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The Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (VGMS)
Rockhound Rambling
November / December 2001.

Table of Contents.

• PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE;
• WORDS TO LIVE BY;
• 2002 DUES ARE DUE;
• "RUSSIAN GEM TREASURES" PROGRAM - NOVEMBER 28TH MEETING;
• ELECTION OF 2002 OFFICERS;
• CHRISTMAS PARTY - DECEMBER 12, 2001;
• PASSING CARS;
• PROGRAM REVIEW FOR OCTOBER 24TH MEETING;
• MARK YOUR CALENDARS;
• SHOW PLANNING MEETING;
• CHIPS & BOULDERS;
• DECEMBER / JANUARY BIRTHDAYS;
• NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED;
• HOSPITALITY;
• VGMS MINUTES;
• BURMA SHAVE HISTORY;
• GOD BLESS AMERICA;
• Our collecting areas are being taken away;
• PETRIFIED WOOD FACT;
• NO MATTER THE PRICE;
• A GUY WHO DRIVES;
• CFMS EARTH SCIENCE STUDIES - At Zzyzx March 24-31, 2002;
• HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS (Use at your own risk);
• MARIPOSA MINERAL & GEM SHOW;
• TUCSON / QUARTZSITE SHOWS;
• 2001 CFMS CLUB SHOWS;
• AT INTERSECTIONS;
• BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL;
• 2002 CFMS CLUB SHOWS;
• AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL SHOW SCHEDULE;
• EDITOR'S NOTE;
• CADY MOUNTAIN FIELD TRIP - NOVEMBER 23 & 24;
• Wiley Well District Field Trip - January 28-February 1, 2002;
• EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

Hard to believe this is the last bulletin of the year. A lot has happened in those months both good and bad.

Before we welcome in the new year, we've got our Christmas dinner/meeting (December 12th, 6:30 P.M., Carrows on Seaward and Harbor, $12.50 per person and please remit to VGMS no later than Dec. 3rd) to look forward to. Of course it'll include the installation of officers and I hope to see everyone there.

We had a terrific and worth while seminar conducted by Walt Wright. Covering the processes and scientific study of fossilification and petrofaction of present day and extinct plant life, Walt supplied hundreds of samples during the three day event. Ventura College geology instructor, Luke Hall, provided the class room complete with individual microscopes for study and Red and Nancy Jioras contributed so much with their set up, refreshments and coordination between Walt and the college. I'd like to thank all the Del Air Club members who saw this opportunity for formal training and participated.

I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving, a merry Christmas and hope 2002 brings more peaceful times around the world.

     Greg Davis - President.

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WORDS TO LIVE BY.

A Synonym is a word you use when you can't spell the word you first thought of.

The heaviest load you can carry is a chip on your shoulder.

Happiness depends on what we are, not what we have.

Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is even better.

     Contributed by Wayne Ehlers.

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2002 DUES ARE DUE!!!!

Go to the VGMS Info Page for amounts.

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"RUSSIAN GEM TREASURES" PROGRAM
NOVEMBER 28TH MEETING.

This one hour video was made and edited by Bob Jones (Senior Consulting Editor of Rock and Gem Magazine) and Michael Leybov from Russia. You will see some beautiful interior views of Russian Palaces of the Tzar Family and Court in St. Petersburg. Famous precious stones of other Museums (including the Kremlin) will be shown. Among the Specimens will be - emeralds, alexandrite, topaz, tourmaline, charoite and others from the Urals and Siberia. Work from such famous artists as Faberge and Konovalenko will be shown. Also included is a visit to an underground mine in Siberia. Don't miss this video show as it is great.

Wayne Ehlers.

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ELECTION OF 2002 OFFICERS.

We will be electing our 2002 officers at the November 28th meeting. Please come and take part in this important task. If you wish to nominate anyone from the floor, you are welcome to do so, but must have that person's permission to do so. The nominating committee has nominated the following slate:
President - Greg Davis,
1st Vice President - Kathryn Davis,
2nd Vice President Field Trips - Ron Wise,
Treasurer - Richard Bromser,
Membership Secretary - Inez Shakman,
Federation Director - Florence Meisenheimer,
Bulletin Editor - Shirley Layton,
Parliamentarian - Steve Mulqueen.

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CHRISTMAS PARTY - DECEMBER 12, 2001.

A time to relax and visit and have someone else wait on you! That's our Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 12th along with the installation of our 2002 VGMS officers. It will be at Carrows on Harbor Blvd. and Seaward. There will be Turkey and all the trimmings including pie and beverage. The cost is $12.50 and you need to have payment to Richard Bromser by 12-3-01 in order to give the count to the restaurant and so Richard can enjoy the evening as well! Checks should be made payable to VGMS. There will be a sign up sheet at the November 28th meeting. If any questions, give Sharon Cunningham a call at (805) 649-3579. Santa hopes to see YOU ALL There!!!

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PASSING CARS.

PASSING CARS
WHEN YOU CAN'T SEE
MAY GET YOU A GLIMPSE
OF ETERNITY.
**Burma-Shave**.

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PROGRAM REVIEW FOR OCTOBER 24TH MEETING.

The Video "Death Valley Memories" by Ted Faye was most interesting. Life in Death Valley was very hard, but they were a close knit community. The Borax mining with the 20 mule team history showed some innovative and hard working people. They worked hard and they "played" hard. This video about the everyday life in Death Valley and Amargosa Valley of eastern California and western Nevada in the early 1900's was made even more interesting by Steve Mulqueen's additions. Steve worked in Death Valley and lived in Furnace Creek for a short period, in the more modern times! Thanks Steve for sharing this history of Death Valley.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

11-23 & 24-01 - November Field Trip - Cady Mountains - Look for details and map in this bulletin.
11-28-01 - VGMS Regular Meeting - PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE BACK TO 4th WEDNESDAY INSTEAD OF THE 2nd WEDNESDAY FOR NOVEMBER. (This year only!) - "Russian Gem Treasures" by Bob Jones presented by Wayne Ehlers
12-2-01 - VGMS Show Meeting - 2:00 pm at the home of Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson, 7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura, CA.
12-6-01 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
12-12-01 - VGMS Christmas Party - 6:30 pm, Carrows on Harbor Blvd. at Seaward.
12-15-01 - VGMS Workshop - Museum from 9:00 to Noon.
1-3-02 - VGMS Board Meeting - 7:30 pm - At the Museum. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.
1-10-02 - DEADLINE FOR JANUARY - Articles to the Editor!
1-23-02 - VGMS Regular Meeting.
1-28-02 / 2-1-02 - CFMS Field Trip - Wiley Wells - Look for details in this bulletin.

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SHOW PLANNING MEETING,
December 2 at the B-T's.

     Both the Conejo and Oxnard shows have come and gone. That can only mean one thing; it's our turn! Let's make our 2002 gem, mineral, lapidary, and fossil show a weekend to remember. As we write this, our show is just a short four months away, with a lot to be done between now and then. (For one thing, it's very likely that we'll need a new hospitality chair, so we would welcome a volunteer at our club's November meeting.) To help ensure that things move smoothly, we invite you to join us for a show-planning meeting at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, December 2nd, at our home: 7319 Eisenhower Street, Ventura. If you need directions, feel free to call (659-3577) or email (jbraceth@juno.com). Everyone's invited-not just the show committee chairs. We'll serve up refreshments while everyone serves up refreshing ideas to make this our best show ever. See you then!
          Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson,
          2002 Show Co-Chairs.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

CHIPS & BOULDERS.

Work Party at the Museum - On Saturday, November 3rd, some of our members volunteered their time to sort through rocks stored in the back of the museum. This was needed in order to discard the undesirable rocks and to organize the "high grade" rocks, minerals and fossils. Those that helped-out included Greg Davis, Richard Bromser, Steve Mulqueen, Ray & Florence Meisenheimer and Jim & Nancy Brace-Thompson. Thanks for all your good work!
     These rocks, etc. are used for educational purposes, needed in our lapidary classes, for rock sales, silent auctions and for give-away material for children visiting our museum. About 60% of the rocks have been sorted and another work party will be needed to finish the task. Please volunteer for our next work party to be scheduled later this month.
          Steve Mulqueen.

November hosts will be Shirley Bromser and Chloe Baer - Then it is the "Christmas Party"!! Many Thanks to everyone who has helped out through the year and to our Hostess with the Mostest coordinator, Sharon Cunningham. It is a much lighter load with everyone sharing it!

Thanks to Susan Mulqueen who, with the help of Greg Davis and Steve Mulqueen, put a VGMS club case in the Oxnard Gem & Mineral Show. We all appreciate your efforts. Even though I didn't get over to see it, I know it was great!

Country Store Pricing Session - was held on November 7th. I would like to thank Richard & Shirley Bromser, Chloe Baer, Greg Davis and Nancy Brace-Thompson for their great help as well as Red & Nancy Jioras who brought in some great items but weren't able to stay. We are in need of more goods, supply is sort of low so keep collecting!! It is a perfect time to clean out some stuff to make room for all those new Christmas gifts! Give Shirley Layton (642-2683) a call for pick up or bring it to a meeting or the museum. Don't forget the plant starts! Everyone loves the plants for sale at our show, so let's not disappoint them and get some lovely ones in the works - Many thanks!

Door Prize Drawing to Change with the New Year. With the permit requirements and paperwork involved the board has voted to change the door prize procedure for the coming year. Everyone will be given a free ticket at the door (must be wearing your name tag). All the Pebble Pups will be given a prize. The only drawing will be for the free door prize. Name Tags will be available at the door for the guests.

VGMS Workshops - With the Holidays coming up, I'm not sure what the schedule will be. It would be best to check with one of the Shop Supervisors who are: Ron Wise (805) 647-4393, Greg Davis (805) 647-9214 & Red Jioras (805) 646-7184. Stop and say thanks to these volunteers for the opportunity they give the rest of us. It is there for your use, take advantage of it.

Bulletin e-mail - It would be helpful when you e-mail information or articles for the bulletin if you could start the subject with "VGMS (space)". This will help Jim to sort them and hopefully not miss any! E-mails work great as we can just roll the information over and don't have to re-type it, so keep them coming!!

Check Your 2001 Show Donation Award Ticket - In the donation award drawing, the ticket for the number 2 ($50.00) prize did not have a name or phone number on. Please check your tickets for number 0670 and notify Inez Shakman at (805) 642-4957 if you have this number. We will hold it and try to find the winner until the 2002 show and then it will be turned back for the 2002 donation award drawings.

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DECEMBER / JANUARY BIRTHDAYS.

Happy Birthday to all those born in December & January. We all wish you good health and hope you have a Great Day! Please let me know if I have missed your birthday. Please call Shirley Layton at 642-2683 and leave a message if I'm not there. Thanks!

December -Happy Birthday!!
     Opal Benson -15th,
     Bob Spjut - 18th,
     John Alex Brace-Thompson - 20th,
     Vijay Shah - 25th,
     Sharlyne Holloway - 27th,
     Bonnie Demianiw - 31st.

The December birthstone is the Turquoise and the flower is the Narcissus.

THE MINERAL TURQUOISE.
Chemistry: CuAl₆(PO₄)4(OH)₈*5(H₂O), Hydrated Copper Aluminum Phosphate.
Class: Phosphates.
Uses: as an ornamental stone for carving and jewelry.
     Turquoise is a valuable mineral and is possibly the most valuable, non-transparent mineral in the jewelry trade. It has been mined for eons since at least 6000 BC by early Egyptians. Its history also includes beautiful ornamental creations by Native Americans and Persians. Its popularity is still quite strong today. Although crystals of any size are rare, some small crystals have been found in Virginia and elsewhere. Most specimens are cryptocrystalline, meaning that the crystals could only be seen by a microscope. The finest turquoise comes from Iran but is challenged by some southwestern United States specimens. Turquoise is often imitated by "fakes", such as the mineral chrysocolla, and poorer turquoise specimens are often dyed or color stabilized with coatings of various resins. The name comes from a French word which means stone of Turkey, from where Persian material passed on its way to Europe.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Color is of course, turquoise, but this color actually varies from greenish blue to sky blue shades.
• Luster is dull to waxy, vitreous in macro-crystals.
• Transparency specimens are opaque.
• Crystal System is triclinic; bar 1.
• Crystal Habits include crystals rarely large enough to see, usually massive, cryptocrystalline forms as nodules and veinlets.
• Cleavage is perfect in two directions, but is not often seen.
• Fracture is conchoidal and smooth.
• Hardness is 5 - 6.
• Specific Gravity is approximately 2.6 - 2.8 (average).
• Streak is white with a greenish tint.
• Associated Minerals are pyrite, limonite, quartz and clays.
• Other Characteristics: color can change with exposure to skin oils.
• Notable Occurances include Arizona and New Mexico, USA; Australia; Iran; Afghanistan and other localities in the Middle East.
• Best Field Indicators are crystal habit, hardness, luster, color and associations.

Copyright (c) 1995 by Amethyst Galleries, Inc.


January - Happy Birthday!!
     Anthony Beinar - 2nd,
     Ray Ritchey - 3rd,
     Shawne Lardin - 9th,
     Marie Ehlers - 13th,
     Alexa Jackowski - 14th,
     Josh Glenn - 23rd,
     Florence Meisenheimer - 23rd,
     Nolan Heath - 25th.

The January birthstone is the Garnet and the flower is the Carnation.

THE GARNET GROUP.

Garnets as a group are relatively common in highly metamorphosed rocks and in some igneous formations. They form under the high temperatures and/or pressures that those types of rocks must endure. Garnets can be used by geologists as a gauge of how much temperature and pressure the rock has endured. As a gemstone, garnets have had a mixed reputation. Garnets do possess high indices of refraction, are hard enough, have pretty colors, are sometimes transparent, lack cleavage and are durable; thus making good candidates for gemstones. However, many people consider garnets to be inferior to other colored gems. This may be due to garnet's relative abundance and widespread use, and therefore a (typically) low price. Garnets are greatly variable in colors and varieties, though, and many of these are both rare and beautiful, producing genuinely precious gemstones. Some garnets are truly unique in the mineral kingdom and have much to offer as both gemstones and mineral specimens.

Garnets are isostructural, meaning that they share the same crystal structure. This leads to similar crystal shapes and properties. The general formula for garnets is A₃B₂(SiO₄) ₃. The A represents divalent metals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese. The B represents a trivalent metal such as aluminum, chromium, iron, and other elements found in rarer members of the group. The main differences in physical properties among the members of the garnet group are slight variations in density and index of refraction. Garnets belong to the isometric crystal class, which produces very symmetrical, cube-based crystals. The most common crystal shape for garnets is the rhombic dodecahedron, a twelve sided crystal with diamond-shaped (rhombic) faces. This basic shape is the trademark of garnets, for no other crystal shape is so closely associated with a single mineral group like the rhombic dodecahedron is with garnets. Most garnets are red in color, leading to the erroneous belief that all garnets are red. In fact a few varieties, such as grossular, can have a wide range of colors, and uvarovite is always a bright green. As a mineral specimen, garnets usually have well shaped and complex crystals and their color and luster can make for a very beautiful addition to a collection. At times, garnets are accessory minerals to other valuable and pretty gem minerals such as topaz, beryl and tourmaline, making these specimens extra special.

The garnet is actually quite a large group, but these are the more common members with their chemistries and their significant divergent properties: density (SG), index of refraction (IR), and the typical color as well as their general environment of formation. Under environment of formation: metamorphic will be indicated with a M and igneous with an I. All garnets may contribute to detrital sedimentary rocks but they are not of original sedimentary origin.

Copyright (c) 1995 by Amethyst Galleries, Inc.

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NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED.

We are most happy to welcome three new member families. Please add the following to your membership directories. Be sure to introduce yourself to these new members and make them welcome.

Darwin Base & Pebble Pup - Aaron,
670 Memphis Ct.,
Ventura, CA 93004,
Telephone: (805) 647-3533.

Dan and Cece VanDer Meer & Pebble Pup - Logan,
610 Mesa Dr.,
Ojai, CA 93023,
Telephone: (805) 646-0848.

Phyllis Williams,
338 South Miraleste #266,
San Pedro, CA 90732,
e-mail bajaphyllis@hotmail.com (no phone).

We look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting and Christmas Party. We look forward to a little "rock/fossil" talk with you!

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HOSPITALITY.

     Our hospitality chairperson, Sharlyne Holloway, advised that we had 25 members, 1 guest - Don Minster - and 5 pebble pups. David Mautz had his usual good drawings for the pebble pups, guests, general door prizes and the member with the name tag on. Shawne Lardin was drawn for the name tag. Shawne was present, but didn't have her name tag on and was the sad "almost winner" of $50. Well Shawne's loss may be the next persons gain! It will be $55 in November so be there with your name tag on!! We want to welcome all guests and pebble pups and hope you all will come again. There were many interesting specimens on the table, brought in by members to display and share.
     The Base family, one of our new members, brought the refreshments. Aaron's mom, Janice, made some really cute (and very tasty) jack-o-lanterns on a stick. Think Aaron was hoping for left overs, but am afraid there weren't many! Thanks to Aaron, Darwin and Janice, we enjoyed them!

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VGMS MINUTES.

Minutes of the VGMS Regular Monthly Meeting - Wednesday, October 24, 2001;
     The regular monthly meeting of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:37 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2001 in the Bijou Room of the Lexington, 5440 Ralston, Ventura, CA. The group was led in the salute to the flag.
     The September regular meeting and board meeting minutes were corrected and then m/s/p as shown in the Bulletin.
     Guests were introduced and welcomed to the meeting.

Club Business:
     Saturday, November 3, 2001, will be a workday at the museum. It will be to clean up the rock area in the back of the building. Richard Bromser was able to buy 51 milk crates that will help organize the rock area.
     Speakers are needed for up-coming monthly meetings. If anyone has suggestions, please contact Kathryn Davis or Greg Davis.

     The nominating committee announced the slate of officers for the 2002-2003 year. They are:
          President: Greg Davis,
          1st Vice President: Kathryn Davis,
          2nd Vice President: Ron Wise,
          3rd Vice President: Jim Brace-Thompson,
          Treasurer: Richard Bromser,
          Recording Secretary: OPEN,
          Membership Secretary: Emma Mayer,
          Federation Director: Florence Meisenheimer,
          Bulletin Editor: Shirley Layton,
          Parliamentarian: Steve Mulqueen.

     The wood seminar was very interesting and intense with information. Thanks go to Red and Nancy Jioras for putting it all together.
     Ron Wise, Vice President for Field Trips: There will be a tri-club field trip on November 22-25 lead by Miriam of the Oxnard club. For more information, please contact Ron at 647-4393.
     Richard Bromser, Treasurer, gave the treasurer's report.
     Jim Brace-Thompson, Show Chairperson: Notices have been sent to magazines and journals regarding our show. Get started planting plants so that there will be clippings for our show plant sale. There will be a show-planning meeting on Sunday 12/2 at 2:00pm at the Brace-Thompson's house. If you need directions, please call 659-3577.
     Shirley Layton, Bulletin Editor: Deadline for articles in the next double issue bulletin is November 10th. All articles are welcomed.
     A Country Store pricing night will be held on Wednesday, November 7 at 7:00 pm.
     Ray Meisenheimer picked up the fossils from the Santa Paula Oil Museum. They donated the signs for the fossils to the club. Ray will put some on display at the Oxnard show.
     Greg Davis and Susan Mulqueen will put a club case in the Oxnard show.
     Steve Mulqueen said that the Trona show was lots of fun. Nine members from the club were there. Steve, Susan and Dave Mautz went on to do a little fossil collecting afterwards. There were interesting specimens on the back table.
     The leader postponed the tar-pit trip for insects due to car trouble.
     The next board meeting will be on November 1, 2001 at 7:30 pm at the museum. Everyone is welcome to attend. The 2nd Saturday of every month is generally for field trips and the 3rd Saturday of every month the club's workshop is open from 9am to 12pm.
     That was the end of the business part of the meeting. David Mautz then conducted the drawings.
     Steve Mulqueen introduced the program, a video on Death Valley by Ted Fay.
     The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 pm.
     The next general meeting will be on November 28, 2001, at 7:30 pm, at the Lexington.
          Respectfully submitted,
          Nancy Brace-Thompson, Secretary.


Minutes of the VGMS Board Meeting - November 1, 2001;
     The regular board meeting of the VGMS was called to order by President Greg Davis at 7:32 pm on Thursday November 1, 2001, at the VGMS Museum, 5019 Crooked Palm Rd., Ventura, CA.
Present: Greg Davis, Richard Bromser, Nancy (late) & Jim Brace-Thompson, Steve Mulqueen, Kathryn Davis, Ray & Florence Meisenheimer, Shirley Layton and Wayne Ehlers.
President: Greg was told that we might be evicted from the building. Greg will try and get in touch with the owners and show them our museum and workshop. There are few details at the moment but we may have to vacate on short notice. Steve Mulqueen said there might be two buildings in Santa Paula that we could use on a temporary basis. Greg has been looking into the cost of storage units.
     Saturday at 9:00 am there will be a rock sorting party. Richard has gotten cinder blocks for building shelves. The roof fixing party has been postponed until more information becomes available about our building situation.
     Wayne Ehlers has begun cataloguing all the museum specimens.
     The slate of officers will only change by one. We have enough pins to give to out-going officers. Shirley will put the slate of officers in the Nov/Dec bulletin.
     Finally received the check from Edison for the refrigerator.
     The Oxnard show is this weekend. Greg Davis and Susan Mulqueen will put in a club case.
     Only our members showed up to the wood seminar, although it was a Tri-club event. We were short by $239.88. Greg will speak with and write a note to the Oxnard and Conejo Presidents about helping to defray the cost.
     The CFMS is issuing guidelines on the new raffle laws. Kokinos is writing to the state to protest the new state laws.
     There will be a federation field trip to Wiley Wells on Sun. January 27-February 1 prior to Quartzite.
     There is a new telephone and answering machine at the Museum. The phone number is 648-4051.
Treasurer's Report: Richard Bromser passed around the treasurer's report and an expense report on the wood seminar. The reports were M/S/P.
Bulletin: The bulletin deadline is November 9th. It'll be a combined November/December bulletin. Shirley had a letter to the editor disagreeing with a Sulfuric acid article she ran in May. She will put in a small item commenting on it in the bulletin. Need to say that dues are due in the bulletin. Will put in slate of officers for 2002 in the bulletin.
     Details on the Holiday party will be in the bulletin. Need a sign-up sheet at the next general meeting. The restaurant needs advance notice on the number of people attending plus an advance deposit by December 3rd. Make checks payable to VGMS. The meal will include turkey, stuffing, veggies, pie, coffee, tea & soft drinks. The price is $12.50 includes tips & taxes.
     Information on new raffle will be in the bulletin.
     The program for November will be by Wayne Ehlers introducing Bob Jones's "Gemstones of Russia" video.
Show: There will be a show planning meeting at the Brace-Thompson's house on Sunday December 2nd at 2:00 pm. Please call 659-3577 if you need directions to the house. All are welcomed. Notices were sent out to the magazines and journals. Jim will make formal flyers this month so they will be ready to hand out at the November meeting. The flyers need to be on a bright colored paper, so they stand out. Jim is also staying in touch with the fairgrounds.
     Pacific Stone Works off Main St. might be an interesting place for a field trip. Wayne and Marie went and found it fascinating.
     There will be a Country Store pricing meeting on Wednesday November 7 at 7:00 pm. Need boxes.
     The board meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.
          Respectfully submitted,
          Nancy Brace-Thompson, Secretary.

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BURMA SHAVE HISTORY.

     Time for a little Burma-Shave history. Burma-Shave was created by the O'Dell brothers who lived in Minneapolis and had a little plant in the Bryn Mar district.
     The story goes like this: On Monday they would leave town and drive along a highway near a town. Then they would place Burma-Shave signs (without having to pay for the placement) along all the highways leading to the town. Each set of signs contained five placements (one for each line and then the last one that actually said "Use Burma-Shave." Then they would proceed to the next town and do the same thing. Late on Thursday and into Friday they would back track and call  upon  the  local  drug  store(s) and ask, "No doubt you have had calls for Burma-Shave." They would take orders and leave the merchandise along with reorder forms.
     That's how they got started in the thirties and they did it for years. Finally in the early 60s, Philip Morris became interested in this little Burma-Shave franchise. As I remember, the company's sales were about $900,000 a year when the business was sold to Philip Morris. Philip Morris then proceeded to buy a series of one minute TV commercials on NFL football. The commercials cost something like $150,000 each promoting one of this nation's most wretched corporate decisions that actually completely destroyed a good little profit making company in one football season.

SOMEHOW THEY MADE THEIR SALES
WITH A SIGN, A POST AND NAILS;
BUT THE NEW GUYS GAVE TV A RIDE,
THEY CHANGED THE FORMAT AND DIED.
"Good bye Burma-Shave."

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GOD BLESS AMERICA!

The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day. NOW MORE THAN EVER, LISTEN TO THE MEANING OF THESE WORDS.

"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you meaning of each word?"

I - me, an individual, a committee of one.
PLEDGE - dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.
ALLEGIANCE - my love and my devotion.
TO THE FLAG - our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!
UNITED - that means that we have all come together.
STATES - individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.
AND TO THE REPUBLIC - a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.
FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION - one nation, meaning "so blessed by God."
INDIVISIBLE - incapable of being divided.
WITH LIBERTY - which is freedom - the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.
AND JUSTICE - the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.
FOR ALL - which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance... UNDER GOD... wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too?

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

If any of you are interested this can be found on the web site http://home.att.net/~presidents/skelton.htm.

via The Petrified Log, Presidents Letter, Nov 2001.

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Our collecting areas are being taken away!
By Steve Ivie,
Chairman, Field Trip - South.

I read the article in the CFMS newsletter this month from Dick Pankey regarding the identification of our collecting areas, and I agree that it is a very good idea. We need to identify the areas where we collect to better protect their availability.

The article also said that a BLM representative stated that the BLM does not intend to further restrict our collecting areas. I see mixed messages coming from the BLM. For many months, the BLM has been having meetings to decide the fate of OUR DESERT. Because of a lawsuit filed against the BLM by the Sierra Club and others to enforce the Endangered Species Act, the BLM is actively pursuing a proposed closure of the majority of the roads that we use to get to our collecting areas.

They call this "the development of a vehicle access network on BLM lands". The irony of that statement is that there IS an established network of roads in the desert, and what they are doing is closing that network. They have nothing but closures in all the maps I have reviewed, and not a single new road.

Of course they don't plan to further restrict our collecting areas. We can still collect in them after walking many miles each way in the desert! Clever way to close an area-it's still open, but you just can't get to it.

Just in the last week or two, I received an E-mail regarding another such closure of sorts, and the following text is from the BLM's website. "The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued a proposed order to temporarily close to camping approximately 25,600 acres of public land east of the Imperial Sand Dunes in Imperial County to protect desert tortoise habitat. The area would not be closed to vehicles traveling on existing routes."

"BLM is implementing the closures as part of a settlement agreement reached in response to a lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, the Sierra Club, and the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility regarding the Endangered Species Act."

What this means is that the BLM is already making concessions to the above groups while they are still having meetings to supposedly discuss the public opposition to the road closures. I attended one of the meetings in Ridgecrest, hosted by the BLM, to discuss the closures in the Randsburg, El Paso and Newbury Springs areas.

I decided to go because I wanted to better understand how the issues of closures were being handled. Another reason was that the BLM sent the meeting notifications so they arrived the day before the meeting. This short notice, combined with a meeting that starts at 6 p.m., 170 miles from my house, I felt would lower attendance and, as such, would not be properly represented.

At the meeting, I was greeted by many other groups fighting these closures including the Ranchers Association, Off Road Racing Association, 4 wheeler groups, horse riding groups, bird watchers and private citizens. Worried handicapped individuals also expressed their fears that closing routes would effectively prevent them from visiting old favorite sites. Even some local cities hired lawyers to represent them in these closures.

As others took turns speaking, I listened to many who had checked the road closures on the maps. Some of the comments were that 1) The BLM shows keeping open existing paved roads; 2) they show closing a route that is passable in exchange for keeping open a parallel route which is impassable by vehicle; 3) they show keeping open a creek bed but closing the road next to it.

The reason is that the BLM has not checked these roads themselves, but are relying on aerial photos to decide which roads to close. At the meeting I mentioned that I was from the CFMS. Many thanked me for coming, as they were hoping we would get involved. It appears that we have not had any representation in these meetings. Brad Tanas, the President of the Del Air Rockhounds Club, attended the meeting with me. We were the only rockhound voices.

Brad and I spoke on your behalf to voice the loss if these roads are closed. I asked what would be a safe distance to walk in the desert without endangering one's health. I also told them that as I get older, I find it harder to walk long distances in the desert. I am only in my forties, so what about our seniors? Don't they have a right to use this desert? Without road access, it is effectively closed.

The general feeling I got from those with whom I talked is that the BLM is caving in to the lawsuit and these meetings are merely formality. No matter what is said, they will close the areas. But what if there are more voices to say that we care? There are definitely enough voices coming from the environmentalists. I am not one with much free time, and like you, I can't attend all these meetings no matter how much I care.

However, you don't have to go to the meetings in order to try to save your hobby. Call the number for the Barstow BLM office or the "West Mojave Team" at 1-909-697-5294 and request to be placed on the list to receive maps of ALL the areas currently under review, and also those scheduled for future review. These maps show all the proposed road closures. These maps are sent to you free of charge. Then respond in writing to the BLM, voicing opinion on the closings to Bureau of Land Management, Attn: West Mojave Planning Team, 6221 Box Springs Blvd., Riverside, CA, 92507. One of the BLM websites that gives latest updates is http://www.ca.blm.gov/cdd/lawsuit.html.

If you want to review the maps and pick out specific areas that need to remain open, do so, or you can simply voice your feelings on these closures in general.

What we can't do is be silent or we will lose by not objecting. These are our public lands and we have rights to access them. We make very little impact on the desert, and denying us access is just not right.

A common saying I hear is that they want to preserve the desert for future generations. Which generation will get to sleep under the moon in the desert and walk through the sands, admire sidewinders, rabbits and roadrunners and, of course, collect some of its beauty in the form of rocks and minerals? My sons, his sons?

Each of us must take individual actions by either getting involved, or simply sending a letter stating your position or feelings on these proposed closures. If they do not hear from many of us, then when this is over we will find that it is too late, and our collecting areas will be locked away. Once closed it will be a much harder, if not impossible, fight to get them reopened.

CFMS Newsletter - October 2001.

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PETRIFIED WOOD FACT.

Many Pieces of petrified wood, especially from the northwest, have a center that looks like wood, but with a layer of chalcedony or pumice between the center and the outside. This indicates that the tree was green when it was buried in hot ash. The water in the green wood evaporated, making the wood shrink. The outside was made into a cast by the heat, so the areas left between the wood and the cast were filled with chalcedony, making beautiful pieces of petrified wood.
     Pegmatite 10/01 via CFMS Newsletter Nov 2001.

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NO MATTER THE PRICE.

NO MATTER THE PRICE,
NO MATTER HOW NEW,
THE BEST SAFETY DEVICE
IN THE CAR IS YOU.
**Burma-Shave**.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

A GUY WHO DRIVES.

A GUY WHO DRIVES
A CAR WIDE OPEN
IS NOT THINKIN',
HE'S JUST HOPIN'.
**Burma-Shave**.

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CFMS EARTH SCIENCE STUDIES,
At Zzyzx March 24-31, 2002.

     Now that a nearly perfect week is over at Camp Paradise in the mountains above Marysville, it is time to be thinking and preparing for the Earth Science Studies on the desert at Soda Springs, known as ZZYZX.
     The dates are March 24 to 31, 2002. The facilities are an old resort located about 50 miles northeast of Barstow on ZZYZX Road. Take Highway 15 toward Baker. ZZYZX Road is about four miles before you come to Baker.
     Facilities are rustic, with dorm style rooms and rooms with double beds or cots. Restrooms and showers are in a separate building nearby. As this is a desert preserve dedicated to desert studies, no pets are allowed.
     If you have never heard of the Earth Science Studies, it is a week-long seminar sponsored by CFMS where rockhounds can make new friends, study lapidary arts, exchange ideas, go on field trips, socialize and have fun.
     Workshops include Bead Stringing, Silversmithing, Sculpting (carving), Wire Wrap, Cabochons, and perhaps others.
     Attendance at this seminar is limited to sixty persons. Register early.
     There is ample room for RVs, and you may be more comfortable bringing yours if you have one.
     For more information or questions you may have, call Cal Clason, (661) 589-4169, or Ray Meisenheimer, (805) 643-3155.
          via CFMS Newsletter - Nov 2001.

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HINTS & TIPS FOR ROCKHOUNDS
(Use at your own risk).

Shop Hint - Each time you clean your lapidary saw, reverse the blade. This will give longer life to the blade as you wear each side evenly. - The Pseudomorph via The Petrified Log Nov 2001.

First Aid Hint - "How to Remove Cactus Needles". Elmer's glue can remove cactus needles from your hide. Cover the area with glue, let dry and then peel off--needles and glue. - Del Air Bulletin via CFMS Newsletter 10-01.

Denim Iron On Patches make excellent polishing discs as they adhere to surfaces when ordinary glue and adhesives will not. - Chips 'n' Splinters 5-01 via Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Bulletin 11-01.

EDITOR'S NOTE: In Our May 2001 issue we published an article titled "Tain't So - All That Glitters is not Gold" by Mel Albright - AFMS Safety Chairman. This article talked about mixing acid and water. We received a letter from a reader that took exception to the content of that paragraph. I brought this up before our board meeting and after discussion their advice is "whenever mixing acid with water, check with a reliable published source for the proper procedure" or follow Ted Robles statement "KNOW what you're doing, or DO NOT DO IT!"

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MARIPOSA MINERAL & GEM SHOW.

Plans are underway for our Mariposa Mineral & Gem Show that is scheduled for the weekend of April 20-21, 2002. Due to the success of our First annual Show, we anticipate that this year's show will be bigger. We have plans to expand to Exhibit Bldg. A in addition to Exhibit Bldg. B. Both buildings are adjacent to our museum at the Mariposa Fairgrounds. Again, the show will be free to the general public.

If you are interested in participating in our show as a vendor or exhibitor, information packets (with registration forms) are available by request.

Fax: (209) 966-3597,
e-mail: mineralmuseum@sierratel.com,
Mail: Department of Parks & Recreation, California State Mining & Mineral Museum, P.O. Box 1192, Mariposa, CA 95338.

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TUCSON / QUARTZSITE SHOWS.

For the dates of the Tucson Mineral Shows: See website www.visittucson.org or e-mail visitorinfo@mtcvb.com. Webmaster: Upon arrival at the web site click on Event Calendar and then the show's logo on the right side of the calendar page.

For the dates of the Quartzsite Shows: See website www.quartzsiteimprovementassoc.com or e-mail qia@redrivernet.com. Webmaster: Upon arrival at this site click on Pow Wow. Some of the other links on the home page may also be of interest.

Contributed by Steve Mulqueen.

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2001 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.

NOVEMBER 24-25; BARSTOW, CA - Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society, Barstow Community Center, 841 S. Barstow Road. Hours: 10-5 both days. Bob Depue (760) 255-1030.
DECEMBER 1-2; SAN BERNARDINO, CA - Orange Belt Mineralogical Society, Corner of "E" Street & "31st" Street. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Tony Gilham (909) 820-2122.
DECEMBER 1-2; ORANGEVALE, CA - Orangevalle Grange Hall, 5807 Walnut Avenue (Orangevale is in Sacramento County). Hours: 10-5 both days. Evelyn Tipton (916) 372-3452 or Joy Hutchins (916) 992-1762.
DECEMBER 8-9; YUBA CITY, CA - Sutter Buttes Gem & Mineral Society, Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, 442 Franklin Avenue. Hours: Sat. 9-6, Sun. 9-5. Ed Eden (530) 674-8605.

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AT INTERSECTIONS.

AT INTERSECTIONS
LOOK EACH WAY,
A HARP SOUNDS NICE
BUT IT'S HARD TO PLAY.
**Burma-Shave**.

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BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL.

BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL,
EYES ON THE ROAD,
THAT'S THE SKILLFUL
DRIVER'S CODE.
**Burma-Shave**.

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2002 CFMS CLUB SHOWS.

JANUARY 12-13; EXETER, CA - Tule Gem & Mineral Society, Veteran's Memorial Building. Hours: 10-5 both days. Raymond Cooke (559) 686-5669 or 733-0271.
FEBRUARY 1, 2, 3; REDLANDS, CA - 37TH annual Pacific Micromount Conf., Southern California Micro-Mineralogists, San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane. Beverly Moreau (714) 577-8038, bcmoreau@4dnet.com.
FEBRUARY 15-24; INDIO, CA - San Gorgonio Mineral & Gem Society, Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival; Gem & Mineral Bldg (on the Fairgrounds); 46-350 Arabia Street. Hours: 10am-10pm. Don Grisham (909) 795-7289.
MARCH 2-3, ARCADIA, CA - Monrovia Rockhounds, Inc., The Arboretum of Los Angeles County, Ayres Hall; 301 N. Balwin Avenue. Hours: 9-4:30 both days. Jo Anna Ritchey (636) 359-1524. j.ritchey@verizon.net.
MARCH 2-3; VENTURA, CA - Ventura Gem & Mineral Society, Seaside Park (Ventura County Fairgrounds), 10 West Harbor Blvd. Hours: Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4. James Brace-Thompson (805) 659-3577.
MARCH 16-17; HAWTHORNE, CA - Northrop Grumman Gem & Mineral Club, 12329 Crenshaw Blvd. (Gate 16). Hours: Sat. 10-6. Sun. 10-5. Jimmy Lapham: Lapham@earthlink.net.
MARCH 16-17; SAN JOSE, CA - Santa Clara Valley Gem & Mineral Society, Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road. Hours: Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5. Ruth Bailey (408) 248-6195. http://www.slip.net/~ccox/scvgms, e-mail: scvgms@aol.com.

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AMERICAN FEDERATION / REGIONAL
SHOW SCHEDULE.

2002.

SOUTH CENTRAL FEDERATION,
February 8-9 - Tyler, TX.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN,
April 19-21; Enid, Oklahoma.

CANADIAN FEDERATION CONVENTION,
May 4-5; 25th Anniversary,
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

CALIFORNIA FEDERATION,
July 12-14; Placerville, CA.

COMBINED NWF/AFMS,
July 16-21; Port Townsend, WA.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

     Just for the record any unsigned articles are by the Editor. Thanks to everyone for their contributions and we look forward to a lot more from other members!! (That is a broad hint!!) As promised in last month's note, included are more Burma Shave ads and some "Burma Shave History". Did you find them?

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CADY MOUNTAIN FIELD TRIP,
NOVEMBER 23 & 24.

     The November field trip will be in the Cady Mountains area near Lavic Siteing. Gem Trails of Southern California shows both the Cady Mountains and the Lavic Jasper areas to have numerous sites to hunt for various rocks. In addition to the colorful jasper, rhombohedral calcite crystals, chalcedony, and agate are also found in this area.
     The camping area is about 1 mile south of Highway 40 (refer to the map). Take the Hector Road off-ramp to Lavic Road then proceed south about 1 mile.
     This is a dry camp so bring lots of water. You will need hard rock tools, safety glasses, etc. Firewood would be nice to light up the evening. Trip leader, Miriam Tetreault, will be there on the evening of November 22.
     Field trips will depart at 10:00 a.m. sharp on November 23 and 24. Consider attending the Mojave Desert Gem & Mineral Society show in Barstow on the way home on November 25.
          Ron Wise, Field Trip Chairperson.

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Wiley Well District Field Trip,
January 28 - February 1, 2002,
Hosted by CFMS Field Trip Chairman - North.

     The Wiley Well District is southwest of Blythe and is one of the most popular collecting areas on the Colorado Desert. Although this has been a productive area for many years, it still offers an amazing variety of material. We will collect at five main sites; one site each day. This is my fifth field trip to this interesting and productive area. Besides the more noted collecting areas we will be exploring new areas (at least new to me).
     Directions to campgrounds: Exit Interstate 10 at Wiley Well Rd. which is approximately 10 miles west of Blythe and 31 miles east of Desert Center. Follow Wiley Well Rd. south for 12.5 miles to campsite on west side of road at the Riverside/Imperial Co. line. Watch for ORANGE PAPER PLATES to camp. Roads to campgrounds and collecting sites are typical desert roads. OK for motor homes and trailers to campgrounds. OK for cars to most collecting areas. This is a dry camping area - no services, no hook-ups. This is the Mule Mtn. LTVA.

Collecting Trips: All trips will leave at 8:00 AM SHARP, from the campgrounds. Assemble at 7:45 for details and instructions for each day's trip.

     Plan on several potluck dinners, the first on Monday evening, and daily happy hours. Bring firewood for evening campfires. We plan on having a good time and collecting some good geodes and good material. Come join us for a great rockhound time of collecting, fun and fellowship.
     Please notify me by 1/8/02 if you plan to attend; call if you have questions or need more information:

Dick Pankey,
Field Trip Chairman - North,
4310 Kingsly Dr.,
Pittsburg, CA 94565,
Ph. 925-439-7509,
Email: dickpankey@juno.com.

General Information.

• This trip will coordinate well with a trip to Quartzsite. The QIA Pow Wow is 1/23 to 27, Desert Garden is 1/1 to 2/28, Main Event is 1/19 to 2/3 and Tyson Wells is 1/4 to 13 and 1/18 to 27.
• There is a dump station at the Rest Stop at the Wiley Well exit off of I-10, however, there is no potable water. Blythe has a free dump station and good water 2 blocks south of I-10 at the Lovkin Ave. exit. Blythe is a good place to get food, supplies, ice and gasoline. It is approximately 25 miles from Blythe to the campsite.
• There are numerous good motels in Blythe with a wide range of rates.
• The closest town to the campsite is Palo Verde, approximately 16 miles through Coon Hollow and over the Mule Mountains. There is a convenience store (food, etc.), gasoline, a couple of restaurants and a rock shop in Palo Verde. Road OK for trucks but not for cars.
• We will monitor CB channel 14 at camp for arrivals and other information and CB channel 4 when caravaning to collecting sites.
• We are planning for nice weather -- warm sunny days; cool, clear, star filled nights. But remember it can rain this time of year so be prepared and plan ahead.
• Blythe is approximately 650 miles from San Francisco and 137 miles from Los Angeles.
• Opal Hill fire agate mine is about 3 miles from camp. This is a fee dig area for fire agate and micromount crystals including apatite, barite, calcite, fluorite and gypsum. Tools needed are hammers, gads, regular and star chisels, eye protection, stiff bristle brush, etc.
• Carry your lunch and water when going to collecting sites. We will not come back to camp during the day.
• Help with the entertainment at happy hours and campfires: bring along an instrument if you play one; bring along a song, a story or a joke to share.

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SUPPORT AND PRACTICE
THE AFMS CODE OF ETHICS.

EDUCATIONAL CORNER.

Definition of the Month - Edited by Steve Mulqueen.

Geode.

     Geode - A hollow or partly hollow and globular or subspherical rock mass which weathers out of certain sedimentary or volcanic-igneous rocks. Some geodes contain minerals such as quartz, chalcedony and agate as well as calcite, barite, celestite and a variety of sulfide minerals.
     In sedimentary rocks, geodes are formed in solution cavities which are the result of the dissolving of minerals of high to moderate solubility and the crystallization of secondary minerals within that same cavity.
     In volcanic rocks, geodes are the result of crystal growth inside cavities from the migration of silica-rich fluids passing through the rock. These cavities are often the result of the expansion of gases within molten magma or lava in volcanic flows, dikes and sills.

Source: Glossary of Geology, American Geological Institute, Falls Church, Virginia, 1980.

The "Definition of the Month" will feature key words which are related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. Anyone who wishes to submit words and definitions for the bulletin, please see me.

Steve Mulqueen.

Illustration of the Month - Edited by Steve Mulqueen.

"The Desert Prospector." An Illustration by James L. Cannon.

Source: "Desert Treasure and the Mohave Desert", a book written by H. Heffernan, I. Richards & A. Salisbury, Harr Wagner Publishing Company, San Francisco, 1939. (Note: The old spelling for California's largest desert was Mohave).

The "Illustration of the Month" will feature a drawing, sketch, pen & ink rendering or engraving print found in old books, maps and manuscripts related to geology, paleontology, mining and desert history. Anyone who wishes to submit an illustration for the bulletin, please see me.

Steve Mulqueen.

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