INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Making preparations in advance may not be possible when you enter into an expected philosophical dialogue, but usually, philosophical discussions that occur during your studies will be planned in advance.  Review the assigned materials for the discussion and draw your own conclusions based on sound reasoning. For unplanned dialogues, briefly review your knowledge of related concepts before actively entering into the discussion. A philosophical dialogue would not be very interesting if everyone had the exact same ideas. There will be disagreements, but you should always be respectful of others and their ideas, even when trying to prove them wrong.  Show respect by listening thoroughly and trying to view opposing points as worthwhile ideas. When a conversation brings up a significant issue, the exchanges will likely become more passionate, and conflict can occur. You should still try to end the conversation on a positive, respectful note, however. If the ideas being discussed are ones that you do not have strong opinions on or firm knowledge of, spend more time as an active listener than a speaker. Simply speaking is not enough. If the points you contribute are not sound ones, your contribution will not further the dialogue much. Conversely, if you do have strong arguments to make, speak up. You should not try to override others, but you should definitely make your ideas and support known. Insightful questions can be just as important in a discussion as sound arguments.  Ask for clarification on any point another person makes when it seems hazy to you. If you have a point that no one else has addressed yet, but do not have a firm stance on it, bring that point up as a question.

SUMMARY: Prepare yourself. Be respectful, but expect conflict. Provide quality insights. Ask plenty of questions.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Find somewhere calm, quiet, and comfortable for you to read, such as a comfy chair in a sunlit room or in a hammock outside. Put away all technology, such as phones, tablets, computers, and televisions, so that you won't be distracted. Allowing your mind to wander or daydream while reading won't allow you to truly take in what you're reading and you'll give up more easily. Put aside all thoughts of undone chores or things you'd rather be doing and focus on the book. If you need to finish up homework, respond to emails, or do laundry, complete these tasks before sitting down to focus on a book. If you find yourself forgetting which character is which while reading, start writing down information about the people, places, and events that take place.  You can also write down your thoughts, reactions, and predictions about the book as you read. Keep the notebook and a pen next to you as you're reading. Once you start a new book, ask friends, family members, or coworkers if they've read it. If they have, you can talk about the characters, plot lines, or themes to help you get excited and interested in the book.  If they haven't read the book, you can talk about themes in the book that you find interesting, or characters that remind you of people in your own life. Ask friends and coworkers if they have any book suggestions for you. Book clubs will encourage you to read more often so that you can keep up with the book club's picks. You'll get to discuss the book with others and join a community of people who can encourage you to read as well.  Check the newspaper, classifieds, or social media to see if there is a book club near you. Create an informal book club with your friends or coworkers. If you're having trouble concentrating on the book, try reading it aloud for a few pages. This helps your brain focus entirely on the words and their meaning. If you're in a public place and don't want to disturb others, try softly mouthing the words instead of speaking them aloud. This will help you to focus on 1 line at a time and prevent your eyes from wandering down the page. Move the notecard or bookmark down as you complete each line, but not until you have read the last word in the line.

SUMMARY: Create a distraction-free reading environment. Complete nagging tasks beforehand so your mind can focus on reading. Take notes to help you remember key characters and other information. Talk with others about what you read to get new perspectives. Join a book club to help motivate you. Read the book aloud or mouth the words to help you focus. Hold a notecard or bookmark under the line you are currently on.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: When walking in public, you should avoid listening to music on a cell phone or other personal listening device. The music could distract you from various dangers, and someone could take advantage of you if you’re distracted by listening to your music. While it may seem like a normal thing to do, playing with or checking texts on your smartphone could distract you. A mugger may see this and identify you as a potential victim. In addition to your phone being a distraction, it might also be something a mugger wants to steal. As you walk, make sure to look around. Walk with your head up and look from side to side occasionally. Ultimately, the more you are aware of your surroundings, the easier it'll be to avoid being mugged.  If you see someone suspicious or threatening, walk away from them. Be careful turning corners. Try to make a long turn so you can see what’s around a corner before you turn it. After all, there could be a mugger waiting on the other side of the corner. The better lit a street is, the less likely a person will try to mug you without fear. As a result, stick to streets that are well-lit. In addition, avoid dark streets and darker areas of town.  If you’re going into a dark area, bring a torch and wear something reflective such as a high-visibility vest. Avoid shortcuts that are dark. Saving a couple of minutes isn’t worth jeopardizing your safety. If you’re unfamiliar with a certain area, you should ask locals about it before you walk about. This way, you’ll have an idea of whether an area is dangerous or not before you get there. Before you set off on a walk around town, have a good idea of where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. You can do this by asking for directions or by consulting a map before you start on the walk. This way, you won’t have to stop and ask strangers for directions or look to Google Maps on your phone – things that make you look vulnerable.

SUMMARY: Avoid listening to music. Don’t play with your smart phone. Look around. Travel on well-lit streets. Ask people about the part of town you’re walking in. Review a map or ask for directions before you start your journey.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Schedule an approximate picking time months in advance so you get the most out of your broccoli plant. If you live in a colder climate, plant your broccoli in the spring so you can pick in the early to late summertime. In warmer climates, you have more freedom and can harvest into autumn.  In general, expect to harvest broccoli about 55 to 60 days after planting. Watch the growth of the broccoli carefully and harvest them when they reach 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) wide. Broccoli is a cool-season crop that harvests best in most climates during the spring or fall. Remember this in advance so you can pick during an optimum season. Floret (or flower) size is another reliable indicator that your harvest is ready. When florets at the outside edge of the broccoli head is around the size of a toothpick, your broccoli is ready for picking. Pay close attention to the plant's color when deciding whether to pick it. Your florets should be a deep green. If you see hints of yellow in the florets, your plant has begun to bloom or bolt. Harvest the broccoli immediately if it begins to turn yellow, as your plants may become overripe in several days. If your broccoli flower sprouts, it is no longer edible. Ideally, pick your broccoli the day your plant begins yellowing.

SUMMARY:
Mark your calendar. Monitor floret and leaf growth. Check the florets for a deep green.