MAKE A NOTE!! -- December 1st, 2004
CIRCULATION - 44,402 (From Around the World! :-)
WEB SITE VISITORS - 95,018
A Free Twice Monthly (1st and 3d Wednesday of each month) Ezine with (Hopefully) Useful Info on a Wide Variety of Topics
NEXT ISSUE TO BE PUBLISHED ON/ABOUT DECEMBER 15TH, 2004
Previous Issue | Back To 2004 Back Issues
| Next Issue
NOTE: Each entry has a suggested "POST IT..." location at the end. We recommend that you print out the ezine, cut out each entry, & post it in these locations to make it easier for you to find when you need it. And if you like what you read, be sure to pass it on to someone else who can use it.
* * * * * * *
My Favorite: Books
* * * * * * *
Airport Pat-Downs
If you are planning on traveling by air this Christmas, you should be aware that new security procedures in US airports now include pat-downs. This is causing some distress among unsuspecting passengers, and in some cases, with the security people that are required to conduct the search. But there are some things you can do to lessen your chances of a search, as well as help the search to be completed as quickly as possible. First, keep things in perspective; the reason they are doing these searches is because two women terrorists recently smuggled explosives on board under their clothes, causing two passenger planes to explode in Russia. Now to lessen your chances of being searched, do not wear any metal at all...jewelry, belt buckles, metal shoelace eyes, bras with hooks or under wires, etc. If you have surgical metal in your body, it MAY help to have a note from your physician, same goes if you are pregnant. Do not wear loose clothing (the looser clothing is, the more likely they may think you are hiding something). Try to take as little as possible with your carry-ons, it will make it easier to get through screening. Wear slip on shoes. If you argue with the screeners, it is considered suspicious behavior and you are more likely to be pulled aside, so be polite and cooperative. Try to avoid standing in line near anyone who is being argumentative, it will make the line move slower. Be aware that it might also be considered suspicious if you act TOO friendly, so just follow directions & cooperate. Now, if you ARE separated out for a pat-down, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires female screeners to pat down women; male screeners to check men. The back of the hand must be used on breasts, genitals and buttocks and passengers can request it be done out of public view. If any of these requirements are broken, then you should start politely asking to speak with supervisors & work your way up the chain of command until you find someone who knows the rules. If you are in a big hurry to catch your plane and want to complain later, ask politely for the problem screener's name and supervisor's name & phone number. If you don't feel comfortable asking the problem screener, ask someone else who is working with them, or you may be able to read their ID badge info. Each station is also supposed to have feedback forms available for you to use. It might help to print out the info from the TSA's own site to show any inexperienced screener. Go to... http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=40&content=09000519800ce037. This site also has links to complaint procedures. If you are pulled aside and are traveling with others, esp. children, be sure to let them know right away so you aren't separated. While most of us are not used to this type of search, try to look at it the same way you would if a doctor were examining you, that it isn't a personal thing.
POST IT...with your airline tickets, in your suitcases, or in the yellow pages under "Travel Agents."
* * * * * * *
Real "Treasure" Hunts
This would be a great activity for the holidays, with or without company. You can go to this web site, enter in your zip code, and find directions to hidden caches (a hidden storage place), along with GPS coordinates. While the idea is to use a GPS, many people find the caches (pronounced cashes) just using the directions. Most caches have something in them for kids and adults. You are supposed to bring something to leave in the cache, and you may take something out. There are usually log books inside to sign your name & when you found the cache. I was amazed at the number of caches in just about every zip code I checked. Some people will also check out the zip codes of places they are traveling to for vacations or business. There may be a cache near you, under a rock, behind a bush, or up in a tree. So take the whole family on a REAL "treasure" hunt, and enjoy that joy of discovery. Better yet, why not hide your own cache for others to find? Over 200 countries participate. Check it out at... www.geocaching.com. If you'd like to purchase a GPS, here's one that is well priced...
Garmin eTrex GPS with Waterproof Exterior (Yellow)
You can usually find them at Best Buy and Circuit City as well.
POST IT...on your computer, and on your calendar for a weekend activity.
* * * * * * *
Where's the Money (Traveled)?
For those of you who enjoy tracking your books through... http://www.bookcrossing.com. You may also enjoy this site where you can track your money around the world. Go to... http://www.wheresgeorge.com. To start tracking your money. This might interest coin collectors and those who like to give it away as well. If you are one of our international readers, the site also has links to other sites to track foreign currency (including Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Japan). The link for Canada is on the main page above, the link for the others can be found at... http://www.wheresgeorge.com/cool_links.php. You can register on Where's George for free, then enter in the year and serial numbers of your bills. Then it will tell you if anyone logs it in later with an email alert. In some countries, the tracking sites suggest marking the bills with the web site as long as it doesn't make the bill unusable; but in some countries it is illegal to make ANY mark on their bills. Another fun activity for the whole family.
POST IT...in your wallet, and on your computer.
* * * * * * *
"Cooking New American"
If you are a fan of "Fine Cooking" magazine, or would like to prepare a meal that might be found at some of the finest American restaurants across the country, then "Cooking New American" is the cookbook to check out. This beautiful hardcover book would be a great gift idea for those who appreciate fine cooking. Filled with 200 recipes from "Fine Cooking" magazine, it also has beautiful color photos of the dishes and how to prepare them. It doesn't just tell you how to prepare things, it tells you why you prepare it that way, to help you learn the best way to cook. One of the things I like the most about this book is its variety; not only will you find traditional "American" fare, but also recipes with an international flare, because after all, America is a melting pot. You won't have any trouble with understanding the presentation either, the focus is so clear and close that you can practically taste the food. Treat your guests to Spicy Maple Walnuts, Grilled Potato Salad, Chinese-Style Spareribs, Green Rice, or maybe an Orange-Soaked Bundt Cake. For a little taste, be sure to check out our recipe section below, where the publishers have allowed us to share the recipe for Baked Potato & Leek Soup with Cheddar & Bacon. It's a great choice for those cold, winter days. Are you hungry yet? :-)To read more about it... "Cooking New American : How to Cook the Food We Really Love to Eat"
POST IT...on your shopping list for yourself and gifts.
* * * * * * *
Recipe: Baked Potato & Leek Soup with Cheddar & Bacon (Courtesy of "Cooking New American" Cookbook)
Yields about 6 cups; serves 4 The whole potato, skin and all, goes into this thick soup, so wash the potatoes well.
 | 2 medium russet potatoes (about 1⁄2 pound each) |
| 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter |
| 2 medium leeks (white and light green parts) sliced and rinsed well |
| 2 medium cloves garlic minced |
| Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper |
| 2 cups homemade or low-salt canned chicken broth |
| 4 thick slices bacon, cut into 1⁄2-inch dice |
| 1/2 cup milk |
| 1/2 cup sour cream |
| 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar (about 1⁄4 pound) |
| 2 Tablespoons thinly sliced scallion greens or chives |
Heat the oven to 375ºF. Scrub the potatoes, pat dry, and pierce several times with a fork. Set them directly on the oven rack and bake until very tender, about 1 hour. Let cool completely on a cooling rack.
Melt the butter in a soup pot over medium-low heat. Add the leeks and garlic, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the broth and 2 cups water. Simmer until the leeks are very tender, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate to drain.
Cut one of cooled potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop the flesh out in one piece from each half. Cut the flesh into 1⁄2-inch cubes and set aside. Coarsely chop the potato skin and the entire remaining potato and add to the pot with the leeks. Purée the contents of the pot in batches in a blender until very smooth. Return the soup to a clean pot and reheat over medium low. Whisk together the milk and sour cream and then whisk this into the soup, along with 1⁄2 cup of the Cheddar. Stir in the diced potato. Season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with the remaining Cheddar, the bacon bits, and the scallions or chives.
Cook's Choice: Sharp cheese works well in this soup because it melts smoothly. Extra sharp will give you a more pronounced flavor but because of its lower moisture content, the soup will be less smooth.
This recipe from "Cooking New American" was written by Jennifer Armentrout and published by Taunton Press in September 2004.
POST IT...in your recipe book.
* * * * * * *
Back Issue Treasure: February 1st, 1999
Don't dismiss this back issue because it was originally written for Valentine's Day. It has a great article on how to get the perfect gifts for everyone. It also reminds us that at Valentine's Day, Christmas, and many other holidays throughout the year, we should be reaching out to the lonely all around us.
To retrieve this back issue click HERE.
POST IT...by your computer.
* * * * * * *
Missing Person Special: "Adopt" a Missing Person
We are forgoing our usual feature of a missing person, in the hopes that by
making our readers aware of this new program, we might help MANY families locate
their missing loved ones. The Adopt a Missing Person program was created by
nonprofit organization, Project Jason, which assists families of missing persons
and provides education for the public. Families of the missing provide photo
buttons of their missing loved one and a personal biography, so that people all
over the country can help by "adopting" their missing loved one. Adopters pledge
to wear the button and share the story with others to increase the odds of
location, and give hope to the families. For more information, go to...
http://www.projectjason.org/adopt.html
This would be a wonderful idea for a service project for various organizations
(scouts, church groups, service groups, etc), esp. during the holidays. How hard
would you want people to work if it was your loved one?
POST IT...on your computer and with your club info.
Final Words
JOKE
SOME young lieutenants (lowest officer rank), in their enthusiasm for their
new jobs, can become a little bit obnoxious. One such young man was walking on
one side of a wide street, when a Sgt. Major (one of the highest enlisted ranks)
saw him and continued talking to the man he was with. The young lieutenant ran
across the wide street, ran up to the Sgt. Major, and said, "Sgt. Major, don't
you know how to salute!?!" The Sgt. Major replied, without missing a beat, "Yes
sir, lieutenant, but I don't have time to teach you right now." :-)
QUOTE
"He who notes the fall of the sparrow holds in His hands my life on the battlefield as everywhere else."
--William Pendleton (1809-1883), American Civil War Soldier (from
"Faith in God and Generals")
* * * * * * *
Sponsorship Information
If you are interested in helping to sponsor our ezine, or others in the Dollar Stretcher family, drop an email requesting additional info to: mailto:marketing@stretcher.com?subject=MAN.
It may be more reasonable than you realize. And check out the other free helpful ezines offered at
http://www.stretcher.com/menu/subscrib.cfm
* * * * * * *
AT&T's Community Port
AT&T has a site about WorldNet members, like us, who have created their own personal web pages. If you think our site deserves to be featured on AT&T's Community Port , send them an e-mail about it, at communities@att.net. Be sure to include the page's URL http://home.att.net/~make-a-note/index.htm and why you think our site is special.
* * * * * * *
FEEDBACK TO THE EDITOR
TO SUBSCRIBE TO MAKE-A-NOTE EZINE
Send a blank email to: subscribe-make-a-note@hub.thedollarstretcher.com
TO UNSUBSCRIBE FROM MAKE-A-NOTE EZINE
Send a blank email to: unsubscribe-make-a-note@hub.thedollarstretcher.com
Thank you to Pastor Wilson & Gary Foreman for all they do for the Make a Note.
SPONSORSHIP INFO
If you are interested in helping to sponsor this ezine or others in the Dollar Stretcher Family, drop an email requesting additional info to marketing@stretcher.com.
Previous Issue | Back To 2004 Back Issues
| Next Issue
****************END MAKE A NOTE****************
