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STARS 'N STORIES Hugh of ‘Eagle Ray’
The idea was born at the ladies coffee morning as the theme of astronomy, astrology and mythology fits comfortably into the educational programme for children liveaboards in Marmaris Yacht Marina.
Starting mid November with the generous assistance of the Management, the marina ferry was gently manoeuvered by Kaptan Ali out of the glare of the port floodlights and into the dark of night to explore the heavens above. Aboard were some 20 youngsters heavily clad in warm woollies and life jackets, accompanied by parents and thermoses of hot chocky. Once anchored in the lee of Paradise Isle and sheltered from the bright lights of Marmaris, the real evening unrolled, pinpointing planets (Jupiter was about to set), stars (the brilliant summer triangle) and even searching for the comet Holmes visible to the naked eye in the constellation of Perseus. Legends and myths were vividly recounted by Christopher from ‘Mianda’ and enacted by Peter from ‘Alexina’ of Shoreham as an angry Poseidon. Professional photography was ensured by Jamie from ‘Esper’, while Hugh from ‘Eagle Ray’ gave a hitch-hikers guide to the constellations. The school aged stargazers were so |
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enraptured by the night sky that it was decided to continue the learning curve on Friday afternoons in the kids club. The first two sessions started by explaining the solar system and building a basic planetarium on the ceiling of the club. Afterwards, out in the pitch black, the skies were scanned for any sighting of those topics covered in the half hour workshop. Following the Christmas break, Mars and Martians were studied in some detail, especially as the red planet is presently the brightest object in the night sky after the moon, but also as it is in danger of being struck by an asteroid on 30th January. The budding astronomers, many |
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of whom have shown a well developed grasp of the subject, were recently to be seen searching for satellites both artificial and natural. Next comes the stunning winter hexagon with the hunter Orion, the only constellation in the northern hemisphere to indicate south*, along with his 2 dogs, one of which is Sirius the brightest star at -1.4 magnitude, under the ever watchful eye of the god of war… *This you won't find in any text book!
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Thoroughly clean the toilet. Lift lid and seat and add the required amount of shampoo to the toilet water. Pick up the cat and sooth him while you carry him towards the bathroom. In one smooth motion place the cat in the toilet and close the lid. You may need to stand on the lid so that the cat does not escape. CAUTION Do not get too close to the edge as the cat may reach out with its claws and injure any soft body parts. The cat will self agitate and produce ample suds. Do not be concerned by the noises that will come from your toilet, the cat is actually enjoying himself. Flush the toilet 3 or 4 times. This provides a “powerwash and rinse” |
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How to give your cat a bath Paul of ‘Cloud 9’ |
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which is very effective. Ensure all hatches are open and that there is no-one between the toilet and exit point. Stand as far behind the toilet as possible and quickly lift the lid. The cat, who by now is very clean, will eject in a rocket like manner from the toilet and hurtle outside where he will dry himself.
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Quick Doughnuts Denise of ‘Holmwood’ |
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These doughnuts are quick and simple to make. You can use the dough to make doughnuts, bread rolls, pizza bases and anything else you fancy. 1 lb of dough will make 16—20 doughnuts Sieve the flour, add salt, sugar and yeast. Make a well and tip the butter and some of the milk mixture in the centre. The dough needs to be a little sticky. Turn onto a board and knead until it’s smooth. Put the dough back into the bowl and cover with a tea towel. Leave it in a warm place to double in size. Roll the dough on a flat surface and cut to shape with a pastry cutter or a knife. Fill with jam, chocolate or fruit and shallow fry for a couple of minutes. The doughnuts can be dipped in sugar, cinnamon chocolate or anything else that takes your fancy. |
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11th January 2008 |