May 2009

Hello Good People of Rosewillow and others looking in!

Seems Pierre got his mouse in the printing press problem all cleared up and we can all enjoy the May edition of The Oracle.

It's been busy around town lately which is always a good thing. Our little town is thriving and it seems we have some more new members to welcome. Please do try and stop by a new members forum and welcome them to our community.

I'd like to ask anyone finding any glitches with pages or the site in general to notify my office and provide a link and description of the problem they've encountered. There are a lot of changes happening and if we don't know there is a problem we cannot fix it. You may have noticed a bit of redecorating here and there. We are using more CSS scripts on our pages and have run into a few problems with pages locking up on us.

Joy has more news on our new Blogs but I'll leave that for her to explain. Check Joy's blurb further on in the paper this month. Remember Iggy? He helped a few folks move in when we first opened.. Well Iggy, it seems, has started up his own little business in town. Watch for news on that,az too!

I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and I just know you'll enjoy this months paper.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to mail my office mayor@rosewillow.ca

Your Mayor

Asparagus is a member of the Lily family. Other members include onions, leeks and garlic. The peak growing season for this little veggie is from April to June. Asparagus is a perennial so it's good to have a section of the garden specially designated for it. Once you have harvested the shoots in the spring and they begin to get a bit woody, let them grow and go to seed to replenish your bed for next year.

There are 2 types of asparagus. Green and white. The white asparagus is considered more of a delicacy and to be slightly milder in flavor. It's a bit more tender than green asparagus. Dirt is kept mounded around the emerging stalk, depriving it of light. The plant cannot produce chlorophyll without light, thus there is no green color to the stalks.

Asparagus is low in calories but loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They're a good sourse of folic acid, vitamin A, B, C and calcium. One hundred grams of asparagus is only 34 calories and provides 146 mg of vitamin B9. That is 1/3 of the recommended daily allowance. Vitamin B9 is very important for pregnant women since not enough of it can cause the birth defect commonly known as Spina bifida.

Asparagus is a good detoxifier and diuretic. The fibers help to clean out our gastrointestinal tract . It also contains the phytochemical glutathione, which has antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties.

Some believe that asparagus to be an aphrodisiac and to promote fertility. Plus, it can reduce menstrual cramping and increase milk production in nursing mothers.

Here are just a few things folks claim Asparagus is good for!

- Great for your heart
- Helps menstrual cramps
- Great for your gastrointestinal tract and your colon
- Great food to help treat depression
- Has been known to increase the success rate of chemotherapy
- Is considered a diuretic, which means it is a good anti-inflammatory - best for arthritis, asthma, rheumatism, and even water retention and PMS
- Help get rid of warts
- lowers cholesterol - Has antioxidant agents - prevents the effects of aging
- Has antifungal and antiviral qualities
- Great for your kidneys - cleanses your body by stimulating urination and preventing kidney stones
- Helps prevent bladder and urinary tract infections
- Helps prevent multiple sclerosis
- Helps prevent scurvy
- Asparagus has anti-cancer agents - especially lung cancer
- Helps fight chronic fatigue syndrome
- Helps fight off high blood pressure
- If you bruise easily - eat more asparagus
- Great for your capillaries - eat more asparagus to avoid varicose veins
- Great for preventing cataracts
- If you are experiencing hair loss- eat more asparagus
- Helps treat toothaches

You may find a bit of an odor to your urine after eating asparagus because it contains a sulfur compound called a mercaptan. When broken down it releases a funny scent. The odor will disappear when the asparagus is completely digested and absorbed.

Cut your asparagus off down into the soil. The cut ends of your green asparagus should be a bit white on the end. You should check your garden daily for new shoots because it can grow fast and go to seed quickly if left too long. Keep your bundle in the refridgerator with the ends standing in a bit of water. This keeps the plant fresh till its use.

Wash the spears and snap off the bottoms. I find by snapping off the bottoms it will remove any woody ends. Sometimes if you cut off the bottoms you will still have a bit of a woody texture even when cooked. Snapping finds the exact location where the tender end of the spear starts.

Most people steam or boil the spears until they are tender but I've used them raw in salads or just as treats to snack on. If you haven't tried it yet, it's a must!

This is my first article with The Oracle and I thank Joy for the opportunity to write about my favourite passion.

I believe that video games are no longer just a kid's toy but an emerging media for all ages to enjoy storytelling, puzzles, role-playing, socializing and fitness. I hope in my articles to demystify some of the technology and terminology associated with gaming hardware and the games themselves. I must confess that I also hope to turn a few non-gamers to the dark side.

To be honest I did not play video games in my teens. There ... I said it! Frankly, I was more interested in girls and being a Rock and Roll God (That didn't work out by the way). I was, however, fascinated by computers as an adult and was soon playing games with my friends using phone modems to connect our computers directly to each other.

DOOM was our game and we loved it. It was the early nineties and I played with my friend SammyBuca every weekend. We both invested in second phone lines so we could talk to each other while we played. I was at a slight disadvantage as I could only afford a black and white monitor so when Buca would tell me to meet him at the blue door with the blue key I would inevitably show up at the red door with the yellow key. In my defence it wasn't my fault as everything looked grey to me but eventually I did save enough pennies to cure my colour blindness.

Soon came the proliferation of the internet and people everywhere coveted a high speed connection to this new entity. In 1998 Buca and I joined a merry bunch of PC gamers and formed the -=DFA=- gaming clan. We play FPS (First Person Shooter) titles twice a week online and get together in person as often as possible for LAN(Local Area Network) parties and other activities. It is this group of people that taught me the true spirit of social gaming and after ten years together I'm proud to say we are still going strong.

Nowadays gaming, online and off, has become mainstream. It has crossed all age and gender barriers. The best selling console in the world, the Wii of course, is played by 1 year olds - 90 year olds. The powerful Xbox360 and Playstation3 consoles satisfy even the most hardcore gamer. Portable consoles like the PSP and Nintendo DS have wireless and online ability to keep us connected to each other on the move. The PC as a gaming platform remains the domain of the true geeks but offers the ability to frag friends and balance one's checkbook at the same time. Last but not least let's not forget the humble cell phone which has has grown into it's own mini platform.

If you are new to gaming and feeling intimidated by the controllers and buttons I urge you to relax and just enjoy the show. Take the time to find out what each button does. Fustration can come easily so don't worry about scores, performance or even other players at first. The Wii is very Newbie friendly and is a good console to start with. If you are interested in a more powerful system like the Xbox360 or Playstation3, try them both out at the store as the controllers feel very different from each other. All consoles have their own unique approach to online play as well and this should be considered in any purchase you may make. I hope to profile a platform from time to time in futue articles and explain the abilities and limitations of each.

I look forward to exploring the hardware, software, community and culture of gaming with you every month. I invite you to write me with any questions, comments or suggestions to omniped1962@hotmail.com or visit me at www.omniped.net.

Omniped

NOW OPEN!

Iggy is excited to announce the opening of his new Arcade here in Rosewillow. If you like computer games I'm sure there's something at Iggy's you'll enjoy!

Iggy's Arcade boasts over 2100 games. from retro games such as tetris, asteroids, and othello to action, racing, shooting, and poker..You name it you'll probably find it here.

Drop in, sign up, and start playing! You must sign in to play the games or they will not load for you.

See you at

Hello Everyone and Welcome to our new members!!

Well I've had a very busy month here at Rosewillow. Blogs, Blogs, Blogs! I've run into a few problems with the blog software. But not to worry.. I'm onto something new and would have had things set for your viewing until I hit the wrong button last weekend and everything shot off into cyberspace never to be seen again.. I hate when that happens.. Anyhoo I will be obsessing over things for a few more weeks and make a site wide announcement when I'm done.

I'm also in the process of revamping some of our pages here.. If you run across a page that doesn't load properly or isn't there please let me know by sending a link. I check and double check things but I sometimes miss problems and I can't fix 'em if I don't know they are there! Your help is always appreciated!

As you can see Iggy has also opened his Arcade for us all. I'm not even a gamer and there are a bunch of games over there I really enjoy! If you have a few minutes to kill pop in and give some a try you'll be hooked in no time. Remember... You MUST register to be able to load games.

So that's all the news from this end.. I'll have more for you in a few weeks I'm sure. I hope everyone is joying spring. It's sure nice tp see the green grass again!

x
Joy

SPRINGTIME IN AN ENGLISH GARDEN

click photos to enlarge

At last the weather is warm enough to tempt me outside to begin the Spring clear up. It is not a good year for my daffodils, many of them are blind, just leaves, but other Spring flowers are doing well, in fact some are doing too well! What started as a few bulbs of Grape Hyacinths has now begun taking over the garden for the second time. A couple of years back I had them all cleared, or so I thought, but they soon began reappearing again and so I will be digging most of them out when they have finished flowering.

The bluebells in particular are looking wonderful just now, a favourite of mine, this native flower grows wild in the local woods and this year the displays are exceptional. I have a few in the garden that come up year after year.

I have a 'wild area' towards the back end of the garden and at this moment it is covered with cowslips. All these flowers came from one little pot I bought about 5 years ago. I am hoping to have poppies in this area later in the year, if the seed takes.

It looks like my old apple tree will have a heavy crop again this year, if the blossom is anything to go by. Two years ago it was so laden that a large branch came down from the weight of the apples. This tree is over 100 years old and looks like going on forever! I have a smaller tree of the same age with a completely hollow trunk, but it still produces apples year after year.

This month I had a pleasant surprise with the visit of a female Pheasant to my garden. She was pecking away under the birdfeeder in the early morning. She hung around for a while sunning herself in the early morning sunshine, then wandered off to pastures new. I hope she didn't end up as someone's dinner or worse still, taken by the local foxes!

This week my time has been taken up with planting containers and hanging baskets, ready for a nice summer display. I have used large red and yellow Begonias or Ranunculas for the centre and surrounded them with Impatiens (Bizzie Lizzie) and trailing Lobelia. The plants are still small and tender so will stay in the glass lean-to until all threats of frost are passed.

Spring is my favourite time of year but I am looking forward to summer now, and the bliss of sitting in the sun and enjoying the view.

Helen

Through May, be sure to post your favorites TV shows at the Bijou !

2 cups of fresh asparagus spears, chopped.
1 onion, minced.
2 1/2 cups of water.
1/4 butter.
1 cup of evaporated milk.
1/2 cube of chicken bouillon.
1 teaspoon of salt.
4 tablespoons of cornstarch, dissolved in 1/2 cup of water.
1/2 cup of cheese, grated.

In a saucepan, boil the asparagus spears and the onion in 2 1/2 cups of water until tender.
Mash the softened vegetables and pass through a fine strainer or cheesecloth.
Put back the strained vegetable puree into the stock.
Add the butter, milk, cube, salt and cornstarch.
Cook over moderate flame until smooth and thick, stirring continuously with a wire whisk.
Add grated cheese and simmer for a few minutes.
Serve hot.

1 pound of asparagus, trimmed.
1 medium egg.
4 ounces of freshly-grated romano cheese.
1 cup of fine dry breadcrumbs.
1 tablespoon of milk.
Olive oil, for frying.
Salt and pepper.

In boiling, salted water, cook the asparagus spears until just tender.
Drain on paper towels.
In a bowl, beat the egg with milk.
Dip the asparagus in the egg/milk mix, then into the breadcrumbs.
Heat enough olive oil to cover the asparagus in a deep fryer or a large skillet.
Fry the asparagus until lightly browned.
Drain on paper towels.
Season with your desired amount of salt and pepper.
Sprinkle with grated romano cheese.

EnJoy

May is the month of Taurus the Bull.

Those born under this sign tend to be a bit stubborn and quite determined to get what and where they want in life. They are highly focused on reaching your goals.

A Taurus enjoys things that stimulate the senses and quite enjoy some of the finer things in life. They will work hard to acquire these things but sometimes just need to stop and smell the roses and enjoy the world and beauty around them.

Taurus is an earth element which means they are naturally practical. Seeing is believing in other words. Others may seek the advice of a Taurus because of their basic sensibility.

A Taurus likes to work with their hands and may find themselves working with the earth in some way. They may have passions for gardening or woodworking or getting back to nature in some way.

Greatest Strength: A sensible outlook on life.
Possible Weakness: Settling for less.

Blessed Be
Madame Maya

We would like to introduce everyone to some of our vendors at The Town Mall. Being that May is Mothers Day what better gift from Mom than some beautiful jewelry?

Featured this month ;

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They have a vast collection of chocolate diamonds, black diamonds and blue diamonds. Also an incredible deals on dazzling aquamarine rings and other amazing discount jewelry, you cant afford to miss. MyJewelryBox is your one-stop-online-shop for the most diverse styles at the best prices.

My Jewlery Box ships to the US, Canada the UK and internationally too!

Of course once mothers day is done then comes fathers day in June. We have just the store for Dad too!

When you shop with TigerDirect, you'll choose from brand name computers. The industry's top names at prices that are simply not possible anywhere else. But that's just the beginning. They also carry a vast inventory of components: motherboards, processors, hard drives, optical drives, cases and more. You'll find emerging technologies as well.

From Mp3's, printers, blue tooth, gaming, dvd and home theaters, you name it Tiger Direct will probably carry it!

Stop by Rosewillow's Town Mall and check out these and over 160 other stores!

Aries: You are able to share ideals and spiritual concerns with others in a very satisfying way at this time. If there is someone that you feel does not understand "where you are coming from", you may find that you are now able to effectively communicate whatever lofty, idealistic, or abstract ideas that are important to you. In doing this, you also become clearer about your own ideals and better understand those of others as well. This is also a good time to relax and enjoy a good movie or other entertainment or take a trip to a beautiful, unusual, or inspiring place.

Taurus: At this time, you are most susceptible to being influenced by others. Your analytical perception is weakened, leading you to not see things as they really are. You attract people or circumstances that are mysterious, alluring and confusing to you. These persons may have nebulous intentions, and you might misjudge their motives. It is best at this time to discern fact from fiction before making assessments and important decisions. A secret or behind the scene activity can become apparent to you or conspicuous to other people. For example, an illicit romance or a drug/alcohol problem can be exposed now.

Gemini: This is a fortunate period in marriages or other intimate relationships. You enjoy being with your mate, sharing pleasures and social activities together. This can be a busy time with parties, weddings, births, engagements or showers to attend. If you live together, you may purchase items or furniture for the home. Your relationship feels loving, secure and balanced. A possibility exists for an increase in your joint finances. For instance, if you are married or sharing a domestic life together, one partner may improve their earning capacity or benefit in some other financial manner.

Cancer: Marriage or a love relationship grows more stable and mature. You take the obligations and responsibilities in your partnership very seriously and will work hard to prove to your mate that you are loyal, dedicated and committed. This can be a time when you and your companion cooperate effectively on formulating long range plans and aspirations for the future. You will now have the patience to learn the art of compromise in relationships. By being faithful and true to your mate, your efforts will be appreciated and respected. On the other hand, a favorable opportunity or benefit can arise in your partner's career, and you both enjoy the rewards of this good fortune.

Leo: Be watchful for changes in your domestic life. Loved ones and family members can throw you off course now. Some of the fun seems to be taken out of your usual domestic routine. Chances are that a child, mate, or someone close to you is insisting you meet their every need or is crying out for more attention than you can possibly provide. Your own needs for love and assurance may be temporarily put aside while you are pressed to take care of matters of importance at home or in your personal life.

Virgo: You will want to share pleasurable activities with your mate or marriage partner during this time. Entertainment plans, such as going to the theater or a special night out on the town together, would be appealing to you now. This period also promotes feelings of loyalty, love, and contentment toward your loved one. When you lavish your attention on your mate, you most likely will receive a warm and affectionate response. With a fresh, playful approach you can enliven your marriage or a significant relationship at this time.

Libra: Long-distance communications and business dealings are successful now. For example, if you need to call a business or company for assistance, you will find that you are able to get through to a helpful person who can assist you. You are also able to communicate successfully with co-workers and colleagues regarding overall plans and goals of the business or trade that you are involved in. This is a good time to advertise, publish, or engage in mass media communications for any purpose. Others respond with interest to your message, and you are able to reach a good understanding with others. You are able to rise above pettiness and distracting details in your communication with others, and you get to the broader philosophical issues or attitudes that are important.

Scorpio: This is a good time to distinguish yourself from others and make your abilities widely known to the people who count. Let others know of any new ideas or undertakings you have been contemplating. The favorable feedback you get from the people in your surroundings will give you more assurance and confidence. Take this time to reinforce your view of yourself and foster positive feelings in order to overcome any past insecurities or failures. Reflecting on and acknowledging your good qualities will help strengthen your self-esteem.

Sagittarius: There will be open lines of communication within your family and business relationships. You may join up with a sibling, relative, or a close co-worker on a project that is very rewarding and prosperous. There is a likelihood that you will be the person who instructs or offers recommendations in bringing ideas to actualization. Business and creative operations are highly favorable now. Your talents, crafts, and skills are useful now, and you can be quite capable of designing new and innovative or analytical techniques to the benefit of your professional or creative interests. Academic studies, intellectual pursuits, and creative planning are rewarding at this time.

Capricorn: An intense emotional or sexual attraction, a very revealing, intimate encounter, or a powerful desire to be close to and share your deepest feelings with someone is very likely now. Emotions and issues in a close relationship that have been brewing beneath the surface for quite awhile come to the surface at this time, possibly in a very disruptive way. All of your relationships intensify and you need to be aware of your tendency to act in a rather compulsive, demanding way towards others.

Aquarius: Positive developments in career, business, and professional pursuits are likely at this time. A promotion, salary raise, or an opportunity to advance in your career may present itself at this time. If an offer or opportunity does not present itself, then apply yourself towards attaining a goal that you have been seeking. You can have a stroke of good luck now, and your judgment and sense of timing are excellent. However, it may not just fall in your lap, and you may have need to seek out the opportunity. Also, the improvement that is possible is usually not of great magnitude, but a solid and significant advancement is very feasible at this time.

Pisces: Getting what you really want and moving toward achieving the things which are important to you may involve surrendering something or eliminating something from your life at this time. Perhaps an attitude, a situation, or an attachment that has been impeding you is now released. You feel free to concentrate on the things that are most important to you now. Major, long-term changes can be successfully begun now - a lifestyle change or a regimen of self-improvement, for instance.

-Deborah Browning

Apologies

We're terribly sorry for the hold up in the paper this month but it really was beyond our control and as much as Helen's mice tried to help us out.. well.. mice just were not meant to publish a paper. They've all headed back to her house now to help out with the gardening and we're all back up and running.

Our new format for the paper seems to be working so we'll stick with it. If you haven't taken our poll yet we'd sure appreciate your feedback. Take Our Poll. Don't forget to update the links on your pages to the Oracle. It is now http://theoracle.rosewillow.ca.

We're excited to have Omniped on board as a new writer for the paper. If you are interested in gaming make sure to stop by his site at http://omniped.net. We're always looking for people who'd like to contribute to The Oracle. If you'd like to submit a monthly article or just have something of interest you'd like to share mail us at editor@rosewillow.ca

I hope you've enjoyed this months 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.