Sugar Cookies Learn how to make a perfect version of this Christmas classic without getting sticky dough all over your kitchen.		Easy Side Dishes These sides are perfect complements to your entrees this season and a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies.

		During the holiday season, many people are consumed with celebrations, shopping, and wrapping up year-end business. Inattention plus the holiday spirit equals a prime time for scammers to make their move. So-called charity scams involve getting you to give your money to a “worthy cause” that’s actually just a scammer’s pocket. To avoid getting taken, follow these tips: Thoroughly check out every organization you’re considering giving a donation. Go online to see if it has a website. Better yet, go to Give.org to see if the cause is recognized by the Better Business Bureau. Also, run a Google search on the organization’s name plus the word “scam.” Listen carefully. Scammers use organization names that are close to those of actual charities to make you think you’d be giving to a legitimate organization. Ask questions. If you’re being called by a representative of the organization, ask about the caller’s relationship to the cause. Some organizations use professional fundraisers to solicit for them. Find out what percentage of your donation goes to the actual charity. Don’t give in. Phony charities often pressure you to give money immediately without having a chance to do research or think it through. Don’t give in to pressure tactics. Instead, take the information and do your own checking. Beware of the phony thank-you note. Some unscrupulous actors will send you a thank-you note, making it look like you’ve given to an organization before. They think this action will make you more likely to give “again.” Don’t fall for it. Check your records to make sure they match. Don’t make it easy for them. Never give out personal or financial information such as your Social Security number, birthdate, or bank account number and only make payments with a credit card or check.

MUST SEE VIDEOS

Dec 18 2019

MUST SEE VIDEOS

		Holiday Central This Food Network site offers tips on decorating, food, and parties to make your holiday season sparkle. Learn more…		FlightAware Picking up family at the airport this season? Enter the flight number here to watch its progress in real time. Learn more…		Financial Checkup Get a head-start on your financial New Year’s resolutions by reviewing this list and taking the required steps. Learn more…

		An Unforgettable Cup of Coffee This TED Talk speaker learned an inspiring lesson about happiness from an airport barista named Lily on Christmas Eve.		Dazzling Christmas Light Shows You won’t believe these complex holiday displays. Some of them feature the synchronization of many homes.

		Question: I’m not a big social media user but my friends finally convinced me to give Instagram a try. How do I get started and post things people will like? Answer: If you’re already using other social media sites like Facebook, you’ll find that Instagram is similar in many ways. If not, Instagram is easy to learn. Here are some suggestions for sharing your photos and videos: Frequency: Find the right balance between posting too much and not enough. If you post too infrequently, followers will drift away. If you post too much, they’ll get annoyed by your items flooding their feed. Subject matter: Use your account to show your smiling face sometimes but don’t forget about the rest of the world. Post photos of beautiful scenery, other people, and, yes, even your food. Special effects: Instagram includes some filters to change the way your photos look. They can be fun in small doses but don’t be tempted to overuse them. Hashtags: These “labels” for your text can help you connect to others with similar interests. But again, don’t overdo it. One or two hashtags per post is plenty. Reciprocation: It’s always a thrill when others comment on or like your posts. Remember that feeling and give it to others by commenting on or liking 2-3 items from other people for every one you post. Stories: Use the Stories function (in which photos and videos disappear after 24 hours) to share fun, in-the-moment shots, while saving your best work for your permanent profile.