INPUT ARTICLE: Article: While portable washing machines are all somewhat similar, precise instructions will vary. Before using your machine, read your instruction manual closely. You want to make sure you follow the rules for your machine closely. It's easy to get your hands wet when handling laundry. To protect yourself form electric shock, dry your hands thoroughly before plugging in or unplugging the machine. Heavy items, like coats, are generally too bulky for a portable washing machine. You will have to get such items dry cleaned or wash them in a regular washing machine. You want to make sure all the nozzles are screwed on tightly. You should also be vigilant about not overfilling the machine. You do not want to be left with a soapy mess to clean up.

SUMMARY: Read your instruction manual before using the machine. Make sure to dry your hands before handling the machine's plug. Avoid washing coats. Make sure everything is in place.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Monitors will help make sure bid sheets are staying in place and people are following the minimum bid and minimum increase rules. People will probably have questions about some items, so try to prepare the volunteers to answer them. Make announcements at least 10 and 5 minutes before. If you have one closing, announce it loudly and clearly. If you have interval closing times, announce loudly and clearly which closing it is. People will want to bid right up to the very end. End at that time. Choose one person's watch to use and put them in charge of the time since everyone's watch is different. Have the volunteers quickly pick up all the pens and sheets so no one can be sneaky and try to slip in a late bid. Volunteers need to circle the winning bid and draw a line through the empty spaces of the bid sheets, so no one can add their name after the closing time. If you have many items, consider closing the tables at intervals, such as every 15 minutes. Doing so helps keep the volunteers from being overwhelmed at table closing time. If a minimum bid was not met, set that sheet aside. Organizers can decide later how to deal with it. If a minimum increase was not met, select the most recent high bidder (above the minimum bid) who did meet the minimum bid. The volunteers then take the bid sheets to the “bank.” It's easy to sort by last name in alphabetical order. If anyone has won more than one item (a common occurrence), staple those sheets together. That way you only need to have them pay once. If you have just a few items, you can call people's names and have them come get their stuff. If your bidders are able to take their items home with them after the auction, ask them to wait while the bids are verified. It's helpful to have a game or other entertainment available to keep bidders from getting bored. Either call bidders up one at a time by name or just have them form a line. If you are using the latter method, the bankers will have to search through the bid sheets for the bidder’s name, so it's important that the bid sheets are alphabetized. If someone has won one or more items and doesn’t appear on their own, set those bid sheets aside. When you’re just about done with the people in line, have the emcee announce their names in case they are still at the event. If the bidder still doesn't appear, note it on the bid sheet. You can arrange an alternate pickup or give the item to the next highest bidder, depending on the rules you established. You could send people to collect their own items, but silent auctions often attract people who want a good deal and might not particularly support the cause for which you are raising money. Most people are very honest, but one bad apple can really spoil the event for others.

SUMMARY: Have volunteers monitor the tables. Give people plenty of warning as closing time approaches. Collect the bid sheets and pens once bidding is over. Check to make sure the winning bids have followed the minimum bid and minimum increase rules. Have “bank” volunteers sort the sheets. Cordon off the bank area and ask everyone to wait. Call people to the bank when the bankers are ready. Set aside bid sheets for people who don't come to the bank. Have a volunteer collect the items as people pay.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Start with the letter to the shareholders, which summarizes the stock's performance over the year. From this letter you get a narrative context that will help you understand the data in the rest of the report.  You can access Nike's annual report at http://investors.nike.com/investors/news-events-and-reports/?toggle=reports. There are also links to archived reports, if you want to go back a few years with your research. The annual report also includes some of the reports Nike is required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which give you insight into the company's assets and liabilities. Beyond the annual report itself, you can also learn about Nike's performance by reviewing the company's SEC filings and recent press releases and minutes from stock holder meetings. Find all of Nike's reports and other investor resources online by visiting http://investors.nike.com/investors/news-events-and-reports/default.aspx?toggle=topBanner. Watching Nike stock for a few weeks or even months will give you a better idea of what to expect out of the stock. This will help you make a more informed decision about how much stock you want to buy. Check the stock ticker once every few days. You also may want to set up alerts or notifications and monitor the stock on your smart phone. To get the fullest picture of any company, look at news articles about the product and the company's executives. Find out the goals and reputation of Nike's leading officers and how these are affecting the company's bottom line.  Since Nike sells athletic footwear and apparel, you might look at new lines that are being launched. New lines and patented innovations improve Nike's competitiveness in the overall market. Compare Nike to other athletic footwear and apparel companies, such as Adidas and Reebok. An endorsement contract with a promising athlete could bode well for Nike's future. On the other hand, if any of Nike's existing contracts are injured or have been performing poorly, this could spell trouble. Once you've completed your research, it's time to put the information together. Based on the company's past performance and the goals and strategies of the management, you should be ready to reasonably predict the company's future performance.  Look at the current price of the stock to decide how many shares you want to buy, or how much overall money you want to invest. Generally, it's not the best idea to put all your investment "eggs" in one basket. But if you're a starting investor it's also a good idea to start small. Nike can be a good beginner stock because it pays dividends.

SUMMARY: Read Nike's annual report. Check SEC filings and other recent news. Watch Nike stock for a few months. Consider qualitative information about Nike. Craft your investment strategy.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: These are usually made out of wood, and consist of two horizontal bars that pull together. They are ideal for suit pants. The hand pockets should be on the inside, and the seat of the pants should be on the outside. Grip the hook part of the hanger and pull it towards you. The two horizontal bars should open up. You will be hanging these pants by the cuffs. You don't want to hang these pants by the waistband when using this type of hanger. This is because bulky things, such as buttons and zippers, get in the way. They prevent the hanger from closing together all the way. Push the hook part back down towards the hanger and away from you.

SUMMARY:
Get a clamping pants hanger. Fold the pants in half vertically. Open the hanger. Place the cuffs between the bars. Close the hanger and place it in your closet.