INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If the "use by" date has expired, then that bacon is unsafe to use. Always use bacon within seven days of purchase ("sell by") or by the "use by" date listed by the manufacturer. You can also safely thaw and cook the bacon within four months of freezing bacon. Take care not to confuse the "sell by" and "use by" dates. The first is the store's guidance, the latter is the manufacturer's expiration date. The "sell by" date signals that you need to get on with consuming the bacon sooner rather than later but the bacon is still safe to eat (provided no other signs of poor storage are revealed). If you bought a package of bacon last week and didn't get around to using it, it's possible it's still good. The same wouldn't be said if you had opened it, taken a whiff, and put it back, but if it's still sealed, it should have a bit longer life. Your bacon may last for up to two weeks upon purchased if you stored it properly and didn't open it. Open 'er up and do some of the following tests. If it seems like good bacon, your judgment call is probably accurate. Whether it's on a plate, or in its packet, it will have the same smell. If you aren't sure that the bacon is good, smell it carefully. If it smells like fresh meat, then it's not spoiled. If it smells weird, like rotting, sour or an offish odor, then it is probably spoiled. You know what bacon smells like, right? That delicious, Ron-Swanson-is-on-his-way scent? That's the one. If there's even a semblance of a doubt that it smells as delicious as it should, don't risk it. The bacteria ain't worth it. Go to a room with a good light source and take a look at the bacon. Good, non-spoiled bacon, should have a fresh, pinkish color and be bright. Bacon is a pink meat with white fat, and sometimes yellowish. If you notice that the bacon has green dots all over, looks dull or that the flesh is turning a gray-brown, then it's not fresh bacon. You may be thinking at this juncture, "It's bacon. It's always good. Bacon that exists is good bacon." Not true. The last thing you want is to have a bad bacon experience, conditioning you to never eat bacon again, right? Think of the long-term risks here. Bacon is usually not slimy. If you noticed that the bacon you are holding is slimy, then it's most likely spoiled. Again, throw it out. And wash your hands afterwards. Just because you didn't eat the bacteria doesn't mean you should leave it on your hands. After you have checked whether the bacon is spoiled, throw it out if necessary. Wrap it well and toss it into the garbage bin outdoors (so it doesn't smell up your indoor trash can). Then wash your hands well. Do not feed it to your pets –– they may be harmed by the bacteria too.

SUMMARY: Check the expiry date on the bacon packet. Be a bit more lenient if it's unopened. Smell the bacon. Take a good look at the bacon. Feel the bacon. Throw the bacon out properly.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Many schools have a minimum GPA requirement for homecoming court candidates, and most are reluctant to nominate any students that have a disciplinary record. To make sure that you'll qualify, try your best in your classes, and avoid putting yourself in risky situations where you might break laws or school rules. Committing to and working hard at extracurricular activities is a great way to get to know other students, and to make yourself known to them. Homecoming court members are elected by their peers, so joining multiple activities is a great way to meet potential friends and acquaintances who may vote for you later on. Try to take part in a diverse set of activities that span different social groups. If you are only involved in sports, or if your time is consumed by the math and debate teams, you may not get to know others besides the group of people who enjoy those activities. Branch out and meet new people by trying new things. Make an effort to get to know the other students outside your group of friends. Even if you don’t become close with them, they may remember a good conversation or a considerate compliment when it comes time to vote for the homecoming court. Because of that, they’ll be more likely to cast your vote for you. Being liked and respected by your classmates, even if you don’t know them well, can arise from actions as simple as smiling freely, laughing at their jokes, or cheering them up if they seem down. Many schools have different methods of choosing their homecoming court. At some, the candidate must first be nominated by a friend or a fellow participant in a club or sport. At others, a committee of faculty members might select the nominees. Find out how nomination works at your school, and if needed, ask a friend or teammate to nominate you, just to ensure you’ll be in the running. At larger schools and universities, an application or petition is often required before you can be nominated. If this is the case, find a copy of or link to your application and complete it well before it’s due. Similarly, if a petition is required, fill it out and begin circulating it well in advance of the vote.
Summary: Get good grades and stay out of trouble. Participate in many different extracurricular activities. Be kind and friendly to everyone you encounter. Research the nomination process.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Take 5 to 6 cloves of garlic, and pound the side of a chef’s knife blade against them to smash them. Once the cloves are smashed, remove their skins and discard. Set the garlic aside for a moment. When you’re selecting your garlic, try to find cloves that are as large and thick as possible. Place a large skillet on the stove, and add approximately ¼ inch (.63 cm) of olive oil to it. Turn the burner to medium, and allow the oil to heat for 3 to 5 minutes. You can reduce the oil to ⅛ inch if you prefer. However, keep in mind that by caramelizing the garlic in it, you’ll infuse the oil with the flavor so you can use it for pasta, salad dressings, and other dishes. When the oil has heated for several minutes, place the smashed garlic cloves in the skillet. Lower the heat to medium-low, and allow the garlic to cook until the edges have a golden color, which should take approximately 2 to 6 minutes. If the garlic looks like it’s turning brown, turn the heat down to low. When the garlic has caramelized, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet. If you plan to use it right away, separate it from the oil. However, if you plan to store the garlic for later use, it’s a good idea to leave it in the oil because the oil will help preserve it.  The garlic will keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. If you’re separating the oil and garlic but want to save the oil for future use, pour it in a glass jar and store in the refrigerator.

SUMMARY:
Smash and peel the garlic cloves. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Cook the garlic in the oil until it's golden. Remove the garlic from the pan, and use or store it.