Problem: Article: You need to have something against your ear so that you can push the needle through your ear without accidentally piercing your neck too. A cold, clean bar of soap or a cork are both good choices. Avoid apples or potatoes, even though that’s generally what’s used in the movies. Apples, potatoes, or any other food may have bacteria on it that could infect your piercing. If possible, have a friend (or friends) help you with the piercing. Either have them hold the cork against the back of your ear or, if you trust them immensely, have them do the actual piercing. This whole process is much easier to do when you have someone there to help you. The needle should be perpendicular to your earlobe. This means that it should make a roughly 90-degree angle with the mark that you made on your ear. Positioning the needle this way will allow it to slide more effectively through your ear. Make sure it goes through the spot you have marked. You may hear a popping noise when the needle goes through--don’t freak out! Wiggle the needle, then keep it bent at an angle. If you are using a hollow piercing needle, thread the jewelry through the center of the needle. After you've pierced your ear, and while the needle is sticking through the ear, place the shaft of the earring into the hollow tube of the needle and then push it all the way through the ear. This will leave the earring sitting comfortably in the new hole. Slowly remove the needle from your ear, making sure that the earring stays in place. Be aware that this will most likely be painful, but try not to rush it, as you don’t want the earring to fall out or else you will have to go through the piercing process again. Be aware that the hole you have made could close up in minutes if left without an earring in it. If your earring falls out, resterilize it as quickly as possible and try to fit it back through the hole. If it does not go through, you may have to pierce your ear again.
Summary: Find something sturdy to put against your ear. Place the needle in the proper position. Take a deep breath and stick the piercing needle smoothly through your ear. Put the earring in your ear. Remove the piercing tool.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Universities and colleges often allow their faculty a regular sabbatical, but the exact requirements depend on where you are and what your position is. Sabbatical may require tenure, and is typically limited to a specific length and frequency – for example, six months of sabbatical for every three years of work. An academic sabbatical typically involves independent research, although there may or may not be concrete requirements for what you have to show at the end of it. Decide whether you would like to write a book, perform field research, or work on a long-term project at another institution. Start looking at possible sources of funding early. Some grant-giving organizations, such as the Fulbright Scholar Program for U.S. scholars, provide funding for a wide variety of research abroad. Look into these funding sources as well as those relevant in your specific field. Write up a proposal to demonstrate what you'll use the sabbatical for, how you'll get the funding, and how this is all related to your field of research and the goals of your department and university. Include supporting documents if necessary, such as lists of possible funding sources. Bring a copy of your plan to your department chair, keeping another copy of all documents for yourself. Explain the sabbatical goals to the chair. If she seems hesitant, emphasize any exposure the research will get that may enhance the institution's reputation or bring in new contacts. In some departments, part of your salary during sabbatical may go toward hiring an adjunct professor or instructor to cover your coursework, while other departments may cover the cost themselves. Either way, if you have a good candidate in mind for the position, that can make your department's job much easier.

SUMMARY: Know your institution's policy. Plan what you would like to do. Investigate funding sources. Put the plan in writing. Approach the chair of your department. Help find replacements to teach your courses.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: One of the things that causes cut flowers to wilt so quickly is bacteria in the water. The most basic thing you can do to preserve cut flowers is to change the water once a day. Use cold water and add ice cubes before adding the flowers to the vase. You can also treat the water to inhibit bacterial growth. Two tablespoons of sugar, apple cider vinegar, or even a penny at the bottom of the vase can keep your flowers looking fresh for longer. A small amount of bleach in your vase water works well to control bacteria growth mentioned before and keep water clear. Different types of flowers have different types of stems, and different types of stems require different treatments in order to keep your flowers looking fresh. The most basic way to treat the stems is to trim the ends a small amount each day when you change the water and cut them at a 45° angle but you may also want to:  Split the bottom inch of the stem for woody stems like lilacs. This helps it absorb more water. Sear the stems of milky stemmed flowers like poinsettias. This milk harms other flowers in the bouquet. Daffodils also produce this milk but searing won't work for them, so avoid using them in mixed bouquets. Fill the stems of hallowed stem flowers, like dahlias. Fill the stem with water, plug the hole with your finger, and then submerge them. This will help them stay upright and fresh. If it's too hot or too cold in the spot you've placed your cut flowers, they will wilt much more quickly. Move them to a good, temperature neutral spot. Some flowers, however, do better at warmer temperatures. If you have tropical flowers, like Bird of Paradise, consider a warmer spot. Remove leaves, flowers, or branches which would fall below the water line. Having these in the water encourages bacteria growth. Once flowers start to get really wilted, pinch them off. This will help keep the plant from throwing a bunch of energy into maintaining them. Don't use household scissors to cut plants. These are intended for paper and can hurt the plant's ability to absorb water. Use tools that are intended for flowers and plants and make sure they're kept sharp. You can also add preservatives to the water, like Floral Life, and these will help provide your flowers with the nutrients that they miss out on after they're cut. This will significantly increase the life of your cut flowers.
Summary: Change the water regularly. Treat the water. Take care of the stems. Keep an eye on the temperature. Remove excess leaves. Cull flowers as necessary. Use appropriate tools. Use preservatives.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: For this method, you will need a clean round container like a coffee can or formula can, balloons, electrical tape or masking tape, and rubber bands (optional). Use your fingers to open the balloon up and expand it so it fits over the top of the can. Do not blow it up, you want to use a limp balloon. Using the scissors, cut small holes into the balloon. They do not need to be uniform or perfect, as they are more for decoration. Double layering the balloons will make the drum more durable, and the holes in top layer will add a fun decorative effect. You can also use rubber bands and simply place them around the can to keep the balloons attached. Or hand them to your little one and let them test them for you.  If you’d like to add more weight to the drums, you can fill the container up with a handful of rice or dry lentils before you stretch the balloon on the top of the container.  Make drum sticks out of pencils and tissue paper or simply use your hands to drum along to your favorite song.
Summary:
Gather your materials. Stretch the balloon around the can. Lay another balloon flat on a hard surface. Stretch the cut up balloon on top of the balloon on the can. Wrap tape around the can to secure the balloons. Try out the drums.