Moldy Peaches

Music in the Year 2007

2007-12-22T18:01:00.000-05:00

The iPod was busy again this year with many downloads from iTunes. My favourites from the year are the following:

Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger

Spoon - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Tegan and Sara - The Con

White Stripes - Icky Thump

Peter Bjorn John - Writer's Block

New Pornographers - Challengers

Kings of Leon - Because of the Times

Kayne West - Graduation

Feist - The Reminder

Weakerthans - Reunion Tour

Blonde Redhead - 23

Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

Daft Punk - Alive

Wintersleep - Welcome to the Night Sky

Enjoy all with an Egg Nog.

No Riot

2007-11-26T16:33:00.000-05:00

Not the ones that did not happen in Regina or Saskatoon, but rather the reunion that will not take place now.

Kevin Dubrow, lead singer for the 1980s heavy metal band Quiet Riot was found dead in a Las Vegas home. He was 52.

Outsourcing at its finest

2007-10-04T12:10:00.000-04:00

Students Deliver Election Message Door-to-Door.... for the NDP.

CFS is so clever they forgot to mention that they are doing work on the missing person in the Ontario election - Howard Hampton.

College and university students delivered the Federation’s report card on the main political parties’ platforms and information about the Students for Electoral Reform campaign door-to-door in the Toronto Centre, Trinity-Spadina, and York West ridings. The Ontario Election 2007 Political Party Report Card gives each major party a letter grade on six different categories: tuition fees, ancillary fees, student debt, post-secondary education funding, quality of education, and system design.

It is interesting when a group writes a portion of a party platform and then provides a grade for said writing. Not sure that passes the fall down laughing test in most circles. However, in the world of the CFS where everything is a "left-off" and you are either with us or against us, they believe so.

Funny they actually have no opinion on the electoral system. They must have spent all their collective energy thinking of the roll-back fees to pre-McGuinty levels. Take a bow Sam Walton, you have inspired the CFS.

Spare a sandwich?

2007-09-25T20:12:00.000-04:00

Wow. I am not sure what is more amazing.

The fact that the woman - Isabelle Caro - in this picture is only 27! Or, the fashion industry actually cares about the underweight models they force into insane roaster dresses.

The model - of course - is an anorexic who weighs just 31 kilos (4 stone, 12lb - Love the british!), has been displayed on Milan billboards as the city celebrates its fashion week.

Caro indicates that her illness is a result of a rough childhood and she goes on to say that she has hidden herself - not hard to do - and covered myself - with floss - for too long. Now she wants to show herself freakishly - I mean fearlessly - even though she knows that her body arouses repugnance.

Who said it?

2007-09-25T00:18:00.000-04:00

The following is a quote from a provincial political party competing for power in an upcoming election. Who said the following?

continue the dialogue with the Canadian Federation of Students and other student leaders and stakeholders, exploring opportunities to improve post-secondary education and its capacity to prepare students for productive careers in ......???

Dirty Degrees Done Dirt Cheap

2007-08-20T16:51:00.000-04:00

I really need to go back to school.

Robert J. Oxoby, an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary in the Economics department, has written the dream Flobee paper.

A preview:

Among musicologists, researchers of popular culture, and rock and roll lovers of all ages there exists a common debate. That is, with respect to the rock band AC/DC, who is the better vocalist: Bon Scott or Brian Johnson? The band’s original vocalist, Scott, performed on seven of the band’s albums (excluding live albums and compilations), passing away in 1980. Brian Johnson joined the band in 1980, serving as vocalist on nine albums (excluding live albums and compilations). Since 1980, there has been near constant contention regarding who was the better singer.

In Need of Future Student Financial Assistance

2007-08-19T23:54:00.000-04:00

No need to put a bumper sticker on your car. Nope, this is a better forum.

Support the family of the troops even if - you like me - are not a huge fan of the "war."

Space Constraint

2007-08-17T08:33:00.001-04:00

This ad in Manhattan is causing a stir with some - read the Catholic group. This group forgets about the Constitution.

Clearly, Manhattan Storage is a liberal group and doesn't hide their politics.

More Corey; Less Huhn

2007-08-12T21:31:00.000-04:00

Buoyed by their "popular" television show - the 2 Coreys. Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander - are returning for the next "Lost Boys" adventure...and so is Corey Haim.

Kiefer Sutherland, the one from the movie with a career, is taking a pass. Angus Sutherland - his half-brother - is on-board for the new movie.

Post - Hold the National

2007-08-09T20:04:00.000-04:00

Atlantic Canadians outside of Halifax will have to turn to the Internet for their daily news courtesy of the quasi-National Post.

In other newspaper news, the Globe offers subscribers the Sunday New York Times in Saskatoon on Tuesday. I laughed and told the women to think about it for a second. Newspaper are stale news at the best of times. Do I really want it three days old? I don't even eat doughnuts that old.

Where is the Beef?

2007-08-08T22:28:00.000-04:00

A possible question that many in the Big Apple are asking before ordering a piece of prime rib.

Basebrawl

2007-08-08T00:33:00.001-04:00

The final score - 9 to 2 for Yankees - was irrelevant. Josh Towers adhered to the code. He plunked Alex Rodriguez early in the game to pay the loser back for his classless actions in Toronto earlier this summer. Towers did what any self-respecting ball player would do and hit A-Rod.

Towers is a horrible pitcher, however, he has earned new respect because he stood up for the code in baseball. Rodriguez will likely chase down Barry Bonds homerun record and then baseball will have two zeros at the ultimate record. Anyone who yells at other players on routine fly balls is a dud.

500 homers, hundreds of millions of dollars and no friends. Such is the life of Alex Rodriguez.

On the Mark T-Shirts

2007-08-06T21:45:00.000-04:00

More here.

Early Lead

2007-08-06T21:14:00.000-04:00

The best album of 2007 may have been found. Ryan Adam's ninth solo effort - has it really been that many - is by far his best since Gold. This is a must have for any music fan and it sounds like he has finally wrestled all the demons.

Je Me Souviens De Rien

2007-08-02T01:44:00.000-04:00

From my pal Bumf's blog - an excellent post on the assine nature of how groups now treat Remembrance Day. I have long had an issue - working in Central Canada - that it isn't an holiday option. Not in Quebec (that figures) and not in Ontario. It is a holiday for federal workers in Ottawa and Gatineau, however, for others it is a vacation day. We can celebrate the Queen's birthday, however, we can not properly honour our own. Shame!

Is it any wonder that morons like myself can't string together two facts about previous Canadian war moments when we are too busy to stop to honour the brave?

I got this from the head of our HR department this morning:

Hello everyone –

As part of our yearly planning process […] we have been reviewing the Christmas schedule and considering ways to make it more enjoyable for everyone and to allow maximum time with friends and family. After much consideration and consultation, given the Remembrance Day statutory holiday falls on a weekend in November, we had the option to provide a day off in lieu of the holiday following that weekend, or we could substitute the day off for a different time. We have elected to move this day into December, therefore allowing two full days off work over Christmas; December 24 and December 31. Our past practice has been to let staff leave early on December 24 and 31, so now we’ll provide the entire days off on the 24th and 31st.

We hope that moving the Remembrance Day holiday into December helps you enjoy even more time away with your family over the Christmas holidays.

Sincerely,

[…]

I understand the motive behind this, especially being someone who has to travel out-of-province every Christmas, and more especially so now that I have two families with whom to visit. However, I have a problem with using a day set aside to remember the tremendous sacrifice made by our men and women in uniform on our behalf over the years as nothing more than an excuse to get away from the office.

It is true that many people in this age regard November 11 as a given, as a way to break up the cold winter months between Thanksgiving and the holiday season. To many, it is one notch below Labour Day, another statuatory holiday whose origins we have (thankfully) forgotten but whose prominence is linked to that of one last long weekend before school is back in session.

I also understand that when citizens are given time away from work during the middle of the week to pay tribute to our fallen heroes, most people would never give an hour or two to attend the ceremonies in their respective communities anyway, whether it be attendence at their local cenotaph or a memorial service, or even simply dropping off their poppies at the nearest military memorial, and that will not change any time soon. In this circumstance, when November 11 falls on a weekend, perhaps the majority of people wouldn’t take advantage of the extra day to visit a war museum or stop by a Legion to hear the veterans’ stories, and instead use their time to get out of town. Maybe, to them, an extra day off is simply an extra day off, and that’s that.

That said, this still doesn’t mean that my good employer, who was thoughtful enough to allow me lieu time during the Christmas holidays, should not at least send a touching message on November 9th — the Friday before — as a reminder that we ought to pay our respects in our own way that following Sunday.

Simply put, November 11 is not our day off; the day belongs to our nation’s veterans. It is a shame that we have forgotten this.

Well said, Bumf, well said.

See Them

2007-07-24T08:07:00.001-04:00

They are old and the songs have been redone, however, Sting, Andy and Stewart are still worth the money.

I wish they would have played Miss Gradenko. Don't tell the director I said so.

Tax increase of 20,000 percent?

2007-07-17T23:15:00.000-04:00

Gentlemen, horde those stogies.

US lawmarkers are debating whether to increase cigar tax from 5 cents to $10. The increase is designed to pay for children's health insurance.

Street Meat

2007-07-15T18:54:00.000-04:00

The Government of Ontario has finally taken steps to increase the lunchtime selection of meals on wheels. No longer will citizens be stuck choosing between chicken, beef or veggie hot dogs. Other food is soon to hit the street.

This makes total sense given that Toronto is one of the, if not the most, ethnically diverse, city in the world.

Moley Russell's Wart

2007-07-15T18:49:00.001-04:00

Mole! If you have one, you may live longer than those without.

In other news, mole removal procedure appointments down 50 percent.

FYI - Classic John Candy

"Buck melanoma, moley Russell's wart. Not her wart. I'm, I'm the wart, she's my tuma, my, my growth, my er my pimple. I'm Uncle wart. Just old Buck wart Russell that's what they call me, or er melanoma head, they'll call me that."

Pass the Ketchup

2007-07-15T18:08:00.000-04:00

What seperates Canadians from Americans?

Old Dutch has the best!

Sore loser..

2007-07-11T00:12:00.000-04:00

... takes Darwin award.

A five car pile up, an axe weilding manic and a fierce game of bumper cars. All of these took place over the results of a couple of four-year olds ball games at a fun centre in Saskatoon.

Kenny, a 17-year-old boy who was driving a white Ford Mustang was allegedly run off the road in the incident. He asked that his last name not be used because he's scared the men will come after him and his family again.

Kenny's four-year-old nephew got into a ball-throwing fight with another child in the ball pit of The Fun Factory, an indoor children's play centre on Quebec Avenue, around 3:30 p.m. Sunday.

The mother of the other child, who was with a group of around 10, took offence to the ball fight and began arguing with Kenny's sister, Fallon, the mother of the child. A shouting match between the two groups then broke out.

Kenny told the men to "grow up," he says, and the next thing he knew he was lifted in the air by the neck. He said he was held in the air for almost 30 seconds. "I was trying to speak, but I couldn't breathe."

His neck bears several cuts and scrapes and the imprint of a hand, which wrapped around his neck. Police arrived and broke up the incident at the play centre and Kenny retreated to his sister's house to change and meet a friend.

As he was driving to McDonald's with the friend around 6:45 p.m., he noticed in his rearview mirror the man who choked him was driving a black truck and was pursuing him, he says.
Kenny floored the gas pedal to get away but was quickly run off the road, causing a massive five-car pileup and totalling Kenny's car, the truck and three parked cars in front of an apartment complex where kids were playing nearby, he says.

Shattered glass and vehicle debris littered the ground, the black truck was tipped over on its side and a van was flipped over on its roof two metres from where it was originally parked.

The brother of the man driving the black truck, who was allegedly involved in the chase but not the crash, came out of his vehicle wielding a three-foot long axe, witnesses said.

"The one guy was yelling, 'Get out of here or I'm going to chop your neck off,' " a 13-year-old boy who witnessed the accident and was cut by a piece of flying glass said on Sunday night.

Two men have been charged in connection with the incident. A 23-year-old man was charged with dangerous driving and a 25-year-old man was charged with one count of possessing a weapon dangerous to the public peace. The two men will appear in provincial court on July 24.
The incident at The Fun Factory is still being investigated. No one was injured in the collision or struck with the axe.

Kenny and his friend managed to free themselves from the demolished car. They ran and hid in a nearby city bus while the man allegedly threatened several onlookers who had come to check out the damage done to their vehicles.

When police arrived, Kenny left the bus but passed out, likely from a panic attack, and was taken to hospital. "We were scared out of our minds," Kenny said. "I thought he was going to kill me."

"When I showed up I just saw the damage to the vehicles and my son lying on the ground and I thought, 'He's dead,' " said Lana, Kenny's mother. "Then the guy who strangled my son says to me, 'I wish I would've killed him.' "

Kenny and his family say they are still afraid for their lives and are considering leaving the city. Kenny's mother has taken the week off from work and his sister said she is afraid to drive with her son in the car.

Kenny said he barely slept and is constantly looking over his shoulder. "All this over a kid throwing a ball," he said. "We're afraid they're going to come after us to finish the job."

Hat Tip to Shoes.

Who should sell the Sheaf??

2007-07-10T22:13:00.000-04:00

Welcome back Moldy!

Fresh off some R and R in Saskatchewan and struggling to find a headline to blog under. It is my lucky day. There are two - flags and ball games (next post).

The quintessential free market issue was raised the other day on newstalk radio (my first mistake) and it made me think, will Saskatchewan residents every change?

The issue is this:

Should Tourism Saskatchewan (a quasi-government department) sell provincial flags regardless of demand?

The majority of callers - many of whom would be rabid free-marketers under 90% of the circumstances - called in favour of Tourism not only selling the flags, but at a reduced rate (with a corresponding program designed to encourage flag wearing, waving and weaving). This attitude was expressed despite Tourism stating flag demand was low and Wal-Mart sold a flag 365 days a year.

Only in Saskatchewan would free-marketers call for government involvement in the selling and subsidizing of flags. FYI - many of these same individuals likely tore Shelia Copps a new asshole when she attempted a similar exercise years ago.

More cougar sightings in Saskatoon

2007-06-22T19:17:00.000-04:00

.... apparently the witnesses have been hanging around Jack's.

The headline is ripped straight from CBC.

Austin's Roughriders

2007-06-20T00:23:00.000-04:00

The Austin era has officially begun in Regina.

What is the over / under on the Leader-Post and thousands of fans calling for Tom Burgess by halftime on June 29th.

Keenan's Cowboys

2007-06-20T00:17:00.000-04:00

Does anyone in Calgary know if Brian Noonan or Stephane Matteau (again) have been spotted at or near Pengrowth?

The arrival of one Mike Keenan should spur a comeback from one or both since they made a living off of being Mike's guys.

Clinton has Wings

2007-06-19T23:00:00.000-04:00

The same song as Air Canada... that can not be good.

Draft Day Saturday

2007-06-18T21:48:00.000-04:00

We will miss you at the tables Mad Mike.

Fun Spoilers

2007-06-14T22:06:00.000-04:00

So long endless hours debating the worth of OBP v WHIP.

Attorneys representing Major League Baseball are now taking online fantasy baseball companies - who operate without paying license fees to MLB to compensate players for the use of their names - to court.

Wow, did we not learn anything from taking the 12 year olds to court over filesharing.

Memo from baseball lords - Nerds are dangerous.

I guess A-Rod needs more money so he can upgrade the company he keeps.

Home Sweet Kanata Home

2007-06-01T22:57:00.000-04:00

What is the over / under on how long it will take CBC to show a "Cup Belongs in Canada" sign during tomorrow's game?

I say 9 minutes.

Bonus question - Will either Baldwin or Moi be holding said sign??

Yankee Panky

2007-06-01T22:13:00.000-04:00

Having to awake to the news that Alex Rodriguez was at the Brass Rail in town with stripper friend Joslyn Morse was too funny. It is funnier to learn that Morse has been in Playboy. It is twice as funny to see her stats on the page.

If you really want to see the full Monty, the Daily Niner folks are happy to scar your retinas. Godspeed, brave Internet users.

A-Rod is involved in a different kind of shaving scandal and it is not points.

Dell Mart

2007-05-25T02:30:00.000-04:00

A marriage made in customer service heaven. Coming soon to a store near you - The Dell greeter with a tonne of flare.

Finger Pointing

2007-05-24T21:38:00.000-04:00

I do not mean to drag a fatality into the headlines, but this story is simply crazy. The US legal system is so entrenched with a sue first, ask questions later approach that it is scary.

The man was drunk, chatting on a cellphone and not wearing a seatbelt AND it is the fault of the bar that served him the drinks. Apparently the bartender should have buzzed in on call waiting to remind Hancock to wear his seatbelt.

Two words - Personal Responsibility.

Daughters, Dogs and Donkeys

2007-05-23T21:16:00.000-04:00

There are deadbeat dads and there are dads that should be beaten dead. This chap falls into the latter column.

The over / under for his stay in jail - 3 weeks in general confinment.

Cheney's lesbian daughter gives birth...

2007-05-23T20:22:00.000-04:00

... and her partner of 15 years has all the legal rights of a rocking chair - just as the Dick likes it.

Had a chance to the see Dick and the gang on the streets of Chicago the past month and I can confess he had more ambulances than fans on the streets. It is debateable if he will be remembered as one of the worst VPs of all time - like his drone Bushy.

The Dick makes Dan Quayle look presidential.

Party on Sparks Street...

2007-05-19T18:49:00.001-04:00

...ladies keep your shirts on and everyone home by 5 PM.

Who needs Chara?

Go Sens Go.

Blame Canada

2007-05-19T18:30:00.000-04:00

The Canadian media are apparently the rule makers at NHL headoffice. If that is the case why am I forced to watch the Senators stop the Sabres at 2 PM on fantastic May Saturday afternoon.

Pronger is an absolute loser.

Bring on Round Three

2007-05-08T17:01:00.000-04:00

So far I have called all the victors. Next up the real challenge, standing by my picks of Buffalo and Anaheim in the Cup. My heart says Ottawa, but I am staying with my first reaction.

Buffalo Soliders.

Hometown Heros

2007-04-29T14:55:00.000-04:00

You know that you are in Saskatchewan when....

... you flip on the radio and back-to-back songs come on - King of Wishful Thinking (Go West) and Strange Animal (Gowan)

You know that you are from Saskatchewan when...

... you know the words to both songs.

You know that you could move back when...

... you internally debate whether Gowan was more successful as Gowan or Lawrence Gowan.

Brothers and Sisters - we have a problem!

2007-04-24T00:37:00.000-04:00

Striking union shuts down union convention.

Man bites dog. As you were.

Money well wasted

2007-04-21T07:53:00.000-04:00

Prime Minister Stephen Harper would have driven former National Citizen's Coaltion President Stephen Harper mad and would have caused former Reform MP Stephen Harper to denounce such acts.

A psychic stylist? Really?

King of Queens

2007-04-21T07:34:00.000-04:00

Is it me or did someone get scorned by a married golfer?

Sabre Rattling

2007-04-12T20:21:00.000-04:00

My fearless NHL playoff predictions which are often not worth the keys they are typed on.

Eastern Conference

Buffalo v New York Islanders

Buffalo in 5

New Jersey v Tampa Bay

New Jersey in 6

Atlanta v NY Rangers

NY Rangers in 6

Ottawa v Pittsburgh

Ottawa in 5

Semis

Buffalo v NY Rangers

Buffalo in 6

New Jersey v Ottawa

Ottawa in 6

Final

Buffalo v Ottawa

Buffalo in 6

Western Conference

Detroit v Calgary

Detroit in 6

Anaheim v Minnesota

Anaheim in 5

Vancouver v Dallas

Vancouver in 6

Nashville v San Jose

San Jose in 6

Semis

Detroit v San Jose

Detroit in 5

Anaheim v Vancouver

Anaheim in 6

Final

Detroit v Anaheim

Anaheim in 7

Cup Final

Buffalo v Anaheim

Buffalo in 6

Wheaties

2007-03-29T23:21:00.000-04:00

I am neither in favour or opposed to the Wheat Board. In fact, I have long contested that farmers should decide the Board's fate. However, let's be honest on the matter. If one is going to solicit opinion on something as important and potentially controversial it is a simple YES or NO question, not this mess.

If separatists in Quebec attempted a question like this, most rationale thinkers would scream. If this question showed up on an exam, there would mild confusion, since you may want to answer more than one.

The Conservatives should ask the question straight up. The inclusion of a third option is brilliant if you want to split the vote, but does nothing to improve legitimacy.

Taste of Saskatchewan

2007-03-29T23:15:00.000-04:00

Hoping the guests will want to check this out next weekend.

One More Reason...

2007-03-28T09:04:00.000-04:00

... to loathe the Leafs.

A New Twist on the Baby Bonus

2007-03-23T18:58:00.000-04:00

Coming soon to the lips of Maurice Vellacott - a new twist on the Conservative's childcare plan. A play on choice.

Texas state senator Dan Patrick has a bold new plan to reduce abortions. If you're a U.S. citizen, Texas resident, pregnant, and you want an abortion -- and you can prove you really want it -- you may be entitled to $500.

All you have to do is carry the fetus to term and sell it to the state.
There will be some unintended consequences if the bill passes. There are about 77,000 abortions in Texas every year, and at $500 a pop, they'll run the taxpayers $40 million dollars to buy off. (A small price to pay, when you're doing the lord's work.)

Also, passing the law will require vacating another Texas law, the one about not buying and selling people. And, I guess, the emancipation proclamation.

Dan Patrick (nee Dannie S. Goeb) is the author of S.B. 1567, a bill that was referred to the Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday. It calls for the health department to "develop a program to encourage pregnant women to place their children for adoption rather than have an abortion... The program must include a $500 payment to each woman who is a resident of this state and a citizen of the United States who places a child for adoption rather than have an abortion."

Sec. 50.002. APPLICATION FORM.

(b) The department may only distribute the application forms to abortion providers.

The only people who can get the money to have a baby are those who've proven -- by going to an abortion clinic -- that they don't want a baby. If you don't want to have a baby, you can get $500 to have a baby, but only if you don't want it. That's some catch, that Catch 22.

This begs the bigger question, what is the going rate for those in their terrible twos? How about those pesky teenagers?

via Huffington.

Hey Big Spender

2007-03-23T00:43:00.000-04:00

Remember when a vote for conservative politicians meant lower taxes, smaller government, more free markets and less government intrusion? The leaders of two of the biggest spending governments in history can not. They simple pick their winners and spend like drunken sailors.

Former National Citizens Coalition President Stephen Harper would be disgusted with Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Where are you Preston Manning, your country needs you.

Don't blame me I didn't vote for them.

Power of Balance

2007-03-22T12:47:00.000-04:00

Define an issue - fiscal imbalance.

Report to fix said issue - Budget 2007.

Case closed.

RIP BUD

2007-03-21T23:58:00.000-04:00

Larry "Bud" Melman has died at age 85. He was a fixture on the Letterman show providing countless laughs. He will be missed.

Cut it Out Quebec

2007-03-20T18:45:00.000-04:00

Cutting my old taxes with my present money. Thanks Harpo.

Quebec Premier Jean Charest is using a portion of the additional (western Canadian) cash handed to Quebec by Ottawa in Monday's federal budget to cut taxes by $700-million, hoping this will boost sagging Liberal fortunes less than week before the election.

Can I see some ID?

2007-03-12T21:21:00.000-04:00

....will soon be the question being asked of bouncers in BC.

B.C. Solicitor-General John Les says bouncers, bodyguards and other security industry workers will soon need licences in British Columbia to work in bars or offer protection services.

Take me down to the Paradise City

2007-03-12T20:32:00.000-04:00

Where have you gone Axel Olson?

What, no pass to Tim Kerr?

2007-03-11T19:18:00.000-04:00

Former Philadelphia Flyer and Minnesota North Star Brian Propp is running for the New Jersey Assembly.

Despite his status as a left-winger for the Flyers, Propp is running as a Republican. Not a good year to be playing on your Flyer credentials.

Hedgehog Alert

2007-03-11T13:35:00.000-04:00

Ron Jeremy launches his new memoir The Hardest (WORKING) Man in Showbiz

Gladstone Hotel Ballroom, 1214 Queen St W, Toronto

Wed, March 14, 7:30-10pm (doors 7pm), free

It is in the neighbourhood so one may sneak it and check out the hedgehog.

A Tad Rich

2007-03-08T22:27:00.000-05:00

Another *Christian Conservative* comes clean. In what can best be billed as turnabout, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has admitted to having an extramarital affair even as he led the charge against President Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky affair, he acknowledged in an interview with a conservative Christian group.

Reports of extramarital affairs have dogged him for years as a result of two messy divorces, but he has refused to discuss them publicly. Gingrich, who frequently campaigned on family values issues, divorced his second wife, Marianne, in 2000 after his attorneys acknowledged Gingrich's relationship with his current wife, Callista Bisek, a former congressional aide more than 20 years younger than he is.

His first marriage, to his former high school geometry teacher, Jackie Battley, ended in divorce in 1981. Although Gingrich has said he doesn't remember it, Battley has said Gingrich discussed divorce terms with her while she was recuperating in the hospital from cancer surgery.

May the last remaining moral purist on the right not the door hit them on the way out.

Now that is Pop Culture

2007-03-05T22:26:00.000-05:00

Those with extra time on their hands in the Toronto area this Saturday should check out the spectacle that will be at the Guvernment. Jenna Jameson will be in the flesh - me thinks.

$15 before 11pm / $20 after Doors 10pm

You must be 19+, live in your parents basement and have an active myspace account using the handle - 2 Live Crew - to attend.

Top 10 Discs of 2006

2007-03-04T21:42:00.000-05:00

Alright.

Shaky finally threw the hammer down and gave us his Best of 2006 list. I've had this stored for some time now, so I won't delay and get right to it. Apologies to those who don't like long posts.

1. Jenny Lewis & the Watson Twins – Rabbit Fur Coat

Some might point out that this came out in 2005, and it did, but my copy clearly states a 2006 release date. So there.

Regardless of what year this was released, this is a fantastic album that I could listen to for years without getting bored. My limited critical vocabulary doesn’t permit me to fully capture why this disc is so good, but I will try.

Rabbit Fur Coat is a country/folk mélange that is incredibly well crafted and beautifully written. It is also quite quirky and, as far as my limited musical knowledge goes, unique. Although the critical acclaim has been, in my view, lacking, I would not hesitate to put in the same category as Lucinda Williams’ Car Wheels on a Gravel Road and Loretta Lynn’s Van Lear Rose.

2. Damien Rice – 9

Rice’s second album didn’t have the same critical success as his first (which was also outstanding), but I like this one better. The very melancholy O was a great debut album, but it was, let’s say, a little sombre.

This time, the sombreness is still present, but it doesn’t dominate the album. There are a few (relatively) upbeat tracks and some that might even get your feet tapping a little. Cocunut Skins is one track in which the beat is up and you really notice that Rice is an Irishman.

My favourite track, which is quickly becoming my fetish track for the year, is Rootless Tree. It is, along with the Indigo Girls version of Romeo & Juliet, one of the most intense songs I have heard. The fact that the chorus begins with a series of f-bombs is only part of the reason I like this song so much.

3. Red Hot Chili Peppers – Stadium Arcadium

When one of my friends opined that the Chili Peppers were probably one of the most underrated bands of the 20th century, I had a hard time refuting his argument. They have had a series of good to great albums of the span of two decades, yet nobody would mention them in the same breath as U2.

Although I’ve always liked them, I only have one of their albums and I can’t say that I was ever a huge fan. I am now.

Stadium Arcadium is an album for the ages and might get the Chili Peppers out of the “underrated” category. Given the fact that this is a double album (28 tracks), the quality of the tracks is even more impressive. It’s not easy to have that many high quality songs on one album (think Ryan Adams). Somehow, they pulled it off.

The songs are, to a certain point, eclectic, but not to the point where the album is not cohesive. I think this is what impresses me the most. I also have a fetish track on this album: Hump de Bump. If you don’t feel like dancing when this song is on, then you may be even whiter than I am.

4. The Raconteurs – Broken Boy Soldiers

As those who know me and my musical tastes will attest to, I am fairly predictable. In almost every one of the lists that I’ve made, Jack White has been featured. Here he is again as the leader of a new group.

I’m not sure why I like what he does so much (from his work with Meg, to Loretta Lynn, to his soundtrack to some movie with Tom Cruise’s second ex-wife), but I think it’s because it’s quite simple and straightforward. For example, when I read that he and Meg were the only two performers on the Stripes’ albums, I figured they did a lot of over-dubbing. I then saw them in concert and Jack plays like three instruments at a time.

With the Raconteurs, things feel a bit more “produced”, as it is a quartet, but not much. It’s still pretty straightforward rock, à la Kings of Leon.

5. The Tragically Hip – World Container

Much like most people my age, I went through university on a steady diet of Gord Downie. In the past few years, however, I had strayed from that path. With the release of this album, I am right back where I should be, smack dab in the middle of Bobcaygeon and the Paris of the Prairies.

The new disc is somewhat a return to the classic, straight-shooting, no-frills rock that we are used to, but it also has some more eclectic stuff. The last track, Yer Not the Ocean, has a tinge of a, dare I say it, Santana sound to it…but better.

On a side not, I like the little pun they used for the 7th track: Luv (sic). For someone who’s considered the king of the bad, Dad, jokes, this is tailor made for me.

6. Beck – The Information

After being dumped and getting in touch with his depressive side on Sea Change, Beck returned to form with Guero. On this album, he makes it clear that he is still on top of his game.

I don’t know if there is a description for the type of music Beck produces, but in my limited experience, he clearly has a style of his own. Granted, it is a melting pot of a number of musical influences, but it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where he is coming from. I guess this it what makes me like his stuff so much.

The Information is very much in the genre of Odelay and Guero and not so much like his earlier work. Although I usually like “folksier” music, I really prefer Beck when he lets it all hang out and pushes the envelope.

7. Belle & Sebastian – The Life Pursuit

Thanks to Shaky and our mutual friend David, I got hooked on Belle & Sebastian after listening to their 1996 disc, If You’re Feeling Sinister. It took a while, but I now have most of their work and it’s always in frequent rotation.

The Life Pursuit is just the latest in a long line of great discs that is, once again filled with great songs. For fans, it still has the great writing that is a staple with B&S, as well as the great musicianship. Even if I’m quite familiar with them, I’m always amazed by how tight they are as a group.

People rave, and rightfully so, about how Arcade Fire is so great live and how a large group of musicians can be so tight. I would put B&S in the same category. I saw them live a few years back and they were like 12 people on stage. It was fantastic. Great energy.

If there is a difference in this latest project, it has to be the fact that it’s a little more upbeat and a little funkier. I wouldn’t say that it’s a “departure”, but it has a slightly different feel to it.

Check it out.

8. John Mayer – Continuum

Yes, that’s right. You read that properly. John Mayer. Shut up Beeg!

I used to listen to John Mayer strictly when my better half would insist upon it. I didn’t really mind it, but I didn’t necessarily look forward to it. Seeing him live and how great of a guitarist he is, however, made me a convert.

Now, this disc is not anything like his live performance, but there is a little more focus on the guitar, which is a good sign. He other positive aspect is the writing. He can be quite the clever writer at times, which is another aspect I appreciate.

Although I often feel that the whole John Mayer experience is a little to sleek or to “packaged”, I like the final product. He is definitely a perfectionist, but his passion still comes through in the music.

For me, the highlight of the disc is the remake of Jimi’s Bold as Love. When I saw it on the track list, I thought it was a little brash to attempt a song from the best guitarist in the world, but Mayer pulls it off quite nicely. He’s got some serious chops.

9. Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris – All the Roadrunning

In my music collection, I have but one Dire Straits album and none of Emmylou Harris’ great work. Nevertheless, I have an immense respect for both of them and I really like everything I’ve heard from both. I just need to work on my collection.

With the two of them getting together, I couldn’t pass up the chance to get to know them better.

This disc came highly recommended, but it took me a few spins to really get into it. I did, however, really get into it. As one would expect, it has a great country sound to it and it’s very well crafted. The songs are quite polished, but come off as if they were recorded on the first take. It feels like one of those albums that was recorded in a barn that was converted into a recording studio. Maybe it was. Either way, that’s the image I have when I listen to it and that adds to the calming effect the songs have on me. It’s a great disc to play when you want to relax and work off those rough edges from a long day.

10. Indigo Girls – Despite our Differences

Without hesitation, I will buy every new Indigo Girls album without hearing a single note or without reading a single review. For me, they are just one of those bands.

Many critics and fans have indicated that this disc is return to the “Closer to Fine” glory days. That is not necessarily false, but it makes it seem as if their previous discs were sub par, which they weren’t.

If anything, this disc has a slightly faster tempo than the previous two IG projects, which is, in a way, a return to their more “intense” early years. There were a few albums that had a more “sensitive” or melancholy sound to them, notably Swamp Ophelia, Rights of Passage and Become You.

Another aspect of this disc that makes it a little more like the earlier work is that the Girls seem to have rediscovered their acoustic guitars, which they had slightly strayed from on their last few discs.

All in all, for those who appreciate good harmonies and great acoustic riffs, pick up this disc.

Oh yeah, for fans of Pink, she makes an appearance on the track “Rock & Roll Heaven’s Gate”. It’s not as bad as it sounds.

Honourable Mention:

11. Ani DiFranco – Reprieve
12. Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Show Your Bones
13. The Flaming Lips – At War With The Mystics
14. Dixie Chicks – Taking The Long Way

Regrets:

J.J. Cale & Eric Clapton – Road to Escondito

Still Hating Gays

2007-03-03T22:37:00.000-05:00

People pay her. Really. For what.

Top 2006 Albums

2007-02-24T17:35:00.000-05:00

The long promised and much prompted list is set to for public consumption. The music buying for 2006 may have shifted from hard copy to digital, however, it simply added more options to the buying pool.

As a result, it is time to introduce the best of 2006.

1 - Separate Ways - Teddy Thompson

This is the second effort from the child of Richard and Linda Thompson and it is head and shoulders above the previous album - which was a good start. This is must purchase for anyone who enjoys a complete album.

2 - Crane Wife by The Decemberists

Could easily be the number 1 if not for TT. The Decemberists are a band that not everyone grasps, but that is ok. Those who like them, like them allot.

3 - Boys And Girls In America by The Hold Steady

Critical acclaim well deserved.

4 - Taking The Long Way by The Dixie Chicks

Good to see that there was more to the band than country stereotypes and an anti-Bush rant. A really solid effort led by the steady hand of Rick Rubin.

5 - So This Is Goodbye by Junior Boys

The album just grows on you and the songs all start to the sound better after each play. A true recipe for success.

6 - World Container - The Tragically Hip

Most people that I know long ago abandoned the Hip. Not really sure why though. This album is yet another solid effort from the five piece band from Kingston. It may not be their best, but it is a damn fine effort and is the best Canadian album this year. Forgot the Dianna Krall Christmas jingles or the Celine Dion car commercials.

7 - Ben Kweller - Ben Kweller

A true storyteller with the mic.

8 - This Is Only The Beginning - Girl from Saskatoon

Thank you Myspace.

9 - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not by Arctic Monkeys

High energy. Tonnes of Fun.

10 - Awoo - Hidden Cameras

A nice discovery that many problem overlook. The music and lyrics are rock solid and it will not disappoint.

Now, it is over to Phoff and BUMF or any others who wish to comment, cross-post or simply post on their own.

Where's the Substance?

2007-02-24T16:09:00.000-05:00

Some bloodlines warrant politcal involvement - Hilary Clinton and Jeb Bush. Others warrant airtime on a 4th rate CTV talk show. Justin is somewhere in the middle.

Classic Caruso

2007-02-24T15:17:00.000-05:00

The Moose is Loose

2007-02-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

Moosehead beer is now available in Saskatchewan. For those in the province it is worth a try.

Hey Kettle. It is Pot.

2007-02-15T00:07:00.000-05:00

SI.com Columist Steve Hofstetter writes that the NHL shouldn't be using sex to the sell tickets on the same day that his employer releases the SI Swimsuit Issue.

The headline for SI.com columnist latest piece is, "Desperate Kings Using Sex To Sell Tickets." Hofstetter writes that the Kings have put up billboards around L.A. "that simply say ‘Kings Hockey’ with a picture of an attractive blonde in a Kings uniform." Hofstetter claims that hot blondes are not bad , they just shouldn’t embody Kings hockey."

Hofstetter's commentary comes the same day that Sports Illustrated rolls out its famous swimsuit issue (and the accompanying tens of thousands of subscription cancellations).

And one week after internet "model" Jenn Sterger started her second official SI.com journalistic stint, which features her as a video reporter for Time, Inc., website.

Hat tip to Sportsbybrooks.

B on SI

2007-02-14T23:55:00.000-05:00

The NBA All-Star game in Vegas. Beyonce on the cover of the SI 2007 Swimsuit Issue. Sport and pop culture really have mixed. Now, all we need is Shelia Copps on... nevermind, she should stay writing for Sun Media.

PS - I sure hope that Kenny Chesney's other hand is happy to see Marisa Miller.

Two Tiered

2007-02-11T19:30:00.000-05:00

There has been plenty of discussion in Ontario about the need (and for some desire) to see the province's minimum wage hiked from $8 to $10. To many on the left it is matter of economic fairness. To many small business owners it is a job killer. Since no government seems serious about moving the minimum tax threshold, minimum wage becomes a calling card.

Ontario should follow the lead of British Columbia and Alberta and go two-tiered - one wage for those over 19 and one for those under. Outrageuos you say. Age discrimination. Neither. The recent hike in the US is leading to some examples. The Economic Policy Institute in Arizona figures that three in 10 workers in the state are between 16 and 19 AND live at home. It is not to say that these workers didnt need an increase in wage but a hike of 15 percent in one sitting is a little extreme since inflation is runnning at between two and three percent in most cases.

The real issue is that too many Canadians are struggling to earn a decent living and the problem is more complex than simply mandating business to pay more at the bottom end.

Mea Culpa - My research bad. This happened in Ontario. Carry on as you were.

Sunny Days

2007-02-06T17:49:00.000-05:00

Dr. Tim Ball, Chairman of the Natural Resources Stewardship Project (www.nrsp.com) and former climatology professor at the University of Winnipeg is aiming to be the lone voice in the wilderness. Nevermind the thousands of scientists that are actually proving their research with fact, Dr Ball wants us all to chill (and the join the skeptics read Stockwell Day - remember him of Dino roamed the earth fame) - literally - and thank the sun for the recent upswing in global temperatures.

Believe it or not, Global Warming is not due to human contribution of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). This in fact is the greatest deception in the history of science. We are wasting time, energy and trillions of dollars while creating unnecessary fear and consternation over an issue with no scientific justification. For example, Environment Canada brags about spending $3.7 billion in the last five years dealing with climate change almost all on propaganda trying to defend an indefensible scientific position while at the same time closing weather stations and failing to meet legislated pollution targets.

The end of the world is not coming tomorrow with the current state of climate change, but you can't tell me the inaction is actually going to improve anything. The quest for energy independence is a good thing and it may actually have some green and economic benefits for a country like Canada.

Free speech is a right in Canada and Dr. Ball gets his two minutes.

Everything you can do, I can do better

2007-02-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

The race to secure the hearts and minds of world citizens and ease their minds on climate change has hit a new low. The British government announced that it will send a copy of Al Gore's film about global warming, An Inconvenient Truth, to every secondary school in the country.

This announcement follows the release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report - called Climate Change 2007. The report, not surprisingly, has signalled that the human race bares the responsibility for the heating of the plant. Although, there are still skeptics and many of them will be in the UK next week (Fraser Institute keep the blinders firmly planted).

The report was met with relief in Europe as politicans scramble to do more (better), little fanfare in Asia (where it matters) and sudden emergence of priority in North America where Bush and Harper have discovered green is the new black.

Canada needs to be world leader not just in rheteric (Liberals past and Conservative present). Harper is right, a leader sets attainable targets and hits them. Those targets were lacking in the Clean Air Act and now they get a do-over. It would help if the loser Stockwell Day would shut his hole for a second with his glib, tongue in check global warming jokes. He is such an embarassment.

Still hating busdrivers!

2007-02-03T08:45:00.000-05:00

Oh that Hoff!

The Texas 2 Step

2007-02-03T08:38:00.000-05:00

Progress is reported in the lonestar state. Governor Rick Perry ordered Friday that schoolgirls in Texas must be vaccinated against the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer, making Texas the first state to require the shots. The girls will have to get Merck & Co.'s new vaccine against strains of the human pillomavirus, or HPV, that are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

Testing women at an early age is a good way to prevent disease in the future.

Baaaaaaaa

2007-01-26T10:19:00.000-05:00

There are so many jokes with the recent announcement from the Government of New Zealand that one hardly knows where to begin. The decision to honour sheep with a national holiday seems a tad odd. On February 15th the Kiwis will celebrate a new holiday - National Lamb Day to honour 60 million sheep.

Just in case the Government of Saskatchewan wants to add another holiday to the calendar, I am suggesting Pork Day. This holiday could build off the tremendously successful billboard campaign in the province during the late 1990s.

Call of the Wilde

2007-01-21T23:47:00.000-05:00

Simon Jenkins in the December 20th edition of the Guardian begs the question to Conservatives - If you want a free society, then why not start by getting rid of counter-productive bans on drugs and prostitution?

I am sure many will say of the Ipswich murders that they show how right Britain was to crack down on hard drugs and prostitution. They will cry with Oscar Wilde, "I don't like principles: I prefer prejudices," unless a prejudice affects them personally (as it did him).

The article is timely - given the recent case in BC - and the argument just makes sense.

Legal Begal

2007-01-19T22:01:00.000-05:00

A great article in today's Globe and Mail. Professor Alan Young outlines the reasons why prostitution should be legal. This policy change is long overdue in Canada for social and economic reasons. It is time to tax and regulate the world's oldest profession.

Young's conclusion is indefensable:

Sex-trade workers have had an enormous fall from grace in the past millennium, going from being sacred temple harlots to marginalized outcasts exposed to all manner of violence, abuse and ridicule. Even if you believe that all sex work is degrading or immoral, I cannot see how this can morally justify doing nothing about abduction and murder. With a shift in legal perspective and the removal of legal obstacles standing in the way of safe sex work, we may be able to save lives. In any moral school of thought, the sanctity of life trumps sexual morality.

The see no evil, hear no evil approach is not working - the similarities between the "war on drugs" is another classic example of this.

Warm Beer and Stale Policy

2007-01-19T11:32:00.000-05:00

Alberta childcares are resticting intake due to staff shortages. Could this be further proof the Conservative's so called "Child Care Plan" is the glass half-empty.

I have long argued that there is nothing wrong with financially rewarding people for having children in an era of declining birthrates. Canada used to do it with the old Family Allowance program. Many parents did then what wise parents are doing now, invest the money for their child's future education. It is, however, pure non-sense to announce a program under the guise of child care when a single new space isn't created to allow children to receive said care.

The Universal Child Care Benefit is a new form of direct financial assistance that provides parents with resources to support the child care choices that help them balance work and family as they see fit. Parents may even wish to deposit all or part of their benefit into a Registered Education Savings Plan.

The second part of the Conservative plan calls for $250 million a year to be set aside for investment in community child care. The money is meant to increase the availability of child care by offering tax credits for capital investments in child-care spaces. Harper predicted the plan would create 125,000 spaces over five year with the help of the private sector and non-profit organizations that would get a $10,000 tax credit for every space created.

Childcare activists (yes Bumf I am aware these people often have "liberal" agendas - heaven forbiden that people who look after kids care about nurture over numbers) and researchers are still awaiting the rush from the private and volunteer sector to take all those glorious Conservative tax benefits and convert them into actual spaces.

One of the biggest crimes in all this discussion is in fact the staff issue. Educational lobbyists often toss early childhood development practicioners around as the classic example of highly indebted students. The soon-to-be graduates are entering one of the lowest paying jobs in the country. Safeway clerks make more than most people who care for kids in homes and centres. The answer rests plainly in higher salaries for these staff.

Time Out

2007-01-19T01:06:00.000-05:00

Time Inc., largest US magazine publisher, spent today telling hundreds of staffers their jobs were being eliminated - close to 300 in all.

Rescue Me

2007-01-18T23:22:00.000-05:00

The best show on TV that you aren't watching. The show is quirky and intense. There are no excuses.

Plus, Denis Leary started the Leary Firefighters Foundation and has raised over $5 million for uniformed firefighters in New York and Massachusetts.

George the Gentleman

2007-01-18T23:09:00.000-05:00

This fight between (6'3", 243-pound) Georges Laraque of Phoenix and (6'4", 263-pound) Raitis Ivanans of LA is not the best except for the fact that Laraque is miked up.

Here's what he has to say (calmly, mind you) to Ivanans as the two enforcers await the drop of the puck:

"You want to? Okay. We're up? Okay. Good luck then."

Classic.

Gatorade AM

2007-01-18T22:59:00.000-05:00

Ripped straight from author and gatorade guru - Darren Rovell.

Gatorade A.M. is supposed to help you "put back fluids and energy" you lose while you're asleep. I am a convert to Propel water but even a sucker like me has to draw the line. Nobody loses anything at night that can't be replaced by water.

There is no mention of it on the actual website.

All Star Weekend

2007-01-14T10:46:00.000-05:00

The hockey gods have spoken and there will be no Rory Fitzpatrick in the game. The email, internet and website campaign to elect the warm body to the National Hockey League All Star Game in Dallas later this month has failed. It was a nice gimmick and one felt sorry for Fitzpatrick over the course of the event.

He has been a healthy scratch in Vancouver several times already this year and barely clings to a NHL paycheque. He will get some time away from the rink over the break unless Fox News hires him to file reports from the game.

Two quick things. It is time to drop the one player per team rule. It is a slap in the face to the real all-stars. Two, it is time to move the game to after the season and put in a non-NHL location.

The real line-ups are in and it is time to compare choices - MP in parenthesis.

WEST

Roberto Luongo (x)
Miikka Kiprusoff (x)
Marty Turco (Chris Mason)

Scott Niedermayer (x)

Nicklas Lidstrom (x)

Philippe Boucher (x)
Dion Phaneuf (x)
Kimmo Timonen (x)
Lubomir Visnovsky (x)

Joe Thornton (x)

Jonathon Cheechoo (Daymond Langkow)

Joe Sakic (x)
Bill Guerin (Henrik Sedin)
Martin Havlat (x)
Patrick Marleau (x)
Rick Nash (Daniel Sedin)
Yanic Perreault (x)
Brian Rolston (x)
Teemu Selanne (x)
Ryan Smyth (Paul Kariya)
Henrik Zetterberg (x)

EAST

Ryan Miller (x)
Martin Brodeur (x)
Cristobal Huet (x)

Brian Campbell (x)

Sheldon Souray (x)

Jay Bouwmeester (x)
Zdeno Chara (x)
Tomas Kaberle (Andrei Markov)
Brian Rafalski (Dan Boyle)

Sidney Crosby (x)
Alexander Oveckin (x)

Daniel Briere (x)

Jason Blake (Jaromir Jagr)
Simon Gagne (Marc Savard)
Dany Heatley (x)
Marian Hossa (x)
Vincent Lecavalier (x)
Martin St. Louis (x)
Brendan Shanahan (x)
Eric Staal (Thomas Vanek)
Justin Williams (Rod Brind'Amour)

Into Africa

2007-01-13T16:46:00.000-05:00

The crisis in Africa is hitting new lows. The old news used to show Sally Struthers with children starving. Now, however, there are additional threats - terrorism. The region is vulnerable to remnant Islamists vowing guerrilla war, warlords seeking to re-create their fiefdoms, and competing clans.

The biggest problem right now is Somalia. Somalia is one of the world's worst countries. It is poor, ungovernable and lacks many basic infrastructure (roads and education, etc). The country is making its 14th attempt at central rule since 1991. The capital city of Mogadishu is now known as one of the worst capital cities in the world due to violence and general lawlessness.

Somalia's parliament declared on Saturday a three-month state of emergency amid fears of a return of clan violence after weeks of war ousted Islamists.

The United States has recently *strategically* bombed supposed al-Qaeda targets. The usual fallout is now coming - innocent lives taken and intelligence poorly dispatched.

Ethiopia , yes Ethiopia, has stepped up military efforts (aided by western countries) to ensure the region doesn’t fall too far or too fast. It is simply trying to stop the spread of undesirables.

This matter needs international attention - from the UN - but isn’t likely to receive it. Businesses print their own money, unemployment is not trackable and agriculture is the main industry. International governments should care since there is uranium there and largely unexploited reserves of natural gas and oil reserves. These resources need to further growth, not fall into the hands of people against regional prosperity and development.

A Women's Right

2007-01-12T00:32:00.000-05:00

The bizarre and twisted tale of Melissa Hawach has taken another turn. Joseph Hawach, who is up on his own kidnapping charges in Canada for taking his own children, is believed to be talking to Interpol about international warrants that mean he cannot leave Lebanon for fear of arrest.

Joseph Hawach took Australian-born Hannah, 5, and Canadian-born Cedar, 3, from their mother, Melissa, in Sydney last July. In December she took them back with the help of two mercenaries who have since been arrested in Lebanon.

Hawach's lawyer - Tony Habib Tebchrany - said his client is willing to drop Lebanese child-abduction charges against his former wife and her helpers (Melissa is alleged to have hired some muscle and two of the reported four-man team of former soldiers who helped retrieve her children, Brian Corrigan from Sydney and David Pemberton from New Zealand, were arrested at Beirut airport shortly after the operation and now face up to three years' hard labour if convicted on child abduction charges)if she returned the children. A scenerio not likely to occur during this eon.

Mr Hawach is wanted by Interpol on charges of having abducted the children from their mother when he took them from Australia to his ancestral Lebanon last year and also stands accused of embezzlement and bank fraud in Canada, where he allegedly presided over the bankruptcy of a business set up with his former wife's family.

Mr Tebchrany said his client had broken no Lebanese law when he failed to return the two children to their mother after she allowed them to holiday with him in Sydney last year. He said that as the couple was originally married in a Maronite church in Sydney the marriage was subject to a distinctive Maronite canon law. Tebchrany also reinstated that Joseph Hawach is ready to drop all the cases against Melissa, and everyone involved with her, if the children are returned.

After he brought the children to Lebanon during last year's war with Israel, Mr Hawach had obtained a ruling from a Maronite church court that he was the legal guardian, the lawyer said. He said any previous court orders awarding custody to the mother had no force in Lebanon, where custody was normally awarded to father. Mr Tebchrany said Ms Hawach had made no attempt to pursue her case in the Lebanese courts before snatching her children.

Here is hoping that everything works out for Melissa.

Hockey sticks or Horns?

2006-12-31T13:24:00.000-05:00

The critics are out in force to complain about the lack of inclusion with the "new" government's fitness tax credit. As noted in past columns and highlighted over at Potter Gold, the fitness tax credit is a joke (not the worst tax credit since that benefit goes to the transit tax credit) and helps complicate the tax code. Now, the parents of aspiring musicians want the same benefits as the parents of the next Gretzky, Nash and Ridgway.

The Harper government made the day for the thousands of accountants around the country with their 2006 budget and the inclusion of close to 20 tax credits. The not-so-hidden hand of government. So much for the railing from conservatives about the nanny state.

Budget 2007 will, no doubt, include more tax credits and probably build on some existing ones.

Gerald Ford: 1913-2006

2006-12-31T01:05:00.000-05:00

Gerald Ford - RIP to the Accidental President.

Ford was a true politican and will be missed. Not elected by ballot, but accepted by citizens.

Top 8 Movies of 2006

2006-12-22T10:47:00.000-05:00

The first of two lists to be posted to MP.

2006 was a pretty average year for motion pictures. The summer, the usually busy time, was littered with sub-par sequels. MI III, X-Men III, Superman Returns, Pirates of the Caribbean, etc. There were a few good apples in that bunch but for the most part, the rest were stinkers.

The fall gave way to a series of excellent films and that is where the list really takes shape. This isn't new, but rather a tad frustrating.

In inverse order:

7 - Bobby

My love affair with Robert Kennedy continues. A good movie and nice entry into the directorial world by Emilo. Anthony Hopkins is, as usual, captivating.

6 - An Inconvenient Truth (tie) and A Prairie Home Companion (tie)

The Al Gore Power Point was the surprise hit of the year. It is an excellent summary of some of the major environmental issues facing the world and it is delivered in a concise manner. One is left with the feeling of, where was that Gore in 2000. Had the Gore from the film been on the campaign trail, he would have been tough to beat.

There are still some non-believers in the "global warming" issue. Those individuals dismiss the science at their own leisure. Contrary to many, the environment and the economy do not have to mix like oil and water.

Having grown on the prairies one can appreciate the simple nature of the Robert Altman picture. The acting is first-rate, including that phoney baloney Meryl Streep. Woody and John C. Reilly are excellent and the movie has a real charm about it.

5 - Thank You for Smoking

This is what a mocumentry should be. Aaron Eckhart is fantastic. He manages to spin like nobody can and the concept of the three merchants of death is priceless.

4 - Little Miss Sunshine

The concept is gold and the acting is great. The interaction between all family members is enough to keep you laughing. All members have their strengths and all have weaknesses, but as a unit they just work.

3 - Blood Diamond

The makes you think movie of the year. You read about, hear about and see some of the African struggles, but never do the dots connect so easy. Leo carries a movie, although the accent falters from time to time. Djimon Hounsou is excellent and provides a new level of support.

2 - The Queen

The Political movie of the year, hands down. The acting is fantastic and the dialogue between QE II and Tony Blair is first rate. A must see.

1 - The Departed

Hands down best. The plot is excellent and the collective acting is the best in the past three years. Martin Scorsese is on the top of his game. The action and drama keep you guessing and there is one scene where you just think - shit did that just happen.

See other experts here.

Dick in the Box

2006-12-20T00:07:00.000-05:00

Timberlake is gold.

Hometown Proud

2006-12-12T20:38:00.000-05:00

No connection, simple random - via Norway. Just a little sample of what to expect for the Top 10. I dig deep this year.

Girl from Saskatoon is a little bluegrass, a little folk and some extra guitar - think slower version of the Ravenettes.

If I ran the Students' Union or Louis' (and that job would be handed to Bumf), I would approach them about playing Blue Monday.

First Day of Class High Class Bash!

You See My Movie

2006-12-12T20:07:00.000-05:00

The Goldon Globes are set to be announced on Thursday and that got me thinking about the best of 2006. That event, and the emails from Phoff, are enough to get the "lists" going.

The following are an example of some critics list for film in 2006.

US National Board of Review
Film: Letters From Iwo Jima
Actor: Forest Whitaker, The Last King Of Scotland

Actress: Helen Mirren, The Queen
Supporting Actor: Djimon Hounsou, Blood Diamond
Supporting Actress: Catherine O’Hara, For Your Consideration

Boston Society of Film Critics
Film: The Departed
Actor: Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland
Actress: Helen Mirren, The Queen
Supporting Actor: Mark Wahlberg, The Departed
Supporting Actress: Shareeka Epps, Half Nelson

Los Angeles Film Critics
Film: Letters from Iwa Jima
Actor: (TIE) Sacha Baron Cohen, Borat & Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland
Actress: Helen Mirren, The Queen
Supporting Actor: Michael Sheen, The Queen
Supporting Actress: Luminita Gheorghiu, The Death of Mr. Lazarescu

New York Film Critics CircleFilm: United 93
Actor: Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland

Actress: Helen Mirren, The Queen
Supporting Actor: Jackie Earle Haley, Little Children
Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls

San Francisco Film Critics Circle
Film: Little Children
Actor: Sacha Baron Cohen, Borat

Actress: Helen Mirren, The Queen

Supporting Actor: Jackie Earle Haley, Little Children

Supporting Actress: Adriana Barraza, Babel

DC Area Film Critics

Film: United 93
Best Actor: Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland
Best Actress:

Best Supporting Actor: Dijmon Hounsou, Blood Diamond
Best Supporting Actress: Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls

Two observations. One, Borat maybe the most overhyped movie of the year. There were some funny parts, but it could have been done in less than an hour. It was interesting, but please dont insult actors by naming Ali G as the best.

Two, it is almost criminal that 99.9 percent of North American viewing audiences have not had a chance to view some of the films or performances.

This post will serve as advance notice that Top 10 Discs and Films will be posted this weekend. Guest submissions will be welcome and, as always, criticism will be served.

To the Queen

2006-12-10T19:34:00.000-05:00

The Queen provides audiences a behind the scenes look at the shocking events of Princess Diana's death. Tony Blair comes out looking like a brilliant leader and grounded human being.

The film offers some of the best insight into the internal struggle for relevance that occurs between the monarchy, the British government and the UK people. It seems like we are one event or a couple of public opinion polls away from seeing royalty disappear.

Andrew Potter has a bang-on review of the film. It is indeed one of the best of the year and Helen Mirren is a shoe-in for Best Actress at the Oscars.

Here are two comments that I kept thinking about while watching the film:

I do believe when most people think about it and realize our head of state is foreign - when she travels she doesn't represent Canada, she represents Great Britain - I think they kind of realize this is really an institution that's a bit out of date for Canada to continue with.

~ John Manley, Former Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister, May 18, 2001

Upon the death or demise of the Queen perhaps it's time for Canada to abolish its association with the monarchy and set up a new institution.

~ John Manley, Former Canadian Industry minister, September 10, 1997

I must say, once again, Manley was ahead of the curve.

Bah Humbug

2006-12-10T19:29:00.000-05:00

The Seattle Airport has removed all 15 of their christmas (holiday) trees rather than put up menorah and host a public ceremony.

There is a fine balance between political correct and stupid. This is the category of stupid.

UPDATE - The trees are back. The Rabbi will not sue.

Twisted Brilliance

2006-12-09T13:35:00.000-05:00

This is too much, my sides are splitting.

Politics and Pop Culture collide

2006-12-09T12:11:00.000-05:00

Al Gore has denied he is going to help Lindsay Lohan salvage her reputation. Lindsay, you will recall, wanted her politican "friends" to help her reach out to the American public. She wanted to release a politically/morally correct, fully adequite [sic] letter to the press, as a vehicle for her opinions on, "how our society should be educated for the better of our country. She claimed to have such an impact on our younger generations, as well as older generations, that it was necessary.

The 20-year-old actress sent an email to friends and lawyers claiming the former US Vice President had offered to help her clean up her image, but he has been quick to disassociate himself from the claims.

In a statement released on Thursday, a representative for Gore said: "I can confirm for you that Mr. Gore has only met Ms. Lohan once, very briefly, at the GQ Men of the Year dinner last week. There were hundreds of other guests."

Lindsay had claimed in her email: "Al Gore will help me. He came up to me and said he would be very happy to have a conversation with me." She also wrote: "Hilary (sic) Clinton, Bill Clinton would be willing, if we just ask. If we just ASK."

Representatives for both Clintons have refused to comment on the subject. Although there is a rumour that Bill could lend a hand.

If Lindsay was serious about making a political connection, she should reach out to the Ford family. They will help. The Betty Ford Centre has helped thousands.

A nip, a tuck and a BS

2006-12-05T21:06:00.000-05:00

Britney Spears has taken to airing her privates in public and, hey it is her right, but you just had to know that someone would offer friendly medical advice.

A Christmas gift certificate was recently sent to Spears by a New York cosmetic surgeon, offering her a free tummy tuck and cosmetic surgery. Here’s the letter compliments of TMZ.

My age old bet with my good buddy Sal is looking like lost money. The money was on Christina crack and do Playboy, but Spears has upstaged her and didnt even get Heffner money.

The Dude

2006-12-05T21:01:00.000-05:00

The upcoming Lebowski Fest in New York begins Saturday, December 16th - Had I known it may have meant a slight alteration on the recent travel plans.

If you've never heard of the film - have you just decided to engage in pop culture? The film, released in 1998 from brothers Joel and Ethan Coen, has spawned a cult following, a drinking game, a speaking tour and even an online church.

The New York event will include a bowling tournament, live music and a screening of the film. This has to be one of my favourites of all-time.

Turn the Udder Cheek

2006-12-04T23:43:00.000-05:00

There is quite an interesting debate unfolding in Ontario. Michael Schmidt - Ontario's raw milk celebrity - is battling the provincial governement to gain the right to sell his product to the wanting masses. Durham area farmer Schmidt delivers the milk to people who own shares in his cows. Finance Minister Greg Sorbara's wife is one of those shareholders. Sorbara says a system should be in place that allows raw milk to be sold in Ontario.

Things have gotten so bad that the Ontario Provincial Police cruisers blockading the lane while armed officers swooped onto a farm, herding the farmer and his workers into the kitchen of the old house. In the century-old barn of the farm northwest of London, Ont., were 30 cows and the stainless-steel equipment used for milking, separating the milk and manufacturing dairy products such as cheese and yogurt.

There is no evidence that unpasterized milk is actually ok for North American consumption. Talk to the numerous folks who have visited India and suffered Delhi belly and they will tell you no. Most scientists will second that. It is likely ok to consume a glass or two on the farm, but too much is not safe.

The Toronto Star has a great piece on why - either way - kids need to be protected.

Rural influence

2006-12-04T23:26:00.000-05:00

Hopefully the new Premier of Alberta will not forget that the real power of western Canada is between Edmonton and Calgary. These two cities need immediate attention for infrastructure, research and development, culture and other 21st century issues. It would be a shame if Steady Eddie was to ignore cities. Land doesn't vote, people do.

Also, Ed will likely have to find a place in cabinet for surprise 3 rd place finisher - Ted Morton. My suggestion - Gaming. It is technically still in cabinet. Or, let him construct the new Alberta Pension Plan.

Historical Footnote

2006-12-04T23:19:00.000-05:00

Where was the speech that Martin gave on the weekend during his reign of error? John Manley sumed up his leadership style best. It is called couch leadership, it takes the shape of the last person to sit on it.

Duality

2006-12-04T22:49:00.000-05:00

Somehow Ezra Levant thinks that having dual citizenship makes someone unfit for office. The guy is such a loser.

Stephane Dion is a citizen of France and Canada. Oh my god! Let us not confuse the issue, he is one of the most staunch federalist in the land. He is the co-author of the Clarity Act.

Levant's line that the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star and CBC would react differently had they discovered Stephen Harper to be a loyal citizen of the United States is a tad rich. If the worst that paleo-Conservatives like Ezra can throw at Dion is that he carries dual citizenship, it could be a long campaign.

Thank god that Harper keeps these loons in the hinterland and let's real policy and politcal minds run things. Ezra should stick to his cruising.

Coin Toss

2006-12-03T22:42:00.000-05:00

Words of advice for new federal Liberal leader Stephane Dion. When introducing yourself in other parts of the country keep this in mind, there are two ways to handle your last name - one for those under 40 and one for those over 40.

Over 40:

My name is Stephane Dion.... You know like the amazing Quebecois entertainer Celine. Don't you just love her cover of the classic Michael Bolton hit?

Under 40:

My name is Stephane Dion... No, I am not related to that no-talent hack Celine. She isn't even a real Canadian. She fled to Vegas with her old balls husband. Traitor.

Word is bond

2006-11-29T00:40:00.000-05:00

Remember when that meant something. Apparently Rod Barajas doesn't.

You see the Toronto Blue Jays were expecting him in town today for a physical and then to sign a 2 year contract worth over 5.25 million US. Funny thing happened on the way to the airport, Barajas dumped his agent after realizing that is a paycut. It is also rumoured that the MLBPA put the screws to him for accepting less than market value.

The MLBPA and the other 3 professional sport's unions are out of touch it makes one puke.

Here is hoping that Barajas plays in Alaska next year and has to sing on street corner for his cheque.

Monday is for the By Curious

2006-11-27T21:34:00.000-05:00

Random thoughts:

Elizabeth May really put a scare into the Liberal candidate, but came up short. She beat a hand-picked paleo-con from Harper and trumped Jack's pick. Good work and see you soon in Parliament.

The Tories have work to do in Ontario. A former mayor with impeccable conservative street cred. Apparently voters will not flock to the new, warm and fuzzy Harper. She finishes third.

4th place Jack. Your growth in Ontario is huge.

The Bloc Québécois can really run a chair in some ridings and win. So much for the separation of church and state. A Priest as an MP. It should add some spice to the same-sex debate. That and the fact that he once was a male escort - not gay, just needed the money. Or, as the Globe states from gay hooker to Catholic Priest. {Insert joke here}

The Liberals have some work to do in Quebec. They are battling neck and neck with the NDP. In fact, they have lost. They have to overcome 100 votes and they only have 600. They are officially fourth.

The Conservatives finished a solid second, if you can call it that. It appears they landed about the percentage of votes as last time.

Voter turnout was dreadful in Quebec, even for a by-election. Voter turnout was pretty good in London.

So yesterday

2006-11-27T20:56:00.000-05:00

Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson Lee Rock call it a fort night. This isn't a surprise, just like it will not be a surprise to see / hear that they have a sex tape. Who doesn't have a sex tape.

It is the new must have accessory. It has replaced the annoying Chihuahua or the Red String Kabbalah bracelet.