Summarize the following:
Look for washers from 1 1⁄2 to 2 1⁄4 in (3.8 to 5.7 cm) in diameter. Bigger washers are heavier and cause the top to spin more. For the beads, get a wooden bead that is as wide as the hole in the center of the washer. The bead needs to fit inside the hole. Washers are available at hardware stores and wooden beads are sold at some craft stores. Search online if you can’t find them at a store. Find a sharp utility knife or craft knife. Touch the top to find the hollow part in the center. Then, carefully cut around the inside part of the top. Remove all of the tape and other material from this center spot. Another way to do this is by poking a hole through the tape with a toothpick or metal needle. Slip the tip of a scissor blade inside the hole, then cut out the tape.

summary: Get a heavy washer and craft bead for the top’s base. Cut the center of the washer out with a utility knife.


Summarize the following:
Before you interact with the proud person, reach out and set the scope of the conversation. Be clear and specific about what you want to talk about then stick to it.  For example, “I want to talk to you about the performance reviews and our raise policy.” Be forceful about maintaining the boundaries. It's okay to say things like, “I know you're excited about your work at City Hall, but that's not what we agreed to discuss. Let's keep focused on the community garden project I'm running.” If you know what you're going to talk about, and you think you can predict what the proud person will say, plan how you'll respond. It won't be so easy to frustrate you if you're expecting to be frustrated.  If confrontation makes you nervous, try writing a script of how you want the conversation to go and practice your part. If they say, "Did you see the memo I sent out? I really set the record straight with that one!" You can respond with, "I did see it; I actually wanted to talk about some of the language you used in it." If you feel stuck on a single topic, try to nudge the conversation away from it in small increments. Don't be too abrupt; when you make a change to the conversation, let the conversation develop a little before giving it another nudge. For instance, if the proud person wants to talk about how the committee should have voted in their favor you can change the subject to a discussion of the limitations of democracy. Sometimes the best way to deal with a proud person is to have them think you are agreeing with them. Use the 'yes, but' method to introduce something you'd like to talk about. For example:  “I agree that we can be more productive, but it would help if the databases were less clunky.” “Yes, I think that could work. But the consequences would be devastating.” “Yes, I will finish the account, but my first priority is the presentation I'm giving this afternoon.” Bending to the will of the proud person will just lower your standing with them and make them less receptive to you in the future. If they're not responsive to your position, change the subject.  For example, “We're just going back and forth on this. It'll be more productive to revisit this after we've talked about the accounts.” Remember to be firm and use phrases like, “This will help…” or “I know…” Try to avoid phrases like, “I think…” or “I believe…” Proud people will become stubborn when confronted with facts or truths that don't cohere with their world view. Pay attention to any words, phrases, or topics which trigger the proud person's stubbornness. Make a note of this and avoid bringing them up in your future conversations. Proud people like to take control and maintain their autonomy. You can flatter a proud person by asking for their opinion. Engage their voice as a sign of respect. Everyone responds well to that! Asking for a proud person's help can also be a way of helping them work through their pride.

summary: Set clear boundaries. Have responses in mind. Use word associations to steer the conversation. Use an agreement to segue to a new topic. Stand your ground. Recognize and avoid negative triggers. Ask for their help.


Summarize the following:
Picky eaters by choice know there is something better out there than dog food, especially dry food, and will hold out for that better alternative, whether that means wet dog food or pieces of bacon from their owner's plate. The type of picky eater is usually created by owners that spoil the dog with tasty table tidbits or reward the dog's picky eating by hand-feeding or offering an even more tasty alternative. These dogs are typically smaller breed dogs who have been pampered with human food by their owners. Their weight is may remain within normal weight range for their size or they may become obese due to overindulgence in delicacies and high-fat foods. This would be a dog that was previously eating dog food without a problem who now suddenly nibbles at the food or leaves it in its dish. You may notice your dog losing weight or exhibiting signs of illness, such as lethargy or slowness. If your previously normal eater doesn't return to his normal eating pattern within two days, bring this issue to your vet's attention as it could be related to a more serious underlying medical condition. Dental disease, gastrointestinal upset, tumors, or liver, kidney, and heart disease are all medical conditions which may cause a formerly good eater to become a picky eater. Your dog will eventually become nutritionally deficient if he is not eating a well-balanced diet. Dog food is formulated to meet all the nutritional needs of dogs. They are not humans and thus cannot thrive on a human diet.  Dogs have different requirements than humans for fat, protein, minerals and vitamins. Here are some of the potential implications of a poor diet:   Poor teeth: The dog's teeth will suffer, especially small breed dogs, if he doesn't eat properly. Dry dog food (kibble) helps to “grind” off some of the plaque that eventually collects on the teeth. In addition, a nutritionally imbalanced diet will eventually make the dog deficient in minerals like calcium which helps build strong teeth and bones.  Obesity: Generally, picky eaters will only eat the tastiest human foods which typically contain a lot of fat. Fat is what gives the most flavor to food. Too much fat in the diet equals an expanding waistline, even in dogs. At present, obesity is the biggest nutritional problem facing our pet dogs.  Future health concerns and lower quality of life: Many of the common illnesses facing aging dogs are treated with special foods which help prolong life and increase quality of life. Unfortunately, some of these foods aren't as flavorful as regular dog food and may be rejected by a picky eater. Failure to eat these foods could limit the treatments available for aging illnesses and hasten a dog's physical decline.
summary: Realize that your dog may be a picky eater by choice. Consider whether a medical reason might be at work. Understand the impact of picky eating.