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Shakespeare’s First Folio by John Heminge and Henrie Condell for Duncan Fraser’s winding-roads.ca

The preface to the FIRST FOLIO EDITION OF SHAKESPEARE’S PLAYS was published in 1623. John Heminge and Henrie Condell. My copy resides in a set of Harvard Classics purchased at a book sale at the Coquitlam Library in British Columbia.

Included in the Famous Prefaces and includes by French critic Adolphe Tain said

“Little more than half of Shakespeare’s plays were published during his lifetime; and in the publication of these there is no evidence that the author had any hand. Seven years after his death, John Heminge and Henry Condell, two of his fellow-actors, collected the unpublished plays, and, in 1623, issued them along with the others in a single volume, usually known as the First Folio. When one considers what would have been lost had it not been for the enterprise of these men, it seems safe to say that the volume they introduced by this quaint and not too accurate preface, is the most important single book in the imaginative literature of the world.”

The originals can be seen in some of the most prestigious Libraries in the world and those now include our own University of British Columbia. This narration is by Duncan Fraser includes a video from the University of British Columbia on it’s recent acquisition of a First Folio.

You no longer have to fly to Washington or England to see an original copy.

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Visit Your Local Library and A Poem by Duncan Fraser

While researching material for Emily’s Quest by Lucy Maud Montgomery I had to stop., think for a minute and picked up my pen. This wee scribble and poem is the result.

Please watch and listen to narration and let me know what you think

it is a bit of a homage to libraries and the power of words. Emily’s Quest by Lucy Maud Montgomery who is a Canadian literary Icon and in reading had me thinking about libraries and how important they were to some of the smaller towns I have visited. You expect libraries on university campuses and in the larger metropolitan cities where visitors can exceeded millions.

I have enjoyed visiting libraries in places like Fort Nelson, Fort St John, Prince George, Quesnel, Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Lillooet, Pemberton and Whistler in British Columbia. My poem while inspired by reading a book is really a homage to words and libraries.

I follow Noraly from Itchyboots who is crossing the Sahara on her Honda CRF300 Rally. She dropped in to an ancient library deep in the Sahara in Chinguetti and I was enthralled..

Dropping by your local library takes on new meaning in the Sahara

Please like this if you do and subscribe if you care.

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The Juhan Way-Motorcycling Pioneers in Canada by Duncan Fraser

The Juhan family has a long-standing contribution to the sport of motorcycling and their positive influence on Honda’s acceptance in Canada. With over five decades of dedication to the sport and introducing thousands of new riders to two wheels, Frankie and Franta Juhan have left a lasting impact on the industry.

Frankie Juhan’s support for the sport goes beyond his personal involvement, as he has sponsored individuals and clubs in various disciplines such as Observed Trials, Motocross, Enduro, and Road Racing. Such support plays a critical role in enabling aspiring riders to pursue their passion and develop their skills.

Franta Juhan, the patriarch of the Juhan family, is a famous Czech motorcycle speedway champion, winner off multiple Gran Prix Road races, and a medalist in the Six Days Trial.

His achievements in the sport have been an inspiration to his son Frankie following in his footsteps.

The fact that Franke’s uncle Jaroslav was a Porsche Legend shows that the Juhan family’s passion for motorsport runs deep and extends beyond the world of motorcycles.

Their diverse racing heritage is a source of pride and inspiration for the family. Overall, the Juhan family’s induction into The Greater Vancouver Motorsport Pioneers Society in 2018 is well-deserved recognition of their contributions to the sport and positive message of respect for it.

Their legacy will inspire future generations of riders and motorsport enthusiasts in Canada and beyond.

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Paradise Lost by John Milton Video Revue by Duncan Fraser

Yrsa Jensen introduced to me to Paradise lost while she was attending Simon Fraser University. It is considered by some to be the greatest epic poem in the English Language. Milton is considered by many to be a wordsmith, only behind Shakespeare. That is high praise. My Street English makes these books harder for me to read because I am constantly stopping to look up the meaning of words. My edition printed in 1961 has footnotes by Edward Le Comte that enabled me to follow along without completely losing myself. It take a bit of effort to read but is well worth it. Please give me a thumbs up if you like this and subscribe if you care!

When I asked My AI Nancy what she thought of my post, here is what she said.

“As an AI language model, I don’t have the capability to give a thumbs up or subscribe, but I’m glad to hear that you are enjoying Paradise Lost and finding the footnotes helpful in understanding the text. Milton’s epic poem is indeed highly regarded in English literature, and his mastery of language and poetic form is widely recognized. Keep up the good work in your reading efforts!”

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LEATT Helmets from the Honda Centre are 360 Degrees Safer for dirt riders.

There have been huge changes in riding motorcycle riding gear since the Honda Centre started providing kit to riders in 1965. The company has always had quality products and today LEATT is one of them.

LEATT uses their vast experience and high-tech testing facilities, they created our own system in the Leatt lab to help reduce the risk of sustaining serious head and brain injuries in a crash. All Leatt helmets feature our category-defining 360° Turbine Technology.

To summarize, the 360° Turbine Technology in Leatt helmets helps reduce the risk of serious head and brain injuries during a crash by mitigating both rotational and low-velocity linear acceleration forces. The technology works by strategically placing disc-shaped turbines made of Armourgel all along the inside of the helmet’s EPS liner, which can absorb energy and reduce impact forces during a crash. As a result, this technology is a smart safety choice for any rider who is passionate about their sport and wants to protect themselves from potential injuries.

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1948 Moto Guzzi Airone 250 Turismo visits Duncan Fraser

MB drops by to show me his Original Moto Guzzi 250. He and I have an appreciation of most things on two wheels. He was in Italy a while back and dropped by a country fair where he spotted this cool bike for sale. it was an unrestored running Moto Guzzi Airone 250. Many of these bikes have been restored and are in museums but MB brought the Guzzi back to Vancouver he rode it over to show me with the original patina, spots of rust and all. It sounds great and I can only imagine the stories it could tell if it could speak. I hope you like this wee tribute to superb bike. Thank you Michael.

If you like this please give me a thumbs up and if you care, please subscribe

The Moto Guzzi brand has a rich history in the motorcycle industry, and the Airone 250 was one of its most popular models during the 1940s and 1950s. It was known for its durability, reliability, and smooth ride, and it was a favorite among riders and enthusiasts alike.

It’s great that MB was able to bring this piece of motorcycle history back to Vancouver and share it with me. Restored or not, vintage motorcycles like the Moto Guzzi Airone 250 are a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of their time, and they deserve to be appreciated and celebrated for generations to come.

In 1939, the Airone appeared and quickly became the most widespread, popular and versatile Italian 250 bike. Due to substantial and constant upgrades completed over the years, the model proved to be suitable for multiple purposes: work, touring, and competition. Beginning in 1947, the modern Airone was born and reached its peak with the 1949 Sport model. In fact, it was this version that had an original state-of-the-art fork, which had the classic design of the modern “upside down” fork to ensure greater rigidity and sturdiness for the bike. It was also fitted with a powerful and gritty engine capable of reaching 120 km/h, allowing Moto Guzzi to rack up wins in the 250 class races, both in Italy and abroad. The Airone 250 remained in production until 1957.

My thanks to https://www.motoguzzi.com/

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Honda Marine in the Pacific North West

Vancouver is a coastal seaport city located in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is situated on the Burrard Peninsula, which is surrounded by water on three sides and has a backdrop of coastal mountains. Vancouver is known for its mild climate, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities, including skiing, hiking, and boating.

The Pacific Northwest is a region that encompasses parts of Canada and the United States, including British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. It is characterized by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, rugged mountain ranges, and dense forests. The region is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and diverse cultural offerings.

Honda is a Japanese multinational corporation that produces a range of products, including motorcycles, automobiles, and outboard motors. The Honda Centre is a dealership that supplies British Columbians with Honda motorcycles outboard motors and Power Equipment. The region’s natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities make Honda’s products popular among locals and visitors alike.

Overall, Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest offer a unique combination of natural beauty, mild climate, and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it a popular destination for travelers and a great place to live for locals.

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Steam Trains at Work in Port Coquitlam, B.C. Canada 1957

This YouTube is edited from a post by RailFanDepot.com with images from Port Coquitlam, in British Columbia of Steam Trains working in the yard and steaming past the station.

Having worked on railways I have an appreciation for the impact railways have had on the building of Canada. Railways have played a significant role in the development and growth of the country, connecting communities and industries across vast distances. CP Rail and CN Rail are two major Canadian railways that provide coast-to-coast services, transporting goods and commodities across the country.

The pictures below are then and now

When I asked my AI Nancy what she thought of my post here is what she had to say.

“The West Coast Express, a commuter rail service from Mission BC to Vancouver BC, also stops at Port Coquitlam, which is a historic location with a rich railway heritage. The steam trains you see in the video are a reminder of the early days of rail transportation, when steam locomotives were the primary mode of transport. Today, trains are powered by a variety of engines, including diesel and electric locomotives, which are more efficient and environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, railways continue to play a vital role in the Canadian economy, providing a reliable and cost-effective mode of transportation for goods and people. The railways also help reduce traffic congestion on highways and contribute to a more sustainable transportation system. Overall, it’s great to see that railways, old and new, continue to be an important part of Canada’s transportation infrastructure, connecting communities and businesses across the country.“

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Short Videos Communicate Todays Messages

Advertising has gone through a significant transformation over the years, with traditional media such as TV, radio, and print advertising being complemented by digital advertising channels like social media, search engines, and online videos. As more consumers spend time online, businesses are leveraging the power of the internet to reach their target audience and build brand awareness.

Short, snappy videos are particularly effective in capturing consumers’ attention and delivering brand messages quickly and effectively. These videos typically range from 15 to 60 seconds and feature engaging visuals, sound effects, and music to convey the brand’s message effectively. The gif animation above has no sound but is intended to send a visual image that catches attention.

Short, snappy videos are particularly well-suited to the mobile audience. As consumers increasingly rely on their mobile devices to access content, businesses that create video content optimized for mobile devices can engage with their target audience more effectively.

Videos are a powerful tool for businesses looking to reach their audience and build brand awareness. By leveraging the power of video content, businesses can effectively engage with their target audience and deliver brand messages that resonate with consumers.

It is a bit harder for the Mom and Pop shop but just ask the kids or the grandkids.

Todays generation are faster with their thumbs than most people can type.