BHM Newsletter
Volume 8      Number 2

February 21, 2006
 

INSIDE BHM

New Issue Online

In case you haven't noticed, selections from the new issue were posted almost a week ago.

The articles that are available to read online include

• Dave's editorial - Why you may want to get a “stress test”
• Ask Jackie
• Buying the right emergency radio By Jeffrey R. Yago, P.E., CEM
• Take care of your knife By John Lo Cicero
• A new use for old tires—A garden using tires By Charles Sanders
• The wonderful world of lavender By Sharon Palmer
• Grow garlic and reap health benefits By By Alice B. Yeager
• Build a groundhog snare By Allen Easterly
• John Silveira's Last Word column

Click on the Current Issue link in the Features section of the Navigation menu to see the Table of Contents with links to available articles and features.

Century Celebration

We've begun the celebratory countdown to our 100th issue by lowering the yearly subscription price for the print version of the magazine to $17.90, which is our lowest subscription rate in more than 15 years. Currently the regular subscription price is $23.95. I don't know how long I'll keep the rate at $17.90, so some of you may want to take advantage of it now.

You can order new, renewal, or gift subscriptions for up to five years by going here. No coupon or code required!

--Dave

SELF-RELIANCE TIPS

Protect Your Family and Yourself from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide Can Be Deadly

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are maintained and used properly, the amount of CO produced is usually not hazardous. However, if appliances are not working properly or are used incorrectly, dangerous levels of CO can result. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars. Fetuses, infants, elderly people, and people with anemia or with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. Be safe. Practice the DO’s and DON’Ts of carbon monoxide.

CO Poisoning Symptoms

Know the symptoms of CO poisoning. At moderate levels, you or your family can get severe headaches, become dizzy, mentally confused, nauseated, or faint. You can even die if these levels persist for a long time. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea, and mild headaches, and may have longer term effects on your health. Since many of these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, food poisoning, or other illnesses, you may not think that CO poisoning could be the cause.

Play it Safe

If you experience symptoms that you think could be from CO poisoning:

• DO GET FRESH AIR IMMEDIATELY. Open doors and windows, turn off combustion appliances and leave the house.
• DO GO TO AN EMERGENCY ROOM and tell the physician you suspect CO poisoning. If CO poisoning has occurred, it can often be diagnosed by a blood test done soon after exposure.
• DO Be prepared to answer the following questions for the doctor:
• Do your symptoms occur only in the house? Do they disappear or decrease when you leave home and reappear when you return?
• Is anyone else in your household complaining of similar symptoms? Did everyone’s symptoms appear about the same time?
• Are you using any fuel-burning appliances in the home?
• Has anyone inspected your appliances lately? Are you certain they are working properly?

Prevention is the Key to Avoiding Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• DO have your fuel-burning appliances -- including oil and gas furnaces, gas water heaters, gas ranges and ovens, gas dryers, gas or kerosene space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves -- inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season. Make certain that the flues and chimneys are connected, in good condition, and not blocked.
• DO choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions.
• DO read and follow all of the instructions that accompany any fuel-burning device. If you cannot avoid using an unvented gas or kerosene space heater, carefully follow the cautions that come with the device. Use the proper fuel and keep doors to the rest of the house open. Crack a window to ensure enough air for ventilation and proper fuel-burning.
• DO call EPA’s IAQ INFO Clearinghouse (1-800-438-4318) or the Consumer Product Safety Commission (1-800-638-2772) for more information on how to reduce your risks from CO and other combustion gases and particles.

• DON’T idle the car in a garage -- even if the garage door to the outside is open. Fumes can build up very quickly in the garage and living area of your home.
• DON’T use a gas oven to heat your home, even for a short time.
• DON’T ever use a charcoal grill indoors -- even in a fireplace.
• DON'T sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
• DON’T use any gasoline-powered engines (mowers, weed trimmers, snow blowers, chain saws, small engines or generators) in enclosed spaces.
• DON’T ignore symptoms, particularly if more than one person is feeling them. You could lose consciousness and die if you do nothing.

A Few Words About CO Detectors

Carbon Monoxide Detectors are widely available in stores and you may want to consider buying one as a back-up --BUT NOT AS A REPLACEMENT for proper use and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances. However, it is important for you to know that the technology of CO detectors is still developing, that there are several types on the market, and that they are not generally considered to be as reliable as the smoke detectors found in homes today. Some CO detectors have been laboratory-tested, and their performance varied. Some performed well, others failed to alarm even at very high CO levels, and still others alarmed even at very low levels that don’t pose any immediate health risk. And unlike a smoke detector, where you can easily confirm the cause of the alarm, CO is invisible and odorless, so it’s harder to tell if an alarm is false or a real emergency.

So What’s a Consumer to Do?

First, don’t let buying a CO detector lull you into a false sense of security. Preventing CO from becoming a problem in your home is better than relying on an alarm. Follow the checklist of DOs and DON’Ts.

Second, if you shop for a CO detector, do some research on features and don’t select solely on the basis of cost. Non-governmental organizations such as Consumers Union (publisher of Consumer Reports), the American Gas Association, and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) can help you make an informed decision. Look for UL certification on any detector you purchase.

Carefully follow manufacturers’ instructions for its placement, use, and maintenance.

If the CO detector alarm goes off:

• Make sure it is your CO detector and not your smoke detector.
• Check to see if any member of the household is experiencing symptoms of poisoning.
• If they are, get them out of the house immediately and seek medical attention. Tell the doctor that you suspect CO poisoning.
• If no one is feeling symptoms, ventilate the home with fresh air, turn off all potential sources of CO -- your oil or gas furnace, gas water heater, gas range and oven, gas dryer, gas or kerosene space heater and any vehicle or small engine.
• Have a qualified technician inspect your fuel-burning appliances and chimneys to make sure they are operating correctly and that there is nothing blocking the fumes from being vented out of the house.

RECIPES

Cajun Corn And Crab Cakes

1 large egg
1 pound crabmeat
1 teaspoon Cajun spice blend
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 cup fresh corn kernels
1-1/4 to 1-1/2 cups bread crumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

In large bowl, beat egg. Carefully pick through crabmeat, removing any pieces of shell. Keep lumps of crabmeat as large as possible. To beaten egg, add crabmeat, Cajun spice blend, mayonnaise and corn. Using a round mold or by hand, form crab mixture into about 24 two-inch-wide flat cakes. On sheet of waxed paper, evenly spread crumbs. Dredge cakes lightly in bread crumbs to coat. Heat nonstick skillet over moderate heat; add olive oil. Add cakes to skillet; cook through, turning once when first side is nicely browned. Remove and drain crab cakes on absorbent paper. Serve with sweet red-pepper relish.

Moroccan Carrot Salad

6 carrots, shredded
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
dash of freshly ground black pepper

Use a food processor or hand grater to shred the carrots finely. You can shred the onion, too, instead of chopping it, if you like. Place carrots and onion in a medium serving bowl.

In a small bowl, blend together the remaining ingredients with a wire whisk. Pour over the carrots and toss well. Serve at room temperature, or refrigerate.

Exotic Barbecued Lamb

1 Leg of Lamb, bone removed and butterflied
2 medium onions, chopped
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
5-7 cloves garlic, crushed
5 ounces lemon juice
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon mace (optional)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
6 ounces olive oil
2-1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Pour all the ingredients in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth.

Pour over a butterflied leg of lamb, cover and chill for 24-48 hours, turning occasionally.

Grill on the barbecue for 1-1/2 hours, and rest a few minutes before slicing.

Fresh Lemon-Garlic Roasted Beets

4 medium beets, peeled
4 carrots, peeled
4 cloves garlic, thin sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1 pinch salt
1 pinch white pepper

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Toss the ingredients in a glass baking dish. Cover tightly and roast for about 40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Shake or stir occasionally.

Mango-Rum Pudding with Rum

1/2 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tsp unflavored gelatin
1 12-ounce mango, peeled, pitted, cut into chunks
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup sugar
1-1/2 tablespoons dark rum

Mix orange and lime juices in small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over the juices and let stand 10 minutes.

Stir over low heat until gelatin dissolves. Let stand until just cool but not set.

Combine mango, sour cream, milk, sugar and rum in blender and blend on high until smooth. Add gelatin mixture and blend well. Pour into six 6-ounce custard cups. Chill until firm, at least 5 hours.

HUMOR

A man is driving through rural Nevada and sees a sign which reads:

SISTERS OF MERCY HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION - 10 MILES

He thinks it was a figment of his imagination and drives on. Soon, he sees another sign which says...

SISTERS OF MERCY HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION - 5 MILES

Realizing these signs are for real, he drives on and sure enough, there is a third...

SISTERS OF MERCY HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION - NEXT RIGHT

His curiosity gets the best of him and he pulls into the driveway. On the far side of the parking lot, is a somber stone building with a sign on the door that reads...

SISTERS OF MERCY HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION

He climbs the steps, rings the bell and the door is answered by a nun in a long black habit, who asks, "What may we do for you my son?"

"I saw your signs along the highway and was interested in possibly doing some business," he answers.

"Very well, my son. Please follow me," says the nun.

He is led through many winding passages, and soon he is very disoriented. The nun stops at a closed door and tells the man, "Please knock on this door" and leaves.

The man does as he is told and this door is opened by another nun in a long black habit. holding a tin cup. This nun instructs: "Please place $50 in the cup, then go through the large wooden door at the end of this hallway."

He places the money in the nun's tin cup. He trots eagerly down the hallway and slips through the door, pulling it shut. As the door locks behind him, he finds himself back in the parking lot facing another small sign...

Go in peace,

You have just been screwed by the sisters of Mercy!

Gender Dictionary

Wants & needs (wontz and nedz) n. female: The delicate balance of emotional, physical and psychological longing one seeks to have fulfilled in a relationship. male: Food,sex and beer.

Communication (ko-myoo-ni-kay-shon) n. female: The open sharing of thoughts and feelings with one's partner. male: Scratching out a note before suddenly taking off for a weekend with the guys.

Butt (but) n. female: The body part that every item of clothing manufactured makes "look bigger." male: The organ used for mooning (and farting).

Commitment (ko-mit-ment) n. female: A desire to get married and raise a family. male: Not trying to pick up other women while out with one's girlfriend

Entertainment (en-ter-tayn-ment) n. female: A good movie, concert, play or book. male: Anything with one ball, two folds, or three stooges.

Flatulence (flach-u-lens) n. female: An embarrassing byproduct of digestion. male: An endless source of enterainment, self-expression and male bonding.

Glass ceiling (glas see-ling) n. female: The invisible barrier that stops women from rising to the upper levels in business. male: What would really be great at work since that hot babe took over the office one flight up.

Making love (may-king luv) n. female: The greatest expression of intimacy a couple can achive. male: What men have to call "boinking" to get women to boink.

Remote control (ri-moht kon-trohl) n. female: A device for changing from one TV channel to another. male: A device for scanning through all 175 channels every 2 1/2 minutes.

Taste (tayst) v. female: Something you do frequently to whatever you're cooking, to make sure it's good. male: Something you must do to anything you think has gone bad, prior to tossing it out.

An elderly Floridian called 911 on her cell phone to report that her car has been broken into. She is hysterical as she explains her situation to the dispatcher:

"They've stolen the stereo, the steering wheel, the brake pedal and even the accelerator!" she cried.

The dispatcher said, "Stay calm. An officer is on the way."

A few minutes later, the officer radioed in.

"Disregard," he said. "She got in the back seat by mistake."

Five Secrets Of A Perfect Relationship

1. It's important to have a man who has a steady job and who helps at home with the cooking and cleaning and kids.

2. It's important to have a man who can make you laugh.

3. It's important to have a man who you can trust & doesn't lie.

4. It's important to have a man who is good in bed & likes being with you more than anything else in the world.

5. It's very, very important that these four guys don't know each other.
 

OTHER STUFF

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Contact Info:

Editor/Letters - Dave Duffy, editor@backwoodshome.com

Advertising Manager - Evelyn Leach, evelyn@backwoodshome.com
Web Site - Oliver Del Signore, webmaster@backwoodshome.com