When Irish Eyes Are Smiling...

If it wasn't for me

2007-04-14T12:01:00.000-06:00

Riders Made Money in 2006--But Not a Lot

So the Riders only made 455 dollars last year. That means that if I had not purchased season tickets, they would have been in the red. What concerns me is that they made 1 million from the Rolling Stones concert and probably a million more from the sale of the naming rights to Taylor Field. So unless the Stones are coming back next year, we are screwed.

One more question...How much is Jim Hobson making? The guy before him used to do the job for free. Maybe we should get him back. Heck, I'll do the job for free.

Okay one more question...how long does it take to make a code of conduct?

5 Things I learned from the SI Swimsuit Issue

2007-02-19T19:51:00.000-06:00

1) A simple Ipod can be a very effective swimsuit.

2) Whoever decided to shoot the models in 3D and include the old school 3D glasses is a genius!

3) I'm going to the wrong beaches.

4) Tops are now optional.

5) Paint is a very effective swimsuit.

My SuperBowl Prediction

2007-01-21T22:16:00.000-06:00

Regina Rocks!

2007-01-20T11:24:00.000-06:00

Regina Stones Shows Set New Canadian Benchmark

The Stones concerts in Regina were officially the biggest grossing concerts in CANADIAN HISTORY! The also cracked the Top 40 biggest grossing concerts ever in North America (they were also the only Canadian events to EVER crack that list.)

And Mayor Fiacco is promising another major concert announcement for 2007. My bet is on U2. Although given the choice, I would rather see the Stones again. Maybe U2 could open for them.

The New Treadmill

2007-01-18T20:28:00.000-06:00

Since I have started subscribing to Consumer Reports, my life has changed. I am CR Best Buyaholic. I no longer use Tide laundry detergent, because it is not a CR Best Buy. It is addicting. My new Treadmill IS a CR Best Buy, thus making my life complete. Since I know you all care, I have included some pictures of my new addition to the family.

In other news:

Michael Vick In Airport Water Bottle Incident - January 18. 2007
This was just sent to me. It shocks me how stupid people are sometimes. You are worth something like 50 million dollars. Do you have to smuggle your dope on a plane. Couldn't you just chuck it and buy some more when you land?

BBC NEWS | Americas | UN staff 'owe $18m parking fines'
In keeping with the theme of cheap people are, I don't think diplomatic immunity should extend to parking violations.

Consumer Reports withdraws study on car seat safety
This should make some friends of mine happy. The only mistake Consumer Reports has ever made. (I hope)

NHL set to unveil new jerseys in Dallas
When they say this has nothing to do with merchandising, they really mean it was everything to do with merchandising.

CTV.ca | MySpace hit with online predator suits
There are predators on MySpace? Who knew?

NFL Conference Picks and other stuff

2007-01-17T19:49:00.000-06:00

SuperBowl.com - Official website of Super Bowl XLI
For the NFC, I say it's the Saints over Da Bears. Bears were the best team in the NFC, but they are missing something and have been all season. They almost lost to the Cardinals. The Saints are a team of destiny. Drew Brees simply has too many weapons to use on offense. Bush should be looking WMD's in New Orleans. Final Score: Saints 27 Bears 17

In the AFC, look for Manning to choke in the clutch. Tom Brady simply knows how to win in January. I don't care what anybody says, the Colts defense is still terrible.
Final score Patriots 31 Colts 24

Manslaughter conviction a minimum, judge tells Walker jury
Judge did the right thing here. Murder is still murder, even if the victim was total scumbag.

CTV.ca | Sask. to receive no equalization money: minister
We are getting screwed by the Tories. They promised us 800 million, now they are saying no way. I have always voted Conservative, but I am telling you, nobody likes being lied to. This could cost the government 12 seats.

CTV.ca | Lindsay Lohan checks into rehab
It's kind of funny when people under the legal drinking age have to check themselves into rehab. Whatever happened to parents? Just because your daughter is worth millions, doesn't mean you can't ground her.

Wow, two posts in 2 days. The pace is picking up.

2 News Items today

2007-01-16T21:03:00.000-06:00

Harper to deal with fiscal imbalance in budget: report
The tories will have BIG problems in Saskatchewan if they don't come up with the fair equalization deal they promised. 800 million Stephen. I am saying "No DEAL" to all other offers.

Kenton Keith bolts Riders for Colts
Not a surprise he is leaving. He will be back by Labour Day. He is a good back, just not good enough to be in the NFL.

CTV.ca | 'Lost' producers talking about setting end date

2007-01-15T21:18:00.000-06:00

An article of interest for Lost fans:

CTV.ca | 'Lost' producers talking about setting end date

And now for the monthly post!

2007-01-05T10:42:00.000-06:00

Happy new year!

First of all, I am not going to apologize for my lack of blogging these last few months. It's not that I don't enjoy it, it just that it seems that other things always get in the way. I am going to try and be a bit more active on this site, maybe change the focus of it a slightly, but I make no promises. This blog may just become a place for me to store my favorite links. Kinda of like a personal home page, that only serves me.

So what I have I been up to over the holidays? I just got back today from beautiful Kelowna, BC. I was actually there a few days longer than expected, due to a thick fog that was preventing all planes from landing and taking off.

I went skiing at Big White, and tasted many fine wines from the Okanagan Valley. I have a new favorite winery. Knocking Quails Gate from its top spot is Gray Monk. (actually Quails Gate has gone done a few spots due to a dramatic drop in quality) Gray Monk is just a small winery, but it is available here in Saskatchewan (with a very limited selection.)

Caught a bit of the World Juniors tournament. Go Canada!

In the world of Fantasy Sports, I had to give up my title as Fantasy Football Champion after a disappointing playoff run. Time to turn the focus to hockey and save my floundering team.

Glad that Ambrose is out as Environment Minister. Maybe now we can get some work down on the issue. Let's start by scrapping the Clean Air Act. Glad to see Sask have 2 seats at the Cabinet table.

Anyway, hope to post more soon.

IE

Change 2 words

2006-11-25T22:12:00.000-06:00

Change the words "Notre Dame" to "Henry Burris", and I think this might be a preview of a new t-shirt I will have made up for my next trip to Calgary.

Yes I am still checking in here. I am trying to be a better blogger. We'll see how it goes.

(BTW: Google "You're with me leather" and you will get a hilarious anecdote of one of my favorite sports commentators.)

Look who made the big time!

2006-11-02T21:24:00.000-06:00

Yep, our gopher is International news!

Check it out on S ports Illustrate.com

The month of October never happened!

2006-10-31T22:11:00.000-06:00

Okay so I forgot to blog the whole month of whole of October.

Not much happened.

On to November! (and a possible Grey Cup win!)

On Notice

2006-09-21T22:12:00.000-06:00

Staples.ca, free shipping and a free pen

2006-09-16T12:14:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I placed an order on staples.ca for a laser printer cartridge.

Today (one day later) my order was delivered to my door, with no charge for shipping.

Also, in the box was a free pen. Not just any free pen, but a uni-ball jet stream pen.

My wife described it as the best freakin' pen in the world.

Owning a home cuts into blogging

2006-09-06T22:24:00.000-06:00

I am just discovering that owning a home (and being married) puts a serious cramp on the ole' blogging time.

I am still alive, just been very busy. It takes a crazy long time when to unpack, especially when you plan to live in a place for many years. The cupboard where you put your plates, is most likely going to be the "plate cupboard" for a very long time. And there are millions of these little decisions. You hate to screw up so early.

Anyway, things are starting to settle back down to normal. I still have many weekends of work ahead, but it's getting to the point where we are starting to be comfortable in our new home.

I have not abandoned blogging. I am just trying to get it back into my routine.

Regular Blogging to resume

2006-08-30T21:54:00.000-06:00

Okay, after a month off, I am back. I am now married, and have returned from my honeymoon.

Regular postings will resume later this week. This is one of my busier times of year so I will post more frequently when things settle down.

Later.

SOLD OUT!

2006-07-31T10:23:00.000-06:00

The Rolling Stones have sold out Mosiac Stadium in less than 10 minutes.

Yours truly was able to pick up another 4 tickets!

I am truly the "TicketMaster!"

The Countdown is on

2006-07-30T23:14:00.000-06:00

I am down to my last week of bachelorhood. And I will spend it by finishing off a long list of chores given to me by my fiancee.

So blogging may be light to non-existant during the next little while. Of course, I haven't exactly been setting a blistering pace recently with my 1 post a week average. So maybe bloggin will stay exactly the same.

How sweet was that?

2006-07-30T22:36:00.000-06:00

Man I waited a long time for that! Finally the Riders beat Lyin' Hank.

The 5 sacks were great. Fred Perry should be named citizen of the year.

I would have liked to have seen a interception, or a huge hit on Smilin' Bank. And it would have been great to see Mcmanus come in. I bet he would have received a standing ovation.

Still it was a great game.

Good to see the Riders are still keeping pace in the wild West.

Now if only we can string two victories in a row!

On another note, thanks to the Night and D.L. for planning a fantastic "stag" for me. And thanks to all those who attended. Sorry I couldn't say goodbye to you all at the end of the night, but I think I had an allergic reaction to the alcohol. It was causing me to slur words and get dizzy. I think it also gave me a touch of the stomach flu.

But I am feeling fine now.

My new most hated city

2006-07-28T09:13:00.000-06:00

That's right Halifax, it's you. It's on baby, you and me, outside!

Here is quote from the Halifax Daily News:

"Mayor Peter Kelly said while the concert is not a "life-altering event," it will give Halifax a chance to strut with the biggest cities on the continent, Regina being the exception."

Who is Halifax to talk? Come and see me when you have a pro football team. I heard that the Rolling Stones didn't even want to come and see you, they just felt sorry for you.

How big is your stadium? I bet ours is bigger.

How many Grey Cups have you hosted?

How many pro football games have you hosted?

Your mayor has 2 first names. And neither of his names are as a cool as Pat Fiacco.

And I bet our mayor could take yours in a street fight.

Pacific seafood is way better than Atlantic seafood.

More people hate seafood than hate beef.

St. John and St. Johns? What is up with that? Here's a secret, NO CANADIAN KNOWS WHICH ONE IS WHICH!

Seriously, don't f@#* with us Halifax. You don't want that. You really don't.

It's only Rock and Roll!

2006-07-27T17:07:00.000-06:00

Victory is mine! I got my tickets for the Rolling Stones!

I knew sitting through all those painful Rider games would pay off somehow.

Now I can just sit back and count the days until October 8th!

(of course I might still try my luck Monday as well, see if I can't be a hero to somebody else)

I'm back

2006-07-21T09:19:00.000-06:00

Well I am back. I again have internet and cable television. The big move is complete.

It's weird getting use to a new area of the city. I feel like people are watching me at the grocery store saying "Hey, who's the new guy?" And a little part of me feels that I betrayed the south end of city. But I am sure I will get over that.

Anyway, to kick start things, let's see what's been making news...

I am disgusted by the way many of the Canadian evacuees are bitching about the comforts that their rescuers supplied. One Canadian was even quoted as saying she would have rather stayed in Lebannon. I think our government was more concerned about getting as many people out alive, than ensuring they all have a fluffy pillow and bottled water.
OCTOBER 8TH BABY!!!! MICK AND THE BOYS ARE COMING TO REGINA!!!
Great CFL game last night between the Eskimos and Bombers!
Apparently Joel Siegel walked out of a screening of Clerks II. The issue is not that he walked out, but they way in which he did it. Check out this exchange between Kevin Smith and Joel Siegel. It's long, but very funny and there is a surprise twist towards the end.
This is the reason why Steven Nash is such a classy guy.

Can't think of anything else. Go Riders!

Going offline

2006-07-14T08:33:00.000-06:00

I will be going offline for the next little while. I'm in the process of moving, so the computer has to be shut down during the move. (I have been told I am not packing fast enough.)

If anything big happens, I may post a comment.

Just so you are not lost without me, (and in the spirit of the SNL skit "Coffee Talk") I will give you some topics to discuss.

Anybody see Argos RB John Avery on "Off the Record"? Sounds like he is not happy in Toronto and I suspect is on the trading block. Should the Riders make an offer?
Anybody have any solutions for the Middle East? Because I know I am all out of ideas.
If Kenton Keith has a big game tonight, I bet the calls for him to be cut before his trial will be silenced. If he sucks tonight, Barrett has the perfect excuse to cut him. This game is the most important game of his career.
It's complete B.S. to say that the Riders problems are overblown because they play in a small community. That argument would work if it was only local media talking about it. But it has been on all the national sports shows and newscasts. I don't recall seeing any Argo players being arrested.
How long does it take to put in a code of conduct anyway? We've been working on this since November.
Headline in today's Leader Post: Ice Cream a popular summer-time treat. In the words of Kent Brockman, "So I guess you could say....this barely qualifies as news."

Anyway, that's it for awhile. See you on the other side.

From my Inbox

2006-07-14T00:07:00.000-06:00

Four guys were driving across

Canada

. Each one was from a different
Province: P.E.I., BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.

Shortly after the trip began, the guy from P.E.I started pulling
Potatoes from his bag and throwing them out of the window.

"What the heck are you doing?" demanded the guy from BC.

"We have so many of these darn things in PEI, I'm just sick of
Having them around."

A moment later, the guy from BC began pulling apples from his bag
And tossing them from the window.

"What are you doing that for?" asked the guy from Alberta.

"Same here. We have so many apples in BC, I'm sick of having them around."

Inspired, the guy from Alberta opened the car door and pushed the
Saskatchewan guy out.

A new way to deal with stress

2006-07-12T21:19:00.000-06:00

From now on, if you piss me off, this is going to happen to you. (I found this courtesy of Paul Wells.)

Keith Charged

2006-07-12T12:39:00.000-06:00

RoughRider running back Kenton Keith has been charged with aggrevated assault.

This most likely will put an end to his days as a RoughRider.

This brings back into question wether or not we got enough for trading Corey Holmes.

I hope Danny Barrett has a plan, because every Rider fan saw this coming a mile away.

(Update: Keith is not at Rider practice)

New Blog and Interesting Rider quote

2006-07-12T09:50:00.000-06:00

pedersenmedia

Regina broadcaster Rod Pedersen has a blog. Pedersen is the voice of the Riders and of the Regina Pats.

This blog should be very interesting to those who follow sports in the province of Saskatchewan.

In one of his posts, he has a quote from Jason French. It's very interesting indeed!

Click here to read it!

I will add this blog to my "Other Blogs" section soon.

Thanks DL for pointing this out to me.

Still more free books!

2006-07-10T16:34:00.000-06:00

I just added a few titles to my book give away list.

The Manchurian Candidate - Richard Condon
Omerta - Mario Puzo
Jack and Jill - James Patterson
The Gotti Tapes - Various

Like I said, these books are free, just send me an e-mail with what you want.

The Complete List

The Manchurian Candidate - Richard Condon
Omerta - Mario Puzo
Jack and Jill - James Patterson
The Gotti Tapes - Various
Sports Illustrated Sports Almanac - 1996 (it was a good year for sports!)
The Scicilian - Mario Puzo
The Last Debate - Jim Lehrer
Foundations - Isaac Isimov
A slip of the tongue - Compilation
The Antagonist - Laurence Martin (Unathorized Biography of Lucien Bouchard)
~~Frankenstein - The Prodigal Son (Book One) - Dean Koontz~~
~~Frankenstein - City of Night (Book Two) - Dean Koontz~~
Seabiscuit - Laura Hillendrand
~~Dune - Frank Hebert~~
~~Dune Messiah - Frank Hebert~~
~~Children of Dune - Frank Hebert~~
~~God Emperor of Dune - Frank Hebert~~
~~Farenhreit 451 - Ray Bradbury~~
Split Images - Elmore Leonard
Glitz - Elmore Leonard
Bandits - Elmore Leonard
Be Cool - Elmore Leaonard
~~The Running Mate - Joe Klein~~
Cat's Cradle - Kurt Vonnegut
The GodFather Returns - Mark Weinstein
The Corrections - Jonathan Frazen
Star Trek TNG - A time to be Born
Star Trek TNG - A time to die
Hannibal - Thomas Harris
The Brethren - John Grisham
The Runaway Jury - John Grisham
A Painted House - John Grisham
The Lie - Michael Weaver
The Price of Power - James Huston
Spanking the Donkey - Matt Taibbi
~~No Holds Barred - John Crosbie~~
~~The Mulroney Tapes - Peter C. Newman~~
Guilty Addictions - Garrett Wilson
~~The Rule of Four - Ian Caldwell~~
Trade Secrets - Pat Carney

Next time!

2006-07-08T23:22:00.000-06:00

I'LL GET YOU NEXT TIME BURRIS!

NEXT TIME!!!

Thank you Steve, and Tim Hortons!

2006-07-08T10:45:00.000-06:00

Today my coffee was 1 cent cheaper than usual. Not that 1 cent really matters, but it shows that Tim Hortons is actually passing Steve's tax cut on to the consumer.

I am appalled that so many business's are actually raising their prices 1%. The tax cut was for the consumer, not you.

Tim Hortons is not doing this, and it should be recognized.

Roughrider under Investigation

2006-07-08T10:44:00.000-06:00

Roughrider investigated

What really chokes about this, is that every Rider Fan could see this coming a mile away.

I wonder how that "Code of Conduct" is coming along. Perhaps the Riders were too busy making up a plan to ban SuperBig Gulps, to actually have any time to put this code into effect.

Memo to Kenton Keith: Just leave town.

Memo to Roy Shivers: Find a running back who is not an idiot.

Memo to Danny Barrett: Chris Szarka is due for a big game.

Memo to Jim Hobson: Let me bring in my Super Big Gulp.

Memo to Henry Burris: You suck!

Sask. MLAs accept pay hike

2006-07-07T18:31:00.000-06:00

Sask. MLAs accept pay hike

First of all, yes they deserve the money. I don't want to complain about that. The horrible job security alone is enough to allow for some type of financial compensation.

What I think upsets most people, including myself, is that being a politician is the only job were you decided for yourself how much money you get. I am sure if you asked people in my profession if they would like a 10% raise with an annual cost of living adjustment, you would get 100% approval.

The fact that MLA's are able to take into account all the factors that average people complain about, and then give themselves a raise that takes into account all those factors, is not fair at all.

What other public service will see a 10% raise? Most people had to deal with 0-1-1. They were told take because that is all we can offer.

Who is there to tell the MLA's, "look, this is all we can offer you at this time."?

Maybe a better way to go about this is have a committee with random people from all types of life. A single parent, a nurse, a teacher, an MLA, a doctor, a business owner, etc... Have them come up with an offer similar to what they would expect someone in the real world would get. Then give that to the MLA's. We hired you, here is what he want to pay you.

I would feel a lot better about this if I knew a single mother was able to approve this raise.

HENRY BURRIS SUCKS!!!!

2006-07-06T21:38:00.000-06:00

I did not think it was possible to hate Henry Burris more than I already do. However, today my hate for him went up another few notches.

Here are some quotes from Mr. Money (courtesy of cjme.com):

"... part of the reason he bolted for Calgary before last season was because he felt Danny Barrett had bad-mouthed him behind his back and that the Riders had tried to trade him away. "

"...he loves Danny Barrett and Roy Shivers but some things were going on that he didn't want to be a part of,..suggesting that's why some players have left and there aren't a lot of big name free agents signing to play in Saskatchewan."

This is how much of a liar he is. Last year he said he left because of Roy Shivers, and not Danny Barrett. Now he hates Barrett as well. He is upset because the Riders entertained trade offers (like Calgary isn't at this moment.)

And now he says there were some things going on that he didn't like! If this was the case, then why did he say that he WANTED TO RESIGN with us? And as usual, he offers no specifics.

You're going down on Saturday Henry. I can feel the anger in Riderville starting to rise. It has made us powerful.

Click here for the story.

HSX Movie League

2006-07-06T16:57:00.000-06:00

Yes this post is a little overdue. First of all, we have started a movie league, complete with website blog.

If you wish to participate in this league on the Hollywood Stock Exchange, here is what you must do.

1) Create an Account at www.hsx.com

2) Invest your 2 million dollars.

3) Under the "My League Tab" enter the following ID's:

mentokthemindtaker
2moviesayear
Claytone
ryan6689
DeadoftheNight
stephenglauser
Harakiri

4) Then e-mail me and let me know that you are in our league so that other people can add you as well. (this step is very important!)

We also decided to create a league blog, were we can post messages and talk smack. If you are interested in being part of this blog, leave a message in my comments section. The blog can be found here.

Here are the rules for our league. Please pay special attention to rule #1 (no cheating):

1. No Cheating - Play the game strictly on the basis of trading imaginary stocks, bonds and options. Do not indulge in the various surveys and ad click-throughs that offer big piles of unearned imaginary cash. We have all done this from time to time, but now that we are all at more or less an even level, let's draw a line under it and start playing the game properly. To enforce this rule, the league captain (Ryan) reserves the right to request a copy of your account history if your account shows a sudden, suspicious jump in value.

2. End Date - The game could go on forever unless we set an endpoint. What would people say to closing the game at 9 a.m. Mountain Time on the day after the Academy Awards (usually around the end of February - early March). Our logic here is that the game will probably allow some special trading opportunities related to the awards.

3. Fee - Hey, there's nothing like real money to make things exciting, eh? We propose a $50 fee (payable at the end of the game) for participation. As the league stands at present, this would mean a $300 jackpot.

4. Non-Payment of Fees - No one will be kicked out for refusing to accept the fee proposal, but they also won't be eligible to win the jackpot.

5. The Books Are Open - If you convince others to join in order to boost the jackpot, go for it. The only proviso is that they have to start from scratch like everyone else and will have to catch up on their own. Since none of us have been exactly raking in the dough yet, that shouldn't be that tough.

As we said, paying the entry fee is optional, you just won't win any money should you come in first. All you will get is bragging rights and 2nd place will receive all the cash.

Dodged a bullet!

2006-07-06T10:52:00.000-06:00

Now that North Korea is testing nuclear missiles that can reach North America, I am very relieved that we decided not to pursue any type of missile defense shield.

That would have been crazy!

More about kids peeing on monuments

2006-07-04T16:48:00.000-06:00

I was just as outraged as the next guy yesterday when I read about those kids peeing on the National War Memorial. But I must say I am shocked at the reaction of many people on the local and national call in shows today.

Most of the discussions were about punishments for these boys. And I was shocked to hear the number of people who thought death and torture would be acceptable punishments. One lady had an idea involving boxing gloves, parachutes, snow shoes, and landmines.

Do people really think death is an appropriate punishment? I know we are all outraged, but let's put things into perspective.

A suitable punishment to me would involve some minor physical discomfort, and perhaps some shaming. Maybe they could clean the monument in their parkas. Or in full army fatigues.

Or better yet, take a page from the Simpsons, and have Stephen Harper give each of them....a booting.

After all, peeing on a National Monument is a bootable offense.

Harper hot stuff on Apple's iTunes

2006-07-04T08:42:00.000-06:00

edmontonsun.com - Canada - Harper hot stuff on Apple's iTunes

I know that when I am jogging, there is nothing that get's me more motivated than the soothing voice of Stephen Harper.

(the sad thing about this, I have actually listened to a Stephen Harper speech on my Ipod as I jogged)

1st Annual Irish Eyes Book Giveaway

2006-07-03T16:01:00.000-06:00

Books are meant to be read, not displayed on a shelf. In the spirit of this belief, and because I need to clear some shelf space before my big move (I bought a house) I am pleased to announce the 1st Annual Irish Eyes Book Giveaway.

The rules are simple, you see a book on the list you want, e-mail me and it shall be yours. You can have as many as you would like. All I ask is that you pass them along to someone else when you are done.

If you live in Regina, we can arrange a drop off place (and you may also buy me a beer). If you live out of town, we can work something out.

If there is a book on this list that you lent to me, and you are pissed off because I never gave it back, please claim it, and I will give it back.

Also, if you would like information on any of the books, leave a comment in the comments section and I will respond.

Other than that, first come first serve.

Here is the list:

Sports Illustrated Sports Almanac - 1996 (it was a good year for sports!)
The Scicilian - Mario Puzo
The Last Debate - Jim Lehrer
Foundations - Isaac Isimov
A slip of the tongue - Compilation
The Antagonist - Laurence Martin (Unathorized Biography of Lucien Bouchard)
~~Frankenstein - The Prodigal Son (Book One) - Dean Koontz~~
~~Frankenstein - City of Night (Book Two) - Dean Koontz~~
Seabiscuit - Laura Hillendrand
~~Dune - Frank Hebert~~
~~Dune Messiah - Frank Hebert~~
~~Children of Dune - Frank Hebert~~
~~God Emperor of Dune - Frank Hebert~~
~~Farenhreit 451 - Ray Bradbury~~
Split Images - Elmore Leonard
Glitz - Elmore Leonard
Bandits - Elmore Leonard
Be Cool - Elmore Leaonard
~~The Running Mate - Joe Klein~~
Cat's Cradle - Kurt Vonnegut
The GodFather Returns - Mark Weinstein
The Corrections - Jonathan Frazen
Star Trek TNG - A time to be Born
Star Trek TNG - A time to die
Hannibal - Thomas Harris
The Brethren - John Grisham
The Runaway Jury - John Grisham
A Painted House - John Grisham
The Lie - Michael Weaver
The Price of Power - James Huston
Spanking the Donkey - Matt Taibbi
~~No Holds Barred - John Crosbie~~
~~The Mulroney Tapes - Peter C. Newman~~
Guilty Addictions - Garrett Wilson
~~The Rule of Four - Ian Caldwell~~
Trade Secrets - Pat Carney

I wil add more to this list later on.

If this is your son...

2006-07-03T14:07:00.000-06:00

are you proud of your boy?

I really hope this kids parents saw his picture on the internet this morning, and then took him out behind the proverbial woodshed.

Of course, my guess is that if you raised a son who felt it was okay to pee on a national monument dedicated to war veterans, on Canada Day, then you most likely weren't the type of parents who believed in spankings.

I bet his grandparents are proud!

Happy Canada Day!

2006-07-01T11:58:00.000-06:00

As the youth of today would say...

2006-06-28T23:18:00.000-06:00

this video is totally "random". But very funny none the less.

Family Guy Clip

2006-06-24T23:58:00.000-06:00

To me this is an example of a joke that starts out funny, then crosses the line and is no longer funny, and finally goes so far over the line that it becomes funny again.

A question every Canadian should ask

2006-06-24T13:05:00.000-06:00

Why are we paying the CBC a billion dollars a year to show American Reality Television?

I am not a math expert, but do you think it would be cheaper to simply buy every houshold in Canada basic cable? I am sure the cable companies would give us a price break.

Maybe we should look into this option?

Click here for the story

A good deal for the Riders!

2006-06-23T21:48:00.000-06:00

It was announced today that the new name of Taylor Field will be "Taylor Field at Mosaic Stadium."

I think this is a great deal for the Riders. Almost too good to be true. They get almost 4 million dollars and the name "Taylor Field" stays incorporated in the new title.

I am not sure why Mosiac even went for this deal. People are still going to call it Taylor Field anyway because it's still a part of the name.

Already, the Agridome is being phased out. It's now the Brandt Centre, and in 5 years, I bet nobody will even refer to it as the Agridome. So it was a good deal for Brandt.

By letting the name "Taylor Field" stay with the stadium, people will not forget the name. Hence we get the best of both worlds. The cash from a corporate sponsor, and the tradition of the original name.

You have to give credit to Mosiac. I am sure they could have held their ground and demanded it only be called "Mosiac Stadium." But they didn't.

I think this is a great deal for the Riders, and the city of Regina.

(plus it's way easier to pronounce than "Canada Inns Stadium."

SaskParty wins big in Weyburn!

2006-06-19T21:49:00.000-06:00

Click here for results

I know the left wing pundits will be playing this down as "no big deal, they already had the seat anyway."

Still, I just wanted to give a big HA! to all those who told me that "people aren't sure about the SaskParty anymore since Brenda Bakken resigned. There is so much inner turmoil there. Blah! Blah! Blah!"

Let's see, now I may be wrong, but I heard that EVERY SaskParty MLA was out in Weyburn tonight.

Yep, that sure sounds like a party in turmoil.

Now, objectively, is this a momentum turner? No, absolutely not. No party has any momentum right now as people just don't care. This is not the turning point for any party (except maybe the Liberals, who really had to win this seat.)

But this definitely does not hurt the SaskParty in any way.

Should be an very interesting election next year.

CFL Preview-The Western Division

2006-06-15T22:44:00.000-06:00

Time to preview the only division in the CFL that really matters, the Western Division.

1. Calgary - I hate, hate, hate to say it, but I think Calgary will win the West this year. They made a deal with the devil (Henry Burris) and it's time for Calgary to collect. They have the best receivers in the league, and the defense is still rock solid.

They still remain the most ethically challenged team in the league, thanks in part to their quarterback.

Still, nothing would make me happier than to see Calgary finish dead last and to see Smilin' Bank cry. If anybody thinks I have gotten over what he did to us, they are wrong. Nobody in Saskatchewan has.

But I will have more time to discuss that in a later post.

2. Saskatchewan - The 18 year home playoff drought will end this year. I will be the first to admit that pre-season means nothing. Still, 2-0 is better than 0-2 and not giving up a touchdown, is pretty good as well. Before the Ottawa draft, I would have picked the Riders to finish dead last. But they took a huge risk and filled our 2 most glaring weakness'. Joseph was pretty good in Ottawa behind a weak O-Line. Now that he is behind the best O-Line in the league, he will light up the scoreboard. Armstead and Dominquez will also have huge years. Kenton Keith looks like he has regained his 2004 form. If he can find some maturity, he will be the 2nd best back in the league this year. The defense has been stellar the past few years and there is no reason to think it will not be the same this year. GO RIDERS GO!

3. B.C. - If Dave Dickenson could remain healthy, I would pick B.C. first. But he has rarely had an injury free season. Worst still, the last few years, his big injury has come at the hands of Saskatchewan. And who does he play 1st? That's right, Saskatchewan. He also plays them 2nd as well. The O-Line in B.C. is terrible. Dickenson will go down early, and it will be up to an unproven back-up to save the Lions season. And it simply won't happen. Still, they have too much talent to finish any less than 3rd.

4. Edmonton - Is the 30+ year streak of making the playoffs coming to an end? YES! Edmonton has done nothing to improve their team in the off season. Sure they are the defending Grey Cup Champions, so how much upgrading do they need? Well, they needed to keep pace with the rest of the division. Calgary and Saskatchewan jumped out way in front of them as far as talent. All Edmonton did was give their back-up away in a very under handed move that would make Henry Burris proud. This will not be Edmonton's year. If Ray goes down, they will be in very serious trouble.

Things I learned from Blogthings

2006-06-11T21:02:00.000-06:00

I have a lot of work to do, so naturally I am wasting a little time on the internet. Here are some things I found out about myself on blogthings. I am most distressed about failling 8th grade geography (although it does explain a lot!)

Your Bumper Sticker Should Be

Ass, gas, or grass - no one rides for free

What Bumper Sticker Should Be On Your Car?

You Are Ernie

Playful and childlike, you are everyone's favorite friend - even if your goofy antics get annoying at times.

You are usually feeling: Amused - you are very easily entertained

You are famous for: Always making people smile. From your silly songs to your wild pranks, you keep things fun.

How you life your life: With ease. Life is only difficult when your friends won't play with you!

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Your Political Profile:

Overall: 55% Conservative, 45% Liberal

Social Issues: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

Ethics: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?

You Failed 8th Grade Geography

Sorry, you only got 3/10 correct!

Could You Pass 8th Grade Geography?

Your Theme Song is Back in Black by AC/DC

"Back in black, I hit the sack,
I've been too long, I'm glad to be back"

Things sometimes get really crazy for you, and sometimes you have to get away from all the chaos.
But each time you stage your comeback, it's even better than the last!

What's Your Theme Song?

The Rolling Stones are coming to Regina!

2006-06-10T09:31:00.000-06:00

Blogging will be sporadic over the next few months as I line up for the greatest concert to ever hit Regina!!!

More from the "What the F***" Department

2006-06-05T21:23:00.000-06:00

Copperfield To Impregnate Woman Onstage

100 bucks says this special is shown on Fox. (and blacked out in Saskatchewan)

Oh David, just stick to making statues disappear.

What's wrong with Taylor Field

2006-06-04T14:14:00.000-06:00

First of all, no I haven't forgotten to post my CFL Western Division Predictions. I just haven't had the time.

Today, I would like to rant about some of the things that really annoyed me about yesterday's Rider game.

First of all, for the past 18 years, we have always been allowed to bring in outside drinks to Taylor Field. Yesterday, some security guards confiscated our drinks as we came in. I guess it's no longer allowed. Yeah, we'll see about that. So right away, I am in a bad mood.

In the offseason, the Riders did away with the University Section. At the time I applauded this as a good move. The stuff that went in that section went well beyond what is acceptable at a public event. They weren't fans, just people who wanted to get drunk, fight, and throw things at players, fans and security guards. They deserved to lose their section.

However, now they have dispersed, and sit among the real fans. We had these 5 kids in front of us, who were obnoxious for the entire game. The swore, drank, smoked and kept getting out of their seats to go and run around.

Of course, there were no security guards around, because they were too busy making sure people didn't in bring Super Big Gulps.

At the end of the game, these same kids got into 2 fights while walking from the Stadium to their cars. Eventually, the police had to come and escort them away.

The Rider website still costs money, our tickets look like concert tickets as opposed to sporting event tickets and a section of our jumbotron is broken.

Oh yeah, and the Riders won!

Note to Edmonton:

2006-05-29T22:13:00.000-06:00

Stop, you're embarrasing yourselves. Winning a hockey game does not give you the right to tear apart your city.

It's great to see kids getting involved

2006-05-27T09:31:00.000-06:00

CTV.ca | Volpe receives big donation from drug execs' kids

Leave it to the Liberals to expose any possible loopholes in their own legislation.

I remember when I was a young lad, and I really wanted make a donation to a leadership candidate. Of course, back in those days, there was no limit to what I could contribute. Sure I did not have 5 grand like the kids in this case, but I guess every bit helps.

And I loved this quote from Steven MacKinnon, the Liberal party's national director:
"On the surface, there's certainly nothing illegal at all."

Because this is the kind of standard we should demand from elected officials. Nothing illegal, on the surface.

2006 CFL Predictions- The Eastern Division

2006-05-22T15:53:00.000-06:00

Well it's that time of year again. Figure I will kick off my CFL Blogging Season, with my 2006 Predictions. Training camp opened yesterday, and so today, I think I have seen enough to make some predictions.

Last year, I was way off. This year, I think I will do a little better. I am a little older and a little more mature. I know realize that the Riders might not go 18-0. I believe that 16-2 is a more realistic prediction.

Anyway, that being said, let's get on with the show.

EAST (Teams listed in order of predicted finish)

1. Toronto - I'll just say this, if Toronto signs Ricky Williams, it's game over. Just give them the Cup. Williams would dominate the CFL. Like nothing we have ever seen before. I do not believe there would be any way to stop him. Our only hope is that he cracks under the CFL's lackluster drug policy.

Other issues with Toronto is quarterbacking. I know I said this last year (and the year before) but Damon Allen is due for a bad year. His age has to catch up with him eventually. I think this will be the year (not bloody likely.) If he goes down, then who will hand off the ball to Ricky Williams? It doesn't really matter.

2. Hamilton - The Ti-Cats upgraded exactly where they needed too. They got Jason Maas (in an extremely under handed deal) and Corey Holmes. These 2 players alone will go a long way to rebuilding a franchise that is not that far off. The defense should be better because they won't be on the field as long.

3. Montreal - Former NFL QB Quincy Carter is attempting to "crack" the roster. Carter will have negligible impact on the Allouettes. Look for Calvillo to have a average year, and for Nealon Greene to win the back up role. The Allouettes never make big news during the off season, but they always compete. That is why I hate them.

4. Winnipeg - Sorry BlueBombers, not even the Whizzanator himself can help you. (The CFL is starting to remind me the old SNL skit the "All Drug Olympics - Where drug use is not only legal, in fact, it's encouraged.")

The Bombers will suck again this year. Kevin Glenn will prove that he is the 8th best quarterback in the league. Looks like their kicker is going through some problems, and I am not sure they have a back-up plan. Ibrahim Khan and Val St. Germain are huge upgrades for the Bombers. But it sounds like Charles Roberts is sulking, and that is never good for a team.

He's Back

2006-05-22T10:22:00.000-06:00

After a long blogging absence, The Night has returned to the blogosphere.

So this is why my shares in Superman have shot up!

2006-05-22T10:18:00.000-06:00

On the Hollywood Stock Exchange, shares in Superman have gone up $20.00 in the last few days. I am guessing this new trailer is a big reason for that.

Movie Review: The DaVinci Code

2006-05-21T22:48:00.000-06:00

If ever there was a perfect example of the expression "movie was not as good as the book", this was it.

First off, I read the book a few years back. I loved it. No, Dan Brown is not a literary genius, and the book was not a masterpiece, but it was fun. It was a page turner and I really enjoyed it and recommended it.

And yes, when I heard about the movie, I was also really excited. Ron Howard and Tom Hanks! How can you lose? Then the reviews started to pour in. I was not surprised by the initial reviews. The movie was simply too "Hollywood" to be liked by critics.

Can a movie be too long and not long enough at the same time? The action in the book does take place at a break neck speed. However, you can stop and take the time to go on the internet and look up certain pieces of artwork, or historical events. I really did enjoy doing that. The movie however, does not really go into all of the little details of the art work that the book did. In fact, it left out a few of the more interesting things I learnt from the book.

For all they left out of the movie, it actually moves along slower than the book. There is no sense of urgency as there was in the book. I never felt like the characters were in any real danger in the movie, like I did in the book. Tom Hanks does not seem to really care that he is being framed for murder and his friends keep betraying him.

Of course all this lack of excitement leads to a really long movie.

I would say the biggest problem of this movie is that there is no real flow to it. In the book, the clues and events are laid out in a logical order, and each clue builds on the previous clue. I did not get that same feeling in the movie.

It's like Ron Howard and Tom Hanks just booked one of those "DaVinci Code Tours" and just kind of shot scenes wherever.

This was also the worst performance I have ever seen Tom Hanks give.

Anyway, the movie is not worth seeing. Read the book again instead.

Rating: 1 clover out of 5

I am going to go out on a limb here and say....

2006-05-18T22:46:00.000-06:00

that next weeks Lost is going to ROCK!!!

A funny video to pass the time

2006-05-16T23:38:00.000-06:00

This is from a site called "robot chicken." Just trying to pass the time as I fill in my census. Who would have thought so many people would have left it to the last minute?

From my inbox

2006-05-15T21:54:00.000-06:00

DEER TICK

I hate it when people forward so many false warnings, but this one is important! Send this to everyone--repeat, everyone -on your e-mail list!

I know that spring has sprung and now is the time of year when the ticks are looking for some food, our body, to get some blood. Fair warning now to everyone.

If someone comes to your front door saying they are conducting a survey on deer ticks and asks you to take your clothes off and dance around, so you can be checked for tick infestation - DO NOT DO IT!!

It is a SCAM; they only want to see you naked.

I wish I'd gotten this yesterday. I feel so stupid now.

Anybody else notice?

2006-05-14T23:56:00.000-06:00

On last nights Sopranos, Tony was watching the Saskatchewan Roughriders play.

You could even hear Chris Cuthbert in the background talking about Greene's pass to Richardson.

Good stuff.

I know that American's will often use CFL games in their TV sitcoms. The reason for this is that the NFL charges way too much for the footage, while the CFL pretty much gives it away.

Last year, Jeb Bartlett from the West Wing was watching the Stampeder/Eskimo game.

Going back even further in time, the Roughriders were once featured on "Columbo." Of course we were called the "Stallions", but they used our uniforms and logo.

It's great to know that Tony Soprano is a Rider fan.

Saskatchewan. Our landscape is changing.

2006-05-13T17:44:00.000-06:00

Saskatchewan. Our landscape is changing.

Check out this KICK ASS website! This is the new government site designed to promote Saskatchewan! It rocks. Best website ever. Makes you just want to run, not walk, to Saskatchewan.

Check it out. I have it bookmarked already! I loved all the bells and whistles they put on!

UPDATE: They have since added a cute little banner at the top of the page. It's nice!

Buy this album

2006-05-11T22:31:00.000-06:00

The new Red Hot Chilli Pepers album is fantastic. I strongly recommend it.

Lost Thoughts

2006-05-11T21:57:00.000-06:00

WOW and WOW!

The last 2 episodes of Lost have been shocking to say the least. I truly have no idea what is going on anymore.

I will now commence writing in green in case anybody does not want to know what happened. Just high-lite the text to see.

I do not believe Libby is actually dead. There is still more of her story to tell. Yes I know they said she died, but people have risen before (like the girl who drowned.) And speaking of the girl who drowned, her father, the crazy psychic, is now DIRECTLY responsible for putting 2 people on that flight. No doubt he works for DHARMA, maybe even the leader.

Maybe Michael has the "sickness" that Rousseau spoke about. He is acting weird. Michael is definitely going to send the Losties into a trap in next weeks episode.

The whole "?" hatch explains why the others know so much about the Losties. It's why Henry Gail knew their names and a little about them. It all explains why Michael was able to talk with his son on the computer. It wasn't his son, it was the guy watching him. He was trying to lure Michael away.

Isn't it weird that the 2 characters they killed off where both just convicted of driving impaired.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. I will post more if I think of anything insightful.

Hollywood Exchange Update

2006-05-11T21:46:00.000-06:00

I added everybody who emailed me in my league. The trouble is, I am not sure if anybody can see the standings but me. Let me know if can. If you can't then I will post all the user names and you can add them yourself. (although I must say I am a little disappointed with the league feature. there is no smack board and you can't see anybody else's stocks.)

So far I am up $28,000. ICEA3 (Ice Age 3) has been a real cash cow for me. I bought at $84 and it's now trading at $97,50. Still losing my shirt on SPRMN (Superman) but the price has come up in recent days. JDEPP continues to go down in price.

My biggest gain has been POSPU, which is a 45 million dollar PUT on the Poseidon remake. That means that I am betting that the movie will not make 45 million in it's 1st weekend. If doesn't, CHA CHING! So far I have MADE $30,000 in that stock, so I may cash out before the weekend, just in case disaster strikes and people actually go and see the movie.

A Great Website

2006-05-07T22:14:00.000-06:00

I just discovered "The Hollywood Exchange." It's just like the stock exchange, except for you buy shares in movies, movie stars, and production studios.

When you sign up, you get 2,000,000 dollars to invest. The site has a ticker and everything. And it's all in real time. The stock price is based on how much people are buying (or selling) and how well the movie is doing.

To summarize my portfolio, I bought 309 shares of Davici code, Ice Age 3 had an IPO at 84.00, Pirates of the Caribbean seemed like a good buy and I am getting KILLED on Superman 2 but I think the stock will shoot up as we get closer to the release. I also own a little piece of Johnny Depp and some shares in Dreamworks.

Anyway go and sign up, it is so much fun (if you like movies.) I think we can even set up a little league (just like Fantasy sports.) Let me know if anybody is interested.

Wikipedia Challenge

2006-04-29T21:59:00.000-06:00

Here is an interesting challenge I found from thebooksnook.blogspot.com. Go to wikipedia and type in your birthday (minus the year.) Then post 3 events, 3 births and 3 deaths from the day you were born.

Here are mine:

Events:

600 - Pope Gregory I decreed that "God bless you" was the correct response to a sneeze.
1568 - The entire population of the Netherlands - three million people - was sentenced to death by the Roman Catholic Church for heresy; see Eighty Years' War.
2005 - The National Hockey League cancels the entire 2004-2005 regular season and playoffs, becoming the first major sports league in North America to do so over a labour dispute.

Births:

1935 - Sonny Bono, singer, music producer, television producer, and U.S. Congressman (d. 1998)
1957 - LeVar Burton, American actor
1972 - Jerome Bettis, American football player
1977 - Ahman Green, American football player

Deaths: Nobody I have ever heard of.

First round of the season

2006-04-21T11:10:00.000-06:00

I just got my first golf round of the season done yesterday. Not too bad. My slice is still present, it did not magically go away over the winter like I had hoped.

The new driver works great. When you connect, it's like a rocket. Plus it makes a really sweet sound, even if you miss hit it.

I was told I should name my driver. I am trying to decide between "Big Ben" (it's a Ben Hogan Driver), "The Rocket" (due to the rocketing sound it makes when you hit it.) Or maybe I could get a little original and call it "The Training, The Prayer, and the Vitamines" (again it's a Ben HOGAN)

If you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear them.

The best movie ever....

2006-04-19T23:47:00.000-06:00

...about snakes on a plane.

Yes I believe this will be the best movie ever made about snakes on an airplane.

I don't know why I am so pumped for this movie. It has to be the title. "Snakes on a Plane" is the most brillant title I have seen for a movie in years, maybe ever.

All I know about this movie is that it stars Samuel L. Jackson, and it's about snakes on a plane.

And I still can't wait to see it.

Poor Alberta

2006-04-18T19:52:00.000-06:00

CBC News: 60 per cent of Albertans want more respect: poll

Poor Albertans feels like they do not get the respect they deserve.

With oil at $70.00, why don't they just buy some respect.

Seriously, suck it up Alberta. Nobody in the rest of Canada cares.

Cruise: I will eat the placenta

2006-04-18T08:54:00.000-06:00

And this is where Tom Cruise started to get "weird."

Cruise: I will eat the placenta

Want to waste time?

2006-04-15T12:08:00.000-06:00

Online "Deal or No Deal" is very addicting.

Crazy day in Riderville

2006-04-12T21:54:00.000-06:00

Okay, I know I said "do whatever you can to get Joseph." I guess I never really thought that "whatever you can" would mean trading Corey Holmes.

Bottom line, we traded Corey Holmes for Kerry Joseph and Jason Armstead.

Is it a good deal or not?

It's tough to say. Well I am not "over the moon" with it like most Rider fans seem to be, I don't completely hate it either (sorry DL).

We needed a quarterback, that has been our problems for years. We needed receivers. Today we went from having the worst receiving corps in the league, to arguably the best. Mark my words Armstead and Dominquez will be feared throughout the league.

I guess my only question is, if we were willing to trade Holmes, could we have got a better quarterback?

Would Edmonton have traded Jason Maas for Corey Holmes? What about BC? Could Printers have been here last season? Would Montreal have parted with Calvillo for Holmes?

Who's to say? If Joseph and Armstead work out, then this will be a tremendous deal for the Riders.

I guess for me, the bottom line is that, although it's really difficult losing Holmes, I feel more optimistic about this season, than I did this morning.

(On a side note, props to the CFL Team sites that carried the Draft live. The Roughrider site was not one of these sites and continues to be the WORST team site in all the league, maybe even all of pro-sports.)

(Yes I will always find something to complain about.)

New Schedule Even Worse

2006-04-10T18:18:00.000-06:00

Revised Schedule

Wow! The Riders might not win a game until August 19th, 2006.

In our first 7 games, we play BC 3 times and Calgary 3 time. Throw a game against Toronto in the middle of that, and that means we play only 3 teams in 7 weeks.

Seriously, it goes:

BC
BC
CAL
BC
TOR
CAL
CAL

This is a joke. Sure we lost 1 team, but there are still 7 others we can play.

Ohh, I have great concerns about this upcoming season.

(the upside to this is that I am usually optimistic, and I am usually wrong, so maybe being pessimistic is the way to go)

CBC Sports: Renegades won't play in 2006

2006-04-09T19:49:00.000-06:00

CBC Sports: Renegades won't play in 2006

Not that this is good news at all. I would much prefer Ottawa to be in the league. However, what's done is done. And there is some good news for my team!

So let's get down to business. Dispersal Draft time!

Hamilton or Winnipeg, what do you want for your picks? Kenton Keith is a gem of a running back. A definite upgrade for either of you. Rocky Butler is an up and comer with a huge upside. This kid will be big someday!

It's up to you Hamilton or Winnipeg. DEAL OR NO DEAL?

Seriously, Roy Shivers, if you are reading this (and I really hope you are not) you must do WHATEVER YOU CAN, to get Kerry Joseph. This has to be top priority.

It's the only way to get any kind of excitement for this team.

A 1 Division CFL?

2006-04-08T22:38:00.000-06:00

Single div. CFL ... got to love it

Mark me firmly in the undecided column on this one!

With Ottawa most likely not playing this year, the CFL is trying to redo the CFL schedule. One thought being floated is to have a 1 division CFL for one year. (with Ottawa hopefully returning in 2007)

Anyway, here are some pros and cons that I have come up with:

Pros:

-No more goofy "4th place cross over playoff berth."
-New matchups mean new rivalries. How many times can Edmonton play Calgary in the West Semi-Final?
-There will be a great battle between Saskatchewan and Winnipeg for the 6th playoff spot.
-Winnipeg does NOT belong in the East. To put them there only serves to confuse 4th grade social studies students.
-Change is good! Embrace it!

Cons:
-Name another sports league with only 1 division?
-The Edmonton/Calgary Semi-Final is always great! Why mess with it?
-The Roughriders finishing 4th in the West sounds way better than finishing 8th in the league.
-The East and West division format has always worked.
-Scotiabank paid a lot of money to buy naming rights to the EAST/WEST playoff games. They deserve to get what they paid for. Somehow I don't think they wanted the naming rights to the "3rd vs 6th Playoff Game". What does this say to other potential sponsors?
-I hate Winnipeg and don't want them in my division.
-Change is bad! Fear it!

There you go. More Cons than Pros means I guess I am against this idea.

Why doesn't the CFL try something bold and move Ottawa to the maritimes for 1 season? I am against the league supporting any team, but I could go along with the 1 year trial if it would lead to an eventual team in Atlantic Canada.

LOST and the PST

2006-04-05T23:22:00.000-06:00

CBC Saskatchewan - There'll be no PST cut in budget: finance minister

I was just about to blog about how I am hoping there would be a PST cut in the budget tomorrow.

But alas, this CBC article killed my dream.

I guess I will have to wait and see what other goodies I have coming my way.

100$ says we see the PST cut in next years budget, in order to coincide with the provincial election.

Remember, you heard it here first.

In other random news, either LOST is going to get very interesting, or get really dumb. Tonight's episode did one of two things. It either raised a whole bunch of new questions that will be very interesting to see how they are answered. Or it gave the writers a really easy way to end the series and explain what the heck is going on.

Spoiler alert (only highlite the paragraph below if you want to read some of my thoughts on Lost. In other words, if you taped it, or haven't watched it yet, then do not highlite the paragraph below.)

I am concerned that all of the castaways are in the insane asylum and it's all one big experiment. They all have reasons to be in the asylum. So it would fit. But that would be so lame. It's cool that Libby and Herle were both together in the past, but I hope they leave it like that.

I think that Henry Gale is telling the truth and he did not enter the numbers. Put me in the group that says nothing will happen if the numbers do not get entered.

Didn't Desmond say "See you in another life?" And I don't think Herle heard him say it. So what's up with is imaginary friend using the same line?

Where is Desmond anyway?

Why can't God see the island?

Well those are my thoughts. Roy Shivers has to go!

I am no longer a supporter of Roy Shivers

2006-03-31T18:54:00.000-06:00

Yes I am now off the Roy Shivers bandwagon. I think he should be fired as soon as possible. Of course this would be hard because he never shows up in Saskatchewan. He spends all his time in Las Vegas. I would like to know what he is doing down there and how many other GM's in the CFL do not reside in the city of their team.

Anyway, what was the straw that broke the camel's back? Finding out that Danny McManus was available for a 3rd round draft pick and we didn't take it. Instead he went to the Stampeders.

Now I know Danny Mac's best days are behind him. But we need an upgrade at quarterback. Sure it's a risk. But it's a risk worth taking. The last 2 years were not all his fault. He was the quarterback of a terrible team with no O-line or big play receiver. No running game and a weak defense. Even the best quarterback would have trouble succeeding in that.

Saskatchewan has a great O-Line and a very effective running game. At the very least, Danny Mac could have mentored some of our younger quarterbacks. There was even an outside chance he could have thrived here. Players can make comebacks.

We could have even offered a 2nd round pick. But no, we were asleep at the wheel.

Many times on this blog I said that losing Roy would be worse than losing Danny. I said that Roy is a winner.

Well I am completely flip flopping. Danny Barett should be made G.M. Roy Shivers trademark "straight talk" is also borderline rude and annoying. Telling a receiver that they are a dime a dozen does not make them feel welcome.

We have done nothing to improve our team this off season. All we have done is lose our kicker, leading receiver and leading special teams player.

We are not improving and are not going to magically win a Grey Cup.

FIRE ROY!

(Of course I will retract all of these statements should the Riders open the season 6-0 or win the Grey Cup.)

Does anybody want to play for us this season?

2006-03-27T22:59:00.000-06:00

Stampeders sign Thurman and Spencer

So we just lost our #1 reciever from last year, and our special teams tackle leader.

Well that's just great!

Just to clear something up

2006-03-20T22:00:00.000-06:00

Apparently there is a rumor going around that the boos heard at the end of the Brier Championship were from fans who were mad that a team from Quebec won.

This is not the case.

Here is what happened. As you heard on TV, after the last shot, there was a loud chorus of boos. This was not because of any anti-Quebec feelings. What happened is that the family members of the Quebec rink wanted to come on the ice and celebrate with their team. A CCA official would not let them. The boos were directed at him.

Still with the Brier, Glenn Howard better keep his mouth shut. Just ask Jeff Stoughton what happens when you cross the CCA!

I am tired, and I don't feel like getting into my opinion on Howards opinion. Let's just say I disagree with him. I think the Page Playoff system works. The top 2 teams have two chances to make it to the final. That is the advantage.

I wish the CFL did that. Might give the Riders an advantage. Of course we would still have to finish 2nd, something we have not done in almost 20 years.

And now that I know Labatt Blue is names after the Winnipeg BlueBombers, I vow never to drink it again! How could Labatt think that was a good commercial to play?

Wouldn't it be cool if:

2006-03-19T21:02:00.000-06:00

Take that Tim Hortons commercial were the grandfather is watching his grandson play hockey (and patching things up with his son) and CHANGE the sport to curling. What a great ad that would be.

"Hey Jimmy. You study! No Curling."
"Tommy has amazing draw weight"
"Better than you!"
"How would you know?"
"I come watch."
"What rink was I on?"

and so forth.

Also, just once, I would love to see Chris Berman do curling highlites.

Getting Killed in NCAA

2006-03-19T20:40:00.000-06:00

I only have 8 teams left:

Texas
Duke
Gonzaga
UCLA
Connecticut
Villanova
Boston College
Florida

I need Duke and Texas to win their next round games (then for Duke to beat Texas and advance), UCLA to beat Gonzaga and advance past Memphis (or Bradley), Connecticut to beat Washington (then I am done in Washington because I picked North Carolina to win), Villanova and Boston College have to win, then hopefully Villanova can defeat BC and advance.

Then I am picking Villanova to beat Duke in the final.

Yes if all those things happen, I should win!

Back from the Brier (and other thoughts)

2006-03-15T22:22:00.000-06:00

Got back from tonight's draw at the Brier. Saskatchewan is looking better. We can make the playoffs, but we have to win out.

Tonight was the 3rd draw of the Brier I got to take in. I might get to see a 4th tomorrow, but that will most likely be it. Unless I of course Saskatchewan makes a run. Then I might have to make the effort to get out one more time.

In other news, what is up with Scott Brison? So is it okay to lie to someone if they catch you offguard? And this guy wants to be Prime Minister? Great example for the kids. It's okay to lie if someone confronts you unexpectedly.

Click here for the story.

I am also going to add my voice to those who say Stephen Harper looked very good in Afghanistan. It's been a long time since I have been able to say that I was proud of our Prime Minister.

Jeff Garcia signed with the Eagles today. There goes what might have been the only hope for the Riders.

Let's hope Ottawa is able to start the season. I am sick and tired of the Gliebermans, but at least they pay the bills. And maybe it's just me, but if I was losing 5 million on my company, and STILL paying the bills, you can damm well bet I would insist they hire my son.

I have had a few more people express an interest in a CFL podcast. Still a long way off, but getting closer to a reality.

Anybody else sick of politicians who take 2 year retirements. Ralph, just go already. You seem to want to be someplace else anyhow. (but hey, if you want to come and fix Saskatchewan, come on down.)

Thoughts from the week

2006-03-12T18:44:00.000-06:00

Finally a new West Wing tonight! A great night for TV
Finally a new season of The Sopranos! A great night for TV
Can't say that I felt too sad that Slobodan Milosevic is dead. Still, a heartattack was too good for him.
I have become really addicted to "Lost Podcasts" over this past week. Here is a little tidbit that I picked up from one of them: In season 1, Claire asked the people adopting her baby if they could sing one song to her child, Catch a Falling Star. And guess what song was playing in the baby mobile in last weeks episode? That's right, "Catch a Falling Star."
My new found fascination with podcasts has got me contemplating starting a CFL one, during the season. Just an idea I am kicking around. I think I know a few guys who might be interested. (get in on the ground floor boys, as far as I can tell, it would be the first!)
Heading to the Brier tomorrow. Good times.
When asked why he was e-mailing a banker Scott Brison said "I was looking for a picture of myself..." This guy is so vain, that he gives out insider information in exchange FOR PICTURES OF HIMSELF!!! (That's a good line, one of my best!)
How can I top a line like that? I think I will end here.

Maybe the best one yet (for you Lost Fans)

2006-03-11T10:29:00.000-06:00

Brokeback Island

(I promise to stop posting these. This is the last one, I swear!)

YES!!!!

2006-03-07T20:32:00.000-06:00

December 2006 baby! We finally get to find out how it ends!

Click here for the trailer!

Oscar Thoughts

2006-03-05T23:00:00.000-06:00

For those keeping track I got 16 of 24 Oscar Predictions right!

My best ever performance and good enough for 2nd place in the Oscar Pool!

While I did not pick Crash to win Best Picture, I was really glad it did.

I was disappointed that Philip Seymour Hoffman did not "bark" his acceptance speech, like he had promised to do in college.

I thought the Oscar crowd was dead and Jon Stewart was not really that funny. I was hoping for more from him.

I liked how the first person the Three 6 Mafia thanked was Jesus. They thanked him after performing the song "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp." I think someone needs to pay a little more attention in Church.

What was up with Lily Tomlin and Meryl Streep? Did that presentation ever seem weird.

Highlite of the night had to be Ben Stiller presenting the Oscar for special effects in green leotards while pretending he was invisible. Pretty much the only laugh out loud moment for me. (Some of the Academy Attack Ads were also kind of funny.)

Oscar Predictions

2006-03-05T12:59:00.000-06:00

Here they are:

Best Picture
Brokeback Mountain

Best Actor
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Capote

Best Actress
Reese Witherspoon - Walk the Line

Supporting Actor
George Clooney - Syriana

Supporting Actress
Rachel Weisz - The Constant Gardner

Original Screenplay
Crash

Adapted Screenplay
Brokeback Mountain

Number of Gay Cowboy Jokes
7

Original Screenplay
Crash

Animated Feature
Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were Rabbit

Art Direction
Memoirs of a Geisha

Cinematography
Brokeback Mountain

Costume Design
Memoirs of a Geisha

Directing
Ang Lee - Brokeback Mountain

Documentary Feature
March of the Penguins
Documentary Short
The Mushroom Club

Film Editing
Crash

Foreign Language Film
Sophie Scholl - The Final Days

Makeup
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

Original Score
Brokeback Mountain

Original Song
"In the Deep" - Crash

Short Film Animated
The Mysterious Geographic Exploration of Jasper Morello

Short Film Live Action
The Last Farm

Sound Editing
King Kong
Sound Mixing
Walk the Line

Visual Effects
King Kong

I have a feeling it's going to be a good year for me!

The Gong Show that is Taylor Field

2006-03-03T23:42:00.000-06:00

Maybe they should stop playing that circus theme music at Taylor Field.

This is getting stupid. Check out these 2 quotes from the Leader Post:

"GM Roy Shivers told reporters at the CFL meetings in Toronto that the Riders would not be pursuing Kellett."

-Why not? Because he is a local boy who might be welcomed by the fans? Or maybe because he actually played last year and made more than 68% of his field goals. (Something our new kicker has yet to achieve.)

But here is the quote that really got to me:

"Barrett made a casual inquiry about O'Mahony's status with Lions head coach and GM Wally Buono..."

-Yes, this makes sense! The guy kicks himself out of a job (against us none the less) and now that makes him good enough to play for us?

Is it me, or do the Riders love to feast on the left overs from other teams? We cut our kicker (actually cutting him would have been the classy thing to do) so then we go and try to sign the kicker from the team that signs ours.

We had a good quarterback, let him get away, and then decided to again sign the QB from the team that ours went to (Marcus Crandell.)

I really hope we have a plan, because right now, I don't see it.

Coming soon: Oscar Picks

2006-03-03T23:32:00.000-06:00

My Oscar Picks will be up soon.

I am delaying putting them up because I do not want to "tip my hand" to any would be competitors in an Oscar pool.

That, and I have not quite finalized them yet.

Look for them Sunday morning at the latest.

On a side note, anybody want to get a bet going on the number of gay cowboy jokes that Jon Stewart will tell?

Lonie Glieberman resigns in Ottawa

2006-03-02T22:44:00.000-06:00

You know your team is in trouble when even Lonie Glieberman resigns.

When Lonie thinks the team is too crazy, then you know you are in big time trouble.

Should have signed with us Kerry!

Plump males have better odds in crash, study says

2006-03-02T22:33:00.000-06:00

JS Online:Plump males have better odds in crash, study says

On second though, I will have fries with that.

One last time

2006-03-02T22:22:00.000-06:00

In honor of Peter Warren, who is leaving his weekend talk show to become a "private investigator", I would just like to say:

"GET ON WITH IT!"

Somehow, I think that's what Peter would want.

My weekends just won't be the same.

Click here for story.

CBC Saskatchewan - Roughriders sign new kicker

2006-02-27T19:19:00.000-06:00

Roughriders sign new kicker

So we sign a rookie kicker who misses 32% of his field goals?

This would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

What happened to Matt Kellet?

Holmes optimistic about multi-year deal

2006-02-26T22:32:00.000-06:00

Holmes optimistic about multi-year deal

Some excerpts from the article (emphasis mine):

"Holmes, a multi-purpose back who was the West Division's outstanding player in 2005, is entering the option year of his contract and was hoping to re-sign with the Roughriders during a short visit to Saskatchewan this week...."

"... I want the organization to commit to me because I'm committed to them."

"Their first offer was for one year and an option (year), but I want to sign something longer..."

"Holmes, 29, led the CFL last season with a Roughriders-record 3,455 combined yards. He was a CFL all-star and the league's outstanding special teams player. Holmes is regularly lauded by teammates for his devotion to the team plus he was voted most popular player by Roughriders fans in 2005."

Why is this taking so long? Give Holmes what he wants. In case the Riders haven't noticed, quality players are not exactly beating on our door to sign ANY contracts, let alone long term ones.

We are so screwed this season!

ABC News: Canada is emerging as an Olympic powerhouse

2006-02-26T21:21:00.000-06:00

ABC News: Canada is emerging as an Olympic powerhouse

Looks like the Americans are taking notice.

I see no reason why we can't finish 1st overall in Vancouver.

A feel good story: Autistic basketball player creates mayhem at game

2006-02-26T12:09:00.000-06:00

It's stories like this, that make you realize there is still a lot of good in the world. It's not just the coaches decision that really got to me, it was the reaction of the entire crowd.

Click here to watch

On a side note, Youtube.com is becoming one of my new favorite websites. You know how sometimes everyone is talking about this amazing goal that happened last night, and you missed it? Or that really funny moment on the Family Guy? Well this site will have it. All the big Olympic moments that I missed because I was at work, I got to see thanks to Youtube.com.

Check out youtube.com.

It was 1 year ago today!

2006-02-25T12:01:00.000-06:00

All Rider fans know what happened 1 year ago today.

Still waiting for my Christmas gift!

2006-02-23T22:10:00.000-06:00

I almost forgot, but thankfully, Drew Remenda reminded me. Didn't Roy Shivers and Danny Barrett promise us a really good Christmas gift this year? I am still waiting.

Is anybody else really concerned about this upcoming season? And I mean really concerned? We weren't that good last year, and we have done NOTHING to improve ourselves yet this year.

Where is our quarterback?

Where is our receiver?

Who is going to replace Paul Macallum?

All we have done this year is re-sign Scott Schultz. That is good, but we need more. The Leader Post was saying that the Riders are close to re-signing Cory Holmes. The only hold up is that Holmes wants a multi-year deal and we want to give him a 1 year deal.

Does this make sense to anybody else? One of the most exciting players in the CFL wants to be here for more than 1 year, and WE have a problem with that? I am starting to get Henry Burris flashbacks again, and I do not want to go through that again.

Are we talking with anybody? Is Matt Kellett coming? What about Garcia?

I get the sense that nobody in town is excited for this season, and that scares me. But given the fact the Riders have done nothing all off-season, I can hardly blame them.

I still have yet to renew my season tickets. Make no mistake, I am going to renew them, but I just do not have the motivation to go and part with a crazy amount of money.

I get the feeling that renewing my tickets this year will feel more like paying my taxes, instead of investing in a Grey Cup.

More funny clips

2006-02-22T19:41:00.000-06:00

I have found more clips based around the "BrokeBack to the Future" theme. I don't think these are as good as the original, but that could just be the old "been there, done that."

Anyway check them out if you have time.

Star Wars: The Empire Brokeback

Romance of the Jedi

The Empire Breaks Back

and the one that started it all:

Brokeback to the Future