Random thoughts at the end of the year

So another year ends...

Good bye 2015. I don't think too many will miss you.

I won't write about the high points or low points of 2015. Most people already know what they are. And I find as time goes on that I'm getting more cynical about – well pretty much everything.

I do have some observations to share:

– Gallup poll results for the most admired man in the world in 2015:

1.  Barack Obama 

2. (Tie) Pope Francis/Donald Trump

Now those two would make great dancing partners, wouldn't they? One is so good, the other is so bad.

I just said "Huh?"

And I could go into my opinion about this, but it doesn't matter, it won't make a difference, and no one cares.

But I will say: Pope Francis – you rock!



– Now how about that Miss Universe Farce,  Comedy, Gong Show, Pageant?

I have no comments. But I do question the relevance. I mean, what difference does it make to the world [using the word Universe is kind of a stretch] if someone from one country is declared the prettiest, most talented, smartest  of them all? 

After all, quoting our Canadian leader – "because it's 2015!" 

And I think in the interests of equality, there should be a Mr. Universe  contest. Not like those old body-builder or weightlifting ones, but a contest where a man chosen from each country in the universe  world  parades around in a tuxedo, a speedo, and says a few things about world peace and homeless children ...

Never happen.






– Nothing important, nothing earth shattering, just talking the other day about that old phrase, "Every Tom, Dick and Harry."

This has been around since 17th or 18th century, depending on which source one looks at.

Got me thinking... I do know a Tom. But I don't know any Dicks, [well, maybe I do]. And I don't personally know any Harrys. Well, everyone knows Prince Harry and maybe Dirty Harry, Harry Potter, Harry Houdini...

Like I said, nothing important there.



– A few personal items that recently occurred:

At four in the morning of Christmas day, son's dog Roxy had to make an emergency trip to the dog hospital.

Not too many open at four in the morning on Christmas day, but luckily there was one in Langley, well staffed, even, and they were able to fix what ailed her.

And on December 29th, just after 11:30 p.m., while I was working on my computer I heard the sound of a thousand thunderclaps,  a noise I can only describe as huge. Like a big truck crashing into my house [except it didn't move] or an airplane took out the next block of homes, or an asteroid hit the earth.

I did not equate the noise with an earthquake until my son came upstairs and said that's what it was. Nothing moved in my office, nothing swayed or fell off the shelves [and my bookshelves are top-heavy]. There were no flickers of power, the Internet stayed on...

But yes, a 4.8 or 4.9 earthquake struck Vancouver Island a few kilometres northeast of Victoria. And of course today everyone's talking about the big one coming, how we are overdue for it. This type of talk occurs after every shaker in the area.

If there's one thing we can't prevent its earthquakes, so it'll come when it comes. Let's not wring our hands as we wait for it to happen.


– One more thing. The year 2016, when whittled down to its universal number is the number 9. Numerologists state that 9 is the end of a cycle and often marks the completion of things.

Guess we won't know what is completed until it happens.

So Happy New Year, happy 2016 to everyone!

– Cat

Merry Christmas

Santa Claus wears a Red Suit. He must be a communist. And a beard and  long hair, Must be a pacifist. What's in that pipe that he's smoking?

--Arlo Guthrie Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of this day - the birth of Santa? --Bart Simpson (Matt Groening)   There are three stages of man: he believes in Santa Claus; he does not believe in Santa Claus; he is Santa Claus. --Bob Phillips The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live. -- George Carlin   Christmas Shopping In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukka' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukka!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!' --Dave Barry When we recall Christmas past we usually find that the simplest things, not the great occasions, give off the greatest glow of happiness.” --Bob Hope     Have a good one! – Cat