INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Listen to records with an ear for little moments around which you might build a whole song. Break-beats, the moments during which all the instruments drop out and the drums remain, are commonly isolated for use as the beats in hip-hop tracks, while instrumental tracks often make good melody lines to pair them with. Listen closely to records and stop the record when you hear something you might like to use. Go back and try to find the exact moment that sound begins. In the old days, DJs would take small, round stickers that teachers would use on essay papers and place the sticker directly on the record, next to the groove, just beyond the sample. This provides both a visual cue to where the sample starts, and will bump the stylus back into the groove to re-bump the sample. Some DJs prefer not to put stickers on the vinyl itself, though it's the classic way of doing it. You can also try to mark the groove however works best for you, if you're going to tape your beats or mix them on the fly. After the sound finishes playing and then slowly bring the record backwards at close to the same speed as it played forward. It should sound like you just hit reverse on your turntable. The classic "scratch" sound comes from picking an appropriate blank beat, like a trumpet blast or some other long sound effect, and rocking the platter back and forth over that sound, producing the distinctive "scratch" sound. A scratch by itself would be like a movie made entirely of explosions. Cool at first? Sure. Boring after a couple minutes? You bet. To scratch properly, you've got to pair your samples and your manipulations of the record with a beat. Find an appropriate beat on which to build your music. Look for the break-beats in songs that you like, especially old soul and R&B samples make for good break-beats from which you might build music. You will get a high pitched sound. Do the same for the reverse, pull it back at a similar speed. Then, do this to music. This is sometimes known as the baby scratch. Start with a slower beat and then get faster and faster as you go along. When you are able to do them at a good speed, try to vary the rhythms by throwing in rests to the beats you develop.

SUMMARY: Find a sample or sound on your record to practice scratching on. Mark the groove. Stop the record with your fingertips. Put on another song and do this to the beat. Push the record forward over the sample instead of allowing the sound to play at regular speed or slowing it down.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Protecting the envelope from ice and moisture is essential, since these elements can cause it to warp. When an envelope gets wrinkled, it's a dead giveaway that it was tampered with. The very cold temperature in the freezer will cause the glue to lose its stick. You can keep it in the freezer for as long as you need to. Make sure it's in there for at least a few hours, or the glue might hold fast when you try to open the envelope. In order for this method to work, you must use the freezer, not the refrigerator. The refrigerator's temperature isn't cold enough to make the glue unstick. If you don't have a freezer available, try placing the envelope in a plastic bag, then submerging it in a bowl full of ice water. This is quite risky, since a leak in the bag could cause water to flow inside and ruin the envelope and its contents. After a few hours in the freezer, you might be able to simply open the envelop with your fingers. If it doesn't easily pop open, use an envelope opener or a knife to gently open the flap. If the flap still won't budge, put the envelope back in the freezer overnight and try again. When you use the freezer method, the frozen glue loses its stick, but it gets tacky again when it thaws. To reseal the envelope, simply wait a few minutes for the envelope to warm up to room temperature, then press the flap shut. The envelope should now be sealed with no sign that it was ever opened. If the flap won't stick when you try to reseal it, use a gluestick to keep it shut. If you don't have a gluestick, use a very light application of white school glue or superglue to close it.

SUMMARY: Place the envelope in a plastic freezer bag. Place the envelope in the freezer for several hours. Open the envelope. Reseal the envelope.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: How much you should use depends on how much creamer you want. Use the jar you choose as your guide, adding as much as can reasonably fit in the jar. Make sure you have the same amount of condensed milk and half-and-half. Make sure you leave about an inch of headspace. The measuring does not have to be completely precise, but it can be a good idea to use measuring cups here. Measure out the cinnamon and vanilla extract. Pour the spices in with the milk and cream mixture. Seal your jar tightly to prevent leaking. Give the jar a good shake. Shake for a few seconds to mix everything evenly. The creamer will taste best after it's been chilled. Place it in a refrigerator for at least an hour before adding it to coffee. The creamer will last about as long as the expiration date indicated on your milk and half-and-half.

SUMMARY:
Mix equal parts condensed milk and half-and-half in a mason jar. Sprinkle in your flavorings. Shake your jar to mix. Chill before serving.