In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Back problems in dachshunds are actually spinal problems. Intervertebral discs, located between the vertebrae (bones in the spine), contain a gel-like substance that helps them act as shock absorbers. As your dachshund ages, these discs can harden and lose their shock-absorbing ability, causing the gel-like substance to squeeze out and compress his spine, causing pain and other problems.  High-impact activities (e.g., running, jumping), excess body weight, and irresponsible breeding can increase the risk of back problems in dachshunds.  Although IVDD is very common in dachshunds, back problems in this breed can be caused by infection (e.g., meningitis), spinal tumors, and trauma. Back problems can affect your dachshund’s ability to walk normally. For example, IVDD can make your dachshund very wobbly when she walks, or unable to walk at all. Even if your dachshund can walk, the pain caused by IVDD may make her reluctant to move. Spinal trauma or a spinal tumor may make walking difficult or impossible for your dachshund. If your dachshund has back problems, his posture may change. If he has IVDD, his neck or back muscles will be very tense and he will start hunching these muscles.  These tense muscles may start having spasms. The spasms will look like small, fast movements in the muscles. Each spasm could be quite painful for your dachshund. Your dachshund’s posture could be affected in similar or different ways with the other causes of back problems. Your dachshund will probably have pain and discomfort from her back problems. For example, IVDD may cause her to cry out in pain or seem anxious. She may also start eating less and be less willing to do the activities she used to do, such as playing or going out for walks. These changes would reflect a decrease in your dachshund’s quality of life. With severe back problems, a dachshund can lose control of his bladder or intestines, causing inappropriate urination or defecation. This loss of control, called incontinence, is a sign of a neurologic problem—damage to the spinal nerves controlling urination and defecation. Lower back trauma can cause spinal damage. To diagnose your dachshund’s back problems, your vet will evaluate your dachshund’s symptoms and perform several tests. For example, if your dachshund’s rear legs are weak or paralyzed, your vet will do a neurologic exam to identify where the spine is damaged. A neurologic exam involves pinching the toe or tail to determine if deep pain can be felt (indicated by a bark or head turn).  Imaging studies are very important in diagnosing back problems in dachshunds. Plain x-rays would show vertebrae, but not the discs or spinal cord. Other imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or myelography, would be more useful.  For myelography, your vet would anesthetize your dachshund and inject a dye into his spine. This dye would make it easier to see the spinal cord on an x-ray.  Imaging studies can help your vet determine if trauma or other diseases are causing the back problems.  If your vet suspects a spinal infection, they would take a sample of fluid from your dachshund’s spine and have it analyzed to identify the ‘culprit’ organism.
Summary: Learn about back problems in dachshunds. Watch how your dachshund walks. Look at your dachshund’s posture. Notice any changes in behavior or appetite. Identify elimination problems. Take your dachshund to your vet.

Visit a few different karaoke bars and clubs and look for the following:  Is there a supportive crowd? Some karaoke venues have regulars who are friendly and who cheer each other on. That's what you're looking for--not a place with high "turnover" and bad sports who complain about bad singers. Does the singer have to face the audience? Check how the screens are arranged. You might want to have the option of facing away from the audience so that if you get too nervous, you can look at a screen that doesn't force you to look at the audience. In East Asia, karaoke is often enjoyed in a more private setting, rather than in bars or clubs. You can rent a karaoke-equipped room by the hour or half-hour and share the costs with a few friends. This is an excellent way to ease into karaoke because you can hand-pick your audience. Karaoke boxes aren't as common in other parts of the world as they are in East Asia, but it's definitely worth looking into. They're very popular in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area, and they might be found wherever there's a strong Asian community. You can also investigate how much it costs to privately rent an actual karaoke-equipped venue; if you get enough people together to chip in, it could work. Before you take the plunge and sing by yourself, find a decent singer to do karaoke with. It should be someone who's already comfortable singing in public, and who can garner a little bit of cheering and clapping. You might be nervous the whole time, but in the end, when it's over and done with, you'll feel good about having performed, and the next time won't be as intimidating. Getting up to sing is a chance to act out your "star" fantasies. Go all the way. Find the "ham" in you. Wear some glam clothing, do some rock and roll moves, sing your heart out. In truth, most people would rather see you succeed than fail, and giving a full-out performance will always go over better than hanging back. Trust me. Things don't improve when you sound as if you're apologizing  for giving such a rotten, worthless performance. Once you've picked a venue, go regularly, and be a good sport. Cheer everyone on. Clap after every song. Avoid wincing when someone's voice cracks. It's good karaoke karma, because eventually when you get up to sing, they'll recognize you and they'll cheer you on. Also, you'll recognize them, and they won't feel like strangers anymore. This, of course, is the most important part. Smile, move to the music, and enjoy your time in the spotlight. You're not there to impress people--you're there to have a good time, and the audience wants to have a good time with you, so be bold and sing your heart out.
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One-sentence summary -- Pick your stage. Find a karaoke box. Partner up. Ham it up. Be a good audience member. Have fun!

Problem: Article: Each county in Oregon has a county elections office. You can find addresses and phone numbers for each office here. Go to your local elections office during its hours of operation. Ask someone on staff to assist you with your voter registration. You will need to provide your driver's license number or the last four digits of your social security number. If you do not have those, you can provide some other photo ID, a paycheck stub, utility bill, bank statement, government document, or proof of eligibility under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act or the Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act. The staffer will provide you with any necessary voter registration forms. Allow a few minutes to complete the paperwork.  If you are homeless, provide the address of the place where you sleep, or enter the address of the county clerk. You can always pick up a ballot from the county clerk's office.  If you are concerned about your safety or privacy, request and fill out an Application to Exempt Residence Address from Disclosure as a Public Record (SEL 550).
Summary:
Locate your county elections office. Visit the elections office. Fill out your forms.