Advice

        Clip 'n save: The pen manufacturer Pilot Pen came up with the following note-taking tips for students:

        Be ready. Before class, review your assigned reading and previous notes. This will help you understand new material more easily. Arrive with pen or pencil, and plenty of paper. Also, write the class name, date and that day's topic at the top of a blank piece of binder paper.

        Write legibly. If your cursive writing is poor, print instead. Don't take notes in paragraph form. It's hard to find information when you're studying for a test. Take notes in one-liners instead, and skip a line between ideas.

        Listen for cues. Don't try to write down everything. Listen for cues from your teacher about what is important. When you hear “The reasons why ...” or “Here is how ...,” that indicates something noteworthy is about to be said. Write down dates, names, definitions and formulas, and why they are important. These will help you remember the material.

        Check the board. When your teacher writes something on the board or projects it, that's a signal that the information is important. Copy everything and note that it was on the board.

        Use abbreviations. Just like in text messaging, abbreviations let you write more quickly. Condense a word or phrase into initials, or use a symbol. Always use the same abbreviations for the same words and phrases.

        Use wide margins. Leave a wide margin on one side of your paper so you'll have space to write your own thoughts and call attention to key material. If you miss a date, name or other fact, make a mark in the margin so you'll remember to come back to it.

— The Associated Press

Mark your calendar

        Looking back: As the first anniversary of 9-11 approaches, many Tristaters are searching for ways to commemorate that day. Catholic Social Services, in partnership with Mercy HealthPlex, sponsors the workshop “September 11 — One Year Later,” 7:30-9 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Mercy HealthPlex in Westwood. The program explores ways to cope and new strategies to continue emotional self-care, care for children and one another. Free.

Shelf help

        New mag: More than 90 million people are members of a stepfamily. Your Stepfamily magazine (www.yourstepfamily.com) publishes bimonthly and tackles information and views not seen in other magazines. The cover story for the September/October issue discusses the decision to have “the ours child,” the first child of the new union. Other topics include peer pressure and the new family and how the former and new wife can co-exist. $3.50.

The family pet

        Highland warrior: Mickey Finn Warrick is an 8-year-old West Highland terrier. He has his own newsletter with a circulation of 50 and is very well traveled. Owner Joyce Warrick of Union takes good care of her first pet.

        Contact Shauna Scott Rhone by phone at 768-8511; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: srhone@enquirer.com.

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On the Fridge
Get to it