Spring Equinox
May Affect TV
If your TV picture momentarily turns
snowy or blurry on March 20, 2014,
the date of the spring equinox, it’s
probably from a sun outage. This is
a natural phenomenon which occur
twice a year (in the spring and fall),
when the sun appears to pass directly
behind the satellite, as seen from the
receive antenna.
During these brief “eclipse” periods
—when the receive antenna on the
earth, the satellite, and the sun are in
direct alignment—the sun’s focused
“noise” energy overwhelms the video
signal from the satellite. Reception
becomes degraded and eventually
impossible for a brief period of time,
usually less than 15 minutes. All com-
munications providers using satellites
experience this effect.
There is nothing that can be done
from a technical standpoint to prevent
the sun outage effects. Fortunately,
however, sun outages are a short-term
problem and end when the equinox
is over.
Cornerstone Group © 2014
March is National Nutrition Month and the U.S. Department of Agricul-
ture’s website,
offers these tips for making
more beneficial food choices:
1.
Make half your plate vegetables and fruits.
They are full of important nutrients.
2.
Add lean protein.
Choose foods such as lean beef and pork, chicken, turkey, beans, or
tofu. Twice a week, make seafood the protein on your plate.
3.
Include whole grains.
Aim to make at least half your grains whole grains. Look for the
words “100% whole grain” or “100% whole wheat” on the food label.
4.
Don’t forget the dairy.
Pair your meal with a cup of fat-free or low-fat milk. Don’t
drink milk? Try soymilk (soy beverage) as your beverage or include fat-free or low-fat
yogurt in your meal.
5.
Avoid extra fat.
Using heavy gravies or sauces will add fat and calories to otherwise
healthy choices. For example, steamed broccoli is great but avoid topping it with
cheese sauce.
6.
Take your time and savor your food.
Eating very quickly may cause you to eat too much.
7.
Use a smaller plate.
This helps you better manage your portion sizes.
8.
Take control of your food.
Eat at home more often so you know exactly what you are
eating. If you eat out, check and compare the nutrition information. Choose healthier
options such as baked instead of fried.
9.
Try new foods.
Keep it interesting by picking out new foods you’ve never tried before,
like mango, lentils, or kale. You may find a new favorite! Trade healthy and tasty recipes
with friends or find them online.
10.
Satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way.
Indulge in a naturally sweet dessert—fruit!
Serve a fruit parfait made with yogurt or bake apples and top with cinnamon.
If your family is also hungry for unlimited data and a deliciously fast connection, treat
yourself to a new Internet plan from Wheat State Telephone. Call 800-442-6835
for details.
10 Tips for Building Healthy Meals
