INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Set aside.

SUMMARY: In a medium sized teapot, bring the water to a boil and remove from the heat. Using a tea ball or sachet, fill with the lavender and secure the lid or sachet opening well. Steep the lavender in the teapot for 10 minutes. Serve among tea cups and enjoy.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Tell the person what you liked about the item in question. For example, if your employee completed a memo, tell them about some of the positive things about it. This is important because you're letting the person know that you are on her side and that this is not an attack. Starting positive also recognizes the things that the person is doing right and gives them positive reinforcement, rather than only talking about the areas that need improvement. Focusing only on the trouble areas can come across as being insensitive and rude and may make the person less willing to consider your constructive criticism. Inform them of the things that didn't work regarding the item in question and identify the key areas that need improvement. Reiterate the positive comments you started with and also reference the positive results that can come about if the criticism is considered and rectified. Ending the conversation this way helps leave the person on a high note, rather than feeling deflated. It also reminds the person of what she is doing right and the benefits of acting upon the criticism effectively.  This method is called the sandwich method because you wedge your criticism between a positive opening and an ending – like a patty wedged between two buns. Here's an example of an effective feedback sandwich: "You did a great job on the first part of this report, but the middle section could use some tightening up. There are also some typos. With a bit more work, I have no doubt that you can polish this up into an excellent report!"

SUMMARY: Start with the strengths. Provide the criticism. Refer back to the positive.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Most likely you can think of a few songs that have a meaningful place in your life. The song can be a childhood favorite, from a special moment in your life, or simply one that makes you feel like singing. When a song is personally meaningful, your desire to share that meaning can drive your performance.  You'll have more confidence if you focus on why the lyrics to the song are important and meaningful to you. Since you know and love the song, you can focus on the song’s meaning or energy rather than any nervousness you feel. During a performance, you may not be able to pick out the song you sing. Research the song if it helps you give the song more meaning. Then, learn the lyrics. Choose a few songs that you know so well you can sing them with both eyes closed, if possible. If you know all the words, you don’t have to stress yourself out about forgetting them. Instead, focus on expressing yourself and having fun. Lyrics are important, but avoid neglecting the other parts of the song, such as the tempo, the notes, and your exits and entrances. Most people start off emulating a song or musician they admire. This is a good way to gain some confidence, but also try out other genres. If you’ve been singing classical or country music this entire time but have a voice more suited to jazz, that can be the cause of some self-doubt you may have.  When you find a genre that is right for you, it will feel like finding a home. You may begin to relax, letting your voice project more while feeling happier with your musical selections. For instance, if you are a raspy baritone, you know you won’t sing screeching rock vocals. You can adjust the song to your style or look into jazz, blues, or R&B.

SUMMARY: Pick a song that has personal meaning to you. Memorize the lyrics for any song you choose. Experiment with different genres that compliment your voice.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Fish tank gravel comes in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Purchase gravel that is large and coarse enough to allow water flow, but fine enough to promote the growth of helpful bacteria.  Even if your gravel says “pre-washed,” you should still wash it before adding it to your fish tank. If you're unsure of what kind of gravel would be best for your fish, ask a pet-store employee for help. Open the bag of gravel and pour it into a bucket. Only rinse 5 pounds (2.3 kg) of gravel at a time. If you need to clean more than 5 pounds (2.3 kg) of gravel at a time, clean the gravel in separate batches. It's harder separating the large and small dust and dirt particles from the gravel if you wash more than 5 pounds (2.3 kg) of gravel at a time. The water should rise above the gravel about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Shake the bucket back and forth to swish the water and rinse the gravel. Soaking the gravel will cause dust and dirt to rise to the top of the water and will make the water murky and gray. As you continue the rinsing process, the water should start to become more clear. Tip the bucket over and empty the water while keeping the gravel in the bucket. Then, refill the bucket, let it sit, and pour out the water again. This will ensure that you get all of the loose particles out of the gravel. By the third rinsing, the water should appear more clear. Scoop the gravel into a strainer. Use your faucet or a hose to rinse it down. Continue rinsing the gravel into the strainer until the water runs clear. Then, take the strained gravel and place it in different dry bucket. Straining 1 pound (450 g) of the gravel at a time will make rinsing it more manageable.

SUMMARY:
Purchase aquarium gravel online or at a pet store. Fill a 5 US gal (19,000 ml) bucket with the gravel. Fill the bucket with cold water and swish the gravel around. Let the gravel soak for 5 minutes. Pour out the water and repeat the rinsing process 3 times. Rinse 1 pound (450 g) of the gravel in a strainer.