Whitney Clark

This month and next, Earth is catching up with Mars in an encounter that will culminate in the closest approach between the two planets in recorded history. The next time Mars may come this close is in 2287. Due to the way Jupiter's gravity tugs on Mars and perturbs its orbit, astronomers can only be certain that Mars has not come this close to Earth in the Last 5,000 years, but it may be as long as 60,000 years before it happens again. The encounter will culminate on August 27th when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles of Earth and will be (next to the moon) the brightest object in the night sky. It will attain a magnitude of -2.9 and will appear 25.11 arc seconds wide. At a modest 75-power magnification... Mars will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye! Mars will be easy to spot. At the beginning of August it will rise in the east at 10p.m. and reach its azimuth at about 3 a.m. By the end of August when the two planets are closest, Mars will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12:30a.m. That's pretty convenient to see something that no human being has seen in recorded history. So, mark your calendar at the beginning of August to see Mars grow progressively brighter and brighter throughout the month.

NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN!!!

34 DAYS UNTIL THE REBELS PLAY!!!

If any of you are close to Mississippi or just driving through this weekend, we are having a tax free weekend on clothes and shoes!! This is a perfect time to do your back to school shopping!! Its only from July 31 - August 1st so don't forget!!!

ONLY 37 DAYS UNTIL WE SEE THE REBELS PLAY!!!!!!

I was checking out the hype yesterday on the ole miss sports website and after going from site to site reading different articles, I stumbled accross this one! I thought it was FANTASIC! So well written and I was so impressed, I thought I would share it! If you love the Rebels like I do or even if you're an sec fan... I think you'll enjoy it too!! Just follow this link!

Have a great day and remember..... 45 Days until the Rebels Play!!!!

http://www.redcuprebellion.com/2009/7/22/956783/ole-miss-football-sec-west-favorite

It won't be long.... we'll be back in the grove cheering on The Rebels!! Here's a great dip that's sure to have people coming back to your tent!! HOTTY TODDY!!

Chile Verde Dip

1 can (16 ounces) refried black beans
1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon Southwestern Seasoning Mix
1 lime
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, undrained
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 can (3 1/4 ounces) pitted ripe olives, divided
5 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (1 1/4 cups)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, snipped
Baked Tortilla Chips (See Cook's Tips)

Preheat oven to 400?F. In small bowl, mix refried beans with 1 teaspoon of the Seasoning Mix; spread over bottom of deep dish pie plate.

Juice lime to measure 1 tablespoon juice. In bowl, mix cream cheese, lime juice, chilies, garlic pressed, and remaining 1 tablespoon Seasoning Mix until smooth. Chop onion and half of olives. Grate cheese. Add onion, olives and 1 cup of the cheese to bowl; mix well.

Spoon cheese mixture over bean layer in pie plate. Bake 20-25 minutes or until hot. Remove to cooling rack. Slice remaining olives. Snip cilantro using. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese, olives and cilantro over hot dip. If desired, arrange Baked Tortilla Chips around edge of dip. Serve hot using

Yield: 16 servings or 20 sample servings

Nutrients per serving: Calories 120, Total Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 25 mg, Carbohydrate 6 g, Protein 5 g, Sodium 270 mg, Fiber 2 g

For a heartier dip, 1 can (10 ounces) chunk white chicken, drained and flaked, can be added to cream cheese mixture.

SEVEN LAYER MEXICAN DIP

1 sm. can refried beans

1 can Fritos bean dip

1 container Dean's guacamole dip

1 c. sour cream

1/2 cup mayonaise

1 pkg. taco seasoning

Shredded jack and cheddar cheese

1 can sliced black olives

2-3 small chopped tomatoes

2 bunches chopped green onions

Mix refried beans and Fritos dip; spread in bottom of dish. Next, spread guacamole dip. Mix sour cream, mayonaise and taco seasoning; spread. Sprinkle cheese or cheeses to cover third layer. Sprinkle olives, tomatoes, and green onions. Serve with Fritos scoops and/or Tostitos scoops! Everybody will LOVE IT!!!