The World Goes On

Now that the world hasn't ended and the New Year is just a day away, it may be a time to reflect back on the year. I always think about all the great and funny things that made me laugh and also those things that made me sad. That's the neat thing about a new year, all is in the past and it gives you a chance to recharge for the next year. Set yourself up by saying that this will be the best year ever. That's a new year's resolution that lasts all year. You just have to believe and then go out and prove it. It's also self directed. Yes, you can make it the best year ever. Just keep your head up and have fun. Have faith.
I mean I'm really...
Just Saying 

18-Wheel Killers

Over this holiday season there have been many accidents involving death. Many accidents involve tractor trailers and you can imagine, that what they hit, rarely survives. I travel the 400 series highways regularly and go to many accidents on my job. These 18-wheel killing machines are often involved and two things are constant. The tractor driver lives and the automobile driver dies. I can't say what happened and whose fault it is, but in my travels I see many of these so called professional drivers performing driving techniques that should be saved for games on computer and X-box. Tractor trailer drivers used to have a code of driving ethics. They would only use the center lane for passing, they would never cut off cars or travel too close behind other vehicles. I can see with the new breed of drivers that this has been thrown out the window. I see race car type maneuvers when changing lanes, loaded trucks that are a car length behind other cars, and truckers that travel the center lane impeding traffic throughout their journey. If you took a look at the percentage of accidents that involve trucks it would blow your mind. Another tidbit of info is that truckers are supposed to be governed for speed in Ontario. Well, I guess it must be set at 120km/hr because most of them are traveling past me going to Toronto.
I mean I'm really...
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Make It Real

On this Christmas Eve, I wanted to wish all a very merry and joyous time. Remember what this time period is all about and its importance in life. This time of giving, this time of reflection, this time of being real. Remember that it is the little things that happen in this season that make the biggest impact. That unexpected phone call, card, or e-mail. That nice gesture or smile that makes you feel warm all over. It's about these things and of course the biggest thing of all. The inclusion of how it all came to be. Yes, religion and the birth of Jesus Christ. Do we dare mention it? What will people think? Who will we offend? Well let's make and keep it real. Yes, Santa has his place, but the real giver is celebrated here. It's His birthday and we should not be suppressed by anyone in voicing our feelings and thankfulness for this great night and day tomorrow!!! May you all grow one step closer to the true and real meaning of this time of year. God bless and Merry Christmas to all.
I mean I'm really...
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Acceptable Losses

Did you know that 7% of people that go for patient care are subject to malpractice or as the medical profession calls it, an adverse event? That's a whopping 24,000 patients. There has always been a standing joke that out of each graduating class from med school, there is someone that had the worst mark. I wonder just how much protection is given to those doctors that are subject to malpractice? I have had friends that have had, in my humble opinion, surgeries that don't work out quite right. I know that every surgery is different and people respond differently, but the 7% fact does prove that we have practitioners out there that should be suspended and stripped of their license. You would hope that the College of Physicians & Surgeons would keep close tabs on these doctors and get them out if need be. Somehow I think that they slip through the cracks and keep practicing. I hope all of you out there get the top of the class and never have a problem.
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NHL- Negotiation's Hit Little-people

What about the little people? This NHL strike must hit the small businesses and workers hard this season. I don't understand all the sticking points, but I am intelligent enough to see that both sides are takers. I won't focus on the owners in this blog because their leader should be one of the seven dwarfs, Grumpy! All he has done in his business career is cause havoc.
I want to concentrate on the players. The average salary in the NHL is $2.4 million, with the base salary at $875,000. OK, I'm getting jealous. The average number of seasons they last as a player is 5 years. You can see where I'm going. I think all of us who work at least 30 years and make on average  $46,000/yr can see an incredible difference. If you do the math you see that this is another sector of society that defines gluttony. What about all the workers that rely on the NHL season to make ends meet? Do they get something back from this multimillion dollar negotiation? Does the fan pay any less for tickets? I think you know the answer. It again hits the lower income people struggling to survive this economic turn. Eat your filet Mignon boys, we'll stick to spam.
I mean I'm really...
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Let's Educate Society

If you had a constant attack on your job by ill- informed people, or by your government, would you want to stay and do a good job? I feel very bad for the teaching profession. I don't have children, but if I did, I would want the very best educator out there providing the best in education. How can you get this with the support they get as a profession? From parents who want the teacher to provide every skill in life to a provincial government that is moving back in time to socialism and dictatorship. How is this going to keep the very best in our school systems?
You may want to complain about teachers, but people that do, do so out of jealousy or lack of up front information. Most teachers get into the profession out of love and dedication for children. They want to provide the student with the opportunity to make a difference. They want to instill good and moral values that will carry through the life of the students they touch. Think of the teachers that you remember giving you so much in your childhood.
Why then, does average society not support such a noble profession? Why does a government impose their will on these innocent individuals? I don't know, but we can also go back 2012 years and see that we strung up another teacher. Rabbi!!
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Government. Jack of no Trades

Would you hire an electrician to do your plumbing? Would you hire a mechanic to do your taxes? Have you ever seen the government do anything right? I guess I shouldn't be so hard on the MP's and MPP's. They come from all the wrong backgrounds to govern a province or country. They muddle their way through their term only to promise the world to get re-elected for the next. The latest news is that the Canadian pension plan is suffering. Well sound the trumpets and give the MP that spoke up a gold star. The CPP has been in trouble for 25 years. If you are looking for the government to take care of you in retirement, you will be very disappointed. Anything the government has touched in the business or investment world in the past has been totally botched. Do you want them to invest your money in the volatile stock and bond market and expect a good return? If you do, I have some swampland in Florida for you. Don't ask anyone else but yourself to save for the future. Take your own responsibility for retirement.  I know it takes discipline and some sacrifice, but it will be worth it. Keep control of your own money and investing. Anything that the government wants you to do or encourages you to do, red flag it!!!! You will pay for it later on. If it looks too good, it probably is.  Don't let a bunch of silver spoon incompetents determine your future. Take control of what you can in life and work around what you can't.
I mean I'm really....
Just Saying
       

Toy Drive Me Crazy

I just heard an advertisement for a toy drive during this holiday season. Normally I would not comment on this noble cause, but not this time. It was asking for toys for ages 14 to 18 years old. What is going on??? I can see for 14 and 15 year olds, but get real for the older ones. I have been out of the house and on my own since 17 years old. I had my first job at 16 and have worked through the years since. My toys were rent, clothes, and food. I look at the 'poorer' children today and cringe at what society considers poor. If they don't have a lap top, tablet, ipod, and/or smart phone at 10 they are underprivileged. I mean what ever happened to the real necessities of life?
I mean I'm really...
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Be Yourself

In a world where you can be anything, remember to be yourself. It's funny to watch the show many people put on for the unknowing enjoyment of others who love to watch. My wife and I get a kick out of watching the pretentiousness of others. It must take a lot of time and energy, and in many cases money, to be someone you're not. I believe if you can be comfortable and happy with who you are, and not worry about what others think, you'll be far better off and have less stress. Don't get me wrong, be a good and caring person and consider others when you say or do something. Just forget about the show! All you have to do is be the best person you can be. I think you'll be happy enough with that.
I mean I'm really...
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Bigger is Better????

I have seen some pretty big TV screens and talk about clarity! With stereo speakers, high definition, picture in picture, people feel like they're in a movie theater. All this quality at their finger tips. Well, that's where they are watching movies - at their finger tips on smart phones and tablets. Yes, it makes me LOL (laugh out loud). Let's get a bigger screen so we can watch TV in comfort and in HD quality. But where do they end up watching it? On their smart phone!!
I mean I'm really...
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Artist Passion

I am pretty lucky to be married to an artist. If you have a relationship with an artist you will know what I am saying. They are incredible people. Look into their eyes and watch their body movements when they are in their element. So much passion comes out and you get to be part of it. It's like a drug for them and it's contagious. You also realize that art will be part of them their whole life. They will fight to keep it.
Leona Boyd is an example of this. She has a condition that does not allow her to play the guitar as well as she used to. So what does she do, she starts singing with easier patterns on guitar. What drive and passion. Even more impressive is that she doesn't advertise her condition and use it as an excuse.
Artists are a different breed but add so much to this world. Get out and support your local artist. You will feel great about it and get to experience their passion.
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Man's Best Friend

I sit here tonight with my trusted dog at my side. He is getting old and I fear our eventual loss as I have 3 times in the past. He trusts us so much and asks so little. He listens without judgement. His silence makes us answer our own questions. He forgives us if we do something that hurts him. He stays by our side through thick and thin. He comforts us and lets us feel like everything will be alright. Have you spelled dog backwards lately.
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Zoom Zoom

I know it's worse right now during the Christmas season, but I have noticed with friends and family just how busy people are. From children's activities to the weekend rush of shopping to survive the next groundhog week. I feel for the families of 9 to 5'ers with far too many activities on the agenda each week. I can only say that make sure you take a time out for yourself and family. It can be like a car going 180km/hr. Take the foot off the gas and coast down to a comfortable and safe speed. Occasionally put your foot on the brakes and come to the stop sign. Even if it's only for a brief time it can be very rejuvenating. With the world of stress and fast pace it's important to keep yourself and family healthy in body and mind. Down time is great. Put a little Ritalin in your diet. Maybe take Sunday as a day of rest. I know someone greater than us did.
I mean I'm really...
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Bank on It

I just heard about the profits for one of our main banks in Canada. They certainly haven't suffered during this rough economy. They also haven't cut anyone slack either. They want to charge you for everything. The latest is your statement. If you want a hard copy, it will cost you. So, let me get this straight. They charge you for: money orders, checks, deposits, withdrawals, statements, administration this and that, bank machine transactions, foreign currency transactions, and the list goes on. They give you??? My mattress is looking better and better every day. Then you have credit cards and the charges that accumulate if you don't pay it fully. With today's society wanting more and more, the banks are making record breaking profits. The debt load of the average Canadian has also achieved new record highs.
The gluttonous banking system has to be regulated. At the very least, business ethics have to be implemented. What ever happened to giving back? I know it has to start with the average person. Get rid of the gluttony of society and you will solve a lot of the problem, but let's give everyone a hand. Banks should encourage a dollar to grow, not steal a penny here and there. How much money did you make in your savings account this year?
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Face to Face Texting

It's quite funny when you hear that high schools have courses on social skills. Yes, people have a hard time with interaction, without the techno garb. There is no face to face. Have you noticed people texting each other and there is but a few feet between them? Peoples lives are updated and online in seconds, but true interaction comes in the form of body movement, facial expression, word emphasis and eye connection . An example is the way you say a phrase as opposed to the way you write it. "You're a real winner" can mean different things in the spoken word, but you are giving the person a license to interpretation if they read it. Peoples' best wishes are lost in interpretation. Pull up a chair and talk to each other, after all, the eyes are the window to the soul. 
I mean I'm really...
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Easy to Complain

What's easier, to be positive or negative? To praise or complain? To be on the move or stagnant? I think we all know the answer to these questions. This blog is a form of negativity I guess. In my life I choose to be on the other end. I like to be positive, praise people and to be on the move. It isn't easy. I mean look at the world. Look at what is reported in the news and on TV. No matter, it's still a choice. Think about all the great things that have happened to you in your life. How did they happen? Did you go out and get them? What made them positive to you?
A positive way of life just doesn't fall on your lap. You have to exert energy to achieve it. You also have to go against the grain of society. This can, in itself, be quite hard. All I can say, it's worth it. Think of it as a little exercise for your life. Everyone would like to be in better shape, so take your attitude out for a walk and reap the benefits. It's always more fun to push and stay outside the negative trap.
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The Land of Throw Away

I remember my early childhood, that when things broke, you fixed them. We would open broken electronics, find the broken this or that, put it back together and presto it worked for another 10 years. Well, it sure is not like that now. It costs more to by a new part than to buy a whole new item. It is also so much harder to figure out what is broken. Now you need a specialist at $50/hr for everything. So much for having fun fixing stuff. Everything you buy now, including the big ticket items, are meant to last about 10 years.  From cars to washers, from toasters to stereos. If you get over 10 years, it's a bonus. Computers and ipads are even less. New systems are ready to take the place of the ones on the shelf now. If you think you are getting the latest and the greatest, wait a month or two.
So, welcome to the world of throw away. If it breaks it goes into the garbage. Thank you for those waste recyclers, or our townships would be full of junk. Dumpers are on the rise because people can't get rid of stuff easily or they charge you for it.
I mean I'm really...
Just Saying