This is a really interesting little book by Greenblatt that you can read in a day or two. It espouses the value method of investing and really boils it down to two different formulas: return on capital and earnings yield. If I had ten grand or so to throw around I’d be very tempted to try out his ideas. His track record is pretty solid so he’s not a total quack.

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Normally, I don’t see many wild animals on my ride but today was an exception. I saw my first possum in Toronto (or anywhere for that matter) near the lake this morning and it was just scurrying away into the grass. Then, later on, as I neared Clarkson west of Port Credit, I saw this huge coyote emerging from the bushes along the sidewalk intent on crossing the street. It was quite surprised when I came upon it and we both sort of recoiled. It dashed back into the bushes with a lot of crashing and I continued on my way.

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Went for a ride this afternoon and it was one of those gorgeous, sunny fall days that makes you really appreciate being alive. Cool and windy with bright sunshine and accommodating traffic. What more can one ask for? Even got a homemade chocolate brownie when I got back!

Oh yeah, also just broke the 6000 km mark for this year.

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An excellent introduction to the world of chocolate and a real learning experience. It’s a bit Euro-centric but what do you expect when all of the good stuff (or almost all of it) is still made over there?

Ms. Doutre-Roussel’s passion for chocolate comes through loud and clear. A definite keeper for the time when I can afford to buy this wondrous stuff once again.

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Rode past that Country Style location again and saw that the interior still reflects that hideous orange/harvest yellow colour that the chain used to have. I’m afraid that some fancy graphics and words simply isn’t going to be enough to hide the truth there.

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Feeling incredible pressure/stress right now to do something productive. Actually, I’m feeling pressured to do more mileage. My September mileage has basically imploded due to injuries. Yes, I know that I’m doing the right thing but it sure don’t feel like it.

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No, not what you’re probably thinking!

Mr. John D., who rear-ended my car a couple of weeks ago just dropped off a cheque for $420 for my replacement glasses. Extremely nice of him to do so!

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Normally, I don’t read biographies but I’ve got a small bit of interest in Chinese history and since Mao is probably the most influential Chinese leader of the past century I’d thought that I would give this a go.

This book is very well-researched with an exhaustive cataloguing of Mao’s crimes. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes an unremitting grind where every one of his actions is presented in the worst possible light. The text is not helped very much by some poor editing where you very much get the idea that the author’s first language is not English. You would think, though, that the co-author/editor, Jon Halliday would have some sort of moderating influence.

All in all, I think that this book will stand as one of the must-reads for those who have an interest in Mao.

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While cycling this morning (almost back to normal!), I was shocked/surprised/bemused at the makeover that a Country Style franchise had had recently. It was done over in contemporary/modern colours of black and blue rather than in the old-style orange(?) that it used to sport. What really brought a smile to my lips was that it had “bistro-deli” as part of its signage.

Now, I’m not sure how many people know Country Style but it’s image is definitely not that of a bistro-deli! More on the order of also-ran coffee and donut chain. What will present an uphill battle in this case of corporate makeover is that the name “Country Style” does not automatically bring up images of a bistro-deli. Maybe if that donut shop was in a hip cottage country area but, otherwise, hard to place it like that.

I wonder if they’re going to do a menu makeover too? Will that drive away its old customer base or will it attract people from Starbucks and Tim Horton’s? Personally, if I was an investor, I’d be very leery of this move. Good luck to them, though!

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Just got back from an abortive ride. My right ankle is still slightly “twingy” and I decided to head back after 1 kilometer! Am very disappointed in this week’s mileage. I know that I’m doing the right thing but it certainly doesn’t feel that way.

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