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about

I'm Jack/Jamie.

I'm 28 years old. I graduated from Michigan State University with my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. GO GREEN! Now I'm a high school chemistry teacher in New York City living with my husband in a small studio apartment we pay way too much money for.

I've been on this site for 14 years as of March 23, 2020.
You may have seen me as CuxMiBeckNow7, but I've since shortened my name.

my forum
My FAQ

Here is my Recommended Columnist of the Decade for the 2020s:
Laura!

--Jack

advice

hey!
Well first of i just wanted to say that you give GREAT advice!!

So on to my question..

I noticed that on some of your answers you put up google search bars.. i hope you know what im talking about.. so i was wondering how you did that?? And also when you put a link in a question, how do you get it to follow the html, instead of just having the link in plain sight??

I hope that made sence!! =]
Thank you tahnk you thank you in advance!!

Well hey to you, too!

Thanks- if only everyone thought the same as you! =D

Google Search Bar:
You start off with the word "search" in brackets, not parentheses. These are brackets: [].
Then, you would put the words you want to appear in the search bar after the end bracket. Then- you have to close it off by this: [/"search"], without the quotation marks.

HTML Code:
It should show up when you look at the answer page:
My Homework Help Site! =D

If it doesn't- send me another inbox question =D.

Thanks!

--Jack
(15/m)

if anyone knows a lot about grammar and writing, please answer this. for school i'm writing an essay about history and what it means. in the introduction, i want to include a definition, like it is in the dictionary. this is the form i have it in now, is it correct? and if it's not, how can i correct it? History; noun, the branch of knowledge dealing with past events.
thank you so much!

I believe the semi-colon [;] should be a colon. I'm not entirely sure..

So:

History: noun, the branch of knowledge dealing with past events.

I actually recommend that you do it more like this:

History is the branch of knowledge dealing with past events, according to [insert dictionary source here].

But you can do what you wish!

--Jack
(15/m)

whats the difference between using these words:
ese, esto, esa, esta, aquel, aquello b/c they all mean like "this" or "that"?

Hey-

Someone mentioned a rhyme- the rhyme is actually "This and These keep their 'T's, That and Those don't"

You're missing their plurals-

Singular/ Plural

Este/ Estos > Close [Masculine]
Esta/ Estas > Close [Feminine]
Ese/ Esos > Farther [Masculine]
Esa/ Esas > Farther [Feminine]
Aquel/ Aquellos > Way far away [Masc.]
Aquella/ Aquellos > Way far away [Fem.]

I don't want to get in trouble for giving you homework answers- so I hope that helps you- the little rhyme above, I mean.

Remember- the demonstrative adjective [that is what these are called] always is determined by the subject of the sentence- which is what you're talking about.

For instance- Esta hamburguesa estÃ¡ muy fria.
[This hamburger is very cold.]

And "esto" doesn't exist. Its "este". =D.

--Jack
(15/m)

Can someone give me a website where you upload a picture of yourself and they tell you which famous stars you look like?

http://www.myheritage.com/FP/Company/tryFaceRecognition.php

I've tried it and it works =D

The thing is- you have to sign up for the site. Its free, though.

Try this search:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=you+look+like+a+celebrity&btnG=Google+Search

--Jack
(15/m)

how do you separate like colours? does it have to be just one type of colour? or like tones or colours? so dark and light or exactly red like colours, and blue light colours? i have no idea!

Hey- I've answered a question similar to this just recently:

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=512091

From there:

I'm sure its different for everyone- but this is how I do my laundry [yes, I'm one of the few teenage guys who actually does his own laundry].

Whites go together- and usually socks are included in this unless they aren't white. Tube socks are alright in this mixture. Don't use bleach unless everything in there is COMPLETELY white- not an off-white or white with red stripes.

Colors go together- but usually, I separate into each color- like Reds, Oranges, and Yellows go together [yellow can go with green also]. Greens, Blues, Purples, and Blacks go together. You don't want to have light blues and light greens in this load, so maybe do a separate load with just the light blues and light greens. If you have blue jeans that are dark and you don't want them to fade, turn them inside out. If you have a shirt with plastic lettering on it- turn it inside out. You don't want it to fade and melt.

If you have a stain on a piece of clothing, put some of the soap on it before it goes in the washer. Just a dab or two should be fine, if you rub it in a little bit.

Towels do generally go together, no matter their color. Unless of course you have like white towels and black towels together. That isn't a good idea. Beach towels and other colors of towels washed together are fine.

If you're afraid something will blend colors- wash it in cold water- preferably not in the washer. This is mainly for White and Red shirts.

If you need anymore information on laundry- or you have more questions- you can say in feedback- or ask another question to my inbox.

--Jack
(15/m)

I have one problem...a lot of times, my conversation online (on AIM) dies when I talk to my friends. Especially when I am talking to guys. I hate when it happens and I am always struggling to keep it going. What should I talk about to keep a good conversation going for a long time? What do boys like to talk about with girls? What is considered boring to them and what is considered interesting?

Umm.. well I think its different for every guy. Personally- I like to talk about life, friends, relationships, and if its a girl I really trust, I might talk about my problems [there are hardly any ever, but still =D]. My guess is that most guys won't want to talk about that- but some might- because guys do tend to open up more when its just them and one girl.

My suggestion is to just be honest and ask them what they want to talk about- that way if they are having an off-day you might be able to help them. If they want to talk about sports- maybe that's what you can talk about. Asking is the only way to know for sure, unless you know his interests already.

Thanks for asking to my inbox! =D

--Jack
(15/m)

Okay, so there's a guy that I really like. We flirt with each other sometimes.

Well, anyways, I went to this pizza place yesterday with my family and 2 of my guy friends met us there, too. Well, anyways, we went off to go play some games, and then I came back, leaving them there, cause I ran out of money. So I was walking to our table, when I saw the dude that I like! Right when we both saw each other, he looked like he almost choked on his drink, and his eyes were all big! So, I went back to go play foosball with my guy friends; me versus them. So we started playing, and then the dude that I like came up and was watching us play. And, of course, when he came up to us, I was all nervous and was totally sucking at the game.

Then, last night I went to the high school football opening game, and he was there! My friends that I was with said that he kept on staring at me!

What should I do? Does he even like me or am I just wasting my time?

Thanks!

A few things:

1. Guys are confusing. I know this because I am one.

2. Guys won't stare at you like how you explained if they don't have some feelings for you, unless you have something on your face- but if you did- he would probably be laughing.

So I think you both like each other. Its fairly obvious. Maybe try hanging out with him a little more and get to know him better. I'm sure something great could come from this =D.

You're not wasting your time. Liking someone is never a waste of time unless they are a celebrity.

--Jack
(15/m)

ok so i live in connceticut which is like this little kinda rich place in the us and i go to a really preppy school wereanytrhing that doesn't fit into the hollister look is emo. now im a guy so ofcourse im gonna get alot more crap about the whole emo look or whatevr but i dont think i shou8ld change for people i mean theres only like five kids out of the whole school that would fit into the punk skater look counting me and i hate being called gay or fag because i wear like skinny jeans and died my hair burguny. What do you think i should do about it. any advice helps =)

Hey.

SCREW THEM! Seriously- do what ever the heck you want [within reason, of course] and don't pay attention to those Hollister-wearing fakes. Sure, I wear Hollister, AE, Aeropostale, etc, but I only do because I like to look nice when I'm at school and around. I'm not following the crowd or anything- because I'm definitely not popular =P.

So my advice is to keep your head up high- and do what you want. The words "gay" and "fag" have lost their real meanings- and people use them loosely. Trust me, I know how it feels to be called those things- and it hurts. Once I stopped caring what people thought and said- it actually did stop. I'm not even kidding. If people know it gets to you, they're going to keep doing it.

--Jack
(15/m)

i get all my quotes from xanga pages, but every one i go on all of the quotes are about love and its pretty annoying. Do you know and quote site that have quotes other than love ones. thanks!

http://www.wittyprofiles.com/

They have a sports section, school section, funny section, inspirational section, break up section, etc.

Its a really good quotes site not just about Love Quotes =D.

--Jack
(15/m)

I heard that putting toothpaste on a pimple could help get rid of it sooner... is that true? If not, what else could be used? Thanks. :]

I've heard this too. I'm not sure if it works- but I do know of something that does:

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=507367
From there:

I know this sounds weird, odd, strange, etc., but what I'm about to say to you ACTUALLY works:

Get some lemon juice. You got the lemon juice? Alright- now take the lemon juice- and take a Q-tip and dab some lemon juice onto your zit with the lemon juice. Just a thin layer- not the whole bottle, silly! =D

Alright- so doing this at night is the best thing to do- it will really reduce the size and shape of the zit- and you won't know it was there in a few days.

Make sure not to touch it with your fingers after you put on the lemon juice- the oils from your fingers will stop the effect.

Relax- everyone gets zits- so you're only normal =D.

--Jack
(15/m)

i have only kissed 1 boy, and im scared im a bad kisser. how do i know if im a bad kisser? how can i get better?

If you've only kissed one guy- how can that make you a bad kisser? I know why you're thinking this. The media and propaganda has made you believe that if you haven't made out with everyone in sight- you're probably a bad kisser. This isn't true- and don't let stupid MTV tell you it is.

You know you're a bad kisser if someone tells you, I guess. But honestly- who cares what they think. If they care about you- they will love anyway you kiss- whether moving your tongue a lot or whatever else.

There isn't a for-sure way to get better- but you could try reading some pages from this search:

--Jack
(15/m)

So last night i went in my poool and i tried a 'top model' picture underwater.IT didn't work so i tried a nex one with me floating.......and when i was regaining my balance, my hand dips into the water twice....and the cam was in my hand. Yeah i know i'm stupid for carrying my cam in the pool but i need help fixng it. WILL cam fixers be able to fix it? I blow dried it.Last night when it cooled off it worked like a darling. But this morning the pictures come out black. Absolutely no sign that i was aiming for a picture. I'm pretty bummed...so what's your best advice for me?

This might not help you much- but I just gotta say this. It isn't trying to mock you in anyway. I just want to educate you on something.

Next time don't blow-dry an electronic device, especially after it had gotten wet- which probably isn't why the camera is messed up. I've dropped my phone in water before- and it still worked after. Blow-drying things isn't the smartest thing to do- next time towel-dry and just let it sit and dry. Taking out your batteries and memory card is a good idea too- as the blow-drying probably fried one of them or something.

I don't know what "Cam Fixers" is- but I guess you could try it. Maybe Radio Shack also?

--Jack
(15/m)

I've been playing soccer for the last 8 years. I've been on a select team for 5 or 6 years. My mom never supports me. She says I suck at soccer & I'm not aggressive & I'm the worst player in my city. It really hurts because I try so hard to show her that I actually have skills. All my friends say I'm one of the best players and they say I'm the best right wing they've ever met. And a lot of people don't make the select team, and I've made it every year. I've made it when people 2 years older than me haven't. So why does my mom say I'm horrible?

Oh yeah, and she says my sister is awesome at softball when her coach doesn't even know her name & it's only her second year and she can barely hit.

Ugh!!

I think your mom's priorities are out of line- either that or you're lying to us. I'm not sure, because very few mom's say "You suck at this!" to their child unless they are high or drunk. Most parents will lie to their child if they don't want them to feel discouraged. Maybe that's why your mom is telling your sister she's awesome if she really isn't. Maybe your mom thinks that your sister needs more of the "You ROCK!" about her sport-playing, because she's not as good.

Well, certainly I don't know for sure. It seems odd that your mom would do this. Talk to her. Sit her down- and say "Can we have a serious talk about something?" and hopefully this will get her to listen up. Say something like "Mom, I really love playing soccer, and I've made the select team every year when other people older than me haven't. I may not be the best player EVER to live, but I think that I'm pretty decent. It hurts me when you say 'You suck and you're the worst player in the city'. Is this really what you think? Well if it is, can you keep it to yourself? It really makes me feel like you don't care about me when you do this." Etc., etc. I suggest that you don't bring your sister's performance with softball into this. Doing so will make you seem like a jealous brat in your mom's eyes.

Good luck!
--Jack
(15/m)

what kinds of things can i do for community service?

Hello!

-Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
-Ask your church or a friend's church if they need anything done around their church

That's all I can think of off the top of my head here are a few I found online:

1. Set up a Help-O-Meter to keep track of the number of hours youth volunteer in the community.
2. Organize a recognition program for the volunteers who lead community organizations.
3. Work in a concession stand to raise money for a good cause.
4. Make a gift for the secretary of a non-profit organization you are associated with.
5. Take photos during an event and donate them to the event organizers.
6. Volunteer to be a museum guide.
7. Plan an Ethnic Awareness day.
8. Design a campaign to promote tolerance and understanding of differences.
9. Volunteer at a health fair.
10. Volunteer as a counselor at local summer camp.
11. Volunteer to do office work at a local non-profit agency.
12. Set up a web page for a non-profit agency.
13. Volunteer to lead a club of youth.
14. Share a talent through teaching a class.
15. Make birthday cards for the elderly.
16. Run or walk in a charity race with friends.
17. Stage a carnival to promote community spirit.
18. Ask your mayor to sign a proclamation for an important community event.
19. Ask your governor to sign a proclamation for a national event.
20. Practice random acts of kindness.
21. Stage a marathon to raise money for a cause.
22. Organize an exchange between rural and urban individuals to promote understanding.
23. Volunteer to help at charity auctions.
24. Volunteer your talents at a charity auction.

I could copy and paste the 366 I found- but here is the link. Some sound like really good ideas:
http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/club/ServiceIdeas.htm

I applaud you for doing community service!

--Jack
(15/m)

we have been given a creative writing assignment in class. can someone please explain to me - what exactly is considered creative writing? I just can't tell the difference between that and an essay...Please and thank you.

Hey!

An essay, as you should know- is a formal writing piece about a pre-determined topic. Usually essays focus on a theme or are persuassive in some way. Essays leave almost no room for the writer to be creative.

Creative writing [which is just about one of the best forms of writing, in my opinion] gives the writer freedom to be creative, wild, and crazy. It can be a poem, story, anecdote, riddle, joke, parody, speech, or a not-so-typical essay. I took a Creative Writing class in 8th grade. Honestly- it was just about the funnest and most enlightening class I've ever taken.
My suggestion is to take full advantage of this assignment. Teachers don't always make writing assignments creative writing pieces- so take this as your chance to show your creativity and blow away your teacher.
You can never go wrong with a poem written about something you can relate to- your piece will be more passionate and believable.

Happy Writing!
--Jack
(15/m)

does the secret really work? i mean i've tried it a couple of times and i swear five mins later the exact thing i imagined happened like a play in front of my eyes......i am confused..... lol... ridicules question i know.... but i am just curious.

I've watched this video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=_b1GKGWJbE8

and honestly- I think its just about the stupidest thing I've ever heard. So I'm thinking negative thoughts right now- oh no! I'm going to suddenly be surrounded by negativity because of the thoughts I'm having.

I don't think its true. I also don't think you should waste your time with this crap. Sure, if you think about something you want to do- and take action- you have a good chance of getting it. You aren't just going to get a million dollars because you think about having it. You're going to get that million dollars by WORKING for it.

--Jack
(15/m)

can someone help me with the word "de" in spanish? its a preposition but sometimes does it mean "of" or "with" when? and how?

iHola!

The word "de" is very interesting. Haha- I love it. Yes, it does mean "of"- but I'm not sure about "with". With is usually "con"- for example: "Salsa con queso" is "Salsa with cheese". If you were to say "Salsa de queso" it would literally mean "Salsa of cheese"- meaning in English- "Cheese salsa".

"De" is a preposition- as you said. For example- "Soy de Estados Unidos"- "I am of/from the United States".

**EDIT**
Sorry- I realized that I didn't use "de" as a preposition really in this example:
"Estoy a la derecha de su" = "I am to the right of you".

"De" can indicate the material of something also- so for example "Los bluejeans son de algodon" means "The bluejeans are [of] cotton".

"De" has, I'm sure, a few other meanings, but I'm pretty sure that it DOESN'T mean "with"- that's what the lovely "con" is for =D.

--Jack
(15/m)

My mom is gone on a business trip for 1 week and she left a couple of days ago, my dad is busy with work and my siblings are always with their friends... I spend a lot of time at home, since a lot of my friends are gone on vacations. Yesterday my dad told me to start acting more mature and helping around the house. Like doing the dishes and doing laundry. I can do the dishes but I'm not very good with laundry. So my question is,

- How do I seperate the piles.... Whites, colors and darks right?? ok but what about whites that have some color designs on them? Is it ok to wash colors that are not the same? Like blue and pink together? What about socks? My dad has socks that are white and gray. I know you wash towels and sweatshirts together right? does the color matter for those? I want to do laundry, but I'm scared I'll screw something up and my dad will be mad at me. I googled up laundry but there was only 1 good result, wikipedia and that was a little help. So any other helpful laundry advice?

I'm sure its different for everyone- but this is how I do my laundry [yes, I'm one of the few teenage guys who actually does his own laundry].

Whites go together- and usually socks are included in this unless they aren't white. Tube socks are alright in this mixture. Don't use bleach unless everything in there is COMPLETELY white- not an off-white or white with red stripes.

Colors go together- but usually, I separate into each color- like Reds, Oranges, and Yellows go together [yellow can go with green also]. Greens, Blues, Purples, and Blacks go together. You don't want to have light blues and light greens in this load, so maybe do a separate load with just the light blues and light greens. If you have blue jeans that are dark and you don't want them to fade, turn them inside out. If you have a shirt with plastic lettering on it- turn it inside out. You don't want it to fade and melt.

If you have a stain on a piece of clothing, put some of the soap on it before it goes in the washer. Just a dab or two should be fine, if you rub it in a little bit.

Towels do generally go together, no matter their color. Unless of course you have like white towels and black towels together. That isn't a good idea. Beach towels and other colors of towels washed together are fine.

If you're afraid something will blend colors- wash it in cold water- preferably not in the washer. This is mainly for White and Red shirts.

If you need anymore information on laundry- or you have more questions- you can say in feedback- or ask another question to my inbox.

--Jack
(15/m)

14/f
Im going out with a boy named Mike (hes my first bf), and hes a couple months younger than me (he kinda acts younger, b/c of his younger siblings). and we've been going out for 10 months, we started going out on October 25, 2006. and anyway we've only held hands once or twice, like when we were at a school dance, and we hug sometimes after school, and everyonce and a while we kiss (only a little peck on the lips... n2m) well i dont have enough courage to go up to him and hold his hand, or hug him, or kiss him. I love him, but i dont have to courage to show him! and dont tell me to tell him i want to, cuz i cant do that either....

well while on the phone last night, he said we should hold hands more. but idk if hes going to go up to me and hold my hand, or what!?!?
so please just help me!

Honestly- I applaud you. Seriously- a relationship that doesn't pass first base or even start holding hands or anything within the first month are probably the best relationships to be in. Even at 10 months- I must say that I am REALLY proud and honored to hear that at least one 14 year old girl isn't asking how to have sex. Thank you for this.

Anyway- take a chance- you're boyfriend and girlfriend. If you feel embarrassed- I can assure you that he feels just the same. If he doesn't grab your hand next time you see each other- maybe you should just grab for his. You may seem embarrassed at first- but you will actually be really proud of yourself.

Let me just advise one thing: don't get your relationship to be too routine. That's part of the reason my last one ended. Make sure to change it up every once in awhile. Make it interesting. =D.

I think if he said you two should hold hands more- he probably will be the one to do it. But maybe he thinks that you are going to do it. So just take that chance I talked about =D. You'll be glad you did.

--Jack
(15/m)

anybody have any good advice on how to wake my self up before i go to school?

Ps. dont say to take a shower or to rub a hot rag on my face

Have some coffee- caffeine will wake you up pretty quickly. If you don't want coffee- maybe drink a pop. Make sure it isn't Sprite or Root Beer- those are caffeine-free =D.

Eat breakfast- this helps you stay awake and focused at school. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day- and skipping this meal isn't the best thing to do.

That's all I can think of other than to take a shower [which you said not to say].

Good luck!
--Jack
(15/m)

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