Amen...

Western nations need a leader like this...courtesy of an email I received today...

Australian Prime Minister John Howard

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia and her Queen at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his Ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown. Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state, and its laws were made by parliament. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you", he said on National Television
"I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia : one the Australian law and another Islamic law that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option", Costello said.
Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values should "clear off. Basically people who don't want to be Australians, and who don't want, to live by Australian values and understand them, well then, they can basically clear off", he said.
Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: "IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians."
"However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the 'politically correct' crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia ." "However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand." "This idea of Australia being a multi-cultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. And as Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle."
"This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom"
"We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!"
"Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture."
"We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us."
"If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like "A Fair Go", then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your culture, but do not force it on others.
"This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,
'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'."
"If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted."

Kudos to Passport Canada

With all the bashing that has been going on about passport requirements for travel into the US, I thought that Passport Canada deserved some kudos for processing my application so quickly.

On August 9, I was required to get a passport for my US work visa application. On August 10, I got the required guarantor signature, and headed to the Passport office, paid my $87 fee, and submitted the application. Lo and behold, on August 20, I received my passport by registered mail, with the "date stamp" inside of August 16. A 6 day turnaround, with a weekend at the end during delivery...I am sure it would have been faster if I did the application on a Wednesday or a Thursday.

Now I am not a fan of government offices, but I have to admit, that this has been one of the most pleasant experiences I have had. Keep up the good work.

Casualty of the Iraqi Madness

I couldn't help but feel sorrow for a little boy, Youssif, 5 years old in Iraq, who was mutilated by burns, as a result of some cowardly act by some masked men, all in the name of "freedom". I included the pictures, so we can all see how the "jihadists" are working against fundamental rules of humanity;

It's a sad day when the bright life of a young one is complicated, sure to cause grief in his later years, even with the help that is being promised from around the world. I hope that all the news channels will move Youssif's story into the headlines, and forget about Michael Vick already.

There are numerous causes out there to help him, and I plan to make a donation to help his cause. I think it would be a great idea, if we all, as bloggers, could create a trust fund for his future, and make something available for his future...whether it be post secondary education, or enough funds to get his whole family out of there, I think we can, as a group, make a difference.

Feel free to use my "make a donation" button in the sidebar, no matter how small, and I will pass on the net proceeds to the fund to help him. I am donating $14, so I challenge all of you to do the same. I will submit the net proceeds under the name of "Bloggers for Humanity".

Let's hope we don't have to read any more stories like this in the future.

Blue Pill...

An elderly gentleman went to the local drug store and asked the pharmacist for the little blue "Viagra" pill.

The pharmacist asked, "How many?"

The man replied, "Just a few, maybe a half dozen. I cut each one into four pieces."

The pharmacist said, "That's too small a dose. That won't get you through intimacy."

The old fellow said, "Oh, I'm past eighty years old, and I don't even think about intimacy much anymore. I just want it to stick out far enough so I don't pee on my new golf shoes.

Music Downloading and the RIAA

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!

Another Lost Canadian...

It was a little disappointing that one of Canada's stars on the world stage, Diana Krall, has in her concert rider, no mention of any Canadian wines on her "preferred" list....tsk, tsk...perhaps this is Elvis' doing?

Maybe she should get down to Niagara Wine Country and sample what's available...

It's nice to see our homegrown talent supporting our country....NOT!

Happy Canada Day!

Paris Hilton + Valtrex = Medical Condition Untreatable in Jail?

WTF??!!

Courtesy of TSG...

My money is not on her having shingles...

Enough of Paris Hilton Already!!!

I can't believe all the crap with Paris and her drunk driving. To even have the sherriff's department on your side, and let you out of jail, because of a medical condition, is a crime in itself. Mind you, it IS California...

In fact, there was a picture taken while the LA County Sherriff's department was rolling out a new deterrent for drunk driving...

As far as I am concerned, the whole ordeal was handled improperly. I would like to see her get a minimum of 6 months behind bars...not just for the drunk driving, but for flaunting the law on two occasions afterwards.

If anyone gets a t shirt when they get pulled over, send me one.

And the US Can't Win in Iraq?

As If Women Needed Another Excuse...

Courtesy of the Globe and Mail, oral sex can lead to throat cancer.

I wonder how long before my email inbox sends me spam saying it can make my sperm an antidote for throat cancer? Time will tell...

If you are reading this, and know where I can sign up to be a subject, I would be perfectly willing to allow myself to be used for more research into this. I will, for the sake of science and good of all mankind, allow myself to take all the oral sex women want to give me, if it will help find a cure. This is a good reason to support organ donation...

And of course I can't leave this article without a related joke;

Why are brides smiling in their wedding pictures?

Because they know they have given their last blowjob.

Have a good one..:)

Joke Time...lol

A female Mountie pulled over a drunken Saskatchewan farmer driving down
the back roads.

She said to him, "You're under arrest, anything you say, can and will be
held against you".

"Tits", replied the farmer.

Weenie of the Week - Harvey Levin

It's been awhile since I had a Weenie of the Week - an appropriate award for someone who is the biggest weenie, in my eyes anyways. Harvey Levin is this week's choice, albeit long overdue. Harvey is aggravating the best of times, and he is a little weasel. He gets the award this week for putting Alec Baldwin on the spot, by disclosing a phone message left for his daughter. I'm not saying Baldwin was right in all he said in his message, but until you have gone through a separation/divorce and being alienated by an ex, as far as I am concerned, it is none of our business. By the looks of things, Baldwin is taking matters into his own hands and disciplining his daughter. If he didn't, who knows where she would be. Kudos for wanting to be the parent that holds a heavy hand, and holding a young person accountable for their actions!

Harvey, you stoop pretty low to uncover stuff that no one really could care less about. Here's a thought...maybe Time Warner missed the spotlight after NBC got the scoop from the Cho package? I wouldn't put it past Levin and others to go around digging for crap to serve the public to gain an edge. Shame on Levin, and shame on Time Warner for letting him go off on a tangent and cheapen the news.

Here's to you, Weenie of the Week!

Blocked in China?

Came across an interesting link over at blastfurnacecanada.blogspot.com, regarding censorship of the internet in China....the result;

I doubt the validity of the test...here is a snapshot of a visitor in the past while;

This was a visitor from Wednesday night. Chinese visitors are regulars when I update, but I don't know what they would get out of this blog...

Maybe we are creating a mountain out of a molehill.

Maybe If Global Warming Was Presented Differently...

It's a Leopluradon, Chaaaarrrlie...lol

Don Imus Radio - RIP

What a big surprise...Sharpton had to stick his nose into the Imus affair. Did Imus' comment lack tact? Yes, but no reason to fire the guy. It's pretty sad when Imus gets raked over the coals for his comment (and all his other comments in hindsight as a result), yet rap artists get away with saying whatever they want in their songs. The selectiveness of the whiners in the world (Jackson and Sharpton are two standout whiners) goes beyond isolating an incident where Imus had an indiscretion, and even blasting Michael Richards' comedy club remarks a while back. Where are the stalwart icons of white supremacy when their race is attacked? Nowhere. The reason being, is that common sense prevails in some societies and cultures who have learned to live by "sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me". Only those who wish to create a Orwellian society of being more equal that others tend to bitch and complain when something is said "out of line". The same ones that feel that they are entitled to everything, are the ones that complain about minutae.

I hate to break it to you, but there will always be degrading comments thrown out in the world about every race and color. It takes real maturity to disregard the comments, and understand that ignorance abounds, and is prevalent in our society. Striking down a person's right to free speech should result in some sort of backlash, but not at the expense of their livelihood. Are black rappers ready to be censored in order to save the feelings of others? I don't think so...that would be called repressing their right to free speech, and they could possibly end up on the streets living off the social system complaining about how society is doing them wrong because of their color, instead of million dollar record deals. Do comedians have to apologize or get chastized for off the cuff remarks about rednecks? No...in fact, Southeners can even laugh at themselves, based on everyone else's sterotyping of anyone living in a trailer park in the Deep South.

Sharpton had said that it "wasn't the comment but the use of the airwaves" that made him speak out. If that's the case, then all media outlets and entertainers are susceptible to restrictions in free speech, and other possible financial disability on a whim of some evangelical fanatic with nothing better to do, when the content is ignorant and/or stereotypical. Do we want to censor all media, so we don't hurt anyone's feelings? I hope not. The answer to it all is to just ignore and don't give your attention to it, if it bothers you.

I don't agree with Imus' inappropriate behaviour, but he has apologized enough. I wish I could say the same for the Duke boys...now there is a real crime to humanity if Sharpton/Jackson don't apologize for their outburts a year ago.

Oh, the Horror...the Horror...

With the passing of Easter and the usual festivities...you know the story...Jesus is buried in cave by Pontius Pilot, and Jesus comes out of the cave a few days later, and if he sees his shadow there are 6 more weeks of winter...you know how it goes...

Imagine looking forward to a piece of chocolate, biting into it, and wondering why it doesn't taste like chocolate? When did a chocolate bunny become a "milk chocolate FLAVOURED confection" bunny????

I checked out who makes it, and its made in Quebec. So the only thing I can think of is that Quebec is trying hard to make sure we vote for a referendum to let them be their own country, by making shitty chocolate, if I can call it that.

You know, I almost fell for carob as a chocolate replacement, but I got wise. Beware of fake chocolate bunnies this Easter!!!

Needless to say, it has to be the worst thing I have ever tasted...and now I have no chocolate bunny to munch on...

New Job for French Canadians

Nice to see that there is an alternative line of work for Quebecers...as greasy French Canadians! I can just imagine Paulie Walnuts taking care of business if they started talking about separating from Canada...

Maybe Quebec should create their own country in a place like the Bada Bing? Isn't the Bada Bing all that is Montreal anyways??

Happy April Fools Day!!!!

I was going to do something, but opted to link to the top 100 April Fools pranks...courtesy of Museum of Hoaxes. Great reading, and sure to put a smile on your face thinking about how gullible people are.

Be careful out there!!

Porn Domain “.xxx” Denied

It’s a shame that the ICANN rejected a proposal to create a specific domain for the vast WWW porn industry. There wouldn’t have been anything wrong with it, as others have stated.

By creating a separate “red light district”, this would have allowed parents to easily filter out content that children would have been exposed. The ICANN wouldn’t have put themselves into the regulatory role, anymore than they have with the creation of all the other domains - .mil, .gov, .org, or .edu. The creation of .xxx would have been in the best interests of children everywhere. The right to free speech would still have been in tact, it would have made it a little more difficult to access, by having adults enter the domain in their searches.

I hope that ICANN reconsiders their position in the future, and allow the streamlining of web content to domains that are more specific to their targeted audience. Creating WWW indexing through domains does not constitute content regulation.

Classic...

"Why did God give seagulls wings?"
"So they could beat Frenchmen to the dump!"

lol...courtesy of Stephen King, "Bag of Bones"

Greenspan Misses the Limelight

Good ol’ Alan Greenspan misses his job so much, he can’t help but beak off to the media against the Fed, and give his “opinions”. I guess being retired affects everyone, and Greenspan is no different. The writer in the article is bang on – he needs to keep himself in the public eye in order to be able to charge an obscene rate of $150,000 for any speaking engagements.

Any public officials should be banned from saying anything related to current administration policies and direction, if related to their previous employment capacity. Perhaps the SEC or federal authorities should investigate what Greenspan gains from all the attention, related to his own portfolio…

Ugh…Anna Nicole Smith the Movie

I’m definitely not a fan of Anna Nicole, so when news of a movie about her life is in the works, I almost gagged. I can imagine that it will be a big waste of money and time, and of course the controversy around who is the father of Dannielynn.

God, I can’t stand to see her face in the news…for being a slut and a sleaze, she sure has milked her 15 minutes of fame. It never ceases to amaze me how people can be so fascinated with trailer trash, which is all she was.

I Howled When I Heard This One…

A guy goes into the doctor’s office, and proceeds to tell the doctor that he has a problem with his penis.
“Drop your pants, and let’s see what’s wrong”, the doc says.
The guy says, “Promise me you won’t laugh”. The doctor says, “I am a professional, and have seen lots of things in my time, and I don’t laugh at my patients”
The guy drops his pants, and lo and behold, his penis couldn’t have been any bigger than a AAA battery…
The doctor starts to laugh hard, tears are streaming down, and he can’t control himself. After a few minutes, he apologizes to the guy, and promised that he wouldn’t laugh any more, and that it was improper for him to laugh at his penis.
After gaining his composure, the doctor asks, “What seems to be the problem?”
The guy says, “It’s swollen”...

lol

Rev. Sharpton is an Ass...

Rev. Sharpton is one guy that gets on my nerves, every time I see him stick his pudgy face into any crisis or questionable discussion. He's an idiot. Now, with the revelation of his "relation" to the Thurmonds, I can't help but think what he expects to gain from a DNA test...does this need to go any further, unless Sharpton feels he can gain some sort of financial edge or otherwise?

This kind of behaviour by Sharpton (Jesse Jackson is another attention getter, but I will deal with him another time...), just reinforces the continuous slurs uttered for attention that are usually made, by blacks or others, looking to capitalize on past history and events. In order for people to continue to pay Sharpton's exhorbant appearance fees, he needs to generate controversy any way and any where he can. Anything to do with race, and there he is...like flies on shit.

Give Strom Thurmond a rest, Sharpton, and find something else to do with all that extra time you have on your hands. I hear OJ needs a golf partner...

Answers I Could Have Used in my Exams...

Giving in to North Korea?

It’s disheartening to see that the 6 party talks around shutting down the N. Korea nuclear weapons program has resulted in, essentially, a “buy off”, of $300 million, in the form of fuel oil and cash.

This has been criticized by former UN Ambassador Bolton, who has said that the deal with the N. Koreans will open the door for other communist states and other “axis of evil” countries to jump on the bandwagon for free handouts.

He’s absolutely right…the US will have its hands full in the coming months dealing with the other countries of the world, like Iran, and others, who will also expect to get something to stop their programs.

What this will do is essentially tie up much needed energy resources at home for others in the world, at a time when oil is slowly creeping up.

For other countries, such as Venezuela, chances are Chavez will now look to pry more money from the US, by making veiled threats of cooperation with his counterparts in other parts of the world, which could conceivably be the next “axis of evil”.

This development has opened the doors for other countries, to hold out their hands for a bailout or a helping hand, way beyond the means of the free world. With the price of oil continuing up, OPEC reducing output, the US will be strained to meet all the demands of the fringe countries that feel they are capable of developing warfare for the “good of their countries”.

How long will N. Korea be standing alone? Not long.

Anna Nicole Smith...No Love Lost

I've tried not to comment on the death of Anna Nicole Smith...it's a tradegy when a mother prematurely dies, especially with a baby at home. That is the extent of my compassion on the matter.

I've never liked her, and with all the publicity in the last few years, she has acted like an idiot. All things aside, I am sure the Marshall family is ecstatic. She was a skank.

How many more "fathers" are going to come out of the closet for the baby? So far we have 3, and my bet is that there will be a few more.

Having access to a potential windfall of $400 million, I am sure, will entice the scourge of society to come forth to lay claim to the baby's position to go after a portion of the estate.

CNNMoney is Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel

I subscribe to a few news feeds, and get emails every morning, that basically makes up for the lack of having a newspaper delivered...it's cheaper, and I can filter out the news I do want from the other crap.

As part of the CNN daily email, there was an article about how the housing slump is hurting a guy in Florida who has been flipping houses for 30 years...because there is a slowdown this year, he has been out of pocket $160,000 on a house that's been sitting on the market.

Are the CNN staff writers stupid? The article is written, so that the first part of it implies that the guy is bragging about making $80,000 in the first four months of 2005...then goes on to explain how he has been sitting on a house and is out of pocket. The article seems to want some sympathy for this guy!

Sorry, not going to get any from me. If you play the game, you have to take the good with the bad. It's unsettling that CNN staff writers are having to scrape the barrel for stories, and conjure up a spin on a guy that has probably been making tons of cash flipping, and we only hear about the one that got away.

For the sake of integrity, I hope that future articles from staff writers at CNN don't try to make victims out of people that have made a concious decision to try and make money this way. Not one bit of compassion goes out to these people for their "problems".

Death Penalty Warranted?

There are some things in this world that just don't need any more justification that what is presented in the news. With William Lorenzo Page, knocking his 2 year old daughter unconcious then TAKING her outside to freeze to death, it just doesn't get any easier for authorities. This, simply, is a guy who is one of the biggest pieces of shit ever. Not many things faze me these days, but reading about this is tragic.

If anyone ever doubts whether it is worth taking someone's life due to the brutal death of another, this news should sway your opinion. On top of that, he has been charged with sexual assault on another child in the house.

Too much...the world is going to hell in a handbasket...

Karla Homolka a Mom…So What!?!

Latest and greatest out of Montreal is that Karla may now be a mom, and the media is having a field day. There are questions out there that suggest that she shouldn’t even consider being a parent, due to her past with Paul Bernardo. But, with her debt paid to society, what gives everyone the right to criticize her life after prison? I have said this before…the Crown messed this case up in the beginning, by only giving her 12 years for her crimes. Sure, I think she should have been locked up forever, but, with all the changes and leniency within our justice system, anyone can get a deal, and basically do little time, and get on with their lives.
I resent the fact that the media is consistently chasing her whereabouts and actions, when they should be focusing on pressing getting to the bottom of the real issues, which is the state of disrepair of our legal system. Our legal system made the mess in the first place, so we all have to live with the result. I’m not impressed with her being free to begin with, but I certainly don’t have a right to condemn her living her life as a free woman, fully paid in the eyes of the law. Everyone who criticizes Homolka being a parent after what she did, should also line up and permanently take the driver’s license away from anyone ever convicted of vehicular manslaughter, that has done their time. At the same time, let’s ban bank robbers from using ATMs because of their past too. While we are at it, let’s cut off the left hand of anyone that ever lifted a candy bar from a corner store, and not allow them to go into stores anymore.

Get off it already…the real criminals in this case was the government for letting the people down in the first place with only giving her 12 years. Media should be putting pressure on the government to make the criminal code mean something, and give judicial substance to law enforcement to do their job to keep the streets safe for the rest of us. At the very least, sentences should be mandated for certain crimes, and be non-negotiable. The harsher the sentence, the more of a deterrent they will be. Only then can we actually back off and consider “time served” as enough of a payback to society, and let them get on with their lives. Maybe then, after someone is released, we can sit back and have faith that “justice has been served”.

Are Bloggers Social Outcasts?

I couldn’t help but comment on this article on canada.com. Seems that Michael Keren thinks he knows bloggers and what makes them bare all or even comment on events within cyberspace.
I am not looking for celebrity status, and neither is the majority of bloggers out there. I definitely don’t consider myself a social outcast or a weirdo. Why blog? Well, I am sure there are various reasons out there, but I do it to practice my writing, and to just keep a personal journal of what happens in the world, from my perspective. Current events, or even personal events, serve as great reading for my future generations. There will be a day when my kids grow up, and it will be nice to be able to pass on more than just family photos. The one thing that we miss in our ancestry is the ability to get the true feelings and ideals each of our ancestors had years ago. Passing of old photographs is nice for the time, but why not express your ideas and thoughts, on many other issues of the day? What did I find humorous? What bothers me with world events? This blog, which I will give access to my kids down the road (whether in the present format or other media), will give them more of an idea of what their dad really was like – how I thought, things I felt strongly about, and even my interests.

So, Mr. Keren, before you go and paint the blogosphere with the same brush, consider why others might be blogging these days, instead of being as narrow minded as to say that we are all insecure, lonely outcasts. With my busy life, this is a welcome break to get some alone time, and think back on events that have shaped who I am and what is about me. If others read it, then so be it. Living life and reading/writing about it, is interesting, and a lot better than watching the TV all night. Maybe if you got out more into the blogging world instead of the nine you tracked for your book, you might come to a different conclusion.

Black Superbowl? Who Cares...

Watching ESPN pre-game show today, there is a lot of hype surrounding the fact that this is the first time 2 black coaches will be facing off against each other. Who cares??
Instead of perpetuating the milestones of black achievement, in sports or otherwise, maybe the NAACP should go on a crusade to eliminate the need for announcing and sensationalizing these types of milestones.
Will there be a day when we can just look forward to an event, without having to put a race spin on it? I expect guys like loud-mouthed Al Sharpton will have something to say, and of course, will mean nothing. Jesse Jackson may also jump in, just to stay in the limelight. The real problem in all this is those 2 yahoos getting into the foray of public debate.
Get a life...2 black coaches is no big deal. Just like it wouldn't be a big deal if 2 white coaches were there. Maybe the Asian community will be the next group to say something about not having any Asian coaches in the NFL.

On a side note, Indy is my pick, by 10. Good luck Bears, but you are not the team from 1985.

Barrett-Jackson Car Auction 2007 – A Disappointment

I know it’s a bit late for this post, but I was disappointed with the auction this year. In the past, I have made sure that the Speed channel is on at all times when the auction is on, to catch something on the classic cars gone by. My first car was a 1971 Buick Skylark…boy, I wish I had it now. In previous years, the auction was good, however, it is becoming more and more of a game between a bunch of old men with more money than brains, who think that if they “top up” a bid for a “good cause”, that the “make you feel good” component of the event justifies the outrageousness of money being thrown around, and pocketed by Mr. Jackson and friends.
There are a few things I disagree with, as far as the auction costs are concerned. There was a fee for both the buyer (8% of hammer price) and seller (10% of hammer price), which is ridiculous. Based on receipts of $100 million, this gives B-J (funny acronym, considering the fleecing…maybe the winning bidders got kissed first, but who is going to complain about a BJ?) $18+ million. Keep in mind, that this is just the cars…don’t forget the outrageous entry fee to be a bidder, to even stand on the floor!!! ($500 USD, by the way…). Shelby’s Cobra was nice though…not worth $5 million, but still nice to look at;


I am not against free enterprise, or someone trying to make a buck, but if eBay tried to screw you for costs coming and going on an item, I would think that there would be a revolt. Since we don’t have a revolt amongst the rich guys at the auction, I can only assume that they do, in fact, have more money than brains.
If fees are not an issue with these guys, then do you really get the value of the car through their auctions? I doubt it. I know that when I was fantasy bidding, I kept thinking like a buyer, and undercutting myself on the hammer price, just thinking about the 8%/10% fees. Needless to say, I didn’t win the LCD TV.
What I didn’t like, was that everyone was jumping on the band wagon, trying to squeeze just a few more bucks out of these old guys, by pumping up guest appearances and trying to sell other vehicles, that don’t even belong. Concept soapbox vehicles (“gravity racers”), and trying to get a rise out of the bidding audience by selling the original written lyrics for “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, with Alice Cooper in the background trying to sell his Zephyr mod, the Playboy Nomad (so they claim…), hinders on the original concept of the auction to sell prized and collectible cars. Commercialization at it’s best. Too much.
I think from now on, I will have to be selective on how much of the auction I do watch in 2008, and to realize that the auction is no more the place where true classic car lovers can go to get something of their dreams, without contributing to the lack of testosterone that the “ol’ boys” try to covet. Keep the $5 million Shelby…I hope it’s worth every penny. I’ll take a classic split window Corvette any day, and save myself a bundle.

Playing With Picture It! Premium

I had this photo editing software package that I got from Microsoft, and I just started to use it recently now that I am interested in taking some pictures. I always enjoyed photography...and with a digital camera (even a point and shoot like I have), or the DSLRs, this kind of software seems to do a good job of "fixing" the pictures I have. Since I got the camera in April '06, I have amassed a few hundred pictures, and I figured a good winter project would be to sort through them and edit where needed.

The Falls pictures in the previous post are an attempt to improve the shots, however, I forgot to save the original for a comparison. No cropping was done to those.

So, what I did was work on the picture below, and here is the result;

This was taken down by the Falls in June '06, at one of the golf courses. I'm impressed with the editing software, and I am sure there are others. This seems to do this amateur photog just fine. Stay tuned for more in the future, as I get used to it. They will be scattered amongst my comments and thoughts.

Niagara Falls

I had another chance to get down the Falls again, and I got a great shot of the Falls this time;
Have to admit, the Falls are pretty amazing...and in the winter, the snow all over looks nice;

Rednecks Will Love This...Brain Damage Cures Smoking Addiction

Another interesting article in CNN Health...I can see the Sheriff and Coroner pulling up to the trailer park in Arkansas now;

Sheriff: "Why y'all hit ur men with the baseball bats?"

Rednecks: "We's jus' tryin' to make Billy-Bob give up that baccy!!"

Lock'em up...

Microwave experiments cause sponge disasters

Courtesy of CNN Health, here is an interesting article on sponge sterilization.

Any bets as to how long it will take for a female to put a contraceptive sponge in the microwave?

Wee for a Wii Contest Gone Wrong

The ultimate sacrifice for a Wii console...read it here. The 2007 Darwin Awards are starting off on the right foot...

First Permanent Snow

Well, I guess hoping for a green winter was a bit far-fetched...woke up this morning to the white stuff coming down;


It's one of those days to take it easy, enjoy a pot of coffee, and get ready for the rest of the NFL games. If the snow keeps up, I might have to give myself a snow day tomorrow.

Wider Seats Needed at Dodger Stadium

A recent trial at the stadium was done, by providing all-you-can-eat for a ballgame…I just can’t help but wonder if they will be increasing the size of the seats to accommodate the fans that will take advantage of it. Just to put it in perspective, look at your computer monitor…add about an inch to either side of the display…that is the average width of the seat at the stadium (20 inches).
With all the hoopla around the obesity of the nation, the last thing we need, is an outlet where it’s a “free for all” for junk food.
Nothing better than getting the kids out to the game, from behind their game systems, and promise them all you can eat hotdogs…
Next study I would like to see, is the average weight of a baseball fan, on a stadium by stadium basis. I am sure the government will fund that study for someone.

And also, a note to Dodger Stadium…make sure you provide a jar of Vaseline with each ticket…your fans will be able to use it to grease their hips to fit into the seats (mental note – buy shares in Unilever…).

Importance of Disclosure of Health History

Call me a cold-hearted prick, but when I read this article on the outcome of this tragic incident in the Newfoundland Supreme Court, I shrugged it off. My lack of compassion for the facts of the case is the reason for writing about it here.

With all the nuisance health issues that our health system has to deal with, I am sure that there is nothing more frustrating to health professionals than wasting their time with symptoms and treatments, in order to figure out what the problem is, in order to effectively treat their patients. With this instance, the court ruled that non-disclosure of family history is the main reason for upholding a lower court decision. Kudos to the justice system for supporting the healthcare system!

What we all can learn from this, is we all have an obligation to be upfront when dealing with medical issues…this will help make the healthcare system more efficient, and result in quicker turnaround times in treatment. Maybe if we all know a little bit more and are more aware of our health history, this will go a long way in making treatment more effective for all that need it.

Toronto Water Meters Next City Scandal?

I read with disbelief about Toronto’s plan to implement a high tech water meter program (and 9% annual increase in all water bills until 2012), in the older neighborhoods, in order to help the city deal with an $800 million shortfall in funds required to update the water lines and sewers, but can’t help but question the cost…$150 million program to convert 15,000 homes to these new water meters. By calculation, that works out to $10,000 per home to supply and install one of these new meters. I had a water meter installed in my house in 1993 (in Hamilton), and it cost me about $400 at the time. Mind you, it wasn’t anything high tech, except that it could be read outside the house.
The condition of the water system in Toronto, and other parts of the province for that matter, have been neglected with respect to maintenance and upkeep, and the mounting bills and debts are reminiscent of the old Ontario Hydro debt we all seem to be paying off.
Given the city’s handling of the computer leasing scandal, is this another fiscal disaster waiting to happen? I would hope that the taxpayers of Toronto are preparing to fight this, as there is no way it should cost $10,000 to supply and install a water meter.

Cleaned Up Blogs

I have spent some time cleaning up my blogs, so it's more streamlined (I have 4 on the go...).

On a side note, does anyone know if Blogger/Google allows for changing your AdSense sign in to the new all-in-one Google username/password?

Damn...Only in the US of A

I came across an article on CBC, that would have been a perfect outlet for my attempt at writing a fictional novel. I have maintained a site with excerpts as I write them, but I have been looking for an outlet to push myself to get something published...getting a book published is one of those things I have on my "life to do" list, along with attending a Superbowl, Augusta National for the Masters, and a round of golf at St. Andrews.

But, alas, again a contest that is only open to US residents, which sucks. As close as we are with the US, we still can't get into these kinds of things. I wish we had something in Canada like that, but I don't know of anything.

Feel free to comment if there is a similar outlet here.

Is NASA the Neglected Child?

I was reading about the failure of the Mars Global Surveyor, and find it interesting that all of a sudden, after 10 years, it has stopped working, apparently due to human error in the software programming.

Now, I realize that the US is under a budget crunch, and with all the money going to the military, does NASA feel left out? I think so. It is too convenient that NASA reports that Mars could have had liquid water flowing on it recently, and with the recent news out about NASA possibly having killed life on Mars, I am tempted to think that perhaps NASA is up to some tricks, to ensure that it has adequate justification in place for future budget increases. Being bombarded with news about possible life on Mars and supporting environment for life on Mars, sure is a carrot to appease taxpayers before a rate hike.


In 1996 dollars, NASA is merely, at best, staying on top of the CPI…having newsworthy “discoveries” and “problems”, will help squeeze more money from the taxpayers. Maybe a simple case of “sibling envy and rivalry” with the US military budget perhaps? Or preparation for a major assault on the US taxpayer?

Dan Brown may have been dead on, in his portrayal/description of NASA, when he wrote Deception Point…

New Word for 2007

With all the hype about Apple's new phone, I have a new word we can use...

iPhonatic

Definition:

[n] a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm (as for a cause) for the latest gadget for cellular calls;
[adj] marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a new cell phone released by Apple;

Arrrrggghhhh!

Nothing is more frustrating that when you are surfing through the blogs, and everyone has all that fade in and fade out crap, that causes my browser to hang up...yet another thing that pisses me off.

For once I would like to flip through a few good blogs, and see what people are writing about, without having to dodge pop-ups that tell me they love me for visiting. And if you come across a good blog worth reading, please leave a comment, and I will go see it.

As for you no-minds out there that think you are computer and HTML geniuses, give it a rest...if you don't know how to work the controls in the blog, stick to an old-fashioned diary please, and do us all a favour!

Open Letter to Donald Trump

Mr. Trump,

You, of all people, should know that you can't get through the heads of fat-assed wannabe talk show hosts. In my eyes, you are right, Rosie is wrong, and I hope you do "take all the cash you can from that fat ass of hers".

If you are looking for a place to donate it, I have a fat ass, and it would go a long way to help me with a diet plan...:o)

Keep at it, I know you will hold your head high, and not let Rosie and Bawbwa get to you. You are way better than them anytime.

Good luck with The Apprentice, and Big Break at Trump National.

Sincerely,

A Fan

Piss Me Off...

I can't believe it...here it is at 2 am, in a quiet neighborhood where people have to work in the morning, and you have some boneheads out there doing something with the sewers at this time of the night...the drone of diesel generation has been driving me nuts!!!!

Note the time on the picture...and of course, no one is around working...must work for the city perhaps...pricks like this need to be shot.

More Redneck Fun...

Redneck Fun...

US Healthcare Costs Out of Control

Is it just me, or is anyone else flabbergasted by the cost of US healthcare in 2005? $2 Trillion spent...boy, sounds like the US is a sickly lot.

Healthcare has and always will be a big business. The numbers in the article above (click on post title to go to CNN article), and continuing spending on healthcare doesn't seem to be making everyone better.

Just think...if everyone cut out 10% of their healthcare requirements, $200 billion could be used elsewhere. This won't happen though, as we try to continue to "make ourselves healthier". Spending that much on healthcare with no improvements in the overall health of the US, just goes to show that the primary interest of the healthcare system is to make money, not improve the health of the nation.

Rather than giving in to the demands of healthcare professionals for more funding, benchmarks and performance criteria should be set. Only when the healthcare professionals are held accountable to their spending, will things improve.

UAW Hinders GM/Ford/Chrysler Improvements

I had to add this after my "digressing" comment below...

As long as the old Big Three are held at ransom by the UAW, there is no way that they can turn a considerable profit, and make the American car the leader again.

Sorry, unions…Toyota and Honda know how to treat their employees, and they don’t need union help. For this, Lutz will be out in the cold for any of the good work he supposedly has done, and GM won’t be able to stop the slide, unless the Unions buy in, and take the cuts that are needed to make companies work. If the UAW doesn’t make concessions to the current contract and previous benefits in 2007, then the loss in market share will continue.

The union’s stance about holding onto gains “for their brothers”, is medieval thinking, in a world that has changed, requiring all to work in a global market. Job banks, over generous health coverage, and the like are privileges, not rights. Neither is an average wage of $35 US an hour for tightening bolts on a wheel.

UAW and it’s members have had enough of a free ride for the last 50 years…time to suck it up, and get paid what you should be paid.

I’ll buy a new car from the Big Three when I know I am not supporting the Job Banks, or the outrageous wages and benefits the UAW seems to feel entitled to.

Bob Lutz a Detriment to GM

Based on the latest news from Lutz, he maintains that the NA market wants crossover vehicles. I’m not sure where he is getting his information from, but the last I saw, Toyota and Honda were grabbing market share, based on their capability of providing stylish vehicles, with the least amount of reliability issues.

So far, Lutz has been at GM in the role of product czar, for about 5 years now…GM has not been able to stop the slide of market share.

Will the recent awards (Car and Truck of the Year) to GM at the Detroit Auto Show lead to a stop to the downward spiral of GM? Time will tell, but I don’t think so. Lutz needs to give his head a shake, and see why Toyota and Honda work well, and gain market share…it’s certainly not because of the availability of crossover vehicles!

Reliable stylish vehicles, reliable stylish vehicles, and reliable stylish vehicles…that is my 3 point plan to improve Ford and GM. And busting the current union stranglehold on benefits…but I digress…