From the Desk of Murray Lincoln

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Wednesday, January 1, 2014

I woke up this morning and said ‘Good Lord what happened!?’

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I woke up this morning and said ‘Good Lord what happened!?’

Way to PM Stephen Harper and your Conservative Cronies – you have done it again! Wahoo! No holes in your ears! (See my yesterday’s blog post).

I woke up this morning to find out my dimmer switch for turning down my lights to a romantic level will soon no longer work. Poof – a Conservative initiative they say. How could this happen? Well you can no longer buy the old bulbs that the dimmers worked with and the new bulbs will not work with dimmers.

I woke up this morning to find out that all jobs that were once filled with foreign workers will have to now be filled with Canadian workers. And this is especially true of the strippers, exotic dancers, escorts, and all things done by massage parlours. The Conservatives claim that this was an ugly “Liberal ideal” to have these sexy ladies doing this stuff in our lovely and pure land of Canada. Conservatives are now insisting that the local Canadian unemployed workers be given the opportunity and that foreign workers that have been doing this work WILL BE STOPPED. Should an employer be caught bringing sexy ladies into our fine land to do this work… the employer will be subjected to stiff penalties.

You’re kidding me! In other words the Conservatives want our own daughters and wives doing this kind of stuff!

If it was a really a Liberal ideal to have it the way the Conservatives said they did… it was better than my granddaughter up there doing that stuff… or your granddaughter.

Now I know that sounds like a stupid rave on my part… but when my rave is placed beside Conservatives stupid ideas… mine isn’t stupid.

Wouldn’t it be better to close down places that hire strippers and exotic dancers – or all the other places that do these things? I don’t think that it is good for foreigners or homies to do this kind of thing for any low life drooling over his drink as the poor person has to strip!

Don’t you feel the same way?

Whoa! Did I make this stuff up? Nope – check out http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/new-year-will-see-changes-to-light-bulbs-foreign-worker-program-1.2479559

But no – PM Stephen Harper has to have an issue and then solve a problem.

I woke up this morning to find out that there is a new measure of Tax rules now in place. Things will change for the E.I. rates and an apparent Tax Program additive called a “zapper” will now become severely illegal with huge fines. Should anyone be creating a “zapper”, he is she will be zapped out of existence with mega-millions fines.

Sheesh I never even knew there was a “zapper” but my suspicions are that it is a Conservative trick to get people’s attention away from the real problem – “Political Zappers” that sit in the Senate and have been elected to the House of Commons (Parliament) that have been sucking Canadians dry for every cent they can get…. FOR YEARS!

Political Zappers come in all colours – Blue, Red, Orange and Green – all our Canadian political parties. And it is easily assumed here that the leaders of the parties are the biggest zappers going.

I woke up this morning to find that folk born and raised in other parts of the world that now live in Canada as citizens are going to be able reunite their parents living overseas with their family living in Canada. In other words they will have more ease of bringing Mom and Dad to Canada to live.

Do you think that maybe – just maybe that the Conservatives are smart enough to think that the newly minted Canadians that are brought over by their Children and also the Children might just offer a VOTE for the CONSERVATIVES in the next election?!?!? DUH?!

I have nothing against people honestly applying and being granted a place in our great country. Immigrants you are welcome in my mind. BUT when it is done in a way that Political Zappers can get access to more and more of my own money… that is nuts.

I woke up this morning to the fact that Conservative majority Governments are a pain in the… you know where.

But as I thought of it more… no foreign strippers or exotic dancers will be allowed… but if Foreigner… Granny or Gramps has been involved in the business they will be okay. They will be Canadian citizens and could apply now. But the dimmer bulbs used in the clubs and bars where these people might work cannot be dimmed any longer… it will be bright and glaring… and should a “zapper’ be involved in anything to do with taxes – God help the folk involved there. But God help Canadians if they ever vote in another Big C Blue machine again. But then what choice will anyone have.

Dictatorship… hmmm? Nope we have had that for the last few years… when only one person and one party and one set of cronies knows what is best for you.

Good morning – it is 2014! Yikes.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Food Court-ology – the basic study of creatures that come to the City’s Watering Hole at the Mall – Part Two

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Food Court-ology – the basic study of creatures that come to the City’s Watering Hole at the Mall – Part Two

It had to be Christmas that brought out the really different people. Mind you Peterborough has large number of very different people – but this Holiday Season the Mall was filled with more than usual… thus the assumption that they came from other places… or came home for the holidays.

Let me explain.

Standing in front of me was the strangest looking guy that I have seen for a long time. He was tall and when I looked up my eye caught the attention getter that he was sporting. He had huge ear plugs in his earlobe. By huge I mean they were at least two inches across. His poor earlobe was stretched to go around the ring plug he has selected for that day. The skin of that stretched part was almost purple but stayed at a rose red colour. He and his studded female friend in the line had just come in from outside. And OUTSIDE was about Minus 14 C!

The poor ear lobes were just on the verge of freezing I imagine.

Now how do I know all this… well it is my task as I pursue my Food Court-ology that I look closely. And having him situate himself in the food lineup – right in front with my nose almost in the ear plug ring – I could see quite well.

Mr. Ear Plug Ring Guy may be the nicest guy you could ever meet, but he seemed to bristle with the plugs and studs in other parts of his body. Like he was saying, “I am purposely weird to make you freak out as you see me. I may be your Cancer Specialist or Cardiologist in a year of so… until then you have to just deal with what you see.”

No kidding this ringed and stapled and punched out and studded up next generation will be looking after us oldies soon. And other than be freaked out when the guy comes in with no earlobe(as it froze and then fell off) I guess he can advise me on my personal hygiene as a Senior sitting in his Office as Doctor.

No kidding… at the Mall there are all kinds of Geeks and Freaks that are there just for the observing.

Not long after seeing the dude with the plugs/rings I was reading an article in the latest National Geographic Magazine. The article was about a group of Aboriginal people leaving near the Amazon River in Brazil. They have their children’s ears pierced and a plug inserted – about the size of a Magic Marker. They believe that the extra hole in the ear opens the mind to understand better. Their word in their language for “Stupid” is simple described as “no hole in the ear”! In other words if you don’t have a plug in your ear – you are dumb or stupid!

Relating that back to the dude in Lansdowne Place Food Court, I can easily assume the statement I make about his being a Doctor in the near future is true.

I am off again to do more study at the Mall’s Food Court today. Too cold outside to do much more – so inside for coffee and watch people again. University students and High School students are still off – so it should be a good day to collect more data.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

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Sunday, December 29, 2013

Food Court-ology – the basic study of creatures that come to the City’s Watering Hole at the Mall – Part One

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“Misty Hollow Carving” was launched in October 2008

Misty Hollow Digital Images were launched on September 26, 2012.

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Food Court-ology – the basic study of creatures that come to the City’s Watering Hole at the Mall – Part One

Every day or so we make our way to the Local Mall, Lansdowne Place, to shop, and then eventually have a cup of coffee. My wife does the shopping and I continue my personal study which I have labeled, “Food Court-ology”.

What is “Food Court-ology” you may ask?

Well the Food Court at any Mall is a gathering place for all kinds of local species. It is a lot like the huge watering holes you will see in Africa where all kinds of different “animals” gather for a long drink after a hot day of walking. Some are there to drink and some are there to capture their prey for that night. The Watering Hole is the attraction and all kinds come. The Food Court is the very same – all kinds come. And they all come for different reasons.

In my “Food Court-ology” course of study I have identified a number of kinds of characters. They are all of the same species but very different in their attitudes and displays of their personhood.

Let me explain and show what I have seen.

There are the Teenies, young teen girlies that are just discovering that they are the complete center of the universe… and being that they are all together and each in their own way at the center of the universe where everything revolves around them… there is a great struggle in that each one is trying to hold that CENTRAL POINT… but only one can stay at that place.

The conflict comes as they try to unseat the other.

Now along with the Teenie Girlies come the Odd Ball Teenie Guys. These creatures are just discovering that they are different than their siblings back home. They have hair growing in odd places and nearly all have not learned how to dress for public presentation. They are generally “gooberish” in that they wear clothes that don’t fit and do not match anything. Their hats are positioned at an array of possible spots on their heads. The hat can be pulled down tight with the ears almost covered… or the ears can be out somewhat but below the mass of hair that sticks out at weird places. Should someone grab his hat off his head the mortification factor nearly causes the young dude to die on the spot. (It is usually one of the Teenie Girlie creatures that steals the hat as she is looking to be the center of the universe.)

The Teenie Guys are to be stepped on, used as foot rests, and generally looked upon with simmering disgust by the Girlies… until she takes his cap and a struggle ensues.

Next comes the “Senior Highers” or “Abouttograduate Teeners”. These gals are so far advanced in their world progress that they want nothing to do with trying to be the center of the universe – they simply are. They flip their hair a certain way, gently keep pulling down one of their three layered tops over their skin tight leg coverings – which can he tights, blue jeans or whatever will show your growing butt off best. While sitting with their close friends of that moment, their eyes constantly flash glances out to a moving world around them. Should a guy that they knew in Grade Nine happen by… and he has evolved into a hunk with his hunk friends hanging with him… fluttering of recognition will take place… a smile and then a small wave. Then the gush and double gush as he comes to the table with his wary friends.

Have in mind a Female Lion just having stopped a fantastic Bush Buck… and the Bush Buck’s friends are looking on very carefully… “Like dude… she is not the only thing here at the Watering Hole! Danger! Danger!”

Then there are the “Seniors of the Mall” – retirees from the community. The ones that are too old to go south because of high insurance costs. These “Seniors of the Mall” have their own ruts at the watering hole… and don’t you forget it. If perchance you get there a little earlier than their group you will cause some regal stare downs if you are sitting in their place or at their table. One time not long ago the Mall Food Court was full. One of the “Seniors of the Mall” had situated himself at their favorite table for his 3 PM meeting with his group… but it was 1:30 PM – a little early.

To have some fun I sat down at one of the six empty chairs which immediately ruffled his feathers and he told me that these seats were saved. I informed him that his group wouldn’t be here till later… and I would be done my coffee by that time. He wouldn’t look at me.

Lord oh Lord – you would think that we were back in high school and the favorite cafeteria table again!!!

Food Court-ology is a real course in Human Interaction at a favorite watering hole…

More to come soon… where you can meet or see the Freaks and Geeks, Weird-o-s and simply Sad People…next posting.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

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Friday, December 27, 2013

Christmas – Transformed into a “socialist’s festival for peace”

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Christmas – Transformed into a “socialist’s festival for peace”

Yes you read that right – Christmas was transformed into a “socialist’s festival for peace”. It happened in Germany – East Germany to be exact when the Communist Government of Russia took control of its people. Being that their Government was “atheist and anti-materialist” and wouldn’t allow Jesus nor Santa Claus to be part of their communities – they had to give it some kind of name that no one else used!

It isn’t that way any longer after the 1990 fall of the Wall and the transformation that started to take place.

But even though the political leaders of the time forced these radical ideologies on its population – the wood carvers would not stop doing what they had always had done – carve beautiful creations – just the way they always had.

I found this interesting article about the undying spirit of people that deserve better treatment than they had received. My hat goes off to these amazing people of Germany – the Wood Carvers.

You might like to read more about what actually took place in this article from the Global Post - Germany: “How Christmas survived communism”

Mind you – today they are trying their hardest to maintain “Father Christmas’” place in their society versus the American/Coca Cola style of Santa Claus… which is most of our Western World’s way of looking at the old dude.

One part of my soul and self is German – I think you would classify it as at least 25% with Great Grandparents coming to the USA first from Germany, and then eventually to Canada. When I read the article something inside me stood up proudly and said, “Ja. Vielen Dank Holzschnitzer”

~ Murray Lincoln ~

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Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Christmas’ Old, Old Story told again this evening

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Christmas’ Old, Old Story told again this evening

As we sang the old carols again this evening there was a warmth in the sanctuary. Together in the dimmed light we enjoyed the pleasant memories that flooded each of us from a long time ago.

Each year Northview Church gets together on Christmas Eve to remember again the time long ago when Jesus was born. If it was the actual date or not – it doesn’t matter for any of us. We were raised to remember Jesus’ birthday.

Tonight at the end of the service the Children’s Pastor Heather brought out a large Birthday Cake and the kids came forward to blow out the candles together – for our benediction to a wonderful service together. Then each child was given a balloon on a string to help remember what we did.

It was a creative night with much to think about.

I smiled as we left the building to enter the cold wind outside. For a number there tonight it may be their last time to do this. They are getting old and frail. Others are moving away. Things change whether we want it to or not.

That fact alone makes this night special. It makes each moment together meaningful. I have learned to take nothing for granted – at all.

It is Christmas Eve as I write this… and I say – “Merry Christmas to each of you – wherever you may be this year!”

~ Murray Lincoln ~

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Friday, December 20, 2013

Christmas Sadness - Joy, Peace, Love

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Christmas Sadness - Joy, Peace, Love

Joy, Peace, Love, and all kinds of Happy People – everywhere! Well maybe not in the Malls and at stores as they finish their last minute shopping. Some are a little frazzled to say the least.

But the church sign states that Christmas is all about Joy, Peace, and Love.

But that is not necessarily true.

Some of my friends have lost loves ones this year. The place setting that is normally for that special family member is now empty. One chair is not needed. There is a void.

The family will not get a Card this year from Grandma because Grandma, who was always all things “Christmas” – decorations, and Christmas Treats, extra baking and all that she did, is gone. It will not happen. Grandma is gone.

One family I know lost their 16 year daughter and this year she will be dearly missed. Even approaching the Christmas Tree and the start of giving out of the gifts will not be the same. When the rotation took place and Dad gave out each gift, his daughter had a unique place as being in the middle of all the kids… and there will be no gifts for that one.

If that family pauses to consider the Joy, Peace, and Love – it will have a different meaning for sure.

No one will be able to describe the empty and hollow feeling that comes from knowing that Dad will never laugh again with the family.

No one will ever be able to tell you what it is like to want to call the person that you call each year at this time to share your memories of the past 12 months. They can no longer answer the call. There is no one home… in fact the home was sold earlier in the year when the death took place.

This time of year special people are empty and homes are too quiet. I think of my friend’s family as they are no longer there for the celebration – and I can do nothing to help.

I wanted to yell out to the church with the sign… “That won’t happen for everyone – take the sign down!!”

Yet I have to remember that the God that allowed his Son to come in an expression of His Great Love – lived like we live and loved the same too. And Yes God – I do believe in that wonderful message of Joy, Peace, and Love.

I pray for all those that lost loved ones this year and the year before.

I am also praying for all the folk that are recovering in the hospital. Guys like Paul Munro that is 53, just had a massive stroke and may lose a number of his abilities to cope with life. Their family will concentrate around his bed this year… celebrating will change. But Paul is alive and the stroke could have been worse.

I pray for my Uncle Irving today. This weekend he will enter a Hospice home to begin the last days with the help that he will need. Irving has found out that the cancer that he had has now developed in his brain and it is very serious. He has lived a long life – but will be dearly missed. Having this all happen at Christmas is very difficult for all the family… as some of them spend time with their kids along ways from where Dad and Mom are… then face the New Year with the next step his “home going”.

Then again it is closer to home each day for my wife and me. Each morning I go into to wake my mother I am never sure if she will be able to get up one more time. Her hope is to die quietly in her sleep. And now at 92 – almost 93 – I am never sure if last night was her last night with us. As her abilities and mobility decrease I wish that she could have her final wish… but until that happens there will be one more Christmas with us. Then I think in every action that we do together… could this be the last time I help her.

Joy, Peace, and Love are there, but at times it hard to remember how I should act.

God, please help my friends that are facing this difficult season. Thanks so much.

~ Murray Lincoln ~

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