Role Models

Michael Vick was sentenced today to a 23 month term in Federal Prison for his role in the Dogfighting Fiasco he unwisely took part in.

The judge, Henry E. Hudson, told Vick: "You need to apologize to the millions of young people who looked up to you".

And why, may I ask, did they look up to him?

Athletes are mistake prone people just like you and me and should never be viewed as Roll Models.

Where did that even come from? Who started that? Probably the same people who started tipping in restaurants and giving seniors a discount for their purchases.

Let's end all that once and for all.

Professional athletes are people with a specific set of skills that they have worked on very hard to reach the point of excellence. Just like welders or bus drivers or retail merchandisers.

The difference is that many people are willing to pay a lot of money to watch these individuals exercise their skills. That's it.

Athletes have no legal or moral or ethical obligation to live up to anyones expectations. Their only obligation is to perform their skills at a consistently high level.

Trevor Linden of the Canucks has extended his career by a few years, cleverly exploiting his well groomed "nice guy" image to cover up his long past athletic abilities.

I honestly don't care if Linden is the second coming of Mother Theresa. If he can't play I don't have any use for him, "Role Model" or not.

I honestly don't care if the Canucks dressed a line of Hitler, Stalin and George W. Bush. If they could help the team win, I'm gonna cheer for them.

It's not my role in the world to judge or condemn someone else's personal morality. Nor should it be yours.

The only Role Model a child should ever have is their Parents and perhaps a sibling.
Parents are the only ones responsible for developing their child, no one else, good or bad.

Vick is getting shafted. Yes he used poor judgement, yes he must suffer consequences.

But 23 months in prison as well as a ruined multi million dollar profession? Give me a break. He's getting shafted.

Once again the animal hierarchy comes into play. If it was cockfighting, it would be a minor story. Colonel Sanders is allowed to kill millions of chickens a day, but to kill a few dogs (that they eat in Asia) brings the wrath and indignation and hatred of our hypocritical society.

In Vick's case, his fame and extreme skill at his chosen profession became a huge liability.

If Vick was still a nobody living in the rural Virginia countryside I doubt he would even be charged with a crime let alone be given a prison sentence.

Hi Definition Television

My New Sharp 52" Hi Def Flatscreen with Motorola PVR (top right).



I hear a lot of people saying, they don't really think Hi Definition TV is a big deal. They think it's not worth it or that it's over hyped and that their current TV and current signal is good enough.

I was one of those.

My iMac changed my mind. Through QuickTime, an iMac user (at least one with a recent iMac) can download 1 - 3 minute Hi Definition clips of Movie Trailers and other films. You can go here if you want to try it.

The crystal clarity of the clips on my 20" iMac was amazing. I couldn't help but stare and replay the scenes.

I thought it was worth the investment. Two weeks ago we purchased a Sharp LC52D64U 52" 1080p Widescreen LCD Television (pictured above).

It's a beautiful machine even when it's turned off. We still had standard analogue cable and the picture was good but not great. Not a whole lot better than my 61" 1998 Proscan Rear Projector television it was replacing. In fact my wife complained that it was too small.

Last Monday, the Shaw Cable Guy came over and hooked us up to Hi Definition. He installed the Motorola DCT-6416 III, a 160GB PVR with Dual Hi Def Tuners.

Some people have compared Hi Definition Television to Standard Television as being like DVD's to the old VHS videotape, as far as quality improvement.

No way. A better analogy would be from going to Black and White to Colour Television. Or from going from an antenna reception to cable.

I'll go one step further and say that Hi Definition Television is the most dramatic improvement EVER in the history of Television Technology.

The viewing experience is amazing, it's like rediscovering what it's like to watch Television.

The first night we had the HI Def we watched Memoirs of a Geisha. I think my mouth was open in wonder at the beauty of the images we were watching.

Last night we watched "House" and then an episode of the fantastic series on the early life of Henry VIII called The Tudors.

You have to see for yourself. So much detail is exposed that you find yourself looking at the background scenery, the props, the beard growth on House's face, the jewelry garnishing Henry's royal robes. It's so freaky because you almost feel like you are with the actors in the scene.

And to watch the Canucks humiliate the Anaheim Ducks in Hi Definition, well who would pay $100 for a seat at GM Place when they can watch it just as clearly if not more so in the comfort of their home.

Expensive? Yes it is. The Sharp TV cost me around $3000, the PVR with the dual Tuners, close to $800 with taxes and a modest increase in my cable fees.

I think it's the best $4000 I ever spent. Will the novelty wear off? Maybe. Technological Standards rise with every passing year. I'm still able to access all my previous Standard Definition cable channels. What I thought was pretty good reception now looks unacceptable.

If you have the money, go for it. If you never liked watching televising before or thought it was a waste of time, this new technology will rekindle your fascination with what is available for you to view.

Tasers = Lazy Police

Thanks to the Internet and the fact that video cameras are everywhere, pretty much the whole world viewed Robert Dziekanski being killed at the hands of four RCMP officers at the Vancouver International Airport.

I carry my tiny Canon SD600 camera everywhere on the off chance that something monumental might occur that I can record. So far, nothing has, which might be good or bad.

But anyway, back to the lazy cops. Yep that's just what they were, lazy. Rather than risking messing up their uniforms or getting a bruise on their precious skin they chose instead to inflict, at the very minimum, intense pain and shock, at the worst, death on this unfortunate man. Of course, the worst happened.

There is no way anyone can tell me that their health and welfare were threatened in any way, shape or form. There were four of them, four against one panic stricken weaponless man.

So they took the easy way out and tasered him. And now all the world can see what a pack of lazy power crazed thugs those policemen really were.

At the very least their employment as RCMP officers should be terminated. They should be charged with manslaughter.

I've often wondered why, when a bear makes a nuisance of himself in an urban neighbourhood, he is peacefully tranquilized via a dart and carried off safely for all involved. Yet us miserable humans are zapped with a potentially lethal force. Can they not use the same tranquilizing method with people?

The Internet has been used for a lot of murky practices for sure. But the fact that injustice can be recorded and publicized makes up for all that evil and then some. Whether it be tyranny in Burma or thuggery in Vancouver, these acts of evil can now be exposed.

The video is clear, people can judge for themselves. People the world over.

Most police officers I think are admirable beings. They have what must be the hardest job in the world. They see the worst of people and the most horrific circumstances. They see the mayhem of automotive carnage, the broken bodies and lives. They have to tell mothers and fathers that their children have been killed. They have to prevent enraged husbands from beating their wives or children.

Still, there is no excuse for what happened at YVR. A gross injustice committed by the people we rely on to protect us.

I've said it many times:

The only thing worse than the criminals running wild is the police running wild.

Trying To Re Invent The Wheel

Mavis Johnson, so called "Traffic Safety Expert":

At the conference I'm attending there has been a lot of discussion about shared space. It's a European Concept. You remove the signals, lane designations and many of the signs that confuse people, sometimes even the sidewalks, and force everyone to negotiate rather than relying on traffic lights or stop signs."

Huh? What's confusing about traffic signals and stop signs. Seems to me its pretty clear. Red means stop, green means go. A stop sign means you have to stop.

What's confusing about that? This is a case of a so called "expert" dreaming up an idea, or at least considering one that is not needed and has no merit.

It never ceases to amaze me how few traffic accidents there are when you consider the amount of traffic there is on any given day.

I can't speak for elsewhere but I think the drivers in Kelowna are excellent.

Sure there are always a few Yahoos, either testosterone induced or senility impaired individuals who will cause mayhem.

That's always been the case and always will be. Most drivers, I find, are respectful. Almost to a fault. My pet peeve with drivers is the ones that give up their right of way to you, thinking they are being "nice". The result being that no one knows who is going where, when.

Stick to the rules of the road and everyone will be fine. And Mavis, that means don't fix it if it ain't broken.

To Upgrade or Buy?

NVidea 7800GS Superclocked



This week my Ati Radeon 9800 Pro All-In-Wonder Graphics Card died. I'd had the card for about two years enabling me to play my favorite PC Games.

I only play four games and four games only:

1) EA Sports NHL2007 (might get the new 2008, not sure yet).
2) G*T*R (FIA GT Racing Game)
3) GT Legends
4) Colin McRae Rally 2005

In order to play any of the above you NEED a quality graphics card.

I wonder how many people have purchased a computer in the $500 to $1200 price range, took it home only to find out it can't play games.

Computer manufacturers do not put quality graphics card in machines of that price range.

Sure computers are good for other things. But I have my Core 2 Duo iMac for that. Macs are great but they don't do games.

I have a PS2 and about a half dozen games with that. But a SD television screen cannot come close to the realism and resolution you can achieve with a computer screen. Not even in the same ball park.

So I prefer the computer games. And I need a Windows-based computer for that.

My current computer is about three years old. It an HP a620N with 160 GB HD and 1 Gb of RAM. It has the AMD Athlon 3200+ CPU.

It's old and outdated but it's fast enough for the games I like, especially with a good graphics card. It has the old AGP Bus so it limits the cards I can still acquire.

Anyway I got my new card yesterday. It's an Nvidea 7800GS (Superclocked), about 2 to 4 times faster than my ATI AIW 9800. The stats show this is one smokin fast card, not the fastest but near the top of the heap. Sweet!

The Future Shop site indicated it needed just a 300W power supply, which I thought was standard in most machines.


However when I purchased it I read it needed a minimum of 350W and even further to my surprise I found my a620n only had a 250W supply. Yikes.

Well I played NHL 2007 and it ran sweet and smooth as silk. But that game probably doesn't demand too much power-wise.

Colin McRae 2005 is the absolute best simulation of any kind that I've seen. The graphics are dazzling, its pretty darn close to virtual reality. I've played this "game" for probably thousands of hours.

It played well but I could see some areas where it should have performed better.

So now I am convinced I need to upgrade my Power. For 69.99 I can get a 400W unit.
That's on top of the $179.99 + tax I paid for the new card.

Yikes.

So I'm off to Future Shop now to get one of those bad boys, hoping it will fit my machine. Later..

Ok I have my new Dynex 400Watt power source installed, very easy installation. I'm set to go.

When my Radeon Card died I was very tempted to buy a brand new computer. The thing is I already have 5 (five) computers up and running and online in my home. Collecting computers and watching them become outdated is getting to be an issue.

But are they really outdated? The computer I was looking at was from Future Shop, an HP M9080N sold for as low as $1799 (reg $1999).

Yes, expensive but we are talking about an Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz CPU, 3 GB of RAM, 1 Terrabyte of hard drive storage, and the deal maker, an NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTS.

That's impressive credentials. But the more I thought about it the more I realized those specs were an exercise in overkill.

The HP I have now runs at 2.2 GHz, yes it is a "single core" but I don't multitask on it, when I play a game that's all I do I play 1 game. Its fast as I need it to be. I have a Core 2 Duo iMac and honestly its not that much faster than the single core CPU on the old a620n.

3GB of RAM. So what, who needs it? It most cases I don't come near even using the 1 GByte I already have, I doubt anyone does.

A Terrabyte (1000 GB) of storage. That's just nuts. Yes the dream machine is PVR capable for recording television but I already have two of those. Additional storage is cheap. And what happens when your hard drive crashes and everything you have is on it? It's wiser to forget about the huge hard drive on your machine and just get an external hard drive for back ups and something you can grab easily in case of a house fire.

The NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTS is near the top of the food chain as far as graphics cards go. But the Nvidea 7800GS card I just bought is not far behind.

So I'm happy I saved my money. My games run great on the equipment I have. The fancy dual and quad core processors are probably overkill, most people will never use their capability unless you are doing a lot of video editing and other tasks at the same time.

I think it's going to be difficult selling desktops in the future. People who have computers are satisfied with their speed. Most computers sold in the last 4 years have plenty of storage and, as I mentioned, additional storage is cheap.

Wires

I haven't been writing much lately. Just don't feel like it. Sue me.

So I'm going to leave you with this tribute to my wires. A truly amazing sight.

Enjoy!

Raikkonen Finishes Fantastic F1 Season!

One of the biggest sports stories of the year is one most North Americans won't hear of.

That's the result of this years' Formula 1 Racing Season.

Against all odds, my man, Kimi Raikkonen, feasting on the bad luck of Lewis Hamilton, won the fiercely contested World Championship with his win in Brazil today.

While most North Americans seem to like watching cheap low tech cars driving around in circles, real racing observers know that Formula One racing is the absolute pinnacle of the motor racing world.


The skill required to operate these amazing multi million dollar machines is beyond the imagination, perhaps only the skill of a jet fighter pilot could come close.

I've been following Formula One now for a few years and was becoming very bored watching Ferrari's Michael Schumacher win almost every race.

This year was different, it was amazing. Full of intrigue, bitter rivalry, dirty handed tactics, a Cinderella story (gone terribly wrong) and ruthless competitiveness.

In Formula One, hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake. Twenty or so of the world's greatest drivers from all over the world competing for total supremacy.

In the end the sensational Rookie, Lewis Hamilton, ran out of answers and his inexperience cost him dearly, especially two weeks ago in China.

The Iceman, Kimi Raikkonnen prevailed. From being almost out of contention early in this year to World Champion, well for me that was the Cinderella Story.

The big question when this season started was: Could Raikkonen hope to fill the shoes of the greatest driver ever, the Wayne Gretzky of auto racing, Michael Schumacher.

The answer: Michael Who?

Congratulation Kimi!!

Let's Get Back to Nuclear Power

There are a lot of people violently opposed to Nuclear Power Production. They feel that the dangers of this power source far exceed the benefits.

Much of those fears are based on two incidents from the past: Three Mile Island (1979) and Chernobyl (1986).

The truth is that technology has come a long way since those incidents decades ago. It would be next to impossible for those series of circumstances to re occur with the knowledge and computer power of today.

So that type of "accident" should not even enter into the equation when debating the Nuclear Option.

Currently our power is mostly derived from two sources: Burning Fossil Fuels and Hydro Electric Power.

Both these methods cause havoc and irreparable damage to the environment and wildlife habitat.

Yet those that oppose Nuclear Power, the cleanest, most cost efficient and most environmentally friendly method of producing electricity, would prefer our world to be soiled by the current methods.

Alternative methods of power production such as Solar, Wind, Tide are so far off into the future that they cannot be considered serious sources for the next 50 years.

Hundreds of nuclear power plants have been in operation for decades throughout the world with no significant environmental impact other than the use of large amounts of fresh water for cooling.

Nuclear waste can easily be disposed of safely and for long term.

It's time to re-evaluate and put our biases and prejudices behind us.

Let's reconsider the Nuclear Option. It's not about bombs or radioactivity. It's about saving our Planet as we know it.

Dec 10

Since writing this post I found some support here.

The Americans Just Don't Get It

Newt Gingrich


I just listened to a speech by Newt Gingrich where he expressed his deep concerns and fears about the Terrorist threat and how thousands of Muslims are waking each day with the express desire and hope of destroying the United States of America.

He talked about the recruitment of children and women for suicide attacks. He talked about the threat of a nuclear attack on an American city and he talked about the inside threat of American Citizens whose loyalty resides with Islamic Extremists rather than the United States Constitution.

I believe all these concerns are valid.

But do the Americans ever ask themselves why? Why there is so much hatred directed toward them from these so called Terrorists and their sympathizers?

Hello! You are occupying their countries and their areas of influence.

I wonder how the Americans would react if a foreign power occupied Florida or Alaska.

Exactly.

Don't get me wrong, my loyalties are with the West. I love my hedonistic and superficial lifestyle and I want it intact for the future.

But do the Americans ever try to see both sides of the story? Do they ever look at themselves and questions their tactics regarding their relations with the rest of the world?

Do they ever wonder why they are regarded with contempt by a large portion of the world?

The stock answer is : Because you (other nations) are jealous.

Jealous of what? Many nations are richer than the US. Many nations are "freer". Many nations are healthier. And an awful lot of nations are just plain happier.

Jealous of exactly what? Military strength? Honestly I have no idea.

The kind of rhetoric Mr. Gingrich expresses will only spread fear not only among his fellow Americans but especially among the Islamic community.

A scared person is a dangerous person.

It seems to me the US is doing everything it can to increase tension and confrontation in the Middle East.

Maybe they should try a little cooperation and understanding instead.

Great Drives In British Columbia

Autumn View From Highway 6


Highway Route 6: Vernon to Needles

There is nothing in this world that gives me greater pleasure than an aggressive drive with my Mustang on a twisty, open highway on a beautiful sunny day.

I can imagine few other places in the world where the combination of curves, elevation changes and scenery combined with occasions where the highway is yours alone can be realised by a driver other than one living in the Southern Interior of B.C.

This is a first in a series of planned posts exalting the euphoria I sometimes acquire when driving these amazing roads.

The Vernon to Needles/Fauquier highway has it all and it has one major feature which makes it so endearing which I will explain later.

The trip from Vernon to the small town of Lumby is nice enough with lots of pastoral farm scenes and small hills, very green and lush and some nice curves to it. The sometimes heavy traffic can be frustrating so you just have to sit back and relax and take the sights and smells (if you have a convertible) all in, knowing that the fun has just begun.

When you get to Lumby there is a nice detour you can take, time allowing. That being the 40ish km trip north to Mable Lake. I can tell you that is a nice sweet road with awesome twisties and not well travelled. Beautiful to drive aggressively or passively.

Make sure you have adequate fuel to get to Needles and back, its about a 160 km (est) or so round trip. There are a couple of independent gas stations along the way but their reliability is questionable.

This road has it ALL. The highlight being a 15 km stretch (about 30km west of Needles) of the twistiest highway road I have ever experienced. This is a stretch of road that begs you to drive your vehicle at the edge of what you think are its boundaries. Its downhill going east for those that love hard braking and easy power-on, the optimum direction.

Just past that, still going downhill are about a half dozen 1 km+ straights in which you can easily test the top speed of your car.

Most of the rest of the highway is a collection of curves and elevation changes that you can play with as you like, a continuous toy to delight in.

Of course the bane of all highway driving is traffic. Sadly this road is frequented by a lot of logging trucks and other slower vehicles.

As with any twisty road, passing opportunities are few and far between. It's very frustrating, knowing you are wasting these precious curves crawling behind some old man in his Buick or a heavily laden truck.

But here's the thing: This road "ends" at Lower Arrow Lake where there is a ferry terminal that delivers you to the other side at Fauquier. See what I'm getting at?

Westbound traffic travels is clumps and there is about a 20 minute gap between clumps.

If your timing is lucky you can make your turn around just as the ferry is crossing towards you. This pretty much ensures you of at least 30 km of traffic free road ahead of you, the highway is YOURS!

If you arrive at Needles and traffic has just embarked and on its way toward vernon, well there is a nice rest stop there, take 10 or 20, have a coffee and enjoy viewing the Lake and the quiet (there is no town, Needles is just a ferry terminal).

Wait for the ferry to come towards you and then take off. Just knowing that the road is yours alone will put a wide grin on your mug with anticipation of a fantastic driving experience ahead.

There are hazards.

Wildlife. In my most recent trip last week I came across three occasions of deer on the road. They will come out of the woods with no warning and they are stupid.

It's unwise to be speed crazy with this in mind. No matter how good a driver you are, no matter how awesome your vehicle is, there is little defense against a deer running across the road with no warning.

At the very least your car will be destroyed at worst, you'll die.

Weather. This is a high elevation road and a nice day in Vernon or Lumby can be cold and miserable at the higher elevations, snow is possible anytime between Sept and April.

If you are driving a convertible, bring heavy clothing and gloves.



If I somehow or other acquired a Ferrari or Porsche or 'Vette, this is the first road I would travel.

It's amazing.

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The Lake at Needles

Dennis Miller: The Ugliest American

Dennis Miller became a famous comedian back in the 70's as the wise cracking sarcastic "News Anchor" for Saturday Night Live.

He was a funny man then, wow have times changed.

Mr. Miller was once again on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Why Leno continues to invite this person on his show remains a mystery to me. I guess for equal time purposes, to counter all the bright, happy and funny people he usually has on.

Dennis Miller is a very sad man. This ultra conservative, far right wing neo-Nazi is a hateful, bigoted, racist, war mongering Fear Farmer who takes pleasure in spewing all sorts of spiteful vomit from the hairy blow hole that occupies the space between his closed ears.

The kind of vomit with enough acid content to burn through 3 inches of diamond coated stainless steel.

Still not only defending President Bush but actually still praising him and his stupid illegal war.

If Mr. Miller directed his kind of hate towards the African American as much as he does against the entire Arab and Islamic Community he would have been run out of his own country long ago.

He is a bigot and a racist.

Mr. Miller is a very scared man, it's so sad.

All Americans have felt and still feel the pain of 9/11.

Most have gotten over it and gone on with their lives. Most have come to realize that that Iraq had nothing to do with that event, that Iraq never had "weapons of mass destruction", that the American invasion of Iraq was an unlawful and despicable act against a sovereign nation.

Most have come to realize that the War in Iraq is President Bush's own personal war bent on revenge for daddy.

For Mr. Miller, it comes down to the "Terrorists", it's all about the Terrorists.

News flash for you Dennis, the "Terrorists" won long ago and you are the living proof. If this was 1950 your hero would have been Joe McCarthy and instead of looking under your bed every night for them Arabs, you would have been checking for Communists, "the Goddamn Reds".

Some things never change.

Most pathetically is the fact that you display your fear and hate for the whole world to see. And like me, most are thinking "this is a very sad man" and shake their heads in that realization.

Mr. Miller now makes his money feeding the fear frenzy of the trailer park crowd with his radio spot. God knows what kind of garbage he is producing for those eager yet ignorant minds.

Happily, like most conservatives, his fear overcomes any hint of intellect and its all too apparent to those that watch that show unfold.

I used to get angry at Miller's rantings, now I just get sad.

Canadian Idol, Photo Finish

Carly Rae Jepsen


I honestly don't know who's gonna win this thing now. Last week it looked like Brian Melo had it wrapped up. I said it was his to lose.

And he very well might have. Whiter Shade of Pale was a dumb choice of song, Jake's choice I think. No one sings that song, its a plodder. And the 15 second instrumental part in the middle of the song was very awkward. Brian had a problem hitting that loud high note too.

He redeemed himself in the second song somewhat, but I dunno, I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't good enough.

I think Carly had her best night ever. Her Janis Ian song, "Seventeen" had everyone on the verge of tears.

I would have preferred her sing "Society's Child", one My Top 30 All Time Songs. But anyway she did the song justice. Her second song "White Flag" was a better version than the original, which I've never liked much.

A perfect song choice for Carly: How about the Joni Mitchell tune, "Chelsea Morning"?

Anyway, Carly was awesome, it would be a shame if, as Zake said, the public didn't get it. But I think she should lay off the Doritos.

What can you say about Jaydee? He's definitely improved over the weeks and now I don't have a problem with him. Still a bit too much twang for my tastes but it wouldn't be a total disaster if he won.

It'll be sad to see any of these three go tonight.

Three Noises That Should Be Outlawed

I've written a lot of stuff that I know a lot of people have disagreed with and maybe even some people have become upset over.

Good! Very satisfying!

Now I'm going to express an opinion that I KNOW will be agreed upon by 99.9% of the population.

We all know Noise Pollution is a problem. Much of it just comes with our Society and there isn't a lot that can be done with it.

But there are three noises that are created that should be outlawed, preferable with the threat of a jail term.

1). Boom Boxes. I'm talking about those Bass fixtures that young males install somewhere in their cars.

There is absolutely no point to these other than for these man-boys to proclaim :

"I am here, and I am young and immature, and I am an asshole!"

There really isn't any other reason. Enhance the music? Give me a break. Most of these Bass explosions are so distorted they are more likely to resemble a train wreck than any type of music.

Who do these young idiotic punks think they are that they can invade the psyche of every living being within a 500 meter range with their obnoxiousness?

Outlaw them and throw offenders in jail.

2). Motorcycle After-Market Exhaust Pipes

You know the one's I'm talking about. No manufacturer ships bikes with noise polluting mufflers. They all conform to noise limits set by the Government.

Once again, young Males (for the most part) feel the need to proclaim their presence by annoying the rest of us. So they buy and install what are really straight pipes with no muffling capability.

For no good reason.

I'm all for exhaust sounds. My 5 Liter Mustang GT makes some really sweet sounds. But that sound is withing reasonable volume limits.

But the Jackhammer sounds of a large (Harley) unmuffled motorcycle engine are anything but pleasant.

They are for one purpose, to announce the fact that: "The rider of this bike is an obnoxious fucking asshole!"

That's about all it does.

3). Propane Canons

Yes rare indeed. But if you've ever lived near an orchard or a crop field that is threatened by birds, you might know of what I write.

Who do these "farmers" think they are, that they feel they can freak the rest of us out by exploding these rude machines?

I say if you can't grow your crop without using them, get another occupation. I can't believe communities allow these things to operate.

Further, I would encourage anyone that has been victimised by these things to sneak up to them in the middle of the night and sabotage them. I would.

Senator Craig is Getting the Shaft

I'm no friend of Larry Craig and I'm especially no friend of his Politics. I'm not a fan of Conservative "Family Values" Politicians that want our Society rewound about 50 years.

But I know when someone is getting screwed over and I believe this is one of those times.

Craig was arrested for "lewd conduct". Huh? What lewd conduct? His shoe touched that of another man while in the bathroom stall. Whether intentionally (by either party) or by accident how is that possibly considered lewd?

In the heterosexual world, that's called "flirting".

I agree with Craig that he was entrapped by an overzealous police officer (possibly a gay one?) that wanted to make a name for himself.

I realise Americans see the world a bit differently than us Canadians. I can't imagine any member of any Canadian Police Force wasting his time arresting people for this so-called "lewd behaviour".

They have more important things to do, like handing out speeding tickets.

Craig was railroaded and is now being screwed over.

Sad.

The Most Compelling Reason Against The Death Penalty

How many innocent people have been put to death in the United States via their obsolete Justice System?

Read this story of how Steven Truscott has finally been acquitted 48 years later for the rape and murder of a 12 year old girl.

Mr. Truscott was initially sentenced to Hang and spent 4 months on Death Row (this when Canada still had the Barbaric Penalty of Death).

Thankfully sanity prevailed and his death sentence was commuted.

New evidence, based on the latest science, established that a miscarriage of justice had occurred based on lazy and sloppy Police work.

In the US this young man would probably have been killed, like many other innocents have been.

To those that still, against the flow of all advanced nations, still believe there is Justice in legalised killing I say to you: Get a brain and think with it for a change instead of letting your animal reactions control you.

More thoughts on the Death Penalty.

Better to have 100 guilty men set free than to imprison 1 innocent man.

Dwight d'Eon Shows His True Colours

Dwight can't sing, and now everyone knows what most of have known all along.

Last night's performance was embarrassing for Dwight, especially when compared to the three others'. I almost felt bad for him.

Almost. His fans brought him much farther then he should have come. Up to the point where he embarrassed himself.

Personally, I don't think he ever should have been in the top 10 let alone the final four.

Tonight's elimination should be a no-brainer, but strange things can happen.

I actually liked Jaydee Bixby's performance last night. He's got some interesting stage moves and you have to love his confidence. For the first time, when he sang "Smiling", I didn't get the impression he was trying to be Elvis.

Carly Rae Jepsen was very good again. I knew Jake would slobber over her second song, he is so predictable. Is she putting on weight?

It's up to Brian Melo to lose this thing. This guy just keeps getting better and better. The confidence is oozing and flowing all over the stage when he's on it.

When the top ten started I thought "there is no one here that deserves it". But now I think Brian is a deserving choice for Canadian Idol.

Three Valley Chateau

On the evening of August 21st my wife and I stayed at the Three Valley Chateau near Revelstoke, B.C. It's situated on the Trans Canada Highway, we've driven past it many times.

We stayed because I'm a big fan of old relics and Ghost Towns and this is one of the attractions of Three Valley.

You can pretty much sum up Three Valley into two parts, the Hotel itself and the attractions which are: the location, the Ghost Town, the auto museum, the Railway Interests, with Roundhouse.

Gordon Bell and his family have established this property over the years. Mr. Bell is living his dream of playing with his toys. He obviously loves relics of the past, Canadian history and the Railway.

It's also obvious that he is not a hotelier. This is one strange Hotel. The layout is weird, the rooms are spartan and the food is not good.

The first thing one notices is a plethora of signs indicating that Pets are NOT welcome. Your eye can not avoid the signage which seems to be everywhere to the point of obsession.

The very old fellow that signed us in said "And you have pets?", in an obvious trick to expose those trying to sneak in pets undercover. Pretty cheesy.

We paid $125 CA for a very basic generic small room with no features other than a small fridge. Then we found out we had to pay the $10 entrance fee (each) for the guided tour of the Ghost Town and Museum.

One would think that paying guests of the Hotel would get a free pass into the attractions, or at least a discount.

I tell you I was ready to rip this place apart. I said to my wife "I'm going to crucify this place when I post my review".

After we checked in we briefly walked the grounds and on the surface of things it looked nice. Closer examination revealed a lot of projects started and not finished, some major repairs to a section of rood/siding taking place and covered in tarp.

Some buildings were missing sections of siding, landscaping in some areas needed a major overhaul. The interior of the Hotel is very boring and not helped by one of the the cheesiest and cheapest looking tourist trinket/souvenir shops I've seen.

It just looked like a hotel which needed professional help.

We ate at the "family restaurant". It looked like we should be apprehensive about the quality so we ordered cheeseburgers, pretty simple. Well I can confidently say they were the worst cheeseburgers I've had in a long while. And we payed $7.50! McDonald's puts them to shame. Just awful, no effort, no caring.

(In the morning we went for breakfast there, by the till was a sign "Due to staff shortages service may be slow". Yikes! That's not the way to do business!)

While in our rooms we heard the constant pounding of children's' feet as they ran up and down the halls. Thankfully this stopped after 10.

The beds were good, the room fairly quiet but we could do without the religious message from Jesus hanging on our wall. There is no place for that in a Hotel.

Well by the end of the day I was ready to write this place off as a disaster.

The next day was bright and sunny and I finally got a good night's sleep after three days of not. We had decided to take in the Ghost Town and other attractions that morning. So after reluctantly forking over the $20 we commenced our tour.

It was really interesting and well worth it. Our tour guide, Dianne, was very good and even though there was only one other couple with us, she gave us a good effort.

We spent about 90 minutes on the attraction grounds but you could almost spend all day there. If you are into history and the recent past and how people lived a hundred years ago, this place is for you.

Unfortunately the Railroad Roundhouse is still under construction, but what we saw of it was really amazing, its going to be awesome, if it's ever completed.

It's pretty obvious where Mr. Bell's interests are. He doesn't give a hoot about the Hotel business. All his efforts seem to be geared towards his Ghost Town and Railway Collections.

My advice: Hand over the Hotel to a real Hotel Management company and stop trying to do what you are not good at.

I can't understand why, with thousands and thousands of interesting relics in the Ghost Town and Museums, that your Hotel is so freaking Boring!

How about taking a small fraction of the neat stuff you have over there and actually trying to decorate your Hotel?

It looks like Mr. Bell is trying to finance his "dream" with overpriced $125/night hotel room rates. The place did not look very full. Put some effort into the Hotel and more people will stay and you'll have more money to finish the many unfinished projects you have going there. And more people shelling out $10 to see your dreams.

My recommendation: By all means check out the Ghost Town and Railway/Relic exhibits, well worth the $10.

But find somewhere else to sleep and eat.

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The Hume Hotel, Nelson, B.C.

My wife and I just got back from a two day road trip, one of which we stayed in the beautiful city of Nelson.

Earlier this summer I posted a Blog expounding some of the virtues of this really cool town. We had planned to revisit Nelson and stay in the Hume Hotel in July, but the day we had booked had a forecasted temperature of 35 C.


Warning: The Hume does NOT have air conditioning so if you ever plan to stay there be aware of the weather forecast, Nelson can be very hot during the summer months. Rooms would be unbearable during a heat wave.

The Hume Hotel is a lovely and charming Heritage Hotel with all the fixings of yesteryear. Lot's of old (antique) furniture and wood fixtures. Very fitting for a town like Nelson which prides itself for its Heritage architecture.

We found the staff very friendly and courteous. We had booked the Rapunzel Suite, very large with two queen beds, and a sitting room overlooking the main street corners of Nelson from the fourth floor.

A pair of French Door open on the west and north corners of the building providing a nice view of downtown Nelson with Kooteney Lake in the background.

Because this room overlooks a busy corner and a bar, noise might be an issue. We stayed on a Monday evening and did not find noise a problem.

We kept a loud but constant fan going (provided) to drown out any incidental noise.

Thankfully the weather was cool and our room was a nice ambient temperature.




We had dinner at the General Store Restaurant. The food was very nice, I had the Baby Back Ribs, mmmm, yummy!

Prices: Our room was $149 CA plus taxes and the meals for 4 of us came to about $85 (no drinks, appies or deserts).

One other concern of note is the lack of Parking for guests. There are only about 12 stalls available. WE rolled in early enough so we got one. I'm not sure what they do when the parking is full.

Overall a really nice and unique Hotel, recommended!

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I Rate The Idol Judges

Zack Werner


Canadian and American

1. Zack Werner (Canada)

Zack is never afraid to say what's on his mind even if he may say it in a convoluted manner. Much like Cowell on the American side, I think the contestants respect his opinion above all other.

Zack knows what can sell, and really, that's what it's all about.

2. Simon Cowell (U.S.)

You gotta love Simon, without him, the show may not have survived it's first season and developed into the phenomena it is. Let's face, the judges are as much of the show as the contestants.

3. Farley Flex (Canada)

Without a doubt the most professional of the Judges. Very likable. Farley's only downside is that he's too nice a guy. Rarely gives severe criticism (and that's what we like to see).

4. Sass Jordan (Canada)

Like Farley, Sass is really a "soft" judge that praises when praise is not deserved.
But she can give useful advice and I love her harsh treatment of Dwight this year. Very unusual for her to have so much of a hate on for one competitor.

5. Randy Jackson (U.S.)

"What's Up Dawg", " Now Check It Out". Yikes. Very rarely does this goof say anything of value. Know what I'm sayin'?

6. Jake Gold (Canada)

I really don't like this guy, I don't care who he's managed. He's gotta feel it! Yea, right I wonder if this dude is as big a jerk as he seems to be on Idol. I hope not. As insecure as a new born puppy.

7. Paula Abdul (U.S.)

In a word: Useless. Meaning of no value to anyone. Get rid of this doped up dummy!

Why Did You Buy That Ragtop Anyway?

My 1994 Mustang GT

Human behaviour is a strange thing. Most of us find it amusing to analyse the motives behind human actions, or inactions.

People have a right to do whatever they want with their own property in most cases, so long as the general public is not adversely affected.

Ok, to the point.

I have a convertible which I enjoy driving March through October. If it is not raining and if the temperature range is anywhere between 10 and 30 C I will drive this vehicle and the top will be down.

I would not consider keeping the top up if the above conditions were met. You could say I drive my car topless about 95% of the time.

Having a convertible I tend to notice other convertibles on the road.

It is absolutely astounding to me that most people who own convertibles seem to drive them with the top up.

My guess is that 75% of convertibles on the road, even with ideal weather conditions, have their tops up.

Even on the most beautiful, pristine days with optimum temperatures between 18 and 25, the vast majority of convertible cars out their have the tops up.

I can't for the life of me understand why.

I can understand people not owning convertibles.

They cost 10 to 25% more than a fixed roof.
They are noisier (even with the top up).
The styling is usually not as attractive with the top up.
Maintenance and weatherproofing issues (rare).

But for those who have made the decision to purchase a convertible, why not use it?

For me, topless driving is the most true and pleasurable driving. The sounds, smells and temperature changes in the air as one passes through it make you really feel alive.

I wish I could stop a driver in his tracks and ask him why, for God's sake why, he doesn't take advantage of his vehicle's most prominent feature, all the time.

Greg Neufeld Eliminated From Idol

Yeah and your problem is?

I can't understand why the judges and Mulroney were so surprised and disappointed that this rather tediously boring fellow was nuked.

A pretty face can only get you so far. Greg's problem is that he didn't stand for anything, he had no "style" of his own. He is the type of person who gets lost in a crowd. No "Presence" and precious little charisma.

Greg's the type of guy that you want your daughter to bring home to meet you, but as a pop star, no way.

Mulroney's reaction was embarrassing. If he is going to make the statement that "Canada Got It Wrong" then he should have the Kahunas to state who he thought should be eliminated.

More surprising to me than Neufeld's elimination was that Carly and Brian Melo were also in the bottom three.

Brian's problem is a simple one to identify: He sings songs no one has heard. Dumb move. If this guy with the good pipes would sing something familiar to us all we'd like him a lot more.

Carly is my favorite and I'm constantly worried the Canadian Public can't see the talent in this girl.

She has what Greg doesn't, Style and Charisma.

I think she need to cut her bangs, I think that's the problem there.

For the life of me I can't understand why Dwight d'Eon is still around, not even in the bottom three this week. Hmmm..maybe Canada did get it wrong?

Our Thriving Hypocrisy

Once again the annual (which they seem to have 4 times a year) Gay Pride Parade was a happnin' thing in Vancouver and all the Politicians and anyone who is anyone was there.

The Politician pretend to want to be there and the news media slant is that everyone loves it and has a good time.

It's just bad Karma and political incorrectness to say how distasteful it all is.

For my part, I don't give a hoot where people put their dicks or fingers or tongues, whether that be people or objects, dead or alive.

But I'll pass on the parade. Young men in loin clothes with enhanced bulges thrusted forward in "pride" is something I don't really need to see. Nor do I want to see men dressed as women or women in their Butch Pride.

But that's me, if others want to see that, no problem.

Meanwhile, on the same day in Penticton we had the Annual Mr. Muscle Miss Bikini Contest .

The same news outlet, B.C. Global News, covered that one too, but with a whole different slant.

They interviewed Elsie Wiebe of the Penticton and Area Women’’s Centre who seems to have a huge problem with Heterosexual people dressing up and strutting their stuff.

You know, the women as sex objects argument (like men are supposed to find other creatures to lust after).

Ms. Wiebe unfortunately did an on-camera interview. Well that explained everything.

Why is it that no attractive women complain about being sex objects?

But back to the news media. Homosexual flaunting: Good. Heterosexual flaunting: Let's take issue with that.

Yikes.

DVD Review: "300"

I didn't realise that they had Steroids back in Ancient Greece. Amazing. And they must have eaten a lot better too. Everyman a buffed athlete.

This is one of these movies where you are constantly thinking "It's gotta get better soon". You know it has to, it must.

But, alas, it never does.

In short this movie is tediously boring. Hope of a real storyline or twist or some kind of plot gradually fades as one comes to the realization that this movie is just an exercise is Computer Generated Graphics.

Unless you get off on 6 Packs and overwhelming testosterone and mucus-throated shouting this movie is best avoided.

The novelty of the brown and white high contrast photography lasts only so long.

If your going to have graphic violence which justifies an R rating why not go out and show us some REAL graphic violence instead of black splotches of goo flying hither and thither. Ok, so there were a couple of beheadings and leg removals.

We want our blood RED not black!

Waste of time, don't bother.

The Kissel Car

We've been going to a lot of Show 'n Shine Auto Shows the last few years.

It's a nice way to enjoy a summer day but, to be honest, we see a lot of the same cars in every show.

The muscle cars of the '60's are without a doubt the most BORING of the bunch. These low tech poorly built vehicles really don't deserve the attention they get.

But I suppose they are cheap and easy to work on and they seem to have some sort of cult following.

I like to find something, anything, unique at these shows. This 1913 Kissel Car was seen at the Penticton Rotary Auto Show on August 4, 2007.

The detail in a lot of these old vehicles is really interesting and you have to wonder what it would be like to drive one.

Mike McCardell Blasts The Panhandlers

I don't normally watch Mike McCardell's fluff pieces which end the 6:00 PM Global News Hour. They are usually so lame and boring that I wonder why he gets paid for them.

Stories about people and their pets, or kids and their bikes or some old folks celebrating anniversaries. Stuff that's supposed to make you "feel good" after the sad news of the day.

I find it tedious.

But last night old Mikey was MAD! He was mad at the panhandlers which are spoiling his enjoyment of his adopted city, Vancouver.

He was MAD that visitors were seeing this blight and MAD that citizens were regularly bothered and pestered by these lazy bums.

In his day no one would even remotely consider a career of panhandling. In his day people had pride and self worth and would never lower themselves to "ask" for money.

I get mad too.

I get mad when you can't enjoy a July 1st walk in your own park without being "asked" to donate to some cause of dubious need. These are officially sanctioned beggars.

I get mad when public events are held on taxpayer ground and asked for a "donation".

I get mad when telemarketers phone me at my dinner break and ask for my money for some useless service or product.

I get mad when I want to drive along my taxpayer paid scenic highway and am met by a disgusting display of Billboards begging for my money.

I get mad when my television viewing is interrupted by intelligence insulting advertisements asking me for my cash.

Mike, the truth is that almost everyone is begging for our money. The only difference is who is doing it and how they do it.

Your little tirade against the poor, the mentally disturbed and the plain lazy was hilarious considering how you make your money.

To call you a journalist is to call me a writer. I don't pretend to be and neither should you pretend to be a journalist. I can't believe they pay you for the fluff you usually vomit.

And when you finally get serious you blast the poorest and least represented of us all. You're a fine fellow aren't you?

These people who panhandle are, for the most part, unemployable. No one would want them because of their lack of skills (technical and social), their emotional baggage, or their physical appearance.

No one wants them.

Until panhandling is illegal they have a right to do what they do, disturbing as it may seem to us all.

Just like telemarketers have a right to bother us in our own homes, for now at least.

Mike, go back to your fluff that no one watches. You're harmless that way.

And Mike, ever thought about a diet?

Why Are You Paying For Music Downloads?

If you pay iTunes or other MP3 "Legal" downloading services for your music, you are an idiot. Plain and simple.

Downloading music for your own personal use via clients such as Limewire is PERFECTLY LEGAL in Canada!!

Not only that, but YOU ARE ALREADY PAYING A DOWNLOADING TAX via the levy that is placed on black cd's. And the government is talking about future substantial taxes on MP3 players, up to $75.00 per player depending on storage size!

So, what is the purpose of paying for something that you don't have to? Or that you are paying for already?

It's unbelievable to me that someone would.

It Looks Like Money Can Buy "Happiness"

L.A. Priest Abuse Cases Settled

This story is an example of what I find really hard to understand. And that is how large monetary settlements can somehow reverse the effects of various forms of systematic abuse.

I have all kinds of sympathy for victims of abuse, whether that be sexual, physical, verbal abuse or the worst of all, Neglect.

But I don't see how suddenly becoming a millionaire solves that problem. But apparantly it must because there are examples of payouts by governments and instituitions to these victims on a regular basis.

And in the case cited, these victims agree to shut up and not press charges if they see the money.

"The archdiocese and its insurers will pay between $600 million and $650 million to about 500 plaintiffs - an average of $1.2 million to $1.3 million per person"

I'm all for punishing the purveyors of abuse and in the Case of the Catholic Church, that means hitting them where it hurts the most, in their Wallets.

But I don't understand people profiting from this abuse. If someone can prove to me that money reverses the emotional effects of abuse them I'm all for it. I have yet to see proof that it does.

It leaves the abuse card open for abuse, that is people claiming abuse where it did not exist for the sole purpose of gaining a monetary windfall.

The same principal applies to the families of the victims of the World Trade Centre Attack. These people reaped rewards in the tens of millions. Like somehow that money was going to bring their loved ones back from the dead.

How does a parent feel when their child dies of cancer and they get nothing? Other than the cause of death, the outcome is the same. What difference does it make how they died?

My idea is to take those huge punishing judgements and lawyer's brewed settlements and put that money where it will do the most good, like education for potential abusers and ongoing treatments for those abused.

Not in a personal bank account. Satisfying someone's need for greed is not going to cure anyone.

Matt Rapley Rocks Canadian Idol

I never liked Matt much, thought he was a bore. But last night Mr. Rapley showed me a side of him I hadn't seen before!

His bluesy/rock rendition of Whipping Post was the best of last night's group. He really sounded like the real deal. Now if only he can get someone to take on his hideous wardrobe.

Other performances:

Jaydee: awful, as usual. Your not suppose to smile through that song dummy.
Dwight: I'd rather listen to nails on a blackboard.
Khalila: Can't remember what she sang, 'nuff said.
Carly: I'm worried about you girl, very worried.
Martha: Really shaky, hope you're still around next week.
Brian: Really good, as usual.
Greg: Pretty boy is nearing the end of his run.
Tara: Nice effort, but it's still country.

Bye Bye Dwight.

Animals are....Animals

Here is the story of a young disturbed man who was arrested for "torturing" a Tortoise. He alledgedly stabbed this poor creature and threw it against a wall. This after he "stole" the critter and thus was also charged with Grand Theft.

I like animals as much as the next person and I too am disturbed by instances of animal abuse.

But let's keep things in perspective.

I wonder how a Lobster feels about a story like the one above. "Wait a second here, we are tossed healthy and alive into a vat of boiling water where we die a miserable death on a regular basis in thousands of restaurants and homes around the world, why is no one being arrested?".

Or how about all the fish being caught on barbed hooks and then whacked over the head by enthusiastic fishermen, then to be held up, often still squirming, displaying the fishermen's pride and their humiliation?

Or how does a heard of cattle feel, when they look in the adjacent pasture and see Flicka enjoying the good life, being groomed and pampered and being ridden on by nubile young human females. While he is enjoying his stud life they are getting a slug in their brains.

They must think: "Where did we go wrong"?

Last night I watched an episode of Planet Earth, you know that nature series hosted by that David Attenborough. The episode was of The Great Plains and toward the end of the show there was a scene of a pride of lions stalking and attacking a young elephant. The elephant was brought down and, while still alive, was ripped asunder.

I wonder if those that whine about cruelty to animals really know what goes on in the real world? I doubt that many animals die a peaceful death, in their sleep, of old age.

Most either starve to death or are eaten by predators. That's the way it is and that's the way it was meant to be.

So when I see people who have set up establishments to care for birds with broken wings or small orphaned creatures or disabled animals of any kind I just shake my head with wonder. Just what are they trying to accomplish? If a bird breaks its wing it is resigned to its fate. Saving it is not going to advance Nature or the Human Race one iota.

I think people who expend this energy defying the natural process need a psychiatrist as much as that goof who "tortured" the Tortoise.

Bump the Bumpkins Off Canadian Idol!

You either like country music or you don't. It's a simple as that. 10% of the public listen to country music and little else. 90% of the public hate country music and won't listen to it.

Jaydee Bixby and Tara Oram are the over representers of torch and twang on this year's 2007 Canadian Idol. I say they should have their own Canadian Country Idol and leave the real Idol to the real music.

Last night Jaydee sang some Conway Twitty relic of the past and honestly I thought it was horrendous. I felt sure the judges this time, especially Zack, would finally tear this clown to shreds.

You can imagine my jaw dropping horror when they actually not only praised his performance but proclaimed him the second coming of James Dean bound to save Canadian Music and become an international Superstar.

Are they absolutely crazy? My only hope is knowing that these are the same judges who orgasmed over Montana and Tyler and Liam and we know what happened to them.

Canadian Idol voters: Please send this goofus back to the barn.

Canada's Own Little Vietnam

As usual, the media is making a big production out of any Canadian Death in Afghanistan. Like a soldier's death was any more noteworthy than that of an anonymous cancer victim. You can read about what I think about that subject in my Post on Soldiers, Cops, Firemen and Loggers

They often have an interview with some family member who usually states "At least his/her death was not in vain, he was fighting for freedom and his country".

And I always think to myself "No, he died in vain, for a fruitless purpose with little or no meaning to most Canadians. A waste of a young person's life".

The generals and politicians tell us we are in Afghanistan for two reasons:

1) To prevent the Taliban from reasserting themselves as rulers of this Backward Nation.

2) To prevent Afghanistan becoming a breeding ground for "Terrorists".

What a lot of CRAP.

First of all we have no business interfering in the affairs of another nation, especially when that nation poses no threat to Canada whatsoever.

The Afghan people do not have, never had have and never will have a "free" democratic government. It's just not their style.
The arrogant Western Attitude that what is right for us is right for the rest of the world is what is causing Islamic extremism in the first place.

If the Taliban once again take over as rulers of this pathetic Nation it is only because the Afghan People do not have the will to resist them. And if that's the case then they deserve the Government they get, as we all do.

It should not be up to Canadian Soldiers to determine the Government of Afghanistan, it's up to the Afghan People themselves.

As for "the Terrorists", I think we all know that there are plenty of breeding grounds for these extremists. Whether Afghanistan is one of them or not makes little difference. The "Terrorist" Card is always played when attention is needed. And of course the argument remains that wherever western forces are occupying Islamic Lands, "terrorists" will breed.

Ok now the Real Reasons we are in Afghanistan.

1) Canada wants to be part of the Old Boys Network. Our right wing Prime Minister, Stephen Harper wants to be seen as contributing to The George Bush anti-terrorist/get Bin-Ladin/revenge on the Muslims movement. The only reason we are in Afghanistan or that anyone cares about Afghanistan is because that is the country that housed Bin Laden and that is the place that gave him sanctuary. It's all about revenge for 9/11. At least that's how it started.

2) Stephen Harper wants to appease and please Canada's Military. Canada's armed forces have been neglected and even laughed at for many years now. They were the joke of the western world, relegated to "Peace Keeping", a role for a Soldier that must be excruciatingly humiliating. Now our Military is getting a lot of attention, now they are getting funding, now they are getting sympathy from the media influenced public.

The generals haven't had this much fun since the Korean War, they never want it to end.

And that's the crux of the problem and that is why I am calling this thing in Afghanistan or Own Little Vietnam. No foreign power has ever succeeded in occupying and establishing the government they want in Afghanistan. That won't change just because Canadians are "nice guys".

Our mission in this godforsaken place is useless. And I have to say that your son's and daughters have perished and will continue to perish for artificial causes.

Don't get mad at me, get mad at the Canadian Government. Demand that they withdraw from this stupid, ridiculous and fruitless conflict.

Canadian Idol Fiasco!

My theory on last night's eliminations is that this years crop of "Idols" are so boring that the vote count was way down, therefore allowing a flawed result.

I wasn't terribly shocked that Montana Martin Isles was booted because her vocal performance was very poor this week. But she was a breath of fresh air and she was unpredictable. Too radical for the Canadian Public I can only suppose.

Then one of my picks for the final two, Tyler Mullendore was also booted. Yikes! Ok, this week's performance was not great and that hair flinging was getting to be a bit too much. He was a love him or hate him kind of guy and in this years crop of Mainstream Boredom, Tyler was too much for too many. Sorry to see ya go Bud.

The real shocker, the most unbelievable elimination since this show started was the elimination of Liam Styles Chang. without any doubt the Best Male Singer of this year's crop. Is this an anti-Lucas Rosssi Look backlash? Are the people nuts? Are they going by looks alone? Did they have the sound on their TV's muted?

So what are we left with:

Jaydee Bixby This guy is a walking, talking cartoon character who is only entertaining because of so. Take your lasso and your country hick vibe and go shovel some shit somewhere pal.

Dwight D'Eon A Rocker Wannabe who's crutch guitar couldn't save him from being totally uninspiring. This guy just looks creepy to me, a nice boy trying to be bad.

Khalila Glanville Um, well...sorry I can't remember anything about this person so No Comment.

Mila Miller See above (yawn).

Matt Rapley One word describes Matt: Boring. Matt, go back to your Gospel Choir and quit wasting my time.

Tara Oram Tara's only Saving Grace is that she is a fan of the great Canadian Band Rush. That's hard to believe because she is so totally un-Rush. Another country twanger who has zero stage presence, zero sex appeal and zero talent. 0+0+0=0

Greg Neufeld Ok, I admit there is some talent here but guess what, he bores me to death. This kid needs a makeover to get rid of his goody goody nice boy next door looks. There is nothing unique about this person so why vote for him?

Martha Joy I like Martha Joy. I wish she'd take a few more risks and get out of the mainstream music. Nice voice, good stage presence. She's no Eva Avila but close.

Brian Melo Easily the Best of the Boys left, now that the two better ones are gone. Brian has to crank up the wow/excitement factor and let the people know he really wants this gig.

Carly Rae Jepsen The absolutely only legitimate contender to the throne. Carly has the whole package and if she doesn't win this thing then this whole idea of Canadian Idol needs to be abolished.

Thankfully Annika Odegard was kicked off. My jaw dropped when the judges praised that mess of a performance she had sitting in front of her piano. I don't think she hit one note properly. It was one of the most amateurish performances in the history of Idol.

The Scam of The Insurance Business

Don't get me wrong, I think ICBC (the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) is a Godsend and I'll forever be grateful to Dave Barrett who's Government established it in 1973.

Since then, while other parts of the nation were/are getting robbed by private auto insurance conglomerates, we in British Columbia have enjoyed fair rates.

I just got back from re-insuring my 2006 Saturn Vue. We changed our policy slightly and removed the Replacement option which was costing us $180 extra. We kept our deductable at $2500.

Our nice insurance lady told us we could have a $1000 deductable for only $60 more. I said "No Thanks" I'll continue with the $2500.

She couldn't believe my decision. She said "Your not willing to spend $60 to save $1500?"

For a moment I thought about explaining myself but then said "Leave it at $2500". She wasn't finished. She explained that I could have an at fault accident and still have no increase in my insurance premium. I said "No thanks, let's keep it at $2500".

In her mind I was nuts. In my mind I saved $60 but more importantly I prevented ICBC from acquiring $60 for giving me nothing.

Both my wife and I have not had an accident in over 25 years. Luck, fate, or chance has nothing to do with that. It's because we are good drivers, plain and simple.

This particular vehicle gets driven less than 10000km per year. The chances of either of us having an accident in the next year are probably 1 in 100 or less.

Yet the nice insurance lady was talking as if we were definitely going to have an accident. This is where our thinking differed.

Insurance people want to take your money and give you nothing in return. Sure once in a while someone makes a claim and they have to give some of it up. But mostly they get money for nothing.

I don't have any fire and theft insurance on my belongings in my Condo. Why? Because the chance of a fire is so slim that it doesn't merit the $400 the insurance company wants (for giving me nothing).

Think about it. What are the chances of your house burning down? In Kelowna maybe there are 50,000 residences. In a given year how many burn down? One hundred maybe at most? Probably a lot less than that. And half of those burn because of poor maintenance.

So you are giving insurance companies hundreds if not thousands of dollars for the 1 in 500 chance that your house will burn down.

Yeah I know, "peace of mind". I don't advocate an uninsured house. But I am stating that is a scam that preys on our most basic fears. Insurance Companies know that and feed on it. Feed like Pigs at a Trough.

But back to auto insurance. I have no collision insurance on my Beloved Mustang Convertible. So when I get maybe a bit enthusistic in my driving I think a bit. If I crash this car I can't replace it. And you know what? I drive more carefully then.

If everyone's deductable was $2500 or more do you think people would drive more carefully?