In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: A French drain involves digging a trench in your yard. It’s not difficult to do yourself, but it’s important that you contact your local utility company a few days before you begin the work. Have them locate and mark all of the underground utility lines around your home.   These underground utilities include gas, water, sewage, electric, and phone lines. If you damage any of them while you’re installing the French drain, repair costs can be significant. Make a simple sketch of your property. Include the home, driveway, porches, the street, and any other applicable features. Go into your yard with a line level or builder’s level and use it to figure out where the high and low spots are. Note these spots on the sketch, then draw arrows showing how the water tends to flow on your property.  You now have a diagram to help you properly and efficiently redirect drainage away from your home. You should never plan to redirect water to run onto your neighbor’s property. If you are considering directing water into the street or storm sewer, find out what regulations apply by contacting the city for information. There will be loose soil at the bottom of the trench. Compact it tightly. Lay washed gravel on top of the compacted soil in a layer that is 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) thick.Never lay piping directly onto the soil. The gravel beneath it helps to properly disperse the water, along with the gravel surrounding it. The piping should be perforated with 2 rows of holes running down its length. Wrap the piping in landscaping fabric to prevent the holes from getting plugged. Then, lay the piping so that the holes point down toward the earth, not up toward the sky. If you lay the piping with the holes pointing up, they will get clogged with gravel and the drain will not work properly. After you’ve put your piping in place, use washed and rounded gravel to fill in the trench. The gravel pieces should be 1 inch (2.5 cm) or larger in diameter. The gravel should completely fill the trench within 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the surface. Cover the remaining 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space with a piece of sod. This will disguise the trench.
Summary: Locate and mark the underground utility lines on your property. Draw a drainage plan. Add a layer of gravel to the trench. Install the piping. Fill the trench with gravel.

Problem: Article: More activity burns more calories. An active cat will lose weight much more effectively than a cat that never gets any exercise. In addition to the extra calories burnt, exercise for your cat will also reduce her appetite and increase her metabolic rate—which can counter the slowed metabolism related to reduced-calorie diets.  Engage in a game of chase by projecting a laser pointer on the ground and having your cat chase it. You can also use toys attached to string to play with your cat and get her burning calories. If you have trouble getting a lazy cat up and running, then try a catnip toy. Water is important in keeping your cat active as well as aiding metabolic function. As with people, drinking fluid can also assist in making your cat feel fuller while on a restricted diet. Ensure that you keep her water dish consistently clean and full. Like people, cats can eat out of boredom. Many cat owners make the mistake of providing attention mostly in the form of providing food and treats. Instead, spend more time playing with your cat and brushing her to cut down on potential boredom. Do not place all of your cat’s food for the day—whether a diet formula or otherwise—out at one time for your cat to eat freely throughout the day. Cat’s do better with controlled portions provided at intervals, so you should divide your cat’s meals into two or three servings a day. You should cut back heavily on the amount of treats you’re giving your cat since these amount to empty calories. Instead, use play, grooming, and other attention as positive reinforcement. Another behavioral strategy you can try is to get your cat to mimic hunting behavior. A feral cat living off mice makes a kill three to four times a day, and is used to having several small snacks throughout the day. To mimic hunting behavior, fill several small food bowls and hide them around the house. This will force your cat to go ‘hunting’ and exert some energy to try to find her food bowls.  This faux hunting helps to engage your cat both physically and mentally. Another option is to use a play ball filled with food. These sort of balls require the cat to play with the ball and bat it around in order to make the kibble fall out.
Summary:
Exercise your cat. Provide plenty of water. Entertain your cat. Provide a higher frequency of smaller meals. Reduce treats. Use your cat’s hunting instincts.