It has been one year.
It has been one circle
and the energy goes around.
Friends and Memories
forever.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Essential Rick Rankin
These days, Rick lives with his wife Lesley in Ontario. He clearly lucked out as she is personable, intelligent and a fine looking. They are both Lawyers by profession.
He still has his wonderful sense of humor, demeanor and heart. But while he has kept most of his youthful features, I don't think he wears over-alls anymore.
But in my minds eye, this is how I will always see our old friend. And nothing will ever change that image.
Lorraine R. D'Aguilar sent Rick this picture after the reunion last May07 and he sent it on to to me.
If you have any pictures of yourself or other friends from back in 1968-75 range, before during or even after high-school into college days, send them to me - I'll post them here.
Send them as jpeg images attached to an e-mail to the hotmail address listed above on this blog.
These days, Rick lives with his wife Lesley in Ontario. He clearly lucked out as she is personable, intelligent and a fine looking. They are both Lawyers by profession.
He still has his wonderful sense of humor, demeanor and heart. But while he has kept most of his youthful features, I don't think he wears over-alls anymore.
But in my minds eye, this is how I will always see our old friend. And nothing will ever change that image.
Lorraine R. D'Aguilar sent Rick this picture after the reunion last May07 and he sent it on to to me.
If you have any pictures of yourself or other friends from back in 1968-75 range, before during or even after high-school into college days, send them to me - I'll post them here.
Send them as jpeg images attached to an e-mail to the hotmail address listed above on this blog.
Friday, May 09, 2008
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
I remember you
the night you had your party
down by the lake
your parents out.
I remember your freckles
your large Carley Simon smile
your lithe lean body
your tempting offer.
I remember your eyes
they sparkled with a tear
your yearning and my high held ethics
and my choice to say no.
I remember you
every now and then
and know I missed a gift
your pearls before my swine.
My present shrieks
to my idyllic high minded past
"Do it
you idiot!"
"No one will care
no one will say-
that you took the dare
-you were not in wedlock...
only high-school..
anyway."
Too late, -
POP! A bubble caught
on a branch
of time.
That moment
gone.
I remember you.
the night you had your party
down by the lake
your parents out.
I remember your freckles
your large Carley Simon smile
your lithe lean body
your tempting offer.
I remember your eyes
they sparkled with a tear
your yearning and my high held ethics
and my choice to say no.
I remember you
every now and then
and know I missed a gift
your pearls before my swine.
My present shrieks
to my idyllic high minded past
"Do it
you idiot!"
"No one will care
no one will say-
that you took the dare
-you were not in wedlock...
only high-school..
anyway."
Too late, -
POP! A bubble caught
on a branch
of time.
That moment
gone.
I remember you.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Putting Kid$ Through University
(Saturday 11:30 a.m.)
I was talking with Jane this morning over pancakes and coffee - our usual Saturday morning routine, where I get up, make the coffee and pancakes....
She mentioned that many in mid-life are now paying for more than one child to attend university and that this was a daunting feat for those who were already stretching the budget thin. As a financial adviser, I have noted how this one element of middle class family life can become an underlying stress factor for a family -the proverbial straw to the camel's back.
Most financial advice one will receive has to do with saving for retirement through an RRSP. If one tries to take money from that vehicle there is a big penalty.......and we don't even know if we will make it to age 69. So while there are obvious benefits in the RRSP program, there are also opportunity costs that one must endure while that money sits there accumulating for "retirement".
I thought I would write about one relatively safe way of financing some of the education cost if you don't have the money available for this purpose.
If you are interested in exploring this strategy further, since everyone's situation is unique, I would suggest you talk to your adviser first or call me during office hours at 450-201-1724. You can even have your adviser call me.
This method might also be used to reduce and pay yearly taxes or for up-grading the home.
Many will already be familiar with using a home equity loan - but most people only know to pay the loan from their earned income (out of pocket). There is another way.
What if you created an investment with the loan first and had the FIXED monthly dividend from that investment pay off the monthly loan and leave you enough to pay for tuition? Then when the need for tuition is gone in a few years, cash in the investment and pay off the lower balance of the loan? You then keep the difference and take a vacation.
The benefits are:
a) Paying for tuition from an investment.
b) Having the investment pay off the loan monthly...
C).. from cash flow that is not coming from your employment earnings or RRSP savings.
D) You might consult an accountant and find that the interest of the loan during the year, may be used to reduce taxes.
The key to the strategy is the use of a monthly fixed income investment (NON DSC or "Deferred Sales Charge") and wholesale or "zero commission" cost by the investment investment adviser.
If you live in Ontario or Quebec, I can help set this up. (Outside of those provinces I could perhaps link you up with an adviser who would help you with this.)
Modest Example
Based upon owning a paid off home worth $175,000 or more IN CANADA.
A) A $110,000 home equity loan invested at a cost of $10.00 per unit/share.
B) Equals = 11,000 units that each pay 8 cents per month ($880) to your bank account at month end. (use a high yield bank account "no fees or cost").
C) Pay the bank loan the approximate cost of $650 / month, leaving you $230.
D) To strengthen the investment compounding and 'pay-out' power, reinvest $50 per month from the $230 buying, approximately 5 more new units every month which will simply increase your monthly payout (monthly raise!) and increase the number of unit shares you own.
E) This leaves you with$180 per month (x12) or $2160 per year to contribute towards tuition/books/transport or boarding costs.
F) All the while, the loan is being paid off by the monthly investment dividends and not by your cash flow that is already being used for your cost of living.
If you have a home worth more, you could even go for more, say $200,000 which would pay out $330.00 per month (or $3960 per year) net of loan cost.
What are the RISKs?
Market Risk
Even if the market drops and the investment value goes down for a while, there is no "call" on your owned unit / shares. The bank is only concerned that the loan is paid every month.
Since you do not sell the units and only "hold" them, they keep paying your loan.
Investment Company Adjustments
One risk is that the investment company might one day decrease the fixed payout (or increase it - but that is good and not a risk.)
If this reduction does occur it will eat up the reinvested portion ($50) every month and perhaps decrease your disposable amount for tuition somewhat. But this is not too bad a problem and still enables the monthly allowance even if reduced.
Interest Rates
Another risk is that interest rates on the loan will rise.
So you use a 5 year 'fixed' 25 year amortization and not a variable loan.
Then if you wish, pay it off in 5 years with the investment balance.
Or keep it going and re-invest the amount that was going for tuition that has been eliminated. You can then even use it to buy a new kitchen or new car...whatever...
What if the Investment stays the same value or goes down?
Well, if you have a value of $100,000 after 5 years invested (having invested a loaned amount of $110,000) and paying out to you all those dividends, you can still pay the balance of the loan and have some left over... to perhaps pay for an Insurance Policy to cover possible future problems while you are alive if you are ever diagnosed with something serious...or you could contribute to your Grand Kids RESP...
Not bad.
If you have questions, call me or your financial adviser.
It is a tool that is being used by many right now.
Keep in mind that investment is not simply about gambling in the "market".
There are many kinds of investments ranging from risky to not risky.
Just like doctors with medicine, you have to use the right medicine to address the right problem. So too with the world of investment. The strange and wonderful thing about this "tool" is that you make more in cash per month as the "market" goes down!
(Saturday 2:30 PM)
I added something above .
You'll notice I write things and then if you look again a little later, the diction, or message may have changed somewhat due to afterthoughts. In today's case, it's due to procrastination. I am really supposed to be doing chores like cleaning the electronic filters... but then I get a thought and come back here to write it down.
Writing to me is like golf to my friend Bob H.
L
(Saturday 11:30 a.m.)
I was talking with Jane this morning over pancakes and coffee - our usual Saturday morning routine, where I get up, make the coffee and pancakes....
She mentioned that many in mid-life are now paying for more than one child to attend university and that this was a daunting feat for those who were already stretching the budget thin. As a financial adviser, I have noted how this one element of middle class family life can become an underlying stress factor for a family -the proverbial straw to the camel's back.
Most financial advice one will receive has to do with saving for retirement through an RRSP. If one tries to take money from that vehicle there is a big penalty.......and we don't even know if we will make it to age 69. So while there are obvious benefits in the RRSP program, there are also opportunity costs that one must endure while that money sits there accumulating for "retirement".
I thought I would write about one relatively safe way of financing some of the education cost if you don't have the money available for this purpose.
If you are interested in exploring this strategy further, since everyone's situation is unique, I would suggest you talk to your adviser first or call me during office hours at 450-201-1724. You can even have your adviser call me.
This method might also be used to reduce and pay yearly taxes or for up-grading the home.
Many will already be familiar with using a home equity loan - but most people only know to pay the loan from their earned income (out of pocket). There is another way.
What if you created an investment with the loan first and had the FIXED monthly dividend from that investment pay off the monthly loan and leave you enough to pay for tuition? Then when the need for tuition is gone in a few years, cash in the investment and pay off the lower balance of the loan? You then keep the difference and take a vacation.
The benefits are:
a) Paying for tuition from an investment.
b) Having the investment pay off the loan monthly...
C).. from cash flow that is not coming from your employment earnings or RRSP savings.
D) You might consult an accountant and find that the interest of the loan during the year, may be used to reduce taxes.
The key to the strategy is the use of a monthly fixed income investment (NON DSC or "Deferred Sales Charge") and wholesale or "zero commission" cost by the investment investment adviser.
If you live in Ontario or Quebec, I can help set this up. (Outside of those provinces I could perhaps link you up with an adviser who would help you with this.)
Modest Example
Based upon owning a paid off home worth $175,000 or more IN CANADA.
A) A $110,000 home equity loan invested at a cost of $10.00 per unit/share.
B) Equals = 11,000 units that each pay 8 cents per month ($880) to your bank account at month end. (use a high yield bank account "no fees or cost").
C) Pay the bank loan the approximate cost of $650 / month, leaving you $230.
D) To strengthen the investment compounding and 'pay-out' power, reinvest $50 per month from the $230 buying, approximately 5 more new units every month which will simply increase your monthly payout (monthly raise!) and increase the number of unit shares you own.
E) This leaves you with$180 per month (x12) or $2160 per year to contribute towards tuition/books/transport or boarding costs.
F) All the while, the loan is being paid off by the monthly investment dividends and not by your cash flow that is already being used for your cost of living.
If you have a home worth more, you could even go for more, say $200,000 which would pay out $330.00 per month (or $3960 per year) net of loan cost.
What are the RISKs?
Market Risk
Even if the market drops and the investment value goes down for a while, there is no "call" on your owned unit / shares. The bank is only concerned that the loan is paid every month.
Since you do not sell the units and only "hold" them, they keep paying your loan.
Investment Company Adjustments
One risk is that the investment company might one day decrease the fixed payout (or increase it - but that is good and not a risk.)
If this reduction does occur it will eat up the reinvested portion ($50) every month and perhaps decrease your disposable amount for tuition somewhat. But this is not too bad a problem and still enables the monthly allowance even if reduced.
Interest Rates
Another risk is that interest rates on the loan will rise.
So you use a 5 year 'fixed' 25 year amortization and not a variable loan.
Then if you wish, pay it off in 5 years with the investment balance.
Or keep it going and re-invest the amount that was going for tuition that has been eliminated. You can then even use it to buy a new kitchen or new car...whatever...
What if the Investment stays the same value or goes down?
Well, if you have a value of $100,000 after 5 years invested (having invested a loaned amount of $110,000) and paying out to you all those dividends, you can still pay the balance of the loan and have some left over... to perhaps pay for an Insurance Policy to cover possible future problems while you are alive if you are ever diagnosed with something serious...or you could contribute to your Grand Kids RESP...
Not bad.
If you have questions, call me or your financial adviser.
It is a tool that is being used by many right now.
Keep in mind that investment is not simply about gambling in the "market".
There are many kinds of investments ranging from risky to not risky.
Just like doctors with medicine, you have to use the right medicine to address the right problem. So too with the world of investment. The strange and wonderful thing about this "tool" is that you make more in cash per month as the "market" goes down!
(Saturday 2:30 PM)
I added something above .
You'll notice I write things and then if you look again a little later, the diction, or message may have changed somewhat due to afterthoughts. In today's case, it's due to procrastination. I am really supposed to be doing chores like cleaning the electronic filters... but then I get a thought and come back here to write it down.
Writing to me is like golf to my friend Bob H.
L
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Historical Easter
(For those who may be historically sensitive, please change the channel.)
What do you think of at this time of the year?
Hunting for eggs?
I remember going to St.Andrew's United Church Sunday School and singing hymns led by good old Mr.Reid and Mr. Longlay. Our grade was up in the back rows -familiar names - Oliver-Butt-Bossart-MacLean-Artagnan-McConnell-and others.
"..He holds the anchor... etc.
Church...organized religion.
Here is the church
and here is the steeple,
open the doors and
there's all the people.
Let's look back now - way back.
Let us take the blind folds off for a bit and put them back on later.
Imagine way way back, in Bethlehem, then Nazareth and Jerusalem, one becomes "the chosen" and ends up crucified. All the good philosophic strains are extracted from the movement and made into a religion.
A tax collector has an epiphany coming home from work and changes his name.
He goes out on the road with his perception of 'the message', - to Rome, where the market is a bit rougher - they feed Christians to the lions. To survive and adapt, they make changes to 'the presentation' of the message to make it more akin to those who are following the Sun God in Rome -Constantine and friends.
Hence - the holy day of the week is changed from Saturday to "Sun" day to make it less Judaic and more Roman. They change the originator's birthday to make it more convenient to Roman 'days off' and cleanse many of the Judaic 'House of David/God of Abraham' trappings to a more and Roman-ized spin- changing the wrapping to gear themselves to the desired new audience.
A new development emerges in the future times, -Rome- "improves" the home grown idea - "where two or more are gathered in my name, there I shall be", and inserts an ecclesiastic Latin speaking intermediary between the individual and her/his God - and adds some new secret handshakes, smoke and passwords.
Fast forward into the future, at a big meeting (long, long after the originator's untimely demise), (Easter), they award, in absentia, three things in one shot to the founder's nature, he is voted retroactively, a man, a spirit and a God. A Miracle.
Later, against the intermediary 'priest' idea, a spiritual and philosophic rebellion takes place in Holland and the west; a "Protest -ant" group of rabble rousers break free.
Not being able to pass up a good opportunity when he sees one, King Henry the 8th in England, needing some cash and wanting to change marital/divorce laws to his liking, snips free of Rome with the help of "Parliament' and creates the new Church of England while stealing all the gold, silver and precious objects, not to mention Real Estate (Feb. 4 1539), from the Catholic monasteries for the new church -which is led by -you guessed it- King Henry 8 himself.
As time goes by, in the "so-called" new territories across the ocean, First Nations peoples not-withstanding, Churches of various stripes, like good spiritual lube, lead the way to "appropriating" Real Estate for the good of our ancestors and therefore -us today. We also get our own brand of cigarettes and lung cancer. "Was it good for you?"
But Let us not forget the original message irrespective of wrapping - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Just where does Peter Cotton Tail come in to this?
Not 'Thanks-Giving' anyway.
Perhaps Halloween?
Damn! I can't eat chocolate due to high cholesterol.
Now where is my blind fold?
(For those who may be historically sensitive, please change the channel.)
What do you think of at this time of the year?
Hunting for eggs?
I remember going to St.Andrew's United Church Sunday School and singing hymns led by good old Mr.Reid and Mr. Longlay. Our grade was up in the back rows -familiar names - Oliver-Butt-Bossart-MacLean-Artagnan-McConnell-and others.
"..He holds the anchor... etc.
Church...organized religion.
Here is the church
and here is the steeple,
open the doors and
there's all the people.
Let's look back now - way back.
Let us take the blind folds off for a bit and put them back on later.
Imagine way way back, in Bethlehem, then Nazareth and Jerusalem, one becomes "the chosen" and ends up crucified. All the good philosophic strains are extracted from the movement and made into a religion.
A tax collector has an epiphany coming home from work and changes his name.
He goes out on the road with his perception of 'the message', - to Rome, where the market is a bit rougher - they feed Christians to the lions. To survive and adapt, they make changes to 'the presentation' of the message to make it more akin to those who are following the Sun God in Rome -Constantine and friends.
Hence - the holy day of the week is changed from Saturday to "Sun" day to make it less Judaic and more Roman. They change the originator's birthday to make it more convenient to Roman 'days off' and cleanse many of the Judaic 'House of David/God of Abraham' trappings to a more and Roman-ized spin- changing the wrapping to gear themselves to the desired new audience.
A new development emerges in the future times, -Rome- "improves" the home grown idea - "where two or more are gathered in my name, there I shall be", and inserts an ecclesiastic Latin speaking intermediary between the individual and her/his God - and adds some new secret handshakes, smoke and passwords.
Fast forward into the future, at a big meeting (long, long after the originator's untimely demise), (Easter), they award, in absentia, three things in one shot to the founder's nature, he is voted retroactively, a man, a spirit and a God. A Miracle.
Later, against the intermediary 'priest' idea, a spiritual and philosophic rebellion takes place in Holland and the west; a "Protest -ant" group of rabble rousers break free.
Not being able to pass up a good opportunity when he sees one, King Henry the 8th in England, needing some cash and wanting to change marital/divorce laws to his liking, snips free of Rome with the help of "Parliament' and creates the new Church of England while stealing all the gold, silver and precious objects, not to mention Real Estate (Feb. 4 1539), from the Catholic monasteries for the new church -which is led by -you guessed it- King Henry 8 himself.
As time goes by, in the "so-called" new territories across the ocean, First Nations peoples not-withstanding, Churches of various stripes, like good spiritual lube, lead the way to "appropriating" Real Estate for the good of our ancestors and therefore -us today. We also get our own brand of cigarettes and lung cancer. "Was it good for you?"
But Let us not forget the original message irrespective of wrapping - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Just where does Peter Cotton Tail come in to this?
Not 'Thanks-Giving' anyway.
Perhaps Halloween?
Damn! I can't eat chocolate due to high cholesterol.
Now where is my blind fold?
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Who We Are -What we make of ourselves.
Who would have thought back in high school that I would end up being a Financial Adviser/Investment Adviser, by day and an aspiring writer by night?
Unfortunately, back in the day, I really had no use for math. It was akin to memorizing the rules of Scrabble without ever playing the game. Much later, that point of view changed. I went back and recaptured what I had left behind - but with motivation.
I thought I might like to be a Lawyer - but the reasons were too superficial, so after doing the B.A. in Political Science and a good deal of thinking...I thought "not".
To be fair, who really knows in high-school, what they would like to be by profession, if never having had a stab at experiencing a given trade beforehand? My guidance councellor -Mr. O'Connor? - recommended my becoming a mechanic. I was insulted at the time given my IQ, but in university after having read Zen and the Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig, I thought ...hmmmm.
Yet, I look back at such people as Tom McKee and think, "Now there is someone who knew what he wanted, -went out and did it."
He said he wanted to be a lawyer, trained to become a lawyer and yes, became a Lawyer.
I believe, given the discipline shown in high school and the fact that he actually seems to have gone in such a straight line, that he is probably successful too. But who really knows? I have not seen him since high school.
Then there's the lovely Anja Mechielsen, whose first word in her year book ('69), was 'Travel'.
Her stated ambition -'Airline Stewardess'. Can you guess what she is today? Right- a Stewardess.
Perhaps it's about following a dream or at least a consistent direction?
Norman Perry comes to mind.
Do you recall his story?
I'll tell the myth version of it.
Why myth version ?- Simply because I'm not sure how much is fact, versus fiction added by the retelling of the story by all our old friends over the past 35 years.
When I was 8 years old, my parents moved us from our modest apartment in Ville-La-Salle to a house in Chateauguay, away from the long Hockey season of the city arena to short season and hose sprayed rinks where pins and needles became a dear feeling, ever-so close to my toes.
Our Seigniory Park team had one real claim to fame - besides the twins who played defence and stood still as Bob Oliver skated crazy eights around and between them to finally score and put us out of our misery.
That claim to "local fame" was our goalie, - Norman Perry. And not for his prowess in the net.
Norman could always be depended upon for having the very best of equipment from colour coordinated Montreal Canadian uniform, through to the best pads of red white and blue.
Norman, more locally known as 'Door Mouse' -since we all took on nick names when we turned 12, was and probably still is, a natural organizer, not patient with those not having something of value in the way of effort, to contribute to the latest project.
The summer of the Beatle music emerged out of nowhere and Norman acquired a set of Ludwig drums. I suspect drums presented the easiest way of not having to spend five years acquiring musical talent. Of course it was also very tempting for us in the peanut gallery to quip that his parents had money. But this was not accurate. I'm sure his parents were 'of means' to whatever extent, but this should not be seen as the source of Norman's ability to acquire 'only the best'.
Norman had a paper route - at minimum one- which allowed him disposable income. He was, in short, money wise and highly capable of cutting through the circle to get to his goal.
It could also be that our gang got into a scrum and exercized the arcane process of decision making,- throwing 'evens and odds' and then to make doubly sure, perform the ritual 'one potato, two potato, three potato four', to determine who would play guitar-bass, lead, rhythm and then who ended up with the short straw, to play drums.
Norman, in all summers, could be counted upon to lead us into some form of unique if not exciting organized activity. From having us all write and sell a weekly newspaper for two weeks as a method to acquire funding, to equipping ourselves with MAN FROM UNCLE secret agent cases that could shoot real plastic bullets, - or to organizing a boxing match out back of Poirier's featuring a "Fight to The Finish" between the ... "5 ft. 7in. muscular Kaj Larsen in this corner representing Northern Circle and his opponant, weighing in at a full 92 pounds, almost a full five foot 2 and 1/2 inches, the lightening quick, Leslie "Torn-Knees" McConnell, representing Seigniory Park." ( I believe this a was supposed to be, in actual fact -and unbeknownst to me, a comedy in action. Who would have thought my dad's lessons to me in boxing would one day pay off? My Dad was a 'Golden Gloves' one year in St.Henri Montreal. -Sorry I digress, this is supposed to be about Norman.) And yes even this digression, is, to some extent an element of Norman's method. But I think the outcome of it surprised him -everybody else, not the least of which - was me. I won.
The summers and winters eventually gave way to changes in our lives. And sadly, Norman's dad, Ken Perry, passed away when we were all teenagers in grade 9/10. He was a good man. My Dad and Mr. Ken Perry and Mr. Harry Gulkin, used to water the Seigniory Park rink on freezing February nights all by themselves. And just as sad for all of us kids, Norman, Stevie, Linda (their older sister) and Mrs.Perry soon after, moved back to the city.
But this is where the mythical adventure to his greatness begins.
I am told that Norman had a number of paper routes (The Star and The Gazette) delivered by him, brother Stevie and others. It is also thought he was able to sell these as little franchises before leaving, although I doubt this, I think he simply understood at a very early age, the secret of saving money and having it create self perpetuating income streams. (I show people how to do this today.)
It is said, that after a season back in the city, Norman took his savings, rented a 'hole-in-the-wall' near the Montreal forum, purchased music equipment 'on spec' - drum skins, guitar string packs, electronic gear etc. from Steve's music across town and packed his new abode. Norman's sister Linda, may have been a friend of band promoter Donald K. Donald -whose office was right around the corner from the forum. From there, legend has it, he had his sister introduce him to DKD, whereupon he taking the man for a walk over to his 'space'.
I can just imagine Norm... " Mr. Tarlington" he might have said, "Just look at this! Here we are across from the forum, no other music equipment supply store around for miles - The Stones come to play and Keith Richards is running low after having already played New York, Chicago, and Toronto. One of Mick's michrapones is on the fritz again, Charlie put a hole in his bass tom-tom... Mr.Tarlington -DKD if I may, -where is the line of resistance? Where do you think they'll go for replacements, across town or here?"
I can just see the light going on above DKD's head and thinking, "This kid, not even 19 years old, has figured one of businesses greatest lessons! Damn! I should have had this angle first. It's my line business !"
In my minds eye, DKD looks at Linda, then to Norman and smiles that big Donald K. Donald smile.
The rest is history or myth.
So Norman apparently pulls out of Westmount Highschool to do business. No CEGEP no University, no degree, just vision and action. Chutzpah!
The myth goes on. Not only do DKD and Norman Perry start one store; they replicate the concept across Canada and the USA. Allegedly after being introduced to Norman, Mick Jagger, -no slouch at business opportunities himself, asks Norman what he thinks of perhaps taking control of the Stones Merchandise concession inside the Form, -if all goes well, perhaps consider setting up in venues at all stops along the tour in North America.
So then, one goood turn deserves another, all DKD promoted bands from Jethro Tull to Pink Floyd come through this North American set-up, using the Norman Perry/DKD supply chain.
If this is true, it is one hell of a story. It also reinforces one thing I know....we are responsible for making our own lucky breaks. Norman was damned good at this. I bet his mom is proud.
So I guess at the end of the day, one should do what one has a penchant for- and reinforce it with a "plan" of action, based upon a vision or dream.
And don't stop dreaming.
It is never too late.
Everyday we have a new page.
Right Fred?
Who would have thought back in high school that I would end up being a Financial Adviser/Investment Adviser, by day and an aspiring writer by night?
Unfortunately, back in the day, I really had no use for math. It was akin to memorizing the rules of Scrabble without ever playing the game. Much later, that point of view changed. I went back and recaptured what I had left behind - but with motivation.
I thought I might like to be a Lawyer - but the reasons were too superficial, so after doing the B.A. in Political Science and a good deal of thinking...I thought "not".
To be fair, who really knows in high-school, what they would like to be by profession, if never having had a stab at experiencing a given trade beforehand? My guidance councellor -Mr. O'Connor? - recommended my becoming a mechanic. I was insulted at the time given my IQ, but in university after having read Zen and the Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig, I thought ...hmmmm.
Yet, I look back at such people as Tom McKee and think, "Now there is someone who knew what he wanted, -went out and did it."
He said he wanted to be a lawyer, trained to become a lawyer and yes, became a Lawyer.
I believe, given the discipline shown in high school and the fact that he actually seems to have gone in such a straight line, that he is probably successful too. But who really knows? I have not seen him since high school.
Then there's the lovely Anja Mechielsen, whose first word in her year book ('69), was 'Travel'.
Her stated ambition -'Airline Stewardess'. Can you guess what she is today? Right- a Stewardess.
Perhaps it's about following a dream or at least a consistent direction?
Norman Perry comes to mind.
Do you recall his story?
I'll tell the myth version of it.
Why myth version ?- Simply because I'm not sure how much is fact, versus fiction added by the retelling of the story by all our old friends over the past 35 years.
When I was 8 years old, my parents moved us from our modest apartment in Ville-La-Salle to a house in Chateauguay, away from the long Hockey season of the city arena to short season and hose sprayed rinks where pins and needles became a dear feeling, ever-so close to my toes.
Our Seigniory Park team had one real claim to fame - besides the twins who played defence and stood still as Bob Oliver skated crazy eights around and between them to finally score and put us out of our misery.
That claim to "local fame" was our goalie, - Norman Perry. And not for his prowess in the net.
Norman could always be depended upon for having the very best of equipment from colour coordinated Montreal Canadian uniform, through to the best pads of red white and blue.
Norman, more locally known as 'Door Mouse' -since we all took on nick names when we turned 12, was and probably still is, a natural organizer, not patient with those not having something of value in the way of effort, to contribute to the latest project.
The summer of the Beatle music emerged out of nowhere and Norman acquired a set of Ludwig drums. I suspect drums presented the easiest way of not having to spend five years acquiring musical talent. Of course it was also very tempting for us in the peanut gallery to quip that his parents had money. But this was not accurate. I'm sure his parents were 'of means' to whatever extent, but this should not be seen as the source of Norman's ability to acquire 'only the best'.
Norman had a paper route - at minimum one- which allowed him disposable income. He was, in short, money wise and highly capable of cutting through the circle to get to his goal.
It could also be that our gang got into a scrum and exercized the arcane process of decision making,- throwing 'evens and odds' and then to make doubly sure, perform the ritual 'one potato, two potato, three potato four', to determine who would play guitar-bass, lead, rhythm and then who ended up with the short straw, to play drums.
Norman, in all summers, could be counted upon to lead us into some form of unique if not exciting organized activity. From having us all write and sell a weekly newspaper for two weeks as a method to acquire funding, to equipping ourselves with MAN FROM UNCLE secret agent cases that could shoot real plastic bullets, - or to organizing a boxing match out back of Poirier's featuring a "Fight to The Finish" between the ... "5 ft. 7in. muscular Kaj Larsen in this corner representing Northern Circle and his opponant, weighing in at a full 92 pounds, almost a full five foot 2 and 1/2 inches, the lightening quick, Leslie "Torn-Knees" McConnell, representing Seigniory Park." ( I believe this a was supposed to be, in actual fact -and unbeknownst to me, a comedy in action. Who would have thought my dad's lessons to me in boxing would one day pay off? My Dad was a 'Golden Gloves' one year in St.Henri Montreal. -Sorry I digress, this is supposed to be about Norman.) And yes even this digression, is, to some extent an element of Norman's method. But I think the outcome of it surprised him -everybody else, not the least of which - was me. I won.
The summers and winters eventually gave way to changes in our lives. And sadly, Norman's dad, Ken Perry, passed away when we were all teenagers in grade 9/10. He was a good man. My Dad and Mr. Ken Perry and Mr. Harry Gulkin, used to water the Seigniory Park rink on freezing February nights all by themselves. And just as sad for all of us kids, Norman, Stevie, Linda (their older sister) and Mrs.Perry soon after, moved back to the city.
But this is where the mythical adventure to his greatness begins.
I am told that Norman had a number of paper routes (The Star and The Gazette) delivered by him, brother Stevie and others. It is also thought he was able to sell these as little franchises before leaving, although I doubt this, I think he simply understood at a very early age, the secret of saving money and having it create self perpetuating income streams. (I show people how to do this today.)
It is said, that after a season back in the city, Norman took his savings, rented a 'hole-in-the-wall' near the Montreal forum, purchased music equipment 'on spec' - drum skins, guitar string packs, electronic gear etc. from Steve's music across town and packed his new abode. Norman's sister Linda, may have been a friend of band promoter Donald K. Donald -whose office was right around the corner from the forum. From there, legend has it, he had his sister introduce him to DKD, whereupon he taking the man for a walk over to his 'space'.
I can just imagine Norm... " Mr. Tarlington" he might have said, "Just look at this! Here we are across from the forum, no other music equipment supply store around for miles - The Stones come to play and Keith Richards is running low after having already played New York, Chicago, and Toronto. One of Mick's michrapones is on the fritz again, Charlie put a hole in his bass tom-tom... Mr.Tarlington -DKD if I may, -where is the line of resistance? Where do you think they'll go for replacements, across town or here?"
I can just see the light going on above DKD's head and thinking, "This kid, not even 19 years old, has figured one of businesses greatest lessons! Damn! I should have had this angle first. It's my line business !"
In my minds eye, DKD looks at Linda, then to Norman and smiles that big Donald K. Donald smile.
The rest is history or myth.
So Norman apparently pulls out of Westmount Highschool to do business. No CEGEP no University, no degree, just vision and action. Chutzpah!
The myth goes on. Not only do DKD and Norman Perry start one store; they replicate the concept across Canada and the USA. Allegedly after being introduced to Norman, Mick Jagger, -no slouch at business opportunities himself, asks Norman what he thinks of perhaps taking control of the Stones Merchandise concession inside the Form, -if all goes well, perhaps consider setting up in venues at all stops along the tour in North America.
So then, one goood turn deserves another, all DKD promoted bands from Jethro Tull to Pink Floyd come through this North American set-up, using the Norman Perry/DKD supply chain.
If this is true, it is one hell of a story. It also reinforces one thing I know....we are responsible for making our own lucky breaks. Norman was damned good at this. I bet his mom is proud.
So I guess at the end of the day, one should do what one has a penchant for- and reinforce it with a "plan" of action, based upon a vision or dream.
And don't stop dreaming.
It is never too late.
Everyday we have a new page.
Right Fred?
Friday, February 22, 2008
Just a little kiss of the Eastern Townships
for a buddy out west from me and Jane.
When you come east again - you have friends here.
L
The most important person in your life is yourselves- first and foremost. And you must make sure the outer shell of your being is in decent enough shape to house the wisp of inner being/ego-id/essence.
If the body is in pain one can't enjoy existence. So take care of the body first. Then make sure you have enough money to pay the bills and do not spend what you don't have or are not capable of paying back in short order.
If you are unhappy create a strategy to take yourself away from the distraction that is causing this state of mind. If it is medical, then focus on all the other positives outside the distraction.
Remember to 'do' -absolutely nothing- for 5 minutes every second day, to focus on the inner wisp of being - the inner spark that drives your body shell around.
The only action in this exercise/experiment, is to simply "not do". ..not look, not plan next moves, not think about family, not think about an uncomfortable lotus position-so sit in a chair, back straight, chin up, hands on thighs,- outside or inside...just consciously "do not" DO -and just exist. Focus on the fabric of "essential present time" reality.
This is not easy, but the more often you do it the better your appreciation of life as a conscious being will become. Some other nifty things begin to occur also.
Try -in everything you do to - go slow.
Experience the 'present moment' and stretch it.
Savor your activity, job, dinner, walk in the woods, chat with your partner, your mother, father,brother or sister...listen to their voice carefully and try to associate with their inner being and not just the identifying outer traits of their persona.
Look at the face, skin, mannerisms -see the child they once were. That person contains an inner essence. Have you every really been aware of it;connected with it? This is where that candle light dinner and looking into the eyes comes into play. Try to see inside.
Go slow and do not be bullied by clients, your own "to-do"list or anything else. Just consciously take each moment as it comes and consume it like ice cream. Moments of time, like pocket change is the only real currency we have. Don't blow it. Seek the flavor of existence. We really don't need much of anything when it gets to this point and there is no such thing as boredom.
And go outside - breathe deep.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Hi Les,
Here it is closing in on the end of February so it must be time to get to that January to do list:(.
I have attached a picture of myself and family at my daughter Lindsay's wedding December 29 2006. That is the last family photo I have but I think we still look pretty much the same. From left to right, my husband of 29 years Jim Pfeiffer, a Massachusetts native I met while attending CEGEP at Champlain College ( he was attending Bishop's University).
On my other side -my daughter Lindsay Williams .
She is now residing in Fairbanks Alaska putting her BFA in visual communication, major in illustration , major in biology to use at a graphic design firm.
Her husband Joey Williams hails from Wisconsin by way of Chicago. A graduate of West Point, is with the Army Stryker brigade stationed in Fairbanks. There is quite a story in the meeting, dating and wedding, but perhaps best saved until the next reunion.
On the far right is my son James. He is a junior at Norwich University in Vermont studying Architecture on an ROTC scholarship. He is planning an career.
I ask myself all the time, "How did a peace loving soul like myself get surround by all these army types?" I will say though, that my image of "army types" has drastically changed since meeting many friends of my son and son-in-law -a compassionate, caring group with strong family values, inevitably a bit mischievous yet underpinned with humor.
I am a physical therapist since graduating McGill in 1979.
I have worked in many different areas, schools, hospital, rehab facility, my own practise, teaching at a community college, and for the last 10 years at an outpatient orthopedic facility.
The children are grown and away so we are empty- nesters now. The dog is not pleased with the transition as we don't seem to wrestle with or chase him as well as James did.
I am active in my church, and Jim with the boy scouts. Jim is self employed in the payroll processing business. I guess that brings you up to speed a bit. I am fine with you editing this letter and posting the picture and bio on the blog with a challenge to all the other class of 73 members to let me know what they are up to. :) Happy cabin fever!
Gerry
Ah - Gerry - what a handsome family!
How is it that you look just as good as you did in high-school?
You and your husband have much to be proud of.
Les
Here it is closing in on the end of February so it must be time to get to that January to do list:(.
I have attached a picture of myself and family at my daughter Lindsay's wedding December 29 2006. That is the last family photo I have but I think we still look pretty much the same. From left to right, my husband of 29 years Jim Pfeiffer, a Massachusetts native I met while attending CEGEP at Champlain College ( he was attending Bishop's University).
On my other side -my daughter Lindsay Williams .
She is now residing in Fairbanks Alaska putting her BFA in visual communication, major in illustration , major in biology to use at a graphic design firm.
Her husband Joey Williams hails from Wisconsin by way of Chicago. A graduate of West Point, is with the Army Stryker brigade stationed in Fairbanks. There is quite a story in the meeting, dating and wedding, but perhaps best saved until the next reunion.
On the far right is my son James. He is a junior at Norwich University in Vermont studying Architecture on an ROTC scholarship. He is planning an career.
I ask myself all the time, "How did a peace loving soul like myself get surround by all these army types?" I will say though, that my image of "army types" has drastically changed since meeting many friends of my son and son-in-law -a compassionate, caring group with strong family values, inevitably a bit mischievous yet underpinned with humor.
I am a physical therapist since graduating McGill in 1979.
I have worked in many different areas, schools, hospital, rehab facility, my own practise, teaching at a community college, and for the last 10 years at an outpatient orthopedic facility.
The children are grown and away so we are empty- nesters now. The dog is not pleased with the transition as we don't seem to wrestle with or chase him as well as James did.
I am active in my church, and Jim with the boy scouts. Jim is self employed in the payroll processing business. I guess that brings you up to speed a bit. I am fine with you editing this letter and posting the picture and bio on the blog with a challenge to all the other class of 73 members to let me know what they are up to. :) Happy cabin fever!
Gerry
Ah - Gerry - what a handsome family!
How is it that you look just as good as you did in high-school?
You and your husband have much to be proud of.
Les
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Tensile Strength
...Oh Yes and Happy Valentines
I looked at the picture below of Saskia and Ralf. And I wondered what it was that I was feeling - trying to find words that might fit my perception of these two exceptional beings. And then it emerged - "tensile strength" usually used to describe a measurement of elastic resistance within steel, to find some breaking point.
Why "these" words for Saskia and Ralf?
I suppose, like steel, we have all been through the "mill" of life to varying extents. And that we all- each of us- have our own story.
Ralf, I know is a Doctor- who must deal with the physical as well as psychic wounds of others.
As for Saskia, I'm not sure . I have heard wisps of this and that over the last three decades- but what strikes me, is the magic moment we danced at the Reunion. There was a loop in time that brought me back to high school days bringing out the teenager in me.
Just like in High School, we never did have time to chat - there was so much going on. But in that dance -that moment of connection there was unspoken understanding of the passage of time and how it was alright for two people to simply relax and enjoy one solitary moment together. It was all that mattered. Magic. And these magic moments were taking place all through the reunion.
Ralf, Jane and I did have a chance to talk and 'hang out' for a while at Anne Chrsitine's. I saw pictures of his beautiful family and home out in the interior of B.C. - Shangrila.
In both of these individuals, when I looked in their eyes I saw the past, their brothers, families in the 'heights' and the present -that which makes them who they are. -wearing their 'being'- their countenance, with grace and quiet strength, each in their own respective way- keeping so much within yet communicated in the shadow of a smile- an inflection -a glance.
We 'the others', if we are lucky, may catch it-if but just for a moment, out the corner of our eye and then it's gone.
Two fine souls - interior strength.
...Oh Yes and Happy Valentines
I looked at the picture below of Saskia and Ralf. And I wondered what it was that I was feeling - trying to find words that might fit my perception of these two exceptional beings. And then it emerged - "tensile strength" usually used to describe a measurement of elastic resistance within steel, to find some breaking point.
Why "these" words for Saskia and Ralf?
I suppose, like steel, we have all been through the "mill" of life to varying extents. And that we all- each of us- have our own story.
Ralf, I know is a Doctor- who must deal with the physical as well as psychic wounds of others.
As for Saskia, I'm not sure . I have heard wisps of this and that over the last three decades- but what strikes me, is the magic moment we danced at the Reunion. There was a loop in time that brought me back to high school days bringing out the teenager in me.
Just like in High School, we never did have time to chat - there was so much going on. But in that dance -that moment of connection there was unspoken understanding of the passage of time and how it was alright for two people to simply relax and enjoy one solitary moment together. It was all that mattered. Magic. And these magic moments were taking place all through the reunion.
Ralf, Jane and I did have a chance to talk and 'hang out' for a while at Anne Chrsitine's. I saw pictures of his beautiful family and home out in the interior of B.C. - Shangrila.
In both of these individuals, when I looked in their eyes I saw the past, their brothers, families in the 'heights' and the present -that which makes them who they are. -wearing their 'being'- their countenance, with grace and quiet strength, each in their own respective way- keeping so much within yet communicated in the shadow of a smile- an inflection -a glance.
We 'the others', if we are lucky, may catch it-if but just for a moment, out the corner of our eye and then it's gone.
Two fine souls - interior strength.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
So We've made it past New Years.
Well done!
How are you feeling? Looking forward to Spring? Golf in the Carolinas? Are you in Acapulco right now? Are you nursing Arthritis in the cold? Got your space heater out and your blanket pulled up?
Ya gettin' any? Are your kids behaving? Moved out yet? Have you put on another 10? Do we still fit in our jeans? Do we need another Reunion to motivate the loss of unwanted pounds? Have you unloaded that mangy varmint dud husband yet? Have you been good to your wife -deserving favors are you? You better be. Life! So this is it right?
I was at the Centaur Theater the other day watching the play, "Half Life" by John Mighton. - all about Love in the last stop hospital once we get into our upper and later years. Imagine you no longer have a wife or husband and in your late years you fall in love with someone in "the home"...ok ok -don't go that far now, ooooouuu -contrtol the vision! -just fall in love (for now).
And then imagine you might like to marry the old bird since you know you only have a few more years left and so why not? Then your son or daughter who has 'power of attorney' steps in and says "no". (Eric Peterson of Corner Gas played a lead role in this one.)
Interesting play.
So a few days later, I went back to the Centaur to meet the author and some of the actors and who do you think I meet? -You guessed it! From the class of 1970 Margaret "Peggy" Hopkins. I guess I met the boy who "bought her the most pizza" -Mr. Fergus Keyes- one of the officials of the Centaur theater. Oh Come ! You do so remember her - she lived over on Mcleod Street up a little from the school.
Back in January I went to Harry Gulkin's 80th Birthday party. (He produced the movie Lies My Father Told Me -) What fun!
Back in high-school, Cathy, his daughter was a year ahead of me -since I failed grade five- but that's a long story- I'll tell it in the form of a screen play one day. Well anyway - I met Cathy's half sister - who is somewhat younger than she is along with Cathy's new spouse, Lisa -who is really cool.
We (Cathy, me and her half sister) all danced together as Cathy's daughter and back-up band played for the audience. The audience was made up of producers and actors and media people - Josh Freed and such. Oh yes, Cathy's sister's name is Sarah Polly.
My son was very excited that I met this young lady.
"Ah come on Dad! You must know who she is!"
Well I do now -Canada is proud to have her in line for an Oscar - Foreign Film Director's award. She adapted the story by Alice Munroe "Away From Her" and wrote the screen play- tailored for Gordon Pincet and Julie Christie who both starred in the film.
So not only is she intelligent, but fine looking too -tragically angelic, trapped in our earthbound orbit . And yes there is one heck of a story in all of this - but that will be told at a later date - perhaps by Sarah?
Back to planet Chateauguay now, - I was over at the shopping center today picking up some baby carrots at the Super C which used to be Steinburg's- remember? I bumped into Ken Schillgalies (Class of 68) and he congratulated us all for putting on a fine Reunion in May.
He said, "Wow- a whole other side of you came forth that night!"
I said, "Oh? How so?"
" Well", Ken continued, " I always thought you were a little bit of a Nerd."
Isn't it strange when you get a frank and sincere perception on yourself from someone else's perspective?
I think I was being complemented too!
Well dear diary friends, may you be healthy, have good dreams, and/or good sex or some chocolate.
Until next entry - may you and your children - and theirs be well.
Well done!
How are you feeling? Looking forward to Spring? Golf in the Carolinas? Are you in Acapulco right now? Are you nursing Arthritis in the cold? Got your space heater out and your blanket pulled up?
Ya gettin' any? Are your kids behaving? Moved out yet? Have you put on another 10? Do we still fit in our jeans? Do we need another Reunion to motivate the loss of unwanted pounds? Have you unloaded that mangy varmint dud husband yet? Have you been good to your wife -deserving favors are you? You better be. Life! So this is it right?
I was at the Centaur Theater the other day watching the play, "Half Life" by John Mighton. - all about Love in the last stop hospital once we get into our upper and later years. Imagine you no longer have a wife or husband and in your late years you fall in love with someone in "the home"...ok ok -don't go that far now, ooooouuu -contrtol the vision! -just fall in love (for now).
And then imagine you might like to marry the old bird since you know you only have a few more years left and so why not? Then your son or daughter who has 'power of attorney' steps in and says "no". (Eric Peterson of Corner Gas played a lead role in this one.)
Interesting play.
So a few days later, I went back to the Centaur to meet the author and some of the actors and who do you think I meet? -You guessed it! From the class of 1970 Margaret "Peggy" Hopkins. I guess I met the boy who "bought her the most pizza" -Mr. Fergus Keyes- one of the officials of the Centaur theater. Oh Come ! You do so remember her - she lived over on Mcleod Street up a little from the school.
Back in January I went to Harry Gulkin's 80th Birthday party. (He produced the movie Lies My Father Told Me -) What fun!
Back in high-school, Cathy, his daughter was a year ahead of me -since I failed grade five- but that's a long story- I'll tell it in the form of a screen play one day. Well anyway - I met Cathy's half sister - who is somewhat younger than she is along with Cathy's new spouse, Lisa -who is really cool.
We (Cathy, me and her half sister) all danced together as Cathy's daughter and back-up band played for the audience. The audience was made up of producers and actors and media people - Josh Freed and such. Oh yes, Cathy's sister's name is Sarah Polly.
My son was very excited that I met this young lady.
"Ah come on Dad! You must know who she is!"
Well I do now -Canada is proud to have her in line for an Oscar - Foreign Film Director's award. She adapted the story by Alice Munroe "Away From Her" and wrote the screen play- tailored for Gordon Pincet and Julie Christie who both starred in the film.
So not only is she intelligent, but fine looking too -tragically angelic, trapped in our earthbound orbit . And yes there is one heck of a story in all of this - but that will be told at a later date - perhaps by Sarah?
Back to planet Chateauguay now, - I was over at the shopping center today picking up some baby carrots at the Super C which used to be Steinburg's- remember? I bumped into Ken Schillgalies (Class of 68) and he congratulated us all for putting on a fine Reunion in May.
He said, "Wow- a whole other side of you came forth that night!"
I said, "Oh? How so?"
" Well", Ken continued, " I always thought you were a little bit of a Nerd."
Isn't it strange when you get a frank and sincere perception on yourself from someone else's perspective?
I think I was being complemented too!
Well dear diary friends, may you be healthy, have good dreams, and/or good sex or some chocolate.
Until next entry - may you and your children - and theirs be well.
Monday, December 31, 2007
World Dragon Boat Championship Winners In Australia Autumn 2007
Heroes and Heroines From Chateauguay -
Peter Markhauser, Joanne O'Hanley, Anita Duwel and Keith Mercer
This is an example of how determination, grit, hard work, discipline and commitment pay off.
Many of us from past graduation years at Chateauguay High / H.S. Billings, will recall with pride the family names in the above picture.
At an earlier age, as featured in one of my earlier blog entries, pictures of H.S. Billings gymnasts from the past are featured and there too is Joanne.
Joanne is currently a guidance counsellor for the Kahnawake Survival School while Anita Duwel is an adult coordinator for the New Frontiers School Board (the name of the board of which Billings is a part.)
Keith Mercer and Peter Markhauser are known for their past participation at the Chateauguay Canoe Club.
These competitors are a solid reflection of their good families, values and stand as examples of success - for parents, teachers and children .
If any of you read this - Joanne, Peter, Anita and Keith - the H.S. Billings Alumni - your peers- congratulate you. We suspect that over the duration of your journey and training, you loved the challenge, competition and the fun. But you are to be recognized since you have, -in fact- hurled yourselves by your own efforts -into a well deserved circle of greatness.
It takes belief in a dream, great effort, expense, time, sweat, pain and patient support from one's family to stick to a plan of action- such as this. Completion is one thing- impressive -but then to excel and shine; these are the traits of true winners.
You have made your families, friends, neighbors and Canadians proud. You have brought further recognition to the sport of Dragon Boat Racing.
WELL DONE!
You have gone beyond day-to-day norms, reached out to your dreams and succeeded. You have every right to be respected and recognized
-as champions.
Heroes and Heroines From Chateauguay -Peter Markhauser, Joanne O'Hanley, Anita Duwel and Keith Mercer
This is an example of how determination, grit, hard work, discipline and commitment pay off.
Many of us from past graduation years at Chateauguay High / H.S. Billings, will recall with pride the family names in the above picture.
At an earlier age, as featured in one of my earlier blog entries, pictures of H.S. Billings gymnasts from the past are featured and there too is Joanne.
Joanne is currently a guidance counsellor for the Kahnawake Survival School while Anita Duwel is an adult coordinator for the New Frontiers School Board (the name of the board of which Billings is a part.)
Keith Mercer and Peter Markhauser are known for their past participation at the Chateauguay Canoe Club.
These competitors are a solid reflection of their good families, values and stand as examples of success - for parents, teachers and children .
If any of you read this - Joanne, Peter, Anita and Keith - the H.S. Billings Alumni - your peers- congratulate you. We suspect that over the duration of your journey and training, you loved the challenge, competition and the fun. But you are to be recognized since you have, -in fact- hurled yourselves by your own efforts -into a well deserved circle of greatness.
It takes belief in a dream, great effort, expense, time, sweat, pain and patient support from one's family to stick to a plan of action- such as this. Completion is one thing- impressive -but then to excel and shine; these are the traits of true winners.
You have made your families, friends, neighbors and Canadians proud. You have brought further recognition to the sport of Dragon Boat Racing.
WELL DONE!
You have gone beyond day-to-day norms, reached out to your dreams and succeeded. You have every right to be respected and recognized
-as champions.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
As We Turn The Page
A new year is upon us and we 'grads' and past students of HSB, (previously known as Chateauguay High ) deal with the snow, holidays, perhaps some travel or simply enjoy some down-time at home with family and/or friends.
(I am given to understand that Richard Kilpatrick would be coming by from California.)
For me, down-time means the investment market is quiet and therefore demand for my time is minimal allowing a stretch of my attention span to areas of personal curiosity or even to clean the house and help Jane out.
Last week, Bob (Houston) and I went out to Ste. Anne de Bellvue to the Nordic Norway shop and purchased (with Bob's expertise), a whole new set of cross country ski equipment. I'm ready to zoom.
Last night Jane and I went to the Tom Hanks/Julia Roberts movie -Charlie Wilson's War. This has to be one of the most well timed movies given the state of the world. It provides the link as to how the USA provided Al Queida's birth and continued growth. Overall, the movie is well written and very entertaining. But at it's heart, the audience learns a a very real truth which is captured neatly in the story of the Zen Master.
Having seen this movie, and read recently about the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, I realized (-given the down-time I have to do this realizing-) that I had forgotten much of what I learned in University about Afganistan and Pakistan when studying Political Science and the nature of man's struggle to attain and maintain 'power' (political or otherwise).
My perception of Bhutto and Pakistan for example, as of yesterday was limited to figuring that Ms.Bhutto was this kind-of white knight swooping into Pakistan to bring the key of democracy to the locked door of this totalitarian and Islamic regime.
So after watching last night's movie, I realized that my pat little 'perception' was possibly a little too -convenient. So I did some 'Google-ing'. I mean- didn't Canada at some point in the past have something to do with providing the Candu reactor to India and Pakistan which led directly to their creation of "friendly" nuclear devices? Underlying this curiosity about Pakistan and the assasination was a question... Does Canada have anything to do with the politics in this part of the world other than our position militarily, as a potential peace-keeping' force in Afganistan?
Other questions I have are -
How long has Pakistan as a separate Islamic country been in existence -since 1947? (60 years?)
When the term 'Islamic Extremist' is used in the media -who are they referring to exactly, if this is an Islamic country?
Why was the father of Benazir Bhutto executed by one of the previous the military governments?
In the past, how is it that Pakistan could not keep a civilian government in place even when the military stayed out of the way?
How is it that Benazir Bhutto's 19 year old son Bilawal (a student), is now popped into the lead position to take her place as the head of the Pakistan People's Party? Is this some 'family right' ? But then look at the US fixation on certain family names and even in Canada we seem to have 'brand recognition value' with some of ours (Trudeau).
Ah! - Jane has just reminded me that tomorrow is New Years and we need our bubbly along with some groceries and the cat boxes need cleaning. I better get moving -domestic bliss, political thought and down-time notwithstanding.
A new year is upon us and we 'grads' and past students of HSB, (previously known as Chateauguay High ) deal with the snow, holidays, perhaps some travel or simply enjoy some down-time at home with family and/or friends.
(I am given to understand that Richard Kilpatrick would be coming by from California.)
For me, down-time means the investment market is quiet and therefore demand for my time is minimal allowing a stretch of my attention span to areas of personal curiosity or even to clean the house and help Jane out.
Last week, Bob (Houston) and I went out to Ste. Anne de Bellvue to the Nordic Norway shop and purchased (with Bob's expertise), a whole new set of cross country ski equipment. I'm ready to zoom.
Last night Jane and I went to the Tom Hanks/Julia Roberts movie -Charlie Wilson's War. This has to be one of the most well timed movies given the state of the world. It provides the link as to how the USA provided Al Queida's birth and continued growth. Overall, the movie is well written and very entertaining. But at it's heart, the audience learns a a very real truth which is captured neatly in the story of the Zen Master.
Having seen this movie, and read recently about the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, I realized (-given the down-time I have to do this realizing-) that I had forgotten much of what I learned in University about Afganistan and Pakistan when studying Political Science and the nature of man's struggle to attain and maintain 'power' (political or otherwise).
My perception of Bhutto and Pakistan for example, as of yesterday was limited to figuring that Ms.Bhutto was this kind-of white knight swooping into Pakistan to bring the key of democracy to the locked door of this totalitarian and Islamic regime.
So after watching last night's movie, I realized that my pat little 'perception' was possibly a little too -convenient. So I did some 'Google-ing'. I mean- didn't Canada at some point in the past have something to do with providing the Candu reactor to India and Pakistan which led directly to their creation of "friendly" nuclear devices? Underlying this curiosity about Pakistan and the assasination was a question... Does Canada have anything to do with the politics in this part of the world other than our position militarily, as a potential peace-keeping' force in Afganistan?
Other questions I have are -
How long has Pakistan as a separate Islamic country been in existence -since 1947? (60 years?)
When the term 'Islamic Extremist' is used in the media -who are they referring to exactly, if this is an Islamic country?
Why was the father of Benazir Bhutto executed by one of the previous the military governments?
In the past, how is it that Pakistan could not keep a civilian government in place even when the military stayed out of the way?
How is it that Benazir Bhutto's 19 year old son Bilawal (a student), is now popped into the lead position to take her place as the head of the Pakistan People's Party? Is this some 'family right' ? But then look at the US fixation on certain family names and even in Canada we seem to have 'brand recognition value' with some of ours (Trudeau).
Ah! - Jane has just reminded me that tomorrow is New Years and we need our bubbly along with some groceries and the cat boxes need cleaning. I better get moving -domestic bliss, political thought and down-time notwithstanding.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Monday, December 03, 2007
Frankly Speaking...
I have never really been what I would consider a "Jock" - is that "Jacques"? - no can't be. I mean, I am athletic- in that I played soccer, baseball and hockey when I was a kid. I also did Tai Chi and when my back is not killing me - Yoga. I remember when we were first married, Jane and I took karate classes together. But I have never been the type to be able to spout statistics about team sports.
One day I will tell the story of hitchhiking through the Eastern Seaboard of the old U.S. of A. but for now, I will say that I was very pleased to have Barry Jones with me.
There were all kinds of Americans who picked us up and gave us lifts down the road. And I have to be quite honest here, - we got farther, faster because Barry knew all the stats of all the football and baseball players. He knew the language!
ERAs and RBIs and all kinds of stuff. This was (and I get the feeling it still is) the language of America. No - it was the social currency!
MY, MY ! -How they would go on about all this stuff, that meant absolutely zip to me. It was a competition of who knew the most little details about people (pro sports figures) who could throw a ball, tackle, bat, catch, kick or fake.
Now, I do not mean to diminish the significance of this cultural phenomena, but we were in the middle of the expansion of the War from Viet Nam into Cambodia for heaven's sake! Both White and Black kids had disappeared down in the South while advocating Civil Rights! I had been whacked a few times in the back by a police baton when protesting in front of the American Embassy when I should have been in class at HSB! And here was Barry and these sincere and sports captivated gentlemen talking the talk! Here was I stranger in a strange land!
I mean, -do you remember Peter Oeder? He could spout stats on all kinds of snakes and reptiles. He knew exactly where to look in the Pines, if you wanted to find a Northern Brown, or Garder or a Salamander! He had flash cards the same way Barry had Baseball and Hockey cards. He was a minority of one in a milieu of the many. I'm not sure why I think of him now - I think it's the similarity to the commitment to statics committed to memory. Perhaps it's like I am with financial and investment stats? But the more I know on these, the better strategic decisions I can make.
Well- for the past 35 years, I have been flipping from TV channel to channel with my nifty remote, always skipping over the sports. "Oh God! Monday night football! Get a life! Change the channel - what's the market doing? Where's Louis Rukeiser? Are there any good movies on ?...'Thelma and Louise' or 'Shawshank Redemption' perhaps? Skip MASH the TV show, just give me the movie!"
But I have to confess.
I had John Saunders at the house with Murph (- excuse me- Dr. Vincent Murphy) the day after the reunion, as a pit-stop before joining Ralf (-oh yes- that's 'Dr.' Ralph Behrens with the beautiful family and home out in some Shangrila BC) we were all to meet over at AC's place (the angelic Anne Christine Gurholt).
So I was told about a year ago, (by Colleen Hillock and Rick Rankin) that John earned his livelihood on ABC TV doing sports commentary! "Well that's nice", I thought, -back then -my mind completely filled with detail about the looming Reunion. Woopty doo right?
So what do I find myself doing on American Thanks Giving Monday last week? I was watching ESPN -ABC, as I checked out the flying 2-d graphics and presentation (I am helping to put capital together for a
deal for the people who created those graphics for all the networks). And guess who I see larger than life and spiffy 'talking the talk'?
WOW! - He looked real good! And could he talk the talk! I got my family down into that TV room fast!- out from behind the guitar and books and computer!
And I stood there transfixed pointing to our 42 inch 'not-yet-flat' TV and exclaimed with great pride and joy, - "THERE'S JOHN! He sat in our living room! I knew him way back when!"
I was thrilled as I listened to all that sports jabber! He's good at what he does. Man! - I am impressed. Keep going John! I think I 'get it', now! I'm a believer! Make us proud!
Jacob (my son) casually asked, - "So who are the other two talking with him?"
"Who cares!" says I... "There's John!"
(To think he and Colleen hosted our reunion. Oh-Oh! - Does this make me a "fan"? Hope so.)
John Saunders and the ever-cool Hopeton D'Aguliar
Mid way above - Left: AC and Rick,
Middle: Gervaise "Gerry"Bushe and Dr.Vincent Murphy.
Right: Anne Christine Gurholt, Louise Lacey and Dr. Ralph Behrens ... "Doctor, tell me... how is it that some people just get better looking with age?" - And look at Murphy - for God's sake! You look like one of those Doctors on the Soaps! Just grow old and sag like the rest of us for crying out loud!
I have never really been what I would consider a "Jock" - is that "Jacques"? - no can't be. I mean, I am athletic- in that I played soccer, baseball and hockey when I was a kid. I also did Tai Chi and when my back is not killing me - Yoga. I remember when we were first married, Jane and I took karate classes together. But I have never been the type to be able to spout statistics about team sports.
One day I will tell the story of hitchhiking through the Eastern Seaboard of the old U.S. of A. but for now, I will say that I was very pleased to have Barry Jones with me.
There were all kinds of Americans who picked us up and gave us lifts down the road. And I have to be quite honest here, - we got farther, faster because Barry knew all the stats of all the football and baseball players. He knew the language!
ERAs and RBIs and all kinds of stuff. This was (and I get the feeling it still is) the language of America. No - it was the social currency!
MY, MY ! -How they would go on about all this stuff, that meant absolutely zip to me. It was a competition of who knew the most little details about people (pro sports figures) who could throw a ball, tackle, bat, catch, kick or fake.
Now, I do not mean to diminish the significance of this cultural phenomena, but we were in the middle of the expansion of the War from Viet Nam into Cambodia for heaven's sake! Both White and Black kids had disappeared down in the South while advocating Civil Rights! I had been whacked a few times in the back by a police baton when protesting in front of the American Embassy when I should have been in class at HSB! And here was Barry and these sincere and sports captivated gentlemen talking the talk! Here was I stranger in a strange land!
I mean, -do you remember Peter Oeder? He could spout stats on all kinds of snakes and reptiles. He knew exactly where to look in the Pines, if you wanted to find a Northern Brown, or Garder or a Salamander! He had flash cards the same way Barry had Baseball and Hockey cards. He was a minority of one in a milieu of the many. I'm not sure why I think of him now - I think it's the similarity to the commitment to statics committed to memory. Perhaps it's like I am with financial and investment stats? But the more I know on these, the better strategic decisions I can make.
Well- for the past 35 years, I have been flipping from TV channel to channel with my nifty remote, always skipping over the sports. "Oh God! Monday night football! Get a life! Change the channel - what's the market doing? Where's Louis Rukeiser? Are there any good movies on ?...'Thelma and Louise' or 'Shawshank Redemption' perhaps? Skip MASH the TV show, just give me the movie!"
But I have to confess.
I had John Saunders at the house with Murph (- excuse me- Dr. Vincent Murphy) the day after the reunion, as a pit-stop before joining Ralf (-oh yes- that's 'Dr.' Ralph Behrens with the beautiful family and home out in some Shangrila BC) we were all to meet over at AC's place (the angelic Anne Christine Gurholt).
So I was told about a year ago, (by Colleen Hillock and Rick Rankin) that John earned his livelihood on ABC TV doing sports commentary! "Well that's nice", I thought, -back then -my mind completely filled with detail about the looming Reunion. Woopty doo right?
So what do I find myself doing on American Thanks Giving Monday last week? I was watching ESPN -ABC, as I checked out the flying 2-d graphics and presentation (I am helping to put capital together for a
deal for the people who created those graphics for all the networks). And guess who I see larger than life and spiffy 'talking the talk'?WOW! - He looked real good! And could he talk the talk! I got my family down into that TV room fast!- out from behind the guitar and books and computer!
And I stood there transfixed pointing to our 42 inch 'not-yet-flat' TV and exclaimed with great pride and joy, - "THERE'S JOHN! He sat in our living room! I knew him way back when!"
I was thrilled as I listened to all that sports jabber! He's good at what he does. Man! - I am impressed. Keep going John! I think I 'get it', now! I'm a believer! Make us proud!
Jacob (my son) casually asked, - "So who are the other two talking with him?"
"Who cares!" says I... "There's John!"
(To think he and Colleen hosted our reunion. Oh-Oh! - Does this make me a "fan"? Hope so.)
John Saunders and the ever-cool Hopeton D'AguliarMid way above - Left: AC and Rick,
Middle: Gervaise "Gerry"Bushe and Dr.Vincent Murphy.
Right: Anne Christine Gurholt, Louise Lacey and Dr. Ralph Behrens ... "Doctor, tell me... how is it that some people just get better looking with age?" - And look at Murphy - for God's sake! You look like one of those Doctors on the Soaps! Just grow old and sag like the rest of us for crying out loud!
Here we are!
Are you ready for snow...because we are going to get it now!
That's fine - I'll go skiing with my son and daughter if they have time from their university studies.
Maybe even Jane (my wife) will go - if she has a "snow day". She's a teacher you see..
------------------------------------------
Ah my old friend - are you enjoying your life?
I hope so. I think of you every now and then.
This applies to all of you who read this who knew me back in school - back when I knew you to wave to, or say hi to, or to have a smoke out behind the church, or to play guitar with and sing. I knew you when your hair was longer and when we wore a size 24-28 jeans.
As for smoking - well I gave that up when my daughter turned two. She is 22 now.
Below are a couple of pictures. I am so sorry to have to tell you that two lovely girls many of us had known - have passed on.
The first was Joanne Hannan - who I mostly knew as my cousin Greg's (Holden) wife.
The second, just two weeks after was another Joanne - Joanne Cunningham.
Joanne Hannan-Holden was with us at the reunion in May - dancing up a storm with my wife Jane as I sang on stage with our buddies in the band. She and Greg had made another appearance in this blog back in January/Feb when I put in pictures from New Years last. I really expected to dance with her again this New Years. But cancer took her from us all.
Joanne Cunningham, -I had not seen since the hallways, classes and chats in 1972 when if I am not mistaken, she went out with Ward Ross. A week or two ago, Jane asked me if I knew a Joanne Cunningham who had a sister named Gerry. Jane has this habit of reading the obits over coffee in the morning. I said, "Yes - she was one of the brightest most attractive people I knew throughout my high-school years."
Jane passed me the paper.
"Thomas , Joanne Wendy (nee Cunningham).
Suddenly on Saturday, November 17, 2007 at the age of 52.
Survived by her husband Don, children Douglas and Margery,
her mother Sheila Cunningham (Chateauguay), sisters Gerry (Jim Pfeiffer)
Heather Cunningham and her brother Jim Cunningham.
Joanne was a longtime dental hygienist (25 years), an active member of the
Orleans United Church , an Alto in the Carleton University Choir, and
an avid quilter.
Joanne touched many lives with her willingness to always lend a helping hand..."
(Some people never change.)
God she was so sweet -always smiling. So too was her sister Gerry. It has been a long time.
+Friends.jpg)
So yes - here we are.
It is winter.
Joanne Hannan and Jane Ashley McConnell
Joanne Cunningham (Yearbook 1972) (Gerry if you read this, please send us an updated picture.
Thanks, your old friend from the school - Les) I am very pleased Rick Rankin was able to attend the Memorial service in Ottawa area.
Are you ready for snow...because we are going to get it now!
That's fine - I'll go skiing with my son and daughter if they have time from their university studies.
Maybe even Jane (my wife) will go - if she has a "snow day". She's a teacher you see..
------------------------------------------
Ah my old friend - are you enjoying your life?
I hope so. I think of you every now and then.
This applies to all of you who read this who knew me back in school - back when I knew you to wave to, or say hi to, or to have a smoke out behind the church, or to play guitar with and sing. I knew you when your hair was longer and when we wore a size 24-28 jeans.
As for smoking - well I gave that up when my daughter turned two. She is 22 now.
Below are a couple of pictures. I am so sorry to have to tell you that two lovely girls many of us had known - have passed on.
The first was Joanne Hannan - who I mostly knew as my cousin Greg's (Holden) wife.
The second, just two weeks after was another Joanne - Joanne Cunningham.
Joanne Hannan-Holden was with us at the reunion in May - dancing up a storm with my wife Jane as I sang on stage with our buddies in the band. She and Greg had made another appearance in this blog back in January/Feb when I put in pictures from New Years last. I really expected to dance with her again this New Years. But cancer took her from us all.
Joanne Cunningham, -I had not seen since the hallways, classes and chats in 1972 when if I am not mistaken, she went out with Ward Ross. A week or two ago, Jane asked me if I knew a Joanne Cunningham who had a sister named Gerry. Jane has this habit of reading the obits over coffee in the morning. I said, "Yes - she was one of the brightest most attractive people I knew throughout my high-school years."
Jane passed me the paper.
"Thomas , Joanne Wendy (nee Cunningham).
Suddenly on Saturday, November 17, 2007 at the age of 52.
Survived by her husband Don, children Douglas and Margery,
her mother Sheila Cunningham (Chateauguay), sisters Gerry (Jim Pfeiffer)
Heather Cunningham and her brother Jim Cunningham.
Joanne was a longtime dental hygienist (25 years), an active member of the
Orleans United Church , an Alto in the Carleton University Choir, and
an avid quilter.
Joanne touched many lives with her willingness to always lend a helping hand..."
(Some people never change.)
God she was so sweet -always smiling. So too was her sister Gerry. It has been a long time.
+Friends.jpg)
So yes - here we are.
It is winter.
Joanne Hannan and Jane Ashley McConnell
Joanne Cunningham (Yearbook 1972) (Gerry if you read this, please send us an updated picture.
Thanks, your old friend from the school - Les) I am very pleased Rick Rankin was able to attend the Memorial service in Ottawa area.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Reunion - What it Was
So there we were some of us at the school -some not.
Some at the Hilton -some not.
Some at the Alibi-some not.
But that Saturday evening we were in a very unique place.
It was not home - but it certainly was where the heart is-for a moment or two.
We were in a place where some of the things that had lived inside of us for so long finally had a chance to come out.
We were in a place of fantasy.
The little kids inside were able to see who everyone were destined to be.
We traveled through time - to the future from a distant past.
We were also in a charmed and eternal present - renewed by the the knowledge that Mary, Lynda, Richard, John, Colleen, David , Ricky, Jack, Kathy, David, Roddy, Hopeton, Lorraine, A.C., Wayne, Lorraine, Carl, -all of us -everybody there - the ones who contain the old magic- were and are - still there- just a little older.
And when we came together, the sum was greater than the parts.
I do not know if we can ever do it again.
I do not know if I want to .
I do not know if I -"need" to - is more the point.
This was one hell of a get-together.
I have been to a number of these things and this was the greatest.
The memories we created from Friday at the Alibi, the Hilton to 4 a.m.,the kick-off Saturday morning, Tour of the school, Alibi in the afternoon, to the well dressed cocktail party, then onto the dinner event with John, Colleen, Carl, Richard, Kathee, Jacqueline, Debbie, Jimmy and many more, the live band, through to 5:00AM in various rooms, the breakfasts on Sunday and back in Chateauguay - the visits to various people's houses...and the leaving.
This was not "home",
this was not "the school",
this was not "the past".
It was well beyond the "NOW".
It was a spell
that has become
part of our becoming;
part of our mending,
perhaps part of our
completion.
We came to a place like home
and found ourselves
and much more -
with many faces
and many names.
Sure there are a few people
I would have liked
to have seen.
But the best came through.
We laughed,
We cried,
remembered,
hugged and came together.
Community- the fabric of continuance;
no matter where.
You were there or you were square.
Be well Brave souls -life is!
So there we were some of us at the school -some not.
Some at the Hilton -some not.
Some at the Alibi-some not.
But that Saturday evening we were in a very unique place.
It was not home - but it certainly was where the heart is-for a moment or two.
We were in a place where some of the things that had lived inside of us for so long finally had a chance to come out.
We were in a place of fantasy.
The little kids inside were able to see who everyone were destined to be.
We traveled through time - to the future from a distant past.
We were also in a charmed and eternal present - renewed by the the knowledge that Mary, Lynda, Richard, John, Colleen, David , Ricky, Jack, Kathy, David, Roddy, Hopeton, Lorraine, A.C., Wayne, Lorraine, Carl, -all of us -everybody there - the ones who contain the old magic- were and are - still there- just a little older.
And when we came together, the sum was greater than the parts.
I do not know if we can ever do it again.
I do not know if I want to .
I do not know if I -"need" to - is more the point.
This was one hell of a get-together.
I have been to a number of these things and this was the greatest.
The memories we created from Friday at the Alibi, the Hilton to 4 a.m.,the kick-off Saturday morning, Tour of the school, Alibi in the afternoon, to the well dressed cocktail party, then onto the dinner event with John, Colleen, Carl, Richard, Kathee, Jacqueline, Debbie, Jimmy and many more, the live band, through to 5:00AM in various rooms, the breakfasts on Sunday and back in Chateauguay - the visits to various people's houses...and the leaving.
This was not "home",
this was not "the school",
this was not "the past".
It was well beyond the "NOW".
It was a spell
that has become
part of our becoming;
part of our mending,
perhaps part of our
completion.
We came to a place like home
and found ourselves
and much more -
with many faces
and many names.
Sure there are a few people
I would have liked
to have seen.
But the best came through.
We laughed,
We cried,
remembered,
hugged and came together.
Community- the fabric of continuance;
no matter where.
You were there or you were square.
Be well Brave souls -life is!
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