THE COMMUNICATOR eI 11, Volume 12 Xmas 17 Jan 2018

Merry Christmas to all of you from all of us 2017

Best wishes to all for a happy and prosperous 2018.

COMMUNICATOR e-Issue 11, Volume 12 Xmas 17 Jan 2018

S.A.

EST. 1976

Communicator No 634 Jan ‘18

Direct all enquiries to ACRM SA Inc. PO Box 69 MUNNO PARA SA 5115

DIV INC. 1979

OFFICIAL JOURNAL of the Australian Citizen Radio Monitors. S.A. Inc.

THE

_________________________________________________________________________Page 1 The Communicator, Sept 17. Copyright. © ACRM SA Inc.

In this issue –Jan 18 Page# INDEX What’s where in the Communicator. 1. PRESSIE’S PRATTLE. Last one for the year. 2. RALLY ROUND UP. What’s been & what’s coming. 2. TREASURE TROVE. 2. FROM THE SOC SEC Merry Xmas. 3 FROM THE T.O. .Following on with the readiness theme. 3. CROSSWORD. Last month’s crossword answers. 5. GREETINGS Birthday wishes to our November members. 5. CLASSIFIEDS Member’s sell , buy or exchange. 5. TUCK’S TALES One gets to miss his licence when the end shifts. 6. .MEMBER”S Contributions to our delinquency. 7. ODDS AND ENDS 48’s ramble 11. MINUTES. Of the September OCM. 12 12.IN THE KITCHEN. More delights with Chris 49. 13. CROSSWORD. This Month’s Crossword. 17. Editorial for the Communicator must reach the Editor on or before the second Thursday of the month for inclusion in that month’s issue. Any and all articles are welcome, however the editors reserve the right to choose content suitability for publication. To submit articles, items for publication, letters to the editor or to ask questions of our technical writers, please address all correspondence to The Editor at the address shown on the front cover or via email to [email protected] If you know of anyone who wants to advertise in the Communicator, space and charges are available on request, speak to a committee member for more information. ACRM SA Inc. c\- Chris or Phil 08 8522 6081. Editors Phil Richards 08 8522 6081 e-mail:- [email protected] Chris Richards 08 8522 6081 e-mail:- [email protected]

Graham Tucker 08 8523 1082 e-mail:- [email protected] Webmaster: Adrian Menzel 08 8581 7149 e-mail:- [email protected] Or via our postal address, PO Box 69 Munno Para SA 5115

Meeting dates. ACRM SA Inc. Meetings are on the FOURTH TUESDAY of each month.

There is no Meeting in December. January’s is on the 23rd.

The AGM in February is on the 27th. ACRM SA Inc. Meetings are held at 3 Redmond Rd. Collinswood. SA.

Gawler/Barossa general meetings are bi-monthly, on the THIRD TUESDAY of the month. Also no meeting in December.

Next meetings January 16th 2018

________________________________________________________________________ The Communicator Sept ‘17, Copyright. © ACRM SA Inc. Page 2

Where did 17 go? Sorry, I went there last month, no use covering that again, suffice to say that with 2018 just around the corner we now have a chance to make the most of a brand new year. With that being said, allow me to wish everyone the best for 2018. After that profound revelation, I suppose I should go back to reality. Which is not too hard considering it is probably a ditto of last year and each year before it. Included last month and this month to the email clients are the forms to nominate a member for committee and request a vote form if you want to be in on the elections but will not be attending the Feb meeting.. Modern Technology Aye! I’ve changed to a new phone, which since an update, is quite confusing and the other day after the purchase of a new PVR, owing to the old one packing up, some fun and games was had trying to set it up. Don’t get me started on Micro$oft. Although I seem to have curtailed many of the computer related problems associated with putting out the mag, including the printing thereof, the challenges dealt us are time wasters to the extreme. Holey Molly, damn near 18, 2018 that is, not my age. Although, can you imagine what we could achieve if we could all go back to age 18 any time we felt like it? With a head full of knowledge imparted to us from the learned ones at the school / college we have just left, some moving on to Uni others grabbing whatever job they can to get the all important dollar to keep their new car and/or girlfriend running. Back when all that seemed important was enough money left over to put petrol in the car and a beer in the belly. Ah, simpler times indeed. A few months ago one of our early Central Belt members, Evonne, sent me a photo and 2 pieces of tracing paper that were the pattern for an owl potholder. As Christmas was drawing nearer I decided to make one to see how it went, intending to make more as Christmas gifts. Tonight I am going to make number 22 as many of them have been snapped up by friends when they saw them. Some I made in Christmas designs and others in various prints and colour combinations. Phil 48 and I went through all of my button containers to find matching pairs for eyes.

PRESSIE’S PRATTLE;Phil48

RALLY ROUND UP; Trevor 120:

TREASURE TROVE; Chris49:


One of our Daughters in Law likes roosters in any shape or form so I made a few changes and then created a comb to go at the top of the head. Now I need another idea for next year’s Easter gifts for the young ’uns. I managed to get a photo of this bunch (or is that parliament) before they all left. I probably find something to say twice a year and the best I can come up with is a Christmas cheer, so here goes. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. It’s probably widely known now, that a raffle this year was too late to organise so a deferment was sought and I’ll be looking to you all for support early next year for a Christmas in July Hamper.

Were intruded to replace the Ni Cad Owing to the lack of anything else, I’m going for a continuance of last month’s suggestion, preparation during the quiet months in readiness for the busy season. I’ve no doubt what is important to one, may not be as important to another so my suggestions are just that. Make your own list based on what you carry and can’t do without, then at the end of the season go through the list. Keep your list open

T.O’s Tweet; Bill 78:

Social Secretaries bit; Elaine 43::


ended so if you are out one day and discover an item that is not on the list but should be then add it so it will be covered next season. My own items of importance are simple and I’ve written about them previously. Based on importance, I list equipment that requires consumables on top of the list, which puts batteries on top for two reasons:

1. It is important to be ready to run the equipment designed for its use at any time.

2. Often the batteries will deteriorate to a point where they won’t take a charge, rendering them useless and replacements are often expensive and scarce to get.

All batteries should be charged within a short period of time after use but more than that, some batteries do not have a good shelf life and going without a charge for a period of time, e.g. over and extended period, like the end of year break to the following year, maybe 6 months, it may be necessary to recharge more than once. Most modern rechargeable batteries are Lithium-iron and have probably got the best reputation for charging and lasting but yesterday’s technology was Nickel Metal Hydride, which followed Nickel Cadmium, known as NiCads. NiCads were the first of the rechargeable portable equipment battery and providing they charged were excellent. The Metal Hydrides were brought out to replace the NiCads because NiCads were known to develop a memory effect that stopped full charge being reached. Most NiMH batteries had a larger capacity for the same size, making them very popular but their failing was not holding a charge, they went flat while not in use. Other common batteries are SLA (Sealed Lead Acid), which have become very popular for certain uses but most are for standby use and are being charged continuously at correct voltage and current to make sure they will perform to maximum when needed. They are useless for cyclic or Deep cycle purposes, unless designed to be deep cycle, whereby they should perform quite well. However, if not deep cycle, never flatten the battery with a switch left on. It will never recharge and a replacement will be the only way to get things working again. Car batteries and Auxiliary batteries are important to monitor, however if a good battery management system is installed and a good choice of batteries were chosen they should be almost trouble free. In all cases though, batteries do not last forever, thus replacement is inevitable at some time.


LAST MONTH’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

P A T H B A R R A C K S

A H B T I A H

K E E N E S T C P A B L O

I M D E A P S B H W

S W E E T W I L L I A M

T S T I C N Y E G K F

A S S U M E D E L E T E

N C P E B E F A

M P A S S I O N F R U I T

D B T A E N H

A M I G O R E C L I N E

T E R D T F R

A S S A Y I S T D Y E S

to drive, a feeling Tuck and I know all too well. We wish you a speedy recovery and early return to the driver’s seat. Brenton 166 goes in to hospital just before Christmas to undergo a skin cancer removal Best wishes are extended for a quick recovery.

Wanted to sell, buy, or exchange ads are free to members. Please contact a committee member or send your ad to The Editor c/- ACRM at the address on the cover. You can also email it to The Editor c/- [email protected]

WANTED TO SELL, BUY OR EXCHANGE

Birthday greetings and best Wishes Many happy returns of the day are extended to:our January members. Although there were 10 others, either deceased or just not with us anymore the list is short and John 232 has it exclusively to himself. Congrats John 232 for the 25th. Thinking of you:

Graham 44 has had a stint in hospital, I believe initially for a blockage in the leg, however, a more serious aneurisms of the aorta was found and fixed. He’s home and doing fairly well, apart from having his wings clipped and is not allowed


Now it has changed. I received a letter from the Dept of Transport asking why I had not returned the “Ability to drive” form they sent in September. So I rang the Department and after about 20 minutes listening to “We value your input, please wait. Again, again etc. I explained to the young lady that I had presented the form to my doctor who was not comfortable about completing the form while I was on suspension. She was not sure what to say at first, then she said “please hold while I make a call on your behalf” When she came back, she asked if I was sitting down. “Yes,” I replied, “ Well our records show you are not suspended. You may drive provided the form is returned within 14 days!” Four and a half months of walking, bussing and begging rides from friends !!!. It feels strange to be behind the wheel again, strange maybe but satisfying, yes.

Tucks Tales; Graham 141:


49’s been sitting on a few, maybe waiting for just the right time. The first will probably tickle the fancy of the ladies but I can hear the blokes going “Oh yeah, as if,” or in the words of the irreverent youth, “Whatever!”

THE RULES

The FEMALE always makes THE RULES

The RULES are subject to change without prior notice.

No MALE can possibly know all the RULES. She will immediately change some, or all of the RULES.

The FEMALE is never wrong.

If the FEMALE is wrong, it is due to a misunderstanding Which was as a direct result of something the MALE did or said wrong.

The MALE must apologise immediately for causing said misunderstanding.

The MALE must never change his mind

Without the express written consent of the FEMALE.

The FEMALE has every right to be angry or upset at any time. The MALE must remain calm at all times,

Unless the FEMALE wants him to be angry/ or upset

The FEMALE must, under no circumstances, let the MALE know Whether or not she wants him to be angry and/ or upset.

The MALE is expected to mind-read at all times.

The MALE who doesn’t abide by the RULES Can’t take the heat, lacks backbone, is a wimp.

Any attempt by the MALE to document the RULES could result in bodily harm.

If the FEMALE has P.M.S. all the RULES may be null and void.

The FEMALE is ready when she is ready.

The MALE must be ready at all times.

MEMBER’S CONTRIBUTION TO OUR DELINQUENCY


And three more. All I need to know about life I learned from my Teddy Bear.

Hugs are even better than chocolate. There’s no such things as too many kisses. One good cuddle can change a grumpy day. Love is supposed to wear out your fur a little. It’s okay to let your inside stuffing show now and then. Listening is as important as talking. Someone’s got to keep their eyes open all the time. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. Everyone needs someone to hold onto. Just a Note To Say:

Just a line to say I’m living, So remember I do love you That I’m not among the dead. And wish that you lived near Though I’m getting more forgetful But now it’s time to mail this And mixed up in the head And say goodbye, my dear. I’ve got used to my Arthritis, At last I stood beside the mail box. To my dentures I’m resigned. My face it sure got red I can manage by bi-focals Instead of mailing this to you But oh God I miss my mind. I opened it instead. Sometimes I can’t remember When I’m standing by the stairs. If I should be going up for something Or did I just come down from there? And before the fridge so often My mind is filled with doubt. Now did I put some food away Or come to take it out? Sometimes when it’s night time With my nightcap on my head. I don’t know if I’m retiring Or just getting out of bed. If it’s not my time to write dear I hope you won’t get sore. I think I may have written And don’t want to be a bore.


FRIENDSHIP Dear friend, I thank you for teaching what friendship is – a relation-ship that has no needs; where one’s interest in the other person’s welfare is the same as one’s interest in oneself; that friendship is a state of mind where there is no fear, no guilt, no attack thoughts, no feelings of vulnerability; where it is all right for you and others to see me as I really am; where there is constant giving and forgiving; where the only desire is to be helpful, gentle and patient; where there is no past or future but only the present; where each instant is for total loving and letting go and where there is no holding on, no attachments and no demands. That friendship is a relationship where there is only light and only the joining and sharing of love and there is no exclusiveness; where geographical location and the separation of bodies has absolutely no importance; where there is complete and total love and acceptance regardless of illusory perception of separation made by time and space. That friendship is eternal, a state where no thoughts, words or deeds can cause any feelings of hurt or separation, and where the light of Spirit is the only reality. That true friendship is a state of bliss where we see only the God Self in each other; it is a state of inner knowing that we are always connected by love with each other and God forever. Jerry Jampolsky A few toons I found on the net.


ODDS AND ENDS; Phil 48: Usually Christmas time is one of indulgence and yet most of us are trying to cut down on some of the stuff that makes Christmas what it is. Having said that, what is it that makes people give dray loads of sweet stuff at this time of year? I guess it boils down to will power, however with the giver and the givee, both lacking will power, I can’t see improvement any time soon. So, what made me bring that up? Maybe ripping into a box of wafer creams, while typing helps explain it. A hopeless chocaholic, I know. One food positive around Yule time is the general change by all cooks to promote, what is usually a greasy mess to a healthier alternative, yet still keeping a tasty meal to serve the throngs.

Surprisingly, fish has made its way on to the Christmas table, a full baked fish, not just a handful of overpriced prawns. When you consider Christmas in Australia is smack dab in the middle of summer, sitting down to hot meal is idiotic – but hey if that’s your bag jump in, some people are steeped in tradition its hard to let go.


Whatever your Christmas consists of, some things are the same, friends, family and good cheer.

I wrote this back in 2012 and nothing has changed, except maybe for the worse. Every year at Christmas time, I rely on the plethora of appropriate emails to give me an item or idea for the ACRM Christmas card but thus far this year nothing. Why appropriate? Because there are so many idiotic laws and bans on what can or cannot be said nowadays, nothing religious, nothing racial and definitely nothing controversial or political. What it has done is led to a lack of good Christmas verses and pictures because people are too scared they will offend someone. Taking all of the aforementioned into mind, I’m not sure if I can even wish everyone a Merry Christmas, at least, not if I am in anyway referring to Christ’s birthday and the meaning of Christmas. My mother would come back to haunt me if she thought I’d forgotten the meaning of Christmas and as for being made feel guilty for flying our flag, because to some it’s offensive, I say Bah humbug, go back home to where you can all hate our Flag and Christmas together. Call me old fashioned and maybe even politically incorrect but I have no qualms flying one of these again on Australia day.


It’s probably got something to do with old fashioned, or at least old ideals because the next generation have grown up wondering what all the fuss is about, they went through school after the changes were implemented and its sad to think that all we held dear will just be swept under the rug in the name of progress. Some may have guessed where I’m heading by now but I’ll spell it out anyway. We have just joined forces with a few other countries and legalised same-sex marriage, which may affect 4 or 5% of the population and yet, important issues like euthanasia allude us, unless you happen to be in hospital on morphine to keep you comfortable and the dosage can be increased until one just slips away. I’ve always said this should not be a platform for personal crapp but with ½ page to fill, be prepared for anything. Luckilly 49 suggested Tuck’s Chrissy card.

From Graham Tucker


Minutes of the 398th Open Committee Meeting of ACRM SA Inc, held on 28th November 2017 at Collinswood. Meeting Opened at 2000 hrs President Welcomed all. Attendance 141, 78, 113, 212, 21, 232, 153, 45, 44, 43, 48, 49,. Apologies 80, 233, 64, 370, 371, 372, 333, 40, 423, 120 Minutes of Previous meeting…Moved 212 Seconded 21 Carried Matters arising Nil Correspondence Nil in Nil out carried.

Reports President: - Nil. Keep it short, more time to enjoy break-up. Thank you to all who put in the effort to bring something. Secretary: - Nil. Treasurer: - Balance $9083.68, In $1102.68, Out $ Nil (Inc Central Belt $4125.09, Moved 78 Sec 232 Carried Merry Christmas to all. Training Officer: - Merry Christmas, Happy New Year to all. Rally Coordinator- Absent with apology. Suffering from hypo due to medication change.. Merry Christmas and Happy New year. Social Secretary.: Merry Christmas. Resources Merry Christmas General Business 113 queried if we are getting new radios this year? Response from the chair: Radios to be replaced when and where needed, unfortunately no source of legit radios yet. Meeting closed 2031. Next meeting #399 Tues 23 January 2018


200g natural pecan kernels 50g butter 1 teaspoon of salt flakes or ½ teaspoon of table salt ¼ tsp of lemon juice

Method: - Melt the butter in a frying pan over a gentle heat until it foams, then add the pecans and stir well. Sprinkle the salt on and fry lightly for about a minute. Transfer the nuts to a baking tray and cook them at 180°C for about 20 minutes. When the pecans are golden and crunchy, remove them from the oven. Sprinkle lemon juice on them, give them a stir and bake for a further two minutes. Let the tray cool before removing it from the oven, and then store the pecans in an airtight container away from direct sunlight until they’re ready to be served.

Preparation time: 30 minutes. Cooking time: 1½ hours Serves 6-8

8 large eggwhites Pinch of salt 500g caster sugar 2 tblspns cornflour 1 tsp vinegar 2 tsp vanilla extract Icing sugar, to dust

CHOCOLATE CREAM 400g dark chocolate buttons 650ml cream BALSAMIC BERRIES 800g berries or cherries, pitted 200g caster sugar 100ml balsamic vinegar 2 drops bitter almond essence Method: - Preheat oven to 150° C. Line a flat oven tray with baking paper and draw a 30cm-diameter circle. Put eggwhites and salt in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add caster sugar, continuously beating, until mixture is thick and glossy. Gently fold in the cornflour, vinegar and vanilla. Spread the mixture on the prepared oven tray, smoothing the sides

IN THE KITCHEN WITH CHRIS 49.

PAVLOVA WITH CHOCOLATE CREAM AND BALSAMIC BERRIES

BUTTERED PECANS


and gently flattening the top. Bake meringue for 1 ½ hours, then allow to cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar. To make chocolate cream: Melt the chocolate buttons over a pan of simmering water until smooth, then allow to cool. Put cream in a large mixing bowl, and using an electric mixer, beat on high speed until soft peaks form. Gently fold chocolate into the cream until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve. To make balsamic berries: Toss berries and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Put in a large heavy-based saucepan with the balsamic vinegar. Cook over a medium heat for 4 minutes. Remove the berries with a slotted spoon and set aside. Boil the syrup until reduced by half and pour over berries with the almond essence; refrigerate until cool. To serve, put the pavlova on a serving plate, top with the chocolate cream and pour over the berries and syrup. Dust with icing sugar and serve immediately.

Preparation time: 30 minutes plus 30 minutes refrigeration time Cooking time: 10 minutes Serves 8

4 kg ripe seedless watermelon 200g caster sugar 75g cornflour 20ml rosewater 50g pistachios, shelled and slivered or crushed 40g Pashmak Persian fairy floss Method: - cut a 2kg wedge from the watermelon and set aside. Trim the skin from the remaining watermelon and roughly chop the flesh. Put flesh in a food processor or blender and pulse until puréed, then strain through a fine sieve. Put sugar and cornflour in a small saucepan and stir to combine. Gradually whisk in watermelon juice until smooth. Bring to the boil over a medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a spoon. Pour mixture into 8 serving glasses and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set. Using a melon baller, form balls from reserved watermelon and put in a large mixing bowl. Add rosewater and refrigerate until ready to serve. To serve, spoon watermelon balls into glasses and top with pistachio and fairy floss. Serve immediately. Cook’s tip: - Persian fairy floss is available from specialty food stores. Other types of fairy floss can be used in its place.

WATERMELON DESSERT


Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time 1 hour plus 1 hour refrigeration time

Serves 8

1 pkt Scotch Finger biscuits 4 tblspns melted butter 750g cream cheese 8 eggs 220g sugar 250g white chocolate, chopped 150ml cream 150g dark chocolate extra 150ml cream Method: -Preheat oven to 140°C (no fan or low fan). Line a 24cm springform tin with baking paper. Crush biscuits with a rolling pin or in a food processor until you have a fine crumb. Put biscuit crumbs in a mixing bowl, add melted butter and mix with a wooden spoon until well combined. Press crumb mixture into the base of prepared tin and press firmly with the back of the spoon. Put cream cheese, eggs and sugar in a large bowl and beat with electric beaters for 4-5 minutes or until the mixture is smooth. Put white chocolate and cream in a medium heavy-based pan and stir over a low heat until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Add the white chocolate mixture to the cream cheese mixture in a thin stream and beat with electric beaters on low until well combined. Pour the mixture into the biscuit base. Gently tap the tin on the bench a few times to knock any air bubbles out of the mixture, to ensure a smooth finish. Bake cheesecake for 1 hour or until the mixture is set. When set, remove from the oven to cool on a rack. When cool, put in the fridge for 1 hour. When cold, remove from the fridge and sit the rack over a plate or tray larger than the cake. Put dark chocolate and extra cream in a medium heavy-based pan and stir over a low heat until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour the chocolate and cream mixture over the cheesecake and let it run down the sides. Serve cheesecake in wedges. Cook’s tip: -The baking time depends on the oven. If the cheesecake isn’t set – firm to touch in the middle- then bake it a little longer, checking it every five minutes.

WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE WITH DARK CHOCOLATE SAUCE


www.motorcyclehouse.com.au/motorcycle-jackets.htm www.motorcyclehouse.com.au/motorcycle-saddlebags-panniers.htm

A word of thanks to our sponsors, some old, some new. An old stalwart Foodland, Gawler, thank you and we welcome a few new sponsors.

Robern Menz, Office Works, Maccas, K Mart & Motorcycle House. Their assistance is greatly appreciated. Please show your support by supporting them.

Crossword Puzzle, compiled by Chris 49.

Answers next month.

ACROSS 1. Meat from a cow. 3. Comfortable seat 9. Beverage containers. .10. Medical attendant. 11. Behaviour hostile towards Jews. 13. European mountain region. 15. Sloping print style. 17. Maker. 20. Oak tree fruit. 21. Complete finish. 22. Aiming to achieve. 23. Toll. DOWN 1. An act of deliberate disloyalty. 2. Right. 4. Begin again. 5. Set of rules by which a Country is run. 6. Spray can 7. Stink. 8. Laboratory equipment (6,6). 12. Only just.. 14. Winter broth (3,4). 16. Roaring Twenties’ Dance. 18. Course. 19. Lady _ _ _ _ (singer).


Documents

THE COMMUNICATOR eI 11, Volume 12 Xmas 17 Jan 2018