ORLD IDE EB IRCLE OF RIENDS

elcome to our January 21/05 Issue Online Newsletter Hello everyone! Thought I would start of this newsletter with some pictures of what it looks like outside my home these past couple of weeks. Now do keep in mind that the east coast of Vancouver ranks something like second in Canada for mildest winters.Mother Nature definately got off course this year. Remember I mentioned last week that it looks like 2005 is going to be a very busy year for the World Wide Web Circle of Friends! I think that might just be a slight understatement! Tsunami Relief Challenge Share what you are doing with us with regards to the Tsunami Relief. Jeanette from the land down under writes that she is already involved in fund raising on the Mornington Peninsula for the victims. In Australia they have given now in excess of 150 billion dollars which is wonderful - the littlest amount certainly does help. What they are doing is a group of them are giving money each month to support a family - you might be interested in this - it can cost as little as $5.00 each per month when a group decides to support families - they need so much! If you have not already donated and would like to help out with Tsunami Relief please join our humble efforts to raise funds for this good cause. Until February 28th, 2005 we will be collecting funds to contribute to the disaster relief organizations to help with the re-building process. A list of donors will be maintained and listed in the newsletter. Individual donation amounts will not be disclosed but an update total of all donations combined will be announced weekly in the newsletter as well. Please take a moment to visit our Tsunami Relief Challenge websites. Every little bit will make a huge difference to the victims of this disaster! To the Top Planet Kryzys This site has certainly touched on a raw nerve. Working on it has become very interesting, so much to learn, so much to look out for. I'll be updating it continually so it'll be an on going thing where I hope we get more Circle members active on it. Be sure to check out our Recycle Message Board on our MSN Community. With all this recycling info, I am going to have a pretty solid report to present to our local authorities. I will very likely have Leo's support with this, as the course he is preparing to give on gas and heating is going through one of the local political groups whose only interest is the city. And by stirring up a few ordinary people, we might get our voices heard. Raising awareness is always the first step to action. Join our Planet Kryzys" (Crisis) Team today and come forward with things about your own area. We start off with awareness, and follow up with what we can do about it. Together we WILL make a difference. PLANET KRYZYS TEAM MEMBERS: Site manager, Daphne (BA,Argentina) Western Canada Coordinator, Sharon (BC,Canada) Eastern US Coordinator, Becky (Maryland, US) Would you like to be the representative from your corner of the globe? Please complete and submit the form below: My Name My Email I would like to represent: Please leave any comments or suggestions you may have here: Hope you are busy finding or designing a suitable banner for the Planet Kryzys" (Crisis)site. Contest closes February 28/05 and the winning design could win a prize (one of the Circle's CD books) Entries are to be sent to Daphne from Argentina and will be included in the newsletter, and on the site. Good Luck! Daphne from Argentina. To the Top Mystery Member Time for a new clue for our mystery member!!! She is from Florida,collects water globes and her hobbies are Writing Poems and Sewing. Remember, at any time you think you know who the mystery member is please email me! The clues can be found throughout the Circle of Friends Members site and elsewhere on the many online sites. If you think it might be you..........you never know it could be!! Good Luck and......... Have Fun! If you have not completed your WWWCOF Survey yet please take a visit over to the Survey Page where you can easily complete and submit it online. To the Top Member of the Month Nominations Nominations are coming in for our January, 2005 Member of the Month so be sure to cast your ballot here today! To the Top FEATURED SITES Celebrate Family Literacy Day, January 27. Set aside family time to read with your cildren. Help them becme good readers and good learners! Do you have a favourite site that you would like to share with the members. Please let me know and I will be happy to put it in the newsletter. To the Top Swaps The Valentine's Swap is underway. It is going to be so much fun as it is some what like the Christmas swap except this time we are to take the word VALENTINE and it will be up to us to find something that goes with each letter of word Valentine and it can be any thing that go with the theme of Valentine. So you all have a free hand in what you choose. If you can't find anything that go with a letter then just send something else as long as it stick with the theme of Valentine. It will be a neat swap as we won't have a clue what we are getting till we get it. So let's get busy and have a great time with this swap. Questions? Need additional information? Please feel free to email me, your Swap Queen, Ruth. I always love hearing from all of you. To the Top Crafts Craft of the Month January 2005 - Valentines' Cards Crafty Jayne from Kansas, USA and Loretta, aka Angel Patch from Texas, USA have put their heads together as to what to start the New Year with for the new "Craft of the Month" and have decided that since Valentines is approaching why not make Valentines Cards to give to our sweetheart, best friends, or our children. It doesn't matter if you have ever been a paper crafter or not. It is so much fun to learn so join us in doing it together and see what we can do with paper, stamps, buttons, lace, etc. There are so many items we can use with paper. Be sure to check out all the wonderful craft ideas in the WWWCOF Craft Site and add your own favourites or email Crafty Jayne from Kansas, USA, who will be happy to add them to our ever growing collection. To the Top Fun Tests & Quizzes & Games The Classic IQ Test What's Your IQ? Take the Classic IQ Test which is the most thorough and scientifically accurate IQ Test on the Web. Previously offered only to corporations, schools, and certified professionals — it's now available to you from Tickle. It's free, private and developed by PhDs. Have fun! My IQ score is 129 and my Intellectual Type is Word Warrior. This means I have exceptional verbal skills. I can easily make sense of complex issues and I can take an unusually creative approach to solving problems. My strengths also make me a visionary. Even without trying I am able to come up with lots of new and creative ideas. Kendra's IQ score was is 118 and her Intellectual Type is Precision Processor. This means she is exceptionally good at discovering quick solutions to problems, especially ones that involve math or logic. She is also resourceful and able to think on her feet. Can't wait to hear what your Intellectual Type is? To the Top Let's Do Lunch What for exciting news about the next member lunch! 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In this issue... Messages from members News and Announcements Lets Do Lunch The Argentinean Chapter Ruby's Journal Tsunami Relief Challenge Planet Kryzys Post Card Club Tips & Recommendations Fun Tests, Quizzes & Games Swaps Recipes Crafts Reunion 2006 Members Questions & Answers Fun Featured Sites Health Watch Mystery Member Member of the Month Department of Vital Statistics To the Top Reunion 2006 Time to start thinking about the where and when? Reunion Proposals are now being accepted and will be accepted up until the end of June, 2005 following which a vote will be taken and planning will commence. To start things off we have received this proposal from Daphne in Argentina: Reasons why I would like the next reunion in Mar del Plata, Argentina Points in favour: 1) Because I live here. 2) I might not be one of the world’s most sociable people, but I really would like to show some friends the country I adopted and enjoy writing about. 3) We have six Circle members in this city, and although they are not active in the Circle because of difficulties with Internet, given real human contact, they would all be very willing to host a Reunion activity, be it social, cultural, educational or just plain fun. And we would all like to receive you. 4) Argentina might not be the greatest country in the world to live in, but it sure is one of the most interesting to visit. 5) A brief cultural change is always a good thing. 6) Accommodation: For an overnight stay in Buenos Aires, my husband can get group discount at an excellent naval hotel. In Mar del Plata, a Circle member’s husband works in a centric 3 * hotel, that can offer us reduced rates for groups of over ten, in two or three bed bedrooms with private bathrooms. Just opposite my house there is a carefully maintained, fully furnished house which can sleep six comfortable, for those who prefer the comfort and freedom of a home to a hotel, which can be rented for a week or fortnight at a time. For stays in the rest of the country, again my husband can get group discounts at any of the naval hotels. 7) Transport: we have a neighbour who runs a 12 seater minibus for outings and excursions, driver/mechanic included 8) We have an excellent opportunity to get an optional seven-day excursion for a group, either to the northern, southern, or western provinces of Argentina, according to demand, at a very reasonable price, flight, outings, accommodation and half board all included. 9) We can easily hire either of the different sized submariners halls or their recreation ground for events. 10) Visitors coming here would get loads of pesos for their dollars and it would probable stretch further. ( On the other hand, from here we need loads of pesos to get an adequate amount of dollars and then find it doesn’t go far) Reasons against: a) It’s a long way from everyone ( but again, that would put you all on an equal basis) b) Spanish is the main language here, (but there are people who speak a sprinkling of English.) c) We have no Wal-marts, Timmies or peanut butter (but there are other places to shop, drink coffee or stuff to spread on your toast.) Recommended time to come: in off peak seasons when all the above offers would be effective, Fall ( March, April or May) or Spring ( Sept. Oct, Nov) Buenos Aires has the most important International airport, so it would be convenient to arrange everyone’s arrival within the same 24 hours, so you can all be met as you deserve (there are not many connecting flights to Mar del Plata, 404 km or 250 miles, though there are excellent motorways) If any interest is shown in this proposal, I can get an approx estimate of costs at any time. Do you want to host Reunion 2006? -- if you do please get your Reunion Proposal in as soon as possible! A special request for proposals has been set up here. Do be sure to check it out!! Bigsis Pat from Ontario, Canada has undertaken the position of Reunion 2006 Coordinator and she will need help so please watch this space for updates and more talk about the who? what? where? when? and why? Be sure to check out the Reunion 2006 website. To the Top Messages from Members Hello all, I am home from the hospital. It is going to take some time to get back to par but this too shall pass. I am using my webtv addy for now because it is too hard to breathe in the computer room sitting in a chair. I can recline in my recliner here in the livingroom using the webtv. Hope all of you are doing well. Thank you for your prayers and concern. Just send my mail here & we can chat. Love to all. Charla from Florida, USA Tuesday is our anniversary number 30 and casually on that day there is a national folk singer giving a one day show. Leo heard that certain credit card amounts accumulated in January give a 30% discount in certain shows and that today's discount corresponded to the show on Tuesday. Grocery shopping before I had come on this morning had brought us up to the target, and since it had been my card, we had to dash off and get the tickets for the show while availability lasted! How's that!! So we have a night out garanteed! Also, you can finally see the pictures of my daughter's wedding (and other family events)- click here Another thing, the other day when I was wandering around town, I found two shops that sold the blank friendship bracelets, at what would be for you about 10 dollars. But they didnt have the charms. I showed them mine, and they thought it was a really neat idea, they had only ever seen the blank ready to wear bracelets. I did come across another place that did have half a dozen charms but no bracelets but had the cheek to ask 30 pesos (about 15 of your dollars) each for them! I just told them no thanks, down the road there was a place that had them for four pesos each, hahahaha. Well, at least its a start. bye for now, love Daphne in Argentina To the Top Just for Fun Here are a few of the choice newspaper headlines from Susan in Ontario. Seems that those individuals whose job it is to put together headlines for articles which are to run in their newspapers, are either rushed or single-minded. Nevertheless, I thought that they would add a light frame to your day. Enjoy !! Crack Found on Governor's Daughter Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers Is There a Ring of Debris Around Uranus? Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over Miners Refuse to Work After Death Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant War Dims Hope for Peace If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures Enfield (London) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges Man Struck By Lightning Faces Battery Charge New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft Kids Make Nutritious Snacks Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half Hospitals are Sued by Seven Foot Doctors And the winner is.... Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead Good luck in 2005. Ciao !! DISCLAIMER: I guess I had better check the headlines in this issue! Be sure to visit our Computer Humour site! Email Daphne from Argentina with any computer jokes you have and she will happily add them to this collection. To the Top

CONTEST Remember Charla from Florida's site - You Are Not Alone? Well this site comes with its very own adorable mascott -- the red striped zebra you see in the picture above. This little fella is an orphan and does not have a name. Please help us name him. Complete the entry form which follows but please do so before the end of the month as the contest closes on January 31st, 2005. Voting will follow with the winner being announced in the newsletter's first February issue. So far we have the following suggestions from our membership: Zink should be his name. The reason being .. read below Zink's Story - "The message Kelly sends, through her story Zink the Zebra - A Special Tale, communicates the importance of being kind and sensitive to others who appear different from us. The life skills of understanding, respect, compassion, and acceptance of others are the fundamentals of true friendship. This young author knew that we are more alike than we are different, and that those very differences are what make us special!" I would like to call her Candy Cane, as she was found around Christmas, and seeing her pic she looks very much like one. Zachary, cause I like putting words and sounds together so they flow. hence Zachary Zebra My Name My Email What would you like the You Are Not Alone site mascott's name to be and why? To the Top News & Announcements Enjoy listening to the Ebay Song To the Top Tips & Recommendations Protect Yourself From Phishing Phishing is one of the fastest growing scams online. Phishing attacks use 'spoofed' (phoney, but authentic looking) e-mails and fraudulent websites designed to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, social security numbers, etc. By hijacking the trusted brands of well-known banks, online retailers and credit card companies, phishers are able to convince up to 5% of recipients to respond to them. For more information on phishing, please visit APWG - Anti-Phishing Working Group. Be sure to visit our Geek's Corner - This is the page where Circle members can help each other solve problems with their computers, web pages, design and related articles. Questions? or do you need additional information? Email Daphne from Argentina and she will be more than happy to help you out. Do you have any tips or recommendations that you would like to pass along to the other members. Email me and I will get it published. DISCLAIMER: Tips reflect member suggestions and are not verified by the WWWCOF. To the Top Questions & Answers Do you want to create your very own website? Help will soon be on the way! To the Top Health Watch What is Shingles? Shingles (herpes zoster) are an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin that is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox - the varicella-zoster virus. Early signs of shingles include burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching located on one side of the body or face. After several days a rash of small blisters appears on reddened skin. The piercing and unrelenting pain associated with shingles can be set off by a gentle touch or a soft breeze on the skin. Anyone who has had chicken pox in the past is at risk for developing shingles later because the virus remains inactive, or dormant, in certain nerve cells of the body. Scientists are not certain why the virus reactivates, or why it only reactivates in about 20 percent of the people who have had chicken pox. There is evidence to suggest that a weakened immune system may cause the virus to break out of its dormant state, multiply, and move along nerve fibers to the skin. People with a weakened immune system, such as those with cancer or HIV, people over the age of 50, or who are ill, experiencing trauma, or under stress, are at risk for shingles. To the Top The Argentinean Chapter You can read about Argentina, the country I adopted here Love from Daphne To the Top Recipes Recently I received a 13-month calendar from Kraft Kitchen. Each month features a scrumptious new recipe which I hope to remember to publish in our newsletter for you. Creamy Corn and Turkey Soup Ingredients 1/2 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped red pepper, divided 2 tbsp. butter or margarine 125 g ( 1/2 of 250 g pkg) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cubed 1 can (12 fl oz/341 mL) cream style corn 2 cups chicken broth 3/4 cup milk 2 cups shredded cooked turkey Procedure Cook Onion and half of the peppers in butter in large saucepan on medium heat until tender, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, cook until melted, stirring constantly. Add corn, broth, milk and turkey; mix well. Cook until soup is heated through, stirring occasionally. Serve topped with remaining chopped peppers. Serving Information Serves: 6 Sign up at Kraft Canada to receive Healthy Living recipes by E-mail. Do you have a recipe for us to enjoy? We would love for you to add it to all the wonderful recipes being collected in the WWWCOF Cookbook or email The Recipe Lady aka Claudia who will be happy to add them for you. To the Top Travelling Mascott Ruby's site has been updated! Read all about our globe trotting mascot in her journal by clicking on the picture of her logo! Email Ruby and don't be surprised when you see your message in her online journal! I know she would love to hear from you. Ruby's next port of call will be decided at the end of January so if you want to get your name on the list for Ruby to visit you, just drop a line to Daphne from Argentina and she will add you. Who knows, yours just might be the name little Agos picks out.... as she is the one in charge of the draws. To the Top NOTICE!!! You will see some changes with the Celebrations calendar. At the bottom of the page are Next and Back buttons, that you can use to navigate through the months. The calendar has gotten so big, that when I was doing work on it, it would take forever to load in. So broke it down into smaller "pieces" so that each month is on a separate page. Hopefully this will make it easier for you as well. Thanks Bigsis Pat's from Ontario, Canada Be sure to visit Bigsis Pat's January Trivia Pages Birthdays and Anniversaries for January include: Jan 22: Our own Peachy Marie celebrates her birthday on this day marie682@webtv.net Jan 25: Ruben Lunda (Daphne's son) lundaruben@hotmail.com Jan 27: Sean Carr (Melinda's son) melinda_carr32@hotmail.com will be 5. Jan 31: Alan DeFraia (Pami's hubby) pdefraia@hvc.rr.com Jan 31: Woody Wood (Loretta's hubby) galowood@earthlink.net Please take a moment to send your best wishes to these folks. And when you get a chance visit the Department of Vital Statistics where you find links for the Trivia Page, The Celebration Gallery, and the calendar Page (with a slightly new look). Also, you will find instructions there to view the Circle of Friends Photo Albums. To the Top More Photo Albums for your enjoyment! Member Albums To the Top I hope you have enjoyed this issue. HAVE A GREAT WEEK and I would like to close with the meaning of: "HELLO" H = How are you? E = Everything all right? L = Like to hear from you L = Love to see you soon O = Oh, and don't forget to write...... So, HELLO .! and this hug that Dorothy from Ontario sent in.