.TRIVIA_DREAMS Newsletter
March 2005 Volume III,
Issue 3
By Jerri Clark Kirby,
aka Lorellei
Back in 1992, scientists somewhere announced that
there is undisputable proof that a black hole exists in the center of another
galaxy. It cannot be seen, of course; black holes are so dense and compressed
that even light cannot defy their gravity. They can, however, see this one
galaxy where brightness is fading, for the first time. Stars and spirals of
blazing matter cavort and are drawn into a dark pit about half the size of our
solar system, a hungry animal consuming everything in its corner of the
universe. At 30 million light years or so away, this "nothing" that
consumes anything lives, exists and is. Because no one else has a better
explanation, I have determined that this black hole is the cause of our own
earth's changing weather. Perhaps the black hole has twisted the paths of our
planet winds, causing the arrogant winds to push things in other than normal
directions, causing tidal waves, hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,
droughts and flooding. Blaming all these
things on something so far away makes good sense to me. It also helps point out that all things are
related, connected and dependent on each other. While I understand things are
related, connected and dependent on each other and, more importantly, that
change is inevitable, I cannot help but wish there were just a few more heavy
winters before we have to face the inevitable fire threats we will this year. Lack of cold and moisture in the form of
"normal" snow has created unpleasant living conditions for all
inhabitants of this area. We are
officially in a drought and even last summer, some wells around here dried up.
Ours is a deep well but if the fires become serious, there may not be enough
water to put them out. This is nature's way and, after doing all we can and
being prepared for the worst, we can only hope it will be ok. If it is not,
we'll have to accept that too: easy to say, not so easy to do. I fret over things like if there's a fire,
can we save our cat-raised-by-a-fox; will the ravens, Never
and More, find a safe place; will the fox that raised the cat get away ok; will
the mule deer get down in the valley ok; and will the resident skunk survive
down below. These thoughts plague me
daily and it is difficult to quiet them. We have a fire escape plan. We have cleaned our place, and continue to
clear it, of dried pine needles, dead trees, stuff that will burn easily. We
have hoses at the ready and had local fire prevention workers take out lots of
small trees and bushes and undergrowth that would fuel a fire. However, I watched a huge, out of control
fireball roll across a mountain across the valley from us - a fireball that
size would take anything and everything in its path. And so we do the best we can, and pray, and
hope. This is part of life and I still believe that the black hole way out
there in another galaxy has something to do with all of this.
The Newsletter will take a few months off after this
issue. I have a lot of travel plans and some serious writing projects. I hope
to be back at the ready by September and we may have a few updates from time to
time. Meanwhile, if you have announcements or things to go in the newsletter,
do send them on to: jerrikirby@yahoo.com
- I'll still be around.
Announcements and Player News
TBW, having pretty much gotten his heart-related
problems settled down nicely, decided to develop a nasty cold. He seems to be
coming out of that and let's hope he stays well for a long time. Saxie98^,
Bulls and jb` have all suffered with sinus problems this past month. Get
better folks! PhD went to the ER on
March 8th with his first indication of heart problems. He feels ok and is
seeing a specialist this week. Good luck and our prayers are with you. Pat has had her share of health
problems as have CathyK and Snowie55. Also, Emmah has been having some back
problems and was due for an MRI to check that out. Prayers and positive vibes
go out to all of you - heal quickly and peacefully.
Kath lost her cat, Shelley,
recently. Shelley was 13 years old
and left a great sad hole in Kath's heart. We have all known the
sadness of losing a beloved pet and send hugs of empathy and caring to Kath and
to her husband.
Fl_Beachco and his bride will celebrate 36 years of marriage
this month. Congratulations to you both; quite an amazing record these days!
May the next 36 years bring happiness and contentment.
PAT is still turning out lovely wood carvings and wood
burnings. See her creations at http://community.webshots.com/user/prs62
Zooey is headed out of
One of my anticipated
activities this summer is a cruise up the inside
Wouldn't it be nice if
whenever we messed up our life we could simply press "Ctrl Alt
Delete" and start over?
HONEY
Recent studies of honey and
cinnamon prove that honey is effective in diminishing more than a few health
problems, without any known side effects. Following of some of the suggestions
to improve health using these foods:
Heart
Disease: A paste of
honey and cinnamon powder, used on breakfast bread instead of jam or jelly, has
been proven to reduce cholesterol as well as strengthen the heart. The arteries
and veins appear to be revitalized. Bladder Infection: To aid in
destroying germs in the bladder, mix 2 tablespoons of cinnamon powder with one
teaspoon of honey in a glass of warm water.
Toothache: Make a paste of one teaspoon cinnamon powder and 5
teaspoons of honey; apply to aching tooth; apply 3 times a day until tooth
stops hurting. Cholesterol: 2 tablespoons of honey plus 3 teaspoons of
cinnamon powder, mixed in 16 ounces of hot water has been found to reduce the
level of cholesterol in the blood by 10% in a few hours. Arthritis: Pure
honey taken with food daily diminishes arthritic pain considerably. A teaspoon
on a cracker or piece of toast, or other bread, is suggested. Colds: One
tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder, daily for 3 days.
This will calm chronic coughs, cold and clear the sinuses. Upset Stomach:
One tablespoon honey with 2 teaspoons cinnamon will soothe upset stomach and
reduce stomach ulcers. Gas: A tablespoon of honey with a teaspoon of
cinnamon is said to relieve gas. Immune System: Daily use of honey and
cinnamon powder is said to strengthen the immune system, protecting the body
from bacteria and viral attacks. Indigestion: Cinnamon powder sprinkled
on 2 tablespoons of honey taken before eating relieves acidity and helps in the
digestion of the heaviest of meals. Influenza: Honey contains an
ingredient which helps kill off the flu germs, protecting against the flu. Longevity:
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, taken daily, appears to slow ageing.
Take 4 teaspoons of honey, a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and 3 cups of water.
Boil, drink 1/4 cup, 3 to 4 times a day.
BIRTHDAYS: March 21 to April 20 Aries
the RAM ^
**Bulls: March 24***Martha: April
14***Tantricfa: April 24***Devo's: April 17**
Traditional Aries traits:
adventurous, energetic, pioneering, courageous, enthusiastic, confident,
dynamic and quick-witted. Negative side:
Selfish, quick-tempered, impulsive, impatient, foolhardy, daredevil
**The
Spring Equinox, March 21, is the beginning of the new zodiac year; Aries, the
first sign, is therefore that of new beginnings. The young ram is adventurous,
ambitious, impulsive, enthusiastic and full of energy. The Arian is a pioneer
both in thought and action, very open to new ideas and a lover of freedom. They
welcome challenges and will not be diverted from their purpose except by their
own impatience, which will surface if they don't get quick results. Aries
people are courageous leaders with a genuine concern for those they command,
being responsible people, and it is rare that they will use their subordinates
to obtain their own objectives as leaders, but occasionally it does happen.
They do not make very good followers because they are too "take
charge." In personal relationships Arians are frank, direct and candid,
and make enthusiastic, generous friends. They are liable to have a high sex
drive and make passionate but fastidious lovers. There is, however, a negative
side to their associations with other people. They are easily irritated by
slowness or moderation in heir companions and, though themselves sensitive,
ride roughshod over the sensitivities of others. The intensity of their sexual
urges can drive them to promiscuity and a Don Juan-like counting of conquests
of the opposite sex. It can also trick them into early unwise marriage which
may end disastrously. Arians are highly devoted to their children, even to the
point of laying down their own lives, so that they might live. You will not
find a more defensive and loving parent in the entire zodiac. As the first sign
in the zodiac, you, the Arian, want to "get something started and lead the
way." The Sun in this zodiac position gives your will free rein to express
itself. You could be doing this in the form of some leadership role, or by
forcing others to look at themselves in a new way. You can accomplish this by
knowingly carrying out a deliberate act in the name of some cause that moves
you. A negative effect of this sun sign is that you could sometimes unknowingly
make it hard for others to relate to you, as you really are.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our ARIANS!!!
Web Sites You Can Use:
TAX: http://www.irs.gov
and http://aarp.org/taxaide
Give this one a chance to
fully load - you have to copy paste it - you just get an error message by
clicking:
http://www.softlab.ece.ntua.gr/~sivann/pub/videoshere/KFee_Auto.mpg
Melon Carvings - these are awesome: http://www.americade.info/melons.htm
A doorway to live webcams all over the globe: http://www.opentopia.com/hiddencam.php
A repeat, requested:
http://chocolatebox.com/
(everything you want/need to know about chocolate)
KITCHEN
HINTS:
**When baking pies such as Strawberry Rhubarb, peach,
apple and blueberry, or any other pie that tends to be juicy, just mix in with
the filling: 1 TBSP unflavored dried bread crumbs; also put 1 tablespoon
sprinkled over bottom crust. For a larger pie than 12 inches, use 2 tablespoons
in filling and on bottom crust. I never have a spill over and no one knows
there are dried breadcrumbs in the pie.
**Dip strips of bacon in cold water before frying.
This prevents the bacon from curling.
**Garnish drinks according to the flavor of the
drink. A sweet, fruity drink is enhanced by a citrus wedge, slice or twist,
fresh berries, mint springs, cherries or mixed fruit kabobs. A vegetable or
beef-based drink can be perked up with a celery or carrot stick, olive or
cocktail onion. A hot drink is nicer with a candy cane or cinnamon stick
stirrer; pick a compatible flavor. Citrus peel studded with whole cloves adds
flavor and color to a hot spicy or fruity punch.
**If you reduce the amount of oil, replace the liquid
with an equal amount of milk, water, chicken broth or fruit juice.
**Sprinkle nuts and cheese on top of food rather than
mix them throughout the dish.
**Replace up to half the fat in muffins and baked
goods with applesauce or pureed fruit. No-fat sour cream may be used as well.
**Substitute 2 egg whites or 1/4 c fat free egg product
for 1 whole egg.
**Sauté onions in water, broth or wine rather than
oil or margarine.
Another fudge pie recipe - this from Fl_Beachco's wife:
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup(1 stick) butter softened, 2 egg yolks, 2 egg whites, 2
squares Baker's unsweetened chocolate, melted; 1/2 cup + 1 TB all purpose flour,
1/8 tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla
Cream
butter and sugar well; beat in 2 egg yolks. Add melted chocolate. Sift and
measure and beat into butter mixture. In a separate bowl, whip 2 egg whites and
salt, until stiff. Add vanilla and fold into chocolate mixture. Bake in
well-greased 9" glass pie plate in 325F degree oven for about 30-45
minutes. Cool. Top with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.
And finally, a little advice:
*Give
people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
*Don't
believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
*When
you say, "I love you," mean it.
*Believe
in love at first sight.
*Love
deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life.
*When
someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask, "Why
do you want to know?"
*Remember
that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
*Smile
when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
*Spend
some time alone.
And
remember: …When you go into court, you are putting yourself in the hands of 12
people that weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty…
Newsletter
questions, complaints, suggestions to: jerrikirby@yahoo.com
Anything
else to: tbwells@ucom.net