….of ‘wealth’, commonwealth & health…

….”Rich lists: World’s billionaires lose $ 347 million CDN each as global economy struggles”….”Commonweath: What is it?”…”Health accords must address growing mental health crisis worldwide”…

UBS & PwC report that although the world’s billionaire population has risen 41% in the last year, the total wealth of the ‘billionaire group’ has fallen as worldwide economic growth is stalling.  Apparently, China has the fastest growth rate for new billionaires (3 per day) while Europe’s billionaires are “the most resilient“….

Interesting to note that those known as “Commonwealth” countries include 53 nations, “that are mostly territories of the former British Empire”.  Apparently the Queen is monarch of only 16 “of those member nations, known as Commonwealth realms, while 32 members are republics and five are monarchies with a different monarch”….

We live in a stressful world & it seems mental health issues pose increasingly more challenges for policing, health care, & general governance among a growing number of nations.

Cheers to wise & pragmatic decisions, where money alone to supposedly solve problems is too often NOT the answer.

Whatever’s on your Thursday agenda may the commentary sing—thinking, thrilling, thriving!!!….

Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again? ~Winnie the Pooh

 

 

 

 

 

…of chess, shipwrecks & elderly workers…

…”How I made my handwriting (more) legible, tried chess (but lost to three kids) and learned how to save a life”…”Remarkably intact shipwreck found in Lake Ontario of sloop whose sinking predated War of 1812″…”World’s biggest mobilization of elderly workers underway in Japan”…

All in a day’s slightly unusual headlines!

SOMETHING ABOUT…a summer of self-improvement and “cursive writing, chess mastering, & cpr”…

SOMETHING ABOUT…a ship known as the Washington that sank during a storm in 1803.

SOMETHING ABOUT…Japan in transition and the population is decreasing rapidly because of a declining birth rate while the labour force has been shrinking for even longer.

In the midst of all that…..“TV presenter in Rio in coma after contracting malaria”…”Member of British Olympic team held up at gunpoint”…”Baby girl born on a plane is given 1 million air miles”…

As the third week of August soon rolls into a Friday, how is your summer stacking up?

Have you experienced any heat waves?
Have there been any getaways to new places of adventure?
Quiet by a lakeside?
Hustle in a new city of things to see?

Cheers to a thrilling & thriving Thursday of summer contentment!!

…..of ‘raise me up’…

When I am down, and, oh, my soul, so weary
When troubles come, and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile with me

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be

There is no life, no life without its hunger
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly
But then you come, and I am filled with wonder
Sometimes I think I glimpse eternity

Cheers to a thrilling & thriving Thursday that sings–‘encore’ to a ‘raise me up’ kinda day!

…of plummet, summit & drum it…

…”Loonie closes at lowest level in more than a decade”…

As the price of gold fell for its 10th consecutive day, the loonie continues to slide too.

Our Canadian economy is weakening along with commodity prices, consumer confidence, and amid speculation that interest rates are about to rise in the United States.

Uncertain times—throw in an election or two or three and behind-the-scenes European countries’ posturing and a roller-coaster ride may just be about to activate.

Vancouver’s prized convention centre, often home to ‘meeting-of-the-minds’ gatherings of folks from all over the world on topics conventional & unconventional, will go full circle today with the launch of the Circle Craft and Craft Council of BC annual Summer Craft Market. Check out Jack Poole Plaza today through Sunday to see the fine craftsmanship of artisans extraordinaire!

As the old saying goes–crafts & summer markets quip–great savings for those who flea (or should that be flee?…)

Tourists and locals alike, never skip a beat when it comes to finding a bargain or drumming up enthusiasm for a fine adventure amid the vast variety of landscape that is British Columbia!

Be it, in and around Vancouver, on the North Shore mountains or the Gulf Islands, or even venturing further into the Cariboo or the Okanagan & the Kootenays, there is much that can put a fine rhythm to a vacation or exploration day!

what will be the percussion in your today?!…

Wherever you may be & whatever’s your Thursday ‘song’— let the cadence swing!!!

…put a lilt in your kilt!

…a spring in your step!

…a flutter in your heart!

Thursdays are for thrilling!!!….Cheers to a fine day!