Christmas....bah, Humbug...

Well, here it is, another Christmas sitting at home by myself. This time, I have company;

1. Egg Nog martini - my own invention...that means no specific recipe, just has booze in it, and its in a martini glass (I ran out of Cranberry martiniis)...
2. Crackers and Brie...with some Hungarian salami (I won't be kissing anyone, so its ok...)
3. My computer, with iTunes on loud...(Goddo playing now)
4. PokerStars, trying to win the big one...

Kids went home yesterday, after our Christmas on Saturday...they did enjoy the Xbox 360 and Rockband 2...even I enjoyed my time on drums and air guitar...lol

All alone on Christmas Eve? How are you spending your Christmas Eve for 2008? I hope better than I am spending it...

Merry Christmas, everyone!!

Auto Bailout? No Thanks...

I can't keep my mouth shut anymore. With the governments ready to dole out taxpayers' cash, someone from the Fed coffers has to listen to the population.

The big 3 are going to be filing for bankruptcy in 6 months for the following reasons;

1) The infusion of billions will not change the reliability/appeal of the vehicles. The same cars will still come off the line with the same perception of reliability, even if they are green.
2) The cost that puts the big 3 at a disadvantage is the legacy costs of the retirees. The UAW/CAW have not stepped up to the plate to offer concessions in this cost, that will still exist, no matter what kind of car they produce, which will still be passed on to the consumer in our next purchase.
3) The fact that the union has "offered" and agreed with a two-tiered wage system in a previous contract shows that they know that union workers and retirees are getting way more than they deserve.
4) The union/management have not given up enough of their own stake in the survival of the company. I haven't seen anything in the news about anyone of them taking a 10% pay cut to make the company survive.
5) The hourly rate of older union workers is ridiculous. The current wage of $30+ an hour for a high school drop out, and the sense of entitlement of this wage, is disturbing.
6) Any bailout will result in the population shunning dealers and salesmen, as if they were diseased. Car salesmen were already close to the bottom of the food chain...having them fleece the consumers after a bailout will definitely turn people off.
7) Even with the bailout cash, the Jobs Bank of the Big 3 will still exist.
8) The same players at each of the Big 3 will still be in command...therefore, vision and strategy will still be the same 6 months from now.

Giving the cash to the domestic automakers, is throwing good cash after bad. I would rather see them go belly up, and see a stronger player emerge from the bankruptcies.

Trust me, bankruptcies will prevail, and you can bet that the end will occur middle of 2009...the taxpayers will not forget the government that gives in to the bailout. I will never buy a domestic vehicle again if the bailout happens.

Someone tell me again why the other companies (Toyota, VW, Honda, Hyundai, etc.) don't need handouts????

CNN Half Truths – US Illegal Immigration

It never ceases to amaze me on CNN’s reporting on their website. The latest article to get me riled up, talks about a Mexican illegal in Kansas.

What is wrong with these people? If you enter the country illegally, you face the consequences of your actions. Period. In the story, the illegal’s wife knew that he was in the country illegally, but decided to make a life with him and marry him. I am not condemning their relationship, but there is one thing I will condemn…when the wife pleads “racism”, and charges that the US government is anti-Hispanic. What a joke. What gives people the right to bypass the legal process for any procedure, whether it be for citizenship or any other presumed “right” of existence in the US?

Get over it, Kecia Marquez…either play by the rules, or go to Mexico and be with him. There is no in-between or special circumstance I see, that allows you or your illegal husband to bypass the system. He entered illegally, and you are both suffering the consequences.

And CNN, show a little more discretion on how the article is written…I expect your journalism to be unbiased, and report facts only…not tearjerkers supporting undeserving whiners.

lol...had to share...

After a long night of making love, the guy notices a photo of another man on the woman's nightstand by the bed. He begins to worry.

'Is this your husband?' he nervously asks.

'No, silly,' she replies, snuggling up to him.

'Your boyfriend, then?' he continues.

'No, not at all,' she says, nibbling away at his ear.

'Is it your dad or your brother?' he inquires, hoping to be reassured.

'No, no, no! You are so hot when you're jealous!' she answers.

'Well, who in the heck is he, then?' he demands.

She whispers in his ear, 'That's me before the surgery.'

Funny for the week...read post before looking at picture!!!

Don't you just love it when teachers' good intentions run amuck!!! An elementary school class started a class project to make a planter to take home to their parents. They wanted to have a plant in it that was easy to take care of, so they decided to use cactus plants. The students were given greenware pottery planters in the shape of a clown which they painted with glaze. The clown planters were professionally fired at a class outing so they could see the process. It was great fun. They planted cactus seeds in the finished planters and they grew nicely, but unfortunately the children were not allowed to take them home. The cactus plants had to be removed and replaced with ivy prior to being given to the parents. The teacher said cactus seemed like a good idea at the time!

Able-Bodied Olympic Athletes Disadvantaged?

I am not surprised at the recent ruling on Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee who was barred from able-bodied competition in January. Tests done on the performance of his carbon fibre “blades” has shown that there is a disadvantage against able-bodied runners, by returning energy to the sprinter. This would allow Pistorius to expend about 25% less energy than an able-bodied sprinter, for a given race.

The Olympics are a competition, based on the raw capabilities of a human, without the aid of devices, drugs or changes to the human form. By racing with “blades”, this essentially would allow “bionics” to take over. Who is to say that the surgical implant of titanium prostheses wouldn’t taint the capabilities of competitors?

I am glad that the IAFF ruled against Pistorius, and I hope that the Court of Arbitration for Sport upholds the same ruling. We have enough problems with “performance enhancers” in professional sports…we don’t need the Olympics to be tainted as well.

An Increase of 10% in Imported China Toy Costs a Scam

Based on all the recalls last year on exported Chinese toys for lead paint, an article from the CBC website mentions that the price of Chinese toys is going to increase by about 10% this year.

Another cash grab from the consumer. Toy companies are claiming that there will be increased costs for quality control, to check for lead. I have one question for the toy execs…what quality control were you doing before the recalls? Do we not have laws about lead content allowed in paint already? This is not about establishing a new element in the product safety category, or even lowering allowable lead content in paint; it’s about adhering to an existing standard, to which the toy companies should have been following all along.

If there has been an established standard for lead content limits in paint, then all the companies need to do, is to make sure that their suppliers are following their supply agreements.

Saying imported toy costs will increase for increased quality control means that all their quality control departments have not been doing their jobs from day one. I suggest that the toy companies start holding their own internal QC departments accountable for allowing this to happen. We already pay for proper QC with these companies; we don’t need to pay anymore.

If a Chinese company supplies “out of spec” material, then sue them for the extra cost of the recalls…don’t ask the customers to pay.

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!