Today is Veteran's day/Remembrance day. Thank's and appreciation to those that have served their country in uniform. Don't know if any of our north of the border brethern here fall into this category. Canada does have a military and I 've actually seen some if it. It was an old diesel submarine. Those poor bubbleheads, that sub looked like a hunk of junk. Take a minute to thank those who have served and helped protect the freedom you enjoy today.<br><br>On a lighter note, remember when the folks out west complained about how hot it was this summer. Now it is my turn to complain on the opposite end of the spectrum. It is not yet mid November and the temp. has already dipped down to 15 and 11 degrees F. on 2 sepearate occasions. When the weather man calls for precipitation, increasingly it is for the solid form. In fact we have already had several inches on the ground. Looks like Iceman was an appropriate nickname for me. <p></p><i></i>

Yeah Ice:<br><br>I served as a stoker (Marine Engineer for you dry-landers) in the early 80's on the Athabaskan, at the time one of Canada's 4 gas-turbine destroyers. Was considering signing on for sub duty until I saw the boats. Junk is right!! Would have rather put to sea in a 7 foot dinghy. Apparently they have a few new (used) British cast-offs now. Hey everyone, if you have some outmoded, outdated junk to get rid of, call the Canadian military...they'll be more than happy to take it off your hands. <br><br>Bo <p></p><i></i>

Bo I think you misheard your title. They called you "Stroker."<br><br>Happy Vets Day to vets of all races, genders, and religions who fought under one banner and flag. <p></p><i></i>

I don't know Iceman, I lived in Colorado for 10+ years and looked forward to each winter. Kinda miss it. Rather have snow than rain, fog and 108 deg. weather. Here in NorCal we have two seasons...HOT and COLD.<br><br>Canada is smart not to spend Billions of Bux on military hardware. If there is a need, the US will give it to them, for nothing. Well, there is always a catch I guess. The US spends money on only the most costly, biggest, best, and of course, the least needed hardware available. Then we throw it away! Just so the Fat boys can get fatter. Someone should get something out of it. Might as well be Canada. IMHO<br><br>As Mah said..<br><br>Happy Vets Day to vets of all races, genders, and religions who fought under one banner and flag. <br><br>In God We Trust<br><br>Das Hookster <p></p><i></i>

Hey Ma:<br><br>Stroker? Damn! Hope nobody got video of that...lol...<br><br>Bo <p></p><i></i>

Bo<br><br>I heard they did get a hold of that video -- it involved 2 oars.<br><br>Gotta agree with you Hook about the military spending, when we have nukes to cook the world hundreds of times over. But hey, when you need a laser-guided smart bomb to hit the wrong target or blow up the wrong embassy ...<br><br>What do I know, I'm from Berkeley.<br><br>M <p></p><i></i>

Hey Bo<br><br>Did ya ever learn "Hide The Torpedo"? when ya was on that destroyer?. It's just a rumor (I Did Not start it !!) but I understand Iceman learned it on the boats. Seems to be a seaman thingie and well.....ships, boats, ya know. Just wondering, if there were some tapes, well we could make some bux....Hmmmm. Think about it ok? lol.<br><br>Hook <p></p><i></i>

Yes, I went to the Cenotaph for today's service. Met an old friend of mine whom I haven't seen since last years ceremony. During the service the only Lancaster bomber on this side of the pond that's still airworthy did a flyby along the lakeshore communities around 11:15 a.m. That was nice. My Dad did the second half of his tour in the RCAF in Lanc's. (First half in Sterlings) So that machine has special signifigance for me. <!--EZCODE EMOTICON START :) --><img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"><!--EZCODE EMOTICON END--> <p></p><i></i>