| How to Measure Spaghetti Posted: 04 Sep 2020 05:00 PM PDT Most of the time when cooking spaghetti, it's tempting to just eyeball a serving size rather than measure out carefully. But sometimes getting exact amounts of servings is important, like if you are following a recipe and trying to keep a good sauce to pasta ratio or make enough for a group of people, or if you are trying to stick to a certain diet that calls for an exact amount of servings. No matter the reason, there are various methods using kitchen tools or household objects to measure out perfect or approximate serving sizes of spaghetti. [Edit]Measuring with Kitchen Tools - Weigh of dry spaghetti on a kitchen scale. This is the most exact method of measuring serving sizes. If you have a kitchen scale, take some of the dry spaghetti out of the box, place it on the scale, and see what the initial measurement is. Then add or remove as necessary to reach the desired amount of pasta servings.
- If you do not have a kitchen scale, they are available to purchase at many retailers.[1] These are very useful devices for people who enjoy cooking.
- Use a spaghetti-measuring tool if one is available. These are small devices with various-sized holes cut into them, and each hole equals a different number of servings, typically 1 serving up to 4 servings. Take a small amount of dry spaghetti out of the box and put it through the hole that matches the number of servings you want to make. Add spaghetti noodles to fill the hole completely.
- If you do not already own one of these convenient tools, they are available at many kitchenware stores retailers[2]
- Fill the hole in a pasta spoon to quickly go from measuring to cooking. If you have always wondered what that hole in your pasta spoon is for, it functions in the same way as a spaghetti-measuring tool![3] Put a small amount of the dry spaghetti through the hole in the middle of the spoon and add then add noodles until the hole is filled. Once filled, release the spaghetti into the pot. Repeat this as necessary if you are making more than one serving.
[Edit]Estimating a Serving without Specific Tools - Compare the size of a small bunch of noodles to a U.S. quarter. 1 serving of spaghetti, when bunched into a circle, has a diameter of . This is the same size as a U.S. quarter. If you have one of those around, gather a small bunch of spaghetti and line it up on top of a quarter. Add noodles until the quarter is completely blocked by the spaghetti, but not more than fits on top.[4]
- Fit a serving of noodles through the top of a soda bottle. The hole in the top of a soda bottle just so happens to also be approximately the same diameter as a serving of spaghetti. To measure this way, stand the bottle upright on a table and place a small amount of noodles into the bottle. You should continue to hold the noodles so they don't spread out and mess up the measurement. Add more spaghetti until the bottle's opening is filled in.[5]
- If you like this method but don't want to have an empty soda bottle taking up counter or storage space, cut off the top and keep it in a drawer. Use it as you would a spaghetti-measuring tool.
- Approximate a serving by making a circle with your fingers. This method is less exact than the others because everyone has different sized hands, but if you don't have the necessary tools for the other methods, it can be a good rough estimate. Make a circle with your thumb and pointer finger; try to approximate the size of a bottle top. Using your other hand so as to not mess up the circle, place the spaghetti noodles through your fingers until the circle is filled.[6]
- Divide the box of spaghetti into the amount of servings it holds. Boxes of spaghetti will have the total number of servings included on the nutrition label. Carefully pour out all of the spaghetti onto a flat surface and divide this pile into equal sections that match the number of servings as stated on the label. Put the piles into bags or containers and use them as needed.[7]
[Edit]References |
| How to Keep a Notebook Organized Posted: 04 Sep 2020 09:00 AM PDT Your notebook might be essential equipment for school, work, or just jotting down your daily thoughts, but it's only useful if you can easily find your notes. Of course, your notebook can only be truly organized if you write (or rewrite) organized notes! Staying organized is also easier with a good quality, functional notebook, especially if you make quick additions like a table of contents and color-coded index. [Edit]Taking Good Notes - Do prep work for the class, meeting, or other note-taking opportunity. Taking better notes in class, for example, starts with doing the assigned readings before class! Likewise, to take better notes during a meeting, go over any pre-circulated materials carefully. By making the material less of a surprise, you'll find it easier to follow along and identify the key points you need to jot down.[1]
- If you don't have any readings or pre-circulated materials do go over, do a bit of quick research on the topic so you have some idea about what's coming.
- Choose a good note-taking spot where you can see and hear clearly. Yes, the best note-takers usually do sit near the front of the class! Hearing the speaker clearly makes note-taking much easier. So does being able to see any slides or visual materials clearly—along with the facial expressions and body language of the speaker.[2]
- Talk to your teacher, supervisor, etc., if you need any special accommodations so that you can see and hear more clearly.
- Focus on writing down key points, identified by signal phrases and actions. The key to good note-taking is knowing what to write down and what not to write down. Look for signals, such as particular phrases or uses of body language, to pick out the key points you should write down. For example:[3]
- Listen closely to what comes after signal phrases like, "To sum up," "There are X reasons why…," "However," "Once again," and "Let me repeat."
- Keep an eye (and ear) out for the speaker repeating a phrase—this usually means it's important!
- Watch for signal gestures like pointing, tapping their fist into their palm, and opening their arms wide.
- Pay attention when the speaker raises their voice and/or speaks more slowly.
- Create a shorthand writing system that you can easily decipher. You can take notes much more efficiently by using abbreviations, symbols, diagrams, sketches, and other shorthand techniques. If you're making up your own shorthand system, though, make sure you can decipher it easily when reading over your notes![4]
- For example, if you use "CW" to denote the American Civil War but can't remember what it stands for when you're studying, you'll end up wasting more time than you would have by writing out the entire phrase each time.
[Edit]Using Note-Taking Methods - Place less organized and more organized notes on side-by-side pages. This method basically turns one notebook into two. With the notebook open, use the page to the left of the binding to jot down notes, make quick sketches, add reminders, and so on in a fairly haphazard way. At least once per day, rewrite this information in a more organized manner on the page to the right of the binding.[5]
- Don't think of rewriting your notes as a waste of time. In addition to getting the material better organized, rewriting helps you commit the information to memory more effectively. This can be very helpful for test prep!
- Give your note pages a consistent structure with the Cornell method. Draw a horizontal line from the bottom of the blank note page and label the area below it "Summary." Draw a vertical line from the left edge and label the area to the left of it "Cues." Label the remaining area of the page "Notes."[6]
- Use the "Notes" section to write down notes in real time, without worrying much about keeping things organized.
- Shortly after adding material to the "Notes" section, write down clarifying questions and comments in the "Cues" section.
- At the end of the day, summarize the entire content of the page in 2-4 sentences in the "Summary" section.
- Jot down your notes in a basic outline format as a simple approach. If you prefer to keep your notes more organized from the start (instead of by adding to them or re-writing them later), try outlining as you go. Write down key words and main topics along the left edge of the paper. Indent (move in) about from the left edge when you add supporting details below the main topic. Indent again if you add supporting details to the supporting details![7]
- If you want your outline to be a bit more formal, use a mix of Roman numerals, letters, and Arabic numerals as labels. For instance:
- I. main topic
- A. supporting note for main topic (I)
- 1. supporting note for (A)
- a. supporting note for (1)
- i. supporting note for (a)
- Try mind mapping if you're a visual learner. Draw a circle in the middle of the note page and write down the key words or main topic of your notes—for example, the topic of the lecture or presentation you're listening to. Write down important supporting information in slightly smaller circles surrounding the central circle, then connect the circles with thicker lines. Repeat the process with even smaller circles and thinner connecting lines.
- You may find it useful to do mind-mapping on one page of your open notebook, then re-write the notes afterward in a basic outline format on the other page.
- Use the note-taking system that works best for you. There's no single note-taking method that's best for everyone. Try different options, such as Cornell notes and mind-mapping, and figure out what feels and functions best in your case. Once you find what works, stick with it!
- For additional guidance, get tips from a teacher, tutor, or classmate who's a good note-taker, or visit your university's writing center if you're in college.
[Edit]Indexing Your Notes - Add page numbers if your notebook doesn't have any. Not all notebooks use page numbers, but yours should! If the pages aren't numbered already, simply jot down the page number as you move on to each new page.[8]
- Even if you end up using color-coding to help index your notes, adding page numbers is vital to a useful table of contents.
- Leave several pages at the front for an ongoing table of contents. For an average notebook, leaving 3-5 blank pages at the front is probably sufficient. The key part is to fill in this space regularly! Add a brief entry to your table of contents each time you complete a page or add something important to your notebook.[9]
- You might include entries by date, for example: "pg. 21-22: April 15, 2020."
- Or, you might describe the entry: "pg. 35-37: Fall of the Roman Empire."
- Start an ongoing subject index at the back of the notebook. Starting at the bottom of the last page, write down index categories that make sense based on how you're using the notebook. Add new index categories as you go, and jot down the relevant page numbers for each category. For the best results, create an index that uses page numbers and the color-coding method described in the next step.[10]
- Your index categories might be things like "Meetings," "Test Results," "Contacts," "Brainstorms," "Sample Sketches," "Essay Outlines," and so on.
- Color code the page edges for your index entries and notes. Right next to an index entry, such as "Meetings," use a marker or highlighter or add a specific color to the thin edge of the page. Use this same particular color to mark the locations in your notes that are related to the index entry.[11]
- This method makes it easy to flip through your notebook and find any or all instances of similar materials. For example, if you have "Brainstorms" scattered throughout your notebook, you can quickly find all of them.
- Some people use color-coded sticky tabs instead, but these have a habit of falling out!
[Edit]Personalizing Your Notebook - Purchase a notebook that can stand up to heavy use. A notebook that's falling apart is more difficult to keep organized, especially if the pages are torn or falling out. Look for a notebook with a sturdy cover, a secure binding, and thicker pages, especially if you'll be stashing it in your pocket or throwing it in your bag.[12]
- Not all sturdy notebooks are expensive, and not all expensive notebooks are sturdy. Shop around and pick out a notebook that looks and feels both sturdy and functional.
- Size matters! Pick a notebook that fits the spot where you'll keep it. Cramming a notebook that's too big into a desk drawer that's too small will lead to damage and disorganization.
- A notebook that looks beat up can feel disorganized, even if it's as well-organized as a notebook that's in better shape. Alternatively, a notebook that looks well-kept can feel more organized.
- Buy a structured notebook if its layout suits your needs. A simple notebook with either lined or unlined pages may do the job perfectly well, especially if you plan on using your own organizing system. However, you may find it easier to stay organized if your notebook does some of the organizing for you! Especially if you're buying a notebook for a specific purpose, consider options that are tailor-made for that use.
- If you use your notebook largely for scheduling, for example, it may make sense to pick one that has a daily or weekly calendar layout.
- Some notebooks are intended for use with a specific note-taking system—Bullet Journal is one such example.
- Place key identifying information on the inside cover or first page. The world's best-organized notebook won't do you any good if you lose it and can't get it back! Place your name and some basic contact information right inside the front cover, along with the subject(s) and date range of the notebook.[13]
- While writing your name down makes it easier for someone to return a lost notebook to you, writing down the subject matter and date range helps you keep multiple notebooks organized.
- Write down personal goals or inspirational messages in key spots. This might seem like an unnecessary addition that won't make your notebook any more organized. However, it can help keep you more focused and organized. Pick some high-visibility spots in the notebook—the first page, right after a section separator, etc.—to write down a few quick nuggets of self-motivation and inspiration.
- Depending on your situation and your personality, you might respond, for instance, to a self-challenge: "Make the honor roll this grading period."
- Or, you might be better served with an uplifting message: "I can do this!"
- You may find it useful to keep both a "messy" and "neat" notebook. Use the former as your "carry along" notebook to jot down notes during the day. Then, at the end of the day, transfer your notes in a more organized fashion into the "neat" notebook that you keep at home.[14]
- Similarly to keeping "messy" and "neat" notebooks, you can jot down your notes by hand during the day, then use digital tools—such as phone apps, word processing software, document scanners, and so on—to reorganize your daily notes digitally.[15]
[Edit]References |
| How to Interview for a Job Posted: 04 Sep 2020 01:00 AM PDT Job interviews are nerve-wracking occasions. You are being judged on your ability to answer questions convincingly and clearly, as well as listen and process information. While you can't predict how the interview will pan out, you can stay prepared by thinking about your responses and the overall impression you want to make, which will give you the best shot at landing that job. [Edit]Preparing for an Interview - Confirm your interview ahead of time. Once you know that you're interviewing for a job, you should quickly confirm your attendance. Double-check the time and place of the interview, and express how thankful you are for the opportunity.[1] If you have received a letter or email asking you to interview, look for instructions on confirming your attendance, as well as any contact details for your interviewer. Try to do this the day before, so you can be sure that everything's in order.[2]
- You can do this via email, but it can be nice to call so you can have a brief chat and ask any immediate questions you might have.
- If you need any accommodations, such as disabled access, you should let them know as soon as possible.
- This call or email will likely be to somebody who works in Human Resources or recruitment.
- Research the company before attending your interview. Take some time to review the history and background of the organisation you are interviewing for. This is vital for a number of reasons, especially for conveying your enthusiasm and initiative to the interviewers. The level of research that is possible will vary massively depending on the company and the position you are applying for, but there are some common areas to research before the interview.[3]
- Figure out if the business is in the private or public sector, or somewhere in between.
- Try to get an idea of the company's values and overall mission, as well as their usual client base.
- Check the news to see if the company has done anything noteworthy lately.[4]
- Review the format of the interview before you arrive. Wait for specific instructions from the interviewer about how the actual interview will go down. Some businesses may have a straight question and answer process, while other companies may expect you to give a presentation. Feel free to ask any questions ahead of time, so you can prepare and adjust for your interview as needed.[5]
- Double-check all the details of your interview ahead of time. If you're presenting something, confirm how long your presentation needs to be, along with any other elements of the interview.
- If you need any IT, such as a laptop and projector with Powerpoint, communicate this to the organisation as soon as possible so they can be prepared.
- Read through the job description again. Look over the job listing so you can refresh yourself on the particulars of the position. Re-reading this section can give you a good idea of what the interviewers may ask you in the interview.[6]
- For instance, if the job asks for 5 years of experience, the interviewer may ask you to describe some of that experience.
- Practice answering potential interview questions.[7] Note that every interview will be different, and that it's impossible to entirely predict what questions you will be asked. Brainstorm some sample questions that could come up in the interview, as well as how you plan on answering them.[8] Additionally, brainstorm some anecdotes you can share at the interview that really showcase your past experience and knowledge.[9]
- For example, if your interviewer asks you why you want the job, you can say something like: "I want to be a Public Relations Coordinator so I can make a positive difference in the world around me."
- If you're asked about your strengths and weaknesses, you can say something like: "I'm great at staying focused and prioritizing tasks. Unfortunately, I'm such a perfectionist that I can get caught up in the details instead of the big picture sometimes."
- Ask a friend or family member to help you conduct a practice interview as you get ready. This can help you improve your on-the-spot thinking skills, and also help you prepare possible answers ahead of time.[10]
- Dress to impress your potential employer. Pick out a sleek, professional outfit that fits you well, like a dress shirt and blazer, or a blouse with a pencil skirt. Finish off your outfit with a polished pair of shoes, so you look as professional as possible.[11]
- For instance, a dress shirt with matching slacks and a nice coat is a great outfit to consider.
- A pants suit or skirted suit are other good options to consider for your interview.
- You should dress professionally for any interview, even if it's a virtual one. This lets your potential employer know that you really take the job seriously.[12]
- Provide a professional email address to potential employers. Give your potential employer a professional email address, like a combination of your first and last name. If you have to sign up for a conferencing service, choose a simple and professional username that clearly states who you are. Try not to use hobbies or other nonsense words in your usernames, or else the interview might not take you as seriously.[13]
- For instance, janebrown@gmail.com is a much better email to use than janelovesfalloutboy@hellokitty.com.
[Edit]Arriving for a Physical Interview - Proofread your resume and cover letter ahead of time. Check that your biggest accomplishments are clearly listed, so your potential employer can get a clear understanding of your capabilities. Additionally, double-check for any grammar or spelling errors, just to be safe.[14]
- Bring copies of your resume, cover letter, and any other important documents. Ask your interviewer if you need to bring any documents aside from your resume and cover letter. Depending on the job, they may want you to bring in certificates or other documentation that they can scan or photocopy. You may need some form of official ID, a reference sheet, recommendation letters, a fact sheet, and a portfolio of your past work.[15]
- Always bring a pen and some scrap paper in case you have to write anything down.
- Arrive 15-20 minutes early to your interview. If you arrive late to an interview, you'll look like you aren't committed or invested in the job. You may also look disorganized, and like you don't have a lot of initiative. Traffic delays are common, so give yourself plenty of time to get there.[16]
- Be courteous to the office staff when you arrive. It's important to make good first impressions with everyone you meet, not just the people conducting the interview.
[Edit]Setting up for a Virtual Interview - Test out your technology the night before to make sure everything's working. Boot up your computer, laptop, tablet, or whatever piece of tech you're using to attend your interview. Double-check that you have a secure, stable internet connection, and that your conferencing program works correctly. As an extra precaution, conduct a test call to make sure your microphone and video camera work.[17]
- Ask a friend or family member if they'd be willing to call you on the designated video platform so you can make sure everything works.
- Sit in a private, quiet area during your virtual interview. Find a low-traffic area of your home where you aren't likely to be disturbed. Check that the space has good internet connection, and that there isn't a lot of background noise that can leak over into the call.[18] You can make yourself look extra professional by setting up a nice backdrop behind your seat, like a white sheet.[19]
- For instance, a home office or well-lit portion of your basement are both possible options for your interview.
- Avoid sitting in a cluttered area, as this might make you look unprofessional.
- Ask your roommates or family not to disturb you during the interview. Let the people you live with know when your interview is happening and where your base of operations will be. Politely ask if they can stay in another part of the home during the interview, or if they can leave for an hour so you aren't disturbed.[20]
- For instance, you can say something like: "Hey! My interview is tomorrow at 2:00 PM. I'll be doing the interview in my bedroom, so would you be okay with hanging downstairs until I'm done?"
- Maintain polite and professional body language throughout the interview. Sit up with your back and shoulders straightened. Plaster on a professional smile throughout your interview, and do your best to make firm eye contact with your webcam. Since you can't shake hands or sit with the interviewer in person, you want to look and act as professional as possible.[21]
[Edit]Attending Physical and Virtual Interviews - Display positive body language throughout the interview. Make an effort to smile and look the interviewer in the eye. As a polite precaution, wait to sit down until the interviewer asks you. When you are seated, do your best to sit up straight and keep your hands, arms, and feet still. You can display a positive attitude through both your words and actions, so keep this in mind during the interview.[22]
- The initial stages of the interview are crucial and the impression you make in the first twenty minutes count for a lot.
- Listen to the interviewer to show that you're attentive. The interview is a conversation, not just you giving a monologue. Focus on listening intently so your interviewer knows that you're a team player. Remember—part of communicating well is listening well.[23]
- Listening well will also help to get a good picture of the culture of the place you are interviewing for.
- Repeating what the interviewer says in different words can make you look really attentive. For instance, if the interviewer mentions that the company has a positive work environment, you can say something like: "It sounds like everyone in the office really cares about one another."
- Answer the questions you are asked honestly. Try to answer each question as directly as possible. If you are being asked if you have a particular skill or experience provide some clear evidence of this with an example. Use each question as an opportunity to showcase your skills, talents, and experience to the interviewer.[24]
- For example, if you are asked about your organisational skills, you might say that you are highly organized but follow this up by describing an event you organised in the past.
- If you are asked about meeting deadlines, you could reference college or school assignments that you always turned in on time.
- If you are asked about the ability to handle competing priorities, you can talk about juggling work and study.
- If you can use evidence from outside work and education, you will also present a more rounded picture of yourself and your outside interests.
- Strike a professional and confident tone in your interview. Be professional, but relaxed and confident throughout the interview. If you pay close attention to the interviewers, you may notice the style and tone they use and you can try to adapt to that and show that you can work well in such an environment.[25]
- Tell a story of your progression and development.[26] Mention your past accomplishments, as well as the road you've traveled to get to where you are today. Describe where you started out and how you got experience, so the interviewer gets a full sense of your professional identity.
- Don't get carried away—a little personal information can go a long way.
- Avoid using negative language. Keep your language positive and optimistic, even if you don't completely understand or know the answer to a question. Express that you're willing to learn, and that you're a team player.[27]
- Instead of just saying "no," change the emphasis to a positive by highlighting other things you have done which are relevant, while indicating that you are keen to develop in this area.
- For example, if you are asked if you have ever organised an event at work, don't say "no, never." Instead, say something like, "I have not been the lead in organizing events, but I have been part of a team who did this and learned a lot from it." You could also give an example of something you have organised outside of work, like a sports tournament or charity event.
- Be positive, and show how you want to develop your skills and experience.
- Ask questions so you sound engaged.[28] Brainstorm questions about the company and potential position throughout the interview. Let the interviewer know that you've not only been listening to them, but that you're engaged enough to ask and find out more.[29] You should ask questions both about the employer and about the job.[30]
- Ask about different training and career development opportunities, or what your interviewer likes and dislikes about the job.
[Edit]Conducting Yourself after the Interview - Send a thank you note to the interviewer. You can do this with a handwritten note, or by email, but you should do it within the first 24 hours after the interview. In this note, thank them for the opportunity to interview. Additionally, include some further information about you that follows up in something touched upon in the interview.[31]
- You can follow a basic template of thanking the interviewer and briefly reiterating why you should be selected for the job, then finish by saying that you are looking forward to the next step.[32]
- You can include additional information and follow-up on something specific, but try to make it sound as natural and unforced as possible.[33]
- Contact the interviewer if you don't hear back right away. If you were told you would hear on Monday morning and you haven't heard a few days later, it's okay for you to contact the employer and politely ask if a decision has been made yet. A brief phone call or email to HR should suffice. The key thing to remember is to be positive and don't sound impatient or annoyed.[34]
- Say something like: "It was great to meet you! I enjoyed talking to you and I was just wondering where you are in the decision process."
- Prepare yourself for the best and worst possible scenarios. Keep in mind that some recruitment procedures include more than one round of interviews. If this is the case with the position you have applied for, stay sharp in case you're called back for a second interview.[35] Don't be discouraged if you end up getting passed over for the job—this is completely normal, and has happened to countless people during the interview process. Instead, put your best foot forward and continue looking for new job openings![36]
- At the second interview you will want to be even better than at the first, so make sure you prepare thoroughly and have information about the company and the industry that you can talk about to demonstrate your knowledge.
- If you don't get the job, you can ask your interviewer for feedback or ways you can improve for future interviews.
- Get lots of rest the night before your interview so you feel refreshed and ready to go.[37]
- Practice driving or commuting to your job interview ahead of time so you can get the route down.[38]
[Edit]Warnings - Keep your phone silent throughout the interview.[39]
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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