thINK

One of the most popular and accessible forms of art involves the creation of two-dimensional imagery on a surface. This is called drawing. Drawing can be done professionally or casually, for profit or personal satisfaction. It can also involve a number of different mediums, including the more traditional pen and paper or oil and canvas, modern instruments like the computer or Magna Doodle and even human skin.

Tattooing dates back thousands of years and spans many cultures across the globe. Each society’s tattoos are visually distinct, employing unique color, content, size, location and pattern. In addition, these designs can serve many different purposes. For the indigenous Polynesians of New Zealand, tattoos were an indication of higher rank or status and also signified a rite of passage into adulthood. During the Kofun period in Japan, tattoos were placed on criminals as a form of punishment. Many cultures use tattoos for religious or spiritual purposes, to honour the dead, to intimidate enemies, to commemorate marriage or simply to appear more attractive.

In modern Western culture, the design and purpose of tattoos is not standardized, but rather determined by the individual. And as with many of our traditions, including naming our children, we tend to borrow from other cultures in an attempt to find purpose and appear unique and sophisticated. In our quest for meaning, we blend Polynesian tribal patterns with Japanese kanji, dragons with crosses, yin-yangs with Bible verses, skulls with Gothic lettering as well as a myriad of other sacred symbols, producing an amalgamation of ancient art that would likely offend and confuse each culture from which we borrowed. Because our population is multicultural and our society prioritizes the individual, each of us is permitted to create our own reality, religion and tattoo design. But in our apparent quest for meaningful markings, we have forgotten one important fact, the true reason why we actually get tattoos: because we want to.

Whenever we ask someone about the meaning of one of their tattoos, the explanation we get usually seems valid. They’ll explain to us how a rose symbolizes their grandmother, who loved roses, or how the number 27 is lucky because all of their children were all born on the 27th day of the month, or how a bloody reaper-skull wearing a crown of thorns reminds them not to fear death but to live life to the fullest every day. These explanations may all be rooted in truth, but there are many ways to commemorate important people or dates or to remind ourselves of mantras, so why did they choose to draw on themselves? Why not just get a picture framed or a piece of jewelry made?

Many would answer that the nearly inescapable permanence of tattoos adds a dimension of commitment to the expression, and that’s true, but let’s think about what the primary factor is for motivating someone to get a tattoo. If the true cause is the death of a loved one, then the person would think something like, “How can I most effectively express my sorrow? Perhaps I should get a tattoo,” but this is inconsistent with the massive number of people who get multiple tattoos and the growing number of those who identify themselves as tattoo addicts. The truth is that every single person who walks into a tattoo parlor wants a tattoo. They may want to commemorate their dead grandmother or immortalize their mantra, but much like the way we choose names for our children, they ultimately decided on the tattoo medium because they liked it. After all, no one ever reluctantly got a tattoo simply because they figured it was the most effective medium.

This isn’t meant to discredit or insult those who have tattoos, since those who choose other mediums also do so because they prefer them. But it’s important to be honest with ourselves and to understand our true intentions, especially when we’re doing something that cannot be easily undone. There’s always a chance that our tattoo will come out wrong because of mistranslation or poor quality artwork, that the tattoo will degrade over time, that the shape of our body will change, that we’ll change our opinion of the subject or that our taste in art will simply evolve.

The idea of sewing a pair of pants to our legs is ridiculous, but even if it was safe to do so, it would seem absurd to imagine that we would always enjoy wearing the same pair of pants. And yet we somehow convince ourselves that we will always love our tattoos, that we won’t be ashamed of them and that the issues that our future selves will face are somehow detached from the choices we make now. Deep down we all know that permanently marking our bodies for aesthetic purposes is foolish. But those who want tattoos are still going to get them, so in light of what we’ve learned, let’s set a few rules in order to minimize the risk of regret and avoid a design that offends another culture or doesn’t make any sense.

  1. Don’t choose someone’s name or face. You might end up feeling differently about them.
  2. Don’t choose another language. There’s always a chance of mistranslation.
  3. Don’t choose a slogan or mantra that may become unpopular.
  4. Do a spell check.
  5. Choose an area of the body that ages well.
  6. Choose an area of the body that can be easily hidden by clothing.
  7. Get a temporary tattoo and see if you like it.
  8. Finish the tattoo.

In other words, don’t get this:

No one who didn’t want a tattoo ever got one.

One of

One of the worst mistakes a promoter, reporter or commentator can make is understating their subject’s significance. Indeed, an important part of their duty is to convince their audience that they are witnessing something amazing and special, and in order to do so, they often use lofty praise and exaltation. A common tactic we see is the placement of the phrase “one of” before a declaration of supremacy. Here are some examples:

  • One of the most dynamic athletes in the division.
  • One of the winningest coaches in the league.
  • One of the biggest events in history.
  • One of the most beautiful women on the planet.
  • One of the greatest players of all time.
  • One of the world’s wealthiest businessmen.

This strategy seems to perfectly allow for elevation of a subject without stating its dominance and thereby diminishing others. For example, if a commentator were to claim that a player was the best in the sport, then he is also implying that other players are worse than him. This creates a problem for those who frequently cite the greatness of people or events, since logic forbids them to only ascribe supremacy to one target.

However, if the speaker prefaces the statement of supremacy with “one of”, then they are free to make this claim about anyone or anything that is arguably nearly supreme. This simple and often unnoticed modification makes the statement slightly more ambiguous and less meaningful, but increases its versatility substantially. Instead of being restricted to having only one player who is the greatest, we can have ten, twenty or even hundreds of players who are all one of the greatest.

In addition to increasing inclusivity by using this preface, the descriptors and conditions can be made more specific in order to allow anyone or anything to be described as “one of” in some category. The phrase makes the statement more flexible, but if we then narrow the scope by reducing the geographic area or window of time and use highly-specialized areas, we can create a near-infinite number of categories in which to crown something or someone one of the greatest. After all, there’s no denying that Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time, but the title of one of the greatest high school basketball players in Michigan state is much more inclusive. Here are some other examples:

  • One of the most delicious organic fruit smoothies around.
  • One of the funniest talk show hosts in daytime television.
  • One of the most gripping action films of the summer.
  • One of the best pastry chefs in the city.
  • One of the most effective exercise routines for pregnant women.
  • One of the most reliable trucks in its class.

By avoiding a declaration of supremacy and identifying specific qualities in certain situations or locations, we can make anyone or anything one of the best something somewhere. It’s worth noting that these tactics are not only employed by professionals, for we often use them in everyday conversation to generate hype for our cool new phone or favorite musician. Even if the phone isn’t the fastest, it could easily be one of the fastest. And perhaps if it isn’t one of the fastest, it’s certainly one of the fastest in its price range. And maybe we can’t prove that our favorite musician is the most successful or talented, but no one would argue with us if we say that they are one of the most stylish and innovative of a particular genre.

Unfortunately there’s a problem with this method of promotion. By expanding the statement to include anyone or anything that could arguably be the greatest something somewhere, we’re essentially reducing the statement’s meaning to, “this thing is pretty good,” which isn’t much of a compliment. This issue is worsened by our inclination to avoid concrete statements in favor of ambiguous positivity. Let’s look at three reasons why we do this.

First, our desire to avoid negativity means that we will often abstain from making statements that could hurt others. For example, choosing a best man or maid of honor might make others in the wedding party feel inferior. Second, our aversion to commitment often forbids us from saying things we may later recant or regret. Third, our general aversion to difficulty means that we will take the path of least resistance.  In this case it means defaulting to the “one of” phrase, even if it’s fairly obvious that the thing is the best.

The matter may even be trivial, but we’d rather not waste the energy to determine whether or not the it is inconsequential enough for us to safely issue a declaration of supremacy. This becomes extremely obvious when we refrain from stating a simple opinion by refusing to select a favorite. When asked to identify our favorite food, movie or music, we are often unable to answer definitively and instead respond with something like, “I’m not sure, but blank is definitely up there.”

In summary, we don’t call things the best because it’s offensive, because we’re scared to commit and because it’s easier to qualify a statement rather than actually figure out if it’s true. This leaves us in a world full of people and things that are all one of the best in some category – a world where everyone is great. And in a world where everyone is great, no one is great. If we praise every athlete, child, product, artist or event, then true greatness becomes unrecognizable, lost in a sea of ambiguous and inclusive praise.

Commit. Say things that matter. Call something the best.

A Mother’s Care

Kitten, kid, calf or child,
there’s one drink they desire.
A gift that only mothers give,
pale, rich and required.

When flowing out of cattle’s teat,
no prefix you will find.
But from a goat, we always note,
to keep the source in mind.

Yet when one of our Ernest young,
longs for a mother’s care,
we don’t recall from whom it came,
but we do recall from where.

Miracles

Countless clusters of frost and crystal gracefully descend to rest, dressing the trees in white to celebrate the winter holiday. With a warm cup of hot chocolate in hand, a young mother watches her son gleefully shred paper and toss ribbons she placed with care. But as each impractical, meaningless toy is revealed, her grin fades.

Images of blood and gunfire march through her mind as she ponders the fate of her love. It has been two hundred and sixty-four days and this morning since last they savored each other’s presence. Hope and fear have spared her no sleep since she last heard that the helicopter did not return from its mission.

Then a knock at the door.

Hatred boils in her blood. She knows that stoic men with hat in hand stand solemnly on her porch to deliver the news that she already knows. Before she can even set down her cup, her cheeks drip and her heart sinks into her stomach.

“Who’s at the door?” the boy asks.

“Nobody,” she responds, “just keep opening your presents.”

She makes her way to the door, clutching her chest and holding her mouth, ready to hear the words that can set her free from fear and allow her to accept his death. Tearful and trembling, she pauses to look in the mirror before greeting the figures who have haunted her.

As the wooden slab swings open, the fear evaporates and she crumbles to the floor. Every horrid vision melts away as despair becomes a memory. Bliss descends and renders every thought and word insufficient. Her love has come home.

This story is truly a miracle. Or is it?

Most are quick to declare an event a miracle, but before we can agree or disagree with such assessments, it would be wise to define the conditions of a miracle.

Although miracles are considered supernatural by many, it is much more difficult to discern the intent of heavenly beings than to examine the qualities of a typical miracle. For this reason, we will ignore the metaphysical nature of miracles and instead focus on the measurable and observable ingredients required in order for an event to be defined as miraculous.

Based on the common understanding of miracles, there are four possible criteria for the event:

  1. It is beneficial to the recipient.
  2. It is requested by or meaningful to the recipient.
  3. It is extremely unlikely or timely.
  4. It seems impossible or its origin is unknown.

Not all of these criteria are of equal weight. To be accepted by most as a miracle, an event must meet the first requirement. It is obvious, but worth discussing, that miracles must benefit those who experience them. This is because miraculous events often affect those other than the recipient in benign or negative ways.

When someone wins the lottery, it means that many others did not win. When we find money on the street, it means that someone lost it. There’s even a movie called Miracle which documents the triumph of the United States men’s Olympic hockey team in 1980. But this tale is as much about the American team overcoming incredible odds as it is about the Soviet Union team suffering disappointment and defeat – an inevitable consequence of competition. In this story, the Soviet team’s experience met only the last three criteria. Because their experience was detrimental, they likely reached the opposite conclusion as the Americans, declaring the event a curse or punishment. In order for us to experience a miracle, we must be the beneficiary of the event.

There are times, however, when miraculous events don’t benefit us but spare us from harm. Narrowly escaping a calamity, especially a rare or unusual unusual one, or surviving a terminal illness will cause us to feel blessed even though we didn’t gain from the event.

It’s also possible for events to be reevaluated weeks, months or years after they occur. A seemingly meaningless or even negative experience can later be perceived as miraculous. Likewise, a miracle may one day be invalidated in light of new information.

The second criteria for a miracle isn’t quite as important as the first, though some would argue that it is also an essential component. The additional importance is likely a reflection of the belief that miracles are a direct result of prayer or divine intervention. To them, the fact that the event was requested or meaningful reflects their deity’s care and benevolence toward them. To those who do not subscribe to this notion, it is not enough to solidify a positive event as a miracle, though it may enhance the significance of what is already considered a miracle.

The final two criteria are what many identify as the primary cause for their interpretation of an event as a miracle. When explaining the reason why we believe our experience was miraculous, the fact that the event was beneficial is obvious and therefore not mentioned. The request or special meaning is used only between those who share a supernatural view of miracles, but even in such cases, this facet can be considered less credible due to its emotional and subjective nature. For this reason, the last two criteria are much more likely to be offered as proof of a miracle.

There is a good chance that a positive event that is extremely unlikely or timely will be considered a miracle. Winning the lottery, finding money on the street or overcoming incredible odds to achieve victory are all evidence of the significance of the event being unlikely or timely. We do not consider winning two dollars on a scratchcard a miracle because the chance of winning a small amount is high. Likewise, finding money on the street is only considered a miracle in a time of need. And there’s nothing miraculous about a heavy favorite winning a sporting match. Miracles have to surprise us – make us stop and ponder the significance of the event – which leads us to our final criteria.

Similar to the feeling of astonishment brought on by experiencing an extremely unlikely or timely beneficial event, the impossible or unknown origin of such an event also stirs in us the sense that something miraculous has happened. Just as our inability to predict an outcome causes us to declare it random, when we cannot understand or explain how something happened, the natural conclusion for many is that the laws of nature were temporarily suspended by some benevolent force in order to bestow on us a special blessing. Though this idea is more likely to be accepted by those who believe that miracles are divine, the sense of mystery alone retains the power to convince us that we have experienced a miracle.

For those who do not attribute miracles to divine intervention, the source of a seemingly impossible or unknowable event need not be identified in order for them to be amazed by it. However, as science continues to unravel the mysteries of the universe, this criteria becomes less credible. The constant ratification of our understanding of the physical world makes it less likely for us to declare that the origin of an event is impossible or unknowable, which means that we are also less likely to consider such an event a miracle.

The last three criteria we talked about are distinct from one another, but they all perform the same function: the creation of a sense of significance. In order for us to believe that an event was a miracle, supernatural or not, we must be astonished by it. Though some frivolously brand childbirth, sunrises and friendship as miracles, we must know that what we experienced was truly special in order to feel like it was a miracle.

So now we know what factors influence our belief in miracles. We’ve seen that miracles must be beneficial (at least to the one evaluating the event). In addition, we know that an event that is requested or particularly meaningful is more likely to be considered a miracle, especially by those who believe that miracles are supernatural. We also looked at the two most common causes of events being interpreted as miracles: unlikeliness or timeliness and an impossible or unknowable origin. Now let’s try evaluating some events to determine which criteria they meet and whether or not they deserve the title of miracle.

  • A woman is the sole survivor of a plane crash.
  • A man is struck by lightning on his way to work.
  • A child prays for rain and the following day it rains.
  • A man receives an unmarked envelope containing the exact amount of money needed to pay his debt.
  • A woman who is thought unable to conceive becomes pregnant.
  • A child born with a severe disability is abandoned but later adopted into a loving family.

It is certainly possible to evaluate these events, but what if we don’t see the big picture? What about the other passengers who died in the plane crash? What if the man struck by lightning was a serial killer? What if the child who prayed for rain did so without knowing that the weather report already predicted rain? Questions like these raise concern that our interpretations may be oversimplified.

The declaration of a miracle reflects confidence in our understanding (or lack of understanding) of the cause and purpose of an event. Even if we claim that the origin of the event is unknowable, that in itself is a claim of knowledge about the origin of the event. By labeling an event miraculous, we are saying that we know why it happened. Of course, it’s not impossible that we are correct, but the assertion that we understand the cause and purpose of events may say more about us than it does about the event.

There can be miracles when you believe.

Forever Young

What would the world be like if we lived forever?

Before we ponder this intricate hypothetical, let’s answer another question: what is it about old people that makes them old?

Obviously if we’re defining age as the gradual deterioration of the physical form, then the answer is some complex explanation involving DNA and telomeres, but that’s not what we’re discussing today. What we want to know is what biological, experiential and environmental factors cause an old person to feel and act like an old person. Let’s take a look at four traits commonly associated with the elderly.

The first example we’ll look at is speed. Older people tend to walk, talk and drive slower than younger folk. This is likely due the fact that as the body ages, ligaments tighten, joints stiffen and reaction time slows. This decrease in speed is clearly caused by the aging of the physical body.

The second trait is memory. Seniors are known to have trouble recollecting the past. While it’s true that older people have more memories to scan through, dementia and the natural deterioration of the brain are the culprits here.

The third example we’ll examine is the inability or unwillingness to adapt. It is well known that the elderly are not generally fond of change and that they struggle to understand modern morality, fashion and technology. This could be caused by a decrease in brain function, but a more likely source is the increase in nostalgia over time. As we age, we tend to view the past more favorably and become increasingly frustrated with modern conventions and inventions.

The final trait is political disposition. Older citizens tend to vote differently and with a different frequency than other sections of the population. This is caused by what is known as the cohort effect – the observation that populations with shared experiences tend to have certain traits in common. So, for example, those who endured the the depression of the 1930s in their youth are more likely to finish the food on their plate, enjoy farming and vote for politicians who are fiscally conservative later in life.

So we clearly have some traits that are caused by physical aging and others that, while rooted in the transition from youth to adulthood, come from merely existing for a long period of time. Before we return to the original question, let’s answer one more: what does living forever look like?

When we attempt to answer this question, many of us imagine a world full of young, healthy and happy individuals, but the cure for death can come in many forms. Here are five possible immortality scenarios:

  1. Mr. Freeze: we find a way to stop the physical effects of aging, but not reverse them. Our bodies no longer age, but we retain the years that we have already accrued.
  2. Death Becomes Her: we discover a way to prevent our bodies from shutting down due to old age, but we cannot prevent our bodies from degenerating.
  3. The Fountain of Youth: we find a way to restore our bodies to their youthful form, and no one ages beyond their prime.
  4. Robocop:  we use technology to modify our minds and bodies to an extent that age becomes irrelevant.
  5. Ghost in the Shell: we discover a way to transport consciousness into machines, shedding our useless organic forms.

Of these five possibilities, the most relevant and feasible is likely among the first three. At first it may appear as though these scenarios are very similar, but whether or not we are returned to our youth or our aging is halted will affect the world in significant ways.

Earlier we discussed some of the differences between the elderly and other demographics. Now imagine that the entire world is comprised of only individuals of the same age. In order to progress, we must have a better understanding of immortality’s effects.

First, we must acknowledge that our perception of age is largely based on physical appearance. Sure, there are those traits that we mentioned earlier, but it’s likely that if a 90-year-old woman was transported into the body of a 20-year-old woman, she would be treated much differently. The fact that romances such as the one between Bella and Edward from the Twilight series do not arouse suspicion reveals just how poor our understanding of age actually is.

In the series, Bella is a 17-year-old high school student who falls in love with Edward, a 106-year-old vampire. Edward became a vampire when he was 17, which means that he appears to be the same age as Bella. Now in the real world, a relationship between a 17-year-old and a 106-year-old is not only illegal, it’s downright unimaginable. Despite this, the relationship initially seems believable because Edward appears to be 17. In actuality, Edward may have more luck finding a suitable wife at a retirement home than a high school.

Now for a moment let’s imagine that there is a group of immortal people who have been alive for 1,000 years. What would they think of modern morals and fashion? What kind of grasp would they have on modern technology? How would they vote? The answers to these questions depend on whether or not we believe that youthful or elderly traits are derived from the age of the physical body we inhabit or from the amount of time that we exist.

Another mystery of immortality is that we don’t know what happens to people when they live beyond a century or so. As we discussed, we tend to become more conservative as we age, unwilling or unable to accept new ideas. If this trend were to continue indefinitely, an ever-aging population may threaten to stamp out political change completely.

It’s also important to remember that we don’t know how the cohort effect would be affected by a population that doesn’t physically age. It’s possible that without maturing past our youth, the window in which shared experiences may affect us is extended indefinitely. Many of us, especially seniors, look back on our youth with nostalgia, but if we’re eternally young, is it even possible to do so?

A final point to consider before we move on: if people lived forever, we would likely need a limit on breeding in order to control the population. This means that there would be few, if any, new humans. This lack of new life may slow the rate of change drastically, for there would be no inquisitive and rebellious youngsters to challenge the establishment. Another potential side effect could be a lack of inspiration and concern for others, since there is no future generation to which we might pass on a better world.

Now let’s explore some possible outcomes if these situations became reality. Here’s a table showing what we will experience based on the immortality scenario and whether or not aging continues to affect us once our bodies have stopped maturing.

Age Type Immortality Type
We Stay How We Are We Get Physically Old We Stay Young
Aging Affects Us We appear as we are now, but we feel and act increasingly old. We appear old, and we feel and act increasingly old. We appear young, but we feel and act increasingly old.
Aging Doesn’t Affect Us We appear, feel and act as we are now. We appear, feel and act old, but aging stops. We appear, feel and act young.

So what would the world be like if we lived forever? Well that depends not only on the means by which we cheat death and whether or not aging continues to affect us, but also on our ideas of what it means to be young or old. Based on these factors, we may be excited or frightened at the concept of immortality.

If, for example, we are all made young, never age and aging doesn’t continue to affect us, then the world’s entire population will be comprised of people that look, feel and act young. For those who are wary of the rebellious and reckless trappings of youth, this might sound like a recipe for disaster. If, however, aging continues to affect us, then we may end up with a whole world that is increasingly fond of the past and skeptical of change. This may cause moral and political shifts to halt and technological innovation to cease.

Now some may argue that the world is not so easily divided into the old and young, pointing to studies that reveal how our views do not become more conservative as we age. However, what is considered a conservative view does change over time, and so time makes conservatives of us all.

In the immortal words of Hartwig Schierbaum, do you really want to live forever?

The World’s Hardest Multiple Choice Question: Part III

If each of the questions in this series may have more than one correct response, which of the following questions has more than one answer?

A. Which of the following are correct answers to this question?

  • B.
  • C.
  • D.
  • C.

B. If the answer to this question _______ then the answer _______.

  • isn’t B, is A, B or C.
  • is B, isn’t A, C or D.
  • doesn’t exist, is C.
  • isn’t A, B or C, doesn’t exist.

C. How many incorrect answers does this question have?

  • 2.
  • 1.
  • 3.
  • 2.

D. There are _______ total correct responses to all questions in this series.

  • 6.
  • 8.
  • 10.
  • 10.
If you haven’t already, try part I and part II.

Good Form

  1. Common problems with written communication
    1. Continuity
    2. Length
      • Relevant information not included
      • Irrelevant information included
      • Overdeveloped ideas
      • Underdeveloped ideas
    3. Omission of information
  2. Benefits of point form
    1. Separate ideas
      • Ensure continuity
    2. Establish framework
      • Manage document length
      • Plan idea development
      • Include all critical information
  3. Examples
    1. Outlines
      1. Problems with written communication
        1. Continuity
        2. Length
        3. Omission
      2. Benefits of point form
        1. Establishes framework
        2. Separates ideas
      3. Examples
        1. Outlines
          1. Problems with written communication
          2. Benefits of point form
          3. Examples
            1. Drafting an essay
            2. Event planning
            3. Outlines
            4. Presentations
            5. List of items
            6. Instructions
            7. Index
        2. Drafting an essay
          1. Introduction
          2. First point
          3. Second point
          4. Third point
          5. Conclusion
        3. Event planning
          1. Essential information
          2. Invitations
          3. Decorations
          4. Seating
          5. Food and drink
          6. Entertainment
          7. Accommodations
        4. Presentations
          1. Business proposal
          2. Educational presentation
        5. List of items
          1. Category 1
          2. Category 2
          3. Category 3
        6. Instructions
          1. Product assembly
          2. Extracting computer files
            1. Windows
            2. DOS
        7. Index
    2. Drafting an essay
      1. Introduction
        • Thesis statement
        • Outline of three points
      2. First point
        • Explain
        • Support
          • Quote
          • Story
          • Data
      3. Second point
        • Explain
        • Support
          • Quote
          • Story
          • Data
      4. Third point
        • Explain
        • Support
          • Quote
          • Story
          • Data
      5. Conclusion
        • Summary
        • Explain connection between points and thesis
    3. Planning events
      1. Essential information
        • Event name
        • Date
        • Start time
        • End time
        • Location
        • Guest list
      2. Invitations
        • Include essential information
        • Use attractive and appropriate design
        • Don’t use Comic Sans
      3. Decorations
        • Flowers
        • Lights
        • Plates and cutlery
      4. Seating
        • Chairs
        • Tables
      5. Food and drink
        • Appetizers
          • Cheese and crackers
          • Crudités
          • Chips and dip
          • Deviled eggs
        • Entrees
          • Fish
          • Chicken
          • Beef
          • Lamb
        • Dessert
          • Cake
          • Mousse
          • Pudding
        • Drinks
          • Champagne
          • Beer
          • Wine
          • Soda
          • Water
        • Alternatives for those with allergies or moral issues with certain foods or beverages
      6. Entertainment
        • Choose appropriate music
          • Rap
            • Jay-Z
            • Lil Wayne
            • Eminem
            • Dr. Dre
          • Country
            • Brad Paisley
            • Taylor Swift
            • Tim McGraw
          • Electronic
            • Daft Punk
            • Moby
            • Depeche Mode
          • Rock and/or roll
            • The Beatles
            • Bob Dylan
            • Elvis Presley
            • ACDC
          • Classical
            • Beethoven
            • Bach
            • Mozart
            • Chopin
        • Activities or games
          • Karaoke
          • Charades
          • Apple bobbing
          • Musical chairs
          • Simon says
        • Professional entertainers
          • Musician
          • Clown
          • Hypnotist
          • Animals
            • Pony
            • Horse
            • Tarantula
      7. Accommodations
        • Parking
        • Restrooms
        • Travel
          • Taxi
          • Limousine
          • Airplane
          • Helicopter
        • Lodging
    4. Presentations
      1. Business proposal
        • Introduction
        • First point
          • Data
            • Chart
            • Graph
            • Statistic
          • Summary
        • Second point
          • Data
            • Chart
            • Graph
            • Statistic
          • Summary
        • Third point
          • Data
            • Chart
            • Graph
            • Statistic
          • Summary
        • Summary
          • Projections
            • Costs
            • Returns
            • Risk
      2. Educational presentation
        • Introduction
        • First point
          • Media
            • Image
            • Video
            • Music
            • Sound
          • Explanation
        • Second point
          • Media
            • Image
            • Video
            • Music
            • Sound
          • Explanation
        • Third point
          • Media
            • Image
            • Video
            • Music
            • Sound
          • Explanation
        • Conclusion
          • Media
            • Image
            • Video
            • Music
            • Sound
    5. List of items
      1. Category 1
        • Item 1
        • Item 2
        • Item 3
      2. Category 2
        • Item 1
        • Item 2
        • Item 3
      3. Category 3
        • Item 1
        • Item 2
        • Item 3
    6. Instructions
      1. Product assembly
        • Introduction
          • Description of product
          • Diagram of completed product
          • Supplier contact information
          • Warning
        • Outline
        • List of tools and components
          • Wrench
          • Nuts
          • Bolts
          • Hammer
          • Nails
          • Screwdriver
          • Screws
          • Wooden dowels
        • Step 1
          • Diagram
          • Instruction
            • Caution
        • Step 2
          • Diagram
          • Instruction
            • Caution
        • Step 3
          • Diagram
          • Instruction
            • Caution
        • Congratulations
        • Description of product use
        • Diagram of product in use
      2. Extracting computer files
        1. Windows
          • Locate file
            • Find (Windows key + F)
            • Windows Explorer (Windows key + E)
          • Navigate to file location
          • Determine file type
            • Zip
            • Rar
            • Exe
          • Run extraction program
            • Zip
              • WinZip
            • Rar
              • WinRAR
            • Exe
              • Windows Installer
          • Choose target location
          • Extract files
          • Exit extraction program
        2. DOS
          • Locate file
            • [file drive]:
            • dir *[filename]*.* /s
          • Determine file type
            • Zip
              • Choose target location
                • Create directory
                  • md [target drive]:\[target path]
            • Exe
          • Run extraction program
            • Zip
              • PKUNZIP
                • pkunzip [file drive]:\[file path]\[filename].zip [target drive]:\[target path]
            • Exe
              • Self-installer
                • [file drive]:\[file path]\[filename]
                • Choose target location
    7. Index
      • Accommodations, Event, 3.3.7
      • Benefits, Writing, 2.0
      • Business, 3.4.1
      • Category, List, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.3
      • Conclusion, Essay, 3.2.5
      • Continuity, Writing, 1.1
      • Decorations, Event, 3.3.3
      • DOS, 3.6.2.2
      • Drafting, Essay, 3.2
      • Entertainment, Event, 3.3.6
      • Event planning, 3.3
      • Extracting files, Windows, 3.6.2
      • Extracting files, DOS, 3.6.3
      • Food and drink, Event, 3.3.5
      • Framework, Writing, 2.1
      • Instructions, 3.3.6
      • Invitations, Event, 3.3.2
      • Length, Writing, 1.2
      • List of items, 3.5
      • Omission, Writing, 1.3
      • Outline, 3.1, 3.3.1, 3.3.3.1
      • Presentations, 3.4
      • Problems, Writing, 1.0
      • Product assembly, 3.6.1
      • Proposal, Business, 3.4.1
      • Seating, Event, 3.3.4
      • Windows, 3.6.2.1