The StarLink-IRC NEWSLETTER
May 2004
STARTING OUR EIGHTH YEAR ONLINE !!

Vol 7, Issue 5
 StarLink-IRC Newsletter
Published Occasionally
May 2004  
StarLink-IRC Network - Your family friendly cybertown!
IN THIS ISSUE
Celebrations
Amazing and Lesser Things by Amazing
New Channels by treecat
Fogweb Follies by Itsy
Way With Words by Scorp
COLUMNS
Movies  Movie Reviews by Zadi
Cooking Recipes by Wildchild
Mabel Gossip
READER CONTRIBUTIONS
Channel Chatter Channel News
Who's Doing What Personal events
Travel Interesting websites
Tips Tips and Useful Information
TechTalk Tech tips
The Library Humor and Otherwise

EDITORIAL
Editor-in-Chief - chattie
Associate Editor - NOLady
Web Version Layout - Itsy
Network Info and Notices News
General Information General
Reader Commentary Letters
Editor Emeritus - Lois of #OldRadio

Subscribe / Change of Address
And get your own copy by mail every month!
Articles Wanted!
Deadline is 15th of the Month

The Meeting Room Channel & Net Events
In Memoriam Those no longer with us
Back Issues

This is YOUR newsletter - Send news items to newsletter@starlink-irc.org
Send any gossip or other dirt to the same place!
Contributors: Please eliminate the forwarding marks (>>>) from submissions!!

SL-IRC LOGO STUFF SHAMELESS PLUG
We have made available some items (mugs, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats) with our logo at Cafepress - http://www.cafeshops.com/slirc   Cafepress sets the item base cost and handles all sales, production,  shipping, and warranty. StarLink-IRC gets no money from sales of these items.

General Information
Logo Stuff: SL-IRC logo items www.cafeshops.com/slirc
Security: TriStar and security: www.starlink-irc.org/security/
Webring: For your webpages check www.starlink-irc.org/webring.html
Guestbook: Visit or Sign our www.starlink-irc.org/guestbook to enter your comments.
Ombudspersons: See www.starlink-irc.org/slirc-org.html#Ombudsman
Why We Are Here: A #Townhall Special Presentation

Email Updates: To all channel owners: If you have changed internet service providers please let cservice know if you have a new email address. We need the information to be able to contact you in case of problems with your channel or in case you have forgotten to authenticate in your channel and need a reminder to do so. Email addresses ARE kept confidential- send updates toslirc-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 welcome!

DISCLAIMER - Web sites shown or linked here may contain executable files or programs. Be advised that StarLink-IRC has no knowledge of the suitability or effects these may have on your system. We advise everyone to make a carefully informed decision prior to running any new software.


FROM THE EDITOR

What a happy day for StarLink-IRC folks when our Editor Emeritus, Lois, returned to us after being away for a while due to illness and recuperation.  WELCOME HOME, LOIS!!

Are you an avid reader?  Would you like to write a book review column for our newsletter?  Maybe you have another idea for a monthly column.  Please submit your ideas!!

CELEBRATIONS AND CALENDAR
Your BIRTHDAY TREE

May's gemstone is Emerald, the symbol of Hope, flower is the Lilly of the Valley
June's gemstone is Pearl, the symbol of Beauty, June's flower is the Rose

EVENTS

May 29       Happy Second Anniversary #50sWorldWide

APRIL Birthdays
MAY Birthdays
May 11       Poliwogg of #40Something
May 14       Violaviola of #Trivia_Dreams
May 14       Emmah of #Trivia_Dreams
May 21       Mags``` of #Trivia_Dreams
May 24       Fantasizer of #Trivia_Dreams
May 25       Aussy of #Trivia_Dreams
May 29       Star^ of #Trivia_Dreams

June  1      Kaysue of #Trivia_Dreams
June  3      BG of #40Something
June  5      Sungglebun of #Trivia_Dreams
June  6      crumbl of #40Something
June 11     Captain Jager of #Cops
June 11     IRC Op Radek_cz
June 12     Ja^ of #Trivia_Dreams
June 18     Redwood of #Trivia_Dreams
June 19     IRC Op BEING
June 30     Pappy1 of #40Something and #Momma^s_House
We wish the rest of you Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary except that we DON'T KNOW your special dates!  Scream and kick and cry and throw a hissy fit until your channel owner sends in your dates!  Or just mail newsletter@starlink-irc.org and we'll include YOUR special date in the next edition.
Amazing
AMAZING AND LESSER THINGS!
by Amazing

Please check out www.searchirc.com  and see what its all about.


Thanks to everyone for making StarLink-IRC the wonderful cybertown that it is!  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 at http://www.starlink-irc.org/serverlist.html
treecat NEW CHANNELS AND CHANGES
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!
NEW CHANNELS

# NTK - Lorellei
# theconfederacy - robtelee
# japanchat - ncje
# Kokomo - THOMAS
# gwracing -  dustin
# funchat - kiki

CHANGES

# 12steps_Alanon
is renamed to #CODA-Recovery

# CODA-Recovery transferred to kaye
# Wolfsden
transferred to ladyhawke
# iluvquiltz
transferred to nkw

CHANNEL CHATTER    What's happening in the channels ...

#50sWorldWide

It's A Party and Everyone is Invited!
Everyone loves a good party and this is a party
that you won't want to miss. Bring a friend!
Lots of FOOD (Aussie style), fun and good times.  Please join us as we celebrate the 2nd birthday of  #50sworldwide - ^Vulcan, Owner
Party Date - May 29 2004
Party Time - 6 P.M. (ET) till whenever!
Place - #50sworldwide

#handsaroundtheworld

From LindyM of #handsaroundtheworld channel:
Though only 4 months old, we have growing and have many talented regular chatters. One of those chatters is Tisket from Canada.  Tisket is very handy with a needle and thread and her trusty sewing machine. She has given up a full-time job to open her own home-based craft business. She is fulfilling her dream to be her own boss.  Why not visit Tisket's site and see some of the marvelous items she has made. http://www.geocities.com/gcpcrafts.
We pray she will have great success!
LindyM

#DruidRealm
Being as we're fairly new to StarLink-IRC, we'd like to take the opportunity to welcome those chatters who follow any one of the Pagan beliefs, whether it be Wicca, Druidry, and so on! We emphasize that this channel is not open to religious debate, instead, we strive to bring a peaceful place to share experiences with one another and give insight to those who have questions and wish to learn more regarding Pagans and their beliefs. We don't require that you be a Pagan to visit #DruidRealm, but we do require that you enter with an open mind and show respect to your fellow chatters. So come on in and have a good time! :) - Anomir

#Trivia_Dreams

Month of April winners
1. Vanilla199 310069
2. Kathie22 282014
3. CathyK 203516
4. Snowie55 173605
5. TantricFa 158370
6. Teresa 156033
7. Carla^ 129434
8. ^jaye 121932
9. PhD 108031
10. ElusvRose 107385
11. trtlseeker 87387
12. Martha 57641
13. shellyadd 55169
14. Lorellei` 51116
15. jb` 50476
16. Dee 50355
17. noneya21 42281
18. jackie 40306
19. orcapod 38298
20. bookworm 35026


#SailingTalk


Last September, Yours truly (CabinBoy)and other #SailingTalk Chatters Ariel,ChezBear, Katrina_rp Sailing4Life and Sailor got together for a week of fun and sailing in Maine. Chezbear wrote a magazine article about it and I thought I'd share it with you.
Feel free to stop in and talk about our adventures :-)

About the Isaac H. Evans:
LOA: 99 feet  
 LOD: 65 feet
CABINS: 11  
6 with double berths 
5 with 2 single berths
Declared a National Historic Landmark, the Isaac H. Evans was built in 1886 for use in the coastal oyster fishery. After many years plying this trade on Delaware Bay, she underwent a major rebuild to suit a new endeavor as a passenger carrying cruise ship. Retaining her classic lines and restoring the sturdy oak construction, she was fitted out with all modern safety and navigational gear. The “Evans” is well prepared to take her guests for an enchanting sailing vacation along the rugged Maine coastline.  See CabinBoy for booking information.

Reprinted with permission of: Porthole,
published by Manitoba Sailing Association

Schooner Cruising, By: Garry Hebert

My friend, Joe, was constantly telling us what great fun he had on his sailing trips aboard the schooner Isaac H. Evans. When he told me about the “Moonlight Sailing” cruise scheduled for last September, I decided that I would go along to see what it was all about.
I met Joe at the airport in Portland, Maine and after spending a couple of days at his place, we drove on to Rockland for the start of our cruise. When we arrived at the dock, I realized immediately that this would not be your run of the mill cruise. I noticed that the Captain had posted a list of tasks to be completed prior to departure. Although the list was obviously intended for the paid crew and staff, several passengers were pitching in. It quickly became apparent that these passengers had cruised on the “Evans” for many years and were just as familiar with the boat as the crew. For them, joining in the work was all part of the adventure.Working side by side with the crew, the cruisers, including Joe and myself, tackled items from the Captain’s to-do list. The other passengers busied themselves getting re-acquainted with old friends and meeting new shipmates. In jig time the chores had been completed and we were ready to go.

After spending our first night at the dock, we departed in the morning, gliding past the picturesque Rockland light under the gentle prodding of “Tug’nGrunt”, the powered yawl boat. The “Evans” was built in 1886 and does not have an auxiliary engine. When it is necessary to maneuver under power, the yawl boat is  lashed securely to the stern. Passing the light we entered Penobscot Bay and the sails began to fill. It was a beautiful sunny day with light winds that barely kept us moving.
Conditions were ideal for a rookie such as myself to learn about the intricacies of schooner sailing. At the end of the day we entered a sheltered cove where we dropped anchor and spent the night in the company of several other schooners and private yachts.
There were a total of fifteen cruisers onboard, almost all of whom were repeat customers. One couple had come all the way from Hawaii and two other couples had been cruising on the Evans for more than five years. The weather for the week was excellent with mostly clear sunny skies and no rain. This fair weather allowed us to take advantage of the full moon for three wonderful moonlit evening sails. The rest of the week passed much too quickly as we spent our days exploring the unspoiled scenic beauty of the Maine Coastline. At night we could be found anchored in sheltered coves and bays with names such as Clam Cove, Frenchboro, and Pretty Marsh Harbour.
A major attraction of schooner sailing vacations is that you can choose to participate in as much or as little of the sailing as you wish. I was eager to pitch in and wanted to do and learn as much as I could. From the beginning I helped raise and douse the sails, spent as much time on the helm as the others let me, and made myself busy coiling lines and helping to keep things shipshape. The second morning found me at the manual windlass, volunteering to be an anchor cranker. The Evans does not have any modern sailing conveniences such as electric windlasses or winches and all tasks are accomplished in the traditional ways of the sea. That is to say by the strong arms and backs of the crew. Unfortunately I soon found the strength of my own arms and back to be sadly lacking. After gamely grinding away for what seemed like hours but most likely was no more than a few minutes, I could not continue and had to be replaced. Thereafter, I left the anchor cranking to the more hearty members of the crew and contented myself with less demanding tasks.
No description of a cruise on the Evans would be complete without mentioning the food. The galley was equipped with a huge antique wood stove on which Eileen, the ship’s cook, created delicious meals and treats every day. From New England Clam Chowder to home made bread, cakes and cookies, every meal was a mouth watering delight. No wonder the rest of the crew called her “Queen Eileen”. For many cruisers, a big highlight of the cruise was on Wednesday when Captain Brenda brought us all ashore for a lobster and champagne lunch on a rocky beach.
The end of the cruise came all too quickly and it was time to head home. As I was saying farewell to new friends I found myself dreaming ahead to my next trip on the “Evans”.
Let us know what's happening in YOUR channel at newsletter@starlink-irc.org

WHO'S DOING WHAT    Here and there around the net ..
contributed by everyone
In an attempt to get more of our chatters involved in our newsletter and to make it more interesting, we are adding several new columns.  The recipe column has been very popular!  I hear tell there is a movie critic's corner starting soon.  That's exciting!!  I'd love to see a gardening column if that's an area of expertice for any of you.  Maybe even a book review column would be nice?  Please get together with me if you have other ideas or if you're willing to do a column!
COOKING ON THE WILD SIDE Recipes and more    ...by Wildchild.
Hello Chat Friends, Hope you all are ready for summer, I know I am. We Still need your Household Cleaning Tips and Recipes. So please send them in to cookingonthewildside@yahoo.com. Thanks to everybody that has sent some in. Thanks to beahive from #40something and around the net for these recipes How about some Ideas and GREAT BBQ recipes for July. Till Next month lets keep cookingonthewildside.
wildchild
Scones
2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
Mix together dry ingredients. Pour oil evenly over mixture and stir in quickly. Pour in milk and stir vigorously until it comes freely from the sides of the bowl. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and kneed gently for a few minutes. Roll dough out ½ inch thickness. Flour a small juice glass to use as a cutter.Cut dough and place on an ungreased baking pan. Bake at 450°F for 12-15 minutes.

Options:
Cheese Scones: Decrease oil to 3 tablespoons and salt to ¾ teaspoon. Add in ½ cup grated cheese with oil stage.
Buttermillk: Decrease baking powder to 2 teaspoons; add ½ teaspoon baking soda. Substitute 1 cup buttermilk (OR sour milk) for milk.
Sweet Cream: Substitute ½ cup skim milk and ½ cup whipping cream for milk.
Sweet Cream and Jam: as above but before baking, make a small dent in top of each scone and add fill with a ½ teaspoon of jam.
Fruit or Nut: Add ¼ cup sugar to recipe at dry ingredient stage and decrease milk to ¾ cup. Add ¾ cup raisins or currents or sultanas or nuts with the milk stage
Whole Wheat: Use 1 cup whole wheat flour and 1 cup white flour.
Cornish Pasties
Prepare pastry:
Sift together: 1½ cups flour
¼ teaspoon salt
Rub in: ¾ cup shortening or lard
With pastry cutter or knife stir into mixture: 3 tablespoons COLD water
Form pastry into a ball and set aside while you prepare filling

FILLING:
Wash and dry then cut into very small pieces: ¾ lb of tender steak
Peel and finely chop: 1 large onion
Peel and dice: 2 large potatoes
Mix together the 3 ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of beef stock, salt and pepper to taste.
Stir all ingredients together and mix well. Set aside while preparing pastry to be filled.
Rollout pastry to approx. ¼ inch thick. Using a cutter or a small 6” plate as a guide, cut pastry into circles. Roll leftover pastry into a ball for re-rolling for another pastie. Continue until all pastry is cut into circles. On counter, lay out all pastry circles. Divide filling evenly between all pastry circles placing in a mound down the centre of the pastry. Using a pastry brush, brush water around edges of pastry circle. Draw the pastry up together down the middle of the circles encasing the filling. Press the pastry together and flute all around the joins. Brush top of pastry with beaten egg or milk to encourage browning.
Bake on an ungreased baking sheet at 375 F for 45-50 minutes. Serve hot or cold.
*Optional: Add any seasonings you prefer to vary the flavour of your pasties….curry powder or Montreal Steak spice are some of my favourites!!!
.
MAYBE MABEL KNOWS?     Gossip
Pretty soon, Mable is going to be writing in with questions about how to drum up questions!  Do you have an issue you need some help resolving?  Maybe Mable Knows the answer!!  Submit your questions with MAYBE MABLE KNOWS in the subject line.
MOVIES                 Movie Reviews - by Zadi of #Lupuschat

The movie critic is out this month - hopefully, looking at movies.

PETS AND PESTS         Critters   by Momma
If you have questions, interesting facts or suggestions, other notable news concerning pets and pests, please submit them to the newsletter with Pets and Pests in the subject line.

BUGS**
(**webmaster note: does not include spiders. spiders are adorable.
Itsy)

Spring is here! And with the arrival of spring, the ever annoying arrival of BUGS!Now is the time to make sure that your family pets are healthy and flea free. You can check your pet yourself, lifting the fur to search for traces of flea residue. You will see small black dustlike particles on your pet's skin, as well as some of the offending pests. Also, some of your 2-legged family members may show signs of bites.

Fleas on your dog or cat are not only a source of irritation, but are the primary cause of tape (flat) worms. Tape worms take their nutrition directly from your beloved pet, and if left untreated could make him/her very ill, and in some extreme cases of infestation, death.

If you notice that your pet has fleas, the first thing you need to do is purchase any one of the many fine products available on the market. Your best bet is however, to contact your vet. Most vet offices sell complete flea removal "kits" for pet and home. You could go to the local department store, purchase an off the shelf shampoo/spray/powder, for a short term fix. However, in most cases you will be faced with a continuous battle, where the fleas will win, and your pocketbook will suffer.

If you have fleas on your pet, (even one), you will have fleas in your home. Your vet can recommend the right shampoo to relieve your pet's discomfort, with a follow-up spray or dusting powder. Then you will need to take care of any wayward critters in your home. (Fleas jump! So even if your pet is an outside dweller, chances are a flea or two will be carried into your home on clothing) This is an easy process, usually a spray applied to floors and carpets. The good thing about the home care kits from the vet is, they recommend that you do not vaccum for a few days! This is always a good excuse for not doing housework and going out enjoying the sun!

Vets also offer a once a month medication that will keep your pet protected from fleas as well as HeartWorm. While this might seem to be costly...in the longrun it could save you hundreds of dollars in medications and flea products. Not to mention ensure the health of your pet!
After you have taken care of the flea infestation, it is advisable to deworm your pet. Over the counter medications for worms DO NOT treat tape worm. You need to ask your vet for this. Tape worm is easy to spot! Small, white, flat, rice-like worms in the stool means your pet is infected. If you have kept up with shots and checkups with the vet, most will take your word. If not, then they may ask for a stool sample.

Keeping your pet parasite free will keep him happy and healthy!
*NOTE* If you happen to get bitten by a flea or any other insect, try this for relief! Meat tenderizer can be used to relieve the pain and itching from insect bites - just dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of tenderizer in water and apply to bite.

FOLLOW UP: Many people have come to me asking about my comments in the last newsletter concerning red food dyes in Hummingbird feeders. It is true that commercial brands of hummingbird foods are red. This is NOT for the bird's benifit. As consumers we demand that we get our monies worth! As producers of a product, they demand our dollars! The makers of Hummingbird food mixes couldnt make a dollar if John Q. Public knew that the basic mixture is nothing more then grandulated sugar, which is in just about every home in Canada and the USA. They DO add red dye #40.. They claim that this isnt harmful to birds. Some humans are sufficiently allergic to red dye #40 that mere contact will send them into shock. Furthermore, the FDA recommends that humans do not ingest large quantities of a single dye product, but this is exactly what happens to hummingbirds at feeders with red syrup: a steady diet of one dye.
Here are some simple facts:
*There's no evidence that hummingbirds locate their food by smell; like most birds, their sense of smell seems poorly developed. So flavoured and coloured foods are useless. DON'T waste your money!
*Hummers are miniature flycatchers, deriving their nutrition from arthropods (insects and spiders), and sugar is just fuel for chasing bugs.
*Several experienced, licensed wildlife rehabilitators have reported that they see disturbing damage in hummers that were known to use dyed syrup, including tumors of the bill and liver.
*Red dye is TOTALLY UNNECESSARY to attract hummingbirds. Reports of informal experiments using side by side feeders, one with red syrup and one with plain, suggested that the birds do not like the taste of red dye.
*Natural flower nectar is clear, not red. Hummingbirds don't look at nectar anyway, they look for flowers of the right shape and color, and nearly all hummingbird feeders are red plastic. For the ones that aren't, tie on some red ribbon or surveyor's tape if the birds need help finding them.
*The only constituents found in all flower nectars are water and sugar. There are trace amounts of electrolyte salts and other chemicals, but they are different for each plant, they may come from dust and bugs that contaminate the nectar, and there is no proof that hummingbirds use or need them for good health. In any event, none of the hummingbird food mixes seem to make an attempt to duplicate flower nectar accurately.
*Its CHEAPER to make your own Hummer food, and healthier for the little guys (provided you DONT use food dye)!
 
TRAVEL                 Places to go.. things to see

No new ravel sites this month.  Send some in if you find a great place on the web for folks to visit !

Hey !  Try this one-   http://www.starlink-irc.org  -  believe it or not, there are a LOT of good links and information on the site. If you haven't browsed the links lately, give it a try!  Some stuf for kids too!

TIPS                   The odd idea here and there

No new tips this month.
Send in your handy hints, tips and tricks for just about anything from sailing to tiddlywinks. We're always pathetically desperate welcome to ideas for just about anything to put here !!  At least this section isn't groveling as bad as whoever does the Mable thing.  Personally, I'm waiting for Mable to figure out her name is spelled Mabel.
Itsy
TECH TALK              Technical Tips and Hints.

mIRC tips and tricks
Shortcuts: try the double slash --
type this->   //say my name is $me and I am in channel #
mIRC will automatically fill in in your nick and the channel name you typed it in.  The double slash tells mirc to 'interpret' the variables ($me and #).
Try ijust typing /
say my name is $me and I am in channel #
and you'll see!

Fast aliases
Want to make an alias in a hurry?
Type /alias /myalias echo this is my message to myself
Now when you type /myalias, that message will pop up in your channel.  (nobody else can see 'echo' messages, they are just to you from you)
To remove it: type /alias /myalias
And now it's gone.  Typing /alias /aliasname  ... without anything after /aliasname erases it.

THE MEETING ROOM       Special Events and Things

CHANNEL ANNIVERSARY PARTY!!!

Please help celebrate the 2nd birthday of  #50sworldwide!
Party Date - May 29 2004
Party Time - 6 P.M. (ET) till whenever!
Place - #50sworldwide




#TOWNHALL - CHANNEL OWNER REMINDERS
I did hold a short special presentation in #townhall last Sunday.  It was just a reminder to the channel owners out there that on StarLink-IRC the owner is the final authority on any channel issues - levels of ops, suspensions, topics, and even who is allowed in the channel.  On other nets things may have been different, but the best part of StarLink-IRC is that the channels are your 'homes' and theyre yours to use the way YOU want to - just like your own living room. (well unless you have in-laws or kids.. but i digress..)

Itsy

PS If you have any subjects that would be good for on of our weekly #townhall block parties, let someone know and we'll see what we can do.

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.

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

TOMB OF THE UNKNOWNS
It being the 60th anniversary of D-Day (June 6th 1944), for the follies this month I thought I'd pass on this bit of info sent to me by my Dad.

Interesting facts about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Sentinels of the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard"

1. How many steps does the guard take during his walk across the tomb of the Unknowns and why?
21 steps. It alludes to the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military or foreign dignitary.
2. How long does he hesitate after his about face to begin his return walk and why?
21 seconds, for the same reason as answer number 1.
3. Why are his gloves wet?
His gloves are moistened to prevent his losing his grip on the rifle.
4. Does he carry his rifle on the same shoulder all the time, and if not, why not?
No, he carries the rifle on the shoulder away from the tomb. After his march across the path, he executes an about face and moves the rifle to the outside shoulder.
5. How often are the guards changed?
Guards are changed every thirty minutes, twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year.
6. What are the physical traits of the guard limited to?
For a person to apply for guard duty at the tomb, he must be between 5' 10" and 6' 2" tall and his waist size cannot exceed 30 inches.

Other requirements of the Guard:
They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. They cannot swear in public FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES and cannot disgrace the uniform (fighting} or the tomb in any way.

After TWO YEARS, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet.
There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.

The first SIX MONTHS of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV.
All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are:
President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame.
Every guard spends FIVE HOURS A DAY getting his uniforms ready for guard duty.
The Sentinels Creed:
My dedication to this sacred duty is total and wholehearted.
In the responsibility bestowed on me never will I falter.
And with dignity and perseverance my standard will remain perfection.
Through the years of diligence and praise and the discomfort of the elements,
I will walk my tour in humble reverence to the best of my ability.
It is he who commands the respect I protect.
His bravery that made us so proud.
Surrounded by well meaning crowds by day alone in the thoughtful peace of night, this soldier will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.
More Interesting facts about the Tomb of the Unknowns itself:
The marble was furnished by the Vermont Marble Company of Danby, VT and is the finest and whitest of American marble. It was quarried from the Yule Marble Quarry located near Marble, Colorado and is called Yule Marble. The Marble for the Lincoln memorial was also quarried there.

The Tomb consists of seven pieces of rectangular marble:
Four pieces in sub base; weight - 15 tons;
One piece in base or plinth; weight - 16 tons;
One piece in die; weight - 36 tons;
One piece in cap; weight - 12 tons;
Carved on the East side (the front of the Tomb, which faces Washington, D.C.) is a composite of three figures, commemorative of the spirit of the Allies of World War I.
In the center of the panel stands Victory (female).
On the right side, a male figure symbolizes Valor.
On the left side stands Peace, with her palm branch to reward the devotion and sacrifice that went with courage to make the cause of righteousness triumphant.
The north and south sides are divided into three panels by Doric pilasters. In each panel is an inverted wreath.
The Third Infantry Regiment at Fort Myer has the responsibility for providing ceremonial units and honor guards for state occasions, White House social functions, public celebrations and interments at Arlington National Cemetery and standing a very formal sentry watch at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Some people think that when the Cemetery is closed to the public in the evening that this show stops.
First, to the men who are dedicated to this work, it is no show. It is a "charge of honor."
The formality and precision continues uninterrupted all night. During the nighttime, the drill of relief and the measured step of the on-duty sentry remain unchanged from the daylight hours. To these men, these special men, the continuity of this post is the key to the honor and respect shown to these honored dead, symbolic of all unaccounted for American combat dead. The steady rhythmic step in rain, sleet, snow, hail, heat and cold must be uninterrupted. Uninterrupted is the important part of the honor shown.
Very, very proud of our soldiers in uniform!

THE LIBRARY
Laughter Is Good Medicine!

Thanks to ItsyDad for these!

Women think they already know everything, but wait... a new series of marital therapy tapes are now available for women on the following subjects:
1. Silence, the Final Frontier: Where No Woman Has Gone Before
2. The Undiscovered Side of Banking: Making Deposits
3. Parties: Going Without New Outfits
4. Man Management: Minor Household Chores Can Wait Till After The Game
5. Bathroom Etiquette I: Men Need Space in the Bathroom Cabinet Too.
6. Bathroom Etiquette II: His Razor is His
7. Communication Skills I: Tears - The Last Resort, not the First.
8. Communication Skills II: Thinking Before Speaking
9. Communication Skills III: Getting What you Want Without Nagging
10. Driving a Car Safely: A Skill You CAN Acquire
11. Telephone Skills: How to Hang Up
12. Introduction to Parking
13. Advanced Parking: Backing Into a Space
14. Water Retention: Fact or Fat
15. Cooking I: Bringing Back Bacon, Eggs and Butter
16. Cooking II: Bran and Tofu are Not for Human Consumption
17. Cooking III: How not to Inflict Your Diets on Other People
18. Compliments: Accepting Them Gracefully
19. PMS: Your Problem . . . Not His
20. Dancing: Why Men Don't Like To
21. Classic Clothing: Wearing Outfits You Already Have
22. Household Dust: A Harmless Natural Occurrence Only Women Notice
23. Integrating Your Laundry: Washing It All Together
24. Oil and Gas: Your Car Needs Both
25. TV Remotes: For Men Only


For those of you who are too young to know who Red Skelton is, he was a super comedian back in the days when entertainment wasn't so raunchy.
Red Skelton's tips for a happy marriage:
1. Two times a week, we go to a nice restaurant, have a little beverage, then comes good food and companionship. She goes on Tuesdays, I go on Fridays.
2. We also sleep in separate beds. Hers is in Ontario and mine is in Tucson .
3. I take my wife everywhere, but she keeps finding her way back.
4. I asked my wife where she wanted to go for our anniversary. "Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!" she said. So I suggested the kitchen.
5. We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.
6. She has an electric blender, electric toaster and electric bread maker. Then she said "There are too many gadgets and no place to sit down!" So I bought her an electric chair.
7. My wife told me the car wasn't running well because there was water in the carburetor. I asked where the car was, she told me "In the Lake."
8. She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.
9. She ran after the garbage truck, yelling "Am I too late for the garbage?" The driver said "No, jump in!"
10. Remember. Marriage is the number one cause of divorce.
11. Statistically, 100% of all divorces start with marriage.
12. I married Miss Right. I just didn't know her first name was Always.
13. I haven't spoken to my wife in 18 months. I don't like to interrupt her...
14. The last fight was my fault. My wife asked "What's on the TV?" I said "Dust!"


Thanks to treecat for this these!
Pregnancy, Estrogen, and Women

PREGNANCY Q & A!

Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Child birth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

"ESTROGEN ISSUES"
10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE "ESTROGEN ISSUES"

1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: "How's my driving-call 1- 800-"
6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from "outer space"
8. You can't believe they don't make a tampon bigger than Super Plus.
9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND

10. Cats' facial expressions.
9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors.
8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds.
7. Fat clothes.
6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time.
5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell.
4. Cutting your hair to make it grow.
3. Eyelash curlers.
2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made.

AND, the Number One Number One thing only women understand:

1. OTHER WOMEN

  WWW - WAY WITH WORDS            by Scorp

Special Person

Just wanted to tell you today

that you're someone very special
You're thought of very often
and you are cared about very much

Have you tried to find 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.co
Thanks once again to those who sent in articles for the newsletter.  Please encourage your channel owners and other guests to send in their important dates for the month, channel chatter, and general noteworthy news!  It really gives our network a stronger sense of continuity when we can share these events with those outside the channels we normally visit.  One of the things I have always cherished about our network is the way channels support and visit and encourage other channels rather than stooping to the pettiness of competition and exclusion and such.  That's just another testament to the character of our community!  If you are as busy as I am, you don't always have the time to get out and visit other channels.  Our Sunday evening #Townhall meetings are an excellent opportunity to come and meet other folks that we would not normally chat with or get to know.  Come join us for these meetings which are often informative and always fun.  We usually have refreshments, too!  But you all know how that  goes with Itsy around.... not even the platters are left by the time everyone gets there!.

IN MEMORIAM.
Those who have moved on
-
Those Lost

And candle Still  
 Remembered


In Loving Memory
Amazing reminds us that there may be other folks hurting, so take the time to think of them

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