What's New This Week? We have not heard from Peggy the winner of our little contest. If we don't hear from here this week we will put the names back in the hat and draw again so don't give up, you may still have a chance to win a RunnerDuck T-shirt or coffee mug.

Ken’s brother has made it safely back to beautiful Northern California. It’s a fourteen-hour drive from Seattle to Elk, CA. just south of Mendocino. He’s made the trip so many times he could almost do it blindfolded but fortunately he keeps his eyes open. After a half hour stop on the freeway in Portland for a roll over and an alternator/battery problem he did not set any new time records. The important thing is that is was a safe and uneventful trip.

We're starting something new this week, Marilyn's Corner. In the past we've always had Kids Corner but sometimes Marilyn would like to do some other interesting projects so from now on there will be an interesting mix of things she'll be bringing you each week. They might be garden projects or kitchen projects or what ever comes to mind. We hope you enjoy this new column and will feel like contributing in the future.

The only issue I've heard about so far is some conflicts with Norton Internet Security 2002 and IE6. It seems that different people running this combination have had some problems. Any time you are installing a major upgrade to your operating system I would highly recommend that you turn off every single program that is running before installing the upgrade. The biggest problems seem to come from leaving programs run like virus checkers and firewalls. Click on these programs and exit them before you install the upgrade. This is a good practice no matter what software you are installing.

     We had a little fun last week and thought we should continue that theme. If you don't have Macromedia Shockwave installed on your computer that runs “flash” programs then you are missing out on some great graphics and fun programs. The site we selected this week uses this technology to the extreme. When you go to the site it will let you know if Shockwave is not installed. It will ask you if you want to install it and I would recommend YES. After the install you can come back here for the link to this fun site.

Bowling has been fun forever and this bowling program is as close to real as it gets. The first time I played it I scored 101 which is probably what I'd bowl for real if I were able to lift the ball. You move back and forth with the mouse, click on the ball, drag the mouse back a little and then move it forward releasing the mouse button. Once the ball is on the alley you can “steer” it by moving your mouse back and forth. This takes a little getting use to but controls it really well.

Gutterball can be found at www.shockwave.com/sw/
content/gutterball and may become addicting. While you are there click on 3D Games and check out some of the others like Pool, wow, way fun.

Click on picture for bigger view.

     This project may seem a little strange for this time of year but I have good reason for it. Most people think about tagging their plants when they get them or when they plant them in the spring but think about this. In the fall you start pruning back plants and the leaves fall off others. They stop blooming and it gets really hard to tell what they are. Put nametags on them now and then if you want to move them in early spring you'll know for sure what you are moving.

Here's what you'll need:

Empty pop cans.
1" X 3" Avery labels, or whatever size or brand you like.
Scissors.
Hole punch.
20 gage wire.
Ballpoint pen.

Poke a hole near the top of the can and cut the top off.
Cut down the side and then around the bottom.
These cuts will probably be pretty jagged so cut around the piece to smooth the edges.
Grab each end of the piece and run it over the edge of a table to flatten out the can. I wouldn't do this on your heirloom coffee table but perhaps a rounded counter edge.
Put an adhesive backed label on the painted side of the can.
Use it as a guide and cut around the label.
Punch a hole in one corner of the label. You may want to use a nail rather than risk damaging your good hole punch but a hole punch does work good.
Place the label on a soft surface like a mouse pad with the metal side up.
Using the ballpoint pen write your plant name on the label. You will want to press hard enough to emboss the label.
All that's left is to run a wire through the hole and attach it to your plant.

Make a bunch of these tags unmarked for a thoughtful gift.

The beauty of these tags is that they last forever. The water or sun will not affect the embossing.

     We really hope you enjoyed Marilyn's Corner and will look forward to all the fun things she'll be bringing you in the future. If you have a fun project that would be suitable for our newsletter we'd love to share it with our readers. Just contact marilyn@runnerduck.com and we'll do the rest.

Remember we have all of our past projects archived on our web site at www.runnerduck.com. Just click on the Projects or Kids Only Eggs.

      Ken's daughter Jenni and family brought supper over to us this week along with a movie, Monsters, Inc. What a fun movie!! It was just released on Wednesday on DVD so it was hot off the press. If you enjoy great animated stories then this is a must see. We were laughing all the way through it. Camden our two-year-old grandson was a little scared at first but he even got into the fun of it.
      You can get Monsters, Inc. for only $17.99! That's $12.00 off the suggested price.

Also, be sure and visit the
RunnerDuck Toy Store.

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The Tempos News and CD of the Week

     I guess my drumming is over for a while until I get a little physical therapy under my belt. My right shoulder, post surgery, will shut me down for a while but look out. I'll be back stronger than ever keeping the beat for one of the best big swing bands around.
     Don't forget that The Tempos big swing band is available for hire. If you have a special event that could use the wonderful music of a classic big band be sure to contact The Tempos at thetempos@runnerduck.com.

      There are a number of singers that have had great bands behind them like Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme and Sammy Davis Jr. There is a new release from The Millennium Collection featuring Sammy Davis Jr. It has all of great songs that made him famous with all those wonderful back up bands.
      You can get "Sammy Davis Jr., The Millennium Collection" this week for only $8.99. That's $2.99 (25%)off the regular price only at www.runnerduckmusic.bcentral-vstore.com

Click HERE for "Sammy Davis Jr., The Millennium Collection" our featured CD of the week.

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CONSERVATION TIP

      With the days here in Washington starting to dip into the low 40's it won't be long and we'll be firing up the furnace. Now is a good time to make sure that it is in tip top shape. Check the motor and blower. If it needs any lubrication follow the directions and grease it up. Most importantly check the air filter and more than likely it needs changing or cleaning. More energy is wasted on dirty filters than any other component of your heating system.

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

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The RunnerDuck Goodies Store

     Check out our cool polo shirt at the RunnerDuck Goodies Store. There are lots of other neat RunnerDuck items also.

   THIS WEEKS FREE RECIPE

Mrs. B's 21 Day Pickles

• Water
• Vinegar
• Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Alum per gallon of pickles
• 1 Pint Vinegar
• 1 Quart Sugar
• Mixed Spices

Soak cucumbers 9 days in brine of Salt and Water strong enough to hold an egg.
Drain
Small pickles just split, large pickles cut into chunks.
Cover with clear water for 24 hours and drain.
Boil a weak Vinegar solution of 1 part Vinegar to 3 parts Water and 1 Tablespoon Alum per gallon of pickles and pour over the cucumbers.
Let stand 12 hours.
Drain
Make a syrup of 1 Pint Vinegar, 1 Quart Sugar and mixed spices.
Boil and pour over the pickles 9 successive mornings.
The pickles will keep in an open jar but I usually put mine in jars. I think she meant jars with lids.

We hope you enjoy these wonderful pickles through to next growing season.

Remember, if you have a recipe you'd like to share please send it to marilyn@runnerduck.com.

     Every month we post a new recipe on our web page. If you haven't done so yet, check out our September recipe at the RunnerDuck Kitchen Store. We'd be happy to post your favorite recipe there or in our newsletter and give you credit. Just drop a line to marilyn@runnerduck.com

      Here is a great cookbook that carry's on from where Ken's mom left off. "Oregon farmer Ziedrich effectively weans folks away from the myth of canning difficulty by a very simple combination of credible information and 200 easy to follow recipes. And what a wealth of information is supplied here, including instructions for such important techniques as pureeing tomatoes, and guidance for troubleshooting-scum floating on top of sauerkraut for example. A down-to-earth reference."
      Click HERE or on the picture above for The Joy of Pickling: 200 Flavor-Packed Recipes for All Kinds of Produce from Garden or Market.

Be sure and visit the RunnerDuck Cookbook Store for other great savings on cookbooks and cooking supplies.

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The RunnerDuck web site is hosted by

If you are looking for a great hosting service at a terrific price check them out at www.fastwirenetwork.com. If you mention that you heard about them from RunnerDuck you will get a $5.00 per month "Duck Discount" for as long as you have your account.

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PROJECTS

Old Fashioned Wall Box

     This project comes from Marilyn's dad Frank who actually built it many years ago. I have no idea where he got the plans but it's a simple and nice looking design.

Click on the picture for a bigger view

Here's what you'll need:

• 1" X 10" X 24" Pine
• 3/4" X 12" X 10" Pine
• Glue
• Stain
• Varnish

Trace and cut out the back from 1" Pine using the pattern from our web site
www.runnerduck.com/images/wall-box-pattern.gif.
Cut out the sides from 1" Pine, 5" X 4 1/2".
Cut out the front from 3/4" Pine 11" X 4 1/2".
Cut the bottom from 3/4" pine to fit tightly inside of the box. The dimensions should be approximately 9 1/2" X 4 1/4". Glue and nail it together with the sides to the outside of the back, flush to the back and flush to the bottom.
Glue and nail the front to the front of the sides.
Nail and glue the bottom flush to the bottom of the back, sides and front.
Stain your project using a dark stain giving it a rustic look.
Varnish it and you are ready to hang and use your old style Wall Box.

     It will still be a couple of weeks before Ken is allowed to run a table saw and other power tools so if you have a project you'd like to share we sure would appreciate it. If you have a project that you would like to share please drop us a line 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 projects@runnerduck.com.

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JOKE OF THE WEEK

New Financial Terminology Soon To Appear In Webster's

CEO: chief embezzlement officer.

CFO: corporate fraud officer.

BULL MARKET -- A random market movement causing an investor to mistake himself for a financial genius.

BEAR MARKET -- A 6 to 18 month period when the kids get no allowance, the wife gets no jewelry, and the husband gets no sex.

VALUE INVESTING -- The art of buying low and selling lower.

P/E RATIO -- The percentage of investors wetting their pants as the market keeps crashing.

BROKER -- What my broker has made me.

STANDARD and POOR -- Your life in a nutshell.

STOCK ANALYST -- Idiot who just downgraded your stock.

STOCK SPLIT -- When your ex-wife and her lawyer split your assets equally between themselves.

FINANCIAL PLANNER -- A guy whose phone has been disconnected.

MARKET CORRECTION -- The day after you buy stocks.

CASH FLOW -- The movement your money makes as it disappears down the toilet.

YAHOO -- What you yell after selling it to some poor sucker for $240 per share.

WINDOWS 2000 -- What you jump out of when you're the sucker who bought Yahoo @ $240 per share.

INSTITUTIONAL INVESTOR -- Past year investor who's now locked up in a nuthouse.

PROFIT -- an archaic word no longer in use

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Until Next Time...

      We hope you enjoyed Marilyn's new column and will find some inspiring ideas in the weeks and months to come. We've not abandoned the kids, just mixing it up a little. If you have any projects you'd like to share drop us a line and we'll try to work it into an article.

     If you want to talk about something just drop us a line any time, we like to talk about most anything. We are always looking for content for our newsletter so if you have something to add we'd love to publish it. Assuming it meets our strict family oriented requirements!

     If you forward these newsletters to your friends just drop us a line and we'll do it for you. Just send us their email address and we'll do the rest. Remember, we never share our email list with anyone, period! Just drop me a line or go to our registration page and sign up your friend.

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