Article: One of the most common causes of itchy feet, athlete’s foot usually causes a red, scaly rash on and in between your toes. Your feet may be itchiest right after removing your socks and shoes. You might get athlete’s foot on just one foot or on both.  Athlete’s foot is caused by moisture, often from exercise or heat. Be sure to remove your shoes and change into dry socks so that your feet can also dry. You might also get blisters on your feet, or ulcers – areas where your skin rubs off. One type of athlete’s foot starts on the sole of your foot and causes dryness and scaling that travels over the side of your foot. Mild athlete’s foot can often be treated with OTC powders, sprays, or ointments that fight fungal infections. You can ask your doctor for recommendations, or speak with the pharmacist at your local drug store. Common brands are Tinactin, Micatin, Lamisil, and Lotrimin-AF.  Rinse your feet and dry them really well, especially in between your toes. Then apply the medication to the tops, bottoms, and sides of both feet, and in between all your toes. Use the medicine two times every day until the rash goes away. Simple athlete’s foot should heal in about a week. If your case takes longer to heal (4 to 6 weeks), then you may need an oral anti-fungal medication. If OTC medications don’t clear up your athlete’s foot in 4-6 weeks, you may need prescription-strength medication. Visit your doctor to discuss this option. Stronger medication may be available to put on your feet, or you might need to take an antifungal medicine as a pill. Oral antifungal medications can affect your liver, so let your doctor know if you have or have ever had liver problems. Athlete’s foot, caused by a fungus, thrives in damp environments. Keep your feet dry, and change your socks and shoes as soon as possible if they get wet. Dry your feet thoroughly before putting your socks on.  Athlete’s foot is also highly contagious, so if you share a swimming pool or locker room with others, protect yourself. Wear shower shoes in the locker room and shower, and don’t share towels or linens with someone who has an infection. Clean your feet regularly, washing between your toes with soap. You can also use a hairdryer to make sure that your feet dry properly.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Recognize athlete’s foot. Get an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication. Get prescription medication for stubborn athlete’s foot. Keep your feet dry to prevent athlete’s foot.
Article: Think of Carrom as a game of finger billiards. Instead of balls, you use small playing pieces and try to put them in pockets with a heavier piece called a striker. A Carrom board is a large wooden board that contains a variety of markings. Make sure you know the meaning of these markings before you begin to set up the game to play. It's vital to understand the board in order to play carrom effectively.  The Carrom board should be positioned 60-70 centimeters (roughly 23 to 28 inches) above the ground.  A circular hole sits in each of the board's four corners, and a net is placed under each hole to catch the pieces. There are two foul lines on the board, and two concentric circles stand in the board's center. The center circle is the size of a playing piece, and the main circle is six times larger. Before beginning the game, the pieces are arranged in these circles. There are also rectangles drawn on either side of the board. Each player has his or her own rectangle, and must shoot their strikers from these rectangles. There are 9 black pieces in carrom, 9 white pieces, and one red piece (sometimes referred to as "the queen"), in addition to two pieces known as the "striker pieces." Each player has 9 pieces in Carrom, in addition to one striker piece. One player has all black pieces, and the other player has all white pieces. Sometimes, the pieces are referred to as carrommen.  The white and black pieces are smooth, wooden pieces that look something like the ones used for the game checkers. In each round, you attempt to use your striker to knock these pieces into the board's pockets. The red piece is called the queen, and it can be pocketed any time you want after sinking your first piece (the queen's function is similar to the black 8 ball in Billiards). If you have less than 24 points, the queen will add an additional 5 points to your score. If you have more than 24 points, you receive no additional points for pocketing the queen. To start the game, put the queen in the board's center. Then, put six pieces around the queen directly in a circle. Each of those six pieces should touch the queen and its neighboring piece.  Position the remaining 12 pieces around the inner circle of six pieces. Make sure each outer piece must touch the inner circle. Alternate the color of the pieces. In other words, the circle should have one red piece, followed by a white piece, followed by a red piece, and so on. You and your opponent should place your strikers in the rectangular boundaries on either end of the board.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Familiarize yourself with the symbols on the board. Learn the significance of carrom pieces. Set the board up for play.
Article: If you don't practice then you'll never be good. It takes a lot of hard work. Many drummers will tell you that they are self-taught. This leads some drummers to think that lessons are not necessary and they'll often avoid it altogether. We're here to tell you that, without a firm foundation, you could pick up some real bad habits that may take you years to "unlearn". Find a reputable, qualified teacher and study the foundation of drumming before you do anything else. Make sure you know how to read music and that you know the different styles of drumming. Remember that a drum kit is as good as the person playing it. A fantastic drum kit tuned and played by a beginner will sound awful, whereas a cheap no name drum kit that is tuned and played by a seasoned drummer can actually sound wonderful. That being said, sturdy hardware is no unnecessary luxury. Get a drum throne that suits your height and supports your weight, and that you can keep proper balance on. Make sure your pedals rum smoothly. And last but not least, make sure your drums and cymbals are stable on their stands. There is an old saying; "Out of Sight, Out of Mind" and it is one of the truest things ever written. You can be one of the best but if no one sees you play, you can't possibly get hired. Learn marketing techniques and get out in front. Make sure everyone in town knows who you are. Sit in on jam sessions and hand out business cards. Leave no stone unturned. One thing weightlifters understand is that progress in building a muscle really starts when you push past that point where you want to quit. The same goes for drumming too. If you'll really dedicate yourself and practice diligently, you will see a remarkable difference in your playing. Go the extra mile and don't settle for mediocrity. Warm up before every gig, play for the music (not for yourself), be on time, and act professionally. Your reputation will determine how much you work. If you don't take yourself seriously, other musicians won't take you seriously. You will learn much more playing in bands than practicing in your bedroom. Never turn down a gig and always be willing to play unfamiliar styles of music. You won't know what your style is if you only copy beats, and once you join a band you can't copy beats for your own music. Never double book yourself and if you really have to cancel a gig, make sure you recommend a reliable dep to fill in.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Practice! Take drum lessons. Have the best gear. Market yourself. Follow the "no pain, no gain," mantra. Be professional. Play with other musicians at every opportunity. Develop your own style.