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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February 5, 2011
Volume 9, Number 3
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

Over the years, I've read about the dangers of sunburn, and that it's possible to guard against damaging ultraviolet rays by using sunscreen, protective clothing and dark glasses. Not protecting yourself, the experts warn, can lead to cancer, eye problems and dry, wrinkled skin.

I know about the wrinkled skin part. A look in my mirror shows more lines, splotches and brown spots than a Carpenter Country road map.

I also know those UV rays are no laughing matter. But since I love sitting in the sun's bright light, I'm ever hopeful for some good news. After all, my mother never told me to go out and play in the shade.

Okay, maybe it's time to do another reality check. Surely Google can find a good report somewhere for us sun lovers.

What my search turns up is that wrinkles and sagging skin are often due to the force of gravity, or even too much frowning. Dehydration and stress may be the reason for dry, itchy legs, elbows and arms. Plus a lack of sunshine can cause depression as well as a shortage of Vitamin D.

And where is the best place to lighten a mood and increase the vitamin that protects hearts, minds and bones?

Let's have a big smile and a drum roll for old Mr. Sol!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm heading outside to add another wrinkle to my body. As John Denver used to sing - Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.

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TOP DRAWER ARTICLE

Earmarks and Transparency

by
HL Carpenter

A November 2006 Top Drawer Ink article ("Got Pork?") featured the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act. Since the Act's purpose was to bring earmarks to light and add clarity to government spending, we ended our article with the thought that perhaps over time more oversight would mean less oink.

Click here to read the rest of this article

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TOP DRAWER TIPS
Topics and Tidbits

Tip: Phase 3 of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act is scheduled to start March 1, 2011. Phase 3 includes the reporting of subcontracts under federally-awarded contracts and orders valued greater than or equal to $25,000. According to information from the Office of Management and Budget, the Act requires the government to maintain a single, searchable website that contains information on all federal spending awards.

Glossary Term: Office of Management and Budget. Part of the executive branch of the US government. The OMB helps the president of the US create a budget and oversees the performance of various agencies.

Financial Horoscope: You don't need a federal law, a staff, a mission statement, or a fancy vocabulary to know understanding where you spend your money is an important part of achieving your financial goals. Be your own office of budget management, by setting funding priorities and monitoring spending.

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TOP DRAWER SATIRE

Which Way?

by
HL Carpenter

According to a recent traffic survey, the lack of clear signage at the junction of Right Way and Wrong Way continues to cause trouble for motorists.

Click here to read the rest of this satire