June 10, 2026


On The Upside with Marley

The importance of learning to recharge

Many people treat rest as something earned only after exhaustion. They push themselves continuously, ignore stress signals, and convince themselves that slowing down means falling behind. Over time, this creates a cycle where productivity drops, patience shortens, and even small problems begin to feel overwhelming.

Rest is not the opposite of progress. In many ways, it is part of it.

Your mind and emotions function much like your body. Without recovery, performance weakens. Focus becomes scattered. Emotional reactions become stronger. Small frustrations feel heavier than they should. Eventually, even things you once enjoyed begin to feel draining.

Learning to recharge is not laziness. It is awareness. It means recognizing when your energy, focus, or emotional balance needs attention before burnout forces the issue. Sometimes recharging means sleeping more. Sometimes it means stepping away from screens, spending time outside, reconnecting with supportive people, or simply allowing yourself a quiet moment without guilt.

Emotionally healthy people understand that constant pressure is not sustainable. They create space to reset because they know they function better afterward. Relationships improve. Patience returns. Creativity becomes easier. Perspective sharpens.

Rest also helps you reconnect with yourself. In a busy world filled with constant input and distraction, moments of stillness allow your mind to settle and your priorities to become clearer.

You do not become stronger by running endlessly without pause. You become stronger by learning when to stop, recover, and continue with renewed clarity.


Interesting Facts About Sleep

  • Dreams happen most during REM sleep – This stage is strongly connected to memory and emotional processing.
  • Your brain stays highly active asleep – Some areas of the brain are nearly as active as when awake.
  • Lack of sleep affects emotions – Poor sleep often increases irritability and emotional reactions.
  • Humans spend years sleeping – The average person spends roughly one-third of life asleep.
  • Naps can improve focus – Short naps may increase concentration and mental performance.
  • Dreams are quickly forgotten – Most dreams disappear from memory within minutes after waking.

Everyday Things People Secretly Struggle With

  • Opening plastic packaging – Sometimes the packaging seems stronger than the product itself.
  • Remembering passwords – Modern life now requires memorizing dozens of unique combinations.
  • Folding fitted sheets – Most people quietly accept defeat almost immediately.
  • Understanding printer errors – The printer often appears angry without explaining why.
  • Replying “you too” accidentally – Many conversations end with instant regret and confusion.

For The Love Of Wine

An elderly couple sitting on their porch, sipping wine and watching the sunset. She turns to him, eyes soft, voice soft, and says: “Honey… I love you so much. I honestly don’t know what I would do with out you.”
The husband smiles warmly and asks: “Is that you or the wine talking?”
She pauses and looks at her glass and says: “It’s me…. Talking to the wine.”


The Surprise Party

A woman hired a psychic to entertain guests at a party. Everything was going smoothly until someone yelled, “SURPRISE!” The psychic nearly fell out of her chair. One guest looked confused and asked, “Shouldn’t she have seen that coming?”


The Handyman

A man proudly announced that he had finally fixed the squeaky door in his house. His wife looked confused and asked, “Then why doesn’t it close anymore?” The man smiled confidently and said, “Well… technically the squeak is gone.”


The Limousine

A man spent hundreds of dollars renting a limousine for a special evening. When it arrived, he discovered there was no driver included. Furious, he called the company and complained, “I paid all this money and now I have nothing to chauffeur it!”


Editors Quote Book

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”

—Anne Lamott


Trivia Quiz

(Click Question For Answer)

1. What is the world’s largest species of penguin?
The emperor penguin is the largest penguin species found anywhere on Earth.

2. What does a seismograph measure during natural events?
A seismograph measures vibrations and movement caused by earthquakes and tremors.

3. Which country is home to the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu?
Machu Picchu is located high in the mountains of Peru in South America.

4. What is the name of the deepest ocean trench on Earth?
The Mariana Trench is the deepest known trench in the world’s oceans.

5. Which planet is famous for its large red storm called the Great Red Spot?
Jupiter is known for the Great Red Spot, a massive long-lasting storm.

6. What is the chemical symbol used for the element gold?
Gold uses the symbol Au, derived from the Latin word aurum.

7. What type of animal is the largest reptile currently living on Earth?
The saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile species living in the world today.

8. What country invented paper according to historical records?
Paper was first invented in ancient China nearly two thousand years ago.

9. What is the only continent located entirely in the Southern Hemisphere?
Australia is the only continent entirely located within the Southern Hemisphere.

10. What gas do plants absorb from the atmosphere during photosynthesis?
Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and growth.

 

Your Horoscope

For Amusement Only

Aries Mar. 21 – Apr. 19: Patience improves timing. A delayed opportunity begins moving forward again this week.

Taurus Apr. 20 – May 20: Staying organized reduces stress. Practical decisions help improve daily productivity now.

Gemini May 21 – Jun. 20: Listening carefully improves communication. Avoid rushing important conversations this week.

Cancer Jun. 21 – Jul. 22: A small adjustment improves balance. Careful planning reduces unnecessary pressure now.

Leo Jul. 23 – Aug. 22: New opportunities develop steadily. Remaining flexible improves perspective and confidence.

Virgo Aug. 23 – Sep. 22: Consistent effort creates momentum. Preparation helps avoid unnecessary complications now.

Libra Sep. 23 – Oct. 22: Balance improves through patience. A calm approach reduces tension and strengthens relationships.

Scorpio Oct. 23 – Nov. 21: Quiet observation reveals insight. Thoughtful decisions improve timing and overall progress.

Sagittarius Nov. 22 – Dec. 21: A new perspective proves useful. Staying adaptable encourages personal growth now.

Capricorn Dec. 22 – Jan. 19: Practical decisions improve stability. Consistent effort strengthens confidence over time.

Aquarius Jan. 20 – Feb. 18: Creative ideas gain momentum. Clear communication strengthens important relationships now.

Pisces Feb. 19 – Mar. 20: Patience brings stronger outcomes. Allow situations time to develop naturally this week.



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Skipping The International Travel?

With the increasing fuel and food costs many Ontarians are taking the opportunity to travel within their own country or even Province. Rather than the typical tourist traps why not take an adventure and visit some ghost towns and the towns nearby.

Ontario is a beautiful province in Canada but it has some abandoned places that you might not know. In this video, we will explore the 7 ghost towns in Ontario, Canada that time has left behind along with their history. From once-bustling mining towns to quiet farming communities, these ghost towns tell incredible stories about Ontario’s past. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventurer, or just curious about hidden places, this video will take you on a journey through forgotten towns like Craigmont, Nakina, and Balaclava. Find out why people left, what remains today, and what makes these spots so special.

 


Showing Up For One Another

June reminds us that strong communities are built when people choose to show up for one another. Whether it’s celebrating Pride Month, honouring National Indigenous History Month, or recognizing Seniors Month, each observance is an opportunity to listen, learn, lessen the stigma and stand beside people whose voices and experiences have too often been overlooked. Showing up for marginalized communities isn’t about politics or performance, It’s about basic humanity, respect, and making sure everyone feels seen, valued, and included in the places we live, work, and gather. Everyone in your community is what really makes up your community. Canada is one of those countries that often gets this right.


The Electrician

People are always shocked when they discover I’m not actually a very good electrician.


The Door

My grandfather always said, “When one door closes, another opens.” Great man. Terrible cabinet maker.


The Funeral Request

A man told his wife, “When I die, I want to go peacefully in my sleep like my grandfather… not screaming in terror like the passengers in his car.”


The Doctor Visit

A patient told his doctor, “I think I’m shrinking.” The doctor examined him briefly and replied, “Well… you’ll just have to learn to be a little patient.”


The Memory Problem

A man went to the doctor and said, “I’m having serious memory problems.” The doctor asked, “How long has this been happening?” The man replied, “How long has what been happening?”


The Library

A man walked into a library and loudly asked, “Do you have any books on paranoia?” The librarian whispered, “They’re right behind you.”


The Talking Dog

A guy saw a sign outside a house that said “Talking Dog For Sale.” Curious, he knocked and asked the owner if it was true. The owner pointed to the backyard. The dog explained how he had worked for intelligence agencies and travelled the world. Amazed, the man asked the owner why he was selling such an incredible dog. The owner shrugged and said, “Because he’s a liar. He never did any of that.”


The Security System

My neighbours said they were worried about my home security habits. I told them not to worry because my door is always open.

The Last Word

“The trouble with common sense is that it’s not nearly as common as the name suggests.”


13 Comments

  1. David John Lowe says:

    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

  2. Sharon Baker says:

    I really enjoy receiving the Orillia edition in my inbox each month. ?

    • Brian Garvey says:

      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.

  3. Lynn Lehman says:

    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!

    • Brian Garvey says:

      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

  4. David Erkale says:

    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.

  5. Lynn Lehman says:

    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!

  6. Lynn Lehman says:

    Who said…”It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you don’t care who gets the credit?” President Harry Truman.

  7. Lynn says:

    My grandmother had a similar saying: .”More haste, more waste”.

  8. Darlene says:

    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.

  9. Linda says:

    Love this online version. Find it much easier to read than the printed copy. Great job!

  10. M. Robertson says:

    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

  11. Elena Neij Jansson says:

    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!!!

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