Watching Brian Williams broadcast the Olympics is painful. This guy is 15-years past his best before date. Williams thinks he is the story. He tries to be controversial and ends up annoying viewers. Plagiariser Bruce Dowbiggen, of Globe and Mail, kisses up Williams and maintains a email relationship with him. Dowbiggen worked at CBC Toronto 20-years ago before he was run out of the market and fled to Calgary. His buddies, from CBC days, including Steve Paikin of TVO, kept him connected with T.O. market. If you read the comments section of Dowbiggen's column, you will note by a margin of 10-1 readers despise Dowbiggen and Williams in equal measure. What was the Globe thinking when they dropped the brilliant William Houston and hired Dowbiggen as their sports media reporter? He was unemployable in Toronto for 20-years.
Let's hope that this is Brian Williams last Olympics and the Globe listens to their readers and drop Dowbiggen.
Byron MacDonald, CBC swim broadcaster is greatly missed at these Olympics. Joanne Malar wins the Russ Anber Award for the most brutal announcer at the Olympic games. What is even more amazing is she even beat out boxing announcer, Bruce Anber, for the award that was named in his honour. Her incessant giggling and high pitched screech is enough to make you want to install a Joanne Malar Mute Button on your remote. Apple should invent a Joanne Malar Mute App to be installed on your TV. I would pay $4.99 just for that App.
Monday 30 July 2012
Sunday 29 July 2012
Tuesday 24 July 2012
Trinity Bellwood's
I just completed my daily walkabout in the King West area where I live. I ran into Vala (name altered for privacy concerns), one of the lawyers that we retain in our business. Vala has lived in the area for years and we periodically run into each other on the street. I can't tell you exactly where she lives, as I'm not sure. When I ask her, the response is always "nearby". Her reasoning is that you can never be too safe. I completely understand.
Vala was sporting a rather nasty dog bite mark on her leg. She related that a bulldog had bit her a couple of months ago in Trinity Bellwood's park. The dog owner made a quick exit before information could be exchanged.
This is exactly the point I have been making. Dog owners take no responsibility for the nasty little creatures that have hijacked our parks. There is no accountability. No acceptance that they are liable for the actions of the animals under their control. Vala also confirmed that the yard of her townhouse is used a doggy toilet.
There will be a reckoning between the entitled selfish dog owner and the silent majority of decent taxpayers in our neighbourhood. I'm not sure when it will happen, but the day will come.
Vala was sporting a rather nasty dog bite mark on her leg. She related that a bulldog had bit her a couple of months ago in Trinity Bellwood's park. The dog owner made a quick exit before information could be exchanged.
This is exactly the point I have been making. Dog owners take no responsibility for the nasty little creatures that have hijacked our parks. There is no accountability. No acceptance that they are liable for the actions of the animals under their control. Vala also confirmed that the yard of her townhouse is used a doggy toilet.
There will be a reckoning between the entitled selfish dog owner and the silent majority of decent taxpayers in our neighbourhood. I'm not sure when it will happen, but the day will come.
Monday 23 July 2012
Let me tell you this about that!
I'm a Canadian and even served Canada in the Armed Forces as a 17-year-old. Dropped out of school, packed my bags and went off to Cornwallis into Basic Training. Served aboard a destroyer escort named HMCS MacKenzie. Saw a bit of the world.
I was not born in Canada. My parents are from Ireland and I was born in Nigeria, where they taught school to less advantaged kids. To this day they do not tolerate racism towards minorities. They point out that the local youth in Nigeria scored high marks in Oxford exams. Nigerians don't run the world's biggest scams because they are dummies.
I don't have the same tolerance of minorities that my parents have. I notice that blacks make up 2% of Toronto's population, but commit 90% of the gun crime. Most of the victims are black. I'm all for immigration and the ethnic mix of Toronto. I just wish that black males would put away the guns.
My first memory is being on the plane from England to Canada in 1966. I remember sitting by myself while my older brothers sat with my mom. It occurs to me now, that in fact this may have occurred during a trip back to England in 1974. I wasn't a pleasant kid.
I don't remember anything about Nigeria, but I had a reoccurring dream as a kid, that I was caught in pit in Nigeria and chased by these large African women, as I tried to climb out of the pit. The pit was often located in Colquhoun Park in Hamilton, Ontario in my dreams. Not sure why I feel it necessary to relate that story, but it is cheaper than therapy.
I mention this background because I have watched recent TV shows about Irish gypsies, or Travellers, Tinkers etc. The most recent is a documentary called Knuckle. This is a more than decade in the making long film, where Traveller families in Ireland are followed by a filmmaker. The men, in these related families, engage in frequent bare knuckle brawls, in feuds that last for a half century. Almost all are cousins and brothers.
It would be difficult to find more dysfunctional people than the Irish Travellers. It is shocking to believe that these people function in everyday Ireland. I had no idea. They are like an Alien life form. They even have a language that is foreign to the average person in Ireland. Their weddings and Baptismal functions are no less shocking and over the top. Little girls attending their first Communion are dressed like strippers. Listen, I'm not judging them, I have very little respect for Catholic institutions and the hypocrisy of the Church.
My point is, that this aspect of Ireland is totally foreign to me. It seems like mainstream Ireland just ignores them. I must tell Irish folk in North America, your Travellers have been uncovered by US cable television and we just can't look away.
Thursday 19 July 2012
Here & There
I have already written about black on black violence. I don't have much to add. The Somali young male has taken it to a new level. The random shooting, rather than targeted killing is even more disturbing. Spraying a crowd with bullets and striking innocents whiteout regard, is what is new about these latest shootings. It still hasn't hit my hood. I feel as safe as ever. You have to wonder about the Caribbean Festival in a couple of weeks? You have to figure that will not be the safest place to be in the city. The Beer Fest? I'll take my chances.
Every year at this time I'm forced to walk by the Cenotaph at Old City Hall and look at wreaths laid by the Orange filth. As a veteran of the Armed Forces I'm forced to watch as bigots, most of whom never served, lay wreaths on a monument that honours thousands of Catholics that laid down their lives for Canada. Those men deserve better!
There is a reason that no politician, not even "Orange" Jim Flaherty, walk with the Orangemen. Not one politician. It must be the only parade in the country that no politician dares show their face. The reason they don't show up is that the Orangeman are are Anti-Catholic scum. The lowest form of white trash in our country. Normal people are too ashamed to associate with you.
The Orangemen are bigots, men without honour, a walking disgrace. As a taxpayer and veteran I deserve better. I should not have to put up with this hate group marching in my city. My office is adjacent to the Cenotaph.
Every year at this time I'm forced to walk by the Cenotaph at Old City Hall and look at wreaths laid by the Orange filth. As a veteran of the Armed Forces I'm forced to watch as bigots, most of whom never served, lay wreaths on a monument that honours thousands of Catholics that laid down their lives for Canada. Those men deserve better!
There is a reason that no politician, not even "Orange" Jim Flaherty, walk with the Orangemen. Not one politician. It must be the only parade in the country that no politician dares show their face. The reason they don't show up is that the Orangeman are are Anti-Catholic scum. The lowest form of white trash in our country. Normal people are too ashamed to associate with you.
The Orangemen are bigots, men without honour, a walking disgrace. As a taxpayer and veteran I deserve better. I should not have to put up with this hate group marching in my city. My office is adjacent to the Cenotaph.
Wednesday 18 July 2012
Sunday 15 July 2012
Big Cheques at Mediation
We were walking by the Toronto Argo offices on King West last week, when Argo employees pulled out one of those large charity/prize winner over sized cheques. M thought that over sized cheques on white washboards, with the company logos, would be a great tool for making offers at mediation. They would add a little flare to a stale process. You could cover the big cheque unveiling the number at the right moment for effect.
In no way would this take away from the seriousness of the process, but it would counter the over the top presentations of the other side. Don't get me wrong, we have to tweak this idea a bit. The current process of extreme offers and brinkmanship, followed by frenzied last minute concessions is hardly a dignified, solemn process worth preserving.
We know management will never go for it, but we are ideas people, with an ounce of a sense of humour.
In no way would this take away from the seriousness of the process, but it would counter the over the top presentations of the other side. Don't get me wrong, we have to tweak this idea a bit. The current process of extreme offers and brinkmanship, followed by frenzied last minute concessions is hardly a dignified, solemn process worth preserving.
We know management will never go for it, but we are ideas people, with an ounce of a sense of humour.
Wednesday 11 July 2012
Monday 9 July 2012
Random Thoughts
My golf game has taken a turn for the worse. I can drive the ball fine but my chipping, mid-irons and putting are falling apart. Part of the reason is that I do not own a car and therefore do not get a chance to visit the driving range. I rented a car this weekend and made a rare visit to the driving range, prior to a game with my brother Brian. He was already at the range with a large bucket of balls. He is a regular at the range and it shows in his game. At one time I was pretty good inside of 150 yards. If I ever put the two together, golf will be fun again.
I need to recruit two investors to buy a boat with me and rent a slip in downtown Toronto. I have one guy lined up. I need one more person I can trust. There are some people I have ruled out, because they are likely to invite undesirables to my boat. I'm all for inviting people onto the boat, but I would restrict access to people you know. I really want to promote inner-city recreational boating.
I recall a well known Toronto insurance lawyer that became so obsessed with sailing that it ended his career by choice. He joined a very inexpensive sailing club on city owned waterfront land, it became his life. I think the yearly fee was $400.00. Toronto's 40km++ long waterfront is full of recreational opportunities.
The City of Toronto should hire me to promote stay-cations in the inner-city.
Wednesday 4 July 2012
Let me tell you about that......
22,335 steps completed today. That is over 11 miles and probably 18 KM. I also ran 1.1 miles near the end. I even lifted weights. Now I am overweight and out of shape, but I still walk more than the average Joe. I walk a minimum 70,000 steps a week and usually closer to 80k. It helps that I walk to work. I just have to cut back on the bad foods and beer. Cardio wise I'm probably in better shape than most men my age, but I eat too much bad food. I'm trying to eat better. Today was one of those days I pushed myself.
Tomorrow I attend "The Mate" going away function at Jack Astors. It will be a small crowd at his request. Just some of the old-timers and guys from our department. I will now have seniority in our Department of 50 people. 11-years is too short of a period to be the longest survivor.
I was talking to one of our temp employees, who retired from RSA Insurance. He is a member of the Royal Guard. A group that requires 25-years of loyal service. We were on a business trip to Calgary and he was bragging to me that he was the longest serving member of the Royal Guard. That there were no known surviving members that were around as long as his years in the Guard. I told him that the sad part of that title is that you will only keep it for so long. No one keeps that title forever. He looked a little pale after that advice.
Donut Girl won our Euro pool and $150.00. She left for Europe knowing that she had it won if Spain won in the semi-finals. Of course her sister and I emailed a photo of M. counting the money. We told her a recount was conducted and she lost. What is even better is that she was in Italy when the Italians lost in the finals. There were a lot of Italian Mothers consoling their boys on Sunday.
It was interesting to read about the local Spanish men taking over College Street after the finals. There were reports of minor violence with Italian groups. That was not a good mix after an Italy loss. I live within a mile of College, but I think I may have been there twice in 13-years. I know a lot of Italians in my business and they are all great people, I just have a hard time relating with the young Italian male. Maybe it was my years in Hamilton Catholic schools, that brought this irrational fear of roving groups of young Italian males. It just looks like they are up to no good. Maybe it is the constant shouting, the white muscle shirts and gold chains.
Tomorrow I attend "The Mate" going away function at Jack Astors. It will be a small crowd at his request. Just some of the old-timers and guys from our department. I will now have seniority in our Department of 50 people. 11-years is too short of a period to be the longest survivor.
I was talking to one of our temp employees, who retired from RSA Insurance. He is a member of the Royal Guard. A group that requires 25-years of loyal service. We were on a business trip to Calgary and he was bragging to me that he was the longest serving member of the Royal Guard. That there were no known surviving members that were around as long as his years in the Guard. I told him that the sad part of that title is that you will only keep it for so long. No one keeps that title forever. He looked a little pale after that advice.
Donut Girl won our Euro pool and $150.00. She left for Europe knowing that she had it won if Spain won in the semi-finals. Of course her sister and I emailed a photo of M. counting the money. We told her a recount was conducted and she lost. What is even better is that she was in Italy when the Italians lost in the finals. There were a lot of Italian Mothers consoling their boys on Sunday.
It was interesting to read about the local Spanish men taking over College Street after the finals. There were reports of minor violence with Italian groups. That was not a good mix after an Italy loss. I live within a mile of College, but I think I may have been there twice in 13-years. I know a lot of Italians in my business and they are all great people, I just have a hard time relating with the young Italian male. Maybe it was my years in Hamilton Catholic schools, that brought this irrational fear of roving groups of young Italian males. It just looks like they are up to no good. Maybe it is the constant shouting, the white muscle shirts and gold chains.
Monday 2 July 2012
Toronto Sun Misses the Point, Again!
Toronto Sun editorial today credits the bravery of the Queen for shaking hands, literally with the devil, in the form of Martin McGuiness. The editorial goes on to blame all the violence in Northern Ireland on Catholic forces. They even ask what the Catholic's were complaining about? As they lived in Britain, one of the freest nations on earth.
That has to be one of the most ignorant, one-sided editorials I have ever read. I doubt even pro-British newspapers in Belfast would claim the troubles in N.I. were caused by one side. Of course the piece misses the whole point of the handshake, which was to move past the history of violence.
This article will provide aide and comfort to the Orange bigots, that will march through downtown Toronto in 2-weeks. Interestingly the St. Patrick's Day parade was banned in Toronto until the mid-1960's. At the same time Catholics couldn't get work at Eaton's stores. It is ironic that the Toronto St. Patrick's Day parade is witnessed by hundreds of thousands, while the Orange Parade attracts a few hundred aging bigots. No politician would dare show up at an Orange parade in Toronto. The Orange Lodge actually publishes a photo of their parade permit, as if they are surprised they are still allowed to march. The KKK would not be granted a permit.
The Toronto Sun wasn't created until the 1970's but the pro-British, anti-immigrant writers of the trash rag want to drag us back to an all-white Protestant utopia where Irish Catholics knew their place. They must take strength in the policies of the Harper government
That has to be one of the most ignorant, one-sided editorials I have ever read. I doubt even pro-British newspapers in Belfast would claim the troubles in N.I. were caused by one side. Of course the piece misses the whole point of the handshake, which was to move past the history of violence.
This article will provide aide and comfort to the Orange bigots, that will march through downtown Toronto in 2-weeks. Interestingly the St. Patrick's Day parade was banned in Toronto until the mid-1960's. At the same time Catholics couldn't get work at Eaton's stores. It is ironic that the Toronto St. Patrick's Day parade is witnessed by hundreds of thousands, while the Orange Parade attracts a few hundred aging bigots. No politician would dare show up at an Orange parade in Toronto. The Orange Lodge actually publishes a photo of their parade permit, as if they are surprised they are still allowed to march. The KKK would not be granted a permit.
The Toronto Sun wasn't created until the 1970's but the pro-British, anti-immigrant writers of the trash rag want to drag us back to an all-white Protestant utopia where Irish Catholics knew their place. They must take strength in the policies of the Harper government
Sunday 1 July 2012
Lake Ontario
I would like to thank Captain Ricky for taking us out on his boat yesterday.
The most underrated and under-utilized asset in the city is the Great Lake, in our collective front yard. The water has been blue flagged for past several years. It is a little cold, currently 65F. But is it clean and very swimmable. I would still like too get a boat but with a small group of investors.
There are numerous great beaches in the city. Many are on the Island. The gay community has laid claim to the best beach on the Island, Hanlon's Point , but there are plenty of other beaches available to singles, or families. It sure beats a 4-hour drive to the cottage.
The most underrated and under-utilized asset in the city is the Great Lake, in our collective front yard. The water has been blue flagged for past several years. It is a little cold, currently 65F. But is it clean and very swimmable. I would still like too get a boat but with a small group of investors.
There are numerous great beaches in the city. Many are on the Island. The gay community has laid claim to the best beach on the Island, Hanlon's Point , but there are plenty of other beaches available to singles, or families. It sure beats a 4-hour drive to the cottage.
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