Summarize the following:
The ultimate test of ripeness is the taste test. The flesh should be sweet or tart, depending on the apple variety, and slightly softer but not mushy. Don't be discouraged if all signs point to harvest time but the apples are not as sweet as they should be, especially if they are a type of Delicious apple. Some types of apples will get sweeter after they are picked and stored for a short while. Apples that are fully matured are also slightly softer in texture than unripe apples. A good way to test a fruit's ripeness is by giving it a light squeeze between your fingers and thumb. If the apple indents a little then it is finished growing. It may take novice gardeners sometime before they become proficient with this test, however. If all else fails, gardeners can cut an apple through the core and spray it with iodine to see if it is ripe. Iodine will turn the unripe cells a dark color due to the presence of starch in the apples. Fruits that are to be stored should have a completely white center and dark spots that take up anywhere from three quarters to one half of the fruit. Completely clear fruits should be immediately eaten or preserved in some fashion.

summary: Do a taste test. Test the apple for softness. Spray the inside of the apple with iodine.

Summarize the following:
Include the street address, city, state, and zip code in a block that is left-aligned and single-spaced. The city, state, and zip code are included on the same line, while the street address has its own line. If you send a letter using a professional letterhead that includes this information, skip this step. Do not repeat the sender's address twice. Type the date the letter was written or the date it was finished, whichever you prefer. The date should be left aligned, just like the address directly above it. Write the date in month-day-year format. Write out the month in text, but use numbers to write the day and year. For example: February 9, 2013. This will set the address nicely apart from the next section. If writing the letter in reference to something specific, it may help to include a reference line starting with "Re:" Left-align the reference line and keep it to a single line. Use a reference line when replying to another letter, job ad, or request for information. Follow the optional reference line with a blank line to separate it from the next portion of the letter. Include the recipient's name and title, as well as the name of the company, street address, city, state, and zip code. All of this information should be left-aligned and single-spaced. The recipient's name should be written on its own line, as should the recipient's title, name of the company, and street address. The city, state, and zip code are included on the same line. If sending the letter to another country, include the name of the country in all capital letters on its own separate line below the address. Address the letter to a specific person, whenever possible, and address that person with an appropriate title such as "Mr." or "Ms." If you are uncertain about the recipient's gender, skip the title. Follow the entire address with a blank line. A typical salutation begins with "Dear," followed by the recipient's personal title and last name. The name is followed by a comma. The salutation should be left-aligned. If you do not know the recipient's gender, you can address that individual by his or her full name, or proceed the last name with his or her job title. Leave a blank line after the salutation. Type the subject line in all capital letters below the salutation and keep it left aligned. Keep the subject line brief yet descriptive. Try to keep it to one line. Note that this is not conventional and should be used sparingly. Do not include the subject line if you included a reference line. Include a blank line after the subject line if you included it. Left-align the paragraphs and but feel free to use indentations at the beginning of paragraphs. This section should elaborate on the purpose of your letter and should also include a conclusion that sums things up. Type a concise body section. Single-space each paragraph, but leave a blank line between each paragraph and after the final paragraph. Examples of polite closings include "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Thank you." Remember to left align the closing and follow it with a comma. Only capitalize the first letter of the first word in the closing. However, leave three blank lines beneath the closing before typing your full name, followed by your job title on the line below. If you are including any, type "Enclosures" one line below your typed name and title and list the enclosures included. Note that this is not necessary if you do not have any enclosures. Single-space and left-align the enclosures section. If another person typed the letter and you dictated it, include the typist's first and last initial at the very bottom of the letter, one line below the enclosures. Hand write your name, preferably in cursive, in between the closing text and your typed name. Signing your letter by hand shows the recipient that you took your own time to send them this letter and thus that it is important.

summary: Place your name and address at the top of your letter. Include the date directly below your address. Include a blank line between the date and the next portion of the letter. Use a reference line, if applicable. Type out the recipient's address. Begin the body of your letter with a polite salutation. Write a subject line, if desired. Begin the body section with a brief introduction that explains the purpose of your letter. Follow your introduction with a longer body portion. End your letter with a polite closing. Follow the closing with your name. Mention any enclosures at the very end of your letter. Include the typist's initials, if applicable. Sign your name after printing your letter.

Summarize the following:
Before you begin the process of addressing employee absence, make sure that you are adhering to the law. The purpose of FMLA is to protect employees from disciplinary action when major life events occur. Be aware that while these employees are protected under this act, the employee must provide notice that he will be absent from work for one of the reasons protected under FMLA, and documentation must also be provided (e.g. doctor's note, evidence of adoption, etc.). This includes the birth of a child, caring for a newborn child up to the ago of one year. Adopting a child and caring for a newly adopted child during the first year. Caring for a parent, spouse or child with a serious health condition Being unable to perform job duties as a result of a serious health condition. Emergencies arising from the child, spouse, or parent of an employee as a result of being involved in the military. If you have an employee with a disability, as an employer, you must provide accommodations so that he can perform his job without undue hardship. If this applies to your employee, he may be missing work because he cannot perform his job properly, and may need assistance. Make sure that this is not the case before taking any disciplinary action. Undue hardship is defined as, "action requiring significant difficulty or expense" when considered in light of a number of factors, including how much the accommodation will cost and its nature in relation to the size, available resources, nature of the work, and structure of the company. This act protects people from being discriminated against on the basis of gender, race, color, national origin, or religion. Like with the ADA, you should ensure that your employee is not absent from work because, for example, of a religious ceremony he must attend, before taking disciplinary action. This act protects service members rights to employment and reemployment upon returning from a period of service. If your employee has recently returned from a tour of service in the military, including the reserves and National Guard, he may be dealing with emotional issues, administrative issues, etc. that are preventing him from working. You are likely already familiar with what the company policy on attendance is; however, it doesn't hurt to refresh your memory, especially if you have to confront an employee about his attendance.
summary: Be aware that there are several laws in place to protect employees from being disciplined or terminated wrongfully. Understand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Be aware of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Learn about Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Understand the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Make sure you are very familiar with your company's attendance policy.