A Candid Conversation With Charles Looker About New Bingo Cards---I 27 That's I As In Innovation 27

Bingo in the UK is about to get an interesting face lift. A new kind of Bingo Ticket book is being produced by Edwardthompson a company that has been in the business of printing since 1867 and has been supplying products to the leisure gaming industry for the past 50 years. The company has developed the 3rd Generation Bingo Ticket Book. A fully colored book of tickets that can be customized is now on the market for Bingo Clubs in the UK. I contacted Charles Looker to find out more about the book. Mr Looker thanks for taking time to take part in a Candid Conversation.

Cliff T.: can you explain the differences between the old Bingo tickets and the new ones that your company is producing?

Charles Looker: The big difference is that where previously bingo tickets had to follow a set design which was repeated on every page of every book. Now each and every page can be a completely different design and in full colour. This means that a customer can jazz up how they present the bingo grids and numbers or they can design a completely different number related game.

Cliff T.: Your press release states that these new tickets will give Bingo clubs the opportunity to use a new style of games, in what way?

Charles Looker: Because the tickets are printed using a full colour digital printer instead of traditional printing methods, every ticket design in a book can now be different. This flexibility means we can create new number games for clubs to play such as ‘bingo roulette’ or even image based games such as ‘match the celebrity face’.

Cliff T.: Can the books be changed in size or shape?

Charles Looker: At the moment they are produced in the standard sizes used by bingo clubs however with the advances in print finishing technology anything is possible.

Cliff T.: What was wrong with the old style?

Charles Looker: Nothing at all! Many customers and players still love our traditional style books. The main advantage of the new style books is the flexibility in design which makes them look more visually appealing and also enables clubs to insert adverts and sponsorship messages into the tickets giving them increased commercial opportunities.

Gala (the biggest bingo club in the UK) have rolled out the tickets across all their clubs and we expect other clubs to follow but some clubs will still prefer the traditional styles tickets which we have no intention of withdrawing.

Cliff T.: Mr. Looker what has been the reaction from the clubs and the players to the new books?

Charles Looker: Very good. Gala Bingo has reported good feedback with clubs and players alike enjoying the new style tickets.

Cliff T.: Why now, what prompted the change?

Charles Looker: Edwardthompson have always been innovators in the UK bingo market, which is a challenging market. We have over 50 years of printing experience and when we saw the opportunity to offer the bingo market the benefits of the latest full colour digital printing technology at a commercially viable price, we jumped on it.

Cliff T.: How did Edwardthompson develop 3rd Generation Bingo books?

Charles Looker: We combined the needs and wish list of our current customers with the potential benefits of full colour digital printing and our 50 years of bingo ticket production experience. What we must not forget is that every 3rd generation bingo book can be completely different to another.

Cliff T.: So far what are the most commonly wanted color schemes you get requests for?

Charles Looker: This really varies. Gala Bingo have a different colour for every page. We are really only at the beginning of discovering how our customers will want to take advantage of the limitless design options.

Cliff T.: How big an industry is Bingo in the UK?

Charles Looker: The UK bingo industry is has around 600 clubs, over 60 million admissions per year and an industry revenue of around £2bn.(+)

Cliff T.: Mr Looker are you planning to market this product outside of the UK?

Charles Looker: We are looking at all our options at the moment however the UK market is the priority at this point.

Cliff T.: It sounds like Bingo is evolving or morphing so to speak. What plans does Edwardthompson have in mind to go beyond 3rd Generation Bingo?

Charles Looker: There are many parts of the industry which we are involved in from supplying and installing electronic bingo terminals to promotional marketing for bingo clubs and club refurbishments. We are constantly looking at how we can help the bingo market evolve, watch this space.

Cliff T: Well it sounds like this new style of Bingo play should be a win win for everyone. Thank you for telling us about it.

Charles Looker: My Pleasure.

Cliff T.: Charles Looker is a Marketing Manger with Edwardthompson a printing firm located in Sunderland England. The company provides 60% of the Bingo books in the U.K. Recently launched a new product called 3rd Generation Bingo. For more information on the company and it's products visit them at edwardthompson.com

Footnote: (+) the Canadian equivalent to 2B British Pound is 3.24 Billion Cdn.

A Candid Conversation With Koreen Simon As We Tip Toe Through The Dandelions

When I was in a youth group in Greenfield Park Quebec at the local Pentecostal church we had a church secretary, Saskia, who once said that we needed to bloom where we are planted. My first thought was, what are you kidding me, does this mean someone is going to water me like a plant in a pot? As you can guess I hand no idea that the imagery of us as plant and God as gardener tending his plants meant he'd shower us with the water and other nutrients that would help us grow into the people he wants us to be. Fast forward to 2009 and as I was searching the net for the next Candid Conversation I came across a press release for a book by author Koreen Simon, interestingly titled Thrive Like a Dandelion. The Dandelion is one tough plant wherever it can it will grow despite numerous attempts to eradicate it. A very interesting choice given the current times we are living in. Ms. Simon thanks for taking time to discuss your book with me and my readers on Candid Conversations.

Koreen Simon: Thank you. I am happy that Saskia’s message touched you and helped you take a closer look at the press release. I hope that through your blog you will be able to touch many people.

Cliff T.: When did you first discover the Dandelion?

Koreen Simon: I’ve been observing the battle between lawn owners and dandelions for quite some time. Some people will take care of their lawns themselves, but they will schedule visits by weed specialists who are responsible for eradicating dandelions. Because the dandelion is so resilient, these specialists would have to visit several times to ensure that the plant is eradicated. If your lawn becomes dandelion-free and your neighbour’s has dandelions, it is likely that they will return. Dandelion seeds are attached to tiny parachutes, which enable them to spread far and wide. It is only about two years ago that I seriously began observing and researching the dandelion and I’ve become a fan ever since. I’ve been asked what kind of car I would be if I were a car or what kind of tree I would be if I were a tree and I decided that if I am ever asked what kind of flower I would be if I were a flower, I would say a dandelion, because a dandelion is strong and resilient and it always finds a place to grow, develop and thrive. I did get the opportunity to say it at a workshop I attended, and I could tell that what I said made an impact.

Cliff T.: How are we like Dandelions, or how can we be like Dandelions?

Koreen Simon: We are all like dandelions because like dandelions, we all have value and we all have intrinsic with survival instincts. Some of us are better at surviving than others because our life experiences have made us better survivors. Some people have no other choice but to use their wits to survive while others are not fully aware of their survival instincts because they were never in the kind of situation that required them to use it. Some people see the dandelion as a weed that needs to be eradicated, while others see its medicinal and culinary value and celebrate it every year at springtime.

Cliff T.: Did you ever imagine writing and then publishing a book about personal growth and self improvement in what is considerably one of the worst economic downturns known to modern humanity?

Koreen Simon: I actually started writing the book in the midst of the recession, but even before that I had observed a few trends that I found troubling. I observed that highly skilled immigrants would come to this country hoping for a better life than the one they left behind and be disappointed. In their own countries and even in other developed countries like Canada, they would have been saving lives or making a difference, but here they are, driving taxis or working for close to minimum wage and just thinking about their own survival and the survival of their families. I had also observed that the job market keeps changing and you might be in a career today that is in demand, but it could be quite different in the future. I’ve met highly skilled people who had become jobless after the technology boom and had no choice but to start over at entry-level positions in which their strengths are not utilized. The downturn is affecting people worldwide. I wish everyone affected would keep looking within themselves and searching for creative ways to use the skills they already have to get themselves out of their situations.

Cliff T.: In your description of the book you mention that we all have value, is there a first step to finding what value one has that is spoken about in your book?

Koreen Simon: We all have value because we have all touched the people around us in some way. In my book, I did mention a process that would help readers to determine what their special value, mission, skill or talent is. This is something that has to be constantly explored and I don’t expect that everyone would be able to determine what it is after reading my book. I hope that they will continue thinking about it and trying to find it.

Cliff T.: Ms. Simon, I gather from the fact that you have 52 steps in the book that this is meant to be a year long journey?

Koreen Simon: Yes. It is meant to be a year-long journey, with a challenge per week that is based on the week’s lesson. You get a week to think about the challenge and work on it so that it becomes a part of your experience that you can build on later in life.

Cliff T.: Ms. Simon, during the journey are you going to encourage collaboration and feedback as readers work through each of the 52 steps?

Koreen Simon: Certainly. I encourage readers to get together in groups, whether in-person or online and share your journeys. I myself have started The Dandelion Movement on Facebook, which I hope readers will join and utilize to share their journeys. For each of the fifty-two weeks I will be posting a challenge from the book on Twitter and with The Dandelion Movement group on Facebook. Of course, you can start the challenge anytime and still share your journey.

Cliff T.: Can you give us a sneak preview of some of the steps you'll have readers take?

Koreen Simon: For example, the step for Week 14 is “Choose a Mentor.” I ask readers to think about the people who have inspired them so far and think about the qualities they admire about them. They are to research their mentor, and think about how they can emulate them. It would have more relevance, of course if they first read the lesson for Week 14 first which explains what they need to do in more detail.

Cliff T.: Have you done the steps yourself?

Koreen Simon: I think I’ve done all of the steps myself in some way as part of my own journey, and starting the first full week in January and for each of the fifty-two weeks, I will do the challenge of the week.

Cliff T.: One of the interesting things I noted was the fact that you want people to pass on what they learn in the book and to go beyond just doing the steps. I am curious do you think we need a shift from the me to the we kind of thinking and is that what this book is really about, going past ourselves and improving not only our lives but others?

Koreen Simon: I believe that there is strength in numbers. If everyone shares their journey, others can learn from it and be motivated and inspired by it. For those who need moral support, they will find it from the people who have embarked on that same journey and have decided to share their experiences.

Cliff T.: What was the deciding factor in writing this book, what led you to decide to write Thrive Like a Dandelion?

Koreen Simon: A number of factors caused me to write Thrive Like a Dandelion. I’ve had to start over several times and each time I found myself heading in a different career direction. I also found myself with skills that I wasn’t using. I invested a lot of time, effort and resources on those skills and I was determined to find an outlet. Each year I would set major goals for myself, and the year I wrote Thrive Like a Dandelion I was finding it difficult to come up with a major goal. It took me three months to think about what I could do, and once I realized that I would be using the skills I enjoy most, I started writing the book. Of course, being a member of Toastmasters International helped tremendously. It helped me to use my communication and leadership skills in getting my message across. I hope that everyone would be able to see the dandelion as a symbol of personal growth and development, strength, resilience and self-empowerment and that with the help of this symbol and my book, they will be able to empower themselves.

Cliff T.: Ms. Simon Who is this book written for?

Koreen Simon: Thrive Like a Dandelion is written for a diverse readership. Its messages and challenges are equally relevant to new potentialists in search of the kind of fulfillment they don’t get at work as it is to individuals who are starting over and searching for new direction after a significant life-changing event.

Cliff T.: Where can people get the book?

Koreen Simon: You can get Thrive Like a Dandelion from the publisher, Virtualbookworm.com Publishing, Amazon.ca, Amazon.com, and BarnesandNoble.com.

Cliff T: Ms. Simon it was a pleasure to get in touch with you re this fascinating book and the concept behind it. I hope you have a great journey with your readers.

Koreen Simon: Thank you. I enjoyed your interview. I hope you have much success touching others through your blog.

Cliff T.: Koreen A. Simon is a resident of Toronto and she has worked in a number of roles, the include working on policy issues at the diplomatic level in relation to peace, the environment, human rights and sustainable development. She is also a skilled communicator and is a member of Toastmasters. For more information on Thrive like a Dandelion visit http://www.thrivelikeadandelion.com

Candid Conversation About The Hitler Skull With Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni

Cliff T.: While listening to a recent Podcast of CBC's As It Happens I heard a real interesting interview with Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni. He is a state Archaeologist and he works out of the CT State Museum of Natural History and Archaeology Center. Back in the dying days of world war II Hitler committed suicide, the Russians for years claimed to have the skull of the Nazi leader. However after examining the skull Dr. Bellantoni found that the skull was not that of Hitler but of a woman, possibly Eva Braun, Dr Bellantoni thanks for taking time to speak about this subject.

Cliff T.: Can you explain what it is you do at the museum and how long you have been doing it?

Dr. Bellantoni: My job as state archaeologist has many roles and responsibilities, but, primarily I work toward preservation of archaeological sites in Connecticut. I review subdivisions, shopping malls, golf courses – any economic development project that might have an impact on below-ground archaeological resources. I work with local municipalities in preserving their history. Also, public education about the importance of archaeological sites is another role I take seriously.

Cliff T.: What drew you to Archeology and was that a boyhood interest or something you decided to do as you got older?

Dr. Bellantoni: I was a rather poor student in high school and when I graduated I went into the military and served 4 years in the US Navy. When I returned to civilian life I had matured a great deal and realized I needed to go to college and start a career. Well, no college would take me due to my poor performance in high school. Finally, a community college took me as a returning veteran on probation. I took a course in introductory anthropology and that got me going. I didn’t think to become an archaeologist until I was 24 years ago. Late bloomer!

Cliff T.: Is this the biggest archaeological challenge you have faced?

Dr. Bellantoni: No, the biggest challenge I had was the archaeological excavation and forensic study of the Bulkeley Family Tomb in Colchester, CT. The Bulkeley’s are one of the most prominent New England families, coming to the colony in the 1630s. In 2002, they discovered a family tomb that had been covered with earth and forgotten. The tomb dated form 1770s to 1830s. The family asked if I would do a forensic analysis of the skeletal remains to identify them in history. Turns out there were 30 burials in the tomb, and, between forensic science and genealogical data we were able to identify all of them in the family’s history.

Cliff T.: What drew you to decide to investigate the skull the Russians had?

Dr. Bellantoni: Producers for The History Channel asked if I would assist in a program they were doing on the death and remains of Adolf Hitler, and asked if I would go along as their scientist.

Cliff T.: Certainly Hitler is an interesting/infamous character, however what would be the purpose in finding and examining his skull?

Dr. Bellantoni: The project entailed trying to understand what happened in April and May of 1945 in Berlin. Much of what really happened has been kept secret, so we had an opportunity to investigate a small part of the story. It is important to know and understand a most significant part of world history.

Cliff T.: In your interview with CBC you mentioned that you had heard that the Russians had Hitler's dental records. Have you made progress in getting them along with other data that might help you locate the skull?

Dr. Bellantoni: I have not seen the actual dental x-rays that the Russian have. Hitler had bad teeth and needed bridge work. When the Russians found the bodies of Hitler and Eva Braun, they did an autopsy and identified them through their dental work. That was the best you could do in 1945 and I believe that they did properly identify the bodies. The autopsy report, dental records and a part of the jaw bone (mandible) were sent to Moscow to convince Stalin that Hitler was dead.

Cliff T.: What was it like to hold what you thought was Hitler's skull, how did you feel when you got it? And what was the feeling you had when you realized that it was not his skull?

Dr. Bellantoni: Well, at first it was rather emotional to think that I held the remains of the most infamous person in world history. However, in examination of the cranial vault fragment, I quickly realized that my expectations of what Hitler’s skull cap should look like were not met. The vault fragment appeared to me to be too small (gracile) for an adult male, and too young (sutures were still wide open) for someone who died at 56 years of age.

Cliff T.: Do you still have the skull?

Dr. Bellantoni: No, the cranial vault fragment and the mandible that the Russians sent back to Moscow to demonstrate to Stalin that Hitler died still resides there.

Cliff T.: What kinds of tests did you use to determine the identity of the skull and was this process long or short?

Dr. Bellantoni: As mentioned, I conducted a general examination of gross morphology – that is, observations made by looking for identifiable characteristics, and noted some problems with the bone being that of Adolf Hitler. However, in the range of biological variation, it could still be him. It was really the DNA sample that showed the cranial vault was a woman.

Cliff T.: What will you do if you ever find the skull of Hitler?

Dr. Bellantoni: We will never find the skull of Hitler. In 1970, the Russians excavated his remains for the last time and conducted a full cremation. The ashes were they dumped into a brook that flowed into the Elbe River. His only extant remains are the mandible that was sent to Russia.

Cliff T.: Are there any other archaeological projects or mysteries that you plan to try and unravel in the near or distant future?

Dr. Bellantoni: Oh yes, I have two most interesting projects this year – one involving the identification of Old Leatherman; and one identifying the remains of an old English family of nobility. Anyhow, long stories but I am most interested in the archaeological and forensic potentials of these projects.

Cliff T: Dr. Bellantoni, thanks again for having a candid conversation with me and my readers.

Dr. Bellantoni: Thank you

Cliff T.: Dr. Nicholas Bellantoni has a PhD in Archeology and and works for CT State Museum of Natural History and Archaeology Center, University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT. For more information on the Hitler Skull check out the following links listed below.

CBC Reports on the findings made by Dr. Bellantoni others who worked with him.

As It Happens October 2nd edition part II with Dr. Bellantoni's interview.

The Musem's website. http://www.cac.uconn.edu

Candid Conersations Going A Few Rounds In The Interview Ring With Paul B

Cliff T.: Back in the 90's I met a fellow by the name of Paul. He was in the TV Broadcasting course at Mohawk College in Hamilton and I was in the Radio course. Besides an interest in television Paul also has developed skills in the computer world most notably helping Blackberry owners fix the technical problems they face. But this is not why I decided to do a Candid Conversation with Paul. What has garnered my attention is his sport of choice boxing. As a teen in high school Paul boxed but after leaving school he also left the ring until about a year or two ago. That is when he decided to get back into the ring. Paul thanks for speaking with me today on this subject.

Paul B: Well, I am always willing to help a friend. I appreciate your interest. Thanks for having me.

Cliff T.: Paul most people in their 40's probably don't think about getting into a boxing ring for the first never mind the second time what prompted the return to the ring?

Paul B: I love the sport. It is one of the best things for your body. There is cardio and strength training, and of course there is also the self defense aspect as well. However, it does not matter. Age is only a number, and anyone of any age should be physically active.

Cliff T.: What kind of reaction did you get when you told people you were going to box again?

Paul B: People were very supportive.

Cliff T.: Did you do anything before approaching a boxing coach?

Paul B: Well, I had to make sure I was in shape. For a few years without exercise, I did not exactly have a boxer's body. I spent a year at Goodlife Fitness, and a proper diet, to get myself back into boxing shape.

Cliff T.: What was the reaction you got when you approached a coach?

Paul B: Nothing unusual. I look younger than I really am, and age is not something that comes up when you apply at a boxing gym. The coach thought I was in my lower 30's.

Cliff T.: Do you have a boxing role model and if you do who and why?

Paul B: I do not have a specific role model. I do look at some professional boxers for insight. We have a couple at my gym. I will often go to them for advise, and have even sparred with them.

Cliff T.: I can assume that you did not just get into the ring and box, what did you have to do before you got into the ring for your first bout?

Paul B: Training, training, training. As I mentioned before, I lost my boxer's body, and I had to get it back. Stamina is very important. There are no time-outs in boxing. You are in there for 2 or 3 minutes, and there is no stopping until the intermission period. If you stop for a second, you are finished.

Cliff T.: I am also assuming that you still train, what is involved in the training?

Paul B: I generally train 7 days a week with a very specific training schedule. These combine different types of exercise at different times. These include strength training, cardio, and technical boxing which includes sparring and shadow boxing with footwork. There is also jumping rope, ab strengthening and good old fashioned push-ups. The training schedule is designed to reduce the plateau effect, and give the most effective workout.

Cliff T.: What is the plateau effect?

Paul B: The Plateau Effect is caused by doing the exact same exercise routine all the time. Your muscles get used to it. This is called a Plateau. Your muscles will no longer build beyond that point, regardless of how much you work them. Mixing your routine, and creating a different exercise environment for you muscles eliminates this effect.

Cliff T.: How many bouts have you been in since your return to the ring?

Paul B: I have not had any competition bouts yet, I am hoping to start next season. I do have exhibition matches approximately once per month.

Cliff T.: Besides the physical training that you do is there any kind of theory that you have to study? Do you also have to be on sort of diet as well?

Paul B: Let me start on theory. It is called Technical Boxing. Just like with every sport, there is a "right way" to box. Beginner boxers learn the basics of boxing and the rules of the sport. However, when you get to my level, you create your own style. Every boxer has his own style, but that style can be traced back to the basics. As for what I eat, a boxer's diet generally consists of low-carbs and high protein. Lots of meats and veggies, juices and water. I also take a protein supplement right after training. Interestingly enough, a meal at McDonald's, with salad and juice or milk, is common for athletes because of the high protein content.

Cliff T.: Beside the physical element is there any psychology that factors into what you do in the ring?

Paul B: Well, boxing is actually more skill than physical. Boxing is one of few sports where you are offense and defense at the same time. You study your opponent, and find his weak spot, then use that to your advantage. If you can move in with a good-powerful right, then you do.

Cliff T.:Many sports figures are superstitious are you and if so what do you do if anything before a bout, example do you rub a rabbits foot?

Paul B: I am not superstitious. I don't do anything special before a bout. If I have trained better than my opponent, I will win.

Cliff T.: For the most part in the ring there seems from what I have seen a form of discipline, what are the basic rules in boxing? Have you ever come across an opponent who has broken these rules? And have you ever had to say to to a referee sorry I am not boxing this opponent any longer as he is not fighting within the confines of the rules?

Paul B: That is why there is a referee. Because of the nature of the sport, the rules are more for safety than anything else. However, the rules vary depending on the area. Ontario has very strict rules and these rules are heavily enforced. There are other places, such as the state of Florida, with fewer rules that are not very well enforced. Basically, boxers may only attack their opponent within the target area. That is from the forehead to the abdomen, and in front and below the ears to the lower ribcage. Striking outside these areas is illegal. Hitting behind the ears, below the belt, or the kidneys is not allowed. Holding your opponent is not allowed, and you may only attack during the round. Throwing a punch after the bell is an illegal move. Of course, just like any sport, the referee is the boss. He always has the final say. Neither, myself or my seconds have never complained about another boxer. Boxing refs are good at noticing problems. I remember a friend from my gym boxing against a guy from Rochester, NY. The Rochester guy gave my buddy a flick to the ribs after the bell, and was instantly disqualified, because the bout was held in Ontario. As I said before, you can't get away with cheating in Ontario, so don't bother. To give you an example of the differences in various areas: Boxers in Ontario are required to wear full safety gear; 12 oz. Gloves, groin protector, mouth guard, hand protection (wraps/gauze), and headgear. In Florida, headgear and groin protection are not required, and they only use 10 oz. gloves.

Cliff T.: Besides the physical workout Paul does boxing give you anything else? What kind of things can a person learn about himself while In and out of the ring?

Paul B: Boxing gives you a sense of pride, responsibly and respect. You respect you coaches and trainers, they teach you. You are responsible to yourself to listen and learn. Then you will win. Winning gives you pride, because it is something you have earned.

Cliff T.: What are the 3 things anyone should consider before taking up boxing?

Paul B: 1: Prepare to train very hard and take your body to the limit and beyond. 2: You will have to give 110% to the sport in order to succeed. 3:Boxing is a sport. It is not about being a tough guy or showing off. Be respectful.

Cliff T.: Paul thanks so much for taking the time to do this. I think our readers will really enjoy your insights.

Paul B: Thanks for allowing my input.

Cliff T.:Paul B. is a Toronto based amateur exhibition boxer. His next bout is January 17.

Candid Conversation With The Lovable Roxanne B.

Cliff T.: While working in a call centre in Edmonton Alberta I often had to call for assistance. One of those who made my job much easier is still a good friend of mine today. Her name is Roxanne This month she marks a mile stone in her life the big 50. Rox first let me say again that I would like to wish you a happy 50th birthday.

Roxanne: Thank you Cliff.

Cliff T.: 50 is a milestone indeed. What are you planning to do to mark the occasion?

Roxanne: Well at first I was going to have a big party but being me I just wanted to have an open house where all my friends can come together and celebrate with my family and I.

Cliff T.: Is there anyone special you will be thinking about during your birthday celebrations and if so whom and why?

Roxanne: My mothers (both passed) I was adopted but I knew my birth mom. They taught me some very valuable lessons. I would just like to be able to thank them.

Cliff T.: One of the things I often wondered about when I was working with you in Edmonton was why Edmonton, what was the attraction to the city?

Roxanne: My partner was in the Military and was posted. I at the time did not think about how far away from my family I would be.

Cliff T.: What is the best part about living in Edmonton?

Roxanne: I have made so many new friends.

Cliff T.: From your Facebook description I noted that you hail from the East Coast Nova Scotia to be exact. I am pretty sure you go back to visit folks there. What is a typical visit back home like?

Roxanne: I get so excited that the car does not seem to go fast enough. First there is a lot of kissing and crying. I come from a small community so when people drive by they notice a car in the driveway and they come in for a visit. Then the coffee comes out and the conversations and reminiscing starts. Lots of fish fries and visiting and of course church. I have been told I can sing like and angel so I sing when I go home. The ladies in the community request a Hymn and I sing with or without music. Then I know my visit is complete.

Cliff T.: Have you ever considered going back to your hometown now that the company you worked with has left Edmonton? Why or why not?

Roxanne: I did think about going back but there is no work there.

Cliff T.: Do you have a dream job and if so are you going to try to make it happen?

Roxanne: Funny you should ask. When I was a small girl about 8 a Neiman Marcus catalog found its way into our home. I spent days looking at that catalog and said one day I want to work for them. I found the most wonderful feeling of helping customers but also my fellow employees. To me the best part of my day was that I made my customer happy my fellow employees and most of all I felt so satisfied.

Cliff T.: As I mentioned 50 is a biggie in terms of milestones. What do you think your greatest achievement has been?

Roxanne: That I have made a difference in the world. God gave me a gift of a smile and I try my best to share it. I will smile and people have said it makes them smile. Knowing that I have given someone a small happiness in and otherwise disappointing day is an achievement in its. To me everyone should have a happy moment in their day, we have enough angry people out in the world.

Roxanne Currently lives in Edmonton with her husband Chris who is a retired army Sargent and her daughter. She was part of the Neiman Marcus call centre team in Edmonton until it's closure in 2008.

C. T.