Explorer v4,i3 web by Shayne Morgan

OUTDOORS, DINING, NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT

Volume 4, Issue 3

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TALKING WATER GARDENS - ALBANY

Photo By: Shayne Morgan

PARISH GAP Sat. Sept 21 THE FIREPIT, Lebanon. 9 PM Sept. 27th 8PM Albany American Legion. 1215 Pacific Blvd. SE. Guests welcome. Sat. Sept. 28 & Oct. 26. THE PEACOCK. Corvallis. 9:30 PM OSU Football after game Party Fri. & Sat. Oct. 4 & 5. West Side Station. 9 PM 610 Edgewater St. NW, Salem FOR BOOKING OR INFO 541.829.9740 WWW.MYSPACE.COM/PARISH GAP WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PARISHGAP

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FFRF wins standing to sue IRS over Form 990

The Freedom From Religion Foundation, which has three historic lawsuits in federal district court over preferential treatment of churches and ministers by the Internal Revenue Service, says it now has “three bases loaded.” For the second time within three days, a federal judge has ruled in favor of allowing FFRF to pursue IRS inequities favoring churches over FFRF. In August, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman ruled that FFRF’s case against church electioneering may proceed. U.S. District Barbara Crabb, in the Western District of Wisconsin, ruled Aug. 22 that the national state/church watchdog, based in Madison, Wis., has standing to pursue its lawsuit against the IRS for exempting churches from annual accountability requirements.

FFRF was previously given standing and is awaiting a decision over its challenge of the 1954 federal “parish exemption” law — uniquely gifting “ministers of the gospel” with the right to deduct church “housing allowances” from taxable income. This case is also before Judge Crabb. In her Form 990 ruling, Crabb wrote that the plaintiffs — FFRF and Triangle FFRF, its chapter in Raleigh, N.C. — have been injured because “the government is relieving an ongoing burden from some taxpayers on the basis of religious affiliation.” She added, “it is not plaintiffs’ ‘belief’ that gives them standing. Rather, it is their status as organizations that are burdened with requirements not imposed on churches.” In exchange for the significant advantage of retaining tax exemption, all 501(c) (3) organizations except churches must file an annual, onerous Form 990 with the IRS. These forms are available to the public, and reputable charities now place 990 forms on their websites for easy access. Tax-exempts report to the public on what they do with donations, financial oversight policies, salaries of top employees, how much of the income is used for fundraising versus mission or management, etc. Most active nonprofits, such as

FFRF, hire a certified public accountant to prepare the form, incurring significant accounting.

“Don’t get us wrong. We think the cost and transparency is worth it,” says FFRF co-founder Annie Laurie Gaylor. “We’re grateful for the privilege of the government designating donations to FFRF as deductible for income-tax purposes. But since we began filing these forms in 1978, we’ve been acutely aware that churches don’t play by the same rules, yet get equal or better privileges.” Dan Barker, FFRF co-president, asks, “What do churches have to hide? Why don’t they want to be accountable to the public?” “Look at Jonestown, Guyana, to see can happen when tax-exempt churches are not accountable to the government, or necessarily to anyone,” Gaylor added. “Had Rev. Jim Jones had to account to the government for the wealth, armory and even the foster children he and his church amassed, I believe that heinous slaughter in 1978 would have been averted.” FFRF’s parish exemption challenge has received national exposure in the last week due to a bizarre legal twist. The federal government, seeking to get FFRF’s challenge dismissed, claims FFRF’s co-presidents should qualify for a clergy tax break for leading an atheist organization. They are saying, “No thanks.” “We are having to tell the government the obvious — we’re not ministers and FFRF isn’t a church!” Gaylor said. FFRF’s Form 990 lawsuit also challenges the expensive filing fees which all groups seeking 501(c)(3) tax exemption must file — except churches. Crabb ruled that FFRF and its chapter have already paid the fees, and likely won’t incur more. Crabb asked FFRF to “show just cause why that claim should not be dismissed.” The Freedom From Religion Foundation, based in Madison, Wis., a 501(c) (3) nonprofit educational charity, is the nation's largest association of freethinkers (atheists, agnostics), and has been working since 1978 to keep religion and government separate.

THE VALLEY EXPLORER

Bankrate: Mortgage Rates Jump Ahead of Jobs Report NEW YORK, PRNewswire -- Mortgage rates moved higher, with the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbing to 4.72 percent, according to Bankrate.com's weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.29 discount and origination points. To see mortgage rates in your area, go to http://www.bankrate.com/funnel/mortgages/. The average 15-year fixed mortgage increased to 3.74 percent, while the larger jumbo 30-year fixed mortgage rate rebounded to 4.88 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were higher also, with the popular 5-year adjustable rate now at 3.65 percent and the 7-year ARM crossing back over the 4 percent threshold to 4.04 percent. Some better economic news, in particular news on manufacturing and the Federal Reserve's Beige Book report, tilted the odds a little more in favor of the Fed beginning to dial back their stimulus later this month. However, the decision likely hinges on the upcoming employment report, with a strong report giving the Fed the cover they need to taper their bond

purchases despite the looming debt ceiling and government budget debates. As recently as May 1 st, the average 30year fixed mortgage rate was 3.52 percent. At that time, a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $900.32. With the average rate currently at 4.72 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $1,039.68, a difference of $139 per month for anyone that waited too long. SURVEY RESULTS 30-year fixed: 4.72% -- up from 4.62% last week (avg. points: 0.29) 15-year fixed: 3.74% -- up from 3.66% last week (avg. points: 0.25) 5/1 ARM: 3.65% -- up from 3.61% last week (avg. points: 0.23) Bankrate's national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets. For a full analysis of this week's move in mortgage rates, go to http://www.bankrate. com.

Downtown Corvallis

THE VALLEY EXPLORER

Talking Water Gardens

By Shayne Morgan

I had a chance last week to finally visit the Talking Water Gardens located in Albany. Talking Water Gardens was built on the former site of a plywood mill that was originally owned by M & M Wood working Company, it was later purchased by the Simpson Timber company and operated until its closure in 1989. The land has been transformed into a wetlands and riparian area that encompasses over 37 acres. The wildlife is diverse with everything from birds, turtles and dragonflies. The layout is spectacular; bring your binoculars and your digital camera. We walked for about a half hour and I was pleasantly surprised by the

amount of water fowl and abundance of wildlife we saw. The wildlife has made this into a place they can call home. The goal of the Talking Water Gardens project is to reduce water temperature, improve water quality, restoration of riparian forest and wetlands, promote wildlife habitat and to create a new natural attraction for Valley area visitors. The best way to get there is from NE Davidson St, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s located near Waverly Cemetery by Costco in Albany. There is plenty of parking and its pet friendly. Enjoy an evening walk or take in the whole day. For more information on this amazing project visit www.twg.cityofalbany.net.

COVER PHOTO

The land has been transformed into a wetlands and riparian area that encompasses over 37 acres.

A Western Pond Turtle sunning on a log at the Talking Water Gardens in Albany.

JACOPETTI’S CATERS MEMORABLE MEALS

THE VALLEY EXPLORER

Article By Tom Wright Jacopetti’s Catering has been serving up delightful and memorable meals for events in our area for the past ten years. That is how long Debbie Burks has been running the business with the help of her husband, Ron and her mother, Barbara. Once again the very finest in products and services is provided by a family owned and operated business. Since it is our paper’s intent to feature stories about the best locally owned businesses in our area, I have been running into this situation more often than not. There is something about family pride that translates into the highest quality almost every time. Debbie offers extensive menu choices for catered events including breakfast, lunch and dinner. The secret to maintaining her high quality standards is a vast array of recipes that originated as their own homemade family favorites. By using only the finest and freshest ingredients, she is able to produce those same delicious entrees and side dishes in quantities to serve up to three hundred people. They never take the easy route. All ingredients are chopped by hand and assembled with care. Her signature Oriental Chicken Salad is one of her favorite examples of the culinary masterpieces she delivers to make an appealing visual presentation followed by a gastronomic taste treat you won’t soon forget. On the day I visited her kitchen, Debbie, Ron and Barbara were preparing seventy continental breakfasts and box lunches for a class being offered at the Linn County Courthouse. The sandwiches were prepared using home made bread. I got to watch Barbara preparing her own delightful scones with fruit that

you can get at a limited number of local outlets. Rhythm and Brews on 3rd Street in downtown Albany recommends them to their customers and they are absolutely delicious. Debbie takes pride in the fact that every year, they are one of only four catering services that earn the right to cater events at the Linn County Fairgrounds. The application and selection process is rigorous and only the best are selected. They stay pretty busy all year long, since most of the local businesses have come to depend on them for quality food and service for their gatherings. Business increase for lots of summer weddings, and raises to a feverish pitch around the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. If you would like to enjoy her fare at your holiday event, be sure to make your reservation early. They keep all their menus and information posted at their website, www. jacopettis.com. You can check things out there and you will see that I am not exaggerating the vast selection. Debbie is always happy to make adjustments for your personal taste. Everything is made special for you, so it is no problem to add or leave out any particular ingredients you might need adjusted due to special tastes or dietary concerns. I love to cook, and it was a lot of fun meeting the family and getting to experience first hand the love and care they put into the food and watch the obvious enjoyment they take in working together as a family and preparing the most beautiful, delicious and memorable catered treats in the valley. Home cooking, for the whole crew. What could be better?

Ph. 541-926-9660, Email: Debbie@Jacopettis.com Website: www.Jacopettis.com

The Secret About Tuna: Why Dietitians Love It

Tuna’s full of lean protein and nutrients, such as selenium, vitamin D, niacin and B12. (NewsUSA) - Do you know how good omega-3 fatty acids are for you? Among other benefits, omega-3s help reduce the risk of heart disease and may support your memory as you age. The American Heart Association actually suggests people eat fish rich in omega-3s -- including tuna and salmon -- at least twice a week. Tuna is known as a slimming super food. It's also full of lean protein and nutrients, such as selenium, vitamin D, niacin and B12. " The 'slimming secret' is its protein content," says registered dietitian Dawn Jackson Blatner, who contributes to Fitness Magazine. "Tuna is a lean protein and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Protein helps you feel full, and preliminary research suggests that omega-3s may decrease the amount of fat your body stores." Blatner recommends controlling portion sizes with StarKist's line of single-serve tuna pouches. "A 3-ounce portion of tuna in water has less than 100 calories and provides 16 grams of protein and about 100 percent of your daily value of omega-3s," adds Blatner. For another way to incorporate the nutrient-rich fish into your diet, try this tuna pasta salad recipe. LEMONY PASTA SALAD Adapted for StarKist by Fitness Magazine Preparation: 15 minutes

Cook: 10 minutes Number of servings: 4 5 ounces farfalle 3 (2.6 oz) pouches StarKist Flavor Fresh Pouch Albacore White Tuna 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, heaping 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved 2 cups baby arugula 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 4 teaspoons grated Parmesan 1. Cook farfalle according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water and drain again. 2. Drain tuna and transfer to a small bowl. Break into rough chunks, drizzle with 1 tablespoon oil and toss gently. 3. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon zest and juice, remaining oil, garlic, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper. 4. Add farfalle, beans, tomatoes, arugula and onion to bowl; toss well to combine. Add tuna; toss gently. Top each serving with 1 teaspoon Parmesan. Check out StarKist on Pinterest for more delicious summer recipes.

Community

THE VALLEY EXPLORER

Safe Haven Humane Society Anxious to Move to New Location By Kay Sams

When the doors open next June at Safe Haven Humane Society’s new location in Tangent, it’s volunteers and staff won’t have to step all over themselves Albany, OR – Registration is now 1 through October 7th to $65. The anymore. In fact Safe Haven’s Pet and available online for the ABC House’s registration fee from October 8th until Adoption Center at 32220 Old Highway third annual Runaway Pumpkin Half October 16th is $70. Registration is 34, Tangent, will double the current Marathon. This special event for all exclusively online, so the correct number capacity, which can only house up to 150 ages supports ABC House’s efforts to of shoe timing chips can be ordered. cats and 40 dogs at a time. help more than 600 local children each Registration on race day is not allowed. Safe Haven Humane Society was formed year with cases of suspected abuse; Runners can find online registration in 1974 when growing numbers of homeproviding them a safe and supportive at www.runawaypumpkinhalf.org. Please less pets in Albany, Oregon caused a small environment in which to heal. 100% of note that there are no registration refunds, group of foster homes to band together to the net proceeds go to support services transfers or exchanges. form a “safe haven” for these dogs and for children and their families. cats. The Runaway Pumpkin half marathon is By 1985 the group had enough money to The Runaway Pumpkin half marathon is a mostly flat route that welcomes runners purchase an old gas station at 33071 Hwy often referred to as the best half and walkers but each participant needs to 20, Albany, and brought Safe Haven Humarathon in the Willamette Valley because complete the course in 4.5 hours or less. mane Society to life, as we know it today, the race course takes advantage of The race is timed by Oregon’s Rogue and where the shelter still resides until Oregon’s rural beauty by taking runners Multi-Sports. March 2013, when it plans to break ground past the Santiam River and quiet, green at its new location in Tangent. spaces. Portable restrooms and seven aid The Runaway Pumpkin half So far, since July 2010, over 1,600 anistations along the route assist runners. marathon is about serious running mals have been adopted from Safe Haven; Food and snacks will be available to and serious fun. Since the race date a marked increase from only 400 homeless runners after the race. Goodies bags are is close to the Halloween holiday, pets that were adopted eleven years ago offered to all registrants and are stuffed organizers encourage costumes; when Chris Storm first started working as with snacks, coupons and usable items. particularly pumpkin-related costumes. At Safe Haven’s Executive Director in 2002. Top male and female finishers each receive the end of the race, prizes will be awarded “All this happened from an old gas staa $250 gift card from Lowe’s and a free for best/most original costumes. You must tion,” remarks Storm, “That’s pretty good.” entry into next year’s race. be present to win prizes. Each runner Safe Haven is a non-profit, privately receives a Tech Shirt, a reusable goodie owned animal shelter with a limited admisRegistration is $55 per participant and bag filled with gifts and coupons, and sion. That means it sets appointments for goes up in price beginning September animal intakes and performs temperament finisher’s medal. tests to make sure the animals are acceptable; if not, the staff at Safe Haven tries to work with the owner to find alternatives. It also gets no help from the government and relies solely on funding from adoption fees, donations, charity events and sales from Get ready to bike, stroll, or roll on Meet, organized by the Corvallis Bicycle its downtown Boutique and Home Décor Sunday, September 22. Area residents, Collective, will provide an opportunity to Store at 225 Second Avenue, SW Albany. businesses, and faith communities are donate, consign, and purchase bikes. The In addition to taking in animals brought gearing up to participate in our commu- event will culminate in a bike parade, led in by the public, Safe Haven partners with nity’s 4th Annual Car Free Day through by the Derby Dames, going from Riverparticipation in a variety of activities. front Park to the Skate Park for a bike polo Linn County Dog Control to take impounded, homeless cats and dogs considered demonstration at 4:00. adoptable. Also, Safe Haven works closely 12:30 pm to 1 pm – Group Bike Rides from Neighborhood Gathering Points The goal of Car Free Day in Corvallis is with local law enforcement through the Linn Animal Samaritan Fund which proGroup bike rides are a fun and empowerto create a positive experience so comvides emergency medical care for homeless ing experience. Corvallis residents are munity members will consider exploring animals. An example of how this team invited to join a group at 12:30 pm on Car transportation options on a regular basis. Free Day to ride together to the Car Free Event organizers are encouraging everyone works to foster their dedication for animal welfare and turn a tragedy into triumph Day Festival at Riverfront Park. Gathering to get ready for the day by deciding how happened last fall after a homeless, four points are located throughout the commuthey will travel on September 22nd. year-old cat was hit by a car. City Police nity: rushed the injured cat to Albany Animal Lincoln School Sponsors of Car Free Day in CorvalHospital, where, after suffering a broken Starker Arts Park lis include the Corvallis Sustainability leg and near amputation, she was given a Benton County Fairgrounds Coalition, City of Corvallis, Cascades new life and a new name by Albany resiChintimini Park/Senior Center West Rideshare, Corvallis Bicycle Collec- dent, Tina Fall, who adopted her, and now Osborn Aquatic Center tive, Corvallis Clinic, Corvallis Farmers’ calls her Cala. Cheldelin Middle School Market, Cycle Solutions, First AlternaMoreover, Safe Haven partners with Hoover Elementary School tive Natural Foods Co-op, First United Oregon Humane Society in Portland to Methodist Church Natural Step Ministry, transfer animals with issues that are too inBike safety checks will be offered prior to the ride, and group leaders will take the Footwise, Good Samaritan Regional Medi- tense to be considered adoptable from Safe Haven or from other rescue groups. Storm groups on designated routes leading to the cal Center, Oregon State University, Peak Sports, Play It Again Sports, Republic Ser- is careful to point out that all animals festival. vices, Safe Routes to School, SoupCycle, transferred to OHS are always sent with and 350 Corvallis. a “non-euthanization order”. “We don’t 1 pm to 4 pm – Car Free Day Festival: A euthanize at all here at Safe Haven”, says Family Friendly Event To take the Car Free Day pledge or to Storm, “We don’t even have euthanization The festival at Riverfront Park (1st Street, drugs here at the facility.” between Monroe and Jackson) will feature learn more about what’s planned, go to food, games, and exhibits, with music www.sustainablecorvallis.org or call 541One of the biggest challenges for Safe provided by Matt Neely’s Vintage Swing 230-1237 Haven is finding enough space in the Trio and by Absolute Harmony, featuring current facility. Although there are 70 CHS teacher Julie Williams. A Bike Swap

Corvallis Gears Up for Car Free Day on September 22nd

THE VALLEY EXPLORER

regular foster care providers for cats and dogs, the volunteers are “stepping all over themselves here”, says Storm. “In order to accommodate for the lack of space, the behavior and training courses are already being carried out at the new building.” The other big challenge is 2.5 million dollars. That’s how much Safe Haven needs before it opens its doors to the public, tentatively, in June, 2014, at 32220 Old Highway 34 in Tangent. But Storm believes that this goal will be attainable with the upcoming promotional events and the community’s generosity; she also believes in “kindness and humane education” as Safe Haven’s primary mission, and on that same note, the new facility will be called: Safe Haven’s Pet Adoption and Education Center. Some of Safe Haven’s community outreach programs are youth groups that work with schools. These include the Pelt and Pals Club, the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and 4-H. These youth groups play with the dogs, do yard work and perform fund raising on a smaller scale. “If we can get to the kids, we can get to the adults.” Another popular program for kids and adults is agility training for dogs taught in 12-14 weekly classes. It teaches agility, equipment use, nose work, puppy socialization, and behavioral training. “Our goal is to get them (the dogs) adopted and keep them in homes,” says Storm. For cats, on the other hand, or paw, one of the most welcome innovations at the new location will be a free-roaming cat room. It will have kitten and cat rooms. Safe Haven also uses a variety of ways to entertain their cats. Among the most popular is “catnip TV”, a video of birds. “It’s a fun way of keeping the cat’s attention by using their senses”, explains Storm. “We also put cat food in plastic Easter eggs with holes in them so the cats can bat them around.” In order to boost adoption rates and provide a ‘win-win’ situation for animals and people who adopt them, Safe Haven offers seasonal promotional events throughout the year. For instance, last December 18th Storm and staff declared that all animals were free, simply because it snowed. Every animal in the shelter, 43 cats and dogs, except a senior dog with a monthly prescription bill of $300—found a home that day. In addition, it is possible to work part of an adoption fee off by volunteering at Safe Haven or doing community service. According to Storm, these are all ways that Safe Haven “gives back to the community”. In conclusion, Safe Haven is not only founded upon the idea of helping animals, but by giving back to its supporters. For instance, it offers a low-cost spay and neutering program specifically for cats, called “Cats Count”. This program is offered to Linn county residents and covers the entire cost of spaying or neutering for $20. Oregon Spay and Neuter Fund coupons, which cover up to 85 per cent of the entire spay or neuter cost for cats and dogs, area also available at Safe Haven. (OSNF coupons are available at all times at both Safe Haven and Heartland Humane Society in Corvallis.)

THE VALLEY EXPLORER

Valley site offers measurement resources By David Pearl We celebrate American independence every Fourth of July to commemorate our freedom from the oppressive British monarchy. Yet Americans still proudly use the inches, pounds and gallons that our oppressors graciously bestowed upon us; a Salem man whose mission is to bring our nation into the Modern Era finds this puzzling. Americans should be leading the way to measurement harmony in our increasingly globalized economy, but instead, Americans tend to forget the involvement of Benjamin Franklin working alongside Antoine Lavoisier during the French Revolution and that the Metric System was made legal in the USA in 1866, and that the inch-pound non-system has never been legalized here. David Pearl created Metric Pioneer with the hope that Americans would take advantage of the resources available to those who wish to self-metricate. Yes, we have been on training wheels for nearly a century and a half! Did you know that our Statue of Liberty occupies one hectare of land? Do you remember that conversation between Vincent and Jules in the movie Pulp Fiction about what they call a Quarter Pounder with cheese in France? David Pearl and his wife visited a Subway sandwich restaurant during a visit abroad last summer. The sandwich makers would have been clueless had they received an order for the Foot-long sandwich. You have probably guessed by now that both scenarios involve the Metric System. Subway restaurants all over the planet (except here of course) call it a 30 cm and you could probably guess what they call a half sandwich; yes, 15 cm. Do you ever notice when you read a newspaper that measurements are sometimes given twice? American editors often parenthetically mention SI equivalents in order to maintain the appearance that America will some day adopt the Metric System. By the way, what Americans call the Metric System is now known as SI which is an abbreviation for Système International d’unités (International System of Units). Here is one example from an article about sulfide forming at Earth surface, sinking deep into Earth mantle, likely all the way to the core-mantle boundary, 1,865 miles (3,000 kilometers) below the surface. The snippet clearly reveals that the original writer estimated the distance at approximately 3,000 kilometers. It is a rounded guess. Nobody would estimate 1,865 miles! Some editor decided that Americans were too dumb to know what a kilometer is, so he got out a calculator and made believe that the random figure in miles would clarify matters. Dual measurement is a hallmark of American journalism. Students in United States public education do not learn to think and calculate exclusively in SI. Their minds are handicapped by early submersion in units of measurement outside the SI, and late, first exposure (if at all), to metric units of measurement. Dual measuring is a false crutch that does not help people learn SI but just allows them to ignore it. Our Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) mandates that products sold in the United States must list SI alongside units that Americans have been using. The FPLA (as presently written) is a false crutch

that has not done much for metric education in the 19 years it has been a requirement. Most Americans are still are not ready for metric-only measurements. The Australians completed metrication in less time than it took us to waffle around with dual labeling. America is actually part way metric already. For example, American scientists already use SI; NASA uses SI; our United States Dollar is already decimalized; American Nutrition Facts labels are already in grams (What else could we use? Nothing!); for decades, our Wine & Distilled Spirits have already been exclusively measured in metric units (750 mL is the most common size); our prescriptions are already measured in metric units (mg, mL et cetera) because no other measure is workable at that level; The United States military uses metric measurements extensively to ensure interoperability with allied forces, particularly NATO Standardization Agreements; ground forces measure distances in klicks, slang for kilometers; most military firearms are measured in metric units, beginning with the M-14 which was introduced in 1957; heavy weapon caliber is measured in millimeters; military vehicles are generally built to metric standards; the Navy and Air Force continue to measure distance in nautical miles and speed in knots because these units are now accepted for use with SI by the BIPM, so adopting SI would not be as painful as one might expect. We have been using metric tools for many years. You probably have metric tools in your garage right now! Celsius is actually very easy! First put Fahrenheit out of mind for now (Pearl no longer uses the F word). Just remember this little weather rhyme: 30 is warm, 20 is nice, 10 is cold and 0 is ice. Yes, water freezes at zero and boils at one hundred! What could be easier? Normal human body temperature is 37. Metric Pioneer David Pearl hopes that one day his driver license will list his height at 181 cm and his weight at 88 kg. As mentioned in the first paragraph, a Progress Checklist is available for a free download. You can also find (in the Metrication Earth tab) great graphics showing the flag of every nation on Earth, a rendering of the name of the nation in the actual local language and script (Chinese, Hebrew, Sanskrit, Swahili, Thai, and nearly every other language) along with the year each nation underwent metrication and the year each nation joined the United Nations organization. And for a load of fun, you can see a video clip of Riker telling his Star Trek crew that the Borg have captured Captain Jean-Luc Picard and are headed for the Terran System. Then finally you can take the online Terran System Exam. Here is the first question: 1. How would a police officer react to you driving 40 km/h (kilometers per hour) on a residential street? A. He would continue eating his donuts. B. He would issue you a citation for going way too slowly. C. He would think the high-speed chase is like a COPS episode. D. He would think your car is a disguised Alien Visitation Craft. You may take the exam over and over until you get 100%, which will qualify you to receive a free International System Ruler (one per household). Those interested may also register (for online social media)

and sign the online Metrication Pledge to participate in the advancement of measurement harmony on planet Earth.

www.metricpioneer.com

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