Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
The slooooooooooow march to bankruptcy
Sixty days, that's the amount of time that Podunk Pulp and Paper has to get it's financing straightened out. In what seems like a normal company business procedure, the company once again appeared in front of a BC Supreme Court judge today, asking that they be given a little more time. The judge considered the opinions of the various participants in the proceedings, many of whom would prefer that the company be sent off to the liquidators, selling the saw mills off and closing the pulp mill, bringing this long running soap opera to an end. As the day came to a conclusion, he ruled in favour of an extension, giving a faint pulse to a long drawn out, seemingly never ending process.
The company itself wasn't technically granted the extension, rather the court appointed monitor was given the extension, so as to seek out new buyers or liquidators for the moth balled mill. This will free it up to find a buyer, away from the current company and it's never ending promises of better days just around the corner.
The City of Podunk was a party to the proceedings, standing alone against the rest of the communities in the area. Podunk supported the sixty day extension, though they too have doubts that Podunk Pulp and Paper will be able to secure financing in the upcoming sixty days. It is the hope of the City that the monitor can find other, more cash secure companies willing to take on the task of rebuilding the mill.
For it's part Podunk Pulp and Paper are keeping to their story of almost being ready to go. Lawyers for the company told the court, that they were presently sifting through five, count them, five options for refinancing, all ready to inject 55 million dollars to get things going. It apparently is just a matter of finding the right match to allow the company to restart operations. A story many in Podunk have heard time and time again.
As for the city of Podunk, it's lawyer expressed little faith in the abilities of the company to get it's refinancing plans in order. In fact, the mayor of Podunk said that that the lawyers for Podunk Pulp and Paper, left the impression that the company has little chance of arranging secured financing in the sixty day period. The mayor went on to urge the population to "get their minds of the issue and get on with their lives". The headline of the local newspaper said it all: "Podunk kidding itself on mill hopes" a statement from the mayor, that pretty well sets the mood of the town.
Sixty days, two more months of uncertainty. Podunkians long used to the controversy will be excused if they don't mark the days off on their calendars.
The company itself wasn't technically granted the extension, rather the court appointed monitor was given the extension, so as to seek out new buyers or liquidators for the moth balled mill. This will free it up to find a buyer, away from the current company and it's never ending promises of better days just around the corner.
The City of Podunk was a party to the proceedings, standing alone against the rest of the communities in the area. Podunk supported the sixty day extension, though they too have doubts that Podunk Pulp and Paper will be able to secure financing in the upcoming sixty days. It is the hope of the City that the monitor can find other, more cash secure companies willing to take on the task of rebuilding the mill.
For it's part Podunk Pulp and Paper are keeping to their story of almost being ready to go. Lawyers for the company told the court, that they were presently sifting through five, count them, five options for refinancing, all ready to inject 55 million dollars to get things going. It apparently is just a matter of finding the right match to allow the company to restart operations. A story many in Podunk have heard time and time again.
As for the city of Podunk, it's lawyer expressed little faith in the abilities of the company to get it's refinancing plans in order. In fact, the mayor of Podunk said that that the lawyers for Podunk Pulp and Paper, left the impression that the company has little chance of arranging secured financing in the sixty day period. The mayor went on to urge the population to "get their minds of the issue and get on with their lives". The headline of the local newspaper said it all: "Podunk kidding itself on mill hopes" a statement from the mayor, that pretty well sets the mood of the town.
Sixty days, two more months of uncertainty. Podunkians long used to the controversy will be excused if they don't mark the days off on their calendars.
An unwanted sideshow
What exactly is going on in the Orca Bay offices these days? The management of the Vancouver Canucks are creating a controversial issue and media feeding frenzy, by their non action regarding the Brian Burke situation. While the players were resting over the all star break, whispers and hidden agendas were apparently being hatched in the back rooms at Orca Bay, or so the reports have it. Over the last three or four days, the newspapers, radio stations and television sportscasts have been full of ominous rumblings of a Brian Burke departure. Tony Gallagher of the Province, got the ball rolling on the weekend with a column detailing the various missed opportunities to get Burke signed to a new deal. Today Gary Mason let lose with an article, which suggested that Vancouver Canucks may not want Burke back. Mason's take on the situation is that there is much animosity between Burke and Orca Bay right hand man Stan McCammon, with McCammon apparently feeling slighted that Burke has received much of the credit for the teams turn around. So this is a reason to turn your team into a soap opera?
There are some things one has to wonder about in all of this. Why would the Canucks sign Marc Crawford to a new contract, if they were going to replace his boss at the end of the season. Most organizations let the GM pick his coach, if Burke indeed is gone as the media is reporting, then why sign Crawford?
Why are they letting this issue fester, just as their team gets set to go into the all important stretch drive and then onto the playoffs? It seems counter productive to have signed your key players, keep your coach and then create a circus like atmosphere to distract the players from the job at hand.
One rumour being floated around Vancouver, is that the Orca Bay group have found a buyer for the team and are merely waiting for the due diligence and such to take place. Then the new owner can take care of the Burke situation. If indeed this is true, then get the lawyers moving at warp speed, sell the team, introduce the new owners and get the hell out of the way.
It's hard to believe that the Canucks are going to get rid of Burke. He may be loud, gruff and hard to get along with at times, but no can deny he's turned the franchise around. Stan McCammon might not like hearing that too much, but it has to be said. Burke took over the nightmare that Mike Keenan had created with his stay in Vancouver, rebuilding a team that was in serious trouble.
When Burke arrived on the scene the Canucks were a mess, the players were lost on the ice, the fans lost on the way to the stadium. The team was bleeding red ink in the balance statement, bottom feeders in the Western standings. Burke got down to work and changed all of that. He brought back Vancouver favourite Trevor Linden, banished and berated under the Keenan regime. He rebuilt Marcus Naslund's confidence, after he suffered under the reign of terror that was Keenan. He's been fairly successful in the draft, not as much as he'd like, but there's potential on the farm. His trades over the years, have for the most part worked out very well, strengthening the squad from past years. The team in 2004 is a much more cohesive squad, playing with a purpose not seen since the early Quinn era.
John McCaw and Stan McCammon need to keep that in mind. Perhaps the current state of the team has blinded them from the past. The dark days of this franchise are not that far behind them, the half full rink, the massive debtload, a fan base that was losing interest fast. Burke has created this team in his image to a fashion, the players respect his hockey knowledge and his loyalty, for management to basically hang him out to dry at this time just baffles the mind. With night after night of sell outs, and money coming in from a number of sources, it's hard to understand where this supposed animosity is coming from and why.
The recurring theme in the various conspiracy theories, is that Burke overstepped his authority when negotiating with Todd Bertuzzi. McCaw and McCammon, the stories go, are annoyed that Bertuzzi got the contract that he did, feeling that Burke publicly embarrassed them in order to get Bertuzzi signed. If the braintrust that runs the Canucks is upset that they signed one of the key ingredient to this teams success, then there's deeper trouble at GM place than we think.
Orca Bay had best solve this issue as fast as possible. If they don't want him anymore, they should come out and tell him, the team and the fans what is what. If Burke is playing them, angling for a dream job offer from back east, then tell it like it is. Regardless, this situation is quickly getting out of control. There are an awful lot of GM's that have been re-signed and rewarded in the league this year, many of whom are running teams that are just going through the motions. If the gang at Orca Bay misjudges this situation, all the hard work of the last three years, will come unraveling before their very eyes.
Burke is no doubt a valuable commodity on the market right now, you can't tell me that the likes of Boston, Chicago or New York wouldn't jump at the chance to hire him. Just look at the difference between the Canucks and the Rangers or the Hawks, if you were an owner which team would you rather have today.
Stan McCammon said last week on the radio, that they didn't want to negotiate with Burke during the season. His rationale was that they didn't want to create a distraction for the players. Well, by handling this whole thing as badly as they have, it's no longer a distraction. It's a sideshow, a bloated, overexposed, festering sideshow. One that not only is unnecessary but unwanted.
Sign him now, sign him fast and get this mess behind you before it is too late...
There are some things one has to wonder about in all of this. Why would the Canucks sign Marc Crawford to a new contract, if they were going to replace his boss at the end of the season. Most organizations let the GM pick his coach, if Burke indeed is gone as the media is reporting, then why sign Crawford?
Why are they letting this issue fester, just as their team gets set to go into the all important stretch drive and then onto the playoffs? It seems counter productive to have signed your key players, keep your coach and then create a circus like atmosphere to distract the players from the job at hand.
One rumour being floated around Vancouver, is that the Orca Bay group have found a buyer for the team and are merely waiting for the due diligence and such to take place. Then the new owner can take care of the Burke situation. If indeed this is true, then get the lawyers moving at warp speed, sell the team, introduce the new owners and get the hell out of the way.
It's hard to believe that the Canucks are going to get rid of Burke. He may be loud, gruff and hard to get along with at times, but no can deny he's turned the franchise around. Stan McCammon might not like hearing that too much, but it has to be said. Burke took over the nightmare that Mike Keenan had created with his stay in Vancouver, rebuilding a team that was in serious trouble.
When Burke arrived on the scene the Canucks were a mess, the players were lost on the ice, the fans lost on the way to the stadium. The team was bleeding red ink in the balance statement, bottom feeders in the Western standings. Burke got down to work and changed all of that. He brought back Vancouver favourite Trevor Linden, banished and berated under the Keenan regime. He rebuilt Marcus Naslund's confidence, after he suffered under the reign of terror that was Keenan. He's been fairly successful in the draft, not as much as he'd like, but there's potential on the farm. His trades over the years, have for the most part worked out very well, strengthening the squad from past years. The team in 2004 is a much more cohesive squad, playing with a purpose not seen since the early Quinn era.
John McCaw and Stan McCammon need to keep that in mind. Perhaps the current state of the team has blinded them from the past. The dark days of this franchise are not that far behind them, the half full rink, the massive debtload, a fan base that was losing interest fast. Burke has created this team in his image to a fashion, the players respect his hockey knowledge and his loyalty, for management to basically hang him out to dry at this time just baffles the mind. With night after night of sell outs, and money coming in from a number of sources, it's hard to understand where this supposed animosity is coming from and why.
The recurring theme in the various conspiracy theories, is that Burke overstepped his authority when negotiating with Todd Bertuzzi. McCaw and McCammon, the stories go, are annoyed that Bertuzzi got the contract that he did, feeling that Burke publicly embarrassed them in order to get Bertuzzi signed. If the braintrust that runs the Canucks is upset that they signed one of the key ingredient to this teams success, then there's deeper trouble at GM place than we think.
Orca Bay had best solve this issue as fast as possible. If they don't want him anymore, they should come out and tell him, the team and the fans what is what. If Burke is playing them, angling for a dream job offer from back east, then tell it like it is. Regardless, this situation is quickly getting out of control. There are an awful lot of GM's that have been re-signed and rewarded in the league this year, many of whom are running teams that are just going through the motions. If the gang at Orca Bay misjudges this situation, all the hard work of the last three years, will come unraveling before their very eyes.
Burke is no doubt a valuable commodity on the market right now, you can't tell me that the likes of Boston, Chicago or New York wouldn't jump at the chance to hire him. Just look at the difference between the Canucks and the Rangers or the Hawks, if you were an owner which team would you rather have today.
Stan McCammon said last week on the radio, that they didn't want to negotiate with Burke during the season. His rationale was that they didn't want to create a distraction for the players. Well, by handling this whole thing as badly as they have, it's no longer a distraction. It's a sideshow, a bloated, overexposed, festering sideshow. One that not only is unnecessary but unwanted.
Sign him now, sign him fast and get this mess behind you before it is too late...
Alfonso is Gonzo
With a damaging Auditor General's report released in Ottawa today, Prime Minister Paul Martin began the mission of damage control. His first act, recalling ambassador Alfonso Gagliano from his post as ambassador to Denmark.
The brief statement from foreign affairs said; that Mr. Gagliano's appointment had been withdrawn and he has been asked to return to the country. It seems that Mr. Gagliano would not go quietly, he was refusing to voluntarily return home as late as yesterday, leading up to his dismissal today. Expect his departure to end up in the courts.
His appointment was a controversial one from the very beginning, many observers claiming that Jean Chretien was using it to get some distance between himself and Gagliano. At the time of his appointment it was perceived as rewarding someone for wrongdoing.
For their part, the Danes were rather concerned that they were thought of as a mere dumping ground for ex politicians. There apparently have been many, quietly made suggestions over the last year, that it would be beneficial for the two countries, if perhaps someone new might want to come over.
When he gets back, he's going to find that his former activities as Minister of Public Works have been laid out for all to examine. He oversaw the scandal plagued sponsorship program of the Chretien years, which has been investigated by the Auditor General for several years, culminating in today's report.
With the revelations today, the opposition parties will be licking their lips with anticipation. The details in the report confirming their beliefs and endorsing their attacks in the past, on a bureacracy with no sense of accountability. As the old saying goes follow the money. And they'll be tracing links for all, showing the Liberals in a less than flattering light.
The Prime Minister is going to utilize that time honoured Canadian tradition the commission, to take this off of the boil. Martin announced that he has named a Quebec judge to oversee an independent public inquiry. He also has tasked a group of MP's to investigate the situation from within the halls of Parliament. The inquiries will put the sponsorship program under a spotlight, which will probably not shock Canadians with the amount of wastage in our Federal Government. It will most likely only confirm for us that things are totally beyond control in Disneyland on the Rideau.
Martin must be hoping that his moves today, will show him as the one trying to clean up things in Ottawa. Distancing himself from the procedures of his predecessor at 24 Sussex Drive. His problem of course, is that it was during his time as Finance Minister that much of this breach of trust took place. People are going to find it rather hard to believe that the Finance Minister of the day, had no idea that any of this was happening. Perhaps he should have been a bit more vocal at the time, trying to control this when he was in the Chretien circle. It may have been a mess created under the Chretien watch, but it's his to clean up now.
At any rate it will be interesting to see what effect the fallout from all of this will have on his election plans. It was generally believed that the Prime Minister would have us going to the polls in May. That may change now, if stories of millions of dollars being tossed into a trough are front page and lead broadcast items for the foreseeable future. A time consuming commission or two, might take it off the pages for now, giving the government a window for re-election. But most Canadians would not be fooled by that. No amount of political spin is going to counter the vision of hundreds of millions, possibly billions of dollars wasted. Those aren't their dollars after all to spend willy nilly, the money is yours and mine and apparently they didn't take care of it very well.
The brief statement from foreign affairs said; that Mr. Gagliano's appointment had been withdrawn and he has been asked to return to the country. It seems that Mr. Gagliano would not go quietly, he was refusing to voluntarily return home as late as yesterday, leading up to his dismissal today. Expect his departure to end up in the courts.
His appointment was a controversial one from the very beginning, many observers claiming that Jean Chretien was using it to get some distance between himself and Gagliano. At the time of his appointment it was perceived as rewarding someone for wrongdoing.
For their part, the Danes were rather concerned that they were thought of as a mere dumping ground for ex politicians. There apparently have been many, quietly made suggestions over the last year, that it would be beneficial for the two countries, if perhaps someone new might want to come over.
When he gets back, he's going to find that his former activities as Minister of Public Works have been laid out for all to examine. He oversaw the scandal plagued sponsorship program of the Chretien years, which has been investigated by the Auditor General for several years, culminating in today's report.
With the revelations today, the opposition parties will be licking their lips with anticipation. The details in the report confirming their beliefs and endorsing their attacks in the past, on a bureacracy with no sense of accountability. As the old saying goes follow the money. And they'll be tracing links for all, showing the Liberals in a less than flattering light.
The Prime Minister is going to utilize that time honoured Canadian tradition the commission, to take this off of the boil. Martin announced that he has named a Quebec judge to oversee an independent public inquiry. He also has tasked a group of MP's to investigate the situation from within the halls of Parliament. The inquiries will put the sponsorship program under a spotlight, which will probably not shock Canadians with the amount of wastage in our Federal Government. It will most likely only confirm for us that things are totally beyond control in Disneyland on the Rideau.
Martin must be hoping that his moves today, will show him as the one trying to clean up things in Ottawa. Distancing himself from the procedures of his predecessor at 24 Sussex Drive. His problem of course, is that it was during his time as Finance Minister that much of this breach of trust took place. People are going to find it rather hard to believe that the Finance Minister of the day, had no idea that any of this was happening. Perhaps he should have been a bit more vocal at the time, trying to control this when he was in the Chretien circle. It may have been a mess created under the Chretien watch, but it's his to clean up now.
At any rate it will be interesting to see what effect the fallout from all of this will have on his election plans. It was generally believed that the Prime Minister would have us going to the polls in May. That may change now, if stories of millions of dollars being tossed into a trough are front page and lead broadcast items for the foreseeable future. A time consuming commission or two, might take it off the pages for now, giving the government a window for re-election. But most Canadians would not be fooled by that. No amount of political spin is going to counter the vision of hundreds of millions, possibly billions of dollars wasted. Those aren't their dollars after all to spend willy nilly, the money is yours and mine and apparently they didn't take care of it very well.
(update) Russian politico resurfaces, cement shoes back in the closet.
Unfounded rumours certainly made life interesting in Russia the last few days. An unexplained disappearance of Presidential candidate Ivan Rybkin has been cleared up. Rybkin apparently felt the need to "get away" for a bit and visit some friends in the Ukraine.
Apparently Rybkin is one of those just get up and go guys. Neglecting to tell anyone of his plans, or of his timetable. he resurfaced today expressing shock that anyone felt that he had come into harm.
Rybkin who is an outspoken critic of current President Putin plans on returning to Russia today, to continue his floundering campaign for the Presidency. Despite heavy financing from offshore Russians, he has not exactly caught the fancy of the Russian electorate. His current poll status is less than one percent. Which come to think of it. is probably the political equivalent of being on a missing person list.
Apparently Rybkin is one of those just get up and go guys. Neglecting to tell anyone of his plans, or of his timetable. he resurfaced today expressing shock that anyone felt that he had come into harm.
Rybkin who is an outspoken critic of current President Putin plans on returning to Russia today, to continue his floundering campaign for the Presidency. Despite heavy financing from offshore Russians, he has not exactly caught the fancy of the Russian electorate. His current poll status is less than one percent. Which come to think of it. is probably the political equivalent of being on a missing person list.
Climbing aboard the good ship Liberal
The next federal election may not be called until April, but they're starting to scramble for tickets on the good ship Liberal for it's journey to the next Parliament.
While Jack Layton woos red Tories, spurned Liberals and anyone else he can find. And as Belinda, Steve and Tony wander down the nomination trail, the Liberals are quietly taking their "star" candidates out for a test drive.
Jeffrey Simpson reveals in today's Globe and Mail, that former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna, is all but finalized as a candidate in the next election. As long as he can find an appropriate seat. And that may be easier said than done, for it seems that none of the incumbents, nor wishful thinkers in New Brunswick, are willing to give up what is assumed to be a sure bet election this time around.
Expect the party fixers to find someone willing to step aside, providing McKenna with a relatively easy fight for the voters affection. For many Liberals, this upcoming election is all about positioning, should McKenna join up with his old friend Paul Martin in Ottawa, he would automatically become the front runner to replace him. The age old tradition of alternating between a francophone and anglophone may cause him some trouble, but it's something that he can probably overcome. As a consensus choice, McKenna could fit both categories, having been premier of a bilingual province and able to speak French fluently. His arrival, would signal to many other Liberals that perhaps the private sector would be more rewarding career path. Brian Tobin, Alan Rock and John Manley may want to explore other options and forget about politics, should McKenna take the leap.
But first he has to find a seat and as Simpson explains in his article, that may be problematic. The last thing that Martin needs is more nasty infighting over nominations. Expect this problem to be taken care of long before it gets to the point of being an embarrassing situation.
With expectations of a big Liberal majority come election day, look for Paul Martin to have more high profile Liberals decide to try out life in Ottawa. Like a new model on the car lot, there are going to be a lot of test drivers out on the roads in the next few weeks.
While Jack Layton woos red Tories, spurned Liberals and anyone else he can find. And as Belinda, Steve and Tony wander down the nomination trail, the Liberals are quietly taking their "star" candidates out for a test drive.
Jeffrey Simpson reveals in today's Globe and Mail, that former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna, is all but finalized as a candidate in the next election. As long as he can find an appropriate seat. And that may be easier said than done, for it seems that none of the incumbents, nor wishful thinkers in New Brunswick, are willing to give up what is assumed to be a sure bet election this time around.
Expect the party fixers to find someone willing to step aside, providing McKenna with a relatively easy fight for the voters affection. For many Liberals, this upcoming election is all about positioning, should McKenna join up with his old friend Paul Martin in Ottawa, he would automatically become the front runner to replace him. The age old tradition of alternating between a francophone and anglophone may cause him some trouble, but it's something that he can probably overcome. As a consensus choice, McKenna could fit both categories, having been premier of a bilingual province and able to speak French fluently. His arrival, would signal to many other Liberals that perhaps the private sector would be more rewarding career path. Brian Tobin, Alan Rock and John Manley may want to explore other options and forget about politics, should McKenna take the leap.
But first he has to find a seat and as Simpson explains in his article, that may be problematic. The last thing that Martin needs is more nasty infighting over nominations. Expect this problem to be taken care of long before it gets to the point of being an embarrassing situation.
With expectations of a big Liberal majority come election day, look for Paul Martin to have more high profile Liberals decide to try out life in Ottawa. Like a new model on the car lot, there are going to be a lot of test drivers out on the roads in the next few weeks.
Monday, February 09, 2004
Conan is Coming, Conan is Coming
Finally a voice of sanity regarding the arrival of Conan O'Brien's television show in the always insecure Toronto. For the last two weeks, the Toronto Sun, Toronto Star and even The Globe and Mail have been washing the feet and rubbing the back of the carrot topped talk show host.
Over the last week or so, Conan has been filming some comedy bits for the show, followed around by a media horde. As well there was a gaggle of star struck Canucks following his every move. One NBC PR flack was heard to say these were J-Lo like crowds. For Conan's sake I hope that's a compliment, if they were fans of Gigli they might be considered an angry mob.
In the Tuesday edition of the Globe, John Doyle finally took a step back, asking if everyone in Toronto had gone slightly mad. He also reminds us all that Conan is here cause we're paying him to come here. In a move to draw attention back to Toronto after last years SARS crisis, organizers hit up on the various levels of government to the tune of 1 million dollars, to help fund Conan's four day trip to the wilds of Toronto.
O'Brien has lined up some "A" list Hollywood stars to drop on by for a visit, and hey, they happen to be Canadian to boot. Mike Myers, Jim Carrey, Eric McCormick and Michael J. Fox, fly in from LA. Stompin' Tom Connors makes the drive down the 401 to stop in. Nickleback and Bare Naked Ladies will play a few tunes, it's going to be a Late night party. And yep we're talking late night, Conan's show doesn't air until 12:30 in the morning, so there will be some bleary eyed Torontonians wandering around all week, celebrating their hipness.
You would think that this would be bad news for the Mike Bullard show on Global. Bullard's show is struggling and getting panned by the media of late, so with a big hired gun coming onto his turf, you would think the only humour in Bullardland would be of the gallows variety.
But Bullard has caught a gigantic break. Tuesday night, in his first match up with Conan, he has as his guest, none other than the controversial Don Cherry. This is Cherry's first public appearance since he became a cause celebre, with the CBC criticizing him and setting up their seven second delay. It should be interesting to see if Canadians tune in to a Canadian icon, or the American visitor. If the booking people at Bullard are smart, they hold Don off until after 12:30, and No delay, it's late night, so live on the edge.
Over the last week or so, Conan has been filming some comedy bits for the show, followed around by a media horde. As well there was a gaggle of star struck Canucks following his every move. One NBC PR flack was heard to say these were J-Lo like crowds. For Conan's sake I hope that's a compliment, if they were fans of Gigli they might be considered an angry mob.
In the Tuesday edition of the Globe, John Doyle finally took a step back, asking if everyone in Toronto had gone slightly mad. He also reminds us all that Conan is here cause we're paying him to come here. In a move to draw attention back to Toronto after last years SARS crisis, organizers hit up on the various levels of government to the tune of 1 million dollars, to help fund Conan's four day trip to the wilds of Toronto.
O'Brien has lined up some "A" list Hollywood stars to drop on by for a visit, and hey, they happen to be Canadian to boot. Mike Myers, Jim Carrey, Eric McCormick and Michael J. Fox, fly in from LA. Stompin' Tom Connors makes the drive down the 401 to stop in. Nickleback and Bare Naked Ladies will play a few tunes, it's going to be a Late night party. And yep we're talking late night, Conan's show doesn't air until 12:30 in the morning, so there will be some bleary eyed Torontonians wandering around all week, celebrating their hipness.
You would think that this would be bad news for the Mike Bullard show on Global. Bullard's show is struggling and getting panned by the media of late, so with a big hired gun coming onto his turf, you would think the only humour in Bullardland would be of the gallows variety.
But Bullard has caught a gigantic break. Tuesday night, in his first match up with Conan, he has as his guest, none other than the controversial Don Cherry. This is Cherry's first public appearance since he became a cause celebre, with the CBC criticizing him and setting up their seven second delay. It should be interesting to see if Canadians tune in to a Canadian icon, or the American visitor. If the booking people at Bullard are smart, they hold Don off until after 12:30, and No delay, it's late night, so live on the edge.
Cheque books open and a full pen to write with!
Sniff, sniff, hmmm, must be an election coming soon. The NDP is about to spend the most money ever, in a bid to gain more electoral support from across Canada. With a freshly minted leader to show off, the socialist band is ready to hit the road with twelve million bucks to spend.
Taking advantage of newly created election financing laws and some largesse from the Union movement, the NDP plans to spend twice as much on Smilin' Jack Layton, than they did on poor Alexa McDonough in the last campaign. And it will be 4 million dollars more, than was spent on Ed Broadbent's last campaign as leader back in 1988. That one was their most successful ever, netting the NDP 43 seats, the largest amount they have ever had in Parliament.
With a membership list that has doubled in the year since Layton took charge, the NDP is enjoying a bit of a renaissance and looking to take advantage of the popularity bounce. Recent polls show that 16% of Canadians find the policies of Jack Layton to be to their liking. A splashy media campaign is on the way to help Canadians get to know Layton and his fellow travelers a little bit better.
The new financial regulations that they are taking advantage of, provide the party with a federal subsidy (money from you and I) of 1.9 million dollars. Still rather low compared to the Liberals 9.2 mil, the Conservatives 8.5 million dollar and the 2.4 million dollar Bloc Quebecois winfall, but it's a start. Where things start to even up for the party, is with the new individual regulations. Those changes limit each contribution to under 5,000 dollars for the common folk and under 1,000 dollars for corporations or unions.
But what about that union largesse mentioned earlier, you ask? Well it's quite simple, a number of unions got together and bought the NDP an office building in Ottawa, to be used for a party headquarters. Purchasing and delivering the deed to the building before the Dec 31st deadline. The Party plans to lease out some retail space for revenue and to use it for collateral on any election loans they take out.
Hmm, land speculating, revenue producing and beating changing tax deadlines! That sounds pretty capitalistic, for a party normally thought to be of a more collective bent.
Taking advantage of newly created election financing laws and some largesse from the Union movement, the NDP plans to spend twice as much on Smilin' Jack Layton, than they did on poor Alexa McDonough in the last campaign. And it will be 4 million dollars more, than was spent on Ed Broadbent's last campaign as leader back in 1988. That one was their most successful ever, netting the NDP 43 seats, the largest amount they have ever had in Parliament.
With a membership list that has doubled in the year since Layton took charge, the NDP is enjoying a bit of a renaissance and looking to take advantage of the popularity bounce. Recent polls show that 16% of Canadians find the policies of Jack Layton to be to their liking. A splashy media campaign is on the way to help Canadians get to know Layton and his fellow travelers a little bit better.
The new financial regulations that they are taking advantage of, provide the party with a federal subsidy (money from you and I) of 1.9 million dollars. Still rather low compared to the Liberals 9.2 mil, the Conservatives 8.5 million dollar and the 2.4 million dollar Bloc Quebecois winfall, but it's a start. Where things start to even up for the party, is with the new individual regulations. Those changes limit each contribution to under 5,000 dollars for the common folk and under 1,000 dollars for corporations or unions.
But what about that union largesse mentioned earlier, you ask? Well it's quite simple, a number of unions got together and bought the NDP an office building in Ottawa, to be used for a party headquarters. Purchasing and delivering the deed to the building before the Dec 31st deadline. The Party plans to lease out some retail space for revenue and to use it for collateral on any election loans they take out.
Hmm, land speculating, revenue producing and beating changing tax deadlines! That sounds pretty capitalistic, for a party normally thought to be of a more collective bent.
Morning Chuckle
Well time to pass along some more humorous spam received by my computer. Which shows all the attributes of the female version. See below:
A French teacher was explaining to her class that in French, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine. House is feminine "la maison." Pencil is masculine "le crayon."
A student asked, "What gender is 'computer'?" Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups - male and female - and asked them to decide for themselves whether a "computer" should be a
masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for their recommendation. The men's group decided that "computer" should definitely be of the feminine gender (la computer) because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic
2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later review; and,
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.
The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be masculine (le computer) because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and,
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you'd had waited a little longer, you could have found a better model.
The women won...........as usual!
A French teacher was explaining to her class that in French, unlike English, nouns are designated as either masculine or feminine. House is feminine "la maison." Pencil is masculine "le crayon."
A student asked, "What gender is 'computer'?" Instead of giving the answer, the teacher split the class into two groups - male and female - and asked them to decide for themselves whether a "computer" should be a
masculine or a feminine noun. Each group was asked to give four reasons for their recommendation. The men's group decided that "computer" should definitely be of the feminine gender (la computer) because:
1. No one but their creator understands their internal logic
2. The native language they use to communicate with other computers is incomprehensible to everyone else
3. Even the smallest mistakes are stored in long term memory for possible later review; and,
4. As soon as you make a commitment to one, you find yourself spending half your paycheck on accessories for it.
The women's group, however, concluded that computers should be masculine (le computer) because:
1. In order to do anything with them, you have to turn them on;
2. They have a lot of data but still can't think for themselves;
3. They are supposed to help you solve problems, but half the time they ARE the problem; and,
4. As soon as you commit to one, you realize that if you'd had waited a little longer, you could have found a better model.
The women won...........as usual!
Radio Programming made easy
More changes on your radio dial in the Vancouver area (and on the internet elsewhere in the world) Corus has put the Mojo format out of it's misery, instead turning the 730 frequency to an all sports format. Mojo becomes the second All Sports station in the city, following the Team 1040 which has been on the air for a number of years now. The Team hasn't exactly found a huge audience either, so the arrival of a second sports station is hard to figure. I can see the discussion in the Corus boardroom, All right, a ratings war for the bottom end of the scale, bring it on..
The mojo format which has found a bit of success in Toronto never really caught fire in Vancouver, as the station struggled to get off the floor of the radio ratings. The move to all sports is a tad interesting, as the Mojo format was basically a glorified sports format, with sophomoric humour tossed in at times to keep you on your toes. What the actual change will be should be interesting to see. Maybe "More scores, less bores" could be the positioning statement from the new Mojo.
The decision to become an official all sports station was based on the success of the afternoon show "The Sports Zone- with Bob Marjanovich". And Bob is going to be the man for awhile. All other Mojo announcers were either fired, or "reassigned" to other Corus stations. Bob will be the only local voice on the air for the near future as the New Mojo - Just Sports gets launched.
The plan is to carry programming from ESPN in the morning drive slot, until they can cobble together a morning team for "Just Sports Radio". The out of town programming will continue throughout the day until the Marjanovich show, and then it's back to non local programming.
Funny somewhere back in my bad old days, I remember some broadcast teacher telling me that the beauty of radio was it was LOCAL. Apparently that's not a theory shared by today's Programming gurus.
The mojo format which has found a bit of success in Toronto never really caught fire in Vancouver, as the station struggled to get off the floor of the radio ratings. The move to all sports is a tad interesting, as the Mojo format was basically a glorified sports format, with sophomoric humour tossed in at times to keep you on your toes. What the actual change will be should be interesting to see. Maybe "More scores, less bores" could be the positioning statement from the new Mojo.
The decision to become an official all sports station was based on the success of the afternoon show "The Sports Zone- with Bob Marjanovich". And Bob is going to be the man for awhile. All other Mojo announcers were either fired, or "reassigned" to other Corus stations. Bob will be the only local voice on the air for the near future as the New Mojo - Just Sports gets launched.
The plan is to carry programming from ESPN in the morning drive slot, until they can cobble together a morning team for "Just Sports Radio". The out of town programming will continue throughout the day until the Marjanovich show, and then it's back to non local programming.
Funny somewhere back in my bad old days, I remember some broadcast teacher telling me that the beauty of radio was it was LOCAL. Apparently that's not a theory shared by today's Programming gurus.
Sunday, February 08, 2004
Dropping off the ballot, Russian Style
The U. S. has it's primary and caucus season, Canada has it's leadership conventions. All designed to pick the best candidate to seek the highest office of the land. In Russia too, the fledgling democracy now sends leaders off to debate the issues, in hopes of gaining the support of the people. Well at least that's how it was designed, but things seem to be going off the rails a bit.
Russian police are presently searching for Ivan Rybkin, a candidate in next month's Presidential election. Rybkin has been missing since February 5th, apparently disappearing off the face of the earth. No phone calls to family, no letters or telegrams, no contact in any form.
Rybkin is the former speaker of the lower house and has been a frequent and vocal critic of current President Vladimir Putin. His campaign is backed by exiled Russian billionaire Boris Berezovsky, who fled Russia for asylum in England when Putin took over. Berezovsky has been steeped in controversy through the last few years, after amassing his fortune in Oil under the Yeltsin regime. He and Putin have been bitter enemies ever since Putin became President.
The Rybkin campaign has been a rather poorly run affair thus far, with his latest poll numbers showing him achieving only 1% in support. Not exactly a great bang for the Berezovsky buck, or ruble if you will. With wild accusations and similar behaviour, he has failed to attract any positive attention from the voting population. In fact, Putin only gets stronger, he's expected to win the election in a landslide with near 80% of the vote. In a desperate bid to increase his numbers, Rybkin published an open letter last week, accusing the President of being a dictator and being in the pocket of big business. An interesting claim considering where his support is coming from.
Rybkin also went on to attack Putin's character, claiming that he runs the country purely on the basis of fear. And with those words ringing in his ears, Rybkin promptly disappeared. It's the latest in a stream of disappointing trends in Russia, as the nation tries to give Democracy a firmer grip on the state.
Judging by the latest developments, at the moment they have more in common with the Sopranos than Socrates.
Russian police are presently searching for Ivan Rybkin, a candidate in next month's Presidential election. Rybkin has been missing since February 5th, apparently disappearing off the face of the earth. No phone calls to family, no letters or telegrams, no contact in any form.
Rybkin is the former speaker of the lower house and has been a frequent and vocal critic of current President Vladimir Putin. His campaign is backed by exiled Russian billionaire Boris Berezovsky, who fled Russia for asylum in England when Putin took over. Berezovsky has been steeped in controversy through the last few years, after amassing his fortune in Oil under the Yeltsin regime. He and Putin have been bitter enemies ever since Putin became President.
The Rybkin campaign has been a rather poorly run affair thus far, with his latest poll numbers showing him achieving only 1% in support. Not exactly a great bang for the Berezovsky buck, or ruble if you will. With wild accusations and similar behaviour, he has failed to attract any positive attention from the voting population. In fact, Putin only gets stronger, he's expected to win the election in a landslide with near 80% of the vote. In a desperate bid to increase his numbers, Rybkin published an open letter last week, accusing the President of being a dictator and being in the pocket of big business. An interesting claim considering where his support is coming from.
Rybkin also went on to attack Putin's character, claiming that he runs the country purely on the basis of fear. And with those words ringing in his ears, Rybkin promptly disappeared. It's the latest in a stream of disappointing trends in Russia, as the nation tries to give Democracy a firmer grip on the state.
Judging by the latest developments, at the moment they have more in common with the Sopranos than Socrates.
Were YOU the winner
Three Canadians shared in Friday nights Super 7 lotto, I'm not one of them so perhaps you were one of the lucky winners. 32.5 million dollars got split three ways with three separate tickets taking home 10,833,333.40. In a typical Canadian fashion, the three winners were from Ontario, Quebec and Western Canada, only Atlantic Canada was shut out this time. If you didn't win the big prize there's quite the drop from first place to second. Fourteen winners of the 6 + bonus can claim a cheque of $102,601.20. 461 lottery players won $2726.40, 30,231 players got $148.50, 641,905 holders of 4 winning numbers collected 10 bucks, as did 592,226 ticket holders of 3 + the bonus. 5.359,395 players won a free ticket on next weeks Super 7 a mere 2.5 million dollars.
If you figure the odds were against you, you're right. The chances of winning the giant jackpot on Friday were 1 in 62 million. At the height of the lotto mania across Canada, it was reported that 31 tickets were being sold every second. Ponder those odds as you stare at your fistfull of now useless tickets, but then again, only 7 little numbers separate you from a carefree existence. Suspect I'll be seeing you again in the lotto line up soon.
If you figure the odds were against you, you're right. The chances of winning the giant jackpot on Friday were 1 in 62 million. At the height of the lotto mania across Canada, it was reported that 31 tickets were being sold every second. Ponder those odds as you stare at your fistfull of now useless tickets, but then again, only 7 little numbers separate you from a carefree existence. Suspect I'll be seeing you again in the lotto line up soon.
It's Sunday, go to church! Not so fast you Anglicans.
Sunday Service cancelled due to lack of interest! Will that sign soon be appearing on Anglican cathedrals world wide? Citing a continual depletion of worshippers, the Anglican Church of England is contemplating moving Sunday services to another day. The plan is an apparent response to a society too busy on the weekends to fit the church into their schedules. It's hoped a move to a more user friendly day will bring the flock back to the church.
Now in the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that I am not the most faithful of church attendees, but the concept of picking your day of worship along the lines of a Chinese food smorgasboard strikes me as counter productive. For as long as I can remember the day of the Lord has always been a Sunday, and while many Catholics attend a mass on Saturday nights, they also know that twice on Sunday's they can show their devotion.
But while the Anglicans debate the benefits of a floating day of worship, a look back in history may be beneficial. Back in 2001, A. Jan Marcussen, a Seventh Day Adventist pastor in Illinois offered up a reward for sharp eyed biblical scholars. Pastor Marcussen at the time had offered up to 1 million dollars to anyone who could produce "a verse from the Holy Bible showing that God commands us to keep holy the first day of the week" Sunday "instead of the seventh day" Saturday "as is commanded in the Bible." There's no follow up available to let us know if the good pastor ever paid out. But since there's been no shake up in the Adventist congregations, one assumes that all is as it was and the good Pastor still sits on his million.
For the Anglicans the debate will go on for another few weeks, without the benefit of a cash reward at the end of their careful consideration. Expect the traditionalists to win out over the new thinkers this time around, some parts of your tradition you just don't want to open up to controversy.
Now in the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that I am not the most faithful of church attendees, but the concept of picking your day of worship along the lines of a Chinese food smorgasboard strikes me as counter productive. For as long as I can remember the day of the Lord has always been a Sunday, and while many Catholics attend a mass on Saturday nights, they also know that twice on Sunday's they can show their devotion.
But while the Anglicans debate the benefits of a floating day of worship, a look back in history may be beneficial. Back in 2001, A. Jan Marcussen, a Seventh Day Adventist pastor in Illinois offered up a reward for sharp eyed biblical scholars. Pastor Marcussen at the time had offered up to 1 million dollars to anyone who could produce "a verse from the Holy Bible showing that God commands us to keep holy the first day of the week" Sunday "instead of the seventh day" Saturday "as is commanded in the Bible." There's no follow up available to let us know if the good pastor ever paid out. But since there's been no shake up in the Adventist congregations, one assumes that all is as it was and the good Pastor still sits on his million.
For the Anglicans the debate will go on for another few weeks, without the benefit of a cash reward at the end of their careful consideration. Expect the traditionalists to win out over the new thinkers this time around, some parts of your tradition you just don't want to open up to controversy.
Saturday, February 07, 2004
Charles Adler's mea culpa
Charles Adler, a radio hot line host at Winnipeg's CJOB is feeling rather down on himself these days. In an article in the Winnipeg Sun, Adler reprimands himself for his soft handed treatment of Belinda Stronach. You may remember in a past A Town Called Podunk, we recounted the soft lobs and easy going banter of Ms Stronach's first media event.
Adler gave her a pass that day, letting her get her feet wet in the media pit, without a scratch. No hard hitting questions, no follow ups to less than adequate answers, as he described it at the time, "who wants to be the guy that kills bambi". But with the distance of a couple of weeks, Adler has come clean on his performance that day. And like Jimmy Swaggart he now confesses to one and all, that he has sinned.
The cause of his reflection is a recent poll by something called Northstar, which shows Ms. Stronach is actually well ahead of her two rivals for the Conservative leadership. Now to be fair Northstar is partially owned by one of her handlers (see the fine print at the bottom of the poll, see link above!), John Laschinger, so perhaps a grain of salt should be taken with the results. But there is an interesting development tied into these results, the political team working her campaign has since cut back drastically on her public events and have ruled out any form of public televised debate with the other two candidates. If indeed she is in first place with her current peek a boo campaign, the safe bet is to keep her aloof, at fun events and off the media circuit.
For Adler the pain must be unbearable, he may have been the only journalist with the opportunity to provide a counterpoint to the carefully scripted campaign. Instead, he aided and abetted the political hacks running the show. Nothing scars a journalist more than discovering he may have been used. And that's why Adler is doing penance in the Sun today.
Adler gave her a pass that day, letting her get her feet wet in the media pit, without a scratch. No hard hitting questions, no follow ups to less than adequate answers, as he described it at the time, "who wants to be the guy that kills bambi". But with the distance of a couple of weeks, Adler has come clean on his performance that day. And like Jimmy Swaggart he now confesses to one and all, that he has sinned.
The cause of his reflection is a recent poll by something called Northstar, which shows Ms. Stronach is actually well ahead of her two rivals for the Conservative leadership. Now to be fair Northstar is partially owned by one of her handlers (see the fine print at the bottom of the poll, see link above!), John Laschinger, so perhaps a grain of salt should be taken with the results. But there is an interesting development tied into these results, the political team working her campaign has since cut back drastically on her public events and have ruled out any form of public televised debate with the other two candidates. If indeed she is in first place with her current peek a boo campaign, the safe bet is to keep her aloof, at fun events and off the media circuit.
For Adler the pain must be unbearable, he may have been the only journalist with the opportunity to provide a counterpoint to the carefully scripted campaign. Instead, he aided and abetted the political hacks running the show. Nothing scars a journalist more than discovering he may have been used. And that's why Adler is doing penance in the Sun today.
Kerry keeps marching on
A couple of key American states gave John Kerry a push towards the White House this evening, as Michigan and Washington state both voted strongly for a Kerry candidacy. Giving him his ninth victory in eleven caucuses or primaries. Kerry claimed near 50% of the votes in both states as his fellow candidates suffered more setbacks.
Howard Dean's campaign continued to unravel as he finished a distant second to Kerry tonight, a poll for the must win state of Wisconsin shows he trails Kerry there with only 9% of the expected vote. That primary is scheduled for one week from this Tuesday, between then and now Dean must face the electors of Maine, Virginia and Tennessee, areas it's not expected that he will do well in. Come this Tuesday night the Dean campaign may be all but dead, if it isn't at that point already. Another blow to his bid for office came today as the Labour movement's support for Dean drifted away, a prominent American union withdrew their endorsement this afternoon, taking away supporters and financing when he needs it most.
The other two candidates John Edwards and Wesley Clark did not pick up much support tonight. The news doesn't improve much for next week either, polls from the southern primaries, show that the best they can hope for is a second place finish to Kerry. It may be time for them to start polishing apples for Senator Kerry, and saying a few nice things, so as to position themselves for a spot as the VP on the ticket.
Kerry was so comfortable with his wins tonight his speech was aimed more at George W. Bush and the Republicans than with the Democrats, and with good reason. As the votes for Kerry were being tabulated a poll commissioned by Newsweek showed respondents preferring Kerry to Bush, 50% percent of those questioned selected Kerry as their choice for President, the incumbent holding onto 45% of the survey, 5% couldn't say who they preferred.
For the President the numbers would be kinder against either, Dean, Clark or Edwards, with Bush registering a more decisive victory over any of those three. For Republicans a clear cut victory for Kerry so soon, is not a helpful development. Perceived as the only candidate that can defeat Bush, Kerry will appeal to the undecided voters and soft Republicans. With the groundswell of support building in his own party now, Kerry can concentrate more on the need to offer a serious alternative to the President. Given a free ride for a rather long time now, the Republicans are going to find a united Democratic party.
If Kerry's numbers continue to rise, it may get a little uneasy around the committee to re-elect the President. Look for them to start to counter attack the Kerry image, the gloves are about to come off now.
No longer able to watch the Democrats do the necessary work for them, the Republicans themselves will to have to get to work. With Kerry pulling away from his Democratic rivals, the folks in the War Room need to swing into action soon, before Kerry starts to build a similar lead over the President.
Howard Dean's campaign continued to unravel as he finished a distant second to Kerry tonight, a poll for the must win state of Wisconsin shows he trails Kerry there with only 9% of the expected vote. That primary is scheduled for one week from this Tuesday, between then and now Dean must face the electors of Maine, Virginia and Tennessee, areas it's not expected that he will do well in. Come this Tuesday night the Dean campaign may be all but dead, if it isn't at that point already. Another blow to his bid for office came today as the Labour movement's support for Dean drifted away, a prominent American union withdrew their endorsement this afternoon, taking away supporters and financing when he needs it most.
The other two candidates John Edwards and Wesley Clark did not pick up much support tonight. The news doesn't improve much for next week either, polls from the southern primaries, show that the best they can hope for is a second place finish to Kerry. It may be time for them to start polishing apples for Senator Kerry, and saying a few nice things, so as to position themselves for a spot as the VP on the ticket.
Kerry was so comfortable with his wins tonight his speech was aimed more at George W. Bush and the Republicans than with the Democrats, and with good reason. As the votes for Kerry were being tabulated a poll commissioned by Newsweek showed respondents preferring Kerry to Bush, 50% percent of those questioned selected Kerry as their choice for President, the incumbent holding onto 45% of the survey, 5% couldn't say who they preferred.
For the President the numbers would be kinder against either, Dean, Clark or Edwards, with Bush registering a more decisive victory over any of those three. For Republicans a clear cut victory for Kerry so soon, is not a helpful development. Perceived as the only candidate that can defeat Bush, Kerry will appeal to the undecided voters and soft Republicans. With the groundswell of support building in his own party now, Kerry can concentrate more on the need to offer a serious alternative to the President. Given a free ride for a rather long time now, the Republicans are going to find a united Democratic party.
If Kerry's numbers continue to rise, it may get a little uneasy around the committee to re-elect the President. Look for them to start to counter attack the Kerry image, the gloves are about to come off now.
No longer able to watch the Democrats do the necessary work for them, the Republicans themselves will to have to get to work. With Kerry pulling away from his Democratic rivals, the folks in the War Room need to swing into action soon, before Kerry starts to build a similar lead over the President.
Wherefore are thou, Belinda, Tony and Steve?
Where's Belinda? Perhaps a helpful book along the lines of Where's Waldo, might be of use to those of us showing a cursory interest in the Conservative leadership race. Not wanting to appear in any public debates with her two Conservative compatriots, we're left to watch her campaign through the lens of a TV camera, a fleeting wave as she heads into yet another private function. Never really sure what she stands for, we're left to wonder if she's not just doing this as an expensive lark.
Not that she's alone in her invisible strategy, I can't say as I've seen or read much about Tony Clement, who from all reports has entered the Conservative race as well. He makes the occasional foray into the Western territories, crashing Harper events to gain publicity. If he's been on a talk show, or spoken to a newspaper reporter it must have been by sign language or in Braille.
The acknowledged front runner, well perhaps front runner is too strong, the guy that at least makes the nightly news from time to time is Stephen Harper. He at least is getting some face time and answering the odd question. But his candidacy has hit a brick wall, called the Ontario/Manitoba border, and that's just a minor inconvenience. If he thinks the reception is lukewarm in Ontario, he should just wait. His real problem is going to be Quebec. Ms. Stronach's political machine is using the proven tactics of the Mulroney era, finding Tories where no Tory may have dared to go before, and no doubt returning them from whence they came later on.
While Harper has managed to solidify his hold on the west, he's about to find that his thousands of Alliance members turned Tories, will be the equal of hundreds of Belindaphiles turned Tories. It's not the number of actual voters in the riding association you can attract, but the amount of riding associations you can win. Whether the riding has 500 or 10 paid up semi loyal Tories, the vote count is the same. If the Stronach people can manage their numbers properly they'll be able to nullify Harper's western block in no time. Won't that create a nice little optical nightmare for a supposedly national party. Harper's wriggle room is getting smaller and smaller with each passing day.
But all of this is playing out without any of us having a clue, the major players keeping the lowest profile possible for a major political event. Things are so bad, they're not even being mocked by the likes of Air Farce, 22 minutes, and Mercer, a sure sign of their irrelevance. Rex Murphy takes a hilarious look at what he calls the stealth campaigns, as usual he hits the nail on the head with his observations. It should be required reading for all the Tory managers.
Not that she's alone in her invisible strategy, I can't say as I've seen or read much about Tony Clement, who from all reports has entered the Conservative race as well. He makes the occasional foray into the Western territories, crashing Harper events to gain publicity. If he's been on a talk show, or spoken to a newspaper reporter it must have been by sign language or in Braille.
The acknowledged front runner, well perhaps front runner is too strong, the guy that at least makes the nightly news from time to time is Stephen Harper. He at least is getting some face time and answering the odd question. But his candidacy has hit a brick wall, called the Ontario/Manitoba border, and that's just a minor inconvenience. If he thinks the reception is lukewarm in Ontario, he should just wait. His real problem is going to be Quebec. Ms. Stronach's political machine is using the proven tactics of the Mulroney era, finding Tories where no Tory may have dared to go before, and no doubt returning them from whence they came later on.
While Harper has managed to solidify his hold on the west, he's about to find that his thousands of Alliance members turned Tories, will be the equal of hundreds of Belindaphiles turned Tories. It's not the number of actual voters in the riding association you can attract, but the amount of riding associations you can win. Whether the riding has 500 or 10 paid up semi loyal Tories, the vote count is the same. If the Stronach people can manage their numbers properly they'll be able to nullify Harper's western block in no time. Won't that create a nice little optical nightmare for a supposedly national party. Harper's wriggle room is getting smaller and smaller with each passing day.
But all of this is playing out without any of us having a clue, the major players keeping the lowest profile possible for a major political event. Things are so bad, they're not even being mocked by the likes of Air Farce, 22 minutes, and Mercer, a sure sign of their irrelevance. Rex Murphy takes a hilarious look at what he calls the stealth campaigns, as usual he hits the nail on the head with his observations. It should be required reading for all the Tory managers.
Pick a number, any number
Finding that the public perception of the April 1st welfare recipient cut off day was taking on Armageddon proportions, the BC Liberal government finally came up with some numbers today. Human Resources minister Stan Hagen, dispatched to do damage control over the plan, announced that fewer than 400 people stand to lose their welfare benefits in the current year. Hagen stated that only 72 able bodied welfare recipients will lose their benefits on April Fools Day, with a total of 339 removed by years end.
The Liberals had until now, been unable to counter the widespread speculation that thousands of welfare recipients would suddenly be sent out onto the mean streets of Vancouver, Victoria and other urban jungles. Community activists had been painting a picture of a heartless government arbitrarily tossing anyone it deemed lazy, shiftless and employable off the public rolls, whether there were jobs available or not. With no rebuttal from the government side, the general public was left with the impression of depression era drifters traveling from town to town, in search of a job and some shelter.
The newspaper columnists, letter to the editor writers, call in show hosts and listeners have all been quite active. Warning of increased crime, homelessness and general anarchy as the April 1 deadline approaches. In the province's "heartland" continuing poor economic prospects are forcing residents out of their hometowns, only to land in the overburdened larger markets, causing much stress to the system.
Until today, not one Cabinet minister had bothered to reply to the general unease of the population.
Giving the impression of a government with a case of serious message drift. They seem to be creating policy on the fly, with no rhyme, nor reason to their actions. I mean come on, who drafts a major social policy change to take effect on April Fools Day, is that just not asking for trouble. At every turn they seem to stumble along from one policy announcement to another, then going back and changing their minds in mid stream.
They seem to have lost the ability to gauge public opinion on the issues of the day and to act accordingly.
This welfare issue is yet another fumble by the government, pretty well everyone agrees that the system needs to be reformed, but in a humane and conscientious manner. The image of slashing benefits, whether they were going to be as draconian as predicted or not, is one of a government targeting the weakest members of society. The various exemptions to the welfare cuts show that the government has been feeling the heat of the backlash to their plans, and tried to quell the uproar. Instead, all they've managed to do is look bad, something they're getting very good at.
It should be interesting to see that actual final number on April 1st. While the reports of tens of thousands of people sent to fend for themselves seemed a tad hysterical, a low ball number of 339 seems rather optimistic as well. Even today the announcement went up against news that the unemployment rate in BC is inching upwards, not the best graphic to show that all is under control.
The Liberals had until now, been unable to counter the widespread speculation that thousands of welfare recipients would suddenly be sent out onto the mean streets of Vancouver, Victoria and other urban jungles. Community activists had been painting a picture of a heartless government arbitrarily tossing anyone it deemed lazy, shiftless and employable off the public rolls, whether there were jobs available or not. With no rebuttal from the government side, the general public was left with the impression of depression era drifters traveling from town to town, in search of a job and some shelter.
The newspaper columnists, letter to the editor writers, call in show hosts and listeners have all been quite active. Warning of increased crime, homelessness and general anarchy as the April 1 deadline approaches. In the province's "heartland" continuing poor economic prospects are forcing residents out of their hometowns, only to land in the overburdened larger markets, causing much stress to the system.
Until today, not one Cabinet minister had bothered to reply to the general unease of the population.
Giving the impression of a government with a case of serious message drift. They seem to be creating policy on the fly, with no rhyme, nor reason to their actions. I mean come on, who drafts a major social policy change to take effect on April Fools Day, is that just not asking for trouble. At every turn they seem to stumble along from one policy announcement to another, then going back and changing their minds in mid stream.
They seem to have lost the ability to gauge public opinion on the issues of the day and to act accordingly.
This welfare issue is yet another fumble by the government, pretty well everyone agrees that the system needs to be reformed, but in a humane and conscientious manner. The image of slashing benefits, whether they were going to be as draconian as predicted or not, is one of a government targeting the weakest members of society. The various exemptions to the welfare cuts show that the government has been feeling the heat of the backlash to their plans, and tried to quell the uproar. Instead, all they've managed to do is look bad, something they're getting very good at.
It should be interesting to see that actual final number on April 1st. While the reports of tens of thousands of people sent to fend for themselves seemed a tad hysterical, a low ball number of 339 seems rather optimistic as well. Even today the announcement went up against news that the unemployment rate in BC is inching upwards, not the best graphic to show that all is under control.
Friday, February 06, 2004
Podunk stands alone!
Tick, tock, tick, tock. The time is almost up for Podunk Pulp and Paper. The moribund paper making plant is due up in court on Monday morning , bidding for yet another sixty days grace to "firm up" the latest financing plan. The proceedings set to take place in BC Supreme Court will feature three neighboring communities, all saying enough is enough. Representatives from Bench, Port Teddy and New Hazel all will be presenting briefs, explaining how they would prefer the liquidators to move in and end the long running soap opera.
Podunk on the other hand has gone it's own way, hiring their own lawyers to provide the viewpoint that hell, another sixty days isn't going to hurt one way or another. Of course these sixty day extensions have almost become a standard business practice for Podunk Pulp and Paper. Every time they supposedly are close to finalizing the details on the financing something bad happens. The dollar rises, the pulp market tumbles, the dog eats the contract, you name it they've used it. And the result is always the same, the plant stays closed and the uncertainty in Podunk festers just a little bit more.
Two years of unpaid property taxes have the other three municipalities ready to move on and get what they can. A reported 18.5 million dollar bid from the liquidator is on the table and the dismantling of the mill a definite possibility. Podunk, which has been badly hit by the closure of the plant is crossing fingers and consulting astrologers in the hope that someone, somewhere, will ride in on a white horse and save the plant and the town.
Podunk of course has the most to lose should Podunk Pulp and Paper disappear, the city is owed 22 million dollars in back taxes and has already spent 14 million of that in an interesting concept of public financing, spending what you don't have, and may not get! Thinking that the plant would eventually be back up and in operation, Podunk went on to spend money as though the cash flow would resume, the past debt repaid and Dorothy would click her heels and we'd all be back in Kansas in no time.
And while the mayor of Podunk offers his moral and civic support to the operators of the mill, there is a split on his own council. Declining to say how many, or name the dissident members at city hall, His Worship went on to state that it's to the community's advantage to not make those names public yet. An interesting approach to democracy and civic governance, but perhaps understandable considering the times.
The entire issue of the state of Podunk Pulp and Paper has been the most divisive issue in the history of Podunk. Many families have been separated by the crisis, as family members move away to find other work, unable to sell their homes as real estate prices tumbled. Many jobs have been lost and the commercial and retail sector decimated.
Public opinion has been split for years over how the file should be handled, a referendum in mid 2003 approved borrowing of funds by the city of Podunk, to help out the struggling operation. Those funds never actually were borrowed, as the proposed deal at that time fell apart. The owner saying he was ready to go make do on his own, over seven months have passed and not much has changed. Since then it's been uncertainty, built upon more uncertainty. Leading us to the Monday morning showdown in Vancouver.
The owners of Podunk Pulp and Paper claim that all of their creditors, with the exception of the rebellious three, are on side with the company. They go on to state that there is a "credible investor" engaged with them at this time, with "serious interest" in starting up the plant. They are asking the courts to grant them an additional sixty days to get their financial ducks in a row.
With one firm bid for liquidation on the books, and a sizeable difference of opinion among the main players, the court will have a tough decision to make. The short term fate of a town called Podunk hangs in the balance.
Podunk on the other hand has gone it's own way, hiring their own lawyers to provide the viewpoint that hell, another sixty days isn't going to hurt one way or another. Of course these sixty day extensions have almost become a standard business practice for Podunk Pulp and Paper. Every time they supposedly are close to finalizing the details on the financing something bad happens. The dollar rises, the pulp market tumbles, the dog eats the contract, you name it they've used it. And the result is always the same, the plant stays closed and the uncertainty in Podunk festers just a little bit more.
Two years of unpaid property taxes have the other three municipalities ready to move on and get what they can. A reported 18.5 million dollar bid from the liquidator is on the table and the dismantling of the mill a definite possibility. Podunk, which has been badly hit by the closure of the plant is crossing fingers and consulting astrologers in the hope that someone, somewhere, will ride in on a white horse and save the plant and the town.
Podunk of course has the most to lose should Podunk Pulp and Paper disappear, the city is owed 22 million dollars in back taxes and has already spent 14 million of that in an interesting concept of public financing, spending what you don't have, and may not get! Thinking that the plant would eventually be back up and in operation, Podunk went on to spend money as though the cash flow would resume, the past debt repaid and Dorothy would click her heels and we'd all be back in Kansas in no time.
And while the mayor of Podunk offers his moral and civic support to the operators of the mill, there is a split on his own council. Declining to say how many, or name the dissident members at city hall, His Worship went on to state that it's to the community's advantage to not make those names public yet. An interesting approach to democracy and civic governance, but perhaps understandable considering the times.
The entire issue of the state of Podunk Pulp and Paper has been the most divisive issue in the history of Podunk. Many families have been separated by the crisis, as family members move away to find other work, unable to sell their homes as real estate prices tumbled. Many jobs have been lost and the commercial and retail sector decimated.
Public opinion has been split for years over how the file should be handled, a referendum in mid 2003 approved borrowing of funds by the city of Podunk, to help out the struggling operation. Those funds never actually were borrowed, as the proposed deal at that time fell apart. The owner saying he was ready to go make do on his own, over seven months have passed and not much has changed. Since then it's been uncertainty, built upon more uncertainty. Leading us to the Monday morning showdown in Vancouver.
The owners of Podunk Pulp and Paper claim that all of their creditors, with the exception of the rebellious three, are on side with the company. They go on to state that there is a "credible investor" engaged with them at this time, with "serious interest" in starting up the plant. They are asking the courts to grant them an additional sixty days to get their financial ducks in a row.
With one firm bid for liquidation on the books, and a sizeable difference of opinion among the main players, the court will have a tough decision to make. The short term fate of a town called Podunk hangs in the balance.
The Seven second solution
Football in the USA had the nipple that popped out this week, Hockey in Canada gave us the mouth that popped off. As the Orwellian like language bureaucrats of Canada continue their investigation of the syntax, pronunciation and content of Don Cherry's vocabulary, the CBC has made it's own moves to muzzle the mouth of Grapes.
In a decision announced earlier today, Harold Reddekopp, executive vice-president of CBC television, said that the network would put Mr. Cherry on a seven second delay after he made "inappropriate and reprehensible personal comments" during a broadcast on January 24th.
Cherry's remarks, a tailing off line about players "who wear visors are usually European or the French guys", has created a storm of outrage in some quarters. Columnists and commentators in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada, have expressed concern over the latest behavior of Mr. Cherry. The Language Commissioner herself jumped into the fray, Dyane Adam said the issue was important enough for her to investigate. Though it's not exactly clear how this is an issue of concern for the Government watchdog on Official Languages, and whether it justifies the attention of two of the departments thirty Language detectives.
Not to be outdone, parliamentarians have jumped into the debate. Bloc Quebecois MP's called Cherry a racist, Denis Coderre the Liberal cabinet minister for La Francophonie said he was fed up with Cherry. Jack Layton, leader of the NDP also got into things, expressing annoyance at the implications of Mr. Cherry's words.
While not to belittle the controversy, don't these people have much more important things to worry about? Is Canada in such wonderful shape at the moment, that our elected officials can waste time debating the latest five minutes of Coachs' Corner? Yes, Don Cherry says very politically incorrect things, he can be rude, loud and bombastic, he can be a boor, a stuffed shirt and come across as someone totally out of touch with current day Canada. But to paint him as a racist, one thinks not. Cherry has made a living out of controversy, over the years he's been on the hot seat over many of his comments. People either love him or they hate him, but they all have one thing in common, they can turn the channel when he comes on.
He obviously, would be best to leave his personal commentary on non hockey related issues to himself. The safe and controversy free path would be to stick to matters of the actual game of hockey. But every Saturday night, nearly a million (sometimes nearly three million) hockey fans tune in to watch and listen. So somebody must find some interest in his opinions. To have this so called issue dragged out as it has, is insulting to the majority of Canadians who watch television. Surely to God we can be trusted to make our own decisions about the validity of an opinion, without the guidance of politicians and the bureaucrats they employ.
Cherry is an employee of the CBC, which the last time I checked was supposed to be an independent institution. One supposedly free from governmental interference. It has a president, who in this case has made a decision to institute a delay of seven seconds, on all future appearances of Coach's corner. Though it would be of interest to know who has control of the delay button and what the list of words are that may get Cherry bleeped. Perhaps the CBC could publish them on their website, or as a way to raise money for the network make the little "Grape" book available for purchase.
Normally a radio or television station puts these delay mechanisms in place to protect the station from the ramblings of their callers, in this case it appears to be to protect them from the ramblings of the host.
In a decision announced earlier today, Harold Reddekopp, executive vice-president of CBC television, said that the network would put Mr. Cherry on a seven second delay after he made "inappropriate and reprehensible personal comments" during a broadcast on January 24th.
Cherry's remarks, a tailing off line about players "who wear visors are usually European or the French guys", has created a storm of outrage in some quarters. Columnists and commentators in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada, have expressed concern over the latest behavior of Mr. Cherry. The Language Commissioner herself jumped into the fray, Dyane Adam said the issue was important enough for her to investigate. Though it's not exactly clear how this is an issue of concern for the Government watchdog on Official Languages, and whether it justifies the attention of two of the departments thirty Language detectives.
Not to be outdone, parliamentarians have jumped into the debate. Bloc Quebecois MP's called Cherry a racist, Denis Coderre the Liberal cabinet minister for La Francophonie said he was fed up with Cherry. Jack Layton, leader of the NDP also got into things, expressing annoyance at the implications of Mr. Cherry's words.
While not to belittle the controversy, don't these people have much more important things to worry about? Is Canada in such wonderful shape at the moment, that our elected officials can waste time debating the latest five minutes of Coachs' Corner? Yes, Don Cherry says very politically incorrect things, he can be rude, loud and bombastic, he can be a boor, a stuffed shirt and come across as someone totally out of touch with current day Canada. But to paint him as a racist, one thinks not. Cherry has made a living out of controversy, over the years he's been on the hot seat over many of his comments. People either love him or they hate him, but they all have one thing in common, they can turn the channel when he comes on.
He obviously, would be best to leave his personal commentary on non hockey related issues to himself. The safe and controversy free path would be to stick to matters of the actual game of hockey. But every Saturday night, nearly a million (sometimes nearly three million) hockey fans tune in to watch and listen. So somebody must find some interest in his opinions. To have this so called issue dragged out as it has, is insulting to the majority of Canadians who watch television. Surely to God we can be trusted to make our own decisions about the validity of an opinion, without the guidance of politicians and the bureaucrats they employ.
Cherry is an employee of the CBC, which the last time I checked was supposed to be an independent institution. One supposedly free from governmental interference. It has a president, who in this case has made a decision to institute a delay of seven seconds, on all future appearances of Coach's corner. Though it would be of interest to know who has control of the delay button and what the list of words are that may get Cherry bleeped. Perhaps the CBC could publish them on their website, or as a way to raise money for the network make the little "Grape" book available for purchase.
Normally a radio or television station puts these delay mechanisms in place to protect the station from the ramblings of their callers, in this case it appears to be to protect them from the ramblings of the host.
Putting the commodity into the commode
(With apologies to Paul Henning)
Come and listen to a story, about a gal named Leila
the poor little lady, just wanted to sit private
and then one day,she was sittin' on the bowl
when up from the ground came a bubblin' flow
oil that is
black gold
texas tea
Longview, Texas public work crews are trying to discover the source of Leila LeTourneau's sudden deposit of crude. She returned home from work to find her house covered in a slimy crude oil, bubbling from the toilet, the bathtub, the sinks, any hole to the ground is oozing the black gold.
While the experts try and figure just why oil is gushing through her house, she and her son will be staying at a Longview Hotel. Perhaps exploring their options, contacting their lawyers.
No word on if like Jed Clampett, she'll be loading up the truck and moving to Beverly, Hills that is, swimming pools , Movie stars.......
Come and listen to a story, about a gal named Leila
the poor little lady, just wanted to sit private
and then one day,she was sittin' on the bowl
when up from the ground came a bubblin' flow
oil that is
black gold
texas tea
Longview, Texas public work crews are trying to discover the source of Leila LeTourneau's sudden deposit of crude. She returned home from work to find her house covered in a slimy crude oil, bubbling from the toilet, the bathtub, the sinks, any hole to the ground is oozing the black gold.
While the experts try and figure just why oil is gushing through her house, she and her son will be staying at a Longview Hotel. Perhaps exploring their options, contacting their lawyers.
No word on if like Jed Clampett, she'll be loading up the truck and moving to Beverly, Hills that is, swimming pools , Movie stars.......
Thursday, February 05, 2004
Paul Martin's all inclusive tent
As the continuing dispatch of old Chretien loyalists continues, a voice from the turbulent past has rejoined Les Rouges. Paul Martin today announced that Jean Lapierre has rejoined the Liberal party and will serve as his Quebec lieutenant. One can only assume that Mr. Lapierre has had a personal conversion, leaving the bosom of Quebecois seperatism to join in the Canadian mosaic once again. When we last saw him in Ottawa he was decidedly disenchanted with the federation, choosing to work to take his province out of the Canadian family.
Lapierre has been doing what all good politicians do when they aren't working a campaign, running a hot line radio show in Montreal. Keeping his finger on the issues of the day and of course making sure one and all knew where he placed himself on those issues. He also trained in law and did some television work to keep up a high profile in media mad Quebec.
Prior to his celebrity status as a media star, Lapierre was a founding member of a group of disappointed Quebec politicos, you may remember them banding together as the Bloc Quebecois. The Bloc which these days is a mere shadow of itself, at one time was perceived as a grave threat to the fiber of the nation. Mr. Lapierre was a charter member of that Lucien Bouchard brotherhood in quest of nationhood.
So how does a formerly committed seperatist, all of a sudden decide that the nation is one again? Most likely with lots of polling data and a good friend as the PM. Lapierre was the chair of Paul Martin's unsuccessful run for the Liberal leadership of 1990. With his guy the PM now, the time was right for a return to federal politics and in a topsy turvy landscape; where a Conservative becomes Liberal, a Liberal is wooed by socialists, what's one seperatist turned federalist again between friends. Paul Martin insists that the one time sovereigntist is now a fully committed federalist, having apparently talked a length about the goals and aspirations of the new Quebec inside, of the Liberal's brave new Canada.
It doesn't hurt that he becomes the number one guy in Quebec for the PM as well, dispensing the power and perks in the province where power counts. There should be wholesale changes in Liberal nominations in Quebec now, with the nationalist window now open, who knows who we may see offering their services. Far thinking Quebecois politicians will realize that the Liberal party alternating leadership will next tap a French Canadian, the smart ones are already placing themselves in line for the day that Paul Martin takes his walk in the snow.
For the likes of Stephan Dion, former star candidate in Quebec and a hard fighting foot soldier for the Chretien forces over the years, one sees only backbench purgatory. Lapierre's first comments after being introduced revolved around relations between Canada and Quebec, pouring scorn on the clarity act . Dion the creator of the controversial legislation, was rather dumbfounded by the vitriolic reaction to his work by the new flavour of the day. As he sits in his chair on the back fourty of Parliament, he'll be feeling as though his future is anything but clear.
Lapierre has been doing what all good politicians do when they aren't working a campaign, running a hot line radio show in Montreal. Keeping his finger on the issues of the day and of course making sure one and all knew where he placed himself on those issues. He also trained in law and did some television work to keep up a high profile in media mad Quebec.
Prior to his celebrity status as a media star, Lapierre was a founding member of a group of disappointed Quebec politicos, you may remember them banding together as the Bloc Quebecois. The Bloc which these days is a mere shadow of itself, at one time was perceived as a grave threat to the fiber of the nation. Mr. Lapierre was a charter member of that Lucien Bouchard brotherhood in quest of nationhood.
So how does a formerly committed seperatist, all of a sudden decide that the nation is one again? Most likely with lots of polling data and a good friend as the PM. Lapierre was the chair of Paul Martin's unsuccessful run for the Liberal leadership of 1990. With his guy the PM now, the time was right for a return to federal politics and in a topsy turvy landscape; where a Conservative becomes Liberal, a Liberal is wooed by socialists, what's one seperatist turned federalist again between friends. Paul Martin insists that the one time sovereigntist is now a fully committed federalist, having apparently talked a length about the goals and aspirations of the new Quebec inside, of the Liberal's brave new Canada.
It doesn't hurt that he becomes the number one guy in Quebec for the PM as well, dispensing the power and perks in the province where power counts. There should be wholesale changes in Liberal nominations in Quebec now, with the nationalist window now open, who knows who we may see offering their services. Far thinking Quebecois politicians will realize that the Liberal party alternating leadership will next tap a French Canadian, the smart ones are already placing themselves in line for the day that Paul Martin takes his walk in the snow.
For the likes of Stephan Dion, former star candidate in Quebec and a hard fighting foot soldier for the Chretien forces over the years, one sees only backbench purgatory. Lapierre's first comments after being introduced revolved around relations between Canada and Quebec, pouring scorn on the clarity act . Dion the creator of the controversial legislation, was rather dumbfounded by the vitriolic reaction to his work by the new flavour of the day. As he sits in his chair on the back fourty of Parliament, he'll be feeling as though his future is anything but clear.
Rediscovering John
Never mind the vote totals or the polls of support. The real indication that John Kerry has arrived, is the increased media attention he's receiving. Having been given more or less a free ride until now, Kerry is starting to become the focus of a media glare. The New York Post weighs in with a wide ranging opinion piece today, effectively painting the populist image of Mr. Kerry as nothing but a sham.
Now the New York Post doesn't strike anyone as a bastion of Liberal thinking, but it does represent a certain portion of the electorate that Mr. Kerry would hope to attract. Having articles portraying the candidate as a man who enjoys his luxuries, has come into his money with a minimum of sweat and is more Brahmin than Bar roomian will surely cause the proletariat to pause.
The radio talk shows in the United States, terribly weighted to the right side of the agenda, will gobble each and every snippet of information up, spewing all as gospel. His charity receipts, his achievements in the Senate, his days in the Mass. Legislature; every vote, every initiative is going to be opened up and examined. American politics is a bare knuckle, knock them down, drag them out of the room kind of affair. But only up to the actual nomination process. In some magical development, once the candidate is selected the muck raking seems to drift off, the two main candidates not wanting to be seen wallowing in mud.
For Kerry these are the danger days, he's sufficiently ahead of his Democratic brethren that he can think a bit long term. From today, until he makes it to Boston, he'll have to handle the coming flood of negativity. Not only from the dis-illusioned of his own party, but from the Republicans and their media agents. Any skeletons will rattle loudly for the next six months, his success or failure will depend on how he faces the heat. Kerry led a pretty sheltered existence in Washington, safely tucked away in his Senate office. No one really paying much attention to anything he might say, an occasional Senate appearance or some face time on Larry King.
Now people are listening, people are watching. They're going to learn more about John Kerry than they possibly would ever want to know. What they discover in the next six months will form their opinion of the candidate for the future, how he appears in the New York Post, is just as important as how he appears in The Atlantic. For every positive view of him will come a negative one, maybe more than one. At the end of the day, he and his handlers need to ensure the positive view, is the one that sticks in the mind of the voter.
Now the New York Post doesn't strike anyone as a bastion of Liberal thinking, but it does represent a certain portion of the electorate that Mr. Kerry would hope to attract. Having articles portraying the candidate as a man who enjoys his luxuries, has come into his money with a minimum of sweat and is more Brahmin than Bar roomian will surely cause the proletariat to pause.
The radio talk shows in the United States, terribly weighted to the right side of the agenda, will gobble each and every snippet of information up, spewing all as gospel. His charity receipts, his achievements in the Senate, his days in the Mass. Legislature; every vote, every initiative is going to be opened up and examined. American politics is a bare knuckle, knock them down, drag them out of the room kind of affair. But only up to the actual nomination process. In some magical development, once the candidate is selected the muck raking seems to drift off, the two main candidates not wanting to be seen wallowing in mud.
For Kerry these are the danger days, he's sufficiently ahead of his Democratic brethren that he can think a bit long term. From today, until he makes it to Boston, he'll have to handle the coming flood of negativity. Not only from the dis-illusioned of his own party, but from the Republicans and their media agents. Any skeletons will rattle loudly for the next six months, his success or failure will depend on how he faces the heat. Kerry led a pretty sheltered existence in Washington, safely tucked away in his Senate office. No one really paying much attention to anything he might say, an occasional Senate appearance or some face time on Larry King.
Now people are listening, people are watching. They're going to learn more about John Kerry than they possibly would ever want to know. What they discover in the next six months will form their opinion of the candidate for the future, how he appears in the New York Post, is just as important as how he appears in The Atlantic. For every positive view of him will come a negative one, maybe more than one. At the end of the day, he and his handlers need to ensure the positive view, is the one that sticks in the mind of the voter.
Cherry in a corner.
Well Don Cherry may finally have done it, his off the cuff style of tossing out words like Swedehearts, Europeans and Frenchmen have him once again under the microscope. And while it's an uneasy feeling in having a government agency investigating what someone says, you can't be terribly surprised at the news.
It's a fine line between freedom of speech and crossing the line to destructive verbiage, and Cherry may have stepped too far last Saturday.
Dyane Adam, the Commissioner of Official Languages is to review Cherry's comments on last weeks Coach's Corner show. During the show which featured a discussion on the wearing of visors, Cherry opined that "most of the guys wearing them are Europeans and the French guys". He previously had stated that only "sucks" would wear visors. His comments have quickly drawn fire, especially in Quebec, with commentators Jacques Demers and Michel Bergeron expressing weariness with Cherry's continual denigrating of Quebec players in the NHL.
Cherry stands alone in this battle, the CBC has said they will co-operate with the Language commissioner fully, stating that they do not agree with the opinions of Mr. Cherry. CBC sports head Nancy Lee, has apparently taken Cherry aside and informed him to stick to hockey issues from now on, a point which Cherry has reportedly agreed to do.
The controversy seems to have taken on a life of it's own, Canadian Parents for French have contacted the CBC president urging the replacement of Cherry. The CBC itself is under fire for editing e mails about Cherry received about the controversy. They even went so far as to delete all references to the topic on their posting board, not wishing to fan the fires.
This is not the first time he's come under fire, and he frequently says that the day will come when the CBC eventually tells him they would like him to leave the building. It will be interesting to see if he has seen the future and possibly helped spur it on with his latest comments.
It's a fine line between freedom of speech and crossing the line to destructive verbiage, and Cherry may have stepped too far last Saturday.
Dyane Adam, the Commissioner of Official Languages is to review Cherry's comments on last weeks Coach's Corner show. During the show which featured a discussion on the wearing of visors, Cherry opined that "most of the guys wearing them are Europeans and the French guys". He previously had stated that only "sucks" would wear visors. His comments have quickly drawn fire, especially in Quebec, with commentators Jacques Demers and Michel Bergeron expressing weariness with Cherry's continual denigrating of Quebec players in the NHL.
Cherry stands alone in this battle, the CBC has said they will co-operate with the Language commissioner fully, stating that they do not agree with the opinions of Mr. Cherry. CBC sports head Nancy Lee, has apparently taken Cherry aside and informed him to stick to hockey issues from now on, a point which Cherry has reportedly agreed to do.
The controversy seems to have taken on a life of it's own, Canadian Parents for French have contacted the CBC president urging the replacement of Cherry. The CBC itself is under fire for editing e mails about Cherry received about the controversy. They even went so far as to delete all references to the topic on their posting board, not wishing to fan the fires.
This is not the first time he's come under fire, and he frequently says that the day will come when the CBC eventually tells him they would like him to leave the building. It will be interesting to see if he has seen the future and possibly helped spur it on with his latest comments.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Never mind your graduation, it's how we do the calculation.
Well it was far too quiet in BC these days, as Lotus land appeared to be slipping into a wee bit of a slumber. Ah, but we're awake now, while we were left to ponder the idea of drunk drivers being allowed to drive to work and back without a criminal record, more news was percolating in higher education.
The province's new apprenticeship program is in a bit of disrepute this evening, after word came out that a manager was fired from his post, after marks were undeservedly boosted in the program. Pressure for the program to succeed, is the suggestion for the upgrades in grading. It would appear that employees in the program felt that "helping" out the students couldn't hurt the bottom line, helping to boost the newly started program's reputation.
Advanced Education minister Shirley Bond has ordered the review, saying that "change causes challenge", she however does not believe that the greater good is served by inappropriate actions. It's not known how many trainees benefited from the fluid marking grid, nor if they will be required to retake the exams for certification.
Construction industry leaders are concerned that the latest controversy will mar the reputation that the industry has in BC. No problem there, ask any leaky condo owner of the last ten years about standards, they'll share the pain with the Building and Trades Council.
The province's new apprenticeship program is in a bit of disrepute this evening, after word came out that a manager was fired from his post, after marks were undeservedly boosted in the program. Pressure for the program to succeed, is the suggestion for the upgrades in grading. It would appear that employees in the program felt that "helping" out the students couldn't hurt the bottom line, helping to boost the newly started program's reputation.
Advanced Education minister Shirley Bond has ordered the review, saying that "change causes challenge", she however does not believe that the greater good is served by inappropriate actions. It's not known how many trainees benefited from the fluid marking grid, nor if they will be required to retake the exams for certification.
Construction industry leaders are concerned that the latest controversy will mar the reputation that the industry has in BC. No problem there, ask any leaky condo owner of the last ten years about standards, they'll share the pain with the Building and Trades Council.
This is progress?
The internet has changed the way we live our lives, information is passed from home to home in mere seconds. We can share stories, learn information and find help at the click of a mouse. There must be millions, if not billions of things you can find on the net. Many good, quite a few bad.
And with all those options available to us, what has been the most sought after item on the net?
Janet Jackson's boob, yes with all the fall out over her over exposure at the Super bowl, the falling out boob has set a new internet search record. After her Half time unveiling, we apparently raced for our computers and sought out the controversial body part, searches for Janet have left the likes of Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and even Super Bowl MVP Tom Bardy in the dust.
The previous one time hit record on the internet was the September 11, 2001 attack on America. It is indeed sad, to think that a self promoting incident such as Ms. Jackson's would tweak our collective interest over important issues.
Sure there is the kind of interest you exhibit when passing a car wreck, you slow down and take a look if driving by. But do you leave home and drive across town to take a look, not normally, why would we do the same on the net?
And with all those options available to us, what has been the most sought after item on the net?
Janet Jackson's boob, yes with all the fall out over her over exposure at the Super bowl, the falling out boob has set a new internet search record. After her Half time unveiling, we apparently raced for our computers and sought out the controversial body part, searches for Janet have left the likes of Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and even Super Bowl MVP Tom Bardy in the dust.
The previous one time hit record on the internet was the September 11, 2001 attack on America. It is indeed sad, to think that a self promoting incident such as Ms. Jackson's would tweak our collective interest over important issues.
Sure there is the kind of interest you exhibit when passing a car wreck, you slow down and take a look if driving by. But do you leave home and drive across town to take a look, not normally, why would we do the same on the net?
Patriotism or Pork barreling?
It's no secret that for far too long, we've been sending our troops off to far flung destinations with less than stellar or reliable equipment. Over the years the Canadian Army, Navy and Air Force has made the best of dwindling resources and a endured a lack of interest from their political masters. In fact, the military over the years has been treated like a political pawn by the government, to be used to get out of a sticky international jam or to grease the employment wheels of some MP's riding.
The latest offering from the bureaucrats in Ottawa doesn't offer much hope that the template will change any time soon. The Canadian Army which is woefully underfunded, undermanned and under equipped, has been handed yet another setback. The Army was to receive new trucks replacing the current workhorse of the military the MLVW, they will now have to wait until 2008 before a new ride is available. That because the bureaucracy wasn't comfortable with the purchase of 1500 trucks from the US Army, fearing that the deal would not create any Canadian jobs.
Former Defence Minister John McCallum had given the green light so as to piggy back on a huge US Army order of 83,000 truck coming on line shortly. By tacking on a Canadian request for 1500 trucks, the Canadian Army would have saved 300 million dollars and replaced the trouble plagued trucks in its inventory sooner.
But now the troops will wait at least another four years before replacement trucks can be provided. The government planning on an extensive competition, open to domestic companies. And if the long running soap opera know as the Helicopter replacement program is any guideline, they had best be prepared to be using the existing trucks far into the future.
Now there's nothing wrong with buying Canadian, and indeed we should try and replace our equipment with homegrown product, whenever it's reasonable to do so. But if we're going to insist on sending our forces off on the adventures we seem to take on, we should be sure they have the best equipment available at the soonest possible time, wherever we have to buy it from. Play pork barrel politics with some other department, one where lives aren't at risk.
Sometimes common sense has to rise above political gain, especially when it comes to politicians sending the military off to do their bidding.
The latest offering from the bureaucrats in Ottawa doesn't offer much hope that the template will change any time soon. The Canadian Army which is woefully underfunded, undermanned and under equipped, has been handed yet another setback. The Army was to receive new trucks replacing the current workhorse of the military the MLVW, they will now have to wait until 2008 before a new ride is available. That because the bureaucracy wasn't comfortable with the purchase of 1500 trucks from the US Army, fearing that the deal would not create any Canadian jobs.
Former Defence Minister John McCallum had given the green light so as to piggy back on a huge US Army order of 83,000 truck coming on line shortly. By tacking on a Canadian request for 1500 trucks, the Canadian Army would have saved 300 million dollars and replaced the trouble plagued trucks in its inventory sooner.
But now the troops will wait at least another four years before replacement trucks can be provided. The government planning on an extensive competition, open to domestic companies. And if the long running soap opera know as the Helicopter replacement program is any guideline, they had best be prepared to be using the existing trucks far into the future.
Now there's nothing wrong with buying Canadian, and indeed we should try and replace our equipment with homegrown product, whenever it's reasonable to do so. But if we're going to insist on sending our forces off on the adventures we seem to take on, we should be sure they have the best equipment available at the soonest possible time, wherever we have to buy it from. Play pork barrel politics with some other department, one where lives aren't at risk.
Sometimes common sense has to rise above political gain, especially when it comes to politicians sending the military off to do their bidding.
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Rev. Al, GOP sleeper agent?
Well this could explain how a candidate that gets no votes, can remain in a costly poltical process. The good Reverend Al Sharpton, is receiving political guidance and funding from a well known Republican. A touching display of cross party co-operation.
Rev. Sharpton is making use of a wily political operative named Roger Stone, a man that helped to "clarify" all that Florida balloting silliness and helped to ensure the election of George W. Bush. In an extensive article, the Village Voice picks up the trail blazed by the New York Times and Salon.net, which have been exploring the links between Stone and Sharpton.
The Voice article paints Sharpton as a person with a grudge against the Democratic National Committee, at one point claiming that they "need to be taught a lesson - nationally." Stone apparently is hoping that Sharpton can do some sniping from within against the eventual nominee, thus his kind hearted advice on campaign matters. The article tracks a variety of times where Sharpton or his handlers have in the past aided or supported Republicans in the New York area. It reveals some of the political advice offered by Stone. It's a fascinating read, taking you into the backrooms of New York and Florida politics. The article paints the man of the people Sharpton, as more opportunist than populist.
Rev, Sharpton isn't finding much success at the ballot box, but says he plans to keep his hope alive. Say what you will about Rev. Jesse Jackson. When he ran for the Democratic nomination, you never expected a paper trail to lead to the GOP.
Rev. Sharpton is making use of a wily political operative named Roger Stone, a man that helped to "clarify" all that Florida balloting silliness and helped to ensure the election of George W. Bush. In an extensive article, the Village Voice picks up the trail blazed by the New York Times and Salon.net, which have been exploring the links between Stone and Sharpton.
The Voice article paints Sharpton as a person with a grudge against the Democratic National Committee, at one point claiming that they "need to be taught a lesson - nationally." Stone apparently is hoping that Sharpton can do some sniping from within against the eventual nominee, thus his kind hearted advice on campaign matters. The article tracks a variety of times where Sharpton or his handlers have in the past aided or supported Republicans in the New York area. It reveals some of the political advice offered by Stone. It's a fascinating read, taking you into the backrooms of New York and Florida politics. The article paints the man of the people Sharpton, as more opportunist than populist.
Rev, Sharpton isn't finding much success at the ballot box, but says he plans to keep his hope alive. Say what you will about Rev. Jesse Jackson. When he ran for the Democratic nomination, you never expected a paper trail to lead to the GOP.
Please come to Boston in the Summer
John Kerry continued his march towards the Democratic nomination convention in Boston this summer, scoring five victories in primaries this evening. Kerry spread his wins across the nation from Arizona to Delaware, New Mexico to North Dakota and Missouri. Building up his momentum, solidifying his front runner status. Kerry sits in a good position now, he can afford to swat away the broadsides from his remaining fellow Democrat contenders. Instead he can get his message out, on how a Kerry Presidency will offer a major change of direction from the Bush years. The more he takes that road, the more he looks like the nominee, and with the numbers piling up on his side he can look the part.
Howard Dean who six weeks ago was touted as a sure fire contender for President continued his free fall from the political map. Winning no primaries and finishing poorly in every state but New Mexico. Having fired his campaign team late last month, one wonders who he will turn out next. His support from the American union movement is at risk as well. They will begin to circle the labour wagons around the perceived best chance against President Bush, that no longer appears to be Gov. Dean. With the union exodus will go the needed money to continue on. His next most public yell may be that of Uncle.
The only other candidate that may offer up some resistance is John Edwards, the senator from North Carolina who was on Al Gore's VP short list in 2000. Edwards presently is holding down third place in the process, not close to Kerry but within striking distance of the stumbling Howard Dean. If Dean ends up pulling out of the race, those votes will be up for grabs. One would think the bulk of them would be aligned with Kerry, but there could be some slippage. Edwards could position himself as the fall back candidate if the Kerry candidacy should unravel.
General Wesley Clark rounds out the final four, a suspect Democrat at the best of times. Many still think he's a closet Republican, and accordingly haven't flocked to his side. He parked the fate of his campaign on the results from Oklahoma. And with a slim majority of the vote there, it would seem that the General will live to fight another day.
The rest of the motley crew finished with little to no profile, Dennis Kucinich and Rev. Al Sharpton barely registered in the ballot box. The only state that Sharpton seriously had a shot at was South Carolina, which is where he spent the bulk of his time, yet they voted with Kerry. Sharpton will probably stick around so as to keep his profile visible, but collecting delegates won't be his thing, it never was. As for Kucinich, one wonders how long it will take him to craft his farewell address.
For Republicans it's time to focus on the opposition, the GOP War Room will be working the Kerry file now. They may have the Dean, Edwards and Clark diversions to watch, but the real work will be on Kerry. There are points that the Republicans can counter on Kerry, he has his weaknesses; an erratic voting record, linked to a tax and spend Liberal in Dukakis, perception of a Northern elitist, so they had best get busy. His message is starting to catch fire with those Americans not faring so well over the years of Bush management. Kerry can continue to keep hitting those themes, presenting his options for America. His Democratic opponents aren't so lucky, they still must remain party oriented. For them it's all about survival and funding, neither of which is assured for much longer.
Howard Dean who six weeks ago was touted as a sure fire contender for President continued his free fall from the political map. Winning no primaries and finishing poorly in every state but New Mexico. Having fired his campaign team late last month, one wonders who he will turn out next. His support from the American union movement is at risk as well. They will begin to circle the labour wagons around the perceived best chance against President Bush, that no longer appears to be Gov. Dean. With the union exodus will go the needed money to continue on. His next most public yell may be that of Uncle.
The only other candidate that may offer up some resistance is John Edwards, the senator from North Carolina who was on Al Gore's VP short list in 2000. Edwards presently is holding down third place in the process, not close to Kerry but within striking distance of the stumbling Howard Dean. If Dean ends up pulling out of the race, those votes will be up for grabs. One would think the bulk of them would be aligned with Kerry, but there could be some slippage. Edwards could position himself as the fall back candidate if the Kerry candidacy should unravel.
General Wesley Clark rounds out the final four, a suspect Democrat at the best of times. Many still think he's a closet Republican, and accordingly haven't flocked to his side. He parked the fate of his campaign on the results from Oklahoma. And with a slim majority of the vote there, it would seem that the General will live to fight another day.
The rest of the motley crew finished with little to no profile, Dennis Kucinich and Rev. Al Sharpton barely registered in the ballot box. The only state that Sharpton seriously had a shot at was South Carolina, which is where he spent the bulk of his time, yet they voted with Kerry. Sharpton will probably stick around so as to keep his profile visible, but collecting delegates won't be his thing, it never was. As for Kucinich, one wonders how long it will take him to craft his farewell address.
For Republicans it's time to focus on the opposition, the GOP War Room will be working the Kerry file now. They may have the Dean, Edwards and Clark diversions to watch, but the real work will be on Kerry. There are points that the Republicans can counter on Kerry, he has his weaknesses; an erratic voting record, linked to a tax and spend Liberal in Dukakis, perception of a Northern elitist, so they had best get busy. His message is starting to catch fire with those Americans not faring so well over the years of Bush management. Kerry can continue to keep hitting those themes, presenting his options for America. His Democratic opponents aren't so lucky, they still must remain party oriented. For them it's all about survival and funding, neither of which is assured for much longer.
I feel like a winner tonight (but he wasn't)
The end of the Joe Lieberman for President campaign came tonight, his exit stage right speech talked about fighting a good fight, raising the unpopular issues, keeping to his beliefs and then he was gone. Never really a contender, now admitting surrender. Lieberman who found his support light from the get go, suffered the indignity of having his former running mate Al Gore support a different camp. And hard to believe but that was the good news, as it seems that an Al Gore endorsement isn't worth much anymore, hey there Howard Dean.
Lieberman who spent a lot of time in Delaware trying to win the favour of the voters , found his advances not returned, garnering only 11% of the vote. In a state that should have been receptive to his ideas he found no takers. And so he ends his quest, one which never really seemed to gain any altitude. His concession speech recounted his campaign themes, that of a moderate Democrat, a part of the landscape that has apparently been claimed by the Kerry camp.
For Lieberman it's closure on a wild run, from a possible Vice President to political roadkill. For the sake of a few dangling chads he could have been the second most important politician in the world. Instead, he's now the answer to a future Trivial Pursuit question. Such are the fates of those that take the leap.
Lieberman who spent a lot of time in Delaware trying to win the favour of the voters , found his advances not returned, garnering only 11% of the vote. In a state that should have been receptive to his ideas he found no takers. And so he ends his quest, one which never really seemed to gain any altitude. His concession speech recounted his campaign themes, that of a moderate Democrat, a part of the landscape that has apparently been claimed by the Kerry camp.
For Lieberman it's closure on a wild run, from a possible Vice President to political roadkill. For the sake of a few dangling chads he could have been the second most important politician in the world. Instead, he's now the answer to a future Trivial Pursuit question. Such are the fates of those that take the leap.
We don't like him, we really, really don't like him!
Primary and caucus day in the US today. And while the Democrats go about separating the contenders from pretenders, we turn our attention to the Republicans. Maclean's has released an interesting survey about who Canadians support in the USA, and by a vast majority we would never be a Republican bastion.
If we could vote in an American election, only 15 percent would mark their X (or dangle their chad) for George W. Bush. Whether it's his smug smile, the creation of new words unknown to man or the swagger of his walk, we apparently would choose otherwise. In a secondary question 43% of poll respondents said they believe Canada is worse off with Mr. Bush in office. Maybe this is why former Prime Minister Chretien had such a disregard for his counterpart in Washington, it was pure politics.
Perhaps this could work in our favour, for as long as the Republicans keep getting re-elected there would be no chance of any annexation, what political operative would want to hand over 85 percent of a voting block to the Opposition. Hard to believe, but Canadian Nationalists should be solidly for Bush, helping the cause, getting out the vote. It could be a matter of national self-preservation.
If we could vote in an American election, only 15 percent would mark their X (or dangle their chad) for George W. Bush. Whether it's his smug smile, the creation of new words unknown to man or the swagger of his walk, we apparently would choose otherwise. In a secondary question 43% of poll respondents said they believe Canada is worse off with Mr. Bush in office. Maybe this is why former Prime Minister Chretien had such a disregard for his counterpart in Washington, it was pure politics.
Perhaps this could work in our favour, for as long as the Republicans keep getting re-elected there would be no chance of any annexation, what political operative would want to hand over 85 percent of a voting block to the Opposition. Hard to believe, but Canadian Nationalists should be solidly for Bush, helping the cause, getting out the vote. It could be a matter of national self-preservation.
Monday, February 02, 2004
Lookin' for love in all the wrong places.
Groundhog day, a day of cyclical terror for groundhogs around North America. Ripped from slumber, they are trotted out, put on display and then reviled should they dare to give the wrong answer. Heavily clothed humans gather huddled around the groundhog hole, blasting loud music, chattering noisily and inflicting their presence on a rodent, simply minding it's own business.
And now it turns out we've had this Groundhog day thing wrong all along. They aren't looking for their shadows, their looking for love. The likes of Punxsutawney Phil, Wiarton Willie et al are just awakening to their desires, not giving us faint hope for an early spring.
Anthony Aveni, a professor at Colgate University says that February 2nd is more about sex than shadows. The groundhog is out looking for mates and we're only getting in the way. Rather than ripping him from the hole and shining a bright light on him, perhaps some wine, candles and soft music might work better.
It's no wonder we're getting six more weeks of winter, lets face it the way we treat the groundhogs we're lucky it's not six more months.
And now it turns out we've had this Groundhog day thing wrong all along. They aren't looking for their shadows, their looking for love. The likes of Punxsutawney Phil, Wiarton Willie et al are just awakening to their desires, not giving us faint hope for an early spring.
Anthony Aveni, a professor at Colgate University says that February 2nd is more about sex than shadows. The groundhog is out looking for mates and we're only getting in the way. Rather than ripping him from the hole and shining a bright light on him, perhaps some wine, candles and soft music might work better.
It's no wonder we're getting six more weeks of winter, lets face it the way we treat the groundhogs we're lucky it's not six more months.
Money to burn, but spending it in the wrong place.
Lets see, below the 49th line they have a President that may, or may not have sent his country to war under less than honest pretenses. They have airlines canceling flights to America, on just the possibility that someone bad might have thought about taking the flight that day. The country exists under a bizarre colour coded alert system, one that only seems to make everyone more anxious than secure. And yet, they can find time to have the FCC take the time to investigate whether or not we really should have seen Ms. Janet Jackson's breast. Is this not something that should happen on an episode of Saturday Night Live, the Simpsons or maybe a less than well written episode of West Wing.
For those few folks who haven't been near a TV, radio or newspaper today Ms. Jackson and Justin Timberlake brought the house (and half her top) down during the half time show yesterday. With a finale that no doubt had Brittney Spears and Madonna hot on the phone, planning their next prime time event. During the last moments of a song called "Rock Your Body", Mr. Timberlake reached across Ms. Jackson's body and pulled off a covering of her breast revealing her natural endowment, complete with a fine looking brooch in an eye catching location.
The howling commenced shortly thereafter, the NFL, CBS, MTV, the FCC and the United Jewellers foundation all expressed sadness and disappointment, at the flagrant display of the freedom seeking attribute. And that's where we should all call a time out, to use an NFL term.
First off, who booked the half time show, a sport that is about as middle class as one can get turns over it's main television time to Hip Hop Express? How many folks around North America were saying to themselves whatever happened to that nice Celine Dion woman? That after watching P Diddy, Nelly and Kid Rock gyrating across the stage. Last year at the Super Bowl we had Toby Keith offering to put an American boot up someone's ass, cause it's the American Way. I wonder how many we're channeling Toby to the stage yesterday, to place said boot to Kid Rock's flag draped butt?
The show was produced by MTV, you mean to tell me that not one person in the NFL offices has ever seen MTV, the half time show was just one long Janet Jackson video. And really, the 12 minutes of televised mayhem, suggestiveness and nudity, was tame compared to an average quarter hour of what's entertainment on MTV these days. If the FCC is just now wondering about what's on the tube, then they've surely missed the boat for a number of years.
But that's not where the hypocrisy is, it's in the chagrin of the NFL bemoaning the introduction of a perception of sex into a football game. This from a league that sanctioned something called the lingere bowl to pay per view, for those folks that maybe found Ms. Jackson just too tame these days. A league that has cheerleading teams for all franchises, and folks these are not your college style cheerleaders, there's a lot more sizzle, than zis boom bah.
And then there's the beer, the NFL is in existence so breweries can sell beer, how do they sell beer, they use sexy girls in their ads to sell beer. The NFL has been living off sex appeal and booze for over 38 years now, a little late to be expressing those Puritanical values.
But no the investigation will go on, heads are to roll and fines will be levied. New directives will be released, more regulations will be drafted. I know perhaps future Super Bowl broadcasts can come with a colour warning system, but then again, that idea doesn't seem to be working so well these days either.
Here's some free advice for the FCC. Put away the wallet, save the taxpayers some money and cancel the investigation. The public was used, Janet used them, Justin used them, CBS used them, the NFL used them. Deal with the concept of being misled, hell it's apparently the American way now.
For those few folks who haven't been near a TV, radio or newspaper today Ms. Jackson and Justin Timberlake brought the house (and half her top) down during the half time show yesterday. With a finale that no doubt had Brittney Spears and Madonna hot on the phone, planning their next prime time event. During the last moments of a song called "Rock Your Body", Mr. Timberlake reached across Ms. Jackson's body and pulled off a covering of her breast revealing her natural endowment, complete with a fine looking brooch in an eye catching location.
The howling commenced shortly thereafter, the NFL, CBS, MTV, the FCC and the United Jewellers foundation all expressed sadness and disappointment, at the flagrant display of the freedom seeking attribute. And that's where we should all call a time out, to use an NFL term.
First off, who booked the half time show, a sport that is about as middle class as one can get turns over it's main television time to Hip Hop Express? How many folks around North America were saying to themselves whatever happened to that nice Celine Dion woman? That after watching P Diddy, Nelly and Kid Rock gyrating across the stage. Last year at the Super Bowl we had Toby Keith offering to put an American boot up someone's ass, cause it's the American Way. I wonder how many we're channeling Toby to the stage yesterday, to place said boot to Kid Rock's flag draped butt?
The show was produced by MTV, you mean to tell me that not one person in the NFL offices has ever seen MTV, the half time show was just one long Janet Jackson video. And really, the 12 minutes of televised mayhem, suggestiveness and nudity, was tame compared to an average quarter hour of what's entertainment on MTV these days. If the FCC is just now wondering about what's on the tube, then they've surely missed the boat for a number of years.
But that's not where the hypocrisy is, it's in the chagrin of the NFL bemoaning the introduction of a perception of sex into a football game. This from a league that sanctioned something called the lingere bowl to pay per view, for those folks that maybe found Ms. Jackson just too tame these days. A league that has cheerleading teams for all franchises, and folks these are not your college style cheerleaders, there's a lot more sizzle, than zis boom bah.
And then there's the beer, the NFL is in existence so breweries can sell beer, how do they sell beer, they use sexy girls in their ads to sell beer. The NFL has been living off sex appeal and booze for over 38 years now, a little late to be expressing those Puritanical values.
But no the investigation will go on, heads are to roll and fines will be levied. New directives will be released, more regulations will be drafted. I know perhaps future Super Bowl broadcasts can come with a colour warning system, but then again, that idea doesn't seem to be working so well these days either.
Here's some free advice for the FCC. Put away the wallet, save the taxpayers some money and cancel the investigation. The public was used, Janet used them, Justin used them, CBS used them, the NFL used them. Deal with the concept of being misled, hell it's apparently the American way now.
The consequences of over exuberant expansion.
The header of our post is taken from an article in today's edition of the Globe and Mail. Business reporter Deborah Yedlin examines the implosion of the Craig Media empire, a prairie based media group that aimed high, but got cut low. An event I watch with a bit of interest, for in a previous and more rewarding life I was briefly an employee of the Craig empire, back when it wasn't so much an empire as a whistle stop.
Now to be fair I'll have no inside dirt here, I rarely saw the Craig boys, let alone talked with them or picked their brains. Indeed, my contributions to the cause of media domination were small, brief and no doubt forgettable by the standards of the busy Craig's, as they made their plans for media conquest. Some days it appeared my main responsibility was to awaken the cat napping news anchor, so as to make sure I could have a five minute bathroom break, but I digress.
We watched the Craig brothers from a distance, as the actual operational portion of the building was barely connected to the Hallowed halls of business. The rabble were separated from the managers by a glass door and a receptionist, who tended to take her duties rather seriously regarding access to the bosses. At the time the father was still running the show, the boys just starting to gain their experience as handlers of employees and counters of beans. In fact, my arrival at the Craig mother ship of the day coincided with the expansion of the company to Portage in the east.
It was an expansion that was noticeable by the sad state of operational equipment at my new found home, a serious decay in the morale of the employees, and envy of the new operation. There is nothing worse than a lover spurned, I guess. As the Portage operation picked itself up and gained it's legs, the Brandon operation began to wither, lost in a sense of non importance. For when you're conquering the world, you tend to forget about the home front.
I left the empire after a short two year stay, moving on as it turned out in a wrong direction, but that's a story for another day. My time at ground zero was actually a rather fun period. I had the usual gripes, pay, workload, dealing with egos, but I enjoyed my co-workers for the most part, made some friends and gained some experience in an industry I loved being a part of. Keeping a low profile, I stayed the hell out of the way of the suits in the Crystal palace. I'm sure my name wouldn't register on their radar today, but I followed their progress over the years. The father's passing, the ascension of the sons and the expansion of the chain. First Calgary, next Edmonton and then the big bite, Toronto. The move that it would seem is the root cause of the downfall, the Genesis of the obits that are being prepared for the business sections.
The article is an interesting look at how a family run business is operated, required reading for business students and media moguls alike. It features a list of the wrong turns and unwise decisions, many which led to the situation the Craig's find themselves in today. It's of interest as well to the casual observer, who may wonder how they would handle the running of a business, handed down through family lines. While an interesting tale, it certainly isn't going to end with the Craig's cowering at the Welfare office. At the end of the day, they'll no doubt still have a pretty comfortable life.
If the fall from grace gets to be too much to deal with, perhaps they can contact that other Media baron in distress. I'm sure Conrad Black has some spare time these days, eager to welcome the chance to advise. He no doubt could offer a few survival strategies, maybe offer up a tax accountant or lawyer to help in the transition. In times like these the like minded must band together, it's only right to share the pain.
Now to be fair I'll have no inside dirt here, I rarely saw the Craig boys, let alone talked with them or picked their brains. Indeed, my contributions to the cause of media domination were small, brief and no doubt forgettable by the standards of the busy Craig's, as they made their plans for media conquest. Some days it appeared my main responsibility was to awaken the cat napping news anchor, so as to make sure I could have a five minute bathroom break, but I digress.
We watched the Craig brothers from a distance, as the actual operational portion of the building was barely connected to the Hallowed halls of business. The rabble were separated from the managers by a glass door and a receptionist, who tended to take her duties rather seriously regarding access to the bosses. At the time the father was still running the show, the boys just starting to gain their experience as handlers of employees and counters of beans. In fact, my arrival at the Craig mother ship of the day coincided with the expansion of the company to Portage in the east.
It was an expansion that was noticeable by the sad state of operational equipment at my new found home, a serious decay in the morale of the employees, and envy of the new operation. There is nothing worse than a lover spurned, I guess. As the Portage operation picked itself up and gained it's legs, the Brandon operation began to wither, lost in a sense of non importance. For when you're conquering the world, you tend to forget about the home front.
I left the empire after a short two year stay, moving on as it turned out in a wrong direction, but that's a story for another day. My time at ground zero was actually a rather fun period. I had the usual gripes, pay, workload, dealing with egos, but I enjoyed my co-workers for the most part, made some friends and gained some experience in an industry I loved being a part of. Keeping a low profile, I stayed the hell out of the way of the suits in the Crystal palace. I'm sure my name wouldn't register on their radar today, but I followed their progress over the years. The father's passing, the ascension of the sons and the expansion of the chain. First Calgary, next Edmonton and then the big bite, Toronto. The move that it would seem is the root cause of the downfall, the Genesis of the obits that are being prepared for the business sections.
The article is an interesting look at how a family run business is operated, required reading for business students and media moguls alike. It features a list of the wrong turns and unwise decisions, many which led to the situation the Craig's find themselves in today. It's of interest as well to the casual observer, who may wonder how they would handle the running of a business, handed down through family lines. While an interesting tale, it certainly isn't going to end with the Craig's cowering at the Welfare office. At the end of the day, they'll no doubt still have a pretty comfortable life.
If the fall from grace gets to be too much to deal with, perhaps they can contact that other Media baron in distress. I'm sure Conrad Black has some spare time these days, eager to welcome the chance to advise. He no doubt could offer a few survival strategies, maybe offer up a tax accountant or lawyer to help in the transition. In times like these the like minded must band together, it's only right to share the pain.
In case you Missed them!
Hard to believe that this blog has been kept alive for almost a month, go figure. The novelty is not wearing off yet and posts still manage to make it to the site. This could actually turn out to be an ongoing project.
Each month I'll list off the various items that I have featured on the right hand side, things like; my latest book, the Stuck Cd, the DVD du jour, the magazine to borrow/buy and wishful thinking. Just in case you missed a few days. Consider it like a monthly session of closure.
BOOK TO READ
SUSAN DELACOURT-Juggernaut
STUCK CD'S OF THE MONTH
PETER GABRIEL-Hit, DIRE STRAITS-Love Over Gold, U2-Joshua Tree, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN-Born to Run,
VAN MORRISON &THE CHIEFTAINS-Irish Heartbeat, DAVID BOWIE-Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, BON JOVI-Hey God, EAGLES-Hotel California, THE CLASH-London Calling, SUPERTRAMP-Crime of the Century, FLEETWOOD MAC-Rumours, STEVE EARLE-Copperhead Road, POGUES-If I should fall from the Grace of God, CHRIS de BURGH-Spanish Train & other stories, BOB DYLAN & THE BAND, Before the Flood,
DVD du JOUR
Gangs of New York, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Red Planet, Citizen Kane, Shrek, The Candidate, Primary Colors, Gigli, All the Presidents Men, The War Room, Finding Nemo
MAGAZINE TO BUY/BORROW
National Geographic, The Walrus, Frank Magazine, US magazine, Mother Jones, Harper's, The Economist, The Nation
WISHFUL THINKING
Lotto BC website, Belfast Celtic website, Rick Mercer's Monday Report website, Queen Mary 2, Time Magazines best inventions of 2003, Space.com, Canoe's home of the week, Dilbert.com, Chinese astrology, Law and order TV website, J Lo's album for Ben, BC Liberals website, New York Times crossword companion, Jack Paar obituary,
Each month I'll list off the various items that I have featured on the right hand side, things like; my latest book, the Stuck Cd, the DVD du jour, the magazine to borrow/buy and wishful thinking. Just in case you missed a few days. Consider it like a monthly session of closure.
BOOK TO READ
SUSAN DELACOURT-Juggernaut
STUCK CD'S OF THE MONTH
PETER GABRIEL-Hit, DIRE STRAITS-Love Over Gold, U2-Joshua Tree, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN-Born to Run,
VAN MORRISON &THE CHIEFTAINS-Irish Heartbeat, DAVID BOWIE-Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, BON JOVI-Hey God, EAGLES-Hotel California, THE CLASH-London Calling, SUPERTRAMP-Crime of the Century, FLEETWOOD MAC-Rumours, STEVE EARLE-Copperhead Road, POGUES-If I should fall from the Grace of God, CHRIS de BURGH-Spanish Train & other stories, BOB DYLAN & THE BAND, Before the Flood,
DVD du JOUR
Gangs of New York, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Red Planet, Citizen Kane, Shrek, The Candidate, Primary Colors, Gigli, All the Presidents Men, The War Room, Finding Nemo
MAGAZINE TO BUY/BORROW
National Geographic, The Walrus, Frank Magazine, US magazine, Mother Jones, Harper's, The Economist, The Nation
WISHFUL THINKING
Lotto BC website, Belfast Celtic website, Rick Mercer's Monday Report website, Queen Mary 2, Time Magazines best inventions of 2003, Space.com, Canoe's home of the week, Dilbert.com, Chinese astrology, Law and order TV website, J Lo's album for Ben, BC Liberals website, New York Times crossword companion, Jack Paar obituary,
Sunday, February 01, 2004
A Championship game that even a CFL fan could enjoy!
It took a while to get untracked, but by the time the third quarter rolled around you knew you were watching a pretty good football game. The Patriots and the Panthers put on an entertaining display of football with the NFL's championship game finally living up to the level deserving of the word Championship. The game featured some pretty good offense with both teams able to move the ball up and down the field, answering the other teams last effort. Defenses that made crushing tackles and key special plays at just the right time.
The first quarter was rather forgettable, the Panthers seemingly left their game in the dressing room after having to stand on the sidelines for half an hour before the start of the game. The Patriots for their part struggled through the first as well, with Field Goal kicker Adam Vinatieri missing two gimmes from close range in the first. His first kick went wide of the post, the second blocked at the line by a rushing Panther. Watching that start one would think that the Patriots were going to have some serious problems in this game.
But Tom Brady got them fired up and by the end of the fourth quarter Brady had passed for 354 yards, three touchdowns and a Super Bowl record of 32 completions. For his efforts Brady was named the Super Bowl MVP. Not to be outdone, relative unknown Panther QB Jake Delhomme passed his team to a near win. Delhomme threw some picture perfect tosses down the field finding holes in a previously solid Patriot secondary. He tossed for 323 yards and three touchdowns of his own. The rushing game was not prominent in this affair, the Panthers held to 92 yards on the ground, the Pats to 137.
The game ended in exciting style, as Vinatieri ended up with an opportunity to redeem himself in the last ten seconds of the game. Brady moved the Pats down the field into field goal position, the ball then was turned over to Vinatieri. The Panthers called a time out to make him think about his kick, but this time he got the job done. The 41 yard kick crossed over the crossbar at 14:56 of the fourth quarter. The kickoff to the Panthers went deep into their end, the remaining four seconds were used up and the Pats were 32-29 Super Bowl winners, the second Super Bowl win in three years for New England.
The stats don't quite do justice to the final half of the game, as watching it unfold beats reading about it. It's being billed as one of the Best Super Bowls, which might be a bit much, it was entertaining and had a hell of an ending, but best ever category might be out of reach. Regardless for Brady and the Patriots it was a great game, for the Panthers it was a frustrating end to a great ride. For the football fan, a Super Bowl that wasn't a boring and tedious affair to watch, almost enough to make you an NFL fan. Then again the Grey Cup normally brings us this kind of excitement on a regular basis, so keep that last weekend in November circled for constant excitement.
The first quarter was rather forgettable, the Panthers seemingly left their game in the dressing room after having to stand on the sidelines for half an hour before the start of the game. The Patriots for their part struggled through the first as well, with Field Goal kicker Adam Vinatieri missing two gimmes from close range in the first. His first kick went wide of the post, the second blocked at the line by a rushing Panther. Watching that start one would think that the Patriots were going to have some serious problems in this game.
But Tom Brady got them fired up and by the end of the fourth quarter Brady had passed for 354 yards, three touchdowns and a Super Bowl record of 32 completions. For his efforts Brady was named the Super Bowl MVP. Not to be outdone, relative unknown Panther QB Jake Delhomme passed his team to a near win. Delhomme threw some picture perfect tosses down the field finding holes in a previously solid Patriot secondary. He tossed for 323 yards and three touchdowns of his own. The rushing game was not prominent in this affair, the Panthers held to 92 yards on the ground, the Pats to 137.
The game ended in exciting style, as Vinatieri ended up with an opportunity to redeem himself in the last ten seconds of the game. Brady moved the Pats down the field into field goal position, the ball then was turned over to Vinatieri. The Panthers called a time out to make him think about his kick, but this time he got the job done. The 41 yard kick crossed over the crossbar at 14:56 of the fourth quarter. The kickoff to the Panthers went deep into their end, the remaining four seconds were used up and the Pats were 32-29 Super Bowl winners, the second Super Bowl win in three years for New England.
The stats don't quite do justice to the final half of the game, as watching it unfold beats reading about it. It's being billed as one of the Best Super Bowls, which might be a bit much, it was entertaining and had a hell of an ending, but best ever category might be out of reach. Regardless for Brady and the Patriots it was a great game, for the Panthers it was a frustrating end to a great ride. For the football fan, a Super Bowl that wasn't a boring and tedious affair to watch, almost enough to make you an NFL fan. Then again the Grey Cup normally brings us this kind of excitement on a regular basis, so keep that last weekend in November circled for constant excitement.
And Now a word from our sponsors
Podunkians are lucky folks from time to time, Super Bowl Sunday is one of those days. While the rest of Canada must make do with a simulcast broadcast of the big game from Global TV, a broadcast which dumps the American ads and inserts less entertaining Canadian fare. We Podunkians can enjoy the mass marketing wizardry of Madison Avenue, thanks to a direct uninterrupted feed from the American network of the day, this year CBS. The reasons are unknown, but probably are related to salary issues, not wanting to have someone sitting in a control room subbing commercials, so once and a while the cheap nature of Canadian Cable companies can work to our benefit.
The Super Bowl ads cost each sponsor roughly 2.3 million dollars for a thirty second spot, so the message better get out there. And it better be able to hold the interest of an audience in various stages of inebriation.
There were some clunkers and some classics, pretty well par for the course for the Super Bowl.
Pepsi won big with their commercial about a young man wandering the streets of Seattle in the 1950's, he comes across two pop machines located in the downtown area. One beside a guitar shop, the other beside a pawn shop with an accordian in the window. Coke or Pepsi, Coke or Pepsi which one will young Jimi Hendrix choose. As fast as you could kiss the sky, he's sipping on a Pepsi. It was a great ad.
Another one was for Budweiser beer, a preppy young man is showing off how smart his pure bred little dog is. The dog apparently trained in the art of fetching a beer from a barrel. The tormented visitor too has a dog,a rather sad looking mongrel, prep boy asks with a bit of a dismissive sniff "what trick can your dog do". Dog lunges at the preppie, chomping down on uh, shall we say the middle accessory, loosening prep boys hold on his beer. You would have howled and howled.
Staples scored with a take off of the Sopranos, a mean spirited Purchasing/Stores director is acting like a mob boss, forcing his co-workers to bring pastries to him to get their various office supplies. One brave worker elicits help from his local Staples, a large associate joins him in standing up the Purchasing director, ending the reign of terror at the office. On the waterfront meets 9-5.
And Frito Lay gave hope to seniors everywhere with their presentation of the race. Two seniors battle each other for the bag of new Frito Lay crispy chips. Finally the old man grabs the bag with a jump of joy, only to have his spirit crushed by the old lady, holding his false teeth in her hands.
An anti smoking ad caught your attention, looking for truth in advertising. A mock product called shards of glass, freeze pops with glass slivers, was advertised, listing all the horrible things that could happen to you by enjoying the product. The message not lost on the viewer, that the tobacco companies have had a rather loose play on the truth over the years.
By far the winner of the day though was Pepsi, with it's Hendrix commercial airing in the last two minutes of the game, they probably had a larger audience than even they could have hoped for. The Patriots and Panthers were tied as the game was winding down, no one would be leaving the TV set til the game was over, and Pepsi had their spot placed in just the right place for maximum exposure. Somewhere tonight, a media buyer is being celebrated as a giant of industry, it's picks like this that legends are made of.
Chevy won the hearts and minds of parents and kids alike, with a commercial that starts out showing numerous kids with bars of soap in their mouths. What the hell is going on you think to yourself, then a new Chevy Pick Up drives by, a kid goes HOLY SH__ and then boom, bar of soap. Pretty good imagery.
USA Today rated the commercials from most popular to most forgettable, the breweries and Pepsi had the most luck. And if you featured animals in your ad, you tended to be more memorable.
This year both the game and the ads were entertaining, so the big winner this year. CBS, this game should provide them with a big bounce in the ratings game.
The Super Bowl ads cost each sponsor roughly 2.3 million dollars for a thirty second spot, so the message better get out there. And it better be able to hold the interest of an audience in various stages of inebriation.
There were some clunkers and some classics, pretty well par for the course for the Super Bowl.
Pepsi won big with their commercial about a young man wandering the streets of Seattle in the 1950's, he comes across two pop machines located in the downtown area. One beside a guitar shop, the other beside a pawn shop with an accordian in the window. Coke or Pepsi, Coke or Pepsi which one will young Jimi Hendrix choose. As fast as you could kiss the sky, he's sipping on a Pepsi. It was a great ad.
Another one was for Budweiser beer, a preppy young man is showing off how smart his pure bred little dog is. The dog apparently trained in the art of fetching a beer from a barrel. The tormented visitor too has a dog,a rather sad looking mongrel, prep boy asks with a bit of a dismissive sniff "what trick can your dog do". Dog lunges at the preppie, chomping down on uh, shall we say the middle accessory, loosening prep boys hold on his beer. You would have howled and howled.
Staples scored with a take off of the Sopranos, a mean spirited Purchasing/Stores director is acting like a mob boss, forcing his co-workers to bring pastries to him to get their various office supplies. One brave worker elicits help from his local Staples, a large associate joins him in standing up the Purchasing director, ending the reign of terror at the office. On the waterfront meets 9-5.
And Frito Lay gave hope to seniors everywhere with their presentation of the race. Two seniors battle each other for the bag of new Frito Lay crispy chips. Finally the old man grabs the bag with a jump of joy, only to have his spirit crushed by the old lady, holding his false teeth in her hands.
An anti smoking ad caught your attention, looking for truth in advertising. A mock product called shards of glass, freeze pops with glass slivers, was advertised, listing all the horrible things that could happen to you by enjoying the product. The message not lost on the viewer, that the tobacco companies have had a rather loose play on the truth over the years.
By far the winner of the day though was Pepsi, with it's Hendrix commercial airing in the last two minutes of the game, they probably had a larger audience than even they could have hoped for. The Patriots and Panthers were tied as the game was winding down, no one would be leaving the TV set til the game was over, and Pepsi had their spot placed in just the right place for maximum exposure. Somewhere tonight, a media buyer is being celebrated as a giant of industry, it's picks like this that legends are made of.
Chevy won the hearts and minds of parents and kids alike, with a commercial that starts out showing numerous kids with bars of soap in their mouths. What the hell is going on you think to yourself, then a new Chevy Pick Up drives by, a kid goes HOLY SH__ and then boom, bar of soap. Pretty good imagery.
USA Today rated the commercials from most popular to most forgettable, the breweries and Pepsi had the most luck. And if you featured animals in your ad, you tended to be more memorable.
This year both the game and the ads were entertaining, so the big winner this year. CBS, this game should provide them with a big bounce in the ratings game.
Unrehearsed, unplanned, completely unintentional! Such was the appearance of the breast of Janet.
Well here we go again, another Jackson family member involved in a controversy. As the Super Bowl half time show came to it's frenetic finish, Justin Timberlake reached across the chest of Janet Jackson and tugged at the fabric. Tumbling out came the right breast of Janet, at least disproving those rumours that she and Michael are really the same person. Mind you, your TV viewing would have to be quick and laser focused to actually see the offending body part, as the CBS camera's quickly found other things to focus on and a commercial wasn't too far behind. The half time show that featured the likes of P Diddy, Nelly and Kid Rock in addition to Ms. Jackson was apparently geared for the younger folks, the old farts seemingly drifted off to sleep after Toby Keith and Willie Jackson got some beer for their horses in the pre game spectacular.
CBS apologized to the NFL for the offending breast, MTV who produced the half time show for CBS also issued their own mea culpa, suggesting they had had one pulled over on them. For his part Justin Timberlake who was the master of unveiling, claimed that what we saw wasn't supposed to happen (uh huh, nudge, nudge, wink, wink). CBS officials claim they attended all rehearsals this week and nothing like this happened then, (go figure) caught with they're pants down so to speak.
Speaking of which, the half time kick off was also delayed when a fan took to the field dressed as a referee and promptly did a Full Monty. Apparently he featured an advertisement on his upper body for an on line betting service, which judging by the commentary of the announcers must have consisted of a very long website. The human billboard was clotheslined by a member of the Patriots before the security types could haul his naked frame off the field.
The fragile stadium audience recovered from the overdose of nudity and went on to enjoy an exciting Super Bowl finish. As the Patriots and Panthers did their part to purge the visual images from their collective minds. Still one question must have haunted them as they left the stadium. When exactly did Janet Jackson's career get hot enough to be featured in the Super Bowl.
CBS apologized to the NFL for the offending breast, MTV who produced the half time show for CBS also issued their own mea culpa, suggesting they had had one pulled over on them. For his part Justin Timberlake who was the master of unveiling, claimed that what we saw wasn't supposed to happen (uh huh, nudge, nudge, wink, wink). CBS officials claim they attended all rehearsals this week and nothing like this happened then, (go figure) caught with they're pants down so to speak.
Speaking of which, the half time kick off was also delayed when a fan took to the field dressed as a referee and promptly did a Full Monty. Apparently he featured an advertisement on his upper body for an on line betting service, which judging by the commentary of the announcers must have consisted of a very long website. The human billboard was clotheslined by a member of the Patriots before the security types could haul his naked frame off the field.
The fragile stadium audience recovered from the overdose of nudity and went on to enjoy an exciting Super Bowl finish. As the Patriots and Panthers did their part to purge the visual images from their collective minds. Still one question must have haunted them as they left the stadium. When exactly did Janet Jackson's career get hot enough to be featured in the Super Bowl.
Game show hosts in traffic mishaps for 100, Alex
Canadian born game show host Alex Trebek was involved in a traffic mishap over the weekend. Trebek was driving along a central California rural road in the vicinity of his horse breeding ranch, when he apparently fell asleep behind the wheel. By the time his pick up truck came to a rest beside a utility pole, Trebek had taken out a string of mailboxes, gone airborne for twelve meters and sailed into a ditch. Trebek, 63 was not seriously injured in the mishap and has plans to be on stage for the next Jeopardy taping. His show celebrates it's 20th anniversary this year. No word on if the responding deputies advised Mr. Trebek that this time, he didn't qualify for Final Jeopardy!
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