The StarLink-IRC NEWSLETTER
March 2001
"All the news that fits, we print"
Happy Valentine! (And Canadian Flag Day)
This Issue: Tech Talk - Ten Tips for a Successful Channel
Vol 5, Issue 3
StarLink-IRC Newsletter
Published Occasionally
March 2001

StarLink-IRC Network - Your family friendly cybertown!
Editor-in-Chief - lois
Web Version Layout - Itsy

New Stars by treecat
Event Reviews by Amazing
Fogweb Follies by Itsy
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Send any news items to newsletter@starlink-irc.org
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Change of Address: For newsletter ONLY send info to Sinbad@StarLink-IRC.org

NET NEWS


General Information

Webring: For all who have webpages check www.starlink-irc.org/webring.html

Email Updates: All channel owners: If you happen to change ISP's or have a change of email address please let someone in #Channels know. If for any reason cservice needs to get in touch with you about your channel, we need a valid email address. You can let cservice know by sending an email to slirc-register@starlink-irc.org

Word Games:  Live trivia at various times and places throughout the week.

#International: We hope to bring together folks from all nations and languages .. come join us for chat, good friends, and if you can volunteer to translate, all the better. Even a smattering of another language is welcomed! Leave your names with Channel Owner Wullie or one of the other regulars if we can call on you for help. ¡Muchos gracias

WWW (Way With Words): Have you tried to come up with the perfect verse, greeting or message when sending a card, and your mind draws a blank? If you have some favorites, send them to Pat@pobox.com.


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Comments? Remarks? Send them to Lois and if they're nice, she might put them here.
Nothing this month.
THIS MONTH'S CELEBRATIONS - Let's party!
by lois
March
  • 20 HighWayMan's birthday (#SomeR50)
  • 20 Spring Equinox
  • 25 Plucky's birthday (#KrispyCreamDonuts)
  • 28 OldMan birthday (#Norwich)
  • 28 MtnMom's anniversary (#50&Fantastic)

April

  • Ed^ s birthday (#50&Fantastic)
  • 2 Chiefwo4's anniversary (#50&Fantastic)
  • 6 Ding-Bat's birthday (#50&Fantastic)
  • 13 Feisty^1's birthday (#50&Fantastic) 1
  • 5 Easter 16 BusterC's birthday (#das_boot, IRCOp)
  • 16 Char's birthday (#50&Fantastic)
  • 17 Chipshot's birthday (#50&Fantastic)
  • 18 Pen's birthday (#40&Fantastic)
  • 19 Sweetpea's birthday (#40&Fantastic)
  • 20 Blair-m's anniversary (#40&Fantastic)
  • 20 Kitten's birthday (#40&Fantastic)
  • 20 LiL'a birthday (#40&Fantastic)
  • 20 Northie's birthday (#40&Fantastic)
  • 21 Helenn's birthday (#40&Fantastic)


(If we do not have your birthday or anniversry date, let us know so we can celebrate with you. Tell us which channels you are on, please)
HORRORSCOPE
Read About Your Birthday Tree
by Lois

March 21- April 20 Aries the Ram

    • Planet : Mars
    • Gemstone: Diamond
    • March Birthstone: Bloodstone or Aquamarine
    • April Birthstone: Diamond
    • Flowers: Lily, violet
    • Lucky Star: Mars
    • Lucky Day. Tuesday
    • Lucky Color: Red
    • Lucky Numbers 1,2

    You are enthusiastic, ambitious, and determined, with a heart for success and a head for business. Although you are quite methodical in the plans you design to overcome obstacles, you also have a strong artistic streak and a love for all things beautiful which is no less persuasive. People respect you for your honesty, generosity, and original abilities, and these will take you far so long as you dedicate them to the pursuit of good deeds. Aries often become artists, architects, or writers, and are important participants in public affairs. They like to travel and are always on the lookout for a new adventure.

*Travel ad inserted by IMI Travel and Money Laundering, Inc.

amazing
AMAZING AND LESSER THINGS!
by Amazing

Are housework and chores keeping you away from the internet? Here are some sure fire short cuts that will have you back online in no time!

  • Cleaning the bathroom: Simply close the lid of the toilet. Close the shower door or curtain. For the illusion of a friendly cleanded bath, pour some Lysol in the trash can. That should hold you until you finally get someone to empty the trash. And....then send the kids outside to the ol' wash tub.
  • Laundry: Find a good place to hide it! Turn your clothes inside out and the will last another week. For odors...spray with cologne. If you absolutely need to do it, like you have no underwear (heck who needs underwear) wash them then stick them in the dryer. When it is time to fold them, DON'T! Just run the dryer to get out the wrinkles when you need fresh clothes.
  • Vacuuming: Call up a salesman for a vacuuming demonstration. Have him show you how the vauum works in all parts of the house. Insist that even though the carpet looks the same, it really is different in all parts of the house. Some valuable tips for success: Don't always call the same company, keep a chart and rotate. If there are any stubborn spots that require scrubbing recruit the cat. You may have to add some tuna water to spot in order to insure a thorough job. It's about time they earned their keep!
  • Wash the car: NAH! Move it into the garage. Heck, you don't use it anyway. It's not like anyone is going to see you drive it!
  • Doing dishes: If it doesn't come off in the dishwasher, call grandpa to come help. He's always willing to do anything for you. For really stubborn crud, just throw the dish out and start fresh. An even better idea, use paper plates, plastic utensils, paper napkins, etc. Write everyone's name on the plate or cup so they can use it over n' over n' over.
  • Mowing the lawn: Mowing problems solved! Raise goats for some extra income. Set them loose in the yard and they will keep the grass trimmed nice and neat. Plus they'll eat any of the debris that gets in the yard. Sell them in the winter, then you can start with a new bunch in the spring.

NOW YOU HAVE TIME FOR THE NET!


Subject: New Technology Hits the Rural Folks

  • LOG ON: Making a wood stove hot
  • LOG OFF: Too much wood on fire
  • MONITOR: Keep'n an eye on the wood stove
  • DOWN LOAD: Gitten the farwood off'n the truck
  • MEGA HERTZ: When yer not keerfull gitten the farwood
  • FLOPPY DISC: Whatcha git from tryin to tote too much farwood
  • RAM: That thar thang what splits the farwood H
  • ARD DRIVE: Gitten home in the winter time
  • WINDOWS: Whut to shut when its cold outside
  • SCREEN: Whut to shut when its black fly season
  • BYTE: Whut dem dang flys do
  • CHIP: Munchies fer the TV
  • MICRO CHIP: Whut's in the bottom of the munchie bag
  • MODEM: Whatcha do to the hay fields
  • DOT MATRIX: Ole Dan Matrix's wife
  • LAP TOP: Whar the kitty sleeps
  • KEYBOARD: Whar you hang the dang truck keys
  • SOFTWARE: Dem dang plastic forks and knifes
  • MOUSE: What eats the grain in the barn
  • MOUSE PAD: That's hippie talk fer where the mouse lives
  • MAINFRAME: Holds up the barn roof
  • PORT: Fancy flatlander wine
  • ENTER: Northerner talk fer "C'Mon in y'all" CLICK: Whut you hear when you cock yer gun
  • DOUBLE CLICK: When you cock the double barrel REBOOT: Whut you have to do right before bedtime when you have to go to the outhouse


Reminder: As some of you might know, there are other nets out there with the word 'starlink' in them. When telling your friends about what net you chat on -- PLEASE make sure you say StarLink-IRC.Org. And don't forget There is a 'quicklist' of servers at http://www.starlink-irc.org/serverlist.html

CHANNEL CHATTER
Tell us about your channel - send info to newsletter@starlink-irc.org
#40s
Nascarguy would like to welcome all to stop in the #40s channel and visit awhile. The #40s channel was started by Nascarguy as a place for the #40s Talk City folks to chat when Talk City outlawed the mirc/pirch scripts. There are three very good reasons he prefers chatting at Starlink-irc. 1. The channels here have live ops making it a safe environment to chat in. 2. The Starlink-irc network has ircOPs that will go out of their way to help you out with any problems encountered. 3. The meetings every Thursday and Sunday nights are informative, everyone is invited to join in them and its a great way to get to know your fellow chatters. The #40s channel is a good safe place to chat and well run by Nascarguy. And last but not least Sundays are Nascar Race Days in the #40s channel. Stop by sometime for friendly chat and good fun.
#DaBusStop
We would like to invite you all to our premier showing of popup art on March 31, a Saturday nite, at 10:00 pm eastern time the location ...... #DaBusStop right here on starlink-irc.org hope to see you all there Bus177

#Delightful's
A place to get away from the daily grind and relax with friends! http://home.swbell.net/de-lite/index.html
#OldRadio
Member Joe Mackey tells us that in this month in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his first “Fireside Chat” to the nation on the radio.
In this month in 1937, Comedians Fred Allen and Jack Benny met in the ballroom of the Hotel Pierre and engaged in a radio-broadcast feud, exchanging sharp-witted insults. It was a part of a 12-year running gag.
Those interested in old-time radio programs meet to chat on Thursdays, 8 PM Eastern on channel #OldRadio.
#50&Fantastic
On behalf of 50&Fantastic, I would like to say how happy and pleased we are to be the “new kids on the block” on Starlink_IRC. Our channel was located on Undernet for over three years until it was taken down by hackers. The warm acceptance, welcome and help we have received from the SLIRC help channel, as well as others who reside there, has made us feel right at home. Moving a channel is a difficult thing ­ all that has been done for us is greatly appreciated. We thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of your net. NOTE: Although we had previously registered ­ we held our “official” house warming on Feb 2, 2001. It was a huge success!
#50&Fantastic was registered on Dec 2, 1997, and while primarily for the 50' s group, all ages are welcome. Our motto is “under 50 mature ­ over 50 hopefully mature”. It is dedicated to clean, but fun, chat as well as playing short popups and great music. The people who make this channel possible come from all corners of the world and have dedicated many hours to oversee 50&Fantastic as well as offer assistance to newcomers so they, too, can have fun. It is staffed by ops in all time zones, and our doors are open almost 24 hours a day. Only one thing can make a channel a great one, and that is the visitors and regulars who frequent it, and we have the BEST.
We are very proud of our home page (now undergoing changes) and hope you will visit, look us over, and sign the guestbook. Please click on our ops and friends pages so you can meet us; the quarterly newsletter; the cookbook and the links page.
Love be with you, ^jaye, Channel Manager, 50&Fantastic email-judeeo@home.com
WHO'S DOING WHAT?

From MistyBlue (#Chataway, #40Something, #Celtic_Corner)

Mardi Gras has just passed the end of February. Several of our starlink-irc family have gotten together again this year, many from previous years, and a few new people this year. Gngrbrd and MistyBlue made there first trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2001 and have put together a web page for all there friends and loved ones to share in their wonderful memories of the week click here to share the week they spent in New Orleans Please sign the guestbook and tell us what you thought. And remember its Never too early to start planning for 2002!!!


(Tell us what's happening on your channel - send info to newsletter@starlink-irc.org)

FOGWEB FOLLIES
A short column of made-up facts and non-information brought to you by your friendly neighborhood arachnidspider

So here it is another Ides of March! (Where, 2045 years ago, Julie the C browsed thru his calendar for 44 BC and noticed it was blank for 43 BC .. that should have been his first hint!)

For those with stock in IMI, the current stock market crash is not my fault. I think we should all get together and blame it on Canada!! Or Bill Clinton. Or Hillary. Or all of the above! (always my favorite)

There is a rumor that chiefy had a birthday a day or two ago. The best thing to do is for everyone to message him a few dozen times a night at random. He really would appreciate that. Honest. Really. Trust Me. (Psst .. don't tell him you read it here)

Til the next April Fools day - have a happy rabbit season!

Itsy

treecat
NEW CHANNELS
New Stars Linked by Treecat ..
A warm welcome to this month's new channels and their owners.
If you have a chance, do stop in and give these folks a friendly Hi!
    • #Princess^Bride^FanClub - Buttercup
    • #rml - Commish
    • #Free4all - FreeBird
    • #KansasCity - DeepE
    • #wastelands - Leonhart
    • #Thunder_Hill_Stables - Reanna
    • #mixspelld - tich
    • #JAG - BenLeyton
    • #Snake^Pit - mongoose
    • #RainbowBrite - Rainbow
    • #AFriendlyQuiz - ]Pippa
    • #prosound - Soundman
    • #USS-Geronimo - Sootz
TRAVEL
Places to go on the net

If you haven't been there, check zonelabs.com and get Zone Alarm ..

It's worth the trip!

TECH TALK
Things to know
TEN TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CHANNEL
By Wullie

Tip for using the /whois command on irc.

Problem: sometimes when you do a /whois nickname, you can see the person's idle time, but other times you dont see it. This happens because the /whois only shows the idle time for other users that are on the same server that you are connected to. Now, you could reconnect to a different server to see a particular users idle time, but there is a much easier way.

Solution: The next time you do a /whois - try this, /whois - nickname nickname. The server reply should now show the idle time for this nickname on any server.

To make this easy in MIRC, open the nicknames popups and find these lines;

    mIRC Default Settings
    .UCentral:/uwho $1
    .Whois:/whois $$1
    .Query:/query $$1

    Change the 3rd. line to read like this,

    mIRC Default Settings
    .UCentral:/uwho $1
    .Whois:/whois $$1 $$1
    .Query:/query $$1

Now when you use the mIRC /whois popup you'll see the idletime for any nick that you highlight in a channel.

Wullie

(Next Month's Tech Tip: Does your computer have Alzheimer's, and is losing memory?)

Wullie Channel Service,StarLink-IRC.org

THE MEETING ROOM
by Amazing

All Times EST

No Special Meetings Submitted This Month


Regular Network Event Schedule
Note: All times are Eastern US
SUN
9:30 PM
#TownHall
Net-Wide User Meeting **
MON
 9:00 PM
--
--
TUE
 --:--
--
--
WED
 9:00 PM
#WedNiteTrivia 
Live TRIVIA (18+) .. spelling optional!
THU
 8:00 PM
 9:30 PM
10:00 PM
#OldRadio
#TownHall
#MoonShadow
Fans of Old Time Radio
Net-Wide User Meeting **
Trivia!
FRI
8:00 PM 
9:00 PM
#Islander
#Just4Fun
Live Trivia!
Now and then. Outburst Game! Fun for All
SAT
8:30 PM
#Kidzchat
Kids Trivia

Other Random but Fun Events: #Just4Fun (OUTBURST); #Sunshine_Again ( MADGABS)

RESERVE TOWNHALL FOR YOUR MEETING!
#Townhall can be reserved for parties or meetings. Send an email to slirc-register@starlink-irc.org if you are interested in reserving the channel for an event. An email will be sent back, confirming the reservation. Put #townhall in the SUBJECT of the mail, and date, time and reason in the BODY.

Yet Another Unpaid Advertisement!. there has to be some way to make a buck here

IN MEMORIAM
Those who have moveed on
THE LIBRARY
contributed poems, humor, and stories

YOU KNOW YOU'RE CANADIAN WHEN
Contributed by Geezer #OldRadio (A Canadian) You know you're Canadian when.....

  • You only know three spices: salt, pepper and ketchup.
  • ou design your Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.
  • The mosquitoes have landing lights.
  • You have more miles on your snow blower than your car.
  • You have 10 favorite recipes for moose meat.
  • Canadian Tire on any Saturday is busier than the toy stores at Christmas.
  • You live in a house that has no front step, yet the door is one meter above the ground.
  • You've taken your kids trick-or-treating in a blizzard.
  • Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.
  • You owe more money on your snowmobile than your car.
  • The local paper covers national and international headlines on 2 pages, but requires 6 pages for hockey.
  • At least twice a year, the kitchen doubles as a meat processing plant.
  • The most effective mosquito repellent is a shotgun.
  • Your snow blower gets stuck on the roof.
  • You think the start of deer season is a national holiday.
  • You head south to go to your cottage.
  • You frequently clean grease off your barbecue so the bears won't prowl on your deck.
  • You know which leaves make good toilet paper.
  • The major parish fund-raiser isn't bingo it's sausage making.
  • You find -40C a little chilly.
  • The trunk of your car doubles as a deep freeze.
  • You attend a formal event in your best clothes, your finest jewelry and your Sorels.
  • You can play road hockey on skates.
  • You know 4 seasons: Winter, Still Winter, almost Winter and road construction.
  • The municipality buys a Zamboni before a bus.
  • You understand the Labatt Blue commercials.
  • You perk up when you hear the theme from "Hockey Night in Canada".
  • You actually get these jokes and forward them to all your Canadian friends!
  • · * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    A BIT OF HUMOR Contributed by Mick Gurling
    It's rumored that this was posted very briefly on the MDD site by an employee there who obviously has a sense of humor. The company, of course, does not have a sense of humor, and made the web department take it down immediately.

    For once, the 'IMPORTANT' note at the end is worth a read too.----
    WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD
    Thank you for purchasing a McDonnel Douglas (MDD) military aircraft. In order to protect your new investment, please take a few moments to fill out the warranty registration card below. Answering the survey questions is not required, but the information will help us to develop new products that best meet your needs and desires.
    1. Title: [_] Mr. [_] Mrs. [_] Ms. [_] Miss [_] Lt. [_] Gen. [_] Comrade [_] Classified [_] Other First Name:
    Initial: .. Last Name ......... Password: ..... (max. 8 char)
    Code Name: ........... Latitude-Longitude-Altitude: ............

    2. Which model aircraft did you purchase?
    [_] F-14 Tomcat [_] F-15 Eagle [_] F-16 Falcon [_] F-117A Stealth [_] Classified

    3. Date of purchase (Year/Month/Day): ....../....... /......

    4. Serial Number:...............
    5. Please indicate where this product was purchased: [_] Received as gift / aid package [_] Catalogue / showroom [_] Independent arms broker [_] Mail order [_] Discount store [_] Government surplus [_] Classified

    6. Please indicate how you became aware of the MD product you have just purchased: [_] Heard loud noise, looked up [_] Store display [_] Espionage [_] Recommended by friend / relative / ally [_] Political lobbying by manufacturer [_] Was attacked by one

    7. Please indicate the three (3) factors that most influenced your decision to purchase this MDD product: [_] Style /appearance [_] Speed / maneuverability [_] Price / value [_] Comfort /convenience [_] Kickback / bribe [_] Recommended by salesperson [_] McDonnell Douglas reputation [_] Advanced Weapons Systems [_] Back-room politics [_] Negative experience opposing one in combat

    8. Please indicate the location(s) where this product will be used: [_] North America [_] Iraq [_] Iraq [_] Aircraft carrier [_] Iraq [_] Europe [_] Iraq [_] Middle East (not Iraq) [_] Iraq [_] Africa [_] Iraq [_] Asia / Far East [_] Iraq [_] Misc. Third World countries (not Iraq) [_] Iraq [_] Classified [_] Iraq

    9. Please indicate the products that you currently own or intend to purchase in the near future: [_] Color TV [_] VCR [_] ICBM [_] Killer Satellite [_] CD Player [_] Air-to-Air Missiles [_] Space Shuttle [_] Home Computer [_] Nuclear Weapon

    10. How would you describe yourself or your organization? (Indicate all that apply): [_] Communist / Socialist [_] Terrorist [_] Crazed [_] Neutral [_] Democratic [_] Dictatorship [_] Corrupt [_] Primitive / Tribal

    11. How did you pay for your MDD product? [_] Deficit spending [_] Cash [_] Suitcases of cocaine [_] Oil revenues [_] Personal check [_] Credit card [_] Ransom money [_] Traveler's check

    12. Your occupation: [_] Homemaker [_] Sales / marketing [_] Revolutionary [_] Clerical [_] Mercenary [_] Tyrant or Parent [_] Middle management [_] Eccentric billionaire [_] Defense Minister / General [_] Retired [_] Student

    13. To help us better understand our customers, please indicate the interests and activities in which you and your spouse enjoy participating on a regular basis: [_] Golf [_] Boating / sailing [_] Sabotage [_] Running / jogging [_] Propaganda / misinformation [_] Destabilization / overthrow [_] Default on loans [_] Gardening [_] Crafts [_] Black market / smuggling [_] Collectibles / collections [_] Watching sports on TV [_] Wines [_] Interrogation / torture [ ] Household pets [_] Crushing rebellions [_] Espionage / reconnaissance [_] Fashion clothing [_] Border disputes [_] Mutually Assured Destruction

    Thank you for taking the time to fill out this questionnaire. Your answers will be used in market studies that will help McDonnell Douglas serve you better in the future - as well as allowing you to receive mailings and special offers from other companies, governments, extremist groups, and mysterious consortia. As a bonus for responding to this survey, you will be registered to win a brand new F-117A in our Desert Thunder Sweepstakes!

    Comments or suggestions about our fighter planes? Please write to: Marketing Department Military, Aerospace Division.

    IMPORTANT: This e-mail is intended for the use of the individual addressee(s) named above and may contain information that is confidential, privileged or unsuitable for overly sensitive persons with low self-esteem, no sense of humor, or irrational religious beliefs. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is not authorized (either explicitly or implicitly) and constitutes an irritating social faux pas. Unless the word absquatulation has been used in its correct context somewhere other than in this warning, it does not have any legal or grammatical use and may be ignored. No animals were harmed in the transmission of this email, although the Kelpie next door is living on borrowed time, let me tell you.

    Those of you with an overwhelming fear of the unknown will be gratified to learn that there is no hidden message revealed by reading this warning backwards, so just ignore that Alert Notice from Microsoft. However, by pouring a complete circle of salt around yourself and your computer you can ensure that no harm befalls you and your pets. If you have received this e-mail in error, please add some nutmeg and egg whites and place it in a warm oven for 40 minutes. Whisk briefly and let it stand for 2 hours before icing.


    WWW (Way With Words) By Scorp

    Have you tried to come up with the perfect verse, greeting or message when sending a card, and your mind draws a blank? If you have some favorites, send them to Pat@pobox.com.

    Here is one for Easter!
    Easter Greeting Quick, what's the significance of egg hunts on Easter?
    I don't know and don't ask me about the Easter bunny either
    HAPPY EASTER ! !

    Contributors: Please eliminate the forwarding marks (> > >) from your articles before sending them.

    Lois
    -30-
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