Category: Antiques


Helen

Homer’s Home

We are the descendents of the Greek enlightenment…

Happy Tuesday

Some moments build, excite, engage, test and then after a time revive…

The values of the liberty fraternity, which typically include principles such as freedom, equality, justice, and fraternity, are often conceived in various philosophical, political, and social contexts. Here are some key sources where these ideas have developed:

  1. Enlightenment Philosophy: Thinkers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu explored ideas of individual rights and social contracts, laying the foundation for modern liberal democracy.
  2. Political Revolutions: The American and French Revolutions were pivotal events that advocated for liberty and equality, leading to constitutions and declarations that enshrined these values.
  3. Human Rights Movements: Throughout history, various movements aimed at securing human rights have articulated the principles of liberty and justice for all, emphasizing the need for equal treatment and respect.
  4. Social and Cultural Contexts: Different cultures have their interpretations of liberty and fraternity, shaped by their unique histories and struggles for freedom.

These ideas continue to evolve as societies seek to balance individual freedoms with collective responsibility.

Get away

British Columbia is renowned for its stunning mountain landscapes, making it a prime destination for mountain resorts and getaways. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Accessibility:
* Accessibility varies depending on the resort. Some, like Whistler Blackcomb, are easily accessible from major cities like Vancouver. Others, located in more remote areas, may require longer drives or even flights.
* Many of the larger ski resorts are accessible by well maintained roads. However, winter driving in B.C. mountains requires appropriate vehicle and driving skill.
Affordability:
* Price points range significantly. Luxury resorts like those in Whistler can be quite expensive, while smaller, family-run resorts may offer more affordable options.
* Factors influencing cost include:
   * Time of year (peak ski season vs. off-season)
   * Accommodation type (luxury hotel vs. condo or cabin)
   * Activities and amenities offered.
Parks:
* Some resorts are located within or near provincial parks, offering access to beautiful natural surroundings.
* While many ski resorts exist within areas of natural beauty, they are not often located within national parks. National parks have very strict regulations regarding development.
* Provincial parks however, do have areas that allow for recreational resorts and areas. Manning Park Resort for example, is located within Manning Provincial Park.
Recommendations:
* Whistler Blackcomb:
   * This is one of North America’s premier ski resorts, offering world-class skiing, snowboarding, and a vibrant village.
   * It’s relatively accessible from Vancouver.
   * Price point: High-end, with a wide range of accommodation options.
* Revelstoke Mountain Resort:
   * Known for its incredible vertical drop and challenging terrain.
   * Offers a mix of skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
   * It is located in a beautiful mountain setting.
   * Price point: Mid to high range.
* Sun Peaks Resort:
   * A family-friendly resort with a charming village atmosphere.
   * Offers a variety of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing.
   * Price point: Mid-range, with various accommodation options.
* Panorama Mountain Resort:
   * This resort provides a wide range of activities, and has a very nice village area.
   * It is a good location for family vacations.
   * Price point: Mid range.
* Fernie Alpine Resort:
   * Known for its abundant snowfall and excellent powder skiing.
   * Located in the southeastern corner of B.C.
   * Price point: Mid-range.
Important Considerations:
* When planning a mountain getaway, consider the time of year. Winter is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities.
* Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season.
* Be prepared for varying weather conditions, particularly in the mountains.
I hope this information helps you plan your perfect mountain getaway in British Columbia!

Peace is part of BC

The premier of Alberta has doubled her bacon consumption + has her eye on beef. In the sense that made in Canada a solution to sales can be achieved, so bacon up.

Beef and pork production by country

Five Largest Beef Producing Countries

  1. United States
  2. Brazil
  3. European Union
  4. China
  5. Argentina

Five Largest Pork Producing Countries

  1. China
  2. United States
  3. European Union
  4. Brazil
  5. Russia

Consumers

Five Greatest Beef Consuming Countries

  1. United States – Approximately 26 million metric tons
  2. Brazil – About 10 million metric tons
  3. China – Roughly 10 million metric tons
  4. Argentina – Around 3 million metric tons
  5. Mexico – Approximately 2 million metric tons

Five Greatest Pork Consuming Countries

  1. China – Roughly 54 million metric tons
  2. United States – About 12 million metric tons
  3. European Union – Approximately 12 million metric tons
  4. Russia – Around 3 million metric tons
  5. Brazil – About 3 million metric tons

Good Luck

Farms and Rancheswith Beef Cattle2021 Census of Agricuiture11,1millionTotal Cattle and CalvesDary 1, 20242.1% fromJanuary 1, 2023(includes 1.4 million dairy cattle)Statistics Canada3.46millionBeef CowsJanuary1, 2024Down 2.4% fromJanuary 1, 2023Statistics CanadaQuebec 40Atlantic 2020 40 60#of Head (May 11, 2021)2021 Census of AgicultureBeef Cows by ProvinceJanuary 1,2024Statistics Canade: inventory x 1000 headPercentages may not add to 100% due to rounding5% 45%28% 11%1831.556 L 6% 1980 381 215117Average Cost of Production vs.Average Returns on anAlberta 550 Ib Calf*Price S/cwt EST. Total Costs per cwt3.1262.1161.1.690 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22Canfax Research Services23% of farms havebetween 47 and 122 cows.with 956,118 beef cows, 26%of the herd.15% of farms have1% of the farms between 123 and 499 cows.have 13% of the with 1.21 million beef cows,45% of the herd.beef cows, between 2021 Census of Agriculture500 and 2,499 on Results rounded to nearesteach farm. whole numberCanada fed 3.1 million cattle in2023 (finished to market weight)down 4.4% from 2022.Canfax, Statistics Canada, AAFCWestern Canada finishes 79%of all fed cattle in Canada. canfaxIn 2023, Canadaproduced 3.44bilion pounosnof beef,offals), down 4.6% 3.44from 2022. BillionCanfax Research Services PoundsCattle and calf cash receiptsin 2023 totaled $15.0 billion,up 26% from 2022. statistics CanadaBeef production contributed$29 billion to Canada’s GDP(2021-2023 average).Canfax Research ServicesWHERE CANADA TRADESBeef Exports – 20231.1 billion pounds (499 million kg)75.2% United States2.9% South Korea9.1% Japan6.5% Mexico3.4% Other3.0% Southeast AsiaBeef Imports – 2023411 million pounds (187 milion kg)53.0% United States9.7% New Zealand6.4% Uruguay10.9% Australia6.2% Mexico13.8% otherStatistics CanadaIn 2023, Canada exported 51% of totalbeef and cattle produced in Canada.Statistics Canada, Canfax, AAFCIn 2023, 45% of Canadian productionwas exported (excluding slaughter cattle).Statistics Canada, Canfax, AAFCCanadian beef exports were valued at$5.02 billion in 2023, up 7.4% from$4.68 billion in 2022.Statistics CanadaCANADIAN BEEF What are wecONSUMPTION really eating?35.8 Ibs(16.2 kg)per person yearlyDown 7.2% versus last year.1 metric tonne = 2,204.6 lbs.Statistics Canada, Retail weight, 2023WHERE CANADA FITSTop 10 Beef Producing Nations – 2024fUnited States 19.72%Brazil 18.57%China 12.769%EU 10.65%India 7.57%Argentina a 5.20%Australia Canada 3.97%has 1.2% of theMexico world’s 942 million, 3.75%cattle.Russia 2.29%Canada 2.16%59% 10% 15% 20% 25%Canada produces 2% of the world’s beef supply. Worldwide beefproduction is forecast to be 60.4 million metric tonnes in 2024.USDATop 10 Beef Exporting Nations- 2024fAPvoorts)(excludes live slaughterBrazil 23.75%India 13.82%United States 12.97%Australia 10.31%Argentina 7.46%New Zealand 5.59%EU 4.86%Canada 4.54%Uruguay 3.85%Paraguay 3.65%5% 10% 15% 20% 25%Total world exports in 2024 are forecast to be 12.3 million metric tonnesand Canada is projected to be the 8th largest beef exporter in the world(excluding live slaughter exports).USDACanadian Beef ConsumptionDomestic Imports1.2001.00080060040020002 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18Canadians consumed 924,283 metric tonnes of beef in 2023.Statistics Canada

Farms and Rancheswith Beef Cattle2021 Census of Agricuiture11,1millionTotal Cattle and CalvesDary 1, 20242.1% fromJanuary 1, 2023(includes 1.4 million dairy cattle)Statistics Canada3.46millionBeef CowsJanuary1, 2024Down 2.4% fromJanuary 1, 2023Statistics CanadaQuebec 40Atlantic 2020 40 60#of Head (May 11, 2021)2021 Census of AgicultureBeef Cows by ProvinceJanuary 1,2024Statistics Canade: inventory x 1000 headPercentages may not add to 100% due to rounding5% 45%28% 11%1831.556 L 6% 1980 381 215117Average Cost of Production vs.Average Returns on anAlberta 550 Ib Calf*Price S/cwt EST. Total Costs per cwt3.1262.1161.1.690 92 94 96 98 00 02 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18 20 22Canfax Research Services23% of farms havebetween 47 and 122 cows.with 956,118 beef cows, 26%of the herd.15% of farms have1% of the farms between 123 and 499 cows.have 13% of the with 1.21 million beef cows,45% of the herd.beef cows, between 2021 Census of Agriculture500 and 2,499 on Results rounded to nearesteach farm. whole numberCanada fed 3.1 million cattle in2023 (finished to market weight)down 4.4% from 2022.Canfax, Statistics Canada, AAFCWestern Canada finishes 79%of all fed cattle in Canada. canfaxIn 2023, Canadaproduced 3.44bilion pounosnof beef,offals), down 4.6% 3.44from 2022. BillionCanfax Research Services PoundsCattle and calf cash receiptsin 2023 totaled $15.0 billion,up 26% from 2022. statistics CanadaBeef production contributed$29 billion to Canada’s GDP(2021-2023 average).Canfax Research ServicesWHERE CANADA TRADESBeef Exports – 20231.1 billion pounds (499 million kg)75.2% United States2.9% South Korea9.1% Japan6.5% Mexico3.4% Other3.0% Southeast AsiaBeef Imports – 2023411 million pounds (187 milion kg)53.0% United States9.7% New Zealand6.4% Uruguay10.9% Australia6.2% Mexico13.8% otherStatistics CanadaIn 2023, Canada exported 51% of totalbeef and cattle produced in Canada.Statistics Canada, Canfax, AAFCIn 2023, 45% of Canadian productionwas exported (excluding slaughter cattle).Statistics Canada, Canfax, AAFCCanadian beef exports were valued at$5.02 billion in 2023, up 7.4% from$4.68 billion in 2022.Statistics CanadaCANADIAN BEEF What are wecONSUMPTION really eating?35.8 Ibs(16.2 kg)per person yearlyDown 7.2% versus last year.1 metric tonne = 2,204.6 lbs.Statistics Canada, Retail weight, 2023WHERE CANADA FITSTop 10 Beef Producing Nations – 2024fUnited States 19.72%Brazil 18.57%China 12.769%EU 10.65%India 7.57%Argentina a 5.20%Australia Canada 3.97%has 1.2% of theMexico world’s 942 million, 3.75%cattle.Russia 2.29%Canada 2.16%59% 10% 15% 20% 25%Canada produces 2% of the world’s beef supply. Worldwide beefproduction is forecast to be 60.4 million metric tonnes in 2024.USDATop 10 Beef Exporting Nations- 2024fAPvoorts)(excludes live slaughterBrazil 23.75%India 13.82%United States 12.97%Australia 10.31%Argentina 7.46%New Zealand 5.59%EU 4.86%Canada 4.54%Uruguay 3.85%Paraguay 3.65%5% 10% 15% 20% 25%Total world exports in 2024 are forecast to be 12.3 million metric tonnesand Canada is projected to be the 8th largest beef exporter in the world(excluding live slaughter exports).USDACanadian Beef ConsumptionDomestic Imports1.2001.00080060040020002 04 06 08 10 12 14 16 18Canadians consumed 924,283 metric tonnes of beef in 2023.Statistics Canada

Grannies corner, Valley Craze cafe, Merritt BC, Canada

Remember the great Canadians

I can see by the clock on the wall. It’s time to bid one and all. This was the poetic beginning of the closing to the Wayne and Schuster show when I was a kid. So it’s appropriate to be in Granny’s corner at the coffee house off  Nicola Avenue.

Just around the back with signage ” this parking lot is not ours” is a delightful nook for baking coffee and  conversation.

There is two hours on street unmetered parking on Nicola Avenue which is highway eight out of town to the Coquihalla and 5A + West to Spences Bridge.

Valley Graze

2114 Nicola Ave, Merritt BC, open 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. most days.

Remember the clock on the wall.

Got a bunch? There is a municipal parking lot within easy walking at the corner of Granite avenue and Garcia street; unmetered.

Comics for investing…

Comic book collection

Investing in comic books and publications can be a fascinating and potentially lucrative endeavor. It combines a passion for the art form with the possibility of financial returns. However, it’s essential to approach it with knowledge and a clear understanding of the market. Here’s a breakdown of key aspects:
What Makes a Comic Book Valuable?
* Rarity: The fewer copies available, the higher the value. This can be due to limited print runs, errors, or damage over time.
* Condition: A comic book’s grade significantly impacts its price. Factors like spine creases, tears, and discoloration are considered.
* Historical Significance: First appearances of popular characters, key storylines, and landmark issues hold greater value.
* Demand: Popularity and cultural relevance drive demand. This can be influenced by movies, TV shows, and general fandom.
Types of Comic Book Investments:
* Golden Age (1938-1950s): These are the earliest comic books, often featuring iconic characters like Superman and Batman. They are generally the most expensive and sought-after.
* Silver Age (1956-1970): This era saw the rise of Marvel Comics and introduced characters like Spider-Man and the X-Men.
* Bronze Age (1970-1985): This period explored darker themes and introduced many beloved characters.
* Modern Age (1985-present): While newer comics are generally less valuable, some have the potential to appreciate if they feature significant events or characters.
Where to Buy and Sell:
* Local Comic Book Stores: These are great for browsing, building relationships with experts, and finding hidden gems.
* Online Marketplaces: eBay, MyComicShop, and others offer a vast selection but require careful inspection and buyer protection.
* Comic Conventions: Cons provide opportunities to buy, sell, and network with collectors and dealers.
* Auction Houses: For high-value and rare comics, auction houses like Sotheby’s and Heritage Auctions are options.
Tips for Investing:
* Do Your Research: Understand the market, grading standards, and key issues.
* Focus on Quality: Invest in high-grade comics to maximize potential returns.
* Diversify Your Portfolio: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Spread your investments across different eras and characters.
* Store Properly: Protect your comics from damage by using proper storage methods.
* Be Patient: Comic book investing is a long-term game. Don’t expect overnight riches.
* Consider Professional Grading: Services like CGC and CBCS authenticate and grade comics, which can increase their value.
Risks and Considerations:
* Market Fluctuations: Like any investment, the comic book market can be volatile.
* Counterfeits: Be wary of fakes and reproductions.
* Grading Disputes: Disagreements on a comic’s grade can affect its value.
* Storage Costs: Proper storage can be expensive, especially for large collections.
Is it Right for You?
Investing in comic books can be a rewarding experience for those passionate about the hobby. However, it’s crucial to approach it with realistic expectations and a solid understanding of the market. If you’re looking for a quick return, this might not be the best investment. But if you’re a fan of comics and willing to do your research, it can be a fun and potentially profitable venture.
Remember: Always consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Take that hockey cards…

January Arts Center Silent Auction Deadline

The January show at the Arts center is fastly coming to the January 29th Deadline for the silent auction of Art to fundraise for the charity.

The above photo of the east wall shows a sample of works in the bidding a bid book is on the display case available to place bids to accomplish both your desires and the Nicola Valley community Arts councils. Fundraising ideals.

have fun…

Enter the gallery from Kekuli Bannock house Voght Street MERRITT BC…

Murphy Shewchuck presents his view of over 50 years in the Nicola Valley as a photographer and writer.  Speaking at the Naturalist Society on Thursday the 16th, top of the hill Belshaw Avenue, Merritt BC, Canada. Membership or donation appreciated. Bursary auction fund raiser at the break. Free Parking in the NVIT lot.

Drone photography

Drone photography to be explained expounded and presented as a valuable method to photo document areas.

A very credentialed fellow including published books, several accolades for Museum curation, this afternoon a lively hood with BC Hydro. Murphy has been a committed principal in the operation of the Nicola Valley Museum And archives.

Murphy continues his domicile with Katherine within yards of the Coldwater River surviving and flourishing despite it’s  wrath near and not dear in the 2021 flash flood.

A display at the Nicola Valley Museum and archives.

See you there at 7 PM start, NVIT lecture hall. Merritt BC.

Old Canada

Amazing personage

The West was one, won, the  east was a beast and the North was a tort.

The South was on our side…

TGIF-Risk and go on..

Photo by Martin on Pexels.com

What’s the biggest risk you’d like to take — but haven’t been able to?

Climb the mountain of your disadvantage

The classic one from puberty’s plight.

Dime shows

Dime shows peaked during the 1880s and ’90s. The professor often had human freaks and would give discourses and pictures would be taken. However, and it’s not unlikely that The show must Go on in so many lives and that a necessity of sideshows as a distraction was aptly demonstrated in many occurrences.

bless there souls…

BC, the have it province.

New cabinet new adventure

BC

We want a life challenging as well as with a sense of well being and safety. We look forward to that opportunity and the strength of the new government as it endeavours to give the gift of livelihood to its constituents. 

Where it takes us  is less important than how, a good sense of belonging to success at any level of participation should be a premium.

Success at any level is measured by the inclusion of the weak and the engagement of the strong . So we can all be proud of BC.

Good luck… All give, all contribute, all thrive at a personal level, satisfaction be your portion.

100 Year beard

Centenial beard and niece
100 year beard and relative returned from Ontario

The author and niece in what seems 100 years ago. This post is time dated. Or dated in time. Whichever!

Beard AI

As an AI language model, I don’t have a physical body, so I can’t have a beard. However, I can provide you with some information about beards.
Beards: A Timeless Trend
Beards have been a popular style for centuries, and they continue to be a popular choice for many men today. They can be styled in a variety of ways, from short and trimmed to long and flowing.
Benefits of Having a Beard
* Protection from the elements: Beards can help to protect your face from wind, cold, and sun damage.
* Improved skin health: Beards can help to keep your skin moisturized and protected from dirt and debris.
* Increased attractiveness: Studies have shown that beards can make men more attractive to women.
* Boost in confidence: A well-groomed beard can give you a boost of confidence.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Beard
* Wash regularly: Use a gentle beard shampoo to cleanse your beard and the skin underneath.
* Condition regularly: Use a beard conditioner to keep your beard soft and hydrated.
* Brush daily: Brushing your beard helps to distribute natural oils and keep it looking its best.
* Trim regularly: Trim your beard to keep it looking neat and tidy.
* Use beard oil: Beard oil can help to nourish and condition your beard.
Would you like to learn more about beard styles, grooming tips, or perhaps explore some historical beard trends?

Groom to the end of time… KDG