INPUT ARTICLE: Article: All the normal rules of Crazy Eights hold for this Zimbabwean version. The big difference is that other cards besides 8s have special abilities too. These special abilities of cards are broken up into three categories: offensive, shifting, and defensive. Offensive cards cause the next player to draw a certain number of cards, making it more difficult for them to win. Playing a 2 causes the next player to draw two cards. Playing the Queen of Spades causes the next player to draw five. Some players allow forced draws to skip a person if an offensive card is played on top of an offensive card. So if a 2 were played, the next player could lay another 2, passing a four-card draw down the line. Shifting cards change the order in which cards are played. There are three main shifting cards: 4s, Jacks, and Kings. 4s reverse the direction of play from left to right or vice versa. Jacks skip the next player’s turn. Kings allow you to continue your turn and play two cards.  If the direction of play is normal, it's always to the left. Playing a 4 reverses this direction until another 4 gets played. If a player skipped by a Jack also has a Jack, some rules allow the skipped player to use it. This results in two players being skipped - or more, depending on how many Jacks are played. Kings allow you to shed two cards in one turn. Some players insist that the card following the King must be the same suit, others allow any card to follow the King. Aces are the only defensive card in this Zimbabwean version of Crazy Eights. When an offensive card is played, the next player can play any ace to cancel out the effect of the forced draw.

SUMMARY: Recognize the different aspects of this version of Crazy Eights. Explain offensive cards to players. List and describe shifting cards. Point out the importance of aces for defense.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Chihuahua puppies are naturally curious but can be destructive and get into trouble since they tend to enjoy with their mouths. To keep them safe, you will need to secure any hazardous items in your home.  Lock away toxic items like medicine, cleaning products, and chemicals. Pick up loose items from the floor, especially if they are breakable or fragile. Purchase baby or puppy gates to keep your puppy confined to a certain area in your home. It will be helpful during housetraining to keep your puppy in a room with easy to clean floors, like tile or hardwood. In many states and towns, you will need to register your dog with the municipal government in order to receive identification tags and a dog license.  There may be a small fee associated with registration. Check with your local government to determine whether there is a fee and how much it will be. Attach your puppy’s new identification tags to their collar immediately after you receive them. Regardless of whether you purchased your new Chihuahua from a breeder or adopted them from a shelter, you will need to take them to the veterinarian so they can receive vaccinations. You should also microchip and spay or neuter your puppy.  Your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations based on the area that you live in. For example, if you live in an area where are a lot of ticks, your vet may recommend a Lyme disease vaccination yearly. Do not let your puppy go out in public or interact with unfamiliar dogs until they have been fully vaccinated. The microchip contains your contact information and is extremely helpful if your puppy is ever lost or stolen. It will usually be implanted in the scruff of your puppy’s neck or above their shoulder where they cannot reach it during a routine visit.  Chihuahua puppies can be spayed between 8 weeks old and 3 months. Chihuahuas should be neutered between 8 weeks and 6 months. Many veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering your Chihuahua before they reach puberty (typically between 4 to 7 months).  Spaying and neutering can decrease aggression, increase their attention span, and decrease their chances of developing some medical conditions like prostate conditions and womb infections. Chihuahuas often suffer from serious blood sugar problems and need to be fed in small amounts throughout the day to keep their blood sugar from falling or spiking. Young puppies under the age of four months old are the most susceptible to this.  Regular feeding throughout the day can help to prevent hypoglycemia, which is a dip in blood sugar levels. You can stabilize a puppy with dangerously low blood sugars by rubbing honey on their gums. Once they are stabilized, you should take them to your nearest veterinarian or pet hospital. Like other small breeds, Chihuahuas are at risk of accidentally injuring themselves by jumping or falling off of furniture. While many owners let their Chihuahuas on furniture, it is generally a good idea to keep them on the ground.  They have more fragile bones than larger dogs so they are at higher risks of suffering from fractures, internal injuries, and concussions. Chihuahuas are at a high risk of suffering from luxating patellas, which is essentially a displaced kneecap, by jumping or overexerting themselves.  Keep Chihuahua puppies away from small children who can easily hurt them unintentionally.

SUMMARY: Puppy-proof your home. Register your puppy. Visit your veterinarian. Maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Prevent accidental injuries.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: It is easy to fall into the trap of being mean to a girl you like, but in the end girls appreciate a nice, compassionate guy. Rather than tease or bother a girl you are trying to impress, flatter her with kindness. When you pass her in the hall, smile and say “Hey, Jess.” Take any opportunity to help out, like holding open a door, picking up her books, or offering her notes when she was sick.  Do not be overly nice or it will come across as phony. Also, be nice to her friends because friends often influence how someone feels about another person. Not only should you be considerate towards the girl you are trying to impress, but also to others around you. Once she sees how you treat others, it will shed light on your overall character. Practicing consideration for others will benefit you in all your future impressions on women. Don't be a bully. Girls notice and appreciate a boy who is well mannered. For example, if she is walking behind you through a doorway make sure to hold the door open for her. Also saying please and thank you is appreciated by everyone. Make her feel special in anyway that's available to you. For example, if there is only one candy bar left and you both reach for it, offer it to her. Be careful and conscientious about what you say around her. Don’t say something around her that may make her feel uncomfortable. Avoid putting others down even as a joke; she may see you as judgmental and feel self-conscious around you.  You can be compassionate by showing encouragement to her and others. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in middle school and is often overlooked.  Try out some positive messages in your day at school like "Don't even worry about that math test, Shonda. I know you'll ace it!" or "Good luck with your soccer tryout, Bill!"

SUMMARY:
Be kind to her. Act considerate. Use your manners. Show compassion.