August 19, 2026
On The Upside with Marley
The Happiness of Having Something to Look Forward To
Think back to being a child. The excitement of Christmas morning, summer vacation, a birthday party, or a family camping trip often began long before the event itself. We counted the days, imagined what it would be like, and talked about it endlessly. Sometimes the anticipation was almost as enjoyable as the occasion.
As adults, many of us lose that habit. Life becomes a series of routines—work, errands, appointments, responsibilities—and before long we’re simply moving from one obligation to the next. Without realizing it, we stop giving ourselves something exciting to anticipate.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to be a major vacation or an expensive purchase. Looking forward to lunch with a friend, attending a community event, reading the next chapter of a great book, or trying a new hiking trail can brighten an ordinary week. Even planning these experiences can lift our mood.
Psychologists have long observed that anticipation is a powerful contributor to happiness. Looking forward to something reminds us that good moments are still ahead. It shifts our attention away from today’s frustrations and toward tomorrow’s possibilities.
Perhaps that’s why the happiest people often keep a few things on their calendar—not because they’re busy, but because they’re intentional. They make room for experiences that bring joy.
You don’t have to wait for life to surprise you with something wonderful. You can create those moments yourself, one small plan at a time.
A life filled with things to look forward to is often a life filled with hope.
Five Amazing Places Hidden in Ontario
Ontario is filled with famous attractions, but some of its most remarkable places are far less well known.
- The Screaming Heads near Burk’s Falls is an outdoor art installation featuring giant concrete sculptures scattered across a farmer’s field.
- Bonnechere Caves offers guided tours through fascinating limestone formations created hundreds of millions of years ago.
- The Cheltenham Badlands showcase rolling red hills unlike anywhere else in the province.
- Ouimet Canyon near Thunder Bay features dramatic cliffs and a unique ecosystem found nowhere else in Ontario.
- Petroglyphs Provincial Park preserves Canada’s largest known collection of Indigenous rock carvings.
Sometimes the best adventures aren’t found in travel brochures—they’re discovered only a few hours from home.
Simple Habits That Make Every Day Better
Improving your day doesn’t always require dramatic lifestyle changes. Small habits often have the greatest long-term impact.
- Start your morning without immediately reaching for your phone.
- Spend at least ten minutes outside.
- Drink a little more water.
- Tell someone you appreciate them.
- Finish one task you’ve been putting off.
These simple habits take very little effort but can improve your mood, reduce stress and help each day feel a little more rewarding.
Does Your Dog Bite?
A man walking down the street noticed another man standing beside a very large dog.
“Does your dog bite?” he asked.
“No,” replied the owner.
Feeling reassured, the man reached down to pet the dog.
The dog immediately bit him.
“I thought you said your dog didn’t bite!” he yelled.
The owner calmly replied, “It doesn’t.
That’s not my dog.”
How To Catch A Polar Bear
A tourist asked an old trapper how to catch a polar bear.
“Easy,” said the trapper. “Cut a hole in the ice and scatter peas all around it.”
“Peas?”
“That’s right.”
“Then what?”
“When the polar bear comes over to take a pea…
…you kick him into the hole.”
What Not To Say To Your Spouse
A married couple are out one night at a dance club. There’s a guy on the dance floor giving it large: break dancing, moon walking, back flips, the works. The wife turns to her husband and says, “See that guy? Twenty years ago he proposed to me and I turned him down.” The husband says, “Looks like he’s still celebrating!”
Shopping Trolley
Q: What’s the difference between a shopping trolley and a university vice-chancellor?
A: You can load both of them with food and drink, but only the shopping trolley has a mind of its own.
The Perfect Child
A: I have the perfect son. B: Does he smoke? A: No, he doesn’t. B: Does he drink whiskey? A: No, he doesn’t. B: Does he ever come home late? A: No, he doesn’t. B: I guess you really do have the perfect son. How old is he? A: He will be six months old next Wednesday.
Tea Time
Q: Why do Marxists prefer herbal tea?
A: Because they believe all proper tea is theft.
Editors Quote Book
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
— Peter Drucker
Trivia Quiz
(Click Question For Answer)
This Week’s Featured Video
One of the hidden gems mentioned in this week’s edition is the remarkable Cheltenham Badlands. With its striking red shale hills and otherworldly landscape, it’s hard to believe this unique natural wonder is right here in Ontario. This short walking tour lets you experience the boardwalk, scenic views and fascinating geology before planning a visit of your own.
Your Horoscope
For Amusement Only
Aries Mar. 21 – Apr. 19: A pleasant surprise reminds you that good things often arrive unexpectedly.
Taurus Apr. 20 – May 20: Patience pays off. Resist the urge to rush a decision.
Gemini May 21 – Jun. 20: A conversation opens the door to a new opportunity this week.
Cancer Jun. 21 – Jul. 22: Time spent with family or close friends will recharge your spirit.
Leo Jul. 23 – Aug. 22: Your confidence inspires others. Lead with kindness and humour.
Virgo Aug. 23 – Sep. 22: A simple solution proves better than an overly complicated plan.
Libra Sep. 23 – Oct. 22: Balance work with relaxation and you’ll accomplish more than expected.
Scorpio Oct. 23 – Nov. 21: Trust your instincts. They’re sharper than you realize.
Sagittarius Nov. 22 – Dec. 21: Curiosity leads you somewhere interesting. Enjoy the journey.
Capricorn Dec. 22 – Jan. 19: Steady progress beats quick fixes every time.
Aquarius Jan. 20 – Feb. 18: An unexpected idea deserves a second look.
Pisces Feb. 19 – Mar. 20: Your optimism becomes contagious. Share it generously.
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How To Find Your Wife
A man approached a very beautiful woman in a large supermarket and said, “I’ve lost my wife here in the supermarket. Can you talk to me for a couple of minutes?” “Why do you want to talk to me?” she asked puzzled. “Because every time I talk to a beautiful woman, my wife appears out of nowhere.”
Smart Alex
A 3 years old boy named Alex sits near a pregnant woman. Boy: Why do you look so fat? Pregnant woman: I have a baby inside me. Boy: Is it a good baby? Pregnant woman: Yes, it is a very good baby. Boy: Then why did you eat it?!
CALL 911!
Man: *calls 911* Hello? I need your help! 911: Alright, What is it? Man: Two women are fighting over me! 911: So what’s your emergency? Man: My ex wife is winning.
The Liebot
A man buys a lie detector robot that slaps people who lie. He decides to test it at dinner. He asks his son, “Son, where were you today during school hours?” “At school.” The robot slaps the son. “Okay, I went to the movies!” The father asks, “Which one?” “Harry Potter.” The robot slaps the son again. “Okay, I was watching an adult movie!” The father replies, “What? When I was your age I didn’t even know what and adult movie was!” The robot slaps the father. The mom chimes in, “Haha! After all, he is your son!” The robot slaps the mother.
The Smart Lawyer
A man went to his lawyer and told him, “My neighbor owes me $500 and he won’t pay up. What should I do?” “Do you have any proof he owes you the money?” asked the lawyer. “Nope,” replied the man. “OK, then write him a letter asking him for the $5,000 he owed you,” said the lawyer. “But it’s only $500,” replied the man. “Precisely. That’s what he will reply and then you’ll have your proof!”
The Last Word
“The happiest people don’t wait for wonderful moments—they make sure there’s always one waiting just around the corner.”
I have been reading Brian’s paper since its inception over twenty years ago. Brian seems to have a sense of right, of common sense and great values. His compilations of philosophy, humour and brain teasers makes the delivery of the Perkolator one of the best pieces of email that I receive every week. My wife and I always sit back and do the quiz together. With permission, I have copied many of Brian’s articles into my National Newsletters which reach thousands of members across Canada. Brian, thank you. May you live safely and happily for many more years to come
I really enjoy receiving the Orillia edition in my inbox each month. ?
Hi Sharon, We take great pleasure in sending you a new edition every week, and then we have the pleasure of having you approve of it.
BG.
What a way to start 2025 Brian! The jokes were hilarious, the quiz was challenging, and the music video an exquisite compiliation of conductor expertise. You can be sure I’ll be coming back to this week’s edition all month long!
Thank you, Lynn; your comments will spur us to provide you and all our readers with content to start each week with a similar response. By the way, did you know that you can read two years of back issues. Go to the home page, scroll down to Perkolator archives and read all our back issues. BG
Every week, whenever I see this in my email, it brings me joy to see the jokes and the frequent inspiration, so I thank the Perkolator for perking up my inbox. Now I have something to look forward to every 7 days.
Every now and then, when a particular written word moves me, I take a snapshot of it and tuck it away in my ‘Lessons Learned’ file. This edition of ‘BG’s Positively Speaking’ titled “I Can Hear You” is one of them. Thanks for your continuing words of wisdom. Always much appreciated!
Who said…”It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit?” President Harry Truman.
My grandmother had a similar saying: .”More haste, more waste”.
I hadn’t seen a copy of the Perkolotar for sometime. I was thrilled to find one at the Orillia Bakery. I immediately signed up for the online delivery. I enjoy this little paper so much. I’m very glad I am able to get it.
Love this online version. Find it much easier to read than the printed copy. Great job!
I am so happy to receive the Perkolator in my in box.
Plus I laughed out loud after reading the Irish jokes. Will certainly share with my family when they get home today. Again thanks and keep up the good work.
M. Robertson
I´m so happy I can get The Perkolator to my email! I started read it when our son moved to Canada 1993 when he married a canadian girl. After that he have collected it and sent me in the mail a few times every year. It has been hard to find the last year. Yes, I live in Sweden! Thank yoy!!!