Slo-Pitch
I play slo-pitch.
There, I said it. Not so bad.
For some reason, this has been an issue with my baseball team. They don't seem to like the fact that I play "slo-pitch", calling it "not really baseball".
I disagree. I would like to play hardball, but unfortunately too many people are worried about getting hurt, and therefore we play slo-pitch. And it's fun.
If anyone knows of a baseball league, you let me know.
Speaking of baseball, the team I coach improved to 3-0 with a 18-16 win tonight. Considering we were missing 2 of our best players, it's an excellent win. We again showed how we can score runs in bunches, scoring 12 runs in the top of the 4th to turn a 8-6 deficit into a 18-8 lead.
And the Knights are just great. So excited about that team. What an amazing season.
KNIGHTS WIN!
BETTER than the NHL!
All the way!!
2005 Memorial Cup Champion: LONDON KNIGHTS.
1 More To Go
Knights are 1 win from the Memorial Cup. A guaranteed spot in the final already...I can hardly wait for Sunday afternoon. Going to be a huge game, regardless of whether or not it is Rimouski or Ottawa.
Today was a busy, busy day at work. Looking forward to the weekend, which is just around the corner.
I'm taking a break from politics. At least for a while. Which probably means a few days, but a break is a break, and until you have a good break, it's not a break. Unless it is a break.
In addition to the Knights playing so well, the Jays just finished off a sweep of the ex-World Champion Red Sox. How about that. Everything's turning up good in the sports world.
Not to mention the fact that we won our second straight baseball game tonight. It was 6-0 after we batted in the first inning, and 21-1 going into the bottom of the 2nd. Looks like we are going to have a good team. Considering 2 years ago it took us 14 games to get to 2 wins, and last year it took us 5 or 6, to be 2-0 right off the bat is great.
"Boys of Summer" by the Ataris is a great song. Or their cover of it. Whatever.
I'm realizing I'm really going to have something really good to blog about soon so I can get another good comment thread going. Seems like I draw most reactions when I either a) blog about music, or b) blog about hyper-right-wing-conservative-politics. Since I'm taking a break from politics...that leaves music.
Would I get my nose bit off if I mentioned I was listening to The Boss right now?
Was thinking today what movie I would watch to psych myself up before professional MLB pitching starts (if I was a MLB pitcher). I'm thinking it would probably be
Gladiator - one of my all time favourites. Like Dontrelle in the last post, I'd like a big war movie.
But I'd pick a good one.
Just got an email from one of our coaches with my baseball team. This might show my ultimate baseball nerdiness, but I'm going to post these stats from our incredible game today:
Our team batting average tonight was .696 (16-23)
Our team OBP was .774 (24-31)
Our team OBP in the 14 run second inning was .888 (16-18)
Our batting average in the second was .818 (9-11)
The first 6 guys in our order went 13-13 with 5 walks for a 1.000 BA and OBP.
Of those 18 times on base, they scored 16 runs, with the only two times they failed to score being when we stopped the second inning with both C and B on base.
Two players, T and A, came within a triple of the cycle (although scoring a homer for either was VERY charitable).
4 guys (them plus Ch and B) went 3 for 3.
Ch and A had 5 RBIs apiece
Every player contributed either a hit, a run, or an RBI.
Every single person would have reached base had the ump not called J out at first on a sympathy call in the last inning.
Springsteen is done now. Counting Crows up next. Is it possible to be accidentally in love?
That's a band I forgot to add in
this list. Switch Alter Bridge with CC. Films About Ghosts is a really amazing CD. Next on the "Joel to purchase" list.
And I really need to get my CD player in the Protege fixed. That's gone beyond annoying to "highly irritating". That'll be a good weekend project, methinks.
Yeah right. Who am I kidding? Like I'm going to get to that.
This and That
Our little league baseball team won their first game tonight. As usual, it's a lot of fun. The kids seem to be mostly interested in playing this year, which is good. They played hard, and that, of course is a big thing for me. If you play hard, I can respect that, and I'll give you more playing time.
How can Paris Hilton attach herself to the phrase "that's hot"? How can that be her phrase? I don't really get how Donald Trump can go with "You're fired!" either. How is this "their phrase"? I just don't get that.
Oh yeah. Another 105 million dollars, give or take, just recently announced as gone missing through the sponsorship scandal. And the general response by the news media and Canadians? Who cares! What's another 105 million!!?!?
Sadly, I was feeling the same way. It doesn't really matter anymore. We don't want to be bothered with an election. Maybe it's the annoying signs. Maybe that's it. Whichever party runs an election without signs will win, because everyone will be glad they are not cluttering up the sidewalks. Something to think about.
Weird news of the day: Dontrelle Willis
watches clips from Troy before every game that he starts. What, does he thinks it's a good movie or something?
NBA Playoffs Round 3
Oops. Just a bit late on these:
Eastern Final:
Assuming Shaq is back, the Heat have it. If he goes down, they're in trouble. The Heat will lose a couple games for the first time in the playoffs, but they should pull it out.
Heat in 7.
Western Final:
A little late, but I think the Spurs defense (and not their offense, like in game 1) will dominate, and they'll win this one fairly easily. Suns will blitz them a couple games, but the Spurs are too deep.
Spurs in 6.
Star Wars Episode III Review
Yes, this is another post, immediately after. I've got some stuff to say, and I didn't want to jam it all into one conglomerated blog post.
A brief chronology of the new Star Wars movies:
Episode I - A mix of horror and wonder (mostly horror). Some fantastic fight scenes - the Obi-Wan/Qui-Gon/Darth Maul scene was one for the ages. Some cool scenes - the podrace. But too much of awfulness with Jar Jar Binks, and a weak plot. Overall, a poor movie, cool fight scenes notwithstanding.
Episode II - A mix of cheesiness and coolness (mostly cheesiness). While there were a number of great scenes (basically, the movie was a good movie after we see Mace Windu's boot. Star Wars geeks know exactly which scene I mean). But there was too much wooden acting and awful dialogue, so another poor movie (Yoda fight notwithstanding).
So with 2 weak movies in the books, I wasn't overly optimistic about Episode III. But then it got largely good reviews, so I was all of a sudden hopeful.
It didn't disappoint.
Episode III was a great movie. Not just a great movie in relation to the other new ones, but a great movie overall. It will be on the list of top movies of 2005 for sure. The first 1/2 hour or so is rather slow, and a little cheesy - that said, the humour was good, because it got really dark, really quick. Finally, after muddling his way through the first little while, Lucas finally just drops it into gear, and the movie takes off. It really recaptured the magic of the old Star Wars movies - I thought I was watching
The Empire Strikes Back again. Great soundtrack, great fight scenes, good plot, and (in the last half of the movie) great acting.
No spoilers yet - just go see it. 4.5/5 Stars.
And, unlike Episode II, which I went to see multiple times because it was "Star Wars", and had cool fight scenes, I'll go see Episode III again because it is a good movie, Star Wars affiliation or not. Even if you didn't like the other ones, you might like this one, because it's just a good movie.
Belinda Update
I wanted to answer the comment from
here because I thought it was important to answer on the main blog.
First off, regardless of what I blogged earlier, I do not believe Belinda is "dumb". If you're the CEO of Magna International, you've got brains. Full stop. I'm sure someone will point out that her dad is the owner, but still. If you are a CEO of a big corporation, you've got brains.
So I apologize for the "dumb blonde" comment. It was in a moment (or two or three) of frustration, and because I do believe her actions were "dumb".
With respect to the fact that the criticism has been focused at her because she is a woman, I'm not sure about that. I would direct you to
Linda Williamson's article here, because I think it's a particularly relevant and particularly insightful comment.
Actually, it's so good, I'm going to post it here.
======
Who're they calling sexist?By Linda Williamson Now that the dust has settled and Canadians have what they say they want -- another 10 months or so of corrupt, sleazy government so we don't have to be bothered with an election -- it's time to return to the other important question of the past week.
To wit: Is it ever acceptable to call a woman a whore?
I'm not talking about women who actually make a living as sex-trade workers, although even that is dicey these days. (Recently, an Edmonton Sun story quoted an expert as saying whoever has been killing prostitutes in that city might move on to "respectable" women. This generated a flurry of letters from readers objecting to the suggestion that prostitutes aren't "respectable.")
No, I'm referring, of course, to the Honourable(?) Belinda Stronach, newest member of the Liberal cabinet -- and the absurd, overheated reaction to comments from a few of the Conservatives she betrayed.
Stronach sold out. She did something many consider immoral. She did PM Paul Martin a big favour and compromised herself for a major political payoff. So what's wrong with Alberta Conservative Tony Abbott -- an evangelical minister, for heaven's sake -- accusing her of "whoring" herself to the Grits?
After a gaggle of Liberal women screamed sexism (and his own wife complained), Abbott apologized.
He needn't have. His comments weren't nice, but they weren't sexist. Politics and prostitution have been analagous professions since they both began. Now we're supposed to censor such talk because more politicians are women?
Different story
Belinda's erstwhile mentor, former PM Brian Mulroney, once famously said of a (male) Liberal patronage recipient: "There's no whore like an old whore." No sexism charges then.
Yet as noted by Maurice Vellacott, a Saskatchewan Tory who made similar comments about Stronach's move, "there are male prostitutes too." He cited Scott Brison, another turncoat.
Admittedly, Brison received less criticism than Stronach, but I'd argue that's because his defection wasn't as crassly timed to damage his former party, not because he's a man.
It's amazing to me that, 12 years after this country had its first flash-in-the-pan female PM (a Tory, lest we forget), there's still no shortage of complaints about sexism in politics.
It's partly a sign of our victim culture. To be fair, the Liberal women who bemoaned the sexist comments about Stronach are no better or worse than the Conservatives who lined up behind Chinese-Canadian MP Inky Mark a few weeks ago, professing outrage over Grit Reg Alcock's line that Mark wasn't high enough "in the gene pool" for the Liberals. Clearly the remark was an insult to Mark's intelligence, not his race.
But Liberal women seem to have a special knack for holier-than-thou outrage. Take their fury over Ontario Tory Bob Runciman's characterization of Stronach as "a dipstick."
My Canadian Oxford Dictionary defines "dipstick" as "a foolish or inept person; an idiot." Not nice, but hardly sexist.
Runciman's real sin, of course, was in calling her "attractive" as well -- since we all know that's a no-no today. (At a company function last week, Andy Donato had the gall to say I was "prettier" than his previous editor, a man. Honestly, how much longer must I be subjected to such terrible treatment?)
Meantime, Deputy PM Anne McLellan saw nothing wrong with saying she welcomed Belinda because she has "great shoes."
It was Stronach who lashed out first at her former leader, Stephen Harper, charging he doesn't understand "the complexity of Canada." Yet when Harper, pressed by reporters many hours later, responded that "complexity was never Belinda's strong point," he was trashed as a male chauvinist pig.
Double standards? As far as I'm concerned, Belinda Stronach owes her political career to them. It was sexism that put her, a neophyte, where she is -- inordinate, ga-ga attention from the top echelons of politics, business and the media, because of her glamour, wealth and, above all, gender. No man in this country could dream of such adulation (okay, maybe Justin Trudeau).
And if it had been Stronach who was dumped, would the media have dared hound her as they did poor, humiliated ex-boyfriend Peter MacKay? I sincerely doubt it. Now that's sexism.
The most articulate person I heard on all this last week was Rona Ambrose -- another attractive, young Conservative MP, who has now replaced Stronach in Harper's shadow cabinet.
'No quotas'
While condemning the cruder comments about Stronach as "inappropriate," Ambrose told CBC Newsworld she was attracted to the Conservatives in part because of gender equality: There are no quotas for female candidates or the kind of gender-based appointments common in the Liberal party.
She said she had to beat out seven men to get where she is, and she's never felt a victim of sexism in the party. Politics is a "blood sport," she added, "and you have to earn your way."
She also noted there are several other "amazing" female MPs in the Conservative caucus. With Belinda gone, maybe self-righteous feminists everywhere will finally notice them.
=======
Hopefully y'all read that. I think it's rather good. I particularly liked Rona Ambrose stating how she liked the Conservatives in part because of gender equality. Don't hear that very much.
I'm not defending the use of those words - unlike Williamson - because I still think they are a bit out of place, regardless of how logically poignant Williamson is (and I think she is pretty darn right). But still. I'd prefer those words not be used, and I wish that they were not.
Sigh.
Oh well.
I guess we can thank Belinda Stronach that separatism will now continue to flourish and grow in Quebec.
The Belinda Speech
Everyone's favourite traitor (BS)! With everyone's favourite dithering scandal-infested dictator (PM)! A match made in heaven!
Belinda Stronach defected to the Liberals today.
I really didn’t plan to do this. I planned to write a piece something like this blog, trying to stay outside of partisanship.
But then I decided to check out the news conference first.
And then my whole opinion changed - I had to post on this. This was too ridiculous to pass up.
I couldn’t find it on the web, so I typed out her statement. It’s 4 minutes long. Took me 10 to type – that should show you how sti-l-ted her ta-lk-ing is.
But far be it for me to provide just the statement. Bold is her statement – word for word. The rest is my commentary.
==================
Belinda Stronach statement:
I cannot exaggerate how hard this was for me.
Uh huh. I bet. Maybe it’s more hard for Peter MacKay, who you were dating, but didn’t tell until after you had shook hands with Paul Martin. Maybe it’s more hard for all your former colleagues whom you, as recently as Monday, were supporting about how the Liberals were going down. It’s a tough life you lead.
The political crisis affecting Canada is too risky and dangerous for blind partisanship.
This was one of the first sentences where I almost fell off my chair – laughing. Stronach, lecturing us about “risky and dangerous” about blind partisanship – and she’s the one who’s jumping partisan lines for a better opportunity (or so she thinks). That’s the blind partisanship if I ever saw it.
Oh yeah. And Belinda – it’s a LIBERAL crisis, not a political crisis. Simply because the Liberals are in trouble doesn’t mean that it’s a “Canadian political crisis”. You just became part of the problem. Congrats.
I watch, and listen and feel that the opinions of persons, and individuals, and parties are being placed above the national interest.
The most stilted line delivered yet.
But I actually agree with her!!
She’s dead right. The opinions of persons (Paul Martin), and individuals (Paul Martin, Belinda Stronach, etc.) and parties (hahah – LIBERALS) are being placed above the national interest.
Couldn’t have worded it better myself.
The country must come first.
Or at least her own political ambitions.
*Repeated the above in French.
Surprisingly, her French sounded better than the English. Probably because she was ALLOWED to read that part.
Or wait, that was the interpreter’s voice that was talking there. Nevermind…
I entered politics in the first place to be both a strong voice for the citizens of Newmarket-Aurora and to try to make my country stronger and better.
In her defense, this isn’t a bad goal. I’m just at a loss to see how her actions are helping that, or her citizens. Maybe with teaching us all how to stab people in the back…she should have been a school teacher. Thank goodness she doesn’t have a boyfriend…oh wait…
To have healthy politics in Canada, we need the checks and balances of more than one strong and vibrant party.
Wow. NO KIDDING. Maybe you should SUPPORT another party, rather than the corrupt Mr. Dithers and his banana republic cronies!
Over time, the Conservative Party will mature and grow to provide that option.
Oh, and I suppose you’ll rejoin them then? Hahaha. As if. I pray the Conservative Party (and the NDP) will never grow into that horrific, scandal-ridden, infested mess of a party you now call home. Enjoy your time there.
And now’s she’s introducing a bit of condescension into her speech. Clllllassssy.
There are many good and talented folks that I have a great deal of respect for in the Conservative Party.
$100 says that they don’t have the same great deal of respect for you anymore.
And I suppose it’s good she left. She obviously didn’t fit in with the general theme of the Conservative Party being full of “good and talented folks”.
But I found myself at a crossroads,
Reminds me of Britney (like Belinda, a dumb blonde). When Britney hit her Crossroads, her career fell apart. Looks like Belinda’s taking a cue from that page. Good for her.
I like that analogy. Britney, Paris, Belinda. I remember a while back I saw the cover of Maxim, and I thought it was Belinda on it. Turns out it was Anna Kournikova, or someone like that, but it was amusing, nonetheless.
…forced on me by the decision of the leader of the CPC…
Now Belinda. Every 5-year-old knows that no one can FORCE you to do something. Everyone has free will, and free choice. Nobody forces you as a 39-year-old woman to do anything. Tsk, tsk. Rookie mistake. I hope some 5-year-old in your riding when you are campaigning calls you on that.
…to try to force the defeat of this government this Thursday.
Which you already did about 4 times last week with those confidence motions. And you were there. Didn’t raise much objection there, did you? Maybe the government should be defeated because it’s not doing anything and because it’s corrupt. Ever think about that? On CNN.com, your move was labelled as “support for the scandal-rocked government”. Wow. Congrats on that one.
It is now the moment to stand and be counted, because the consequences are serious.
Well, at least we know now that you are an opportunist that will do whatever it takes to try to grab power, including:
- Lying to all of your friends
- Lying to your boyfriend
- Lying to the country
- Changing sides whenever it is convenient
Quite the list.
I’ve been uncomfortable for some time with the direction that the leader of the CPC has been taking.
And now she starts campaigning for Paul Martin already. She’s a multi-billionaire, how in the world did Paul pay her off at his house last night? What in the world did he give her to say all these nice things about him now, after she was trying to vote him out of office last week?
I tried, to the very best of my abilities to play a constructive role within the CPC…
Well, I think you’ve done enough, thanks.
…to advance issues that really matter to Canadians… Canadians value integrity, honesty and a strong backbone. None of which you have, so again, I’m surprised you are lecturing us on issues that matter to Canadians. Unlike you, not all Canadians do whatever it takes to get ahead in their lust for power. But you HAVE joined the right place, because we know that’s what the Liberal Party does.
…in cities, to women, to young people, to many Ontarians…
I’m all for cities and women and young people and Ontarians. I fall into 3 of those categories. But what about rural areas (of which Canada is largely), men (which Canada is 50%), older people (which, again, is the majority) and everything outside of Ontario (again, the majority of Canada)? Can you, Belinda, remember for a second that it's not all about you? (If you notice, she is an urbanite, woman, younger person, and Ontarian....)
But I regret to say the Conservative Party leader is not truly sensitive to the needs of each part of the country,
But apparently Paul Martin is. Apparently, the country NEEDS him to try to hang onto power at all costs. And interrupt TV time with a “emergency crisis address”, the likes of which haven’t been seen since the separatist crisis and FLQ crisis. And to ignore the spoken will of the House of Commons long enough to weasel out more support.
Insensitive: The state of not caring about your fellow man, and blindly pursuing your own goals. Sounds like Paul Martin and Belinda Stronach.
…and just how big and complex Canada really is.
Right. It was you, Belinda, not 30 seconds ago implied that you don’t care about a vast number of Canadians. You don’t even know what you are talking about.
Also, by forcing an election before the Conservative Party has grown and establi-established itself in Quebec, the hold over Quebec of the Bloc Quebecois can only grow into the vacuum.
The stutter was intentionally placed there by me (she did it) – it shows she can’t even read a sheet of paper correctly.
And WHY does the Bloc have such a substantial lead in Quebec? Because Quebecers are smart enough to realize that the Liberals are a bunch of crooks, and the follow the Gomery Inquiry, and realize that Paul Martin is a CROOK and CRIMINAL, and thereby need another party. By supporting the Liberal Party, Belinda, you’re just adding to the problem.
The result will be to stack the deck in favour of separatism…
Hahaha. It’s already stacked, thanks to your new buddies in the Liberal Party.
…and the possibility of a Conservative government beholden to the separatists.
Well, right now, with the Liberal Party, the separatists would easily win a separatist vote today. So how, possibly, could a Conservative government cause problems for federalism? Maybe if the Liberals hadn’t done the whole sponsorship scandal thing, we might not even have to worry about the separatists right now. But thanks to the Liberals – and ONLY the Liberals, the separatists could easily win the next referendum. Thanks Paul. And now Belinda.
After agonizing soul-searching I just cannot support such large risk with my country.
So you’ll support the institution that is tearing it apart.
And, newsflash, you didn’t soul-search enough. If you can’t be honest with your closest friends – and partner , can you please tell me why Canadians should trust you to be honest with them?
I am as offended as any Canadian by the arrogance of entitlement at the core of the sponsorship scandal.
Well, that’s sweet. But you’re now part of the party that caused the problem, is hanging onto power at all costs, and trying to scare the country into voting for them, as if they are the “only” party to vote for. Sounds pretty darn arrogant to me.
Today the Prime Minister has given me the chance to serve my constituents and my country by making a difference at a critical time.
Okay then? Uh…making a difference, by supporting the same old corrupt institutions. Didn’t she say before about how we needed renewal and checks and balances?
Seems like her writer had a bit of a problem with something there. Oops. Basic inconsistencies. A Grade 9 Critical Thinking student could tell you that.
Among several things he has asked me to take aggressive action on the lessons that will come from the Gomery inquiry…
The lesson is “vote out the guilty party”. I’m sure Paul will be “aggressive” about that. What happens when Gomery comes back and says “The Liberals are crooks.”? Then what? Aggressive implementation by Belinda! You go girl!
…and to put priority on renewing the Canadian democracy.
Well, then maybe Belinda should work on supporting another party, rather than continuing to make our country the only one in the West with basically a one-party dictatorship.
Our political structures and institutions need renewal.
Hahaha. Wow. So join the elite? Join the corrupt scandal infested party! Renewal? Where is she POSSIBLY going with this?
Canadians are crying for political stability…
Actually, Canadians elected a minority Parliament. Which means they want to see what happens when the parties have to work together, and see how the party in Opposition works in preparation for government. And political stability would not be found through locking Paul Martin in office forever. That would be political oppression.
…only in this way can we direct the focus of government to growing a competitive economy that safeguards our quality of life.
Well, haha – Belinda has now joined the party that has spent billions of taxpayers dollars in the last few weeks (and seen the dollar crash as a result), all in a desperate attempt to stay in power. That’s really going to help our economy become competitive.
When we only get mentioned internationally because of our Prime Minister struggling through a scandal…hmmm….maybe we need to try people who won’t place us in scandal all the time? Just a thought.
Only when the people of Canada have renewed confidence and faith in the systems of government can we return to ethics and civility.
Right. And, again, the Liberals are ones to be lecturing us on “ethics” and “civility”. What do they know about ethics? Did I miss something? Last time I checked, it was their party that was the one under investigation every single day with revelations at the sponsorship inquiry!
And civility? The last 2 Liberal campaigns have been run on these 2 premises:
To the potential Conservative voter: Don’t vote for Harper! He’s scary and evil and terrifying and awful…etc.!!
To the potential NDP voter: Don’t vote for the NDP! You’ll split the vote, and end up giving it to Harper! He’s scary and evil…and etc.!!
==================
Well, that’s it. Good riddance, Belinda. Enjoy your few months as a Cabinet minister – you’re going down in the next election.
Overheard on the Bus, Monday, around 745 am
2 people, both mid 20's. One guy, one girl. Guy is obviously interested in the girl.
I think the guy was trying to make conversation. So he tried this line of attack:
Guy: So, if you had to have any superhero defend you against a mugger, who would it be?
Girl: Batman, I guess.
Guy: Batman??!?!? Superman is the best! He's fast as a bullet, as strong as a bus, and is like...superpowerful! He can do anything! He'd be the best to protect you!!
Girl: So?
The guy realizes that this plan of attack didn't work out so well. So he tried the "I'm going to impress her now" trick:
Guy: (in reference to some internet multiplayer computer chatroom)...and how many OTHER people, other than ME, do you know who can win 8 awards on Quake 3 in one week??
Girl: Uh huh...
It was about this time that I turned up my headphones.
Strange Sunday
It was just a strange day.
I should have known it was going to be when I saw a 7-year-old kid at church this morning wearing a Green Day 'American Idiot' concert tour t-shirt. Something about that sentence just seems a little bit weird. "Church", "Green Day" & "7-year-old".
Spent a long time today shredding old Western Law Actuses, and cleaning out, organizing all the lockers. That was an adventure. Running around Masonville trying to find cheap locks (because we ran out) was also an interesting adventure.
Saw
The Negotiator tonight. Very good movie. Sam L. Jackson did a good job, regardless of the fact it's yet another movie for him. And Kevin Spacey was really good. Overall, a good cast, interesting plot (another corrupt cop movie) and an overall great thriller. No real mistakes. One part was a bit tricky to pick up what was going on, but that might have been because I had done those lockers for 6 hours.
The amount of love that the Globe and Mail continues to constantly show to the Liberal Party for no apparent reason is getting ridiculous, as
Linda Williamson points out. One of my favourite columnists right now. You don't have to be completely partial, but blatant partisanship from the "national newspaper" is a little much. Equality and an appearance of a mix of opinions is good.
And I've decided that the weekends are too short. We need 3 or 4 day weekend every weekend. Just a thought.
CHA-CHING!
KNIGHTS WIN!!
Wow. What a season. The game itself (6-2 win in the final) was a bit anticlimatic after the 2nd period, as it was more or less over, but them's the breaks. Just a fantastic season by a fantastic team. Absolute domination.
In a year where the NHL decided to shoot itself in the foot (and subsequently, in the head), the Knights have been a great distraction (and almost completely made me forget the NHL). Junior hockey is exciting, fast and lots of fun (especially when your team sets 21 OHL or CHL records).
Some absolutely fantastic talent on the ice tonight. Schremp is going to be an NHL (or whatever league it is) all-star. Rodney is one of the most dangerous offensive D-men I've seen in a long time. Syvret is one of (if not THE) smartest player out there. Fritsche is a real force to be reckoned with. The whole team is practically an all-star team. Unbelievable.
I played Balderdash and Risk after the game tonight. Balderdash is a great game. Provides lots of humour, but very tricky, and all about wits against wits. And I actually won Risk. That's like the 2nd time ever.
Saw
The Interpreter last night (Minor spoiler warning). Wow. Amazing. I'm a bit of a political nut (as you know) and have a strong interest in the UN. This combined those two interests with great acting, a solid plot, and enough exciting action to make it the best movie so far this year. Kidman and Penn are two phenomenal actors, and they didn't disappoint. The plot was good - if a touch complicated. That (along with a small plot weakness near the end) was the only downside. Not the fact that the plot was too complicated, but that it required some extended discussion after the movie to hammer it all out. But the basic plot was excellent, and very smart. And it didn't fall to the curse of the cheesy ending. It's going to get the same rating as Hitchhiker's Guide, but this was a better movie. It was real close to 5/5, and could be 4.75/5, but I don't give out 75% of a star. Might be upped to 5/5 later on. But for now: 4.5/5 Stars.
Quote of the Day: "It ain't over 'til it's over." - Yogi Berra. AND IT'S OVER. KNIGHTS WIN.
ON TO THE MEMORIAL CUP.
Weekend Fun
Quote of the Day: "Weekends Rock" - yours truly.
They just do.
Surprisingly, Star Wars Episode III is getting
83% on Rottentomatoes. Quite the surprise. Apparently it's pretty good. I've been leery about getting my hopes up, but it's too late for that - and I'm really looking forward to it.
Thumbs up to
Ed Broadbent (I can't believe I'm saying that) for agreeing not to show up for the budget vote. Pretty impressive, he doesn't have to do that. But a very classy, professional move (something that we've seen all too little of out of anyone in the government these days)
This and That
I'm not sure if this quote is entirely fair or not...but...
"A countryman between two lawyers is like a fish between two cats." - Benjamin Franklin.
I would have to dispute Mr. Franklin on that point. We're really quite nice people. All we want to do is help people. Why is that so wrong?
The charade that is going on in the Parliament right now is really quite sad. The Liberals should just realize the House does NOT have confidence in them, and call an election. Seriously. It's a joke, something that happens in 3rd world dictatorships. Dictator-for-life Martin, or something like that.
I found this
news story helping to explain why Ontarians still survive the Martin scandal and support him. I found it interesting that he relates it to the Leafs.
I don't have anything against the Leafs. I actually feel bad for their fans. Afterall, it must really be annoying when you have a owner that doesn't really care about winning - which is all that can be said. They really need to get a new owner in there that cares about winning - if they get that, they should be a good team. And stop stockpiling geriatrics. Amazing what younger players and a commitment to winning might do.
Amazing. I'll over the place tonight - from Ben Franklin to Politics to the Leafs. There must be a connection somewhere there.
Ahem.
Knights are 1 win away from their first ever OHL Championship. It'll be the first time "my" team has won anything since the Jays in 1993. Pretty exciting. "My", of course, is in quotes, because my baseball team that I coach, of course, amazingly won our championship last year. Here is
that blog, in case you want to read it again. Truly amazing.
And that's all for today.
Warning. This Post Contains Links You Don't Want To See
Don't say I didn't warn you. This post will be littered with warnings.
I saw a slightly shorter version of this commercial before I saw Kingdom of Heaven on Saturday night. Namely, shorter in that it ends earlier than this, full length, unedited version does.
Here.Don't go if you don't want to. It's really gross.
But anyways. If you don't want to click, but do want to know what in the world I'm talking about...
...it's the new Mac Froster Bloody Zit commercial.
If you've been to a movie theatre at some point in the last few weeks, you'll have seen a version of this commerical, or at least the posters. They're just downright disgusting. A red froster splattered with red blotches, with white crap inside.
Is that supposed to make me want one? Does that really work on whatever age demographic they are shooting for?
I personally think it's rather disgusting. And perhaps even wrong.
I happen to think that acne is one of the most embarrassing external problems to have. As far as I can tell, it's more or less the guy's equivalent to a girl thinking they look fat. It can be extremely embarassing, and it's often a constant struggle to try to look decent if you are in the midst of a war with acne. You feel as if when you are talking to people that's all they are looking at. It's not all about the outside appearance, but it sure helps for job interviews if you don't have pockmarks all over.
The fact that it can apparently "be treated easily" isn't exactly fair. Accutance works apparently 50% of the time, but it can cause health risks. And the other prescription solutions have varying degrees of effectiveness.
Anyways. I'm not sure what the rationale is for this campaign, but I don't like it. First off, it makes me sick. Second of all, something just bothers me. I have lots of first-hand sympathy for people struggling with acne, and to me, that commercial makes light of a condition that is often beyond someone's control (even more than obesity is) and trivializes that. Something just doesn't feel right about that.
3 Movies
Well, it's been a little while. I've seen 3 fairly new movies since then, running the gauntlet from great, to unthinkably awful, to half-decent. A real mix.
Movie # 1: The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy Probably going to end up on the list of top movies of 2005. Really funny. I didn't see the book, but the movie was excellent. Admittedly a very particular type of humour, but it was funny. Lots of stuff that was totally unexpected, and they kept it moving very quickly. The acting was very good, especially considering the largely unknown cast. 4.5/5 Stars
Movie # 2: Kingdom of Heaven
I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but Orlando Bloom's acting was one of the few redeeming qualities of this movie. He did a good job, considering the awful material he had to work with. I can't believe Ridley Scott, he of Gladiator-amazingness, has dropped so far. Absolutely atrocious. Boring, no plot, stupid characters, and a bizarre attempt at a moral theme that didn't even make any sense. 0.5/5 Stars (because Liam Neeson/Orlando Bloom tried hard).
Movie # 3: Around the World in 80 Days
This actually was fairly entertaining. Jackie Chan classic, with a whole bunch of funny cameos thrown in - Owen Wilson as Wilbur Wright in was particularly funny. I was tired, so I didn't get into it as much as I could, but it did the "amusement" trick. 3/5 Stars
Star Wars
Well, the new (and final) Star Wars episode comes out on Thursday, May 19th. I'm going on Friday, May 20th at SilverCity here in London at 10:10pm. Anyone who wants to go, please contact me.
NBA Round 2
Just had to get my predictions in quick before Round 2 started.
Eastern Conference1) Miami vs. 5) WashingtonWashington upset Chicago, but they won't upset big Shaq and Flash Wade.
Heat in 5.2) Detroit vs. 6) PacersPacers surprised the Celtics in a good close series, but it won't happen to the Pistons. Pretty much everyone I know picked the Pistons and Heat to meet in the Eastern Conference Final, and I can't see anyone else doing it.
Pistons in 6.Western Conference1) Phoenix vs. 4) DallasDirk Nowitzki was a non-factor against Yao/McGrady. He won't be this time. I think that he'll have a huge series and shut down the Suns.
Mavericks in 7.2) San Antonio vs. 3) SeattleTim Duncan.
Spurs in 7.
An Open Question to Socialists
This is an open question to all socialists/liberals/communists/marxists/dippers/etc. If I've forgot a similar group to include in this mass stereotype, please feel included. I wouldn't want anyone to feel left out. After all, that would be intolerant.
What happens if I'm wrong?
More specifically, what if I should be trying to destroy all differences between the two genders? What if I've been wrong when I've said that there are differences between men and women, designed to complement eachother? What if we really all are exactly the same?
What happens if drinking is actually a commandment? Afterall, Jesus did it. Maybe I'm going to go to hell because I don't drink.
What happens if Kerry/Lenin/Stalin/Trotsky/Marx were right? What if Darwin really was properly expounding the truths of the Bible, and all so-called "creationists" have just plain missed it?
What if Bush IS the antiChrist? Or worse, what if Stephen Harper is? Am I going to get the mark because of my Conservative party membership?
What if people are homeless and out there panhandling because of my work ethic? What if my working hard is keeping them back? Should I just become lazy? Am I causing others to stumble by striving for excellence? Should we really all just vote for the Green Party and be poor and miserable equally?
What if "social justice" is really "true justice", and "justice" is really all a fraud? Have I taken the wrong courses throughout my academic career? Maybe all us law students should really be social workers, and all the social workers should be crafting our laws.
I don't know what harm-reduction is. Does that mean I'm going to be spit-roasted?
What if by trying to do the right thing I'm being inconsiderate of others? Afterall, what happens if I really AM being intolerant when I say that I prefer not to drink - maybe I'm making an alcoholic uncomfortable. What if I really should just accept everything that everyone tells me.
Basically, what happens if I'm way off and I've been a hindrance, rather than a help? What if??
This post may not be reproduced or retransmitted in any form without the express written consent....er...wait. Maybe I shouldn't say that. What if everyone SHOULD be able to steal everyone else's work? Afterall, what if "capitalism" is really inherently sinful?
This post has been inspired by
An Open Question to Conservatives.
Worky, Worky, Work
Well, the summer has begun.
Work has been great - I'm really enjoying it. The people are nice, the work looks like its going to be really interesting. Very happy to be there.
Going to see Hitchhiker's Guide tonight - I'll have the review later on.
There really hasn't been much to talk about recently. Just hanging out, relaxing, working, etc.
Home, But Not For A Rest
Well, it's been a little while - almost a week since my real full-length blog post. I suppose after exams I wanted to do nothing that reminded me in any way shape or form about school. And after I missed my first day in a while, I just couldn't get up the motivation to get into it. Couple that with a weekend away from the computer/internet, and that pretty much brings me to now.
Real Estate Transactions exam was Tuesday morning, and it went fine, I suppose. After that, it was off to the Wave for Nacho Fries/Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad. Gotta go all out on the day when exams are done. I then went and bowled 6 games - it was 1 dollar a game day at Brunswick Huron Bowl, home of several weird, yet fun, adventures over the past school year. Upon finding out it was 1 dollar per game EVERY Tuesday, it's pretty much guaranteed there will be more weird, yet fun, adventures over the course of Law 3. Tuesday's bowling was definetely a double-plus-great time.
Saw
Cellular on Tuesday night. Definetely not going to win any Oscars, and maybe a couple of Razzies, but it was fun - not really much to think about. Just sorta sit back and try to be amused.
Wednesday was a fun night out chilling with the Law School dudes and dudettes. I think I'm allowed to talk about it now that everyone is done...haha. Great time, good to see everyone again before we all run off everywhere for the summer. For those who are staying in London, I'm sure we'll have a few more crazy times of hitting up the various patios here in the city.
Thursday was the first golf round of the year. Set an all-time new low for myself with a legitimate 104 at
Echo Valley. Very happy with that. Had a shot to crack 100, but not quite there yet. But it's going to happen soon.
Friday-thru-Today were spent at the
Nottawasaga Inn.Friday - golfing. Great time again - tough courses, but lots of fun. Really looking forward to golfing more this year. Watched the Jays and Knights both win - Knights are off to the OHL final against Ottawa. 4 wins to go to for the first ever London OHL Championship. After that, it's the Memorial Cup.
Anyways, Saturday was rainy, so it was spent just hanging out, arcade, pool, mini-golf, watching the Jays, playing board games, eating good food, watching movies, watching TV...etc.
I had the best meal I have had in a very long time this morning for brunch. Absolutely great Sunday brunch. Omellettes, waffles, ravioli, roast beef, danish, etc., etc.
And that brings us to now.
When I am counting down the hours before the summer job at Dyer Brown LLP begins. I'm looking forward to it - should be an exciting new challenge.
