INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Heat olive oil in a large, thick-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Cook the meat on all sides until browned, and then transfer the shanks to a separate dish. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, stirring often, and then add the potatoes. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add the stock and bring it to a simmer. The meat should be tender when finished. Separate the meat from the bones, and then return the meat to the pan. Garnish with parsley if desired.

SUMMARY: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C). Sprinkle the lamb shanks with salt and place them in the pot. Combine the onions, carrots, and celery in the pot. Return the lamb shanks to the pot along with the garlic and herbs. Remove the pot from heat, cover it with a lid, and bake it in the oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Remove the lamb shanks from the pan. Serve warm.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: A lot of the time, when people accuse you of being a “nice guy” like it’s a negative thing, they’re really trying to say that you are a pushover. The problem, in this case, isn’t being nice, but being unassertive. Think about the times that you’ve been accused of being a nice guy and reflect on what the subtext of the occasion was. It is possible that your issue is actually a lack of confidence or an inability to assert yourself. If potential partners turn you down when you ask them out, take “nice guy” to mean exactly what it is. When someone says, “I’m sorry, I’m not interested in dating right now. You’re a really nice guy though!” they mean what they’re saying. There’s no code to crack with these comments. In a private setting, ask one of your close friends or family members for some input. Say, “Do you think I’m too nice? I’ve been accused of being a nice guy.” Emphasize that you really want some brutal honesty to get their feedback. This is the best way to get an impartial perspective on whether you need to change something or not. You may simply be overthinking things. Being a nice guy isn’t really a detriment, and you may just be taking things too personally. “Nice” doesn’t always mean “boring,” “soft,” or “weak.” It can also mean that you’re kind, honest, and pleasant to be around. If you get called a nice guy all the time, consider the fact that it’s actually a compliment, not an insult. Even if it doesn’t feel like a positive right now, nice guys don’t finish last in life. Pleasant people tend to have successful relationships, tons of hobbies, and plenty of friends. Look at being a nice guy as a good thing and don’t be too hard on yourself. If a friend or partner accuses you of being “too nice” like it’s a bad thing, recognize that it has more to do with them than you. Ignore it and move on.

SUMMARY: Consider whether niceness is really the problem. Ask your friends and family for some honest feedback. Recognize that being nice isn’t actually a bad thing.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: It is not necessary to use a non-reactive pot. When the water is boiling, add the broccoli rabe stems. Cook for 2 minutes. Cook both stems and leaves for 1 to 2 minutes more.  Take the broccoli rabe out and pat it dry with a paper towel or clean kitchen towel.

SUMMARY: Add water to a pot and boil. Add the leaves after those 2 minutes are up. Strain the broccoli rabe from the boiling water and immediately place the stems and leaves into a bowl of ice water. Leave the broccoli rabe in the ice water for several minutes.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: This might seem obvious, but it is such a vital prerequisite that it is well worth mentioning. You will be able to convince the producers that you are perfect for the show only if you can demonstrate a thorough knowledge of what happens on the show and what it takes to do it. While there are not too many restrictions, there are some basic requirements concerning age, citizenship, and physical condition.  Both you and your teammate must be 21 years of age or older by the start of the next season's filming. Both you and your teammate must be U.S. citizens with valid U.S. passports and valid U.S. drivers licenses. You must also be living in the United States. You and your teammate must not be connected to the producers or affiliates of the show. This includes employers, employees, and relatives of employees/employers. You and your teammate must be physically and mentally fit. You must be willing to have a background check performed, and you must be willing to complete a medical history if chosen as a semi-finalist. If chosen as a semi-finalist, you must be willing to take physical and psychological examinations. You or your teammate cannot be a candidate for public office until after the initial airing of any episodes in which they make an appearance. There are some character traits and qualities that are not strictly essential, but you should be able to demonstrate them during your audition if you hope to get put on the show. You should be strong-willed, outgoing, adventurous, physically adept, mentally adept, adaptable to new environments, and have an overall interesting lifestyle, background, and personality. You need to apply to the show with a specific teammate. Choose someone you know well so that your interactions are more vivid and the relationship appears stronger.  You should not be shy or hesitant to talk about relationships openly and in public. This is a show heavily focused on relationships, so a willingness to be open about relationships and other people is important. In general, someone you have a strong bond with and have known for years would be preferable to someone who you are only faintly acquainted with. A sibling, close cousin, parent, child, close friend, spouse, lover, or ex-lover would be a better choice in most cases than a co-worker or a neighbor you happen to greet every so often. Your relationship does not need to be perfect, but in order to make it through the challenges you will face, you should choose someone you can work together with. Online applications are accepted year-round, but if you hope to be on the show during a certain season, you will need to pay attention to when the deadlines are for that season.  Casting calls usually begin 8 to 12 months before the projected airing date for the season, and roughly 4 to 6 months before the race is filmed. Open casting calls for a given season usually last 1 or 2 months.

SUMMARY:
Watch the show. Know the basic eligibility requirements. Ask yourself if you have what it takes. Grab a partner. Note any deadlines.