Toilet paper anybody?

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Thursday April 15, 2010

. It wasn't much of a day at work yesterday, but it was good to be back on the case, none the less. The weather was pleasant enough and I would categorize it as a warmish and sunny kind of day. Most of the customers that I talked to were positive on the weather, so that was the good part of the day. There were the usual traffic accidents that take place on a sunny day due to speeding and that kind of thing. I really do think that there are more accidents on sunny days and I think the statistics will back me up on this one. If you have some conflicting evidence then feel free to bring that forward for discussion.

.And, just what do you think of that most recent earthquake in China? It was just below 7 on the Richter scale if I recall and a few hundred deaths were noted as well. Like I said earlier, I am suspicious about all of these high reading quakes and associated deaths. Why so many all of a sudden and why such high readings? Well, you decide what is going on, I just think it looks unusual that is all. My stocks: My Stock Portfolio: March 2010 seem to be up across the board so that is the other positive thing to report. Who knows how long that is going to last under current conditions. The Canadian dollar moved higher against the U.S. and is now more valuable - for the time being. Well, I don't think we should be giving out any awards for this feat since the U.S. dollar is so weak anyhow. I mean, let's get serious here. Fiat currency is just paper and the only value that it has is the value that you or I attach to it. Some liken the U.S. dollar to toilet paper anyway. The more of them you have the less valuable they become. It really amazes me how so many people still believe in this so-called Reserve currency of the world. Remember, the only thing propping this thing up right now are the wars and the rhetoric coming out of the mouths of politicians and the central bankers. Put your trust in them if you like. I don't trust these characters at all.

.And, how about this nuclear conference eh? There is Barack Obama hoping that everybody in the world will sign on and limit the amount of nuclear weapons that they have. And, where is Israel in all of this? Why the leader of the country couldn't even bother to attend, nor will the country sign the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty. So, just how much good faith should we be attaching to a nation like Israel? This is the country that wants to deny Iran a bomb to protect itself; a country that has attacked no one and has no intention of doing so. Don't do as I do, do as I say, that is the motto of Israel. Pretty sad eh? And, how about all of those U.S. senators: see related article here who signed on the idea that the U.S. ( Barack Obama ) is being over-critical of Israel and its settlement building? Just what runs through your mind when you read stuff like that? Friends, a tiny little country like Israel is telling U.S. politicians how to think and act. Now, that is the power of money friends, so don't ever kid yourself. In the minds of these U.S. politicians there is still some value in this U.S. buck. Sad isn't it? That these politicians prefer toilet paper to common sense and decency, that is.

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Video added on July 8, 2010

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Indonesian Earthquake: added on June 16, 2010

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Magnitude 7.0 - NEAR THE NORTH COAST OF PAPUA, INDONESIA

Related article on earthquakes. Added on May 17, 2010:

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The earthquake is not chasing you

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On the death of a loved one....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Wednesday April 14, 2010

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Back to the grindstone friends. That's right, I have to slog it out for three days before I can get some more R & R. And, that means back to the racing game on Saturday. But, then we have to earn our rewards now don't we? I told you guys that I bought a few DVD's from Bianca Amor's a few days ago. Well, I am wading my way through them and I am on number three right now. I finished watching the end of Fort Apache - The Bronx just last night. This is the one starring Paul Newman as a New York City cop. He is working in a rather tough neighbourhood and during the course of his duties runs into a nurse who also works in the neighbourhood. So, he gets it on with this nurse and he falls in love with her. Well, I am sure that most of you can appreciate my attraction to the movie based on this one item alone. That's right, our hero falls in love with a nurse. So, Paul Newman, whose name is Murphy in the film gets to experience a loving relationship with this nurse. It started off as a mutually playful association and you can tell that both really like each other. This is probably one of the better moments of the film, this loving and happy relationship, that is. But, this being the Bronx and the storehouse of violence based on drugs and all manner of crime, the relationship of Officer Murphy and his nurse girlfriend comes to an abrupt end. Seems like his girlfriend, the nurse, was taking crack cocaine and later on in the movies she overdoses from this drug. Her supplier did her in. This is kind of a turning point for me in the film when I discover that this lover of Officer Murphy is seemingly just another resident of the Bronx and caught up in its ways. I was expecting much more from this character actually since she comes across as one who is smart enough and strong enough to not get sucked into the environment that she is working in. She is supposed to be fixing these people up and setting some kind of an example for the people who live there. Kind of like Paul Newman as Officer Murphy is supposed to be. But, even Officer Murphy is acting like a police officer and for a time is part of a conspiracy of silence since he will not report the fact that he saw two of his comrades literally kill a resident of the neighbourhood by throwing him off a building. And, that is how policemen are supposed to act in the Bronx and any tough neighbourhood I suppose. Cops protect one another. But, after the nurse dies from the overdose that is when Officer Murphy does the right thing and turns in the officers. He has quit becoming a cop and decides to move on. A really weird scene occurs when Newman enters the hospital where the nurse works and discovers her dead. This is after the hospital was experiencing a hostage taking by some of the local bad guys. Anyhow, the police take out the bad guys and the police enter the building and free the hostages. This is when Newman discovers his dead nurse. He doesn't want to believe that she is dead. He picks up her dead body and holds her tightly trying to bring her back to life. He doesn't accept her death. And, that is when I knew friends that I could really relate to this film. He lost his loved one, the nurse. But, in the end, Officer Murphy does the right thing. And, the death of a loved one made him do that. Now, if life could be that simple eh friends?

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What would Lynn do?

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Lynn

.The 1967 Year Book
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.Good Morning Friends

.today is Tuesday April 13, 2010

. It is a good thing that I got off my butt yesterday and cut the grass. I had no idea that it was going to rain today. Well, that is what my sources tell me anyway, that it is raining out, that is. Who would have thunk that eh? So, nice and pretty yesterday. But, I did notice the high, thin cloud while I was mowing the lawn, however. I suppose that was the big clue for anybody that was interested in these kinds of things. For me, I was just interested in putting away the first cut of the year. Now, that that is done I can rest on my laurels for a bit. And, as you can appreciate, after I cut the grass I went for a spin in my car and that was the extent of my day. So typical nowadays for me. That is the kind of thing that I like to do.

.All good things must come to an end of course and it is back to the grindstone tomorrow. Another tortuous three day work week is about all that I have to look forward to, before we can start to dream about harness racing again, that is. So, I am just wondering Lynn, what did you think of my post yesterday and the message contained therein? Do you remember what you were doing in 1983? Well, as you can imagine that is mostly what I think about on these pages. That's right, good old 1983. The most dramatic year in my whole life. Nobody knows how their lives are going to pan out you know and that is what makes the whole thing so interesting. And, now I go and buy this DVD about a nuclear attack on the United States, a film that was made in 1983. Check out yesterday's post to see what I am talking about. Actually, I didn't spend nearly enough time as I could have - or should have on that topic of annihilation. In a way, that is what happened to my life in 1983 too. I remember having a dream about a nuclear explosion right after the dramatic events in October of that year. Yes, dear friends, I experienced my very own mental nuclear explosion. Now, I didn't go out and make a movie about the whole thing, but I can certainly relate to the notion of what a nuclear attack can do the psyche of a person and the whole nation for that matter. One's world is simply turned upside down and you just have to contend with the new realities that you are faced with. I mean, just think about what a nuclear attack means. Lots of people die and the whole structure of society is broken, and maybe forever. Perhaps the society will never be the same again. Humans, after a nuclear attack must do what they can to survive and to help those who are desperately in need. That is what you do when you are a human being. It is back to the basics. You survive, protect your loved ones and then save as many fellow humans as you can. That is what the doctor and the nurses did in the movie " The Day After. " Interesting how the young girl in the movie is upset because she didn't do something that she wanted to do, namely have a baby with her interned future husband. She was constricted by society as a function of its rules and regulations and then when her world was turned upside she was a victim of fate and the uncertainties of life. I guess that is one of the big lessons of the movie. Apart from the fact that we immediately come to know what a nuclear attack would mean, we are also instructed to realize that one must enjoy and get out of life what one can. There is only one life and these life things just have a habit of coming to an abrupt end sometimes. Maybe they should be showing this movie to modern day students so that they can realize the potential dangers that lurk among them as a function of what can happen to their society in light of current geo political considerations. Can you trust your government to do the right thing? What do you think Lynn? I think the answer is no. So, maybe some really selfish behavior is in order here, especially if you adhere to the idea that the world that you know and love might not be here tomorrow.

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What would Louise do?

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Louise

.The 1967 Year Book
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.Good Morning Friends

.today is Monday April 12, 2010

. . I guess the big thing that I did yesterday was to go shopping. What else are you going to do on a Sunday around here anyway? It was a really nice day and I decided to go cruising in my car. I didn't really go anywhere special though, just shopping like I said. I ended up at Bianca Amor's Liquidation Supercenter. I don't go there all that often, but it is always a pleasant experience when I do. The store is situated in an old Chrysler automobile dealership in Guildford. Actually, while we are on the topic of cars, these Chrysler/Dodge dealerships must have gone through a lot of turmoil in the last few years, because in just a small area in North Surrey here two of these dealerships have bitten the dust. The other one is over on King George and around the 96 avenue area. That location was taken over by a church and they are renovating the place. But, I digress of course. What would Louise do about all this you might now be enquiring? Well, just what is it that Louise is supposed to be doing something about would be the next question now wouldn't it? The thing is, I bought a few more videos to view on my computer, that is what I did. They are only five bucks each and Bianca has tons of them. By the way, I didn't bump into the boss lady yesterday, whereas in the past I have seen her on site and moving about with the customers. Anyway, I bought a bunch and one of them even has ten videos on it. There are two that I watched last night. Actually, one only did I completely watch and that is the one called: The Day After, starring Jason Robarts. The movie wasn't much if you want my real opinion on the matter. It is about a nuclear attack by the Soviets in the U.S. and of course, the U.S. is a completely different place after it is all over. The important point friends is that this movie was made in 1983 and you should all know by that that was the biggest year in my life - and continues to be. And, there was also some nurses in the movie as well, so more stuff to think about eh? If you are paying attention then you know what I am talking about. But, there is more, more nurses that is. I started watching the second movie in the bunch and it was called: Fort Apache, The Bronx with Paul Newman playing a leading role. And, the point dear friends? You guessed it. Yet another pretty nurse is making an appearance right at the beginning, and Paul is interested of course. So, there you have it friends. That is how neatly wrapped up and focused my life is at this point. It doesn't take much to trigger my emotions and take me back into history and remember all of the important details that are still having an impact on me. So, as you can see these movies do serve a purpose for me. They are consolidating my life and providing meaning for me. That is what they are doing. And, they are entertaining as well since that is what movies are supposed to be. So just what do you think of that Louise? Are you impressed or what?

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What would Linda do?

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Linda

.The 1967 Year Book
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.Good Morning Friends

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.today is Sunday April 11, 2010

. . I told you there were tons of Lindas out there. And, I know that this is not going to be the last one that we will be posing our question to. I have no idea what Linda would do about anything. Maybe she would just cry after losing at the races like I did yesterday. Who knows. Well now, that should give you a clue as to what happened at the races yesterday anyway. That's right, I did not win, but the weather was great. So, how is that? It was a typical day a the races though. I was trying my very best to win, but the racing gods would have none of it. They would be leaving me in suspense for some future time. My wins will come later and that is how I justify the whole thing. So, as you can see there is nothing really wrong with losing, because losing is simply a case of delayed winning. Right?

.I just thought of something. And, it is about Lindas. What a totally common name eh? Actually, I kind of like the name Linda. I just wished there weren't so many of them that is all. It just seems to cheapen the brand if you know what I mean. But, you know, I was listening to one of my favourite radio stations here on the West Coast, I think it was last week or so. And, they were talking about the most common girls names. Like what composes the top ten girls names throughout history. I had the answer right away. And, you know why? Because of my job in the courier business that is why. I deal with receptionists and girls all day long. Girls sign their names on my manifest sheets so I know who the common ones are. And, just as an aside here I have run across many strange female names in the last couple of years let me tell you. I should have written some of them down, but I did not. Some of them are very strange sounding indeed, but some are very pretty sounding too. My theory for these new and varied names are two fold. I think that we are getting a new crop of females that are part of a brand new generation. Parents must have started calling their children by different names for this younger generation of girls that I am now mingling with on my job. That is one explanation. The other reason would be the immigration into this region. Being a popular place the Lower Mainland would be attracting people from foreign lands all of the time. That means of course that I would be dealing with the children of immigrants, you know people with strange sounding names to me. They are certainly not Anglo Saxon names that is for sure. But, I digress of course. What are the common girls name in history? I guessed the answer right off the bat just like I said. I knew the answer even before the radio station got a caller to try and answer the question for them. The name is Sarah. It is Biblical sounding to me. I don't recall any Sarahs in my graduating class, but maybe there is one in there. Well, we are going to find out now aren't we? As far as I am concerned Linda seems to be the most popular girls name in history. In my part of the world and in my time span at least. Look at the ones that we have back here in 1967.

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Life is so unpredictable...

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Saturday April 10, 2010

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Had a fairly successful ' work week ' friends and now it is time for amusement once again. I guess when you think about things that is what each of us as humans do. We get what we can out of life and enjoy ourselves in the best way that we know how. We do what is right for us, when we want and how we want to. For me, satisfying my enjoyment needs includes a day at the races. Harness racing in fact is what it is all about for me. This activity is the thing that brings it all together and warms up my heart at the end of every week. And, I am sure that each and everyone of you has your own special thing that you do that makes life meaningful for you as well. And, that could be just about any kind of human activity that you could imagine. Well, I am sure you get my drift.

.So, today's focus is on harness racing at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. This really is a top notch harness track you know and I cannot imagine myself straying from this track too much at all. When things are going well in the racing business this is the kind of track that you want to be investing your time and money in. I grabbed a racing form after work yesterday and I just started to check things out. The first few races do not look that exciting and there are some fairly cheap races in there. Oh well, maybe things will improve as the night progresses. The thing about racing is that you can never predict with any kind of accuracy whatsoever just how the session will wind up. Things might look bad on paper, but you might have a surprisingly good night. And, the reverse is true as well. You might think that you are going to have a fabulous night they way the races look and then you might fall flat on your face and come out one big time loser. You just never know about racing and how things will pan out. It is kind of like living your life from one day to the next I suppose. You just don't know what is going to come your way. It is either good luck or bad depending on the circumstances of the day. And, that is the way you should approach racing as well. Just learn to take the good with the bad and you will be a very happy person indeed.

.It was another beautiful day at work and I wanted to take a few more snaps for you, but I was quite busy actually and I could not find the time to do so. I made it out to Chilliwack and the day was productive and it went by quickly too. Now that is what I mean about life and work. You just don't know what to expect. Just like me. Now, I keep asking my friends and relatives and acquaintances to get their act together and make it out to the races one of these days. Well, maybe all of the important people in my life will do that one day. That is why life is so interesting sometimes. Because it surprises you, just like a big, unexpected win at the track. See you out there if you are coming or need a ride. Post time is 1600 hrs. Bye for now.

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The snow, the boots, and other things....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Friday April 9, 2010

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Finally made it to the last day on the job. Fridays are always great days friends, especially when you are a worker. But, then I suppose all of you guys know that anyway. For myself, it was a short and productive, three day work week. I hope you don't think that I am abusing the term ' work week ' by telling you that my work week consists of only three days. Well, in my world friends that is what a work week means to me so I hope you are not going to hold that against me.

.I have a few snaps down below from work yesterday, but first just a short note about racing tomorrow. That's right, tomorrow is Saturday and it is a racing day. I am sure that you are all aware by now that my life revolves around making it from one week to the next so that I can enjoy myself at the track and hopefully pick up a couple of bucks and have a good time as well. So, just a further reminder to my friends, relatives, and acquaintances about the racetrack. If you are popping into town and want to go you know how to contact me. And, if you are coming alone post time is 1600 hrs local time. See you there if you are coming. And, now for some pics from work yesterday....

.I knew that I just had to get a couple of photos of the fresh snow on the North Shore mountains. It was simply a gorgeous day, especially in the morning. The sun was shining brightly and those beautiful mountains to the north were simply fabulous. Now, why couldn't this type of snow make its appearance during the Olympics when it counted eh? Well, you know how the snow gods work. They do what they want and when they want. Our job of course is simply to appreciate their work when they feel like performing. And, perform they did indeed yesterday.

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The other thing that I wanted to show you was my new boots. These are ' Billy's Boots ' if you may recall, named in honor of Bill one of our courier comrades who recently passed away. Now, these are high quality work boots let me tell you. I mean, steel toes and the whole nine yards. You feel like a real worker when you are wearing a piece of rubber like these babies. ..


And, finally friends here is a picture of an ' XLERATOR ' dryer. You may recall that I did a post sometime back on these high quality dryers. I stumbled upon one at an ICBC office during my travels last year. ICBC is our public automobile insurance company here in British Columbia. The gist of my post was that the reason why public auto insurance is better that private insurance is because these institutions know how to treat their customers. They respect them and this treatment of their clientele shows up in the type of dryer that they use in their washrooms. Now, I was also critical of the McDonald's Corporation by not getting with it and using these types of dryers in their, sometimes, mediocre bathroom facilities. Well, I am happy to report that McDonald's now has one of these dryers in one of their stores. Perhaps they read my post and followed my advice on how to treat their customers. Friends, rest assured that McDonald's is not going to be outclassed when it comes to taking care of their customers. Below is a picture of an XLERATOR dryer in an actual McDonald's restaurant. Well done McDonald's and keep up the good work and may you find time to install one of these babies in all of your stores here in the Lower Mainland Region.




Talk to you guys later and see you at the track tomorrow if you are coming. .....

P.S.
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Lastly, here is a really fine article explaining why it is not much fun being an American nowadays. The following piece was written by an American for Americans:

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America: The Grim Truth

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Another day for the living....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Thursday April 8, 2010

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It felt pretty good to be back in action once again. Business wise, things were quite brisk in the morning, but then everything petered out in the afternoon. Oh well, one cannot expect miracles when you are dealing with people and how they spend their money. You just have to go with the flow and take whatever comes your way, and when it comes your way. It is the same in all kinds of businesses I suspect; it is the nature of the beast.

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And, speaking of the beast, just what do you think is going to happen in the stock market? Watching and being invested in the market can be a tough game sometimes, especially when the market is seemingly going nowhere quickly. Most of us small players are on the long side of things of course and we just want some extra income for our retirement. We are not professionals and we are not market manipulators and we do not have much control over the market and its gyrations at all. These are the domains of the big players and all of the combinations of politics and other things that control our markets. So, that means that most of us are simply spectators in the machinations of the financial world. And, that is what I am, just a small player, a guy who wants to wind up with some extra dough after all is said and done.

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I wore my new black boots to work yesterday and they reminded me of Billy most of the day of course. And, that is what they are meant to do as you might expect. Some of the guys are still talking about Bill's death of course since it is still fresh on all of our minds. Sudden and unexpected deaths are like that as you are probably already aware. They have a tendency to jolt us and to face reality a little more squarely. Deaths make us appreciate our very own mortality and the fact that we are still alive. That is what death does. It just reminds us what the whole thing is all about. Life is about living and dying and nothing more than that. So, thanks for reading and have a nice day.

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Billy's black boots....

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Wednesday April 7, 2010

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Back in action once again folks. That's right, right back into the thick of things in the courier business. Bill is now dead, but I am still alive. Now, let that be a lesson to you all. I have been talking about the very fragility of life on these very pages. I have told you what I think about life and how precious it is. It is so precious that you just don't know when it is going to end. And, as Bill's parting demonstrates, none of us knows when our number is going to come up. I am still typing away here and communicating with you all. But, will that be the case tomorrow morning? Will I get through the day in one piece and get to live and breath again for one more day? Well. What do you think about that?

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Went shopping again yesterday and I bought myself some new work pants and a really nice pair of work boots. I guess these will be the Billy's boots that I mentioned a while back. Something to remind me of Bill when I am on the job if you know what I mean. Yup, they were pretty expensive and they are black. They have a steel toe and they are oil resistant. And, they have Goodyear rubber on them as well. They will definitely be good in the rain and especially good for the muddy job sites that I pick up from every once in a while. So, these will be a pair of real professional work boots for a real professional courier. I suspect that if I will last as long as these boots then I will really be doing something.

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Did you notice that there was yet another major earthquake the other day? A 7.8 reading or something? Friends, I have lost track of how many of these things there have been in the last little while. Remember Haiti? A big one right and a lot of deaths. But, don't you suspect that there is something a little strange about these quakes? Strange in the sense that they are suddenly cropping up and the fact that they are all major earthquakes, like over 7 on the Richter scale. Very strange indeed. I mean, you most likely are aware of the HAARP project up in Alaska ( there is Alaska again ). Well, they have the capability with that program to cause these quakes you know. I know it sounds sinister but I am afraid that at this point in the game you can bet your bottom dollar that the government ( or elements of the government ) is capable of doing anything it wants to achieve its ends. Now, how about a few more huge quakes and then all of a sudden one happens to hit Iran? Remember, Iran is public enemy number one right now. And, Iran is earthquake country and that would sure mean something if a major strike was to occur there now wouldn't it? I mean, no need for invasion to cause turmoil in the country. Why spend all that money on lives and armaments when a single quake strike could do the trick? Isn't modern technology wonderful?

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Also, don't forget that racing is just around the corner as well. Saturday at 1600 hrs is post time here for harness racing. So, if you want to go and you are my friend or acquaintance then you know how to contact me. I will be wearing my new black shoes that I bought as well. I guess everything that I am buying these days is going to be black. Where did this black business come from anyway? Why does death have to be represented by the color black? Black robes for this or for that. The clergy wears black and the judges wear black. I guess black is the in colour for those events that are so meaningful for us all

What would Linda do?

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Linda

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The 1967 Year Book .
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Good Morning Friends

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today is Tuesday April 6, 2010

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. Another day and another Linda to highlight on my blog. Well, yes indeed, Linda looks to be a pretty common name as far as I can tell. And, I know that there will be more of them coming and making an appearance on my blog. So, just what would this Linda do in the face of all of this competition regarding her name? Well, probably not much as you might expect. Most likely she would just grin and bear it because there is simply not much else for her to do. That is just the way things are.

.And, speaking of the way things are, one of my associates passed on just recently. His name was " Bill " and he was a good man and another courier like myself. That's right, he did the same job as me and held the same kinds of concerns that other couriers have. He was one of us. I got the phone calls right away from a couple of other former and present work mates of Bill. That is how the news spread when you are dealing with a fallen comrade. We all liked Bill and he was a great guy. Nobody knows yet how he died, but it could have been something like a heart attack. That was my first impression without knowing any further details on the matter. Bill was about 65 or so and he wanted to work part time just like myself. Unfortunately, Bill was still working full time when he died. That is what he kept talking about when we were together. He was tired of the business and all the hassle. He wanted to slow down just like me and enjoy the rest of his life. May Bill rest in peace now that this part of his life has now come to an end. Nobody I know had anything bad to say about Bill.

.I went shopping right after I heard about Bill's death. I decided that I needed some new shoes so I went to one of our local malls to check things out. While I was there another comrade phoned me to let me know about Bill's death. Strange as this may seem this comrade was in the same store at the very same time as myself. He was with his family on his day off. We made a meet and he helped me pick out my new shoes. I was having trouble deciding what to buy anyway so I appreciated this much needed support in this matter. I got a nice pair of black shoes that I can use for work and play. The price was a little more than I usually pay for shoes, but they had some discounts and the final price was not that bad after all was said and done. I am thinking of going back to the same store this morning and buy another set of boots for work and play as well. I was thinking of something sturdy and waterproof, something really good for work. Something that looks like a hiking boot. I might even buy a new pair of work pants too since my current ones seem to be on their last legs. So, that is the potential plan for my day right now.

.It was fairly pleasant driving about yesterday as well. There was a hint of sun, but it was still mostly cloudy and cool. There looks like a lot of fresh snow in the mountains. Good for the skiers I guess. Too bad that I am not a skier. Actually, I am not much into sports at all if you want the truth of the matter. Just horse racing, harness racing that is all. That is what I consider to be my main sports activity. Does that count? Well, I think it does even if you do not. Here is a great little article that I just finished reading. I think it might be written by an Israeli, but I am not sure about that. It is a terrific and common sense article. It is kind of how I think. Iran should have the bomb for its own protection and Israel should make a deal with its neighbours. That is how simple things can be if you want them to be, in my opinion of course. Article here:

“HOLD ME back!” is a part of Israeli folklore. It reminds us of our childhood.

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Talk to you all later and have a nice day!

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What would Linda do?

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Linda
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The 1967 Year Book
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Good Morning Friends
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today is Monday April 5, 2010
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Looks like another moody Monday friends, from where I am sitting anyway. Just finished reading an article about Ralph Nader over on Truthdig. See article here:

How the Corporations Broke Ralph Nader and America, Too

.This article just expresses things which I have been saying for a long time. The corporations and the media control America. The media destroyed Ralph Nader and his message by not getting the word out. Plain old censorship is what it is all about friends. Leaving something out or just not talking about is what the media does best nowadays. And, in the modern context, that means not talking about something like 9/11. I am sure that many of you aware by now why the media will not discuss 9/11 in any great detail. I mean, I hope I don't have to spell it out for you at this late stage in the game.

.I kind of like Ralph Nader and I can certainly relate to him and his personality. He is a fighter and he is out to do good for society. The only problem is of course that when you are trying to do good for society certain people will not like that and that is why Nader has been marginalized and all of his thoughts and good ideas are suppressed. Can you imagine Ralph Nader as President of the United States? How about you Linda, just what would you do if Ralph was the prez? Hmmm?

.Well, I think America would be a much different place that is for sure. Maybe it would even be on track to being a civilized country again and the power would be restored to the people where it belongs. I am just a dreamer of course and things are not likely going to change very soon at all. The corporations and the media are the current rulers of the land. You know what Linda? I used to use a little example of how powerful the corporations are by telling my readers about the baseball cap scenario. Remember when the young guys started to wear their baseball caps backwards as a sign of protest? Rebellious youth and all that. You know, they were fighting the system in their own way by simply mocking it. And, what did the corporations and the powers that be do in response? Well, they turned the backwards baseball cap practice into a marketing tool and marginalized the dissenters, that is what they did. They made it cool to wear a baseball cap the wrong way. And, they did it through the media and advertising. I guess that will teach you to be a dissenter eh? The system is very devious and very powerful friends, so just keep that in mind should you ever decide to become a dissenter or progressive or a liberal or other such thing. You will certainly have your hands full that is for sure.

.So, just what would you do Linda? I know what I would do and I am doing it right now. I am at least talking about it. I am not censoring it or many other things for that matter. And, then I have this other problem as well. This seemingly perpetual problem of mine. And, that involves my dream girl of course. I wonder if she is ever going to come to her senses and just phone me so that I can live the rest of my life in heavenly bliss. You know, make my remaining years the best that they can be. Is it possible Linda? Or, is it just another senseless dream, kind of like the dreams that Ralph Nader has? You know, good-intentioned ideas that are just almost impossible to execute. Is life really that tough? And, if it is what can one person do about it anyway? Oh well. what else are you going to talk about on a moody Monday anyway? Easter Monday. Well, maybe thinking about the Pope will make us feel better. I mean, just look at all the problems that the Catholic Church has. And, how do they handle such things? Why they just call them common gossip of the day that is all. There you go. That is how easy it is dismiss a problem and a criticism out of hand. You just call it something else and eventually the people might come to believe what you are saying. Maybe Hitler was right. Just keep telling lies and the bigger they are the more believable they will be. Simple. Have a nice day friends. I don't know what you are going to do about these kinds of things Linda, but you can see what I just did.

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What would Jo-Anne do?

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Jo-Anne

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The 1967 Year Book

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Good Morning Friends

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today is Sunday April 4, 2010

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Welcome to Sunday and hopefully better weather days. But, don't hold your breath because it is still quite cool and unsettled out. I heard they got a bunch of snow on the local mountains and even Cypress Mountain. That is the one with no snow during the Big Event. It certainly was too bad it couldn't of snowed a bit more during the Olympics. That would have added an even better feel to the events taking place. Well, no sense in crying over spilled milk eh? And, besides, from all accounts the Games were a roaring success anyway in spite of the lack of an abundance of snow. Who needs Mother Nature anyway when you can make your own eh? Hope she is not listening otherwise I could be in a lot of trouble.

.I certainly don't know what Jo-Anne in the picture above would do, but I know what I am going to do. Had a nice little win at the track yesterday, so I will probably do a bit of shopping today. I was lucky because the win came in the second race. I won just over 500 dollars for a one dollar triactor bet. So, that set me up for the night as you can imagine and the pressure was off. I pulled out rather early actually as I wanted to savour my wins during the course of the week, which is starting right now. I stopped betting at the 7th race which I lost and I would have lost all the races after that so it is a good thing that I closed up shop and went home. I didn't even bet my regular amount of money. I just knew that I had to get out of there if I was not able to get another win after my one and only win. Check out below the Meadowlands website for the results of the races last night. There were quite a few good payoffs, in the order of thousands of dollars actually. Like, how does a 10,000 dollar win sound for ten cents? That was the payoff in one of the Superfectas. ( picking the first four horses in a race ) See race 13 below, for example. And, there was also a 12,000 dollar triactor ( two dollar bet ) in a previous race as well.

Race results below:

Race results for the Meadowlands: Saturday April 3, 2010

.So, like I said above I will buy myself a little something today on account of my good fortunes yesterday. Now, if my dream girl was in attendance yesterday I could have bought her a nice dinner and a present as well. She was not there so that will have to wait for some future time I suppose. You can be sure that I was thinking about her when I won and hoping she was there. Maybe she was giving me good luck just by thinking about her. Who knows for sure eh? Well, thems the racing gods for you. They sure work in strange and lovely ways eh?

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Are you really that special?

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Saturday April 3, 2010

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The weather is really crappy right now friends. But, maybe the fact that this is a racing day will turn things around for us, if you know what I mean. Had a little bit of excitement in my life yesterday. Helped out a friend pull a motor out of a car in an automobile grave yard yesterday. Yeah, the bone yard was way out in Chilliwack and the place was called " Pick a Part ". Nice name eh? Very original I thought. But, I bet there are other joints like this in North America too, and most likely with the same name. The whole thing reminds me of how the system really works friends. We live in markets, individual markets across the country and the continent. And, we think we are special, but sometimes we find out that we are not so special. So, what the hell I am I talking about you might enquire? Well, I am using the " Pick a Part " name as just one example of what might be occurring all over the continent. Now, there are laws of course regarding names like this so maybe there is just one junk yard with a name like this - and then again - maybe there really are more than one. How do we know unless we do some investigating on the matter. I mean, maybe this is even a " franchise name ". or if it is a registered name you are not likely to see any copycats. But, think of other examples if you might. Think of your favourite radio station and the cool themes and names that they use, like " traffic and weather together " and that kind of thing. Do you think that is unique to your market place? I doubt that very much indeed. Somebody came up with this phrase and I bet you a lot of dough this is definitely something that you are going to find in other markets as well. The point dear friends is that you might not be so special after all. Other markets might just be as special as you are. That is the power of marketing of course. And, anyway, how would you know what is happening in other radio markets, for example if you are not listening to them? But, it is the same thing with retail outlets as well. They might have some original saying or marketing gimmick which you are supposed to think is unique to your market. But, if these same stores are operating in other markets there is a good chance that they are going to be using the same tactics in other markets as well. The point is friends that you might not be that special after all so just keep that in mind when some retailer is trying to woo you in some special way. It is OK to get sucked in, but just keep in mind that I bet they say that to all of their customers. And, they most likely do.

.Anyhow, what a digression eh? There is only one thing on my mind this morning friends. And, that is the race track. I have mostly got all of my handicapping done since I picked up my racing form on Thursday. Now, that is really handy let me tell you. Doing my homework early means that when I get to the track I can relax and do more socializing should the opportunity present itself. So, you can see that it pays to do your work early so that you can free yourself up for some potentially more entertaining and informative activities. That is what preparation is all about friends. Freedom to operate in a more effective manner. Anyhow, racing starts at 1600 hrs local time if you are interested. A message to my friends, relatives, and acquaintances: Don't be afraid to contact me if you want to go and need a ride. I am as close as your telephone. Talk to you all later and have a nice day.

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What would Janet do?

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Janet

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The 1967 Year Book

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Friday April 2, 2010

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Happy Holidays friends and hope you are enjoying your day. I guess this is a big day for the Christians, but as you can see it is a big day for us non-believers as well. We get another day off out of it. So, that is a bonus I suppose. But, maybe not a bonus if you would rather be working and making some dough. Oh well, that is the good and the bad of the day I suppose.

.The weather is sure crappy nowadays. It is really cool and rainy out. Maybe that is good for the skiers and the rainfall count, but certainly not much more than that. I mean Springtime is supposed to be the beginning of warmer weather right? Well, that is my experience anyway concerning these matters. Well, I don't care anyway if you want the truth of the matter. We were so blessed with great weather last year and I am still remembering the joyous days of last year and blasting around in my convertible. There were some very pleasant days indeed. And, now we are back to the rains and the gloom and doom. Vancouverites are such complainers now aren't we?

.Speaking of gloom and doom I hope all of you guys are paying attention to world events. They are certainly terrible now aren't they? I mean, the economy is still quite fragile in spite of what you hear and see in the various media and the wars still go on as well. Almost like a conspiracy eh? Well, you decide for yourself who is behind all of these wars and the economic uncertainties. I know one thing and that is that I did not cause these things to happen. Somebody with a lot more power than I did. So, just like everybody else I have to live with the conditions that are being forced upon us. And, we still have the freedom to criticize whoever we want and when we want. So, at least that is something. That means enjoy what you have and your ability to say what you want because it might not last forever - if you believe the conspiracy theorists, that is.

.So, I don't know what you are going to do Janet, but like I said you know what I am going to be doing. More of the same that is what. I told you guys that there might be a few more things to add to my last post over on the main part of my blog My Stock Portfolio: March 2010, so that is what I will try and have to do over the weekend. I thought that might be the case since they do not publish all of the earnings and distributions right away and that is exactly what happened this time. So, that means that I really do have more than the .91% gain for the quarter that I posted.

.Got my racing form yesterday and I am studying it right now. Should be able to complete most of my studying before racing rolls around again tomorrow at 1600 hrs local time. So, to you Janet and all of my other friends, relatives and acquaintances, don't be afraid to show up or give me a call if you need a ride to the track. I have a bit of a job to do this morning not related to work at all so that is what I am priming myself up for. So, at least I have a task to do this morning whereas some of you other guys might not have. I suppose I am lucky in that regard. Doing things is positive in case you did not know that. Well, that is my take on the matter anyway. Talk to you guys later.

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Happy April Fools Day

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Good Morning Friends,

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today is Thursday April 1, 2010

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I had a great day yesterday friends. It was sunny out and I had an unexpected financial windfall as well. So, life does not get much better than that let me tell you. Well, there is a certain perfection that we all dream about, but not many of us really get there now then do we? No sir. We just have to live with what we have and with whatever comes our way. I guess that is why most of us are just fatalists at heart. I suppose I cannot really speak for others so just realize that I am mostly speaking for myself. That would be rather presumptuous of me anyway to speak for others now wouldn't it?

.Back on the job today friends and I am kind of looking forward to that. It will be sort of like a mini vacation for me if you know what I mean. It is really quite pleasant working in the business in the Spring time you know, especially if the sun is shining and everything is going your way. And, currently, almost everything is going my way. Things are not perfect and they are not one hundred per cent, but that is to be expected isn't it? The way I have things figured out you are mostly on top of things anyway if you have your health. Where would you be without your health? Why you would be complaining to the gods and asking why they are treating you so badly that is what you would be doing. And, I would probably be doing the same thing in spite of all the pontificating that I do here. I am only human you know and I react very badly sometimes when I feel that I am being shortchanged. Have you ever thought about that aspect of your personality? I mean, do you complain when things are not going your way? Lots of people do you know. But, does it do them any good? Well, sometimes it does and sometimes it does not. Some people look like losers when they complain, while others look not too badly at all. I guess it is all in the way you complain that makes you credible or not. What do you think about that? Yes, I suppose it is OK to complain now that I think about it. Yes, that is it. But, there would have to be a catch of course. And, I think the catch is that it would OK to complain if you really could do something about an unfortunate position. That is, if it was subject to change and some sort of remedy could be applied. Now, we are not talking about life illnesses and the fatal ones in particular here. Nope. I don't think these kinds of thing would qualify at all. You would be foolish to bemoan these kinds of situations. The gods have placed you into an untenable position when you get a terminal disease and for what reason they do that nobody really knows why. This is where the great acceptance of reality and mortality comes in. This is the uttermost case of reality. It must be accepted, just like death. And, that is because death comes knocking for all of us whether we like it or not. But, for the other stuff, the changeable stuff, why that is where it is OK to complain and express yourself in the best way that you can. The effective person just might get somewhere by complaining in the right manner and at the right time. So, don't dismiss complaining entirely. Sometimes it is justified and even recommended. And, then again, sometimes you will just look like a fool. So, you decide which is the best time and method for you. If you are into complaining, that is. And, by the way, Happy April Fools Day.

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