Newsletter 06/15/2014

Welcome to VacaChat

Where Vriends Gather

June 15, 2014

More graphics and buttons, courtesy of VacaDude, coming soon!

Broadcast
Schedule

Channel
Links

Important
News

Broadcast Schedule

Today!!! Sunday, June 15, 2014

3 PM PST/6 PM PST

No Story Writing.
We’ll write again on July 6.

6 PM PST/9 PM EDT

No VacaChat Broadcast.
The chat room will be open at 6:00 PDT (9:00 EDT—8:00 CDT).

Upcoming!!! Sunday, June 22, 2014

3 PM PST/6 PM PST

No Story Writing.
We’ll write again on July 6.

6 PM PST/9 PM EDT

No VacaChat Broadcast.
The chat room will be open at 6:00 PDT (9:00 EDT—8:00 CDT).

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Channel Links

Channel Links

VacaChannel

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vacadude

Pop-Out

If you want to view the chat or video in pop-out screens, use the links below. Some find that this places less stress on their computer and/or its memory.

Video: http://www.ustream.tv/channel-popup/vacadude

Chat: http://www.ustream.tv/channel-room/3506056

If you use the pop-out links, it is recommended that you open two browser windows. That way, if one needs to be refreshed, the other is not affected.

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Important News

International Space Station Links

During the last broadcast the Dude talked about the websites where one can view the spacestation and the view that the astronauts have. Here are the links:

This one has the map, but no chat.
http://eol.jsc.nasa.gov/HDEV/

This site has a chat room.
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/iss-hdev-payload

Trees

Jes shares with us this wonderful page of photos illustrating nature's wonders.

Trees | Dusky's Wonders

Intricately Carved Bench

Jes also shared with us this photo of an intricately carved bench. Can you imagine how many hours of labor went into this creation?

Hundon informs us that the sculptor works in the UK and if you follow this link you can see the bench from all sides. You can also see many more of his works. They are all incredible.

http://www.treesculpting.co.uk/g_oakowlbench.html

VacaVideo DVD

The DVD's have been sent. If you haven't received it already, please let us know. If you want one and did not order it yet, contact VacaDude soon.

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Vriends
News

Chatter
News

	Hello Vriends,
	A very Happy Father's Day to you all! May all the husbands, fathers, sons, uncles--and all who can call themselves "father"--have a wonderful day with family. And to those whose fathers are no longer with us (such as in my case), may there be fond remembrances. This has been a rather trying week for me. Those of you who were around the chatroom last Sunday may remember my saying that my main computer (the iMac) was acting funny. I was having to visit chat with the old laptop. Well, I had suspected that my hard drive was getting ready to quit, so Sunday night I began frantically trying to pull my needed data from the drive. In the course of attempting that, the "acting funny" changed to "utterly failing." I raced against time and machine to try to get everything I needed to keep going on my current work projects, but I fear I fell somewhat short. By Monday afternoon the drive was almost completely dead, giving error messages any time I tried to read or write anything. So all this week I have been trying to keep my clients happy by working on their projects with a very old backup computer, and having only a partial amount of success. Meanwhile, I took my computer to the Apple Store and they checked it out. Sure enough, the drive was kaputt. They offered to fix it for almost $400, but they also said they were backlogged--so they would have to keep the machine for over a week. I just couldn't do that, being that I was in the middle of three urgent projects. Well, I came up with an alternate workaround by getting a small portable drive and using that as an exterior boot volume. It is a temporary fix, which allows me to get to my work projects a bit easier, but at some point I am going to have to take this machine apart and put a new internal drive into it. Meanwhile, I have to do e-mail and stuff on the Internet using my iPhone! So anyway, that's what my week has been all about. One thing this has done for me has been to point-out the shortcomings in my administrative duties. I have not been diligent about doing backups of my work machines, which is crazy. So one of the things I am doing while I get my hardware issues resolved has been to work on a system for doing backups. I need to be able to bounce back quicker when these kinds of things happen, as I know they WILL happen. Those of you who have been watching the Cosmos series (as I have)...I hope you enjoyed the series finale last Sunday. Personally, it brought me to tears not once, but twice. At the end, they read quotes from Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot" lecture, using Dr. Sagan's recorded voice. That was incredibly moving. However, at the beginning of the episode they showed a computer-generated depiction of the Royal Library of Alexandria--both the exterior and interior. That actually brought tears to my eyes! The loss of that library represents one of the greatest tragedies in the history of our civilization. It once held the original works of all the Greek, Arab, and Asian philosophers and scientists--before it was burned over the course of several attacks on Alexandria in the first millennium. I've always thought that if I were ever to build a time machine, that is on my top five times/places that I would visit first (and I'd bring a photo-copier)! Have a great week, you all!
	Cheers, VacaDude

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Chatter News

	Ketaki	Ketaki had a surprise visitor in her front yard. It appears he just wanted a snack, so he helped himself! Ketaki's husband, Steve, woke Ketaki up to see him. He gave them quite a surprise. She says it was quite the experience! This was the same fella that took down the feeders last year on Thanksgiving morning. Broke the wrought iron feeder stand in half and had his happy day of bird seed! He has been wandering thru the acreage around here, which is mostly horse farms. Ketaki saw paw prints coming up their slope from the river out back. He probably sleeps near there because water is right there. They took down the feeders, just in case! What fun, eh?



	Sharoot	Sharoot's featured pictures can be found at the end of each newsletter, under Photos of the Week. She says that since they are located at the end, then "Sharoot's the Caboose!" The photos she gives us today are of some birds I've never heard, but now I'm really longing to see them in person.

	*Elsalynda*	Elsalynda's latest column entitled Nature in the City: Wildlife in Waltham, is available online here: http://waltham.wickedlocal.com/article/20140611/NEWS/140619951

		Elsa is in need of a good, used Windows computer (4 years old or newer). Her computer died and she bought a new high end Dell laptop Latitude 6540 but the materials and chemicals used in making this new computer are causing her health problems. The new one is available for purchase or trade.

	We'd love to include more news of VacaChatters. If you have something you'd like to share (something about you or your family) or if you know of exciting news about another chatter that they're just too shy to share, please send it to us! (We won’t run it without that chatter’s permission, however.)

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	*Littleguys*	Now it is Littleguys' turn to be included in our prayers. She has a couple of medical issues going on and is supposed to consult with a surgeon on Monday. The two issues are not related, so it is pure luck of timing that she can talk to the surgeon about both at the same time. If you want details, she said go ahead and email her. samwisebaggins@yahoo.com She isn't bashful, just thought that maybe these details are not appropriate for a newsletter or chat.

	*Caboval*	Caboval is in need of our prayers for her dog, Joey. You can read more about Joey and his struggles here: http://gfwd.at/1n8NU0h.

		UPDATE on Joey! Caboval writes: “Joey is in remission but the chemo almost killed him. He was in liver failure and the Dr gave him a 50/50 chance to live. He made it through that and we have had 3 really good weeks. He was so happy and acting like a puppy, but now he is starting to not eat again and he vomited today so I don't know… It's a rollercoaster. I have a feeling he is having liver issues again. I do really need those prayers!!!”

	*Elsalynda*	Elsalynda is also in need of prayers. She is asking for prayers for good care and caring from her primary care physician. Elsa reports that at her last visit, her physician "was at least civil and apologetic." She also reports that her back issues are improving and thanks everyone for their prayers and support. Continue to keep Elsa and her doctor in your prayers.

	*GentleDoe*	GentleDoe says things are improving for her and her parents a little bit. She is going to temporarily stay in her mother's home to provide care for her. Because of this, she is looking for portable cages for her birds that she can borrow during this time. She needs cages suitable for larger birds (parrot, cockatoo, etc.) If you live in the South Carolina area (near Columbia) and would happen to have a cage or cages she could borrow, please contact her at faith.bun.2012@gmail.com

	*Jes and Miss Jonesy*	Both Jes, and her furkid, Miss Jonesy, are battling health issues and undergoing various tests and procedures. Let's keep both of them in our prayers.
	*Jes and Miss Jonesy*

	Shari in Memphis	UPDATE!!! Just received this from Shari: "So kind of you to keep prayers going for me. I was hospitalized in November for an event (that just yesterday my doc said was severe enough that it could have killed me) and have pretty much been sick ever since. I'm trying to be patient as doc said it would take 6 months to a year, to fully recover."
	Shari in Memphis


	Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts for owl our wonderful VacaFamily members! If you have any prayer requests, updates or news of answered prayers, please let us know. Email us with the information so it can be included in the next newsletter.

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	Check out VacaDude's blog! Don't forget to send VacaDude your comments to let him know how much you appreciate him, his time & his talent!
	http://vacadude.wordpress.com/

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A Message
from Zorro

StoryTime
News

StoryTime
Archives

A Message
from Zorro

	Hello there, Everbuddy!
	Happy Father's Day to you all! I like to use today to remember those daddies who are no longer with us. I even remember with fondness a certain barn owl named McGee. I mean sure, he did try to end my life and feed me to his family, but I say no hard feelings. Besides, he was just being a good Daddy! And luckily for me, it didn't quite work out for him on that occasion. Now the Dude is about the closest thing I have to a Daddy. He's a pretty good provider too--it seems that there is always enough Velveeta in the refrigerator. And since I don't have to spend a lot of time and energy chasing after food, it leaves me more and more time for my studies of electronics and the physics of squishy things. Speaking of electronics, it sure has been quiet around here this week. No computers running until the early morning hours, no constant buzz of the routers, modems, relays, and wireless doo-dads. Just silence. And crickets. Reminds me of the peace of the old fields of San Marcos. Ahhhhhhhh... Hmmm. Oh, wha??? Oh, right. I need to get back to my research projects...before they get too moldy. A wonderful week to you all!!
	Yours Most Whiskerly, Zorro

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StoryTime News


	*Next StoryTime*	Sunday, July 6, 2014 3:00 PM PDT/6:00 PM EDT

	*Title*	To Be Announced

	*Invitation*	We need story writers! Please consider dropping in and checking out the fun we have writing the stories. Honestly, it's not at all difficult to join in and you'll surely be glad you did.
	*Invitation*

		More stories added to the Archives!

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	Taco Night Chicken Fingers
	Ingredients
	⅔ cup buttermilk baking mix 1 package taco seasoning mix 3 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut crosswise into ½ inch strips 1 egg, slightly beaten 3 tablespoons butter, melted Creamy Green Chile Dipping Sauce ¼ cup diced green chiles, drained ¼ cup sour cream Salsa Sour Cream Dipping Sauce ¼ cup salsa ¼ cup sour cream
	Directions
	Heat oven to 425ºF. Line cookie sheet with foil; spray with cooking spray. Mix baking mix and taco seasoning in 1-gallon resealable plastic food-storage bag. Dip half the chicken strips into egg; place in bag of baking mix mixture. Seal bag; shake to coat. Place chicken on cookie sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken. Drizzle butter over chicken. Bake 12 to 14 minutes, turning after 6 minutes with pancake turner, until no longer pink in center. Meanwhile, in separate small bowls, mix the Creamy Green Chile Dipping Sauce and Salsa Sour Cream Dipping Sauce until each is well blended. Serve chicken fingers with dipping sauces.


	Spicy Whole Roasted Cauliflower
	Ingredients
	1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 head cauliflower 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt 1 lime, zested and juiced 2 tablespoons chili powder 1 tablespoon cumin 1 tablespoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon curry powder 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper
	Directions
	Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a small baking sheet with vegetable oil. Set aside. Trim the base of the cauliflower to remove any green leaves and the woody stem. In a medium bowl, combine the yogurt with the lime zest and juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, curry powder, salt and pepper. Dunk the cauliflower into the bowl and use a brush or your hands to smear the marinade evenly over its surface. (Excess marinade can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days and used with meat, fish or other veggies.) Place the cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet and roast until the surface is dry and lightly browned, 30 to 40 minutes. The marinade will make a crust on the surface of the cauliflower. Let the cauliflower cool for 10 minutes before cutting it into wedges and serving.

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Recommended
Watching

Owl Cams

Other Nature Cams

Video Picks of the Week

Inspiration

Owl Cams

Barn Owls
	Nicassio Owl Box Salt and Pepper	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nicasio-owl

	HOP - MAGC Barn Owls	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/magc-owls

	Owlceanside Mel and Sydney	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/owlceanside

	Felix Neck Owl Cam Martha’s Vineyard	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/felix-neck-owl-cam

	The Owl Cam	http://www.ustream.tv/owlchannel

	Barn Owls in Minden, Nevada	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/barn-owls-in-minden-nevada

	Port of Stockton Barn Owl Cams	http://www.portofstockton.com/owl-cams

	Hosted by Cornell Lab of Ornithology Located in Texas	http://cams.allaboutbirds.org/channel/42/Barn_Owls/

Other Owls

	PPO (Potted Plant Owl) in South Africa	https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pot-Plant-Owl/148721154229

	Alessondra’s Owl Cam in Oklahoma City	http://ustream.tv/okcowlcam The three owlets have fledged.

	Rusty and Iris in Houston, Minnesota	http://www.internationalowlcenter.org/ourowls/rustyandiris/livecams

	Burrowing Owls Tri-Cities, Washington	http://wdfw.wa.gov/wildwatch/owlcam/video_burrowing2.html

	Project Snow Storm	http://www.projectsnowstorm.org/

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Puffins
	Shetland Islands Puffins	http://www.shetland.org/puffincam/

	Sea Island, Maine Puffin Burrow	http://explore.org/live-cams/player/puffin-burrow-cam

	Sea Island, Maine Puffin Loafing Ledge	http://explore.org/live-cams/player/puffin-loafing-ledge-cam These pages also contain links to numerous other nature cams.

Eagles
	Black Eagle South Africa		http://www.africam.com/wildlife/black_eagle_webcam The first egg hatched on June 6!.

	Decorah Eagles Decorah, Iowa	http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

	Berry College Eagle Cam Mt. Berry, Georgia	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/berry-eagle-cam

		http://www.pixcontroller.com/eagles/index.htm

Peregrine Falcons
	PA Falcon Cam Harrisburg, Pennsylvania	http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp

	Commerce Tower Peregrines Kansas City, Missouri	http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/wildlife-cameras/peregrine-falcon-web-camera Cam not live now but should be returning soon.

	Pitt Peregrine Falcon Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	http://www.aviary.org/PF-NestCam1

	Gulf Tower Peregrine Falcon Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	http://www.aviary.org/PF-NestCam2

	Emily Falcon Cam Caloundra, Australia	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/emily-falcon-cam

	RFalconCam Rochester, New York	http://rfalconcam.com/rfc-main/

Talking Birds
	Watch the Birdie Bibi, the African Gray	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/Watch-the-Birdie

	Disco Talking Parakeet	https://www.youtube.com/user/MsJumpinJude/videos

Other Birds

	California Condor San Diego Zoo Safari Park San Diego, California	http://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/cams/condor-cam

	KC Zoo Penguin Cam Kansas City, MO	http://www.kansascityzoo.org/penguincam

	Whidbey Island Back Porch Whidbey Island, WA Rufous hummingbirds and other assorted birds	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/katersch

	Hellgate Ospreys Missoula, Montana Sponsored by Cornell	http://cams.allaboutbirds.org/channel/27/Hellgate_Ospreys/

	Ostrich Chicks (Offline now)	http://www.ustream.tv/channel/ostrich-egg-cam-live

	Streaming Bird Cams List of many cams	http://www.beakspeak.com/

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Other Nature Cams

Pandas
	San Diego Zoo Pandas	www.sandiegozoo.org (click on live cams) or http://www.ustream.tv/sandiegozoo. Zoo's blogs: http://blognew.sandiegozoo.org/category/animals-and-plants/giant-pandas/

	Twin Pandas at Zoo Atlanta	http://www.zooatlanta.org/1212/panda_cam#ff_s=aDIEl

	Giant Panda Cam National Zoo Washington, DC	http://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/webcams/giant-panda.cfm

Bears
	Kansas City Polar Bears Nikita and Berlin	http://www.kctv5.com/category/244581/nikita-berlin-polar-bear-cam

	Brown Bears and Salmon Katmai National Park Alaska (off season- will return)	http://explore.org/#!/live-cams/player/brown-bear-salmon-cam-brooks-falls (lots of other cams at this site, as well)

	Black Bears Ely, Minnesota	http://www.bear.org/website/live-cameras/live-cameras/holly-bears-den-cam-live.html

Other Animal and Nature Sites
	San Diego Zoo and Safari Park	http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/

	The Pet Collective (many live cams)	http://www.thepetcollective.tv/livestreams/

	Critter Chat Cams Multi-Critter Site with Chat	http://critterchatcams.org/

	Friends of Felines Rescue Center Defiance, Ohio	www.ustream.tv/ffrc

	Little House Prairie Village, Kansas	http://www.tomnliz.com/Livecam/

	CC's Page of Links (scheduled for updating)	http://chatterchopz.com/links/camslinks.htm