Saddam Gone, What's Next?

I couldn't help but watch CNN last night, and all the hoopla around Saddam's execution. Based on all the stories and the court case, he did get what he deserved. But with the climax of his hanging, what is next?

Although this is an important step to rebuilding Iraq, there is still the issue of the sectarian violence around the current Iraq...Sunnis and Shiites against each other, with the execution of Saddam sure to be a catalyst for more violence. With an increase in violence, you can be sure that the coalition forces won't be leaving any time soon. There will be an increase in violence, and to be sure, the current Iraqi government is unprepared for the aftermath of the hanging. Given the situation, the best thing that could happen in Iraq, is changing the government. There is no way that the people will have faith to continue to rebuild just because Saddam is dead. If anything, it has created more turmoil towards the New World Order.

The quandry left after Saddam's execution is "damned if you do, damned if you don't". It is in the best interest of all parties, and if everyone wants to have an end to the Iraqi violence, then a clean sweep of the current Iraqi government is the most appropriate choice. Open elections and representation of the Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds, working together from this day forward, is the only thing that will rebuild Iraq, and get democracy back on track.

I feel that although Saddam's tribunal did their job, the future of Iraq needs to start with a clean slate...that means a new government.

Let's hope that there isn't too much celebration over Saddam's death, as there is much work that still needs to be done.

'Tis the Season For Giving...and Receiving

Call this a rant or a request, it's time I got something off my chest. Charity is all well and good, however, what happens when it's you that needs the charity this time of year?

You are probably wondering that yourself...

There was an instance at work this week, where we were requested to contribute $10 for a lunch at work, with any leftover money to be donated to a couple of local families in need for Christmas. I didn't participate, because if I had, based on their wish lists that had been circulated, then they would have had a better Christmas than me. Is that fair? No...charity begins at home, and in my case, since I don't have anything for Christmas, then I don't need to be contributing to someone else. By the way, we got an email at work that their wish lists were filled, along with $250 in food for the holidays...

Things are bad enough with my situation. Because I pay my child support (no arrears, in fact, I have overpaid $5,000 in the last 3 years...good luck trying to get that back...), and I work regularly, I am penalized by the "system", and having to do without. What's worse is, my kids are expecting something nice from me, and it just won't happen. Their mom has basically forced me to "keep up with the Joneses", which I haven't been able to do. Do I see the kids? Yes, but not as often as the court order says. I don't blame them I guess...they would rather stay at their Mom's, where they have everything. Courtesy of my support, of course.

What really gets you down, is when you hear on the radio after a hard day at work, 4 days before Christmas, that MPPs have voted themselves a 25% increase in their salary...wow, what I would like to do with a $22,000 a year increase!! I would settle for half that, so I can get out of debt from the split with my ex...but, living pay to pay, that will never be. It's sad, but in order to have my support reduced to something in line with my pay, I have to have money to fight it.

The reason for this post is simple...I figure that out of all the times I have contributed to everyone else to improve their comforts and holidays, I might as well ask the world to do the same for me.

Would I like to have a nice Christmas for the kids? Most definitely...but under the current circumstances, it won't happen, unless my numbers come in for the lottery. Even then, you need to buy a ticket to win!

Feel free to make a donation...for once in my life, I would like to say that my Christmas spending on my kids actually met the Canadian Average for Christmas spending...this year it's $930. Maybe if I have a good Christmas for the kids, they will come down more.

Merry Christmas everyone, and all the best for the Holiday Season.

Making Ends Meet on $150,000 a Year

I don't think I have ever read an article that was more misaligned with the intent of the story, than this one.

If you get a chance, you can read how a leech of a husband, a former salesman no less, takes advantage of his wife's income of $150,000 a year as a psychiatrist, by staying at home, and insisting on making 2 rental properties work, even though they don't have any tenants. You can read how their hardship has left them to consider cancelling their $3 a month unlisted phone number, while maintaining a horse for their kids.

Give me a break!! Keep your ears open...I think I hear little violins playing in the distance for their misfortune.

Leave a comment and tell me how you wouldn't be able to manage on $150,000 a year...oh, the sorrow!!!

NYC Bans Trans Fat

With the latest intrusion into public life, NYC has mandated that all trans-fat be eliminated by 2008. Given that the FDA has already approved the trans-fat for consumption, they are overstepping their authority by banning it. It's a choice what people want to eat, and there are more pressing issues to deal with, besides trans-fat. Next will be Food Inspectors given the authority to write tickets for "personal gastronomical abuse"...fine? $100 worth of french fries.

Aspartame is known to cause cancer in high doeses...does that mean that Diet Cokes are now going to be banned, for the sake of saving the helath of citizents in the city? I think not.

Here is an idea...why don't local governments ban all fried food, and eliminate all fast food altogether? We know that it is bad for us, so get rid of it!

This municipal legislation is yet another example of where people can't think for themselves, and be held accountable...god forbid that it is an individual's choice to eliminate trans-fat from our diets. If the people and restaurants accept this, it just proves that we are going down the road where personal accountability goes out the window.

Having a few extra pounds on myself, I can't wait for the day where I can sue the government for letting me get fat...and McDonalds and other restaurants for giving me the choice to eat unhealthy...

Stephane Dion?

I had the chance to watch part of the Liberal convention on tv, just out of interest to see what was happening. I had followed the leadership race to see what was going on. Although I am not a Liberal, I have liked what they have done for the country. Conservatives need to adopt a better approach, similar to Harris' "Common Sense Revolution", for Ontario a few years back.

The one thing that I got out of the Liberal convention and their choice of a new leader...what is this obsession with people that can't speak English??? Cretien, and now Dion. I am not sure that this will bode well with English Liberals, and I can see a huge shift in the Liberal population demographics as a result.

Besides joining forces with the Bloc, I can see even more of a split within the country, which will ultimately result in Quebec withdrawing from Canada.

Let me be the first to say, I will be one of the first ones there to dig the moat around Quebec, to let them leave.

Give Michael Richards a Break

I think I have had enough of the latest news on Kramer's famous words at the comedy club recently. So what if he had a lapse in judgement and said a bad word? What about all the times fellow gangstas call each other "nigga"? No different coming from Kramer. He was merely inflecting his position on stage, and now the African American community is seizing on the moment to cry foul...shame on you!!

Kramer has said sorry, and this is all out of proportion. The way the black community has been acting with respect to this, you would think that they still have to sit in the back of the bus these days. Get over it!!! You and all the other "visible minorities" have made great strides, not only to reach an equal status in society, but have surpassed that equality, by becoming walking proof of George Orwell's pigs in Animal Farm..."all are equal, but some are more equal than others".

Get over it...the African American community and the rest of the visible minorities have the Charter of Rights in their favour. If you don't think you have equal standing in society, just think how far I would get in the justice system, suing for being called a "mangecake" by our Italian friends. I guess I should also cry foul for Borat calling the white hotel guy "vanilla face".

Get a life, Black Community...instead of bitching, complaining, and crying foul, do something more productive.

By the way, Kramer, no need to apologize any further.

Burkas on Parade

I can't help but laugh these days with the recent uproar about wearing burkas in public...with that, I give you some of the most stupid moments and reasons why they don't make sense, once and for all;

Family Photo Op...Fatmah is the second one on the left...in black...

Florida License...needs to be retaken, because she wasn't smiling...

Checking for ID...making sure she isn't using her sister's ID...

Now for the big philosophical question...does that mean all Ninjas are Muslim, or are all Muslims Ninjas?...lol

Rev. Ted Haggard - What a Surprise....not!

With the recent revelations that yet ANOTHER evangelical figure is brought down in controversy, can't help but comment that this shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. After all, they are human, much to their own dismay and egos.

With the recent evidence coming out from Rev Ted, how can we not expect him to say something like "It's not mine!! I was only holding the crystal meth for someone...". Looking for a massage...sheesh...that is a good one too.

Religious ties by some people does not exempt them from having integrity. Think about this, the next time you make a donation. I am sure Rev Ted needs the money for another hit, or Benny Hinn needs to upgrade his plane ticket to first class yet again.

Everyone should have learned after the Jim Bakker and Swaggart sagas. Religious figures are not immune to temptation, as much as they would like everyone to believe. Giving your "all" to God merely deflects criticism for just a little bit longer than everyone else.

Cops Should be Charged with Child Endangerment

I can't help but comment on the recent story about the cops busting a child abuser online. What gets me is that they had him under surveillance for 10 months before they decided to arrest him.

Did it really have to take the guy sexually abusing a preschool girl, on cam, to finally nab him? It took 2 HOURS for the cops to get there to arrest the guy. Meanwhile, the child had to endure that pain and suffering until the cops got there.

I want to know why it took 10 months to get him, before the child was sexually exploited? I hope that someone initiates an investigation and brings the cop down for letting things go on far too long. The problem with our justice system is the old standby "innocent until proven guilty"...as a result, this is the kind of thing that happens, which should cause an outrage for anyone with small children. The abuser should have been brought in for child pornography 9 months ago.

As far as I am concerned, the cop posing as a pedophile FOR 10 MONTHS is just as guilty as the abuser, for letting it get to the point it did. As a result of his "fine" police work, that little girl will have to live with the fact of what happened, and how the police "helped" her.

Good going, guys...I hope she isn't emotionally scarred too much from your ineptness to catch him before she was sexually assaulted.

Weenie of the Week - Buzz Hargrove

It's been awhile since I have nominated a Weenie of the Week, but listening to Buzz Hargrove today on AM 640, I can't help but give the honor to him.

Buzz thinks that the reason NA automakers are cutting back, is because of the lack of import restrictions. Figures a union guy would say that. There are a number of reasons that the former Big 3 are slashing their workforces, and its not because of a deluge of imports. Need we remind Buzz that the imports are no longer imports, with Toyota and Honda building more cars here with NA content than ever before. Toyota is non-union, but I digress...

1) The Big 3 do not build the cars that people want. Chrysler has a few hits, but they tend to take more chances with their designs than the other 2. Cadillac turned around, because they overcame the design monkey on their backs, and created something the consumer wanted...bold style.

2) Quality and reliability is key - the current public opinion is that imports have better quality, and in some cases, they do. Its not enough for the Big 3 to point to improved quality and reliability if you are still trying to sell a car that doesn't appeal to the masses. If Cadillac's quality was better than Toyota, I bet they would see improved results. When GM and Ford can produce a vehicle that lasts and is not a drain on the pocketbook for maintenance, they will start to win back the consumer. Longer warranty periods are the best chance to get a step in the right direction. Playing catch up only prolongs the pain. When GM and Ford start to learn to be proactive, instead of reactive, then their fortunes will turn around.

3) Union shop = Lack of Care and Craftmanship - I can't stress enough, that today's unions are working off past contracts and their rewards as entitlements, rather than sharing in the risk and reward. Unions today, make companies look at the people as a commodity, rather than an important piece of the manufacturing puzzle. When the unions decide to get off their high horses, and realize that they are not entitled to continue to live off the past, the better the Big 3 will be. All union companies have drifted this way, and they create the cycle to which the companies can't escape. Thanks to people like Buzz, this perpetuates the belief that workers can turn the screws on the companies, and we all know that the end result is layoffs. Job creation within union management, thats all unions do. The day that unions get with it, and adapt to the change in manufacturing and markets, the better. Risk has to be shared with everyone, including the unions...until they realize this, more bad news is on the way.

Unions had a place years ago, to protect the worker...they are now a detriment, and non-union companies are adapting and surviving at a better rate. For his ignorance in economics and narrow vision, Buzz Hargrove is the Weenie of the Week.

Buck Phillips Found!!! Or Was He??

The latest from CNN, is that a fugitive on the FBI's Most Wanted List has been found in the woods on the border between New York and Pennsylvania...

Finally, Buck Phillips from the Most Wanted list is caught!!!

But wait!!!!

Upon further investigation, authorities removed his disguise, and found that Osama himself has been hiding in the woods, not Buck Phillips!!!

A fugitive can hide in the woods and not get caught for 5 months...OBL is hiding in caves and amongst rocks in a hellhole in Afghanistan, and evades authorities for 5 YEARS...

Need I say more????

Fucking Idiots in the World - 50 Cent short Two Bits on Brains

I can't help but add my 2 cents to the article about 50 Cent being picked up driving in New York with a Lambourghini, with no registration or insurance. He even looks stupid.

What is up with people in the world, that make these idiots rich, when all they are are dipshits?

I now believe that there is a strong correlation of moronic activity to stardom....the more famous you are, the more apt you are to be stupid...I don't need to go through the list, but Tom Cruise, Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson, all fit the bill.

Life goes on for the smart ones in the world...at least the stars' stupidity keeps us entertained...

John Mark Karr - Was it Time to leave Thailand?

The obsession that Karr had with JonBenet has resulted in a "confession" (for the lack of a better word, since we really don't know the circumstances to which it was made...), which has him on a plane back to the US to face scrutiny and questioning from the Colorado DA office. It's funny when you look at what we know so far. Karr was in contact with Tracey (the professor) for 4 years before Tracey turned whatever information over to the authorities. Did it take 4 years for something to slip from Karr in his correspondence? I don't think so.

There is lots to learn with the facts in the case, least of which is the timing of the arrest. It seems to me that Karr made it too easy for himself to get caught. Did he want to be caught? Is there a reason why he confessed so he could get out of Thailand?

I think that there is another motive for Karr's strange behaviour with this confession, and that Thai officials should be looking where he was for any unsolved crimes against children. In a country where child exploitation is rampant, there is probably skeletons in Karr's closet from his stint in Thailand, which is why he needs to get out of there. It may be that this JonBenet confession is the red herring that Karr needed to get out of the country.

Again, I can't wait to see the evidence that links Karr...as others have said in the blog world, all you have to do is read the Tracey book, and you can figure out the M.O. pretty easy. It doesn't take a rocket scientist nor a grade school teacher wannabe to figure out facts on the case without having been there.

Before Karr gets into the mess in the US with respect to the case, I hope that Thai officials are doing "due diligence", to ensure that he hasn't left anything unsolved there...his ticket home on a trumped up confession is just the thing you can use to escape prosecution in a country where the punishment would fit the crimes.

Karr may be out for his 15 minutes of fame, but he has another motive...count on it.

Is JonBenet's Killer Still at Large?

With the latest news on the JonBenet case, with Karr being picked up for her murder, there are a couple of things that just don't make sense;

1) The time Karr lived in Georgia, JonBenet was only 1...how would Karr known the family and be obsessed with someone who hadn't entered the pageant circuit?
2) Karr's ex says that he was with her at the time of the murder...seems to me, that a spouse that is absent at Christmas time would be a red flag for something that was going on. IF that is the case, then why wouldn't have anyone put 2 and 2 together years ago?
3) How come nothing has been released about how Karr knew the Ramseys'?

I believe that Karr is merely looking for his 15 minutes of fame. Someone that is that engrossed with a case, and the case of Polly Klaas, only to become entangled in it to satisfy a need of being a celebrity. There may be more to it, such as JonBenet's parents are somehow involved in the plot.

Don't get me wrong, I think Karr is a whackjob, at best, but the pieces just don't add up. Was there a connection between Karr and Patsy and/or John?? I don't think that it's all as rosey as the news makes it out to be. The case being "solved", after 10 years, raises too many questions to be true.

If the timing of the "confession" isn't coincidence (2 months after Patsy dies), then who knows.

I don't think this case is solved...something still doesn't smell right, and Karr is seeking infamy, in a sick and twisted way.

I hope they catch the real killer, and if it's Karr, then there are questions I am sure we would all like to see answered.

Lionel Tate, convicted of murder as youngster, gets 30 years on weapons charge

Brian Skoloff, Canadian Press
Published: Thursday, May 18, 2006
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Lionel Tate, the teenager who got a second chance after he beat and stomped a six-year-old girl to death, was sent back to prison for 30 years Thursday for gun possession.
"In plain English, you've run out of chances. You do not get any more," Circuit Judge Joel Lazarus told Tate, who smirked as he was led off to jail in shackles.
Tate, now 19, was convicted of beating Tiffany Eunick to death in 1999, when he was 12, claiming he accidentally killed the girl while imitating pro wrestling moves he had seen on television. He became the youngest person in modern U.S. history to receive a life sentence.
His murder conviction was overturned in 2004 by an appeals court that said it was not clear Tate understood the charges. He was freed under a deal in which he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 10 years' probation.
On Thursday, he was back in court over the holdup of a pizza deliveryman last May. In a deal with prosecutors, Tate had faced 10 to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to robbery and violating his probation by having a gun. On Thursday, the judge let him withdraw his guilty plea in the robbery but still sentenced him on the gun charge. The robbery trial is set for Sept. 18.
Defence lawyer H. Dohn Williams said he did not understand why Tate would want to go to trial on the robbery charge, given that a conviction could bring a life sentence in addition to the 30 years for the probation violation.
"He continues to get bad advice from meddling third parties," Williams said outside court. Williams said Tate's mother, Florida Highway Patrol trooper Kathleen Grossett-Tate, told him he could win an appeal on the probation violation conviction, win his robbery case and leave jail in a year. She left court without commenting.
Williams pleaded with the judge for leniency, blaming Tate's criminal behaviour on his upbringing. "The death of Tiffany Eunick would never have occurred if there had been proper parental guidance and control," Williams said. "Six-year-old Tiffany tragically died while . . . roughhousing with a six-year-old boy in a 12-year-old's body."
The judge said Tate has shown "disdain and disrespect" for the law after repeated opportunities to redeem himself. Since his release in 1999, Tate has had numerous run-ins with the law. In 2004, the judge sentenced him to an additional five years' probation for having a knife.
Last month, the judge ruled for the second time that Tate was competent to face the robbery charge after Tate claimed he was mentally ill from years of abuse by his mother. He claimed he was hearing voices and contemplating suicide, a story he later admitted was a ruse.
© The Canadian Press 2006

30 years isn't enough...this is a circumstance where the death penalty is warranted...

Been Awhile...but Back Nonetheless...

As a followup to my last posting, I sent a letter to my MP, and nothing back yet. Seems that I don't warrant an explanation as to why the child support tables have been increased. Not to worry though, because I plan on getting back my overpayments for the last 5 years...see if the ex gets a cruise this year...

Stay tuned for more info that has burned my ass recently...

Bullshit!!!! New Federal Child Support - May 2006

What a load of bullshit!

I received an email from my ex, asking me for some information regarding child support that I had been paying, and she was adamant in her stance that I am underpaying child support.
First, I don't know how I am underpaying child support when the kids are well rounded enough to go on a cruise every year, and of course, a trip to DisneyWorld every winter.
Needless to say, her contacting me was suspicious, until I found out the reason! It seems that the federal government in all it's wisdom, increased the amounts to be paid, in my income bracket, by 15-20%!!!
The ex seems to think that she should get more, because the little darlings are doing without SOOOOOO much these days...I can't help but ask my 8 year old daughter if she is having problems with her cable tv in her room...

Here is the details...you can decide if I should continue to fight this or not.

I currently pay $1288 a month in child support and daycare expenses (kids are 8 and 12, by the way), which is based on an established income of $87,000 a year. For the last 5 years (the order is dated July 2001), my income has been around $72,000 a year, which means I am and have been paying in excess what I should be paying. Why am I? Well, I was going to wait until the divorce proceedings were started, then drop the bombshell about the lower income, and get the support reduced. Needless to say, I have been overpaying my child support since separation (I know, no kudos please, for not being a deadbeat dad...)

When I look at the new amount, I can't help but think, whats wrong with this picture? The new amount ends up being around $1500 a month. By the time I pay taxes on my gross income, pay support after that, and then all the other miscellaneous deductions, there isn't much left. Living in the city takes a big chunk of change that is left.

I had sent an email to my MP to get some answers. Just because there has been a change in taxation, I have to fork out more money for support? Get real...

It's time like this, that I can't help but think that if any one wants to wonder why there are deadbeat dads, look at my case...I bring in $6,000 a month gross income, and by the time I am raped and pillaged, I have $1900 left for myself...add to that my rent of $700, car insurance, etc., there isn't much left...and the government thinks there is a hardship case for my kids?

Fuck off...this time I am not going to take it laying down. You can be rest assured that this is now a priority ranting topic of mine for the months to come.
I plan on representing myself in court, and fight for the injustice of single dads everywhere. Enough is enough...time to take back our dignity, and let our asses heal.

More on this topic as things roll out. The current situation is that my ex wants to go to mediation to resolve. My money is on the fact that she won't like it owing me money, so we will be off to the courthouse sooner rather than later...wish me luck...

An Easter Treat for All

GM's Help From the Union

In order to balance the blasting I gave the unions the other day, I thought it only fair to give an alternative that might be considered by Delphi and GM workers, to temporarily help GM, and still maintain an advantage;

1) The biggest issue with GM and falling market share is that no one is buying the cars that they make - 2 reasons for this - first, the styling needs to be more radical (like the Cadillac turnaround, and Chrysler 300). Second, vehicle reliability needs to become #1 among the top 6. If vehicle reliability is better, then the price can be higher, and incentives less (take a page from Toyota). GM, your consumers will pay a higher price or ask for less incentives, if you have a good product!

2) Even if GM sticks with the current models over the next 2 years, the union should offer a cut in base wage, and move to an incentive system, which will pay more, if, GM hits #1 in reliability for a model or product. This would be financed by the increase in price (decrease in incentives), and would cost GM nothing. However, the plan would have to be set up to offer something for the union...if I had the numbers, I could crunch through them to see what they would be like, but even a reduction of $1000 in incentives paid per vehicle (assuming 4,000,000 vehicles a year - 25% market share), would give GM about $4 billion in extra cash every year...

The trend these days is to pay for performance...the union has to accept that, and if the employees are willing to sacrifice to improve performance, they should be rewarded for it. Something to consider, rather than just talking pay cuts. You need to offset the pay cut with an improvement in performance and to the bottom line, in order to make it worthwhile.

GM lacks a long term plan to bring the glory back to where it was, for any employee that works for them. If Rick Wagoner reads this, maybe he will understand that a long term plan has to include results to the bottom line, AND to product improvement, not only in styling, but reliability.

By the way, I do not work for any of the automakers...but I would be willing to talk with Jerome York, or anyone else at GM Detroit, next time I am in Windsor...;)

GM Woes - Idled Workers Freeloading

I have always maintained that GM has bigger problems, than just with models that don't sell and sit well with the public. The issue at hand, when you see the article above (click title to take you to NYT article), is the sense of entitlement that GM workers have, especially within the rank and file in the Jobs Bank.

Faced with huge legacy costs, all these "laid off" workers, for the lack of a better term, feel it is their right to sit and collect a full pay, with no onus on them to move on to something else in their lives. The fact is, today workers have to prepare themselves for the worst that may come in their working lives.

It was a generation ago, that workers were still relying on sticking with a company until retirement. My generation has learned the lesson well -- the only person who will take care of yourself is you. No union is going to take care of you...an individual has to look out for themselves, and ensure that they are marketable, and if that means moving from company to company, so be it.

GM workers are a generation behind in their thinking, and this will not change the outlook for GM, even with the buyouts, until the workers take ownership for making the company profitable. Having a sense of entitlement with a company does not bode well in the economy these days, and surely will doom any company with ever-increasing legacy costs. The steel companies in the US learned the hard way, but the workers adapted, and finally came to the realization that in order to keep up with the global economy, changes were needed, and all the unions pushing for better benefits eventually crushed the livelihoods of many.

GM, continue on with your cutting and slashing...maybe the employees will eventually get the picture when you have to shed the legacy costs. There is no reason why you can't turn the corner and increase margins to 10% to at least compete with the foreign automakers...$65 a hour for "semi-skilled" labour is a thing of the past...and the union should be ashamed for even putting the company in this position of "better than middle class" lifestyle for uneducated line jobs.

The reality of it all, is that I am sure GM will fall further behind, until all the deadwood is removed. Maybe bankruptcy isn't such a bad thing, to finally make the unions open their eyes. You can't have everything.

Stay Away from Birds that Smoke

Interesting article at CNN...it seems that the bird flu virus is deep in their respiratory tract, which is one of the reasons why humans don't get it that easy...

I guess, as a precaution, I should watch out if I am hanging around birds that smoke, or birds that can hork up a nice lugee...

The Ultimate Commercial - Honda

Check out this link...the best commercial ever.

No Smoking Going Too Far

Being a smoker, it is very difficult these days to find a place to be able to sit and relax to have a smoke...this California city has gone too far, by banning smoking ANYWHERE, even outside in public places.

The advocates for no smoking may like the idea of banning smoking completely, even outside.

I have a question -- what will all the non-smokers say when their taxes have to be increased in order to fulfill the shortfall from tobacco taxes? We hear everyone bitch and complain about the price of gas...can you imagine if they replaced the tobacco tax with an increase in gas taxes? How about the health premium in Ontario? I am sure that once everyone has done their personal income taxes this year they will see that an increase in their premium isn't a nice surprise.

Tobacco taxes are a fundamental revenue stream that pays for some of the services that non-smokers come to rely. If we abolish smoking, the government will have no other choice but to raise the revenue somewhere else.

Next time you non-smokers get on the bandwagon to eliminate smoking, and go too far with it, remember that there will be a significant price to pay.

100th Posting - Teacher Scandal

Interesting to note the above linked article. Florida teachers are guilty of buying transcripts for continuing education credits required to maintain their licenses...hmmm, I wonder if the government here will look into the practice in Canada. I would suggest that the teachers tread lightly, as I know I get lots of spam on "buying" fake transcripts to make more money at work.

Maybe the RCMP or local school boards should look into a few of the teachers here...

Yet another reason for the public to voice concerns over teachers' pay and pensions.

Little Stevie Wants What Everyone Else Wants

Can't help but comment on Harper's recent tour of Afghanistan and others, and how stupid it is. I figure the first night in 24 Sussex Drive went something like this, between the PM and his wife;


PM Harper (running into the new house on Sussex): Mommy! Can I go overseas to Afghanistan??!!

Mrs. Harper: No, Little Stevie, you can't go over there...it's dangerous and you have no business even thinking of going there!

PM Harper (whining... ): But Mom!!!! Condi, and Donnie, and Georgie got to go!!!

Mrs. Harper: Stevie, it's not a nice place over there...people live in poverty, there is a war over there, and it's just not safe! Why would you want to go there??

PM Harper: But MoOOOooOOm!! Everyone else gets to go and look good for the cameras, why can't I go?!?! I have the plastic hair for it!! And I am sure I will look even better in safari clothes than those other guys...

Mrs. Harper: Just because everyone else jumps off a bridge, are you going to also??

PM Harper: Nuts, Mom! You are no fun...since I can't go, can I have a puppy?

Mrs. Harper: But you don't like dogs...what kind would you like??

PM Harper: A mutt...I have a soft spot for mutts, Mom...and I have a name already picked out...David Emerson, and he will be loyal and be my best friend!!!

Mrs. Harper: That's fine, just make sure he is neutered.

God, this is going to be a looooong year....

RRRolling Up the Rim...Who's Right?

Pretty sad day when we have an issue in the news as big as a fight over an unrolled Horton's cup for a prize...

I have to side with the young girls that found the cup. If the guy that bought the coffee was too stupid or lazy to roll up the rim, it serves him right. What if the prize was a donut? Of course, he wouldn't have cared. So, the issue isn't about the prize, it is only about the greed, and law is not based on greed.

It just goes to show that as neighbors, we just can't get along. I hope the ruling is for the girl that dug it out of the garbage in the first place.

To the idiot that bought the coffee, suck it up...hopefully you have learned to roll up the rim next time. It's not like you lost the night deposit for a business and someone is claiming that as their own.

From Sea to Sea to Sea...

I see a proposal is being tabled to change the national motto. A nice gesture, but it needs more work, to reflect our great country...how about;

"From Sea to Sea to Sea...yes, when you make Canada your home, the government will subsidize and provide for your every whim"

Or, how about...

"From Sea to Sea to Sea...join the rest of our immigrants at living off our social system"

The new motto is sure to increase the rush of social starved immigrants looking for a free ride.

Hackers Put Porn on Gov't Computers

Hmmm...now that is a convenient excuse. "It's not mine, a hacker must have put it there!!"

OK...Are people that gullible to believe that?? I am sure the RCMP will find out different. Watch and see the next pedophile's excuse when busted for kiddie porn..."Honest, it's not mine -- a hacker put it there!!"

Too much.

Weenie of the Week - David Emerson

David Emerson is this week's Weenie, for not even understanding the uproar behind the investigation into his cabinet posting. It's one thing to stand up for your beliefs, and cross the floor for various reasons, but it is a totally different ballgame, when you cross the floor days after being elected under a different platform.

I hope that the investigation reveals something, and brings the Harper government even closer to its demise, within the year. I still maintain that the Harper government will fall within one year...and that's sad, that as a Conservative, I say that.

Harper, start making some differences, or you will be crossing the floor next year to keep a job in government.

Pay Equity - Not Just About the Money

The article attached to the title gives a good rundown about pay equity between men and women. I have always maintained that its just not about the money all the time. Men will always take more risks to earn more, than women.

So, when you look at the paychecks of competing sexes for a job, always look at what they will give the job if they get it, not just on the surface of qualifications. Men take more risks and give more to a job, than women...its a fact. This article sums up the issue nicely.

Is Canada That Good??

I guess I have to eat my words about Canada hitting 25 medals...but...here is something to think about...were the medals for Canada to win? Or were they medals for the superior countries' athletes to lose? A theory that can be proven for the next Winter Olympics - if Canada can place in the top 3 for medals in 2010 on our own turf, then I will admit that we actually have a team worthy of government financial support. If we don't, then we will know that 2006 will go down as a "lucky" year for Canada in Torino.

Let's hope that Canada realizes that the potential in the other countries athletes far outweighs the performance of this year's Canadians.

Canada's Lack of Olympic Performance

The results of the Olympics so far, is disappointing, to say the least. Being a winter country (with all the snow we have), you would think we would be doing better in all events. Not to be this time around.

One think to look at, is the attitude of the athletes. It seems that their heads and egos are bigger than their performances. Being Canadian does not automatically make us better winter athletes, contrary to what we think. Other countries that are cleaning up in the medals, spend more time working to get better and to be the best. As far as Canadians go, we just don't have it. Performances by the Canadian hockey team, Emmanuel Sandhu, just goes to show that although they THINK they deserve a medal, they just don't have what it takes to get gold. Arrogance is not one of the qualities that wins medals.

Let this be a lesson to our athletes...just because we are a developed nation, and have the resources to train and perform, our athletes are lacking in discipline to pull it off. Let's take lessons from the medal leaders, and learn that hard work is what it takes to win, not attitude or a feeling of entitlement.

Canada will be hardpressed to hit the 25 medals predicted before the start of the games.

Bloggers Are Now HTML Experts??

For the life of me, I can't figure some people out. You know the ones...when you are flipping through the blogs to check them out, they are the ones that have all the shit attached to their site, playing with the code to make it "look nice". Well, here's a wakeup call for you morons - if you want people to stop by and read your blog, then get rid of all the fancy shit you are trying to add, especially if you have no clue what you are doing! All it does is clutter my IE up, and cause me to crash when you have that fancy shit on there. And by the way, that fancy shit does not impress me...especially if I can't navigate out of your blog.

Smarten up!

2006 Torino Olympics - Opening Ceremonies

Well, I am impressed with how Italy has started the Games. During the Olympics, I usually have my TV on for the duration, catching the sports as they come up. CBC is doing a good job covering the events, so far.

I do want to give Italy a Congratulations for an opening ceremonies that were well done, and in the spirit of the Olympics. I am looking forward to the competition, and hope that it won't be marred by scandals.

Good luck to all the competitors, and I will be watching intently over the course of the next week.

Weenie of the Week - Stephen Harper

After squeaking into a minority government, Harper has the balls to accept a Liberal floor walker, and put him in cabinet. How can you have faith in a leader that flip flops on his moral standards? If he has backed down on his promise to put legislation in place for crossing the floor, expect more "changes" to his elected agenda.

For this move, Harper is the Weenie of the Week.

NHLPA - Stupid is, is Stupid does

For Rick Tocchet, his career has been cut short, due to stupidity. How many other "clients" are involved with the gambling ring? My bet is on lots...I would love for Dick Pound to come out now and revise his statement about "30% of the players on performance enhancing drugs...and are gambling as part of Tocchet's ring".

So much for player integrity. After having to suck it up last year with the league, a few individuals have now tarnished the players side, and don't be surprised that the Great One is implicated in the ring too.

Too much of a coincidence that his wife and assistant coach were front page of the scheme. As wholesome as he has seemed, I never did believe that he was the Golden Boy he and others claimed.

For the NHLPA, I hope you come out clean in this one...otherwise Al Eagleson will be laughing all the way, and give you all a big "HA!". Smarten up players, your performance last year off the ice didn't do too much to instill confidence in the fans.

This is just one more step closer to showing the fans of the game that you are all being even bigger idiots.

Lebanese protesters torch Danish mission

Muslims continue to perpetuate to the world how much they are fucking idiots...when will the US move in and level them so a golf resort can go in?

Hall of Fame - from a fan

Emmitt Smith's outlash against HOF voting in the article above is atrocious. HOF members are picked, not only on their merits on the field, but off.

Being an upstanding citizen is part of the HOF criteria, and with young ones looking up to sports figures, the HOF is one of the last bastions of integrity we have. If we let people in for just their action on the field, then that doesn't say much for their actions off the field.

Pro players, celebrities and the like, must realize that their actions are revered by young people all over the world. To allow individuals to behave inappropriately off the field, and then reward them, just tells kids that its ok to be an idiot.

Maybe pros and celebrities will heed HOF and other inductee-type ceremonies and understand that being in the Hall of Fame, or recognized for life achievement, is an honor based on a well-rounded individual...not for a specific portion of one's life.

Muhammed...From Satire comes Truth

I had to laugh when I saw all the Muhammed cartoons...click on the link above (the title of the blog entry will take you there) to see the cartoons that are causing the big hub bub.

I have one thing to say...you Muslims have no sense of humour. And with that, I guess that all you Muslim extremists that have taken to violence and burning flags of Denmark, just proves the satirists' thoughts about all Muslims...keep up the good work of trying to dissuade other religions that you are a peaceful people!

Muslims don't know how to communicate or negotiate, so they revert to terrorist acts...and as all good Muslims have said, jihad, as endorsed by Muhammed, will reign supreme. I am slowly being convinced that all Muslims would resort to terrorism to some degree.

Thanks for the laughs, Denmark!

Since Tax Time is around the Corner...

THE QUARTER

A dad walks into a market with his young son. The kid is holding a quarter. Suddenly, the boy starts choking, going blue in the face. The dad realizes the boy has swallowed the quarter and starts panicking, shouting for help. A well dressed, attractive, but serious-looking woman in a blue business suit is sitting at a coffee bar in the market, reading her newspaper and sipping a cup of coffee. At the sound of the commotion, she looks up, puts her coffee cup down on the saucer, neatly folds the newspaper and places it on the counter, gets up from her seat and makes her way, unhurried, across the market. Reaching the boy, the woman carefully takes hold of he boy's testicles and starts to squeeze, gently at first and then ever more firmly. After a few seconds the boy convulses violently and coughs up the quarter, which the woman deftly catches in her free hand. Releasing the boy, the woman hands the coin to the father and walks back to her seat in the coffee bar without saying a word.

As soon as he is sure that his son has suffered no lasting ill effects, the father rushes over to the woman and starts thanking her saying, "I've never seen anybody do anything like that before, it was fantastic. Are you a doctor?"

"No," the woman replies,"I work for Revenue Canada."

Postal Worker Snaps...

Wow...noteworthy news...a postal worker snaps and shoots up co-workers...

Doesn't this just redefine the term "going postal"?

Music Downloading - New Business Model Needed

In light of the recent charge to a 15 year old for downloading music, and the subsequent support of the girl by a Vancouver recording studio/artist management group, I am rehashing an old article I blogged about 4 months ago;

There has been much in the news lately about music file sharing and such, and I thought I would say something...how about the recording industry start thinking out the box and figure a way to capitalize on the trend of how people get their music, instead of trying to play catch up, and go after "per unit" sales? The one thing that they complain about, has been overcome by other industries, and they are doing quite well...did you hear the movie theatres start to complain because everyone decided to create home theatres? Did you hear live theater complain when everyone started to stay home and watch tv years ago? How about when the movie industry created videos, so we could watch anything at our leisure? We could even record it and do what we wanted with it. How about when LPs were the big thing, it wasn't such a big deal to copy it to a cassette! Every industry goes through a transformation, and have adapted in the past, as I am sure the recording industry will in the future.
Here are some ideas;
1. Start selling ad space in songs as trailers to albums and concert tours
2. Charge a nominal fee based on bandwidth useage to the ISPs
3. Create a "clearing house" to legitimately distribute music, and charge for ad space, with the likes of Google and Yahoo
4. Add a small surcharge to concerts and public appearances
5. Add an additional night of a concert, to make up for royalties lost on sales
6. Create a climate that will make the consumer want to come see the artists perform!
It's high time the recording industry start to look at ways to improve the delivery of their wares, and try to capitalize on the way people are obtaining, rather than trying to get something for every unit. The old distribution model is based on selling a unit and making a profit. This is no longer the case to make it a sustainable industry. Capatializing on the mechanics of distribution, rather than the individuals, will go a long way to making a reasonable amount of money for those who want to.
The sooner the recording industry adapts like the television and movie industry have, the better. The internet and file sharing is here to stay!

Saddam Trial is a Circus

Can't help but wonder how egos, as big as they come (Saddam and Conrad Black), can twist the judicial system on its ear, and basically bow to their behaviour.

I see the Saddam trial as a farce. In the interest of the preservation of impartial justice, the court willingly allows a terrorist to run the proceedings. Unacceptable, I say.

This circus will continue, as long as the Iraqis are allowed to run the trial. We, society, have to step in and let them know that there is no fucking around anymore. The best chance to curb terrorist activities is to sting Saddam, and other terrorists, and hit them hard. Why even waste time with a trial? His actions, and the reactions of the court is an abomination of justice. I bet other terrorists are looking at the circus, knowing they have nothing to worry about.

As long as we continue to respect "rights", the more crap that the courts will face. Let's set up an international court permanently, to deal with all the badasses in the world, and clean it up once and for all. Respecting individuals is only leading to chaos and beaucracy...we have laws, rules and regulations for living in society...let's enforce those rules to the letter, instead of letting martyrs continue to beat down the system, and the integrity of our security.

A New Government - Conservatives for a Year

Well, the Conservatives did it. No surprise with the polls the week before the big day. I had thought that the Liberals would have held on for a minority, but, not to be. So, I did say if the Conservatives did get in, they would probably be having an election within a year...so, we'll see what happens. I don't think the Conservatives will have the popular vote this time next year. Stay tuned.



And for your information, I did vote Conservative...

Muslim Kidnappers - What's the Solution?

Again, its the neverending saga of overzealous Muslims, extremists, that continue to hinder the peace-keeping process in the Middle East. Do the kidnappers actually think that their barbaric methods will work? Of course they do...and the reason they do, is their interpretation of jihad.

Here is a simple solution...As more and more Imams get involved, with calling for the end of kidnapping of innocent civilians, how about something more aggressive than just pleaing for the release of hostages?

If the Muslim religious community is serious about stopping the kidnapping and making a stand for peace with everyone, perhaps a threat or the carrying out of excommunication of the kidnappers will make them wake up. I am sure that since the extremists are so bound by their religion, that threat of, or excommunication from their faith, will result in a few bad apples from backing down from their heinous acts of violence.

So, how does the situation get better? Excommunication of all extremists will leave them without an excuse to do "god's work", and perhaps start on a road of forgiveness with the rest of the world. There has never been a better time for the religious Muslim community to step up to the plate and denounce the actions of a few extremists. Let's hope that the Imams that are serious about the situation, come forward and take the bull by the horns to deter future kidnappings.

Weenie of the Week - Ray Nagin, Mayor of New Orleans

Ever wonder why there is still a gap between blacks and whites in America and other places? Guys like Nagin, who make comments that "New Orleans will be 'chocolate' again". What an ass. With black leaders like this, blacks are their own worst enemy. Just goes to show that he has even less brains than we all thought. Comments like that show the mentality of Louisiana, and now it all makes sense with how devastating Katrina was to the area. I tend to believe now, that FEMA wasn't the problem with getting aid to the city quickly, and the fault lies with the local political leaders in the area.

Congrats on your award, Ray...and don't worry...next comment from a white guy about a "vanilla" city will be just as eligible for the award too.

Orlando School Shooting - Kudos to Police

The recent story on CNN about the shooting of an eighth grader shows what kind of problems there are with kids these days. After painting a pellet gun to look real, and taking it to school, everyone seems to be condemning the SWAT team for taking a shot and taking the kid out, after being threatened with the gun.
The father told the police that the gun was fake...so what!
I have one thing to say...how did the parents let a kid take a gun (pellet or otherwise) to school?
There are probably a few in the community that condemns the use of force, but I say, good for the police. And notwithstanding, I think the parents need to be charged for stupidity also. There is absolutely no reason why a kid has to take any kind of weapon to school, and if they choose to, then all bets are off, and I hope the police continue to use force as required to diffuse the situations.
There is a definite lack of parenting these days, which is resulting in the kids being left on their own to make decisions that they are not old enough, or smart enough to make.

I congratulate the police for the way they handled the situation, and glad that there was only the one casualty...the kid. Maybe its not too late for the parents to instill the proper values with their other children.

Hajj Stampedes - Islamic Lemmings

Its interesting to note that the hajj pilgrimage has resulted in a few "accidents" over the years, associated with the pilgrimage. What is interesting to note, is, even with the loss of life, the ritual is still maintained, and hasn't changed any, in hundreds of years.

Which gets to my point about lemmings...Islam worshippers will continue to do things that may have a detrimental effect on them as members of our society, regardless of the cost in human life. What is interesting, with so many Islams believing in jihad, and their respective interpretations, these so called "Islamic extremists" still will continue to bow to their beliefs, outside the consequence of human life. Their annual pilgrimage of hajj is in itself, a form of suicide to a degree, especially if they know what can happen.

The fact that loss of life can continue without regard for the losses by the Islam community leaves me to think one thing...that human life is not worth too much in the grand scheme of things. If thats the case, how do we expect to win the war against the most extremist Islamic people? What does this tell the Islamic extremist that has a bomb strapped to his body as he walks into a wedding in a Jordanian hotel?

Jihad and fighting for Mohammed will continue as long as the Islam community maintains these religious convictions, without acknowledging a need for change. Can they still study Islam and maintain their identities? Sure...but not at the expense of human life.

Contrary to what senior Islamic leaders believe, human life is worth alot more than what their religion tells them. Only when Islam gets with the 21st century, can we expect a more peaceful existence with all religions. Try getting that through to the extremists is the first step to having a safer country for everyone.

Boston Minister in Toronto - Gun Violence Answer

I can't believe that someone paid $25,000 to have a black minister from Boston come to town to tell our brilliant politicians that the answer to the gun violence, is for the parents to be parents...wow, what a concept!

Maybe we all would be better off if there was a law making parents liable for their kids' actions...see how fast the parents smarten up and take responsibility for the lack of value development in their kids.

How about this one...let's pay someone $1,000,000 to tell the parents that kids need discipline at home?

Pretty sad state of affairs in Toronto's troubled neighborhoods...and the local black leaders think midnight basketball programs is the answer?

Get a life. Or more likely, give the parents life when their kids end up in front of a judge.

The CBC Big English Debate

I was going to wait until the end of the debate, but its winding down now, with the leaders tying up the unity portion of the debate...a nice closure, I guess.

This is how I summarize the debate, and how the leaders faired, along with their placement and overall effectiveness;

1. Liberals - Paul Martin - Nothing like being in the position of the governing party. Sure, scandal has plagued the Liberals, but, I have to give Mr. Martin credit - he has stay focused on the results, and lets face it, the government has done well in the last 17 months with respect to trying to keep all Canadians happy. Will the Liberals be penalized for past mistakes in judgement of a few high ranking Liberals? Probably...but, I don't get a warm fuzzy feeling with the alternatives. I still maintain that the policies and governing of this country, have done well in the past under the Liberals...not bad, coming from a Conservative.

2. Conservatives - Stephen Harper - I've never seen a lack of passion in a debate before in my life. Mr. Martin could have given him some passion, and Harper still would have fallen short. Going into the debate, Conservatives were ahead about 10 points. Being a staunch Conservative in the past, Harper does not leave me a warm fuzzy feeling. My prediction is that if the Conservatives do get into power, look out...I think that Mr. Harper's government would fall under a non-confidence motion by the end of Q1 2007, if not earlier.

3. NDP - Jack Layton - The only thing I have to say about Mr. Layton, is that if there is a "Miss Congeniality" opposition party, then the NDP would win hands down. Although the NDP is a long shot at winning a minority government, I think that everyone will be surprised with a better showing in Quebec than what is predicted. The NDP will work for the people and improve social programs, but that platform alone does not a great country make. Lack of economic reform and personal income taxes and anything else capitalistic is outside the grasp of the NDP. If we as a country could trade buttons and smiles in the world economy, then the NDP would be worth a chance. Come back in a few years with a minority government when you have a better understanding of fiscal responsibilities and management. Social programs does not make the average Canadian better off.

4. Bloc - Gilles Duceppe - haha, as soon as Duceppe opened his mouth, all I could see and hear is Crazy Joe Devola from that Seinfeld episode where he played the clown, Pagliacci. If you made Duceppe up in the same makeup, I would pit the likeness between the 2 to be as uncanny as Layton and the Video Professor, John Scherer. Duceppe just wants his own country. As I have said before, I will be the first guy there with a shovel to dig the moat around Quebec and get them off the transfer payments. They suck the biggest buck from my pocket than even the lazy asses on unemployment on the east coast.

Overall, I wasn't surprised with the debate, or the results. I think that in the end, a Liberal minority government will win. If the Conservatives happen to maintain the momentum of leading by 10 points by voting day, if they get in as the minority government, then I predict that they will be the second shortest reigning government in history, second only to Joe Clark's government in 1979.

I do have to give kudos to Martin - an excellent policy announcement of taking out the "notwithstanding clause" right of the government, if elected. This should tell all Canadians that the Liberals are trying to do the best thing for the country, given that the Charter of Rights is a fundamental policy that has to be resolved still.

Good luck everyone with your choices on the big day - 23 Jan 06. The future and momentum of improving the presence of Canada on the world stage is in your hands. Be sure to vote, and make your stand.

On-Going Campaigning

The Conservatives are leading in the polls...I don't think this is a good thing, because the Conservative platform for election isn't the greatest...and Harper has garnered alot of Weenie awards from me.
Even though the Liberals may have screwed up, look at all the parties fiscal promises, and just don't decide on a party for the sake of change. I am not a Liberal by any means, but their numbers do speak for themselves.
If only someone else was leading the Conservatives...
The big debate is on tonight (english version), and I plan on watching it. I will comment tomorrow on what I thought.

Weenie of the Week - Pat Robertson

I've neglected Weenie of the Week for a bit, due to the Christmas holidays...so, without further ado, I present this year's first recipient;

Pat deserved the award a while back for his bonehead comments about Hugo Chavez, and I overlooked him for it...my fault. But, he redeemed himself to show what a moron he is by his comments about Sharon and the "will of God"...









Congrats Pat, you have earned this award. Keep up the good work.

Open Letter to All Candidates

With all the recent hoopla around the election trail, I have a few questions I would like answered. Being in the minority now, a WASP, upper middle class, taxpaying citizen of this country, feel free to give me answers to the following;

1) Which party is going to return more of the tax dollars I pay every day? I am getting tired of paying the way for everyone else coming into this country, and for people that suck the tax dollars out because they don't know how to act like adults.

2) Which party is finally going to take a stand and realize that the best resource to take care of in this country are the normal, middle class WASPs that make up most of the tax base?

3) Which party is going to come forward and finally say that the bureaucracy of this country is top heavy, and needs to be reduced?

4) Which country is going to stand up to immigrants and the rest of the whiners that come here, and tell them to shit or get off the pot?

5) Which party is going to realize that the health system is broken, and is going to put a plan in place to fix it at a fraction of the current cost?

I know these are general questions, but there is nothing in the news or their platforms that show me that they are serious about making the changes this country needs, in order to maintain our standing in the world.

Its too bad that the running parties don't see that all they are doing is alienating the votes that count, and relying on "flavours of the day" as their campaign platforms. No wonder we can't get a government elected to fix things. The sooner we stop catering to special interest groups, the better. As for my vote, I don't have a clear choice yet.