Friday, March 31, 2006
Harpo on the beach
I don't usually like Leah McLaren, but she is spot on.Harper needs a mirror. The guy looks so out of place. We all know that the vest is intended to hide "the spare tire."
Now, I am not the thinest man in the world but geez this guy is really packing them on. At least he has ditched the creepy golf shirts.
Literal hat tip to Vincente Fox. The man knows style and even W is looking relaxed.
Who in the what now?
This is what happens when there is no creativity in opposition or government. A Legislature debates wolves.
To the Gullag
The logical solution for a liberal biased media - lock em' up. In fact, why stop with journalists? Radical community groups, feminists, environmentalists and other "typical" Harper dissenters should all be in the clink.Okanagan-Shuswap riding Conservative MP Colin Mayes believes the public might get better information if journalists were held accountable.
Mayes, however, is somewhat disappointed because this is unlikely:
But it will never happen “because the media would cry ‘censorship' and ‘authoritarian state' ... but the truth is we need ethical leadership from the media too.”
Hopefully the good people of the Okanagan send this clown to the curb next election.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Try the veal
The Canadian Association of Journalists have invited Judith Miller to keynote their annual gathering in Halifax next month. Does this seem odd to anyone else? Yes, it is the same Judith Miller who went to jail to protect a source that didn’t want protecting and apparently told her about a year before she went to jail that she could name him should the federal prosecutor looking into the CIA leak ask. So basically she went to the slammer to increase the number of Google alerts on Judith Miller.
As Jeff Pappone points out:
Her source was Lewis "Scooter" Libby, vice-president Dick "the Hunter" Cheney's top aide who was indicted on five charges: one count of obstruction of justice, two counts of perjury and two counts of making false statements. All are related to the leak of the CIA agent’s name.
In addition, the New York Times has had to apologise to its readers for being a pawn in the Bush administration’s WMD game, mostly because Ms. Miller wrote countless inaccurate stories about Iraq's imaginary weapons programs. The tales of WMDs, chemical weapons, and nuclear programs were based on “reliable information” from people like Ahmad Chalabi and other Iraqi National Congress figures. She never verified the info and reported it as fact.
One can only assume that the CAJ are attempting to sneak in under the avalanche of bad press being generated by the CMAJ - they are only a letter off. Or, maybe some of the journalists are too busy fighting the PMO to think through these decisions.
A full analysis can be found here. A new blog that was pointed out to me which is worth a read.
As Jeff Pappone points out:
Her source was Lewis "Scooter" Libby, vice-president Dick "the Hunter" Cheney's top aide who was indicted on five charges: one count of obstruction of justice, two counts of perjury and two counts of making false statements. All are related to the leak of the CIA agent’s name.
In addition, the New York Times has had to apologise to its readers for being a pawn in the Bush administration’s WMD game, mostly because Ms. Miller wrote countless inaccurate stories about Iraq's imaginary weapons programs. The tales of WMDs, chemical weapons, and nuclear programs were based on “reliable information” from people like Ahmad Chalabi and other Iraqi National Congress figures. She never verified the info and reported it as fact.
One can only assume that the CAJ are attempting to sneak in under the avalanche of bad press being generated by the CMAJ - they are only a letter off. Or, maybe some of the journalists are too busy fighting the PMO to think through these decisions.
A full analysis can be found here. A new blog that was pointed out to me which is worth a read.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Accountability for All
Does anyone else feel uneasy with this story? Especially when it happens around the same time that this breaks.Now, I am not suggesting causation or correlation, however, I am advocating for accountability and responsibility for all Canadians - regardless of race, gender or age.
Photos with the 'Bags
Got sent this - as possible blog material today - and, after many laughs, thought I would share it. I think we all know one or two fellas that may find their way onto the site and live infamy.The commentary is by far the best part!
Monday, March 27, 2006
What is after Orange and Denim?
The citizens of the United States may need to find a colour or fabric symbol to represent their struggle against their own government. Why? It is Security, stupid!The first victim in the United States quest to win the war on terror was personal freedoms and liberties. Illegal prisons. Ignoring international law. Domestic wiretaps. The Patriot Act. All were pursued in the name of victory.
The next victim was free trade. Protectionists finally had a reason to legitimize their beliefs - protecting the American worker and citizen. This suddenly lead to loud concerns about manufacturing outsourcing in China and India - which has been going on for decades and the worst actually already occurred. Vocal opposition was mobilized on illegal trade subsidies - think softwood lumber (although this and most other irritants in the US are just smoke and mirrors for lobby groups protecting small group interests). Suddenly, the US economic problems had less to do with massive tax cuts and large defence spending and more to do with a strong Chinese economy - laughable, almost funny if it wasn’t sad.
The final victim now in the United States pursuit of "security" may be immigration. How so you ask? Well, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that would make it a felony to be in the U.S. illegally, impose new penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants, require churches to check the legal status of people they help, and erect fences along one-third of the U.S.-Mexican border. So long, welcome mat. Hello, strip search and barbwire.
Over the weekend thousands of concerned Americans marched through multiple US cities - including Los Angeles where it is reported that over 500,000, one of the largest demonstrations for any cause in recent U.S. history, marched to protest the recent political decision.In Denver, more than 50,000 people protested downtown Saturday, according to police who had expected only a few thousand. Phoenix authorities were similarly surprised Friday when an estimated 20,000 people gathered for one of the biggest demonstrations in that cities history, and more than 10,000 marched in Milwaukee on Thursday.
Even President Bush sees the error of this way. On Saturday, Bush called for legislation that does not force America to choose between being a welcoming society and a lawful one.
"America is a nation of immigrants, and we're also a nation of laws," Bush said in his weekly radio address, discussing an issue that had driven a wedge into his own party.
However, given Bush's plummeting popularity, lame duck status and no mid-term coattails, it likely will not matter. Bush sides with business leaders who want to let some of the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants stay in the country and work for a set period of time.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, shares the belief of many other Republicans that says national security concerns should drive immigration reform - full stop. The Republican's seem destined to destroy all the social and economic progress the United States has made in the past 40 years.
The sad part is that the US can't even look after their own. Millions without health coverage and a major diaster can render two states effectively useless and the political response is disguisting. Republicans are only concerned about themselves and it is such an annoying conservative trait.
Watch video here of various rallies. Also, the Daily Show should be interesting this week.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
No words needed
Friday, March 24, 2006
Growing Pains....
... in my pants. Washed up 1980's teen star Kirk Cameron makes his return to the small screen in the Way of the Master.In this particular episode, Cameron and Act now and let evangelist Ray Comfort go to San Francisco and West Hollywood to witness to homosexuals, showing how to share the way of salvation without causing undue offense.
The video is long, but oh so funny.
Cameron also has done "interventions" with gang members. No word, if Alan Thicke joined him on his quest to overcome sinophobia, not homophobia.
Cameron is earning high praise, and I do mean high, from all the critics. Here is just a sample:
"Kirk Cameron gave one of the most sincere, simple and powerful statements of the gospel that I have ever heard"
John Piper - Desiring God Ministries
The others are included in the pic.FYI - There are two sides to the Bible's take on homosexuality. It isn't all John 3:16.
Out you go
Good job by all the allied forces for prying, almost all, the hostages out of Iraq.One has to feel somewhat uneasy having the military or police risk their lives for people who have made a conscience decision to get in harms way. It isn't like Kabul or Basra are vacation hotspots, they are war zones and everyone - non-military - should stay away.
This is clearly a case where these individuals have actually made the situation worse by taking their "Christian values" there to spread around. The region is already a shit sandwich due the desire to spread democracy.
Also, there are unanswered questions about why the Canadians and Brits were saved, but not the American and why the raid was not met with resistence.
Homers
The best rivalry in the National Hockey League was rekindled tonight as the Toronto Maple Leafs visited the Bell Centre in Montreal to tangle with the Canadiens. The final score was satisfying, a convincing 5-1 victory for Les Habs. The game got me thinking about why I hate the Leafs so much and I can attribute it to two things: They stink and Hockey Night in Canada (TSN / The Toronto Star / The Globe and Mail, etc..) try to convince Canadians otherwise.The game tonight was on TSN in the Leaf region - so the homer announcing goes with the territory. Joe Bowen is the lead guy and he is awful. He makes Greg Millen sound award worthy. Harry Neale is the "colour guy" for what that is worth. Neale is useless when he is with Bob Cole and he is worse when he actually isn’t advised to be impartial.
Hockey Night in Canada (HNIC) is an institution for most Canadian males between 6-80 and many females - whether they are daughters, sisters, wives, mothers, grandmothers or partners. The program suffered a great credibility hit recently when it failed to switch over to the full network during the Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion ceremony in Montreal two weekends ago. Instead, HNIC stuck with the all important battle between Tampa and Toronto.The Manitoban - the University of Manitoba Student Newspaper - has a great article about the boneheaded move.
I was also encouraged, by a semi-regular reader, to probe into this event. So, ask and you shall receive. The reader actually was much more proactive and actually sent a letter to Richard "Dead Man Working" Rabinovitch to complain about the lousy decision. Below is the letter from the CBC.
Dear Mr. XXXXX:
On behalf of Mr. Robert Rabinovitch, President and CEO of CBC/Radio-Canada, I would like to acknowledge receipt of your e-mail communication of March 13, 2006, regarding the ceremony honouring the late Bernie Geoffrion at the Bell Centre in Montreal.
We appreciate your taking the time to express your views to us, and we assure you that your comments have been given careful and appropriate consideration. During the pre-game show of Hockey Night in Canada on March 11, 2006, CBC Television presented a three-minute tribute to the late Bernie Geoffrion, in recognition of his legendary contributions to the National Hockey League. Moreover, during the first intermission of the Toronto-Tampa Bay NHL game, we aired highlights of the jersey retirement ceremony that took place in Montreal that same night.
This story was also the first item of discussion on Coach's Corner with Don Cherry. The NHL game was broadcast on Réseau des Sports (RDS) and simulcast by CBC/Radio-Canada across the country, except in Quebec. While there was no way to reschedule or delay the game, we strongly feel that we paid a fitting tribute to the great Bernie Geoffrion, particularly on such short notice and with so few options available to us.
Thank you for your interest in CBC/Radio-Canada and I hope that you will continue to listen to and watch our programming.
Please accept my warmest regards.
Sincerely,
Francine Létourneau
Chief of Staff
Office of the President and CEO
My response would be this:
Dear Robert
For over six decades Canadians from coast to coast have been subjected to Toronto Maple Leaf meaningless hockey games and March 11, 2006 was no exception. The fact that you chose not to broadcast the game on the full network is an insult to hockey fans and tarnishes the memory of a man who helped build hockey.
Mr. Geoffrien passed away early Saturday morning and a decision could have been made to alter the telecast for that evening. The distance between Montreal and Toronto is easy to overcome. In fact, to get the necessary staff (Bob Cole, Harry Neale, etc...) to Montreal from Toronto there are many options: (a) plane (b) bus (c) train (d) rental car.
The Canadiens game was actually an original six match-up with the New York Rangers in town so maybe, just maybe that game could have been on the full network anyway. Nope, instead hockey fans were treated to more boring hockey.
I encourage you to visit the others parts of the country when you retire later this year, maybe when the playoffs are on and you could actually see where real fans and real teams play real meaningful hockey games. You could start in Ottawa and make your way to Calgary – they are apparently experiencing some sort of economic revival (ask Peter Mansbridge, he was just there) and have running water now.
Sincerely,
Peter Puck
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Ra Ra Mario
All the recent talk about the Tommy Douglas movie (I am not sure that I believe a free market, Conservative party calling for a Social Democrat party to censor a film - yikes - Pigs are officially ready for takeoff) and whether he was a Communist has nothing on this theory. Was Super Mario actually a Ruskie??Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Au Revoir
Bernard Lacoste, the French clothing manufacturer who for more than four decades put crocodiles on the chests of people around the world, died Tuesday in a Paris hospital of a lengthy, undisclosed illness, said his company. He was 74.Lacoste, widely credited with turning the family sportswear business into a major apparel company (especially when it came to those crocodile-adorned polo shirts), succeeded his father, tennis player Rene "Le Crocodile" Lacoste, as president of the clothing company in 1963, 30 years after the company had been founded.
In the 1990s, after a period of being un-cool - think Hush Puppies, the Lacoste brand was bought back from near extinction from the Izod company in America, which had taken the crocodile-shirt brand down market in the 1980s. Re-launching the label a few years later, Lacoste is now sold at premium prices in upscale department stores and Lacoste boutiques.
It is one of my favourite summer shirts.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Life Imitates Art Imitates Life
Does my calendar say 1975 or 2006? Given the recent events in Richmond, British Columbia, it is difficult to know. The National in 1975 would have certainly had Knowlton Nash and not Peter Mansbridge reading the news, but apparently every now and then news can be recycled.The concept of sexual harassment was apparently lost on male firefighters of Richmond, British Columbia. The majority of men there are alleged to have gone out of their way to make their female colleagues feel unwelcome - to say the least. Placing shit in a woman's boots and pants. Classless. Sending a couple of women into a burning building and not turning on their hose. Criminal. This is the second case in BC in the past three years and the last didn't end well for anyone.
Has society not learned anything from the Lois E. Jensons (see Background) of the world? 30 years later and workplaces are still dealing with large scale sexual harassment. Inexcusable.
There are a couple of obvious issues that need to discussed in the Richmond case. One, why is it that in 2006 a group of men, employing mob mentality or group think, believe it is ok to hang naked women on the walls of a public (they are public servants - who are supposedly the most trusted profession in the country) workspace. Nevermind that it is offensive to women, but you can bet that it would offend many men as well.
The larger issue in this case (and many others like it) for me, however, isn't simply the workplace, but rather how ineffective the union is. The union, which is supposed to protect all members - since everyone pays dues equally - fails a chunk of their membership and doesn't even issue a statement. It is easy to see why so many Canadians have such a negative view of the union movement. The whole point of unionizing is to improve the workplace for all workers, not just the "boys" or the vocal majority.
The union is likely to be named in the complaints and, if and when it does get named, you can bet that it will be raising union dues to cover legal costs. Hypocrites. Create a mess, than cap in hand it to all- including the accusers - for a bail out. This happened in the past BC firefighter case is very likely to happen again.
Background
Lois Jenson was a trailblazer for equality rights in the workplace. She is famous - by way of a book - Class Action - and movie - North Country (which is an excellent movie and the acting was fantastic). Her case is known as Jenson v. Eveleth Taconite Co. and it was the first class action sexual harassment lawsuit in the United States.
The suit filed in 1998 on behalf of Lois Jenson and other female workers at the EVTAC mine in Eveleth, Minnesota. Jenson first began working at the site in 1975 and, along with other women, endured a continuous stream of disgusting, callous, abusive, uncivilized and misogynist behaviour from their male colleagues. Finally, after six years - in October 1984 - she mailed a complaint to the Minnesota Human Rights Department outlining the problems she experienced (FYI - in retaliation, her car tires were slashed a week later).
The state requested that Ogelbay Norton Co., a Cleveland, Ohio -based part-owner of the mine, pay 11,000 to Jenson in damages, but the company refused.
Fast forward to 1992. A Liability trial began in front of Judge Richard Kyle, and six months later, he ruled that the company should have prevented the misconduct. The company was ordered to educate all employees about sexual harassment.
Next, Patrick McNulty was named special master a few months later to oversee a trial that would determine the amount of money owed to the women in damages. McNulty, as opposed to taking steps to heal wounds, simply ripped open new ones. The retired federal magistrate permitted mine company lawyers to obtain all the medical records for every woman for their entire lifetimes. McNulty, in his report, expressed a great deal of scepticism and went so far as to call the women "actors." After revealing various personal details about the plaintiffs, he awarded each of them an average of $10,000. However, his judgement was appealed, reversed and a new trial was ordered.
Finally, in 1998, just before the trial was set to begin, fifteen women settled with Eveleth Mines for a total of $3.5 million.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Caught between indifference and irrelevance
Welcome to the life as an Island New Democrat. The political landscape in Prince Edward Island clearly has room for two parties - the Liberals and Conservatives. Yes, there is actually an area of the country where the New Democratic brand is worth less than in Alberta.Prince Edward Islanders have been turning their backs on the "Orange" for as long as there have been potatoes in their ground. The situation is so bad that the party doesn't have a functioning website. The party has no elected members in the Provincial Legislature. In fact, they have only elected 1 member in the entire history of the party. Congratulations to Dr. Herb Dickieson, you just became a trivia question.
The party has no leader - due to the tragic death of Gary Robichaud. Their interim leader is also the President of the party. Now, the NDP candidate - J'Nan Brown - in last night's by-election scored a whopping 35 votes or 1.5% of the popular vote. She even got a goose egg in Poll 5 - yikes.
FYI - Pat Binns' Tories won the by-election held to replace one of the provincial government's senior cabinet ministers. With all 10 polls reporting Monday evening in the riding of Morell-Fortune Bay, PC Olive Crane had 1,233 votes, compared to 1,050 for her Liberal opponent, John Cameron.Friday, March 17, 2006
Quiz Time
The recent abortion discussion in the United States has sparked emotions on both sides of the debate. The following are a list of questions designed to probe your beliefs:1) Should women who abort get life sentences in prison and/or the death penalty?
2) If a woman's husband knows she is aborting, should he be charged as an accessory to murder?
3) How about her friends who know?
4) Should abortion doctors receive life sentences in prison and/or the death penalty?
5) If a woman has a serious medical condition that would almost always lead to the death of a fetus, but gets pregnant anyway, should she be criminally liable if the fetus dies?
6) If her husband knew of this condition, should he, too, be criminally liable?
7) If a company manufactures a product which lights a fire in a fertility clinic, destroying 1500 frozen embryos, should they be liable for mass murder?
8) If an electric company has a power failure which cuts power to a fertility clinic, thawing embryos and rendering them unusable, should they be liable for mass murder?
9) If a pregnant woman reports to her doctor that she is smoking during her pregnancy, should her doctor be mandated to report it to the appropriate agency for dealing with child abuse?
10) If a woman has cancer and her chemotherapy kills a fetus, should she be given a life sentence and/or sentenced to die?
11) If her doctor was aware of her pregnancy, should he be charged as an accessory to murder?12) Should a person with 15 frozen embryos in storage be required to carry each embryo as soon as possible?
13) If I had 15 embryos in storage, should I be able to claim them as dependents on my tax paperwork?
If you answered "no" to ANY ONE of these questions, you may hate abortion with all your heart, but you do NOT believe a fetus has the same legal rights as a person from the moment of conception. You may think abortion is disgusting and morally abhorrent, but unless you answered an emphatic "yes" to all of the above, you do not believe that fetuses are actually human beings with human rights.
Courtesy of Molly
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Jessica Simpson loves Bush...
... George W. Bush that is.Finally, after almost a year, a legitimate chance to post about Jessica Simpson. And, I found 5 bucks in the subway today. Oh, there is a god.
Simpson was, for what it is worth, all business when she appeared today on Capitol Hill at a news conference to support Operation Smile, a group that fixes facial deformities for underprivileged kids. The singer / actress - does Dukes of Hazzard count? - did not address her reported snub of President Bush at a major party fund-raiser scheduled for Thursday night, despite journalists shouting questions about the issue. In fact, much to the crowd's dismay, Simpson did not take any questions. Me thinks she wouldnt be able to answer them without a scipt or cue cards.
Simpson is causing a mini stir in Washington with her invitation snub of President George W. Bush and other Republicans. She had been invited to attend an event for the National Republican Congressional Committee. The group's spokesman, Carl Forti, told Reuters, "I find it hard to believe she would pass up an opportunity to lobby the president on behalf of Operation Smile."
House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio believed that Simpson would attend as his guest is now feeling a little Nicked - as in Lacheyed. Boehner is having a difficult time believing that Simpson would not attend and said, "You know, I really feel like I got bagged."
Papa Joe Simpson comes clean on the mix-up:
"We went back and forth and we could never get the details worked out. When it became obvious that it was not just a state dinner, it was more of a fundraising event, that is the wrong purpose of why we are here."
Still, Simpson said of President Bush:
"We are huge fans of him and of his family, his girls. Jessica loves the heck out of him."
So even if Bush's approval ratings are in the tiolet, he can still count on the Simpson clan, Brtiney Spears and porn star Mary Carey to be solidly in his Camp.
See the video here.
Must Love Jaws
The Shining trailor was good, however, it doesn't hold a candle to this one. Must Love Jaws is the trailor for Jaws, if it was a love story. And Chief Brody and Matt Hooper fell in love... with the shark?Brilliant. Simply classic.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
$3 for the Bathroom and $2 for the lights
The airline industry has been in a tailspin for the better part of this decade (some could claim the entire global industry has never been properly managed) and are now grasping at anything to make a dollar. Most airlines now charge for pre-assigned seats (somewhat reasonable), munchies (fair), headphones (ok) and sleep kits (check). Now comes word that Northwest Airlines are going to introduce a new fee schedule for aisle seating. The extra inches will now be at a premium, literally.
As of Tuesday, Northwest began charging $15 to reserve coach seats with extra legroom. The USA's No. 4 carrier, operating in Chapter 11 bankruptcy since September, hopes to generate much-needed revenue through its new "Coach Choice." I would suggest a better name would "Tall Tax."
Under the program, customers can reserve exit-row seats and designated aisle seats up front in economy class by paying extra. Depending on the aircraft, exit-row seats provide about a dozen inches of extra leg room. Designated aisle seats allow a passenger to unfold into the aisle and to depart more quickly.
This move also comes at time when it has been noted in several publications that the airlines have been reducing the sit space over the past decade and that is a serious risk to public health.
A 2001 report from British House of Lords Science and Technology Committee actually recommended airline passengers be given more, not less, seating space to combat deep vein thrombosis, or "economy class syndrome."
FYI - The United Kingdom is the only country that requires minimum spacing between aircraft seats — 26 inches (66 cm) between the seat backs of each row.
Northwest will, however, continue its practice of setting aside seats near the front of coach cabins at no additional cost for high-mileage members of its frequent-flier program. Elite-status frequent fliers who in the past booked too late to snag one of those up-front seats now can go online starting 36 hours before departure to reserve Coach Choice seats. Other travelers can begin reserving those 24 hours before departure.
Previous experiments in trying to get travelers to pay a premium for more comfortable seating have mostly failed. No. 1 American, for example, began dismantling its "More Room Throughout Coach" experiment in 2003 after only two years. Consumers loved the extra five inches or so of legroom, but management determined they were unwilling to pay even a few dollars more for it.
The decision by Northwest will not sit well with at least one group - The Tall Club International. The Tall Club of Silicon Valley has sued a dozen U.S. airlines including American and Southwest on behalf of all Californians 6' 2" and up. The club did not ask for money, only seating accommodations, arguing the conventional seating causes health problems. In 2003, the case was dismissed following a recommendation from the Department of Transportation, stating "A new seating rule would conflict with the aviation regulatory scheme." On appeal in 2004, the dismissal was upheld. Tall Club's attorney Tom Cohen (6' 6") pithisized, "So tall people will remain squished."
Yes, there are Tall Clubs around the world. Yes, they have a Miss Tall International. No, silly, it isn't a stereotypical beauty pageant. Yes, they offer scholarships ($1000 US) for tall students under 21 attending college or university for the first time. My favourite however is the tall personals - read dating site. Their slogan should be "love is in the air, it is just really high up." It is better than their "where size does matter."
There are rumours that many US carriers are examining, and I am not joking, charging extra for every piece of luggage that you bring on your travels. The only person who will laugh at this notion is Bill Cosby.
It will not surprise me to see airlines, in the future, charge for window seats because they offer "a view." I wonder if a passenger will pay more for sitting closer to the bathroom. To the front of the plane? Or, could get a discount for having to sit next to a parent with the bassinette? Maybe have that same parent pay extra for the bassinette.
What is interesting is that this is all happening at a time when North Americans, especially Americans, are getting considerably larger. In fact, there have been numerous lawsuits and complaints against airlines over weight discrimination. Stay tuned.
Read full story here.
As of Tuesday, Northwest began charging $15 to reserve coach seats with extra legroom. The USA's No. 4 carrier, operating in Chapter 11 bankruptcy since September, hopes to generate much-needed revenue through its new "Coach Choice." I would suggest a better name would "Tall Tax."
Under the program, customers can reserve exit-row seats and designated aisle seats up front in economy class by paying extra. Depending on the aircraft, exit-row seats provide about a dozen inches of extra leg room. Designated aisle seats allow a passenger to unfold into the aisle and to depart more quickly.
This move also comes at time when it has been noted in several publications that the airlines have been reducing the sit space over the past decade and that is a serious risk to public health.
A 2001 report from British House of Lords Science and Technology Committee actually recommended airline passengers be given more, not less, seating space to combat deep vein thrombosis, or "economy class syndrome."
FYI - The United Kingdom is the only country that requires minimum spacing between aircraft seats — 26 inches (66 cm) between the seat backs of each row.
Northwest will, however, continue its practice of setting aside seats near the front of coach cabins at no additional cost for high-mileage members of its frequent-flier program. Elite-status frequent fliers who in the past booked too late to snag one of those up-front seats now can go online starting 36 hours before departure to reserve Coach Choice seats. Other travelers can begin reserving those 24 hours before departure.
Previous experiments in trying to get travelers to pay a premium for more comfortable seating have mostly failed. No. 1 American, for example, began dismantling its "More Room Throughout Coach" experiment in 2003 after only two years. Consumers loved the extra five inches or so of legroom, but management determined they were unwilling to pay even a few dollars more for it.
The decision by Northwest will not sit well with at least one group - The Tall Club International. The Tall Club of Silicon Valley has sued a dozen U.S. airlines including American and Southwest on behalf of all Californians 6' 2" and up. The club did not ask for money, only seating accommodations, arguing the conventional seating causes health problems. In 2003, the case was dismissed following a recommendation from the Department of Transportation, stating "A new seating rule would conflict with the aviation regulatory scheme." On appeal in 2004, the dismissal was upheld. Tall Club's attorney Tom Cohen (6' 6") pithisized, "So tall people will remain squished."
Yes, there are Tall Clubs around the world. Yes, they have a Miss Tall International. No, silly, it isn't a stereotypical beauty pageant. Yes, they offer scholarships ($1000 US) for tall students under 21 attending college or university for the first time. My favourite however is the tall personals - read dating site. Their slogan should be "love is in the air, it is just really high up." It is better than their "where size does matter."
There are rumours that many US carriers are examining, and I am not joking, charging extra for every piece of luggage that you bring on your travels. The only person who will laugh at this notion is Bill Cosby.
It will not surprise me to see airlines, in the future, charge for window seats because they offer "a view." I wonder if a passenger will pay more for sitting closer to the bathroom. To the front of the plane? Or, could get a discount for having to sit next to a parent with the bassinette? Maybe have that same parent pay extra for the bassinette.
What is interesting is that this is all happening at a time when North Americans, especially Americans, are getting considerably larger. In fact, there have been numerous lawsuits and complaints against airlines over weight discrimination. Stay tuned.
Read full story here.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
First Hand Knowledge - UPDATE
Prime Minister Stephen Harper deserves a hat tip for his visit to Afghanistan. It shows courage and conviction to enter a war zone to meet the troops. The men and women representing this country over there appreciated the visit.Here the speech here.
Finally, on March 13, I agree with BUMF.
Harper is right to state that the country will not cut and run.
Harper, however, needs to hit the treadmill. He looks like he has packed on at least 35 pounds in the past year. The Saskatchewan Progressive is affectionality referring to him as Prime Minister Fatty. He is starting to make Paul Martin - remember him - look fit. Yikes.
Is there any truth to the rumour that he stopped for some Timbits and a double-double at the new Tim Hortons?
FYI - The last Prime Minister to visit the troops was Chretien in 2003. I am sure Canadians remember Jean.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Buy Ford
The American Family Association is on another crusade to persuade its members to boycott American automaker Ford. The group originally asked its members to boycott Ford last year, however, it suspended the campaign for six months at the request of some Ford dealers. The AFA has support from 18 other groups in the US. Pro-Family organizations endorsing the boycott of Ford include:American Family Association
Center for Reclaiming America
Citizens for Community Values
Vision America
Free Market Foundation - should they actually be boycotting anything? Isn't that an oxymoron for this group?
WIN Family Services
Liberty Counsel
CatholicVote.org
Point of View Radio
Coalitions for America
Mayday for Marriage
RealMarriage.org
Judeo-Christian Council
Constituent Voice
Faith2Action
Coalition for Marriage and Family
ConservativeHQ.com
Tradition, Family, Property, Inc.
National Association of Marriage Enhancement
VCY America Radio Network
What does the AFA have against Ford? Do they believe that Ford makes cars or tucks that are not safe for children. No. Do they have faulty car seats? Nope. They simply feel Ford is too aggressive in promoting and supporting the homosexual agenda.
FYI - The picture shown is an example listed as being "suggestively" homosexual.
For example:
Ford publicly announced they are giving $250,000 to help build a dedicated homosexual community center in Ferndale, Michigan. Regarding their donation, Ford Motor Company Fund (funded by Ford Motor Company) President Sandra Ulsh said, "Ford is proud to support Affirmations (Gay and Lesbian Community Center) and its partners." Ford said the new center will serve as a "cornerstone for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in the state of Michigan. It will be a place to build and nurture a more inclusive and respectful society."
The AFA's take:
Obviously, Ford thinks those who do not support homosexual marriage are not "inclusive and respectful".
There is nothing in the release that talks about legalizing homosexual marriage. It is meant as recognition of tolerance and difference. These family groups always add in the piece about supporting homosexual marriage - The typical right-wing, Christian bully approach. You are either with us OR against us. There is no middle ground. In fact, read the whole boycott site and you can at least 10 claims of support for homosexual marriage. All are untrue.
Some of the other Ford "offences":
Ford held the first automotive conference aimed at bringing diversity to the car industry.
According to the AFA:
"Diversity" is a code word for homosexuality. By defining themselves as a minority such as African-Americans, homosexual activists seek to bolster their claims of needing special treatment. Encouraged by Ford, more than 100 multinational companies attended the meeting which, according to 365Gay.com, included a goal of "broadening the number of LGBT workers in the field."
Ford hired a D.C. marketing firm to target the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender market and developed a plan to involve Ford in the day-to-day business of selling vehicles worldwide to gay and lesbian customers.
Now, shouldn't free market capitalists love this? Are they not finding a market and trying to corner it? Oh right, it is dirty market. Never mind.
In fact, how is it any different than this?
The final words are those of Bill Ford, who at a national Gay and Lesbian event in Washington this past December, issued these words to describe Ford's approach:
Ford Motor Company and its brands value diversity among all of our constituents and pride ourselves on strong and clear values -- respect for our customers, communities, employees, suppliers and dealers; acceptance of our differences; inclusion of different people with different perspectives; and integrity.
"We value all people – regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation and cultural or physical differences." "This is a historical commitment of the Ford Motor Company that I intend to carry forward."
Go forth and buy Ford.
The Religious Pout
Catholic Charities of the Boston Archdiocese announced late Friday that they will stop providing adoption services rather than continue to comply with a state law requiring no discrimination against gay and lesbian couples who seek to adopt.This should have sparked more discussion in the United States, but instead it just gets chalked up to "liberals" running amuck.
The decision by the Boston Archdiocese is exactly what should happen when religious groups do not what to comply with the laws of the land. The fact that some religious groups in the US get around this by claiming religious amnesty is appalling.
The same day of the changes Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney called it "a mistake for our laws to put the rights of adults over the needs of children" and said he would seek legislation allowing religious agencies to perform adoptions without violating their religious tenets.
Mitt Romney is a Governor that is working on borrowed time. He would be wise to consider a run at the 2008 Republican leadership since his chances of winning again in Massachusetts are slim and none. It is always interesting to see how disposable rights are to people on the right.
Prompted by a similar issue arising at Catholic Charities of San Francisco, a top Vatican official has said Catholic agencies should not be involved in adoptions by same-sex couples. A 2003 Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith document says it would be "gravely immoral" to let same-sex couples adopt children.
The document went on to say the following:
"Allowing children to be adopted by persons living in such unions would actually mean doing violence to these children, in the sense that their condition of dependency would be used to place them in an environment that is not conducive to their full development."
Just in case you were wondering, yes this is the same Catholic Archdiocese of Boston that recently settled claims of sexual abuse by priests with 88 people, Yes, it is the same one paid out to 554 claimants in 2003.
Also, The Massachusetts attorney general now says the Archdiocese of Boston, where the abuse crisis erupted, has failed to implement key reforms it had promised, including tracking guilty priests and teaching adolescents and teens to protect themselves from predators.
3 Quarks Daily has the best article on this issue. Here are some highlights:
Nothing prevents Catholic Charities of Boston from discriminating and doing adoptions in the future. They just can’t have state money that subsidizes their efforts, or, it seems monies from other foundations and charities such as the United Way that practice non-discrimination against gays and lesbians. The deep reliance of Catholic Charities, like other charities, on government monies discloses just how faith-based our do-it-yourself welfare system already is. Consider that about 60% of Catholic Charities of Boston’s funding comes from government sources, roughly the same proportion true of the national Catholic Charities USA.
...The curates are on a mission. The American Catholic Church has long been committed to getting the states, federal and the 50, to fund the exercise of their religious freedom, as historic campaigns for state funding for Catholic schools, school bus and textbook subsidies for Catholic kids, and tuition tax deductions and vouchers, among other ventures, testifies. They now seek a radical extension. They seek to enforce Catholic norms and beliefs upon non-believers while acting as the direct agent of the state.
This little case is our canary in the civic coal mine. It alerts us to the deeply dangerous zone into which America has entered. And it nicely coincides with a new propaganda campaign this week by the Bush regime to gin up support for expanding so-called “faith-based initiatives.” The administration whether by stealthy recounting or by actual distribution claims that $2 billion of a total of $20 billion in health and welfare expenditures currently goes to religious organizations in our do-it-yourself welfare state. The Big Brother in Christ makes it clear that he supports legislation that goes beyond the current authorization of faith-based program grants, and that will enable religious organizations to evade equal opportunity laws that currently prevent them from using religious preference as a hiring criterion. When government gives support to religious people providing social services, Bush says on the White House faith-based initiative website, “charities and faith-based programs should not be forced to change their character or compromise their mission.”
Amen!
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Straw-berries
The 2008 Republican field is clearly wide open. It could be said, however, that Embattled Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, took the first step to the nomination this weekend. At least, he struck the first blow.Frist, backed by an army of home-state voters, pulled off a decisive win in a straw poll of presidential prospects at a gathering of Republican activists in Memphis. The so-called Frist victory is not what makes this event interesting. It was the behaviour of Arizona Senator John McCain.
McCain, who placed fourth, urged his supporters Friday night to vote for Bush instead of him as a symbol of support during "the so-called" tough times. McCain clearly is going out of his way to make nice with a President who has limited (declining public support) and one who personally attacked John (think the Carolinas) during the 2000 Republican primaries.
(Side bar) How is it that Bush got away with, twice, either directly or through a third party questioning the patriotism of his opponents?
Straw polls, for what they are worth, are notoriously terrible predictors of what ultimately happens in any presidential nomination race. Previous winners of straw polls have included the late Sen. Alan Cranston, D-Calif., (who beat eventual nominee Walter Mondale in Wisconsin in 1983) and Republican Rev. Pat Robertson (who beat eventual nominee George H.W. Bush in Iowa in 1987). Yes, the same Pat Robertson who has been in the news of late. He of the crazy assassination statements.
Nearly 82% of Frist's votes came from Tennesseans. But 42% of his home-state voters spurned him for other candidates.
National opinion polls show McCain has broad appeal as a presidential candidate. But he only got 66 votes Saturday night.
The results:
Bill Frist, 526 votes, 36.9%
Mass. Gov. Milt Romney, 205 votes, 14.4%
Senator George Allen, 147 votes, 10.3%
President Bush (write-in), 147 votes, 10.3%
John McCain, 66 votes, 4.6%
Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee,54 votes, 3.8%
"Other" (write-in), 43 votes,3.0%
New York Gov. George Pataki, 38 votes, 2.7%
Secretary of State Condi Rice (write-in), 32 votes, 2.2%
Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, 22 votes, 1.5%
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, 15 votes, 1.1%
Former Georgia Rep. Newt Gingrich, 13 votes, .9%
Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, 3 votes, .2%
Farewell to the real Shaky
Veteran Toronto sports columnist Jim "Shaky" Hunt died earlier this week after suffering a heart attack. He was 79.
Hunt spent some 50 years on the sports beat, covering Stanley Cups, the Masters, U.S. Opens, Canadian Opens, British Opens, Super Bowls, Olympics and the 1972 Canada-Russia series.
The columnist attended every Grey Cup game between 1949 and 1999. He started a tradition in 1970s, at the press conference with coaches, by asking whether the coach allows sex before the big game. That was his thing and when he stopped attending in 1999, another reporter continued the tradition.
Hunt was known as Shaky thanks to his intramural goaltending career at the University of Western Ontario, where he was part of the school's first journalism graduating class.
Shaky co-hosted, in the 1990s, with Bob McCowen, on the Fan Sports Radio and left a obvious impression during my first round in Toronto. He always provided excellent insight and had a strong personality.
Hunt spent some 50 years on the sports beat, covering Stanley Cups, the Masters, U.S. Opens, Canadian Opens, British Opens, Super Bowls, Olympics and the 1972 Canada-Russia series.
The columnist attended every Grey Cup game between 1949 and 1999. He started a tradition in 1970s, at the press conference with coaches, by asking whether the coach allows sex before the big game. That was his thing and when he stopped attending in 1999, another reporter continued the tradition.
Hunt was known as Shaky thanks to his intramural goaltending career at the University of Western Ontario, where he was part of the school's first journalism graduating class.
Shaky co-hosted, in the 1990s, with Bob McCowen, on the Fan Sports Radio and left a obvious impression during my first round in Toronto. He always provided excellent insight and had a strong personality.
He will be missed.
The Anti-Luna
The recent press coverage on the death of Luna the Killer Whale was enough to make one sick. It got national (and international) coverage and is still causing waves amongst the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities in the BC village.In memory of Luna's death, this video is a reminder of why whales are best free. It is amazing that nobody died.
Wal Mart Scam
I don't know how many of you shop at Wal Mart, but this maybe useful to you.
I am posting this to warn you of something that happened to a good friend, as he has become a victim of a clever scam while out shopping. It happened to him at Wal Mart and it could happen to you.
Here's how the scam works:
Two seriously good-looking 18-year-old girls come over to your car as you are packing your shopping in the trunk. They both start wiping your windsheild with a rag and Windex, with their breasts falling outof their skimpy tank tops.
It is impossible not to look. When you thank them and offer them a tip,they say 'No' and instead ask you for a ride to the nearest Wal Mart.
You agree and they get in the back seat. On the way, they start having sex with each other. Then one of them climbs over into the front seat and performs oral sex on you, while the other one steals your wallet.
My friend had his wallet stolen last Tuesday, Wednesday, twice on Thursday, again on Friday, also yesterday and he is planning on having it stolen at least once today.
I am posting this to warn you of something that happened to a good friend, as he has become a victim of a clever scam while out shopping. It happened to him at Wal Mart and it could happen to you.
Here's how the scam works:
Two seriously good-looking 18-year-old girls come over to your car as you are packing your shopping in the trunk. They both start wiping your windsheild with a rag and Windex, with their breasts falling outof their skimpy tank tops.
It is impossible not to look. When you thank them and offer them a tip,they say 'No' and instead ask you for a ride to the nearest Wal Mart.
You agree and they get in the back seat. On the way, they start having sex with each other. Then one of them climbs over into the front seat and performs oral sex on you, while the other one steals your wallet.
My friend had his wallet stolen last Tuesday, Wednesday, twice on Thursday, again on Friday, also yesterday and he is planning on having it stolen at least once today.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Heartstopper
The 30,000 Calorie SandwichFood - Calories
Fried Mushrooms – 15 - 450
Bacon – 14 pieces - 990
Onion rings – 18 - 1140
Ground Beef – 1/4 lb. - 293
Corndogs – 2 - 540
Swiss Cheese – 4 slices - 425
Provolone Cheese – 4 slices - 397
Cheddar Cheese – 4 slices - 455
Sliced Ham – 1/4 lb. - 184
Sliced Turkey – 1/4 lb. - 181
Pastrami – 1/4 lb. - 394
Sliced Roast Beef – 1/4 lb. - 200
Bratwurst – 1 - 510
Braunschweiger – 1/4 lb. - 580
Wheat Bread – 1 lb. - 1030
Lettuce – 1/2 head - 25
Feta Cheese – 4 oz. - 350
Italian Salad Dressing – 6 oz. - 480
Oregeno – 50 grams - 438
Salt and Pepper – 50 grams - 0
Butter – 1/2 lb. - 1600
Parmesan Cheese – 100 grams - 465
Canola Oil – 154 Tbsp. - 18,432
Total - 29,559
Bring on the TUMS!!!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Trade Deadline Analysis
The National Hockey League trade deadline has come and gone and the General Manager's can let their phone take a rest. There was plenty of activity throughout the past 48 hours that needs critiquing and discussing - comments welcome. This is the new NHL where small market clubs - read the Oilers - can be buyers and large wallet clubs can be passengers - read the Laughs.
Who were the winners? Who were the losers? What are the long-term prospects for clubs?
Winners - in no order
Edmonton Oilers
Craig MacTavish stated it best - "We are spending like drunken sailors." The Oilers are making a push to keep their playoff spot, win a round and make a real run. This club badly needed a goalie and got it in Dwayne Roloson. The team could not afford anymore games with Conklin and Morrison splitting the game / shootout. I had better goaltending when coaching a Pee Wee squad years ago.
The addition of forward Sergei Samsonov from Bruins in exchange for forward Marty Reasoner, forward Yan Stastny and a second-round pick in 2006 was an excellent pickup and he "could" really excel on the fast Edmonton ice. He could, however, become the new Radek Dvorak and fans could continue to wait for his potential to catch his skill.
Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks were sure busy. They acquired almost everyone 30+, Unrestricted Free Agent with a pulse - spare the garbage the Leafs had in the garage sale. The Canucks added defenseman Eric Weinrich from the St. Louis Blues, Keith Carney from Anaheim and Sean Brown from the Swamp. All should contribute to the Canucks in the new few weeks and months. They badly needed backline help with their injuries and they got a guy who can move the puck, a guy who can kill penalties and a guy who can lay the lumber and body.
The Canucks also acquired goaltender Mika Noronen from the Buffalo Sabres. I really like this move. Noronen will be a good NHL goalie and may emerge as a true number 1 on the west coast. Dan Cloutier is overrated and a band-aid and Alex Auld is better suited to be a back-up.
Carolina Hurricanes
The loss of Eric Cole will be offset, not completely, by the addition of Mark Recchi. The shifty, speedy winger will provide more ancillary scoring to the Canes drive for the cup. He will fit nicely with recent addition Doug Weight. Those two moves should position the Canes to go deep in the playoffs and to see them back in the Stanley Cup finals wouldn't be a complete shock.
Montreal Canadiens
Someone actual took Jose Theodore's contract. I had to pinch myself twice. The Habs actually got a player back who can help. Manna from heaven. The money saved will allow the team to be active, if they choose in the off-season and allows new starter Chris Huet to get a rest down the stretch.
The addition of Todd Simpson was a footnote in history. He will eat a lot of Bell Centre popcorn from the press box over the next few weeks and months. He is a good character guy to add to the room and team meals should be better for it.
Ottawa Senators
No Oli, no problem. The Panthers pulled the real true prize off the market by locking the big Fin up (and to a lesser extent Chris Gratton). John Muckler addressed secondary scoring with the addition of Tyler Arneson. He should perform better in Ottawa than in Chicago. Why? Bryan Murray demands effort. The Sens have real fans and play games that matter. The team have leaders that will bust his chops if he slacks off. Arneson should gel nice with Havlet - when he returns.
Adding Mark Morrison means that beer league goalies in Ottawa will not have to backup either Emery, if Hasek can't go for prolonged periods of time.
Los Angeles Kings
They paid a price (two good prospects and a pick) to add Mark Parrish and Brent Sopel, but prizes don't come free. Parrish should help an injury riddled front line and Sopel will add a skater who can move the puck to the backend. The Kings couldn't afford to sit this deadline out since they are fighting for their playoff lives now. My bet is that they still fall short, but one can't blame Dave Taylor for trying.
Nashville Predators
This team needed size and strength and got both. The addition of Brendan Witt will help as they attempt to make their first real playoff push. He should add some leadership as well to an already balanced squad.
Dallas Stars
Willie Mitchell will hurt people and log minutes. A good pickup for a team that has overachieved and is likely a little soft for the playoffs. They gave up some pieces for Mitchell so they better get on a nice run.
Losers
Toronto Maple Leafs
Subtract one slow, out of his element in the new NHL defender and add another older version. Hmm, interesting to see the GM's rationale. Luke Richardson would have been a great pickup at the deadline if it was 1996, but somebody tell John Jr it is 2006.
The Leafs, as Toronto residents are told, believe they have the pieces to make a run at the playoffs and into the second season. I don't see it. In fact, this club will struggle to finish 10th.
The club is old, slow and disjointed. They have too many passengers - e.g. Aki Berg (who should have stayed in Turin). They have too many overrated players - e.g. Jason Allison - who makes Dave Andreychuk look like Cindy Klassen or Bryan McCabe - who cares how many garbage power play points he gets, he still can't play in his own end or with the heavy hitters - see his performance at the Olympics - disgraceful. They have too many practice All-Stars where there are no opposition or body contact - e.g. Nik Antropov and Alexis Ponikarovsky. These two are great to watch on half ice with a whistle, but not when the real game starts.
One has to think that Ferguson has a plan for the summer. It likely includes adding more over-the-hill, washed up talent. Keith Tkachuk would nice in Blue!
Tampa Bay Lightening
The fact that they didn’t make a move is troubling for one or three fans in St Petes. This team is shell of the squad that won the cup in 2004. Marty St. Louis was truly a one-year wonder. The team lacks leadership and defense. There biggest problem is between the pipes and they will be hard pressed to make the playoffs with John Grahame and Sean Burke.
Calgary Flames
Jamie Lundmark in for Jason Wiemer. I understand the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the dressing room mentality, however, they need scoring. The team is made up of Iggy and 11 other pluggers. Tony Amonte has turned into a lunch bucket guy with cement hands.
The immediate loss of Rhett Warnener to a knee injury will hurt and Cale Hulse will not replace those minutes.
The Flames should be ok with Kipper in goal, however, Flame fans deserved better.
Colorado Avalanche
Pierre Lacoix is the traditional riverboat gambler. He is the type of guy that would vacation in Thailand without protection and roll the dice. Trading your number 1 goalie for a guy who is: (a) struggling (b) injured (c) scandal dogged is a risky proposition. He now goes down the stretch drive with an untested goalie and one on the mend. Plus, he picks up a large contract that may prevent future signings - i.e. Sakic or Blake.
Detroit Red Wings
Cory Cross. Is this the best that they can do? This team is fairly deep and really talented, however, they could have used some depth up front and real defensemen.
New York Islanders
Fire Mad Mike Milbury. Oh wait, he quit. He continues to have unnecessary influence on the franchise. The team is gutted and attempts to rebuild around Alexi Yashin. Yikes. They are destined to stay in gutter for quite some time.
Indifferent
Anaheim Ducks, New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils
All added some pieces and subtracted others in search of chemistry. Time will tell if they made enough moves.
Who were the winners? Who were the losers? What are the long-term prospects for clubs?
Winners - in no order
Edmonton Oilers
Craig MacTavish stated it best - "We are spending like drunken sailors." The Oilers are making a push to keep their playoff spot, win a round and make a real run. This club badly needed a goalie and got it in Dwayne Roloson. The team could not afford anymore games with Conklin and Morrison splitting the game / shootout. I had better goaltending when coaching a Pee Wee squad years ago.
The addition of forward Sergei Samsonov from Bruins in exchange for forward Marty Reasoner, forward Yan Stastny and a second-round pick in 2006 was an excellent pickup and he "could" really excel on the fast Edmonton ice. He could, however, become the new Radek Dvorak and fans could continue to wait for his potential to catch his skill.
Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks were sure busy. They acquired almost everyone 30+, Unrestricted Free Agent with a pulse - spare the garbage the Leafs had in the garage sale. The Canucks added defenseman Eric Weinrich from the St. Louis Blues, Keith Carney from Anaheim and Sean Brown from the Swamp. All should contribute to the Canucks in the new few weeks and months. They badly needed backline help with their injuries and they got a guy who can move the puck, a guy who can kill penalties and a guy who can lay the lumber and body.
The Canucks also acquired goaltender Mika Noronen from the Buffalo Sabres. I really like this move. Noronen will be a good NHL goalie and may emerge as a true number 1 on the west coast. Dan Cloutier is overrated and a band-aid and Alex Auld is better suited to be a back-up.
Carolina Hurricanes
The loss of Eric Cole will be offset, not completely, by the addition of Mark Recchi. The shifty, speedy winger will provide more ancillary scoring to the Canes drive for the cup. He will fit nicely with recent addition Doug Weight. Those two moves should position the Canes to go deep in the playoffs and to see them back in the Stanley Cup finals wouldn't be a complete shock.
Montreal Canadiens
Someone actual took Jose Theodore's contract. I had to pinch myself twice. The Habs actually got a player back who can help. Manna from heaven. The money saved will allow the team to be active, if they choose in the off-season and allows new starter Chris Huet to get a rest down the stretch.
The addition of Todd Simpson was a footnote in history. He will eat a lot of Bell Centre popcorn from the press box over the next few weeks and months. He is a good character guy to add to the room and team meals should be better for it.
Ottawa Senators
No Oli, no problem. The Panthers pulled the real true prize off the market by locking the big Fin up (and to a lesser extent Chris Gratton). John Muckler addressed secondary scoring with the addition of Tyler Arneson. He should perform better in Ottawa than in Chicago. Why? Bryan Murray demands effort. The Sens have real fans and play games that matter. The team have leaders that will bust his chops if he slacks off. Arneson should gel nice with Havlet - when he returns.
Adding Mark Morrison means that beer league goalies in Ottawa will not have to backup either Emery, if Hasek can't go for prolonged periods of time.
Los Angeles Kings
They paid a price (two good prospects and a pick) to add Mark Parrish and Brent Sopel, but prizes don't come free. Parrish should help an injury riddled front line and Sopel will add a skater who can move the puck to the backend. The Kings couldn't afford to sit this deadline out since they are fighting for their playoff lives now. My bet is that they still fall short, but one can't blame Dave Taylor for trying.
Nashville Predators
This team needed size and strength and got both. The addition of Brendan Witt will help as they attempt to make their first real playoff push. He should add some leadership as well to an already balanced squad.
Dallas Stars
Willie Mitchell will hurt people and log minutes. A good pickup for a team that has overachieved and is likely a little soft for the playoffs. They gave up some pieces for Mitchell so they better get on a nice run.
Losers
Toronto Maple Leafs
Subtract one slow, out of his element in the new NHL defender and add another older version. Hmm, interesting to see the GM's rationale. Luke Richardson would have been a great pickup at the deadline if it was 1996, but somebody tell John Jr it is 2006.
The Leafs, as Toronto residents are told, believe they have the pieces to make a run at the playoffs and into the second season. I don't see it. In fact, this club will struggle to finish 10th.
The club is old, slow and disjointed. They have too many passengers - e.g. Aki Berg (who should have stayed in Turin). They have too many overrated players - e.g. Jason Allison - who makes Dave Andreychuk look like Cindy Klassen or Bryan McCabe - who cares how many garbage power play points he gets, he still can't play in his own end or with the heavy hitters - see his performance at the Olympics - disgraceful. They have too many practice All-Stars where there are no opposition or body contact - e.g. Nik Antropov and Alexis Ponikarovsky. These two are great to watch on half ice with a whistle, but not when the real game starts.
One has to think that Ferguson has a plan for the summer. It likely includes adding more over-the-hill, washed up talent. Keith Tkachuk would nice in Blue!
Tampa Bay Lightening
The fact that they didn’t make a move is troubling for one or three fans in St Petes. This team is shell of the squad that won the cup in 2004. Marty St. Louis was truly a one-year wonder. The team lacks leadership and defense. There biggest problem is between the pipes and they will be hard pressed to make the playoffs with John Grahame and Sean Burke.
Calgary Flames
Jamie Lundmark in for Jason Wiemer. I understand the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the dressing room mentality, however, they need scoring. The team is made up of Iggy and 11 other pluggers. Tony Amonte has turned into a lunch bucket guy with cement hands.
The immediate loss of Rhett Warnener to a knee injury will hurt and Cale Hulse will not replace those minutes.
The Flames should be ok with Kipper in goal, however, Flame fans deserved better.
Colorado Avalanche
Pierre Lacoix is the traditional riverboat gambler. He is the type of guy that would vacation in Thailand without protection and roll the dice. Trading your number 1 goalie for a guy who is: (a) struggling (b) injured (c) scandal dogged is a risky proposition. He now goes down the stretch drive with an untested goalie and one on the mend. Plus, he picks up a large contract that may prevent future signings - i.e. Sakic or Blake.
Detroit Red Wings
Cory Cross. Is this the best that they can do? This team is fairly deep and really talented, however, they could have used some depth up front and real defensemen.
New York Islanders
Fire Mad Mike Milbury. Oh wait, he quit. He continues to have unnecessary influence on the franchise. The team is gutted and attempts to rebuild around Alexi Yashin. Yikes. They are destined to stay in gutter for quite some time.
Indifferent
Anaheim Ducks, New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils
All added some pieces and subtracted others in search of chemistry. Time will tell if they made enough moves.
Why see the movie when the bunnies will do?
Thursday, March 09, 2006
The Exploding Bicep
Lookie Likies
Dater Beware
A day late and dollar short for International Women's Day, however, still funny none the less. Male cheaters beware, the ladies are watching. Better yet they are reporting!
No longer do women have to rely on Google to generate a profile for their potential date. Now, comes DontDateHimGirl.com. Individuals can browse a search engine of "cheating" men and identify potential cheaters in the midst.
This is a one-sided site and there is really no filter or burdon of proof for the accused. It does, however, add another layer of complexity to the first date.
Happy Get Over It Day
March 9th has been officially declared Get Over It Day. The day, which is exactly midway between Valentine's Day and April Fool's Day, was created because everyone has something or someone to get over.I have left a message (fictional email to mask his true identity) for my friend Bumf - see pic.
Watch the video here.
Sandbox Spat
Is Bernard Shapiro wrong for wanting to investigate "The Emerson Affair?" Yes. Should Bernard Shapiro still have a job? No. Should Shapiro had the job in the first place? No - in fact he sounded almost hestitant to take it in the first place.Is Stephan Harper wrong for offering the job to Ed Broadbent before firing Shapiro? Yes. Is the Prime Minister bound to comply by a rulings of an Agent of Parliament? Yes. This is a democracy not a dictatorship.
This is one of the classic examples of how not to handle human resources. Harper has shown an ability to mess up human resources in a big way in a short period of time. The rotating door in his Communications shop. The lack of staffed up offices in Ottawa. The Fortier appointment to cabinet.
It also is part of the larger ethics equation about ensuring qualified people with no partisan connections fill these roles in the future.
So long lofty pyramids
Goodbye cheerleaders in the air. The rest of the US college basketball season, i.e. March Madness, will see limited activity by cheerleaders. A few pompom waves, some leg kicks and smiles is about all the audience will be entertain with. This is a result of a cheerleader's massive fall in St. Louis this weekend.Kristi Yamaoka, a Southern Illinois University sophomore from Springfield, Illinois, suffered a concussion, spinal fracture and bruised lung when she lost her balance atop a human pyramid during a timeout on the weekend.
She drew worldwide attention as she was wheeled off the court. When the pep band fired up the school's fight song - Go Southern Go - Yamaoka gave a two-handed thumbs up from the gurney, then moved her arms - the only things not strapped down - in time to the music and cheered. The video is absolutely priceless.
"I'm still a cheerleader - on a stretcher or not," Yamaoka told the Today show while wearing a neck brace and her cheerleading uniform. "So as soon as I heard that fight song, I knew my job and just started to do my thing."
What drive and dedication!!
Brokeback Lego
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Caption It
Beer Goggles and Not So Silent Sam
The glorious drunk dial. The call that should never had been made. The one where you don't have a clue what you are talking about and will remember very little about it. The one where you call an ex, a partner or friend. You may wax poetic about days gone by. Or, you regal people with your charming personality. Or, you decide to continue "throwing the vibe out there."One of my favourites still is a second hand one shared by a friend - she was told that it wasn't the drinks but rather that he had just noticed that she cleaned up well. And the nerd thought that would lead to a night of passion.
We have all been there and now there is a website to share your stories.
Drunk-dial.com is a place where you can post your friends drunk messages, funny drunk pictures, and write stupid stories about your drunk-dialing experiences.
The idea spawned out of one 7-minute call at 6am and the annoyance of all the creator's friends drunk-dialing him at all hours of the night on any given day of the week.
What happens in Mexico stays in Mexico
Or, I like to have my fun.These are just a couple of slogans in the running for Spring Break motos.
On International Women's Day, however, the American Medical Association is calling for a sober second thought to female Spring Break activities. In other words, think before you drink, plan before you tan and bag before you shag.
The Association conducted a national online survey of 644 women age 17 - 35 who currently attend college, graduated from college or attended, but did not graduate from college within the United States were surveyed.
The findings are NOT surprising, but are troubling. The key findings according to the survey are:
A majority (74 percent) of respondents said women use drinking as an excuse for outrageous behavior.
More than half of women (57 percent) agree being promiscuous is a way to fit in.
An overwhelming majority (83 percent) of women had friends who drank the majority of the nights while on spring break.
More than half (59 percent) know friends who were sexually active with more than one partner.
Nearly three out of five women know friends who had unprotected sex during spring break.
One in five respondents regretted the sexual activity they engaged in during spring break, and 12 percent felt forced or pressured into sex.
An overwhelming majority (84 percent) of respondents thought images of college girls partying during spring break may contribute to an increase in females' reckless behavior.
An even higher percentage (86 percent) agreed these images may contribute to dangerous behaviors by males toward women.
The two most interesting findings were actually these:
Almost all (92 percent) said it was easy to get alcohol while on spring break. My question is this - where are the other 8 percent vacationing? Salt Lake City? The Vatican?
Two out of five women agreed access to free or cheap alcohol or a drinking age under age 21 were important factors in their decision to go on a spring break trip. So, 40 percent of women plan their vacation on cheap drinks and the drinking age but yet Canada doesn't see a real spike in prolonged tourists. Do the authors not think another ingredient in the equation would be the SUN?
The AMA should be commended for their study, however, they clearly face an uphill public relations battle.
Kathleen Fitzgerald, a 21-year-old junior at Illinois State University, said the AMA's effort to raise awareness is a good idea, but probably won't do much to curb drinking during spring break. In othe words, Girls Gone Wild t-shirts will continue to rule the day.
"I think a lot of students wouldn't really pay that much attention to it," Fitzgerald said. "They would just be like, `Duh, that's why we do it.'"
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
His hands are his instruments...
...and they apparently played a number on a young women. Who is the perp in question? Why it is easy-listening star Yanni. He has been arrested and spent the night in jail after he slapped the shit out of his girlfriend in Florida.Yanni, 51, whose legal name is John Yanni Christopher, struck the woman after he told her to leave his beachfront home and she was gathering her belongings Thursday night, a police report said. The woman, Silvia Barthes, 33, of Miami Beach, had a mark on her face and accused him of grabbing her arms and throwing her on a bed, the report said.
The Greece-born keyboardist and composer faces a misdemeanor domestic battery charge. His attorney, Orlando Gonzalez, denied Barthes' allegations. He called Yanni a non-violent man who would never hurt anyone.
What is next? Kenny G in a bar fight? John Tesh with hookers?
Read full story here.
The Geography of Seinfeld
Alma Mater Blues
The debate over free speech and free press has reared its head again, this time at the University of Saskatchewan. The independent student newspaper, the Sheaf, has published a cartoon depicting Jesus and a pig in a less than flattering position - they have since retracted the version online and will issue a formal apology in the next issue.The Sheaf claims this was a staffing mixup which is just a blatent lie.
The Sheaf, after rationalizing not to publish the offensive Muslim cartoons, chose to publish an equally offensive cartoon showing Jesus performing oral sex on a pig. The pig resembles Uncle Pennybags and there is even a Jewish reference for good measure.
Peter MacKinnon, one of the best university Presidents in the land, a finalist for the Supreme Court and all around rational thinker, has joined in with a letter to the university community denouncing the Sheaf and their hypocrisy:
I feel I must publicly communicate with our campus community on what I have just seen in the student newspaper.
In the February 23 edition of the Sheaf, the editors explained that they would not publish the controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. It is surprising that they did not exercise similar restraint in their decision to publish 'Capitalist Piglet' in the March 2 issue of the paper. This is a cartoon that is certain to cause distress to members of our community. It has divisive shock value only and does nothing to advance the understanding or debate for which universities should be distinguished.
The Sheaf should apologize to us all.
The Students' Union, under Gavin Gardiner, also takes issue with the publication.
At a minimum The Sheaf owes the University community an explanation for the cartoon, which has offended a significant portion of the staff, faculty and student body at the University of Saskatchewan.
I agree with the Students' Union, however, it is a tad rich for this group to talk about juvenile and tasteless antics considering his reign of error.
Gardiner and his band of morons have made verbal and written accusations about organizations that are both slanderous and libelous. The Students' Union, then backed away from these statements, blaming them on the national organization - Canadian Federation of Students. The same national organization that they are NOT members of. This coming from the same organization who claims to be a member driven, bottom-up organization, a tad rich?
Each students' union has an equal say in setting the policies, direction and priorities of the Federation including how funds are spent. All major decisions are made at provincial and national congresses four times annually at which every member students' union is represented.
If each student union has say, than how can locally elected officials when meeting with local politicians use a line "The material was researched and produced in Ottawa?" Are they too lazy to conduct their own research? Are they cowards who will back away when finally challenged on their bullshit?
Shame on the USSU and the Sheaf, both deserve much better.
Monday, March 06, 2006
How much is bus fare from Sioux Falls to Grand Forks?
How are you celebrating International Women's Week? If you’re Governor Mike Rounds of South Dakota, you have a funny way of showing your appreciation for females in your state. Happy IWW, please check your rights at the door.Rounds today signed legislation banning almost all abortions in South Dakota. Hey Rounds, the 1970's called and their want their disco record back.
The Legislature passed the ban late last month, focusing nationwide interest on the state (for the second time in history), but now the Governor simply made it official.
The law, designed to raise a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion, is scheduled to take effect July 1. The law states that anyone who performs an abortion under any other circumstance -- even in a case of rape or incest -- can be charged with a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
State Senator Bill Napoli (the video is from PBS and is almost hard to believe it is 2006) believes that South Dakota could pave the way on this issue for the rest of the country. Napoli does, however, see one case where abortion would be ok:
A real-life description to me would be a rape victim, brutally raped, savaged. The girl was a virgin. She was religious. She planned on saving her virginity until she was married. She was brutalized and raped, sodomized as bad as you can possibly make it, and is impregnated. I mean, that girl could be so messed up, physically and psychologically, that carrying that child could very well threaten her life.
I think we have a new slogan for the state. South Dakota: Protecting Religious Virgins since 2006.
Napoli also talks openly about a return to traditional values:
When I was growing up here in the wild west and a guy got a girl pregnant out of wedlock, they got married and the whole darn neighbourhood was involved in that wedding. You just didn’t allow that sort of thing to happen. They wanted that child to be brought up in a home with two parents in a home. You know that whole story and I happen to believe that can happen again.
The Governor's decision has to be one of the most ridiculous things to come out of South Dakota since well... this. The insult to injury is that it was signed during International Women's Week. This would be akin to stripping war veterans of their rights during veteran’s week or on Remembrance Day.
Those wanting to share their thoughts on the matter can do so with Gov. Rounds
He also can be reached by mail:
Office of the Governor
500 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD
57501
Or by phone:
605.773.3212
Truimph is back
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Move over Hulkster
Mike Gray is a true American - or so he thinks. Gray is a heavy equipment operator with the Arapahoe County Road and Bridge Department (read civil servant), but he runs a business on the side which has got him into hot water.Gray often drives a truck to work that indicates he is an English speaking American who is for hire to do lawn care. Plus, he often wears a hat on the job with the words "US Border Patrol."
Gray, indicated that there a lot of people in the lawn car business that are non-English speaking some people have difficulty communicating with them (i.e. Spanish speaking) and as a result he is just getting an edge in the market.
"I got a new supervisor," said Gray. "He's a politically correct, bleeding heart liberal. I believe in what I'm doing. I got to stand up for what I believe in and I don't think I'm doing a thing wrong. Of course I don't want to lose my job, but I can't back down from something I believe in. Like I say, they're just chipping away at our rights and freedoms."
The county is not impressed:
"Some of your conduct ... is reprehensible and discriminatory to our non-English speaking and/or Hispanic workforce. You are in violation of ... guidelines which ensure a workplace free from harassment and sensitive to the diversity of employees."
It will be interesting to see this case play out over the coming months.
Oscar and Felix
There are many versions of the odd couple in everyday life, but none is more apparent than 2 Canadian Premiers from very different parts of the country.One, is confident, often classy and also combative. He has, likely, some serious job security leading a fiery group of citizens. He is clearly in his political prime and has severe wind behind his sails.
The other is a blowhard and a bumbling fool. A man who so often puts his foot in his mouth that one is embarrassed to see him on the local, provincial and national stage. He acts more like a Sultan than a democratically elected politician.
Meet Danny Williams and Ralph Klein.
Friday, March 03, 2006
Gary Sinise to the rescue
Stephen Harper will make his first foreign visit as the Prime Minister in late March. Harper will meet with U.S. President George W. Bush, and Mexican President Vicente Fox in March 30 and 31 in Cancun, Mexico.Harper may want to consider setting up CSI Cancun while he is there. To say that the Mexican authorities could use some assistance on Ianiero case would be a gross understatement.
