INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Determine what size objects and how much weight you will carry to school. Also think about what sorts of pockets you will need. College students will have different needs from those of first-graders. Some things to keep in mind include:  Do you need a compartment for your computer? Do you need a place to put your lunch? Do you need places to put pens, keys, or other small objects? Do you want water bottle holders or mobile phone pockets? How many binders, notebooks, and books will you need to carry at once? The fabric a backpack is made of will determine its weight, breathability, and durability.  New synthetic fabrics will last longest, but leather ages with more character. Synthetic fabrics are lighter-weight than leather. If you choose a leather bag it will be much heavier even before you begin to load it.  Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon are more water-resistant than natural fibers like cotton.  Natural fibers like hemp are more environmentally sustainable than synthetics. If you care about having an eco-friendly bag choose a natural fiber. Look closely at the closures for the pockets and make sure they are sturdy and easy to close.  Choose double-headed zippers for easiest access. Look for heavy-duty zippers that will hold up over time. Style is an important feature of a school backpack. You will want a bag that looks good and is also similar to backpacks that are currently in style.  Prints are fashionable right now, but consider solid colors too because you will wear the bag every day and it has to match a lot of outfits.  About half of the backpacks sold by one of the biggest companies, Jansport, are black. If you want a sleek, timeless bag that will fit in with the crowd you can't go wrong with a black backpack. Try an eco-friendly bag. Backpacks made from recycled or sustainable materials are very trendy.

SUMMARY: Consider size and pockets. Choose a fabric. Check the zippers. Consider current fashions.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You should always give your guy the opportunity to realize for himself that you like him so that he can do something about it if he wants to. Be a little flirty and be sure to spend time with him. Try to introduce little touches and other hints. Just don't drag this on too long! Try biting your lip every time he looks at you or smile nervously. Look into his eyes and then turn away slowly. It's important to choose a good time to talk. You don't want him to be distracted, upset about something else, or just downright busy! That will kill your chances before you even get started. Talk to him about setting aside some good time to talk, or try to catch him at a time when you know he won't be busy. Talk to him in private. Confessing your crush in front of other people will make him feel pressured and embarrassed, and you don't want that! People that feel cornered can be unwilling to admit how they really feel. Instead, get him on his own so that the two of you can have a real heart-to-heart. When confessing your feelings, you have to just get out there and say how you feel. Be confident! Guys will think this is sexy. You also have to be bold because you're going to need to take the initiative in talking about how you feel and whether the two of you could have anything.

SUMMARY: Give him some signs. Find a good time. Talk to him in private. Be bold.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: These are the first two notes of your scale. Play the root note, here the E on the open sixth string, then move down three frets. Most people play this second note with their ring finger or pinky. Remember that the pentatonic scale is a "shape." You can move this to start on any note on the 6th string. The first note of the scale will be the song's key. These three notes are where the blues scale differs from the pentatonic, which ignores the first fret. This note, however, is the "flat fifth" in music theory that makes a song sound bluesy. You will play three notes total on the A string. The flat fifth is an accent -- it is best played quickly, not lingered on. Note how a box-like pattern is forming. The open strings form a constant "line" of notes in the scale, while your ring finger frets a box either 2-3 frets down. Here, you simply play the open string and the second fret. This third fret is actually a reoccurring flat fifth -- it is the octave of the note you played earlier. Theory aside, this means the 3rd fret, usually played with your pinky, is another bluesy accent note. The last two strings are identical to the first string. Simply create this little box between the open string and the third frets on both the high-E and B strings. You can play the exact same scale starting from a different E. Simply move the whole form down to the 12th fret, since the 6th string 12th fret note is another E. Now, instead of playing open notes, you simply fret every string on the 12th fret when you get to it. Everything else stays in place.  Now that you know the scale, practice getting up and down it as smoothly and quickly as possible, in multiple locations across the fret board. Check out "Master Lead Guitar Basics" for cool ways to use notes in a solo or improvisation.

SUMMARY: Play the open note and the 3rd fret on the sixth string. Move down a string, playing the open note, the first fret, and the second fret. Play the open string and second fret on the D string. Play the open string, second fret, and third fret on the G string. Play the open string and the 3rd fret of the last two strings. Move the whole scale down to the 12th fret to see how easily the form moves.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Whenever you're trying to lose weight, even in a short amount of time, having a support group is helpful.  Studies have shown that those people with support groups have better success with their weight loss long-term.  Try asking friends or family members to help support you through your weight loss.  They can be there to be motivating or to hold you accountable. Also consider asking them to join you on your weight loss diet.  Many people are looking to lose some extra weight and it can be more fun to do it together. Compare against the measurements you took during the first week.  Keep track of your results, and let the small victories keep you going.  Keep weighing yourself as well.  After one month, you might decide to lose another 5 pounds or to continue on with your diet for another month to see how much additional weight you can lose. Also keep track of your measurements.  You might have toned down all over, but now want to focus on toning and building muscle in your body. A fun way to stay on track and to keep up motivation is by rewarding yourself.  Setting up small incentives may help you stay on track or help you maintain your weight loss long-term.  Set up small rewards when you meet smaller goals.  For example, when you follow the first week of your new diet and exercise program, you might reward yourself with a few new workout songs. Set up bigger rewards when you meet larger goals.  For example, you might buy yourself a new outfit when you lose the first 5 pounds. It's generally not recommended to reward yourself with food or dinners out when you're trying to lose weight.  These types of rewards may work against your long-term goal. So your month is up.  You've probably lost some weight and maybe even have gotten into better shape.  Revisit your weight goal to see if you want to continue your current diet.  Although you can make significant progress during one month's time frame, if you have more than 10 pounds to lose, you'll most likely need to continue your diet and exercise plan to see further weight loss. If you have met your goal, you may also consider continuing your healthy eating plan to maintain your results. Even if you've met your weight goal, you might want to consider keeping up with increased activity to help maintain your weight loss and physical fitness level. If you haven't met your weight goal yet, keep on going.  Or, if you need to, make some changes to your diet and exercise plan to help induce more weight loss or make the plan fit better into your lifestyle.

SUMMARY:
Build a support group. Retake measurements. Reward yourself. Revisit your goals.