Spread evenly and avoid touching leaves or flowers between each herb piece. Use a lower power setting, such as the half power or defrost power settings. Dry for 2 minutes, then let sit for 10 minutes. Check for the level of dryness. If it is sufficient, then use the herbs as required. If not, do another dry for about 1 minute.  If the drying of 2 minutes proves too long and the herbs have dried out too much, use a new set of herbs and reduce the drying time by 30 seconds. Keep experimenting to reach the right timing, depending on the type of herb. Herbs that tend to air dry well with little shrinkage (such as thyme) will need less time in the microwave than herbs that don't air dry as well (such as basil). As already noted, the silica use means that the herbs are no longer safe for consuming.

Summary: Sprinkle a thin layer of silica gel on the base of a microwave-safe container. Add the herb leaves or flowers to this layer. Microwave the herbs. Use for craft and display projects only.


When you're playing defense, your goal is to keep your opponents from scoring. That means you need to disrupt passes, try to steal the ball if possible, and block shots. It's your job to be annoying, sticky, and disruptive to the other team's ability to pass and score points.  Most teams will play "man-to-man" defense, which usually means that you'll be matched to another player on the opposing team, who you'll guard for the rest of the game. This is, in most cases, the player who also plays your position. In more advanced basketball, sometimes a "zone" defense is used, in which you'll be given an area of the court to guard, and you'll pick up any player who moves into it. Think of it like an imaginary bubble that you're trying to protect. . Basketball isn't all about offense, and your game needs to be fluid on both sides of the ball. To learn to play sticky defense, learn to get low and get wide. Crouch, with your feet more than shoulder-width apart and put your arms straight out at your sides, extending and making yourself as wide as possible. Stand on the balls of your feet and make sideways movements to guard the player with the ball. Lock your eyes on the ball. Aim your lead hip toward the side-line, and your back hip toward the hoop that you're defending. You want to make it as difficult as possible for the person you're guarding to get between you and the hoop, so it's more effective to "push" them by aligning your hips properly. With some practice, this will become second-nature. The hardest thing about playing defense is staying in your defensive crouch and trying to stick to the offensive player like glue. It's hard to move side-to-side quickly, so the more experienced you are at doing the side-to-side shuffle step, the better a defensive player you'll be. Practice running sideways, taking a big step to the side in one direction, crossing your trailing foot just behind your lead foot, and pushing off again. Then, go back the other way. Practice this until your legs are sore. Most coaches will train players by dribbling from side to side, and defenders switching their positioning depending on how the offense moves. You can practice this yourself, sliding around laterally in the driveway at home. Beginning basketball players often make a common mistake: jumping in the air too much. It's tempting to try to block your opponent's shot by jumping in the air with your arms outstretched every time it looks like they're going to shoot, but train yourself to keep your feet on the ground as much as possible. It's very easy to pump-fake, going up for a shot and pulling it back down as soon as you take off into the air, leaving you vulnerable and useless as a defender. Instead, train yourself to stand up very straight when you see your opponent pull it down to shoot, and throw your arms straight up in the air 90 degrees. This will be just as disruptive as a jump, and you'll still be locked down ready to play defense, if need be. Another essential part of playing defense is training yourself to grab the rebounds when they come. If your opponents have taken a shot that's failed, don't let them have a second chance for it. Post-up down by the basket and grab the ball when it bounces free. If it's up for grabs, be the one to grab it. While charging into a defender will earn you a foul on offense, most fouls that happen are called on the defense. In your attempts to be a disruptive presence on the court, you've also got to learn where the line is and avoid crossing it, or you're going to get a foul called.  Hitting, pushing, or slapping at the arms of opposing players will be a foul every time. Keep your eyes focused on the ball. If you touch the ball, it can't be a foul. Reaching out and grabbing an opponent will earn you a foul. If you've gotten beat off the ball, you can't cheat by reaching out for the jersey and grabbing it.

Summary: Learn your role on defense. Learn the correct defensive stance Practice your side-to-side movements. Stay on your feet as much as possible. Grab rebounds. Avoid fouls.


Mix thinset mortar with water in a bucket according to package instructions. Stir the thinset thoroughly with a trowel. Pour the thinset in any cracks, to about 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) above the floor surface. Smooth the thinset with a masonry float. Allow to dry according to manufacturer's instructions.

Summary: Identify and fill any cracks in the concrete.


Although not nearly as common as the versions above, some chefs use the term "drawn butter" as a synonym for beurre monte. This is melted butter in the form of an emulsion, meaning the milk solids and liquids are distributed evenly instead of separated. This is an excellent sauce to use when poaching lobster or pan-roasting meat.
Summary: Learn about beurre monte.