A racing update for you....

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Fraser Downs Racetrack

Cloverdale, B.C.

Good Morning Friends,

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today is Sunday January 31, 2010

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Had a fairly respectable day at the track on Saturday. I won two triactors, but it should have been three. A race earlier kind of scared me and I did not bet the system as I thought the race was on the risky side. What I mean by that is that there were two horses that were bothering me so I backed away from the race, meaning I did not bet my standard fourteen dollars. I am trying to bet all of the races now and keeping my bets down to either ten dollars or the normal fourteen per race. Anyway, the race only cost me 50 dollars or so in profit so I did not feel a lot of pain from my decision. I still ended up with a profit by winning two other triactors. The profits for the day were in the order of 178 dollars. So far I have made six trips and I have come out a winner three times or 50%. So, that is not bad I guess. Altogether, after the six visits I am running a profit of 143 dollars. This means, essentially, that next weekend's activities are already paid for. That will be my birthday weekend, so hope to see you all out there. Talk to you all later and have a nice day.

Taking stock on a Saturday morning....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Saturday January 30, 2010

.Well, it is all over but the shouting eh friends? The month, I mean, it is almost over. There is just today and tomorrow left, and then that is the end of the whole thing. Just think. There will never be another January 30 or January 31st 2010 in yours or my lifetime again. It is a one time event and that is that. So, I hope you enjoyed everything while you had a chance.

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Speaking of enjoying things, today is a racing day once again at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. During the winter friends, this is what we live for. There is nothing else. This is it. Racing. Good old harness racing on a Saturday afternoon. I don't think I ever thought of stuff like this when I was back in high school or even university for that matter. It just never occurred to me that my life would revolve around such an entertainment as harness racing. But, that is what life has come to be for me friends. Well, at least I have something to live for and to keep my spirits up if you know what mean. I guess it is like a passion of sorts. You know, a hobby, something that you really like doing and look forward to. Something to keep your mind occupied and interest in life going. Oh, I suppose some guys are in to their family and their spouses and that kind of thing. Nothing wrong with that of course. I mean, we all need something to give our egos a boost and to make our lives more enjoyable and meaningful. Well, harness racing on a Saturday afternoon does that for me friends, so I hope you have all found something that makes it happen for you as well. So, if you are popping into town you know where I will be at 1600 hours.

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I was just checking out my stock portfolio and it looks like things are on the downtrend again. You can see my last report here found on the main part of my blog: My Stock Portfolio: December 2009. I never told you guys that it was going to be easy to make money in the stock market and you certainly have to watch what you are doing. Actually, I thought the market was going to go up before it fell again and I was going to skim some of the profits off and put it into cash. Well, you can scrap that idea for now. January, although positive at the beginning, turned out to be quite the failure in the markets and my equity portion of my portfolio has now receded to 37.35% and I am down 1.8% year-to-date. Not the end of the world of course, but it is just not what I was expecting. Although, I think I mentioned that there were some pretty bearish predictions going forward. Like up 9 or 10% up and then down 30% something like that. Well, let that be a lesson to you at any rate. You cannot time the market. I have to keep on telling you that - because it is true. Nothing could me more true than that little saying. So, live by it. Anyway, if and when the market does recover - and I expect it to and don't ask me why because I do not know. It is just a feeling I have. Don't forget. There was a sea change that occurred during the Bush years. Speaking of Bush. This is why I pay so much attention to American politics if you are interested in knowing. Because whatever these guys do, be it their wars or their interest rate policies or their spending, or their whatever, it affects the markets here in Canada and around the world. I mean, isn't the world wide financial crisis just one great example of that? Anyway, things have changed. We are in a new ballgame, a new dimension if you will. We are living with huge debts and deficits down south and we continue to live with war and with a middle class that is continually being squeezed; they cannot continue to be the world's preeminent consumers because they have lost the ability to borrow and take on ever increasing amounts of debt. Also, don't forget that this group lost a great deal during this financial crisis. And, I am not just talking about the financial considerations, but the political and social as well. To make it sensible for you, you have to look at the big picture to try and get some idea where this stock market is going. There are just so many things to consider. And, since none of us will ever become an expert at understanding the whole thing in its entirety at any given time then that is the reason why none of us can time the market or even make a stable prediction or predictions that will endure over time. That is just the nature of the beast friends and that is what I live with like so many others. So, thanks for reading and have a nice day. See you at the track if you are coming.

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Chatting with Max Keiser

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Another Banking treat for you on Brasscheck TV

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Right Here

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Just a small reminder....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is January 29, 2010

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Today is the end of the month as far the courier business goes. So, hopefully it will be busy and the day will go by quickly. The birthday cake above is just a small reminder that my birthday is fast appproaching as well. It is next Friday. Now, I don't know if you guys pay attention to such matters but it is usually sunny out on my birthday. That will be something to look forward to of course, the sunny day, I mean. I don't like to brazenly promote my birthday like this, but you have to understand that at this point in my life I have to grasp onto these important details. All birthdays from now on will become very important to me. Remember, birthdays mean life and that is the kind of thing that I am interested in. I don't think I would be much of a human being if I could not communicate to you in my own little way and I certainly cannot do that if I am not alive and able to do so. Hope all of you guys understand these things. ...don't forget: racing tomorrow at the Meadowlands in New Jersey at 1600 hours. See you there if you are coming.

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A touching moment from 1984...

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Thursday January 28, 2010

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I saw the speech last night and I hope all of you guys did too. ( CNN live videostream ) It wasn't bad I guess, all things considered, I mean. I suppose the main idea that he left us with is that he is still trying and that he hasn't forgotten about his objectives. You are just left with the feeling though that he is a man operating in the wilderness; he is fighting the system on behalf of the little guy, or is he?

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Don't know if I told you guys that I went shopping at Value Village the other day and bought three videos to play on the computer. Not a bad deal and a couple of them are pretty good. Watched my second one last night and it was called " Silence of the Heart ", 1984 vintage. Charlie Sheen as a young boy was in the movie. It was actually quite a tear jerker and the topic was suicide. I could certainly relate to the movie of course as it was made in 1984 and this formed part of a difficult period for me. Charlie Sheen's friend was a very troubled lad. He was in love with a girl who did not love him ( get the connection? ) and he was not being overly successful at school. He thought he was letting his parents down. The message of the film is that there is a lack of communication or love between the boy and his family. The love that is supposed to pervade and keep a family healthy was not there. So, he internalized everything and took his own life. And, then after the death there is much guilt throughout, guilt from family members and from the boy's best friend as well ( Charlie Sheen ). Nobody was reacting to the clues because everybody was too busy with their own lives. I don't know how this movie went over at the time since I am not a movie person. Actually, I am not much of anything when it comes to mainstream things. Be it movies or just watching television. I live in my own little world now. Actually, it is not really so little since it is the internet and that is really quite a big world in itself. My point is that I do not do a lot of things that so-called regular people do and watching movies is one of them. So, this was quite a treat for me as you can imagine. Watching a movie on my computer that is. I guess I felt like I was part of the broad culture there for a moment or two if you know what I mean.

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Still pretty crappy at work and that is in spite of the fact that it is the end of the month. Oh well, maybe the last two days will make it all happen. One can only hope of course. Still pleasant weather though so that is quite a bonus. I am praying for the Olympic guys of course even though I have no control over such things as the amount of snow that we are going to get. Just a couple more things..Saturday is another racing day so mark that on your calendar if you are popping into town. And, finally, guess what? My birthday is coming up again next weekend. Not this weekend, but the next one. Now, that would certainly be one great big present if you know who would pop into town and make an appearance. I couldn't think of a better present than that. Can you?

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Obamarama....

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Above: heading west over the Port Mann Bridge

see note at bottom of page

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Good Morning Friends,
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today is Wednesday January 27, 2010

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Back on the job today friends. Apparently there is some fresh snow ( 25 cm or so ) on the local mountains. That is all fine and dandy of course, but the rains are supposed to be returning in a few days. So, we will have to keep our fingers crossed for the Olympic people as this is turning out to be a rather mild winter. Not that we aren't used to mild winters, but this is not the best of times to be experiencing one of them if you know what I mean.

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So, Barack Obama will be addressing the nation tonight. And, just what might the man have to say I wonder given that he is basically pushing on a string as far as his agenda is concerned? It is no surprise to me of course when you consider all of the factors involved here. I mean, he has a so-called ' left wing agenda ' according to the Republicans and all of the other right wingers. That is the way they categorize the man and that is the way the electorate is starting to think about the man and his vision for America.

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You have to understand that America is not really ready to join the rest of the world as far as certain things go. I mean, just look at what they did to his health care plan. The plan when it arrives will look like nothing that was originally proposed. And, that is because of special interest groups that operate in the country. The lobbyists, the healthcare providers and their bought and paid for politicians have done their work and America will be the loser of course. There will be no reform in healthcare in the U.S. as we know it. I still go back to the early eighties when President Ronald Reagan was around. He was asked a question by the very same reporter, Helen Thomas, who is functioning to this day. She posed a question to Reagan concerning reform in healthcare. And, Reagan replied: " We're working on it. "

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There are so many other examples of failure and failures to come that it would be almost fruitless for me to comment upon the issue. There will be no progress in the Middle East, with Israel and the Palestinians, the wars, or anything. The wars and the expansion of U.S. power into Asia and the Middle East will continue and that is because that is the way the Military Industrial Complex wants things to be. Remember, Obama just added billions of dollars and thousand of troops to continue on with the effort over there. There will be no change in foreign policy and you can count on that. The troops will not be coming home like he promised they would and the wars will definitely not end soon, or maybe in our lifetime. There is simply too much money and too much at stake here for the Empire to be leaving anytime soon.

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How about financial reform and dealing with the bankers? What can we expect here? Not much except the continual verbal pounding of the bankers. The bankers will win in the end and nothing will change. Once again you can take that to the bank. Timothy Geithner is the inside man and former Fed official. Like Congressman Dennis Kucinich asked. Just whose side are these guys on? He was asking the question to another gentleman during a finance enquiry, but I think, if he had the chance, he might pose to the same question to Mr. Geithner as well. Well, if Mr. Kucinich isn't asking, then maybe I will ask the question for him.

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Fiscal reform? Not likely. Trillion dollar deficits will continue and there will be belt tightening. But, the ones enduring the pain will be the citizens and not the corporations who profit from war and the like. It is business as usual and it will continue to be so. That is why Obama is on top of the heap right now. Because he has talked his way into the job. And, what we will see tonight is more evidence of why he is where he is, politically and strategically that is. I think the Obama deception just might be real. Real as it is ever going to get. I like to think of the whole thing as one big show. Maybe we can call it Obamarama....

Talk to you all later and have a nice day.

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Please note that as of January 1, 2010, it is illegal in the Province of British Columbia to operate hand held devices in your vehicle while you are operating them. That includes taking pictures with a camera while you are stopped at a light.

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The importance of secrecy...

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Tuesday January 26, 2010

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The picture above is from last summer. Remember our glorious summer of 2009? Well, it was a good one let me tell you. That is me stopped at the intersection of Hornby and West Georgia facing north on Hornby. The Vancouver Hotel is just to my left. You can find other shots similar to the one above on other parts of my blog if you are interested in having a look at them.

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The weather yesterday certainly wasn't anything to write home about and it was cloudy, cool, and somewhat rainy. In spite of the weather, however, I did get out and about and did some shopping. I took the car and the unit was not unduly harmed by the rather dull weather. As soon as I got the car home I washed her down of course. Just in case the rain had some dirt in it if you know what I mean. Some of you guys don't really know me yet do you?

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Had a dream this morning. It was about the ' evil ' one. Not mentioning any names of course. This time he was a real estate salesman and he made a sale and then disappeared from whence he came. And, that was a good thing indeed. That he left, I mean. That is about all that I am going to reveal to you about this person at this time. Some things have to remain a secret, even from you dear reader. I can tell you lots of things, but some things simply have to remain private - or secret. I mean, where would my individuality go if I revealed all? Wouldn't that be spoiling the game just a little bit as well? I can see that you are curious now and that you want more. But, alas, this is all that I can tell you at this time. Perhaps at a later date all will be revealed.

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Good to see Tony Blair will be making an appearance at the Chilcot Inquiry in England. I wonder what will become of that. You guys should know how I feel about the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars by now. I consider them to be both monstrously illegal events and they should never have happened. But, they did and the wars continue on. Some people are making a profit on these wars while many thousands are dying needlessly. Yes, these wars should not have happened. And, that is the bottom line. So, now Blair has been summoned to give his side of the story for the invasion of Iraq. Very sad story indeed. And, a companion story to the Blair interrogation is the case involving Dr. Kelly. More secrecy here friends. Big time secrecy. This is the weapons inspector who died mysteriously at the time of the Iraq War. You can read an updated story right Here if you are interested. This is all very interesting stuff and it is information that we should all have so that we can come to our own conclusions on the matter. But, we are going to be denied information by way of secrecy and that is the way the system works friends. I wonder how our own Mainstream media is handling these important details? Are you hearing about these kinds of things on your local television? Talk to you all later and have a nice day.

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Please note that as of January 1, 2010, it is illegal in the Province of British Columbia to operate hand held devices in your vehicle while you are operating them. That includes taking pictures with a camera while you are stopped at a light.

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New is nice....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Monday January 25, 2010

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Well, the New Year is certainly moving along quickly eh friends? Why in just a few more days the 2010 Winter Olympics will be getting under way here in Vancouver. I know that everyone in these parts is ready for the big event. I just hope the snow gods are on the case and will be supplying the snow when the big event finally rolls around.

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Above is a picture from on the job last year. This is a brand new community in the Fort Langley area of the Lower Mainland. There is lots of construction going on around here, and in fact, performing tasks related to this industry is part of my job. So, no construction means less work for the courier. As you can see I am kind of partial to the idea of keeping construction alive. It is certainly good for all concerned as you might expect.

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Not much on the line up for me today and I will be keeping a relatively low profile today and tomorrow. Don't know if I will do anything special for my birthday like last year. Remember the post I did over on the main part of my blog when I celebrated by Diamond Year? Sixty means diamonds you know. So, just what am I supposed to do for an encore anyway?

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Anyway, talk to you all later and have nice day.

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When losing is winning....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Sunday January 24, 2010

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It was not overly sunny and it was kind of cool yesterday friends and I drove out to the track in the car like I said I would. Only won a couple of triactors though and the day was a losing one overall. But, as you might appreciate, one never loses when one is doing something that they like right? Kind of like going fishing and spending the whole day in the sunshine and the fresh breezes and catching no fish right? Same thing. It is always better to win a few big races like it is always more fun to catch a big fish. But, is that really the point of the whole exercise? I mean, engaging in the exercise is part of the fun don't you think? And, if you are aware of the other big feature of my life, why then, you can see how that occupation applies as well. I am talking about the dream girl friends. But, see what I mean? You don't necessarily have to catch or win something to gain some kind of an advantage or feel good. Just doing something that you enjoy has rewards as well. Well, that is the way I have gotten things broken down anyway, even if you don't agree with me. Do I care if you agree or not? Of course not. Because I know what is right and what works for me. So, the next time someone calls you a failure or a loser for not winning, well that is when you can look him or her in the eye and just smile. They will have no idea just how content you are. The picture above is from work on Friday, right downtown. Talk you all later.

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Can you feel the excitement?

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Saturday January 23, 2010

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Today is a racing day friends and I hope it is sunny out too. Just a quick snap for you below. It is from work yesterday and it is just east the Port Kells area in Langley looking north. Just wanted you to notice that there is still some snow in the mountains to the north, although not nearly as much as there would normally be at this time. Hopefully, there is still lots left up in Whistler too.

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Anyhow, maybe it will be sunny enough today to take the car out for a spin and to the track. That would be fun of course. ...Quite pleasant driving in the sunshine on the job yesterday too. So, things are not that bad actually.

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But, I mean, can you feel the excitement? I am not talking about the Olympics friends, just the plain thrill of the idea that the weekend is upon us again and the very idea that it is a racing day. I am very lucky you know, that a simple thing like harness racing can make my day come alive. I mean, there are some people who live for nothing except to breathe and to just be able to survive. See what I mean? I am fortunate. That is what I mean. Just plain lucky. Lucky to be alive and fortunate enough to have a hobby that makes me happy. So, I hope all of you guys should be so lucky. See you at the track if you are coming, or if you are flying in from out of town you know how to reach me.

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A reminder to the snow gods....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Friday January 22, 2010

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I know that you cannot really tell a snow god how to do his job, but maybe we could just pray a little bit for some snow for the Olympic people. So, let us pray....thank you snow gods for all of the good work that you guys do and I hope that the Committee gets a little more of the white stuff just before the big event itself.....thank you for listening....

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So, there it is I have done my bit for the cause and I hope the gods are listening to my request. ...in other business: don't forget racing tomorrow at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Post time is 1600 hrs out here on the West Coast. See you there if you are coming or if you are popping into town from out of town and need a ride don't be afraid to call. Might even be sunny out and we can put the top down. This message for my friends and acquaintances of course. Talk to you all later and have a nice day.

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How is the snow looking?

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Thursday January 21, 2010

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Things were slightly improved for me at work, but not by much. It seems rather slow still in spite of the little improvement. The weather is still decent though; it is sunny and not very cold at all. I guess the thing that is on every one's mind around here is the condition of the snow levels in the mountains. There doesn't seem to be much on the local mountains, but I am sure there is plenty of snow up in Whistler. This photo that I am showing you today was taken in Port Kells yesterday right around the 1600 hrs mark. I have been packing my old Samsung digital 5 pixel with me lately trying to get you some snaps of the local mountains and snow conditions. This camera does take a much better picture than my BlackBerry, but you still have to understand that this work device is just so handy. For, I can quickly take a snap for you while I am stopped at a light. It is quick and easy to use. You might appreciate also that we have new mobile device laws here in British Columbia. You cannot be fiddling with anything while you are driving anymore. There are pretty hefty fines and you will get points on your license if caught as well. I think everyone appreciates the new law and understands why it was enacted. We are trying to save lives and that is a good thing. For example, I probably will not be answering my cell phone now while driving because it is unsafe and now illegal to do so. January is still a probationary period if caught. The real fines will start next month in February. Don't forget: racing at the Meadowlands in New Jersey on the weekend. Post time is 1600 hrs. See you there if you are coming.

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About an annoying thing....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Wednesday January 20, 2010
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Got out and about an did some shopping yesterday, but not much more than that. It is still really quite mild out for January, even in these parts. And, it didn't even rain or anything either - while I was out that is.

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Back on the job and back into the traffic friends. That is my fate for today. I hope I still have the ability to deal with all of the issues that come my way. You know, I don't think I could survive this job without my music. It just makes the whole courier thing more palatable for me, and enjoyable too. You know what I mean. Cruising down the road and dreaming about things. I guess we all do that and I am not alone of course. I just thought of something that bugs me though. It is a driving thing and a courtesy thing. You know what it is? Well, it is these people, and they are usually, if not all of them, younger drivers. You know what I am talking about. The ones with the stereos that are so loud it makes the road, your vehicle and everything vibrate. Do you know the kind of thing I am talking about? Very annoying and I think it might even be a form of noise pollution too. Hard on the eardrums actually. I think these individuals and their toys should have been banned along with the handheld devices if you want my opinion on the matter. What do you think about that?..Only three days of work and then it is back to the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Isn't life great?

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Simple is as simple does....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Tuesday January 19, 2010

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It was a beautiful sunny day yesterday friends and I certainly took advantage of the situation. Had to get an oil change for the car so that gave me an opportunity to drive around with the top down for a while. It was rather cool out at certain times, but it was sunny so that was the main thing. It was in the high forties or thereabouts so that is what gave me the idea to drive around naked for awhile. Rather unusual eh? That I am able to cruise around in the beautiful weather just before the Olympics, I mean. Who would have guessed eh? Well, we certainly live in God's country that is for sure.

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The picture above is not from yesterday, but that is exactly what the car looked like though and it is my car. It was freshly washed and sporting its brand new oil like I said. And, it certainly was in perfect running order as well. It is fun enjoying life like this you know. I don't know what you guys do for kicks but this is what I do. I just blasted out to Abbotsford on the freeway and had a great time. You know, I always have in the back of my mind that one day life might not be so pretty. I mean, look what happened in Haiti. Thousands of lives extinguished in one day. Or, think of all of the deaths going on in the Middle East. Lives lost for nothing. Or, how about even a simple traffic accident or something like that? What makes us all think we are so special anyway? Well, there is nothing at all that makes makes us better than anyone else so that is why I try and be as happy as I can with what I have got. I am sure everyone knows by now what my big dreams are. Well, sometimes these big dreams are not possible, so that is when I take time out and enjoy what I have. I have still have my health and my life and a few simple pleasures for the add-ons. So, thanks for reading and have a nice day.

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Feeding the fantasy....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Monday January 18, 2010

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I guess the biggest thing in my life right now is the success that I am having with my video, " I Want to be Bobby's Girl ". You can check out this video right below:

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I have talked about this video before and of its success. It has almost one thousand legitimate hits and continues to receive 5 or 10 everyday. I do not know where the interest is coming from at all, but I sure appreciate the visitors. My dream of course is try and get someone from all of the states in the U.S. to see it. And, I am almost there. Even good old Alaska is on board as we speak. And, there are only just a couple of states left that have not viewed the video. Those states are: Wyoming, Colorado, South Dakota, Louisiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Maine. That is the way things look from studying the " insight " capability on You Tube. You know, on a map, you can see where your visitors are coming from.
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So, all in all this is pretty exciting stuff for me. It forms part of my fantasy world if you know what I mean. Read the last post My Life as Pure Fantasy on the main part of my blog to see what I am talking about. My life is one big fantasy in a way and, hopefully, you will see how my videos form that important part of my life. Getting visitors only builds up and feeds that fantasy of course. Talk to you all later and have a nice day.

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Assessing the weekend...

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Sunday January 17, 2010

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What a beautiful sunny day it was yesterday. I sure enjoyed getting out and about with the car. I think we really enjoy these glorious days out here on the West Coast, especially after a long spell of hard rain. The sunny day and being alive is the prize we get for all of the pain. Can't be any simpler than that my friends.

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Got a haircut, did an administrative chore and then I dashed out to the track. But, the dashing was for not friends. I did not turn a profit after all was said and done. Oh, I can see it coming and I usually know when I am not going to win and yesterday was certainly one of those days. ( how does an $18,000 dollar triactor sound? ) I know that sometimes I am going to have to pull the plug early and yesterday was no exception. I made it up to the 11th race and then I left. Only two more after that. I only won two meagre triactors and the payoff was not enough to overcome the losses. I think one of the best parts for me now as concerns the races is just the simple idea of driving out there in the sunshine and listening to the tunes. I guess it is all part of the same package. Anyhow, I am not 2 for 2 as far as racing goes this season. That means that I have come out a winner 50% of the time. Not bad I guess, especially when I consider breaking even is the same thing as winning. I am up a few bucks and I am looking forward to next week already. You guys really should check this stuff out you know. You might even like it, who knows anyway. Talk to you all later and have a nice day.

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Another racing day is upon us....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Saturday January 16, 2010

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Today is a horse racing day friends and I hope to see you all out there in full force, if you are in town that is. So, far things are going OK for me at the track and I am 2 for 3 in this racing session. That means that I am temporarily up money and that is always a good feeling of course. Remember, things are still potentially going to be tough because of the lack of racing history at the Meadowlands; the horses are coming off of other tracks and this is the history that we have to use to incorporate into our system. There are links to the Meadowlands Homepage and racing replays in my posts during this past week if you are interested.

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Not a bad day at work yesterday and things were quite brisk for the mid month period. It was also a pleasant day for driving and the sun finally showed up after all of the rain. I notice that there was a fresh band of snow in the higher part of the local mountains as well. Don't know what the real snow conditions are though, but I am sure the Olympic Committee is praying to the snow gods for some help during the coming Olympic event. It is not too far off so let's wish them all the best. That's all for now friends, so hope to see you out there if you are coming.

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Bankers, betting, and birthdays....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Friday January 15, 2010

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Finally it is Friday and the end of the week. Nothing much happening at work and we are still in the January doldrums I guess. It is continuing to be very rainy out and I am sure there will flooding in certain areas. There always is when the rain comes down in buckets. Supposed to be a bit cooler for a tiny spell and then it looks like back to more rain. The snow level will be coming down a bit so I suppose that it is good news for the Olympic people.

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I watched this interview on Bill Moyers Journal yesterday and boy oh boy, no wonder nothing ever happens in the States. The people just keep on getting shafted by the financial industry. These guys really do have a lot of power my friends. Just check out this interview and see why there really is no hope in America for any kind of meaningful change in government and politics. The bottom line? Money and lobbyists. That's what. The little guy doesn't stand a chance. I don't know why he doesn't just give up since his elected officials are actually working for somebody else. I knew this kind of stuff already, I just didn't know much about the details or how hidden things are from the public. If there is no real oversight or real law to protect consumers then what is the sense of even playing the game when it is so lop sided?

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I guess that is why I am in love with harness racing. Everything is up front and easy to see. Oh, I am not trying to say the thing is perfect, but it looks like a lot better game than the kind of politics that is played in the States. At least I can win a race once in a while. Can the citizens of the U.S. say that about their government and the kind of deal they are getting? I don't think so. I think everybody should be horse players like me. At least you will feel good once in a while and walk out of the track with a bunch of dough in your pocket. If that doesn't make you feel good then nothing will. Racing tomorrow at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Post time is 1600 hours here on the West Coast. See you there if you are coming.

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P.S. my birthday is coming up on the fifth of next month and I was thinking of pumping out another wedding proposal to kind of boost my ego a bit. You know, the big dream, the huge fantasy. What do you think of that idea? I mean, wouldn't that be something if she said " Yes " on my birthday? Boy oh boy, that would be just as exciting as winning at the track - and maybe even more so. Well, it is just a thought if you know what I mean.

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The threat on the net....

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Good Morning Friends,
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today is Thursday January 14, 2010

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Still fairly slow at work and still raining too. It is supposed to cool down a bit and snow a little more on the local mountains as well. I guess that is good for Whistler and the Olympics too, if the snow hangs around, I mean.

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I haven't had any decent dreams lately, or dreams that I can remember at least. It is always fun to have a dream that perks you up and makes you happy you know. Those are the best kind of all. But, I as I report to you on this day, none has come around and given my life a little boost. So, I suppose that means that we will just have to go with reality and the things that are in front of us. And, as I am reporting to you now the general pattern of things is a business slowness, combined with all of the other things which influence my life.

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Most of the other things that influence my life are those things which I read and see on the internet. That is my source of information and reality you know. That's right, the internet is where most of my sensing takes place. The internet is my television and my main source of data entering my brain. It is better than television of course mostly because I get to choose the kind of information that I am confronted with. It is an on demand kind of information. And, that is the way I like things to be. I quit watching television full time quite a few years ago now. Sure, I watch video clips found on the net, but only those that are important to me. I am not glued to this or that television station. I am not chained down and they cannot force me to stay and indoctrinate me. That's right, I escaped their grip quite a while ago and I am still on the run so to speak. But, they are an eager and aggressive lot those media types are. They do not stop and they find ways to seek you out and enter your mind. Yes, indeed friends, even on the internet you get little pieces of the mainstream media. It is just a different sort of experience that is all.

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The main thing about the net is the vast amount of information available. Tons of it. So many things to fathom and to separate in your mind. It is not really possible to get a grip on the whole thing you know. Sure, I can get some good information, untainted and all the rest. You know, things that I am interested in learning more about. But, my main problem I guess is that I am interested in mainly political things. And, that means that there is an inherent risk right there. Where does the risk come from? It comes from the fact that people are constantly trying to indoctrinate you or make you come around to their way of thinking. And, that is why the net, although a wealth of information, is also a place of great risk.

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The main problem with the net is the overwhelming amount of information. And, included in that information is something called disinformation. That is the big threat on the net. Some people never stop lying or trying to propagandize you. Or, even censor you by not giving you certain information. It is hard to protect yourself and come out a winner you know. And, that is mostly because of human nature I guess. Everyone wants to promote their own self interests or act on the behalf of others, which in turn serves their interests of course. So, I guess if you have discovered this feature of the net then you are on your way to being educated. But, if you are stuck in mainstream media or television mode then this thought would never even enter your mind. So, why not take the plunge and get unplugged and at least feel a new sense of challenge. That is what the net is you know. Just another battleground. But, at least you know it is a battleground, whereas, on television you do not even have the pleasure of knowing who your enemies are. Have a nice day and don't forget racing at the Meadowlands in only a couple of days.

Everybody wants to make a buck....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Wednesday January 13, 2010

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Back on the job today friends and I am looking forward to making a few more bucks. Everybody likes to make a buck right? It is still warm and rainy out and I did get out and about yesterday to do some shopping. There was a bit of local flooding taking place as well in our traditional flooding spots down in the flats in the southern parts of Surrey. And, then there was that dramatic earthquake in Haiti as well. So, as you can see Mother Nature never takes a break from her ongoing assignments.

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And, speaking of continuing assignments, I have always got my eye on the stock market and I try to make even more bucks like so many others of course. I do not not know where the market is going to go and neither do the experts. So, that kind of makes everyone an equal as far as the market is concerned. Like everybody else my portfolio made some decent gains last year as I have already told you. The name of the game for me is try and hold onto as much of my capital as I can. That is always the objective of being in the market of course; everybody wants to make a buck and then keep those bucks as well. And, as we all know now there are those who are experts at making a buck in the market. I think you know who I am talking about friends. I am talking about the bankers once again. But, more particularly, the investment bankers. Here is a great informative video about the guys who are making all of the dough. I thought that you might be interested in where a lot of the action in the market takes place. Now, if we could all just be investment bankers then life would be pretty simple now wouldn't it? I stumbled upon it yesterday so you might want to give it a listen to:

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Behind the Bailouts, Bonuses, and Backroom Deals From Washington to Wall Street”

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Tallying up on Tuesday....

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Above is me in the spring of '08.
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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Tuesday January 12, 2010

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Not much to report this morning friends. It is pretty mild and rainy out here on the West Coast. You can check out the weather cams up on the top right if you are interested in our weather conditions here. Maybe I was right after all and the El Nino is going to have an effect on the Olympic Games coming up in February. But, like I also said they do have a different climate up there and maybe they will be able to survive the negative effects of the warm weather.

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I have been thinking quite a bit about 9/11 actually if you want to the truth of the matter. I am just not satisfied with the results and with the way the mainstream media ( MSN ) treats this event. The ignore it and do not pay enough attention to it if you want my opinion on the matter. What I am trying to say, I suppose, is that they are intentionally disregarding it, and that, to my mind, is a form of censorship. In other circles it might even be called a ' Conspiracy of Silence '. You know what that means. It means that there is information there that we are not getting. I am sure that you have all read the articles and have seen the videos on the net. There is lots of disturbing information there that is not handled by the media. The mainstream media is afraid of the topic and that is why they steer clear of the issue. I think that is enough to alert any thinking person that there is obviously more going on here than they are telling us. All we get from the MSN is the Official story and the terrorist threat. That seems to be the method of doing business as concerns the attack on 9/11. Well, I, like many others, am not convinced that 19 Muslim extremists carried out the attack. The whole thing just smells to high heaven. The MSN knows that too, but they will not investigate the matter. They just keep on acting like cheerleaders for the administrations. First Bush and now Obama. Both administrations engage in war in the Middle East and nobody says boo. It is just the way things are. There was an attack and it was Muslims. And, now we have to go after them and invade various countries in the Middle East. Countries that had nothing to do with the event at all. They call it preventive war. Just mere convenience if you ask me. I think that is the lesson that we learn from 9/11. Just one big convenient event for those who were, and are, able to prosper from it. Yes, dear friends, there is money in war and I think that just might be the bottom line.

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From Brasscheck TV this morning:

Iran

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A whole bunch of nothingness....

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Above is the unit in the Spring of '08, when ownership

was in its infancy. It was a beautiful warm day if I recall.

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Monday January 11, 2010

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You know friends, I haven't done any entries on the other parts of my blog this year. I don't know what to write actually. I don't think I am necessarily lost for words or anything like that, I am just stuck in neutral I guess. I mean, there is nothing unusual happening in my life that I need to let everyone know about, so I guess I am just running on neutral so to speak.

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I mean, I didn't do any New Year's resolutions or goals or anything like that either. No Emotional Update or Stock Report or anything. Just nothing. No talking about my job, car, or the weather. No Wedding Proposals and no Racetrack Updates. Zilch. Nothing to Report. What to do? Are things really that bad that I cannot even get an entry together for the other Five parts of my blog? Wow! What a life eh? Just filled with nothingness that is all. I didn't even remind everyone that my birthday is coming up either. So, am I losing it or what? I guess I will just have to stick to the nuts and bolts as it were and continue to talk about my job and the racetrack and the stock market over here. I mean, who reads these entries anyway? ...Nothing else is pressing friends and that is just the way things are, for the time being, that is. But, then you all know how life is - it can change on a dime. And, I guess that is why we all continue to enjoy it so much - because we know that it is LIMITED. Life is great when we are healthy, but when we become unhealthy then the whole game changes now doesn't it?

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The Meadowlands Triple Play....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Sunday January 10, 2010

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Today's post is about the racetrack friends. It was a fairly upbeat day for me at the races. As you know, all I bet is triactors and my favourite track is the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Meadowlands Racetrack - Home. Altogether, I won three triactors yesterday. You can view the results from the track right here for yesterdays results, Saturday January 9, 2010: http://www.thebigm.com/results.asp?racedt=1/9/2010. I thought it was going to be a difficult day, especially after the first race. Remember, we are still in the beginnings of the meet and there are lots of unknowns to consider. So, anytime I am getting wins I am quite happy. My first win came in race Three. This was a short field of only six horses, so I only bet ten dollars. The two dollar triactor at the Meadowlands paid $ 153.00. I only make dollar bets remember. My next win and biggest one for me came in race number Five. The two dollar triactor paid $ 605.00. This was an interesting race because the winning horse was 20 -1 and it beat two favourites. My last win occurred in race number Seven, the feature race of the evening. The two dollar triactor paid $ 146.60. So, all in all it was a winning night and that despite the fact that the meet is still in its infancy. I walked out with over a couple hundred bucks profit and got all of my losses back from last week. If interested, you can watch these races for free on the website right here: Meadowlands Racetrack on RaceReplays.com. Well, that is the end of my racing report for now friends. Sometimes I put these kind of reports over on the main part of my blog, but I will not do so this time. I reserve those kind of posts for the bigger wins that I am really excited about. And, I can even show you how I bet and the money involved. Perhaps we will have a bigger win down the road somewhere and then I can show you how it is done. Naturally I was thinking about my friend while I was winning and if she was there then I could have bought her a nice present. She was not there of course so the presents will have to wait. I guess Karen does not know what she is missing by not showing up. Well, there is always the future, right?

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The bankers are at it again

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Ponies and bankers....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Saturday January 9, 2010

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Well, we got through the rather dull and slow week at work OK and now it is time for some entertainment again. And, that means of course dear friends, racing at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. So, if Karen or any other of the important people in my life should land in town you know where to get a hold of me. And, if you are stuck for a ride don't be afraid to call.

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I was reading over on the Huffington Post that Ariana had a plan to fix these bankers. These guys are not going to stop you know and no amount of so-called regulation or a changing of the rules is going to change their behavior. They have grown big and powerful and they want it to stay that way. But, Ariana had an interesting idea. And, that is to get everybody to join Credit Unions, and I suppose, to otherwise remove their capital from the coffers of the big banks. I think that is a stellar idea actually and it might be the only way to diminish the power of this group. Remember, these are the guys who destroyed yours and my economy. And, if they are not held to account or stopped in their tracks they will do it again. Also, remember that the bankers have these politicians in their mitts and that is why they get away with what they do. The name of the game is to get the bankers working for the people and not themselves. We need banks that lend to people and we need them to act responsibly. It is important to understand that we have an economy here and that we are all part of it. If one guy upsets the apple cart in his favour then we all suffer.

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Still getting used to the New Year...

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Friday January 8, 2010

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Things are kind of weak at work money wise, but other than that everything is OK. I hope all of you guys are doing all right as well. You know, I still have not completely gotten used to the New Year yet. And, that is because I am still finding myself, on occasion, writing in December for what is now January. Just keep plugging away I guess eh?

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Check out the picture below and the one above too. That was yesterday at work. It was a nice sunny day and mild, but kind of nippy Downtown later on. Only forty degrees Fahrenheit. But, no dough like I said. Well, I guess you cannot have everything right? But, look at the lack of snow in the North Shore mountains in the bottom picture. This time last year there was tons of snow around and it was colder. So, what is going to happen to the Olympics up at Whistler I wonder? Well, they have a slightly different climate there and they are higher up too, so maybe things will turn out for them. We can only wait and see of course. But, the event is not too far off as everybody knows. I am certainly not looking forward to the congestion however. Actually, it is hard to believe that it is Friday already. That means harness racing tomorrow at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Excited?

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A botched attack?....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Thursday January 7, 2010

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Looks like the stock market is already starting to weaken up eh? I don't think any of the pundits expect it to be gang busters anyway. Actually, any gains that we make at all are a bonus as far as I am concerned. I am not expecting much if you want the truth of the matter. I would be happy with a 6 % gain or so by the end of the year. I mean, when you add everything up, we should just be lucky to be alive the way events are being played out on the world scene. Wars everywhere and crushing economies all over the place do not really help out the bottom line if you know what I mean. Like they say wars are not good things for stock markets.

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I guess I have to mention this little detail from work even though I said to myself that I wouldn't. And, I should have taken a picture as well and I did not do that either. I suppose it was just the pressure of the moment as to why I did not. Anyway, I was making this delivery to this place out in Port Coquitlam. I backed into a parking space and started to walk toward the service entrance and check things out. There was a little bird huddled in the corner by the door entrance. It was a pigeon if I recall. I was wondering why he was sitting there and not moving away from me. It did move a bit if I recall. I walked inside and make contact with someone who would be able to receive the goods. When I came back outside the bird was gone. But, not too far off to the right of me, about ten feet or so was another bird. It was sitting on the side walk and not moving at all. Now, that was really strange. It looked like an owl or a little hawk. It was brownish if I recall and not really that big either. And, then it struck me that it must be a fake bird, you know how they have birds sitting on rooftops to scare away other birds from not congregating in the area and leaving their droppings and that kind of thing. So I thought the bird was not real. But, sitting on the sidewalk to a store entrance? Well, that was very strange. I took a closer look at the bird. It was actually moving, but only slightly. Other people entered the scene and one girl said that it was a hawk. She had already phoned the wildlife people to come and help it out. We all agreed that it was not a good idea to touch the bird as that would be very dangerous indeed. So, what happened here? One girl said that the hawk was in shock and that is why he was not moving. He was just sitting there with his head hung down. Just sitting with no intention of not moving at all. The only thing that I could think of was that maybe he stunned himself in an attack on the pigeon. Maybe he banged into a wall or something. And, maybe that little pigeon that I saw hunkering down in the corner nearby was just lucky to be alive. Maybe this was just a botched attack by the little hawk. That is what I thought about the whole thing anyway. It was just really strange that is all.

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Don't forget friends. Racing at the Meadowlands in New Jersey on Saturday. So, see you there if you are planning to be around in these parts. This message for my friends and acquaintances of course.

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Hope Harper gets the message....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Wednesday January 6, 2010

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There you go friends. I did not even make a mistake with the date. I think I am starting to get with the program now. The weather is warm and crappy, that is the best way to describe it. But, then again it is better than freezing cold and snow. And, snow is really bad of course because as a courier I usually do not make any dough when it is snowing. Plus, it is really dangerous driving in the snow around here. I am going to have to try and remind myself about not fiddling around with my electronic devices when I am driving around in the City. It is now illegal in British Columbia to use electronic devices while you are driving. I do not have any Bluetooth gear and I do not plan on buying any. I am just not going to answer the phone when I am driving that is all. And, my other devices that I have on board, well, I will just have to figure out when to apply them on the job. I think things will be OK because everybody knows the score with the new rules now.

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I am so glad to see the current uproar in Canada over Harper proroguing Parliament. The guy is such a loser and I wish he would just fade away out of our lives and make room for someone who truly believes in the best interests of Canada. Stephen Harper seems to be like those American politicians who just serve their masters. That is my impression of the guy anyway. Nobody in my circle of friends really likes this guy and I do not know where his support comes from. He wants to lead Canada in some kind of new direction and I am not buying it at all. He is for the Middle East wars big time and if he had a majority he would ruin our country just like down in the States. So, I am glad to see this petition on Facebook making great strides by the minute. ( Back to Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament ) Well, done Canada and I hope the creep gets the message and leaves town before he is escorted out of town by a posse of concerned citizens. Seriously. Take off and leave us alone. Talk to you all later and don't forget: More racing on Saturday at the Meadowlands in New Jersey.

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A dream about Nikita..

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Tuesday January 5, 2010

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I am still not used to this new date thing friends and I continue to stumble a bit with it. In fact, I had to go over a couple of my past posts on these very pages because I had used the month of December instead of January. So, you can see how back focused and routine we humans really are.

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Sorry for the delay with this morning's post as there was something wrong with internet connection in these parts. Anyhow, the problem seems to have resolved itself and I can continue on with my daily post. My post this morning is about a dream. The dream is pretty old now because of the technical difficulty that I just mentioned above. The dream itself was about myself and the courier business. I was making a delivery of sorts to some kind of a government office. It could have been nurses, but I am not sure about that part. It was mostly girls and they were definitely working for the government in one fashion or another. I needed to get something from the receptionist at the front desk. She was about to hand me a couple of pieces of paper, and separately, one after the other. She handed me one piece and then she said: " Would you like me to place it in this envelope for you? " I said: " That is not necessary. " She ignored me though, because she was actually asking the question to a female who had entered the room. And, then she asked the same question again and again I said no. But, once again, she was asking the question to the female who had just entered the room. So, I was slightly insulted of course. And, then a man entered the room and placed a document on the desk. I decided to open up the document and have a peek. It was very official writing inside and was meant to be a set of directives for the people working in the office.

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I glanced outside the office door and noticed a bunch of female staff sitting in a rest area near by. They were all on strike and enjoying themselves outside in a covered area. They seemed happy in spite of being on strike.

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Then the scene moves to me leaving the area and I notice a huge gathering of people. They are all in a good mood and they are there for some purpose which I knew not. I sat down next to a friend and told him that Nikita Khruschev is right in front of us. ( The picture above is Nikita ) He was about to sit down next to Harold Pinter, who was smiling. He was wearing a blue blazer and had blond hair. I glanced about and noticed Mount Baker in the distance and there were some warships sitting in the harbour. It was a beautiful sunny day and everyone was in a good mood as far as I could tell.

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And, that was the end of the dream.

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Got out and about and did some shopping yesterday and it is still raining too. Seems pretty mild out if you ask me. I wonder how the Olympics will fair with this mild weather. Remember, I told you about the El Nino a while back? Maybe it is going to happen since there is so much cold air back East. Who knows eh?

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