Archive for November, 2008

The Quilter – January 2009

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

If you subscribe to The Quilter magazine, then it is likely that you may have received your copy of the magazine today. When planning an article for this issue, I took into account that Nov. 11 is Veteran’s Day, and that Election Day would be in November, and I wanted a patriotic theme.

The result is an article that is both colorful and informative about my research concerning World War I pillow covers. I couldn’t believe how beautiful the pages look in print! I derive a lot of satisfaction from my work and the fact that I have created more than sixty articles of high quality and historic value for this magazine, in addition to all of my other writings and quiltmaking.

If you are not lucky enough to have already subscribed, you might put that on your wish list for a holiday gift, if someone asks what you would like. The magazine is always filled with quilts made from designer fabrics, and highlights quilt events and quilt world personalities. This month has a feature article about the Annual Quilt for a Cure Cruise to New England. This magazine is in stores now! You can learn more about what is included in this issue by visiting the magazine’s website: http://www.thequiltermag.com

The mention of all of this is not to be construed as an ad, just as an appreciative statement. You know, all of the quilt titles on the market are special, and they all approach quilting from a slightly different angle, and that is wonderful, in itself. As quilters, no shoe fits all, and we enjoy variety. It is humbling to see and recognize all of the talent in today’s quilting world. Usually, quilting itself is a solitary event, but then we come together to discuss needlework and quilts online and in person. We meet in guilds and at shows, and we make friends. I’d say we have the best of both worlds, working alone and working together.

Piece in peace,

Patricia Cummings, Quilter’s Muse Publications: http://www.quiltersmuse.com

Criminal Intent?

Saturday, November 1st, 2008

Identity theft is a growing concern in America and this message is to alert you to a specific situation so that you do not unwittingly become a victim of someone with that kind of crime in mind.

Remember this: Whenever you pick up the phone to someone you do not know, NEVER give them personal information, no matter how “nice” the voice sounds.

Yesterday, a man called here, falsely stating that he represents a major U. S. company. After “chatting” a bit, he began asking questions that made us feel suspicious. As it turns out, a company spokesman who works at the business the man claims to represent, later told us that these kinds of calls are never generated by that major chain of business retailers. At no time do they ever solicit Social Security numbers or FEIN numbers from business level customers, or any customers, for that matter.

We were offered lower gas prices in exchange for the wanted, personal information.

This matter has been reported to the appropriate authorities who handle criminal activities, specifically, fraud. If you happen to live in New Hampshire and someone “fishy” calls you, just hang up. Then, alert the Attorney General’s office, Fraud Division. In New Hampshire, that phone number is (603) 271-3658.

One of the tips that something was awry with the call was that instead of a phone number read-out on the phone, indicating who is calling, there was a message in letters that seemed to imply that the call was being generated by an official of government. A report has also been filed with the police and all calls to them are recorded.

Someone on the phone is just a voice, and a complete stranger. Arm yourself, mentally, before you take a call. Then, be cautious as to any private information you reveal, no matter how benign it may seem to you. The best protection is to just hang up the minute something seems questionable. There is no rule that says you have to be polite to someone who wishes you harm. Provide information on a “need to know” basis. Please remember that criminals don’t need to know ANY details of your life.

This message is brought to you as a public service.