INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Given the appropriate occasion, such as your birthday or one of the winter holidays, consider having a wish list. It doesn't necessarily need to be a list itself, but know what you're aiming to get. For those of your family or friends who can't help but gift terribly, lay it on thick to them what it is you really want from them. If the desire is really to just avoid the bad gift, make your suggestion something cheap and easily attainable.  "I'm still working through the last CD you gave me. I'm really looking forward to [artist name]'s next release though, should be out before Christmas." "I love those socks you gave me, I wear them around the house all the time. There's these shoes though that I'm really pining after; I think they sell them at [department store name]." For the chronic bad gift-giver in your life, go out of your to find out just what they would like. Don't be afraid to even ask "what would you want to get?" If they try to demure or offer an "anything'll do," press them on it. Everyone always has something in mind, so find out what it is. The hope here is that they'll mirror your effort when it comes to gifting next. If they just won't quit, it might be time to say something before you have a room dedicated to gifts you never wanted. Hopefully you know your gift-giver enough to explain to them without offending them. If not, be prepared for them to become upset even if it's not really justified. Sometime after they've given the gift, pull them aside and tell them honestly "I'm not really sure this gift is for me."  "You know I love music, but this is just really not my style. I'm more into [style of music]." "I can't thank you enough for knitting this for me, but I'm not sure it fits with anything in my wardrobe." "I think I need to be honest: I've never found a way to pair any socks you've given me with anything I own. I can't thank you enough for the gift, but I've no use for any more socks like this."

SUMMARY: Have a wish list. Make an example of good gifts. Speak plainly.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: One way to ensure your filing system runs efficiently is by filing paper as you process it. The filing system is not going to work if you put off filing papers. Getting into the habit of filing papers will also help your productivity and workflow. Every couple of months you should go through your filing system and do a brief sweep. You aren’t required to review all your papers like you did for the initial organization. Check through all files and make sure everything is organized and in the right place. After the first few months you could also reflect if the system you choose is working for you. Once a year you should do a larger cleaning of your workspace. You might have some files that you regularly use, but you should now go through the other files you use less. Open the files you use less and read through all your documents to see if there is any unnecessary paperwork. Take out all the files and wipe down the filing cabinet with a damp washcloth to remove dust buildup.

SUMMARY: File paperwork immediately. Keep your space updated. Clean out your space.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Toyota debuted Entune software in their cars with the 2012 prius. Any toyota built from that point forward might be Entune capable. If you are unsure if your vehicle has this software capability or not, contact your dealer or Toyota customer service. Unfortunately, your Toyota isn’t yet connected to wifi. You will need a way to transfer the update file from a computer to the car. It is ideal to name the file the same way that Toyota names it. “FAT32” is the name Toyota uses when they send out the Entune update files. Start your car, but keep it in park. Also, do this in a well ventilated area. It is dangerous to leave a car running in a closed space. If your car does not have a USB port, it is not likely Entune capable. When your system recognizes the Entune update file, it will ask you to confirm the update. Do not turn off the car or drive until the update is complete. Once it displays on the screen that the update is complete, you can remove the flashdrive and turn off or drive the car.

SUMMARY: Check to see if your vehicle is Entune capable. Use a flashdrive to download the Entune update. Name the file. Turn on the car. Insert the flashdrive into the car’s USB port. Select ‘YES’ when prompted to update the software. Allow the update to complete.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The absolute last thing you want to do is to injure your arm just when you’re starting to practice a new skill. Make sure you do a dynamic warm-up in which you get your arm moving gently first.  A few ideas for warm-up exercises you can do are:  Swinging your arms horizontally and vertically for 30 seconds each way. Using an elastic exercise band to stretch your throwing arm. Gently moving through the throwing motion 20 times. The direction of the spin should be such that the ball is spinning forward. Doing this isolates the actual action which creates the spin on the ball. You can do this anywhere as long as you have a baseball and you can toss the ball up a few feet in the air.  When doing this, really try to emphasize the flick in your fingers as you drag them down over the front of the ball. The goal of this is to maximize the revolutions you can get on the ball but start out by just mastering the direction of the spin and then working towards full revolutions. When you pitch, putting your whole body into each pitch is really important as this gives you the maximum force you can get. However, when you are just starting to practice the curveball, isolating your arm and hand action is helpful, which is easier to do when you're on your knees. This is also a great way to build muscle memory and minimize the number of factors involved in your throwing action. A really important part of throwing a curveball is ensuring that you get the direction of the spin correct and that you can repeat this at least 80% of the time. As such, throwing at half your regular speed is a good halfway point to get your action started but to minimize the variables you have to battle.  If you feel like you want to start at lower than half your regular speed then that is absolutely fine, the key is that you don’t jump straight into 100% and sacrifice your accuracy. Don’t be too concerned if you aren’t seeing too much curve from the ball here. Everything you’re doing at the moment is working to maximize the efficacy of the throw when you move to 100% effort. After practicing on your knees and getting the hang of throwing a curveball, it's a good idea to try pitching while standing up so you can practice throwing with a fuller motion. This is a more realistic representation of how you will actually be pitching when you play. You don’t need to start out at full effort level here, the most important thing is that you are standing up and preparing to use your lower body. This is a skill that takes hours and hours of practice but the results are incredibly rewarding. Always listen to your body if your arm is getting sore and take breaks as necessary. Sometimes videoing yourself pitching can help as you can pick up on errors you are making that you don’t realize you are.

SUMMARY:
Warm up your arm by doing a few different arm exercises. Practice flicking the ball upward while getting spin on it. Get down onto your knees while you’re practicing. Throw the ball at half of regular speed to your partner when practicing. Practice pitching standing up once you get more comfortable with the throw. Practice every day if you can!