Q: Don't be bamboozled by the brand name. Many times people don't make the right decision in choosing a pair of snow boots because of the brand name or the style of the boot. Unfortunately, this can have an effect on your feet when walking in the snow. For example, shearling boots are very popular and trendy boots currently. They're made with the finest sheepskin for comfort and warmth but they're not made for the snow. These boots may be very thick and warm, but they're not water resistant and are easily stained by the salt and snow. However, there are some brand name boots that are known for their quality. Boot makers that have high quality goods may be the best known for a reason. You need to do your research and figure out if a brand name is all hype or if they are the best of the best. It is a good idea to shop around for the best deal when buying snow boots. Check the price at local stores as well as online. The perk of getting the boots locally is that you can probably get them right away and you won't have to pay for shipping. The perk of buying snow boots online is that you may have more options to choose from and they may be cheaper. Make sure that you are comparing the exact same boots when shopping around. Slightly different styles may have different costs and different qualities. Even if you want to try the boots on in a store, it doesn't mean that you have to buy them there. Try them on in the store to figure out what size works for you, or to figure out if they fit you well at all, and then buy them where you can get them cheapest. This may very well be online. If you are buying a quality pair of boots they should be guaranteed for life from manufacturing defects. This means that if the stitching fails or the fabric splits, they will repair your boots or send you a new pair. Some damage to boots will probably not be covered by a guarantee. If the damage is caused by something that the boots are meant to withstand, then you may have to pay for replacements. For example, it you accidentally run over them with your car, the manufacturer will probably not repair them for free. Boots that have good guarantees are usually more expensive. However, think of the cost as an investment and remember that instead of buying a new pair every year, you may be able to use these boots for years into the future. Snow boots are usually more expensive when everyone goes to buy them at the beginning of winter. If you plan ahead, however, you can get a much better deal. Try buying your snow boots in early spring, when stores are trying to get rid of all their winter gear. Prices could be much, much lower than they were a few months earlier. Look for discontinued styles as well. These could be even cheaper!
A: Decide whether you want to pay more for a name brand. Compare online and in-store prices. Make sure that your boots have a guarantee. Buy at the end of the season.

Q: These can become a bit tricky. To play notes above D', a technique known as "pinching the thumb hole" must be used. Cover 2/3 to 3/4 of the thumb hole using the tip of your thumb. Tighten your lips slightly and blow a little harder than usual. A semitone is a sound that's halfway between one note and the next, like the sound made by the black keys on a piano. You have already learned one of the most popular semitones - that is, F#. Two more semitones that you should learn are Bb and C#'. The fingering chart for Bb is: 0 1 - 3 4 - - - The fingering chart for C#' is: - 12 - - - - - You can practice these semitone notes by playing a little ditty called Baa Baa Black Sheep: D D A A B C#' D' B A, G G F# F# E E D Once you have mastered the notes, you can work on your vibrato technique. A vibrato allows long notes to resonate, creating a nice dynamic effect. There are several ways to accomplish this: Use a diaphragmatic vibrato. Control the flow of air into the recorder by tightening and contracting your diaphragm. Say, "heh heh heh" but do not cut off the flow of air entirely. Use a tongued tremolo. Say, "yer yer yer yer yer yer" using your tongue to control the airflow. Use a finger vibrato. While not being a very practical choice for a sustained vibrato, this method is commonly referred to as a trill. Alternately finger the note and the next higher note. Do not tongue each note, but rapidly play an A B A B A B A sequence. These are created by sliding the fingers off the recorder in quick succession to create a sliding sound.
A: Practice playing high notes. Learn the semitones. Work on vibrato. Use glissandos.

Q: Unlike other larger pets, hamsters can have free access to food and water up until surgery. Prior to surgery, continue to feed your hamster as usual and provide it with plenty of fresh water. On the day of surgery, prepare a package of your hamster's normal amount of food. Bring this food with you to the vet, along with your hamster's water bottle. Because of your hamster's small size, your veterinary team will be extra careful to monitor your hamster during surgery. After anesthetizing your hamster, they will monitor its body temperature, breathing rate, and heart rate. They will also give your hamster fluids so it remains well hydrated during surgery. Your vet will make an incision and carefully remove the tumor. After the surgery, either your vet or a member of the veterinary team will call you to let you know how the surgery went and how your hamster is doing after surgery. They will also let you know when you can come pick up your hamster. When you pick up your hamster, your vet will give you a set of instructions on how to care for your hamster at home. Make sure to follow these instructions carefully to help your hamster recover after surgery. Before heading home, ask your vet any questions you may have about at-home care, including: How long will it make my hamster to recover? What if my hamster looks sick? Will my hamster need medications?
A:
Feed your hamster food and water. Have your vet perform surgery. Pick up your hamster.