move around inside the root ball, which is indicative of damaged roots. If this is the case, you should not attempt to plant your tree because it is unlikely to survive. Buy your living Christmas tree as close to Christmas as possible, and plant as soon as possible afterwards. The longer your tree stays inside, the more it’s exposed to drying conditions that will weaken it. 7-10 days is about as long as you should keep your tree inside. Near a window is best so it can still receive light and cool air, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Avoid putting it near a heating vent, fireplace, or stove. Daily watering is necessary to keeping your tree healthy. Try putting ice cubes on top of the root ball daily to achieve a more gradual and steady watering as they melt. Allow your tree to acclimate back to the cold after spending 1-2 weeks inside your warm home. Place it outside, in a cool sheltered spot like a front or back porch and leave it there for about a week. Continue watering it daily during this time. Research the type of tree you have and its growth potential. Make sure it won’t outgrow the spot you choose for it. Look for a sunny spot that’s several feet from your house or any fencing since roots and limbs could eventually cause problems for these structures.

SUMMARY: Check the root ball for damage. Limit the amount of time your tree is indoors. Keep your tree in a cool spot. Keep the soil moist. Move your tree to a sheltered outdoor space. Choose an open, sunny planting spot.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The more you hold your torso forward, the more likely the camera is to catch an unflattering view of your stomach. Lean back as much as the chair allows, or lay your back flat on the ground. While lying on your back, bend both knees and press them together. This will make your stomach appear flatter and your thighs appear slimmer. Inch your heels toward your bottom until your knees are at an angle you like. But don’t go so far that your calves are pressing against the backs of your thighs. You can also pop just one knee and twist it in toward your other leg slightly. This will help to hide your inner thighs if you’re self-conscious about them. When your thighs are pressed down against your chair, they appear larger than they really are. Try to lift them a little bit just before the shot is taken. Press your toes into the ground to pop your thighs off the seat. If you’re taking a selfie, hold the camera up above your head and shoot from that angle. It will make your hips and thighs look smaller since they are farther away from the camera. If someone else is taking the photo, ask them to crouch down just above your head and shoot from that angle. If you’re sitting or lying down, your entire body should look relaxed, including your hands. Whether they’re resting on your stomach or leg, or they’re hanging off the side of a chair, keep your hands open and soft. Extend your fingers so they’re straight, then loosen them a little so that there’s only a soft curl through your fingertips.

SUMMARY: Recline as much as possible. Bend your knees if you’re lying down. Lift your thighs off the chair if you’re seated. Aim the camera down the length of your body. Relax your hands.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Each state has different apprenticeship options available.  The best way to determine what the options are for your state is to conduct an internet search for “[your state] HVAC apprenticeship” and review the results.  The results of your search should include one or more links to the state’s department of labour (or similar department name).  This website will most likely provide a list of all potential apprenticeships available within the state, and information on how to register for such apprenticeships.  The search results should also list organizations within the state that offer apprenticeship opportunities.  These organizations may include both unions and private companies. Apprenticeship programs are registered via the state, and in some cases you may need to apply via the state.  The detailed information for each program will outline the full application procedure. Apprenticeship applications are similar to job applications.  This is because you’re applying for a specific, available apprenticeship position when you submit an application, and you’re being paid for that position.  Because of this, you may need to ensure a position is available before you apply, and feel free to apply to more than one position. Some states, like Washington State, will have an online system that will list all available apprenticeships that are currently accepting applications.  Because these lists normally include all industries, you will have to narrow down your search to HVACR Technicians (or similar title) apprenticeship programs. In addition to the standard qualifications that all applicants must have, some apprenticeships may have additional requirements.  This information will be available on the sponsor’s (the organization running the apprenticeship program) website.  Most of these websites will contain an official document that includes all the ‘standards’ for that apprenticeship program. For example, the Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC Standards of Apprenticeship document indications that the minimum qualification for ALL applicants are:  Must be 18 years of age. Must have a high school diploma or GED. Must be physically able to perform the work without reasonable assistance. Must take a Sheet Metal Math and Reading test and get a minimum math score of 16 and a minimum reading score of 27.  (Note that in this case, if you do not reach the minimum scores, you cannot be retested for one year.) Must have a valid driver’s license, social security number, and auto insurance. Each apprenticeship program will have slightly different application procedures.  Some will require you to submit all portions of the application first, then they’ll contact you for further assessment.  Others will require you to apply in-person at a specific location where you’ll submit your application and complete all the required tests immediately.  An example for Western Washington Sheet Metal (WWSM) JATC is included below:  WWSMJATC, which has apprenticeships for both HVAC Service Technicians and HVAC Test, Adjust & Balance Technicians, requires that you appear in-person on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 8:30 and 11am at their office.  During this time you will submit your full application and take the required math and reading tests. If you pass everything, you’re considered a qualified applicant and your name will be put on an ‘active’ list for 90 days.  This list is ranked based on your reading and math scores. When your name comes up on the list of qualified applicants, you will be called to attend an interview with the apprenticeship subcommittee.  This subcommittee will develop an evaluation score based on your full application and interview, and you’ll be ranked on an eligible list of applicants based on this score. When an apprenticeship becomes available, and you’re the next person on the eligible list of applicants, you will be called to begin your apprenticeship. Once you’ve been placed on the eligible list of applicants, you must begin the Sheet Metal Anti-Drug Program and you must pass a pre-employment drug test, or you’ll be removed from the list. Apprenticeships for HVACR Technicians are required to have a minimum of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 144 hours of in-class training.  However, most apprenticeship programs include a lot more than the minimum requirements. For example, for the Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC apprenticeship program, they’ll provide you with 9,000 hours of on-the-job (paid) training and between 160 and 200 hours (per year) of in-class (unpaid) training.  The on-the-job experience is split between specific branches of the trade (e.g. service of heating and air conditioning systems, job site safety, industry computer programs, etc).

SUMMARY:
Determine what your apprenticeship options are. Select one or more apprenticeship opportunities for which to submit an application. Review the specific requirements for the apprenticeships to which you want to apply. Know the specific application process for each apprenticeship to which you want to apply. Complete your apprenticeship.