Taro root can actually be toxic to humans if it is ingested raw. You should always cook taro root completely to avoid any possible side effects from eating the raw root. Always err on the side of caution and overcook the taro root instead of undercooking it. Since taro root is toxic in its raw form, it's important to wear gloves while you are touching the root. This will help prevent any possible reactions to the toxicity of the root. The hairy external skin is also quite irritating to human skin, so the gloves help protect your skin in this respect as well. Washing food before consumption is always important, but it's especially important with the taro root because of the toxicity factor. Cleaning the taro root can help remove additional toxins before cooking the root makes the rest fully edible. Peel the taro root with a knife or peeling utensil. Run the peeled taro root under cold water in the sink and use your fingers to wipe away any excess dirt or debris.
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One-sentence summary -- Avoid eating taro root raw. Wear gloves while handling the taro root. Clean the taro root well before cooking.

Not all calculators have a hexadecimal mode, but if yours does, you will have more letters to spell words with. You will be able to tell if your calculator has a hexadecimal mode if you see the letters A-F on the keyboard. Calculators that have hexadecimal mode include Casios and Texas Instruments. In hexadecimal mode, you will have the letters A, B, C, D, E, and F. You can also use the numbers 1 for I, 0 for O, and 5 for S. For example, you can spell the word "see" using 5EE. Some other words you can spell include BASS, DIE, BOSS, DOE, and SEA. When you turn your calculator upside down in hexadecimal mode, you can turn b into q and d into p. Along with q and p, you can make the letters O, D, I, Z, E, h, A, S, g/q, L, B, and G from numbers. The possibilities are endless! b=q d=p 0=O/D 1=I 2=Z 3=E 4=h/A 5=S 6=g/q 7=L 8=B 9=G/b You can also use the number 2 instead of the word "to" or "too."
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One-sentence summary -- Switch your calculator to hexadecimal mode. Use a combination of letters and numbers to spell words. Create even more combinations by turning your calculator upside down.

There have never been more options in the undergarment industry for clothing that tighten, firm, and shape the midsection. Made mainstream by Spanx, tummy-control garments are available in many types for people of most sizes. Women's undergarments include tummy-control pantyhose, panties, high-waisted shorts, body suits, camisoles, and tank tops made of Lycra, elastic, or some combination. Most mainstream undergarment brands for women carry control top styles, but the most popular include Spanx, Soma, and TC Shaping. Buy your normal size and expect it to run small. There are many options for men, including Spanx or Sculptees brand tank tops for men that target the abdominals. These are essentially compression shirts that whittle the appearance of the midsection. While results will vary, these companies claim their products can reduce the midsection by 3 5 inches (7.6 12.7 cm). This method involves wearing a binding garment across the abdomen. If done in moderation, corseting can create a thinner silhouette without any other lifestyle changes. Some celebrities swear by corseting as a weight loss mechanism, and although doctors say it won't actually help you lose fat cells, it can help you lose weight by cinching in your stomach as you eat so that you don't have as much room to overeat. In addition, the fat cell can expand or shrink, according to how much fat it is storing. Be careful about wearing these too tight or too frequently. Because they can reduce your stomach capacity, you might vomit after eating even a normal sized meal. They can also contribute to heartburn and compress your organs. Purchase your corset at a store with a knowledgeable sales staff, who can help you fit it correctly and learn to lace it appropriately so that it is not too tight. Body wraps are spa treatments that claim to detoxify and slim the midsection. With training, these can also be done at home. While the process can vary, most involve several steps and the application of several types of body products. The aesthetician will start by massaging and applying a body scrub to your midsection, which will then be rinsed in a shower. The body scrub will contain a variety of herbs and minerals thought to cleanse the skin of impurities and reduce the appearance of fat or cellulite. The body will then be rubbed with a lotion or oil containing other emollients and properties. Next, the midsection will be securely wrapped in linen, plastic, or thermal sheets, and then an electric heated blanket will be used to warm the body for about 30 minutes, which will cause sweating. This step, in particular, is thought to remove impurities and reduce the appearance of fat. After removing the blanket and wraps, the midsection will be massaged again to increase blood flow. While this process is not supported for weight loss, many clients feel that it reduces the appearance of stomach fat and cellulite, especially with repeated treatments. Due to the sweating process (and loss of water weight), it is not uncommon for clients to experience a loss of a couple of inches, although this will be temporary. The body can retain water for various reasons, giving a bloated appearance particularly around the waist. Reducing water weight will temporarily slim the waistline. Hydrate. In many cases, water retention is the body's effort to prevent dehydration when you are not taking in enough water per day. This is especially true in hotter months. Be sure you are drinking at least eight 8-oz glasses of hydrating fluids a day (or 2 liters), which will help flush out your system and reduce bloating and puffiness. Reduce your sodium intake. Excess salt causes the body to retain water. Processed foods and restaurant foods are the major sources of sodium for the average American. These foods account for about 75% of the sodium in the diet. You should consume no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day, which is a little over 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Reduce your alcohol and coffee consumption. These drinks are known to cause dehydration, which can cause water retention in the body (as the body struggles to hold onto whatever water it can).
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One-sentence summary --
Try tummy-control garments. Take advantage of current trends in corseting and waist training. Consider a body wrap. Reduce your water weight.