TOP DRAWER INK NEWSLETTER

 

Here's the latest issue of Top Drawer Ink, the newsletter written by author HL Carpenter that's chock full of humor and common sense information.

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December 4, 2010
Volume 8, Number 23
ISSN 1554-6330

In this issue:

1. Carpenter Country Essay

2. Top Drawer Article

3. Top Drawer Tips

4. Top Drawer Satire

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CARPENTER COUNTRY

What's Happening in Our Neck of the Human Experience

I've always enjoyed searching for easy to understand words. Which probably explains why there are three books of synonyms and antonyms, plus two regular dictionaries parked on my desk in Carpenter Country.

The dictionaries are great for checking spelling, pronunciation, origin and meaning. The trio of Thesauruses' allows me to find the most accurate way to get across what I'm trying to say - in the simplest terms.

But why do I have this need to keep searching for words that express exactly what I mean? I blame it on Aunt Helen (yes, we have the same name).

It happened when I was eight or nine and said something that made my aunt see RED. I've forgotten my so-called transgression, but I do remember her voice shrilling at me, "Apologize! Apologize!" - and my equally strident yell of "No!"

When I turned to walk away, she grabbed my arm, gave me a look designed to curdle milk and growled through gritted teeth, "Why...Won't...You...Apologize?"

The question was followed by a terse silence as I stared at my feet and wondered what she was talking about. Finally, I glanced up at her and whispered, "I don't know what apologize means."

She let go of my arm, moved her hand to my shoulder and in a softer tone said, "It means, say you're sorry."

I'm pretty sure my awkward moment sparked an interest in trying to discover words that wouldn't baffle me or anyone else. And for that I have to express my sincere appreciation, gratefulness and gratitude to Aunt Helen.

Or better yet, I should just say - Thanks!

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TOP DRAWER ARTICLE

Your Medicare Checkup

by
HL Carpenter

Is your mailbox groaning under the weight of healthcare flyers? Though they're not quite as fun to peruse as travel brochures about Bermuda or Greenland, you can expect the glut to comprise the bulk of your reading material through December 31st.

Click here to read the rest of this article

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TOP DRAWER TIPS
Topics and Tidbits

Tip: Traditional, or "original", Medicare consists of four parts, A, B, C, and D. In English, that's hospital services; physician, out-patient, and equipment costs; Medicare Advantage insurance and prescription drug coverage; and stand-alone prescription drug coverage. You can supplement your traditional Medicare by paying for a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medigap policy offered by an insurance company.

Glossary Term: Medicare. A health insurance program for Americans over age 65. The program was enacted in 1965, at the same time as Medicaid, a means-tested health program for eligible Americans, generally those of lower income.

Financial Horoscope: How's your financial health holding up during the spending season? If your credit cards are overheating, consider putting them on ice.

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TOP DRAWER SATIRE

The Cookie Swap

by
HL Carpenter

The Lame Duck Cookie Swap is in full swing, and participants are quibbling over which recipe will take the cake.

Click here to read the rest of this satire