INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Once you’ve gotten the hang of playing open slap notes, you can start controlling the length and tones of the notes by using your left hand to dampen the strings after they’ve hit the fretboard. After you strike a note with your right thumb, practice damping the note by lightly pressing the fleshy part of your left fingers over the open note. Start with a simple, repetitive rhythm, starting with one note at a time to get used to slapping and damping at the same time. For example, if you're playing a rhythm with four beats, try slapping notes with your right thumb on beats one and three, and damping those notes with the fingers of your left hand on beats two and four. Popping is the final component of slap bass playing technique, and involves pulling up on the strings to produce twangy sounds that compliment your slaps. While slapping the strings with your thumb, keep your fingers underneath the strings to add popping to your licks. Think about using the side of your index/middle finger to pull the string up and away from the bass. When you release the string, it will strike and reverberate off the fretboard, producing a popping noise. Eventually, you’ll want to incorporate slapping, damping, and popping into the same musical phrases. Start with short, slow licks where you can focus on creating consistent slapping and popping sounds while damping the strings in between notes. When you get comfortable incorporating all three techniques at once, you can move on to faster, more complicated licks.

SUMMARY: Use your left hand to dampen notes on the fretboard. Practice slapping and damping to create a rhythm. Position your right index and/or middle fingers under the strings. Pull the strings away from the fretboard to create the popping sound. Practice putting all three techniques together.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Libras have a tendency to be indecisive. Treat them right by simply deciding what you're going to do. If you guys are going out somewhere, choose the restaurant, or the movie, or the club...etc. Of course, you should always check to make sure that the activity is something your Libra actually wants to do, but if your Libra is struggling to decide between two things, save him/her the trouble and just make the executive decision. And by sharing, we mean anything--food, a seat, personal stories. But specifically for this step, know that Libras love to share. This means that if you order separate dishes, be prepared to give away a few (or many) bites--but don't worry, your Libra will be happy to share their last bite of delectable chocolate mousse. Libras are one of the most social (if not the most social) of the Zodiac symbols. As such, they like to flit from person to person at social gatherings. Understand that your Libra is not intentionally avoiding you--she/he just can't help but talk to everyone at a party. It's also good to remember that Libras strive to please everyone--even strangers they meet at parties. This applies particularly to social settings. There is a reason that Libras are represented by the scale--they like to keep the peace by hearing both sides of an argument or debate. That means they won't necessarily back you up in a debate, as they will also want to hear the other side. Don't take this personally--instead, learn from your Libra friend and try to be opened-minded. However, that doesn't mean they don't have your back. If you have a problem that you just can't seem to solve (making amends with a friend, what to do about your renegade younger brother, etc.) your Libra will be there to help you through it. Libras are fantastic at looking at a problem objectively and figuring out how to solve it in the least dramatic way.
Summary: Take the lead when it comes to picking activities. Be willing to share with your Libra. Understand that Libras are social butterflies. Know that Libras will mostly likely not engage in debate.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: A good method when you're first sneaking out is to hit up the bathroom and use it as you normally would. Flush the toilet, run the water, and shuffle back and forth to the bathroom as if you were just doing your thing. Then make a break for it, slowly.  If someone hears something, they'll next hear your bathroom routine and drift slowly back to sleep. It's a familiar sound. Then they'll be comfortably sleeping by the time you're at the back door. Just don't overdo this step. If a parent heard the toilet flush and you walking back and forth every 5 seconds, they might come to check up on you. Take your shoes off and get your sneak on. In general, you'll want to move extremely slowly through your house, especially if you have to sneak past your parents for any reason, or deal with any excitable pets who'll make a big commotion. In general, leave the lights off. If you've got to negotiate a particularly cluttered room, or one with lots of edgy furniture, you might consider flipping it on for a second to get your bearings. As long as it isn't visible from your parents' room, you'll be fine. Get the layout, then shut them back off. For floorboards, pause as soon as you hear a significant squeak. They're hard to avoid, but a single squeak every thirty seconds won't rouse anyone.  As for the door, it's usually best to do more like ripping off a Band-Aid. Don't let it squeak eternally, open it only as far as needed to squeeze out and close it almost all the way. Turn it to pull back the lock and push it slowly and gently into place. Then release the handle. Continue being quiet as you walk around the outside, being especially wary of gravel.  If you're driving, you need to be extra cautious. Back your car out of the driveway in neutral and wait to start it until you're somewhere up or down the street. Leave your door open a crack until you get your car started. In the middle of the night, car sounds carry. The easiest way to get back in will be by leaving the door unlocked and slipping back in without having to use keys. If, by some chance, one of your parents gets up in the middle of the night to get a drink of water and checks the doors, you might find yourself locked out if you don't have a key. Leaving windows open can be somewhat sticky, as the noise is conspicuous. You might consider unlocking one as an emergency, if you don't have access to a key. Crawling in through a window without making any noise is a difficult proposition, though. It's very unlikely you will get caught sneaking out in the first place, however, sneaking IN is a whole different story. Use extreme caution when you're returning to your house, especially if you have a dog.  Survey the house before you enter. Are any lights on? Do people seem to be up? If the answer is yes, start getting an airtight alibi together, or booking a trip to Mexico. Slip back into your pajamas to give any possible alibis more credibility. If you try to say that you just went out for a walk, it'll be more believable. If you make it as far as the kitchen before your dad comes bounding in demanding to know what you're doing, it's probably best to take your loss and give it up. Make an easy excuse, like: "Just getting water. I'm tired. Goodnight." It might be tempting to try to out-wait him, but you're asking for more trouble that way. Save it for another night.

SUMMARY:
Try the bathroom fake-out. Step lightly and be as quiet as possible. Be extra cautious around squeaky floorboards and doors. Leave the door unlocked and take an extra key. Have your fun and then sneak back in. If you arouse suspicion, give it up.