December 3, 2007 - Meet Achmed - Retirement Warning - The "Tab" Addiction - It's Winter
All the links listed here open new windows.
What better way to start the week than with a laugh - not just a chuckle - but a deep down, happiness blaster of a belly laugh - so it was for me this morning when I opened up the retirement news Email.
As a result, before I get into today's entry - I have to, once again, play catch up.
Nearly fifteen million people have seen this video and if it wasn't for my daughter Brenda, I would have missed this hilarious eleven minutes of comedy by an obviously very talented guy by the name of Jeff Dunham - so grab a coffee - sit back and listen to the story of Achmed the Terrorist.
Yesterday morning on the CBS news magazine, Sunday Morning, they ran a piece about the changing face of retirement.
Back in the 40's and 50's, seniors lived a life of -"being too old to work and too young to die and with little or nothing to do or look forward to."
Today, working a retirement job is an important part of retirement planning.
It's never too late to create a retirement job however, the earlier the better and that point was driven home by former New York Times columnist William Safire who said - "retire is a terrible word - I say never retire."
Two years ago, Safire decided to leave his job with the Times. Now, 77 he goes to work each day as the Chairman of the Dana Foundation, devoted to neuroscience, the study of the brain - he started as a volunteer.
Safire says - "You have to invest in something, a volunteer or an outside interest, so that you got a running jump on the last quarter of your life."
But here's the part that hit home for me - when asked about people who claim they're too busy to plan ahead for a retirement job - Safire said that's a copout - "If you can't spend five minutes in the course of a day, saying 'Hey, what's next, what's next for me? And what do I get involved in so that when I get to a certain age it's not a surprise and I have to look around wildly and say, 'What do I do now? Those who don't are kidding themselves." -
Man, ain't that the truth - been there, done that and I wear the Tee Shirt.
One other bit of news - according to this report - stats show that most retirees will have to work. The average American facing retirement has saved only about $50,000, and half of baby boomers will have no pension at all - It's believed it's the same in other industrialized nations.
Every Christmas eve for the past gazillion years, Santa has rocketed around the world at top speed, without incident.
However, this year, when he slows down to a crawling 5 mph while appearing in the Santa Claus parade in Halesowen, West Midlands England, his unblemished driving record will mean nothing - the insurance people say he must wear a seat belt.
If Nick refuses, the local rotary club, sponsors of the parade will face a £200 increase in its insurance premiums.
As one Rotarian noted - "The old guy has a better chance of hurting himself getting in or out the sleigh than riding in it." - but, the Insurance company says stats are stats so Santa has to belt up.
So how was I able to pass on this non-news worthy item? To fully explain I must openly confess that I have a - "Tad" addiction - "Tad as in Tabloid."
I started experimenting during the first of our annual summer holidays in England back in the early 80's - soon I was hooked big time - I had to have my daily gossip hit - some mornings I would take as many as three or four tabloid hits before breakfast
True, It wasn't just the gossip - the page three girl was a bonus as was the weekend racing picks - (They televise the Saturday afternoon races and there's a bookie on nearly every corner in England.)
Anyway, I was hooked so bad that, back home, I was paying four bucks a hit for the tabloids international editions.
But now, I can get all the gutter and glitter news I can handle via the web - and the Santa seat belt story was just a sidebar.
While here at home our media was covering the war on terror - mounting murder counts and extremists running amuck left and right - the Daily News carried the following headline - Top Tory Theresa May commits new fashion faux pas with colour and cleavage in the Commons
Here's an edited version of the story -
Even by her own standards, the Shadow Leader of the Commons pulled an absolute blinder with her outfit for Prime Minister's Questions this week.
No wallflower: Theresa May commits her latest fashion faux-pas by adding some colour and a large amount of cleavage to Prime Minister's Questions
Unfortunately, the only fashion statement it made was: "I picked out this outfit with my eyes shut and put it on in the dark in a room with no mirrors."
And as if the dress itself was not eye-catching enough, Mrs. May also had a serious amount of cleavage on show.
Her "embonpoint" is not the first to raise an eyebrow in the House - earlier this year Home Secretary Jacqui Smith came in for similar attention.
The 44-year-old mother of two caused a stir when she wore a low-cut top to address the Commons about terror attacks on London in July.
Ms Smith later said she was surprised by the number of male admirers who have ogled her since she joined the Cabinet - and admits it may be because she was revealing slightly too much.
I'm reluctant to share my contacts in case you also become "tad" addicted - proceed carefully and don't believe you can "quit anytime you want" - but if you thinjk you can handle it - other Brit tabloids packed with juicy bits are:
Thanks to retired buddy Bill Ozard for the following:
And it's winter before we know it....
You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.
It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. And yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all..
And I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams... But, here it is..the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise... How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my babies go? And where did my youth go?
I remember well.. seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like... But, here it is...my friends are retired and really getting gray...they move slower and I see an older person now. Lot's are in better shape than me... but, I see the great change... Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant... but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we'd be.
Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore...it's mandatory! Cause if I don't on my own free will...I just fall asleep where I sit!
And so, now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!!
But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last...This I know, that when it's over...its over....Yes , I have regrets .There are things I wish I hadn't done ,,,,,things I should have done. But indeed, there are many things I'm happy to have done. It's all in a lifetime.. .
So, if you're not in your winter yet...let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don't put things off too long!!
Life goes by quickly So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not!
You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life...so, live for good today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember...and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!!
"Life is a gift. .The way you live your life is your gift to God and those who came after - make it a fantastic one."
LIVE IT WELL!!----ENJOY TODAY!!!!-----DO SOMETHING FUN!!!----BE HAPPY!!!----BE THANKFUL!!!!!
Now let's get working on that creative retirement Job - online or offline - start here - (Go to URL)
To reference this entry please copy the url in this link:
(Permalink)
December 6, 2007 - Pet Profits - Sell the Three Stooges and Cary Grant - 100 years ago
All website links listed below open new windows.
Toughie, our feline family member, is, in human years, 88 years old - 9 years older than me.
She's been receiving more cuddles from the CIC than I do lately because she hasn't been feeling up to snuff which means trips to the Vet which means withdrawals from the savings account to pay for x-rays, blood tests, prescriptions and a host of other services - but as any pet owner knows we're talking family here so expense be damned.
And it's just not medical needs that pet owners are willing to open wallets for - it's everything from grooming and training to gifts and treats.
I mention this as a lead-in to a creative retirement job possibility - because the fact is - Pets Rule - and either online - or offline - you can make yourself a nifty hunk of change with a pet information or product website or direct service.
Retail sales may be weak, energy prices way up and housing prices way down, but experts say pets largely defy such indicators.
Packaged Facts, a consumer research company in Rockville, Md. reports that Americans are expected to spend an estimated $48.7 billion on their pets in 2007, nearly twice the amount of a decade ago and growing at more than 7 percent
a year.
According to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association - Fifty-six percent of dog owners and 42 percent of cat owners bought holiday gifts for their pets last year.
Here's another - how about making money selling classic movies?
In case you missed it, we have a Public Domain Chapter on the home website that offers an intriguing, creative and profitable opportunity - reselling books, music and yes, movies that are now in the public domain - example - how about "Malice in the Palace" the 1949 classic short by the 3 stooges - it's in the Public Domain.
.
Or the romantic comedy - Penny Serenade - starring Cary Grant and Irene Dunn - it to is in the Public Domain
Start your research - there are bucks to made out there.
-------------------------------------------------
My thanks to retired buddy Linda Ardoino for sending in this cartoon commentary.
Interesting Quotes re the Importance of Building a Creative Retirement Job::
Carol Kauffman, an assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School - . "When you're really engaged in a project you love, you lose your sense of time and enter what's called a flow state, and that restores your mind and energy."
Dr. Gabriela Corį, a psychiatrist who is managing partner of the Florida Neuroscience Center and president of Executive Health and Wealth Institute - "Making time for enjoyable activities stimulates parts of the brain associated with creative and positive thinking. You become emotionally and intellectually more motivated."
From Dr. S. Ausim Azizi, chairman of the department of neurology at Temple's School of Medicine when asked about working on a creative project - "When people do things that make them feel good it activates an area of the brain called the nucleus accumbens that controls how we feel about life - activities you enjoy also stimulate the brain's septal zone - its "feel good" area - and that makes you feel happy."
-------------------------------------------------
Thanks to retired buddy Jim hill for Emailing the following:
"Show this to your children and grandchildren. This will boggle your mind, I know it did mine! The year is 1907 - one hundred years ago - what a difference a century makes!"
Here are some statistics for the Year 1907
The average life expectancy was 47 years.
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower!
The average wage in 1907 was 22 cents per hour.
The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year - a dentist $2,500 per year - a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year, and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME .
Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND the government as "substandard."
Sugar cost four cents a pound - Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen - Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering the country for any reason.
Five leading causes of death were: 1. Pneumonia and influenza - 2. Tuberculosis - 3. Diarrhea - 4. Heart disease - 5. Stroke
Crossword puzzles, canned beer, and ice tea hadn't been invented yet - there was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were all available over the counter at the local corner drugstores. Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels, and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health."
Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE ! U.S.A.!
Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.
The average life expectancy was 47 years.
Now I forwarded this from someone else without typing it myself, and sent it to others all over the world in a matter of seconds! - try to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.
Start your research - there are bucks to made out there - lets research for that special money-making niche - start here- (Go to URL)
To reference this entry please copy the url in this link:
(Permalink)
December 10, 2007 - Monday Music - Time to Stumble - Elmer and Flash - conversation starters
It's Monday and for some folks that means - Monday blahs - a slow start day - If that's you Bunkie - stay with me.
-Now, I may be dumped into a deep drum of doo-doo for this - but royalty rights be damned - I'm not asking you to download it, even if you could - I'm not selling it and I'm not claiming I wrote the ditty - I just want you to hear it and enjoy what I call "My Monday morning musical pick-me-upper"
The story behind it goes back to last winter when the CIC and I were invited to attended the sold-out concert by the Gaither Gospel singers at the Forum in Tampa. (don't panic - I'm not selling religion here)
It was a blast - these extremely talented bunch of Baptists truly rocked. ( I assume they were all Baptists - they sure don't pass the message in song that enthusiastically in my church - I don't remember ever seeing the Pope belting out a hand-clapper and I'm sure it's the same at the local synagogue.)
Anyway, I was so taken with the music that after the concert I bought every CD they were selling and I've been collecting ever since so now I have a comprehensive library of Gospel music.
Now this Monday morning pick-me-upper is not a heaven-halleluiah Gospel tune in the traditional sense - but it's a toe-taper with a great message to start your week - check out the piano guy - awesome. - If this doesn't jump start your Monday - check your pulse.
-------------------------------------------------
My weekend web wanderings uncovered a couple of items you might be interested in exploring further - both originate from one my favourite websites - BBC World
I can relate to this entry from a h2g2 Researcher:
" I believe that old age begins when people settle into a rut and stop learning new things. Both the mind and body lose their agility when not given fresh challenges to master.
For the past decade, I've been making it a point to learn at least one new thing every year, and pursue it with passion. I try to do something different from the things I already know, so I can develop new ways of learning.
I work really diligently at these things until I reach a certain level of proficiency, then move on to the next project while still giving the old ones just enough attention to maintain them.
Another benefit is that once I finally have the time to spend doing what I please (quite a way off, still), I'll have begun plenty of hobbies that I can occupy myself with, rather than sitting in front of a TV, anticipating my next meal. And meanwhile, life is awfully interesting.
Next from BBC World this comment:
"Next time you want to wander the Web, forget about Googling it. Stumble it."
"StumbleUpon is a brilliant downloadable toolbar that beds into your browser and gives you the chance to surf through thousands of excellent pages that have been stumbled upon by other web-users"
So naturally I investigated and ended up staying glued to my computer for four hours straight the other day - I discovered amazing material.
What I like about this networking site, besides the great websites, pics and videos - I get to personalize my preferences according to my interests - then there's the two biggies - I can rate, review and share what I find and there's no adware or spyware guaranteed
"How many a man has thrown up his hands at a time when a little more effort, a little more patience would have achieved success?" - Elbert Hubbard
-------------------------------------------
I'm having a fun time working on a
public domain project and while doing some research I was hit with a - Retirement Flashback
Late 30's - early 40's - my 10 to 15 year old years - joining the gang at the Beach Theatre, Queen Street, East End Toronto - Saturday afternoon matinee - blowing my weekly allowance that just covered cost of admission, pop and popcorn - (at 16 Dad cut off the allowance and I had to work after school and Saturdays delivering groceries on my bike for Mr. Dean's neighbourhood store.)
The movie menu always started with a cartoon like this one that has a Canadian flavour - Bugs Bunny is wanted "dead or alive" by the Mounted Police, led by Elmer Fudd. - 1942
This was followed by a movie serial like Flash Gordon - in this chapter, Flash, Dale, and Zarkov return to Planet Mongo to find an antidote for the Purple Death.
Then, before the feature movie, an MC would conduct a ticket draw for prizes that included such collectables as Flash Gordon's Secret Code Maker - great times.
I wonder how Ted, Bill, Norm and Tim are making out - I have no idea where they are - I tried Goggling - nothing came up.
However, I know that Murray, the smallest-in-height but biggest-in-heart-guy in the gang, passed away a number of years ago at the age of 54.
-------------------------------------------
My thanks to not-ready-to retire-yet buddy Bill McKay for the following discussion starting points recently heard in a retirement park patio:
Sexual harassment at work-is it a problem for the self-employed?
After eating, do amphibians have to wait one hour before getting out of the water?
After they make Styrofoam, what do they ship it in?
What happens if you go on a survival course - and you don't pass?
What happens if you take No-Doze and wash it down with Nyquil?
Do crematoriums give discounts to burn victims?
What is shaved ice? Did it have hair on it before it was shaved?
Whatever happened to preparations A through G?
Does the Little Mermaid wear an algebra?
Where do they get Spring water in the other 3 seasons?
Where does the fire go when the fire goes out?
How do I set my laser printer on stun?
How do they get a deer to cross at that yellow road sign?
Now let's get working on that creative retirement Job - start here - (Go to URL)
To reference this entry please copy the url in this link:
(Permalink)
December 13, 2007 - Web Withdrawal - 1999 AD - The Inbox - Granny and the Doctor
I was close to having a panic attack.
This morning I followed my usual routine - pour a large glass of OJ - gather up my daily allotment of blood thinner and cholesterol pills - boot up the computer and settle down for a few hours of web wandering - but nay - this morning my cable internet connection was down.
It's difficult to explain, but I felt lost - unconnected with the world - I erupted in anger - yelled an obscenity which received an "Oh for heavens sake" comment from the CIC.
To make the situation even more distressing, the TV was also out - we were cutoff from the outside world.
After taking several deep breaths I was able to be fairly civil to the innocent cable representative who took my call after I answered numerous questions put to me by an annoying, time-wasting telephone robot.
The rep calmly listened to how my life had been suddenly detoured back into a world of yesteryear when people wrote letters, talked to each other over the back fence, read newspapers and researched in a library - "yes," she said, "those were the days" - she sounded 12 years old - must of heard of "those days" from her grandparents.
While pacing around the house, anxiously waiting for the cable guy, it struck me that as a senior GOTY (Getting Older, Thinking Younger), how dependant I've become on this wonderful, wacky, wired world we now live in.
I have met so many new friends via the web - I have no idea how to reach them other than online - when they don't get an answer to their Emails will they think the worst? How much income did my websites earn overnight? I will have to drive down to the bank to find out how the Canadian Dollar is doing this morning. Without the Internet messenger - we'll have to phone long distance to complete our daily chat with the kids. I had some Interact bank transfers coming in today - can't cash 'em - they're suspended in web space.
Finally, the cable guy arrives - fifteen minutes later, I'm online - order has been restored - the world is back in it's proper orbit.
Who would have thought say, fourty years ago, the amazing world of the web would become reality - not me that's for damn sure.
But amazingly, back in 1967, Philco-Ford produced a film - 1999 AD - that was spot-on with its depiction of Ecommerce and Email except for the amount of equipment needed.
Also, while they may have known what they were talking about when it comes to techie stuff - they were miles off the mark when they gazed into their crystal ball to forecast attitudes toward sex roles - they were still stuck with the 60's stay-at-home-Mom bit - take a look - - from 40 years ago a look into the future.
"What the wife selects on her console will be paid for by the husband on his counterpart console - she is in the kitchen, buying clothes; he is in the den, paying bills."
I'm sure as heck not showing this to the CIC - I don't have a death wish.
----------------------------------------------
Retirement News Email:
Retired Florida buddy Dan Dombroski sent in this video suggestion with the following intro: Here's a link to the performance of the US Marine Drill Team at a recent Denver Nuggets Basketball game.
It almost makes your hair stand on end. For those of you who have spent some time in the Military this performance makes you almost want to cry, knowing the discipline and practice time it takes to execute a military drill with arms routine so flawlessly.
Retired buddy Paul Wedge sent in these Xmas Pics:
----------------------------------------------
Close-to-but-not-retired-yet buddies Tim and Toni Grace sent in the following; This made us laugh out loud hope it brings a smile.
Baby's First Examination ! ! !
A woman and a baby were in the doctor's examining room, waiting for the doctor to come in for the baby's first exam.
The doctor arrived, and examined the baby. He checked the baby's weight, and being a little concerned, asked if the baby was breast-fed or bottle-fed?
"Breast-fed",replied the woman.
"Well, strip down to your waist",ordered the doctor.
She did. He pinched her nipples, pressed, kneaded, and rubbed both breasts for a while in a very professional and detailed examination.
Motioning to her to get dressed the doctor said, "No wonder this baby is underweight, you don't have any milk."
"I know - I'm his Grandma, but I'm glad I came!"
----------------------------------------------
I was mentioning above how, via the internet, I have become friends with a number of interesting and generous people around the world. This new social networking site now owned by eBay, StumbleUpon is opening up even more opportunities for me.
Recently I joined up with an amazing guy - Max - like me in his 70's - lives in Arizona and he's deeply involved with environmental issues as editor of several websites. Max has invited me to join forces with him on a project he calls "Green Retirement" and I'm looking forward to the assignment even though I have little to offer in the way of environmental experience.
As proof, I suggested Max take a look at a Retirement News Blog entry of last June that sums up what, to that point, was my involvement in any environmental endeavour.
I'm trying to help the cause but even though I favour less government in most things - governments have to help us out with some leadership.
I hate to point fingers, but back in my summer city, we have a city operated three-type recycling programme while in my winter city - zip - everything in one bag going I know not where.
Max has a great idea here - a "Green Retirement" - let the old folks show the way - I'll keep you informed.
----------------------------------------------
My thanks to retired buddy Tom Adams for today's kicker:
A fellow was getting ready to tee off on the first hole when a second golfer approached and asked if he could join him.
The first guy said that he usually played alone, but agreed to the
twosome.
They were even after the first two holes. The second guy said, "We're about evenly matched, how about playing for five bucks a hole?"
The first fellow said that he wasn't much for betting, but agreed to the terms.
The second guy won the remaining sixteen holes with ease.
As they were walking off number eighteen, and while counting his $80, the second guy confessed that he was the pro at a neighboring course and liked to pick on suckers.
The first fellow revealed that he was the Parish Priest.
The pro got all flustered and apologetic, offering to return the money.
The Priest said, "You won fair and square and I was foolish to bet with you. You keep your winnings."
The pro said, "Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
The Priest said, "Well, you could come to mass on Sunday and make a donation - and, if you bring your mother and father along, I'll marry them."
Now let's get to work on our creative Retirement Job - Here's a wealth of research material - (Go to URL)
To reference this entry please copy the url in this link:
(Permalink)
December 17, 2007 - Let's talk instead of type - a video history lesson - conversation starters
A good conversation is one which is like a game, where there's a certain amount of playfulness, a certain amount of good humored disagreement - Stephen Miller
I know that this is becoming a habit with me - Monday morning Blog entry starting with a mention of my favourite Sunday morning TV news magazine - Sunday Morning on CBS - but their report yesterday on how people no longer know how to converse made me realize that we seniors may well be "conversation's" last hope.
Even senior-seniors like me who have been caught up in the modern techie world of computers, iPhones, blackberries, internet, and email, rely on the give and take of "live" conversation to energize our lives.
Saturday night as an example, a group of us gathered for dinner at an neighbour's home - time flew by as we talked about everything from politics to projects - the past and present - feelings and falsehoods - hopes and disappointments - no time out for television and text messages.
Like interviewing someone, the trick to promoting lively conversation is to listen - when you're emailing or text messaging, you're not listening - the true voice - the emotion that you react to is missing.
Anyway, this "conversation - listen" topic helps me segue into promoting what I think would be a meaningful creative retirement job - it occurred to me while listening to a guest at that Saturday night dinner party relate a fascinating story about his attempt to make it in Hollywood as a song and dance man.
Late teens - early 50's - and while trying to break into showbiz - he got a job as a waiter in the luxurious Beverly Hill Hotel - the favourite hangout of all the big stars and he served them all but refused to say who was naughty or nice.
He did say that Howard Hughes, another regular, would host large dinners and drop a couple of thou as a tip for the entire dining room staff - payout was based on position - as a waiter, he would pocket about 150 - big-time tip money in the early50's.
However, one night, Jimmy Stewart, another regular, called him over to his table and asked him to sit down - he had to get the OK from the maitre de - who obviously wasn't about to say no to Jimmy Stewart. Stewart ask him if he had a plan "B" in case the showbiz thing didn't work out - he didn't - Stewart, urged him to start thinking about getting a college education.
Stewart's presentation made a huge impression on him and over the following weeks, he banked most of his salary, which, through tips in a big-spender dining room was substantial by the monetary standards of 50's.
Following Jimmy Stewart's advise, he was able to pay for a college education that led him to a career as a teacher and later a college administrator.
I mentioned to him that his life story was "gold" and he should record, via tape, or better yet, video for the benefit of future family generations - we all should.
We may not have a Jimmy Stewart in our lives but we all have a story to tell and if you want a meaningful retirement job - why not produce these family history leave-behinds - more information here.
Also, on the subject of video production - check out these stats - Emarket says that 123 million Americans will view on line video every month this year.
Mediamark Research reports video usage is up 123.7% in one year.
I'm in that number - I've uncovered some mighty interesting video tidbits - example, my weekend web wanderings uncovered this fascinating bit of history.
According to the accompanying text - The Year 1934 - the assignation of King Alexander the First of Yugoslavia during his visit to Marseilles. It was first thought that French Foreign Minister Louis Barthou was also killed by the assassin Valdo Chernozemski - but if you look closely at this video - you can see Barthou in the crowd after the killing - in 1974 - forensic examination discovered that the foreign minister was killed by friendly fire - an 8mm police bullet that hit him in the arm severing his humeral artery, but a tourniquet was improperly applied and he bled to death.
Ain't the internet a wonderful thing - here's your history lesson for the day.
-------------------------------------------
Thanks to retired buddy Tom Adams for these conversation starters you can use the next time you and your buddies gather on the retirement home porch.
Why do I have to swear on the Bible in court when the Ten Commandments cannot be displayed outside?
When I was young we used to go "skinny dipping," now I just "chunky dunk."
Wouldn't it be nice if whenever we messed up our life we could simply press 'Ctrl Alt Delete' and start all over? AMEN, AMEN !!
Now that food has replaced sex in my life, I can't even get into my own pants.
How come we choose from just two people to run for president and over fifty for Miss America ?
Why is it that our children can't read a Bible in school, but they can in prison?
Wouldn't you know it....Brain cells come and brain cells go, but FAT cells live forever.
And remember: life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
Now let's get working on our your creative retirement job - start here - (Go to URL)
To reference this entry please copy the url in this link:
(Permalink)
December 20, 2007 - It's Christmas - Santa's Smile - Propaganda Video Plus Others.
All links open new windows -
It's the season to be jolly - but some folks are determined to Grinch us down and I admit to being fed up to here with all this politically correct holiday crap.
The absurdity of it all reminds me of the comedy bit by Larry the Cable Guy with his politically correct version of the 12 Days of Christmas - when he refers to Santa calling out a cheerful - Ladies of the evening - ladies of the evening - ladies of the evening - because he can't say Ho-Ho-Ho anymore.
Anyway, right off the top, as this scribe is taking a Christmas break and this is the last entry until Thursday Jan 3/08 -
A Very Merry Christmas to all
And while you're sipping your Egg Nog, take a minute to view this YouTube entry I stumbled on:
My web wanderings also came across some good advice - we should all be more like Santa and smile more - after all the jolly fat guy has to deal with a great deal of stress - working 24/7 - 364 overseeing a bunch of little people manufacturing and packaging stuff then zipping around the world delivering presents on a tight schedule and all with a smile on his face.
Santa is proof positive that a smile can make you feel better about yourself and the world around you - plus, a smile makes you more appealing to others - you can infect others with "smileitis" a contagious happy virus that puts a smile on those you come in contact with.
When it comes to overcoming negative thoughts, a smile will act like the delete key on your computer keyboard - just ask Santa - and you can even add a Ho Ho Ho if you like.
---------------------------------------------
Thanks to retired buddy Jim Hill for our picture of the week:
These Guys are installing the steel pillars in concrete to stop vehicles from parking on the pavement.
They are now in the process of cleaning up at the end of the day and anxious to go home.
How long do you think it will be before they realize their vehicle is trapped?
As mentioned in previous entries, I've been working on several "public domain" projects - one of which is producing a video series dealing with WW11.
One chapter deals with the use of propaganda by both sides and here's one installment - it's from the "why we Fight" series directed by Frank Capra for the US government in the early 40's. I would imagine that as a 16 year old at the time - I would have seen this at my neighbourhood movie theatre - I've added a brief introduction - if you have the time - it's about an hour long - you might find it interesting.
And to complete the clear-out of the retirement news in-box - thanks to retired buddy Tom Adams for bringing to our attention this YouTube entry -
Again, may I wish you all a sincere Merry Christmas and here's to a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.
I hope we will get together again in the new year - Jan 03/08 - (Go to URL)
To reference this entry please copy the url in this link:
(Permalink)
December 31, 2007 - Honour the Fallen
Sadly, I must post an extra Blog entry
I've had to change the "war on terror" honour roll numbers on the Connect2Canada page of the home website.
Another Canadian soldier was killed in Afghanistan.
Killed:
27-year-old Jonathan Dion, a gunner with the 5th Regiment d'Artillerie legere du Canada from Val-d'Or, Que.
Gunner Dion died early Sunday after his armoured vehicle struck an improvised explosive device - four other soldiers were injured when their T-LAV - an older model light-armoured vehicle that has since been refurbished and rearmoured - struck a roadside bomb shortly after 9 a.m. local time about 20 kilometres west of Kandahar city.
The death of Gunner Dion brings to 74 the number of Canadian troops killed at the hands of the enemy or in accidents in Afghanistan since 2002.
They are dead; but they live in each Patriot's breast, And their names are engraven on honor's bright crest. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
In a statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he was deeply saddened by Dion's death, and wished the four injured soldiers a speedy recovery.
"These brave Canadian soldiers were helping bring hope to a population that has seen much hardship. We will not forget the sacrifice made by Gunner Dion while working to make life better for others."
More than 18,500 troops make up ISAF, with contributions from 36 nations. To learn more about the NATO force and mission - click here for their official web site.
Honor to the soldier, and Sailor everywhere who bravely bears his country's cause, Honor also to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause. (Abraham Lincoln)
