Out-Of-Sight News and Views

Issue #8

August 1, 2013

 

In This Issue

Greetings from Our President

Navigation

Word on the Street

Guess Who Took another Trip around the Sun

Our Out-Of-Sight Superstar

The Book Shelf – 3 Book Club Selections

On Your Own – Becoming More Independent

The Sounds of Music – Perfect Pitch

Raise Your Glass, and Make a Toast to Water

My Little Piece of Paradise - Barbados

Healthy Choice, Healthy Living – Mindful Living

Rest and Relaxation – Free Access Pass

And the Winner is

The Recipe Box – Mile High Ice Cream Pie

Dear Betty Blunt

Think Tank

Did You Know? – 20 Things You Did Not Know about Popcorn

Words to Live By

A Round of Applause

Oosabelle’s List

What is Happening on Out-Of-Sight

 

Greetings from Our President

 

Here we are again and another month has flown by and it is time for the August newsletter. As always, this issue is packed with interesting and informative articles submitted by our news letter staff which we hope you will thoroughly enjoy.

   Each month finds new contributors to the news letter educating or entertaining all of us with their knowledge and whit.

Our Annual Fall Auction is just around the corner so join those that are already donating items for this much anticipated event and do not forget to purchase your raffle tickets for the drawing, which will take place at the end of the auction.

You will find all the information concerning the auction and raffle further down in this newsletter.

Please let us know of anything else you would like to see included in this news letter. The format will be changing frequently to include different features that we hope will be of an interest to all of you.

Best Regards,

Lee Richards 

 

Navigation

 

To navigate quickly to the different articles in this newsletter using JAWS, System Access, or Window Eyes, press the letter H to move through the headings.  For MAC users, press Control Option Command plus the letter H. 

 

Word on the Street

Ruff!  Ruff!  Cynthia will be heading off to train at the Guide Dog Foundation and will meet her new guide dog on August 5th!  Congratulations Cynthia!

Got any news for us? We would love to hear what is going on in your world, so please keep us up to date and write to:

newsletter@out-of-sight.net

We look forward to sharing your news with our extended family, here on Out-Of-Sight!

 

Guess Who Just Took Another Trip Around the Sun?

 

Help us celebrate our August birthdays:

August 1, Bill Hall – Bill H., from Pennsylvania.

August 4, Dan Kiley – Hawkeye, from Michigan.

August 11, Diane Pierce – Live by Faith, from Missouri.

August 19, Gary Jackson – Armadillo, from Texas.

August 19, James Wilson – Little Willy, from Ohio.

August 20, Christopher Stouto – Maestro2013, from Arizona.

August 20, Penny Golden – Winky, from Nebraska.

August 21, Nadeera Broome – DeeAna21, from Barbados.

August 22, Ron Custer – Mister Gadgit, from West Virginia.

August 25, Bob TullisSemper Fy, from Arizona.

Please help us build our birthday list, by sending your Username, first and last name, date of birth, (year optional), and where you live, to:

newsletter@out-of-sight.net

 

Our Out-Of-Sight Superstar

By Karen Santiago

 

Editor’s Note:

Thanks to everyone who wrote in with your suggestions about who should be our Member of the Month for August! There were several names put forth, and it was a difficult decision as all of the candidates are members who deserve this recognition! Unfortunately, only one member each month can be the recipient of this honor.  Keep those submissions coming, because we recognize a member for each month.  So, without further ado:

Congratulations to Hugh Gillis for becoming our August Member of the Month!

 

Now, here is a bit more about our friend, Hugh!

 

I had a wonderful time interviewing Hugh Gillis, who was chosen as the Out-Of-Sight Superstar for this month. He lives in Alabama, and is a true Southern gentleman. Hugh rapidly lost his vision as a young boy, and attended a school for the blind. He then went on to complete training in radio technology. However, with the change in technology moving to circuits, this was not a feasible profession for the blind. Not giving up finding employment, Hugh then went for training in tuning pianos. Hugh did this until hurricane Camille came and destroyed the store, leaving Hugh without a job. Again, with great strive and determination, Hugh found a job selling advertisements in magazines. These magazines were supporting police associations, fire departments, and veterans on a state and local level. Hugh did this for 20 years, until the company relocated. Hugh did not   make that move, because at that time, he had a wife and two young children. A while later, someone approached him and asked if he knew how to read and write in Braille, which Hugh did. He was offered a part time job as a Braille instructor for Special Ed students. After completing his first year, the board was so impressed with his work that they promoted Hugh to a full time instructor. Hugh worked there for 20 years, just retiring in 2008.

 

Hugh first met the love of his life, MaryNel, when she was 11 years old. Then they met some years later, and were married. They have four children; 2 daughters and 2 sons. MaryNel passed away two years ago after dealing with an illness. It was two months shy of what would have been their 49th wedding anniversary. Hugh has 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, with number 9 due in November. He absolutely loves to spend time with all of his grand and great grandkids. Most of his family lives close by. In fact, as I was conducting this interview, which was around 10:00 PM, I could hear his 8 month old grandson babbling in the background. I think he had something to contribute to this interview. Perhaps, he wanted to say that his grandpa is the best!

 

Hugh enjoys college football, and listens all day long. He is a dedicated Alabama football fan. In the last 50 years, he has only missed tuning into 2 games.  WOW! I think I know who to go to for help on my college picks.

 

Hugh found out about Out-Of-Sight from a friend of his, and has been with it since it originated. Hugh remembers a music game from some years back which he really liked. He said that you pick a year, and the host would play a song and it was the participants job to name the song and artist. He would pick the 40’s and 50’s, because according to him, that was real music. He told me anything after that was not worth listening too. I, of course, disagreed with him. Hugh may not actively participate in many games but he is usually in the quote, audience, end quote. He likes to listen and learn. He likes to socialize in The Front Porch chat room with others. He calls is socializing but he told me that his wife called it flirting. You be the judge, and come and chat with him in The Front Porch!

If you would like to send Hugh a message of congratulations, or recommend someone for our September Member of the Month, please write to:

newsletter@out-of-sight.net

We look forward to your suggestions in selecting our next Out-Of-Sight Superstar! 

 

The Book Shelf – 3 Book Club Selections

 

Do you love to curl up with a good book?  Been meaning to read that best seller?  Here are three of our book club selections.  They are to be read for our next book club meeting, which will be held, Friday, August 16, at 8:00 PM eastern, in the Library.  See you there!

 

Book #1:  Executive Power

DB 56302

Author:  Vince Flynn

Reading Time:  13 hours, 10 minutes 

Read by Jack Fox

Suspense Fiction

Spy Stories

Bestsellers

Following Separation of Power, DB 53501, CIA agent Mitch Rapp leaves his desk job to direct the search for a terrorist whose goal is to ignite war in the Middle East.  Meanwhile, someone in the U. S. government is leaking sensitive information to the enemy.  Violence and strong language.  Bestseller, 2003.           

Download Executive power

 

Book #2:  Blood Money

DB 76046

Author: James Grippando 

Reading Time:  10 hours, 12 minutes

Read by Ray Foushee  

Suspense Fiction

Florida attorney, Jack Swyteck, is surprised when his client—self-absorbed Sydney Bennett—is acquitted of murdering her toddler.  But, in the ensuing media frenzy, an innocent Sydney look-alike is beaten into a coma.  Jack suspects larger forces are at play.  Some violence.  Some strong language, and some explicit descriptions of sex.  2013     

Download Blood money

 

 

 

 

Book #3:  The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw

DB 30975

Author:  Patrick McManus

Reading Time:  5 hours, 23 minutes

Read by David Czapp 

Humor

Patrick McManus is an outdoor enthusiast whose collection of humorous stories chronicles those men who would rather fish and hunt rather than work.  Topics include, camping out, killing flies, picking huckleberries, shooting, and buying fishing worms.

Download The night the bear ate Goombaw    

 

On Your Own – Becoming More Independent

By Karen Santiago

 

There are many assistive devices that not only cam make your life simpler but can empower you to be more independent. Below are some devices that you may already have, and hopefully some that peek your curiosity.

 

Templates:

-Full Page: Write out letters, shopping lists, notes, etc. 

-Signature Guides: Sign credit card bills, forms, documents, etc.

-Envelope: Address your own envelopes.

-Checkbook: Write your own checks.

*You can order large print or raised lined checkbooks as well

 

Talking Devices:

-         Watches: Also tactile and Braille. 

-         Timers: Such as kitchen timers.  

-Scales:  Kitchen and bathroom. 

-Clocks:  From inexpensive to very expensive, depending on your needs.

-Thermometers:  Body temperature and outdoor temperature.

-Thermostats:  Digital ones are pricy, but well worth it.

 

Identifiers:

-Color:   Such as the Colorino.

-Money:  Such as the Eye Bill.

-Bar Code:  Such as the Summit.

-Documents:  Such as the Pen Friend.

 

Here are a few of the handy websites that sell adaptive, independent living aids for the blind making it easier for us to remain independent.

 

Blind Mice Mega Mall

www.blindmicemegamall.com

 

Future Aids

www.braillebookstore.com

 

Independent Living Aids

www.independentlivingaids.com

 

MaxiAids

www.maxiaids.com

 

Speak to Me Catalog

www.speaktomecatalog.com

If you have a question about this section or would like Karen to cover a specific topic, please email us at:

newsletter@out-of-sight.net 

 

The Sounds of Music – Perfect Pitch

By Joe Giovanelli

 

I missed a few classes at the start of the school year. When finally I began my studies, one class had to do with music. The kids were singing notes. The teacher would start the singing and everybody knew what notes to sing.  How did they know what to sing? I figured that they learned what each note sounded like. How could I catch up with the class?

 

I began the task of learning the sound of each note. I would play a note at random on the piano without looking to see what key i struck. I would guess the name of the note and then check to see what key I hit. I managed to memorize the sound of a note so that when the kids did that singing exercise, I knew what to sing.

 

Eventually I was told that if a person heard the first note in a series, he could easily sing other notes in a series because he learned to judge the pitch of the note by recalling the sound of the first note he heard. This is called, relative pitch. It was a lot easier to learn the relationships between notes, rather than to learn the sound of a given note, regardless of its relationship.

 

When a person can sing the name of a given note without relying on other note cues, this is called, perfect pitch. Actually, the recall is not perfect. It might be close to the actual sound, or frequency, of a note, but it will not be exact.

 

Most of the time I will be close to a note, but once in awhile, I will think a note is a half step higher than its true pitch. That is hardly perfect.

 

The ability to hear notes can be helpful. I could walk into a jam session and I am able to join in immediately, without asking what key the piece is in. That is a blessing.

 

This ability can also be a curse. Many pianos are badly maintained, which probably means that their pitch is much lower than it should be. When I play such an instrument, I will not hear the correct sound of the note I just played. For example, when I plan to play a song in A Flat I play the first chord, an A Flat chord. The next one, perhaps, should be an E Flat 7th. I am likely to play a D 7th instead, because the A Flat I played was really a G.

 

Over time I have learned to overcome this, but it is nevertheless disconcerting.

 

 I hope this brief glimpse into this aspect of music will be of at least some interest.

 

Raise Your Glass, and Make a Toast to Water

By Roger Khouri

 

In these dog days of summer, as we try to beat the heat, we cannot go far without hearing all about the importance of drinking water.  It is to help keep us hydrated and it certainly quenches our thirst on all those really hot days.  The majority of the body's weight is due to water, so, we need to keep topping up our water consumption to account for the water loss through swet and urine.  Now, do not get any ideas, you cannot lose weight by stopping water consumption because that will only lead to more serious problems like dehydration.  You need a lot of water each day, not only to not feel thirsty, but, to also help keep up the body's organ functions.


Drinking soda or coffee does not count towards your daily water consumption even though they contain water.  These drinks negate the value of the water that they contain, because they actually dehydrate you in the long run.  OK, enough reminders about the benefits of drinking water for our body.


Here are some interesting facts about water usage in our daily lives.

1.  Set in the desert of Dubai, the Tiger Woods Golf Course uses 4 million gallons of water every day to maintain its lush appearance.

2.  Since 1950, water usage in the United States has risen 127 percent.

3.  Even though each person only requires 48 liters of water on a daily basis, for all aspects of daily living, individuals in the United States use an average of 500 liters, those in Canada an average of 300 liters, and those in England an average of 200 liters.

4.  Of all the water that enters each household, about 95% of it ends up down the drain.

5.  With access to just 5 liters of water each day, more than a billion people in water poor regions around the globe survive on the same amount used to flush a toilet or take a 5 minute shower.

6.  If you shorten your showers by just a single minute, you can save approximately 700 gallons of water in a month.

7.  Letting the tap run when you brush your teeth wastes up to 4 gallons of water every time.

8.  It takes an average of 300 gallons to water your lawn. During the summer, this can account for almost half of your water usage.

9.  Every time you throw your clothes in the washer, you use about 50 gallons of water.

10.  Another wasteful desert endeavor, the Waveyards water park in Mesa, Arizona will require up to 100 million gallons of groundwater every year in an area that receives a mere 8 inches of rainfall in that time.

 

My Little Piece of Paradise - Barbados

By Nadeera Broome

 

Let me tell you, I was thrilled when I was asked to write this piece. I never pass up the opportunity to talk about Barbados. It’s my home – the place where I was born and where I have lived for most of my life. I, like most Barbadians (or Bajans as we proudly call ourselves) keep the colours flying high. What colours, you might ask? I am talking about the blue, yellow and black – the colours of our flag. The blue is for the sea; the yellow/gold is for the sun/sand; and the black is in the form of the broken trident – the emblem at the centre of our flag, which represents our breaking away from England. So I’m going to keep those colours flying high right now and tell you about my little piece of paradise. Grab your shorts and your flip-flops and come over to my side of the world – at least for the next few minutes. Welcome to Barbados!

 

We got our name from the Portuguese, who were the first Europeans to discover the island. The island was already inhabited by the Carib and Arawak Indians though. The Portuguese saw  the bearded fig trees and named it Os Barbados in honour of them. Although the Portuguese did not stick around after that, the name did and it was altered by the English who first came in 1625 and returned to settle in 1627. Barbados is the only Caribbean island to never have changed hands during the colonial period. We remained a British colony until our independence in 1966. You can still see remnants of that British history here though, with place names like Tudor Street and Victoria Street, and up until a few years ago there was even a Trafalgar Square. The most easterly of the Caribbean islands, Barbados is also one of the smallest. It is only a dot on the map really – a mere 166 square miles or 431 square kilometers. All right, all right, so that may be the size of a small town in Texas but do not let our size fool you. We more than make up for it in national pride. We are completely surrounded by water – being an island and all. On the west coast are the tranquil turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and on the east coast are the not so tranquil, not so turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It makes for some breathtaking scenery. The population count is roughly 287,800 and we are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. The capital is Bridgetown, and besides that, there are three other major towns: Speightstown, Holetown and Oistins. The island is divided into 11 parishes, and we are governed by a Prime Minister. The official language here is English, but we have our own dialect which, like us, is called Bajan. It is basically described as broken English, and when you put a group of us together, odds are you will see why we consider it another language. We are colourful people and so is our language. We do not just tell you about our experiences – we recreate them. If something crashes or falls, we will tell you all about it, and we will even imitate the sound it made, too. Words like buhp, bruggadown, woopax/pax and prangalang help with these descriptions. And do not talk about giving directions. Quote, Go up de road and you gine see the green house just before the left turn. But, you do not want dah left turn so keep going straight til you come to de next left turn. When you turn through dey, drive til you see de road look like a y (a fork in the road), Go left, right? (The right here is just to make sure you are on the same page). Keep going straight and you gine see the brown cow. (Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the cow was actually put out today) Make de right turn past de cow and it is the second house on the right. A white car does usually be out front. End quote. I guarantee you will enjoy the scenery and, if you actually reach your destination, even better.

 

We are a laid back kind of people. We love to enjoy life. We love our music (calypso), our sports, and we love our food. The national dish of Barbados is cou-cou (pronounced like the cuckoo bird) and flying fish. Cou-cou is made from cornmeal and okras – and flying fish is our thing here. In fact, we are called land of the flying fish by some. Another big meal is pudding and souse. No, it is not the pudding you are thinking about. This pudding is a shredded sweet potato mix and souse is made from parts of the pig. Some use parts of the head and some use the feet, (trotters). Depends on your taste. They are cooked and served inside a warm shredded cucumber lime juice mix. Most of the time, breadfruit is added. We Bajans love our pudding and souse on Saturdays. Other Bajan favourites are conkies (made from pumpkin, sweet potato, raisins and spices and wrapped in banana leaves); jug-jug (made from guinea corn flour, beef and pigeon peas and eaten at Christmas time); great cake or rum cake and good old Bajan sweetbread (also called coconut bread). We still eat our staple foods. Ground provisions like yams, eddoes and cassava are commonplace here. Maybe that is why we have the second highest percentage of centenarians in the world, second to Japan. My own grandmother will be 105 this month – and the oldest Bajan died two months ago at the age of 113. It is still common to grow your own food and there are many kitchen and backyard gardens around. Fruit trees are in abundance and you never have to go far from home to get your hands on succulent fruits like mangoes, Bajan/West Indian cherries, plums, bananas, sugar apples and the like. There are so many different fruits here that it would take me forever to talk about them.

 

In terms of sports, we love our cricket, and horse racing is very big here as well. I am not a big fan of either, but most Bajans are. We hosted the final of the Cricket World Cup here in 2007. Every year we welcome visiting teams to our shores for rousing rounds of competition. These teams include Pakistan, England, South Africa and Australia among others.

 

Our music is such a big part of our lives that you cannot really say you are a Bajan if you do not feel it. Calypso is in our blood. Every year, we celebrate Crop Over, our national music festival. Crop Over comes at the end of the sugar cane harvest, hence the name. For weeks, there fetes, shows and competitions and it all culminates in one big parade, (street party) on Kadooment Day, always the first Monday in August. Thousands of revelers pour into the national stadium in their colourful costumes. Each band parades before the judges competing for prizes such as Most Colourful Band and Best Representation of Theme before heading on to the Spring Garden Highway where it all ends on the beach. Crop Over attracts hundreds of tourists every year. But, we are not just calypso lovers. We like many other types of music. Reggae is very popular here and there are jazz events here every year. R & B, hip hop and rock are also popular. Over the years some of our own have had successful international music careers. The most notable now is pop superstar Rihanna, affectionately called RiRi (pronounced ReRe). That is another thing about us. Practically everyone has a nickname. That is especially so with the older folks but it has trickled down to the younger generations. I will not tell you mine though. Nicknames can come from anywhere and anything and they stick for life. Sometimes we do not even know the person’s real name, only the nickname. My late grandfather got his nickname from a funny situation. One time he went to buy bread from the bread van that came around every week. My grandmother wanted a type of bread called bolster bread. My grandfather asked for lobster bread, much to the amusement of everyone around. From that day they called him lobster and some even shortened it to lobby. I have an uncle who I grew up knowing as Fox. I only discovered in my teen years that his name is Christopher. This is just part of our unique charm, I guess.

 

But we are not just sun, sea and beautiful sights. Bajans are very smart people. We boast of a free education system, which is top-notch. The government, which is democratically elected, pays for all Barbadians’ education from preschool to university level. We have a 98% literacy rate here. Our economy is based on tourism and our currency, the Barbados dollar, is tied to the US$ at US$1 to Bds$1.98. And we are not just book smart. We love to impart bits of wisdom from our very own Bajan proverbs. Trying to do something wrong in secret? Well, we will tell you, quote You could hide and buy land but you cannot hide and work it. End quote. And if you think you will get away with your wrongdoing, we will tell you, quote Day does run til night catch it. End quote. There is more where that came from and there is plenty more that I could tell you about my island home, but I cannot rattle on forever. But, if you ever run into me in any of the rooms after a game, feel free to ask me about anything you want to know. I am always happy to talk. I hope you enjoyed reading this, because I certainly enjoyed writing it. See you around.

 

Healthy Choice, Healthy Living – Mindful Living

By Lawrence MacLellan

 

Hi everyone!  This month I thought I would focus on something called Mindful Living, which is just being aware of your daily activities. For instance, at the end of the day, are you aware of how much water you drank? How many calories did you consume?  Did you take in more calories than you expended? Did you get a sufficient and restful sleep?  How much exercise did you make time for today?  Did you spend too much time on the computer?  We often do things that we are unaware of and that are done in an unconscious manner. For instance, many people find themselves working at the computer, or watching a TV program, only to find out after a while, that they have eaten a whole bag of chips or a bag of cookies! Have you ever done something like this without even realizing it? You are not alone!

 

Another way of expressing mindful living is to be accountable to yourself for your health and how you feel. Perhaps, make a chart, a list, or even some rules to help guide you through the process of making changes.  For instance, make a commitment to workout certain days and times of the week.  Or, set aside the amount of water you need to commit to drinking each day, so it will help you stay aware.     

 

Here are some questions that you can ask yourself to help monitor how you are doing each day. The answers to these questions will enable you to create a chart or list, which will assist you in marking your progress, and see what areas need some extra effort.  Here are some examples of questions you could ask yourself.

 

-         How much water did you drink today? 

-         Did you get any exercise?

-         What types of food did you eat today?

-         How many fruits and vegetables did you eat?

-         Did you eat any junk food?

-         How much sugar did you take in?

-         Did you go for a walk?

-         What time did you go to bed?

-         Did you sleep well?

-         How much soda did you drink?

-         How many cups of coffee did you drink?

-         How was your energy level?

-         How often do you get a headache?

-         How many medications do you take?

-         Are you on a regular daily routine of activity each day?

-         How many processed foods do you eat each day?

-         What are your short term and long term goals?

Many of us go through each day unconsciously of exactly what we are, and are not doing as far as taking care of our health needs is concerned. Not asking these type of questions and not being aware can lead to feeling depressed, tired, or becoming overweight, not to mention a whole host of other consequences.

 

Sometimes, the thought of making big changes is very overwhelming.  Start small.  Be mindful. Be aware.  Make one small change, and then add on another, slowly, but surely. Keep track of your success.  This is very helpful in staying motivated. Remember, that your health is your responsibility, so start small, and make a change, one healthy choice at a time.

If you have any questions for Lawrence, or would like a certain topic covered, please write to:

Newsletter@out-of-sight.net

Each month, an MP3 of this section will be available, so that you may keep an audio reference of the advice given by Lawrence in this section.  Here is the download link:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/4208173/05%20Mindful%20Living.mp3

 

Rest and Relaxation – Free Access Pass

Submitted by Mike Everett

 

Summer is here, so get out and enjoy the great outdoors!

Exciting news!  Persons with disabilities can enjoy federal recreation sites for free.  When you visit a federal recreation site or national park, just present some documentation of disability status and ask for the free Access Pass. Documentation includes a physician’s statement, or a document issued by a state or federal agency like the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income, Supplemental Security Income, or a vocational rehabilitation agency.  The pass gives you and three adults free admission to national parks around the country, and it is good for life!  For more details, or to find a national park, visit the National Park Service website at:

 www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.

Have fun out there!

 

And the Winner Is

 

You!  This would be great to hear, right? 

Well then, it is Your Choice!  Would you like either a brand new iPod Touch?  Or, an iPad Mini? Or, how about a Logitech Wireless, Bluetooth capable headset?

Yup!  That is right!  You could be the proud owner of one of these items, courtesy of Out-Of-Sight.net!

Do you love a good sounding headset?  Do you love Apple products?  Are you just dying to have the latest and greatest iDevice available?  Would you like to win?  We are pleased to announce our first ever raffle, here on Out-Of-Sight!

 

The raffle winners will be drawn at the conclusion of our 6th Annual Fall Auction, which will be held on Saturday, September 21st, at 3:00 PM eastern. A donation of $5 per ticket, or 5 tickets for $20 will be available.  Specific rules for the raffle are below. 

 

Please send all requests for tickets to the following email address.  We will need your name, telephone number, and the number of tickets you would like.  Send this information to:

raffle@out-of-sight.net   

Once we receive your payment, ticket numbers will be issued to you by email.  So, what are you waiting for?  Send in your request for raffle tickets, send in your payment, and be there on September 21st to see if you are the winner!  All proceeds will be used to continue to keep, Out-Of-Sight up and running for many years to come! Support the site that brings you hours and hours of enjoyment each week, while at the same time, getting a chance to be the proud owner of a Logitech Wireless Headset, or the choice of either a brand new iPod Touch, or iPad Mini!  Will the winner be you?

 

Out-Of-Sight Raffle Rules

3 items are being raffled:

Drawing #1:  Your choice of either an iPod Touch or iPad Mini.

Drawing #2.  LogiTech Wireless, Blue Tooth capable, H 800, Headset.

Drawing #3.  LogiTech Wireless, Blue Tooth capable, H 800, Headset.

  1. All payments for raffle tickets must be received by midnight September 20, 2013.
  2. No ticket numbers will be released to an individual until payment has been made.
  3. Tickets will be sold as either $5 per ticket, or in increments of 5 tickets for $20.  For example, a $50 donation, would provide 12 raffle tickets.
  4. The drawings will be held on September 21st, 2013 at the conclusion of the Fall Auction, unless the Fall Auction is cancelled due to technical difficulties.  If this occurs, the drawings will occur at the conclusion of the rescheduled Fall Auction.
  5. The winner of the first drawing will have a choice of  either the iPod touch or the iPad Mini described below.  This will be the first of 3 prizes drawn.  The second and third winners will receive a new LogiTech H 800 Wireless, Blue Tooth capable Headset.
  6. The iPod Touch or iPad Mini will be purchased new by Mark Dew, direct from Apple, shortly after the Fall Auction on September 21, 2013, after the winner has made personal choices, as to the color, engraving, and such.
  7. The device will be engraved with the words:  www.Out-Of-Sight.net on the back, along with the winner’s personalized preference.
  8. The winners need not be present to win.
  9. The iPod Touch or iPad Mini chosen will be shipped directly from Apple to the raffle winner.
  10. No shipping cost of any kind will be incurred by the winners.
  11. If choosing an iPad Mini 64 gig, instead of the 32 gig offered, the winner will need to add an additional $100 to upgrade the device.  This will not be paid by Out-Of-Sight.net.
  12. Any questions about the iPod Touch or iPad Mini should be sent to Mark Dew at:

Jmkeybd1@charter.net

  1. All questions or requests for raffle tickets must be sent to the email address provided below. We will not accept requests for tickets in any other format.  Send your ticket requests to:

raffle@out-of-sight.net

  1. Payments may be made by check, money order, credit card, or through Pay Pal.  If using a credit card or Pay Pal account, please go to our home page at:

www.Out-Of-Sight.net

and click on Donate to complete your transaction.

  1. If sending payment by check or money order, please send it to:

Out-Of-Sight.net

c/o Lee Richards

P. O. Box 668

War, WV  24892   

 

Hurry, and get your tickets now, and see you on September 21st!

 

Raffle Descriptions

iPod Touch

5th Generation

The Ipod touch comes in 5 different colors.
Black, Silver, Pink, Yellow, Blue, and Red.
Ipod Touch 64 gb storage.
Wi-Fi
Connects to the Internet over Wi-Fi networks.
Free iPod engraving.
Brilliant new design
The
ultraslim, ultralight iPod touch comes in fresh new colors, and rocks the incredible
new Apple
EarPods.
4-inch Retina display
More screen means more music, messages, websites, and games. And it all looks stunning
on the Retina display.
5-megapixel
iSight camera
Make every shot your best with advanced optics, tap to focus, and LED flash. And
shoot video in 1080p HD.
What is in the box
iPod touch
iPod touch loop
Apple
EarPods
Lightning to USB cable
Warranty
Every iPod touch includes 90 days of free telephone technical support and a one-year
limited warranty.

 

iPad Mini

IPad mini 32 gb storage.
Wi-Fi
Connects to the Internet over Wi-Fi networks.
Free iPod engraving.
Beautiful 7.9-inch display
Colors are vivid and text is sharp on the
iPad mini display. But what really makes
it stand out is its size. At 7.9 inches, it’s perfectly sized to deliver an experience
every bit as big as
iPad.
Over 300,000 apps3
Right from the start, apps made for
iPad also work with iPad mini. They’re immersive,
full-screen apps that let you do almost anything you can imagine. And they make
iPad
mini practically impossible to put down.  Ultrafast wireless With advanced Wi-Fi that’s up to twice as fast as any previous-generation
iPad and access to fast cellular data networks around the world, iPad mini lets you download content, stream video, and browse the web at amazing speeds.
What is in the box
iPad mini
Lightning to USB Cable
USB Power Adapter
Limited Warranty
Every
iPad mini comes with complimentary telephone technical support for 90 days
from your
iPad mini purchase date and a one-year limited warranty.
Note: the winner may upgrade the
iPad mini from 32 to 64 gb if they wish.
The cost is $100 paid by the winner.

 

Logitech Headset

Chat, rock, and surf on your PC, Tablet, or SmartPhone with no wires to tie you down.  Easily connect to and switch between devices like your PC, tablet and smartphone with a full set of on-ear controls.  Laser-tuned drivers and a built-in equalizer give you rich digital stereo that immerses you in your music and calls, and a noise-canceling microphone reduces background noise.  This headset is blue tooth capable as well.

 

The Recipe Box – Mile High Ice Cream Pie

By Suzy Barnes

 

Just in case you did not fully celebrate National Ice Cream month in July, you can redeem your Patriotism with this recipe.

 

1 Chocolate cookie crumb pie crust
4 Pints of ice cream, (use different, but complementary flavors)
1 Jar of caramel, or butterscotch sauce
1 Jar of fudge sauce
Whipped cream and maraschino cherries to garnish

 

Directions:

This can be created one layer at a time by re-freezing it before adding the next ice cream flavor.  This takes longer, but makes for much less hassle with melting ice cream.  Soften the ice cream enough to get it out of the containers, and spread it into the pie.  Layer the first flavor into the pie crust and cover it with a coating of caramel sauce.  Layer the second flavor and cover it with a coating of fudge sauce.  Add the next flavor layer of ice cream, and repeat with caramel sauce.  Layer the final ice cream flavor, and cover the pie with fudge sauce.  Garnish with whipped cream and cherries.  Return the pie to the freezer until 15 minutes before serving.  This will give it time to soften, which will make slicing easier.  .

 

Note:  If you would like to make this a grasshopper pie, then Use only fudge sauce and mint ice cream.

 

Dear Betty Blunt

 

Please note:

This submission is not to be taken seriously.  It is just for fun! If you would like to submit a question for Miss Betty Blunt to answer, please write to:

newsletter@out-of-sight.net

She may or may not answer your question seriously, and she may or may not give you the answer you were hoping for, but one thing is for sure, you will get a good laugh out of her witty, bold, and blunt advice.  She will often make comments that we all wish we could say, but are just too afraid to make. So, send in your questions, and let us see if she can help you with your relationship issues. If you wish, your initials, city, and state will be altered to conceal your identity. 

  

Dear Betty Blunt,

 

I find that my boyfriend is constantly texting on his cellphone every second. It has gotten to the point that that he runs down the battery on his phone, and always needs to borrow my battery.  He really cannot stop himself!  He cannot even wait until his own battery recharges!  He is just so addicted to his texting, which it is interfering with our free time. Can I tell him quote, no, end quote, when he asks to borrow my battery once his runs out?   

 

Signed,

Texting Go Away

Angela Capelli

Winnipeg, Canada

 

Dear Complainer,

 

What the heck is texting?  All of these new fangled gadgets are making my head spin.  I am still confused on how to use my cordless phone. What happened to sending a telegram, postcard, or smoke signal? I used to receive the nicest letters from all of my beaus that arrived in the mailbox.  They were handwritten and sealed with a kiss.  SWAK, remember that?  I do not get all of this stuff they call technology. You should run your battery down as well, so now you are both without that growth extending out of your ear. 

 

Insincerely,

BB

 

Think Tank

By Debi Chatfield

 

Thank you to everyone who submitted answers to last months brain teasers.  Many of you were very close, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades!  Just kidding!  It is apparent that this month, several of you had your thinking caps on!  So, congratulations go out to Ann Lemke, Ashish Singla, Charles Rivard, Charlie Richardson, Roger Khouri, and Suzy Barnes for answering both brain teasers correctly!

 

Here are the July brain teasers and their answers:

 

1. Can you name 4 days that start with the letter T?

 

Answer:  Tuesday, Thursday, Today, and Tomorrow.

 

2. If the Manchester Quartet can play Beethoven’s 9th Symphony in 12 minutes, how quickly can the Birmingham Trio play it? 

 

Answer:  In 12 minutes.

 

Now, for our super duper brain teasers for August!  Can you solve these?  Lets see who thinks they are smarter than a fifth grader! 

 

    1. How much dirt is there in a hole that measures two feet by three feet by four feet?

 

    1. What word in the English language is always spelled incorrectly?

 

    1. How many seconds are there in a year

Please submit the answers to these brain teasers to:

newsletter@out-of-sight.net

We will let you know if you are correct, and if so, we will publish your name in the September newsletter. Have fun trying to solve these puzzles!

 

Did You Know? – 20 Things You Did Not Know About Popcorn

By Katie Chandler

 

High in fiber, low in fat, and a tiny spirit in every kernel.  Native Americans believed that a spirit lived in each kernel of popcorn.  Here are 20 things you did not know about popcorn.

 

1. Popcorn's scientific name is zea mays everta, and it is the only type of corn that will pop.

 

2. People have been enjoying popcorn for thousands of years. In 1948, popped kernels around 5,000 years old were discovered in caves in New Mexico.

 

3. It is believed that the Wampanoag Native American tribe brought popcorn to the colonists for the first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

 

4. Traditionally, Native American tribes flavored popcorn with dried herbs and spices, possibly even chili. They also made popcorn into soup and beer and made popcorn headdresses and corsages.

 

5. Some Native American tribes believed that a spirit lived inside each kernel of popcorn.  The spirits would not usually bother humans, but if their home was heated, they would jump around, getting angrier and angrier, until eventually they would burst out with a pop.

 

6. Christopher Columbus allegedly introduced popcorn to the Europeans in the late 15th century.

 

7. The first commercial popcorn machine was invented by Charles Cretors in Chicago in 1885. The business he founded still manufactures popcorn machines and other specialty equipment.

 

8. American vendors began selling popcorn at carnivals in the late 19th century. When they began to sell outside movie theaters, theater owners were initially annoyed, fearing that popcorn would distract their patrons from the movies. It took a few years for them to realize that popcorn could be a way to increase revenues, and popcorn has been served in movie theaters since 1912.

 

9. Nowadays, many movie theaters make a greater profit from popcorn than they do from ticket sales, since for every dollar spent on popcorn, around ninety cents is pure profit. Popcorn also makes moviegoers thirsty and more likely to buy expensive sodas.

 

10. What makes popcorn pop? Each kernel contains a small amount of moisture. As the kernel is heated, this water turns to steam. Popcorn differs from other grains in that the kernel's shell is not water permeable, so the steam cannot escape and pressure builds up until the kernel finally explodes, turning inside out.

 

11. On average, a kernel will pop when it reaches a temperature of 347 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

 

12. Unpopped kernels are called old maids, or spinsters.

 

13. There are two possible explanations for old maids. The first is that they did not contain sufficient moisture to create an explosion. the second is that their outer coating (the hull) was damaged, so that steam escaped gradually, rather than with a pop. Good popcorn should produce less than 2 percent old maids.

 

14. Ideally, the moisture content of popcorn should be around 13.5 percent, as this results in the fewest old maids.

 

15. Popcorn is naturally high in fiber; low in calories; and sodium-, sugar-, and fat-free, although oil is often added during preparation, and butter, sugar, and salt are all popular toppings.

 

16. Americans consume 17 billion quarts of popped popcorn each year. That is enough to fill the Empire State Building 18 times!

 

17. Nebraska produces more popcorn than any other state in the country -- around 250 million pounds per year. That is about a quarter of all the popcorn produced annually in the United States.

 

18. There are at least five contenders claiming to be the Popcorn Capital of the World due to the importance of popcorn to their local economies, and only one of them is in Nebraska. They are Van Buren, Indiana; Marion, Ohio; Ridgway, Illinois; Schaller, Iowa; and North Loup, Nebraska.

 

19. Popped popcorn comes in two basic shapes: snowflake and mushroom. Movie theaters prefer snowflake because it is bigger. Confections such as caramel corn use mushroom because it will not crumble.

 

20. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world's largest popcorn ball measured 12 feet in diameter and required 2,000 pounds of corn, 40,000 pounds of sugar, 280 gallons of corn syrup, and 400 gallons of water to create.

Words to Live By

Submitted by Katie Chandler and Karen Santiago

 

I think we dream so we do not have to be apart for so long.  If we are in each other’s dreams, we can be together all the time. 

A. A. Milne

 

The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Vincent Lombardi

 

A Round of Applause


Thanks goes out to you, our extended family on Out-Of-Sight!  You participate and spend your time getting to know one another on the site. Without you, there would be no need for programming, no need for special activities, and no need to even have a site. So, thank you very much! Thanks for making this community an Out of Sight place to be!


Oosabell’s List

 

No, this is not Craig’s List, but it is the next best thing!  If you have something to sell, or announce, send us your ad, and we will post it, as long as there is space available in the newsletter.  Send your ads to:

Newsletter@out-of-sight.net 

 

  • A new, free, challenging and accessible word game for Windows called Tiny Zebras Rock is available from Rich DeSteno. Send your request to him at ironrock@verizon.net. He also has Destination Mars, Run for President, Dodge City Desperados, and Atlantic City Black Jack for the asking.  

     

 

  • Are you blind or visually impaired, looking for a singles group?  If so, join the newly created blind_singles group.  To join, send a blank email message to:

           Blind_singles-subscribe@blindtech-list.info

 

  • Dicey Rolls is a new computer game for Windows that works well with speech from Rich De Steno.  It is a dice game in which you compete against the computer to reach a target number of points.  You bet on rolls of the dice, and there are various occurrences and factors that effect your score.  Download Dicey Rolls at:   

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8938503/dr10w.zip

 

What is happening on Out-Of-Sight?

 

If you would like to receive our daily announcements and schedule of events, please select the following email link.

CLICK HERE

Or, write a blank email to:

Out-of-sight-announcement-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

That is all there is to it!  You should receive a daily announcement from us within 24 hours. These announcements not only highlight the schedule of the day, they provide important information about any cancellations, new events, or special messages from our hosts or board members. Stay informed with our daily announcement!

 

Also stay tuned for our monthly newsletter, which will be distributed on the first of every month.  We look forward to your input and suggestions for future newsletters.  Please submit your questions, comments, or article submissions by the 20th of each month to

newsletter@out-of-sight.net 

 

 

Debi Chatfield

Editor

 

Catch the vision--it is Out of Sight!