INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Getting to know the name of a place on the outline of a map is somewhat impersonal, and memorizing just the names of countries may seem somewhat pointless to you if you don’t connect them to the people who live there.  Every place is made up of people with often unique cultures and histories, and getting to know the character of a place by learning about the culture and the people can make your study of geography come to life.  Try to make your study more interactive by “experiencing” the culture of a place.  For example, you may find videos of a dance or music style unique to the region you’re studying. You could also treat yourself by cooking a recipe from each area you study to put yourself in the culinary shoes of the local population. Borders between countries often have a long history of conflict or controversy.  Learning about the conflicts can make it easier to remember who is on each side of the border.   Similarly, learning about any name changes of countries or cities—not just the fact that the name changed, but why it changed and who changed it—can give you richer context for understanding the area and remembering the current names of countries or cities. Civilization always settles around water.  Most major cities—particularly cities with a long history—can be found near oceans, harbors, or large rivers.  Learning about trade routes and imagining details about shipping and sea travel as the continent evolved into its current state can help give land areas context. If you are trying to learn geography but find it rather dull or rote, try to learn it in terms of an area or subject that does interest you.  If you are particularly interested in climate, for example, learning about the climate of each region may help you remember the geography more effectively. The best way to really learn about an area is to visit it!  While it may seem counter-intuitive to learn the geography after you visit a place (if, indeed, you are learning the geography in order to navigate effectively while visiting), it may be easier to internalize the details if you have an experience to draw upon.  For example, if you’re trying to learn about the most populous cities in your state, try to visit each city.  Traveling from one to another will give you a sense of the distance between each city as well as the key features of each city. Part of really understanding something is being able to think about it critically.  In the case of geography, you may want to question who decides where borders go, who makes the maps that you are studying, or how political boundaries influence or change native populations who may not have conformed to the borders initially.

SUMMARY: Examine culture and people. Learn about border disputes. Follow the water. Connect the geography to another area of interest. Visit places of interest. Question the status quo.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The newspaper will keep the bulbs dry and separate in the container while still allowing you to check on them periodically. Wrap each bulb individually in one layer of newspaper before placing them in the storage container. Be careful not to wrap the bulbs in multiple layers of newspaper, as this can cause them to become too dry. You can use the same container as you did for curing the bulbs. Make sure your bulbs are in a single layer and each bulb is completely covered by newspaper.  The bulbs can touch, but make sure they aren’t packed too tightly! You should be able to move the bulbs around and rearrange them with little effort. If you need to layer the bulbs, place a layer of newspaper in between the bulbs to protect them further. If you aren’t using newspaper, start by clearing a small hole for the bulb using your hand, and place it in the area that you’ve prepared. Then, cover the bulb with the storage medium, pressing lightly on the area to ensure that it is secure. If you have to layer the bulbs in the container, include a layer of newspaper between each layer of bulbs and storage medium. This will protect the bulbs on the bottom from rotting and help to maintain moisture. Good storage spaces include a basement, garage, or garden shed that has windows that can be opened or closed. Make sure the container is left uncovered and there are no pests or molds near the container. Check on the bulbs and the storage medium once per week. If you notice your bulbs are drying out and browning, mist them very lightly until the surrounding mixture is damp to the touch. Avoid getting water on bulbs that aren’t drying out, as this can cause rotting. Rotting bulbs will feel soft, rather than firm like healthy iris bulbs. If you notice one of your bulbs has started to rot, remove the bulb and the surrounding storage medium, wrap it in newspaper or a bag, and throw the bulb away immediately. A good way to check for rotting once per week is by gently pressing on the medium around the bulbs. You shouldn’t be able to press all the way down into the bulb. after they have been stored. Iris bulbs won’t last a very long time in storage, so you should consider options for transplanting or forcing indoor growth for the bulbs after 3-4 weeks of storage. If you notice a lot of your bulbs are beginning to rot or dry out, plant them as soon as possible.

SUMMARY: Wrap the bulbs in newspaper if you don’t have storage mix. Place wrapped bulbs in the storage container. Nestle the bulbs in the storage mixture so they are 75-100% covered. Place the container in a cool, dim location that is well ventilated. Mist drying bulbs lightly with water when the leaves begin to brown. Remove and discard of bulbs that are soft or mushy to the touch. Replant your Irises


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You don’t have to spend a fortune to dress like the stars. Accessories make the outfit complete but don’t get carried away with too much bling. Keep it simple. Bling was once considered all things flashy, expensive and big but with changing styles comes a simpler way to accessorize with the minimalistic rings, belt buckles and watches. In women’s Hip-Hop fashion an entire ensemble can be accessorized with simple hoop earrings and a petite chain. Gone are the days of massive necklaces with a huge clock face pendant. Many styles in hip hop are making a comeback and if you are someone that has a hard time throwing anything away then you may already have the clothing you need. Jersey’s, Jordans, or even that pair of skinny jeans you held onto are all making their way back to the hip hop fashion scene. No matter the style you are attempting to achieve you should always feel confident in what you wear. Just like the perfect accessory, a fresh look goes a lot further with an attitude to match. Choose an outfit that fits well and let your personality do the rest.

SUMMARY:
Accessorize without going overboard. Go retro and save money. Be confident in what you wear.