Hi everyone. It cannot possibly be July already. It's been non-stop here since the last issue. I haven't time to give much attention to the newsletter, but thankfully Phyllis has done a great job as usual, so her positives will make up for my negatives. :) Take care all...Toni
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~Tips from Cheryl~
Cheap Way to Make Room Smell Nice
Don't throw out perfume card samples from magazines or samples from stores. Instead put the card samples (or pour a tad of perfume onto a cotton ball, paper towel or tissue) and place into the bottom of a wastebasket.
Recycle Leftover Wrapping Paper
If pretty wrapping paper is in good shape, you can reuse it to wrap other gifts or use it to line dresser drawers and shelves. Every time you open a closet or cupboard, you will be reminded of a party or happy event.
Bed Freshener
If you have a guest room, before guests arrive or just to keep the bed fresh when unused, tuck several fabric softener sheets under the bottom sheet to keep it smelling nice.
To Prevent Greasy Stains on Plastic Containers
Line plastic containers with plastic wrap before you put in food. This will stop greasy or tomato-based products from staining the plastic. Wash in hot soapy water and use baking soda or salt to scrub off tough stains.
Cleaning Feather Dusters
Put a feather duster into a strong plastic bag and pour in a cup or two of cornstarch to clean it. Close bag tightly and shake hard (outside) for about half a minute. Take out duster and shake until all cornstarch is gone.
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...and finishing up the U.S. state preambles that Regina sent us...
--South Dakota 1889, We, the people of South Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties .
--Tennessee 1796, Art. XI...III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
--Texas 1845, We the People of the Republic of Texas, acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
--Utah 1896, Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
--Vermont 1777, Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man .
--Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other
--Washington 1889, We the People of the State of Washington, g rateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution
--West Virginia 1872, Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God .
--Wisconsin 1848, We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...
--Wyoming 1890, We, the people of the State of Wyoming, grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution....
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Easily fill a pastry or ziptop bag with frosting by standing the bag upright in a tall glass, then folding about 1/3 of the bag over the edge of the glass. Totally mess-free frosting filling!
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Stop, You’re Killing Me! is a resource for lovers of mystery, crime, thriller, spy, and suspense books. We list over 2,800 authors, with chronological lists of their books (over 32,000 titles), both series (3,200+) and non-series.
http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/
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...some fun and interesting facts that Marie wanted to share...
--Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled "Gentlemen Only; Ladies Forbidden" and thus, the word GOLF entered into the English lauguage.
--The first couple to be shown in bed together on prime time TV was Fred and Wilma Flintstone.
--Every day more money is printed for Monopoly than the U.S. Treasury.
--Coco-Cola was originally green.
--The cost of raising a medium-size dog to the age of eleven: $16,400
--The first novel ever written on a typewriter was Tom Sawyer.
--The San Francisco Cable cars are the only mobile National Monuments.
--111,111,111 X 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321
--If a statue in the park of a person on a horse has both front legs in the air, the person died in battle. If the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died because of wounds received in battle. If the horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died of natural causes.
--Only two people signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, John Hancock and Charles Thomsom. Most of the rest signed on August 2; but the last signature wasn't added until 5 years later.
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Toy Story
There's no way Pipi Quinlan has a sandbox big enough to play with the toy she bought on the internet without her parents' permission. In May, the 3-year-old New Zealand girl woke early and oplayed on her parent's computer while they slept. Once on the internet, Pipi somehow navigated to the auction website, TradeMe.com. From there Pipi found auctions for industrial earthmoving excavators that look like those she played with in her Legos set. Finding one she liked, she managed to place a bid and purchased the full-size Kobelco digger for $15,000. Her parents managed to cancel the transaction.
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Kim sent this joke to me and I wanted to share:
What is the difference between Bird Flu and Swine Flu?
For Bird Flu you need tweetment and for Swine Flue you need oinkment.
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A source of clutter to watch out for is freebies. Stop automatically taking free pens, sponges, tote bags, etc. Just because it's free doesn't mean you need it. A good rule of thumb: If you wouldn't pay for it, leave it behind.
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When you use an online search engine for drug information, Wikipedia is often the first link to pop up. But relying on this encyclopedia, which allows anyone to edit entries can be risky. Here's a much better choice.
http://medlineplus.gov/
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Use BareSite.com to view websites and rss feeds faster and cheaper with your mobile device.
http://www.baresite.com/index.php?cc=yes
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~Marie's Laughter~
Four best friends met at the hospital since their wives were giving births to their babies. The nurse comes up to the first man and says, "Congratulations, you got twins." The man said "How strange, I'm the manager of Minnesota Twins." After awhile the nurse comes up to the second man and says, "Congratulations, you got triplets." Man was like "Hmmm, strange I worked as a director for the "3 musketeers." Finally, the nurse comes up to the third man and says "Congratulations, you got twins x2." Man is happy and says, "Ironic, I work for the hotel "4 Seasons." All three of them are happy until they see their last buddy jumping all over the place, questioning God and banging his head on the wall. They asked him what's wrong and he answered, "What's wrong? I work for 7up"!
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Hope everyone had a safe 4th of July. We didn't go see fireworks but we could hear them and even get a glimpse of them from our front porch.
Well, I have a lot to share with you in this issue, so let's get to it! ~Phyllis
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Here is the other half of my list of noteable things that have happened in July:
July 16
The first parking meters were installed in Oklahoma City, OK, in 1935.
The first atomic bomb was detonated in New Mexico in 1945.
July 17
Spain ceded Florida to the United States in 1821.
Disneyland opened in Anaheim CA in 1955.
July 18
Elias Howe invented the sewing machine in 1847.
July 19
Opollo 11 orbited the moon in 1969.
July 20
Neil Armstrong was the first man to set foot on the moon in 1969.
July 21
Earnest Hemingway was born in Illinois in 1899.
July 22
America the Beautiful was written in 1893.
July 23
The ice cream cone was invented in 1904.
July 24
Tennessee was re-admitted to the union in 1866.
July 25
The CIA was created in 1947.
July 26
Benjamin Franklin became the first Postmaster General in 1775.
July 27
Bugs Bunny was introduced in 1940.
July 28
Jacqueline Kennedy was born in 1929.
July 29
Vincent Van Gogh died in 1890.
July 30
The first color motion pictures were shown in 1928.
July 31
President Andrew Johnson died in 1875.
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Make your own paper out of junk mail...here's a site to show you how!
http://thenewnew.blogspot.com/2008/03/how-to-make-paper-from-junk-mail-temp.html
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EASY ECLAIR CAKE
A 'no bake' treat!
Makes 14 servings, about 400 calories a serving - definitely not "diet friendly"!
2 packages instant vanilla pudding mix (3.5 oz boxes)
1 eight ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
3 cups milk
1 package (16 oz) graham crackers
1 container (16 oz) chocolate frosting
In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend pudding mix, Cool Whip and milk.
Arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares in the bottom of a 13x9 baking pan. Evenly spread half of the pudding/CoolWhip/milk mixture over the crackers. Top with another layer of graham crackers. Then spread the remaining half of the pudding mixture over the crackers.
Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
Carefully spread the chocolate frosting over the graham crackers, right up to the edge of the pan.
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.
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To find local festivals, fairs and special events, check out
http://www.festivals.com/
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Energy saving tip:
Put a lid on the pot everytime you boil water. If every American household did this just once, we'd save up to $2,212,175!
(Source; http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/energy/lid.html )
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If you're going on vacation, check out this site to find out what restaurants are most popular with the locals:
http://www.wherethelocalseat.com/
This site will give you a map to each restaurant, price range, menu and feedback from people who have eaten there.
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Memory Lane
In case you haven't noticed, I'm a big fan of all things retro! And one of the things that interests me is the history of Route 66, also known as "The Mother Road."
In 1923 a businessman named Cyrus Avery began talks to create a standardized highway system of paved roads. In 1926, construction began on Route 66, going from Chicago to Los Angeles, California. The road was completed in 1938.
Route 66's path mostly followed the original trails forged by pioneers in the early 1800's.
Route 66 was very popular and spawned a rise in roadside diners, motels, roadside attractions, and gas stations. Many small towns along the Route blossomed due to the increase of traffic and money being spent by travelers along the road.
In 1956, Congress enacted legislation and funding for the U.S. Interstate road system. From then on, as new interstates were being built, traffic was slowly diverted from Route 66 and onto new highways. Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985.
There are many "Route 66 enthusiasts" out there, who still enjoy travelling along it.. And there is still lots to see along the Route, although many of the roadside diners and motels have closed due to lack of business.
Here is a website with 10 great stops along the Mother Road.
http://listverse.com/2009/02/07/another-10-stops-on-route-66/
And for more sights along the road, go to
http://listverse.com/2008/11/27/10-notable-stops-on-the-historic-route-66/
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Cool Pick...for kids!
If your kids like to read, then this site is for them;
http://kidsblogs.nationalgeographic.com/dogeared/
Dogeared is a site where kids can read book reviews and recommedations from other kids, and share their own opinions too. Its like an online book club just for kids!
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A cool site for fans of The Simpsons:
http://adn.blam..be/springfield/
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Planning to buy a new TV, refrigerator or other product? If so, take a moment to get some product reviews at
http://wize.com/
They claim to "read millions of product reviews across the web to bring the right products to you."
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Friendship openly persuades our minds
To do the right thing
And secretly convinces our hearts
To become the right person.
-Sri Chinmoy
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If you're a fan of The Biggest Loser and want to be a big "Loser" yourself, check out trainer Bob's site! It features an online journal, weight tracker, calorie calculator and more.
http://www.mytrainerbob.com/
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Healthy Living
Did you know that both the National Institute of Health and the American Heart Association recommend a minimum of 30 minutes of activity a day? But we can't always find the time (or energy) to workout. Here's some good news though! According to a study at the University of Pennsylvania, overweight women who did three 10 minute workouts a day actually added up more exercise minutes than women who aimed for one 30 minute exercise session a day.
So if you've got 10 minutes, here are some suggested exercises...but always remember to check with your doctor first before embarking on any type of exercise program!
*Take a brisk 10 minute walk. If you can do this 3 times a day, you'll get the recommended 30 minutes of activity.
*Exercise during commercial breaks while watching TV. Most hour long programs have about 6 commercial breaks during them, with the breaks lasting approximately 3 minutes each. This means you can get 18 minutes worth of exercise during an hour long television show!
*Keep a pair of dumbbells at the ready. That way, while you're waiting for dinner to boil on the stove, you can pick up the weights and do a few strength training moves.
If you know of some other great mini-workouts, send them to me at twofriendsnewsletter@gmail.com and I'll post them in a future issue of the newsletter.
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Mini health tip; try to eat 2 servings of fruit or vegetables at each meal. One piece of fruit or half a cup of vegetables equals one serving.
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Let's go green!
Of course, the "ultra" brands of toilet paper are nice and soft, but they're not very eco-friendly. They're made of virgin fiber that has been bleached with chlorine. Instead, look for brands made with 100% recycled fiber, with at least 80% post consumer content. Go to this site to check out the best 'earth friendly' brands.
http://www.nrdc.org/land/forests/gtissue.asp
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Are bugs, well, bugging you? Here's how to make your own insect repellent!
Add 20 drops each of the following essential oils; peppermint, eucalyptus and citronella, to 1/3 cup distilled water to make a spray. Pour it into a spray bottle and be sure to shake well before each use. Not only will you smell good and have moisturized skin, but you have created a natural bug repellent! Its not as affective as store bought brands containing DEET, but its less toxic. Be sure to re-apply frequently for the best benefit.
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Thanks to Nancy K for sending this in:
Mary had a little Lamb,
His fleece was white as snow,
and everywhere that Mary went,
The Lamb was sure to go.
He followed her to school each day
T'wasn't even in the rule,
It made the children laugh and play
To have the Lamb at school.
And then the rules all changed one day
illegal it became,
To bring the Lamb of God to school
Or even speak His name!
Every day got worse and worse
and days turned into years,
Instead of hearing children laugh
We heard gunshots and tears.
What must we do to stop the crime
That's in our schools today?
Let the Lamb come back to school
And teach our kids to pray!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
06.23.2009
Greetings! I am flattered that you are sitting at your computer reading this when it's so warm and pretty outside! I'm happy to announce this issue we have a new columnist. My bff Terrie is going to be doing a column with things for and about kids called Mommy Moments. She has two daughters, Alyssa, 9 and Hailey, almost 8, so she has lots of mommy experience. Hope you enjoy this issue. Until next time... ~Toni
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(I have decided to start listing birthdays and anniversaries, so if you have one you want included just send it to me by the Friday before the issue date it needs to go in.)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:
my mom on June 23
Alyssa on June 23
Brittany on June 23
Lib on July 1
Sue on July 2
Marianne on July 3
Toni (yes, me...I'm not too shy to toot my own horn...lol) on July 3
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~Mommy Moments~
Here is an easy pizza recipe that I fix for my girls quite often.
I use soft tortilla shells, pizza sauce, whatever topping you like, bake it just until the cheese is melted and the edges are lightly browned. You can also do this in the microwave, but of course, my girls prefer it baked.
Here is a site that has all sorts of fun food ideas for kids. Enjoy!
http://www.easy-kid-recipes.com/index.html
Here are a few sites that have fun kids games.
http://www.funbrain.com/
http://www.candystand.com/
Here you can check to see if you can take your kids to bowl for FREE :)
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/
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New Mexico
--Santa Fe is the highest capital city in the United States at 7,000 feet above sea level.
--Each October Albuquerque hosts the world's largest international hot air balloon fiestal.
--The Rio Grande is New Mexico's longest river and runs the entire length of New Mexico.
--The world's first Atomic Bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945 on the White Sands Testing Range near Alamogordo. North of the impact point a small placard marks the area known as Trinity Site. The bomb was designed and manufactured in Los Alamos.
--White Sands National Monument http://tinyurl.com/knm8d4 is a desert, not of sand, but of gleaming white gypsum crystals.
--New Mexico is one of the four corner states. Bordering at the same point with Colorado, Utah and Arizona.
--More than 25,000 Anasazi sites have been identified in New Mexico by archeologists. The Anasazi, an amazing civilization who were the ancestors of the Pueblo, where around for 1300 years. Their great classical period lasted from 1100-1300 AD.
--1/4 of New Mexico is forested, and the state has 7 National Forests including the Nation's largest, the 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest which includes the Gila Wilderness.
--In 1950 the little cub that was to become the National Fire Safety symbol Smokey the Bear was found trapped in a tree when his home in Lincoln National Forest was destroyed by fire. In 1963, in Smokey's honor, the New Mexican legislature chose the black bear to be the official state animal.
--The Navajo, the Nation's largest Native American Group, have a reservation that covers 14 million Acres.
--At Lake Valley, miners discovered silver in veins so pure that the metal could be sawn off in blocks, instead of having to be dug out by traditional methods.
--To test the latest rockets White Sands Missile Range was created on the same land where the first atom bomb had been exploded.
--After WWII Los Alamos and Albuquerque had many new laboratories. Hundreds of highly educated Scientists and Engineers moved in the state. New Mexico soon had a higher percentage of people with Ph.D.s than any other state.
--Two important aspects of New Mexico's economy are scientific research such as the nuclear energy research carried out at Sandia National Laboratories and mining of natural resources such as oil, natural gas, uranium, potash, copper, coal, zinc, gold and silver.
--Since New Mexico's climate is so dry 3/4 of the roads are left unpaved. The roads don't wash away.
--During the height of the so-called lawless era of the late 1800' when Lew Wallace served as territorial Governor, he wrote the popular historical novel Ben-Hur. First published in 1880, it was made into a movie in 1959 starring Charleton Heston.
--Cimarron was once known as the "Cowboy capital of the world". Some of the old west's most famous names, such as Kit Carson and "Buffalo Bill" Cody lived there. A quote from the Las Vegas Gazette illustrates how lawless Cimarron was. "Everything is quiet in Cimarron. Nobody has been killed in 3 days."
--Roswell the states 4th largest city was founded in 1869 when a professional gambler established a lone store on the cattle trail.
--Moon Rocks can be found at the International Space hall of fame that is located in Alamogordo.
--Tens of thousands of bats live in the Carlsbad Caverns. The largest chamber of Carlsbad Caverns is more than 10 football fields long and about 22 stories high.
--Taos Pueblo is located 2 miles north of the city of Taos. It is one of the oldest continuously occupied communities in the United States. People still live in some of its 900 year old buildings.
--New Mexico's capital city Santa Fe is the ending point of the 800 mile Santa Fe Trail.
--The City of Truth or Consequences was once called Hot Springs. In 1950 the town changed its name to the title of a popular radio quiz program.
--New Mexico was named by 16th century Spanish explorers who hoped to find gold and wealth equal to Mexico's Aztec treasures.
--Native Americans have been living in New Mexico for some twenty thousand years. The Pueblo, Apache, Comanche, Navajo, and Ute peoples were in the New Mexico region when Spanish settlers arrived in the 1600s.
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This is a pretty interesting site. Gives decorating ideas from things found at the dollar store.
http://www.dollarstorestyle.com/
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~What I've been reading~
If you like to read true crime books, you will want to check out Columbine by Dave Cullen. I feel like the author interjects his opinions from time to time on certain subjects. Other than that, the author shows you the true and entire story you didn't hear in the media. Cautions: there is bad language and lots of details that aren't for the faint of heart.
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Save Lukewarm Water for Plants
While waiting for hot water from your sink to get hot, place a milk jug under the faucet to collect water. Use this water to water plants, pets, etc. You'll be surprised with how much water you've collected.
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~Tips from Cheryl~
No More Sticky Rice
To prevent rice from sticking to the pot when it's cooking, spray the bottom with and sides with nonstick vegetable spray before you add water or rice.
Reusing Aluminum Foil and Plastic Bags
After you've used it, clean with a damp sponge and wipe from the center to the edge (this will flatten it). Let dry. Clean zipper bags with lots of soap and hot water, rinse well and dry before reusing
Sugar Shaker
Pour granulated sugar into a salt shaker or recycled Parmesan cheese shaker. It will be so handy when you want to sprinkle sugar on pie crust tops, cereal or homemade donuts. You will have good control of how much you add.
Freeze Extra Tomato Sauce
If a recipe calls for just 2 or 3 ounces of tomato sauce or canned tomatoes, save what's left. Pour into ice cube trays, cover and freeze. You will have individual cubes on hand to pop into future dishes.
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~Marie's Laughter~
Mrs. Sullivan and her little daughter Patty were outside the church watching all the comings and goings of a wedding. After the photographs had been taken, everyone had driven off to the reception, and all the excitement was over. Patty asked her mother, “Why did the bride change her mind, Mommy?
“How do you mean, change her mind?” asked Mrs. Sullivan.
"Well", said the child, “she went into the church with one man and came out with another!”
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Head over to http://www.nophonetrees.com or http://www.get2human.com where you can type in the name of a company you're about to call, and instantly find out which special series of numbers will connect you without having to go through the voicemail menu.
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~More tips from Carol~
--In a pan, where you've overcooked your food, is not going to be an easy clean up unless you have some ammonia. Simply pour in a capful of ammonia and then fill your pan with a little bit of water. Bring it to the stove and let it boil. Once it boils just push it all around, and look how easy it comes off.
--Something you should always have handy in your laundry room is a simple bar of soap. It works great to take out make-up stains. Simply wet the soap. Once the water reaches the shirt with that soap on it, the cleaning power will be released and it'll be "clean as new".
--Cleaning the microwave: No one likes those food particles that accumulate on the door and inside. So, take a couple cups of water and put it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Now, what happens is that the water starts to boil and it starts to steam. All the steam inside the microwave loosens up those food particles. Wait until this is done and watch how easy it is to clean up.
--Cut a lemon in half and just rub it on your cutting board. It'll help disinfect and sanitize it. And for tough stains on plastic or light colored surfaces, simply cut your lemon in half, squeeze on some of that lemon juice and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Rinse with water and its good as new.
--Scuff marks on the floor, crayon marks on the floor and even on the walls: Simply take a sponge, dampen it a little bit, and dip it in some baking soda. Rub away; no more scuff marks and crayon marks to worry about.
--Dusting tip: Use a little fabric softener and mix in a bowl with some warm water. Because it helps keep things static free, it is great for dusting off glass tabletops, TV monitors, even your stereo equipment. (Note from Toni: if you use this on electronics I'd be really careful and not get the cleaning cloth very wet)
--You know when you're moving your furniture around and you find those indentations? Here's a good way to get rid of them. Take a little chip of ice before you go to bed and just put the little chips in the indentation marks. Let it soak through overnight. In the morning, after its dry, the bristles start to come back up. Use a fork to fluff. Indentations marks be gone.
--When you spill cooking oil on your kitchen floor. Here's how to clean it up: First clean up any glass if it's a glass container. You want to cover the oil with a thick layer of flour and let it sit for a few minutes because the flour will absorb the oil. Then, just sweep up the flour-oil mixture into a dust pan. And, for those really thick oil spots, you might have to use a paper towel actually to "scrunch" it into the dust pan. Then throw it all away. Then just use some glass cleaner to get any of the remaining oil off the floor and there you have it. Fresh and Clean! Probably cleaner than it was before you dropped that oil.
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At http://digital-photography-school.com/ you'll find tips such as: You can give the impression of a thinner tummy by rotating your upper body slightly at the waist. And make thighs look narrower by crossing one leg in front of the other. One last tip, ask the person photographing you to hold the camera slightly above eye level and point it down if you have a double chin.
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more state Preambles from Regina:
--Massachusetts 1780, We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction ..
--Michigan 1908, We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.
--Minnesota, 1857, We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
--Mississippi 1890, We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
--Missouri 1845, We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution....
--Montana 1889, We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...
--Nebraska 1875, We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution..
--Nevada 1864, We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...
--New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God
according to the dictates of his own conscience.
--New Jersey 1844, We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
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Such a cool idea! This is a free webside that lets you quickly track every gift you've given and received, complete with a search box, so you can take 5 seconds to make sure you're not giving the same gift you did last year. You can also get free email reminders.
http://www.giftelephant.com/
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Here is a recipe that Lib sent in for us:
VEGGIE BURGERS
2 CUPS DICED ONIONS
2 CUPS DICED MUSHROOMS
2 GREEN PEPPERS DICED
2 CANS CHICK PEAS OR PINTOS MASHED
1 SMALL CAN TOMATO PASTE
1 CUP MOZARELLA CHEESE GRATED.
2 CUP CARROTS, SHREDDED
2 EGGS
1 or more TEASPOONS EACH OF CUMIN, CAYEENE,DILL, GARLIC POWDER
3 TEASPOONS DIJON MUSTARD
2 CUPS BREAD CRUMBS
Chop and sauté onions, mushrooms & peppers. Combine all ingredientsand make patties. Grease pan and bake at 350º for 20 minutes. Flip. Bake 10 more minutes. Great done on the barbeque or fried. Good with barbeque sauce. Freezes well.
(Add the spices to the veggies as you fry them - gives better distribution.
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You know you've had that carton of eggs in your fridge for weeks (or maybe months). Are the eggs still safe to eat? How about the jars of capers or marmalade that you bought for that recipe and haven't used yet? http://www.stilltasty.com is a website devoted to answering the question: Save it or toss it? It provides shelf life info for thousands of foods, answers questions, and provides info on topics related to food safety.
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More real celebrity names:
Billy Idol -- William Board
Marty Ingels -- Martin Ingerman
Burl Ives -- Burle Icle Ivanhoe
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Firefly Watch is recruiting volunteers to devote just 10 minutes each week to monitor firefly numbers in their back yard. Details and instructions are available at https://www.mos.org/fireflywatch/
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The unusual town names list is mighty short this week...
Papa, Hawaii
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Did you know? Though Hawaiians use the word "aloha" for both "hello" and "goodbye", the literal traslation is "love".
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Hello everyone from Phyllis!
June is almost done, and we'll be celebrating the 4th of July soon. Typically on the 4th of July, we go see fireworks or cook out on the grill.
The 4th of July is the anniversary of the day when the Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, in 1776. Independence Day was made an official holiday in 1783. In 1941, Congress declared it a federal holiday.
Here is a list of the ten best places in America to go watch fireworks:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8379793/
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July 1
The first adhesive postage stamp was offered for sale in 1847.
The United States Post Office started using 4 digit zip codes in 1963.
July 2
Amelia Earhart disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937.
July 3
Congress created the United States Veterans Administration in 1930.
Singer Jim Morrisson of the Doors died at the age of 27 in 1971.
July 4
Thomas Jefferson died in 1826.
July 5
The first bikini was debuted in Paris in 1946.
July 6
Louis Pasteur successfully tested an anti-rabies vaccine in 1885.
July 7
Readers Digest was founded in 1922.
July 8
Florentz Ziegfeld introduced his "follies" in 1907.
July 9
Louisiana and South Carolina were re-admitted to the Union in 1868.
July 10
Wyoming was the 44th state to enter the Union in 1890.
July 11
President John Quincy Adams was born in 1767.
July 12
Congress authorized the Medal of Honor in 1862.
July 13
Alabama was re-admitted to the Union in 1868.
July 14
Billy the Kid was shot by Sheriff Pat Garrett in 1881.
President Gerald Ford was born in 1913.
July 15
Georgia was re-admitted to the Union in 1870.
Billy the Kid died at the age of 21 in 1881.
The Boeing Company began in Seattle Washington in 1916.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The ruby is the birthstone for July.
The water lily is the flower of the month.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's a great use for all that junk mail you get...make paper beads with your kids!
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Paper-Beads
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Memory Lane
Do you remember drive in movie theaters? The first drive in movie theater was opened in 1933 in Camden, NJ. Drive in movie theaters peaked in popularity in the 50's and 60's with over 4,000 theaters in the U.S. But in the 80's with the cost of land rising and the popularity of VCR's, many drive ins started to close, until there were less than 750 left by the mid 90's.
For some reason, the decline of drive in movie theaters has stopped. Here are a couple of cool websites to tell you more about the history of drive in theaters, and to tell you if there are still any open in your area.
http://www.driveinmovie.com/mainmenu.htm
http://www.driveintheater.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alternative drive in theaters:
http://mobmov.org/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Smiling is contagious, you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around a corner, and someone saw my grin,
When he smiled I realized I'd passed it onto him.
I thought about that smile, then realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine, could travel round the Earth.
So if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected -
Let's start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Save money when dining out with your kids-
http://www.frugalliving.tv/free-stuff/kids-eat-free.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Legacy Locker
This site isn't free, but its worth checking out.
http://legacylocker.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spring and summer can bring unpredictable weather. From severe thunderstorms, flash floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, the weather can be dangerous. Here are some tips to get you through weather emergencies;
BUILD A PREPAREDNESS KIT:
Include at least one flashlight for each family member.
Also include a battery operated lantern for lighting bigger areas.
Include a battery operated radio.
Don't forget to include extra batteries in all sizes.
Remember to add specialty batteries for things like hearing aids, glucose monitors, etc.
When you 'spring forward' each year, take the time to check the batteries in your preparedness kit. (This is also a good time to check the batteries in your homes smoke alarms.)
Be sure to put your kit in a place that is easily accessable.
DEVELOP A PLAN:
Locate the safest places in your house to go to in the event of a disaster. But remember that some times your safest place might not be at home, but somewhere else in your community.
Determine escape routes from your home, and places to meet.
PROTECT YOUR HOME:
There are 4 critical areas to reinforce and protect; roof, shutters, doors and garage doors.
Make trees more wind resistant by removing damaged limgs that could post a threat to your property during a storm.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO HAVE FOR AN EMERGENCY:
Water; FEMA says each person should have a supply of one gallon of water per day for 3 days.
Food; enough to last 3 to 7 days.
Non-electric can opener; so you can open your food when the power is out.
Paper plates and plastic utensils.
Blankets and pillows.
First aid kit, including your prescriptions.
Pet care items.
For more safety tips, visit
http://www.energizer.com/preparedness/Default.aspx
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A website for gardeners, with fun things for kids each month:
http://gardeningtips.org/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Awe inspiring views of earth from space:
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/20-amazing-images-of-earth-as-seen-from-space/12526
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Easy Meatball Casserole
18 oz package of frozen meatballs, thawed
16 oz package frozen peppers and onion mix, thawed
2 cups chunky pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine meatballs, peppers and onions mix and pasta sauce in a 2 quart glass casserole, and mix well to combine.
Top with cheeses.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until casserole is bubbling and cheese has melted.
Makes 6 servings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To find out when your favorite singers or bands will be touring your area, go to:
http://www.songkick.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just for fun:
http://lsdex.ru/interactive-psychedelic/interactive-kaleidoscope/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's a site where you can enter various sweepstakes:
http://www.prizey.net/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cool Pick for kids:
This weeks Cool Pick website is
http://funschool.kaboose.com/index.html
This site is just chock full of activities for kids, ranging in ages from preschool to middle school! From games to downloadable coloring pages, there is sure to be something that your child will like. So the next time your son or daughter complains of being bored, send them to FunSchool!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For weather buffs, here's a site that will show you the lightning strikes within the U.S. within the last hour.
http://www.strikestarus.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(I have decided to start listing birthdays and anniversaries, so if you have one you want included just send it to me by the Friday before the issue date it needs to go in.)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:
my mom on June 23
Alyssa on June 23
Brittany on June 23
Lib on July 1
Sue on July 2
Marianne on July 3
Toni (yes, me...I'm not too shy to toot my own horn...lol) on July 3
___________________________________________
~Mommy Moments~
Here is an easy pizza recipe that I fix for my girls quite often.
I use soft tortilla shells, pizza sauce, whatever topping you like, bake it just until the cheese is melted and the edges are lightly browned. You can also do this in the microwave, but of course, my girls prefer it baked.
Here is a site that has all sorts of fun food ideas for kids. Enjoy!
http://www.easy-kid-recipes.com/index.html
Here are a few sites that have fun kids games.
http://www.funbrain.com/
http://www.candystand.com/
Here you can check to see if you can take your kids to bowl for FREE :)
http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/
__________________________________
New Mexico
--Santa Fe is the highest capital city in the United States at 7,000 feet above sea level.
--Each October Albuquerque hosts the world's largest international hot air balloon fiestal.
--The Rio Grande is New Mexico's longest river and runs the entire length of New Mexico.
--The world's first Atomic Bomb was detonated on July 16, 1945 on the White Sands Testing Range near Alamogordo. North of the impact point a small placard marks the area known as Trinity Site. The bomb was designed and manufactured in Los Alamos.
--White Sands National Monument http://tinyurl.com/knm8d4 is a desert, not of sand, but of gleaming white gypsum crystals.
--New Mexico is one of the four corner states. Bordering at the same point with Colorado, Utah and Arizona.
--More than 25,000 Anasazi sites have been identified in New Mexico by archeologists. The Anasazi, an amazing civilization who were the ancestors of the Pueblo, where around for 1300 years. Their great classical period lasted from 1100-1300 AD.
--1/4 of New Mexico is forested, and the state has 7 National Forests including the Nation's largest, the 3.3 million acre Gila National Forest which includes the Gila Wilderness.
--In 1950 the little cub that was to become the National Fire Safety symbol Smokey the Bear was found trapped in a tree when his home in Lincoln National Forest was destroyed by fire. In 1963, in Smokey's honor, the New Mexican legislature chose the black bear to be the official state animal.
--The Navajo, the Nation's largest Native American Group, have a reservation that covers 14 million Acres.
--At Lake Valley, miners discovered silver in veins so pure that the metal could be sawn off in blocks, instead of having to be dug out by traditional methods.
--To test the latest rockets White Sands Missile Range was created on the same land where the first atom bomb had been exploded.
--After WWII Los Alamos and Albuquerque had many new laboratories. Hundreds of highly educated Scientists and Engineers moved in the state. New Mexico soon had a higher percentage of people with Ph.D.s than any other state.
--Two important aspects of New Mexico's economy are scientific research such as the nuclear energy research carried out at Sandia National Laboratories and mining of natural resources such as oil, natural gas, uranium, potash, copper, coal, zinc, gold and silver.
--Since New Mexico's climate is so dry 3/4 of the roads are left unpaved. The roads don't wash away.
--During the height of the so-called lawless era of the late 1800' when Lew Wallace served as territorial Governor, he wrote the popular historical novel Ben-Hur. First published in 1880, it was made into a movie in 1959 starring Charleton Heston.
--Cimarron was once known as the "Cowboy capital of the world". Some of the old west's most famous names, such as Kit Carson and "Buffalo Bill" Cody lived there. A quote from the Las Vegas Gazette illustrates how lawless Cimarron was. "Everything is quiet in Cimarron. Nobody has been killed in 3 days."
--Roswell the states 4th largest city was founded in 1869 when a professional gambler established a lone store on the cattle trail.
--Moon Rocks can be found at the International Space hall of fame that is located in Alamogordo.
--Tens of thousands of bats live in the Carlsbad Caverns. The largest chamber of Carlsbad Caverns is more than 10 football fields long and about 22 stories high.
--Taos Pueblo is located 2 miles north of the city of Taos. It is one of the oldest continuously occupied communities in the United States. People still live in some of its 900 year old buildings.
--New Mexico's capital city Santa Fe is the ending point of the 800 mile Santa Fe Trail.
--The City of Truth or Consequences was once called Hot Springs. In 1950 the town changed its name to the title of a popular radio quiz program.
--New Mexico was named by 16th century Spanish explorers who hoped to find gold and wealth equal to Mexico's Aztec treasures.
--Native Americans have been living in New Mexico for some twenty thousand years. The Pueblo, Apache, Comanche, Navajo, and Ute peoples were in the New Mexico region when Spanish settlers arrived in the 1600s.
_____________________________________
This is a pretty interesting site. Gives decorating ideas from things found at the dollar store.
http://www.dollarstorestyle.com/
__________________________________
~What I've been reading~
If you like to read true crime books, you will want to check out Columbine by Dave Cullen. I feel like the author interjects his opinions from time to time on certain subjects. Other than that, the author shows you the true and entire story you didn't hear in the media. Cautions: there is bad language and lots of details that aren't for the faint of heart.
_____________________________
Save Lukewarm Water for Plants
While waiting for hot water from your sink to get hot, place a milk jug under the faucet to collect water. Use this water to water plants, pets, etc. You'll be surprised with how much water you've collected.
____________________________________
~Tips from Cheryl~
No More Sticky Rice
To prevent rice from sticking to the pot when it's cooking, spray the bottom with and sides with nonstick vegetable spray before you add water or rice.
Reusing Aluminum Foil and Plastic Bags
After you've used it, clean with a damp sponge and wipe from the center to the edge (this will flatten it). Let dry. Clean zipper bags with lots of soap and hot water, rinse well and dry before reusing
Sugar Shaker
Pour granulated sugar into a salt shaker or recycled Parmesan cheese shaker. It will be so handy when you want to sprinkle sugar on pie crust tops, cereal or homemade donuts. You will have good control of how much you add.
Freeze Extra Tomato Sauce
If a recipe calls for just 2 or 3 ounces of tomato sauce or canned tomatoes, save what's left. Pour into ice cube trays, cover and freeze. You will have individual cubes on hand to pop into future dishes.
_____________________________________
~Marie's Laughter~
Mrs. Sullivan and her little daughter Patty were outside the church watching all the comings and goings of a wedding. After the photographs had been taken, everyone had driven off to the reception, and all the excitement was over. Patty asked her mother, “Why did the bride change her mind, Mommy?
“How do you mean, change her mind?” asked Mrs. Sullivan.
"Well", said the child, “she went into the church with one man and came out with another!”
_____________________________________
Head over to http://www.nophonetrees.com or http://www.get2human.com where you can type in the name of a company you're about to call, and instantly find out which special series of numbers will connect you without having to go through the voicemail menu.
___________________________________
~More tips from Carol~
--In a pan, where you've overcooked your food, is not going to be an easy clean up unless you have some ammonia. Simply pour in a capful of ammonia and then fill your pan with a little bit of water. Bring it to the stove and let it boil. Once it boils just push it all around, and look how easy it comes off.
--Something you should always have handy in your laundry room is a simple bar of soap. It works great to take out make-up stains. Simply wet the soap. Once the water reaches the shirt with that soap on it, the cleaning power will be released and it'll be "clean as new".
--Cleaning the microwave: No one likes those food particles that accumulate on the door and inside. So, take a couple cups of water and put it in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Now, what happens is that the water starts to boil and it starts to steam. All the steam inside the microwave loosens up those food particles. Wait until this is done and watch how easy it is to clean up.
--Cut a lemon in half and just rub it on your cutting board. It'll help disinfect and sanitize it. And for tough stains on plastic or light colored surfaces, simply cut your lemon in half, squeeze on some of that lemon juice and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Rinse with water and its good as new.
--Scuff marks on the floor, crayon marks on the floor and even on the walls: Simply take a sponge, dampen it a little bit, and dip it in some baking soda. Rub away; no more scuff marks and crayon marks to worry about.
--Dusting tip: Use a little fabric softener and mix in a bowl with some warm water. Because it helps keep things static free, it is great for dusting off glass tabletops, TV monitors, even your stereo equipment. (Note from Toni: if you use this on electronics I'd be really careful and not get the cleaning cloth very wet)
--You know when you're moving your furniture around and you find those indentations? Here's a good way to get rid of them. Take a little chip of ice before you go to bed and just put the little chips in the indentation marks. Let it soak through overnight. In the morning, after its dry, the bristles start to come back up. Use a fork to fluff. Indentations marks be gone.
--When you spill cooking oil on your kitchen floor. Here's how to clean it up: First clean up any glass if it's a glass container. You want to cover the oil with a thick layer of flour and let it sit for a few minutes because the flour will absorb the oil. Then, just sweep up the flour-oil mixture into a dust pan. And, for those really thick oil spots, you might have to use a paper towel actually to "scrunch" it into the dust pan. Then throw it all away. Then just use some glass cleaner to get any of the remaining oil off the floor and there you have it. Fresh and Clean! Probably cleaner than it was before you dropped that oil.
____________________________________
At http://digital-photography-school.com/ you'll find tips such as: You can give the impression of a thinner tummy by rotating your upper body slightly at the waist. And make thighs look narrower by crossing one leg in front of the other. One last tip, ask the person photographing you to hold the camera slightly above eye level and point it down if you have a double chin.
_________________________________
more state Preambles from Regina:
--Massachusetts 1780, We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction ..
--Michigan 1908, We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.
--Minnesota, 1857, We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
--Mississippi 1890, We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
--Missouri 1845, We, the people of Missouri, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution....
--Montana 1889, We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...
--Nebraska 1875, We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution..
--Nevada 1864, We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...
--New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God
according to the dictates of his own conscience.
--New Jersey 1844, We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
___________________________________
Such a cool idea! This is a free webside that lets you quickly track every gift you've given and received, complete with a search box, so you can take 5 seconds to make sure you're not giving the same gift you did last year. You can also get free email reminders.
http://www.giftelephant.com/
__________________________________
Here is a recipe that Lib sent in for us:
VEGGIE BURGERS
2 CUPS DICED ONIONS
2 CUPS DICED MUSHROOMS
2 GREEN PEPPERS DICED
2 CANS CHICK PEAS OR PINTOS MASHED
1 SMALL CAN TOMATO PASTE
1 CUP MOZARELLA CHEESE GRATED.
2 CUP CARROTS, SHREDDED
2 EGGS
1 or more TEASPOONS EACH OF CUMIN, CAYEENE,DILL, GARLIC POWDER
3 TEASPOONS DIJON MUSTARD
2 CUPS BREAD CRUMBS
Chop and sauté onions, mushrooms & peppers. Combine all ingredientsand make patties. Grease pan and bake at 350º for 20 minutes. Flip. Bake 10 more minutes. Great done on the barbeque or fried. Good with barbeque sauce. Freezes well.
(Add the spices to the veggies as you fry them - gives better distribution.
__________________________________
You know you've had that carton of eggs in your fridge for weeks (or maybe months). Are the eggs still safe to eat? How about the jars of capers or marmalade that you bought for that recipe and haven't used yet? http://www.stilltasty.com is a website devoted to answering the question: Save it or toss it? It provides shelf life info for thousands of foods, answers questions, and provides info on topics related to food safety.
_________________________________
More real celebrity names:
Billy Idol -- William Board
Marty Ingels -- Martin Ingerman
Burl Ives -- Burle Icle Ivanhoe
_________________________________
Firefly Watch is recruiting volunteers to devote just 10 minutes each week to monitor firefly numbers in their back yard. Details and instructions are available at https://www.mos.org/fireflywatch/
________________________________
The unusual town names list is mighty short this week...
Papa, Hawaii
_____________________________
Did you know? Though Hawaiians use the word "aloha" for both "hello" and "goodbye", the literal traslation is "love".
_______________________________
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hello everyone from Phyllis!
June is almost done, and we'll be celebrating the 4th of July soon. Typically on the 4th of July, we go see fireworks or cook out on the grill.
The 4th of July is the anniversary of the day when the Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, in 1776. Independence Day was made an official holiday in 1783. In 1941, Congress declared it a federal holiday.
Here is a list of the ten best places in America to go watch fireworks:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8379793/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
July 1
The first adhesive postage stamp was offered for sale in 1847.
The United States Post Office started using 4 digit zip codes in 1963.
July 2
Amelia Earhart disappeared over the Pacific Ocean in 1937.
July 3
Congress created the United States Veterans Administration in 1930.
Singer Jim Morrisson of the Doors died at the age of 27 in 1971.
July 4
Thomas Jefferson died in 1826.
July 5
The first bikini was debuted in Paris in 1946.
July 6
Louis Pasteur successfully tested an anti-rabies vaccine in 1885.
July 7
Readers Digest was founded in 1922.
July 8
Florentz Ziegfeld introduced his "follies" in 1907.
July 9
Louisiana and South Carolina were re-admitted to the Union in 1868.
July 10
Wyoming was the 44th state to enter the Union in 1890.
July 11
President John Quincy Adams was born in 1767.
July 12
Congress authorized the Medal of Honor in 1862.
July 13
Alabama was re-admitted to the Union in 1868.
July 14
Billy the Kid was shot by Sheriff Pat Garrett in 1881.
President Gerald Ford was born in 1913.
July 15
Georgia was re-admitted to the Union in 1870.
Billy the Kid died at the age of 21 in 1881.
The Boeing Company began in Seattle Washington in 1916.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The ruby is the birthstone for July.
The water lily is the flower of the month.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's a great use for all that junk mail you get...make paper beads with your kids!
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Paper-Beads
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Memory Lane
Do you remember drive in movie theaters? The first drive in movie theater was opened in 1933 in Camden, NJ. Drive in movie theaters peaked in popularity in the 50's and 60's with over 4,000 theaters in the U.S. But in the 80's with the cost of land rising and the popularity of VCR's, many drive ins started to close, until there were less than 750 left by the mid 90's.
For some reason, the decline of drive in movie theaters has stopped. Here are a couple of cool websites to tell you more about the history of drive in theaters, and to tell you if there are still any open in your area.
http://www.driveinmovie.com/mainmenu.htm
http://www.driveintheater.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alternative drive in theaters:
http://mobmov.org/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Smiling is contagious, you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around a corner, and someone saw my grin,
When he smiled I realized I'd passed it onto him.
I thought about that smile, then realized its worth,
A single smile, just like mine, could travel round the Earth.
So if you feel a smile begin, don't leave it undetected -
Let's start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Save money when dining out with your kids-
http://www.frugalliving.tv/free-stuff/kids-eat-free.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Legacy Locker
This site isn't free, but its worth checking out.
http://legacylocker.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spring and summer can bring unpredictable weather. From severe thunderstorms, flash floods, hurricanes and tornadoes, the weather can be dangerous. Here are some tips to get you through weather emergencies;
BUILD A PREPAREDNESS KIT:
Include at least one flashlight for each family member.
Also include a battery operated lantern for lighting bigger areas.
Include a battery operated radio.
Don't forget to include extra batteries in all sizes.
Remember to add specialty batteries for things like hearing aids, glucose monitors, etc.
When you 'spring forward' each year, take the time to check the batteries in your preparedness kit. (This is also a good time to check the batteries in your homes smoke alarms.)
Be sure to put your kit in a place that is easily accessable.
DEVELOP A PLAN:
Locate the safest places in your house to go to in the event of a disaster. But remember that some times your safest place might not be at home, but somewhere else in your community.
Determine escape routes from your home, and places to meet.
PROTECT YOUR HOME:
There are 4 critical areas to reinforce and protect; roof, shutters, doors and garage doors.
Make trees more wind resistant by removing damaged limgs that could post a threat to your property during a storm.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS TO HAVE FOR AN EMERGENCY:
Water; FEMA says each person should have a supply of one gallon of water per day for 3 days.
Food; enough to last 3 to 7 days.
Non-electric can opener; so you can open your food when the power is out.
Paper plates and plastic utensils.
Blankets and pillows.
First aid kit, including your prescriptions.
Pet care items.
For more safety tips, visit
http://www.energizer.com/preparedness/Default.aspx
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A website for gardeners, with fun things for kids each month:
http://gardeningtips.org/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Awe inspiring views of earth from space:
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/20-amazing-images-of-earth-as-seen-from-space/12526
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Easy Meatball Casserole
18 oz package of frozen meatballs, thawed
16 oz package frozen peppers and onion mix, thawed
2 cups chunky pasta sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine meatballs, peppers and onions mix and pasta sauce in a 2 quart glass casserole, and mix well to combine.
Top with cheeses.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until casserole is bubbling and cheese has melted.
Makes 6 servings.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To find out when your favorite singers or bands will be touring your area, go to:
http://www.songkick.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Just for fun:
http://lsdex.ru/interactive-psychedelic/interactive-kaleidoscope/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's a site where you can enter various sweepstakes:
http://www.prizey.net/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cool Pick for kids:
This weeks Cool Pick website is
http://funschool.kaboose.com/index.html
This site is just chock full of activities for kids, ranging in ages from preschool to middle school! From games to downloadable coloring pages, there is sure to be something that your child will like. So the next time your son or daughter complains of being bored, send them to FunSchool!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For weather buffs, here's a site that will show you the lightning strikes within the U.S. within the last hour.
http://www.strikestarus.com/
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
06.09.2009
Hi everyone! I know by the calendar summer hasn't arrived yet, but as far as I'm concerned, it's summer now! I'm lovin it! So let me share what I have so we can all get back outside and soak in some rays! ~Toni
==========================================================
West Virginia Day celebrates West Virginia’s admission to the United States of America on June 20, 1863. Although observed unofficially since 1863, the anniversary of statehood became an official state holiday in 1927. If June 20 falls on a Sunday, West Virginia Day is observed on Monday June 21.
West Virginia's early history from 1609 until 1863 is largely shared with Virginia, of which it was a part until Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861. The delegates of the 40 western counties opposed secession and formed their own government, which was granted statehood in 1863 as West Virginia.
Celebrations in honor of the holiday include games, barbecues, concerts, art festivals, historic displays, exhibitions, guided tours, and reenactments of Civil War battles. Most state offices, schools, and libraries are closed for the holiday.
*******************************************
~Marie's Laughter~
There's this little guy sitting inside a bar, just looking at his drink. He stays like that for half-an-hour.Then, this big trouble-making truck driver steps next to him, takes the drink from the guy, and just drinks it all down.The poor man starts crying. The truck driver says: "Come on man, I was just joking. Here, I'll buy you another drink. I just can't see a man crying." "No, it's not that. Today day is the worst of my life. First, I overslept and was late to an important meeting. My boss, outrageous, fired me. When I left the building to my car, I found out it was stolen. The police, they said they could do nothing. I got a cab to return home, and after I paid the cab driver and the cab had gone, I found that I left my whole wallet in the cab. I got home only to find my wife was in bed with the gardener. I left home and came to this bar. And when I was thinking about putting an end to my life, you show up and drink my poison ..."
*******************************************
Being on dial up I have not actually checked this site out, so I'm hoping it's helpful and fun. You can watch DIY and instructional videos here for a wide array of topics. http://www.5min.com/
*****************************************
~Tips from Cheryl~
Lawn Mower Safety Getting ready for summer lawn care? Be aware of the following: Do not disconnect safety controls; they are there to protect you. And don't add fuel to the mower when it's running or if the engine is still hot. Always be mindful of the fact that gas and gas fumes are extremely flammable.
Pretty Way to Serve Melon Don't just slice honeydew or cantaloupe or watermelon as you normally do. Instead scoop out with a melon baller or ice cream scoop and make an attractive pile of melon balls.
Computer Keyboard Dirty Crumbs and dust in your keyboard? To remove, unplug and turn keyboard upside down over a trashcan and gently shake out all the crud that's stuck in and around the keys. Then wipe off keys with a lightly damp microfiber cloth (don't over-wet because you don't want liquid dripping into the keys).
Keep Cheap Paper Plates Handy They can be used in so many ways: as a dustpan, cutting board, throwaway spoon rest. In the microwave, they can serve as a spill-catcher or put over top of food to avoid splatters.
=Cheryl says this tip is not a favorite of hers, but she's sharing just in case this would be something you would like...=
Have a Bit of Jam or Jelly Left? When you're reached the end of the jar and there's just small amount of jam or jelly remaining, don't throw it out. Instead make a fruity shake. Add milk, shake well and pour into glass.
*******************************************
Head here and you can set up a text number and description for anything you're selling--free of charge. Just post the text message number on your For Sale sign and those interested can dial to instantly get detailed info about what you're selling, including price, description, photos, and contact info. http://www.forsalebytxt.com/
************************************
In our continuing series of the Preambles of the 50 states:
-Hawaii 1959, We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.
-Idaho 1889, We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
-Illinois 1870, We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
-Indiana 1851, We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
-Iowa 1857, We, the People of the St ate of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
-Kansas 1859, We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
-Kentucky 1891, We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...
-Louisiana 1921, We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
-Maine 1820, We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... And imploring His aid and direction...
-Maryland 1776, We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
*******************************************
Looking for financial help? Whether you're thinking of starting a small business, going back to school or putting your child in daycare, you may qualify for a loan, scholarship or grant from the government. Just log on to http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal and fill out a short questionnaire, then you'll be pointed to all the federal and state programs that can help you reach your goal.
********************************************
Carol sent us these tips:
Removing ink from clothing: Sometimes this happens to us. You're writing something and your pen drops and you get a stain on your favorite shirt. Well, simply use hairspray. Spray it on and really saturate the area. Then blot it with either a paper towel or a cloth. Don't rub it. Just press really hard. Rubbing will only spread the stain. But just by pressing hard, see how the ink is already starting to get removed. Then just throw it in the wash and wash as you normally would.
Removing ink from the walls: Well, what you can do for that is also use a handy bottle of hairspray. Spray it on and wipe it right off. And what if one's fingers "do the walking" on your phone with a pen. Or a permanent marker. Look what happens when you use rubbing alcohol. Rub it around with a paper towel or cloth and it comes right off.
Baking soda can be used for so many things around the house. One thing I love to use it on is extra greasy pots and pans. For a really tough job, simply put a tablespoon of baking soda in with your regular dishwashing soap, And then go ahead and "scrub away". You'll notice how fast it cuts the grease. The next time you have a nasty bug bite, simply wet the bite a little bit, dab on some baking soda (rub it around, making a paste) and it will help relieve the itching.
You usually find baby oil in, well, a baby's room. But, you know, you can use it all throughout your house--including the garage! The next time you're painting and you get paint all over your arm, simply use some baby oil and it'll come right off. It's a lot better than using your fingernails or some abrasive to "scrape" it off. Plus, it makes your skin feel smooth and it smells a lot better than turpentine. You can also use baby oil to remove tree sap from your hands if you're out in the yard working on your trees or even when you bring in your Christmas tree. Put on some baby oil and rub it around, And, ah, that "stickiness" is totally gone. Wash off your hands and you're "good to go". Baby oil also works well as an insect repellant and it smells a lot less much less harsh. Finally, if you get gum stuck in hair, put a little baby oil around the area and it'll come right out.
*************************************
Sign up here to get e-mail alerts any time a warning is issued for any medication you take.
https://www.consumermedsafety.org/medsafetyalert.asp
***************************************
This week we're learning about New Jersey:
--New Jersey has the highest population density in the U.S. An average 1,030 people per sq. mi., which is 13 times the national average.
--In November of 1914, the New York Tribune, cooperating with Mr. Bertram Chapman Mayo (founder of Beachwood) issued an "Extra" announcing: "Subscribe to the New York Tribune and secure a lot at Beautiful Beachwood. Act at once, secure your lot in this Summer Paradise now!" This was the greatest premium offered by a newspaper - nothing equal to it was ever attempted in the United States.
--In order to meet the increasing demand for his wire rope John Roebling opened a factory in Trenton, New Jersey in 1848. John Roebling, along with his two sons, Washington and Ferdinand, built a suspension bridge across the gorge of the Niagara River. They then built the Brooklyn Bridge plus many other suspension bridges in the United States.
--North Jersey has the most shopping malls in one area in the world with seven major shopping malls in a 25 sq. mile radius.
--Passaic river was the site to the first submarine ride by inventor John P. Holland.
--New Jersey is a leading industrial state and is the largest chemical producing state in the nation.
--The light bulb, phonograph (record player), motion picture projector were invented by Thomas Edison in his Menlo Park laboratory.
--Atlantic City is where the street names came from for the game Monopoly.
--Atlantic City has the longest boardwalk in the world.
--New Jersey has the largest petroleum containment area outside of the Middle East countries. --New Jersey has the tallest water tower in the world.
--The first tin-foil phonograph developed by Thomas Edison was crude, but it proved his point-- that sound could be recorded and played back. Thomas Edison had phonograph demonstrations and became world-renowned as the "Wizard of Menlo Park" for this invention.
--The first baseball game was played in Hoboken.
--The first intercollegiate football game was played in New Brunswick, in 1869. Rutgers College played Princeton. Rutgers won.
--The first Drive-In Movie theatre was opened in Camden.
--New Jersey has 108 toxic waste dumps. Which is the most in any one state in the nation.
--New Jersey has a spoon museum featuring over 5,400 spoons from every state and almost every country.
--Origin of name: From the Channel Isle of Jersey.
--In 1977, New Jersey voters approved legislation allowing legalized casino gambling in Atlantic City.
--Modern paleontology, the science of studying dinosaur fossils, began in 1858 with the discovery of the first nearly complete skeleton of a dinosaur in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
************************************************
Heading to the beach this summer? Check the water safety here to keep from getting sick.
http://iaspub.epa.gov/waters10/beacon_national_page.main
*******************************************
New stamp release June 11
Anna Julia Cooper (Black Heritage)
As the 32nd inductee into the Black Heritage series, the Postal Service honors Anna Julia Cooper (c.1858-1964), an educator, scholar, feminist and activist who gave voice to the African-American community during the 19th and 20th centuries — from the end of slavery to the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. The stamp features a portrait of Cooper created by Kadir Nelson, who based his painting on an undated photograph. Nelson worked under the direction of art director Ethel Kessler.
***********************************************
Heading for the beach? You know you'll have sticky sand all over you, but what to do? Bring along some baby powder and sprinkle on sandy feet and legs just before heading home. Sand will brush off like magic.
*******************************************
Make cut flowers last longer by putting them in 1 quart of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon bleach and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. This mixture balances the water's pH and kills bacteria.
******************************************
John and I used to use a lot of paper napkins. I knew using cloth napkins would save money, but all the napkins I'd see seemed rather pricey to me which seemed to defeat the whole purpose. And then it dawned on me to buy some plain white men's handkerchiefs. I got a pack of 13 for less than $4. And best of all, they're white so I can toss them in with other whites that I'm using bleach in and keep them nice and sanitary.
*****************************************
Carol sent me a story about a place called the Shoe House located near York PA. You can see picture of this cool structure at http://www.jarrettsville.org/family/shoehouse.htm Also you can read about "Colonel" Mahlon N. Haines, known as the Shoe Wizard of York, who had the Shoe House built. Thanks for sending this to me Carol! I really enjoyed the pictures and the history behind it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hello everyone! I hope the month of June has gotten off to a great start for you! I'm really enjoying the weather...it still hasn't gotten TOO hot here yet! Well, I have lots of websites, a recipe and other things to share with you so lets get right to it. ~Phyllis
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coming in June...
The start of the Atlantic Hurricane season was June 1st
http://www.floridasmart.com/sciencenature/weather/hurricanes.htm
June 14 is Flag Day
Fathers Day is June 21st, which is also the first day of Summer.
--------------------------------------------------------
For a trip down Memory Lane, take a look at
http://www.wishbookweb.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's a site to help you save a little money!
http://www.groceryshrink.com/index.html
The Grocery Shrink is a site where you can sign up for a free weekly newsletter full of money saving tips, recipes and more. When you sign up, you'll get an email with recipes to make your own cleaning products. Not only do these cleaning products save you money, they're also eco friendly!
-----------------------------------------------------------
A funny site that shows you out dated books still on some public library shelves:
http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toothpaste...its not just for brushing your teeth with! Here are a few more uses for toothpaste that you might not have thought of:
1. It cleans the white rubber part of your tennis shoes. Paste (not gel) works best. Just get an old toothbrush, apply some toothpaste and scrub the rubber part of the shoe. Then use a damp cloth to get the toothpaste off and your sneakers will look almost as good as new.
2. Is your iron gunked up? Non-gel toothpaste contains a very mild abrasive. Apply it to a cool iron and scrub with a washcloth, then use another cloth with a bit of water to rinse it off.
3. And if that diamond ring don't shine....use toothpaste! Use an old toothbrush and a little bit of toothpaste to make the ring sparkle again. Clean off the residue with a damp cloth.
4. Ewww...smelly baby bottle? Toothpaste can deodorize it. Just put a bit on the baby bottle brush, and scrub. Be sure to rinse well to get all toothpaste residue out.
5. Hang posters on the wall. Just put a little dab on each corner of the poster and a little dab here and there in between. Your poster will stick to the wall, and when you want to remove it there won't be any nail holes.
6. Speaking of nail holes...toothpaste can take care of those too! Just put a little toothpaste in the hole and let it dry. Then you can paint right over it.
Got any other uses for toothpaste to share? Send them to me and I'll put them in the next issue of the newsletter.
---------------------------------------------------
Online white noise generator:
http://simplynoise.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
COOL PICK
.
This weeks Cool Pick website is
http://www.geocaching.com/
Geocaching (pronounced "geo-cashing") is "a high tech treasure hunting game." It is played all around the world by people with GPS devices. After you sign up and register for a free membership, you can search for hidden geocaches and then talk about it online with other treasure hunters, or even place your own geocache to be found. Geocaching is a great way to spend time together as a family, so check out the website to find all the information you'll need to get started.
_________________________________________
If you're planning a trip by bus, find the lowest rate at:
http://busjunction.com/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fun for kids
National Geographic has a website with lots of fun & educational things for kids such as the Wildlife Film Maker! Kids can make their own wildlife mini-film to share with their friends.
http://animals.nationalgeographic..com/animals/article/filmmaker.html
------------------------------------------------
Crockpot Sweet Potato Chili
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) tomatoes
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp chipotle chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice (if you don't have orange juice in the house, you can use another 1/2 cup water instead.)
Peel and cut up the sweet potato and put it in the crockpot.
Add onion, red pepper, tomatoes, garlic and seasonings. Pour in orange juice and water.
Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours.
Makes 4 servings.
ENJOY!
---------------------------------------------------------------
Lots to read at
http://www.allyoucanread.com/
--------------------------------------------
If you're a fan of old radio shows, this site is for you:
http://www.radiolovers.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm sure this has happened to almost everyone...you go to a movie and halfway through, you need to visit the restroom! But you don't want to miss anything. Here's a website to tell you when is the best time in the movie to make that quick bathroom trip!
http://runpee.com/#app=3e1a&e1bd-RunPeeID=0.0.0&b35-selectedIndex=0
So the next time you plan a trip to the movies, check out "Runpee" first just in case!
---------------------------------------------------------
Amusement Park Safety Tips
This is the time of year when most people go to amusement parks, so I thought I would include some safety tips in this issue of the newsletter.
1. Dress your kids in colorful, distinctive clothing. This will make it easier for you to not only keep track of them, but also make it easier to describe them should they get lost.
2. Designate a place to meet if you get separated. Pick something that can be seen from any point of the amusement park, such as a ferris wheel. Also, as soon as you enter the park, point out the park employees to your child and have them make note of what they are wearing. That way, if your child gets lost, he or she will know who to go to for help.
3. Don't forget the sun screen! And be sure to drink plenty of water so you don't get dehydrated.
4. Stay away from restricted areas. They are restricted for good reason! In August 2008, a man was hit by a roller coaster and killed after he went into a restricted area to get his hat which had blown off while he was riding the coaster. (Source; http://www.rideaccidents.com/
5. Pay attention to the warnings posted at each ride. These warnings are there to protect you. Usually they say the ride is not recommended for people under or over a certain height, or with certain conditions such as heart problems.
6. Sit properly in the seat of each ride. Keep your hands and legs inside the ride. Don't crowd people who are getting off the ride. If you are on a roller coaster with no floor, let your legs dangle. Don't kick them out in front of you or to the side.
7. If you see something wrong, like a broken restraint, alert a park employee right away.
----------------------------------------------
If you are losing weight and want to calculate your weight loss percentage, just go to
http://www.fitwatch.com/qkcalc/calculate-weight-loss-percentage.html
and fill in your starting weight and your current weight.
--------------------------------------
Just for fun!
http://www.dialsongs.com/
==========================================================
West Virginia Day celebrates West Virginia’s admission to the United States of America on June 20, 1863. Although observed unofficially since 1863, the anniversary of statehood became an official state holiday in 1927. If June 20 falls on a Sunday, West Virginia Day is observed on Monday June 21.
West Virginia's early history from 1609 until 1863 is largely shared with Virginia, of which it was a part until Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861. The delegates of the 40 western counties opposed secession and formed their own government, which was granted statehood in 1863 as West Virginia.
Celebrations in honor of the holiday include games, barbecues, concerts, art festivals, historic displays, exhibitions, guided tours, and reenactments of Civil War battles. Most state offices, schools, and libraries are closed for the holiday.
*******************************************
~Marie's Laughter~
There's this little guy sitting inside a bar, just looking at his drink. He stays like that for half-an-hour.Then, this big trouble-making truck driver steps next to him, takes the drink from the guy, and just drinks it all down.The poor man starts crying. The truck driver says: "Come on man, I was just joking. Here, I'll buy you another drink. I just can't see a man crying." "No, it's not that. Today day is the worst of my life. First, I overslept and was late to an important meeting. My boss, outrageous, fired me. When I left the building to my car, I found out it was stolen. The police, they said they could do nothing. I got a cab to return home, and after I paid the cab driver and the cab had gone, I found that I left my whole wallet in the cab. I got home only to find my wife was in bed with the gardener. I left home and came to this bar. And when I was thinking about putting an end to my life, you show up and drink my poison ..."
*******************************************
Being on dial up I have not actually checked this site out, so I'm hoping it's helpful and fun. You can watch DIY and instructional videos here for a wide array of topics. http://www.5min.com/
*****************************************
~Tips from Cheryl~
Lawn Mower Safety Getting ready for summer lawn care? Be aware of the following: Do not disconnect safety controls; they are there to protect you. And don't add fuel to the mower when it's running or if the engine is still hot. Always be mindful of the fact that gas and gas fumes are extremely flammable.
Pretty Way to Serve Melon Don't just slice honeydew or cantaloupe or watermelon as you normally do. Instead scoop out with a melon baller or ice cream scoop and make an attractive pile of melon balls.
Computer Keyboard Dirty Crumbs and dust in your keyboard? To remove, unplug and turn keyboard upside down over a trashcan and gently shake out all the crud that's stuck in and around the keys. Then wipe off keys with a lightly damp microfiber cloth (don't over-wet because you don't want liquid dripping into the keys).
Keep Cheap Paper Plates Handy They can be used in so many ways: as a dustpan, cutting board, throwaway spoon rest. In the microwave, they can serve as a spill-catcher or put over top of food to avoid splatters.
=Cheryl says this tip is not a favorite of hers, but she's sharing just in case this would be something you would like...=
Have a Bit of Jam or Jelly Left? When you're reached the end of the jar and there's just small amount of jam or jelly remaining, don't throw it out. Instead make a fruity shake. Add milk, shake well and pour into glass.
*******************************************
Head here and you can set up a text number and description for anything you're selling--free of charge. Just post the text message number on your For Sale sign and those interested can dial to instantly get detailed info about what you're selling, including price, description, photos, and contact info. http://www.forsalebytxt.com/
************************************
In our continuing series of the Preambles of the 50 states:
-Hawaii 1959, We, the people of Hawaii, Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.
-Idaho 1889, We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
-Illinois 1870, We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil , political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
-Indiana 1851, We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
-Iowa 1857, We, the People of the St ate of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
-Kansas 1859, We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
-Kentucky 1891, We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...
-Louisiana 1921, We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
-Maine 1820, We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... And imploring His aid and direction...
-Maryland 1776, We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
*******************************************
Looking for financial help? Whether you're thinking of starting a small business, going back to school or putting your child in daycare, you may qualify for a loan, scholarship or grant from the government. Just log on to http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal and fill out a short questionnaire, then you'll be pointed to all the federal and state programs that can help you reach your goal.
********************************************
Carol sent us these tips:
Removing ink from clothing: Sometimes this happens to us. You're writing something and your pen drops and you get a stain on your favorite shirt. Well, simply use hairspray. Spray it on and really saturate the area. Then blot it with either a paper towel or a cloth. Don't rub it. Just press really hard. Rubbing will only spread the stain. But just by pressing hard, see how the ink is already starting to get removed. Then just throw it in the wash and wash as you normally would.
Removing ink from the walls: Well, what you can do for that is also use a handy bottle of hairspray. Spray it on and wipe it right off. And what if one's fingers "do the walking" on your phone with a pen. Or a permanent marker. Look what happens when you use rubbing alcohol. Rub it around with a paper towel or cloth and it comes right off.
Baking soda can be used for so many things around the house. One thing I love to use it on is extra greasy pots and pans. For a really tough job, simply put a tablespoon of baking soda in with your regular dishwashing soap, And then go ahead and "scrub away". You'll notice how fast it cuts the grease. The next time you have a nasty bug bite, simply wet the bite a little bit, dab on some baking soda (rub it around, making a paste) and it will help relieve the itching.
You usually find baby oil in, well, a baby's room. But, you know, you can use it all throughout your house--including the garage! The next time you're painting and you get paint all over your arm, simply use some baby oil and it'll come right off. It's a lot better than using your fingernails or some abrasive to "scrape" it off. Plus, it makes your skin feel smooth and it smells a lot better than turpentine. You can also use baby oil to remove tree sap from your hands if you're out in the yard working on your trees or even when you bring in your Christmas tree. Put on some baby oil and rub it around, And, ah, that "stickiness" is totally gone. Wash off your hands and you're "good to go". Baby oil also works well as an insect repellant and it smells a lot less much less harsh. Finally, if you get gum stuck in hair, put a little baby oil around the area and it'll come right out.
*************************************
Sign up here to get e-mail alerts any time a warning is issued for any medication you take.
https://www.consumermedsafety.org/medsafetyalert.asp
***************************************
This week we're learning about New Jersey:
--New Jersey has the highest population density in the U.S. An average 1,030 people per sq. mi., which is 13 times the national average.
--In November of 1914, the New York Tribune, cooperating with Mr. Bertram Chapman Mayo (founder of Beachwood) issued an "Extra" announcing: "Subscribe to the New York Tribune and secure a lot at Beautiful Beachwood. Act at once, secure your lot in this Summer Paradise now!" This was the greatest premium offered by a newspaper - nothing equal to it was ever attempted in the United States.
--In order to meet the increasing demand for his wire rope John Roebling opened a factory in Trenton, New Jersey in 1848. John Roebling, along with his two sons, Washington and Ferdinand, built a suspension bridge across the gorge of the Niagara River. They then built the Brooklyn Bridge plus many other suspension bridges in the United States.
--North Jersey has the most shopping malls in one area in the world with seven major shopping malls in a 25 sq. mile radius.
--Passaic river was the site to the first submarine ride by inventor John P. Holland.
--New Jersey is a leading industrial state and is the largest chemical producing state in the nation.
--The light bulb, phonograph (record player), motion picture projector were invented by Thomas Edison in his Menlo Park laboratory.
--Atlantic City is where the street names came from for the game Monopoly.
--Atlantic City has the longest boardwalk in the world.
--New Jersey has the largest petroleum containment area outside of the Middle East countries. --New Jersey has the tallest water tower in the world.
--The first tin-foil phonograph developed by Thomas Edison was crude, but it proved his point-- that sound could be recorded and played back. Thomas Edison had phonograph demonstrations and became world-renowned as the "Wizard of Menlo Park" for this invention.
--The first baseball game was played in Hoboken.
--The first intercollegiate football game was played in New Brunswick, in 1869. Rutgers College played Princeton. Rutgers won.
--The first Drive-In Movie theatre was opened in Camden.
--New Jersey has 108 toxic waste dumps. Which is the most in any one state in the nation.
--New Jersey has a spoon museum featuring over 5,400 spoons from every state and almost every country.
--Origin of name: From the Channel Isle of Jersey.
--In 1977, New Jersey voters approved legislation allowing legalized casino gambling in Atlantic City.
--Modern paleontology, the science of studying dinosaur fossils, began in 1858 with the discovery of the first nearly complete skeleton of a dinosaur in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
************************************************
Heading to the beach this summer? Check the water safety here to keep from getting sick.
http://iaspub.epa.gov/waters10/beacon_national_page.main
*******************************************
New stamp release June 11
Anna Julia Cooper (Black Heritage)
As the 32nd inductee into the Black Heritage series, the Postal Service honors Anna Julia Cooper (c.1858-1964), an educator, scholar, feminist and activist who gave voice to the African-American community during the 19th and 20th centuries — from the end of slavery to the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. The stamp features a portrait of Cooper created by Kadir Nelson, who based his painting on an undated photograph. Nelson worked under the direction of art director Ethel Kessler.
***********************************************
Heading for the beach? You know you'll have sticky sand all over you, but what to do? Bring along some baby powder and sprinkle on sandy feet and legs just before heading home. Sand will brush off like magic.
*******************************************
Make cut flowers last longer by putting them in 1 quart of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon bleach and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. This mixture balances the water's pH and kills bacteria.
******************************************
John and I used to use a lot of paper napkins. I knew using cloth napkins would save money, but all the napkins I'd see seemed rather pricey to me which seemed to defeat the whole purpose. And then it dawned on me to buy some plain white men's handkerchiefs. I got a pack of 13 for less than $4. And best of all, they're white so I can toss them in with other whites that I'm using bleach in and keep them nice and sanitary.
*****************************************
Carol sent me a story about a place called the Shoe House located near York PA. You can see picture of this cool structure at http://www.jarrettsville.org/family/shoehouse.htm Also you can read about "Colonel" Mahlon N. Haines, known as the Shoe Wizard of York, who had the Shoe House built. Thanks for sending this to me Carol! I really enjoyed the pictures and the history behind it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hello everyone! I hope the month of June has gotten off to a great start for you! I'm really enjoying the weather...it still hasn't gotten TOO hot here yet! Well, I have lots of websites, a recipe and other things to share with you so lets get right to it. ~Phyllis
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coming in June...
The start of the Atlantic Hurricane season was June 1st
http://www.floridasmart.com/sciencenature/weather/hurricanes.htm
June 14 is Flag Day
Fathers Day is June 21st, which is also the first day of Summer.
--------------------------------------------------------
For a trip down Memory Lane, take a look at
http://www.wishbookweb.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Here's a site to help you save a little money!
http://www.groceryshrink.com/index.html
The Grocery Shrink is a site where you can sign up for a free weekly newsletter full of money saving tips, recipes and more. When you sign up, you'll get an email with recipes to make your own cleaning products. Not only do these cleaning products save you money, they're also eco friendly!
-----------------------------------------------------------
A funny site that shows you out dated books still on some public library shelves:
http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Toothpaste...its not just for brushing your teeth with! Here are a few more uses for toothpaste that you might not have thought of:
1. It cleans the white rubber part of your tennis shoes. Paste (not gel) works best. Just get an old toothbrush, apply some toothpaste and scrub the rubber part of the shoe. Then use a damp cloth to get the toothpaste off and your sneakers will look almost as good as new.
2. Is your iron gunked up? Non-gel toothpaste contains a very mild abrasive. Apply it to a cool iron and scrub with a washcloth, then use another cloth with a bit of water to rinse it off.
3. And if that diamond ring don't shine....use toothpaste! Use an old toothbrush and a little bit of toothpaste to make the ring sparkle again. Clean off the residue with a damp cloth.
4. Ewww...smelly baby bottle? Toothpaste can deodorize it. Just put a bit on the baby bottle brush, and scrub. Be sure to rinse well to get all toothpaste residue out.
5. Hang posters on the wall. Just put a little dab on each corner of the poster and a little dab here and there in between. Your poster will stick to the wall, and when you want to remove it there won't be any nail holes.
6. Speaking of nail holes...toothpaste can take care of those too! Just put a little toothpaste in the hole and let it dry. Then you can paint right over it.
Got any other uses for toothpaste to share? Send them to me and I'll put them in the next issue of the newsletter.
---------------------------------------------------
Online white noise generator:
http://simplynoise.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
COOL PICK
.
This weeks Cool Pick website is
http://www.geocaching.com/
Geocaching (pronounced "geo-cashing") is "a high tech treasure hunting game." It is played all around the world by people with GPS devices. After you sign up and register for a free membership, you can search for hidden geocaches and then talk about it online with other treasure hunters, or even place your own geocache to be found. Geocaching is a great way to spend time together as a family, so check out the website to find all the information you'll need to get started.
_________________________________________
If you're planning a trip by bus, find the lowest rate at:
http://busjunction.com/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fun for kids
National Geographic has a website with lots of fun & educational things for kids such as the Wildlife Film Maker! Kids can make their own wildlife mini-film to share with their friends.
http://animals.nationalgeographic..com/animals/article/filmmaker.html
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Crockpot Sweet Potato Chili
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch chunks
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) tomatoes
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp chipotle chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup water
1/2 cup orange juice (if you don't have orange juice in the house, you can use another 1/2 cup water instead.)
Peel and cut up the sweet potato and put it in the crockpot.
Add onion, red pepper, tomatoes, garlic and seasonings. Pour in orange juice and water.
Cover and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours.
Makes 4 servings.
ENJOY!
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Lots to read at
http://www.allyoucanread.com/
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If you're a fan of old radio shows, this site is for you:
http://www.radiolovers.com/
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I'm sure this has happened to almost everyone...you go to a movie and halfway through, you need to visit the restroom! But you don't want to miss anything. Here's a website to tell you when is the best time in the movie to make that quick bathroom trip!
http://runpee.com/#app=3e1a&e1bd-RunPeeID=0.0.0&b35-selectedIndex=0
So the next time you plan a trip to the movies, check out "Runpee" first just in case!
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Amusement Park Safety Tips
This is the time of year when most people go to amusement parks, so I thought I would include some safety tips in this issue of the newsletter.
1. Dress your kids in colorful, distinctive clothing. This will make it easier for you to not only keep track of them, but also make it easier to describe them should they get lost.
2. Designate a place to meet if you get separated. Pick something that can be seen from any point of the amusement park, such as a ferris wheel. Also, as soon as you enter the park, point out the park employees to your child and have them make note of what they are wearing. That way, if your child gets lost, he or she will know who to go to for help.
3. Don't forget the sun screen! And be sure to drink plenty of water so you don't get dehydrated.
4. Stay away from restricted areas. They are restricted for good reason! In August 2008, a man was hit by a roller coaster and killed after he went into a restricted area to get his hat which had blown off while he was riding the coaster. (Source; http://www.rideaccidents.com/
5. Pay attention to the warnings posted at each ride. These warnings are there to protect you. Usually they say the ride is not recommended for people under or over a certain height, or with certain conditions such as heart problems.
6. Sit properly in the seat of each ride. Keep your hands and legs inside the ride. Don't crowd people who are getting off the ride. If you are on a roller coaster with no floor, let your legs dangle. Don't kick them out in front of you or to the side.
7. If you see something wrong, like a broken restraint, alert a park employee right away.
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If you are losing weight and want to calculate your weight loss percentage, just go to
http://www.fitwatch.com/qkcalc/calculate-weight-loss-percentage.html
and fill in your starting weight and your current weight.
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Just for fun!
http://www.dialsongs.com/
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
05.26.2009
Hello one and all. I hope I'll get this sent out on time, but am having internet connection troubles. Our latest thing here is that when it rains my phone line is getting wet and that messes up my connection since I'm still on dial up. Now the phone company tells me that the problem area can only be found when I'm actually having the problem...but anytime I call them when I'm having the problem they tell me they can't get anyone sent out then. You gotta love Verizon customer service. Well luckily I have better things to talk about than my phone service. :)
For the benefit of our new subscribers, at the bottom you'll find a website where I have archived all the old newsletter issues. Also if you have anything at all you want to share (tips, recipes, book reviews, new products reviews, etc.), send it to me or Phyllis and we'll get it in the next issue. Until next time...~Toni
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~Tips from Cheryl~
Shining Stainless Steel Sinks Try this shortcut: Pour several drops of mineral or baby oil onto a sponge or paper towel and then wipe down the sink. Spots will disappear and the sink will shine.
Jazz Up Plain Yogurt You can make it more interesting (and save money) by adding tasty items from your refrigerator or the pantry: fruit cocktail or fresh fruit, crunch cereal, jam or jelly or even chocolate chips.
Difference Between Sanitizers and Disinfectants? Sanitizers must reduce microorganisms on a surface by 99.9 percent. Disinfectants must kill all the organisms listed on the label; this includes viruses, bacteria and fungi (but not hair spores).
____________________________________
Houseplants are more than just decorative. If you get the right plant, it will do double duty, improving the air quality in your home by absorbing dangerous toxins. Best bets: philodendrons, green spider plants, palms, ferns, English ivy and dracaenas.
___________________________________
Prevent freezer burn by pressing plastic wrap onto the surface of your ice cream before putting the lid back on. This protects against frost.
___________________________________
New Stamp Issue
Bob Hope (1903-2003) returns to a “stamping ovation” May 29 on the USS Midway in San Diego when the Postal Service issues a stamp in his likeness on what would have been his 106th birthday. Kazuhiko Sano of Mill Valley, CA, worked under the direction of art director Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, to create the stamp image that is based on a photograph of Hope.
Hope devoted his life to making people laugh. He is most known for his unwavering commitment — from World War II through Operation Desert Storm — to supporting morale by entertaining military personnel serving overseas. He had a top rated television show on NBC, and also found success on the live stage, in radio shows and in motion pictures. He became one of the most honored and beloved performers of the 20th century.
Although Hope never officially served in the U.S. Armed Forces, he dedicated a significant part of his life to entertaining America’s men and women in uniform, starting in 1941 and continuing through the Persian Gulf War five decades later. After giving hundreds of performances overseas, he earned the nickname “G.I. Bob” and in 1997 became the first person recognized by the U.S. Congress as an “honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces.”
Hope’s thousands of honors also included the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Among his many friends were several U.S. presidents, with whom he often played golf for charity. Bob Hope died at his home in Toluca Lake, CA, on July 27, 2003, two months after his 100th birthday.
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~Marie's Laughter~
Leroy and L'Quiesha go to a revival and listen to the preacher. After awhile the preacher asks anyone with needs to be prayed over to come forward to the front at the altar. Leroy gets in line, and when it's his turn, the preacher asks: 'Leroy, what do you want me to pray about for you.'Leroy replies: 'Preacher, I need you to pray for my hearing.' The preacher puts one finger in Leroy's ear, and he places the other hand on top of Leroy's head and prays and prays and prays, he prays a blue streak for Leroy. After a few minutes, the preacher removes his hands, stands back and asks, 'Leroy , how is your hearing now?' Leroy says, 'I don't know, Reverend, it ain't till next Wednesday!
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~from Sharon~
Ronald McDonald Houses also take old cell phones, and soda cans, and if you can pull the tabs off of them and bag them seperately it saves the volunteers a lot of time. It's a great way to help and out support families that stay at their homes around the nation. They also take the little soaps and shampoos you get at hotels, so save those and drop them by any RMH... When my son, Austin had his accident, I stayed there for 4 months and those items were so appreciated. After we left I started donating the items listed above and even had our apartment complex save soda tabs. The kids were given treats for every 100 they brought in and then we put their names in a drawing when we were going to deliver the tabs for prizes.
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~from Mary Lou~
A six year old goes to the hospital with her grandmother to visit her Grandpa. When they get to the hospital, she runs ahead of her Grandma and bursts into her Grandpa's room...
"Grandpa, Grandpa," she says excitedly, "As soon as Grandma comes into the room, make a noise like a frog!"
"What?" said her Grandpa.
"Make a noise like a frog, because Granda said that as soon as you croak, we're all going to Disneyland!!"
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~from Carol~
I have yet another way used cell phones are helpful to others. When my daughter and I were in a shelter, all the residents were given a cell phone. I had been told that the 911 feature work on all cell phones, regardless of having a calling plan etc. Therefore when anyone who has been in a domestic violence situation will have a phone to be able to get help 24/7.
If anyone has an old cell phone, take it to the cell phone provider and tell them you wish for it to go to the women's shelter. They will service the phone and get to the local shelter. If you have chargers for the phone, be sure to donate those also. The worst thing that a victim needs is a cell phone that dies when they need it most.
_____________________________________
Use the freezer...If you don’t have enough food to fill your deep freezer, start saving your milk jugs right now. As they empty, rinse them out, fill them up with water (up to about an inch below the top, then cap them and stick them in the freezer).
Why do this, you might ask? It’s simple. Once the new items have been cooled down to the temperature of the freezer, they will help maintain the cold temperature of your freezer. In short, your freezer will run less often, and it won’t lose nearly as much cold when you open the door.
Even more important, during a power outage, a full freezer will warm up much slower than a partially full one. The items you stored in there will act as cold sinks, keeping all of the frozen food colder for longer than if the freezer was empty.
Even better, those frozen gallon jugs make for great ice packs for coolers. Just pull one out, split it open, and use it for ice when you need it. Also, you can grab a jug to take along on an outing as it makes an excellent source of drinking water.
____________________________________
Regina sent me an email containing the Preamble for all of our United States. It's really interesting and also rather long, so I'm going to break it up into several issues:
Alabama 1901, We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution...
Alaska 1956, We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land....
Arizona 1911, We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe....
Connecticut 1818, The People of Connecticut , acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy...
Delaware 1897, Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
Florida 1885, We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution.....
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This site will help you try to figure out who is calling when your Caller ID comes up "Unavailable", "Private Name", etc. For example today I had a call from a number I didn't recognize and they left a message saying "I need to speak to Toni (last name) please". I did a reverse search on the number and all I came up with was it was a land line call from Denver CO. I went to this site and entered the number and reaped the benefits of other people's experience when they answered calls from this number. It still doesn't stop the annoying calls, but it does allow us to know that it is a telemarketer so we don't worry when we don't answer.http://whocalled.us/
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All the best Amazon deals in one place... http://www.junglecrazy.com/
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~New Hampshire~
--Of the thirteen original colonies, New Hampshire was the first to declare its independence from Mother England; a full six months before the Declaration of Independence was signed.
--The highest wind speed recorded at ground level is at Mt. Washington, on April 12, 1934. The winds were three times as fast as those in most hurricanes. http://www.mountwashington.org/about/visitor/recordwind.php
--New Hampshire is the only state that ever played host at the formal conclusion of a foreign war. In 1905, Portsmouth was the scene of the treaty ending the Russo-Japanese War.
--The first potato planted in the United States was at Londonderry Common Field in 1719.
--Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr., the first American to travel in space is from East Derry, New Hampshire.
--Daniel Webster was a politician and statesman, born at Franklin in 1782. He was known in his day as a mighty orator, a reputation preserved in the Stephen Vincent Benet story The Devil and Daniel Webster, in which he beats the original lawyer, Lucifer, in a contract case over a man’s soul.
--New Hampshire’s State House is the oldest state capitol in which a legislature still meets in its original chambers.
--Alexandria was the birthplace of Luther C. Ladd, the first enlisted soldier to lose his life in the Civil War.
--The very first motorized ascent of the Mount Washington auto road was by Feelan O. Stanley, of Stanley Steamer fame, in 1899.
--The first free public library in the United States was established at Peterborough in 1833.
--The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord is a state-of-the art planetarium dedicated to the memory of New Hampshire teacher Christa McAuliffe, who died in the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.
--As leaders in the revolutionary cause, New Hampshire delegates received the honor of being the first to vote for the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
--Sarah Josepha Hale author and journalist who wrote the poem "Mary Had a Little Lamb" in 1830 is from Newport, New Hampshire.
--The Blue Ghost of Wolfeboro is the U.S. Mail Boat for Lake Winnipesaukee. It makes a daily 60-mile loop delivering mail to 30 stops at camps and islands around the lake.
--The USS Albacore was a prototype submarine built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and commissioned in 1953. At the time she was the fastest submarine ever designed.
--The granite profile "Old Man of the Mountain" is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the state. The Old Man’s head measures 40 feet from chin to forehead and is made up of five ledges. Nature carved this profile thousands of years ago. The natural sculpture is 1,200 feet above Echo Lake. http://mutha.com/oldmanmountain.jpg
--It takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to make approximately 1 gallon of maple syrup.
--Captain John Smith named New Hampshire after the town of Hampshire, England.
--New Hampshire has a changeable climate, with wide variations in daily and seasonal temperatures. The variations are affected by proximity to the ocean, mountains, lakes or rivers. The state enjoys all four seasons. Summers are short and cool; winters are long and cold; fall is glorious with foliage. The weather station on Mount Washington has recorded some of the coldest temperatures and strongest winds in the continental United States.
--New Castle is the smallest town in New Hampshire. It covers .8 square miles, or 512 acres. The town is composed of one large island and several smaller islands, and serves as a scenic residential and recreational community.
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What Toni is reading...
A Nest of Sparrows by Deborah Raney
Reserved contractor Wade Sullivan never expected to fall in love with Starr Parnell or to love her three small kids as if they were his own. But that's exactly what happened. As their wedding draws near, however, tragedy strikes--and Wade must put aside his own grief in order to help Starr's children cope.
As Wade focuses his efforts on caring for the children, he discovers that their tender, young lives give tremendous meaning to his own broken one. Then Starr's abusive ex-husband shows up to claim the offspring who barely remember him--and Wade prepares for the fight of his life.
A powerful novel of loss and discovery, courage and grace, A Nest of Sparrows masterfully illustrates one man's struggle to know when to fight, when to let go and when to simply wait.
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Here's a site that will direct you how to send expired coupons to be used by military families at overseas bases.http://www.ocpnet.org/
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Check out your ceiling fan and make sure it's not inadvertently heating up your home. The blades are at an angle: During summer, they should rotate counterclockwise, blowing air down to cool you. In winter, they should go clockwise, circulating hot air in the room.
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Search the USA for free attractions and things to do.
http://www.free-attractions.com/
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Here we are at the end of May. I hope it was a great month for everyone! Now June is almost upon us. ~Phyllis
Flag Day is observed on June 14. Flag Day commemorates the day when the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the USA's official flag. Back then it had only 13 stars, along with the 13 stripes it still has today. There are seven red stripes and 6 red stripes, which represent the original 13 colonies. Flag Day is not an official holiday but it is a legal holiday in Pennsylvania.
Finland and Sweden also have a Flag Day. Finland celebrates theirs on June 24 and Sweden celebrates it on June 6.
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June Bug is the name for several large beetles seen in the USA during the months of May and June.. They feed on the young leaves of trees and plants. They bury their eggs in the ground. The young larvae then bury themselves into the soil in the fall and remain there for two years before coming out in May or June as adult beetles.
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June's birthstone is the pearl. The flower is rose.
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HEALTHY LIVING
When trying to lose weight, many people eat more salad..which is good but can also be bad! If you're not careful, your salad could have more calories than a Big Mac! Here are some tips for a healthy, nutritious and low calorie salad.
1. Avoid "white" foods which are usually made with sour cream or mayonaise and can be fattening. Foods to avoid or to eat sparingly include pasta salad, potato salad and chicken salad.. Remember, just because it has the word "salad" in it or is on the salad bar doesn't mean its low cal. (A taco salad from Taco Bell has 420 calories, and thats without the shell! If you do eat the shell, you'll have 850 calories and 48 grams of fat.)
2.Remember that the darker the lettuce, the more nutrients it has. Lighter colored lettuce such as iceburg lettuce doesn't have as many nutrients and is made mostly of water.
3. Add plenty of vegetables to your salad but avoid veggies that are in oil or cream sauces.
4. Go easy on the crunchy toppings such as bacon bits, croutons, chinese noodles, sunflower seeds, banana chips, etc. Just one or two teaspoons of these can add up to 100 calories to your salad.
5. You'll want protein for your salad, but remember that one ounce of shredded cheese can have up to 150 calories and 9 grams of fat. Instead of getting your protein from cheese, why not add egg whites or turkey?
6. Be careful about the salad dressing. Two tablespoons can have as much as 150 calories. Try a vinegarette, or if you must have ranch or honey mustard, keep it on the side and dip your fork in it for each bite.
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Take a trip down Memory Lane! How many of these cereals do you remember?
http://www.yesbutnobutyes.com/archives/2009/04/ten_cereals_you_1.html
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Did you know?...
The rainforest is being destroyed at a rate of one and a half acres every second!
(Source; http://www.rain-tree.com/facts.htm )
One way you can help to have new trees planted is to use the Ecocho search engine. Ecocho is totally free, and for every 1000 searches that are made on the site, five trees will be planted. The search results come directly from Yahoo.
http://www.ecocho.com.au/
Another site to help get trees planted is
http://jogogreen.com/
Jogogreen is similar to Free Rice in that you play a game to do a good deed! At Jogogreen, simply answer 10 questions correctly and they will plant one tree in a deforested area of Africa.
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If you're looking to save paper and ink with your next printing job, check out
http://www.printwhatyoulike.com/
Follow the instructions to cut down on ads and other junk on the pages you wish to print. Print only the parts you want!
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Forgotten Chicken
This is an easy crock pot dinner recipe;
6 lbs boneless , skinless chicken breasts
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
2 small cans mushroom pieces and stems, drained
6 carrots, cut into bite sized pieces
Place half of the carrots on the bottom of your crock pot. Then add chicken, soup, mushrooms and remaining carrots. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook on LOW for 8 to ten hours. Serve over rice.
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Just for fun!
http://www.stretchyourface.com/
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Here's a website for "teens and tweens"...
http://www.piperspicks.tv/
Piper is a "kid entertainment reporter" , and she talks about movies, teen celebrities, TV shows and even theme parks. There's a message board, too.
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Tips for spotting counterfeit money;
http://www.wisebread.com/how-to-spot-counterfeit-money
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If you're going on a vacation this year and are on a budget, why not go on a factory tour? Its a free way to spend an hour or two. To find a factory tour anywhere in America, click on;
http://factorytoursusa.com/
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COOL PICK
This weeks Cool Pick website is all about eating healthy. Eat Better America is a site full of recipes, articles about diet and nutrition, fitness tips and a community message board where you can connect and talk to other people who care about being healthy. Check it out at;
http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/
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Sneaky, sneaky....
If you want to tell someone something on their phone but you don't want to text them or actually talk to them, how about "slydialing" them? At slydial you can find out how to call someone and go directly to their voice mail!
http://www.slydial.com/
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If your life was a movie, what part would you be in now? Find out at
http://www.amberdigital.com/where/
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Creative fun for kids, using salt! (Some parental supervision required.)
http://home.howstuffworks.com/uses-for-salt-childrens-activities-ga.htm
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New uses for things you already have!
1. If you have a jar lid that won't budge, wrap a rubber band around the lid. It will give you a better grip and make it easier to open the jar.
2. When using a roll of tape, wrap the end around the toothpick. That way, the next time you need to use the tape it will be easier to find the end.
3. Here's a tip I learned from my Grandma...when sewing on a button, put a toothpick between the fabric and the button. It will give you just enough space so that you don't sew the button on too close the to fabric, which makes it harder to fasten.
4. If you drop an egg on the floor and it breaks, just pour salt over it. It makes it easer to wipe up.
5. Use the sticky part of a post it note to clean your computer's keyboard. Just run the sticky part between the keys to pick up crumbs and lint.
If you have any new uses for things around the house, send them to me and I'll use them in a future issue of the newsletter.
For the benefit of our new subscribers, at the bottom you'll find a website where I have archived all the old newsletter issues. Also if you have anything at all you want to share (tips, recipes, book reviews, new products reviews, etc.), send it to me or Phyllis and we'll get it in the next issue. Until next time...~Toni
----------------------------------------------
~Tips from Cheryl~
Shining Stainless Steel Sinks Try this shortcut: Pour several drops of mineral or baby oil onto a sponge or paper towel and then wipe down the sink. Spots will disappear and the sink will shine.
Jazz Up Plain Yogurt You can make it more interesting (and save money) by adding tasty items from your refrigerator or the pantry: fruit cocktail or fresh fruit, crunch cereal, jam or jelly or even chocolate chips.
Difference Between Sanitizers and Disinfectants? Sanitizers must reduce microorganisms on a surface by 99.9 percent. Disinfectants must kill all the organisms listed on the label; this includes viruses, bacteria and fungi (but not hair spores).
____________________________________
Houseplants are more than just decorative. If you get the right plant, it will do double duty, improving the air quality in your home by absorbing dangerous toxins. Best bets: philodendrons, green spider plants, palms, ferns, English ivy and dracaenas.
___________________________________
Prevent freezer burn by pressing plastic wrap onto the surface of your ice cream before putting the lid back on. This protects against frost.
___________________________________
New Stamp Issue
Bob Hope (1903-2003) returns to a “stamping ovation” May 29 on the USS Midway in San Diego when the Postal Service issues a stamp in his likeness on what would have been his 106th birthday. Kazuhiko Sano of Mill Valley, CA, worked under the direction of art director Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, to create the stamp image that is based on a photograph of Hope.
Hope devoted his life to making people laugh. He is most known for his unwavering commitment — from World War II through Operation Desert Storm — to supporting morale by entertaining military personnel serving overseas. He had a top rated television show on NBC, and also found success on the live stage, in radio shows and in motion pictures. He became one of the most honored and beloved performers of the 20th century.
Although Hope never officially served in the U.S. Armed Forces, he dedicated a significant part of his life to entertaining America’s men and women in uniform, starting in 1941 and continuing through the Persian Gulf War five decades later. After giving hundreds of performances overseas, he earned the nickname “G.I. Bob” and in 1997 became the first person recognized by the U.S. Congress as an “honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces.”
Hope’s thousands of honors also included the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Among his many friends were several U.S. presidents, with whom he often played golf for charity. Bob Hope died at his home in Toluca Lake, CA, on July 27, 2003, two months after his 100th birthday.
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~Marie's Laughter~
Leroy and L'Quiesha go to a revival and listen to the preacher. After awhile the preacher asks anyone with needs to be prayed over to come forward to the front at the altar. Leroy gets in line, and when it's his turn, the preacher asks: 'Leroy, what do you want me to pray about for you.'Leroy replies: 'Preacher, I need you to pray for my hearing.' The preacher puts one finger in Leroy's ear, and he places the other hand on top of Leroy's head and prays and prays and prays, he prays a blue streak for Leroy. After a few minutes, the preacher removes his hands, stands back and asks, 'Leroy , how is your hearing now?' Leroy says, 'I don't know, Reverend, it ain't till next Wednesday!
_____________________________________
~from Sharon~
Ronald McDonald Houses also take old cell phones, and soda cans, and if you can pull the tabs off of them and bag them seperately it saves the volunteers a lot of time. It's a great way to help and out support families that stay at their homes around the nation. They also take the little soaps and shampoos you get at hotels, so save those and drop them by any RMH... When my son, Austin had his accident, I stayed there for 4 months and those items were so appreciated. After we left I started donating the items listed above and even had our apartment complex save soda tabs. The kids were given treats for every 100 they brought in and then we put their names in a drawing when we were going to deliver the tabs for prizes.
____________________________________
~from Mary Lou~
A six year old goes to the hospital with her grandmother to visit her Grandpa. When they get to the hospital, she runs ahead of her Grandma and bursts into her Grandpa's room...
"Grandpa, Grandpa," she says excitedly, "As soon as Grandma comes into the room, make a noise like a frog!"
"What?" said her Grandpa.
"Make a noise like a frog, because Granda said that as soon as you croak, we're all going to Disneyland!!"
____________________________________
~from Carol~
I have yet another way used cell phones are helpful to others. When my daughter and I were in a shelter, all the residents were given a cell phone. I had been told that the 911 feature work on all cell phones, regardless of having a calling plan etc. Therefore when anyone who has been in a domestic violence situation will have a phone to be able to get help 24/7.
If anyone has an old cell phone, take it to the cell phone provider and tell them you wish for it to go to the women's shelter. They will service the phone and get to the local shelter. If you have chargers for the phone, be sure to donate those also. The worst thing that a victim needs is a cell phone that dies when they need it most.
_____________________________________
Use the freezer...If you don’t have enough food to fill your deep freezer, start saving your milk jugs right now. As they empty, rinse them out, fill them up with water (up to about an inch below the top, then cap them and stick them in the freezer).
Why do this, you might ask? It’s simple. Once the new items have been cooled down to the temperature of the freezer, they will help maintain the cold temperature of your freezer. In short, your freezer will run less often, and it won’t lose nearly as much cold when you open the door.
Even more important, during a power outage, a full freezer will warm up much slower than a partially full one. The items you stored in there will act as cold sinks, keeping all of the frozen food colder for longer than if the freezer was empty.
Even better, those frozen gallon jugs make for great ice packs for coolers. Just pull one out, split it open, and use it for ice when you need it. Also, you can grab a jug to take along on an outing as it makes an excellent source of drinking water.
____________________________________
Regina sent me an email containing the Preamble for all of our United States. It's really interesting and also rather long, so I'm going to break it up into several issues:
Alabama 1901, We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution...
Alaska 1956, We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land....
Arizona 1911, We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe....
Connecticut 1818, The People of Connecticut , acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy...
Delaware 1897, Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
Florida 1885, We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution.....
___________________________________
This site will help you try to figure out who is calling when your Caller ID comes up "Unavailable", "Private Name", etc. For example today I had a call from a number I didn't recognize and they left a message saying "I need to speak to Toni (last name) please". I did a reverse search on the number and all I came up with was it was a land line call from Denver CO. I went to this site and entered the number and reaped the benefits of other people's experience when they answered calls from this number. It still doesn't stop the annoying calls, but it does allow us to know that it is a telemarketer so we don't worry when we don't answer.http://whocalled.us/
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All the best Amazon deals in one place... http://www.junglecrazy.com/
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~New Hampshire~
--Of the thirteen original colonies, New Hampshire was the first to declare its independence from Mother England; a full six months before the Declaration of Independence was signed.
--The highest wind speed recorded at ground level is at Mt. Washington, on April 12, 1934. The winds were three times as fast as those in most hurricanes. http://www.mountwashington.org/about/visitor/recordwind.php
--New Hampshire is the only state that ever played host at the formal conclusion of a foreign war. In 1905, Portsmouth was the scene of the treaty ending the Russo-Japanese War.
--The first potato planted in the United States was at Londonderry Common Field in 1719.
--Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr., the first American to travel in space is from East Derry, New Hampshire.
--Daniel Webster was a politician and statesman, born at Franklin in 1782. He was known in his day as a mighty orator, a reputation preserved in the Stephen Vincent Benet story The Devil and Daniel Webster, in which he beats the original lawyer, Lucifer, in a contract case over a man’s soul.
--New Hampshire’s State House is the oldest state capitol in which a legislature still meets in its original chambers.
--Alexandria was the birthplace of Luther C. Ladd, the first enlisted soldier to lose his life in the Civil War.
--The very first motorized ascent of the Mount Washington auto road was by Feelan O. Stanley, of Stanley Steamer fame, in 1899.
--The first free public library in the United States was established at Peterborough in 1833.
--The Christa McAuliffe Planetarium in Concord is a state-of-the art planetarium dedicated to the memory of New Hampshire teacher Christa McAuliffe, who died in the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.
--As leaders in the revolutionary cause, New Hampshire delegates received the honor of being the first to vote for the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
--Sarah Josepha Hale author and journalist who wrote the poem "Mary Had a Little Lamb" in 1830 is from Newport, New Hampshire.
--The Blue Ghost of Wolfeboro is the U.S. Mail Boat for Lake Winnipesaukee. It makes a daily 60-mile loop delivering mail to 30 stops at camps and islands around the lake.
--The USS Albacore was a prototype submarine built at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and commissioned in 1953. At the time she was the fastest submarine ever designed.
--The granite profile "Old Man of the Mountain" is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the state. The Old Man’s head measures 40 feet from chin to forehead and is made up of five ledges. Nature carved this profile thousands of years ago. The natural sculpture is 1,200 feet above Echo Lake. http://mutha.com/oldmanmountain.jpg
--It takes approximately 40 gallons of sap to make approximately 1 gallon of maple syrup.
--Captain John Smith named New Hampshire after the town of Hampshire, England.
--New Hampshire has a changeable climate, with wide variations in daily and seasonal temperatures. The variations are affected by proximity to the ocean, mountains, lakes or rivers. The state enjoys all four seasons. Summers are short and cool; winters are long and cold; fall is glorious with foliage. The weather station on Mount Washington has recorded some of the coldest temperatures and strongest winds in the continental United States.
--New Castle is the smallest town in New Hampshire. It covers .8 square miles, or 512 acres. The town is composed of one large island and several smaller islands, and serves as a scenic residential and recreational community.
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What Toni is reading...
A Nest of Sparrows by Deborah Raney
Reserved contractor Wade Sullivan never expected to fall in love with Starr Parnell or to love her three small kids as if they were his own. But that's exactly what happened. As their wedding draws near, however, tragedy strikes--and Wade must put aside his own grief in order to help Starr's children cope.
As Wade focuses his efforts on caring for the children, he discovers that their tender, young lives give tremendous meaning to his own broken one. Then Starr's abusive ex-husband shows up to claim the offspring who barely remember him--and Wade prepares for the fight of his life.
A powerful novel of loss and discovery, courage and grace, A Nest of Sparrows masterfully illustrates one man's struggle to know when to fight, when to let go and when to simply wait.
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Here's a site that will direct you how to send expired coupons to be used by military families at overseas bases.http://www.ocpnet.org/
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Check out your ceiling fan and make sure it's not inadvertently heating up your home. The blades are at an angle: During summer, they should rotate counterclockwise, blowing air down to cool you. In winter, they should go clockwise, circulating hot air in the room.
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Search the USA for free attractions and things to do.
http://www.free-attractions.com/
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~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Here we are at the end of May. I hope it was a great month for everyone! Now June is almost upon us. ~Phyllis
Flag Day is observed on June 14. Flag Day commemorates the day when the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the USA's official flag. Back then it had only 13 stars, along with the 13 stripes it still has today. There are seven red stripes and 6 red stripes, which represent the original 13 colonies. Flag Day is not an official holiday but it is a legal holiday in Pennsylvania.
Finland and Sweden also have a Flag Day. Finland celebrates theirs on June 24 and Sweden celebrates it on June 6.
------------------------------------------
June Bug is the name for several large beetles seen in the USA during the months of May and June.. They feed on the young leaves of trees and plants. They bury their eggs in the ground. The young larvae then bury themselves into the soil in the fall and remain there for two years before coming out in May or June as adult beetles.
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June's birthstone is the pearl. The flower is rose.
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HEALTHY LIVING
When trying to lose weight, many people eat more salad..which is good but can also be bad! If you're not careful, your salad could have more calories than a Big Mac! Here are some tips for a healthy, nutritious and low calorie salad.
1. Avoid "white" foods which are usually made with sour cream or mayonaise and can be fattening. Foods to avoid or to eat sparingly include pasta salad, potato salad and chicken salad.. Remember, just because it has the word "salad" in it or is on the salad bar doesn't mean its low cal. (A taco salad from Taco Bell has 420 calories, and thats without the shell! If you do eat the shell, you'll have 850 calories and 48 grams of fat.)
2.Remember that the darker the lettuce, the more nutrients it has. Lighter colored lettuce such as iceburg lettuce doesn't have as many nutrients and is made mostly of water.
3. Add plenty of vegetables to your salad but avoid veggies that are in oil or cream sauces.
4. Go easy on the crunchy toppings such as bacon bits, croutons, chinese noodles, sunflower seeds, banana chips, etc. Just one or two teaspoons of these can add up to 100 calories to your salad.
5. You'll want protein for your salad, but remember that one ounce of shredded cheese can have up to 150 calories and 9 grams of fat. Instead of getting your protein from cheese, why not add egg whites or turkey?
6. Be careful about the salad dressing. Two tablespoons can have as much as 150 calories. Try a vinegarette, or if you must have ranch or honey mustard, keep it on the side and dip your fork in it for each bite.
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Take a trip down Memory Lane! How many of these cereals do you remember?
http://www.yesbutnobutyes.com/archives/2009/04/ten_cereals_you_1.html
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Did you know?...
The rainforest is being destroyed at a rate of one and a half acres every second!
(Source; http://www.rain-tree.com/facts.htm )
One way you can help to have new trees planted is to use the Ecocho search engine. Ecocho is totally free, and for every 1000 searches that are made on the site, five trees will be planted. The search results come directly from Yahoo.
http://www.ecocho.com.au/
Another site to help get trees planted is
http://jogogreen.com/
Jogogreen is similar to Free Rice in that you play a game to do a good deed! At Jogogreen, simply answer 10 questions correctly and they will plant one tree in a deforested area of Africa.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're looking to save paper and ink with your next printing job, check out
http://www.printwhatyoulike.com/
Follow the instructions to cut down on ads and other junk on the pages you wish to print. Print only the parts you want!
----------------------------------------------
Forgotten Chicken
This is an easy crock pot dinner recipe;
6 lbs boneless , skinless chicken breasts
2 cans of cream of mushroom soup
2 small cans mushroom pieces and stems, drained
6 carrots, cut into bite sized pieces
Place half of the carrots on the bottom of your crock pot. Then add chicken, soup, mushrooms and remaining carrots. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook on LOW for 8 to ten hours. Serve over rice.
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Just for fun!
http://www.stretchyourface.com/
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's a website for "teens and tweens"...
http://www.piperspicks.tv/
Piper is a "kid entertainment reporter" , and she talks about movies, teen celebrities, TV shows and even theme parks. There's a message board, too.
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Tips for spotting counterfeit money;
http://www.wisebread.com/how-to-spot-counterfeit-money
_______________________________________________________________
If you're going on a vacation this year and are on a budget, why not go on a factory tour? Its a free way to spend an hour or two. To find a factory tour anywhere in America, click on;
http://factorytoursusa.com/
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COOL PICK
This weeks Cool Pick website is all about eating healthy. Eat Better America is a site full of recipes, articles about diet and nutrition, fitness tips and a community message board where you can connect and talk to other people who care about being healthy. Check it out at;
http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/
___________________________________________
Sneaky, sneaky....
If you want to tell someone something on their phone but you don't want to text them or actually talk to them, how about "slydialing" them? At slydial you can find out how to call someone and go directly to their voice mail!
http://www.slydial.com/
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If your life was a movie, what part would you be in now? Find out at
http://www.amberdigital.com/where/
___________________________________________
Creative fun for kids, using salt! (Some parental supervision required.)
http://home.howstuffworks.com/uses-for-salt-childrens-activities-ga.htm
----------------------------------------------------------------------
New uses for things you already have!
1. If you have a jar lid that won't budge, wrap a rubber band around the lid. It will give you a better grip and make it easier to open the jar.
2. When using a roll of tape, wrap the end around the toothpick. That way, the next time you need to use the tape it will be easier to find the end.
3. Here's a tip I learned from my Grandma...when sewing on a button, put a toothpick between the fabric and the button. It will give you just enough space so that you don't sew the button on too close the to fabric, which makes it harder to fasten.
4. If you drop an egg on the floor and it breaks, just pour salt over it. It makes it easer to wipe up.
5. Use the sticky part of a post it note to clean your computer's keyboard. Just run the sticky part between the keys to pick up crumbs and lint.
If you have any new uses for things around the house, send them to me and I'll use them in a future issue of the newsletter.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
05.12.2009
Hello once again. Here it is practically mid-May, and we are still having April showers. This has to be one of the wettest springs I can remember. I was beginning to worry about veggie and flower seeds we planted, but one lone day of sunshine had all their little heads popping through the earth. It is so good to be tending to living things instead of shoveling snow!! :)
We have new subscribers once again this week--welcome aboard. There is a link at the bottom to the website where I have past issues archived if you'd want to check out past issues.
Until next time... ~Toni
___________________________________
Good news: Marie's surgery went well and she's recovering nicely!!
~Marie's Laughter~
A new nurse at a hospital was perplexed by Dr. Smith’s behavior. Off and on throughout her shift Dr. Smith would run up and down the hallway, yelling, “Tetanus, measles, flu”! Very curious, the nurse asked the head nurse, “Why does Dr. Smith keep doing that?” “Oh, just ignore him,” the head nurse said. ”He thinks he calls all the shots around here.”
__________________________________
It's time to give up your old pasta and try something new...
As delicious as traditional semolina pasta is, it doesn't pack the fiber punch of whole wheat or multigrain varieties, which provide 5 to 7 grams of fiber per serving (2 ounces, uncooked), compared with regular pasta's 2 grams. Either can make a great substitute--it just depends on what you're preparing: The nutty flavor of whole wheat pasta pairs nicely with garlicky greens and simple tomato- or vegetable-based sauces, while the milder taste of multigrain pasta marries well with tomato-based meat and fish sauces.
When shopping, look for "whole grain" or "whole wheat" on the packaging and the Whole Grain Council's stamp on the label (tomato and spinach pastas don't count as whole grain). The ingredients should include whole wheat, oats, and/or flax seed. Store these pastas as you would the regular kind--in a dry place at a cool room temperature. But note that their extra bran can cause them to go rancid faster than semolina pastas, so shop where there's a high product turnover and use within six months of purchase.
___________________________________
Nevada
--Nevada takes its name from a Spanish word meaning snow-clad.
--The Reno Ice Pavilion is a 16,000-square-foot rink once dismantled and moved to Reno from Atlantic City, New Jersey.
--Bugsy Siegel named his Las Vegas casino "The Flamingo" for the long legs of his showgirl sweetheart, Virginia Hill.
--In 1931 the Pair-O-Dice Club was the first casino to open on Highway 91, the future Las Vegas Strip.
--In Death Valley, the Kangaroo Rat can live its entire life without drinking a drop of liquid.
--In Tonopah the young Jack Dempsey was once the bartender and the bouncer at the still popular Mispah Hotel and Casino. Famous lawman and folk hero Wyatt Earp once kept the peace in the town.
--Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is constructed around the fossilized remains of ancient, mysterious reptiles within a well-preserved turn-of-the-century Nevada mining camp.
--Austin's oldest church, St. Augustine, requires the establishment's bells in the tower to be rung by pulling a rope located in the men's restroom.
--Most of the state is desert but the Sierra Nevada mountain range near Reno and the Ruby Mountains near Elko has snow for half the year.
--Locals use terms like The Sagebrush State, The Silver State, and The Battle Born State as nicknames for Nevada.
--Nevada is the seventh largest state with 110,540 square miles, 85% of them federally owned including the secret Area 51 near the little town of Rachel.
--Nevada has more mountain ranges than any other state, with its highest point at the 13,145 foot top of Boundary Peak near the west-central border.
--Grammatically, the proper term for the mountains is the Sierra Nevada not the Sierras. Robert Conrad almost called one of his television series High Sierra Rangers but changed it to High Mountain Rangers.
--Wayne Newton owns a home in the Las Vegas area, and it was a real location for the film "Vegas Vacation."
--Nevada is the largest gold-producing state in the nation. It is second in the world behind South Africa.
--Hoover Dam, the largest single public works project in the history of the United States, contains 3.25 million cubic yards of concrete, which is enough to pave a two-lane highway from San Francisco to New York. The dam face was used in an amazing stunt for Roland Emerich's "Universal Soldier" and has been seen in such films as "Viva Las Vegas" and "Fools Rush In."
--The state's Highway 50, known as the Loneliest Highway in America, received its name from "Life" magazine in 1986. There are few road stops in the 287 mile stretch between Ely and Fernley.
--Frank Sinatra once owned the Cal-Neva at Lake Tahoe's Crystal Bay. It is possible to stand in both Nevada and California inside Cal-Neva's building.
--The only Nevada lake with an outlet to the sea is man made Lake Mead.
--Camels were used as pack animals in Nevada as late as 1870.
--Construction worker hard hat's were first invented specifically for workers on the Hoover Dam in 1933.
--Las Vegas has more hotel rooms than any other place on earth.
--Las Vegas has the majority of the largest hotels in the world.
--The longest morse code telegram ever sent was the Nevada state constitution. Sent from Carson City to Washington D.C. in 1864. The transmission must have taken several hours.
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Be cool, but not too cool...
Keeping your fridge and freezer colder than necessary can boost your energy consumption, and your bills. Your fridge should be set between 37F and 40F; the freezer temperature bewteen 0 and 5F.
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~Cheryl's Tips~
Wooden Drawers Stuck? You can get them to glide again by simply rubbing the contact surfaces with a candle stub or bar of soap. Insert and test to see if they slide out more easily.
Soft Cookies Have Become Crispy? Put a slice of fresh bread on top of an aluminum foil sheet in the cookie jar. The bread will dry out and the cookies will become a tad softer.
Removing Bundt Cake From Pan To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, lightly grease and then sprinkle sugar, instead of flour, over the pan. The cake should slide right out.
_________________________________
Unusual town names in Georgia:
~Between
~Chickasawhatchee
~Enigma
~Hopeulikit
~Jinks
~Santa Claus
~Snapfinger
~Talking Rock
______________________________
Yet another place to recycle cell phones...Phones for Soldiers, a nonprofit (started in 2004 by two kids, now 16 and 18) that accepts all models (even really old ones!) and resells them to a recycling company. Proceeds buy calling cards for U.S. soldiers abroad to call their families--27 million minutes have been provided so far. Mail your phone to Cell Phones for Soldiers, 2555 Bishop Circle West, Dexter MI 48130-9916. Print a receipt and free postage label at http://www.CellPhonesForSoldiers.com
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Want to degrease pepperoni slices before using on pizza? Place slices on paper towel-lined plates, top with a double layer of paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds on high. Carefully remove the hot plate and press down on the paper towel to sop up grease. Place slices onto pizza, then bake according to recipe.
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Need help to balance your checkbook and manage your money? Try http://www.clearcheckbook.com where you can view reports, set budgets, create reminders and more. Cost: Free for the standard version; $4 per month for Premium.
_____________________________
More real celebrity names:
~Buddy Hackett -- Leonard Hacker
~Monty Hall -- Monte Halparin
~Jean Harlow -- Harlean Carpentier
~Gary Hart -- Gary Warren Hartpence
~Susan Hayward -- Edithe Marrener
~Rita Hayworth -- Margarita Cansino
~Hulk Hogan -- Terry Jean Bollette
~William Holden -- William Franklin Beedle, Jr.
~Billie Holiday -- Eleanora Fagan
~Buddy Holly -- Charles Hardin Holley
~Bob Hope -- Leslie Townes Hope
~Harry Houdini -- Ehrich Weiss
~Rock Hudson -- Roy Scherer
~Engelbert Humperdinck -- Arnold Gerry Dorsey
~Tab Hunter -- Arthur Andrew Gelien
________________________________
Are you ever confused by all the different types of sugars in foods? Here's a breakdown:
brown sugar...White sugar with molasses added
corn syrup...Made from corn starch
dextrose...A naturally occurring form of glucose in fruits and veggies (your body also produces it)
fructose...Found in fruits, vegetables and their juices; used in crystaline form as a sweetener
high-fructose corn syrup...Highly processed form of sugar made from corn starch and fructose
honey...A natural sweetener; contains fructose and glucose
molasses...Dark syrup made by boiling down sugary from sugar cane
sucrose...Cane sugar (plain white sugar)
turbinado...Made by spinning sugar cane extract in a centrifuge or turbine to create large brown crystals
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Go here http://www.win-malt-o-meal.com/ to enter for a chance to win a year's worth of coupons for free Malt-O-Meal cereal. That's 52 coupons and each is worth $5.50. Enter before July 31.
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Find Mr. Jelly Belly as he travels the world gathering all the real ingredients used in Jelly Belly jelly beans and you could win the $10,000 grand prize or one of thousands of great prizes instantly. Visit http://www.wheresmrjellybelly.com to begin your adventure.
_____________________________
The number one rule for keeping clothes in good condition is follow the directions on the label. For a full printable chart to keep posted in your laundry room, go to http://www.carelabels.com
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Hello everyone! I hope you all are enjoying the month of May so far. This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love sitting outside in the shade with a good book, or hanging laundry out to dry on the line. It won't be long until the heat of summer is here, so get out and enjoy the nice mild weather while you can! ~Phyllis
When April steps aside for May,
Like diamonds all the raindrops glisten;
Fresh violets open every day;
To some new bird each hour we listen.
-Lucy Larcom
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A bit depressing but here's a website to tell you which famous people you have outlived;
http://dead.atyourage.com/
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Time Capsule
A time capsule is a container for storing items for future discovery. Sometimes they are created for special events, such as a worlds fair or as a cornerstone for a building. The term "time caspule" has been around since the late 1930's. Here are a few tips for making your own time capsule!
1. First decide who you want to open the time capsule, and when. You could decide to open it yourself at some future date, or leave it for your kids or gandkids.
2. Decide where your time capsule will be stored. Usually they are buried but this is not always the best choice. If you bury it, not only could it become damaged by moisture, but you could also forget exactly where you buried it.
3. Choose a container for your time capsule. Think about how long your time capsule will be hidden, and how many items you want to put into it. If you store it indoors, a shoebox or plastic container will be good enough to do the job. But if you plan to bury it, you need to find a better container that will be waterproof.
4. Decide what items you want to include in your time capsule. To do this, think about who the time capsule will be opened by, and when. You don't have to choose valuable or expensive items for this. Choose things that represent you, or the date on which you create your time capsule. Some things to consider adding;
Labels from foods or items you like. If possible, use the price tags too.
Current newspapers or magazines
Pictures
A note written by you, describing what your world is like right now, including clothing styles, popular song titles, current books, the cost of everyday items such as milk and bread, and anything else you think might be interesting.
Finally, seal the time capsule well and store it (or bury it) to be opened sometime in the future.
-------------------------------------------
Tulsa Time Capsule
In 1957 in Tulsa, OK, a time capsule was buried at the county courthouse, with plans to open it in 2007 to celebrate Oklahoma's state centennial. The time capsule was a very large concrete vault in which was buried a brand new Plymouth car, along with some unleaded gasoline, motor oil, the contents of a woman's handbag and a case of beer!
A contest was held when the car was buried; people had a chance to guess what the population of Tulsa would be in 2007 when the vault was scheduled to be opened. The person who had the closest guess would win the contents of the vault. If that person was deceased, the prize would go to their heirs.
Here is a video of the car being put into the vault;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK2SLl1dY7k
Sadly, when the car was removed from the time capsule in 2007, it was ruined because the vault had leaked. The car was completely rusted and the upholstery had rotted. Here is a picture of the car as it looked when it was removed from the vault;
http://telstarlogistics.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/06/16/plymouthtime02.jpg
Supposedly there are plans to restore the car but the only website I could find about that has not been updated recently.
----------------------------------------------------
Just for fun!
http://www.faceinhole.com/us/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Looking for something to do with the kids or grandkids this summer?
http://www.wildlifeviewingareas.com/
--------------------------------------------------
Moon Phase Images;
http://www.usno.navy.mil/USNO/time/moon-phase-images?searchterm=moon+phase+images
-------------------------------------------------
Ben & Jerry's is having a contest where you can create your own ice cream flavor! If your flavor is the grand prize winner, it will be featured in stores! There are other prizes too. Hurry, contest ends on May 26!
http://www.benjerry.com/activism/inside-the-pint/do-the-world-a-flavor/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Does your bra fit correctly? Most women don't know what size bra they should be wearing! Here are some signs of an incorrrectly fitting bra;
1. Your breasts touch together, giving you a "uni-breast".
2. Your bra rides up in the back. (The back strap of your bra should be level with the cups.)
3. Your bra leaves indentations on your shoulders.
4. Breasts spill over the top or sides of your bra.
5. Your bra causes chafing.
6. You are always tugging at your bra.
So if your bra is an incorrect fit, find out how to measure for the right size at
http://www.herroom.com/bra-fitting-advice,901,30.html
---------------------------------------------------
To find the lowest gas prices near you, visit
http://www.gaspricewatch.com/new/default_V3.asp
----------------------------------------------------
Something for the kids!
To learn abut the insects in your yard, visit www.whatsthatbug.com
-------------------------------------------
COOL PICK
This issues cool pick website is http://www.empowher.com/
EmpowHer is a great website dedicated to women's health issues. There is a wealth of information to be found there, including message boards where you can discuss health topics with other women like yourself. There is also a library of health videos, up to date news reports about health issues concerning women, and links to free or low cost seminars, screenings, immunizations, support groups and more. There is a lot to see at this site, so check it out!
------------------------------------------
A lot of us are feeling the need to pinch pennies now! But sometimes we still like to go out to eat. Here's a site to help you save a little money when going out to eat with the kids;
http://www.kidsmealdeals.com/
This site will help you find kids meal deals at a restaurant near you!
-------------------------------------------------------
Here's an eye opening site to show you how much sugar there really is in your favorite foods and beverages;
http://www.sugarstacks.com/
We have new subscribers once again this week--welcome aboard. There is a link at the bottom to the website where I have past issues archived if you'd want to check out past issues.
Until next time... ~Toni
___________________________________
Good news: Marie's surgery went well and she's recovering nicely!!
~Marie's Laughter~
A new nurse at a hospital was perplexed by Dr. Smith’s behavior. Off and on throughout her shift Dr. Smith would run up and down the hallway, yelling, “Tetanus, measles, flu”! Very curious, the nurse asked the head nurse, “Why does Dr. Smith keep doing that?” “Oh, just ignore him,” the head nurse said. ”He thinks he calls all the shots around here.”
__________________________________
It's time to give up your old pasta and try something new...
As delicious as traditional semolina pasta is, it doesn't pack the fiber punch of whole wheat or multigrain varieties, which provide 5 to 7 grams of fiber per serving (2 ounces, uncooked), compared with regular pasta's 2 grams. Either can make a great substitute--it just depends on what you're preparing: The nutty flavor of whole wheat pasta pairs nicely with garlicky greens and simple tomato- or vegetable-based sauces, while the milder taste of multigrain pasta marries well with tomato-based meat and fish sauces.
When shopping, look for "whole grain" or "whole wheat" on the packaging and the Whole Grain Council's stamp on the label (tomato and spinach pastas don't count as whole grain). The ingredients should include whole wheat, oats, and/or flax seed. Store these pastas as you would the regular kind--in a dry place at a cool room temperature. But note that their extra bran can cause them to go rancid faster than semolina pastas, so shop where there's a high product turnover and use within six months of purchase.
___________________________________
Nevada
--Nevada takes its name from a Spanish word meaning snow-clad.
--The Reno Ice Pavilion is a 16,000-square-foot rink once dismantled and moved to Reno from Atlantic City, New Jersey.
--Bugsy Siegel named his Las Vegas casino "The Flamingo" for the long legs of his showgirl sweetheart, Virginia Hill.
--In 1931 the Pair-O-Dice Club was the first casino to open on Highway 91, the future Las Vegas Strip.
--In Death Valley, the Kangaroo Rat can live its entire life without drinking a drop of liquid.
--In Tonopah the young Jack Dempsey was once the bartender and the bouncer at the still popular Mispah Hotel and Casino. Famous lawman and folk hero Wyatt Earp once kept the peace in the town.
--Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park is constructed around the fossilized remains of ancient, mysterious reptiles within a well-preserved turn-of-the-century Nevada mining camp.
--Austin's oldest church, St. Augustine, requires the establishment's bells in the tower to be rung by pulling a rope located in the men's restroom.
--Most of the state is desert but the Sierra Nevada mountain range near Reno and the Ruby Mountains near Elko has snow for half the year.
--Locals use terms like The Sagebrush State, The Silver State, and The Battle Born State as nicknames for Nevada.
--Nevada is the seventh largest state with 110,540 square miles, 85% of them federally owned including the secret Area 51 near the little town of Rachel.
--Nevada has more mountain ranges than any other state, with its highest point at the 13,145 foot top of Boundary Peak near the west-central border.
--Grammatically, the proper term for the mountains is the Sierra Nevada not the Sierras. Robert Conrad almost called one of his television series High Sierra Rangers but changed it to High Mountain Rangers.
--Wayne Newton owns a home in the Las Vegas area, and it was a real location for the film "Vegas Vacation."
--Nevada is the largest gold-producing state in the nation. It is second in the world behind South Africa.
--Hoover Dam, the largest single public works project in the history of the United States, contains 3.25 million cubic yards of concrete, which is enough to pave a two-lane highway from San Francisco to New York. The dam face was used in an amazing stunt for Roland Emerich's "Universal Soldier" and has been seen in such films as "Viva Las Vegas" and "Fools Rush In."
--The state's Highway 50, known as the Loneliest Highway in America, received its name from "Life" magazine in 1986. There are few road stops in the 287 mile stretch between Ely and Fernley.
--Frank Sinatra once owned the Cal-Neva at Lake Tahoe's Crystal Bay. It is possible to stand in both Nevada and California inside Cal-Neva's building.
--The only Nevada lake with an outlet to the sea is man made Lake Mead.
--Camels were used as pack animals in Nevada as late as 1870.
--Construction worker hard hat's were first invented specifically for workers on the Hoover Dam in 1933.
--Las Vegas has more hotel rooms than any other place on earth.
--Las Vegas has the majority of the largest hotels in the world.
--The longest morse code telegram ever sent was the Nevada state constitution. Sent from Carson City to Washington D.C. in 1864. The transmission must have taken several hours.
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Be cool, but not too cool...
Keeping your fridge and freezer colder than necessary can boost your energy consumption, and your bills. Your fridge should be set between 37F and 40F; the freezer temperature bewteen 0 and 5F.
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~Cheryl's Tips~
Wooden Drawers Stuck? You can get them to glide again by simply rubbing the contact surfaces with a candle stub or bar of soap. Insert and test to see if they slide out more easily.
Soft Cookies Have Become Crispy? Put a slice of fresh bread on top of an aluminum foil sheet in the cookie jar. The bread will dry out and the cookies will become a tad softer.
Removing Bundt Cake From Pan To prevent the cake from sticking to the pan, lightly grease and then sprinkle sugar, instead of flour, over the pan. The cake should slide right out.
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Unusual town names in Georgia:
~Between
~Chickasawhatchee
~Enigma
~Hopeulikit
~Jinks
~Santa Claus
~Snapfinger
~Talking Rock
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Yet another place to recycle cell phones...Phones for Soldiers, a nonprofit (started in 2004 by two kids, now 16 and 18) that accepts all models (even really old ones!) and resells them to a recycling company. Proceeds buy calling cards for U.S. soldiers abroad to call their families--27 million minutes have been provided so far. Mail your phone to Cell Phones for Soldiers, 2555 Bishop Circle West, Dexter MI 48130-9916. Print a receipt and free postage label at http://www.CellPhonesForSoldiers.com
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Want to degrease pepperoni slices before using on pizza? Place slices on paper towel-lined plates, top with a double layer of paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds on high. Carefully remove the hot plate and press down on the paper towel to sop up grease. Place slices onto pizza, then bake according to recipe.
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Need help to balance your checkbook and manage your money? Try http://www.clearcheckbook.com where you can view reports, set budgets, create reminders and more. Cost: Free for the standard version; $4 per month for Premium.
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More real celebrity names:
~Buddy Hackett -- Leonard Hacker
~Monty Hall -- Monte Halparin
~Jean Harlow -- Harlean Carpentier
~Gary Hart -- Gary Warren Hartpence
~Susan Hayward -- Edithe Marrener
~Rita Hayworth -- Margarita Cansino
~Hulk Hogan -- Terry Jean Bollette
~William Holden -- William Franklin Beedle, Jr.
~Billie Holiday -- Eleanora Fagan
~Buddy Holly -- Charles Hardin Holley
~Bob Hope -- Leslie Townes Hope
~Harry Houdini -- Ehrich Weiss
~Rock Hudson -- Roy Scherer
~Engelbert Humperdinck -- Arnold Gerry Dorsey
~Tab Hunter -- Arthur Andrew Gelien
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Are you ever confused by all the different types of sugars in foods? Here's a breakdown:
brown sugar...White sugar with molasses added
corn syrup...Made from corn starch
dextrose...A naturally occurring form of glucose in fruits and veggies (your body also produces it)
fructose...Found in fruits, vegetables and their juices; used in crystaline form as a sweetener
high-fructose corn syrup...Highly processed form of sugar made from corn starch and fructose
honey...A natural sweetener; contains fructose and glucose
molasses...Dark syrup made by boiling down sugary from sugar cane
sucrose...Cane sugar (plain white sugar)
turbinado...Made by spinning sugar cane extract in a centrifuge or turbine to create large brown crystals
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Go here http://www.win-malt-o-meal.com/ to enter for a chance to win a year's worth of coupons for free Malt-O-Meal cereal. That's 52 coupons and each is worth $5.50. Enter before July 31.
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Find Mr. Jelly Belly as he travels the world gathering all the real ingredients used in Jelly Belly jelly beans and you could win the $10,000 grand prize or one of thousands of great prizes instantly. Visit http://www.wheresmrjellybelly.com to begin your adventure.
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The number one rule for keeping clothes in good condition is follow the directions on the label. For a full printable chart to keep posted in your laundry room, go to http://www.carelabels.com
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Hello everyone! I hope you all are enjoying the month of May so far. This is one of my favorite times of the year. I love sitting outside in the shade with a good book, or hanging laundry out to dry on the line. It won't be long until the heat of summer is here, so get out and enjoy the nice mild weather while you can! ~Phyllis
When April steps aside for May,
Like diamonds all the raindrops glisten;
Fresh violets open every day;
To some new bird each hour we listen.
-Lucy Larcom
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A bit depressing but here's a website to tell you which famous people you have outlived;
http://dead.atyourage.com/
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Time Capsule
A time capsule is a container for storing items for future discovery. Sometimes they are created for special events, such as a worlds fair or as a cornerstone for a building. The term "time caspule" has been around since the late 1930's. Here are a few tips for making your own time capsule!
1. First decide who you want to open the time capsule, and when. You could decide to open it yourself at some future date, or leave it for your kids or gandkids.
2. Decide where your time capsule will be stored. Usually they are buried but this is not always the best choice. If you bury it, not only could it become damaged by moisture, but you could also forget exactly where you buried it.
3. Choose a container for your time capsule. Think about how long your time capsule will be hidden, and how many items you want to put into it. If you store it indoors, a shoebox or plastic container will be good enough to do the job. But if you plan to bury it, you need to find a better container that will be waterproof.
4. Decide what items you want to include in your time capsule. To do this, think about who the time capsule will be opened by, and when. You don't have to choose valuable or expensive items for this. Choose things that represent you, or the date on which you create your time capsule. Some things to consider adding;
Labels from foods or items you like. If possible, use the price tags too.
Current newspapers or magazines
Pictures
A note written by you, describing what your world is like right now, including clothing styles, popular song titles, current books, the cost of everyday items such as milk and bread, and anything else you think might be interesting.
Finally, seal the time capsule well and store it (or bury it) to be opened sometime in the future.
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Tulsa Time Capsule
In 1957 in Tulsa, OK, a time capsule was buried at the county courthouse, with plans to open it in 2007 to celebrate Oklahoma's state centennial. The time capsule was a very large concrete vault in which was buried a brand new Plymouth car, along with some unleaded gasoline, motor oil, the contents of a woman's handbag and a case of beer!
A contest was held when the car was buried; people had a chance to guess what the population of Tulsa would be in 2007 when the vault was scheduled to be opened. The person who had the closest guess would win the contents of the vault. If that person was deceased, the prize would go to their heirs.
Here is a video of the car being put into the vault;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK2SLl1dY7k
Sadly, when the car was removed from the time capsule in 2007, it was ruined because the vault had leaked. The car was completely rusted and the upholstery had rotted. Here is a picture of the car as it looked when it was removed from the vault;
http://telstarlogistics.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/06/16/plymouthtime02.jpg
Supposedly there are plans to restore the car but the only website I could find about that has not been updated recently.
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Just for fun!
http://www.faceinhole.com/us/
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Looking for something to do with the kids or grandkids this summer?
http://www.wildlifeviewingareas.com/
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Moon Phase Images;
http://www.usno.navy.mil/USNO/time/moon-phase-images?searchterm=moon+phase+images
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Ben & Jerry's is having a contest where you can create your own ice cream flavor! If your flavor is the grand prize winner, it will be featured in stores! There are other prizes too. Hurry, contest ends on May 26!
http://www.benjerry.com/activism/inside-the-pint/do-the-world-a-flavor/
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Does your bra fit correctly? Most women don't know what size bra they should be wearing! Here are some signs of an incorrrectly fitting bra;
1. Your breasts touch together, giving you a "uni-breast".
2. Your bra rides up in the back. (The back strap of your bra should be level with the cups.)
3. Your bra leaves indentations on your shoulders.
4. Breasts spill over the top or sides of your bra.
5. Your bra causes chafing.
6. You are always tugging at your bra.
So if your bra is an incorrect fit, find out how to measure for the right size at
http://www.herroom.com/bra-fitting-advice,901,30.html
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To find the lowest gas prices near you, visit
http://www.gaspricewatch.com/new/default_V3.asp
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Something for the kids!
To learn abut the insects in your yard, visit www.whatsthatbug.com
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COOL PICK
This issues cool pick website is http://www.empowher.com/
EmpowHer is a great website dedicated to women's health issues. There is a wealth of information to be found there, including message boards where you can discuss health topics with other women like yourself. There is also a library of health videos, up to date news reports about health issues concerning women, and links to free or low cost seminars, screenings, immunizations, support groups and more. There is a lot to see at this site, so check it out!
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A lot of us are feeling the need to pinch pennies now! But sometimes we still like to go out to eat. Here's a site to help you save a little money when going out to eat with the kids;
http://www.kidsmealdeals.com/
This site will help you find kids meal deals at a restaurant near you!
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Here's an eye opening site to show you how much sugar there really is in your favorite foods and beverages;
http://www.sugarstacks.com/
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