Lowdark

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone here at CERB a Merry Christmas. The next few days are likely going to be hectic and rushed so here's hoping everyone has a chance to slow down a bit, take a breath and savour the warmth of the season. And here's also hoping everyone gets a little spoiled by Santa.

Petty is the best way to describe it. Did the person think that removing the recommendation would either end the argument or was it his way of kicking dirt on the umpire's shoes?

I have to agree with Roaming Guy. I love to give and Christmas is the perfect opportunity to indulge in that. I love watching people's faces when they open something that I sometimes agonized over for sentimental value. Or the comedic results.

I have had the opportunity to visit Yasmine a few times and hope to see her again. A truly genuine and extraordinary young woman, she is as honest and sincere as she is honest. She deserves plenty of respect and dignity and she will treat you right in return.

Interesting how the world's largest "authority" on morality is often one of it's greatest sources of sin and hypocrisy? I'm actaully interested in hearing the many reasons of church officials for neglecting this for so long despite their knowledge.

There may also be another benefit for some of the ladies. If places like CERB become the norm for people to look for SPs and MAs, then there is a good chance the ladies on this community can give each other a heads up about potentially bad clients and time wasters. The kind of guy who got away with stuff like that before on CL might only get away with it once or twice before word spread through places like CERB and he could essentially be weeded out. I've always thought that CERB was not only a way for hobbyiests to be aware of potential dangers and risks but for the ladies to watch each other's back as well.

I've had a sales position for the past few years and the one thing that shocked me when I started was people asking for deals, bargains and discounts right off the bat. Just last week someone tried to negotiate the price of one my most expensive products because it had been on sale several weeks earlier and it was Christmas (and she was quite rude about it from the start, which really didn't give me any incentive to cut her some slack). I had never even considered haggling for anything growing up but to a whole lot of people it's second nature. Having said that though, haggling for an inanimate object is one thing, but for a woman's time and the privilege of her company? Classless and ignorant. It's boorish, Neanderthal behaviour and the idiots who do it should be ashamed of themselves. Problem is, as I believe Naomi stated, they simply don't care. If they see a problem with their behaviour it makes no difference to them. The only advice I can offer the ladies is that if they fail to see how worthy you are and "bargain" for you, realize how unimportant, trivial and worthless they are. They don't value you the way you should be valued so you shouldn't feel upset in the slightest showing them the door. These are the kind of guys who steal from Salvation Army Santas and kick puppies. Of the women I have had the privilege of meeting and talking to from this community, they have been warm, intelligent, articulate and even passionate. They deserve respect and dignity and to be appreciated for the treasures they are. Anyone unable or too dumb to understand that isn't worth a second thought.

Did anyone else need a cold shower after reading this?

Every woman has the right to say no, regardless of what they do. These fools seem to be under the gross misunderstanding that being an SP guarantees them your time and company when they couldn't be further from the truth. Their behaviour reflects their inferior character and they are guilty of stalking, plain and simple. They aren't worth a hearbeat of your time and I suspect that deep down they know that and that's why they're harrassing you so persistently, hoping against hope that their stubborn determination works. It is truly unfortunate that you have to endure this and I am sincerely sorry. In the end I hope it all works out but just realize that the people with common sense and decency (fortunately still the majority here) support you and are behind you. Good luck.

I agree with Red Dog on this as well. His military training had little to do with his descent. to do otherwise is to skate dangerously close to offending the men and women who serve in uniform and have sacrificed so much. From what I understand, the real shock was to the military since you have to pass rigorous psychological testing to reach that kind of rank. Interestingly enough, I recently saw a documentary citing that politics and corporate culture offered more opportunities for psychopaths and sociopaths than any other occupation. Perhaps we can chalk it up to a man of weak character choosing to be evil, choosing to indulge his own selfish impulses despite the pain and suffering it caused others. No breakdown, no myths of psychological conditioning, just plain old human darkness. Most of us choose to ignore our base natures, he chose to embrace it.

Whoever said that to you was an enormous fool. You are forthright about who you are and make no apologies about it. The offender was obviously an unintelligent waste of humanity. Forget him, he isn't worth a second of your time.

Earlier on the radio I heard that Eastern ontario may be spared the brunt of it (but wind up getting rain). Southwestern Ontario looks like it may still be in the crosshairs though.

Here's hoping he spends a very long time in a cage.

Both the 1951 Alistair Sims classic plus Bill Murray's Scrooged are tied on my list. I love them both and watch them every year.

It's a Wonderful Life is high on my list too. Finally, a good guy gets what he deserves in the end after spending his life putting others ahead.

Isn't it like this every year lol? Ottawa, too cold in the winter, too hot in the summer, too wet the rest of the time. You can sometimes get the feeling that the people who complain about the snow 20 minutes into winter (and the heat 20 minutes into summer) may only be happy when they're complaining.

These videos were pure sugar for the soul. Thanks.

I support the Food Bank but donate to Toy Mountain every year. Food is more important but every kid deserves something under the tree to make them smile Christmas morning.

May the Hannukah season be bright for those who observe and celebrate it.

Happy birthday!

A lot of people are probably thinking they went to the wrong schools right now.

Hearfelt. Sincerely Genuine and Warm. Your father sounded like an extraordinary man and doubtless he would be proud of you.

The man was also a great humanitarian. RIP Leslie. We'll miss you.

De Nada. The pros of this community FAr outweigh the bumps along the road.

Well, if Isabella or any of the other ladies from CERB followed suit, I think they'll probably get a few more hits. Just thinking out loud.