Q: One way to develop an appreciation for cinema is to watch a lot of different ones. For example, IMDB has compiled a list of moves that all cinephiles should watch. Set up a weekly schedule to make sure you watch this many movies the next 12 months.  For example, you could make a goal of watching two films per week. You could follow the IMBD list, or compile your own list. The goal is to become familiar with many different kinds of movies. Make sure that when making your list of movies, you select ones you wouldn’t normally watch. This is similar to when you are in school and must read books that you would never have picked out. It is an important part of being a well-rounded cinephile.  For example, if you tend to watch only romantic comedies that everyone knows about, watch some foreign films that few have heard of. Be sure to include films from the past as well as the present. Learning how film has changed over the years also makes you well-rounded. For example, the job of a film critic is not to like or dislike a film, but to analyze how well it is executed based on a set of standards. View a film with an eye for criticism rather than personal taste. Just as art majors must study the history of art in order to understand modern art, cinephiles should study film history to gain a well-rounded perspective on modern film. Watching the silent film The Great Train Robbery can help you appreciate how much film has changed.  You should also watch great historic films like Casablanca, Citizen Kane, or Psycho. Take film classes in college or community centers to learn what others view as important historical film. There are important eras of film just as there are important eras in history. Understanding film eras can help you understand the social context of each film, deepening your appreciation. For example, the silent film era is important for its differences in sound and cinematography from modern film. It is common to study films by decade, such as 1950s films and 1960s movies. It is also essential to grasp the concept of film genres. Just as there are genres of great literature, there are genres of film. You might study action films, adventure movies, and so on. Other genres include comedy, crime, horror, science fiction, and westerns. Film festivals occur all over the world and offer a wide assortment of movies. You can watch the films in theaters during the festival and discuss them afterward with fellow critics and cinephiles. This is a way to increase your knowledge base in just a few days.  The Sedona International Film Festival occurs in Sedona, Arizona, and the famous Sundance Film Festival occurs in cities all over the world.
A: Set a goal to watch 100 great films in a year. Pick up movies you wouldn’t usually watch. Watch important historic films. Understand film eras. Learn about genres. Go to film festivals.

Q: Instead of inserting your earbuds so the cord hangs straight down from your ear canal, insert them "upside down" and loop the cord over the back of your ear. This may feel strange at first if you're not used to it, but it will prevent the buds from slipping out every time the cord is slightly jerked or pulled. Earbuds are meant to fit snugly into your ear canal. If your earbuds don't seem to sit comfortably in your ears, you may simply need to insert them more carefully. Stretch your earlobe gently with one hand to open the ear canal while inserting each earbud, then release so that your ear cavity shapes itself around the earbud and forms a tight seal. Don't disregard those extra foam or silicone tips that come packaged with your earbuds. Experiment with different sizes to see which is most comfortable for you. It's even possible that one of your ears is slightly larger than the other, and you may want to use two different sizes. You can purchase accessories for your existing earbuds to customize the fit. These are great for improving the fit of those cheap round earbuds that came free with your device. A popular choice is Yurbuds, soft rubber attachments that create a more snug fit into the ear. They can even be made in custom sizes. A buildup of earwax can cause your earbuds to fit poorly and fall out. Using cotton swabs to remove earwax can actually cause the wax to be pushed against your eardrum, causing a blockage and possibly resulting in discomfort while wearing earbuds. Don't use Q-tips, and see a doctor if you think you may have an earwax blockage.
A:
Hang the cord over your ears. Insert the buds firmly into your ears. Use the attachments that come with your earbuds. Purchase special attachments. Don't clean your ears with cotton swabs.