Q: If you wear amethyst as jewelry, it will require more frequent cleaning. This helps protect you from exposure to germs. Amethyst worn as jewelry can be cleaned once a week. Amethyst is very sensitive to heat and extreme temperatures in general. Hot water should never be used on amethyst. You should also never dry amethyst with heat treatments, like a hair dryer. Be patient and allow amethyst to dry on its own. Amethyst dries best in natural light. If possible, place amethyst in natural light to dry. You can dry it on your porch or near the window. Amethyst is sensitive to changes in temperature. After washing amethyst, find an area with a consistent temperature to store it.
A: Clean jewelry once a week. Avoid using too much heat. Opt for natural light when drying your amethyst. Store amethyst in an area with a consistent temperature.

Q: It’s always possible to be both polite and honest. Choose your words carefully, and stick to the point. Keep in mind that the person is asking you because he or she thinks you will provide a good recommendation. Your refusal may cause hurt and disappointment, but courtesy and kindness may soften the blow.  There’s no reason to say, “No way, you were a terrible employee, and we all hated you!” Instead you might say, "Based on our past experiences, I can't in good conscience give you the recommendation you seek." Instead of “No way!,” say “I can’t do that.” Outlining your reasons for saying no can help ease the situation. If you are turning down the request because you do not know the person well enough, that’s a relatively easy situation to handle. You might say, “Since we haven’t worked together long, I don’t think I would be able to provide a strong enough reference for you.” If you are turning down the request because the person’s performance does not merit a recommendation, that’s a bit trickier. Ultimately, though, you need to be honest. Perhaps your refusal will prompt them to work harder in the future.  You might simply say, “I don’t feel comfortable providing a strong reference for you.” Lying might resolve the situation temporarily, but it’s likely to catch up to you. Ultimately, it does not help you or the person who needs the reference. You don’t need to be blunt to the point of rudeness, but you should not invent excuses for turning the person down. You can probably explain yourself in a sentence or two. You don’t need to expand on your reasons or lecture the person unnecessarily. Simply say no, state your reason briefly, and consider suggesting someone else.
A: Be polite. Explain that you don't know them well enough. Decline because you can't recommend them. Tell the truth. Keep your conversation concise.

Q: Screen-fixing software plays a random combination of red, green, and blue hues at a rate of up to 60 flashes per second in an attempt to jar the stuck pixel back into its usual cycle.  Screen-fixing software isn't guaranteed to work, but its success rate is usually above 50 percent. There are paid versions of screen-fixing software, but free versions are just as effective at fixing stuck pixels that are still fixable. Since screen-fixing programs display rapidly flashing lights in an erratic pattern, you'll want to avoid performing this process yourself if you (or anyone in your family) have epileptic seizures. Go to http://www.jscreenfix.com/ in your browser. JScreenFix is a free, online app that can fix stuck pixels. It's a blue button near the bottom of the page. This will open the JScreenFix program in your browser. Most of the browser window will be black, so finding the stuck pixel should be easy. If the stuck pixel isn't in the black section of the window, press F11 to make your browser full-screen. You may have to hold Fn while pressing F11 if the browser doesn't full-screen when pressing F11. Click and drag the box of static over onto the pixel, then drop it there. Make sure not to minimize the window, move the pixel-fixer, or turn off your monitor in the process. If possible, leave the pixel-fixer in place for an hour. Once you've left the pixel-fixer over the pixel for the allotted amount of time, close the window to view the pixel. If the pixel has been fixed, you're done. If the pixel hasn't been fixed, consider shutting down your monitor for a day and then retrying this method. You can also proceed to using pressure and heat to try to fix your monitor, but doing so is not recommended.
A: Understand how this method works. Avoid using screen-fixing software if you have epilepsy. Open the JScreenFix website. Scroll down and click Launch JScreenFix. Find the stuck pixel. Move the pixel-fixer onto the stuck pixel. Leave the pixel-fixer for at least 10 minutes. Review the pixel's status.

Q: There are a huge variety of running shoes on the market, so you might feel daunted by the task of choosing the right pair. However, a recent study shows that the best running shoes for you are probably the ones that feel the most comfortable. Go to the store and try on 4 or 5 pairs of running shoes. Take time to move around in them, and pick the ones that feel best to you.  If possible, take a quick jog around the store so you get a sense of how the shoes feel when you run. Wear the socks you’d normally wear while running, since this will give you a good idea of the fit. As running shoes start to wear out, they don’t absorb shock as well. Once you start jogging, keep track of how much distance you’ve covered, and get new running shoes after about 350–500 miles (560–800 km) to prevent pain and injury.  If the heels of your shoes aren’t too worn down, you can still use them for walking. Even if your jogging shoes haven’t seen that much use, shoes that are older than 1 year might become less comfortable due to changes in the soles that occur over time. You don’t need to wear anything too special to go jogging, but your clothes should be comfortable and easy to move around in. It’s also important to wear clothes that will protect you from the elements. Go for light clothes, such as shorts and a t-shirt, if it’s warm out. If it’s cold, wear long sleeves and pants and layer on a windbreaker, scarf, hat, and gloves. Stick to synthetic materials like rayon, nylon, or spandex, since they’re good at wicking away moisture. Wool is also a good option if it’s really cold out. Your body needs more water when you run, so it’s important to bring water along to prevent dehydration. Bring a lightweight bottle that’s easy for you to carry or clip to your belt while you jog. Choose a bottle that’s big enough to keep you going through your run, especially if there aren’t any places to refill along your route. Aim to drink 4-6 gulps of water for every 15-20 minutes that you run. You don’t want to be overburdened with a lot of stuff when you jog, but you’ll probably want to have your essentials (like your phone, keys, and ID card) on hand. Look for a lightweight running belt or pouch that can comfortably hold all the things you need.  You can purchase a running belt online or from a sporting goods store. Some running bags or belts include pouches or clips for a water bottle. If you’re concerned about safety, you can put a safety whistle and some pepper spray in your pouch.
A:
Choose a comfortable pair of running shoes. Replace your running shoes every 350–500 miles (560–800 km). Dress appropriately for the weather. Grab a water bottle. Put on a running belt or pouch for your accessories.