Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Bestow a night of babysitting. Clean up their computer. Take on the yard work. Atone with a night of romance.

Answer: Obviously, this would be for someone who has a child or children, but as apologies go this is golden for the stretched-too-thin parents of today. Get creative about how you might present it and your apology. If the other person has an infant, for example, show up one day unannounced with a baby doll in a stroller. Tucked into the doll’s hand or side, have a card expressing your apologies for missing their birthday, along with a certificate you made for a day or evening of free babysitting. You’ll probably need to stipulate that you’ll need some advance notice, but do it in the fine print. We all know someone who isn’t particularly tech-savvy and has so many files on his or her desktop that it’s amazing anything can be found, let alone opened. Generally, it’s become quite the nightmare for the person, too. One way to apologize to someone like this, and make quite an impact, would be to give his or her computer a little sprucing up, assuming you know how to do such things. Email the person a personalized, belated birthday card, letting him or her know you feel badly about forgetting and that you’d like to redeem yourself by breathing new life into the contraption they’re staring at now. While there are a few people in the world who genuinely enjoy mowing the lawn, trimming edges and pulling weeds, it’s safe to say the vast majority would rather spend Sunday afternoons doing other things, like watching football or going shopping – in the air conditioning. Thus for many, taking this off their hands in the way of an apology could mean an awful lot. Consider who the person is when thinking about how you’ll deliver your apology and this gift of your time. For example, if it’s your father, perhaps you could sneak into his closet and get his work clothes and boots, dress up in them and deliver your apology written on a watering can or a bag of leaves you’ve already raked and sacked. One of the birthdays you most don’t want to forget – and typically suffer the most consequences from – is that of your romantic partner or husband or wife. Not a good thing. Nor easy to remedy. However, a surprise candlelit dinner for two with roses and a thoughtfully written card, followed by a hot bubble bath, a long massage and whatever comes after, well, that probably has some mileage in helping to make up for forgetting your loved one’s birthday. And it likely won’t be a much of a burden for you to bear either!


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Make sure that the basement apartment has a dedicated exit. Ensure that the basement has enough light. Improve the sound and fire insulation between dwellings.

Answer: Regulations regarding basement apartment requirements vary between jurisdictions, but it is very common that a separate entrance is required. This ensures ease of access but also serves as a method of emergency egress in case of a fire. If your basement already has a door to the outside, this requirement is likely fulfilled. Many building codes require separate dwellings to have a certain amount of natural light. Whether or not your unit has adequate sunlight can be tested by a local building inspector using special equipment. If you can't pass this requirement, you will have to have additional windows installed along an exterior wall in order to create a legal basement apartment. Another major requirement concerns the amount of insulation between your main dwelling and the basement unit. You will almost certainly have to replace the door to the stairway separating the units with a fire door; these doors are usually made from steel and can withstand a burn for 2 hours or more before giving way. Additional insulation for soundproofing and fire resistance may also be required in the floor between the units. If your basement is currently unfinished, adding this insulation will be easy.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Ask in a casual way. Use a specific common interest as a reason to hang out. Be confident that they will say yes.

Answer: If you have been planning to ask them for a while, don’t come on too strong. Keep yourself calm so that when you ask them to hang out it doesn’t come across as desperate. Take a breath and use your regular conversational tone.  You’ll sound too eager if you say, “You are so cool and I really want to spend more time with you.” Be casual when you ask a classmate by saying, “Man everytime we talk, this guy is droning on in the background. We should chill outside of class sometime.” If you had fun with someone at a party, say, “It’s been a great meeting, do you want to catch up later on sometime?” You may have a hard time asking someone to hang out without a specific reason. If you’re asking someone you know you have a common interest with, use that to your advantage. Tell them it would be fun to do the activity together sometime.  If you always talk to a coworker about the Walking Dead, ask them if they want to come over and watch it with you. You know you’re both free when it’s on, and the hangout has a set time frame so they can split when it’s over. You might meet someone that works out at your gym. Since you are probably there around the same time, ask them if they’d want to work out together. Say, “We could both have a spotter and  push each other to work harder.” Say to someone, “I’ve noticed we always seem to be painting in this studio at the same time, would you want to meet up and actually paint together sometime?” It’s no good to ask someone to hang out if you tell yourself they won’t want to. Get in the mindset that you are fun to hang out with and that the person you ask will say yes. If you are confident in yourself and make a direct ask, the person will be more open than if you seem timid when you ask.  Don’t say, “You’re probably busy most of the time and have a lot of other friends already, but we could hang out sometime if you want to it. It’s okay if you would rather not.” For an example, think about a co-worker you’d like to hang out with. Catch them in the break room and say, “We should find something cool to do outside of this place sometime.” It’s simple, shows your interest, and leaves things open to developing. If you’re in a weekly club with someone, say, “You know, we meet up here every week. Let’s grab some food after the meeting sometime.” Again, it’s direct and shows that you are assuming they would be interested.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Review your options. Set a budget. Look for deals. Read reviews.

Answer:
There are many different kinds of microwaves on the market. Learn about what each type can offer you so you can make an informed decision:  Countertop microwave ovens. These take up counter space but are typically cheaper and easier to install than the other two options. Over-the-range microwave ovens. Microwaves in this category are vented to the outside and typically require installation by an electrician. On the plus side, they free up counter space. Built-in microwave ovens. These are designed to be built into a wall or surrounded by cabinetry. They are a great option if you don’t have counter space, since they can be installed in a microwave drawer under the countertop and they can glide out when you need to warm your food. They are more expensive, ranging from $350-$1500, but can look more streamlined than the other types. Some countertop microwaves will have a build-in option. Pricing for microwave ovens can vary significantly depending on the type, size, and brand of microwave. For example, a midsized countertop microwave could cost you anywhere from $70-$500. Set a maximum for how much you’re willing to spend and refrain from going over that amount. You can find great deals by searching for used microwaves on websites like Craigslist or eBay. Keep an eye out for yard sales as well, since people who are moving will often drop prices just to get rid of the items quickly. Some stores also offer scratch and dent appliances, which may have damage to the exterior but are often cheaper and can look and work like new. Thoroughly inspect any used microwave you are considering purchasing. Ask the seller if they can demonstrate that the microwave works, and look to buy a microwave from a seller who offers at least a 14-day return policy. Prior to purchasing a microwave oven, look up the models you are considering online and read reviews by other users. This will allow you to gauge the efficiency, ease of use, and longevity of the appliance at no cost to you. Look up user reviews of the specific model you’re thinking of buying on Amazon. The manufacturer’s website will often also feature customer reviews.