IIDD, Feb 15th

Nothing is so firmly believed as what is least known. -Michel de Montaigne, essayist (1533-1592)  

Please help us protect Canada’s spectacular coast and create a better energy plan.

 

 The Vancouver International Writers Festival requests the pleasure of your attendance for
An evening with Pico Iyer
in conversation with Louise Dennys.

Pico Iyer is the author of several books about cultures converging, including Video Night in Kathmandu, The Lady and the Monk, The Global Soul, and Abandon. His articles appear often in such magazines as Harper's, Time, and the New York Review of Books. His new book, The Man Within My Head, deals with Graham Greene, fathers and hauntedness. In 1995 the Utne Reader called Iyer "one of 100 visionaries worldwide who could change your life." He lives in suburban Japan.

Louise Dennys began her own publishing house at age 25 and helped build Lester & Orpen Dennys into an international Canadian publishing house. Today she heads the leading publishing imprints, Knopf Canada, Random House Canada, and Vintage Canada. Louise was twice voted Editor of the Year by the CBA. A former President of PEN Canada, she has been a longtime PEN Board member. She received an Honorary Degree in Law from Bishop's University in 2004, and received the Order of Canada for service to Canadian culture in 2005.

Pico Iyer in conversation with Louise Dennys
An Incite special event
7:30 pm Monday February 20
The Improv Centre
1502 Duranleau Street
Granville Island
Please join us for a 6:15 pm pre-show reception with Pico Iyer and Louise Dennys. Light refreshments and wine will be served.

Hi Sandra!

Trust you are well!

As per my telephone message, Corinne and I would be more than delighted to attend the Pico Iyer Reception this coming Monday. Thanks. Cheers, Patrizzio!

                                   Cybill Shepherd in “Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith”

Hi Patrick,

Confirming you for two at the reception and the following event at which you
will have reserved seating.

Regards, Sandra

Hi Grogg and Lurch!

Not sure where you plan to stay when in Vancouver but The Annexe is free so you are welcome to bunk there if you so desire. We won't even have to change the sheets that Tina has used!

On Monday one of us, (Most likely me as our Strata AGM is that night as well!), is attending a VIWF reception, Pico Iyer in conversation with Louise Dennys. There is a pre-show reception at 6:30pm, with Pico Iyer and Louise Dennys, and then the event at The Improv Centre on Granville Island, at 7:30 pm.

Pizza on Sunday sounds fine. However, with Cora Lee's gluten-free diet, we have been using Rocky Mountain Flat Bread Co.:

http://www.rockymountainflatbread.ca/menus/index.html

1876 W 1st Avenue, between Cypress & Burrard.Tel: 604 730 0321 Email: kits@rockymountainflatbread.ca or info@rockymountainflatbread.ca

and The Goils think it is terrific.

Anyway, let me know how you'd like to proceed and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: Almost forgot, had to sell your guitar as Flamin' needed more tiles for their bathroom! Didn't get as much as we'd hoped as Molly had been chewing on the case and Dusty dropped his hammer on the guitar itself when Kid Chelene took it out to play a few licks. 

Greetings from New Plymouth!
Already booked at hotel, but thanks for offer-clean sheets are over rated.

Sunday with you & Cora Lee would be great-is it just you 2 , or do you have other visitors?

If Cora Lee is mobile, we could go out to somewhere nearby?

If not, something in would great.

We can do Monday "take away" or pizzas/Chinese with the returning skiers to make it easy on their weary après ski legs. Loki forward to seeing you all! G&F

 

 

Pallas Athena, Vienna, Austria

Photo: David Ryan Photography

Palladium

After Athena (also known as Pallas Athena), a goddess in Greek mythology. She was the daughter of Zeus and was born fully-grown from his forehead. Palladium was a statue of Athena that was believed to protect Troy.

Hello Again!
Back on the 19th, but heading to Island Tuesday AM, the 21st.
We'll see if we can maybe get together for a bit on the night of 20th?
Something easy like pizzas and beer/wine? We could arrange, if it works.

Pat, do you you want to get together on the Sunday night?

Cheers to all, and great skiing! Gregg & Francesca 

  Hi Grogg and Lurch!

Not sure where you plan to stay when in Vancouver but The Annexe is free so you are welcome to bunk there if you so desire. We won't even have to change the sheets that Tina has used!

On Monday one of us, (Most likely me as our Strata AGM is that night as well!), is attending a VIWF reception, Pico Iyer in conversation with Louise Dennys:

Pico Iyer is the author of several books about cultures converging, including Video Night in Kathmandu, The Lady and the Monk, The Global Soul, and Abandon. His articles appear often in such magazines as Harper's, Time, and the New York Review of Books. His new book, The Man Within My Head, deals with Graham Greene, fathers and hauntedness. In 1995 the Utne Reader called Iyer "one of 100 visionaries worldwide who could change your life." He lives in suburban Japan.

Louise Dennys began her own publishing house at age 25 and helped build Lester & Orpen Dennys into an international Canadian publishing house. Today she heads the leading publishing imprints, Knopf Canada, Random House Canada, and Vintage Canada. Louise was twice voted Editor of the Year by the CBA. A former President of PEN Canada, she has been a longtime PEN Board member. She received an Honorary Degree in Law from Bishop's University in 2004, and received the Order of Canada for service to Canadian culture in 2005.

There is a pre-show reception at 6:30pm, with Pico Iyer and Louise Dennys, and then the event at The Improv Centre on Granville Island, at 7:30 pm.

Pizza on Sunday sounds fine. However, with Cora Lee's gluten-free diet, we have been using Rocky Mountain Flat Bread Co.:

http://www.rockymountainflatbread.ca/menus/index.html

1876 W 1st Avenue, between Cypress & Burrard.Tel: 604 730 0321 Email: kits@rockymountainflatbread.ca or info@rockymountainflatbread.ca

and The Goils think it is terrific.

Anyway, let me know how you'd like to proceed and we'll plan accordingly. Cheers, Patrizzio!

PS: Almost forgot, had to sell your guitar as Flamin' needed more tiles for their bathroom! Didn't get as much as we'd hoped as Molly had been chewing on the case and Dusty dropped his hammer on the guitar itself when Kid Chelene took it out to play a few licks.

Reality, Randy's Dentist and The Cloven Pine!

In case you fear a continuation of this, relax.  Ann and I are away to Madeira next week and Northern Cyprus the week after, and I will not be inter-netting during that time - opportunity to recover from internet madness. Dana

Hi Dana et al!

Have a wonderful trip! Never been to Madeira, ("Have some Madeira, My Dear/It'd ever so much nicer than beer!" Limelighters, I think, if my memory serves me well.), but enjoyed Northern Cyprus in 2007 with Cora Lee and Chloë. I lived near Morphou, (Can't remember Turkish name.), for nine years, (1948-1957), when my Dad worked for an American owned copper mining company, Cyprus Mines Corporation, CMC. Not much evidence of the various communities associated with the operation left now. Only the nine-hole golf course, with oiled sand "greens". We carried foot wide, flat "trowels" to smooth the path for the ball. I couldn't believe grass greens when I first encountered them back in Canada!

Will you be visiting Kyrenia? I used to paddle and play on small sandy beach near the Castle there. Hadn't heard of Othello or Desdemona or Iago then. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi, Pat,

Haven't prepared much for our visit, so not sure what we'll see. Planning on walking a lot though. Our hotel is very near the golf course which is supposed to be one of the best in Europe. How things change. I'm not a golfer though. Not expecting to do much paddling either. May give a thought to Desdemona. Dana

It's Güzelyurt, of course.

Bless you!

Hello Translators!

And here I thought it was "Gesundheit"! Güzelyurt is a fabulous Turkish yogurt that one eats with dates and pomegranate! Cheers, Patrizzio!

 For that special evening on an Italian Cruise Ship…

Coriandre: 

Here is the web address fro Gander's blog:

http://randallnadeau0430.blogspot.com/

Hi,

Here's a short blog about three front-page news items of the past week.  I guess I would rather read about this than the bombing of Hama and Homs.

http://rln003.blogspot.com/2012/02/whats-everybody-talking-about.html

Randy

Are you lads still planning a ride tomorrow? I'm available 12 on. Know you have some restrictions Pat, but we might be able to work something. Ray

Hi guys, Not sure about myself going and will have to play by ear, the weather did look promising but now not so much. Will check in manana. Al

Dečki / caballeros,

Had an "emengency" at my parents today, hence I am doing my Spanish homework tomorrow as that is my class day.

Pero no me olvides, ¡voy a andar de nuevo!

más adelante//bjp 

But do not forget, I will walk again!
later / / bjp

Hi Lads!

Looks like I'll be available about 12:30pm. If that suits, let me know
rendezvous point. How about Seymour? Desperately seeking advice. Il
Conduttore! 

Sorry lads, I cannot join you today.

I am not leaving town as previously suggested so may be able to get out
later in the week if that is in the offing. Enjoy, G 

Pat,
It's probably a bit late as I have to be back by 2:30. Ray

Hi Guys,

I have a golf game at 1:15 in Richmond but thought I could squeeze in a
quick ride around the park if you're heading out Pat , Ray? . Also thought I
could look at your bike carrier thing Pat if time allows?

Let me know. Al.

Hi Big Al et al!

Seems as if Whirlygig and Robo Ray are unable to ride today. I have to take our friend, Tina, to YVR, leaving The Island Inn at 11:30am, so an earlier ride won't work for me. On the other hand, I could meet you somewhere in Richmond to take a look at bike rack, if that suits your schedule. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Jill Somer

Thank you so much for the card. Many hugs! 

This week the Vendimia harvest festival events kick off in Mendoza.

Amanda Barnes is a British journalist living in Mendoza and this year will be enjoying her third Vendimia in the beautiful city of sun and wine!

Hi Lads and female companions!

Foist and foremost, I'd like to thank everyone for the wonderful food! I mentioned to Whirlygig, on our ride today, that I felt a tad embarrassed that I had not put out the sausages and potatoe dish I had planned to offer as by the time everything else was on the table it seemed as if there was more than plenty to go around. I trust nobody went hungry as a result. Anyway, many thanks, once again, for all the lovely dishes.

Puzzled, as many of us were, by the ending, I decided to take a look at Wikipedia and this is some of what I discovered:

Endings

At the time of its release, many rumors surrounded the ending of Apocalypse Now. Coppola stated an ending was written in haste in which Willard and Kurtz joined forces and repelled the air strike on the compound; however, Coppola never fully agreed with the two going out in apocalyptic intensity, preferring to end the film in a more encouraging manner.

When Coppola originally organized the ending of the movie, he had two choices. One involved Willard leading Lance by the hand as everyone in Kurtz's base throws down their weapons, and ends with images of Willard's boat pulling away from Kurtz's compound superimposed over the face of a stone idol which then fades into black. Another option showed an air strike being called and the base being blown to bits in a spectacular display, consequently killing everyone left at the base.

The original 1979 70 mm exclusive theatrical release ended with Willard's boat, the stone statue, then fade to black with no credits, save for '"Copyright 1979 Omni Zoetrope"' right after the film ends. This mirrors the lack of any opening titles and supposedly stems from Coppola's original intention to "tour" the film as one would a play: the credits would have appeared on printed programs provided before the screening began.

There have been, to date, many variations of the end credit sequence, beginning with the 35mm general release version, where Coppola elected to show the credits superimposed over shots of Kurtz's base exploding. Rental prints circulated with this ending, and can be found in the hands of a few collectors. Some versions of this had the subtitle "A United Artists release", while others had "An Omni Zoetrope release". The network television version of the credits ended with "...from MGM/UA Entertainment Company" (the film made its network debut shortly after the merger of MGM and UA). One variation of the end credits can be seen on both YouTube and as a supplement on the current Lionsgate Blu-ray.

In any case, when Coppola heard that audiences interpreted this as an air strike called by Willard, Coppola pulled the film from its 35 mm run, and put credits on a black screen. (However, prints with the "air strike" footage continued to circulate to "repertory" theatres well into the 1980s.) In the DVD commentary, Coppola explains that the images of explosions had not been intended to be part of the story; they were intended to be seen as completely separate from the film. He had added them to the credits because he had captured the footage during the demolition of the sets (required by the Philippine government), which was filmed with multiple cameras fitted with different film stocks and lenses to capture the explosions at different speeds.

In the Redux Version, Willard silences the radio as the PBR is pulling away from Kurtz's compound. It is unclear whether Willard then points the boat upstream or downstream. Just before fading to black, Kurtz's last words "the horror" are echoed and there is a brief glimpse of helicopters and napalm that harks back to the beginning of the film.

At any rate, helped to clarify some of confusion, for me at least. Keep forgetting that the editing, for all intents and purposes, determines the film audiences see. Am reminded, in a somewhat similar vein, of John Folwes' revision of The Magus, originally published in 1965, in 1977.

Look forward to following/participating in the NRBC "chatter" when away. Thanks for best wishes. Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Moe!

Thanks again for wonderful ice-cream! A real treat!!

As well, thanks for forwarding epub copy of Hero. Unfortunately, I cannot seem to open it. Do you have any suggestions? Not a big deal but I would probably take it on my iPad if I can open it. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Whirlygig!

This is why you probably didn't receive original message:

The mail system

: host mx.svc.telus.net[204.209.205.52] said: 552 5.2.0
ZdPf1i00z2wf3DJ01dPgYH Message is too big (in reply to end of DATA command)

This is what I received after I sent your the file! Cheers, Il Conduttore!

Hi Tiptoe!

Loved the arachnids! Liked the one that looked like a tarantula the best!!!

Hi Brenda Louise!

Glad your changeover is finished! I have to keep myself from taking up offers to manage millions from Nigeria. Seems like easier than winning the lottery! I agree about Ann and Christmas party but didn't feel quite as strongly about Control's seat.

Had a grand ride with Whirlygig and Raymondo this afternoon. Just before noon I took Her Majesty to the Pan Pacific where she was attending BC's National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, (established in 2003), an invitee of VPL. Back home to meet lads and we proceeded to do an up-and-over LG, going as far as Argyle, in West Van, before returning. Quite a strong headwind as we rode towards Stanley Park but, surprisingly, not bad on the bridge deck itself.

Both Giorgio and Raymondo had commitments later in afternoon so after we waved goodbye, (Ray at Cypress, Whirlissimo at Macdonald), I continued on to UBC and made a foray into campus to given me requisite distance to lob 72.33K on odometre by time I was back at The HeartBreak Terrace.  Off to watch a recorded episode of MI-5. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Lake Taupoites!

We spent a night there in '92. Bought two rugby shirts at a local store.

Had a grand ride with Whirlygig and Raymondo this afternoon. Just before noon I took Her Majesty to the Pan Pacific where she was attending BC's National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, (established in 2003), an invitee of VPL. Back home to meet lads and we proceeded to do an up-and-over LG, going as far as Argyle, in West Van, before returning. Quite a strong headwind as we rode towards Stanley Park but, surprisingly, not bad on the bridge deck itself.

Both Giorgio and Raymondo had commitments later in afternoon so after we waved goodbye, (Ray at Cypress, Whirlissimo at Macdonald), I continued on to UBC and made a foray into campus to given me requisite distance to lob 72.33K on odometre by time I was back at The HeartBreak Terrace.


Cora Lee is chatting, as I scribe, with Ayn/Teens about her arrival time tomorrow. Off to watch a recorded episode of MI-5 and have a late dinner, once The Sisterhood stop talking! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Nadeau Clan et al!

Fine by me! Cheers, Patrizzio, but a figment of everyone's imagination, including his own!


Hi Peggster!

Trust you are well. Mr Fixit tells me that you are becoming the Bridge Queen of St John's! We've had a number of games since he has been here and enjoy learning at the foot of the Master, although it would be great if you were here to keep him in check!

Took Clara and Dusty to YVR last Friday morning at 6:00am. They were flying to Orlando to meet George and Barb, their son/daughter-in-law, for a Caribbean cruise. Interestingly enough, it is on the same vessel, Norwegian Sun, that we, (together with Flamin'/Sarge, Grog/Lurchesca), sailed on when we went around The Horn in 2008.

Chauffeured Her Goutness, (Did you know she is recovering from a foot operation on December 9th? Was healing nicely until a week ago, last Sunday, when she had a nasty allergic reaction to something! Slowly on the mend as of this writing.), to dottore later that morning and visited Marquis Wines, nearbye, while she was being poked and prodded. Picked up a Portuguese red, 2009 Portada, Vinho Regional Lisboa, 12%, a blend of Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon. Never had it before so looking forward to tasting it.

Went to Fifth Avenue Cinemas on Sunday afternoon to see Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Enjoyed it immensely, terrifically solid cast all around. Gary Oldman captured George Smiley's character rather nicely, at least we thought so. Didn't particularly like ending, only licence taken with book, but otherwise it was a remarkable film adaptation.

Had a grand ride with Whirlygig and Raymondo yesterday afternoon. Just before noon I took Her Majesty to the Pan Pacific where she was attending BC's National Award for Canadian Non-Fiction, (established in 2003), an invitee of VPL. Charlotte Gill won for Eating Dirt. Saw her at the VIWF this past October. Pleased she took prize. Back home to meet lads and we proceeded to do an up-and-over LG, going as far as Argyle, in West Van, before returning. Quite a strong headwind as we rode towards Stanley Park but, surprisingly, not bad on the bridge deck itself.

Both Giorgio and Raymondo had commitments later in afternoon so after we waved goodbye, (Ray at Cypress, Whirlissimo at Macdonald), I continued on to UBC and made a foray into campus to given me requisite distance to lob 72.33K on odometre by time I was back at The Heart Break Terrace.

Clan Sutherland and rest of The Freeloaders will be here for dinner tonight. Mr Fixit and Cora Lee will pick up Tina, friend from Australia, at airport around 5:00pm as rest of us will be curling last game of regular season. Should be fun all around. Gather we have a lock on first place, as of last week's play. Team we face tonight, Team Noble, are great lads so it will be more for bragging rights than anything else. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Goils!

Dateline Guayabitos, Nayarit:

Apparently The Yoga Queen of La Peñita is being rushed to the hospital as I file this field report, babbling about mothers mixing Coke with pre-mixed baby formula instead of using ancient grains for Pablum-like feedings! We have a source in the Psych Unit there and will keep everyone posted. Rumour has that she is in a straight-jacket but with her flexibility staff are worried she will be able to slip her bonds so they are putting tranqs in her herbal tea. When George heard the news he mentioned it to Clarisse and Dusty. Coat Hanger had to have a triple rum 'n coke, (light on the latter out of respect for the Agneeeeeeeeeta), to calm his nerves!!! Cheers, Your Roving Reporter, Patrizzio, "Have Laptop. Will Travel"!
Hi MQS!

Happy Valentines Day to you as well!!!

I'm working on an exhibition of candid shots of The Royal Foot and plan to have a grand opening once we are back at The Island Inn at the end of May. Have attached a few less graphic images for the squeamish. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Champagne!

Great jokes! I have attached one for you and O Susannah!

With respect to medical questionnaire, I won't be able to answer it truthfully, (one question), until after next Tuesday as that's when I have my medical. I trust this will be okay. Cheers, Patrizzio!

My place would be available for a suitable date in March for the Korda evening, who I see is the son of the British film producer and a prolific writer.  Guy

Guy,

Thanks for offering to host the next gathering. Do you have a preference for either the 25^th of March or the 1 April? Or please suggest another date. George

Either the 25th or the 1st are open for me, but in light of Dave's plans, and some talk of Nancy and I going on vacation possibly starting in early April, the 25th seems the more prudent choice. Guy

Chloe Alexis Dunn

‎2 days left.......then wine.

Hello trusted loved ones, if you have a moment please have a look at the attached cover letter and resume and let me know what you think? thanks, I also have attached the job posting in the link below.
xx chloe

I found the following listing on CharityVillage.com and thought you might be
interested: Vancouver Program Coordinator

Click on the link below to view the listing or copy and paste the link into your web site browser:

http://www.charityvillage.com/cvnet/viewlisting.aspx?id=247775  

clo,

you have an excellent editorial team but just so we don't all send you the same suggestions/editions, why don't you have one person go through it and then pass it along to someone else to add their contributions and thoughts.  there is no point in us all sending you changes without seeing the new and improved version.  i see several changes you should make but can't look at this until after 9pm this evening. let me know what you get back at that point and forward me the most recent edition at that point and i would be happy to take it from there. xoxoxo looks like a great opportunity!

(by the way, jacob's nephew and alli's niece were both involved with starlight throughout their successful childhood cancer treatments. what a fabulous organization to be involved with! Maya 

Your resume appears pretty tight but have Mom review your cover letter with you and spice it up. It sounds very junior to me and generic…you need to incorporate some of your individual qualities to appear more dynamic…which you are J

Close with strong points as to why they should make time to see you and whey you’re the person for this position

Jill Somer  "Thank you so much for the card. Many hugs! "

 Hi Jill!

Trust all goes well on Skopelos but we are wondering how the economic situation is affecting life on the island. Please pass along fond regards to friends we met. 2007 seems like light years away!

On March 5th Corinne and I are off to Hong Kong for five nights, then to Australia for two months and finally to Japan for three weeks. Will be back home on May 31st! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick

I am glad to hear that Wayne is playing bridge as he does love the game but doesn't get many opportunities here.  I am enjoying being home looking after Emma and playing bridge.
Say hello to all for me.  I hope Wayne is not considered one of the free loaders.  He is supposed to be earning his keep.

Hi Peggster!

Don't worry, Mr. Fixit is earning his keep! However, he did come upstairs with Harry and Adam last night for a a few snorts. I gather Mark's flight wasn't in until later. Had not met Adam before so was pleased to do so. Lads didn't stay too long as they all had to be away by 6:30am next morning for Whistler! Will be pretty damn quiet all weekend with entire Clan Sutherland on the mountain!

On Wednesday I took Tina, (Friend visiting from Adelaide. Cora Lee and Mr. Fixit picked her up on Tuesday evening as we were all curling!), to the airport, just before noon. She was flying to join her husband, Trevor, in Kamloops, to ski at Sun Peaks. They will stay with us for a few days towards the end of the month. What with one's manservant's duties to discharge, didn't actually leave The Heartbreak Terrace until a few minutes before 2:00pm. Wasn't quite sure how far I planned to go so made for Canada Place and then decided upon an up-and-over, the mesmerizing sight of the couple of seaplanes landing and taking off, inspiring me to make the trek to The Spirit Trail. After I'd made the short jog past the reserve I retraced my route to continue on to Ambleside/Dundarave and then Bellvue/Travers/Marine Drive. Simply gorgeous, mild afternoon, so all the West Van walkers and dog owners were smiling and friendly. That is, except for one Good Burgher, upon the wide path near Ambleside, taking about two thirds of the roadway, as it was, with his rotund wife and their three yappy pooches. "Ding! Ding" he yelled, from the folds of his Aquascutum, (I assume he expected me to alert him to my "Run Silent, Run Deep" approach so that he could manoeuvre his "flock" to block the path completely!), as I rode past! "Dingbat! Dingbat" I shot back, expectorating in his general direction, trusting the steady breeze might convey my venomous spittle to his self-important visage!

Had thought, earlier on, that I'd circumcyle SP, on the lower level, second time around, but it was going on 5:00pm when I'd descended past Second Beach so simply made a slight dipsy-doodle to put 53K on clock and then made for home, registering 63.33K on the Odometre Deadly when I pulled up in front of the Heartbreak Stanchion! Pleased as punch even if I had to talk out loud to myself to keep myself company on the solo outing. Had puzzled over the many strange looks I'd received on the Seawall but put it down to my eccentric garb. (All your barbs have caused me to question my fashion sense!) Never really dawned on me that my babbling, together with my motley outfit, might have conjured up the idea of a street person on wheels, off his meds!

Cheers, Patrizzio!

Irish Jokes

Only the Irish have Jokes Like These Into a Belfast pub comes Paddy Murphy,  looking like he'd just been run over by a train.  His arm is in a sling, his nose is broken,  his face is cut and bruised and he's walking with a limp  "What happened to you?" asks Sean, the bartender.  " Jamie O'Conner an d m e had a fight," says Paddy.  "That little shit, O'Conner," says Sean,  "He couldn't do that to you,  he must have had something in his hand."  "That he did," says Paddy, "a shovel is what he had,  and a terrible lickin' he gave me with it."  " Well," says Sean, "you should have defended yourself,  didn't you have something in your hand?"  That I did," said Paddy.  "Mrs. O'Conner's breast, and a thing of  beauty it was, but useless in a fight." ******************************************************************************************** An Irishman who had a little too much to drink  is driving home from the city one night and,  of course, his car is weaving violently all over the road. A cop pulls him over.  "So," says the cop to the driver,  where have ya been?"  " Why, I've been to the pub of course,"  slurs the drunk.  " Well," says the cop, "it looks like you've had quite  a few to drink this evening."  "I did all right," the drunk says with a smile.  "Did you know," says the cop, standing straight and  folding his arms across his chest,  "that a few intersections back, your wife fell out of your car?"  "Oh, thank heavens," sighs the drunk.  "For a minute there, I thought I'd gone deaf." *****************************************************************************  Brenda O'Malley is home making dinner, as usual,  when Tim Finnegan arrives at her door.  "Brenda, may I come in?" he asks.  "I've somethin' to tell ya".  "Of course you can come in, you're always welcome, Tim.  But where's my husband?"  "That's what I'm here to be telling ya, Brenda."  There was an accident down at the Guinness brewery..."  "Oh, God no!" cries Brenda. "Please don't tell me."  "I must, Brenda. Your husband Shamus  is dead and gone. I'm sorry.  Finally, she looked up at Tim.  "How did it happen, Tim?" "It was terrible, Brenda. He fell into a vat  of Guinness Stout and drowned." "Oh my dear Jesus! But you must tell me truth, Tim.  Did he at least go quickly?" "Well, Brenda... no. In fact,  he got out three times to pee." ****************************************************************************** Mary Clancy goes up to Father O'Grady after  his Sunday morning service, and she's in tears.  He says, "So what's bothering you, Mary my dear?"  She says, "Oh, Father, I've got terrible news.  My husband passed away last night."  The priest says, "Oh, Mary, that's terrible.  Tell me, Mary, did he have any last requests?"  She says, "That he did, Father."  The priest says, "What did he ask, Mary? "  She says, He said,  'Please Mary, put down that damn gun...' ********************************************************* ANDTHE BEST FOR LAST A drunk staggers into a Catholic Church,  enters a confessional booth, sits down, but says nothing.  The Priest coughs a few times to get his  attention but the drunk continues to sit there.  Finally, the Priest pounds three times on the wall.  The drunk mumbles, "ain't no use knockin,  there's no paper on this side either!"

Hi Rose and Joe!

Thanks for Irish jokes! Have sent them to quite a few friends! Cheers, Patrizzio!

Greetings from New Plymouth!

Already booked at hotel, but thanks for offer-clean sheets are over rated.

Sunday with you & Cora Lee would be great-is it just you 2 , or do you have other visitors?

If Cora Lee is mobile, we could go out to somewhere nearby. If not, something in would great.

We can do Monday "take away" or pizzas/Chinese with the returning skiers to make it easy on their weary après ski legs. Loki forward to seeing you all! G&F

Hello New Plymouthians!

As of this writing, just the two of us at The Island Inn. Strange but true!!! Her Majesty is pretty mobile so I'm sure we can stroll somewhere on GI. Give us a shout after you've checked in to your hotel. Where are you staying?

Not sure if you have been in touch with Sarge but they probably won't be back until 6:30pm. Cora Lee and Flamin' will be going to the Strata AGM. I assume it starts at 7:00pm or thereabouts. I'm off to the VIWF reception at 6:00pm myself. Anyway, just an outline but we can chat on Sunday.

Safe travels back to Vancouver. Cheers, Patrizzio!

Hi Patrick

It won't take you long to drink me out of (superb) malts and I shall need to  re-stock before you arrive- I am running dangerously low.

I have continued with healthy eating with fish and chips yesterday  - near Whitby( followed by treacle sponge and custard) on our way back from the Hellewells' 50th anniversary and Petch's highly recommended pork pies from Great Ayton for lunch the day before. Please fill in the other Yorkshire Captain Cook references eg birthplace, school, first job, place of ship building and Canadian  connections. We were amazed to see his house in the park in Melbourne in 1980 shortly after our arrival in Australia. I hadn't realised he had lived there.

Tempered these indulgences with an eight mile walk on the bracing cliff tops with friends and a measly by your standards 20 mile ride this morning. The walk stirred memories of day trips down the coast from WH in summer holidays using the now dismantled railway. Its confusing as Whitby had two non connected stations one via the moors the other the coast- made for a decent round trip. The moors railway still starts at Middlesbrough running through lovely villages and hills and dales and links up with a private line to Pickering at Grosmont where there are some fine steam locomotives. Tough cycling country with sharp hills.

Not sure whether to thank or castigate you for the bridge references. I am not quite up to pre-emptive bidding and slams apart from by accident like your grand slam. I felt I could have done with a better explanation of just whom you were playing with and where, who held the trump ace and the earlier bid sequences. Please take "snaps" as you proceed in future. There may be a book in it.

Talking of books in my case Collins need to know Bridge I find it difficult playing hands and referring to the literature and that's when I am playing by myself on Funbridge. The latter seems to use a scoring system different from that which the book refers- are there different systems? Both Ed and I are finding it challenging to remember what we are learning.

Despite my efforts to promote the game so far I have has several sob stories about failed attempts to do likewise and have one half hearted "interested" and one "definite" -trouble being one is in Wetherby, one in WH and the other in Newcastle. I was somewhat disturbed that I might have to pass frequently and might receive hands with less than 12 HCP.

Spoke at length and I mean length with Ray last night as he and Sylvia were in the process of raiding Britain with your strong currency and still insisting in looking for cheap rail travel. After he had sent Sylvia out to work we talked for two hours usually linking people we were at school with, had played sport with etc. I feel he needs more teaching assignments to occupy him especially before the horticultural season. I noted that he had also raided the neighbours for top soil and the new house being built now has a patio instead of a garden.

Our son Rich travels to Japan tomorrow for a skiing trip- he is meeting up with some people he met in Fernie two years ago.

We were sorry to hear about Corinne's leg problem and hope it will be OK for the early 2012 world tour. Best wishes Omar

Hi Goren!

Did I mention the Mom actually saw Omar play bridge in Winnipeg, back in he '70's, I believe! How's that for a Jacobi Transfer?

Speaking of malt, Mr. Fixit, (Wayne Connors, friend of the Sutherlands, in town to renovate their master, (Just to annoy the Sisterhood!), bathroom, popped upstairs last night, bringing along his brother-in-law, Harry and his son Adam, for a a few snorts. Had not met Adam before so was pleased to do so. Lads didn't stay too long as they all had to be away by 6:30am next morning for Whistler! Will be pretty damn quiet all weekend with entire Clan Sutherland on the mountain!

On Wednesday I took Tina, (Friend visiting from Adelaide. Cora Lee and Mr. Fixit picked her up on Tuesday evening as we were all curling! Last draw of the regular season and we were playing Team Noble, a great bunch of lads so we knew it would be fun. Cat and mouse for first five ends and then they drew ahead 4/2 going into last end. We had the hammer, (last rock), so, technically, we did have the advantage. However, during the course of the end they managed to bury shot rock. We were second stone but their counter was extremely well protected. We needed to score two just to tie. That looked like an impossibility, let alone three for a win. As Flamin' said to opposing skip, Randall, when Sarge was preparing to deliver his last rock, "Here comes the Hail Mary shot!" Dead silence from both teams as the rock hurtled down the ice. Everyone was holding their breath, I think. Sarge was aiming for a long guard, ours, about 12' in front of house. His shot "tapped" back our stone, counting second at the time, punching their shot stone, just barely, between two of ours to leave us counting three! Quite a few not so quiet expletives uttered by opposition who could barely believe their eyes! Truly, we had snatched Victory from the Jaws of Defeat!!! Although we had a lock on first place as of last week's tie, it was wonderful to go out with such a remarkable shot. Need I mention that my 12' guard was the magic bullet!!!) to the airport, just before noon. She was flying to join her husband, Trevor, in Kamloops, to ski at Sun Peaks. They will stay with us for a few days towards the end of the month.

Her Majesty is definitely on the mend. Now she needs to work on her Royal Disposition! Fondestos to you and Christine. Cheers, Patrizzio!