Do Not Call Registry is Just the 1st StepWritten by James H. Dimmitt
The Federal Trade Commission launched it’s much anticipated “Do Not Call Registry” on June 27th, several days earlier than announced July 1 debut. The FTC reported that they were receiving as many as 1,000 registrations a minute at their website, www.donotcall.gov. As of Tuesday, July 1, 12.5 million telephone numbers had been logged into registry, according to FTC.The “do not call” registry takes effect on Oct. 1 and telemarketers who call numbers on list could face fines up to $11,000 per call. While consumers may consider registry a victory over annoying telemarketing calls, those same telemarketers have already begun to focus on other ways to reach consumer via e-mail and direct mail marketing. According to Direct Marketing Association (DMA), companies spent over $80 billion on telemarketing in 2002. Marketers will now look to focus those funds toward more traditional sales pitches to reach their targets and avoid possible fines. Consumers should prepare for onslaught of direct mail and internet advertising they will receive, including possibility of more spam e-mail. You can register for this national registry at www.donotcall.gov. Your registration will be valid for a five-year period, after which you would need to renew your registration. Registering for FTC’s “do not call” registry is only first step to take toward “opting out” of telemarketing advertising.
| | Cool Snacks for a Hot SummerWritten by Deborah Shelton
Beat heat with these cool summer treats!Mouse Popsicles It’s not what you’re thinking! The name refers to size of popsicle—not contents. Wash a bowl of seedless grapes, and then set grapes in freezer for about an hour. Poke colored toothpicks into grapes to serve. Juice Pops Summer isn’t complete without homemade juice popsicles. Simply fill a popsicle mold or an ice tray with your favorite fruit juice. Cover ice tray with clear plastic wrap and poke a toothpick through plastic into each square. Place tray into freezer until popsicles are frozen solid. Frozen Monkey Treats Here is a healthy snack that your kids will go bananas for! Peel a banana and cut it in half. Insert popsicle sticks into cut ends. Dip bananas into yogurt or melted chocolate, and then roll bananas in chopped nuts, crushed cereal, or coconut shavings. Place bananas on a small waxed paper-lined baking sheet and set sheet into freezer for an hour or so. Fun to make and even more fun to eat!
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