September 24, 2006

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SPECIAL EARLY EDITION

We are coming to you extra early and on an odd day this month because we are going on vacation, YES!

While we've been really busy getting ready for our vacation, wouldn't you know we had a water leak in our front yard that needed to be fixed. Our house is over thirty years old and I guess a root pushed a rock up against the pipe. We have a lot of hard pan and tree roots which made for an interesting chase to find the leak. From where we first saw the water coming up to where we found the real leak was about four feet. Nothing more frustrating than to dig a hole in hard pan only to find the leak coming from a different direction. The good news is it's now fixed and we can get on with more important things like getting ready for our trip.

We are heading out for three weeks of fun with our fifth wheel trailer. Our first stop will be Fort Bragg, California to visit Ken's brother. After a few days there we have a friend in Napa Valley that is in hospice and we will stop to say our good bye's to her. We hope to spend a couple of days in the area checking out some of the wineries. Then we head for Ken's sister's in Dublin, California near Oakland.

Once the visiting is out of the way we'll head to points east, towards the desert, and just go where ever the road takes us. We'd like to see the train museum in Sacramento and swing by Lake Tahoe but we'll see when and if we get there.

Hold the fort down and we'll get back to you in a month with our adventure!

ATTENTION SHOPPERS

We have some good news! Bob, the guy who hand makes all the wonderful Woodn' Ware products and cut himself really bad in the wood shop but he's mending. While he still won't be able to make any spoons for a while he is getting better. We have removed any items that are out of stock but we still have a good selection on hand. Some items may start to run out before Bob can get back into the shop. We can take back orders if that's OK with you. Just send an email to kennyb@runnerduck.com and we'll add you to the list.

Of course our world famous Spoon Oil is always available and you can order that straight from our web site.

Check all the great kitchen utensils and gift sets at www.runnerduck.com/woodnwares.htm.

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Thank you,
Ken and Marilyn

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What's New?   We got a new laptop computer just in time for our trip. Our old laptop, LapDancer, has been running slower and slower and there were some funny artifacts starting to show up on the screen. When we are traveling with our fifth wheel trailer we like to use the laptop in the pickup with a GPS tied to the DeLorme Steet Atlas software. If you remember that's the software that showed us a short cut through hell on our last trip, (travelogue). Now that we know what we did wrong we should be good to go.

The new laptop is an HP Pavilion with a wide screen and lots of media capabilities. We've decided to retire our TV in the trailer and use the new laptop as our entertainment center. Using it as a computer, navigation system and entertainment center seems to make sense. We'll let you know when we get back how it all went.

DigiTalk

 We don't like to talk about threats but there is a new one out there that we need to let you know about. A few months ago we told you about "phishing" where email spammers are sending email that looks like it's from your bank or credit union just to try and gain information. The newest one is "vishing". But now, the criminal element has shifted from asking people to click on links to placing a phone call instead. Only the number isn't to a bank or credit card, it's to a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone that can recognize telephone keystrokes.

The thieves don't even use an e-mail blast, they use a war dial over a VoIP system to blanket an area. A recorded message tells the person receiving the call that their credit card has been breached and to "call the following (regional) phone number immediately."

When the user calls the number, another message is played stating "this is account verification please enter your 16 digit account number." The rest is academic.

Read the whole story at InternetNews.com.

SITE OF THE MONTH

Ladies, are you intimidated by the new electronic gadgets that are coming out every day? Do you wish you knew more about today's technology? Are you afraid to ask a man because they can be condescending when it comes to technology? Thanks to our friend Charles Kessler at The Cool Tricks and Trinkets Newsletter we found this site that is not only helpful to women but men too.

www.chipchick.com has subjects on many different types of high tech equipment from computers to cell phones. You can look through the archives by month or look for specific types of products. Not only will this help when trying to decide on what might work best for you it will also help with gift selection during the upcoming holiday season.

ChipChick is a funny name but they provide a great service for those in need of some technology help.

MARILYN'S CORNER

Bird Feeder


This project came from Marilyn's sister Susie in a round about way. A friend of Susie's made this project and gave it to her for her birthday. We thought it was very cool and thought we'd share it with your.

The nice thing about this bird feeder is that it makes it really hard for the squirrels to get to the bird seed.

Here's what you'll need:

  • Quart Jar Feeder Base (chicken feeder)
  • Mason or Ball Quart Jar
  • Nacho Tray
  • 1/4" X 3" Hook Bold
  • (2) 1/4" Nuts and (1) Fender Washer
  • 1/4" Rubber Fender Washer
  • Electric Drill with 1/4" glass drill bit
  • Safety Glasses
  • Gloves
You can find the chicken feeder at most any farm store or over the Internet.

Drill a 1/4" hole in the center of the bottom of the jar. Be very careful and wear gloves and safety glasses.
Drill a 1/4" hole in the center of the Nacho Tray.
Put a nut nut on the hook and run it up towards the hook.
Run the Hook through the Nacho Tray and the jar. Put on the rubber washer, fender washer and nut.

Tighten up the top nut but do not over tighten.
Fill up the jar with bird seed, screw the feeder on the bottom and you now have a squirrel proof bird feeder.

Remember we have all of our past projects archived on our web site at www.runnerduck.com. Just click on the Craft Egg.

Kids Stuff


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Sorry to say it but it's back to school time. If you've got to go you should at least go in style. This Elmo Backpack features;

  • Full size, approximately 12" x 16"
  • 1 big zipper pocket 10.5" x 7.5"
  • 3 convenient smaller organizer pockets in the front
  • 2 elastic fabric pockets on the sides
  • Padded shoulder straps that are adjustable to fit perfectly
Just click on the backpack to order it.

The Tempos
News and CD of the Week

IT's HERE! The Tempos "Big Swing" CD!

"Big Swing" features fourteen great swing songs from the 40's and 50's. If you love the old big band swing music we think you'll enjoy this CD. It's the kind of music that makes you just want to get up and dance, you do remember how to swing don't you?

The only place you can get this CD is from our web site. Go to www.thetempos.com and click on the "Click Here" at the top of the web page or


CLICK HERE.

We only printed up a thousand of them so get yours before the are all gone!

We've set up a sampling web site where you can hear a little bit of each song. When you are at the Tempos web site click on the horn valve button that says "Hear our CD". Then click on the song titles to hear a little bit of each song.

The Tempos big swing band is available for hire. If you have a special event that could use the wonderful music of a classic sixteen piece big band be sure to contact kennyb@runnerduck.com. We perform all over the Seattle area for all sorts of events.

Album Pick of the Week

"There Will Never Be Another You
By Lionel Hampton, featuring Sylvia Bennett

We just got hooked up with a production company that has asked us to review CD's of artists that they are promoting. This month we are reviewing the first one we've received. Kari-On Productions is promoting Sylvia Bennett who performed on this wonderful old Lionel Hampton recording.

I put the CD into my player and was immediately blown away by the Lionel Hampton big band, WOW! Then Sylvia began to sing and I knew I had a winner on my hands. Sylvia has sung with some of the greatest, Dizzy Gillespie, Cab Calloway, Barry Gibb and many others. Believe me when I say this CD will knock your socks off!

I usually don't get this excited about a CD but this one really is great. Recorded in 1989 it was not released until March of this year. The package also includes a DVD with a rare video of Lionel Hampton at home. If you love great big band music then you must add this to your library!


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CONSERVATION TIP

With Autumn here and Winter on the way here's a good tip that could save you a bunch.
Turn off kitchen, bath and any other ventilating fans as soon as they have done their job. In one hour these fans can pull out a houseful of warmed air.

If you have a conservation tip please send it to kennyb at runnerduck.com and we'll post it in our newsletter.

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Highlight the XML link (right click and drag over it), select Copy and paste it into your newsreader.

Or just paste http://www.runnerduck.com/runnerduck.xml into your newsreader.

A good free news reader is Awasu and you can download it at www.awasu.com.

Don't know what this is all about? Check out our little tutorial HERE!

   THIS WEEK'S FREE RECIPE
Cream of Tomato Soup

The tomatoes are ripe and ready for picking. Now you need to make them into something really good and we think you'll find this fresh soup really special.

  • 1/2 Cup Fresh Tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup White Sauce, ingredients below
  • 2 Tablespoons Flour
  • 2 Tablespoon Butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 Cup milk
Bring the Tomatoes to a boil and crush.
Make the White Sauce
Add the Tomatoes to the White Sauce very slowly.
Serve at once.

Double or triple the recipe for more servings.
You can add spices as you like or eat it just the way it is. It's especially good with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches!

Remember, if you have a recipe you'd like to share please send it to Marilyn@runnerduck.com. We'd be happy to post your favorite recipe on our Kitchen site or in our newsletter and give you credit.

     Every month we post a new recipe on our web page. Be sure and check out the New recipe at the RunnerDuck Kitchen Store.

COOKBOOK
SUGGESTION OF THE MONTH

"Book of Soups: More than 100 Recipes for Perfect Soups"
by The Culinary Institute of America


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There's nothing like a nice warm bowl of soup to warm you up as the weather starts to change. This 224 page paperback cookbook has some of the best soup recipes you'll find anywhere. The Culinary Institute of America has some of the best recipes you'll find anywhere. This is a five star cookbook and one that really needs to live in your kitchen.

The RunnerDuck web site is hosted by

If you are looking for a great web hosting service with fantastic support check out www.fastwirenetwork.com. If you mention that you heard about them from RunnerDuck you will get a "Duck Deal". Just ask about your Duck Deal when you sign up.

WOOD PROJECT PLANS

DOWNLOADABLE & MAIL-DIRECT
WOODWORKING PLANS

Download WOOD Store® woodworking plans directly to your computer and start building in just minutes! OR, we'll mail them to you, your choice!


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PROJECTS

Storage Shed Shelves

Last month we made this really nice storage shed and this month we added shelves to it. This isn't a really big project but it really finishes off the shed. We wanted more shelf space than tool space so we made our shelves 17 1/2" wide.

Here's what you'll need:

  • (1) 2" X 4" X 72"
  • (1) 2" X 2" X 72"
  • (8) 2" X 2" X 23 1/2"
  • (20) 1" X 4" X 17 1/2"
Screw the 2" X 4" from the floor to the header above the door 17 1/2" from the inside edge of the 2" X 4" of the frame. Be sure to set the 2" X 4" at least 3/4" back from the front edge of the floor. This will allow room for the panel on the inside of the door to close.
Screw the 2" X 2" to the back wall in line with the front 2" X 4".
Space the shelves as required for what will be placed on the shelves.
Screw the 2" X 2" X 23 1/2" shelf supports between the 2" X 4" and 2" X 2", and the 2" X 4"s of the frame.
Space the shelf boards evenly and screw five between the shelf supports.

That's it, now start cleaning up things and filling up your new shed.

Free Catalog From Rockler Woodworking and Hardware!
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If you have a project that you would like to share please send us an email and we'll help get it published in the RunnerDuck review. We are looking for woodworking, gardening, crafts and kids projects so send us your thoughts at kennyb@runnerduck.com.

JOKE OF THE MONTH

This was sent to us by Carole M. Thanks Carole, a lot of us can relate to this :-)

Hearing Test

A man feared his wife was not hearing as well as she used to, and he thought she might need a hearing aid. Not quite sure how to approach her, he called the family doctor to discuss the problem.

The doctor told him there is a simple informal test the husband could perform to give the doctor a better idea about her hearing loss.

"Here's what you do," said the doctor "Stand about 40 feet away from her and in a normal conversational speaking tone see if she hears you. If not, go to 30 feet, then 20 feet, and so on until you get a response."

That evening, the wife is in the kitchen cooking dinner, and he was in the den.

He says to himself, "I'm about 40 feet away. Let's see what happens."

In a normal tone he asks, "Honey, what's for dinner?" No response.

So the husband moves to closer to the kitchen, about 30 feet from his wife, and repeats, "Honey, what's for dinner?" Still no response.

Next he moves into the dining room where he is about 20 feet from his wife and asks, "Honey, what's for dinner?" Again, no response.

So, he walks up to the kitchen door, about 10 feet away. "Honey, what's for dinner?" Again, there is no response.

So he walks right up behind her. "Honey, what's for dinner?"

(I just love this)

"Earl, for the 5th time, CHICKEN

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