I used to hold Readers' Digest in high esteem as a good organization, but after the mail-out I received this week, I'm changing my feelings.
This week, via registered mail, no less, Readers' Digest sent me two cheques in the amount of $1,000,000 and $103,000. These cheques, of course, weren't real, only an incentive if I signed up for a subscription.
"As a practical token of our appreciation, to make you an exclusive invitation to enjoy a year of great reading delivered direct to you at incredible introductory savings, we offer you this exclusive VIP benefit," said the letter. "Over the next few weeks, our selection and prize draw departments approved a list of those entitled to receive a statement of account, which is enclosed. After a computerized scoring process, the Jacques name passed through careful consideration to be part of only three per cent of British Columbia area residents to be accorded potential winners status for the unclaimed prize cash."
What a joke!
I hate receiving this junk in the mail, and what's even worse was that it was sent by registered mail in a highly top secret envelope as if it were the Watergate documents.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who received such a glorious offer. And as for my name going through a vigorous screening process - what is that all about?
Readers' Digest picked my name off the Internet and then made it sound like I'm the most important person on the planet.
I know this kind of thing happens all the time. We all get tons of junk mail and enticements to enter contests that encourage us to buy this or subscribe to that, but it's starting to bug me.
I wish these companies would approach me honestly about their product. Take away this so-called contest, and maybe I would be more inclined to buy a subscription.
I got a fair amount of ridicule on the Queen of Surrey Sunday morning. I was heading into Vancouver for the B.C. Lions' playoff game against Saskatchewan and was wearing the green and white.
I'm a proud member of the Riders nation, but after Sunday night, I'd like to kick a few people out of the nation.
Following the heart-breaking loss to B.C., several so-called Riders' fans, probably blitzed out of their minds, threw eggs at Riders' kicker Paul McCallum's Regina home, dumped manure on his lawn and threatened his wife.
McCallum missed two field goals during the game, the second one in overtime. He was so devastated, he couldn't even face his fellow teammates after the game. He was a man about it and faced the music, which is more than I can say for these hoodlums.
I, along with my fellow Riders faithful, was upset as we left B.C. Place on Sunday, but that's no excuse for egging a man's house and threatening his wife.
Just another case of what happens when you mix too much booze with high levels of stupidity.
Finally this week, I'd like to offer a suggestion for next year's Remembrance Day ceremonies - leave your dogs at home!
I've had the honour of covering the last two Sechelt ceremonies for Coast Reporter. Both years, people have brought their dogs to the services.
This is supposed to be a day of solemn remembrance to pay respect to those who gave up their lives for our freedom. Do we have to listen to dogs barking and fighting?
For 30 minutes, can you not leave your dog at home so we can listen and enjoy the ceremony in peace?
Next year, let's hope that a few people will practice a little common sense and courtesy.
