SHIRLEY NEWHOOK
The Telegram

It's been 67 years since The Crow's Nest opened its doors to the sea-going officers of the Second World War. It supposedly got its name from a visiting army officer who huffed and puffed his way up the long, outside steps, remarking, "it's like climbing up to a crow's nest."

At the National War Memorial event on Duckworth Street during the recent visit of His Highness the Prince of Wales, John Moyes was introduced to the prince and explained that he was the current president of the Crow's Nest. He added that Prince Philip was an honorary member of the club, and he would like to present them both with Crow's Nest lapel pins.

"But I'm not a member" the prince explained. " Well, I'm the president and you are now."

He accepted the pins and an offer to visit the nest after the ceremony, if his schedule allowed. Unfortunately, it didn't, but the entire executive were waiting at the club ... just in case!

What's a 'friend'

They promote Pippy Park, sponsor projects furthering the objectives of the park - and they fundraise. The Friends of Pippy Park is a non-profit group of volunteers who "want to enrich the experiences for visitors to the park."

The friends publish maps, conduct guided tours for visitors, organize special events and children's programs - among the most popular is the children's gardening program, which provides children between the ages of 7 and 12 valuable experience in growing flowers and vegetables in their own plot.

They'll be celebrating their 25th anniversary on Wednesday, Nov. 25, with an official luncheon at the Admiral's Green Golf Course Clubhouse at noon. The minister of Environment and Conservation, Charlene Johnson, will bring greetings from the government, and a plaque will be unveiled commemorating Doug Eaton, founding president of the organization.

All are welcome. For tickets, call 738-3611 or e-mail mike.manning07@gmail.com.

Aurora

The Cree people call them "spirits of the dance." Most of us know them as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. They are nature's most magnificent display of lights and colour; if you've never seen them, you've missed a show like no other!

The Red Ochre Gallery on Duckworth Street has invited a group of the province's most creative artists to present a new collection of works based on this magnificent phenomenon. The show opens on Nov. 12 and continues throughout December.

And more ...

The Gower Street United Church lecture hall is set to welcome two exhibitions/sales this month. Artist Carl Stevenson has donated a collection of etchings, mezzotints and dry-points to a sale on Nov. 18 (7:30 -10 p.m.) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 19 and 20, in aid of the organ restoration fund.

On Nov. 17, Reynolds Auctions Ltd. invites the public to its largest auction yet. There will be 180 items of fine art "from tiny water colours to large David Blackwood etchings ... and some rare works by Reginald and Helen Parsons Shepherd (some never seen before)."

Time: viewing from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (when the auction begins).

Tamil women

Zincia Francis, is a master's of women's studies candidate at Memorial University. A portion of her forthcoming thesis examines an analysis of speeches, official statements and informational websites on how the women of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam define and give meaning to their gendered (and possibly feminist) experiences within the militant, social and political structures of Sri Lankan Tamil society.

She'll be speaking today at noon in Room SN4087 at MUN as part of the Women's Studies Speaker Series. Her topic: "Understanding Tamil Militant Women's Concerns." The public is welcome.

Music lovers

The St. Lawrence String Quartet is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a cross-Canada tour. They'll touch down in St. John's with a performance of a new work by Atlantic composer Derek Charke. That's at the D.F. Cook Recital Hall at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 14.

All Greek to me ...

The fear of Friday the 13th is called "paraskevidekatriaphobia" (try to say it). The word is derived from the three Greek words for Friday, thirteen and fear.

There are conflicting studies about the risk of accidents on Friday the 13th; one states that "fewer accidents and reports of fire and theft occur when the 13th of the month falls on a Friday than on other Fridays, because people are preventatively more careful or just stay home". Another indicates that car accidents are higher on Fridays (regardless of the date) because of alcohol consumption (end of the working week). So whether you're superstitious or not, don't drink and drive!

The Hectic Pace returns next Friday. Happy 40th anniversary to the most famous street in the world - Sesame Street!