Problem: Article: Strengthen the connection between the ear and distinct tones by replicating notes using your voice. Take a few minutes a day to sing a selection of notes as accurately as you can, trying to form a clear "image" of the note in your mind and match it closely. Just as you've come to be able to recognize notes as they're played, you should now attempt to apply that skill in reverse, producing a designated note on command. Don't be embarrassed if you can't sing. Practice alone to get rid of the nerves of singing in the presence of others. Learning to sing the right pitch also serves as a kind of fundamental vocal training. Because pitch is not a concrete characteristic of sound but of the ear that perceives it, it can be helpful to acquaint yourself with the different ways a note may sound when played on different instruments. Each instrument will feature unique vibrational traits that influence the tonal quality of the notes it produces, but the notes themselves will remain distinguishable, as they are defined by their basic frequency and sound the same regardless of tone. Play the same scale on a piano, a guitar, a flute, and a violin and consider the similarities and differences in the way each note is formed. Since each instrument has different timbral qualities, this may be difficult at first but is excellent practice. Instruct your friend to recite a series of random notes, then sing each note back to them. Quicken the pace of the call-and-response as you become more proficient at producing notes. Increase the difficulty of the exercise by incorporating flat and sharp variations. Keep an electronic tuner on hand to give you instant feedback on the accuracy of the notes you're trying to hit. Call upon your newfound knowledge of the sonic properties of musical notes to improve your technical mastery. Drilling yourself on picking out musical notes will be of little use if you don't apply that knowledge in musical creation or performance. There is no substitute for lots and lots of practice. In addition to exercising your ear, starting drilling yourself on observing the progression of notes in songs on the radio, mentally "playing" sheet music and attempting to play songs by ear on an instrument after only a listen or two.
Summary: Sing different notes. Sound out each note on various instruments. Have someone quiz you. Practice.

Problem: Article: Place the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt in a saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium high heat and bring the ingredients to a boil, stirring constantly. Let them boil for one minute so that the mixture begins to thicken. Incorporate the pecans fully, then add the bourbon and vanilla and stir again. Let the mixture cool for about 5 minutes. Beat the eggs lightly in a separate bowl, then add them to the filling mixture. Whisk until the eggs are fully blended with the rest of the filling (if you tried leaving the eggs out, the filling would not firm up when cooled).
Summary: Heat the ingredients. Remove the filling from heat and stir in the nuts. Add the eggs.

Problem: Article: Purchase a small airlock system that screws onto the top of your jar. You can find these at home brewing and fermentation supply stores. The system will probably have a valve that lets carbon dioxide escape from the jar without letting oxygen in the jar. If you're using a small fermentation crock, check to see if it already has a built-in airlock system.
Summary: Seal the jar.

Problem: Article: Giving Christmas presents is a tradition this time of year. Kids usually get toys from "Santa" on Christmas Day, but it's also customary to give gifts to others you love. Presents don't have to be big or expensive. Even giving a chocolate bar, baked goods, or small handmade gifts is welcome. It's also a good time of year to offer gifts to those in need. For instance, you can give toys to toy drives for families who are down on their luck or send packages to troops overseas. For a bit of fun, try opening 1 gift on Christmas Eve. Books or pajamas make good Christmas Eve gifts. However, while gift-giving is fun, there's no reason to go into debt for it. Make sure you spend only what you can afford. Sending Christmas cards is a tradition this time of year, and it's a way to let people know you care. Include a little note about how you're thinking of the person and wish them well. You can also send Christmas cards to nursing homes or troops overseas to let them know they're remembered at Christmas. Charity is a hallmark of Christmas, and one way you can participate in that is to pick a charity to give money to. Some common ones that people give to this time of year include food banks, homeless shelters, and other charities that serve those who are down on their luck. You won't have to look hard to find someplace to give, as many charities put up donation centers and boxes this time of year. You could also buy groceries anonymously for a family you know is struggling. You don't have to give money to help out this time of year. Offer to hang Christmas decorations for a neighbor who can't do it or send them baked goods. Collect food, blankets, coats, or other supplies for local charities, or volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen on Christmas Day. If you want to keep Christmas going throughout the year, try volunteering your time once a week!
Summary:
Give presents to friends, family, and people in need. Mail cards to friends, family, and those in need. Donate to your favorite charity. Give your time to charity and neighbors to spread Christmas cheer.