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TNT The Naked Truth

Don Pitcairn


March 18, 2024

The Word For The Day is "Beddian"


I have been a bit of a "word nerd" before it even became a thing on Google or prior to the book being written by Susan Neilsen.  For any writer or word-smith, words are like paint on an artist's palette that can go from mess to masterpiece.  At work we regularly have the "$5 word of the day" for anyone pulling a word out of the hat that amazes and possibly mystifies the crew.  I actually know the lyrics to the song "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" from the 1964 Mary Poppins movie and did not have to look up how to spell it.  It's not very often that a word comes to my attention that I have never heard before and when one does I'm always keen to learn the definition and also where it was derived from.  With all of that said, the word for the day is "Beddian."

What is interesting about this word is that my wife Sheryl came across it because of numerology and a rather unique upcoming event in my life.  In case you don't know, numerology is defined as "an ancient study that draws meaning from different numbers, number combinations, letters, and symbols in your life that tap into the underlying patterns of the universe and reveal new truths about who we are."  Now many of us are aware of our golden or champagne birthday when your birthday matches the day you were born.  This once-in-a-lifetime event happens to everyone before they reach the age of 31 and it can be a fun reason for some extra celebration.  For those 19 years and older (18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec) champagne is definitely on the menu and the gift list.

I was born way back in 1962 (before the Beatles first album I like to say) and later this month I will be turning 62 years old.  It occurred to me years ago that if I lived long enough I would get to celebrate this rather interesting birthday.  It was only recently that I began wondering if this birthday actually had a name, which turns out is a "Beddian birthday."  Nobody I have talked to about a Beddian birthday knew anything about it.  Unfortunately for many people, theirs had already passed without this milestone being recognized.  My parents, both born in 1938, would have had their Beddian birthdays in 1976 when I was a young teenager and I know it was never mentioned or celebrated.  My sister and a good buddy who are a few years older than me were pissed when I told them about it, never realizing it was numerically significant and missing theirs.  My daughters are choked as being born in the early 1990s, they will have to live to be over 90-years-old to celebrate their Beddian birthdays.

So how did this statistically interesting birthday get its rather odd name?  I found this interesting explanation from a birthday cake website (where else?) that involves a NYFD firefighter, a New Yorker magazine journalist and a New York University physicist.

"On November 5, 2007, The New Yorker published an article written by Lizzie Widdicombe entitled, "The Firefighter'sTheorem."  This article recounts a story about Bobby Beddia, a New York firefighter, and his now-famous birthday observation.  On a sunny August Saturday, Bobby chatted with Rhonda Shearer, a visitor to his fire station, about his great luck in getting to live during his birth year.  When asked to elaborate, he explained that he was born in September 1953, so his age in 2006/2007 matched the final two digits of the year in which he was born: 53.  This phenomenon happens to everyone, but only once in a lifetime, and Bobby Beddia was thrilled to be experiencing his.  Tragically, later that day, Bobby was killed in the line of duty."

"As a tribute to her friend, Rhonda decided to investigate this birthday observation, and the result was some pretty fascinating math—if you’re into that sort of thing.  She reached out to her physicist and mathematician friends for more insight, and the “birth year” eventually came to be known as a Beddian year.  Richard Brandt, a former NYU physicist, observed that Beddian birthdays will only ever happen in even-numbered years.  That’s because, mathematically, the event is essentially a doubling.  Think of it this way: if you were born in 1960, your Beddian year is 2020, the year you turn 60.  1960 + 60 = 2020.  If you were born in 1953, your Beddian year was 2006: 1953 + 53 = 2006.  Do you see the doubling effect?  One of the most basic math concepts is that the result of doubling any number is always an even number; hence Beddian birthdays are strictly an even year occurrence."

So enjoy your Beddian birthday if you live that long.  For those born in 1963, your year is 2026.  For those born in 1970, it comes around in 2040.  For those folks from 1980, it's 2060 if you make it that far.  If you were born in 1990 and are now 34 year old, your Beddian year is way off in 2080.  For those born in 2000, you have to live to be a centenarian in 2100 to celebrate both living to be 100 years old and your Beddian birthday.  Hopefully I have now given all of these people something to live for when they finally reach their golden years.  For our three grandsons born in this century, they will all have their Beddian birthdays when they are teenagers and unlike almost everyone else will actually know about it and get to celebrate the occasion.  All of this because of Bobby Beddia and the Fire-fighter's Theorem where numerology and etymology (look it up) combine.

You can read more about Robert C. Beddia on the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Roll of Honor at this link:

https://www.firehero.org/fallen-firefighter/robert-c-beddia/

Naturally yours,

Don Pitcairn 

I wish to acknowledge we live, work and play on the traditional lads of the Semiahmoo people.

 

Sunday Funnies

(click here for more smile inducing thoughts)

 

 

 

 

Local News

Monday March 18, 2024

8 Month Johnston Road Shutdown

Johnston Road partial road closure starts today March 18

Construction on Johnston Road between Russell Avenue and Thrift Avenue starts next week, with the partial road closure starting Monday, March 18, as the Phase 2 reconstruction and beautification begins.

Johnston Road will have one lane open southbound for the duration of the project, which will take approximately 6 to 8 months to complete. Crews will be working Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with extended hours during evenings and weekends, as needed.

During the construction, businesses will remain open, and the City will:

  • Maintain clear and well-marked sidewalk access to businesses with directional signage.

  • Provide free City parking in the vicinity.

Improvements will include:

  • Critical infrastructure, including watermains, storm and sanitary mains will be upgraded to increase capacity and improve their reliability to better serve the growing community.

  • Sidewalk replacements on the east side to improve accessibility and remove tripping hazards. The sidewalk on the west side will not be modified.

  • Decorative mid-block pedestrian activated crosswalk with improved visibility for pedestrian safety.

  • Improved transit stop heading northbound.

  • Bike racks, seating areas, garbage/recycling receptacles and native vegetation and irrigation.

For more information and project updates, visit whiterockcity.ca/johnstonroad

 

No One Honours Saint Patrick's Day Like White Rock

The city of White rock lit up Canada's Longest Pier in bright green colours last night to show the whole world how when it comes to honouring the Irish - NO ONE DOES IT BETTER.

 

Dining Out Just Is Getting Better

Everyone has "that friend" that is constantly checking out new eateries in the area. For me it is my long time friend JONNY "Rotten" ROWTHORN. Recently we planned to get together for breakfast and he was excited to take me to a new dining discovery.

EGGCETRA has only been open a few months but judging by the crowds on a Sunday morning, the word is definitely getting out. Don't let the name fool you, yes eggs are front and centre at EGGCETRA but not being a big fan of eggs I opted for a prosciutto and pear sandwich served on cranberry sourdough bread. which was to die for. As my side I chose french fries over the daily soup.

Five stars for everything I ordered and every meal I saw come out of the kitchen was spectacular looking.

....but please don't go. I promised JONNY I wouldn't tell anyone.

Eggcetra Breakfast Cafe

130-2940 King George Blvd, Surrey

Arriba

Open-Faced Tortilla Topped w. Guacamole, 2 Eggs & Melted Cheese. Served w/ Home-fries, Side Salsa & Beans

Breakfast Burger

Egg, Bacon, Avocado & Cheese on Our Home Style Patty

Crab Cakes

Made In House and Served w/ Garlic Aioli Sauce

Pulled Pork Poutine

Crispy Fries Topped w/ BBQ Pulled Pork, Cheese Curds & Gravy

(visit their website -click here)

 

TACOFINO Coming to The Rock

What started as simply a food truck to cater to the chilly surfers on Vancouver Island @ Tofino quickly turned into a chain of very successful outlets.

A handful of Tacofino locations are set to open in early 2024, with Tacofino Burnaby landing in Station Square on McKay Avenue; Tacofino White Rock opening in the Miramar complex; and Tacofino Langford bringing another option to the island at Westshore Town Centre.

“These vibrant areas have been on our radar for quite some time,” says Gino Di Domenico, Tacofino managing partner, in a release, “and we couldn’t be more excited to finally be a part of their communities.”

This bolsters the already existing lineup of locations: six in Vancouver (Hastings-Sunrise, Yaletown, Gastown, downtown, Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano); one in Victoria (Pandora Ave.); and, of course, the food truck that started it all, which still sits pretty in the Live to Surf parking lot.

 

Thursday March 14, 2024

Statement from the Mayor: Update on Policing

The City is in discussions with the province, however I will not be sharing any details at this time. Otherwise, there has been no change in the legal action the City of Surrey is taking against the province.

A court date has been set for April 29 and our legal team continues to prepare the case.

Mayor Brenda Locke

City of Surrey


Thursday March 14, 2024

Is It Still Cool To Hate Local Rockers NICKELBACK?

 

NICKELBACK has deep connections to White Rock and South Surrey. Their debut album which started their worldwide rock domination began with the recording of CURB in 1996 with White Rock's LARRY ANSCHELL at his Turtle Studios. Over the years members of the band made Crescent Beach and Surrey their homes. Local rock promoter ROB WARWICK booked the band constantly throughout the valley including shows at THE TUDOR INN at the truck crossing on 176th street..

Only two weeks until we bring our new movie, Hate to Love: Nickelback, to the big screen!

Join Nickelback fans around the world for a candid look our journey from humble beginnings to the top of the charts - and all the ups and the downs in between.

Screening in cinemas worldwide on March 27 & 30 only!

Guildford two shows nightly 7 & 9:40

Langley and Richmond cinemas one show nightly 7 p.m.

 

Tuesday March 12, 2024

Semiahmoo band taken aback as biofuel plant loses federal backing

The Semiahmoo first nations band whose biofuel project has sparked controversy says it was caught off guard by a federal department's decision to pull its support for the proposal.

On Feb. 29, the federal Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources announced it withdrew its backing worth millions for the proposed renewable natural gas plant in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, which some local residents have opposed over potential long-term effects on local air quality and ecosystems.

Chief Harley Chappell, leader of Semiahmoo First Nation, told CBC News he had no advance warning Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) would stop funding or backing his nation's project.

"We were obviously taken aback as we heard the news and were hoping for some sort of rationale as to why funding had been withdrawn, with no due course, or conversation with the nation," Chappell said in a text message.

"When our council met in Ottawa, there was a lot of excitement toward waste-to-energy initiatives especially on [First Nations'] lands."

One White Rock resident who has raised air quality concerns about the project is Robert Pierson, president of the non-profit Clean Air Alliance of Canada.

"It's high time that NRCan did appropriate due diligence," Pierson told CBC News in an interview March 3. "This facility is simply too close to residences, because the cumulative air quality that would result from these releases would be unacceptable to health.

(click here for the full story)

 

In Loving Memory

Friends and family came together on Sunday at the Hazelmere conference centre for a Celebration of Life for BRIAN BRETT.

BRETT served on White Rock council in the 80's.

GORDIE HOGG former white rock councillor and mayor delivered a very touching personal dedication to Brian. HOGG related how prior to Brian's arrival at city hall, council was made up of relatively straight laced elderly members of our community. According to GORDIE Brian;s presence and passion for life shook things up in a good and positive manner.

He will be missed, but never forgotten.

 

Congratulations to our SURREY EAGLES of the BCHL on locking down top spot in the Coastal Conference.

The Eagles have a few home games left before the playoffs begin in April

B.C. Playoff Dates 

Round 1: April 5 to 16
Round 2: April 19 to 30
Round 3: May 3 to 14
Fred Page Cup Finals: May 17 to 28

The EAGLES have three games left in the regular season, two of those games are on home ice at the South Surrey Arena

(click here for tickets and schedule of remaining games in March)

 

Pow Wow Rewind

 

The Earl Marriott annual Pow Wow drew record crowds Friday and yesterday. My fellow councillor CHRISTOPHER TREVELYAN and I were honoured to say a few words on behalf of the city.

Semiahmoo leader HARLEY CHAPPEL welcomed the visiting nations to the traditional lands of the Semiahmoo people. His opening ceremony welcome was welcoming and light hearted. The chief explained in the 60's the size of the Semiahmoo band had shrunk to just 16 members. He proudly announced as he welcomed members of the band to the front of the arena, that the band is now nearly 100 strong. Proving in his words they do some things very good. The chief continued to keep it light hearted by noting not all the members of the band were in attendance, many he felt might be down at the beach getting fish n chips.

Chief Chappel noted the best fish & chips in White rock are at CONEY ISLAND FISH N CHIPS on Marine Drive/East Beach which drew a loud response from the audience.

Today is the final day of the POW WOW (see details below)

 

 

 

Video Of The Day

 

'One Ring Jane' was issued independently on Duck Records, but that didn't stop it from cracking RPM's Canadian Content Chart (where it reached #8 for the week of March 17, 1969). The song resonates with the energy of twin electric guitars, recalling San Francisco groups like the Jefferson Airplane and, especially, the early Moby Grape, both of whom helped kickstart a nascent Vancouver scene with their first visits in '66 and '67, respectively. Over on the back side, there's even more madness with Law's acerbic 'Kill the Pig', which essentially picks up where the Fugs left off and which probably did little to endear the guys to Vancouver's finest. 

Nevertheless, Vancouver's Mother Tuckers Yellow Duck would go corporate soon after, signing on to Capitol Canada, where they managed a pair of LPs. Their 1969 debut, Home Grown Stuff, came in a couple of versions, a mega-rare original on Duck that sells for thousands and a less-pricey Capitol reissue (with a re-recorded 'One Ring Jane'). That was followed in 1970 by the somewhat easier-to-find Starting a New Day, with Leslie Law stepping in for his older brother on guitar.

 

Thought For the Day

 

 

Joke Of The Day

My wife was surprised to hear that I actually enjoyed her punishment of making me sleeping on the sofa. I said that it made me feel manly, like I was camping.

…with a really angry bear somewhere close by.

 

White Rock Eagle Webcam - Streaming live

The White Rock eagle nest now has two eggs, the second egg was laid on Tuesday March 13.

 

A pair of eagles have taken up residence in the eagle nest high in the trees overlooking Ocean Park.

There is now one egg in the nest.

Watch Mother Nature live.

 

 

Community Events

 

April 13th. Miss Harmony, “I’m not cheap, I’m affordable,” will be revealed. 

I’m doing this in support of Surrey Pride and the great work they do building inclusive communities. I’m also supporting the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. 

You can contribute to my cause by clicking the link in the post below.

Date and Time - Sat, Apr 13, 2024 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM PDT

Sat, Apr 13, 2024 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM PDT

Location

Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel, 15269 104 Avenue, Surrey, BC, Canada

Support Doug’s Pledge to PAHF here: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/99665

 

 

Tomorrow In THE SUN

Spring Gardening

 

 

 

 

 

EGGCETR

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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