FR Goes to the Mattresses: Helpful Hints for the Coming Election Siege

www.freerepublic.com | November 4, 2002

[Howlin]

In perilous times such as these, filled with Breaking News on practically an hourly basis, words of war, debate about the war, an upcoming election, and scandal after scandal foisted upon this country, it is time that we FR "regulars" share helpful hints and recipes to get us through these busy days and nights ahead, logged on to FR continuously, all the while trying to maintain a "real life" -- or, at the very least, trying to maintain the appearance of one!

Please use this thread to share your experiences -- "what worked for you," if you will -- of past elections and breaking news cycles, in order to help our newest forum members understand what is coming their way -- and the preparations they must make in order to survive and still have somewhat of a life (not to mention brain) in tact after November 5th and the days that follow.

Realizing that new blood brings fresh ideas, us "old-timers" are open to any and all suggestions from any current Freepers who may have a better idea!

This IS the thread for

"Food for Breaking News"

and

"Helpful Household Tips to Free Up Time to Freep."

***Those os you who feel COMPELLED to discuss clothing for Freeping, do so at your own peril.

[6ppc]

I hope some enterprising freepers will also include suggestions on "how to look like you're working when breaking news hits the fan".

Easy...keep a window of real work open, make sure it is large enough to cover your browser window, and keep your mouse on that window outside the browser window. Hand on mouse, ready to click, scroll using left hand on page up/down keys. If someone enters your office or cube, one click hides the evidence;^)

[kcvl]

TOMATO BEEF MACARONI

1 to 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
1/2 green pepper
1 sm. onion
Salt & pepper to taste
Chili powder to taste

Brown ground beef, green pepper and onion. Add salt, pepper and chili powder to taste. Slightly sprinkle garlic powder. After this cooks, drain off grease, then add to the mixture:
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 c. red kidney beans

Let simmer slowly. Meanwhile, cook 1 pound macaroni, then add all together. Serves 6.

---

EASY BROCCOLI BEEF BAKE

Brown together until onions are tender: 1 1/2 lb. ground beef or turkey
1 lg. onion (about 1 c.)
Drain - add: 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup

Stir until mixed and hot. Pour this mixture over 1 large package. Precooked chopped broccoli. Grate 2 kinds cheese (Jack and Cheddar, etc.) and sprinkle over top of beef mixture. Unroll 1 can (dairy case) crescent rolls into 2 strips and lay over top of cheese and bake per the directions for the rolls.

___________________________________________________________

MEXICAN CORNBREAD CASSEROLE

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 c. chopped onion
2 tbsp. chopped green chilies
2 eggs, beaten
1 can (1 lb.) creamed corn
2/3 c. milk
1 env. cornbread mix
4 slices American cheese

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Brown beef until crumbly. Drain excess fat. Add onions and pepper. Combine eggs, 1/2 of corn and milk and add to cornbread mix. Stir until moistened. Pour half of cornbread batter into greased 9 inch square pan. Top with beef, cheese slices and remaining corn. Pour other half of cornbread mixture on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

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MICROWAVE CHILE

1 lb. ground beef or turkey
1 med. onion, chopped
1 c. chopped celery
2 cans (10 3/4 oz.) tomato soup
1 can (16 oz.) kidney beans, undrained
1/4 c. water
1 1/2 to 2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Combine meat, onion and celery in 3 quart casserole dish. Microwave on high 6 to 9 minutes or until meat is cooked and vegetables are tender. Drain fat and break up meat. Stir in remaining ingredients. Cover. Micro on high 5 minutes. Stir. Reduce power to 50 percent. Micro uncovered 30 to 35 minutes. Stirring twice. Makes 2 quarts.

[kcvl]

Scorecards! Get your 2002 Election Scorecards Here!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/782206/posts

[My Favorite Headache]

Tuned in...lol..bump.

[kcvl]

TOASTED PECAN CHOCOLATE CAKE

1 box Duncan Hines fudge cake mix
1 box Jello French Vanilla Instant
Pudding Mix
3 eggs
3/4 c. oil
1 1/2 c. milk

Mix until smooth. Bake in 3 cake pans for about 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool and frost.

FILLING AND FROSTING
2 c. pecans (chopped and toasted)
1 (8 oz.) + 1 (3 oz.) cream cheese
1 1/2 sticks margarine
2 tsp. vanilla
1-2 sq. chocolate, melted

Beat margarine and cream cheese until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla. Set aside 1/3 of this mixture. To remaining 2/3, add toasted pecans. Spread between layers and on top. To remaining 1/3, add melted chocolate. Spread on outside of cake.

___________________________________________________________

CHOCOLATE ICE BOX CAKE

4 lg. Hershey bars, melted
4 egg yolks, beaten
4 egg whites, beaten stiffly
1/2 pt. whipping cream
Vanilla wafers

Pour beaten egg yolks over melted chocolate, add stiffly beaten egg whites and 1/2 pint whipping cream (beaten). Alternate this mixture in layers with vanilla wafers. Chill before serving.

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UPSIDE DOWN GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE

1 c. pecans, chopped
1 c. coconut
1 German chocolate cake mix
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1/2 c. butter, softened
1/2 c. powdered sugar

Spread pecans and coconut in bottom of greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Mix German chocolate cake according to box directions and pour over pecans and coconut. Cream together cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar and pour over cake. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. When removed it will be wiggly. Let stand for 30 minutes to cool. Turn over on cookie sheet and cut.

[kcvl]

CARROT CAKE

2 c. raw, shredded carrots
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 c. vegetable oil
1/4 c. orange juice
1 1/4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 c. chopped nuts
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING: Mix together carrots, sugar, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla until well blended. Combine remaining ingredients and stir into carrot mixture. Pour into a 12 cup fluted microwavable pan. Microwave 10 to 12 minutes on high power, turning once or twice. Let cake stand 10 minutes before removing from pan. When cake cools, remove from pan and top with Cream Frosting. Microwave a 3 oz. package cream cheese for 2 minutes on high. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon orange juice. Mix well. 18 servings.

[Petronski]

[kcvl]

ROFLOL!!!


Scorecards! Get your 2002 Election Scorecards Here!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/782206/posts

[colorado tanker]

"This is my first election since I found FR" I found out during 2000 that FR is the place for early info, early returns and leaked exit polling. FR has the mostest the firstest.

[Nam Vet]

I've got a feeling we had all better check the 'adult beverage' supply. Getting one's hands on the elixer of life can be rough on election days. Especially need the bracer if/when the Rats start filing lawsuits and pulling their standard Bravo Sierra.

Nam Vet

[Howlin]

I'm thinking we may need HEAVY drugs........LOL.

[Nam Vet]

I'll be on a TOTAL high should we snatch the Senate from the demons and hold the House.

Nam Vet

[mystery-ak]

Im telling you those half empty cans of paint come in handy....btw I have 5 bottles of Merlot just in case.
.....btw....I just had surgery and have whole bottle of vicadin....can't take them they made me sicker than a dog, how people get addicted to those is beyond me.

[bert]

Thanks for the hints. Us house husbands need to learn the ropes and you are giving valuable info.

I'm bandwidth rich and a FR lifer.

[Letitring]

I told my friends, bring your own, bake your own, buy your own, break your own, clean up your own, and don't bother me.:)

[ForOurFuture]

I don't have a checklist, but I'll share my personal "bellwether" races:

You might add MD governor and MD-02 to your list of bellweather races. An Ehrlich win would be the first for a Republican in Maryland in over 30 years, he lead 51-46% in the last poll, and the 2nd is a tight race between good candidates for Ehrlich's open seat. If the GOP can win these in one of the most democratic states in the nation.....

[bert]

Regarding that "FR crash" problem.....

When the storm hit in 2000, John Robinson put on his rain gear and went up on deck. He lashed himself to the mast and worked mightily through the howlin wind and lightnin. With rain pouring down in buckets, he worked to turn the tide and get Free Republic up and running and on course.

Remember that if the storm begins again on Tuesday.

[grammymoon]

I just read this whole thread and almost died laughing at the plans you guys have. I am so glad to see there are so many others who are freeper nuts.
This thread is going to be a FR classic.

OK, my plan for tomorrow is:
Get up early and finish up any work to be done (luckily,I work mostly at home).
Do two loads of laundry.
VOTE & drag the whole family with me.
Put a large sign on my home office door that says
"Leave Me Alone until dinner and after dinner,for the rest of the night"
Change to the most comfortable pair of sweats I own.
Take a nap somewhere in the afternoon.
Lay in a good supply of coffee, cigarettes, Grand Marneir &
Werthert's candy.
Stay on FR and Fox until it's as over as it could be.
I am thrilled to have a group like you people to go through this with. Good luck to all our candidates and to all of you.

[Howlin]

So far, my favorite has been cajungrl saying she might go ahead and set the table for Christmas dinner.........LOL.

[grammymoon]

yeah, and the tree being under a sheet was pretty good too!
You guys are just too funny. I love it!