Testing the rock for magnetic properties can be done rather quickly. Just hold a magnet near the rock to determine if there is any interaction. This can even be done with the magnet at the tip of your meteorite stick. Most meteorites have magnetic properties. Keep in mind that some terrestrial rocks also have magnetic properties. Because of their high iron and nickel content, meteorites are rather dense. They are often denser than most terrestrial rocks. This can be loosely translated to being heavier than other rocks their size. Pick up the rock and analyze how heavy it feels versus what you would expect a rock that size to feel like. While not all meteorites share the same characteristics, there are some common traits that can be found in most of them. If you can identify one or more of these traits, there's a good chance that you have a found a meteorite. Four specific traits to look for are: A metallic shine on the surface of the rock Small rounded pieces of stones on the surface (these are known as chondrules) A black or brown coating known as fusion crust (this is produced by the extreme heat of flying through the atmosphere) Small dents covering the surface of the rock (this is regmaglypt texture or thumbprints) Try dragging the rock in question across a streak plate or a piece of paper. If it leaves a streak, it is probably a terrestrial rock. If it doesn't leave a streak, or if the streak is weak and gray in color, it might be a meteorite. A streak plate is generally made of unglazed ceramic. You can find them online or in rock/mineral testing kits.

Summary: Test the rock for magnetic properties. Observe the density of the rock. Look for common meteorite traits. Do a streak test.

Start compiling your best work in a folder or online file that you can share with potential employers. Your portfolio doesn't have to just contain themed greetingsit could also include selections of short prose or poetry that showcase your handle of clear, concise writing. As you gain experience, you portfolio will grow, and so will your range of works and opportunities to make a successful submission. Having all your strongest submissions in one place will allow the people in charge of hiring new writers to see what you can do without forcing them to wait for multiple submissions over time. Make sure your writing samples follow the specific formatting guidelines outlined by the company you're submitting to. Greeting card businesses value practical ability over theoretical knowledge, so having a degree in writing or advertising isn't a must. It may not hurt, though, especially if you think you might begin your career in some other area of the business, like sales or promotion. If you're serious about breaking into the field, choose a concentration like creative or technical writing or marketing that will directly translate to the type of tasks you'll be faced with on the job. Creative writing classes will allow you to become more proficient writing in different styles. Technical writing prioritizes clear, effective speech and brevity, making it a perfect form of training for composing greeting card messages. If your goal is to work for a greeting card giant like Hallmark or American Greetings, you may be well served to start off as an intern. In this role, you'll be afforded a chance to learn the ins and outs of the business, and, more importantly, the particulars of the company you're likely to eventually work for. Interns make attractive contributors because they already have an extensive base of experience. Scan the "careers" page of a company's website or contact a representative directly to find out more about internship opportunities. A lot of professional greeting card writers got their start as interns with their companies. Greeting cards aren't the same as they were a few decades ago. Writers will need to keep a finger on the pulse of culture and societal norms as they evolve. For instance, being more attuned to modern parenting practices or the peculiar ways best friends communicate will give you a leg up over competing writers who are using flatter, more generic forms of expression. It may also help to able to incorporate well known pop cultural references, or rework viral internet memes into gags or visuals that are instantly recognizable. Pay attention to the language that surrounds you, and learn to change with the times. Analyze the types of relationships you see on a day to day basis and draw upon these insights when coming up with ideas for greetings. As a purveyor of modern culture, you'll be responsible for filling cards with prominent themes, tropes and symbols from people's everyday lives.

Summary: Put together a portfolio. Further your education. Seek out internship opportunities. Keep up with social trends.

Wet the slate thoroughly. Buffing while dry may cause further scratches. Buy 200 grit diamond pad or wet & dry sandpaper from a hardware store. Wet the abrasive, then rub it gently over scratched areas until the scratches are less visible. Rinse off the slate and the abrasive to ensure that no dust remains to cause further scratches. Move on to a 400 grit sanding surface. Once again, wet the slate and the abrasive, then start buffing. Rub it over a wider area this time to ensure a more uniform look. Wash the dust off thoroughly from all materials. Wet the slate and the 600 grit abrasive. Buff over the entire slate surface. Continue rubbing until the scratches are no longer visible. Rinse thoroughly when finished.

Summary: Wet the stone. Buff with wet 200 grit abrasive. Rinse all materials. Repeat with 400 grit abrasive. Rinse again. Finish with 600 grit abrasive.

When you go to an Indian restaurant there are a variety of different dishes that all use the same basic ingredients and technique used in curries. The difference is primarily in thickening agent used: Korma uses a creamy agent, like coconut milk, yogurt, or cream. Saag uses greens, usually spinach but sometimes mustard/collard greens. Madras uses pureed and diced tomato Vindaloo uses pureed chilies. This technique, used in many restaurants, creates a curry paste of onions, garlic, ginger, and spices, which cooks faster and results in a smoother curry. To make it, use a food processor to grind everything up into a thick paste, then add it to the hot oil after the seeds have crackled. There is no one "curry" recipe out there. Curry is about mixing and matching ingredients using curry cooking technique, as outlined above. Still, to make the most basic, run-of-the-mill curry you would add and cook, in this order: 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee (clarified butter) 1/2teaspoon ground cumin seed 1/2teaspoon ground coriander seed 1 medium onion - finely chopped 4 cloves garlic - peeled and sliced 1.5-inch piece ginger - peeled and thinly sliced 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, curry powder, salt 2 mild fleshy green chilies - de-seeded and chopped 5 tablespoons tomato puree or 1 tablespoon (14.8ml) concentrated tomato paste mixed with 4 tablespoons water You should add spices generously, tasting and sampling every chance you get. Start with a tablespoon of any of following, adding more or less to fit your preferences: Cumin (essential) Coriander (essential) Turmeric (essential) Ground chili powder Cardamom Cayenne pepper Cinnamon Curry powder Smoked paprika Garam masala Asafoetida (just a pinch, also called "hing")
Summary: Understand how different sauces are created. Pulse or blend your ingredients ahead of time for a smoother sauce. Remember that cooking curry is about method, not a specific recipe. Play with the spices you want to add.