INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Cube and Coroplast cages are probably the most popular type of cages for indoor guinea pigs. They are also easy to construct. To make one you will need storage cube grids, corrugated plastic called coroplast, and a box-cutter. These materials can be easily found and purchased at big-box stores like Costco, Target, or Kmart. Coroplast can also be found at sign stores (it is the material used to make many lawn signs). C&C Cages can also be purchased online at guineapigcages.com. Assemble the cube grids in a rectangle of the appropriate dimensions. Two guinea pigs should get a 2 x 4 grid space, 3 should get a 2 x 5 grid space, and 4 should get a 2 x 6 grid space. Take the plastic grid connectors (these are small plastic ties) and connect the grids so that they are tight. You can make the cage even more sturdy by using cable ties, which are available at most hardware stores. You will need these dimensions in order to cut the coroplast, which will sit inside of the storage cube grids. You can measure with string if you'd like. Then, add 6 inches to the length and width to find your "cutting dimensions." When you cut and insert the coroplast, these extra inches will give you a six-inch internal wall all the way around the cage. Use a tape measure and pen to measure and mark the coroplast. Then cut it with the box cutter. A pair of heavy duty or even regular scissors will work, as well. Remember, the piece of cut coroplast should be to the size of the enclosure plus 6 inches on all sides. Now you can start to make your enclosure walls. Measure and mark 6 inches in on all sides to create the inner dimensions. Use a box cutter or razor blade to score the coroplast along the lines you made, but don't cut all the way through. You can practice on a scrap piece first. It is also much easier to score with the grain of the coroplast rather than against it. Cut in 6 inches each way at all four corners of the coroplast to create flaps. Doing so will allow you to snap up the edges and place the coroplast snugly inside of the enclosure. If you forget this step, it will not fit. Snap the edges of the coroplast upward from where you scored your lines to create your cage box. Then, tape the edges to make them more sturdy and secure. Make sure that you tape the outside, using two or more large strips of tape for extra strength. You now have a basic C&C guinea pig cage. The next step is to find a suitable location for the cage and to finish the living space with bedding, a food bowl, and a water bottle. Choose a place where there is fairly high traffic. Guinea pigs are social animals and benefit from human contact. Find a place with natural light but one that is not in direct sunlight, and also avoid drafty areas.

SUMMARY: Get your materials. Connect the storage cube grids. Measure the inside of the enclosure. Measure, mark, and cut the coroplast to size. Mark and score the coroplast. Make fitted corners. Snap the edges away and tape the flaps. Place the box inside the grid.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Place the dried shrimp in a medium stockpot and cover them with cold water. Allow the shrimp to sit for 15 minutes. When done, drain the water through a colander and rinse the shrimp. Return the drained and rinsed shrimp to the stockpot. This step is important if you are using dried shrimp or other packaged shrimp. Soaking and rinsing the shrimp before cooking it can help remove any distortions in taste that may have developed during the packaging process. Cover the shrimp with 1 cup (250 ml) of cold water, or enough water to cover them completely. Bring the contents of the pot to a boil on medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let the shrimp gently simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Pour the contents of the stockpot through a colander. Reserve both the shrimp and liquid, but set them aside separately. The water in which you boiled the shrimp has been flavored with the taste of shrimp. You will add this to your stock just before you finish the soup for an added hint of shrimp in the taste of the broth. Allow the shrimp to cool until you can safely handle them with your hands. Peel off the heads, tails, and legs before setting the cooked shrimp aside. You can yank out the legs and head with your fingers. Similarly, you can pinch the tail and gently pull it off the body using only your fingers. You can remove the shells if desired, but you could also leave the shells on if you want the soup to have a little crunch to it. If you want to peel the shrimp, however, pinch the shell between your fingers starting at the head end of the shrimp. Pull the shell down and off the body of the shrimp using gentle pressure.

SUMMARY: Cover the shrimp in cold water. Let the shrimp simmer in fresh water. Strain the liquid. Remove the heads, tails, and legs.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Seashells can either be gathered from the beach or purchased at a craft store, or you can buy synthetic or artificial shells. While artificial shells may not have the same natural appeal, they are better for the environment. Seashells play an important role in coastal ecosystems, and provide homes to algae, birds, and hermit crabs. Removing shells from the beach can have a detrimental impact on the creatures that rely on them. If you really want to collect your own shells, only take a couple from each beach, and never take shells from highly visited beaches where others are often collecting shells. Always inspect each shell to ensure a hermit crab hasn't claimed it for a home. Shells are also a byproduct of the fishing industry, and there are some shell suppliers that only obtain shells from these producers. Buying shells from these producers could have less of an impact than purchasing ones collected from beaches. Natural shells that are collected from the beach need to be cleaned to remove dirt, particles, odors, and bacteria. The most common way to clean shells is to soak them in a bleach and water solution: Fill a bowl with one part bleach and three parts water. Soak the shells for anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours, until the leathery coveringcalled the periostracumcomes off. When the shells are clean, use a soft cloth or soft-bristled toothbrush to give them a gentle scrub, then rinse them well with clean water. Allow the shells to dry. You don't actually have to do anything to preserve the shells, but if you want to enhance and protect their shine and luster, you can polish them with mineral oil. Use a lint-free cloth to rub a small amount of mineral oil over each shell, and gently polish the inside and outside. Since you'll be using the shells for jewelry, another option is to protect them with a thin coat of satin-finish polyurethane varnish. Apply a light layer of varnish to the inside and outside of the shells using a clean paintbrush. Allow the varnish to dry completely.

SUMMARY:
Obtain seashells. Clean the shells. Preserve the shells.