Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Know the different stages of AMD. Understand how "dry" macular degeneration occurs. Know what "wet" macular degeneration is.

Answer: An ophthalmologist will determine which stage of AMD you have based on the amount of drusen found in your eyes. Drusen are white or yellow deposits found in the retina. Early stage: Medium-sized drusen equivalent to width of a hair strand and no vision loss. Intermediate stage: Large drusen and/or pigment changes; typically no vision loss. Late stage: This consists of two types: Geographical atrophy/dry macular degeneration: The photoreceptors in the macula are damaged. The eyes cannot use light to convey vision to the brain. You may suffer a gradual onset of the condition. You will experience vision loss. Neovascular macular degeneration/wet macular degeneration: This is caused by abnormal vessel growth, in which the vessels can eventually swell and break. Fluid builds up in and underneath the macula and causes visual changes. The onset is much faster than dry macular degeneration. Dry macular degeneration is due to a degeneration of the cells in the retina. The degeneration or drying of these cells and the lack of excess fluid gives it its "dry" name. These cells are also known as photoreceptors, or cells that use light entering the retina to help our brain understand the images via the visual cortex. Basically these light sensitive areas help us to understand what we are seeing. The degeneration occurs because fatty lipids called drusen build up in the macula as we age. This build-up is seen during an eye exam as yellow spots on the macula. AMD does not lead to total blindness, but it can drastically inhibit the central fields of vision. The "dry" form of macular degeneration is more common compared to its "wet" form. The following are the signs and symptoms of dry macular degeneration: Blurring of printed words. More light needed when reading. Difficulty seeing in the dark. Difficulty in recognizing faces. Greatly diminished central vision. Noticeable blind spot in the field of vision. Gradual vision loss. Geometric shapes or inanimate objects mistakenly identified as people. This kind of AMD happens when blood vessels grow abnormally underneath the macula. Because of the macula's growing size, the blood vessels may begin to leak or ooze fluid and blood into the retina and macula or, rarely, they may fully rupture. Though wet macular degeneration is less common than dry macula, it is a more aggressive visual disease that can lead to blindness. The cause for macular degeneration is unknown, but several studies have stated that there are risk factors that can lead anyone to develop the condition later on in life. Its signs and symptoms include: Straight lines that look wavy. Visual blind spot. Loss of central vision. Rapid vision loss. No pain. Scarring of the blood vessels, which may lead to irreversible loss of vision if not addressed promptly.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Order your cap and gown in the right size. Give the cap a trial run. Style your hair to fit under the cap. Save the cap for last. Decorate your cap.

Answer: Use the size measurements provided by the supplier to ensure that your graduation regalia will fit the way it's supposed to. The cap itself should be snug, but not too tight. If it keeps slipping out of place, it's most likely too big, whereas if it's cutting off your circulation you might benefit from going up a size. Get a more accurate estimate by measuring your crown with a tape measure and comparing that measurement to the available sizing options. Return poorly-fitting caps and gowns right away to give yourself plenty of time to have them exchanged for the correct size. It's a good idea to try your cap and gown on a time or two before the actual ceremony so you can get an idea of how the completed ensemble will look together. This will also give you a chance to make any necessary last minute adjustments. The more times you wear the cap, the more comfortable you'll feel once it's time to take to the stage. Most guys and ladies with shorter hair will be able to get away with minimal styling. Those with longer locks can experiment with ponytails, braids or straightened looks that draw the eye to the neck and shoulders. The key is to keep the hair smoothed away from the crown to give the cap the space it needs to rest comfortably. If you'd prefer to show off a more elegant style, try curling the ends or tucking it up so that it's just visible beneath the cap. It's typically wise to avoid up-dos and styles with too much volume. Wait until you're wearing your gown, stole and any other components to put on the cap. That way, you can focus your attention on fixing your hair and makeup without worrying about messing them up later. The cap should be the final addition to your graduation regalia. Some gowns and hoods are designed to be slipped over your head, which can be tricky if you've already got your cap on. Some schools may allow you to add small embellishments to your graduation cap to express your personality and help you stand out from the crowd. Tack on a few buttons or a pendant for a modest injection of personality, or break out the paint pens, glitter and fabric letters to really make a statement. This is an important day in your life, so it's important that you enjoy yourself while you're receiving your honors. Use paint, fabric and other accessories in your school's colors. Spell out a special message or quote related to graduation. Even if your classmates can't see it, the audience will. Be sure to run your decorating ideas by the principal or dean before you making any drastic modifications to your regalia.

Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Combine corn syrup, food coloring, and cornstarch to make realistic blood. Use creamy peanut butter and corn syrup to make things look bloodstained. Apply the fake blood with a syringe or dropper to make it seem authentic. Smear the fake blood with a sponge or scouring pad. Make blood squirt using plastic tubing and a syringe. Create blood spatter with a spray bottle.

Answer:
Mix together 2 cups (470ml) of corn syrup and 1 cup (240ml) of warm water in a large mixing bowl. Pour in 10 teaspoons (49ml) of red food coloring and a few drops each of blue and yellow coloring. Stir in 1 tablespoon (7.5 g) of cornstarch at a time until it's thoroughly mixed, and keep adding it until there are 10 tablespoons (75 g) in your mixture. This style of fake blood is somewhat sticky so it will stay in place when you apply it, but it won't run as easily. Try adding cocoa powder if you want your fake blood to look darker. Use less cornstarch if you want the fake blood to flow easier. This recipe is edible so you can apply it in or around someone's mouth. Pour 10 teaspoons (49ml) of red food coloring and 1 cup (240ml) of light corn syrup in a mixing bowl. Combine the corn syrup with 1-2 heading spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter and stir the mixture together until it's thoroughly mixed. Apply the fake blood by hand and rub it on a surface to make it look like it's coated in a thin layer of blood. If you want to make the blood look like it's dried up or scab-like, try using chunky peanut butter instead. Keep in mind that it may be harder to work with and apply. This fake blood is edible so it's safe to use near someone's mouth. Pour your fake blood mixture into small syringe or dropper bottle so you can easily apply it. Squeeze the bottle or depress the syringe slightly so a small amount of blood comes out. Let the fake blood drip down the surface you're applying it to so it looks realistic when it's on camera. Be careful not to get the fake blood in anyone's eyes since it could cause irritation. You can apply fake blood in and around a person's mouth if you need to as long as you're using an edible recipe. Dip the corner of a scouring pad or sponge in your fake blood and dab it onto the surface you're applying it to. You can either lift and dab the blood to apply it in a pattern or you can wipe the blood across a surface to make smears. Try a few different techniques on the surface to see what works best when you apply it. Test different applicators to see what textures they make with the fake blood. For example, a steel wool pad will cause the blood to bead up while wiping it with a sponge will look flatter. Attach a syringe to the end of a thin plastic tube and fill the syringe with your fake blood. Put the other end of the tube next to where you want the blood to spray so it's off camera, and tape it in place. During your shot, have a person off-camera press down on the syringe slowly so the blood squirts out of the tube. This method works great to simulate blood squirting out of a pulsing wound. This may not work if your fake blood has a thicker consistency. Pour your fake blood into an empty spray bottle and make sure the nozzle is on. Pull the handle on your spray bottle to create a mist of blood that spatters on the surface you're applying it to. Apply as much or as little fake blood with the spray bottle as you need to for the scene you're shooting. You won't be able to spray fake blood that has a thick consistency.