INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The best course of action is a combination of appealing to your parents’ reasonable side, and appealing to their emotional side. You want to hit them from both angles to make sure your argument is thorough. That shows them how important this is to you.  Most people make decisions based on a combination of reason and emotion. They are interconnected, always influencing each other. That is why you always want to appeal to someone’s reason and emotion when you are trying to influence them.  When you plan your strategy, write down how you will approach them reasonably. What kinds of things do your parents typically react to on a logical level? Then, write down the things you can say to them that will affect them emotionally. What are their weaknesses? Do they have a strong sense of pride? Are they quick to avoid fear? These are the kinds of things you should be thinking about. Keep a close eye on your parents for a while to see what kinds of things they react to, so you have a better idea of what kinds of things you can say, and what topics to avoid. An important part of your strategy is appealing to your parents’ sense of reason. A well-reasoned argument includes persuasive justifications for wearing a thong. Write down five or six logical reasons why you want to wear a thong.  Thongs don’t show panty lines. The main benefit of this is that it avoids attention to your butt. Surely your parents can get on board with that. Thongs last longer. Since there is less fabric to deal with, they reshape better than regular panties. If you change shape at all, it is less likely that you will have to buy new panties, saving money. Thongs keep you cooler in hot temperatures. They are lightweight, allowing for better airflow. By avoiding sweat in your panties you will also avoid possible skin rashes or blemishes. Prove to your parents you are a responsible person who makes responsible choices. Doing this will give your argument more credibility. Kick up the responsibility before your argument happens so it does not look obvious.  If you have chores or homework, do them on time without being asked. Save your money instead of spending it on frivolous things. Do not stay out late or come home drunk. Take control of the situation by offering to pay for your thong. This shows them that you have put thought into the decision, rather than being impulsive. This is also an opportunity to show them you have saved your money. To be convincing you need to have the discussion with your parents full of confidence. One of the best ways to achieve confidence is to practice what you are going to say to your parents, so you are not bumbling over yourself or forgetting your arguments. Imagine that your parents are there with you when you practice.  Read your notes out loud in front of a mirror. By the time you sit down with your parents to convince them, you will be well prepared.  Be sure you pace yourself and take breaths. You want your practice to be as natural as possible so that your conversation with them does not look rehearsed.  Keep practicing until you feel confident you are ready to talk with them in a calm and collected voice. Once you feel comfortable with what you are going to say, you are ready to convince them. When you are ready to ask your parents to talk, there are a few things to consider. Ask when they seem to be in a good mood. Do not be pushy when you ask, be nice about it. Make sure you choose a time that is good for everyone. Weekends are best, when your parents are less likely to be stressed out.

SUMMARY: Plan your strategy. Know why you want to wear a thong. Show them you are responsible. Be prepared to pay for your thong. Practice your argument. Approach your parents about the conversation.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Raise your arm and hold it parallel to the floor. Either arm is fine, though it will be easiest to do your measuring with your dominant arm and use your non-dominant arm for reference.  If possible, ask someone to lend you a hand. That way, they can maneuver the measuring tape while you focus on holding your arm in position and checking the resulting measurements. You always want to start with your arm away from your body rather than down at your side in order to ensure that the finished garment is comfortable and form-fitting.

SUMMARY: Extend one arm straight out from your body.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Setting reasonable goals and breaking them up into smaller goals that can be achieved in succession will help you to remain motivated and decrease frustration. Your confidence will get a boost each time you achieve a small goal progressing to a larger goal. For example, if you want to lose 30 pounds, set a goal to lose one pound a week. It will take a long time to lose 30 pounds, so focusing on smaller weekly goals will provide opportunities to regularly boost your confidence. Focusing on smaller goals also makes setbacks seem less significant. Failing to lose one pound doesn't seem as bad as failing to lose 30. Having visual reminders of your goals in various locations will help to motivate and focus your energy. Keep reminders in your home, office, locker and in your backpack or handbag.  These representations may be very basic or extremely elaborate depending on your preferences. For some, this may be simply posting lists of your goals in key places, while others might enjoy making collages. Look for multiple solutions to your problems and create contingency plans. Having options will help you remain hopeful and provide alternative routes to success, should your first attempt fail. Make a list of all possible solutions to your problem. Writing down potential solutions will make them feel more tangible. A mentor will help provide guidance and support, keeping you focused on your goals. Mentors are a positive source of escape from adverse situations. You may have multiple mentors to provide various points of view and guide you in various aspects of life.   Choosing a mentor may seem daunting, but you probably know several people who would make great mentors. Consider teachers or professors, family members, or colleagues. Giving up will not solve any of your problems. Most circumstances eventually change. Everyone who wishes to change or improve their circumstances must go through some kind of personal struggle. Most people who have overcome adversity have stories of their difficulties and how they actually benefited from these difficulties. Try to realize the benefits of moving forward such as gaining resolve, personal strength and thicker skin despite the fact it might be unpleasant at first. Eventually, you may find new resources and solutions just by staying on task.  It's ok to take a break from a source of frustration, but commit to returning to it as soon as you are in a less agitated state.

SUMMARY: Set realistic goals. Create visual representations of goals. Have a Plan B. Get a mentor. Refuse to quit.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: To have a gluten-free flour blend ready for your bread, mix the ingredients together before you start making the dough. Set aside. If you aren’t able to find potato flour at the store, you can use instant mashed potato flakes. Pulverize them in a blender or food processor several times to give them a light, flour-like texture. This recipe provides enough for 2 loaves of bread, so you’ll need 2 pans for baking. It’s important to grease the pans before adding the dough to them or the bread may stick after baking. Take 2 8-inch (20-cm) bread pans, and spray them with a nonstick cooking spray. You can grease your bread pans with butter instead of the cooking spray if you want to add a buttery flavor to the crust. Vegetable, coconut, avocado, and canola oils can also be substituted for the spray. To activate the yeast, pour 2 cups (480 ml) of warm water into a bowl. Add 1 packet (approximately 2 tsp or 7 g) of active dry yeast to the water and stir the two together. Set the bowl aside while you ready the other ingredients. Warm water should be between 100 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit (38 to 44 degrees Celsius). You should be able to put your finger in it without discomfort.

SUMMARY:
Combine the brown rice flour, tapioca flour/starch, cornstarch, and potato flour. Grease 2 bread pans. Mix the yeast and water.