Becoming a Dentist: 6 Steps To Start Your Child’s Journey
25/09/2024 - Many kids dream of their future careers. Some want to be astronauts, others scientists, and a Expand
25/09/2024 - Many kids dream of their future careers. Some want to be astronauts, others scientists, and a handful might want to become firefighters. And perhaps, your child might dream of becoming a dentist one day. Like most healthcare occupations, treading the path of a dentist takes years of preparation. So, if your little one is determined about their dream dentistry career, your responsibility as their parent is to support them. But how exactly do you clear the road for them? This guide outlines steps to begin your child’s journey to dentistry. Ready to jumpstart their potential future? Keep reading! 1. Help Them Prepare Academically A shot at dental school begins with excellent grades. So, advise your child to focus on core subjects like science, math, and English, but don’t let them ignore their other classes either. The admissions committee will look at your child’s performance in these subjects to see if they have a future in dental care. Stellar grades will also give Collapse
Surviving Back to School: A Parent’s Guide to Freedom (and Maybe a Little Bit of Guilt)
15/08/2024 - Ah, back-to-school season. That magical time of year when parents everywhere can finally take a Expand
15/08/2024 - Ah, back-to-school season. That magical time of year when parents everywhere can finally take a deep breath, pour that second cup of coffee, and maybe—just maybe—finish a thought without being interrupted. After a summer spent refereeing sibling arguments, organizing endless activities, and pretending to enjoy yet another visit to the local splash pad, the idea of a quiet house almost seems like a distant dream. But here we are, on the cusp of that glorious reality. The Countdown to Sanity The start of the school year is like a New Year’s Eve countdown for parents. Instead of waiting for a ball to drop, we’re waiting for the school bus to arrive. The excitement builds as we check off each item on the back-to-school list: new backpacks, sharpened pencils, and fresh uniforms (that will somehow end up covered in mud by day three). Every item ticked off is one step closer to that sweet, sweet moment of silence. But let’s be real. With the kids back in school, there’s also a twinge of Collapse
How to make Grandma core work in your bedroom
17/07/2024 - Alright, lovelies, gather round! Today we’re diving into one of the quirkiest and most Expand
17/07/2024 - Alright, lovelies, gather round! Today we’re diving into one of the quirkiest and most delightful interior design trends taking the world by storm: Grandma Core. Yes, you heard it right! Forget minimalist Scandinavian vibes or sleek, modern aesthetics. This is all about embracing the cosy, nostalgic charm of your gran’s house. So, dust off those doilies and let’s talk about turning your bedroom into a whimsical, retro haven. First things first, what on earth is Grandma Core? Think floral patterns, knitted throws, antique knick-knacks, and, of course, sturdy wooden beds. It’s about creating a space that feels warm, lived-in, and filled with memories, even if your life is more “Instagram stories” than “tales of yore.” Basically, it’s like living in an episode of “The Great British Bake Off,” but without the soggy bottoms (hopefully). Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of Grandma Core bedroom essentials. The cornerstone of any good Granny-inspired boudoir is Collapse
Mind The Gap: How to Get Kids Into a Good Oral Hygiene Routine Early
01/07/2024 - We’ve all experienced those frantic bedtime routines—PJs on, school bags packed, and the final Expand
01/07/2024 - We’ve all experienced those frantic bedtime routines—PJs on, school bags packed, and the final push to get everyone’s teeth brushed. With the rising costs of dental care and more practices leaning towards private treatments, the average family can expect to shell out around £650 a year for standard dental check-ups and hygiene treatments. But here’s the good news: many expensive dental procedures like fillings and extractions can be avoided with a solid oral hygiene routine from an early age. Shockingly, children as young as two can require fillings, and around 38% of children under 11 have untreated tooth decay. Clearly, it’s essential to instil good oral hygiene habits early on, but many parents are unsure where to start. Let’s walk through the key steps to get your child on the right track for a healthy smile. When to Start A child’s first teeth, also known as milk teeth, usually appear between 6 and 12 months. This is the perfect time to introduce a gentle brushing routine, as Collapse
Are Refurbished Laptops Good? A Parent’s Guide to Saving Money on Tech
29/06/2024 - As parents, we’re always looking for ways to provide the best for our children while keeping Expand
29/06/2024 - As parents, we’re always looking for ways to provide the best for our children while keeping an eye on the budget. When it comes to technology, the cost can quickly add up, especially if you’re outfitting multiple kids with laptops for school or entertainment. That’s where refurbished laptops come in. But are they a smart choice for your family? Let’s dive into the world of renewed tech and see how it can benefit your household. What Are Refurbished Laptops and How Are They Different from Used? Refurbished laptops are pre-owned devices that have been restored to like-new condition. Unlike simply used laptops, refurbished models go through a rigorous process of cleaning, repairing, and testing before being resold. At The Renewed Store, this process includes: Thorough inspection and diagnostics Replacement of any faulty components Data wiping and reinstallation of the operating system Cosmetic touch-ups Final quality control checks This comprehensive approach Collapse
The one where Joey gets a (sort of) pet
08/05/2024 - My grandson Joey, who is going to be five next month, (mind blown), has been wanting a pet for Expand
08/05/2024 - My grandson Joey, who is going to be five next month, (mind blown), has been wanting a pet for quite a long time now, specifically a mouse. Given the amount of trauma that Bee, Joey’s mum, went through when she found a dead mouse in her vacuum cleaner recently, I can’t see it happening any time soon. Luckily for Bee, Joey and probably the mouse, there is an alternative. Little Live Pets, available from Very.co.uk, are a way for children to experience what it means to take care of a pet, without the inevitable responsibility for you as a parent of having to pay for them/look after them/feed them/do every damn thing with them when the child loses interest. I was very kindly sent a selection of Little Live Pets for Joey to play with. He started off with the Mama Surprise Guinea Pigs – a mummy guinea pig that needs feeding and petting before she’s ready to have her three babies. Joey had mixed feelings about it initially. Although he loved the idea of caring for Collapse
A short rant about cycling on pavements
02/04/2024 - Yesterday at approximately 7.43am I picked a fight* with a terrifying man on a bicycle. He was one Expand
02/04/2024 - Yesterday at approximately 7.43am I picked a fight* with a terrifying man on a bicycle. He was one of those stocky types, stubbly, about my age, who looks like they spend their Friday nights in Wetherspoons with a copy of the Daily Mail under one arm, ranting to anyone who will listen about YOUTHS. I was innocently walking the dog along the pavement next to a busy main road. It was a normal sort of pavement i.e. just the right size for a woman and her golden retriever, and we were doing very nicely thank you very much. About 100 metres away I saw the man, cycling towards me, on the pavement. I saw him see me, he saw me see him see me. He did not slow down. There was not going to be room for us to pass without one of use making a move to accommodate the other and I was FUCKED if that someone was going to be me. (For context, I had had a difficult night sleeping on the sofa whilst holding hands with the dog, who was asleep on the floor, too sad to be alone because she’d been to Collapse
Hotel Kong Arthur Copenhagen
14/02/2024 - On our recent trip to Copenhagen we stayed in the Hotel Kong Arthur. I picked it primarily because Expand
14/02/2024 - On our recent trip to Copenhagen we stayed in the Hotel Kong Arthur. I picked it primarily because I loved the look of the front of the building, which is surely as good a reason as any? I also loved the styling and the location – you’re only a five minute walk from the fabulous Torvehallern indoor markets and the Norreport station, which connects to the Metro and has direct trains to the airport and the Malmo in Sweden – perfect as we wanted to do a day trip while we were there. Top tip – Google Maps will try to take you to the main entrance, and while this is nice for the view as you round the end of the street, there is also a side entrance that cuts off a chunk of time. Grandeur Meets Comfort From the moment you step into the lobby, Hotel Kong Arthur exudes a sense of grandeur paired with an inviting warmth. The meticulously designed interiors seamlessly blend contemporary aesthetics with classic Danish charm. The plush furnishings and thoughtfully curated Collapse
Give the gift of Whirli the swappable toy subscription
20/12/2023 - Advertisement feature in association with Whirli A couple of weeks ago after school I took my Expand
20/12/2023 - Advertisement feature in association with Whirli A couple of weeks ago after school I took my grandson Joey, who is now four-years-old if you can believe that, (which I can because he is always texting me from Bee’s phone saying ‘Joey is 4’), to the garden centre. We started with a look at the Christmas decorations and the giant singing penguins. Joey wasn’t sure about them. He liked the singing, but I had to press the button in case they bit him. We stopped in the cafe and then we had a look at the toys so that I could have the honour of buying him something. What I noticed, as is typical for children Joey’s age, is that the thing he definitely wanted more than anything in the world was the thing that he happened to be looking at at any given moment. He really, honestly had always wanted a French knitting set more than anything, until he saw the miniature marble run etc etc It’s for exactly this reason that Whirli was invented. Kids are fickle. Collapse
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How to Plan the Ultimate Single Parent Holiday Without the Stress
20/09/2024 - Travelling as a single parent can often feel like a monumental task. Between juggling the Expand
20/09/2024 - Travelling as a single parent can often feel like a monumental task. Between juggling the logistics, managing expectations, and ensuring your kids stay entertained throughout the trip, it’s no wonder many single parents shy away from planning a holiday. However, with some thoughtful preparation and the right choices, you can have a memorable, stress-free holiday that both you and your kids will enjoy. One brilliant option that makes travel easy is a cruise—where all the hard work is done for you. Here’s how you can plan the ultimate single parent holiday, with minimum stress and maximum fun. Acknowledge the Challenges The Balancing Act First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge the unique challenges that come with planning a holiday as a single parent. You’re not just responsible for packing the bags and booking the tickets—you’re also expected to entertain, mediate sibling squabbles, and handle any travel hiccups that come your way. Essentially, you’re wearing two Collapse
Ouch! It’s wasp week!
07/08/2024 - It’s been a wet summer and wasps have suffered the consequences. But come the first week of Expand
07/08/2024 - It’s been a wet summer and wasps have suffered the consequences. But come the first week of August, wasps will be out in force. Dendron Brands, UK distributers of Anthisan, the no.1 bite and sting cream, consistently see a significant increase in demand on this day every year and they are urging people to make a beeline for the product. “It’s a curious thing but every year without fail, wasps seem to be most active around the beginning of August and we always see a spike in sales of Anthisan in response to an increase in stings,” says Andy Gill, Head of Consumer Health for Dendron Brands. “Anthisan provides relief from the bites and stings of many insects including bees and mosquitoes and even nettle rash but wasps definitely steal the show around August.” Ellen Fitzgibbons from Wade Environmental, experts in pest management, throws some light on wasp activity in August. She says, “Towards the end of July, wasp nests start to die off along with the food supplies within the Collapse
TokyoTreat – The Ultimate Japan Snack Box Experience!
11/07/2024 - Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a delectable journey through the whimsical world of Expand
11/07/2024 - Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a delectable journey through the whimsical world of Japanese snacks, courtesy of the fabulous TokyoTreat! As a self-proclaimed snack aficionado, I’m always on the lookout for the next big thing in the munchies department. So, when I stumbled upon TokyoTreat, a subscription box service that delivers authentic Japanese snacks right to your doorstep, I knew I had to give it a try. Spoiler alert: It did not disappoint. First of all, let’s talk about the sheer excitement of receiving a package from the other side of the globe. It’s like a mini Christmas morning every month! The box itself is a vibrant orange, covered in cute graphics that scream “open me immediately.” And who am I to resist? Inside, I found a treasure trove of Japanese candy that made my inner child do cartwheels. From the quirky and colourful to the downright bizarre, each piece was a delightful adventure. There were candies that fizzed, candies that popped, and candies Collapse
How Debt Management Plans Can Save Your Sanity
01/07/2024 - We’ve all heard the saying, “money can’t buy happiness,” but when it comes to managing debt, a bit Expand
01/07/2024 - We’ve all heard the saying, “money can’t buy happiness,” but when it comes to managing debt, a bit of financial relief can certainly bring peace of mind. Many people find themselves overwhelmed by mounting bills, unsure of where to turn. For those feeling the weight of financial stress, Debt Management Plans (DMPs) can offer a lifeline. A recent blog post on MoneyPlus Advice, titled The Success of Debt Management Plans, delves into the benefits of DMPs and how they can help individuals regain control over their finances. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to understand how to navigate their way out of debt. Debt Management Plans are agreements between you and your creditors to pay off your debts at a more manageable rate. Unlike a loan, a DMP doesn’t involve borrowing more money. Instead, it allows you to restructure your payments, making them more affordable and providing much-needed breathing space. The MoneyPlus Advice article highlights several key advantages of DMPs. One of the Collapse
Does anything really matter?
19/06/2024 - That sounds like a pretty depressing title but I promise you this isn’t a Expand
19/06/2024 - That sounds like a pretty depressing title but I promise you this isn’t a ‘what’s the point when we’re all going to die anyway’ kind of post. Not really anyway. Although sort of. I was inspired to write it by Oliver Burkeman’s latest email newsletter, titled ‘Maybe it doesn’t matter’. He talks about driving one of his children to a sports club and that horrible tightening he feels around his neck and shoulders when he realises they are running late and how he balances this with the idea of it ultimately not mattering whether they are on time or not. I can relate. I know that tension well – being late for something is one of the only things that really triggers it – and yet I also relate hard to the notion of it not being important. I used to think ‘At least…’ was my most overused expression. I’ve been driving my children mad for years by my incessant use of the line ‘at least you’re Collapse
Why a robot vacuum is better than a relationship
05/05/2024 - The Roomba i3+ robot vacuum was a gift from iRobot. All views my own. One of the only times I Expand
05/05/2024 - The Roomba i3+ robot vacuum was a gift from iRobot. All views my own. One of the only times I lament being single is when I’m doing boring household chores like vacuuming or putting out the bins. It’s because in my mind a husband would be someone with whom I could share housework equally, someone who would say ‘I noticed the kitchen floor needed a clean so be careful in case it’s still wet’ and ‘don’t be silly, put your feet up, I’ll take the cats for their vaccinations, I already made the appointment.’ And then I laugh cynically to myself because I remember that actually being in a relationship wouldn’t be like that at all. Being in a relationship, in my experience at least, involves waiting weeks for your partner to vaguely LOOK in the direction of the kitchen floor, seething quietly with resentment, and then doing it yourself, loudly, to make a point. Much better just to get a robot vacuum, do away with the bitterness AND Collapse
Majority Homerton 2 Music System Review
24/03/2024 - In the ever-evolving landscape of audio entertainment, finding a device that seamlessly blends Expand
24/03/2024 - In the ever-evolving landscape of audio entertainment, finding a device that seamlessly blends modernity with timeless charm can be akin to discovering a hidden gem. Sometimes I feel like I’m stuck in a strange no man’s lands, caught between longing for the Good Old Days of recording the Top 40 off the radio onto cassette and trying to figure out how to get The Archers omnibus to play via Alexa. Neither feel right for me. Enter the Majority Homerton 2 Bluetooth Internet Radio, DAB+ Radio & CD Player Music System, a harmonious fusion of versatility and nostalgia that promises to elevate your auditory experience to new heights. From the moment you unbox this musical marvel, you’re greeted with a sense of anticipation. The sleek design, with its clean lines and compact form factor, immediately hints at the sophistication within. It’s a device that effortlessly complements any living space, whether adorning a bedside table or taking pride of place in a cosy Collapse
A Blooming Adventure: Exploring the Botanical Gardens in Copenhagen
12/02/2024 - On our recent trip to Copenhagen we stayed about ten minutes walk away from the Botanical Gardens. Expand
12/02/2024 - On our recent trip to Copenhagen we stayed about ten minutes walk away from the Botanical Gardens. As the gardens open at 8.30am, it was the perfect opportunity for me to have an explore while Belle was still asleep back at the hotel. There was barely anyone in the gardens but me and I got to see a red squirrel – one of the highlights of my trip! Here are just a few reasons why the Botanical Gardens in Copenhagen are special. A Historical Tapestry As you step through the gates of the Botanical Gardens, you are immediately embraced by a rich tapestry of history. Established in 1600, the gardens boast a legacy that spans centuries. Originally founded for the University of Copenhagen’s medical students, the gardens have evolved into a treasure trove of botanical wonders. The historical glasshouses, including the Palm House and the Butterfly House, stand as majestic monuments to the past, housing an impressive array of exotic flora. Horticultural Diversity One of the most Collapse
The one where I make my gilet dreams come true
11/12/2023 - Advertisement feature in association with Land’s End As of this week I have officially Expand
11/12/2023 - Advertisement feature in association with Land’s End As of this week I have officially achieved a lifelong ambition. I now own a gilet. Okay, I get that this might not seem like a terribly lofty ambition, and you might wonder why I’ve never just bought a gilet, and honestly I can’t answer that. Suffice it to say that I now have one – a stylish emerald green number from the Land’s End women’s gilet range – and it is everything I ever dreamed of. I wore it on its first outing on Saturday to Greenway – Agatha Christie’s holiday home near Torquay – which is now owned by the National Trust. I wanted to do their Christmas wreath trail around the gardens, see the house festooned in Christmas decorations and of course, walk to the boathouse and solve a murder. ‘Do I look rich?’ I asked as I put on my gilet in the car park. My children raised their eyebrows sceptically. It became apparent as soon as we started walking Collapse
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Surviving after-school meltdowns
05/09/2024 - Now that the kids are back to school, you might find yourself dealing with the dreaded Expand
05/09/2024 - Now that the kids are back to school, you might find yourself dealing with the dreaded after-school tantrums and meltdowns that can so commonly occur when children are tired from a hard day of learning a lot of new things in the classroom. Post-school breakdowns are not at all uncommon, especially for younger children who may find it harder to be cooped up in the classroom for long periods of time, but you know what? There are lots of things you, as a parent, can do to make them less likely to occur, as you will see below. Snack Attack! Your kids have been working their brains and bodies pretty hard in the classroom, so it stands to reason that they may be feeling hungry when they get home from school, and you know all too well that hunger can lead to hangriness which can quickly lead to meltdowns. So, before you pick them up, take a little time to prepare a healthy snack like apple slices with peanut butter or some fruit and yoghurt, and feed them as soon as they get in. Hangriness Collapse
Balancing Work and Life: A Guide to Staying Fit with a Busy Schedule
20/07/2024 - Are you constantly racing against the clock, trying to squeeze in a workout between countless Expand
20/07/2024 - Are you constantly racing against the clock, trying to squeeze in a workout between countless meetings and never-ending to-do lists? You’re not alone. Finding time for fitness in the midst of a packed schedule can feel like an insurmountable challenge. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With some strategic planning and smart adjustments to your daily routine, staying fit despite a hectic lifestyle is entirely achievable. Let’s explore seven practical ways that can help you maintain your health and wellness without compromising on productivity or precious downtime. 7 Ways to Stay Fit When You Have a Busy Schedule Struggling to keep fit while your calendar overflows? These 7 tips are your secret weapon for weaving wellness into the fabric of your life—no matter how cramped your schedule looks. 1. Prioritize Your Workouts Amid the chaos of a full day, it’s all too easy for your fitness routine to slip through the cracks. To ensure your workouts remain a constant in Collapse
Five Fun Activities to Enjoy Poolside on Your Summer Holiday
11/07/2024 - Summer holidays are the perfect excuse to lounge around by the pool and feel absolutely no guilt Expand
11/07/2024 - Summer holidays are the perfect excuse to lounge around by the pool and feel absolutely no guilt about it. But, let’s be honest, lying there all day can get a bit dull, so whether you’re looking spice up your poolside routine with some online slots or explore your creative side, here are five fun activities to try out. 1. Dive into a Good Book Is there anything better than lounging poolside with a juicy novel? The sound of the water, the smell of sun cream, the occasional splash from someone else’s poorly aimed cannonball—pure bliss. If you’re into thrillers, romance, or even something a bit more scandalous, now’s the time to dive in. Pack a few books in your beach bag or download some e-books (pre-order mine if you like), if you’re fancy like that. Just make sure it’s engaging enough to make you forget that you’re slowly turning into a lobster. 2. Binge Watch Your Favourite TV Shows Why not bring your telly addiction poolside? Binge-watching your favourite Collapse
Understanding SEMH: How Parents Can Support Their Child’s Social, Emotional, and Mental Health
29/06/2024 - As parents, we often focus on our children’s physical health and academic progress. However, Expand
29/06/2024 - As parents, we often focus on our children’s physical health and academic progress. However, there’s another crucial aspect of their development that deserves our attention: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH). In this article, we’ll explore what SEMH means for your child and provide practical strategies to support their overall wellbeing, with insights from Boxall Profile experts. What is SEMH and Why It Matters for Your Child SEMH stands for Social, Emotional, and Mental Health. It encompasses how children interact with others, manage their emotions, and maintain their mental wellbeing. SEMH affects every aspect of a child’s life, from their ability to learn and make friends to their self-esteem and overall happiness. When we address SEMH needs early, we set our children up for long-term success. Children with strong SEMH skills are better equipped to handle life’s challenges, form positive relationships, and achieve their full potential both Collapse
Navigating Online Casinos: Tips and Tricks for Female Gamers
01/06/2024 - A lot of people would say that when they think of the typical customer of an online casino that Expand
01/06/2024 - A lot of people would say that when they think of the typical customer of an online casino that they think of a man. They might not be able to tell you why – it just seems to be a classic stereotype that many of use adopt without understanding. The truth is very different. The world of online casinos is actually experiencing a significant surge in popularity among women. How is the world online gaming different for women though? We’ve pulled together a few hints and tips to help women enjoy playing responsibly, including some insight into useful tools to help play safely. Self-exclusion is a process that prevents gamblers from accessing and using the services of online casinos. This policy, enacted by betting sites, helps address problem gambling by allowing you to voluntarily ban yourself from gambling activities for a specified period. It’s an effective tool to regain control and avoid the negative impacts of gambling addiction. Choosing the Right Online Casino Collapse
27 things I love about being single
20/04/2024 - A little while ago I posted this picture on Instagram. It was a bit of a spur of the moment Expand
20/04/2024 - A little while ago I posted this picture on Instagram. It was a bit of a spur of the moment picture – I was lighting a candle and realised that I put dead matches back into the box specifically because I once had a boyfriend who used to hate it. Every time he opened a box of matches and found a dead one that I’d put back in, unthinking, he’d get cross. Not cross like he’d pick up the candle and throw it through a window or anything, but genuinely annoyed enough to make me feel like I’d done something wrong. I’ve had a lot of boyfriends who have got that level of cross about stupid things like dead matches. It’s exhausting. It leaves you with that walking on eggshells feeling, never sure what small thing might actually be super irritating or send someone into a sulk. It wears you down, makes you question yourself and can leave you feeling like you’re not really good enough, like those ‘flaws’ somehow make you a less than Collapse
Save time and effort with Laundryheap laundry services
02/03/2024 - I conducted a poll on Twitter this week. I asked people which household chore they would most like Expand
02/03/2024 - I conducted a poll on Twitter this week. I asked people which household chore they would most like to get out of completely. The results confirmed my suspicion – people hate laundry. It was validating to know that I’m not the only person who can’t bear the relentlessness of laundry. I personally struggle a lot with the laundry at this time of the year. There are only two of us at home, but my daughter Belle is a fan of hoodies and my golden retriever Mako takes a lot of towelling after muddy walks in the rain. The washing part is not too bad, but we don’t have a tumble drier and getting everything dry in a small house is hard. It’s enough to make you want to move to London, Birmingham, Manchester or Coventry. Let me explain. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of these four cities then you could be using the services of Laundryheap. Laundryheap can collect, clean, and deliver your laundry and dry cleaning, all with 24 hours. The Laundryheap Collapse
My writing residency at the Bridgwater Arts Centre
23/01/2024 - Guess what? I’ve got a cool new THING! For January, February and March I am the Writer in Expand
23/01/2024 - Guess what? I’ve got a cool new THING! For January, February and March I am the Writer in Residence at the Bridgwater Arts Centre, the oldest Arts Council funded arts centre in the country. Fancy. I used my best Professional Writer photo for it especially. It means a lot to me because although I don’t live in Bridgwater now, my family has a lot of roots there and I grew up there. Bridgwater will always have a special place in my heart and it’s incredibly nostalgic to be back once a week. So what exactly does being a Writer in Residence involve? A few things really. My main goal is to make writing accessible for people, both physically and financially. I’m at the Arts Centre every Tuesday morning from 10am to 12pm and anyone who wants to can drop in and chat to me about whatever they like – ideally vaguely writing related but I’m discovering it’s a lot more involved for most people. Most people want to tell me a lot more than how they got into Collapse
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