INPUT ARTICLE: Article: To make this into a smoothie, use ½ cup (125 grams) of plain yogurt instead. If the milkshake is too thick for you, add some more milk. If it is too thin, add some more ice cream. Be sure to blend the milkshake well after each addition. For a fancier touch, you can drizzle the sauce down the sides of the glass. If you want to get really traditional, use hot fudge sauce instead. If this is too much for you, you can divide this between two glasses and share it with a friend. You can use the store bought kind that comes in a can, of you can make your own whipped cream and pipe it on with a piping bag. You can also use other toppings as well, such as crushed candy or crumbled cookies. Add a straw to the milkshake, and enjoy it before it melts. It might be a good idea to serve it with a long spoon as well to scoop up any goodies that won't fit through the straw.

SUMMARY: Add the ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract into the blender. Blend the milkshake until it is smooth. Pour a few tablespoons of chocolate sauce into the bottom of a tall glass. Pour the milkshake into a tall glass. Add a swirl of whipped cream on top. Sprinkle with jimmies or chopped walnuts. Top with a maraschino cherry and serve.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: This only applies if the textbook has a fixed URL and does not apply to e-books that are borrowed from the library or purchase. The URL is not always necessary to include and is formally a matter of instructor preference.Doe, John and Bob Smith. The Interesting Textbook. Ed. Richard Hoffman, 3rd ed., Big Time Publishing House, 2010. EBSCOhost. <http://www.sampleURL.com>.

SUMMARY: Specify the URL, if applicable or desired.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Toxicity is often a sign of insecurity. By giving the co-worker credit or highlighting something that they’ve done, you may give them some semblance of positivity in their life, which could help with the toxicity. You may also find a friend you didn’t think you could have. For example, tell your boss all that your co-worker has done if you’ve worked together on a project. Or nominate them for employee of the month. You never know what this act of kindness could do for someone. Chances are, you’re not the reason for the behavior. However, you may be the person on which they are taking out their frustrations. But that doesn’t mean you should allow it.  Hold the person accountable for their behavior and don’t justify it. Attempt to talk to them about it. You could ask them why they behave the way they do towards you. Your confrontation may be enough to make them stop.   Keep in mind that being direct and respectful is a much better option than letting the behavior slide. Letting it slide may lead to more problems over time. Dealing with a toxic co-worker can affect more areas of your life than just work. It can make you act differently at home and in other aspects of your life. Find people who could potentially lift you up, especially if it is at work. Along with surrounding yourself with people who are positive, give yourself some positive self-talk, as well. Remind yourself that you are a good person who has many things to contribute, despite how this person may make you feel. There are always two sides to every situation. Try to help the person see the positive rather than the negative. Tell the person the reasons why the situation isn’t as bad as they think it is. Doing so could put a spin on their perspective, making life easier for both of you. For instance, if the person says, “I hate these hours. I can’t ever do what I want.” You could say, “I actually like the hours. It allows me to have more flexibility with my schedule outside of work.” Telling them a positive to their negatives may also make them stop flooding you with the toxic comments.

SUMMARY: Highlight their work. Avoid taking the behavior personally. Search for the positives. Counteract the negative.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: This stretch is very useful at loosening up your groin and inner thigh muscles, which are crucial to executing a Chinese split.  Sit on the floor with your back straight.  Bend your knees and bring the soles of your feet together in front of you.  Slowly pull your heels in towards your groin. Try to get your heels as close to you as you comfortably can, and keep your hands gripping your ankles.  Gently flex your knees down until they are touching the floor, or as close to the floor as you can comfortably get them. You can use your elbows to push your knees downward.  While exhaling, bend forward at the waist, and try to get your chest as close to the floor as possible. Hold the position for 20 seconds, then release it. This yoga position will help you stretch and loosen the muscles in your groin, calves, and quads, all major muscle groups needed to do a Chinese split.  Begin by lying flat on your back. As you exhale, pull your knees up towards your stomach.  While holding the outsides of each foot in your hands, open your knees just past the width of your abdomen, and pull your knees towards your armpits.  Try to keep your shins perpendicular to the floor. Hold the position for as long as you comfortably can (around 10 to 30 seconds should be sufficient), then release the pose. This yoga pose might be one of the best stretches to prepare your body for doing Chinese splits. Take it slow, though, as this position may be strenuous for first-time practitioners.  Begin by entering a staff pose. Sit on the floor with your back straight and your legs fully extended in front of you, with the insides of your feet touching.  Spread both legs outward. Try to form both legs into 90 degree angles with your hips. Slide your bottom slightly forward while keeping your legs spread to help push your legs as wide as you can comfortably spread them.  While keeping your knee caps pointed upward, stretch your hands forward between your legs as far as you can go without bending at the waist.  Hold the pose for around one minute, or as long as you comfortably can. Then release the pose.

SUMMARY:
Do a butterfly stretch. Practice the Happy Baby pose. Do a wide-angle seated forward bend.