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Q: She comes to me for advice but I'm not sure how to help her.

She grew up in New Zealand, as a tomboy. So she's a bit on the androgynous side. She's really nice, weird, and cute.. but can also be shy and awkward.

This boy she likes is from Russia and he's somewhat shy too.

They have a class together. What advice can I give her..?

With flirting and getting closer to him?
Some ideas?

She drew him a valentines day card and asked him for help on homework... She really likes him and is so nervous.. She doesn't know what to do.

If it's possible, find something they have in common and get her to strike up a conversation with him about it. Talking about shared interests or concerns (a hobby, classes, school events, current events, books, etc.) is a great way to open up to other conversation and a closer relationship, especially between shy people. It gives them something to focus on besides "augh, I'm so nervous." It also might help for her to focus on just having a normal conversation, rather than trying to impress someone. It makes it easier to behave naturally.

Good luck to her!

Q: I don't know if you know about this subject in terms or medical conditions, so if you can help that's great but if not that's fine too.

I'm a 15 year old girl trying to drop a few pounds and the exercise factor is kind of complicating things. I would gladly go for a run on weekends or again after my school's lacrosse practice but I have a medical condition (which I hate with a burning passion, it holds me back from being the athlete I wish I was) that makes it difficult for me to do so much cardio. It's called Thalassemia, and it's a type of anemia. I have the minor one, doesn't usually show symptoms, but unfortunately I do. I can usually last for running about a mile at a jog and then I have to take a break. My doctor said it's like having a 25-30% handicap. My doctor also thinks I may have asthma so I also use an inhaler. Other than this I am pretty much perfectly healthy and in good shape. But if I'm working on losing weight, and I'm trying to eat right, getting exercise is going to be a little harder for me.

My question here is does it matter how quickly you run? If I'm still going for a mile and my mile time is generally around 9 minutes and 20 seconds when I try my hardest, (and I probably won't get much better because of my condition, I've already come a long way and I think I am about at my potential now), will it have the same effect as someone who runs a mile in 7 minutes? Because with a the thalassemia I think it causes my heart rate to increase faster? (Not totally sure - but medically speaking, thalassemia is an insufficient amount of hemoglobin, so my blood doesn't carry enough oxygen and I get worn down pretty quickly) Like if I'm going as hard as I can while I'm already so tired, it's only going to be about a jog because I don't have it in me to pick up the pace - so would that be less cardio or because I'm compensating for the problem I have would it be close to the same effect?

Sorry for that being so much to read! If you can help me out at all that would be great. Thanks! =]

I myself am a runner, but not a particularly fast one, and it has definitely helped me keep in shape despite that. Running, even at around a 9 minute mile time, will still give you a pretty good workout. In addition, if you want to go a step above jogging, you could try varying your speed--going for a while at a slow pace, and then running for a shorter time at a slightly faster pace. This could potentially help you extend your workout time. It's also totally okay to take breaks and start again after a rest, and bring water and drink lots of it!

While I can't say for sure how your medical issues will effect this, since I'm not much of an expert in that area, hopefully some of that will help a bit. And in any case, any exercise is good exercise!

Best of luck!

Q: one of my friends may be on the verge of killing herself

She won't tell me what's wrong with her ... she's ignoring my calls and when she answers, she hangs up.

On myspace, she reads my messages but wont reply

she was happy at school and is all depressed now...

anything I could do to squeeze the truth outta her?

If you seriously think your friend may be considering killing herself, step away from your computer right now and go tell someone--your parents, a teacher, a counselor. Warning signs of suicide should always be taken seriously--many people who attempt suicide do drop warnings. And after all, it's better safe than sorry.

If you need some really qualified advice from a person you can give more detailed information to but don't know who to ask, there are suicide crisis hotlines at 1-800-SUICIDE and 1-800-273-TALK where there are people who can advise you on what to do about a person you're concerned about.

I hope everything is all right for you and your friend. Good luck.

Q: Hey how can you tell when a guy likes you??

He shows either an unusual level of interest in you, or seems to be avoiding you on purpose. It can be either of the two. Sometimes they'll suddenly start talking to you a lot more than usual, or something similar. Of course, on the other side, if they're a bit nervous, they avoid you. Or bother you a lot.

Q: ok so im trying to be a healthier person - not necessarily trying to lose weight but i wouldnt mind slimming down some. anyway im trying to follow the food pyramid (or maybe thats not a good way to go?). i havent been so strict about it because it seems like i dont eat enough meals to get in all the types of food im supposed to... i would eat more spaced out meals but on weekdays i cant. i leave for school at 7 so i eat at about 6:30, my lunch is at about 11, and i have practice after school and dont get home till around 5, and dinner is usually around 6 or 6:30.

so, for a typical days meal, is this good? sorry if its a lot to ask but if you happen to know a good meal plan for a typical day that would be great.

breakfast:
2 scrambled eggs with a slice of american cheese melted in, 2 pieces of whole grain toast, a glass of skim milk

lunch:
peanut butter and jelly on 2 pieces of whole grain bread, a handful of mini carrots, a handful of wheat thins, and a half pint of water

snack:
banana and water

dinner: (i dont have much authority with this meal so i might have to work around it, but here is a common one in my house)
pasta with tomato sauce and 2 meatballs, a bowl of spinach salad with cucumbers, carrots, croutons, and a little italian dressing, a glass of milk

also - im not sure if this is a good idea, but im trying to limit the drinks i have to water and milk. i love milk and i of course have to watch calcium intake, and then i always try to hydrate myself with water for sports and such.

sorry that was so long. thank you!

That really does sound like you're doing a really good job! Lots of water is especially good--don't overdo it, but drinking water does raise your metabolism, especially combined with exercise. I'm not really sure what else I can suggest for you! You've even got spinach, which is way better than lettuce.

It's not bad every once and a while to have something like orange juice or V8 for the vitamins, though, if you feel like you need more fruit or veggie servings. Those are good, healthy drinks with plenty of nutrition that will fit right into your meal plan.

Good luck! :)

Q: is there any way to save videos you see on youtube to your own computer?

Firefox plugins. If you use the Firefox browser, there are a lot of plugins such as Video Download, VideoDownloader, and UnPlug that can save video from YouTube. Plugins are available at the following URL: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/

If you don't already have the browser, it's available at http://mozilla.com

Q: ok after you download fonts online. how do you write them on your pictures. everyone does it and i don't know how. like is there a certain program you have to download or something.well if anyone knows how can you just give me exact directions so i don't get confused. k thanks soo muchh

Well, once you download fonts, you have to place them in the correct directory on your computer. I don't remember what the folder for Windows is, but if you search for a folder called "Fonts", you'll find it. On MacOSX, it's Library/Fonts.

Basically, all you have to do is drag and drop the fonts into the folder, and they'll install and be available to use in graphics editors and word processors. (On Windows there /may/ be an extra step--I seem to recall an installation menu--but I don't know if that still exists in Vista and XP, since my last experience installing fonts was with 98. Pretty sure you're fine with drag-and-drop, though.)

You'll need a program like Paint or The Gimp (http://gimp.org) in order to put the type on pictures--there'll be a little tool represented by a T sign, usually. So you click on that and then on the picture where you want the text to show up, and type away. Then all you have to do is save it as a .jpg, .gif, or .png, and then that should do it.

Hope this helps you! It's a little bit tricky at first, but easy to get used to once you do it a couple times.

Q: I cut myself for the first time today. I'm afraid that cutting will become something that I do regularly. I need to figure out how to get over cutting, because i already feel like i'm a crazy person. pleaseee help!

oh and don't tell me to google. i did, and i read nearly all of the search results. reading some of them makes me want to cut even more.

i'd love to hear a response from a person who has gone through this.

If you feel that this may become a regular habit, you should talk with a psychologist who can help you get at why you want to cut yourself and how you can resolve those issues. It's also a good thing to find other ways to busy yourself--more activities, like sports, can provide an outlet. You could also try writing your feelings down in a journal instead.

Good luck! I've had friends who've gotten through it, and you can too.

Q: Ok I know what a bible is but i don't. I know it's like a story of jesus' life. I know it's for christains. I believe in Jesus I just don't exactly know what the bible contains. Please tell me everything you know about it. Like wat it contains and stuff.

The Bible actually contains many parts. The first part, the Old Testament, is for the most part the story of the world's creation and the history and laws of the Jewish people--the roots of Christianity. There are also books of poetry, proverbs, and prophecies.

The second part is the New Testament, which contains a variety of stuff. There's the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), which tell the story of Jesus' life and teachings. After that, there's Acts and the Epistles (letters), which tell of what happened after Jesus' death and resurrection--essentially, the story of the early Church and theological studies. And then there's Revelations, which no one is entirely sure about!

Lastly, there's the apocryphal books, which are sort of "optional" texts that are accepted or rejected as canonical from branch to branch of the church.

Q: i got a 2200 on my sats. but the break down is one sided. my reading and writing i got perfect scores, but my math i only got a 600. so iono should i take it again? will universities tink i just cnat do math? or can i just make it up by doing well on SAT II math test?

another queston, is it true that universities loook SAT scores based on range, if you score high enough, it dont matter how much higher u scored.

If you have solid math grades in school, you should be all right--grades are more important than test scores. If you think you can improve, then it's probably a good idea to re-take. The SAT II Math will also help reinforce that--the Math I's about comparable, I think, while the Math II is... considerably harder, so the Math I may be what you want to take in that case.

SAT scores will generally be considered in a range, because they can vary based on the problems you got and from day to day. So if you're in a particular range of, say, 580-620, then that's your bracket. So if you had, say, a 780, they'd probably assume that you could have gotten a full score. At least I'm fairly certain that's how it works.

Q: What are some good graduation songs that are sure to make the graduates cry, but not totally sob or anything like that.... You know, just to add a lil' bit of drama at graduation day....

Thanks in advance!

Closing Time - Semisonic
Graduation - Vitamin C (This is classic.)
I Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlan
There You'll Be - Faith Hill
I Learned From You - Billy Ray Cyrus and Miley Cyrus (I know, I know, but it'll /totally/ work.)

Hope this helps!

Q: my legs "jiggle" when i walk. what foods should i avoid and what excersizes should i do so that they will be firm by june 21st?

and as for my abs - what foods should i avoid and what excersizes should i do so that it will be completely flat by june 21st? when i wear jeans my stomach hangs over. please help!

Running is really what will do it--running or other heavy leg activity. I'm a cross country runner, so I train all summer, and it makes a big difference. If you're not into running and have a Playstation, consider investing in Dance Dance Revolution. Otherwise, doing squats and leg weights at a gym will be helpful.

Abs... difficult, but I've heard pilates are very good for them, as well as the usual crunches and so forth.

If you know a place that does Body Pump or Body Flow... try that. It's intense, but believe me, it gives you one heck of a workout all over.

Q: I have acne. Help me get rid of it. What products can I use? Is there anything I should avoid eating? (I know, i know...don't pick...blah blah..) I just want to get things from Target/Rite Aid etc...I don't want to order anything like Proactiv

There's this thing called Acne Free that I buy--you can get it at Target or Wal Mart. It's three-step, like Proactiv, but better. I wash in the morning, when I get up, and before I go to bed. A consistent routine is essential.

I also talked to my doctor and was able to get some prescription topical antibiotics--if you're willing to take that step, it's pretty handy. Just ask about medications that can help take care of acne if it's giving you trouble.

Q: should you put gel on when your hair is wet or dry?

Get out excess water, and put gel in while your hair is still damp. Then blow dry and brush at the same time--that gets me the best effect.

Q: Hello. I was wondering is there any other website were you can upload videos on it [other than www.onetruemedia.com] and then you can upload it on youtube. I ask because I have been experiencing some difficulties with uploading my videos on youtube. I cannot upload them on youtube or onetruemedia. Yes, i have tried to save it to my computer. If this helps at all: I have about a 2 year old Emachines;; Windows XP Home Edition. I also have Mozilla Firefox. But I use Internet Explorer for uploading videos [even though I can't] I cannot use Mozilla Firefox for uploading anything because the uploading bar [on youtube] doesn't even turn red after 3 hours!

Thank You In Advance.

You could try DailyMotion (http://dailymotion.com). Hope that works for you!

Q: hey, well i really like avril lavigne and ashlee simpson. can anyone give me anymore good "rocker" girl music?

The Veronicas are /awesome/ for that. Fun, flirty, lots of rockin' guitars. I'd also suggest Superchic[k] and maybe Lillix.

Q: im only 13 and im so set on going to UNC (university of north carolina) ive had my hearts set on it since i was like 8.
to make sure that wen it is time to go to college that i get into UNC, what subjects should i start focusing on??

i got good grades so far and im a stellar athlete.
my 2 sports are basketball and soccer. which is also the sports there mostly known for.

It's great that you're thinking about college so early on! At this stage, you'll want to be preparing for high school. Good, solid grades are a must in high school, and activities are always good. While making the UNC sports teams may not be for certain at this point, keep on playing--sports are a great activity for your resume.

You shouldn't have to focus on any particular subjects unless there's a specific area you want to major in, in which case you'll want to take any advanced classes and AP classes that you can. Even if you're still not sure, it's good to take high-level courses--colleges prefer to see you get a B in an honors course than an A in a regular course.

Good luck!

Q: 16 f
i really have no idea wat i want to do w/ my life and it scares me to go to college not knowing what i want... what are some good books or websites to look at like career options because i really dont know waht is out there
help!

One thing that was useful for me was having the opportunity to go to a camp on a college campus. It helped me make my decision to major in engineering. Program brochures should be coming in the mail for you soon, if you're a junior, so consider going to one to explore some possibilities.

I've found the College Majors Handbook useful. It's a book that you can buy that lists what you do to get each kind of major, what jobs you can get, and where most of those majors go.

And just remember, it's no big deal going off to college without knowing what you want to do five years down the road. After all, the most popular major across the board is "Undecided"! Your freshman year will be mostly core classes that everyone takes, and most schools will give you until the end of your sophomore year to decide on your major. You don't have to feel like you're in a rush.

Q: How truly important is the SAT if you have all A's and 2 B's throughout high school with mostly advanced classes..?

Not so important. If you have a solid record throughout high school with good grades and high-level classes, a lower standardized test performance can be put down to test anxiety or an off-day. It might put you at a bit of a disadvantage at a highly selective school, but otherwise everything should be hunky-dory.

Q: how important are extracurriculars and stuff, really?

Very. If not just to get you into college, then to get you merit scholarships so that you won't be in a heap of debt after you graduate. A variety of activities, especially ones where you can take a leadership role, will greatly enhance your chance of getting in as well as your chance of getting money from schools and from outside scholarship groups.

bio

I'm Sunshine, and I like giving practical, helpful advice on a number of different topics. I'm especially knowledgeable about the college process, health and fitness, music, web design, spirituality, and relationship issues. Feel free to ask me a question!