June 2009

Hello Everyone!

I hope you're all enjoying the pleasant weather or at least having it in your areas. Things in our home are rolling along nicely now that the snow's finally *fingers crossed*.. gone.

I'd like to wish all the gents a Happy Fathers day this month. Whether you are a Dad, special uncle or friend, we hope you have an enjoyable day on June 21st.

Summer here at Rosewillow is a time for a bit of a facelift. Joy's been busy redoing information pages what have you here at the site and she's finally got the blogging software up and running! Anyone and everyone is welcome to sign up for a blog here at RoseWillow. Along with your free membership to the main site you can also have a personal blog.

Just follow the instructions on the Blog Pages and you'll be set up in no time at all. There are over 250 themes for you to choose from! You don't have to be a graphic desinger to set up your blog nor do you have to know a lot about html either. It's quite simple; trust me. If I can figure it all out I'm sure everyone will be able to.

Your Mayor

Did you know that Pigs can be infected by avian, human and swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort and new ones emerge that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses. Therefore, pigs act as "mixing vessel" of different animal influenza viruses and human influenza viruses which may lead to emergence of potential new human influenza virus.

Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160F 70C kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

How does swine flu spread?

Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

You've more than likely heard the phrase "Pork,the other white meat." Ounce for ounce, pork tenderloin has less fat than a chicken breast. It is the most widely consumed meat today.

Nutrition Facts and Information about Pork: Pork is naturally low in fat (fully trimmed cuts only contain 4 per cent fat), so it's great for people watching their weight or looking after thier hearts. Over one third of the fat is beneficial monounsaturated, one fifth proturated; A colesterol lowering fat.

Pork is over one fifth protein which makes it an excellent source of this essential nutrient. Growing kids need lots of protein and it helps with the repair of muscles and tissues. It's also a great appetite curbing nutrient which can help those watching pounds.

Pork is rich in Vitamin B1(thiamin, with 100g containing 70% of your reccommended daily allowance. B1 is important for vitality and energy release. It's one of the B vitamins that helpts the body deal with the effects of stress. It also meets your recommended daily allowance of vitamin b12. B12 can help fight anemia, keep the nervous system healthy, and boost your vitality.

Zinc and Selenium are both contained in Pork. These are antioxidants help to boost your immune system. It is also naturally low in sodium Keeping your sodium low is essential in keeping your blood pressuere under control.

So make a healthy choice and support your local pork farmers! Eat Pork!

BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer)

A LAN party is defined as a temporary, sometimes spontaneous, gathering of people together with their computers which they network together. Primarily, this is for the purpose of playing multiplayer computer games. Hmm ... that definition seems a little dull and dry to me. Let me tell you - LAN parties are awesome!

LAN (Local Area Network) gaming has existed since before DOOM, but it was DOOM that brought network gaming to the masses. Offices around the world experienced drops in productivity as sessions of DOOM on the office network began to increase in popularity. Gamers realized that fragging (killing) their buddies was much more fun if they were within verbal abuse range.

The rise of the internet hasn't dampened the enthusiasm for LAN gaming, mainly because the dominant internet connections of the mid-90s were 14.4 and 28.8 baud modems, with inherent lag and other communication problems. Local Area Networks, on the other hand, do not suffer from lag as much as modem connections or even the internet - and being in close physical proximity to your teammates and enemies allows verbal communications (see aforementioned abuse), greatly increasing the enjoyment of multiplayer gaming. Even in today's era of broadband connections and abundant online game servers, nothing quite replicates the thrill of trash-talking your opponents in person after a particularly glorious victory. So there you are, a battle hardened LAN warrior, armed with agile mouse and stout keyboard, and you've been invited into the Local Access Network arena. You've got your gear. . . but are you really ready? It's not enough to whet only the edge of your own processor, a LAN party is a team game and everyone needs to pull together to make it run smoothly.

Be prepared before you head out. Make sure the computer you're planning to use at the party is all in one piece and ready to use. LAN parties are for playing games, not troubleshooting your personal hardware or software issues. Trust me, troubleshooting a network is enough work without having to troubleshoot individual machines. Once your machine is all in one piece, update your OS (Operating System) and make sure you have current drivers for at least audio and video. It can mean the difference between participating, and not playing at all.. If you can, talk to the people who will be there and try to come up with a basic list of games you'll probably play. Then, get them installed and patched (updated) the day before. Always bring all your install and play discs as you never know when you may have to reload a game. In the past, it was a popular idea to burn an extra CD or two of games for people to use but remember that this act contitutes piracy, matey, and I do not recommend or endorse it. Many games will work on LAN using the same CD key and people may want you to let them use yours .... well .... let me be blunt here .... Don't give your CD key to anyone because if they use it on the internet after the LAN, you may find yourself banned from the game servers and buying a new game. It is your CD key. It's what you paid all that money for when you bought the game. Don't protect it any less than you would protect your bank card PIN number. I feel if people want to play, they should have their own legal copy of all the games to be played at the event. Large, sponsored LAN parties actually require this for participants.

Click to Enlarge

It's a good idea to bring any extra hardware you may need. LAN parties often turn into huge code violations with one surge protector daisy-chained off of three others, and that can certainly be part of the excitement ... but it certainly helps if you bring your own power bar. While you're at it, might as well toss in some extra LAN cables. How about an extra mouse and keyboard? If you own a spare hub or switch, unless you've been expressly told not to bring it, bring it. Remember to label your stuff so you get it back.

Of course this is a party and the usual etiquette applies. Although it is customary to bring your own drinks, why not take along some sandwiches, munchie mix or even chips and dip. I always like to bring something special like monster cookies which are always popular with my clan. Remember, an offer to help clean up after the event is always appreciated.

You may have noticed that I havn't mentioned consoles in this discussion. Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 LAN parties are popular and pretty much the same rules apply to them as PC LANs. The only thing I would add is please don't bring a hacked or modded console to a LAN party. For instance: if your Xbox has been modded and then subsequently banned from the Xbox LIVE service, this would prevent you from getting updates and other DLC (DownLoadable Content) such as new maps. It would be unfair to expect other people to accommodate your self-imposed limitations. I personally have nothing against modded machines (I actually own a modded Xbox) but when it somes to a legitimate competitive event, you will be expected to bring a legitimate box that can connect to its online service.

In closing let me remind you that a LAN party is first a social event. Have fun and don't take it too seriously. You're there as much to hang out with your friends and have a few beers, as you are to avenge your humiliating defeat at Call of Duty last Friday. If your pupils dilate too much, or you're sick of that camping bastard, sit one out, have a smoke, and grab a slice of pizza.

Oh, by the way, the current world record for the number of computers networked at a LAN party is 10,445, set at DreamHack Winter 2007, in Jonkoping, Sweden.

c u next month
Omniped
www.omniped.net

Omniped

Howdy do peoples!

I hope everyone is keepin well and enjoying summer.. or.. what ever you maybe having at this time of year *S* I don't want to jinx it here.

I've been super busy this past month. I finally got the bloggies workin. Yipppeeee! It was driving me buggie to be honest I kept clickin on the wrong buttons which would send me into la la land someplace then have to reload the damn programs.. ANYWAY.. They are up and running so give 'em a go and let me know what you think. If you run into any troubles please don't hesitate to email me at joy@rosewillow.ca

These blogs are super easy to use. There's a teensy bit of a learning curve but really once you get onto them they're a snap. You will have to sign up for a Blog and you can use your Rosewillow name and password if you like or pick a completely different handle. Give 'em a try. Rosewillow Blogs

Lesse... Oh yea.. I've been spending far too much time at Iggy's.. I'm desperately trying to beat Ed's best at Tetris. If you have some free time you'd like to kill, check in over at Iggy's with over 2100 games I'm sure you'll find something to keep you occupied.

http://iggysarcade.rosewillow.ca

x
Joy

We would like to introduce everyone to some of our vendors at The Town Mall. Being that June is Fathers Day, here's something he will really enjoy! Featured this month ;

With SIRIUS Satellite Radio, you can listen to what you want, when you want, wherever you are. 100% Commercial-Free Music from every genre, plus Sports, News, Talk and Comedy with crystal-clear, coast-to-coast coverage, all in one place and all at your fingertips.
Sirius welcomes US and Canadian Customers.

If your Pop likes music there are more stores to be found in the Books, Movies, Music section of the mall here at Rosewillow too. We have many other stores to shop through such as Amazon.ca, Time Life, Alibris, FYE, Magazines.com, Chapters, AbeBooks.co.uk and many others.

Stop by Rosewillow's Town Mall and check out these and over 160 other stores for great gift giving ideas.

I know things slow down a bit in the summer time here at Rosewillow but if you have anything of interest you would like to share with our readers please don't hesitate to send it in to us. Photos, articles, recipes, art projects. We welcome them all! Perhaps you may have a friend or relative that might be interested in writing for our paper please pass our contact info along to them.
Direct your mail to: editor@rosewillow.ca

I hope you've enjoyed this month's edition of The Oracle

Pierre

Thank you to those of you who have made donations to the site. Since we decided to offer free memberships these donations are of great value. They help with hosting costs, allow us to bring you more fun things and also let us know we matter to you.

If you'd like to contribute it's easy. Click the PayPal donate button and you'll be stepped through the process. If you don't have a PayPal account and would like donate another way just email mayor@rosewillow.ca for details.

INGREDIENTS:

BBQ Mop

1 2/3 cups ketchup
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup fresh apple cider
1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
4 tsp paprika
4 tsp dry mustard powder
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp salt

Dipping Sauce

1 cup ketchup
2 cups tomato sauce
3 cans whole chipotle peppers in adobo sauce diced fine
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp molasses
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 cup apple sauce

BBQ Pork

1 - 6 lbs. pork butt or shoulder (2.72kg)
12 cups (3 litres) mesquite wood chips (8 cups soaked in cool water for 1 hour and drained)

DIRECTIONS:

Combine rub ingredients in a small bowl, mix until all ingredients are evenly combined. Place pork on a tray and rub the mixture into the flesh using slight pressure to tear little pockets of flavour in the meat. Place rubbed pork in a large sealable bag. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight. BBQ Mop

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until evenly combined. Reserve 3/4 cup (187ml) of the mop to pour over the pulled pork when finished cooking.

During the cooking mop the pork every 1/2 hour using a mop brush.

Dipping Sauce

Place all sauce ingredients into a medium saucepan and place over medium high heat. Bring sauce to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Using your hands or a fork pull at the pork meat. It will come off in threads. Serve pulled pork with reserved barbeque mop sauce and dipping sauce on soft rolls.

BBQ Pork

Place pork on a tray and rub the mixture into the flesh using slight pressure to tear little pockets of flavour in the meat. Place rubbed pork in a large sealable bag. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

The following day, let 8 cups of wood chips soak for 1 hour in cool water. Drain wood chips. To make the smoke pouches, place 2 cups (500ml) of the drained wet chips with 1 cup (250ml) of the dry. Mix until evenly distributed. Wrap chips in foil to fit the size of your barbeque burner. Using a fork, pierce the package several times all over to allow the smoke to escape. Repeat with remaining chips to create 2 pouches in total.

Prepare barbeque for indirect cooking. Leave 2 burners off and one burner on. Place a drip pan on the side of the barbeque that is off. Place a smoking pouch on the side that is turned on, directly over the burner. Place the pork on the grill over the drip pan. Cook for 5-6 hours (about an hour a pound) changing the smoke pouch when smoke dissipates.

During the cooking mop the pork every 1/2 hour using a mop brush. Remove the pork from the grill and loosely cover with foil. Let rest for 30 minutes. Using your hands or a fork pull at the pork meat. It will come off in threads. Serve pulled pork with reserved barbeque mop sauce and dipping sauce on soft rolls.

EnJoy

If you were born between May 21st and June 21st you are a Gemini.

Those born under this sign tend to be witty, energetic and charismatic.

Geminis are good conversationalists and interesting friends since they seem to know a little bit about everything. They love to learn and keep themselves busy. Geminis are good multi taskers! This may have something to do with the fact Gemini is the sign of the twins. They are quick to jump into different projects. It is almost like a dual personality when it comes to Geminis. They seem to switch from one to the other at a moment's notice

Children born under the Gemini sign tend to be angels one moment and little devils the next. They are like little sponges and soak in information quickly which helps them to communicate at earlier ages. It is good to expose these kids to a wide variety of stimuli while they are developing. Music, Art, Literature, Nature, Sports. They’ll want to be involved in everything but will find their nitch eventually.

A Gemini for a partner will never be boring. They are adventurous in the boudoir and will always keep things interesting. Though they may test your loyalty and commitment to them at times. Try and keep your jealousy in check. Don't expect to be a homebody when you are with a Gemini. They enjoy being out and about. A Gemini in any relationship is smart, witty, fun and quick to change their minds. They are best suited to other Geminis, Libra, and Aquarius. They seek out others who are smart and adventuresome

A Gemini will be a fun and fascinating companion, but some may see them as superficial and "two faced" because their goal is to charm everyone all of the time. On good days, they will be charming and gracious, but on bad days they can be moody and even cruel. Learn to expect anything!

Don't forget to visit me at the Mystic Rose for your free readings!

Blessed Be
Madame Maya

Aries: This is a good time to share news, information and ideas with your spouse or mate. Discussions will be pleasant, open and sincere, and you feel comfortable in dealing with the everyday affairs and needs of the relationship. If you have a personal problem or dilemma, you may be able to rely upon your partner to help straighten it out. You respect your loved one's point of view, and their words of love and encouragement generate warmth and understanding between the two of you.

Taurus: Pleasant and beneficial opportunities may arise in your work/career endeavors. Even if work takes some enjoyment away from your personal interests and relationships, you are optimistic that everything will work out for the best. Engaging in meaningful work, especially that which brings travel, more prestige, or overall expansion of your skills and knowledge will appeal to you. You can devote an enormous amount of time and effort to a work-related goal and, at the same time, thoroughly enjoy the experience. Co-workers as well as influential people will notice your dedication and high aspirations, and rewards or promotions may be forthcoming.

Gemini: You are very receptive to displays of physical and sexual contact with your marriage partner or in an intimate love relationship. There is a passionate, playful quality to your lovemaking, and the urge to connect with your mate is intensified. You put your energies into making your relationship stimulating and exciting. You know the appropriate balance between asserting your desires and providing a gentle touch. Your partner responds with equal impulses and sensuality toward you. If you have a quarrel with your mate at this time, you will display your anger but you will be quick to forgive.

Cancer: Your concentration is excellent now and you are serious about your work. You want to focus on real accomplishment and avoid frivolity and distractions. You may fruitfully tackle difficult, disagreeable tasks or work that usually frustrates you, for your patience and ability to do painstaking work is brought out now. Self-control and self-discipline are required of you at this time but, fortunately, they yield positive results in the long run.

Leo: Use common sense and good judgment in your personal and professional affairs during this time. There may be a tendency to overextend your energies toward far-reaching goals which causes you to avoid responsibilities in your current work or social involvements. You can underestimate the quantity of time and effort needed to accomplish your projects, desires and inner visions. Problems related to work, legal affairs, or with educational or religious activities are likely. You need to develop a realistic and practical sense with regard to your ideals and objectives. Try to use a more logical approach in your search for new and adventurous possibilities.

Virgo: It will take greater work and effort to formulate your creative and career endeavors at this time. Opportunities to develop your talents and potential may be few or nonexistent during this period. You may need to seriously evaluate your past and present work habits or goals to determine whether they are practical and valid or in need of restructuring. Frustration with work assignments or creative projects is likely now. You may feel dismay over your mistakes and failures or may desire to shirk your responsibilities in this regard. Progress in your work or assignments may be slow or limited as well. Superiors or other individuals may feel your thinking and planning is not efficient. Errors or mistakes in judgment become evident or noticeable during this time. Reorganizing your work and setting priorities will be crucial now.

Libra: You use charm, humor, and a light touch to get your point across now, and your friendly attitude makes a favorable impression on others. Your artistic and aesthetic sense is heightened now also, and interest in literature, poetry, and culture is strong. Serious and demanding mental work should probably be put off for another time, as either your mind is more on matters of the heart or you simply want to relax and think of lighter topics.

Scorpio: Improvements in your personal and romantic life is likely at this time. A sense of mutual harmony and support makes for more peaceful and secure surroundings. You care deeply and passionately for the people in your care. Children are especially adored now and flourish through your offers of love and guidance. You may feel helpful and contented when you mother and comfort your spouse, loved ones, and children. You enjoy happy times when socializing with your family, which may involve creative activities or just simple pleasures at this time.

Sagittarius: The freedom to pursue your own personal goals, such as education, business, spirituality, or travel adventures, may be postponed while you are busy taking care of the needs of your spouse, mate, or children. In fact, conflicts will likely arise if you do try to extend your outlook outside the domestic concerns of your family. Emotional caretaking, legal, religious, or academic interests of your children or mate may require more of your personal involvement than usual. Avoid, however, letting someone take advantage of your good-will and generous spirit as you may not get the feedback, appreciation, and nurturance you desire in return.

Capricorn: The needs of loved ones, especially family members, may require a great deal of your time and energy. This can be a period when someone close to you disagrees with the manner in which you offer support, help, or caretaking now. A child or mate may act out their frustrations on you and leave you with the feeling that it is impossible to please them. If someone does not respond when you are nurturing and compassionate toward them, you may take it as a personal attack. You may find yourself trying to maintain a balance between taking a passive or aggressive role in your personal life at this time.

Aquarius: This is a good time to work on personal as well as business matters. You may feel like doing something that stimulates your ego drives or get passionately involved in a special interest, project, or activity at this time. It is likely you will have enough energy and motivation to carry out your desires and ambitions. However, the urge to work independently or without much involvement with other people may be very strong now. Although this may be a productive period in which you can accomplish a great deal, it is still important to maintain close ties and relationships with others.

Pisces: Fortunate experiences and displays of generosity are in abundance. General good fortune and successful financial gains are obtained through expanding your creative or career goals. Your personal needs and caretaking abilities are in tune with your loved ones, and great strides can be made in fulfilling family needs. This is a time when legal affairs should prove to be beneficial, and there is a possibility of an inheritance or of receiving much needed financial assistance at this time. The sharing of household responsibilities and nurturing needs are cooperative and easily handled. Health matters may improve under this astrological influence. Benefits may also come through your involvement with children, or a desire to expand your family unit could be felt at this time.

-Deborah Browning