Dog On A Root

- jim Young “Marantz. We sound better.” - 1970s Marantz ad. In all good conscience I cannot categorically deny that I would not have, at least dated, and possibly married, my wife for any other reason than that she possessed a Marantz amp. “Why?” you might ask. Well because, as I think I mentioned, it was a Marantz amp. If that requires any further clarification then perhaps this is not a story that you will comprehend. Fortunately, as I was not aware that My Shirley owned a Marantz amp at the time, and that she has so many other more obvious and fine qualities that stand on their own, this has never become a source of contention in our relationship. I should point out that this is not just any Marantz amp. It’s a Marantz amp from the 70s. And it’s not just a Model 2250 - it’s a Model 2250 B . Perhaps that might clarify things a little for those of you that are still a little cloudy about my obsession. Owning a “new” Marantz amp is kind of like bragging that you own a Mustang only to

 

 

- jim Young "An evil enemy will burn his own nation to the ground... to rule over the ashes." Sun Tzu How can today's actions by Trump supporters and Trump's lack of action to attempt to quell it be seen as anything but an attempted coup? The United States no longer stands as a beacon of freedom and democracy in the eyes of the world. Trump has proven he is no better than a two bit banana-republic dictator who has no respect for his country and no regard for his people. Can even the President of the United States pardon himself or seek a pardon from charges of treason? And if so, is this not a very flawed government? - 30 - 

- jim Young “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.” - anon Who’s Calling The Kettle Black? It’s possible that when Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips booked his trip to St. Barts in the Caribbean, things seemed to be looking up a bit Covid-wise in Ontario. But by December 13 when he left for his vacation - not so much. Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips Still, we were not in a lock-down situation province wide nor was Phillips likely aware, like the rest of us, that we would be facing a lock-down situation immediately following Christmas. However that does not excuse Phillips’ poor judgement given that the province of Ontario was urging everyone to avoid non-essential travel during that time. When are politicians ever going to learn that they need to lead by example? Phillips’ decision to take that vacation was a monumental, stupid error in judgement on his part. Granted, Phillips is accepting full responsibility for this error in judgement and not trying to make excu

- jim Young "I’ll always feel you close to me and though you’re far from sight, I’ll search for you among the stars that shine on Christmas night." - anon In spite of what you might have learned from Bob and Doug McKenzie while listening to their version of the “Twelve Days Of Christmas”, the real Twelve Days of Christmas actually begin on December 25 and end on January 6. Over the years, however I have chosen to celebrate the Twelve Days Of Christmas on the days leading up to Christmas Day, beginning on the 13th of December and ending on the 24th. Some years, in lieu of stocking stuffers on Christmas Eve I would surprise My Shirley with 12 small individual gifts giving her one to open each day as sort of a cross between the Twelve Days Of Christmas and half of an Advent Calendar. When we were in the workforce we often celebrated the last 12 working days leading up to the Christmas holiday with employees taking turns bringing in a different snack each day for all to enjoy.