Good Times May 2008

Never Stop Cheering
Hello, Murray. Regarding your editorial “New Grass On The Field” (April 2008), I, like you, am a (seemingly) forever suffering Expos fan—52 years old, lived and died with the box scores since 1969—and my heart is heavy, to a point. Yes, our beloved team has exited, but, Murray, don’t give up on the game. What’s more perfect than 90 feet between bases? What’s more splendid than the rush of excitement when a hitter stretches a double into a triple? Never stop cheering the good plays and the outstanding efforts of the men who live to get dirty. Don’t give up on the game; it’s too good to lose.

Ron McFarland
Peterborough, ON

More on Junk E-mail
Your editorial on junk e-mail (March 2008) hit home with me, as I’m sure it did with many people. I travel a lot, and whenever I’m about to leave on an extended trip, I e-mail everyone who usually sends me jokes, pictures, et cetera, and ask them to hold off until my return. I tell them that, because of the per-minute charges I have to pay to access the Internet, everything except personal e-mail will be deleted unread.

Another strategy is to create a free e-mail account using Hotmail, Yahoo, or Gmail for use while travelling. Give this address only to family, trusted close friends, and perhaps one person at work (if you’re still working). Then open only this e-mail account when on the road. It works for us.

Helen Kaulbach
Kelowna, BC

I travel a lot and meet quite a few handicapped folks and seniors on vacation. I collect their e-mail addresses and keep in touch with them, sending jokes and encouragement. When, as happens, they become disabled or deceased, their families take up where they left off. Yes, some of the e-mails are enough to curl your toenails, but it’s still nice to hear from them and there’s always the delete button. And the jokes and some spam sure beat some of the tripe on TV!

Shirley Willis, via e-mail

I have a mailing list to which I regularly send e-mail. Once a year, I send an e-mail asking if anyone receiving my “jokes” would like to stop having them sent to them. I’ve yet to receive that request. (Of course, maybe some are already filtering my e-mails to the junk folder and never see my opt-out question!)

Doug Fitzpatrick
via e-mail

Pointing Fingers
I found it interesting that you received so many letters (March 2008) from readers appalled that a couple (who obviously saved well, which many Canadians do not know how to do) was collecting GIS. I am in my 30s, pinching back continuously to save enough money for retirement (and one million will probably not cut it by the time I retire). Who says this couple didn’t sacrifice during their working years to save enough money while those who are “angry and appalled” spent their money during their working years instead of building a nest egg? If the law is such that I can collect GIS, I will. Perhaps these people, instead of being appalled, should do some research and make the law work for them, instead of pointing fingers.

Nikki, via e-mail

Send your letters and comments to: Editor, Good Times, 2001 University, Suite 900, Montreal, QC, H3A 2A6, or editor@goodtimes.ca

Good Times March 2008 Letters

Angry and Appalled
In the January “Your Questions,” a couple wrote in stating that they’re worth more than $1 million—$850,000 in RRSPs and “some $170,000” in non-registered investments—and yet they still collect the Guaranteed Income Supplement? How can they? I’ve spoken to several other seniors who were shocked.

Betty Blythe
via e-mail

These people are leeches! We will be sending a letter to the federal Minister of Finance and our local MP.

Joan G. Martin
Oshawa, ON

I certainly do not begrudge anyone their good fortune in life, and these people must have scrimped and saved all their lives to have over a million dollars in retirement investments. But I don’t agree with the fact that they are getting the GIS. This seems a bit ludicrous. I know the GIS is based on a person’s income, but don’t you think there is something wrong with this picture?

Mary Brunelle
Blenheim, ON

I am appalled that someone with over $1 million in investments should consider collecting GIS. Perhaps the couple in question qualify according to the letter of the law, but certainly not according to the intent.

MaryAnn Klassen
via e-mail

Editor’s note: We received a great many letters on this subject, and asked Mr. Edur, our writer, to comment:
“ As long as their money remains in the RRSP, it doesn’t constitute income,” he explains, but he adds that “once this couple must begin making RRIF withdrawals (the year after they turn age 71), their GIS is going to disappear in its entirety.”

More Huffing and Puffing
I was interested to read about the Huffers and Puffers group in Oakville, ON (“Letters,” February 2008). There’s a program here in Calgary called “Living Well With a Chronic Condition.” I’ve been attending for 21⁄2 years now—I suffer from lung disease, as do most people who attend—and it’s done wonders for me. It’s great to be able to exercise in a safe environment—there are respiratory therapists there at all times—and there’s the added benefit of making friends!

Joyce Henderson
Calgary

Wrong Wheat
I was dismayed to see the photos illustrating “The Whole Truth on Whole Wheat” (September 2007). While it is beautiful photography, the type of wheat pictured is an American type of feed wheat suitable for animal consumption. We Canadian wheat farmers produce the very best wheat in the world, and that comes without the barbs (little hairs). Your article was excellent, but your photos were off.

Lyse Rioux
St. Pierre, MB

Editor’s note: Regarding “Wintering in the Dominican Sun” (January 2008): Whereas the article stated that Brian Wales built a bungalow with a coastline view, he in fact bought and renovated a villa some 30 minutes from the coastal village of Sosua. In addition, his property is worth significantly more than the value suggested in the article; please consult with a realtor before making any purchases. The writer apologizes for any errors.

Send your letters and comments to: Editor, Good Times, 2001 University, Suite 900, Montreal, QC, H3A 2A6, or editor@goodtimes.ca