There are ways to stop telemarketing calls

Dear Readers: If you don't like getting those annoying telemarketing calls that usually seem to disturb you when you are eating dinner, you can do something to stop them from coming into your home. Here are steps you can take:
Add your phone number to the National Do Not Call Registry by going online to: donotcall.gov, or call (888) 382-1222. If you register online, you will get an e-mail confirmation. You must click on the link to assure that your number is added to the registry.
When your number has been in the registry for three months, most telemarketing calls should stop.
But be aware that not all of the calls will stop, since not all are included. You can still receive calls from charities, telephone surveyors or political organizations. Calls also might come from companies that you do business with or from companies that you have given permission to.
If you are still getting calls and feel that they may be fraudulent, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357. Heloise
P.S. It's OK to hang up on an unwanted telemarketing call. The telemarketer called you, not the other way around!
Dear Heloise: Since I discovered this tasty way of making potato pancakes, I plan for leftover potatoes when I make scalloped potatoes and ham.
I make scalloped potatoes as usual. I use three layers of thinly sliced potatoes sprinkled with pepper, dried onion and flour. I sandwich some ham pieces between the two bottom layers and cover with the top layer, then pour milk over it and bake for an hour and a half (check and see -- it might need a few more minutes) at 350 F.
I serve the top layers of potatoes and all of the ham, and refrigerate the bottom-layer potatoes in the dish. A day or so later, I coarsely mash (lumps are good) the refrigerated layer and include any browned bits clinging to the sides of the dish. I mold the mixture into balls and flatten into pancakes, then dust each side with flour and fry in a little butter (I use light margarine) about 15-20 minutes, until nicely browned. My husband says they're the best potato pancakes I've ever made. Dee Tusch, Fulshear, Texas
Dear Heloise: I must, out of necessity, carry my cordless phone with me at all times. I found it fits perfectly in an empty, square tissue box in my walker tote. Sylvia Ziemer, Southbury, Conn.
Dear Heloise: When you get a splinter, reach for transparent tape before resorting to tweezers or a needle. Simply put the tape over the splinter and then pull it off. The tape will remove most splinters. Judy Burkhardt, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: While looking for glue one day to reseal an envelope, I found clear fingernail polish instead. It worked beautifully. Cindy Keitch, Pierre, S.D.
Dear Heloise: Use lengths of metal chain to weigh down dropcloths when potting plants, painting, etc., outdoors on breezy days. Gail, St. Augustine, Fla.
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate