Posted on 07/24/2009 3:37:21 AM PDT by nw_arizona_granny
Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition Category: Roundups | Comments(15)
Did you hear about the guy that lives on nothing? No seriously, he lives on zero dollars a day. Meet Daniel Suelo, who lives in a cave outside Moab, Utah. Suelo has no mortgage, no car payment, no debt of any kind. He also has no home, no car, no television, and absolutely no creature comforts. But he does have a lot of creatures, as in the mice and bugs that scurry about the cave floor hes called home for the last three years.
To us, Suelo probably sounds a little extreme. Actually, he probably sounds very extreme. After all, I suspect most of you reading this are doing so under the protection of some sort of man-made shelter, and with some amount of money on your person, and probably a few needs for money, too. And who doesnt need money unless they have completely unplugged from the grid? Still, its an amusing story about a guy who rejects all forms of consumerism as we know it.
The Frugal Roundup
How to Brew Your Own Beer and Maybe Save Some Money. A fantastic introduction to home brewing, something Ive never done myself, but always been interested in trying. (@Generation X Finance)
Contentment: A Great Financial Principle. If I had to name one required emotion for living a frugal lifestyle it would be contentment. Once you are content with your belongings and your lot in life you can ignore forces attempting to separate you from your money. (@Personal Finance by the Book)
Use Energy Star Appliances to Save On Utility Costs. I enjoyed this post because it included actual numbers, and actual total savings, from someone who upgraded to new, energy star appliances. (@The Digerati Life)
Over-Saving for Retirement? Is it possible to over-save for retirement? Yes, I think so. At some point I like the idea of putting some money aside in taxable investments outside of retirement funds, to be accessed prior to traditional retirement age. (@The Simple Dollar)
40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home. A great list of both practical and philosophical lessons to teach your kids before they reach the age where they know everything. I think that now happens around 13 years-old. (@My Supercharged Life)
Index Fund Investing Overview. If you are looking for a place to invest with high diversification and relatively low fees (for broader index funds with low turnover), index funds are a great place to start. (@Money Smart Life)
5 Reasons To Line Dry Your Laundry. My wife and I may soon be installing a clothesline in our backyard. In many neighborhoods they are frowned upon - one of the reasons I dont like living in a neighborhood. I digress. One of our neighbors recently put up a clothesline, and we might just follow his lead. (@Simple Mom)
A Few Others I Enjoyed
* 4 Quick Tips for Getting Out of a Rut * Young and Cash Rich * Embracing Simple Style * First Trading Experience With OptionsHouse * The Exponential Power of Delayed Consumption * How Much Emergency Fund is Enough? * 50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind * Save Money On Car Insurance
“Open CRS Daily Update” dailyupdate@cdt.org
The following reports were added to the Open CRS database on Monday January 18, 2010
Energy and Water Development: FY2010 Appropriations
R40669 - January 05, 2010
http://opencrs.com/document/R40669/
Security Classification Policy and Procedure: E.O. 12958, as Amended
97-771 - December 31, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/97-771/
Congressional Review Act: Rules Not Submitted to GAO and Congress
R40997 - December 29, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/R40997/
Iran Sanctions
RS20871 - December 24, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/RS20871/
Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress
RS22478 - December 23, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/RS22478/
Navy Irregular Warfare and Counterterrorism Operations: Background and Issues for Congress
RS22373 - December 23, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/RS22373/
Iran’s Nuclear Program: Tehran’s Compliance with International Obligations
R40094 - December 23, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/R40094/
Amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Set to Expire February 28, 2010
R40138 - December 23, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/R40138/
Cluster Munitions: Background and Issues for Congress
RS22907 - December 22, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/RS22907/
Air Force C-17 Aircraft Procurement: Background and Issues for Congress
RS22763 - December 22, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/RS22763/
DOD Leases of Foreign-Built Ships: Background for Congress
RS22454 - December 22, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/RS22454/
Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government Performance
RS21922 - December 22, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/RS21922/
Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy
95-1013 - December 18, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/95-1013/
U.S. Public Diplomacy: Background and Current Issues
R40989 - December 18, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/R40989/
Greece Update
RS21855 - December 16, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/RS21855/
Military Service Records and Unit Histories: A Guide to Locating Sources
RS21282 - December 16, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/RS21282/
Would an Influenza Pandemic Qualify as a Major Disaster Under the Stafford Act?
RL34724 - December 15, 2009
http://opencrs.com/document/RL34724/
Alli 60 mg capsules (120 count refill kit): Counterfeit Product
Audience: Consumers, Pharmacy healthcare professionals
FDA notified consumers and healthcare professionals about a counterfeit and potentially harmful version of Alli 60 mg capsules (120 count refill kit). The counterfeit version contained the controlled substance sibutramine and did not contain orlistat, the active ingredient. Sibutramine is a drug that should not be used in certain patient populations or without physician oversight. Sibutramine can also interact in a harmful way with other medications the consumer may be taking. GSK has determined that the counterfeit product has been sold over the internet. However, there is no evidence at this time that the counterfeit Alli product has been sold through other channels, such as retail stores. The differences between the counterfeit and authentic products are described in both text and photos in the FDA news release.
Consumers who believe they have received counterfeit Alli are asked to contact the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) by calling 800-551-3989 or by visiting the OCI Web site (http://www.fda.gov/OCI).
Any adverse events that may be related to use should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program online [at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm], by phone 1-800-332-1088, or by returning the postage-paid FDA form 3500 [which may be downloaded from the MedWatch “Download Forms” page] by mail [to address on the pre-addressed form] or fax [1-800-FDA-0178].
Read the complete MedWatch 2010 Safety summary, including a link to the FDA news release with photographs and description of differences between the authentic and counterfeit product, at:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2010
Release # 10-109
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (877) 819-0725
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Violation of Federal Mattress Flammability Standard Prompts Recall of Mattress Sets by Mattress World
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Mattress Sets
Units: About 750
Manufacturer: Mattress World, of Dallas, Texas
Hazard: The mattress sets fail to meet the mandatory federal open flame standard and pose a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves Mattress World renovated twin, full, queen and king mattress sets sold in blue floral, white floral and taupe floral. Only those with the following information on tags attached to the mattress and foundation (box spring) are included in this recall.
Information on Mattress and Box Spring Tags
Manufacturer: Mattress World
Date of Manufacture: May 29, 2009 through September 4, 2009
Prototype ID: MWQ or MWFOBXQ
Sold at: Various furniture stores in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas from May 2009 through September 2009 for between $35 and $105.
Manufactured in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Mattress World to receive a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Mattress World at (877) 819-0725 between 9 a.m and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or email the firm at mattressworld@live.com
To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10109.html
1. MooreCo Recalls Ergonomic Office Chairs Due to Fall Hazard
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2010
Release # 10-110
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 446-5161
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
MooreCo Recalls Ergonomic Office Chairs Due to Fall Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Spine Align and Posture Perfect Ergonomic Office Chairs
Units: About 700
Manufacturer: MooreCo Inc., dba Balt & Best-Rite Manufacturing, of Temple, Texas.
Hazard: The legs of the chair can break, posing fall hazard to the user.
Incidents/Injuries: The company has received five reports of the legs of the chairs breaking, resulting in three minor injuries and in the aggravation of an existing back injury.
Description: This recall involves the Spine Align and the Posture Perfect Ergonomic Office Chairs with model numbers 34571 and 34556 respectively. The base of the chair is made of hard plastic and the chair has no marks or labels. Chairs bearing marks or labels are not included in this recall. The model number is found in the packaging.
Sold through: Catalogs and online by United Stationers, Staples, S.P. Richards, and W.B. Mason from December 2007 through October 2009 for between $320 and $650.
Manufactured in: South Korea
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled chairs immediately and contact MooreCo for a free repair or a replacement chair.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact MooreCo toll free at (888) 446-5161 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit the company’s Web site at www.chairrecall.com
To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10110.html
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2. Dorel Asia Recalls To Replace Cribs; Pose Strangulation and Suffocation Hazards
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2010
Release # 10-114
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 762-2304
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Dorel Asia Recalls To Replace Cribs; Pose Strangulation and Suffocation Hazards
One infant death reported, 10 injuries to infants
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Dorel Asia SRL, of Barbados, is announcing a voluntary recall to replace drop side and non-drop side cribs that pose suffocation and strangulation hazards to infants and toddlers. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs until replacement kits are obtained and installed.
Name of Product: Dorel Asia cribs
Units: About 635,000
Distributor: Dorel Asia SRL, of Barbados
Hazard: The drop side hardware can fail causing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop side detaches it creates a space in which an infant or toddler can become entrapped and suffocate or strangle. In addition, the recalled cribs can pose a serious entrapment and strangulation hazard when a slat is damaged. This can occur while the crib is in use, in storage, being put together, taken apart or reassembled; or during shipping and handling.
Reports: CPSC and Dorel Asia SRL received a report of the death of 6-month old child from Cedar Rapids, Iowa who became entrapped and strangled in a crib after the drop side hardware broke. The crib continued to be used after the parents tried to repair the drop side themselves. CPSC and Dorel Asia received reports of 31 drop side incidents. In six of those incidents, children were entrapped between the drop side and crib mattress. Three children suffered from bruises as a result of the entrapment. In addition, CPSC and Dorel Asia received reports of 36 incidents of slat breakage, including seven reports of bruises and scratches to children and two reports of entrapment that resulted in no injury.
Description: The following Dorel Asia cribs are involved in the recall:
Model Number (Front Rail): Description
WM1633 (Drop side): 3-1 Sleigh Crib - Cherry
WM1633-0 (Drop side): 3-1 Sleigh Crib - Cherry (no castors)
WM1676BC (Fixed): 4-1 Bethany James Crib - Walnut
WM1676BCR-DC (Fixed): 2-1 Crib -Walnut
WM2163 (Fixed): 4-1 Crib - Manhattan Walnut
WM2163DC (Fixed): 4-1 Crib - Manhattan Walnut
WM1633-0-DC (Fixed): 3-1 Sleigh Crib (no castors)
GP004B3EGR (Drop side): 3-1 Convertible - Espresso
GP004B3WGR (Drop side): 3-1 Convertible - White
GP006BCEGR (Drop side): Single - Espresso
GP006BCWGR (Drop side: Single - White
DA1615B3 (Drop side): 3-1 Convertible Crib - Natural
DAKM5132 (Drop side): 3-1 Convertible Crib - White
DASE5005 (Drop side): Cottage Hill Single Crib - White
DASE5009 (Drop side): Vintage Estate 3-1 Sleigh Crib - Cherry
DA0504KMC-1N (Drop side): 3-1 Heritage Crib - Natural
DA0504KMC-1W (Drop side): 3-1 Heritage Crib - White
DA1614B3 (Drop side): 3-1 Lexington Crib - Cherry
DAKM5152 (Drop side): Single Jenny Lind Crib - Walnut
DASE5015 (Drop side): 3-1 Convertible - Toffee
Sold at: K-Mart, Sears and Wal-Mart stores nationwide from January 2005 through December 2009 for between $120 and $700.
Manufactured in: China and Vietnam
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs, find an alternative safe sleeping environment for your child, and contact Dorel Asia to receive a free replacement kit. Consumers should log on to www.dorel-asia.com to order the free replacement kit to prevent child entrapment in these cribs. The repair kits will be provided to owners within the next several weeks.
Consumer Contact: Call Dorel Asia toll-free at (866) 762-2304 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.dorel-asia.com
Important Message from CPSC: CPSC reminds parents not to use any crib with missing, broken, or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy. When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for disengagement. Disengagements can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib, especially with duct tape, wire or rope.
Visit CPSC’s Crib Information Center at http://www.cpsc.gov/info/cribs/index.html for more information on Crib Safety and Recalls.
To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10114.html
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‘CPSC 2.0’ Launches Product Safety Agency into Social Media — Learn more at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09346.html
* Visit our new blog, OnSafety at www.cpsc.gov/onsafety
* See our videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/uscpsc
* Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/OnSafety
* See our photos on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/uscpsc
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.
Honeybun Coffee Cake in a Mug
1/3 cup yellow or spice cake mix
Topping mix:
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon finely chopped pecans
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Place cake mix in a zip-type bag. Place topping mix in another bag and label “Topping Mix.” Staple bags together. Place bags into a ceramic/pottery mug that holds 1 1/2 cups liquid (no metallic decorations on cup).
Attach instructions to a gift tag on the handle of the cup:
Honeybun Coffee Cake
Empty bag of cake mix into the coffee cup. Add 2 teaspoons vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon water and 1 egg white. Stir very well. Sprinkle topping mix over batter. Microwave 2 minutes. Let cool 1 minute in cup.
Remove from cup and cut in half lengthwise. Serve immediately.
1-2 servings.
Messages in this topic (1)
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cookingandbakingmixes/
Here’s a good low fat recipe made with cornmeal, rye and white whole wheat
flour.
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/low-fat-date-nut-bread-recipe
I want to make a blueberry bread or loaf of some sort and I wanted to know if I could use fresh blueberries??? All of the recipes that I have come across have called for either dried or canned; and I am wondering why this is the case and not fresh?
Does anyone have a tried and true recipe I could follow (I am sharing this w/ppl so I don’t want to be banned from bringing in bread again in the future =))
Thanks for the help!
~Mee
________________________________________________________________________
3b. Re: Quick question from a newbie...
Posted by: “Rina”
Fresh blueberries are very fragile... they would mush up, turn to liquid and
color the bread dough.
A better option is to make a filled bread with the blue berries. Something
like a cinnamon swirl or a filled coffee cake.
I remember a “blueberry ladder” bread that made the rounds of the internet a
while ago...
Here’s a picture of a delicious “blueberry Cream Cheese” bread that was made
by one of our group members. http://www.pbase.com/kmbloss/image/77969297
Here’s some pictures from “The Fresh Loaf” showing “how to make it”
http://www.thefreshloaf.com/recipes/blueberrycreamcheesebraid
Rina
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bread-machine/
Red Hot Pepper Sauce
24 long hot peppers
12 ripe tomatoes
4 cups vinegar
1 cup sugar
1 Tbsp pickling salt
2 Tbsp mixed pickling spices
Wash and drain the vegetables. Seed and chop the peppers; core and chop
the tomatoes. Put the vegetables in a kettle with 2 cups vinegar, bring
to a boil, and boil until vegetables are soft.
Press the mixture through a fine sieve. Add the sugar and salt and the
spices, tied in a bag, and boil until the sauce is thick. Add the
remaining vinegar continue to boil for about 15 minutes or until the
sauce is the desired consistency.
Discard the spice bag and ladle boiling hot mixture into prepared jars
leaving a 1/2” headspace. Process in a boiling water bath for 15
minutes. Adjust time according to your altitude.
Makes about 8 pints
Green Chile Stew
This has been a popular staple in northern New Mexico for hundreds of
years,
ever since the Spanish introduced domesticated pigs.
1 1/2 pounds lean pork, cut into 1 1/4 inch cubes
vegetable oil
1 large onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 quart pork or chicken broth
6 to 8 green New Mexico chiles, roasted, peeled and cut into thin strips
3 small tomatoes, peeled and chopped
2 large potato, peeled and diced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, Mexican preferred
Salt to taste
In a heavy skillet, brown the pork over medium to medium high heat,
adding a
little oil if needed. When the pork is browned, transfer it to a large
stockpot.
Add the onions and some more oil to the same skillet and until the
onions turn a
golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional
minute.
Transfer the mixture to the pot with the pork.
Add 2 cups of broth to the skillet, raise the heat, and deglaze the
skillet,
being sure to scrape all the bits and pieces from the sides and bottom.
Pour the
broth over the pork in the stockpot.
Add the remaining ingredients to the stockpot, bring it to just below
boiling,
reduce the heat, and simmer for 1/2 hour. Ladle into jars leaving a 1
headspace. Process at 10 lb pressure. Pints - 75 minutes and Quarts - 90
minutes. Adjust time according to altitude and / or style of canner.
Makes about 4 pints
You can use any cut of steak you like but I like the flavor the chuck
gives it. You can make small steak and kidney pies also. I prefer those
over the big pie because they are single servings then.
Steak and Kidney Pie
1/2 lb kidneys
1 1/2 lb chuck steak
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp butter
2 onions, chopped roughly
2 Tbsp flour
2 bay leaves
4 sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves only
2 cups beef stock
4 to 6 big mushrooms, sliced thickly
1 tsp tomato paste
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
3 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 Tbsp dried)
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 - double pie crust
Halve the kidneys and cut out the tubes. Rinse in cold water and peel
off the skins. Cut in small pieces. Trim and cut the steak in cubes.
Heat oil and butter in a large pan, then fry the onions for 3 to 4
minutes, stirring. Fry the meat for 2 to 3 minutes until it loses its
pink colour. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add the herbs and
stock. Stir until thickened and coming to the boil.
Add mushrooms and paste, lower the heat and simmer, covered, for about 1
1/2 hours until, the meat is tender.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
When the meat is cooked, remove the bay leaves, season with salt, pepper
and the Worcestershire sauce. Set aside and cool slightly.
Line a pie pan with pastry. Stir the parsley into the meat filling and
transfer it to the pie pan. Brush the rim with a little beaten egg and
place the top crust on and seal. Cut a slit in the lid, brush with the
egg (but not the edges or they won’t rise).
Bake for 20 minutes, then brush with egg again. Bake for 10 minutes or
until the pastry is golden.
Darlene
Jamaican Red Bean Stew
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups sliced baby carrots
3 scallions, chopped
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 - 15 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
2 tsp curry powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp ground allspice
salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 - 16 oz cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 - 14 oz can unsweetened light coconut milk
1 cup vegetable broth
Pour the oil into a 4 quart slow cooker and set the cooker on high.
Add the garlic and put the lid on the cooker while you prepare the rest
of the ingredients.
To the cooker, add the carrots, scallions, sweet potato and tomatoes.
Stir in the curry powder, thyme, red pepper flakes, allspice and salt
and pepper to taste.
Add the beans, coconut milk and broth.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Serve over rice or couscous.
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FoodPreservationDryingCanningAndMore/
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/braised_bbq_beef_sandwich/
Braised BBQ Beef Sandwich Recipe
Print Options
Ingredients
* One 3-pound chuck roast, rinsed and dried
* 2 medium onions, chopped
* 1 Tbsp olive oil
* 1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes (preferably plum tomatoes)
* 1 18-ounce bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce (or 2 1/4 cups of your favorite homemade barbecue sauce)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 12 sandwich or hamburger buns
Method
1 In a large, heavy pot, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, roughly chopping them in the pot. Add the barbecue sauce, increase heat to medium high and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the chuck roast. Bring to a low simmer, cover and slow cook until meat is very tender, stirring occasionally, about 3 hours.
bbq-beef-sandwich-1.jpg bbq-beef-sandwich-2.jpg
2 Remove the meat from the pot. Use a fork and knife to separate the roast into small pieces. Set aside.
3 Increase the heat on the pot to medium/medium-high, uncover, and reduce the liquid until thick. Stir often to prevent burning.
4 Return the meat to the liquid in the pan. Warm both thoroughly. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve on buns. Makes approximately 12 sandwiches.
The Medlar - Strange Fruit, What’s Inside of You?
By Memory Russell (AYankeeCat)
January 15, 2010
I’ll bet you have never even heard of Medlar, much less eaten one. It
has been popular enough in the past to place it among the food items
considered de rigueur for medieval and Renaissance-era banquets and
feasts put on by the local Society for Creative Anachronism, an
international organization dedicated to the arts and skills of pre-17th
century Europe.[1] Shakesphere mentions the Medlar in more than one
play and Caravaggio included it in his 1592 painting, Boy With A Basket
of Fruit.
(Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on February 5, 2008)
The medlar, Mespilus germanica, is a member of the rose family and is botanically somewhere between a pear and a Hawthorne. The
Medlar is a small, deciduous tree of about 20 feet in height and
width with a broad crown and heavy foliage. The branches may be
contorted or very angular and the wild varieties may have thorns. It
is hardy to USDA zone 4 to 9 and grows wild in temperate regions of
Europe. It is reported to be indigenous to southwest Asia and
southeastern Europe and was introduced to Germany by the Romans. It is
said that Medlars were taken to North America by the Jesuits in the
1800s and introduced to South Africa in the 17th century. The foliage is quite showy in the fall with yellow or red leaves. The fruit, if left on the tree creates winter interest. The
leaves are 2 to 6 inches long and 1 to 1 1/2 inches wide, alternate,
elliptic, dark green in the upper surface, “hairy” and grayish
beneath. The leaf margin is entire, serrated at the apex. The trees
dense foliage hides the branches. The
solitary flowers appear at the tip of the growth of the year, depending
on the location from late April to early June. The five petaled
flowers are 1 to 2 inches wide, pinky white and look to me like
something like a wild rose. Medlars are self-fertile and
if pollination should not occur, the Medlar can set fruit
parthenocarpically, that is, without any pollination whatsoever.
The
fruit is round, one to two inches in diameter looking somewhat like a
brown, over-grown rose hip with a calyx on its crown. The fruit is
open at the bottom exposing five seed boxes. The uniqueness of the
fruit comes from the fact that it must be nearly rotten to be edible.
(And now you know why you have never heard of it!) The process of
“ripening” the fruit is referred to as bletting which takes 2 to 3
weeks in storage. The fruit becomes soft, mushy brown, sweet and tasty
with a flavor described as close to cinnamon applesauce. Medlars are a
fruit that can be eaten fresh in the winter. Poking a hole in the
fruit and sucking out the bletted (let’s not say rotted) flesh spitting
out the smooth seeds is one way to experience the unique taste of
Medlar. They can also be cooked into jellies and jams as they are high in pectin. “But it has long been regarded as a dessert fruit for connoisseurs. Prof. Saintsbury in his classic book on wines, “Notes on a Cellar”,
declared that “the one fruit which seems to me to go best with all
wine, from hock to sherry and from claret to port, is the Medlar - an
admirable and distinguished thing in itself, and a worthy mate for the
best of liquors”.
Francesca Greensack in her fascinating book “Forgotten Fruit” said, “the lingering, slightly sweet, slightly winey flavor makes the
Medlar seem like a natural comfit”. She also mentioned “roasting them
with butter and cloves as a traditional winter dessert” and recommends
jelly made from them “as an accompaniment to game”.”[3]
Medlars
like moist but well-drained soil, and full sun and adapt to soil
fertility. Medlars can be grown from seed or grafted or budded onto
pear, quince or hawthorn rootstock. There are about two dozen
cultivars at the National Clonal Germplasm repository of the U.S.
department of agriculture in Corvallis, Oregon and others growing wild
in Europe. They are considered easy to grow but a bit difficult to
start from seed. They work well as a potted “patio” tree if left
outside and exposed to winter conditions. The tree fruits as early as
three years, producing a good crop.
Other Uses for the Medlar Tree
The wood of the slow growing Medlar tree is hard,
even, fine grained and polishes well and is reported to be practically
unbreakable. The wood is not used for lumber as the tree stays
relatively small and the branches are not necessarily straight.
Because the wood is rather hard, it has been used for spear points,
hunting and warfare clubs and fighting sticks and making windmill
parts, especially some of the turning wheels. [6] The Basque people use the wild Medlar to make their traditional Makhila which is both a walking stick and a defensive weapon. The unique process starts with carving lines on a living branch of a
tree that is at least 15 years old in the spring and harvesting the
branch in the winter. Over the summer the design of the carving has expanded with the growth
of the tree. The bark is removed and the branch straightened with the
heat of a kiln which takes a great deal of skill. The wood is then
allowed to dry naturally for several years. The wood is then colored
using guarded family techniques. The stick is finished with
made-to-measure decorative fittings which are cut, carved, braced and
decorated pieces of brass, silver, german silver or gold. The handle
is either metal or garnished with woven leather straps and finished
with a horn or worked metal pommel. The handle unscrews to reveal a
forged metal spike which can be used for walking or defense.[4] Traditional
makhila are inscribed with a short verse of the owners own symbolism in
the arcane Basque language. The making of a makhila is a tradition
passed down from Father to Son and there are only very few makhila
makers left.
Reports
of medicinal uses for Medlar are scanty. I did find a single
recommendation of a remedy for kidney stones that proposes that Medlar
leaves be boiled and drunk as tea until the stone is ejected. Although
the fruit is edible, it is not considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as
Safe). In addition, like many members of the Rosaceae family, the
seeds contain hydro-cyanic acid (prussic acid) and may be toxic if
eaten. [2]
Where Can You Find a Medlar Tree?
The
USDA repository in Corvallis, OR may have limited amounts of medlar
scion wood available that can be grafted onto a variety of rootstock
including, quince, Hawthorne and pear.
Mailorder nurseries specializing in edible landscaping and/or rare fruits including Raintree, One Green World, and Edible Landscaping.
CREDITS:
[1]The San Francisco Chronicle
PLANT OF THE WEEK: Medlar
Squishy fruit deservedly saved from oblivionLaramie Treviño, Special to The Chronicle
Saturday, March 11, 2006
[2] The Herb Society of America
http://www.herbsociety.org/promplant/medlar.php
[3] Southmeadow Fruit Gardens.com
http://www.southmeadowfruitgardens.com/FeaturedFruitTrees.html
[4] Makhila.com
http://www.makhila.com/pub-anglais/makhila/index.htm
[5] L’Atelier Vert - Everything French Gardening
http://www.frenchgardening.com/aupotager.html?pid=3214176315112677
[6] Edible Landscaping
http://www.eat-it.com/careGuides/Medlar.htm
PHOTO CREDITS:
kennedyH
AYankeeCat
Baa
L’Atelier Vert - Everything French Gardening
willmetge
Vi
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/home_canning/
Southwestern Beef & Bean Burger Wraps
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/southwestern_beef_bean_burger_wraps.html
From EatingWell: January/February 2007
Kids and adults alike will love these quick, zippy burgers. The beans make the burgers a little fragile, so be careful when taking them off the broiler pan. Make it a meal: Serve a green salad and frozen mango slices for dessert.
4 servings | Active Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
* 12 ounces 93%-lean ground beef
* 1 cup refried beans
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapenos
* 1 avocado, peeled and pitted
* 1/2 cup prepared salsa
* 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
* 4 whole-wheat tortillas, warmed (see Tip)
* 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
* 1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
* 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges
Preparation
1. Position oven rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler. Coat a broiler pan with cooking spray.
2. Gently combine ground beef, beans, cilantro and jalapenos in a medium bowl (do not overmix). Shape into four 5-by-2-inch oblong patties and place on the prepared pan.
3. Broil the patties until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F, 12 to 14 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, mash together avocado, salsa and garlic powder in a small bowl.
5. Place tortillas on a clean work surface. Spread each with the guacamole, then sprinkle with lettuce and cheese. Top each with a burger and roll into a wrap. Serve immediately, with lime wedges.
Nutrition
Per serving : 394 Calories; 17 g Fat; 6 g Sat; 7 g Mono; 67 mg Cholesterol; 40 g Carbohydrates; 28 g Protein; 10 g Fiber; 634 mg Sodium; 810 mg Potassium
2 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 2 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 3 lean meat, 1 fat
Tips & Notes
* Tip: To warm tortillas: Wrap in foil; bake at 300°F until steaming, about 5 minutes. Or wrap in barely damp paper towels and microwave on High for 30 to 45 seconds.
Ethiopian Honey Bread
Very good tasting bread. It did rise well and made a large loaf.
Nice toast.
Recipe By : BMRC (John Ross)
Serving Size : 16 Preparation Time:
Categories : ABM Bread
Amount Measure Ingredient — Preparation Method
———— —————— ————————————————
2 tablespoons water
1 whole egg
6 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup milk, plus
2 tablespoons milk
3 1/2 tablespoons butter
3 1/4 cups bread flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground clove
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons yeast
Place all ingredients in your machines fully assembled pan and in the
order specified by your machines manufacturer. Select the Basic or White
cycle and press start. After the first 10 minutes of kneading check the
dough and make any necessary adjustments
Recipe Source: BMRC (John Ross)
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ABM-recipes/
I loved having a large
supply of homemade frozen meatballs. Easy meals and a variety of ways to
serve them.
Cooking up a large batch of meatballs in advance to store in the freezer
goes a long way toward establishing a supply of quick and easy meals. And if
you take advantage of sales on ground beef and stock up, this can be a
tremendous boon to your family budget too!
In addition to stirring meatballs into spaghetti sauce, you can also use
them in soups, serve them on skewers (kids love this!), or heat in brown
gravy — or with a warmed can of cream of mushroom soup poured over the top —
and served with rice or mashed potatoes.
The following recipes prepare a large batch of freezer meatballs and also
include examples of ways to use frozen meatballs. The sauces require some
preparation, but the meals go together quickly with your stockpile of
precooked meatballs in the freezer.
This is from the Frozen Assets book. Reprinted with permission. All
rights reserved.
You can also find this online at: http://tinyurl.com/millionmeatballs
~Debi (Deborah Taylor-Hough)
Frozen Assets “List Mom”
www.Simplemom.com
MILLIONS OF MEATBALLS (this makes a lot — at least four dozen, depending
on size)
12-ounces tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups dry bread crumbs
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup green pepper, finely chopped
1 teaspoons salt, optional
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/8 teaspoon dried marjoram, crushed
4 pounds ground beef
In a large mixing bowl, combine first eight ingredients. Add ground beef
and mix well. Shape into meatballs (use a small cookie scoop if available)
and place on broiler pan so grease can drain while cooking. Bake uncovered
in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Divide into meal-sized portions. To
prevent from freezing into a solid meatball-mass, freeze individually on cookie
sheets and then place in freezer bags. Label and freeze.
To serve meatballs, thaw completely, and reheat with your choice of sauces
(six sample sauce recipes follow):
SWEET-N-SOUR MEATBALLS (5 servings)
1 (14-oz) can pineapple tidbits or chunks, undrained
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce (or more to taste)
1 family meal-sized portion of freezer meatballs
1 (5-oz) can water chestnuts, drained and thinly sliced
1 green pepper, cut in strips
Drain pineapple tidbits, reserving syrup. In medium saucepan, combine
brown sugar and cornstarch. Blend in reserved syrup, water, cider vinegar and
soy sauce. Cook and stir over low heat until thick and bubbly. Carefully
stir in meatballs, water chestnuts, green pepper strips and pineapple. Heat to
a boiling. Serve over hot cooked rice.
CHILI-DAY MEATBALLS (5 servings)This recipe sounds a little strange (chili
sauce and grape jelly?), but it tastes like burgundy sauce (only its made
without the wine)
1 (12-oz) jar chili sauce
11-oz. jar grape jelly
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cube beef bouillon dissolved in 1/2 cup water
1 family meal-sized portion of freezer meatballs
Whisk together chili sauce, grape jelly, lemon juice and bouillon,
breaking up all clumps. Simmer on low heat until sauce starts to thicken. Add
freezer meatballs; cook in sauce until meatballs are fully thawed and heated
through. Serve over hot cooked noodles or rice.
MEATBALL SANDWICHES (6 servings)
1 family meal-sized portion of freezer meatballs (approximately 4-5
meatballs per person)
6 hot dog buns (or hoagie rolls)
6 thin slices mozzarella cheese
2 cups prepared spaghetti sauce
Thaw meatballs and spaghetti sauce (if using frozen). Place both in medium
saucepan. Heat until hot. Place meatballs into warmed buns. Ladle small
amount of spaghetti sauce onto each sandwich; place mozzarella slice onto
each sandwich.
TOMATO-SAUCED MEATBALLS (5 servings)
1 (10 3/4-oz) can condensed tomato soup
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 family meal-sized portion of freezer meatballs
Mix together soup, water and Worcestershire sauce. Place meatballs in a
medium sized saucepan; pour soup mixture over meatballs. Simmer until
meatballs are heated through. Serve over hot cooked rice.
MEATBALL STROGANOFF (5 servings)
1 (10 3/4-oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
1 cup mushrooms, sliced and cooked in butter until soft
1 family meal-sized portion of freezer meatballs
In medium saucepan, mix together mushroom soup and sour cream. Gently stir
in mushrooms and meatballs. Simmer until meatballs are heated through.
Serve over hot cooked rice or over egg noodles tossed with melted butter and
chopped
parsley.
CATALINA MEATBALLS (5 servings)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 bottle Catalina salad dressing
1 family meal-sized portion of freezer meatballs
Saute onion slices in olive oil until softened. Place frozen meatballs in
medium skillet. Pour dressing over meatballs. Cover skillet and cook over
low heat until dressing caramelizes on meatballs and onion, and the
meatballs are fully thawed and heated through. Serve over rice.
This is from the Frozen Assets book. Reprinted with permission. All
rights reserved.
You can also find this online at: http://tinyurl.com/millionmeatballs
To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/frozen-assets/
Weekly Harvest Newsletter
Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - January 20, 2010
Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service Web site. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online (http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html#wh).
Share The Harvest: Please forward this newsletter to friends and colleagues who might be interested in the latest sustainable agriculture news, funding opportunities, and events.
News & Resources
* NOP Published Proposed National List Amendments
* Farm Animal Welfare Regulations Available from National Ag Law Center
* Washington State Introduced Bill to Support Farm Internships
* Local Food Conference Seeks Proposals
* Researchers Develop Sustainable Shrimp Production Methods
* USDA Seeks Schools for ‘Farm to School’ Visits
Funding Opportunities
* Utah Challenge Cost Share Program
* Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rebuy in Schools Program
* Maine Harvest Fund
Coming Events
* Farmer-Chef Conference
* North Central Ohio Dairy Grazing Conference
* Texas Conference on Organic Production Systems
News & Resources
NOP Published Proposed National List Amendments
http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateU&navID=LatestReleases&page=Newsroom&topNav=Newsroom&leftNav=&rightNav1=LatestReleases&rightNav2=&resultType=Details&dDocName=STELPRDC5081871&dID=125318&wf=false&description=US
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) published proposed amendments to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances for crop production. The proposed rule addresses the addition of sulfurous acid for use in organic crop production to the list of NOP allowed materials following evaluation and recommendation by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). It also proposes to amend the annotation for one material, tetracycline, for use in organic crop production. The comment period for the proposed rule closes on March 15, 2010. Interested parties can view the proposed rule and post comments at http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480a7ba46.
Farm Animal Welfare Regulations Available from National Ag Law Center
http://nationalaglawcenter.org/assets/farmanimal/index.html
An often-heard news item today involves concern over the welfare of farm animals. Whether through typical legislative channels or as a result of a ballot initiative, several states have enacted laws that are concerned with farm animal welfare. While the majority of these laws require that farm animals be given a certain amount of space, others reserve the right to make those rules either to the state legislature or to a board put into place to address those issues. A new National Ag Law Center compilation, States’ Farm Animal Welfare Statutes, provides the statutory text of each state’s laws, along with the date on which it becomes effective.
Washington State Introduced Bill to Support Farm Internships
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6349&year=2009
San Juan County’s Agricultural Resources Committee (ARC) has proposed that the Washington State Legislature alter state statures to allow internships on small family farms. Senator Kevin Ranker (with cosponsors Haugen, Holmquist, Hobbs, Becker, and Shin) have submitted SB 6349 which adheres to the purpose and spirit of the existing internship classification by requiring farmers to provide interns with vocational knowledge and skills. A hearing on SB 6349 legislation will be held in Labor and Commerce Committee in Olympia on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. The time of the hearing will be specified at a later date. Successful passage of SB 6349 will require broad based support, including testimony at the hearing, as well as calls to your legislators encouraging support.
Local Food Conference Seeks Proposals
http://uac.utoledo.edu/igu_commission/ToledoMC2010-Home.htm
In recent years there has been an explosion of interest in the topic of local food systems. This heightened interest can be found among policy makers, planners, public health professionals, environmentalists, community developers, academics, farmers and ordinary citizens. While there are common characteristics that most local food systems share the purpose of this conference is to explore the unique challenges and opportunities associated with local food systems located within old industrial regions. The ‘Local Food Systems in Old Industrial Regions: Challenges and Opportunities’ conference aims to bring together both academics and practitioners to share their knowledge, experience, and expertise with regard to developing and maintaining local food systems in old industrial regions.
Researchers Develop Sustainable Shrimp Production Methods
http://www.extension.org/pages/New_Shrimp-farming_Method_Could_Revitalize_the_U.S._Industry
A Texas AgriLife Research scientist in Corpus Christi said he believes he has achieved a new world record in shrimp production using an environmentally friendly system with no water exchange throughout the growing cycle. Tzachi Samocha, a Regents Fellow and professor at the AgriLife Research Mariculture Laboratory in Corpus Christi, said yields from the new system are about tenfold higher than the current U.S. shrimp farm production in outdoor ponds. Samocha is convinced his studies show that the new system will increase shrimp production and food safety while lowering costs to producers and consumers.
Related ATTRA Publication: Aquaculture Enterprises
http://attra.org/attra-pub/aquaculture.html
USDA Seeks Schools for ‘Farm to School’ Visits
http://www.fns.usda.gov/CND/F2S/f2stacticalteam.htm
If you are a school district interested in being considered for a USDA Farm to School Tactical Team visit, please contact the USDA. Districts will have until January 31, 2010, to send in their request for consideration. The USDA Tactical Team will conduct visits to nine schools to learn about a school district’s Farm to School efforts including how the activities first began; the relationship between growers and the school district; what obstacles exist or were faced along the way; and the effects the activities have had on the school and the community.
More Breaking News (http://attra.ncat.org/news/)
Funding Opportunities
Utah Challenge Cost Share Program
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=50490
Utah CCS Program is to have a cost effective, local-level cost share program with non-federal partners to implement conservation or other public land management projects for the good of the general public and public resources, including but not limited to, recreation, fish, wildlife, special status plants, water quality, cultural sites and historical trials.
Proposals are due January 30, 2010
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rebuy in Schools Program
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=51054
The 2010 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rebuy (4Rs) in Schools Program is EPA Region 2’s competitive funding opportunity which promotes solid waste management and reduction in K-12 schools. EPA Region 2: New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands.
Proposals are due March 3, 2010.
Maine Harvest Fund
http://www.maineinitiatives.org/?page_id=54
Maine Initiatives created the Harvest Fund to provide small short-term grants to Maine groups working for sustainable agriculture and food security. Our purpose is to link environmentally sound growing practices with solutions to hunger that are economically viable and socially responsible.
Proposals are due February 12, 2010.
More Funding Opportunities (http://attra.ncat.org/funding/)
Coming Events
Farmer-Chef Conference
http://farmerchefconference.wordpress.com/2008/12/01/4/
January 23, 2010
Java Center, New York
Field & Fork Network’s Annual Farmer-Chef Conference is a daylong conference offering Western New York’s chefs and other food industry professionals the opportunity to network with local farmers and artisan food producers. Our keynote speaker typically offers advice, experience and inspiration to chefs and farmers alike, and a lunch featuring local products and our signature Tasting & Tradeshow typify the bounty that Western New York agriculture has to offer.
North Central Ohio Dairy Grazing Conference
http://ohioforages.blogspot.com/2009/11/north-central-ohio-dairy-grazing.html
January 28-29, 2010
Dalton, Ohio
This two day program is full of information and opportunity to network with dairy graziers across Ohio and the Midwest.
Texas Conference on Organic Production Systems
http://www.tofga.org/tofga-annual-conference/
January 29-30, 2010
San Marcos, Texas
The theme of the conference is ‘All Things Local.’ Conference sessions will discuss the most current organic issues and trends affecting Texas.
More Events (http://attra.ncat.org/calendar)
New & Updated Publications
Organic System Plans: Livestock Production
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/new_pubs.php/2009/11/30/organic_system_plans_livestock_productio
Aquaculture Enterprises: Considerations and Strategies
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/new_pubs.php/2009/11/18/aquaculture_enterprises_considerations_a_1
Building Sustainable Places
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/new_pubs.php/2009/11/11/building_sustainable_places
Question of the Week
Can you give me some resources for crop rotations in Wisconsin?
http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/question.php/2010/01/19/can_you_give_me_some_resources_for_crop_
Ask a Sustainable Agriculture Expert
Submit questions to our professional staff online
http://attra.ncat.org/ask.php
ATTRA Spanish Newsletter
Subscribe to Cosecha Mensual (http://attra.ncat.org/espanol/boletin.php)
(Monthly Harvest), ATTRA’s Spanish-language e-newsletter
DIY Biodiesel Webinar
To learn about DIY Biodiesel: Keeping It Safe, Keeping It Legal, tune into ATTRA’s latest webinar (https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/303791635), Thursday January 28 at 11AM MST.
Subscribe to the Weekly Harvest
(http://visitor.roving.com/optin.jsp?m=1011223551022&ea=)
Comments? Questions? Go to http://www.attra.ncat.org/management/contact.html.
Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews Archives Available Online
(http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html)
Digital versions of recent Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews newsletters are available online. ATTRAnews is the newsletter of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
(http://attra.ncat.org/)
ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and is funded under a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/index.html). Visit the NCAT Web site (http://www.ncat.org/sarc_current.php) for more information on our sustainable agriculture projects.
Copyright 2010 NCAT
http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/escams.htm
Investigative Programs
Cyber Investigations
How to Report E-Scams and Hoaxes to the FBI
New E-Scams & Warnings
red envelope Get e-mail updates when new scams and warnings are posted here
MYSTERY/SECRET SHOPPER SCHEMES
01/20/10The IC3 has been alerted to an increase in employment schemes pertaining to mystery/secret shopper positions. Many retail and service corporations hire evaluators to perform secret or random checks on themselves or their competitors, and fraudsters are capitalizing on this employment opportunity.
Victims have reported to the IC3 they were contacted via e-mail and U.S. mail to apply to be a mystery shopper. Applicants are asked to send a resume and are purportedly subject to an extensive background check before being accepted as a mystery shopper. The employees are sent a check with instructions to shop at a specified retailer for a specific length of time and spend a specific amount on merchandise from the store. The employees receive instructions to take note of the store’s environment, color, payment procedures, gift items, and shopping/carrier bags and report back to the employer. The second evaluation is the ease and accuracy of wiring money from the retail location. The money to be wired is also included in the check sent to the employee. The remaining balance is the employee’s payment for the completion of the assignment. After merchandise is purchased and money is wired, the employees are advised by the bank the check cashed was counterfeit, and they are responsible for the money lost in addition to bank fees incurred.
In other versions of the scheme, applicants are requested to provide bank account information to have money directly deposited into their accounts. The fraudster then has acquired access to these victims’ accounts and can withdraw money, which makes the applicant a victim of identity theft.
Tips
Here are some tips you can use to avoid becoming a victim of employment schemes associated with mystery/secret shopping:
*
Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.
*
Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.
*
Be cautious of e-mail claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders. Virus scan all attachments, if possible.
*
Avoid filling out forms contained in e-mail messages that ask for personal information.
*
Always compare the link in the e-mail to the link you are actually directed to and determine if they match and will lead you to a legitimate site.
*
There are legitimate mystery/secret shopper programs available. Research the legitimacy on companies hiring mystery shoppers. Legitimate companies will not charge an application fee and will accept applications online.
*
No legitimate mystery/secret shopper program will send payment in advance and ask the employee to send a portion of it back.
Individuals who believe they have information pertaining to mystery/secret shopper schemes are encouraged to file a complaint at www.IC3.gov.
HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FRAUD ALERT
01/13/10The FBI today reminds Internet users who receive appeals to donate money in the aftermath of Tuesdays earthquake in Haiti to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before responding to those requests. Past tragedies and natural disasters have prompted individuals with criminal intent to solicit contributions purportedly for a charitable organization and/or a good cause.
Therefore, before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, to include the following:
* Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming e-mails, including clicking links contained within those messages.
* Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as surviving victims or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking sites.
* Verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming the groups existence and its nonprofit status rather than following a purported link to the site.
* Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
* Make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf to ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes.
* Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions: Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
Anyone who has received an e-mail referencing the above information or anyone who may have been a victim of this or a similar incident should notify the IC3 via www.ic3.gov.
continues....
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aID=119729.54928.131871
Tyson Agrees To Settle Suit Over Antibiotic Labeling For $5 million
By Susannah Patton
1/20/2010 11:01:48 AM
Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale has agreed to pay up to $50 to every consumer who bought poultry that was labeled antibiotic-free.
The refunds are part of a settlement of a class-action lawsuit that accused the company of falsely claiming its chickens were raised without antibiotics.
The settlement is capped at $5 million, not including $3 million in attorneys’ fees.
U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett granted preliminary approval of the settlement, filed in federal court in Baltimore, on Jan. 15.
Tyson began its “Raised Without Antibiotics” advertising campaign in 2007.
Tyson uses ionophores, a poultry feed additive that the U.S. Department of Agriculture classifies as an antibiotic. Because ionophores have not been shown to be harmful to humans, Tyson wanted to advertise its chicken as being “without harmful antibiotics.”
The USDA approved the phrase for marketing purposes in December 2007, but competitors Perdue Farms and Sanderson Farms filed lawsuits one month later. Consumers followed with a class-action suit.
Tyson spokesman Gary Mickelson said in a statement that the campaign was suspended in 2008 because of labeling challenges.
“We’re pleased a settlement has been reached and the court has given preliminary approval,” he said. “While we believe our company acted appropriately, we also believe it makes sense for us to resolve this legal matter and move on.”
According to the settlement, consumers who purchased Tyson chicken products labeled as antibiotic free from mid-June 2007 through April 2009 are entitled to refunds.
today’s headlines
* Obama Advises Democrats Against Trying To Force Health Care Bill Through Congress
* Arkansas To Get $4.9 Million For Green Jobs Training
* UPDATE 2: House Passes Bill To Help Increase Donations To Haiti
* Lawmakers Recommend Status Quo On Raises For Themselves, Other Arkansas Officials
* UA To Cut Budgets, Use Reserve Funds And TV Revenue, Freeze Hiring
* Less Than 25 Percent of Highway Stimulus Funds Uncommitted
* Mann Pleads Not Guilty in Pierce Bombing Case
How convenient. Now you just have to prove it to get your money. Right?
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm198319.htm
The Wisconsin Cheeseman® Recalls Cheese Logs/Cheese Balls
Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:16:00 -0600
The Wisconsin Cheeseman® announced today that it is recalling cheese log/cheese ball products in conjunction with the voluntary recall initiated by Parkers Farm, Inc. on January 15, 2010. Parkers Farm, Inc., located in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, believes some of its food items have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria
How convenient. Now you just have to prove it to get your money. Right?<<<
You caught that too!!!
I haven’t a clue as to how one gets their money back and you can bet Tyson will not tell you.....
I do not buy Tyson products, they supported Clinton and also a lot of drugs were hauled in the chicken boxes, dig and you might find the old news items.
Hi Granny! Hope you are well tonight. Wanted to ask if anyone else is experiencing minimal seeds in store displays this year? I found tomatoe seeds were few in more than one store. There was lots of corn, beans, and peas. Also low in stock were onion seeds.
Aren’t they the ones that keep coming to the forefront about hiring illegals for their meat packing plants?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.