INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If there is a part of your face or body that you particularly want to emphasize, use a photo editing application to zoom in on it, then save the edit.  Most smart phones and computers have photo editing software available, most of which is very user-friendly. Any parts of the photograph that are not flattering can be cropped out.  If you took the photo with one arm, it’s usually best to crop the arm out of the picture, as it will look enlarged.  If you think your hair looks crazy, crop it out.  No one has to see the photos as you take them: don’t be afraid to edit before you share. Many photo-sharing websites have built-in filtering options.  These will alter the appearance of your photo, bring out different colors and changing brightness and contrast.  Experiment with different filters until you find one that makes your photo look the best. In addition to general photo editing software and applications, there are also applications that are made specifically for touching-up portraits.  With these editing software programs, you can remove blemishes, eliminate red eye, and perform other touch-ups to even your skin tone and perfect your photo. While most people hope that their photos are ‘not’ blurry, sometimes a little selective blurring can improve your photo.  By leaving part of the picture in focus and blurring other parts, you can direct the viewer to focus on what you’d like to emphasize and you can reduce the emphasis on other things, like awkward backgrounds or unflattering traits.

SUMMARY: Zoom in on an area. Crop out unflattering items. Use a filter. Touch-up your picture. Blur your photo.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: After everyone is done tossing, the team that collects points is the team whose ball is closest to the jack. This team will collect one or more points, depending on the position of their other balls, while the other team won't score any. Depending on the rules you choose to use, bocce balls that are touching or "kissing" the jack at the end of play count as two points instead of one. If the two teams balls are equal distance away from the jack, no points are awarded and another frame is played. At the end of each frame, tally the points. Start the next frame at the opposite end of the bocce court. Alternately, play until a team reaches either 15 or 21.

SUMMARY: Measure which team's bocce is closest to the jack. Score one point for each ball from the winning team that is closer than the closest ball of the other team. Switch ends on the bocce court and play another frame. Continue playing until a team gets 12 points.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: There are a variety of bathroom and home scales that you can purchase.  Some will be relatively inexpensive, whereas others will cost a significant amount more.  Choose a quality scale that still fits in with your budget.  You want a scale that will last for several years and be able to maintain its calibration.  In addition, digital scales are thought to be superior to mechanical scales as these are fragile and more inaccurate.  Many quality digital scales are accurate within 1 pound anywhere between 97 – 100% of the time. Older-model spring and dial scales may be accurate as little as 13% of the time.  You may even want to consider a newer model digital scale that can measure body fat and even track weight loss. When you're weighing yourself, you want to make sure that your results are as accurate as possible.  Put your scale on the appropriate surface to help with its accuracy.  Most scales will come with directions that will say where the best place is to put your scale.  Make sure to follow the manufacturer's advice. Placing your scale on carpet can cause the scale to read your weight as 10% heavier! The bathroom or kitchen is usually a good place for an at-home scale. Make sure the scale is lying level. A scale that tilts or sits unevenly will not read your weight accurately. Over time, your scale may lose its accuracy.  It's normal after many times of weighing or being moved around.  Check it regularly to make sure the results you're receiving are accurate.  Check your scale’s accuracy by putting an item with a reliable known weight (like a dumbbell or a bag of flour or sugar) on it. Check the reading you get and make any adjustments as needed.  Refer to your owner’s manual to calibrate your scale regularly. Many digital scales always have a "calibration feature" which can help you accurately calibrate your scale. Depending on which scale you purchase or have at home, there might be a slightly different way to step on the scale to get your reading.  With analog scales, you can usually just step on and wait until the dial stops spinning and read your result. However, if you own a digital scale, you may have to “prime” your scale before hopping on.  Some require you to tap it to "wake it up" and then step on before it gives you a reading. Always refer to your owner’s manual for proper weighing procedures. Research suggests that weighing yourself regularly —at least once a week — may help contribute to weight loss and even long-term weight maintenance.  Weigh yourself at the same time every day (preferably in the morning) for the best results.  In addition, try to be wearing the same thing whenever you weigh in for an accurate trend.  Weigh yourself in the morning for best results. Weigh in after you’ve emptied your bladder and before you’ve had breakfast to eliminate as many variables as possible.  There is some disagreement about whether or not it is helpful to weigh yourself daily. New evidence suggests that weighing yourself once daily and at the same time will help you lose weight and/or maintain your weight. If, however, you have a history of disordered eating or find that you are becoming obsessive over your weight, then cut back to only doing it once or twice weekly. If you're interested in gaining or losing weight, tracking your weight over time can help you meet your goal.  If ink and paper are your thing, you can make a poster to track your numbers or use a paper journal. Otherwise you can use one of the many mobile apps and websites to help you track your weight loss. Even if you want to maintain your weight, getting on the scale and recording your weight is a good idea.  You'll be able to see any unwanted weight gains or losses and be able to change your lifestyle as needed.

SUMMARY: Purchase a quality scale within your budget. Place the scale on a hard, flat surface. Calibrate the scale. Step onto the scale. Weigh yourself weekly. Use a chart to track your progress.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: In most instances sand flea bites will consist of a small red spot, similar to a mosquito bite. In some cases, however, a female flea will burrow into the skin to hatch eggs. These can cause severe irritation and infection. The bite will look like a swollen area with a small black spot in the center. If you think you have a burrowing sand flea, you should visit the doctor to have the flea removed. After applying hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion the symptoms should decrease. If this does not happen or if the symptoms worsen, then you should visit your doctor immediately. This could mean that the bites have become infected or that you are allergic to flea saliva. Your doctor may recommend that you treat the bites with a prescribed antihistamine cream. This cream will help reduce irritation caused by an allergic reaction to the flea bites. Follow the instructions provided by your doctor.

SUMMARY:
Check the bites for breeding fleas. Visit your doctor. Treat bites with an antihistamine cream.