Trick Or Treat

TRICK OR TREAT!

MAY I

PLEASE HAVE

SOMETHING GOOD

TO EAT!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from my blog to yours.

Bear((( )))

Most Expensive Teddy Bear

Steiff , a German company, has created the world's most expensive Teddy Bear.

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The $85,000 Bear has a mouth made of solid gold, fur made from gold thread and eyes with pupils of sapphire and irises made from 20 tiny diamonds.

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In celebration of its 125th anniversary, Steiff only produced 125 of the Golden Jubilee Bears. You can identify a Steiff bear by the button on its ear.
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He comes with a 14cm high elephant companion, similarily adorned with diamonds and both white and yellow gold.

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So if you were wondering what to give me this Christmas, here's your chance to make me REALLY happy.

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Bear((( )))

ABC Wednesday-O

On OCTOBER 31st, Halloween is celebrated at not Only Our house but at all the Other houses in Our neighbourhood.
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During the month of OCTOBER we decorate the Outside of Our homes with ghosts and goblins, witches and skeletons and the most important Halloween symbol Of all, which is the Jack - O - Lantern.
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Every OCTOBER we hunt all Over the county to find the perfect Orange pumpkin to carve Our Jack - O - Lantern. Our Orange pumpkin must be the right size and correct shape for the design we have chosen to make Our Jack - O - Lantern.
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If you would like some great design patterns with tips and techniques to carve your Own Jack - O - Lantern just click On:
Jack-O-Lantern.com
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ABC Wednesday is brought to you by Mrs. Nesbitt.
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Mr. Linky can be found here.
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Bear((( )))

The Answer

"Radar" O'Reilly's Teddy Bear

Corporal Walter Eugene “Radar” O’Reilly was a fictional character in the M*A*S*H film and television series.
The character was portrayed by Gary Burghoff.
Burghoff was the only actor from the film to reprise his role on television.

Radar was often portrayed as a friendly but very young and naive man from Iowa. As a symbol of how young this man was when he got to Korea, he slept with a Teddy Bear. The Teddy Bear was never given a name in the series.

As a way of saying that Radar came to Korea as a boy and went home a man, he left his Teddy Bear behind, leaving it with Hawkeye Pierce, who added the Teddy Bear to a time capsule with several other items from the camp.

On July 29, 2005, the original Teddy Bear used in the series was sold at an auction for $11,800.

And no, it wasn't me that bought it.



Bear((( )))

A Question

Which Teddy Bear is this?

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I know, do any of my readers?

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I'm not giving any hints, just the photo.

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The correct answer will be published tomorrow.

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Bear((( )))

Saturday Funnies

Pandamonium--Photo and caption courtesy of Kenju from IMAGINE

Bear((( )))

Extra Extra-- Read All About It

Only reading headlines and the first few sentences of a news story from just one source can influence how and what a person perceives to have happened.


Case in point, yesterday the Bank of Canada issued a Monetary Policy Report.

Here are the highlights of that report taken directly from the Bank of Canada website.



“Tighter credit conditions, weaker external demand, and sharply weaker commodity prices have lowered the outlook for Canadian growth and inflation.
Growth in Canada will be sluggish through the first quarter of next year, then pick up over the rest of 2009 and accelerate to above potential growth in 2010.
Total CPI inflation is projected to fall below 1 per cent in mid-2009 before rising to 2 per cent by the end of 2010. Core inflation will remain below 2 per cent until the end of 2010.
Policy-makers in major countries have taken bold actions to address the financial crisis and its effects on the economy. Canada's economy and strong financial system will benefit directly from these actions.
The policy rate has been lowered by a total of 75 basis points this month, 225 basis points since the beginning of December 2007. Some further monetary stimulus will likely be required to achieve the 2 per cent inflation target over the medium term.
The risks around the revised base-case projection for inflation are judged to be roughly balanced, but the outlook is subject to greater uncertainty than usual."



And now the headlines and opening sentences from three different news sources.
Please note the time each story was posted.



CBC.ca

Bank of Canada sees sluggish growth until 2010

Last Updated: Thursday, October 23, 2008 11:54 AM ET
CBC News

"Canada's economic performance is expected to be sluggish through the first quarter of next year, the country's central bank said Thursday.
In its Monetary Policy Report, the Bank of Canada said growth is expected to pick up over the remainder of 2009 and to shoot to "above-potential" in 2010, as credit conditions improve and interest-rate cuts take hold."



CTV.ca

Economy to rebound by 2010: Bank of Canada

Updated Thu. Oct. 23 2008 12:42 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff

"The Bank of Canada predicts we will avoid a recession -- but just barely -- and says growth will be slow and insignificant for the foreseeable future.
In its October Monetary Policy Report, the central bank said the global economic slowdown is having a sharp impact on Canada's economy. "



The Globe and Mail

Economy on edge of recession: Bank of Canada

HEATHER SCOFFIELD
Globe and Mail Update
October 23, 2008 at 12:43 PM EDT

"OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada says the Canadian economy is on the razor's edge of recession, and a full recovery is dubious and distant.
In a blunt 32-page assessment of the global and Canadian economies that is devoid of good news, the central bank says Canada's economy is contracting right now, and won't show any growth in the first quarter of next year."



Hmmm!!

So in 49 short minutes depending on WHICH news source published the SAME news story; we the Canadian public will have sluggish growth---no no--a rebounding economy----no wait-- we are on the razor's edge of a recession.

Read more than just headlines and opening sentences, from a variety of different news sources, to get an un-biased opinion on what is really happening in the news.
Perhaps if more people took this advise; our countries would be in better shape than they presently are.



Bear((( )))

Provoking Palin’s Inner Bear

Directly quoting from The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com


October 19, 2008,

8:36 pm — Updated: 10:26 am

Provoking Palin’s Inner Bear

By Julie Bosman

"{Just call her Mama Bear.
Gov. Sarah Palin said Sunday that the hardest part about public life as the Republican vice-presidential nominee was the news media coverage of her children. That, Ms. Palin said, brought out the grizzly bear in her.
“The toughest thing has been the shots taken against the kids, against the family,” said Ms. Palin, according to a partial transcript of an interview with WWOR, a television station that serves New York City. “They’re my kids. The mama grizzly bear in me comes out, makes me “It’s a little bit unfair there. It has nothing to do with taking the country in a new direction.” I want to rear up on my hind legs and say, ‘Wait a minute.’ "}


Now tell me how I could NOT resist posting this here on my blog.
Just click on the link to see the interview.

And I guess this is how Mama bears take care of their cubs.
Palin children travelled on state dime

Edited to add:
Mama Bear has to look good.
Republican party spent $150K on Palin's clothes



Bear((( )))

ABC Wednesday-N

NURSE Nancy is a Registered NURSE (RN) here in Ontario, Canada.
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The College of NURSES of Ontario is the regulatory body for the province’s 145,000 Registered NURSES (RNs) and Registered Practical NURSES (RPNs).
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The College of NURSES of Ontario members play vital roles in our province's health care system and provide care in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, public health units, community clinics, retirement and NURSING homes, long-term care facilities, workplaces, doctors’ offices, correctional facilities and private homes.
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The College of NURSES of Ontario regulates the NURSING profession by setting entry-to-practice requirements and by establishing, promoting and enforcing the standards of practice and conduct.
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I am the proud parent of a Registered NURSE who works in my province of Ontario.
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ABC Wednesday is brought to you by Mrs. Nesbitt.
Mr. Linky can be found here.
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Bear((( )))

Thinking About My Oddities

photo courtesy of Richie from:

An Arkies Musings

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Last week Chesapeake Bay Woman and then yesterday Midlife Slices™ asked me to list 6-7 oddities about myself. I promised them I would think about my oddities and list them here on my blog.

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So in no particular order, here are the things that people will say, "You are odd, Bear!"

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1. I really like Mimes. At one point in my life, I wanted to open a restaurant in Québec City that would have Mimes as waiters. I had even decided what the decor would be (all black and white) and that no one other than the customers would speak. Imagine my chagrin when I found out that I am possibly the only person in the world who actually finds Mimes humourous. Oh well, another one of my brilliant ideas goes bust.

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2. The one and only time I ever paralleled parked was the day many, many years ago when I took my driver's test. I will park three blocks away from where I have to be, to avoid parallel parking.

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3. Keeping with the driving theme, I always try to never turn left unless at a light with an advanced green signal. My children make fun of me--oh well.

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4. I do not turn on a radio--EVER. Not in the car or at home. I prefer silence rather than having a radio blaring in the background. Occasionally, I will listen to some tunes on my CD player but that is maybe 2 to 3 times a year.

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5. I have to read books lying down. I don't know why but I have always done this. Lying in bed or on the couch, that is the way that I read.

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6. I can not fall asleep if the sheets or blankets are tucked in at the foot of the bed. The FIRST thing I do when I go to a hotel is untuck the sheets even before removing the bedspread. Hotel maids hate me but then I tip well, so deal with it, is my theory.

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7. Bonus oddity about myself. I have never owned a dress or a blouse with a patterned fabric. Monochrome only. I do not like patterned fabric for dresses or blouses. This years' fashions are just not my style. I can wait. This patterned fabric craze will soon be over (hopefully.)

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Bear((( )))

20 Things To Do In Your Life

1. Do your best to find something beautiful in at least half of all the people you meet.
2. Tip waitresses as you would like to be tipped. (Would they be waitressing if they didn't need the money?)
3. Smile often, even if not everyone smiles back.
4. Make cookies for your neighbours.
5. Treat yourself to something nice.
6. Give flowers.
7. Donate old clothes to the Salvation Army or Goodwill, rather than throwing them out.
8. Buy a meal for someone you see with a " Will Work For Food" sign.
9. Make a donation to a worthwhile charity, remember, you get what you give.
10. Volunteer to help someone learn to read through a library literacy program.
11. Give some of your time up for a friend who you know could use a day out.
12. When someone is cruel or unfair to you, forgive them. (If you let their cruelty harden your heart, you are no better than they.)
13. Make yourself more available to your loved ones, each of us have limited time here.
14. Even if it doesn't happen to you. CARE.
15. Listen to your kids for 20 minutes, undistracted. (This time is priceless)
16. Look for the humour in your life, it's there!
17. Smile..life's too short to take yourself too seriously.
18. Sing with your children, or someone else's.
19. Don't be afraid to be silly in public, at the end of your life you'll wish you spent more time enjoying life..not impressing strangers.
20. Understand that people are, and will always remain, imperfect. Accept this truth and look for the best in those around you.

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Please remember to practice *Random Acts of Kindness.*

You will be amazed at how good YOU will feel.

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Bear((( )))

Saturday Funnies

Bear((( )))

Lessons Learned From Geese

It is that time of the year when the geese are flying south for the winter season.

These are lessons we humans can learn from geese.

As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the birds that follow. By flying in a V formation, the flock adds 71% extra flying range.

People who share a sense of community can help each other get where they are going more easily....because they are traveling on the trust of one another.

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When a goose falls out of formation, it feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It will quickly move back to take advantage of the lifting power of the birds in front.

If we have as much sense as geese, we stay in formation with others headed in the direction we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and offer our help in return.

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When the lead goose tires, it drops back within the formation and another takes the lead position.

It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks. We should recognize, respect and protect each other’s unique arrangement of skills, capabilities, talents, and resources.

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The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

We need to make sure our honking is supportive. In groups where there is encouragement, production is greatly increased. Individual empowerment results from quality honking.

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And finally, when a goose gets sick, two geese drop out of the formation and follow it to help and protect it.

If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times, as well as when we are strong.

Bear((( )))

Thank You

I have been fortunate to receive two new awards from two fellow bloggers.

The first on October 2nd is the "One Sweet Blog Award"
from Dianne of Forks Off The Moment.
Thank you Dianne, please accept the *Bouquet of Bears* from my blog to yours.


And on October 10th from Joy of The Joy of Six
"The Million Dollar Friend Award"
Joy, come over and pick up your *Bouquet of Bears* as my special Thank You.


Now the Million Dollar Friend Award did come with some rules to follow.
And since I am such a good follower I will post and follow the rules.

1. Only five people allowed.
2. Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog.
3. One has to be someone new or recently new to your blog and live in another part of the world.
4. You must link back to whoever gave you the award.

The five bloggers to receive this award are:

Daryl from out & about in new york city
Helen from Baino's Banter
Kay from Kay's Thinking Cap
Bobbie from Almost There
Merle from Merle's Third Try

Ladies come over and claim your award.

But I just want to say that I consider each and every one of you readers of my blog "Million Dollar Friends" not just these five bloggers.



Bear((( )))

ABC Wednesday-M

Johann Chrysostom Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART
(27 January 1756 - 5 December 1791)

MOZART was a musical prodigy who started composing at the age of five. At six years of age, MOZART was playing before the Bavarian elector and the Austrian empress. Much of his childhood and adolescence was taken up with tours, which included performances before many of the royal courts of Europe.

MOZART at seventeen accepted a post as a court musician in Salzburg, but was unhappy with his low pay and limited opportunities. Over the next eight years, MOZART frequently traveled in search of a better position and composed abundantly. This situation continued until his dismissal from Salzburg in 1781 by his employer, the Prince-Archbishop, and his subsequent departure for Vienna.

MOZART spent the rest of his busy life in Vienna, where he achieved relative fame. However, his finances remained precarious, with periods of prosperity and poverty. In 1782, MOZART married Constanze Weber against the wishes of his family; six children were born, of whom two survived infancy.

Musically, this was a period of outstanding creativity which saw the production of many of his best known symphonic, concertante and operatic works, and his final, incomplete Requiem. MOZART died at the age of 35 from a feverish illness, although rumours surfaced that he had been poisoned. MOZART was buried in a Vienna suburb, with little ceremony and in an unmarked grave, in accordance with prevailing custom.

ABC Wednesday is brought to you by Mrs. Nesbitt.

Mr. Linky can be found here.

Bear((( )))

Canada--It Is Time To Vote

Today is ELECTION day here in Canada.

It is time for ALL of us to choose a Prime Minister for Canada.

After 37 days of campaigning, the day has finally arrived where all Canadians have the right and the privilege to vote on who will be the next Prime Minister of Canada.

Let's make today the day that will go down in history as the day that ALL Canadians went to the polls and voted for their choice for Prime Minister of Canada.

I'm voting, are you?



Bear((( )))

Thanksgiving Day in Canada

Happy Thanksgiving Day Canada
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Happy Columbus Day U.S.A.
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Here is a list of things we should all be thankful for:
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For the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato
Because he is home with me and not out at the bars.
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For the wife who says it's Hot Dogs for dinner tonight
Because she is home with me and not out with someone else.
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For the teenager who is complaining about doing the dishes
Because it means she is at home, not on the streets.
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For the taxes I pay
Because it means I am employed.
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For the mess to clean after a party
Because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
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For the clothes that fit a little too snug
Because it means I have enough to eat.
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For my shadow that watches me work
Because it means I am out in the sunshine.
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For a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing
Because it means I have a home.
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For all the complaining I hear about the Government
Because it means we have freedom of speech.
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For the parking spot I find at the far end of the parking lot
Because it means I am capable of walking and have been blessed with transportation.
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For my huge heating bill
Because it means I am warm.
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For the lady behind me in Church who sings off key
Because it means I can hear.
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For the pile of laundry and ironing
Because it means I have clothes to wear.
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For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day
Because it means I have been capable of working hard.
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For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours
Because it means I am alive.
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Bear((( )))

Saturday Funnies

Bear((( )))

Can't Look

Faces


Bear((( )))

On Yom Kippur

Wishing you the wisdom that comes from reflecting on the past

The strength that comes from reaffirming your faith

The joy and promise that come from looking toward tomorrow.

Bear((( )))

Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

There have been many bloggers who have written about Breast Cancer such as:



Of Thistles and Maple Leaves

slicksumbich.com

Pseudonymous High School Teacher

and even a Wordless Wednesday post from:

Daryl from: out & about in new york city

But everyone please go and read:

Words of Wisdom from a Smart Mouth Broad

which has to be the best post on the web about Breast Cancer Awareness.


25 Breast Cancer Myths and Misunderstandings



Bear((( )))

ABC Wednesday-L

Little Lisa Landry Likes her Lovely LION costume so much that she wants to wear it every day this month, not just for Halloween on October 31st.



Even though Lisa is a Little girl, she wants to wear the male LION costume because she Loves the Look of the male LION'S mane.



The chief role of the male LION is to defend territory and protect the female LIONS from other males.

Male LIONS have a most unusual feature designed specifically for this purpose, which is their mane.

In nature, the male LION is a Large well-muscled cat, and can be up to 9 feet in Length and weighing an average of 415 pounds.

While size is an obvious advantage, it requires much more food so the bulky mane serves a twofold purpose.

It gives the appearance of size without the increased body weight and serves to protect from the claws and teeth of other male LIONS.



Little Lisa doesn't care why the male LION has a mane; she is just Looking forward to Halloween night when she can go trick or treating for Licorice, Lollipops, Lemon Drops and Life Savers.


ABC Wednesday is brought to you by Mrs. Nesbitt.

Mr. Linky can be found here.

Bear((( )))