Editor's Corner

By Mary E. Adair

June 2012

The path of least resistance makes all rivers, and some men, crooked. -Napoleon Hill, author (1883-1970)

Since May was such a busy month, (included travel to San Antonio's RiverWalk to celebrate May birthdays with Leo's daughter) one could hope for some peace and quiet in June, but don't hold your breath.

 Everyone is trying to line out vacations, but this area is so full of people from every state and a couple other countries just looking for a place live because of the oil boom. When the school had Kindergarten Graduation yesterday there were probably a thousand cars there. Some were single drivers, but most had at least two and some were filled with families. This graduation included one of the great granddaughters of yours truly from kindergarten, while another graduated the 25th out in S. Carolina, from High School and is college bound. Bless, bless.

Our authors, including Leo, have slacked off for the summer, so no cooking column in this issue, and LC Van Savage isn't here either. However, Peg Jones with "Angel Whispers," John I. Blair with "Always Looking," Mattie Lennon with "Irish Eyes," Thomas F. O'Neill with "Introspective," and "Eric Shackle's Column" by him include a lot of info. Eric also has an article for June, the timely one about the possible demise of shortwave radio broadcasts, "BBC Overseas Service May Be In Peril."

Poems include two by John I. Blair, "The Furry Gift" and "Anole." Bruce Clifford shares three of his, "Never Let You Go," "Secret Life," and "Walking in Glue." Bruce's daughter Brooke who has written for us in the past finished her College, so another graduate!! Bud Lemire also has three, "Island Friends," "Josephine," and "The Whispers of Nature." There are two from yours truly, one written on the natal anniversary, "To Be Again," and one on Leo's birthday, "All The Time."

Mark Crocker has added Chapter 5 to his second book of Rabbo Tales, "Rabbo II -Chapter 5." Remember you can click his name to go to his previous chapters.

We urge you to make comments at the blog version of the ezine. The magazine version will not accept comments at pencilstubs.com but you can say what interests you (or even click a 'funny' or 'interesting' button) at the pencilstubs.net blog version.

See you in July.

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Always Looking:

By John I. Blair

The Most Unlikely Birding Site In Texas

Birders are always trading notes about great spots to pursue their passion. Some of these are tranquil lakes; some wave-washed beaches; some windswept prairies; some leafy woodlands. All of them lovely and sweet-smelling, picture-pretty wild places.

But one of the most vaunted birding sites in north Texas is an abandoned sewage plant drying bed. And a rather malodorous one at that. The birding there can be so spectacular as to get hard-core birders virtually babbling to each other. I know; I’ve been there many times. And babbled. Ducks in winter, migrating shorebirds, raptors and passerines in spring and fall, and rare water birds in summer, all in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, next to a busy six-lane street.

Less than a mile northeast of Fort Worth’s sprawling Village Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant alongside Green Oaks Boulevard lie acres of former sludge drying beds. From 1970-1995, the drying beds were the final dewatering step in waste solids processing. Each summer the biosolids were removed from the beds and beneficially recycled as a fertilizer and soil conditioner on area parks, golf courses, highway easements and farmlands.

But in April, 1995, Village Creek ceased pumping sludge to the drying beds. The sludge that remained in the drying beds and adjacent stockpiles was removed under a series of contracts from 1996-2001. The drying bed site is now maintained and available as an emergency backup for sludge storage, as outlined in the City's master plan. And it has been opened, on a limited basis, to the birdwatching public.

Because a unique feature of the Village Creek sludge drying beds is an incredible abundance of birds and other animals, attracted to the area over the years by the nutrient-filled water teeming with organic life. Due to the availability of water and the sheltered structure of the site, the area is also a resting stop for hundreds of migratory birds on the Central Flyway of the United States.

The 240-acre site includes 45 two-acre ponds surrounded by a high levee (to keep out floodwaters from the adjacent Trinity River), plus some swampy woodland and damp meadows just outside the levee. The beds are immediately adjacent to, and bordered on three sides by, Arlington’s 1,000-acres-plus River Legacy Parks greenbelt area. Most of the park area is dense riparian woodland dotted with small meadows. Not far away is a chain of shallow lakes left from decades of sand and gravel extraction. Miles of paved and unpaved hiking and biking trails run the length of the parklands, providing access to a seemingly endless succession of other excellent birding areas along the river banks. But the drying beds are the crown jewel because of the exceedingly rich variety of birdlife to be seen there.

Just a Few of the Unusual Species You May See

Black-bellied Whistling Tree Duck – remarkably colorful and rare hole-nesting duck usually seen only in areas close to Mexico, but often numerous here.

         Black-bellied Whistling Tree Duck

Ibis – very Egyptian-looking wading bird with a down-curved beak. Both the white and glossy versions are seen here.

Piping Plover – pale shorebird with a distinctive black-ringed neck, these run along the pool edges, looking for food on the damp mud.

Piping Plover

Roseate Spoonbill – spectacularly beautiful bright pink wading birds with a unique flattened bill used for filtering tiny food animals from muddy water. These drying beds in Arlington must be about the only place in north Texas where these birds have been regularly sighted.

Black Tern – rare and declining species of graceful bird that dives from the air to grab fish from the water. Freshwater marshes such as these are critical to their continuing survival.

Black-necked Stilt – very slender-beaked wading bird with incredibly long and delicate legs, these feed in shallow ponds and flooded fields, stepping gingerly along as they probe for prey.

Black-necked Stilt

Peregrine Falcon – associated with city skyscrapers and rocky cliffs, these handsome raptors also fancy open woodlands such as the park adjacent to the drying beds and are often seen there, attracted by the plentiful prey of small birds and animals so numerous in the area.

Prothonotary Warbler – a marvelously bright yellow and orange migratory warbler named because its plumage supposedly reminded early Spanish explorers of the garb worn by medieval ecclesiastical court clerks. Loves swamps and shallow waterways.

Yellow-headed Blackbird – a primarily western United States relative of the familiar Red-winged Blackbird, this species is rarely seen in Texas east of the trans-Pecos area, but has been spotted at the drying beds.

Least Bittern – secretive and retiring wading bird that is especially attracted to the interior of cattail marshes, creeping among the stems and elevating its neck to blend into the background of reeds when threatened.

How to Get There:

From the Fielder Road exit on IH 30 in Arlington, go north on Fielder for 1.3 miles to Green Oaks Blvd. Turn right on Green Oaks and go 0.3 miles to the entrance on the left – double iron swinging gates between brick pillars. Gates open to public 7:30-4:00 most days. Follow the long entrance drive past a marsh on the left and over the boundary levee to a central parking area from which gravel drives radiate. DO NOT drive beyond barricades, though the entire area is accessible on foot. Not open during inclement weather and usually closed for a short time after rains to allow the roads to dry out. Closed by 4:30. Do not overstay or you will spend the night (or have to abandon your car and walk out). There are no shelters, drinking water, or restrooms, so come prepared in more than one sense. Bring binoculars or other optical aids, birding manuals, and a sense of wonder. You will likely not be disappointed.

And after the gates close, be sure to stop by River Legacy Parks next door for more great birding. (See photo bottom of page.) Among the many species sighted in this vast and semi-wild park by avid local birders, it’s said even wood storks have been seen. Owls and woodpeckers are commonplace. As a bonus, you may see one of the park’s resident bobcats. And alligators in the Trinity are not unheard-of, a twelve-footer having been reported nearby a few years ago.

Happy birding!

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Photo below shows a tiny portion of the main trail through River Legacy Parks.

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Angel Whispers

By Peg Jones

Angel Message for May

Taking a leap of faith in the unknown is also taking a big leap in to trusting the universe. It's pretty easy for us to think, or to not take the leap of faith, because of the fears, we have with doing so. The angels ask you to come out of your comfort zone, and take that leap.

When I was just learning about the angels, and how to trust them and all that was in the Universe, I realized that they were there for me all that time, I wasn't speaking to them.

There were times, when I had felt very alone, because I didn't understand that they were there for me. I know now that they are always there for me. I know I can talk to them about anything that is on my mind, and that I will receive an answer back from them.

I have found in trusting them, is when I receive the most powerful of messages. When I let go of my ego thinking, and think with my heart, I get the answers that I am looking for. When I find the heart place, I find the love I am looking for. I can feel the peace, and have the clarity I need, in living day to day. It is where kindness and trust live too. It is where I can find my true self.

Sometime when thinking with the ego, I find that judgement and anger is pretty prevalent. But when I think in the heartplace, I find I can breathe easier and I find I am smiling a lot more.

The angels tell me that you can speak to them too. They remind me that they believe in free will and would never speak to you unless you ask them for assistance. They respect your decisions and want you to know they are there for you at anytime. They know that some are doubtful and that some are afraid to to speak to them. They remind you that their messages of only of love and peace.

Peg Jones

Certified Angelic Life Coach

978-854-3577

http://pegsangelicalwhispers.com

http://angelwhispersangelmessagefortheday.blogspot.com/

Healing Center Beverly MA O1915

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BBC Overseas Service May Be In Peril

By Eric Shackle

The BBC may be about to close its shortwave service which has presented Britain to the world for 70 years.

I stumbled on this disturbing information while researching a story I was writing about the world's most powerful radio transmitters.

"RAMPISHAM’S radio transmission station may close before Christmas with the loss of more than 20 jobs, even though it’s currently broadcasting into Libya," Jonathan Hudston wrote in his blog.

"The proposed shutdown of the Dorset site follows the BBC’s decision earlier this year to cut back on World Service shortwave broadcasting and stop it altogether by 2014, even though nearly half of the World Service’s audience (184 million in 2010-11) listens via shortwave.

"The BBC says it’s phasing out shortwave because the Foreign Office cut the World Service grant by 16% (£46 million).

"The possible closure of Rampisham raises some big questions.Such as: Isn’t it just a stupid idea? And: Is it even possible?"

Some 80 years ago, in the early days of commercial broadcasting, a New Zealand radio station, 4ZF Dunedin, used only seven watts to play gramophone recorded music to its few hundred listeners.

Far away across the Pacific, the Crosley Radio Corporation, of Cincinnati, Ohio, boasted I've just added a new story to my blog: Nimblenoms.blogspot.com that its station, the new 500,000 watt WLW, was the most powerful in the world.

As a teenager in Christchurch, New Zealand in the 1930s, my hobby was DXing, searching for lond-distance radio programs. I managed to listen to both 4ZF and WLW.

Where are the most powerful broadcasting stations today?

To find the answer to that question I consulted my friend David Ricquish, founder and chairman of the Radio Heritage Foundation, in Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. He has compiled an amazing database of thousands of stations around the world.

Here's his surprising response: These seem to be the 4 largest SW sites by kW power.
1. Voice of Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran, Kamalabad site = 12 x500kW, 1 x 350kW, 3 x 250kW, 10 x 100kW = 8,100kW
2. RTRN [Russia], Taldom site = 3 x 1000kW, 4 x 250kW, 12 x 100kW =5,200kW
3. Babcock International, Rampisham UK site = 10 x 500kW = 5,000kW
4. SARFT [China], Urumqi, Xinjiang site = 8 x 500kW, 9 x 100kW =4,900kW LINKS:
BBC prediction: http://www.realwestdorset.co.uk/wordpress/08/2011/dorset-bbc-world-service-rampisham-radio-transmitting-station-clo
http://www.realwestdorset.co.uk/wordpress/08/2011/dorset-bbc-world-service-rampisham-radio-transmitting-station-clo
Hard-Core-DX: http://www.hard-core-dx.com/archives/july2001.html
Middle East on Shortwave:http://homepage.ntlworld.com/bdxc
Sunday Mail, Brisbane (1938):http://www.bdb.co.za/shackle/images/roughrodeo.gif
RTRN Russia: http://www.rtrn.it/

Posted by Eric Shackle at 21:17 Monday, 28 May 2012, From Sydney, Australia.

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Author's Blog.

Irish Eyes

By Mattie Lennon

WHAT? No Owl Sandwiches?

Your June Irish Eyes is been hurriedly written on the last day of May in the Culture capital of Ireland. I’m on my annual pilgrimage to Listowel Writers’ week. It was formally opened on Wednesday night by the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins.

The president is a poet, writer, academic, and human rights advocate.


He has been described as, “ . . . promoter of inclusive citizenship and champion of creativity within Irish society”. The president ( having tapped his feet to the music of Aoife Ni Argain , a senior All Ireland Harpist champion. ) gave a wonderful speech In which he payed tribute to the literary tradition of Listowel. He said that "Writers' week doesn't have to try too hard . . . Writers' Week is to Listowel what the Spa is to Lisdoonvarna." He spoke of how the Writers of Listowel John B. Keane, Bryan McMahon et al had an, "Unparalleled gift for developing characters." The President then presented the John B. Keane Award (A lifetime achievement award cor contributions to the Arts) to Anthony Cronin.

Entertainment was provided by Claire Keane, a local girl who won the Voice of Kerry in 2001 and Aoife Ni Argain. The Chairman, Sean Lyons, gave a riveting speech in which he told us how the dedication of all involved in Writers' Week since 1971 has , “ . . . echoed down the corridors of the decades." and how he shares every moment with us as we enter the fifth decade of the celebration of the written word that is Writers’ Week.” The opening ceremony included the presentation of the writers Week Literary Awards.

Christine Dwyer Hickey won the Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award which includes a cash prize of €15,000.

It was a long night in Listowel.

Today started early with a Literary Walking Tour where we walked in the footsteps of the late, great John B. Keane. We visited his birthplace and the schools he attended with a flavour of his writings through song and story along the way. It coincided with readings from the winners of the writers’ Week Literary Competitions but one couldn’t be everywhere.

Orla Tinsley

Orla Tinsley, who received the Rehab Young Person of The Year Award in 2008, was in the Listowel Arms at noon. There was a medley of the early works of John B. Keane in St. Johns at 1.00 o’ clock followed by an interesting session with novelists Belinda McKeon and Aifric Campbell in the Plaza Centre. Just time for a quich snack before going to the Listowel Arms for a "conversation between John Lanchester and Colm Toibin.

Back to The Plaza C to hear Helen Dunmore author of "Zenor in Darkness" and seven other novels. A later interview will feature the two funniest men on the island when journalist, broadcaster and Public speaker Billy Keane interviewed Des Bishop.

Des Bishop

It’s an early start tomorrow as “The John Murray Show” Ireland’s most popular radio programme will be broadcast live from Listowel. (Later in the week John, one of our best loved broadcasters, will interview Germaine Greer, author of “The Female Eunuch” and many other controversial books.)

Another Walking tour tomorrow morning followed by “The Virgin ant the Vulture” , written by and starring Shadaan Feifeli, at 2.30 in St John’s Art Centre, there will be “Writers from Three Continents” at 2. 30 and at 3.00 o’ clock “Poetry Without Pints” hosted by John McGrath, in the Seanachai Centre.

At 3.30 Patrick deWitt will be in conversation with Sinead Gleeson at the arms Hotel. Patrick is author of “The Sisters Brothers.”

Later in the day acclaimed novelist Christine Dwyer Hickey will read and discuss the Creative Writing Process in St John’s and at 6.30 we saw, and heard, two established Australian poets Paul Hetherington and Petra White.

In between there will be a number of Book-launches and fringe events to attend; A Press Photographers exhibition and two Art Exhibitions.

“Poets’ Corner” an Open Mic session will finish off the evening.

It’s going to be another hectic but very enjoyable three days. The festival will wrap up on Sunday evening when yours truly will participate in the final of the “Eamon Kelly International Storytelling competition.”

It has been said that a Storyteller can’t afford the luxury of an ordinary life. Maybe he can’t afford a Sheanachai’s costume either but I had most of one. I was missing the “Grandad Shirt” but Lee Valley Original Irish Country Clothing, Inchigeela, County Cork (www.levalleyireland.com) came to the rescue. I’m now a fully attired Irish Storyteller. For the story I’m telling I needed a prop, a traditional Irish Clay pipe.

Where would I get one of them?.


The Penn Valley Pipe Shoppe in Appalachian, New York, makes such a pipe. And the very agreeable proprietor one K. C. Ellis fixed me up with the appropriate prop.

It's exactly ten years since the great John B. Keane died during Writers' Week. Fifty years ago in a collection titled "Strong Tea" he published a collection of essays about all kinds of food from "Owl Sandwiches" to black pudding.

And guess what? There's a special Writers' Week menu available in John B. Keane's. (There are no Owl Sandwiches available.) And do you know what I'm going to tell you? Billy Keane would put Jamie Oliver to shame. And . . . he has a few words that Gordon Ramsey hasn't learned yet!!

Links:
Here are a couple of “cultural” websites worth looking into:
northkerryreachingout.com is the website of a voluntary organisation aiming at bringing the Kerry Diaspora home.
Doneraile Literary and Arts Festival is all about the forthcoming Doneraile Literary and Arts Festival to be held in August. It includes information on Short-story and Poetry competitions.

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