not linked to any particular creed, except the
Dear Santa,
belief in the almighty dollar. We are so afraid
How is it going, old buddy, old pal?
of offending anyone that we opt for a generic
You must be beat because, once again,
“Season’sGreetings!”Meanwhile, traditional
despite your brutal schedule, you manage
and beautiful religion-based hymns are
to takepart inall of thoseparades andother
constantly being trashed. For example, Santa,
public events that have been held in this
you cannot imagine how many horrible
area over the last few weeks.
renditions of The Little Drummer Boy we are
And you are always so happy!
subjected to every year. It makes one suspect
Youmust beonsome sort of special diet,
that atheists have taken over the airwaves.
Still believing, Santa
or medication, to maintain such a cheery
Anyway, itwouldbemuchappreciated if you
outlook. Being nice to people all the time,
could convince everyone to cut everyone
and McGill Streets last Thursday. “It has
withoutanyhopeofreceivinganymonetary
something about multi-tasking and
some slack, breathe through the nose and not
been awhile since I have met people who
compensation, is no mean feat. You just
planning.
go all freaky at this festive time of the year. A
were so nice. They stopped their car, helped
keep on giving, year after year.
As informed consumers, we know that
little peace on Earth would be good, too. OK,
me out and left before I got their names.”
What is your true motivation?
we ought to avoid making last-minute
sure, fine, you have things to do. Rest assured
It would be great if you could instill that
Milk and cookies are all fine and quaint,
purchases. We must make lists and set
that, as usual, the chimney will be clean and
willingness to stop and help in more people,
but do they help you feed the reindeer? Do
budgets, and respect them.
low-fat milk and cookies will be waiting for
Santa.
mushy sentiments heat your workshop?
We have at our fingertips
you. Have a safe trip.
You know that the Far East of Ontario is a
How you manage to pay the bills,
unprecedentedsourcesof information, on
very special place. Sadly, one reason we are
particularly during the endless winter at
topics such as how to budget, and to save
so unique is that so many people in this
the North Pole, remains one of the many
time. And often this valuable, life-
Whissell quits
district have so many health issues, Santa.
mysteries that surroundyou, youbig, long-
improving advice is accompanied by a
According to studies, we have abnormally
lasting, lovable icon, you.
salespitchforsomeproductorphilosophy.
nouvelles@eap.on.ca
high incidences of heart disease, suicide and
Amazingly, your look has not changed
Temptations are always out there,
L ACHUTE
drug abuse. Just looking at the grim figures
all that much over the years and your
lurking. In 2010, more than one-third of
can lead to depression, another condition
popularity has not waned. Children of all
Ontarians (36 per cent) overspent their
that is prevalent in these parts.
ages absolutely adore you, St. Nick.
holiday budgets, spending an average of
Argenteuil will be getting a new
These are all complex issues, with many
Anyway, to cut to the chase, as usual,
$402 more than planned.
representative in Québec’s National
causes and few quick or sure-fire remedies.
this huge fan of yours does not seek much.
Although everyone thinks he or she is
Assembly after David Whissell, MNA for
But the good news is that there is growing
A winning lottery ticket would come in
deserving, most people are not relying on
14 years, announced his immediate
awareness of these problems. Knowledge is
handy. You may recall that this particular
youtoprovidepresents.About 80per cent
resignation Friday.
power, and often power is linked to money.
item has been on the wish list for several
of people plan to give gifts this holiday
The 44-year-old said he wants to
Over the last little while, we have seen more
years, now.
season and intend to spendmore than last
concentrate on his private life.
public investment in health services here.
But do not take this as a criticism, you
year, according to a survey. Ontarians
In2009, after twoyearsas labourminister,
However, addictions are not swiftly
fabulous, generous, handsome creature,
expect to spend $663 on average, roughly
he stepped down rather than sell his interest
conquered, bad habits are not broken easily
you.
$50 more than last year’s $615, says the
in a paving company that received
andhealthylifestylechoicesarenotembraced
Besides,whileitmaymakedreamscome
RBC poll.
government contracts without tenders. “I
overnight.
true and help pay off debts, money cannot
Ontario consumers are also planning
chose my family,” Whissell told reporters at
So a good dose of patience would be
buy happiness, apparently.
to boost their spending on other holiday
that time; the other option would be to sell
appreciated, if it is possible to deliver such a
And, as some people say, if you have
items-suchasclothing,travel,decorations,
his interest in ABC Rive-Nord Inc. He has
thing.
your health, you have everything.
beauty services, food and drink,
maintained that he withdrew from the
In fact, everyone could use some more
A Thank You
entertainment - to $572 compared to $544
business in 2003, in order to concentrate
tolerance, with everyone else.
There are many who are always willing
in 2010. Speaking of traditions, there are
exclusively onhis political career. His shares
It could be the fault of technology, but it
to extend a helping hand, all year long.
many who still associate Christmas with
in the business had been placed in a trust
seems that everyone isalways inarushtoday.
“Iwant to thank thepeoplewhostopped
the birth of Jesus Christ. But in these
which was not in his name and which he
Andthissenseofurgencyisnotonlypervasive
to help me when I fell over in my
sensitive times, religion has been shoved
could not touch, Whissell said.Premier Jean
during the so-called “Holiday Season.”
wheelchair,” says Lise Gervais, of
to the background. It is politically correct
Charest has yet to set a date for a by-election
Now, you would be one to know
Hawkesbury, who took a spill at Nelson
to venerate you, Santa, because you are
to choose Whissell’s successor.
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