SlowPoke

John Ferguson Jr. - Needs to go first. Never liked him and he has had ample time to change my opinion. With the Leafs facing an inevitable rebuilding phase, the last guy I want pulling levers is JFJ Paul Maurice - I like him but he hasn't done much for this team. I suspect he could be gone if a new GM is hired. Mats Sundin - Mats gets what Mats wants. He can dictate his future with a no-trade clause and has been quoted saying 'getting traded in February and winning a cup doesn't mean much'. I think he wants to stay in Toronto but he deserves so much better. Andrew Raycroft - He's done.

OOoops! I thought I had some old mouse traps in that Eagle box! Hope it finds the fishes for ya! -Brian

Last night's episode of "The Office" was about Survivor Man! It was a repeat but a timely one. http://www.buddytv.com/articles/the-office...ivor-13423.aspx

Lew, just get yourself another Tekota 600LC and you'll be set for two rods on LSC this year as well. Buy a pair of rods for the 'eyes and swap the reels over. TDR 8' M or MH Daiwa Heartland 8' M or MH Both are around $30 each -Brian

Not sure about your area but I can get daily access to outdoor storage for $30/month on my 18'. I have winter indoor storage with limited access for $40/month. -Brian

Well done Jo, Paul and Terry! What is Paul doing wearing that funny suit? -Brian

Well done Mike, another great report. That first picture sent chills down my spine! Congrats to your son on his first PIKE! -Brian

Outstanding specimans! That brookie has outgrown it's tail.... can it even swim? LOL Welcome to the board! -Brian

Overtime and I'm outta smokes.

I was wondering too, looks like about 12x24.

Rick might let this one slide.

Tony, I'm very jealous and we haven't seen the boat yet! Think about overhead rod storage... I'm planning to make a rack above my door. A wood frame suspended at the front (rod tip end) and a pully at the rear (rod butt end). Lower it down by the pully, grab your rods and send it back up again. This should keep 20+ rods out of the way that my wife doesn't know about! -Brian

Well, it's about time! I've been seeing more and more of your creations in the GLA (Greater Lambeth Area!) Hope business is going well and maybe see you again this opener. -Brian

I don't know what your budget is this would make a nice mid-range combo... Shimano Corvalus 200/300/400 ($69-$79) http://tinyurl.com/2dut9a St. Croix Triumph TRC70MHF 7' med-heavy fast ($70) http://tinyurl.com/yvmzky I have a Shimano Corsair 400 (Corvalus predecessor) and the same rod. I'm quite happy with it! I've found that the 'cheap' St. Croix has more backbone and as much sensitivity as my medium action Shimano Compre rod at half the price I paid a couple years ago. The reel is reliable but not bullet proof and it's pretty user friendly if you're trying baitcasters for the first time. It doesn't have the VBS (Variable Brake System) but if you're tossing 1/2oz + baits it shouldn't be much of an issue. Spending a little more to get into cast control systems is not money wasted. For example, the Shimano Cardiff for $99-$109 http://tinyurl.com/ytmu47

Shop wisely Gerritt. That $399 price does not include transducer or GPS puck. You can probably get it cheaper locally when you factor in shipping. Great machine though. -Brian

Nice trucks Z! I'd love to get into those... brings back memories circa 1978ish when I got a 4wd Jeep from Radio Shack. Pretty good rig for back in the day. I know if I got one I'd go nuts with it... did that with the slot cars about 15 yrs ago. By the way, who builds the models on the wall for you, Chip Foose? Some sweet customs there. -Brian

Nice report Garry, your pictures always bring up the ambiant temperature. Glad to see you're happy with the new cover - if it goes on easy, it's too loose! -Brian

Great report Mike, thanks for the alarm clock shot! It's a good thing your new friend didn't outfish you, that would have been really embarassing! -Brian

Those make for good keepers. My preference is siwash although I don't do much laker fishing. I like them enough to use when I need to replace a hook or when I order blanks but not enough to throw away a good treble hook on a factory spoon. Siwash are so much easier for removal from the fish. -Brian

This is what happens when the water is too hard for boats and too soft to walk on.

Mike, I didn't know GCD was spending Christmas at your place! I had a nice Christmas as well... Lucky Strike muskie cradle 2 Cabela's tackle tote boat bags 2 Bank on-board charger 30' RG-8 VHF Antenna cable extension Merry Christmas everyone! -Brian

Great news Gary! Merry Christmas and I hope you have some more good news for us in the New Year! -Brian

Congrat's Fang, well earned! You're right Wayne. About 12 years ago we (60-70 of us) received an unexpected $250 bonus a week before Christmas. There were so many people whining "That's what we get instead of a raise?" that we never saw another one. Our fleet operations manager was incensed. I was grateful for this surprise not to mention our regular quarterly bonuses and year end bonus that accounts for about 5% of my income for just doing my job. -Brian

The weather or George Bush?

I agree with skeeter 100% regarding fixed vs. variable. I believe he is also correct about CMHC regs, without 20% (was 25%) equity you are required to hold a 5yr term fixed rate. Don't sweat the low down payment or the amortization. A high down payment and 15 yr amortization will save you lots of borrowing costs but could cost you peace of mind. When we bought we went with about 8% down over 25 yrs. This afforded us the option of my wife staying home with the kids for 8 years. It's now been 10 yrs 7mo and we will be mortgage free in 4 more years by making subtle changes at our first renewal (variable rate capped), paying bi-weekly and switching to full varible rate at our second renewal. You can have your cake and eat it too by learning for yourself which mortgage product will work best for you. -Brian