Hiya guys!!!!!

Welcome to the September 1999 issue of the Game of Life Online Newsletter.  This marks our second year.  It is hard to believe that I have been doing this for 2 years now.  I want to say a special thank you to all the wonderful readers and a VERY BIG thank you to all the co-editors for all their hardwork.  =) 

CHANGES!!! CHANGES!!! CHANGES!!!
=)

I had been doing alot of thinking about making the issues a little more cozier and personal.

Jackie will be trying something new.... quotes.   If you have a quote or two you would like to share, please send them to her at Larjax@aol.com . If you have a birthday you want to announce (or any special occasion) you can still do so by sending them to me at ChristyMW1@aol.com.

Darla has decided to move onto other ventures.  This is her last issue w/ us.  Best Wishes, Darla and thanks for all your hard work.

Doreen is off doing the "Engaged-About-To-Be-Married" thing... Soooo...  No recipes until she gets her "I-Do's" DONE!  =)  Doreen.. We are so happy for you!!  We wish you and the hubby-to-be lots of luck and all our best wishes!  They will be married on October 23, 1999.  They met online 3 years ago and have been together OFFline for the past year.
CONGRATULATIONS DOREEN!!!
Send Doreen your best wishes!

I would like the members of GOL to get to know each other...  Sooooooo.. if you are interested, write me and tell me a little bit about yourself, what your interests are, perhaps a favorite link or two...  Whatever you would like to share...  We'll start sharing them next issue, so send them in.   =)

If you have ANYTHING you would like to share (birthdays, links, poems, etc, etc) email me.  =)

HURRICANE FLOYD NOTES:
As of this writing Hurricane Floyd has passed Jacksonville, FL and the Hurricane Warning has been lifted from the Florida Coast.  Floyd has already done great damage to the Bahama Islands as well as some damage up the Florida coast.  The Georgia Coast is taking a beating, though far fairer than previously expected.  Our thoughts and prayers are directed to residents of the Coastal Carolinas.  They are directly in the path of Floyd's fury.  Please please please remember in your thoughts and prayers those in the path as well as those dealing with the aftermath.
www.hurricanefloyd.com

~ LOTS of Love n Smiles ~
Christy

Nutrition on the Net

Lose 14 pounds in 14 days! Yeah, you're heard that one before. And now such outlandish claims, accompanied by pitches for questionable gimmicks and potions are popping up on so called nutrition sites all over cyberspace. How to make sure you're getting reliable diet information?? Surf these expert sites.

The American Dietetic Association--Your link to nutrition and health!
The ADA's rate your plate quiz {click on nutrition resources} will help you find out if your eating habits need an overhaul. Then get tips on everything from how to spot fad diets to smart snacking to safe grilling.

Dietician Email Service - the Dietician.com domain is available for email addre
Your best friend just lost 5 pounds on a low carb diet. Will it work for you? Get answers to your nutrition related questions via E. Mail. To read what others are asking, check the archives, where you'll find advice on topics such as infant and child nutrition, weight loss, vegetarianism and more.

dietsite.com - Online Diet and Recipe Analysis
Just how many fat grams are packed into a piece of mom's fried chicken? Plug in the recipe here to get the {no doubt discouraging} answer. or, browse through an extensive list to find the vital nutritional stats {calories, fat and protein counts} of your favorite foods. A registered dietician also deciphers food labeling and guides you through herbal and alternative remedies.

Dole 5 A Day - Nutrition Education for Kids, Teachers and Parents
Sit the little ones down at your computer and click on " Just for kids" to hear Bobby Banana and Courtney Cauliflower explain why it's cool to eat five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. After your kids try the crossword puzzles, you can consult the online recipe book for help in whipping up healthier meals and snacks.

Meals For You
No more cries of "not that again" ! At dinner. This site boasts thousands of healthy recipes, from five minute heat and eat seafood dishes to meatless meals. Select by ingredient to find say, 43 recipes featuring mushrooms, or by nutritional content for the best low fat desserts. The cookbook review section lists sample recipes from each title, so you can try before you buy.

Thriveonline.com
When your diet resolve is waning, click onto Thrive's weight-loss center. You can search the recipe database, hook up with a weight loss buddy, learn tricks for low fat eating out, and get a personalized fitness plan.

A GOL reader made a suggestion for some healthy recipes to be included in the healthy living section. Since cooking is, well, not one of my hobbies......... I wouldn't want to offend anyone with the way I cook, so I am including some links that will provide you with plenty of low/fat, healthy, alternative recipes and might even help me since I am a little kitchen challenged :) Enjoy!  Let me know what yummy things you have cooked up!

Healthy Ideas -- Recipes
Healthy Ideas - What's for Dinner ?
FATFREE: The Low Fat Vegetarian Recipe Archive
ADA: It's All About You-- Healthy food choices that fit your lifestyle
Food and Nutrition Information Center
Healthy Ideas - Calorie Calculator
Healthy Ideas - --Eating well, meal planning
The FATFREE Recipe Collection

FYI
Drug and Medication Recalls

Healthy Kids

Today's children continually receive mixed messages about food, health and body size. While kids see mostly thin people on television, they are constantly bombarded with food advertisements, super sized treats and food at every corner.  Perhaps most importantly, kids spend more time in front of the television, computer and electronic games and are less physically active than two decades ago.  What steps can we (as parents, educators and health professionals) take to facilitate a more healthful environment for our children?

FOR KIDS ONLY: Surfing for Fitness!

UH-OH! Did you know that when your *parents* were kids they may have been in better shape than you are now? It's true! Studies show that kids 20-30 years ago were more fit and active than today's kids.

NOW is a great time to work on getting in shape. It can be great FUN too! The following sites offer lots of ideas for fun fitness activities.

http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/food/what_time.html
What Time Is It? Time to Exercise! NO excuses allowed once you visit this site. You can get ideas on what to do when you are alone, with friends, stuck at home, when it's cold or when it's too hot!

http://www.fitnesslink.com/changes/kidsfit.htm
This site features warm-ups and stretching exercises for kids.  Diagrams included!

http://www.djspot.com/activity_pyramid.htm
Modeled after the Food Guide Pyramid, this activity pyramid is an easy to understand graphic that will remind you to be active *every* day!

http://www.bennygoodsport.com/
This fun website offers lots of ideas for activities and games.

http://www.sikids.com/
The "Sports Illustrated for Kids" site features games, advice, and the buzz about your favorite athletes.

OK NOW, don't just sit there at the computer -- get up and get moving!!!

Head injuries are serious, sometimes leading to paralysis, brain
damage, and even death. While accidents do happen, don't be fooled.
Most bicycle-related head injuries can be prevented--with a bicycle
helmet.

Although constantly reminding kids to put on their bicycle helmets can
be frustrating, some sobering statistics might convince you it's well
worth the struggle. Research shows that 75 percent of the 900
bicycle-related deaths each year are due to head injuries, and 88
percent of those head injuries could have been prevented with a
properly fitted helmet.

So, pass the no-helmet, no-ride rule and enforce it. An ounce of
prevention in the case of bicycle-related head injuries is priceless
when it comes to kids' safety.

NEW IMMUNIZATION FOR HIGH-RISK CHILDREN

There's a new vaccine that may help prevent serious illness in high-risk children.

The RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine is not recommended for all children.   Children who are born premature or have chronic lung conditions may benefit from this vaccine. RSV is a condition that occurs during cold weather and is the most common cause of lower respiratory infections in children, accounting for 90,000 hospitalizations and 4,500 deaths each year. This vaccine does not prevent RSV, but it may prevent bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which are complications of RSV.

The RSV vaccine is available in both injection and intravenous forms.  Ask your health care professional for more information.

NEW IMMUNIZATIONS FOR YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH

Q: What are the new immunizations all about?

A: Rotavirus vaccine: 80 percent of all children are infected with the rotavirus by age five, with nearly 55,000 babies and children hospitalized each year with the condition. The most common symptoms of rotavirus are vomiting and diarrhea. This vaccine is recommended as part of the standard immunization schedule for all babies--administered orally at two, four, and six months.

Chicken-pox vaccine: The vaccine for chicken pox has been on the scene since 1995, but reports indicate that only about 30 percent of the children in the United States have received the vaccine. There were concerns in the beginning that the vaccine may cause "shingles" later in life and booster shots may be required, but those concerns have been waived.  Chicken pox puts 9,300 children in the hospital annually, and 50 to 100 children die from the illness.  This vaccine is recommended with one injection between 12 and 15 months of age.  Any child under 13 who has not had chicken pox may be given the vaccine in one injection.  Any child over 13 (without prior history of chicken pox) should be given two injections four to eight weeks apart.

Ask your health care professional for more information on these new vaccines.

From:    KB4avon

This is a good story. Make sure you read all the way down to the end of it !   ~Kassie

During the course of World War II, many people gained fame in one way or another. One man was Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to an aircraft carrier in the Pacific.

One time his entire squadron was assigned to fly a particular mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. 

Because of this, he would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to leave formation and return.  As he was returning to the mothership, he could see a squadron of Japanese Zeroes heading toward the fleet to attack. And with all the fighter planes gone, the fleet was almost defenseless. His was the only opportunity to distract and divert them.

Single-handedly, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes and attacked them. The American fighter planes were rigged with cameras, so that as they flew and fought, pictures were taken so pilots could learn more about the terrain, enemy maneuvers, etc.  Butch dove at them and shot until all his ammunition was gone, then he would dive and try to clip off a wing or tail or anything that would make the enemy planes unfit to fly. He did anything he could to keep them from reaching the American ships.

Finally, the Japanese squadron took off in another direction, and Butch O'Hare and his fighter, both badly shot up, limped back to the carrier. He told his story, but not until the film from the camera on his plane was developed, did they realize the extent he really went to, to protect his fleet. He was recognized as a hero and given one of the nation's highest military honors. And, as you may know, O'Hare Airport in Chicago was named after him.

---------------------------------------------------

Prior to this time, in Chicago, there was a man called Easy Eddie. He was working for a man you've all heard about, Al Capone. Al Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic, but he was notorious for the murders he'd committed and the illegal thing's he'd done. Easy Eddie was Al Capone's lawyer and he was very good. In fact, because of his skill, he was able to keep Al Capone out of jail. To show his appreciation, Al Capone paid him very well.

He not only earned big money, he would get extra things, like a residence that filled an entire Chicago city block. The house was fenced, and he had live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. Easy Eddie had a son.  He loved his son and gave him all the best things while he >was growing up; clothes, cars, and a good education.And, because he loved his son he tried to teach him right from wrong. But one thing he couldn't give his son was a good name, and a good example.

Easy Eddie decided that this was much more important than all the riches he had given him. So, he went to the authorities in order to rectify the wrong he had done. In order to tell the truth, it meant he must testify against Al Capone, and he knew that Al Capone would do his best to have him killed.   But he wanted most of all to try to be an example and to do the best he could to give back to his son, a good name. So, he testified.

Within the year, he was shot and killed on a lonely street in Chicago.

-------------------------------------------

These sound like two unrelated stories, but Butch O'Hare was Easy Eddie's son.

July's Question:
What is the best book you read this summer?
If you like give a one paragraph synopsis.

Responses:

SUSAN 909: The book that I have gotten the most from this summer is, Undercurrents, by Martha Manning. Undercurrents chronicles the authors terror, outlining the depths and dimension of severe clinical depression. She eloquently tells her tale. What makes this book very interesting is the fact that Martha is a clinical psychologist. Susan

KSulli3297: Well I love to read ...a lot, even tho since I got my computer my reading has gotten to be a lot less. Hubby works nights, kids go to bed and i am on the pute.r.lol But one night I was bored with nothing to read and my friend gave me a Sue Grafton mystery...Starts with letter A and she writes one book for each letter..I have now read up to N and O will be out in Sept..But even tho I was never really a fan of mystery novels. these are good. They keep ya wondering, and she has a sense of humor and just all around entertaining...

DoeRadQA: John Grisham's The Testament I read it out loud while my boyfriend and I drove out to Baltimore. Unfortunately I was crying so hard at the ending he had to pull over and read it himself. Great book!! Read it when you all get a chance Doreen

CYNDIE1@webtv.net: Hi, Cyndie here, I am not an avid reader by no means. But I was introduced to "The Oath" by Frank Peretti, I read this book in 5 days it was so good I could not put it down, If anyone likes a thriller but a sense of spiritualness and having an understanding of Good and Evil and how the Lord works in our life. It's an excellent book for everyone. Thanks, Cyndie  --  I would like to add to my last E-mail, What was so Ironic about this was that I don't read books, and the book took place in the area I was living in the Northwest, Washington / Oregon area That was the first time I had been out there and it was intriguing to read, I read outside a lot and the mountains surrounded me and the breeze being in the Valley really set the mood with the book. Thanks again, Cyndie

Linda1000: I just finished Hannibal, for you Silence of the Lambs fans, it is the long awaited sequel by Thomas Harris. Suspense, great plot and as expected, mesmerizing storytelling. I stayed up late for this one and kids were on their own for dinner LOL GREAT READ!!!!!!!!!!!

Sheilahat: The Deep End of the Ocean.

Good response for a recommended book!!

NEW Question For September:

Summer movies...  Was there a favorite?? If so, why????

Let Linda Know!

Fall Gardening Tips

It's time to take some steps to prepare for cold weather before the gardening season draws to a close.

Clean garden tools for winter storage. Clean soil from tools and oil tools with movable parts.

Carefully sharpen lawn mower blades and pruners.

Clean gutters and downspouts of fallen leaves and debris.

Store garden chemicals in a dry place, away from children, pets and animals. Keep from freezing.

Turn off outside water faucets. Drain and store hoses in a warm place so water won't freeze and cause cracks and holes.

Bring in clay pots. Clay garden ornaments are prone to cracking and breaking from the fluctuating temperatures during the winter.

Have veggies right through November by making a cold frame: an unremarkable-looking hunk of wood and glass or plastic that can work minor miracles in your backyard. A cold frame is nothing more than a bottomless wooden box that sits on the soil and has a glass or plastic lid on top. The lid, technically called a light, lets in the sun but seals out the cold. Because they’re so easy to use, even beginners can take advantage of cold frames. If you like, you can make one no bigger than a suitcase so that it’s also portable. When it’s not in use, just pull out the nails and store it in the garage. No carpentry skills? Not a problem. Simply get the lumberyard to cut the wood for you for a small fee, then nail the pieces together, and you’re in business.

Before you yank everything out of the garden, make a list of where everything is growing because you don't want to put the same plants in the same location next year. Some vegetables give nutrients to the soil, while others take nutrients away, so it's important to rotate those crops to help build the soil’s structure and prevent the spread of disease.

The roots of new trees, shrubs and perennials planted now will have time to get established before winter. Keep watering new plants until the ground freezes.

Container-grown or balled and burlapped trees may be planted this month or in October. Wait until next month, though, to plant bare-root trees.

Divide perennials. Swap extras with friends. Continue planting crocuses, squills, winter aconites, snowdrops and the other tiny spring-blooming bulbs. Daffodils and other larger bulbs may be planted in October, and tulips into November.

When you're gathering up fallen leaves around your yard in a few weeks, remember to put those leaves to good use by raking them into the garden or compost pile.  Leaves make good mulch and excellent compost, A two to three-inch layer of leaves spread over the garden plot gives several benefits.  The leaves hold down weed growth, add organic matter when rototilled under in the spring, and leaves protect garden soil from compaction caused by rainfall.

Fall is a good time to fertilize shade trees. Apply fertilizer at and slightly farther out than the tree's drip line, which is beneath the tips of the longest branches. Use dry fertilizer or a root-feeding device.

The freshest apples are available September through November, although most varieties are available year-round. Purchase well-colored apples that are firm, with a fresh (not musty) fragrance. Skins should be smooth, with no bruises or gouges. You may notice some apples with a dry, tan or brown-colored areas on the skin. This is known as " scald," and it usually has no effect on the flavor of the apple. Be sure to choose the right type of apple for your specific dish.  Before consuming, lightly scrub apples in cool water to remove the light wax coating and any potential leftover insecticides or buy the more expensive organically-grown apples if you are queasy about such things. Once cut, apples will discolor if left open to the air. To avoid discoloration, dip in an ascorbic juice (such as pineapple or lemon) or powder. In general, store apples in a cool, dark place. If you are lacking a cold cellar, place the apples in a plastic bag and store in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Apples can also be canned and/or frozen.

HOUSEHOLD TIPS

For women who hate housework the following items are a must. Feather duster, carpet sweeper, a chamois (to wipe mirrors and glass), dusting rag (an old wash cloth works well), oiled rag, and a paper sack. When you use your dust cloth sprinkle a few drops of water on it. This allows you to dust twice as fast and it also removes spots.

Clean cloudy drinking glasses by soaking them for an hour or longer in slightly warm white vinegar. Then use a nylon-net or plastic scrubbie to remove film.

To clean your computer keyboard. Turn it upside down and gently pat the back to dislodge any dust then wipe with a dry clean lint free cloth.

Get the gunk off the shower doors is Quik 'n Brite.  (sold at Walmart & Target)

Baking Soda works great on all sorts of odors, sprinkle item with baking soda, let set, then vaccum.

Get ink in carpet out by soaking the spot with plain isopropyl alcohol,then work it through with a toothbrush.  Use a cloth to dab up the extra.

To achieve fresher air in the house, squeeze a few drops of a fresh lemon into the dust bag of your vacuum.

Use air-freshener to clean mirrors.

To keep your car smelling fresh... put baking soda in the ashtray and refill once a month.

To unstick plastic wrap... place it in the refrigerator.

Clean pet urine from the carpet by first, blotting up what you can with paper towels. Mix one teaspoon mild dish-washing detergent in one cup warm water, dip a clean towel in the liquid and, working from outside in, dab at stain. Do not overwet. Rinse with fresh water and blot dry. Next, add on-third cup white vinegar with two-thirds cup water and dab on stain. Rinse with water; blot until dry. Once area is totally dry (after at least 24 hours), sprinkle entire carpet with baking soda or rug deodorizer. Vacuum after a few hours.

To get rid of itch from mosquito bite try applying soap on the area.

Use 70% isopropol alcohol sprayed onto your underarms instead of deodorants stick/sprays. The alcohol kills the bacteria wich lives in the area you will be spraying.  It will not stain or soil clothing.  It will not interfere with perfumes/aftershaves.

Get rid of those roaches by combining equal parts boric acid (a powder sold in hardware stores and drugstores) and sugar, mix well. Sprinkle in crevices and, if building or remodeling, between walls before putting up plaster board. Put the powder in jar lids; place lids behind the fridge and under sinks.

From: wazy_72@hotmail.com

Thoughts About Life

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.

Conscience is what hurts when everything else feels so good.

Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand.

Stupidity got us into this mess - why can't it get us out?

Love is grand; divorce is a hundred grand.

Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.

Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason.

An optimist thinks that this is the best possible world. A pessimist fears that this is true.

There is always death and taxes; however death doesn't get worse every year.

People will accept your ideas much more readily if you tell them that Benjamin Franklin said it first.

It's easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them.

I don't mind going nowhere as long as it's an interesting path.

Anything free is worth what you pay for it.

Indecision is the key to flexibility.

It hurts to be on the cutting edge.

If it ain't broke, fix it till it is.

I don't get even, I get odder.

In just two days, tomorrow will be yesterday.

I always wanted to be a procrastinator, never got around to it.

Dijon vu - the same mustard as before.

I am a nutritional overachiever.

My inferiority complex is not as good as yours.

I am having an out of money experience.

I plan on living forever. So far, so good.

I am in shape. Round is a shape.

Not afraid of heights - afraid of widths.

Practice safe eating - always use condiments.

A day without sunshine is like night.

I have kleptomania, but when it gets bad, I take something for it.

If marriage were outlawed, only outlaws would have in-laws.

I am not a perfectionist. My parents were though.

Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like.

You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.

One of life's mysteries is how a two pound box of candy can make a woman gain five pounds.

It's frustrating when you know all the answers, but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

Time may be a great healer, but it's also a lousy beautician.

Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever.

Age doesn't always bring wisdom, Sometimes age comes alone.

Life not only begins at forty, it begins to show.

You don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stopped laughing.

"Well done is quickly done."
Augustus Caesar, from SUETONIUS, "Augustus", sec. 25

"History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity."
Marcus Tullius Cicero 106-43 B.C., "Pro Publio Sestio", II, 36

"For just as some women are said to be handsome though without adornment, so this subtle manner of speech, though lacking in artificial graces, delights us."
Marcus Tullius Cicero 106-43 B.C., "Orator", 4

"Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm."
Publilius Syrus (first century B.C.), Maxim 358

"I found Rome a city of bricks and left it a city of marble."
Augustus Caesar, from SUETONIUS, "Augustus", sec. 28