Issue # 2 - Wednesday, May 09, 2001

Greetings! Welcome to the second issue of the Dallas Hodder Franklin Newsletter!

If you're in the mood for a short story, poem, or any of my articles click on the following URL:
http://www.authorsden.com/dallasfranklin

This newsletter will be published every Wednesday.

IN THIS ISSUE:

1. Editorial
2. Trivia/Facts
3. Writing Websites
4. Quotes
5. Potpourri Websites
6. Other Writers
7. Updates

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1. EDITORIAL:

This week I'll be sharing oodles of information for your perusal. My hope is that you'll find lots to entertain or educate yourself. It is geared towards the Writer AND Reader. Often we are so busy in our daily lives that we don't have time to research all the available data online and miss out on wondrous opportunities. My aim is to bring some of them to you each week. So without further delay let's get to the juicy deLights!

Blessings!
Dallas Hodder Franklin

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2. TRIVIA/FACTS:

A few years ago, at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the l00-yard dash. At the gun, they all started out with a zest to run the race to the finish and win. One little boy stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times and began to cry. The other eight heard the boy cry, slowed down, and looked back. They all turned around and went back to help. Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line. Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for several minutes. People who were there are still telling the story.

Nightmare

The origin is fairly simple, but not obvious. The night portion is straightforward, it comes from the word night. It's the mare part that makes people think it has to do with horses. Mare is simply an Old English term for a demon. So a nightmare is a demon that visits you at night--a scary dream. A mare was a demon, known as an incubus (male) or succubus (female) that descended on a sleeper, paralyzing and suffocating them, and had sexual relations with the sleeper. Over the centuries the meaning has become generalized to any frightening dream. {Source: http://www.uselessknowledge.com/}

Second hand tobacco smoke is the third leading preventable cause of death, after active tobacco smoking and alcohol use. Environmental tobacco smoke, as it is also called, contributes more than 50,000 deaths per year in the U.S. alone. {Source: UCSF study, JAMA 4/5/95, v.273, n.13.} {Source: http://www.funtrivia.com/}

For every dollar you spend for produce at the supermarket, 5 cents goes to the farmer who grew the produce: (National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture). {Source: http://halife.com/trivia/food.html}

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3. WRITING WEBSITES:

The Phrase Finder: http://www.shu.ac.uk/web-admin/phrases/index.html

A professional writers' resource for generating ideas for headlines, advertising copy, song lyrics etc. Just give it a word and it will return a list of phrases/sayings that are related to the word in some way. The site also contains a large database of the meanings and origins of English phrases and sayings. This is useful for anyone learning the language, looking up a reference, or just for fun.

Writer Beware: http://www.sfwa.org/beware/

We maintain an extensive archive of documentation on literary agents, book doctors, subsidy publishers, and others who engage in the practices we warn about in these pages. If you have letters, contracts, brochures or other material you think we would like to see, please send them.

Critters Workshop: http://brain-of-pooh.tech-soft.com/users/critters/index.html

Critters is an on-line workshop/critique group for serious writers of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. The ultimate goal of Critters is to help writers improve, not only by having their work dissected by other members, but also by learning to dissect their own work (by, of course, dissecting others). The value of the latter is often overlooked by beginning writers.

Fiction Writer: http://www.fictionwriters.com/

FWC provides help with novel writing and information on finding agents and editors and getting published. If you are working on a book or a story and need some advice, or if you have just finished a project, but are not sure what to do next, FWC is where you can turn.

Writers Net: http://www.writers.net/index.html

Writers Net is the Internet directory of writers, editors, publishers, and literary agents. We bring together the elements of literary success in one place. Search our directory for the help you need, or tell us what you have to offer the writing world. Add yourself to our ever-growing directories of talent and services.

Children's Writing Resource Center: http://www.write4kids.com/

Write4Kids.com is packed with free information, exclusive Special Reports, messaging, free eBooks, breaking news, the latest children's bestsellers, links to other important sites and much more. Our goal -- to teach you the right way of building a children's writing career and getting your manuscript published.

Writers Weekly: http://www.writersweekly.com/

Freelance job listings and new paying markets, delivered to your e-mailbox every Wednesday! New subscribers receive a free e-book: How to Be A Freelance Writer (includes 103 paying markets!)

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4. QUOTES:

Inspirational

"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."- Albert Einstein

"A human being is a part of the whole called by us "universe," a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole nature in its beauty."- Albert Einstein

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." - Albert Einstein

Humor

"If Lincoln were alive today, he'd roll over in his grave." -Gerald Ford

"The reason there are two senators for each state is so that one can be the designated driver." -Jay Leno

"Either this man is dead or my watch has stopped." -Groucho Marx

Gravestone Epitaphs

"That's All Folks!" The Man of a Thousand Voices - Mel Blanc (Hollywood Memorial Park; Hollywood, California)

"Called Back" -Emily Dickinson (West Cemetery; Amherst, Massachusetts) (self written)

"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past" - - Great Gatsby - Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda Sayre (St. Mary's Cemetery; Rockville, Maryland) [In 1940, St. Mary's refused to allow Fitzgerald to be buried in the Catholic cemetery because, "He had not performed his Easter duty and his writings were undesirable." Fitzgerald was buried at Rockville Union Cemetery until 1975, when the authorities at St. Mary's had a change of heart.]

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5. POTPOURRI WEBSITES:

Molecular Expressions: Silicon Zoo -
http://www.microscopy.fsu.edu/creatures/index.html

Our search has led to a new collection of photomicrographs (photographs taken through a microscope) featuring many of the interesting silicon creatures and other doodling scribbled onto integrated circuits by engineers when they were designing computer chip masks. The tiny creatures are far too small to be seen with the naked eye, so we have provided high-magnification photomicrographs to share these mysterious wonders with our visitors. Engineers designing modern computer chips have a very rich sense of humor, as you will discover when you visit our Silicon Creatures Gallery that we keep corralled in the Silicon Zoo. We hope you enjoy your adventure!

Windows to the Universe -
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/

Our purpose is to develop a fun and different Web site about the Earth and Space sciences. Windows to the Universe is graphics intensive! Entry options here lead to the Intermediate content level.

Paranormal Phenomena -
http://paranormal.about.com/science/paranormal/mbody.htm?once=true&

This website has EVERYTHING on paranormal phenomena! Ancient Anomalies, Angels & Demons, Anti-Gravity, Automatic Writing, Channeling, Weird Creatures, Dowsing, Earth Mysteries, ESP/Telepathy, Ghosts/Hauntings, Hollow Earth, Human Mysteries, Life After Death, Lost Worlds, Mad Scientists, Mystics, Prophets, Ouija Board, Out-of-Body Exp., Paranormal E-Zines, Paranormal People, Planet Anomalies, Psychic Healing, Religious Mysteries, Remote Viewing, Resources, Reverse Speech, Telekinesis, Time Travel, Witchcraft/Occult, Zecharia Sitchin.

Marshall Stewart Ball - Kiss of God
http://www.marshallball.com/index2.html

Marshall Stewart Ball is a brilliant 12-year-old who touches people's hearts through a veil of silence. Although he can neither speak nor walk and depends on others for physical help, he is a constant source of inspiration and guidance for people in matters of the mind, and of the heart. Having tested at a 12th grade reading comprehension level at the age of 9, his capacity to think and feel constantly amazes his teachers, friends, and family. Marshall knows the meanings and spellings of words to which he's never been exposed. And, even more amazing, is the powerful impact he has on everyone he meets. Check this site out for Marshall's Thoughts and you'll be amazed too!

WingMakers -
http://www.wingmakers.com/index2.html

Nearly 27 years ago, mysterious artifacts were found that led to one of the most intriguing scientific and anthropological discoveries ever made. A secret, unacknowledged department of the NSA -- responsible for extraterrestrial contact and technology assimilation -- took the discovery into their laboratory for the purposes of their own agenda. This secret organization is known as the Advanced Contact Intelligence Organization (ACIO) and has enjoyed complete anonymity until now.

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6. OTHER WRITERS:

Spirit Suites -
http://www.spiritsuites.com/

"As publishers of a free subscription that is released monthly, Spirit Suites -An Almanac of Human Perception, Occurrence, and Exploration we (Alice and I) welcome all to consider Spirit Suites as an alternate publication for your work. Our month to month growth has been incredible and we currently enjoy a success of 25 to 30 thousand hits per month, from like minded readers. {Kathy Rusch - Spirit Suites}"

David Taub -
http://www.ukpoet.cjb.net

"A Journalist, Magazine Columnist, Freelance-writer and published poet. Born in England, but loves American poetry and writers. David's idols include e.e.cummings, Robert Frost and Keats."
Check out his website to read his poetry, articles or buy one of his books. You won't be disappointed!

Sue Turner -
http://www.sueturner.homestead.com/

"Published in Saturday Evening Post, Zang Spur Review, Parents Magazine, Watercolor Magic, Dreamboat, The New Times, Volcano Quarterly, Mocha Memoirs, EWG, Capper's, Poetic Voices and others. Also appearing ~ In the Company of Women ~ An anthology of contemporary women poets produced by PoetWorksPress. Two chapbooks, Tumblewords & Sage, and Truth &
Other Fiction, contain poetry and watercolors. 2000 Mythsteries and Other Pithy Shorts, is a social satire booklet written in fable form."

Antares {Kit Leee} -
http://www.xlibris.de/magickriver/wordfile.htm

"At 19, Antares had an awakening, which has become the core of his Vision Quest. It is to help anchor the subtle frequencies on the physical plane and thereby serve as a co-creator of Heaven on Earth. Better known in Malaysian literary, musical, and theatre circles as Kit Leee, he has written, directed and acted in plays; composed and performed music live and in the studio; and contributed reviews to magazines, newspapers and websites."

Julie Lewis -
http://www.tarotcorner.com/

"Julie Lewis has been reading the Tarot cards for over 25 years. Even so, she never ceases to be amazed at the accuracy of some of the readings she conducts. Julie is also experienced in the application of other divinatory methods, such as astrology, numerology, and palmistry, and is currently developing her skills as a medium. The paranormal is one of Julie's main interests and she hopes to share that interest with other enthusiasts amongst the pages of Tarot Corner."

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7. UPDATES:

I have moved my personal website to a new domain and made some changes. If you'd like to check it out, here's the URL:
http://Dallas.scriptmania.com/
There's a link to my writings at AuthorsDen under 'My Writings' on the main page.

Or click on this link:
http://www.authorsden.com/dallasfranklin

I've added a new article this week at AuthorsDen called 'Love on the Internet'. It's listed under 'articles' and is the story of how my husband and I met online in 1997, my move to a new country and the ongoing process with immigration. Our 3rd wedding anniversary is coming up in August, and I hope you enjoy the short version of our story. Here's an excerpt to get you started!

"There have been many events that have made an impact upon my life and changed it forever. Some were greater than others. But the biggest change that has made the difference started out with the Internet. One night in June, 1997 I did what I had been doing consecutively for the past six months. I logged on to my computer and loaded up my favorite chat room. Little did I know this night would catapult me into living in a new country, marriage, and a completely new life. Spirituality was and is always a major part of my life. So choosing a spiritual chat room seemed like the right choice for me to meet others seeking their own journey and sharing it. I'd made many new friends in the months I'd been visiting Spiritweb and made my appearance there daily."

Here's a list of my Articles at AuthorsDen:
1. Election Contributions {You'll need to use the scroll bar at the bottom to go across and see my other articles}
2. Love on the Internet
3. A Meeting of Minds
4. Finding Your Uniqueness

Here's a list of my Stories at AuthorsDen:
1. Dazed and Confused
2. Internet Magic
3. Scrambled Eggs
4. Josie's Magical Adventure: Part 1
5. Josie's Magical Adventure: Wishes Come True

And finally, here's a list of my Poetry at AuthorsDen:
1. A New Planetude
2. Spins on her Head

If you find any of these of interest, please take a few moments to read, rate and leave me a comment. It's greatly appreciated!

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If you have any Suggestions, Comments, or Feedback please feel free to contact me at: ericdbread@pdq.net
Or, if you have other Websites you would like to see in upcoming issues of this Newsletter, send me an email and it'll be considered! Thanks!

May blessings rain down upon you and may you enjoy a WonderFilled week!
©2001 Dallas Hodder Franklin