Amigos Newsletter                       September, 2007

Tax Planning

Amigos who showed up at our recent pub night, though wonderful at remembering past glories -- real or imagined -- are not always as reliable at recalling current events of possible advantage to themselves, especially if these are changes in tax rules. I refer to the provisions for income splitting, introduced in the recent budget. The CRA explains all here. Amigos might find that they qualify to save a lot.

Pub Night, September 6

There was a good turnout and we were again able to commandeer the end section of the bar. Far less beer was spilled than on the previous occasion, John Kneale will be relieved to learn.

Check up on your health care provider. See how others rate him/her here.

Hemochromatosis – an advisory from Jim Graham

For all of you over 50 who thought that your drinking might cause cirrhosis, guess again! Seriously, I have just discovered that I may have something called "HEMOCHROMATOSIS", that can apparently lead to a number of internal problems. You may wish to read this website.

As you will see, this can be brought under control in its earlier stages by a good old medieval technique..... blood letting or technically a phlebotomy. When my doctor told me that I would have to have one, I naturally assumed he was referring to a lobotomy, which I thought, while beneficial to those around me, was a bit over the top.

The Mayo Clinic site above is a long read, but, I believe, well worth your time. Whether here or elsewhere in my recent research, I noted that the hereditary gene is most common in those of Irish and Scots ancestry first and English second, but not restricted to those groups.

David and Donna Ryan have started a blog for their home construction project in Charleston. Check it out here.

Don Caldwell is still in San Miguel and still reporting on his blog..

Brian Northgrave invites you to visit and even contribute to his wonderful site, JustOttawa.

Diversions

Tom Rush – the Remember Song

A message of peace. But What is Jim Elliott doing there?

We all need one of these.

Straight talk

YMCA, performed like you have never seen it done.

New Car for Women.

Quiz: Did Hitler ever set foot on Canadian soil?

Answer: Yes. Here he is at Vimy Ridge.

Why men don't write advice columns

Dear Walter:

I hope you can help me here. The other day I set off for work , leaving my husband in the house watching the TV, as usual.  I hadn't gone more than a few hundred yards down the road when my engine conked out and the car shuddered  to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband's help. When I got home I couldn't believe my eyes. He was parading in front of the wardrobe mirror dressed in my underwear and high-heel shoes, and he was wearing my make up!  

I am 32, my husband is 34 and we have been married for twelve years. When I confronted him, he tried to make out that he had dressed in my lingerie because he couldn't find his own underwear. But when I   asked him about the make up, he broke down and admitted that he'd been wearing my clothes for six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him.

He was let go from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. I don't feel I can get through to him anymore. Can you please help?
Sincerely, Mrs. Sheila Lusk

Dear Sheila:

A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the jubilee clips holding the vacuum pipes onto the inlet manifold. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery  pressure to the carburetor float chamber. I hope this helps.

Walter

Politically correct

Three-minute History Lesson (from Bob Merner in Japan, with help from Billy Joel). Click here.

An Ontario election is imminent. 
 

Best Card Trick (Video) – click here.

The Sportsman's Double

I ended up with an older woman at a club last night. She looked okay for a 57-year-old.  We drank a bit, and had a bit of a snuggle and she asked if I'd ever had a Sportsman's Double.

"What's that?" I asked.

"It a mother and daughter threesome," she said.

I said, "No."

We drank a bit more, then she says that tonight was my lucky night.

I went back to her place.

She put on the hall light and shouted upstairs: "Mum, you still awake?".
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Finally, a test of your workplace safety acumen.