ORLD
IRCLE
OF 
RIENDS
elcome
to 
lobal 
xpress:ast Issue for March
Hello! Something new!
Beefs & Bouquets
We are going to try something new this week regarding comments about the newsletter. You can leave on our newly established guestbook for all to view. Give it a try. Click on the link below!
teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success.
Comments like these:
Super job of the Easter edition of the Global Express. I never had an opportunity to read it until this morning. You do such a good job, Sharon and we love your dedication and devotion. Love 
Norma from Alberta, Canada
OH !!!!!!!!!!
I so much enjoyed the photo sections, I copied so many of the pictures,
it made my day to see people whom I e mail ................
thank so much - 
Bea from the Catskills
days until Reunion 2008 in INTRIGUING SOUTH AMERICA !
April is Poetry Month; Letter Writing Month; Garden Month (celebrate gardening during April - Garden Month); Autism Awareness Month; Humor Month; Pets are Wonderful Month and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month.
Special Days in April include:
- April 1 - April Fool's Day
- April 1 - 7 - 1-7 Library Week
- April 2 - International Children's Book Day
- April 6 - Tartan Day - Tartan Day was pioneered in Canada but gained renewed momentum in the United States following resolutions in Congress and Senate recognizing the day of the signing of the 1320 Declaration of Arbroath 6 April - as a day to celebrate Scotland.
- April 6 - Juno Awards - Canadian equivalent of the (US) Grammy awards
- April 7 - World Health Day
- April 8 - Astronomy Day
- April 16 -
Peachy Marie and Uncle G, aka Ma & Pa heading home to Canada and getting ready for camping season!
- April 18 - Pet Owner's Day
- April 20 - Passover - Passover is one of the most important religious festivals in the Jewish calendar. Jews celebrate the Feast of Passover (Pesach in Hebrew) to commemorate the liberation of the Children of Israel who were led out of Egypt by Moses. Jews have celebrated Passover since about 1300 BC, following the rules laid down by God in Exodus 13.
- April 19 - Car Free Day
- April 20 - Volunteer Recognition Day
- April 22 - Earth Day
- April 23 - St. George's Day - England's National Day. St. George is the patron saint of England.
- April 24 - Arbor Day
- April 25 - Anzac Day (Australia / New Zealand) marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
Bragging Rights
This is my grandson who has come home from Iraq. There was a big write up in local paper; in fact 2 pages. My son, Earl, and his wife, Helen, are in pictures as well.
Bea from the Catskills.
Saturday March 29 at 8 p.m. local time is Earth Hour around the World!
With Earth Hour almost upon us, there is a definite buzz in the air! In a few short hours, people around the world will be joining together to turn out their lights for Earth Hour, sending a very strong message that we need to do more to fight climate change. Many countries such as Australia, Thailand, Germany and Ireland will be celebrating before us. We can watch their lights go out first, and then get ready to take our turn!
According to a recent poll, conducted on behalf of Virgin Mobile, a staggering 70 per cent of Canadians have said they will be participating in Earth Hour! And in the spirit of Earth Hour being a catalyst for change, more than 50 per cent of Canadians surveyed said Earth Hour has made them more conscious to save energy and go green in the future. This is great news for the planet! See how WWF-Canada can help you reduce your ecological footprint everyday.
Are you interested in reading about Canada? The most comprehensive and authoritative source on all things Canadian can be found on The Canadian Encyclopedia site.
Sharon from Paradise Island, aka Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
How Green My Valley
When I was a boy, a few years after this first photo was taken, the houses built for workers at the mine had become a village; a lively, thriving, living community. The local colliery offered employment to almost every able bodied man; income was earned in the village and spent in local shops and hostelries; and generations of families were born, raised and eventually died there.
20 years later, the colliery though still working, employed many less men as mechanisation and automation had done away with the need for heavy, manual labour; many now earned their weekly wage in factories in larger towns outside the village. Many of the local shops had closed due to competition from 'supermarkets', some many miles from it. Local hostelries were declining as people spent more of their leisure time, and income at amenities outside the area. In 1969, the colliery closed!
40 years later, and had you not been told of its existence, you would be hard pressed to imagine that the colliery had ever been there. Most of the local shops have succumbed to competition from much larger, though even more distant 'super-stores': you will find it an impossible task to locate a family who earn their living, spend their money, and can boast more than one complete generation living here now.
Oh be sure, the old colliery site has been put to good use; a park and play area for the local kids; a new football field; and a village pond are just a few of the things established upon it.
The old spoil heaps and railway sidings have all been landscaped and grassed and planted with bushes and trees. Wild life is returning to the area in increasing abundance and variety; and given another 20-30 years the area will be much the same as it was, before the mine was built in 1897. I wonder though, what will become of the village? It has already become almost deserted for much of each working day/week; while over the weekends it is scarcely more lively as people shop and enjoy their leisure time many miles away.
It has become a dormitory, this village a place to sleep. Will it in its slumber slowly fade away?? Will some sight-seer or tourist stop to admire the valley, and, reading from their guide book remark once there was a village here!
WelshGoG aka Owen from WalesPlease take a moment to visit Owen's Space
Love, 
Aussie Jan. Please visit my diary of events.
Bigsis Pat's Journal
March 24, 2008
In the 18th Century many Europeans boarded sailing vessels to begin their long and arduous journey to the New Land that we now know as North America. The trip took many weeks, in sometimes treacherous weather, and the passengers suffered many hardships. Once they landed things were not much better, but being of hardy stock, they managed to survive. After some time, word reached the settlers that land further west was opening up, so once again, they began a long and difficult journey, this time over land, until they reached various parts in the west, including British Columbia. Many of the settlers were women whose task it was to keep the family together. Pioneer Women "would soon realize that personal possessions did not mean as much though, as the more basic supplies soon came to mean life itself."
Now we fast forward the 20th century, in the early to middle 1940's. The war was raging in Europe, particularly England. Young women met and fell in love with the soldiers from abroad. They married, and in some cases started families, and the decision was made for the young wives and mothers to journey across the Atlantic to begin new lives in Canada & the US. 45,000 of these women were called War Brides, and settled in various places across North America, I know because I was the child of one, and made the journey with my Mum. While the journey was not nearly as treacherous as those who traveled in the 18th century, it did have it's moments as the ships carrying these young families were escorted by battle ship conveys, to ensure their safety.
Now, 60 some odd years later, that same little girl who sailed the ocean, so long ago, is in her own way, a pioneer women, as she, at the age of 66 will make her Journey to the west coast to start a brand new life. Things are much easier for me; I can take my personal belongings, which will be shipped by Canada Post, which will take approximately a week. The rest of my personal effects will go on the plane with my, including my buddy Max. This journey will take but a mere few hours.
As I write this I think back to when I was a young bride, and realized I could never imagine myself, undertaking such a monumental change in my life. Only a couple more weeks and I will be flying the blue skies, to once again be reunited with my best friend Sharon, and we can begin once again our favourite past time, thrift store shopping!!
Until next time.
Please visit my Art by Patricia blog.
P.S. I have been busy adding to, and updating the WWWCOF Albums. Do please take a moment to check them out!
Hope everyone had a nice Easter and remembered what the real reason for the celebration is.
1 Cross + 3 Nails = Forgiveness
We had planned to go to sunrise service although this Granny was so worn out from being Easter Bunny I kept hitting the snooze. By the time I got up I had decided if that alarm goes off one more time I'm throwing it through the window! Since I can't really afford a new window I figured I best get up.
Mom, Karen A. Peachy, Jonna & I sat and talked and it was very nice. Men went outside they knew we were in charge! Once everyone got their "EMPTY" dishes and the paper plates were thrown away A. Peachy's kitchen was clean again. We came home I bathed Haley and after her "SUGAR HIGH" finally wore off and I got her down off the ceiling fan...she went to sleep and I crashed didn't know anything until Monday morning.
That's our Easter Hope God Blessed all of you with a Great Day.
Do you think one of our members should be the April Global Citizen. Please email me,
Put the Ham in the oven made coffee and of course Haley had been up for Only The Good Lord knows how long. She was so good, never opened one piece of candy before I got up. Hmmm...I think one of her babies did though because there was a couple candy wrappers on her floor. We got ready for church and went to the service. It was such a reminding sermon of what the day was all about. Very Spirit filled, just what I needed.
A couple days before John & I had decided to have just a small dinner here and no company. Mom knocks on the door, I opened it and she plops this Ham in my hands and said there it is you cook it. OK...I always do as my parents say. So I whipped up a menu called Aunt Peachy & then Mom and we had a dinner put together. I still was so tired I really didn't want to do any extra cleaning for company although I Love them all dearly and they don't expect me to be "MRS. CLEAN" I do. Thank God Aunt Peachy came over and suggested we have dinner at her house since she has more room than we do....YES!!! So we all took our goodies and to Aunt Peachy's we go.
My step sister Karen came from Orlando and my step brother Kirk was there and Jonna, Mom, Dad, John & me, and of course A. Peachy & Uncle "G". We had Ham with glaze, mashed potatoes, cauliflower with cheese, carrots, deviled eggs, baked beans, green beans, cornbread, pickles, dinner rolls. Mom made two diabetic cakes using the recipe with diet sprite..YUMMY.... one was yellow and the other chocolate. A. Peachy made a "Tomato Soup Cake" with cream cheese icing. Never heard of it before and it was also Yummy. No I'm not suppose to have it...could you be there & not taste it? I brought some home for John since he didn't have dessert. OOP'S I forgot he doesn't like cream cheese, well can't let it go to waste...I ate it....yep I did. 
Charla, from Florida, USA
days to vote for April's Global Citizen!
Sharon from Paradise Island, aka Vancouver Island, BC, Canada by March 31st, 2008 and don't forget to add your comments as to why you have selected this particular member.
Our Furry Friends/ Family Members
Featured Pet of the Week
BEAR
Bear is my big old sweet baby.
Bear was given to Steve, now my X-husband, when he was no more than a ball of fur. Just a few weeks old. We lived in a log house and Bear lived in a pen on the back porch. Even as young as he was, he'd never used the bathroom in his pen. When we'd get home from work, he'd run off the porch and up in the woods. After Steve left in 2000, Bear stayed with me. Then we moved to a double wide, he had a big fenced in back yard.
Now Mother & I moved back to where I was raised, Ridgely, TN. Bear has his fenced in back yard. He always lets me know when he needs to go out. Sometime 3:00 am. LOL He's a good guard dog and let's us know when someone comes around. Bear is about 11 years old and he's getting a little grey around his face.
He's just a big baby and so loving. I couldn't ask for a sweeter and more gentle dog. I love him so much. Hugs,
Billie, from Ridgely, TN USA.Thanks so very much for your story about Bear. He is so cuddly and loving looking Billie. He may be a big boy but still a sweet baby just the same.
Please don't forget to give your pet a hug from you today, They are our most loyal loving Family members .......
I am looking for more stories about your PET .......
please submit to me so I may feature them in the newsletter Pet Column.
email your stories to me,
Jami from Maryland, USA
For Your Information - Explanation of Life!
On the first day, God created the dog and said:
'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.'
The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?'
So God agreed.
On the second day, God created the monkey and said:
'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.'
The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?'
And God agreed.
On the third day, God created the cow and said:
'You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years.'
The cow said: 'That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?'
And God agreed again.
On the fourth day, God created man and said:
'Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years.'
But man said: 'Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?'
'Okay,' said God, 'You asked for it.'
So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.
Life has now been explained to you. There is no need to thank me for this valuable information. I'm doing it as a public service. 
Irene, aka Scotty, from Washington, USA
Arts & Entertainment
CAMIE AWARDS
Stars, producers, directors, writers, media reporters and fans will gather at the Wilshire Theater in Beverly Hills on May 3rd, where ten-outstanding motion pictures will be honored with CAMIE Awards for Character And Morality In Entertainment.
To be eligible for awards, movies must be uplifting examples of positive social values, ennobling character traits, while being entertaining without inappropriate content.
This year, CAMIE awards will go to five-films created for theatrical release: Amazing Grace, Bridge to Terabithia, Miss Potter, Nancy Drew, and The Ultimate Gift.
In addition, five films that were made for television and home theater will be recognized. These include Crossroads, The Note, Saving Sarah Cain, Pictures of Hollis Woods, and Love's Unending Legacy.
The CAMIES will be hosted by former Miss America and television personality, Leanza Cornett, and her husband Mark Steines, the well-known host of the daily television show, "Entertainment Tonight."
Past CAMIE winners have included Cuba Gooding Jr., Tom Hanks, Morgan Freeman, James Earl Jones, Jim Caviezel, Gary Sinise, Patty Duke, Dennis Quaid, Mary Tyler Moore, Anne Hathaway, Alfre Woodard, Kurt Russell, Michael Landon, Jr., Denzel Washington Jon Voight, Dakota Fanning, Josh Flitter, Barbara Billingsley, Monique Coleman, Shirley Jones, Kathryn Joosten, Jennie Garth, Dale Midkiff, Sarah Drew and many others.
The CAMIE awards began in 2001 when Dr. Glen Griffin and other concerned parents wanted to encourage the production and support of outstanding films with positive instead of negative role models. They didn't want to just sit around and complain about bad films but instead they try to catch people doing something good by recognizing their uplifting productions. So with the help of experts from across the country a non-profit organization was established that became CAMIE Awards, Inc.
Tests & Quizzes
Have you started playing our Trivia Quiz Game yet? Go on try it ... it is fun and it is hosted by 
Aussie Jeanette 
Be sure to check out all the wonderful craft ideas in the WWWCOF Craft Site and let us get this group active and crafting. Any ideas, please send them to Aussie Jan.
Looking for some games to play online or to download -- FREE! Check out this site.
Interesting "photo gallery" of news can be found here. Be prepared to learn about motor scooters made of rattan in Berlin's Kreuzberg district; Rosa Rein, celebrating her 111th birthday at a home for the elderly in Lugano Paradiso, Switzerland; and so much more!
Check out the Web Junkie's collection of links to the weird and wonderful that you can find on the web!
How do I get the best out of life? -- Face your past without regrets. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear! 
Barb from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
The Google Board Question of the week is: -- What is a baby monkey called?
Answer can be found somewhere in this issue of Global Express.
In this issue ...
Click on any of the following to be taken to that section of the newsletter. If you can come up with any icons for the sections below I would sure appreciate you sending them to me. Please notify me of any broken links.
- Arts & Entertainment
Australian Report
- Beefs & Bouquets
- Bigsis Pat Journal
- Bragging Rights
Canadian 'Eh
- Charla's World
Coffee & Chat
- Common Expressions
Crafts
Did You Know
- Featured Sites
Fun
For Your Information
- Gardening
- Google Question of the Week
- Global Citizen Award
Health Matters
- Inspirational
- Planet Kryzys
Member of the Month
Messages from Members
- Nature's Water Features Photo Contest
- Pet of the Week
Prayer Requests
- WWWCOF International Poetry Contest
Pursuit of Excellence
Recipes
- Reunion 2008
- Safety Alerts
- Tests & Quizzes
Weather Updates
Welshgog
Baby monkeys are called infants. Animal Babies
I just wanted to say, even if I never talk to you again in my life, you are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
Arlene from Arizona, USA
I actually saw the first Robin this year on Monday day after Easter. How about that? Have a wonderful Day!
Jami from Maryland, USA
Linda, from Tallassee, AL, USA would like to share her Easter 2008 with us!I sure hope you all had as wonderful an Easter as I did! I thought I'd share with you mine and hope you all will follow by filling us all in on yours........ To start with on Friday I picked up this guinea pig for my "kids" A co- worker had needed a new home for hers. I just knew I was not going to live past Easter if I got this thing. As I knew Misty would Kill me! Well, Here I am still alive but let me tell you if looks could kill.......? I'd be a goner. It started on Friday afternoon. I brought this thing home and Who of all people decided to pop in for a surprise visit? YEP!!!!!! MOM!!! (Misty, the kids mom) I said oh lord, I am not even going to make it to Easter now! Well, she swore she was going to, but only by looks I was spared...... She did however insist he (Ernie is the guinea pig's name) was to stay at my house...... and the kids can play with it there. But she did allow him to come to the house for Easter dinner. (her boyfriend said he would make delicous Italian lamb chops for Easter dinner) Hey...... dont even think about it LLOYD. As I expected the kids were soooo thrilled. Especially Kristin who I found out just Friday she has wanted one forever, but mom kept saying no way. Well that child did not leave tha pigs side except to eat and go find Easter Eggs; then right back. Of course brother wanted a turn too so there was some squabbling.... but they worked it out themselves. I was quite proud of them. I was in my glory watching them enjoy and love that thing so much. We had a spread and a half of food there, There was, Ham, turkey and dressing, mac salad, mashed potatoes mac and cheese, deviled eggs, green beans, corn, home made and canned gravy,(I refused to let her serve her Delicious looking turkey with out having homemade gravy.... so made it for her. Then for dessert, there was cherry pie, coconut cake, and cupcakes made into lil baskets Kristen made. I am sure I have fogotten all she had on those counters..... All I know is We were all stuffed and still there was so much food left. We then went outside and watched the kids look for hidden eggs. They were all so excited. Came back in had dessert and I was ready for a nap so came home....... Frank was to brng Ernie back home with him, but when he started to take him Kristen started to Cry her lil eyes out, and Mom finally gave in. So Ernie now has his new home and a whole lot of love. Between the kids, and all I had a most relaxing funfilled day.....I could not have asked for any more . So now its your turn....... Who will go first??????? Can't wait to hear about your Day......
Jami from Maryland, USA
- April which just happens to be National Poetry Month is coming up quickly. National Poetry Month was established by the Academy of American Poets as a month-long, national celebration of poetry. The concept was to increase the attention paid-by individuals and the media to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our poetic heritage, and to poetry books and magazines.
A lot of the WWWCOF members are wonderful poets and from time to time we are honoured to be given the opportunity to publish their poetry in Global Express so I thought why not hold a WWWCOF Poetry Contest.
The goals of this would be to:
- introduce to our members the pleasures of reading other member's poetry;
- to reread some favorite poems.
- to encourage us to try to write at least one poem;
- to attend poetry readings in our community;
- and to create a poetry book of our members' orginal poems.
Please submit your poems directly to me for posting - Sharon from Paradise Island, aka Vancouver Island, BC, Canada prior to the deadline for entries of April 30th, 2008. Voting will close on May 15th, 2008 and the contest winner will be announced in the May 16th issue of Global Express. Good luck to all!
Other poems can be found on our Member Poetry Pages which I will be trying to transfer to the poetry journal but this task may not be completed by the deadline so do be sure to check out the poetry contained within these sites as well.
Humour is healthy and laughter is naturally contagious!
One morning, the husband returns the boat to their lakeside cottage after several hours of fishing and decides to take a nap.
Although not familiar with the lake, the wife decides to take the boat out. She motors out a short distance, anchors, puts her feet up, and begins to read her book. The peace and solitude are magnificent.
Along comes a Fish and Game Warden in his boat. He pulls up alongside the woman and says, 'Good morning, Ma'am. What are you doing?'
'Reading a book,' she replies, (thinking, 'Isn't that obvious?').
'You're in a Restricted Fishing Area,' he informs her.
'I'm sorry, officer, but I'm not fishing. I'm reading.'
'Yes, but I see you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment. I'll have to take you in and write you up'
'If you do that, I'll have to charge you with sexual assault,' says the woman.
'But I haven't even touched you,' says the Game Warden.
'That's true, but you have all the equipment. For all I know you could start at any moment.'
'Have a nice day ma'am,' and he left.
Bev from Nanaimo, B.C. Canada
I bet you'll have a smile on your face after reading this!!!!!
A frog goes into a bank and approaches the teller. He can see from her nameplate that her name is Patricia Whack. 'Miss Whack, I'd like to get a $30,000 loan to take a holiday.' Patty looks at the frog in disbelief and asks his name. The frog says his name is Kermit Jagger, his dad is Mick Jagger, and that it's okay, he knows the bank manager.
Patty explains that he will need to secure the loan with some collateral. The frog says, 'Sure. I have this,' and produces a tiny porcelain elephant, about an inch tall, bright pink and perfectly formed. Very confused, Patty explains that she'll have to consult with the bank manager and disappears into a back office.
She finds the manager and says, 'There's a frog called Kermit Jagger out there who clames to know you and wants to borrow $30,000, and he wants to use this as collateral.' She holds up the tiny pink elephant. 'I mean, what in the world is this?'
(you're gonna love this)
(its a real treat)
(a masterpiece)
(wait for it)
The bank manager looks back at her and says...
'It's a knickknack, Patty Whack. Give the frog a loan. His old man's a Rolling Stone.'
(You're singing it, aren't you? Yeah, I know you are........) Never take life too seriously! Come on now, you grinned, I know you did!!! Have a lovely Day 
Susan, aka Susie Q, from Smith Falls, Ontario
Charla, from Florida, USA invites us to check out the Holiday Inn.
Join our positive psychology laughter movement by sending in your favourite jokes for publication in Global Express!
"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people." -- Victor Borge (world-famous Danish entertainer)
How about starting your very own "laughter club"? Each day tell your friends and family a joke and encourage them to do the same and before you know it you will have succeeded in producing laughter as a health routine!
Allegory (a symbolic representation) of the Olive Tree
- "the tree that feeds the children" according to Sophocles, is the protagonist of the Greek nature and history as olive oil is the protagonist of the Greek diet.
Olive trees live 500-2000 years or more. They are cherished and cared for through generations by the same family. The vineyard owner truly knows each tree and its full history. Olive trees are not cut down and plowed under at the end of the season. Even if there are problems, the owner will work for years to save a single tree.
Olive trees provide food, oil, soap, medicines, wood, fibers, beauty and more. They are a full-service tree. They aid every aspect of life.
The tenacious olive tree can survive and even thrive where few other trees and plants can. Its roots, cast off leaves and fruit help feed and improve the soil, bringing in nutrients where none were before.
I am currently reading Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy which takes place in Greece and that is why my thoughts this week have turned to the Olive Tree, just in case you were wondering. Sharon from Paradise Island, aka Vancouver Island, BC, Canada.
Bea from the Catskills tells us that from baking soda to vinegar, we can learn how to repel pests, kill weeds and protect your garden from summertime enemies by checking out this site.
This week's chosen Recipe from our Regional cookbook section:
Dorset Apple Cake - WWWCOF COOKBOOK
Yield: 1 Cakes Preparation Time: 1:15
Dorset apple cake takes pride of place in an old fashioned English summer tea. Made with Bramley apples and topped with sugar glaze, it can be served either cold or warm with cream. Send it by 
Sylvia from Dorset, UK Sept 06
- 225 Grs Castor Sugar
- 225 Grs Butter
- 4 Large Eggs
- 250 Grs Self Raising Flour
- 25 Grs Cornflour
- 225 Grs Apples, Bramley, Chopped
Lena, from Ontario, Canada would like us to visit Canadian Living's Best Muffin Recipes
This week's Kitchen Tips:
PASTA
Have you ever happened to notice in pasta recipes that you are to cook the pasta until al dente and wonder what the heck that means, well simply put it is a fancy term for pasta that's fully cooked, but not overly soft. The phrase is Italian for "to the tooth," which comes from testing the pasta's consistency with your teeth. You cook pasta according to the package directions however close to the end of the cooking time nibble the pasta to see if it's firm to the bite, yet cooked through or in other words "al dente"!
Sharon says: 'I have never been a great fan of pasta until fairly recently. My children love it so I thought you might be interested in some trivia about this food item.'
Popular legend has it that Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy following his exploration of the Far East in the late 13th century; however, we can trace pasta back as far as the fourth century B.C., where an Etruscan tomb showed a group of natives making what appears to be pasta. The Chinese were making a noodle-like food as early as 3000 B.C. And Greek mythology suggests that the Greek God Vulcan invented a device that made strings of dough (the first spaghetti!).
Pasta made its way to the New World through the English, who discovered it while touring Italy. Colonists brought to America the English practice of cooking noodles at least one half hour, then smothering them with cream sauce and cheese. But it was Thomas Jefferson who is credited with bringing the first "maccaroni" machine to America in 1789 when he returned home after serving as ambassador to France.
The first industrial pasta factory in America was built in Brooklyn in 1848 by, of all people, a Frenchman, who spread his spaghetti strands on the roof to dry in the sunshine.
How to Cook Pasta Perfectly Everytime
1. Boil 4 to 6 quarts of water for one pound of dry pasta. (You can divide this recipe depending on how much pasta you are cooking.)
2. Add the pasta with a stir and return the water to a boil.
3. Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking.
4. Follow the package directions for cooking times. If the pasta is to be used as part of a dish that requires further cooking, undercook the pasta by 1/3 of the cooking time specified on the package.
5. Taste the pasta to determine if it is done. Perfectly cooked pasta should be "al dente," or firm to the bite, yet cooked through.
6. Drain pasta immediately and follow the rest of the recipe.
Remember to prevent pasta from sticking use plenty of water (4-6 quarts for each pound of pasta) and don't overcook it!
The only time you should rinse pasta after draining is when you are going to use it in a cold dish, or when you are not going to sauce and serve it immediately. In those cases, rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process, and drain well.
Here are some of our cookbook's very own WORLD FAMOUS pasta dishes.
For now I'll leave you wishing you all a VERY HAPPY Week
Would love to hear from you.
Daphne from Argentina
NATURE'S WATER FEATURES PHOTO CONTEST
Voting has started for our photo contest "Nature's Water Features". Please go here to vote. A new contest will start in AprilThis is our third Nature photo contest. The first "Looking for beauty in nature in a world in crisis" was won by Deanna of Virginia. The second "Wildlife" was won by Ruth of Michigan. Who will be the winner of this third contest "Nature's Water Features"????
Daphne from Argentina
Mobile Phones can ignite fuel or fumes and here are examples of three incidents in which mobile phones (cell phones) ignited fumes during fueling operations.
In the first case, the phone was placed on the car's trunk lid during fueling; it rang and the ensuing fire destroyed the car and the gasoline pump.
In the second, an individual suffered severe burns to their face when fumes ignited as they answered a call while refueling their car!
And in the third, an individual suffered burns to the thigh and groin as fumes ignited when the phone, which was in their pocket, rang while they were fueling their car.
Mobile phones that light up when switched on or when they ring release enough energy to provide a spark for ignition. Mobile phones should not be used in filling stations, or when fueling lawn mowers, boat, Etc. Mobile phones should not be used, or should be turned off, around other materials that generate flammable or explosive fumes or dust, (i.e., solvents, chemicals, gases, grain dust, etc.)
Four Rules for Safe Refueling
- 1) Turn off engine
- 2) Don't smoke
- 3) Don't use your cell phone - leave it inside the vehicle or turn it off
- 4) Don't re-enter your vehicle during fueling
His results were very surprising:
- 1) Out of 150 cases, almost all of them were women.
- 2) Almost all cases involved the person getting back in their vehicle while the nozzle was still pumping gas. When finished, they went back to pull the nozzle out and the fire started, as a result of static.
- 3) Most had on rubber-soled shoes.
- 4) Most men never get back in their vehicle until completely finished. This is why they are seldom involved in these types of fires.
- 5) Don't ever use cell phones when pumping gas
- 6) It is the vapors that come out of the gas th at cause the fire, when connected with static charges.
- 7) There were 29 fires where the vehicle was re-entered and the nozzle was touched during refueling from a variety of makes and models. Some resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, to the station, and to the customer.
- 8) Seventeen fires occurred before, during or immediately after the gas cap was removed and before fueling began.
As I mentioned earlier, The Petroleum Equipment Institute, along with several other companies now, are really trying to make the public aware of this danger.
Aussie Jeanette
Irene, aka Scotty, from Washington, USA reported that yesterday afternoon (March 26) it started snowing. Enormous flakes floated
gracefully twisting, twirling catching the sunlight. I stood by the
window mesmerized. Then it got heavier and faster; by 5 pm the grass
and trees were covered in white sparkling beauty. Overnight it rained
and snowed then froze. This morning there is a carpet of ice and snow
reflecting the sun in all directions. Tiny little rainbows appear on
the ground then disappear. It is breath taking, surreal and calm. What
a magnificent world we live in.
This is the most snow we've had here this winter and I just had to
share the beauty of it.
We had another 10 inches of snow fall on Tuesday - a right blowy storm it was too. :o)
Merrie from Ontario Canada
Don't forget to check the Birthday Calendar to see when members are celebrating their special days.
April birthday / anniversary celebrations:
- April 2 - Linda, from Tallassee, AL, USA's birthday
- April 3 - my much older brother,
Wayne and his lovely wife Jenny from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada's Anniversary
- April 11 - my lovely daughter,
Kendra from Nanaimo, BC, Canada's Birthday
- April 18 -
Linda from China's birthday (and our 100th member)
- April 19 - Barb from Rockford, Illinois' birthday
- April 23 - Georgene Indiana, USA's birthday
- April 28 - Bigsis Pat from Ontario, Canada's hubby, Darryl's birthday
We look forward to hearing all about your special day.
If you are not listed in the calendar please be sure to email Jami from Maryland.
REUNION ARGENTINA OCTOBER 2008
To hold a Reunion we need people, this is the only thing we are lacking. The organization is already well underway as shown in our 2008 Reunion Website; now we need the cooporation and participation of members everywhere. Look forward to seeing many of you here.
REUNION ARGENTINA OCTOBER 2008
Please drop by and visit the official 2008 reunion website where you'll find alot of the information you need
Don't forget to start the action to get your passport up to date. Life is too short not to come to Argentine at least once, and Reunion 2008 is an excellent opportunity for that, a well as a good chance to meet all your on-line buddies in real life and have some fun getting to know them better. So come on, fill in the inscription form, let us know you are booking your ticket.
This Week, with views to reunion Argentina 2008: MISIONES Province -
Misiones in North East Argentina is named after the Jesuit Missionaries who were there in the 16th and 17th century, soon after the continent was "discovered". It boasts a tropical to subtropical climate, and though there is fast deforestation, it is still dominated by the tropical jungle. Lemurs, monkeys, toucans , parrots and hoards of butterflies can easily be seen, without trying too hard.
The main features of Misiones is of course the spectacular Iguazu Falls (Big Waters in the native language). The main difference between these Falls and the famous Niagara Falls is that The Canadian /US falls are in an urban area, the Iguazu (Argentine/Brazilian) Falls are in the middle of the forest.
The Iguazu River runs into the Parana River and where these two powerful rivers meet is one of south America's TRIPLE FRONTEERS. In this case, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay form a triple frontier. There is a bridge across the Iguazu River painted half in Argentina colours (sky blue and white) and half in Brazilian (green and yellow) and immediately on crossing road signs change language, Spanish on the Argentine side, Portuguese on the Brazilian side. Though residents of Argentina do not need passports to visit the neighbouring country, one does have to have their ID in hand and "symbolically" wipe their feet on a disinfectant mat.
Avocado pears, melons, mangoes, mandioca and other exotic fruits come from the area, as well as tea, small bananas and coconuts. Some of the biggest tourist activities in this province are photographic safaris, rafting, and trekking. Within the Falls themselves there are long walks, and dinghy excursions that go right up to the foam! Exhilarating! And you get wet, thoroughly and completely!!
For more information on the Falls click here
and for more photos of Misiones click here.
REUNION QUIZ #1
- When is Reunion 2008 being held?
- Where is Reunion 2008 being held, (city and country)?
- Approx How far is that from the country's capital?
- Is it on the coast or inland?
- if you answered on the coast; would that be the Pacific or the Atlantic or somewhere else?
- If you answered inland; would that be near mountains, hills or plains?
- What season will it be at reunion time?
- Oh dear, I wonder, Are there any hotels there?
- Where is the International airport we would land at?
- What is the official language of the host country?
- So, Does our host/ hostess speak English?
- What colours are in the National Flag of the host country?
- (Baker's dozen) what is the local currency there?
More information about MAR DEL PLATA
and Argentina in Pictures
Daphne from Argentina
Member of the Month Nominations
Our member of the month for March is
Lena, from Ontario, Canada. Congratulations Lena.
days to vote for April's Member of the Month!
This award is not intended to be a comparison of member to member; each member's time and contributions are valuable and we acknowledge with pride that every member does what they can do.
The "winner" is the member who has received the most votes from the membership and nominations for Member of the Month for April closes March 31st so be sure to cast your ballot here today! Do be sure to add your comments as to why you have selected the member you are nominating.
It is the pieces (our members) that make the whole (The World Wide Web Circle of Friends).
Elephants generally are a very gregarious animal. They go around in large groups, usually guided and controlled by an older female, the matriarch. The adult males go about separate from the main group and rejoin them when the females are on heat.
When one of the members suffers or dies for any reason (traps, hunting, other animal attacks etc.) the whole group suffers. Usually the matriarch will stay with the victim, trying to stimulate him or her to move, using her tusks and trunk, while the others wait a short distance away.
Elephants recognize death, especially within their own group, and will come close to the victim and touch it with their trunks as a sign of goodbye. The matriarch would then stay on and pull down branches and twigs from the trees and cover the dead body.
If the victim was a female with a cub, the cub would try to stay close to its dead mother, but the matriarch would make it walk beside her, pushing it with her trunk, even if the cub tries to go back to its mother. Back with the group, the matriarch would then choose an older cub on the point of weaning, push it gently away from its mother and replace it with the orphan, who would accept it without problem. All the females take care of the young and in case of attack the young are protected inside a tight circle. On the march, it is the Matriarch who leads the group, but when she knows she is getting too old or weak, she will choose a replacement and take the back of the group, thus protecting them from the rear.
Adapted from "Time to die" Wilbur Smith, the book I am reading at present
Our planet awareness site, Planet Kryzys has many interesting stories of different aspects of a planet under Crisis. Do please take a moment to visit it. Daphne from Argentina
April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day occurs annually on April 1. The day is generally observed by playing a practical joke on a "victim" who soon becomes known as an April Fool. This custom is thought to have started in France during the 16th century but the British are credited with bringing it to the United States.
The commonly accepted origin of April Fool's Day involves changes in the calendar. At one time, the New Year celebration began on March 25 and ended on April 1. However, in 1582, King Charles IX adopted the Gregorian calendar and accepted the beginning of the new year as January 1. Those who refused to acknowledge the new date or simply forgot received foolish gifts and invitations to nonexistent parties. The butt of such a prank was known as a "poisson d'avril" or "April fish."
Top 100 April Fool's Jokes of all Time
Merrie from Ontario Canada
days until Reunion 2008!
Common Expressions - Origin & Meaning
I saw on the last news letter re Chinese food msg was mentioned. I don't know if you are aware... this stuff is not good. Especially for high blood pressure or heart patients or even regular persons. A lot of our restaurants here in Nanaimo do not use MSG ... and advertise as no msg
Thought you'd like to know this. I ask a lot of places if they use it before I'll eat there. Love 
Carol from Nanaimo BC Canada
WWWCOF MEMBERS
Barbara from Rockford, Illinois, USA's husband has had medical problems and has been depressed.
Norma from Alberta, Canada - Please add me to your prayer list. I have a pneumonia in my right lung again. I'm tired of being sick.
Edith from Uganda - Hey l would love you to pray for me and my country Uganda. Please
keep Edith in prayer as God knows her needs as well as her country Uganda.
Maxine, from Ontario, Canada - Please continue to keep Maxine, her daughter Mary Jo and her family as they go through this time of grieving in the loss of Paul, Mary Jo's husband. Also prayer for healing for Mary Jo's health. She is far away from Maxine getting treatments for her illness and feels very alone. This must be an awful thing to go through. Please lift Mary Jo and her family to God for strength, comfort and His will to be done.
Pami from New York, USA - Pami is finished with her radiation. Although Pami has chemo to go through now. Please continue to keep Pami in prayer for complete healing of all cancer.
Billie, from Ridgely, TN USA - I took Mother (Hazel age 85) back to the doctor yesterday. They did a MRI of her knee, but he couldn't find anything in it, so he didn't give her another shot. He had her back x-rayed to see if it might be a pinched nerve in her back or hip. We don't know the results of that yet. She's still in a lot of pain. They checked her kidneys and she still has a real bad bladder infection. He gave her some stronger medicine for that. I didn't know that a bladder infection could cause you to talk out of your head, but he said it could. She has said a few things weird, but not bad. We go back in a month or sooner if necessary. Please keep her in your prayers.
Lena, from Ontario, Canada - Lena's husband, Sherley, is still going through a very hard time with this virus shingles. He has had it over a year now. He is in much pain and also has infection in his cheek. Please keep praying for his healing.
Jami from Maryland, USA - Jami will be traveling back to Florida for a week. Please keep Jami in prayer for traveling grace and for God's guidance.
Emma from Maryland, USA - Please keep Emma's son in prayer for guidance.
Betsy, aka AngelBear, from Florida - Betsy and husband Doug have had a serious setback financially. Please pray for Doug to get a job and for God to provide for their needs.
Ellen from Georgia, USA - Please keep Ellen in prayer for healing the pain doctor said there is nothing he can do for her. She has many health problems. Please keep Ellen in prayer for relief of this awful pain.
Irv wwwcof: Well the biopsy results are in and it is not good. Irv has cancer in his groin. They are not sure of what kind whether it is carcinoma or what. He will be having an M.R.I. to determine what, where and how to treat. The doctor doesn't think it is aggressive. He has nursing care coming in and he is on dilaudin for the pain. Surgery will have to be performed either in London or Toronto when all the testing is done. He now has a wheelchair and the pain is sometimes unbearable. Please pray for IRV as he goes through this treatment for cancer and may God Hold Irv close and heal him. Lord please help the pain and take it away. In Jesus Name
Jonna wwwcof: Please keep Jonna in prayer she has fallen back into the clutches of satan! Jonna needs some serious prayer.
Cindy's from Phillipston, MA - Husband, Vern, was just diagnosed with diabetes please keep Vern in prayer that this is under control.
Wanda from Thomasville, AL, USA - I'm just checking in and saying hello. I haven't been feeling well for over a week now, my feet and legs are swelling really bad and hurting and I can almost feel it happening when I am sitting in this chair. Please keep Wanda in prayer for relief of this swelling and pain.
Christine from Greenwood, Delaware, USA - Please add ( friend of mine) Laurie's mother Ellen to the prayer list. They just discovered she has cancer. Is going in the hospital this week. Please keep Ellen in prayer for Salvation and healing of this terrible demon of cancer. It seems to be going ramped. May God Comfort her and her family and friends and touch Ellen with His healing Power. Also Please keep praying for God to guide Mike to a good and stable job as he is still not working. May God Provide for their needs.
Ruth from Michigan, USA - Ruth has been fighting a flu type thing for a while now and is very weak. Please lift her up for God to heal this virus and bring her back to good health.
Haley Miller: Haley will be having her tonsils out soon. No date yet. Please keep her in prayer as well as her Parents in prayer for drug addiction, and PLEASE keep little Haley in prayer for whatever may come her way.
John Simmons: Charla's husband, we are asking for prayer that he come back to church with us and sit beside Haley and I to worship. Also please lift him in prayer for depression and sadness due to our daughter.
Bea from the Catskills - More bad news, I saw the Neurologist, I can not drive for 6 months, in fact have to have more test ,then on to wound care doctor. He was not very happy, as it seem he suggests to have my hip replaced again! He says the inner part has been open too long and won't heal. So now back to square one, and lots to think about before making this decision. Bea has just had more than her share of pain and suffering. No one knows why but God and He has His reason. Please continue to pray that Bea is right in God's eyes and that He will heal her soon. May He surround her with His Angels of Mercy.
Daphne from Argentina - Daphne is doing well. Please keep her in prayer for continued healing and for the wwwcof reunion soon to be here. Global warming.
Arlene from Arizona, USA - Praise God Arlene is back from a very long stay in the hospital. She is still not feeling well so please continue to lift her to "THE GREAT PHYSICIAN" for permanent healing.
Please keep ALL MILITARY EVERYWHERE in prayer for safety and an end to this war.
- Jamie Landon: ( FlMaries Grand Daughter) Home from Iraq
- Robert Fleming: (Peachy Marie's Grandson.) In Africa
- Stephen Johnson: (Christine Mills Pastors Son) In Iraq
- Robin Smith: (Christine Mills requests) In Iraq
Please email Charla, from Florida, USA with any Praises, Requests and/or UPDATES Thank you. May God Bless Each One and Have a Great Week!
I hope you have enjoyed this week's edition of Global Express. Do be careful on Tuesday -- April Fools Day!
designed and created by
Emma from Maryland, USA
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