National Library Week 2003

Today's triva and tips

Twisted title:
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe
"Huge Black Bird Plagues Mourning Lover- Tells Him His Love is 'Nevermore'!"

Search PCC's Library for the works of Edgar Allan Poe
Source: "Tabloid Headlines" from funtrivia.com

Opening sentence:
Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg
"It's freezing - an extraordinary 0 Fahrenfeit - and it's snowing, and in the language that is no longer mine, the snow is qanik - big, almost weightless crystals falling in clumps and covering the ground with a layer of pulverized white frost."

Search PCC's Library for Smilla's Sense of Snow
Source: "First Lines" from http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/jad22/

Gossip, Gardening, and Other Tips:

Health:

Relax sore neck muscles
"When we're under stress, we usually lean forward to focus on what we're doing," says Neil Chasan, a physical therapist in Seattle. "This makes the muscles of the neck and lower back work harder--and they're small to begin with."

Here's what to do: Clasp your hands behind your neck and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Now let your head fall forward so your chin is close to your chest, and bring your elbows together in front of you so they're touching. Pull down with your hands for several seconds, then release. Repeat six to eight times whenever you're knotted up.

Source: Men's Health, Jan-Feb 2003, p.84.
Search PCC's Library for Men's Health Magazine

Cooking:

Here's an intriguing vegetarian dish:
Spiced Vegetables with Basmati Rice
Prep and cook time: about 45 minutes; makes: 4 servings

1 1/2 c basmati rice
4 oz green beans, rinsed, ends trimmed, and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 t vegetable oil
1 onion (8 oz) peeled and chopped
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 T minced fresh ginger
1 t ground cumin
1 t ground coriander
1/2 t cayenne
1 cups cauliflower florets
1 can (15 1/2 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 1/2 oz) garbanzos, drained and rinsed
salt and pepper

In a 3-4 quart pan over high heat, bring 2 1/2 c water and the rice to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender to bite. 18-20 minutes.

In a 10-12 inch frying pan over high heat, bring about 3 c of water to a boil. Add green beans and cook until tender-crisp, about 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water until cool. Wipe pan dry.

Pour oil into pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add onion, garlic, and ginger; stir often until onion is limp, about 5 minutes.
Stir in cumin, coriander, cayenne, cauliflower, and 1 c water. Cover and bring to a simmer; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender when pierced, 8-10 minutes.

Add tomatoes and garbanzos, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, to blend flavors, about 10 minutes. Add green beans and stir occasionally until hot, about 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Spoon rice into four wide, shallow bowls and top equally with vegetables and sauce.

Source: Sunset Magazine, March 2003, p. 130-131.
Search PCC's Library for Sunset Magazine

Gossip :
Who was missing on Oscar Night, and why?

Angelina Jolie canceled after her dress was stolen in London March 20. Meg Ryan was also a late scratch. The actress had planned on wearing a 75-carat diamond ring (to commemorate Oscar's 75th anniversary), but changed her mind two days before the show. She switched to a 5-carat rock, plus a diamond peace-sign pendant. The next day, she canceled altogether.

Source: People Magazine - April 7, 2003, pg. 94
Search PCC's library for People Magazine

Gardening tips:

Where do all these slugs come from and what can I do about them? Here in Oregon, slugs are a huge problem.

Here's a tip from a Beaverton, Oregon resident:
. I planted Chinese cabbage seedlings and discovered that the slugs preferred Chinese cabbage to the lettuce, spinach, and other veggies that I planted. They chewed on the Chinese cabbage and left the other plants alone. The cabbage grows so fast that it's able to keep up with the damage. I've been using this trick for 3 years now.

Can't keep cats out of your garden? Try this.
The best solution I have found to keep cats out of the garden is orange peels. Just grate your orange peels, or grind them up, and sprinkle them in your garden. It doesn't take much, and you need to do it only a couple of times a season. Works like a charm! I grate or grind all of my peels and store them in the freezer until needed.

Source: Organic Gardening, Jan/Feb 2001, p70.
Search PCC's library for Organic Gardening Magazine

Cascading waterfalls, an ancient forest and an historic gold mining center. Interested in an enchanting walk in the woods?

Just 36 miles east of Salem, Oregon, lies the resplendent Opal Creek Watershed. Boasting more than 200 waterfalls and 40 miles of trails within its 35,000 acre wilderness, it's a spot you don't want to miss. Find out more at www.opalcreek.org.

Source: Sunset Magazine, May 2001, p35.
Search PCC's Library for Sunset Magazine