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CECE COSMIC CAF MAGAZINE

JULY 2006


Welcome to the JULY 2006 issue of the COSMIC CAF MAGAZINE.
The 4
th
is here, the declaration of our independence, and a day we honor those who
have served and are currently in the military. Women and men alike we salute you for
your service. And we salute the families who are home awaiting your return. But mostly
we salute those who have lost a loved one from battle.

I want to take the time to remind those that go in the water, or who takes others into the
water. We must be responsible in helping and teaching water safety.

Here is a classic example, a couple go on a fun water trip with a group of people in
Hawaii. They are going to snorkel the next day in open water. Ocean water.
Orientation class is the night before, safety is taught and wavers are signed, but, and
here is the important part, a snorkel safety water class was not given to anyone. IN any
dive situation, this should be the normal plan. Teach all about the snorkel gear, test
everyone in the swimming pool to make sure they understand, and then you have a
secure and fun boat trip the next day.

Well things didnt go as planned the next day, in fact several people had a basic bad day
and almost drowned from NOT understanding the gear they had on.

One women needed to be rescued and another man almost drowned their
companion from panicking In the water thinking they were going to drown. Again the
gear they had on was not set right, and as soon as they hit the water, they were in
trouble. Then to finish things and make matters worse, someone had a brilliant idea
while this was going on to yell shark. That did it, total panic was now in force.

The long and the short of it, The man had a heart attack, and went into pneumonia.
This in turn set his sugar levels off on his diabetes, and that placed him in distress.

The pneumonia was the direct result of sucking ocean water into their lungs when they
panicked. The salt water caused the pneumonia, and the pneumonia caused the heart
attack. Thankfully they have insurance, but many people dont have insurance, and if
this had been the case of no insurance, they would have lost everything from a simple
fun boat trip gone bad.

The moral of the story I suppose is several, for one make sure you have insurance
before going to some fun exotic adventure, as accidents do happen.
For another, please be responsible with friends and family and clients and TEACH
SAFETY with equipment. Not all of us are as knowledgeable as you. Its better to
assume we dont know, then to assume we do know.
===============
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Have a new baby in the family, have a Book of done for them. What a special gift. 350
pages all on the new little one. What new Mom would not want that?
THE BOOK OF YOU and better still it is on sale this summer. Dont miss this one.
The price can't be beat. $35.00 Summer special. Come check it out
http://www.sedonavisions.com BOOKS AND ASTROLOGY TOOLS SECTION : THE
BOOK OF YOU
Also come and visit my Astrologers Page http://www.internationalastrologers.com a
little something for everyone here. Updated with new article at least one a week.

For those that didnt already know, I have several Books and E-books that I have
finished,
Solar and Lunar Returns ISBN 00-934269-22-X
Astro*Magi*Cards of Fate ISBN 0-934269-02-5
Cece's Recipe Jar ISBN 0-934269-19-X
My Honey went to Wall street and all I got was this dollar (Origami book) ISBN 0-
934269-23-8

NEW !!! ASTRO*MAGI*DICE Game ISBN 0-934269-03-3 $15.95
A fun set of Astrology Dice and Numerology Dice. Game board of the Zodiac with
everything there to learn and teach Astrology as well as do Horary Dice question.
Something for everyone who is interested in Astrology or who just wanted to learn it.
Come get the ASTRO*MAGI*DICE that everyone is talking about. Yu cant beat the price
for your budget either.
------------------------

Wendelle has finished another 3 EBook, that are ready for you. A total of 36
EBook now. Go to. http://www.ufophotoarchives.com and order your copy now
or email him S18195A@aol.com
Tell him CECE sent you..
WORLD PASTRY TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Wednesday July 5 through Thursday, July 8, 2006
J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Phoenix Arizona
July 7
th
and 8th 2006 is the competition, make plans to attend this if you can do it.
Learn all the techniques the world class pasty chefs have to offer at the MARRIOTT
DESERT RIDGE RESORT AND SPA. For more information go to:

FOR GENERAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Lisa Baron Carymax, LLC
Phone: 212-239-0855 extension 29
Fax: 212-967-4184 info@pastrychampionship.com
FOR TICKET AND TRAVEL INFORMATION, CONTACT
ticket@pastrychampionship.com
or Jill Greatorex Protravel International
515 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-409-9568 Fax: 646-792-4884
http://www.pastrychampionship.com/

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Here comes the best in the business, National Pastry chefs come together to
compete for the title of best of the best..
Amoretti 2006 World Pastry Team Championship. The theme for this year's event is Yin
and Yang. Twelve teams will express this theme in their pastry presentations for the
world title and a prize of $50,000. Teams are representing the following; Australia,
Belgium, France, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Korea,
Switzerland, USA Make sure to attend and root your team to victory. The demonstrations
are fantastic for learning new ideas and seeing some of the best equipment at the trade
show.

I was at last years event that was held at the MARRIOTT DESERT RIDGE RESORT
AND SPA , and I was overwhelmed by the artistry of these chefs. Were not talking
simple, were talking works of art! Here is where you can learn from the best.
Dont miss the trade show while your there. So many fantastic items to see and
buy.
If your a up and coming chef or self taught, this is a show you dont want to miss.
There is volumes of techniques to learn and bring to your own business or home.
I look forward to seeing many of my readers there again this year.
Cece Stevens

ASTROLOGY, By Cece Stevens

Continuing with the Astrology series, here is the next installment, and also a fantastic
article on eclipses and they effect in your charts.

SEPTEMBER 21 TO OCTOBER 21
LIBRA

Libra
The Sun is in this seventh sign of the zodiac, from September 23 until October 22 each
year. The symbol for Libra is the Scales. In Libra the Sun is tolerant, affectionate, and
well balanced. You are a courteous and agreeable person who is considerate of other
people's feelings. You have a personal charisma attracting friends. Functioning well
when working in harmony with other people, you are an excellent team player. You like
being on the winning team.

You prefer working in a pleasant and very orderly atmosphere, with people who don't put
undue pressure on you. You like to see your role as that of peacemaker. Peace and
tranquillity are so important. The least sign of hostility or discord is very upsetting to you.
You refrain from speaking your mind if you fear your thoughts would alienate or start an
argument. Always ready to compromise or mediate, you need to be careful not to appear
wishy-washy or less than reliable.

In many ways, you are dependent upon the approval of others. Libra is the sign of
relationships. You think of yourself as half a partnership rather than an individual.
Because of this feeling of dependence, you put your mate's needs and desires ahead of
your own. You may become confused as to what you want at any particular time, versus
what your partner wants. Your partner's goals and ambitions become your goals and
ambitions. You are the true helpmate. Because of this attitude, Libra is very stable and
dependent in a relationship, even a bad one.
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As attached as you are to your partner, you may not really show it much. In your quest
for balance and harmony, you rarely have or express strong emotions of any kind. Yours
is a very dispassionate demeanor that is detached. You don't invest much passion or
feeling in your relationships, loving with your head instead of your heart.

When cast in a supervisory role you may have some difficulties. This is because you
weigh each decision before choosing your direction. You can experience problems if you
are called on to make frequent snap decisions for the group. You are an excellent go-
between, and not as good at being the leader or boss. Unfortunately, such a balanced
view of situations sometimes makes decisive action more difficult. You have a hard time
making everyday decisions of little or no consequence. On the big issues, you may
vacillate indefinitely.

One of your main personality traits is a love of justice. You are insistent on fair play. In
this too, you have a very balanced and unbiased way of looking at everything in your
world. Accordingly, you are often called on to be mediator in family disputes or in
disagreements at work. Your impartial judgment can always see both sides of a matter.
You can be very cool and detached, keeping your feelings well under control in pursuit of
fairness.
Your love of balance and harmony allows you to appreciate music and the arts. Libra is
ruled by Venus, the planet closely associated with artistic endeavors. If you don't have
talent yourself, you probably to do have an interest and excellent taste in these matters.
Courteous and refined, good manners are important to you. You exhibit them and you
expect them. You are especially repelled by vulgarity and coarseness. Tactful,
diplomatic, refined and socially successful, you strive to say and do the right thing. It is
always so important for you to make the right impression.
Libra is idealistic, a peacemaker, diplomatic, refined, poised, gracious, kind, courteous,
fair-minded, sociable, charming, artistically creative, cooperative, extroverted, somewhat
indecisive.
Best vocation is Lawyer, Interior Decorator, Designer, Music Teacher.
BIRTH DATES

1
st
decan is Libra / Libra Sept 21 to October 1 ( Read Libra )
2
nd
decan is Aquarius/ Libra October 2 to October 11 ( Read Libra and Aquarius)
3
rd
Decan is Gemini / Libra October 12 to October 20 ( Read Libra and Gemini)

The Ducks Fly Moon
September 23 - October 23
The Negotiator * Libra
This is the first moon of Mudjekeewis, Spirit-Keeper of the West, Father of
the Winds. The animal of this time is the talkative, social, trickster bird, the
Raven; the plant is the mullein; the mineral is bloodstone jasper; the color,
brown; the element, air (the Butterfly Clan). People born under this moon,
or experiencing its influence, seek to deeply understand the concept of
balance in all aspects of life. They will sometimes go to extremes in order
to find the mid-point of balance, occasionally confusing others who don't
have the Raven's ability to change their minds quickly and easily.
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The raven is intelligent, cleaver and mystical. Raven people are peace loving,
idealistic and charming. They long for harmony in the community and must stay
away from uncertainty and inconsistency.
Raven people are great communicators, who enjoy conversation for it's
own sake. They are comfortable in most situations, and can help other
people to feel that way also. They need to temper their changeability, and
to remember to make important decisions in a timely and decisive manner.
ALL ABOUT ECLIPSES by Carol Willis, MA
Copyright by Carol Willis, 2004 2005 All rights reserved.

Introduction
This article will set forth my perspective on eclipses, their uses and interpretation.
Transiting, pre-natal, and post-natal eclipses will be covered.
Additionally, my views on pre-natal solar and lunar eclipses will be compared and
contrasted with those of Karen McCoy and Jan Spiller, authors of the popular
book Spiritual Astrology.

Solar Eclipses
A solar eclipse occurs on a new moon, when the Moon is between the earth and
the Sun, thus obscuring or eclipsing the Sun from our vantage point of standing
on earth.
My interpretation for the solar eclipse generally is esoteric or involving deeper
meaning for the soul as it stands in relation to its environment. The Sun is the
center of our solar system, and is thus a stable orientation point in our solar
system. The Sun symbolizes a principle of intelligibility, as all things revolve
around and make sense in terms of the Sun in our solar system. The Sun is a
symbol of normal rationality and order, Apollonian ideals from ancient Greece.
Therefore when the Sun is obscured or eclipsed by the Moon, the normal order
of things may be less available, to some degree superceded or eclipsed for a
while by the instinctual, emotional, and more chaotic energies of the Moon. The
lunar energies and emotional excitement run high for several days surrounding a
solar eclipse, especially in the week previous to the exact eclipse. Anything goes,
and probably will. It's no wonder then that the ancients considered solar eclipses
to be "fateful," usually in a destructive way.

Transiting Solar Eclipses
I find a transiting solar eclipse to be generally destructive to some degree,
sometimes severely. I largely note the HOUSE into which it falls in a natal chart,
noting also other planetary factors closely conjunct it, and perhaps other hard
aspects to
the natal chart. I do not use the sign of a transiting solar
eclipse placed into the natal chart.
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The window of time for a transiting solar eclipse is 1 week before the eclipse, the
day of the eclipse itself, and the week following, then dropping off in intensity for
the next 6 months until the time of the next solar eclipse. Long term
consequences may continue for years following that, again highlighting the
"fateful" aspect of solar eclipses.
Note: Solar eclipses are dangerous to view with the naked eye.

Lunar Eclipses
A lunar eclipse occurs on a full moon, when the earth is between the Sun and the
Moon. If you are standing on earth and viewing the Moon, the Sun will be behind
you. What you see in a lunar eclipse is the shadow of earth covering the Moon.
Note: because you're not looking toward the Sun, viewing a lunar eclipse is
benign on the eyes.
The difference in effect on physical eyes - dangerous in a solar eclipse, benign in
a lunar eclipse - reflects our larger perception and experience around a transiting
eclipse.

Transiting Lunar Eclipses
I call the transiting lunar eclipses "the dreaming eclipses," as we are likely to be
caught up in a heightened state of dreaming awareness and altered states of
consciousness. The esoteric aspect of the lunar eclipses involves the dreaming
nature of consciousness, the spiritual-psychic state of aboriginal "dreamtime."
The general time around a lunar eclipse can be a time of soaring spirits, heart's
desires unfurled, and wishes fulfilled. It's important to allow time for uninterrupted
dreaming and reverie around the time of the lunar eclipse. For some persons,
this may mean more solitude, more unscheduled time, or going to bed earlier, to
create the context for more dreaming consciousness. This is my general
interpretation for everyone on the transiting lunar eclipse. I do not put transiting
lunar eclipses into the natal chart nor further interpret them individually. I believe
in allowing the general enhanced dreaming nature of these times to unfold in
bliss without intervention.

Pre-Natal Eclipses as Interpreted by McCoy and Spiller
In Part II of their book Spiritual Astrology, Karen McCoy and Jan Spiller set forth
their approach to the pre-natal eclipses as "key to life path and destiny." McCoy
orients the reader to pre-natal eclipses as follows:
"The solar eclipse represents the aspects of the collective higher consciousness
that you have to offer your fellow beings. The sign and house of the eclipse will
tell you in what area of your life and in what mode of expression the abilities are
most accessible to you. The lunar eclipse pattern will show you what is needed to
continue the growth of your soul, and the house and sign will show how and
where these lessons can best be acquired.
It is at these points that growth is stimulated and character is built. The level of
awareness the soul has when entering this plane will determine whether it will
seek the lessons of its lunar eclipse with compassion and understanding or with
resentment." (pg. 164).
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Pre-Natal Solar Eclipse (PNSE)
Spiller and McCoy elaborate on the pre-natal solar eclipse:
"The sign of the solar eclipse shows a universal destiny. ...The solar eclipse
energy is what you are here to clarify for the collective whole. Where your solar
eclipse is concerned, you must share as you have promised on your covenant
with the universe.
Your only choice lies in whether to share your gift in a positive or negative way.
You can go about your life willingly sharing this gift with your fellow beings, or
you can teach the lesson by having such negative traits that those around you
learn what not to do from your behavior and personality. If you do choose to
teach these lessons in a negative manner, you are creating an imbalance within
your life that causes your own lessons to be learned with more difficulty than
necessary. You promised that you would share the energy of the solar eclipse in
order to earn the right to come onto this plane and learn the lessons represented
by your lunar eclipse." (pg. 168)
"The sign of your [pre-natal] solar eclipse determines what your responsibility is
to the collective whole, the energy you have promised to share with your fellow
beings. It's a gift that the universe gave you so you could teach others..." (pg.
169).

Pre-Natal Lunar Eclipse (PNLE)
Regarding the pre-natal lunar eclipse, Spiller and McCoy write:
"The lunar eclipse is what you need for your own growth pattern: what you have
come to learn, where you hurt, where you need completion. And as you master
these lesson,s the entire planet learns them, and part of the universal balance is
attained....The sign of your lunar eclipse indicates those qualities you need to
integrate for personal balance, the lessons you have chosen to learn in this
lifetime." (pg. 168-169)
Spiller further note 3 levels of expression in both pre-natal eclipses:
"Unconscious expression... bucking the tides of growth and choosing not to
integrate your lessons... swimming upstream... taking yourself out of the natural
flow.
"Conscious expression...approach life consciously, listen to your inner voice and
follow the flow of life, seeking your lessons in a gentler way. By being aware and
conscious, growth comes more easily.
"Transpersonal expression...when you have elected to transcend the ego and
function in a way that serves the highest good. Personal growth and maturity
lead to a sense of greater ease in life" (pg. 169-170).

Willis Commentary on McCoy and Spiller
Spiller and McCoy's claims regarding the pre-natal solar and lunar eclipses are
some of the largest and most inclusive claims that can be made in the field of
astrology. Some would consider the claims simply too grandiose to be seriously
considered on their own terms. Rather than write the claims off a priori, I'll say
that the claims made by Spiller and McCoy deserve close examination and
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experimentation to see whether all, some, or none of the claims can be
reasonably and practically embraced.
We need to look not only at whether the claims are true at least some of the time;
whether they are not only true but also clearly relate to life purpse; also at
whether astrologers are comfortable predicting on the basis of these claims; and
further still whether astrologers want to use any or all of Spiller and McCoy's
specific interpretations. Then there is the matter of how much weight to give an
eclipse interpretation in relation to the rest of the chart and life, especially in
reading for a young adult just starting out in life. However, since I can only speak
for myself, I will narrow the scope of predictive comfort level down to one, and let
others make their own examinations as per usual.
After reviewing the Spiller and McCoy text, including solar and lunar eclipse
delineations through the signs, and examining a number of natal charts and lives
of persons I know well, I draw the following conclusions:
The focus on teaching pre-natal solar eclipse (PNSE) and learning pre-natal
lunar eclipse (PNLE) is a tidy theory and psychologically compelling for students
of life, however I find it simplistic in that the theory will not always be suited to the
interpretive task and individual at hand. It may be suited to some individuals,
however, and could be pressed into service if applicable. I would not want to use
that theory as a formula, even if the theory were further qualified intuitively. There
is no substitute for a direct look at the individual and seeing what does, and does
not, apply to him. Later below I will propose a radically different view of the
PNLE.
I agree with Spiller and McCoy somewhat on interpreting the pre-natal SOLAR
eclipse (PNSE), though my claim is not as strong as theirs. I would say, rather,
that the PNSE by sign and house will OFTEN GIVE AN IMPORTANT CLUE
REGARDING A PERSON'S LIFE PURPOSE, which in turn needs to be
considered in the larger context of the life and natal chart. A corrollary of that is
that not all astrological clues to life purpose are found in eclipses, but may be
found elsewhere in the chart as well. Further, if a person had NO eclipse or other
indicators, or only minor indicators, toward a certain type of life purpose, that
would NOT preclude him from having and fulfilling such a purpose. My
preference in interpretation would be for simplicity of focus or theme, a "sounding
of the note" that will naturally unfold in its own form and detail as the person goes
through life.
The esoterics underlying my above interpretation of the PNSE are that the
transiting solar eclipse is exciting but also threatening to people at large as it
briefly obscures normal reason and order to some degree. Then along come the
children of that time, and they will be the HEROES of their day. Children are
heroes as soon as they're born, as their very presence in the world changes
things. Their holy innocence and vulnerability change things. Their spiritual/soul
presence changes things, not only in the family but also in the world at large. As
these children grow into adulthood, more of their purpose begins to manifest into
form, shows itself in a myriad of ways, and continues to unfold and show itself
over the course of a lifetime. This is one of the ways that God/Spirit intervenes
and reconciles itself with the world, in terms of the presence, consciousness, and
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purposefulness (dharma) of each new wave of children as they go though life
offering their special contributions.
While there can be downside risk or undesirable expression of a PNSE, I would
rather just "sound the note" and orient a person's attention to the positive. An
astrological consultation cannot do everything, and unless there is a specific and
obvious life problem to address, or I am otherwise prompted to comment, I
depend on a person's desire to study and apply himself in the areas of
spirituality, religion, and/or ethics in order to obviate or prevent undesirable
expression of the PNSE.
I did not care for Spiller and McCoy's interpretations of the pre-natal solar
eclipses by sign as written in the book. I did not relate well to the sign
interpretation given for my own PNSE, nor that of other charts I looked at. Again I
would prefer more focus and simplicity, which are very powerful if the right note is
sounded. I want to put my own interpretations on a PNSE, and would apply some
intuition to make it applicable to the individual, as in any delineation.
In reading through Spiller and McCoy's pre-natal LUNAR eclipse (PNLE)
interpretations, my sense was that there was nothing specific to the individual in
those sign interpretations. Rather, my sense was that EVERYONE needs ALL of
the constructive qualities of ALL 12 signs as written in Spiller and McCoy's lunar
eclipses text, IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED A VIABLE ADULT. By "viable
adult," I refer to the kind of person you'd be willing to hire, marry, would want for
a friend, teacher, boss, mentor, neighbor, consultant, or that you'd prefer to have
in your life for any purpose. And if a person didn't have these qualities, then they
would be considered unreliable, even dangerous, not someone you'd especially
care to have close to you or would see as a possibility for your future. No
qualities cited in Spiller and McCoy's PNLE signs text can really be left out of a
basic development. I see elements from all 12 signs that even the brightest and
most caring individual may be challenged to learn in life. So to narrow the focus
to one sign (and house?) and say this is the learning to take place is simplistic
and a misdirector of attention, when the learning and development focus needs
to be on a much broader building in of virtues and life-skills, represented in all of
the signs taken together, for everyone.
I hereby propose an alternate interpretation for the PNLE, somewhat along the
lines of transiting lunar eclipses, which occur at a full moon, and consistent with
some of the most positive qualities represented by the Moon. In interpreting the
PNLE, I want to acknowledge and validate a person's dreaming nature generally,
which is related to the spiritual impulses and loves that seem to rise up from the
heart. I want to acknowledge and validate something of a person's essential
DREAM, DESIRE, and FULFILLMENT in the area indicated by the sign and
house of the PNLE, simply and intuitively interpreted. I see these as a reflection
of "the dreaming aspect of God's nature", and soul's desire for experience, which
will have its fulfillment in due time, especially at the level of essence and
experience, and sometimes in worldly form as well. The seed of the fulfillment is
already there in the person's own true nature - what he wants, values, and loves
at an essence level is already an aspect of himself, so he will tend to embody
and express these qualities in his life. Thus he creates his world. The PNLE
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carries the general dreaming nature of a lunar eclipse(s), which occured while
the child was still in the womb, so in some ways I see a PNLE as one initiating
energy of the CONTINUOUS AND CREATIVE DREAM that weaves its way
throughout life. This is not only an esoteric interpretation of the PNLE that
resonates deeply, but dream-desire-fulfillment is also the most practical
interpretation of the PNLE that I have considered to date.

Summary of Willis Interpretation of Pre-Natal Eclipses
Pre-natal Solar Eclipse (PNSE): may give an important clue to life purpose,
needs to be interpreted intuitively in the larger context of the individual life and
the natal chart.
Pre-natal Lunar Eclipse (PNLE): dream, desire for life experience, and fulfillment,
especially at the level of essence, sometimes also in form. Again, a need to
interpret intuitively for the individual.
I would caution against too much detail in the interpretation of pre-natal eclipses.
The appropriate essence can be simply stated. Sound the note, and let life unfold
naturally from there.

Post-natal Eclipses
If an eclipse follows one's birthdate within a week or so, the birth took place
within in the eclipse window, within in the building energies catapulting toward
the eclipse. Therefore, such a post-natal eclipse can be noted and interpreted as
well, and may be more meaningful than the pre-natal eclipses that took place
some 6 months prior to birth, or equally meaningful to that person.

Carol Willis, MA cbwillis@lightlink.com December 10, 2004 Revised Dec 19, 2004



MEDICAL

Thyroid 101
What's Behind Your Sluggish Metabolism?
You eat right, you exercise. You've even resorted to lifting weights in the hopes of
melting away the pounds, but nothing works. In some cases, the answer to your plight
lies just below your Adam's apple: the thyroid gland.
"The thyroid gland produces hormones responsible for regulating metabolism," says
Milton Stokes, M.P.H., R.D., of the American Dietetic Association (ADA). In nearly 30
million Americans, the gland malfunctions. More than half of those affected don't even
know they have a "condition." Here's a guide to what's behind thyroid-related
metabolism slow-down:

Hypothyroidism: With symptoms like fatigue, forgetfulness, mood swings and
constipation, a few extra pounds may be the least of your problems. In fact, according to
Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., R.D., of the ADA, only an estimated 1 percent of our country's
overweight and obesity problems are related to thyroid conditions. But such conditions
may be responsible for a 5 to 10 pound gain.
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Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: The "itis'" all result from an inflammation of the thyroid gland.
As the gland swells, it produces lower amounts of thyroid hormones, which causes
hypothyroidism. In Hashimoto's disease, your immune system attacks and destroys the
thyroid gland, causing inflammation. It's the most common form of thyroiditis, and
according to Gerbstadt patients usually need medication to restore metabolism to normal
functioning.
Subacute Thyroiditis: One of the few thyroid conditions that causes pain in the gland,
subacute thyroiditis releases large amounts of thyroid hormones into the blood. It
typically resolves itself spontaneously, though -- the same way it starts.
Postpartum Thyroiditis: After pregnancy, your thyroid may go a little haywire. And it's
no wonder, since the pregnant body is pumped with all sorts of hormones for nine
months. The response for five to nine percent of women is an increase in activity
(hyperthyroidism) for about two months after birth, followed by a slowdown
(hypothyroidism) for several more months, and then a return to normal function.
Before you hope for the increased metabolism that comes with an overactive thyroid,
realize that hyperthyroidism causes sweating, rapid heart rate and muscle weakness. "It
can also increase appetite," says Stokes, which defeats any benefits of a metabolism
boost.

DEAR ABBY:

I recently made a batch of pancakes for my healthy 14-year-old son, using a mix
that was in our pantry. He said that they tasted "funny," but ate them anyway.
About 10 minutes later, he began having difficulty breathing and his lips began
turning purple. I gave him his allergy pill, had him sit on the sofa and told him to
relax. He was wheezing while inhaling and exhaling. My husband, a volunteer
firefighter and EMT, heated up some water, and we had my son lean over the
water so the steam could clear his chest and sinuses. Soon, his breathing became
more regular and his lips returned to a more normal color. We checked the date
on the box of pancake mix and, to my dismay, found it was very outdated. As a
reference librarian at an academic institution, I have the ability to search through
many research databases. I did just that, and found an article the next day that
mentioned a 19-year-old male DYING after eating pancakes made with outdated
mix. Apparently, the mold that forms in old pancake mix can be toxic! When we
told our friends about my son's close call, we were surprised at the number of
people who mentioned that they should check their own pancake mix since they
don't use it often, or they had purchased it some time ago. With so many people
shopping at warehouse-type stores and buying large sizes of pancake mix, I hope
your readers will take the time to check the expiration date on their boxes. Also,
beware of outdated cake, brownie and cookie mixes.

PASS IT ON!!!!

SIGNS OF OVARIAN CANCER (even in the absence of Ovaries)
THIS IS A MUST TO READ TO THE END

An Eye Opener on Ovarian Cancer
I hope you all take the time to read this and pass it on to all you can. Send this to the women in
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your life that you care about.

A few years ago, Gilda Radner died of ovarian cancer. Her symptoms were inconclusive, and she
was treated for everything under the sun until it was too late. This blood test finally identified her
illness but alas, too late. She wrote a book to heighten awareness. Gene Wilder is her widower.

KATHY'S STORY: this is the story of Kathy West

As all of you know, I have Primary Peritoneal Cancer. This cancer has only recently
been identified as its OWN type of cancer, but it is essentially Ovarian Cancer.

Both types of cancer are diagnosed in the same way, with the "tumor marker" CA-125
BLOOD TEST, and they are treated in the same way - surgery to remove the primary
tumor and then chemotherapy with Taxol and Carboplatin.

Having gone through this ordeal, I want to save others from the same fate. That is why I
am sending this message to you and hope you will print it and give it or send it via E-mail
to everybody you know.

One thing I have learned is that each of us must take TOTAL responsibility for our own
health care. I thought I had done that because I always had an annual physical and PAP
smear, did a monthly Self-Breast Exam, went to the dentist at least twice a year, etc. I
even insisted on a sigmoidoscopy and a bone d ensity test last year. When I had a total
hysterectomy in 1993, I thought that I did not have to worry about getting any of the
female reproductive organ cancers.

LITTLE DID I KNOW. I don't have ovaries (and they were HEALTHY when they were
removed), but I have what is essentially ovarian cancer. Strange, isn't it?

These are just SOME of the things our Doctors never t ell us: ONE out of every 55
women will get OVARIAN or PRIMARY PERITONEAL CANCER.

The "CLASSIC" symptoms are an ABDOMEN that rather SUDDENLY ENLARGES and
CONSTIPATION and/or DIARRHEA.

I had these classic symptoms and went to the doctor. Because these symptoms seemed
to be "abdominal", I went to a gastroenterologist. He ran tests that were designed to
determine whether there was a bact eria infection; these tests were negative, and I was
diagnosed with "Irritable Bowel Syndrome". I guess I would have accepted this diagnosis
had it not been for my enlarged abdomen. I swear to you, it looked like I was 4-5 months
pregnant! I therefore insisted on more tests

They took an X-ray of my abdomen; it was negative. I was again assured that I had
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and was encouraged to go on my scheduled month-long trip to
Europe. I couldn't wear any of my slacks or shorts because I couldn't get them buttoned,
and I KNEW something was radically wrong. I INSI STED on more tests, and they
reluctantly) scheduled me for a CT-Scan (just to shut me up, I think). This is what I mean
by "taking charge of our own health care."

The CT-Scan showed a lot of fluid in my abdomen (NOT normal). Needless to say, I had
to cancel my trip and have FIVE POUNDS of fluid drawn off at the hospital (not a
13
pleasant experience I assure you), but NOTHING compared to what was ahead of me.

Tests revealed cancer cells in the fluid. Finally, finally, finally, the doctor ran a CA-125
blood test, and I was properly diagnosed.

I HAD THE CLASSIC SYMPTOMS FOR OVARIAN CANCER, AND YET THIS SIMPLE
CA-125 BLOOD TEST HAD NEVER BEEN RUN ON ME, not as part of my annual
physical exam and not when I was symptomatic. This is an inexpensive and simple
blood test!

PLEASE, PLEASE TELL ALL YOUR FEMALE FRIENDS AND RELATIVES TO INSIST
ON A CA-125 BLOOD TEST EVERY YEAR AS PART OF THEIR ANNUAL PHYSICAL
EXAMS.

Be forewarned that their doctors might try to talk them out of it, saying, "IT ISN'T
NECESSARY." Believe me, had I known then what I know now, we would have caught
my cancer much earlier (before it was a stage 3 cancer). Insist on the CA-125 BLOOD
TEST; DO NOT take "NO" for an answer!

The normal range for a CA-125 BLOOD TEST is between zero and 35. MINE WAS 754.
(That's right, 754!). If the number is slightly above 35, you can have another done in
three or six months and keep a close eye on it, just as women do when they have fibroid
tumors or when men have a slightly elevated PSA test (Prostatic Specific Antigens) that
helps diagnose prostate cancer.

Having the CA-125 test done annually can alert you early, and that's the goal in
diagnosing any type of cancer - catching it early.

Do you know 55 women? If so, at least one of them will have this VERY AGGRESSIVE
cancer. Please, go to your doctor and insist on a CA-125 test and have one EVERY
YEAR for the rest of your life.

And forward this message to every woman you know, and tell all of your female family
members and friends. Though the median age for this cancer is 56, (and, guess what,
I'm exactly 56), women as young as 22 have it. Age is no factor.

A NOTE FROM AN RN:
Well, after reading this, I made some calls. I found that the CA-125 test is an ovarian
screening test equivalent to a man's PSA test prostate screen (which my husband's
doctor automatically gives him in his physical each year and insurance pays for it). I
called the general practitioner's office about having the test done. The nurse had never
heard of it. She told me that she doubted that ins urance would pay for it. So I called
Prudential Insurance Co, and got the same response. Never heard of it - it won't be
covered.

I explained that it was the same as the PSA test they had paid for my husband for years.
After conferring with whomever they confer with, she told me that the CA-125 would be
covered.

It is $75 in a GP's office and $125 at the GYN's. This is a screening test that shou ld be
required just like a PAP smear (a PAP smear cannot detect problems with your ovaries).
14
And you must insist that your insurance company pay for it.

Gene Wilder and Pierce Brosnan (his wife had it, too) are lobbying for women's health
issues, saying that this test should be required in our physicals, just like the PAP and the
mammogram. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO SEND THIS OUT TO ALL THOSE YOU
CAN. BE IT MALE OR FEMALE, IT SHOULD NOT MATTER, AS THEY CAN
FORWARD IT ALSO TO THOSE LOVED ONES THEY KNOW.

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH FORWARDING SOMETHING AS IMPORTANT AS
THIS, HERE'S A LITTLE HINT THAT MAY ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR DECISION ~
JUST PRETEND THAT THIS IS A JOKE, WHICH IT CERTAINLY IS NOT, AND SEND
IT OUT TO ALL THE FOLKS YOU WOULD IF IT WAS. THANKS.

MEDICINE RECALL ALERT
Drug products containing PPA (phenylpropanolamine) were pulled from the
market due to FDA concerns over a possible connection to strokes.
All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are being recalled. You may want
to try calling the 800 number listed on most drug boxes and inquire about a
REFUND. Please read this CAREFULLY. Also, please pass this on to everyone
you know.

STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been linked to increased
hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain) among women ages 18-49 in the three days
after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men, but the
FDA recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative Medicine.
The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine:

Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine >Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine >Effervescent
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent
Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
BC Sinus Cold Powder
Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief
Day & Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
Contac 12 Hour Caplets
Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus
Dexatrim Caffeine Free
Dexatrim Extended Duration
Dexatrim Gelcaps
Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir
15
Dimetapp Elixir
Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets
Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
Permathene Mega-16
Robitussin CF
Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal
Congestion
Triaminic DM Cough Rel! ief
Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head
Triaminic Syrup Cold & Allergy
Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough

I just found out and called the 800# on the container for Triaminic and they
informed me that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of
a certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children:

Orange 3D Cold & Allergy Cherry (Pink)
3D Cold & Cough Berry
3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant

They are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box
so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also
issue you a
refund. If you know of anyone else with small children,
PLEASE PASS THIS ON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF!

DO PASS ALONG TO ALL ON YOUR MAILING LIST so people are informed. They
can then pass it along to their families.

To confirm these findings please take time to check the following:

http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/ _
(http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/)

SPACE NASA

Science/Astronomy:

* Startling Galactic Highway Found in Milky Way
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/060613_star_stream.html

A newly detected stream of stars festoons the northern sky in a sweeping arc that cuts
across the entire constellation of Ursa Major (through the Big Dipper), from just above
the head of Leo the lion to the constellation Cancer the crab.

* Extreme Galaxies Much Like Our Own
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/060612_extreme_galaxies.html

16
Researchers have found a way to probe the secrets of remote, extreme galaxies by
looking at their cosmic cousins closer by.

* Gas Blob Resembles Gigantic Comet
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/060612_gas_comet.html

A ball of gas more massive than a billion suns is hurtling like an enormous comet
through the interior of a distant galaxy cluster.

* Corkscrewing Asteroid Departs Earth's Vicinity
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/060610_corkscrew_asteroid.html

An asteroid that has been corkscrewing around Earth in recent years is heading for deep
space today, according to NASA.

* Image of the Day: Getting A Trim In Space
http://www.space.com/imageoftheday/image_of_day_060613.html

Astronaut Jeffrey Williams trims his hair in the Zarya module of the International Space
Station on May 9.
Spaceflight:

* Spaceport Singapore: One-Stop Shopping for the Future Space Tourist
http://www.space.com/news/060613_singapore_spaceport.html

An effort to build a suborbital spaceport destination to cater to space-hungry tourists and families
is pushing forward in Singapore, where aviation authorities are developing a homegrown set of
regulations for commercial spaceflight.

* Hawking Says Humans Must Colonize Space
http://www.space.com/news/060613_ap_hawking_space.html

The survival of the human race depends on its ability to find new homes elsewhere in the
universe because there's an increasing risk that a disaster will destroy the Earth, world-renowned
scientist Stephen Hawking said Tuesday.

* ASTRONOTES: Oklahoma Spaceport Okayed
http://www.space.com/astronotes/astronotes.html

The Federal Aviation Administration's Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) issued
on June 12 a launch site operator license to the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority
(OSIDA).

* Discovery Shuttle Astronauts Ready for STS-121 Mission
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/060812_sts121_crew_prep.html

Less than one month remains before NASA's planned launch of the space shuttle Discovery and
seven astronauts are gearing up for their orbital ride.

* NASA Eyes UAVs, Microsats for Measuring Soil Moisture
http://www.space.com/spacenews/businessmonday_060612.html

NASA scientists are studying the possibility of placing microwave sensors aboard unmanned
17
aircraft and microsatellites as a way to obtain soil-moisture measurements at a bargain price.




* NEW! Daily Space Trivia
http://www.space.com/php/trivia/

One of Today's 5 New Questions: Who was the first person to release a satellite from a
spacecraft?

NEW! LiveScience.com
http://www.livescience.com/

* Top 10 Success Stories
http://www.livescience.com/animalworld/top10_species_success.html

With plants and animals around the globe on the brink of disappearing, a few tales of hope.

* Snakes, Frogs and Lizards: The Best of Your Images
http://www.livescience.com/php/multimedia/imagegallery/igviewer.php?imgid=779&gid=50&index
=0

LiveScience readers photograph some of the reptiles that roam the earth.

* Exotic Animals Found in Tanzanian Mountains
http://www.livescience.com/animalworld/060623_rubeho_animals.html

In the first field survey of the Rubeho Mountains in Tanzania, scientists have documented more
than 160 animal species.

* Americans Lose Touch, Report Fewer Close Friends
http://www.livescience.com/humanbiology/060623_close_friends.html

People in America have fewer close friends nowadays than two decades ago, researchers
announced today.

* Cell Phones Increase Risk of Death By Lightning, Doctors Claim
http://www.livescience.com/forcesofnature/060622_lightning_mobile.html

If you're chatting on a cell phone during a lightning storm, dropped calls could be the least of
your worries.

======

Dear Ones,
It is interesting to note the changes that most of us have known were going to
occur, indeed happening and documented.
Major changes are occurring and we are right in the center of them. We do live in
exciting times.
TOGETHER WE ARE CHANGING OUR WORLD WITH OUR KNOWLEDGE &
INTENT!
Love & Blessings,
Suzy Star
THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM
18

http://www.divinecosmos.com/indexphp?option=com_content&task=view&id=102&Itemid
=36

We all know that the Earth is experiencing global warming and other
changes, whether the petroleum giants like it or not. Just read the headlines.
What we may NOT know is the following:

SUN: The Sun's magnetic field is over 230 percent stronger now than it was at the
beginning of the 1900s, and its overall energetic activity has sizably increased, creating
a frenzy of activity that continues to embarrass NASA's official predictions.

VENUS: Venus is now glowing in the dark, as is Jupiter's moon Io.

EARTH: In the last 30 years, Earth's icecaps have thinned out by as much as 40
percent. Quite inexplicably, just since 1997 the structure of the Earth has shifted from
being slightly more egg-shaped, or elongated at the poles, to more pumpkin-shaped, or
flattened at the poles. No one at NASA has even bothered to try to explain this yet.

MARS: The icecaps of Mars noticeably melted just within one year, causing 50-percent
changes in surface features. Atmospheric density had risen by 200 percent above
previous observations as of 1997.

JUPITER: Jupiter has become so highly energized that it is now surrounded by a visibly
glowing donut tube of energy in the path of the moon Io. The size of Jupiter's magnetic
field has more than doubled since 1992.

SATURN: Saturn's polar regions have been noticeably brightening, and its magnetic field
strength increasing.

URANUS: According to NASA's Voyager II space probe, Uranus and Neptune both
appear to have had recent magnetic pole shifts 60 degrees for Uranus and 50 for
Neptune.

NEPTUNE: Neptune has become 40 percent brighter in infrared since 1996, and is fully
100-percent brighter in certain areas. Also, Neptune's moon Triton has had a "very large
percentage increase" in atmospheric pressure and temperature, comparable to a 22-
degree Fahrenheit increase on Earth.

PLUTO: As of September 2002, Pluto has experienced a 300-percent increase in its
atmospheric pressure in the last 14 years, while also becoming noticeably darker in
color.

Everything you have just read is referenced from mainstream media sources, and the full
list of relevant links can be found within chapter eight of Divine Cosmos. See above link.

===

LIFE AND HUMOR

19
ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS: LIPSTICK ON THE SCHOOL GIRL's BATHROOM
MIRRORS! --
PRICLESS!
According to a news report, a certain school in Garden City , MI was recently faced with
a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and
would put it on in the washroom.

That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirror
to blot it and would leave dozens of little lip prints every night, the maintenance man
would remove them and the next day, the girls would put them back.

Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. He called all the girls to the
washroom and met them there with the maintenance man. He explained that all these lip
prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors
every night.
To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, he asked the maintenance
man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled
squeegee, DIPPED IT IN THE TOILET, and CLEANED THE MIRROR WITH IT. Since
then, there have been NO lip prints on the mirror.

THE MORAL OF THIS STORY: There are teachers, and then there are EDUCATORS!
===============

A woman goes into Wal-Mart to buy a rod and reel. She doesn't know which one to get so she
just grabs one and goes over to the register. There is a Wal-Mart "associate" standing there with
dark shades on. She says, "Excuse me sir...can you tell me anything about this rod and reel?"

He says, "Ma'am I'm blind but if you will drop it on the counter I can tell you everything you
need to know about it from the sound that it makes." She didn't believe him, but dropped it on the
counter anyway. He said, "Thats a 6' graphite rod with a Zebco 202 reel and 10 lb. test line...It's a
good all around rod and reel and it's $20.00".

She says, "That's amazing that you can tell all that just by the sound of it dropping on the counter.
I think it's what I'm looking for so I'll take it dropping on the counter. I think it's what I'm
looking for."

He walks behind the counter to the register, and in the meantime the woman farts. At first she is
embarrassed but then realizes that there is no way he could tell it was her... being blind he
wouldn't know that she was the only person around. He rings up the sale and says, "That will be
$25.50."

She says, "But didn't you say it was $20.00?" He says, "Yes ma'am, the rod and reel is $20.00,
the duck call is $3.00, and the catfish stink bait is $2.50."
===============
Follow your dream! Unless it's the one where you're at work in your underwear during a
fire drill.

Always take time to stop and smell the roses and sooner or later, you'll inhale a bee.

20
Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not
follow. Do not walk beside me, either. Just leave me alone.

If you don't like my drive, don't call anyone. Just take another road. That's why the
highway department made so many of them.

When I'm feeling down, I like to whistle. It makes the neighbor's dog run to the end of his
chain and gag himself.

It's always darkest before the dawn. So if you're going to steal the neighbor's newspaper,
that's the time to do it.

A handy telephone tip: Keep a small chalkboard near the phone. That way, when a
salesman calls, you can hold the receiver up to it and run your fingernails across it until
he hangs up.

Each day I try to enjoy something from each of the four food groups: the bonbon group,
the salty-snack group, the caffeine group and the "What-ever-the-thing-in-the-tinfoil-in-
the-back-of-the-fridge-is".

Into every life some rain must fall. Usually when your car windows are down.

Just remember: You gotta break some eggs to make a real mess on the neighbor's car!

This morning I woke up to the unmistakable scent of pigs in a blanket. That's the price you pay
for letting the relatives stay over.

It's a small world. So you gotta use your elbows a lot.

Keep your nose to the grindstone and your shoulder to the wheel. It's a lot cheaper than plastic
surgery.

This land is your land. This land is my land. So stay on your land.

Love is like a roller coaster: When it's good you don't want to get off, and when it isn't, you can't
wait to throw up
===============
Basic Rules For Dogs Who Have A Yard To Protect

NEWSPAPERS: If you have to go to the bathroom while playing in the front yard, always use the
newspaper that's placed in the driveway every morning for that purpose.

VISITORS: Quickly determine which guest is afraid of dogs. Charge across the room, barking
loudly and leap playfully on this person. If the human falls down on the floor and starts crying,
lick its face and growl gently to show your concern.

BARKING: Because you are a dog, you are expected to bark. So bark--- a lot. Your owners will
be very happy to hear you protecting their house. Especially late at night while they are sleeping
21
safely in their beds. There is no more secure feeling for a human than to keep waking up in the
middle of the night and hearing your protective bark, bark, bark...

LICKING: Always take a BIG drink from your water dish immediately before licking your
human. Humans prefer clean tongues. Be ready to fetch your human a towel.

HOLES: Rather than digging a BIG hole in the middle of the yard and upsetting your human, dig
a lot of smaller holes all over the yard so they won't notice. If you arrange a little pile of dirt on
one side of each hole, maybe they'll think it's gophers. There are never enough holes in the
ground. Strive daily to do your part to help correct this problem.

DOORS: The area directly in front of a door is always reserved for the family dog to sleep.

THE ART OF SNIFFING: Humans like to be sniffed. Everywhere. It is your duty, as the family
dog, to accommodate them.

DINING ETIQUETTE: Always sit under the table at dinner, especially when there are guests, so
you can clean up any food that falls on the floor. It's also a good time to practice your sniffing.

HOUSEBREAKING: Housebreaking is very important to humans, so break as much of the house
as possible.

GOING FOR WALKS: Rules of the road: When out for a walk with your master or mistress,
never go to the bathroom on your own lawn.

COUCHES: It is perfectly permissible to lie on the new couch after all your humans have gone to
bed.

PLAYING: If you lose your footing while chasing a ball or stick, use the flower bed to absorb
your fall so you don't injure yourself.

CHASING CATS: When chasing cats, make sure you never -- quite -- catch them. It spoils all
the fun.

CHEWING: Make a contribution to the fashion industry...Eat a shoe.


RECIPE CORNER
BREAKFAST SAUSAGE

The rubbed sage and savory are what give this sausage its wonderful breakfast flavor;
the nutmeg and marjoram provide a nice counterpoint, and the black pepper adds a
touch of hotness. Stuff into sheep casings or leave as bulk sausage to make patties.
22
Ground pork: 1 lb.
Coarse salt: 1/2 tablespoon
Rubbed sage: 1/2 teaspoon
Rubbed summer savory: 1/3 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg: 1/8 teaspoon
Ground marjoram: 2/3 teaspoon
Ground black pepper: 1/3 teaspoon


SWEET ITALIAN WITH WILD FENNEL

This authentic Italian sausage is a perennial favorite. It calls for wild fennel seeds, which
can be collected in the fall all over California, where it grows, weed-like, along roads and
highways. But commercial fennel seeds, or even anise seeds, will do just as well. Stuff
into hog casings. Serve with pasta of any sort, or add slices of this sausage (pre-cooked)
to your favorite meat-based pasta sauce.
Ground pork: 1 lb.
Coarse salt: 1/2 tablespoon
Ground black pepper: 1/4 tablespoon
Wild fennel seeds: 1/4 tablespoon
Chopped parsley: 1/2 tablespoon

ANDOUILLE (French for Pig)

Andouille is a strongly-smoked Cajun sausage used in gumbos, jambalayas, bisques
and other specialties. True andouille is stuffed into medium beef casing (hard to find),
which makes the sausage approximately 1-1/2" in diameter. When smoked over pecan
wood and sugar cane, it becomes very dark to almost black in color. Cajuns smoke
andouille for up to seven or eight hours. The finest andouille in France comes from
Brittany and Normandy: it's believed that over half of the Acadian exiles who came to
Louisiana in 1755 were originally from these coastal regions.
There are many variations of andouille recipes. This is one that we've found is well-
accepted by most palates. Grind the pork coarsely: use a 3/8" plate. Stuff into large-bore
hog casings (42+ mm). Smoke over your choice of chips hickory, apple, alder or
pecan, if you can get it. Use a tray over the heat source and watch out for fire from
the fat drippings! Smoke slowly until the sausages reach 175. They'll be fully cooked
at that temperature, and ready to eat or to be frozen. Don't smoke them too fast, or
they'll shrink and get wrinkled. Slow smoking toughens the skins to give the andouille
that special "bite," like al dente pasta. Cut the sausages on the diagonal and add to your
favorite Cajun dish!
23
Ground pork: 1 lb.
Coarse salt: 1/2 tablespoon
Cayenne: .03 teaspoon
Rubbed sage: .05 teaspoon
Ground cloves: .05 teaspoon
Ground mace: .05 teaspoon
Ground allspice: .05 teaspoon
Ground black pepper: 1/5 teaspoon
Ground bayleaf: .05 teaspoon
Thyme: 1/10 teaspoon
Crushed raw garlic: 1/2 clove

SPANISH CHORIZO

Spanish Chorizo can really be made only in Spain, where entire villages are devoted to
its manufacture,. The product is air-cured for up to four months in special high-ceilinged
rooms. Some chorizo is smoked; some is not. This recipe does not call for smoking, but
because the dominant flavoring is smoked paprika, the sausage has a refined smoky
flavor that does not overpower. The Aleppo pepper adds a rich red pepper overtone as
well as a mild (and delayed) piquancy that slowly fills the mouth with warmth rather than
assaulting the tongue and palate in the more forthright manner of jalapenos or hot chili
peppers.
Grind the pork coarsely (3/8" or larger plate). You may have difficulty finding Aleppo
pepper, also known as Near East pepper, ground from a sweet, sharp chili grown in the
Aleppo region of Syria. One source we know is World Spice Merchants, in Seattle,
Washington. Smoked paprika, from Spain, comes in three varieties: sweet, bittersweet
and hot. We use the sweet (dulce) variety.
Mix all the ingredients together and refrigerate for 24 hours. Stuff into medium hog
casings.

Ground pork: 1 lb.
Coarse salt: 1/2 tablespoon
Garlic, crushed or finely chopped: 1.5 cloves
Ground nutmeg: 0.4 teaspoon
Brown sugar: 0.8 tablespoon
Smoked paprika : 0.8 tablespoon
Aleppo pepper: 0.8 tablespoon














24
Measure life not by the breath you take,
But by the moments that take your breath away.
Life should NOT be a journey to the grave
with the intention of arriving safely
in an attractive and well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand,
wine in the other, body thoroughly used up,
totally worn out and screaming
"WOO HOO what a ride!"

THE BOOK OF YOU http://www.sedonavisions.com

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UFO BOOKS http://www.ufophotoarchives.com

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