INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Don't use paint designed for use on canvas or fabric.  You'll need plenty of clean water for wetting brushes and sponges before dipping them in the paint. You'll also need water for cleaning brushes and sponges after using them for different colors. Dab some on the wrist or inside the arm. Wait for about 1 hour to see if there's an adverse reaction. Mental preparation can avoid errors that would be cumbersome to fix after you've started painting.

SUMMARY: Buy paint designed for face painting or body painting. Choose brushes and sponges made for face painting and body painting. Get an array of small water-filled bowls or glasses ready. Test for allergic reactions before using face or body paint. Think about the design you're trying to create before applying paint.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: When the roots start to thicken and turn brown, separate your new tree by cutting it off below the new roots. Partially fill the container with good quality topsoil (a good mix consists of about 80 percent bark and 20 percent peat, as this tends to promote fine fibrous feeder roots and gives good drainage. Unwrap the plastic and without disturbing the roots, plant your new tree, adding additional soil as needed to firmly set the tree in place. The addition of sphagnum moss is helpful in hard water areas. A stake will help to keep the tree from moving; while it is establishing itself, any movement can damage its delicate roots. Find a suitable outdoor area to keep your bonsai, such as a porch, garden bed area or patio. Bonsai are not meant to be indoor plants; if brought indoors, only keep them inside for a one to two days before returning them outdoors again; only bring them in when in leaf, or only for an hour during winter.  Keep the bonsai maple tree sheltered for the first few years. Don't leave it outside where frost can get to it for the first 2 to 3 years, as this can kill it. Avoid placing the plant anywhere windy and do not let it sit in direct sunlight for the whole day.  Feed a balanced feed after the buds form until late summer. During winter, feed with a low- or zero-nitrogen feed.  Never let a bonsai tree dry out. It needs to be kept slightly moist at all times. Wherever possible, use rainwater rather than tap water; it's healthier for the tree. Regular spraying with water is helpful for healthy growth. Learn to "style" the tree as it gets established. This is where you learn to reproduce what nature normally does, to give the tree the look of a real tree. It consists of careful pruning and wiring. Getting this aspect right can take a lot of practice but that's all part of the fun of growing your own bonsai.

SUMMARY: Separate the tree. Place small pebbles for drainage in the bottom of a pot. Insert a small stake. Enjoy your new tree!


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Start by saying you’ve noticed their negative behavior and ask them if something is wrong. Remain friendly as you speak to them. Avoid accusing them of anything. Instead, ask open ended questions to encourage them to be honest.  You might say, “I’ve noticed that you have been on edge recently. Is everything okay?” You might also bring up a particular situation. For example, you might say, "I know that you and Denise argued. Would you like to tell me what happened?" If you have a team suffering from negativity issues, meet with each member individually. The employee may not realize that they are causing a problem. Be gentle as you bring this subject up. Avoid accusing the employee of bad behavior. Do emphasize, however, that their actions have an effect on the office.  Use “I” statements to soften the blow. You might say, “When I see someone unhappy at work, I worry both for them and for their coworkers. This behavior does impact productivity, and it can make work stressful for everyone.” If the employee has stated that they have a medical, mental health, or personal issue, it may be insensitive to discuss the consequences of their behavior on other people. Instead of discussing of how their negativity affects others, focus on your employee's needs to help them feel more supported. If there is an outside event affecting your employee’s mood, provide whatever support you can. This will reduce your employee’s stress, which may have a positive impact on their mood and behavior.  For example, if an employee is caring for their elderly mother, you might offer them a slightly longer lunch break so that they can go home and check on her. If the employee is suffering from a medical issue, ask them what they need to be comfortable in the office. Perhaps they could get a footstool to elevate their leg or maybe they need a special chair. Be flexible wherever you can. For example, if your employee has a sick child, let them work from home for a few days or give them a half day. Instead of telling them what they need to do, ask your employee what they think could do. To help with this, give them specific feedback about their work and productivity. Together, set reasonable goals that could help the employee work with a more positive perspective. You might ask, “What can we do to make this a more positive work experience for you?” You might find them a mentor, assign them to a new team, or let them take on new opportunities. Your employee may need constant encouragement to meet their goals. Check in once a week with them. Ask them how they are doing and make adjustments to their goals if needed. For example, you might say, “How are you doing with your goals? What do you think you might accomplish? What are you worried about completing?” If an employee’s negativity is creating a hostile work environment, it may be time to let them go. Consider this option carefully before going forward. Make sure that you have tried all other options to improve the situation before letting the employee go.  If you fire an employee, try not to use harsh language. You can say, “We just don’t think you’re a good fit for the culture here.” A hostile employee is one who bullies their coworkers, starts fights with people in the office, threatens the company with lawsuits unnecessarily, or attacks your authority as their manager.

SUMMARY: Set up a private meeting with the employee to discuss their behavior. Explain the consequences of their behavior. Accommodate your employee if they have specific needs. Work together to create long-term solutions. Follow up with your employee frequently after the meeting. Fire problematic employees.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you need to appear authoritative, choose formal business attire. Choose a color that flatters you and keep bold accessories to a minimum. Bring your visuals, your tablet or laptop and your speech copy. If you're in a small room, ask someone to stand at the back of the room and see if he or she can hear you. In a larger facility, practice using the microphone so that your speech is neither too faint nor distorted. Try to arrive at your presentation well before your audience. Take the time to make sure the sound is good and run through your visual aids. If you're at a conference, you may have 15-20 minutes to prep. If you're the sole speaker, you could get there an hour in advance. Make sure that the computer, projection screen and easels are functional and positioned so that they are visible to your audience. You should either place them on a table for audience members to retrieve or pass them out in an organized fashion. If your speech is lengthy, then you will need some water to moisten your throat. Check both the front and the back of your outfit and make sure that your hair is neat and that your makeup, if you're wearing any, is not smudged.

SUMMARY:
Dress appropriately. Make sure that you have all of your materials in order. Ask for a sound check. Set up your equipment and supplementary materials. Decide what to do with your handouts. Ask for a glass of water. Look in a mirror before you go onstage.