Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Friday, August 18, 2006
What a wonderful world.
Think of what a great place this would be if everyone was as compassionate as these guys. I can't seem to find the pictures on the net. If anyone sees them, please send me the link.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Cuba's New Leader?
From cbc.ca:
At 75, he is Fidel's younger brother by five years and for probably all but that time he has been by his side — at school, in jail, in their guerrilla hideaways leading up to the 1959 revolution, and in power. But throughout his life, he has always been taunted: "You're too little to be a dictator Rudy". And so, while the big boys get to play dictator, poor old Rudy Castro will have to settle for memories of playing a few lousy minutes for Notre Dame and then having an affair with Elijah Wood several years later.
At 75, he is Fidel's younger brother by five years and for probably all but that time he has been by his side — at school, in jail, in their guerrilla hideaways leading up to the 1959 revolution, and in power. But throughout his life, he has always been taunted: "You're too little to be a dictator Rudy". And so, while the big boys get to play dictator, poor old Rudy Castro will have to settle for memories of playing a few lousy minutes for Notre Dame and then having an affair with Elijah Wood several years later.
An interesting game idea...
...yet, it will never be as good as the online version of Pit.
http://www.peacemakergame.com/
http://www.peacemakergame.com/
Monday, July 17, 2006
UFC
Looks like I got the winners right for UFC 61. There are a couple of big fights for UFC 62 on August 26:
Liddell vs. "Babalu" 2. I hoping and predicting that Liddell will take this one. Rumour has it that if Liddell wins he'll defend against Wanderlei Silva next. Silva has been pretty dominating in Pride FC and he wants to fight the UFC light heavyweight champ. I'd rather see him fight Liddell than Babalu.
Griffin vs. Bonnar 2: It was such a close fight the first time around. I think Griffin will more decisively than last time.
Liddell vs. "Babalu" 2. I hoping and predicting that Liddell will take this one. Rumour has it that if Liddell wins he'll defend against Wanderlei Silva next. Silva has been pretty dominating in Pride FC and he wants to fight the UFC light heavyweight champ. I'd rather see him fight Liddell than Babalu.
Griffin vs. Bonnar 2: It was such a close fight the first time around. I think Griffin will more decisively than last time.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Finals
Well, 11/14 ain't bad. The finals are a tough call. Let's say France will win the World Cup and Italy will win the Oscar.
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Semi-finals
I predict (well maybe not so much predict as hope for, but I still think it is a strong possibility) a France-Germany final. I'd hate to see either Italy or Portugal win it...Especially Portugal - They dive like crazy and have an overall poor sportsmanship...and so do their fans. Italian fans are the same, but to a lesser extent, at least near where I live.
Imagine if people flew half the number of Canadian flags year-round as we've seen flags of other countries these past few weeks.
Imagine if people flew half the number of Canadian flags year-round as we've seen flags of other countries these past few weeks.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Quarter finals
I know I'm a bit late, but here are my predictions:
Germany - they played impressively in the round of 16 and I've yet to see Argentina really shine, although it'll be close. (honestly, that was my prediction)
Italy - no brainer
Portugal - England hasn't played all that well yet. Portugal will take this one and lose in the semi-finals.
France finally had a good game, but can they keep it up. Like Argentina, Brazil hasn't really played at their best. I think France might edge their way into the semi-finals.
Germany - they played impressively in the round of 16 and I've yet to see Argentina really shine, although it'll be close. (honestly, that was my prediction)
Italy - no brainer
Portugal - England hasn't played all that well yet. Portugal will take this one and lose in the semi-finals.
France finally had a good game, but can they keep it up. Like Argentina, Brazil hasn't really played at their best. I think France might edge their way into the semi-finals.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Stars and Dogs
Sweden v. Germany
Stars: Podolski for his 2 quick goals & Sweden's Keeper for several key saves to keep Sweden's hope alive.
Dogs: The German Keeper for 2 terrible plays that could have cost Germany the game.
Netherlands vs. Portugal
Stars: none, maybe vad der Sar for a few key saves that kept hope alive.
Dogs: Basically everyone on both teams. Special mention goes to Figo who should be given a hefty fine and be suspended for the rest of the world cup.
Stars: Podolski for his 2 quick goals & Sweden's Keeper for several key saves to keep Sweden's hope alive.
Dogs: The German Keeper for 2 terrible plays that could have cost Germany the game.
Netherlands vs. Portugal
Stars: none, maybe vad der Sar for a few key saves that kept hope alive.
Dogs: Basically everyone on both teams. Special mention goes to Figo who should be given a hefty fine and be suspended for the rest of the world cup.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Round of 16 predictions
Germany v. Sweden - This one is a toss up for me, but I think Germany will come out on top.
Argentina v. Mexico - Argentina by 2.
Italy v. Australia - Italy
Switzerland v. Ukraine - Neither team is really a powerhouse. It could go either way. Let's say Ukraine, just for fun.
England vs. Ecuador - England should take it by at least 2 or 3 goals.
Portugal vs. Netherlands - On paper, the Dutch should have this one, but they haven't impressed me much so far. It may be close, but I'll still say the Netherlands will win though.
Brazil vs. Ghana - Brazil hasn't been playing their best either, but they should take Ghana easily.
Spain vs. France - Frace has basically tanked since winning the Euro Cup in 2000. Spain should win.
Argentina v. Mexico - Argentina by 2.
Italy v. Australia - Italy
Switzerland v. Ukraine - Neither team is really a powerhouse. It could go either way. Let's say Ukraine, just for fun.
England vs. Ecuador - England should take it by at least 2 or 3 goals.
Portugal vs. Netherlands - On paper, the Dutch should have this one, but they haven't impressed me much so far. It may be close, but I'll still say the Netherlands will win though.
Brazil vs. Ghana - Brazil hasn't been playing their best either, but they should take Ghana easily.
Spain vs. France - Frace has basically tanked since winning the Euro Cup in 2000. Spain should win.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Good News
Let's here it for a Ontario's new smoking ban. It's great. Even when I was a smoker, I always hated it when a bar was really smoky. I liked going out to the patio to have a smoke. I'm also pleased that the "patios" in London that have 4 walls and a roof don't qualify as "outside" anymore.
Last Comic Standing
Mr. King has been missing Last Comic Standing. Well sir, it was on last night. I hope you didn't miss it. There were a few good people on there. I hope to enjoy more of this hilarity in the near future.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
A sad end for Royce Gracie
Wow, I can't believe Royce Gracie got dominated the way he did on Saturday, especially on the ground. I expected Hughs to take it in the second or third by strikes (standing), but I expected Gracie to at least get somewhat close to a submission, too. I guess he's over the hill now, but what a legend he was in his time.
After the fight, Gracie was toying with the though of another fight, but maybe he should retire. At least his one loss was at the hands of someone who will become almost as big of a legend as Gracie is. If he takes another fight and loses, he'll really be tarnishing his reputation. And let's face it, he's got a good chance of losing: Now that jiu jitsu is such a big part of MMA (because of Gracie's dominance), he's lost his advangtage: People know how to defend against him now.(can you smell the irony?)
Coming up in July: UFC 61: two big matches: Sylvia vs. Arlovski and Ortiz vs. Shamrock.
I think Sylvia will KO or TKO Arlovski with strikes and Ortiz will take out Shamrock. Shamrock is definately over the hill.
After the fight, Gracie was toying with the though of another fight, but maybe he should retire. At least his one loss was at the hands of someone who will become almost as big of a legend as Gracie is. If he takes another fight and loses, he'll really be tarnishing his reputation. And let's face it, he's got a good chance of losing: Now that jiu jitsu is such a big part of MMA (because of Gracie's dominance), he's lost his advangtage: People know how to defend against him now.(can you smell the irony?)
Coming up in July: UFC 61: two big matches: Sylvia vs. Arlovski and Ortiz vs. Shamrock.
I think Sylvia will KO or TKO Arlovski with strikes and Ortiz will take out Shamrock. Shamrock is definately over the hill.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
The latest idol loser
I'm not a big American Idol fan, but this season had a lot of variety in the style of singers on the show. The rightful winner should've been Chris Daughtry, but he was voted off this week. Basically, there's no point in watching the show anymore because the three people left are not worth watching:
Taylor is like your half drunk uncle singing at a wedding.
Catherine sings out of tune almost as often as she sings in tune.
And the other guy is pretty average...his performances (like his name) are pretty forgetable. Sure I could look up his name, but he's not worth it.
I hope Chris puts out a record even though he lost, just like when the big KFC eating guy won but the loser got more press.
Taylor is like your half drunk uncle singing at a wedding.
Catherine sings out of tune almost as often as she sings in tune.
And the other guy is pretty average...his performances (like his name) are pretty forgetable. Sure I could look up his name, but he's not worth it.
I hope Chris puts out a record even though he lost, just like when the big KFC eating guy won but the loser got more press.
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Federal Budget
A few things on the 2006 federal budget, despite what the opposition says:
1) Income taxes will not be going up for the vast majority of Canadians.
2) Low Income Canadians are not being disadvantaged by the tax measures in the budget.
3) Bill Graham: "Why didn't the prime minister tell the country in his campaign that one of his five priorities would be raising income tax for the poorest of Canadians?": Disproving the lies.
4) what the opposition won't say about the $1200 for beer and popcorn.
1)Let's compare the Liberal Income tax plan with the Conservative income tax plan, both being compared to the old 16%.
Liberal plan: the lowest tax bracket is about $27000 wide (from about 8500 to 35500, according to my 2005 T1 General) If you make more than 35500 you will save 1% on the entire 27000:
1% x 27000 = 270
Conservative plan: if you have a job, the lowest tax bracket is $26000 wide (from 9500 to 35500) If you make more than the 35500 then you will save 0.5% on 26000:
0.5% x 26000 = 130
Plus you will now not pay tax at all on $1000 of your income:
16% x 1000 = 160
Total savings:160+130=290
$20 better than the liberal plan if you earn over 35500.
(put another way, to prove that i'm not fudging the numbers: after liberal cuts you'll pay an extra 0.5% on 26000 (=130) but you'll not pay tax on 1000 at the lib's 15% (=150), so you pay 130 extra, but get back 150, total benefit:$20)
So it's basically the same deal for the average canadian family.
2) Let's look at low income earners, who will apparently pay more tax now, according to the lib's and ndp: (note: this section a.k.a. Bill Graham: Liar or dummy? part 1)
let's take a single working mom making not-so-much money, let's say $15,000. Under liberal plan she'll pay: (excluding all other tax credits, etc.)
15% x (15000-8500) = 975
under conservatives (excluding all other tax credits, etc.)
15.5% on (15000-9500) = 852.5
So enjoy your extra $122.50 single working mother making $15000/year. Plus your $100/month for each child under 6, plus tax credits any sports the kids play, plus tax credits if you use public transit, plus your 1% GST cut.
3) Bill Graham: Liar or dummy? (part 2)
The lowest income Canadians don't pay income tax at all, so a 1% cut in the income tax rate doesn't do squat for them. However, everyone pays GST, including those who don't earn enough to pay income tax. GST cut makes a difference, Income tax cut doesn't. Secondly, The Conservatives were pretty clear that we'd be going back to 16%, which was actually improved by only going back up to 15.5%. Add that to the employment credit, and as it has been shown already: we're better off than the 1% cut the lib's gave anyways.
4) The opposition loves to say that the budget is taking from the poor and giving to the rich. They also love to say that the $1200 isn't so great because it's taxable income. Let's examine that statement in more depth: The lowest income canadians don't pay income tax, so they get to keep the $1200. Higher income candians pay a higher rate of income tax, so they'll pay more tax on it. There is a loop hole for the rich in this one: if one parent makes loads of cash and the other stays home, they'll be able to keep the full $1200 because it is taxable to the lower income partent. All-in-all it's probably more progressive to tax the $1200 than not to tax it.
1) Income taxes will not be going up for the vast majority of Canadians.
2) Low Income Canadians are not being disadvantaged by the tax measures in the budget.
3) Bill Graham: "Why didn't the prime minister tell the country in his campaign that one of his five priorities would be raising income tax for the poorest of Canadians?": Disproving the lies.
4) what the opposition won't say about the $1200 for beer and popcorn.
1)Let's compare the Liberal Income tax plan with the Conservative income tax plan, both being compared to the old 16%.
Liberal plan: the lowest tax bracket is about $27000 wide (from about 8500 to 35500, according to my 2005 T1 General) If you make more than 35500 you will save 1% on the entire 27000:
1% x 27000 = 270
Conservative plan: if you have a job, the lowest tax bracket is $26000 wide (from 9500 to 35500) If you make more than the 35500 then you will save 0.5% on 26000:
0.5% x 26000 = 130
Plus you will now not pay tax at all on $1000 of your income:
16% x 1000 = 160
Total savings:160+130=290
$20 better than the liberal plan if you earn over 35500.
(put another way, to prove that i'm not fudging the numbers: after liberal cuts you'll pay an extra 0.5% on 26000 (=130) but you'll not pay tax on 1000 at the lib's 15% (=150), so you pay 130 extra, but get back 150, total benefit:$20)
So it's basically the same deal for the average canadian family.
2) Let's look at low income earners, who will apparently pay more tax now, according to the lib's and ndp: (note: this section a.k.a. Bill Graham: Liar or dummy? part 1)
let's take a single working mom making not-so-much money, let's say $15,000. Under liberal plan she'll pay: (excluding all other tax credits, etc.)
15% x (15000-8500) = 975
under conservatives (excluding all other tax credits, etc.)
15.5% on (15000-9500) = 852.5
So enjoy your extra $122.50 single working mother making $15000/year. Plus your $100/month for each child under 6, plus tax credits any sports the kids play, plus tax credits if you use public transit, plus your 1% GST cut.
3) Bill Graham: Liar or dummy? (part 2)
The lowest income Canadians don't pay income tax at all, so a 1% cut in the income tax rate doesn't do squat for them. However, everyone pays GST, including those who don't earn enough to pay income tax. GST cut makes a difference, Income tax cut doesn't. Secondly, The Conservatives were pretty clear that we'd be going back to 16%, which was actually improved by only going back up to 15.5%. Add that to the employment credit, and as it has been shown already: we're better off than the 1% cut the lib's gave anyways.
4) The opposition loves to say that the budget is taking from the poor and giving to the rich. They also love to say that the $1200 isn't so great because it's taxable income. Let's examine that statement in more depth: The lowest income canadians don't pay income tax, so they get to keep the $1200. Higher income candians pay a higher rate of income tax, so they'll pay more tax on it. There is a loop hole for the rich in this one: if one parent makes loads of cash and the other stays home, they'll be able to keep the full $1200 because it is taxable to the lower income partent. All-in-all it's probably more progressive to tax the $1200 than not to tax it.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
TBS sheds a new light on LOTR
TBS has some pretty funny commercials out for their showing of the LOTR trilogy next weekend. Here's the link to my favourite one, but feel free to watch them all.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Bush Annouces Plan to Solve America's Obesity Epidemic.
At a press conference today, President George W. Bush announced his new plan to solve the obesity epidemic in American youth. He announced the creation of the new Department of Health & Fitness and the new Secretary of Health & Fitness Jared Fogle.
This seems like a top notch plan. Keep up the great work!
This seems like a top notch plan. Keep up the great work!
Monday, March 27, 2006
Spiderman
I woke up early yesterday and couldn't get back to sleep, so I decided to turn on the tv. The only thing on besides infomercials was the old, old Spiderman cartoon. It was bad on so many levels, but I will mention only 1 here: Physics don't seem to exsist at all, even in the superhero physics sense. Take this picture for example. Spidey is WAY above any building in the city, what's the web hanging from? A cloud? He also did a pretty good job of swinging from non-existent tall buildings in the suburbs.
At the end of the show, spiderman is clinging to the wall of a building looking into a window. The "camera" looks over his shoulder to see what he sees. At the end of the scene, the camera zooms out and spiderman removes his hands from the wall and turns to the camera to say his final line. Someone should've said "Hey, Spidey! you're not hanging on to the wall anymore, shouldn't you be falling now?" But they didn't, and that's why the show got cancelled. The end.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Matt Plumb, who placed 11th in this season's American Idol. Be proud of yourself Matt, not just for doing so well on the show, but also for not aging for the past 6 or 7 years.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Home Improvement Returns!
Home Improvement is set to air brand new episodes this fall. All the old cast is back, including disgruntled Liberal Environment Critic Scott Brison. When asked why he chose to leave Parliament for his old TV job, Brison responded "I want more power, arrr arrr arrr."
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