YNWA

Technical Excellence

2009-08-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Bugatti Veyron. A feat of engineering excellence, garnished with the pure brilliance that is called ambition. Bugatti, owned by Volkswagen, has been in the game for a long time, they have a pedigree of creating outrageous super cars, most notably the Quad turbo, 16 cylinder, 1001 bhp mammoth Veyron. This car is genius at work, a technical masterpiece. The specs on this car are overwhelming: North - 60 in 2.5 secs, yes that is now.....and now.......and now. It tops out at an astonishing 253 MPH (408 kph). Some of the lesser known facts are quite astonishing as well. If left to its own devices at full throttle, the 100 litre gas tank would run out in 12 minutes and 45 seconds, a mere 2 minutes and 15 seconds before the tires would melt off the alloys. Take into account the cost of 1.5 million US, and then consider that Bugatti is still losing money on every sale, and you soon find yourself seeing why Bugatti is a true automotive enthusiast. This car is not about making it rain. This car is about flexing its Godly muscle in a forum that hasn't seen such a accomplishment.

To point out the audacious speed the Veyron possesses, take the McLaren F1. Until the Veyron hit the scene, the 240 MPH F1 was the fastest production car in the world. To lament the Veyron's out of this world status; in a drag race you could let the McLaren get to 120mph before setting off in the Veyron. And you’d still get to 200mph first. The Bugatti is way, way faster than anything else the roads have seen.

Tragically, I believe that cars like this will become extinct in the not-so distant future. Instead of pushing the envelope of speed and acceleration, we have resorted to saving an environment that will maintain itself anyway. But that is beside the point. We are losing the drive to build such masterpieces. Pressures from the environmentalists and the edgy economy have turned super cars into an enemy of green. It is sad, because feats of engineering such as this are frowned upon. Creativity has been turned into planting a tree rather then keeping a car on the ground at a speed that would easily allow a 800,000 lb airplane to take off.

But at this juncture we should still marvel at a drying breed. While these achievements may become lesser known, we should still acknowledge the contrivance. Jeremy Clarkson puts it this way: It is a triumph for lunacy over common sense, a triumph for man over nature and a triumph for Volkswagen over absolutely every other car maker in the world.

Quarterback Rankings

2009-07-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Fantasy Football Positional Rankings

Quarterbacks:

1. Drew Brees: It pains me not to put my love interest at #1 but he didn’t play more than a quarter last year. Meanwhile Brees racked up over 5000 yards and 30 + TD’s and came 16 yards short of breaking Dan Marino’s single season record for passing yards. Incredibly he did this without the aid of Colston for the first 8 games. With Colston healthy and the emergence of Welkeresque Lance Moore, there is no reason to think 4500 yards is out of the question, and another 30 or so TD’s makes him #1 for a second straight year.

2. Tom Brady: First of all he gives me a chubby. Secondly he makes me want to be gay, not a little bit gay, but full blown gay. Have you seen a picture of this man? I can barely see the ones I have anymore. But besides his good looks, Brady posted 50 TD’s and 4800 yards in 2007, his last full season. Last year he had 11 attempts and then got the shaft from some idiot DT from Kansas City. I have no qualms about his knee this year, Belicheck is a genius and Brady is God-like at Quarterback.

3. Peyton Manning: He’s ugly and he looks like a guy who had an affair with his mother, when he was married to his sister on the Jerry Springer show. These are great characteristics to have when one wants to be a premier QB in the NFL, well at least the ugly part. 4000 yards and 27 TD’s last year is a tad below average, but still good enough to earn League MVP honors and 4^th in most fantasy formats. I don’t think 4000 yards out of the question and at least 25 TD’s makes him a solid play at least for another year or two.

4. Aaron Rodgers: Here is the thing, after the three preceding this position, there is a big drop off fantasy wise. Rodgers would be the next best bet. I would have Warner here, but Rodgers has more long term value then Warner does. Rodgers was a bit of a surprise last year. We knew he was alright, but not many believed he would be that good in the wake of Favre’s departure. He posted better stats they Peyton Manning. I see him having a similar season this year, if not better after having a full season under his belt in the NFL.

5. Kurt Warner: If this isn’t a keep league Warner deserves the nod here at 5. Surprising he is good looking as well, and a decent QB to boot. What an incredible season he had last year. His 4500 yards and 30 TD’s reflect the vicious passing game Arizona possesses with Fitzy, Boldin and Breaston, all of which will play again with Warner commanding under center once more. 4000 yards should come with ease, and 25 + touchdowns aren’t out of the question if he can stay healthy.

6. Jay Cutler: Lost a lot of value, for now, when he left Marshall and Co. in Denver. He joins the Bears and their weak receiving corps in which the best receiver happens to be their TE. Hester has the speed to run down Cutlers long bombs. Cutler threw for 4500 yards last year and had 25 TD’s. I don’t think he will break into the 4000 yard plateau. I think at least for this season his TD count will take a hit as well. If he was with Denver I would have him at 4, sadly he is not.

7. Philip Rivers: I hate Philip Rivers. He makes awful decisions on the field. He whines. He makes awful hand offs to LT2. He chokes in the clutch. But if it wasn’t for Drew Brees, Rivers would have been top dog in 2008, so I guess he’s not that bad, I just don’t care for him. He threw 34 TD’s passes and broke 4000 yards. He had the best passer rating in the league, and with LT’s abilities in question going forward, San Diego could be a pass-first team in 2009.

8. Tony Romo: Jessica is out of his life, and so is T.O. I don’t know what brought him down more last year, but I see Romo having resurgence this year. Romo also broke his pinkie and missed three games last year. I think his numbers will be good this year. 3700 yards and 28 TD’s is my guesstimate. Someone will have Romosexual tendencies and draft him.

9. Matt Schuab: Let’s face it, he throws to Andre Johnson, league receiving leader last year and #1 fantasy WR as well. Schuab started only 11 games last year and threw for 3050 yards and posted 15 TD’s in the process. If he can remain healthy, 3800 yards and 21 or so touchdowns make for a safe bet as your number 1.

10. Donovan McNabb: This is one streaky guy, he will have a couple real bad games, get benched and then the next week come back throw for 300+ yards and multiple touchdowns. He had an up and down year last year and still threw for nearly 4000 yards. He was sacked a respectable 23 times too, and they brought even more protection in with the acquisition of Jason Peters from Buffalo. Look for 3500 yards and 20 TD’s.

11. Matt Cassel: Outside the top ten, there are a lot of similar QB’s to draft. None of them are elite, but some of them at least have the potential to be. Queue Matt Cassel. A product of Belichick regime in New England, this guy took full advantage of Tom Brady’s injury. 3700 yards and 21 TD’s later and he was in elite company. He was the biggest FA on the market when it came to Fantasy after week 1. He now plays for Kansas City. He will have Dwayne Bowe, who is no Randy Moss, but I still expect him to put up decent numbers because KC will be behind in almost every game. A similar season stats-wise is in store for Cassel owners.

12. Ben Rothhhhlllesidlfhsdkfhsdlkfhsdghberger: Big, Strong, Dumb. Kind of like a toothless mother of 7, unsexy, but productive and reliable. He kind of won a Super-Bowl last year. He also has Hines Ward to throw too, and the emergence of Santonio Holmes helps a lot too. He will get sacked a lot though. And he will through a bunch of ridiculous interceptions to make you mad. Should be good for 3400 yards and 20 TD’s. Who knows though, you can still buy motorcycles…

13. Matt Ryan: I’m not sold on Ryan, but he did make Roddie White look good last year. Now he has Tony Gonzalez to throw over the top too. He did fall off a cliff in the last half of the year though, 7 of his 13 INT came in the last 5 games. Always the sophomore jinx to worry about too.

14. David Gerrard: I think I have him too high this year, but he finished higher than anyone expected last year. This is two schools of thought on Gerrard. 1 is that he will be better this year because of improvements to the WR’s around him. The second train of thought is that those improvements will be a hindrance. Holt is old, and his heyday is over.

15. Carson Palmer: Ocho Cinco wants to break records this year. Maybe he’s actually serious about playing well this year, and with the Housh out of the picture, he will have more balls coming his way. Chris Henry also looks like he wants to leave his past behind him and develop into the “Little Moss” he has been dubbed.

16. Kyle Orton: Neck beards are cool. I also wonder if Kyle Orton hears a who? If Brandon Marshall sticks around Orton could have a good year, if not, he might still have a good year with Eddie Royal. We will actually see here if Orton is a capable and serviceable QB with some talent around him this year.

17. Eli Manning: Uglier and far dumber than his brother. Somehow managed to win a Super bowl after one of his shitty throws where caught between a helmet and an arm by one of his receivers. No Plax this year, well at least I’m 99% sure on that one. Hixon will be the go to guy and rookie Hakeem Nicks will get some looks. Expect a serviceable year for Manning, as disgusting as that sounds.

18. Brett Favre: If he comes back, which looks to be pretty much a done deal, Ol’ Flip Flop will produce decent numbers. That means decent yards, TD’s, and INT’s, the latter will be high as usual from the late season quitter.

19. Chad Pennington: This guy never dies off; as soon as you think he is done in the league as a serviceable QB he heads to Miami and posts good numbers, to the tune of 3700 yards and 19 TD’s. I would expect similar numbers from the 33 year old. He finished 2^nd in MVP voting don’t forget.

20. Matt Hasselbeck: Hopefully his back troubles are behind him. I like Hasselbeck, but his WR’s went down faster than Duane at a boy’s weekend. Then he battled back problems all year and didn’t really play too well when he got back. He has the Housh this year, but he is learning a totally different offensive playbook and I see him struggling in it. 3200 yards and 21 Touchdowns will suffice.

21. Joe Flacco: I love this guy; I just don’t love his receiving options.

22. Jason Campbell: Not sold on him

23. Trent Edwards: Better with Owens in the fold, at least until he tries to disrupt the team

24. Jake Delhomme: Still has Steve Smith, but they will be handing the ball off a lot.

25. Shaun Hill: Has some decent receiving threats. Crabtree hasn’t signed yet and is looking at a long holdout.

26. Mark Sanchez: Will shit the bed hard, you heard it first here.

27. Jeff Garcia: Better then Russell at age of 38, I don’t see doing that well and Garcia completes 65% of his passes.

28. Marc Buldger

29. Matthew Stafford: Time will tell on this rookie. He plays on the worst team in the NFL with one of the best receivers kicking around.

30. Brady Quinn: Will battle Derek Anderson for the #1 Job, this will be the year he gets it done, whether or not he is effective is the main issue.

31. Kerry Collins: Who cares

32. Luke McCown: See Kerry Collins.

Running Backs due out soon!

"Historic" win

2009-07-25T07:33:00.000-07:00

In Norwich North, a constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, the Gordon Brown-led British National Party (BNP) suffered a significant and historic loss this week at the hands of the Conservatives in the Norwich-north by-elections. It is only the second time in 27 years that the conservatives have held a seat in this area that encompasses the Broadland wards of Mile Cross, Sewell, Crome, Thorpe St. Andrew, Sprowston, Old Catton, Catton Grove, Hellesdon, Drayton and Taverham.

The win, according to David Cameron, showed that "people want change in our country". Gordon Brown and his party lost by 7000 votes, in what used to be a comfortable Labour majority in the region. The swing in votes was 16.5%, overturning a 5700 deficit in votes.

Gordon Brown tried t0 downplay the result by stating that it was "disappointing" but this happened in "unprecedented circumstances". Speaking to the BBC, Brown went further in his lackluster defense

"The voters were clearly torn between their anger and dismay at what's been happening with MPs' expenses, something we have been trying to clean up and at the same time support for the former MP, the Labour MP Ian Gibson, who was very popular.

"I don't think any party can take a great deal of cheer from this, the Conservative vote went down, the Liberal vote when down - only the fringe parties saw their votes going up."

Chloe Smith, the new encumbent MP will be the youngest member of Parliament at the ripe age of 27. Her seat will be occupied in October when things getting rolling again in the House after the summer break.

Speaking to the BBC again she stated:

"This isn't about me jumping off here and then going and living up on expenses for the three summer months," she said.

"This is about getting down to it, being honest, and being held to that. If I can be a very very good constituency MP and a very very good local representative for people here, then I hope they'll continue to put their trust in me and I hope I can serve them well."

The long way home...

2009-07-06T22:25:00.000-07:00

It's been quite the ride. Love, heartbreak, rock bottom, the light at the end of the tunnel. I've made it. There are some points in life you want to give up, things just don't work out the way you want them too, and shit hits the proverbial fan. I told myself at one point that I wouldn't say this, but it is time to move on, time to leave the past where it belongs. I had some great times, some awesome times that I will always remember. But life goes on, and it is short.

God stepped up when I yelled, screamed, and cried. When I lost it and broke down in my car on several occasions. When didn't think I could make it through another day.

Apparently this dude answers prayer too. It took a while, but then again I was reluctant to more change. I figured enough was enough. Apparently he doesn't give up, even when I had. I was led to the most amazing group of people. Community is a brilliant thing. I argued against it in the past but I can't deny its importance anymore. The grace and love that has been shown is nothing short of a miracle, no one cares where I came from, where I have been. I'm just new.

For a long time I've struggled to write something constructive on here. I think this can be attributed to me not seeing what really was going on. The negativity in my writing didn't reflect the change I was experiencing. I can write now, because I get it.

Someone asked me this past weekend what I thought of the people I now call friends. I didn't know at the time, mostly because for a long time I ridiculed the system, and the people in it. Funny how those people turned into the answer to my prayers. To answer that question: Truly Amazing. A gift from God. At one point I was quite chuffed about it, actually I still am.

I think this will be my last post on the past. I want its relevance to fade. Keep the good, and discard the bad. For the first time a week ago I woke up happy. That is what I want. It has been far to long since I felt that way. I think it is what God wanted all along.

Kutless has a brilliant song called Grace and Love. The lyrics resonate with me:

Many things in life are hard for me
Many things can pull us down
I don't understand why I do what I do
How could I take my eyes off you
After all You've done for me
And after all You've done for me

It's by Your grace and love I am saved
It's by Your grace and love You've forgiven me
And by that love and grace, I'm amazed
It's by Your grace and love I am free
I am free

Never has the phrase "Go In Peace" been so uplifting.

Thanks to everyone who has had their hand in my life, you will never know the level of appreciation I feel.

Finally: God is good. Always.

Trouble in the EU

2009-06-24T07:29:00.000-07:00

Last weeks parliamentary elections were held in Europe with some 736 seats up for grabs representing all 27 member states of the European Union. The European Union consists of 375 million eligible voters. The first troubling aspect was that only 43% of registered voters ended up voting. There is a lot at stake in Europe these days. Far-right parties are flourishing, using the economic crisis and the failings of banks as their platform. The economic crisis has not helped matters, only instilling fear, the fuel used by these far-right movements. Far right parties have been making great strides as the left is slowly fading away, lacking direction and a platform. Heather Grabbe states that "In a way, it's the legacy of 1989 catching up with the left." She is referring to the collapse of the Soviet bloc. "They don't have a clear ideology to offer." Being a conservative myself, I tend to agree. Long has Europe held on to left wing, Marxist views, views that offer nothing in a time of financial instabillity. The spread of Conservatism in the EU has been a slow process, and extremism (far-right) has reared its head because of the lack of progression by moderate conservatives.

In last week elections there were some rather brash wins by some rather brash people. Hungarian ultra-nationalist party Jobbik took 15% of the vote, equating to 3 of the countries 22 seats. In Holland, the Party for Freedom came in second in the election and took 17% of the vote. Their leader, Geert Wilders is known for his controversial short film that links terrorism with Islamic Doctrine. In his own country he faces prosecution for inciting hate and discrimination. He is also banned from entering the UK. Other wins for the far-right included the Greater Romania Party. Their leader, one Vadim Tudor is touted as a holocaust denier and a former member of the Communist secret police in Romania. Even the Fascist party in the UK, the British Nationalist Party won two seats. They have never won a seat in any election in the EU, let alone the UK. They snagged 6.2% of the vote, an historic event. This can be contributed to the lack of popularity surrounding Labor party leader and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is looking to save face before their national election, slated for sometime within the next year. Gordon Brown has taken a shellacking in the Commons, most notably for the Expense Scandal. British MP's were claiming expenses for what they call "costs related to their parliamentary duties." This included such things as second homes, which allowed MP's to live closer to work in London. One example of scandalous behavior came when one MP charged expenses for a home only 8 miles closer then his first home. Another charged British taxpayers for a home no where close to her constituency or London. Needless to say, If you didn't vote conservative, British people turned to the fascists. Browns Labor party came in third.

The EU elections have gone by the wayside, their legitimacy has been challenged in a couple places. One of them being the lack of interest shown by voters. Their motivated voters are making big strides. Most of these motivated voters are hailing from the far-right, sick of the left tendencies that have plagued Europe for decades. Most are labeled as extremists in their own right. Their leaders have shady pasts, some may not even be able to take their seats, such is the case for Gigi Becali. He took one of the seats in the aforementioned Greater Romania Parties victory. At this moment he is under investigation for kidnapping and is prohibited from leaving Romania.

Fear has taken over in Europe, Grabbe states that "these parties have managed to exploit the current economic crisis, the fact that people are worried about their jobs and their future, and convinced people that this will somehow all be worsened by the strangers in our midst." Lack of interest by the left-wing, especially in the last voting period saw most voters staying home. Lefties took a hard hit, losing major ground in almost every country. Center-right parties such as the UMP led by Nicolas Sarkozy, France PM, took 28.5 % of the French vote, and while it was the center-right who won the election, they saw little gains in popularity and more importanly seats. Left-wing parties fell off the map, losing many seats over the 27 states.

David Kynaston, a British historian points out that "People who, a generation ago, did not used to be cynical about politics now are. Worse still, people are not just indifferent to politics, they are ignorant about it." Time will tell on how the European political landscape plays out. Germany, Portugal and the UK will all go to the polls within the next year. A definite shift is happening, how far right it goes remains to be seen, but for now the left is all but irrelevant, finally.

HRC's, The Liberals, and Ezra Levant

2009-06-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been spending a lot of my free time researching and educating myself about the Human Rights Commissions that unjustly "rule" this country. Much of my readings have been unbiased, looking at past reports done by media outlets such as McLean's, CTV, the CBC, and so on. It's been quite the educational process. What I have found, and formulated is the atrocious disregard for actual Human Rights, being displayed by the CHRC, and various provincial HRC's.

Here you can watch the head of the CHRC pussy out of debate with Ezra Levant, a leading Canadian activist against the CHRC.

Here you can read how the CHRC wants to censor you, for no real reason, this latest report by the CHRC is ridiculous. In fact, in my readings, the CHRC was probed itself, and found guilty of using its own members as "instigators", posting anti-Semitic comments on public forums. That's right, they posed as neo-Nazi's, getting the ball rolling, and then reporting other forum members to the CHRC for hate crimes. Disgusting.

Probably the best blunder of the CHRC so far has been the Moon report. Basically Jennifer Lynch tried to hire an "independent" study to prove the CHRC worthy of breathing air in this country. HERE you can read how that backfired, and Lynch was made too look like the idiot she rightfully is.

The process is daft, the people running the process are daft, and the fact that they actually have some sort of power, and quite a bit of it for now in this FREE country of ours, is very daft.
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The Grits have been having a good time opposing the Conservative government lately. The process goes as such: Bitch and moan about things they themselves wouldn't change, whine until the Conservatives present a report on the economy, ponder whether or not to lose an election, and rinse and repeat.

The Liberals are very opposed to this Torie rule, yet when it comes down to it, they impose stupid stipulations to try and delay the inevitable. Canadians do not want to go to a summer Election, the Grits would get roasted if they did, and they know this. But the more agreeing they do with the Tories, the less likely Canadians will want to vote for a party that is no different. With that, and the fact that no one cares for communism and Jack Layton, we will have the same election results as in October of last year.

That would be a massive blow to Michael "Just Visiting" Ignatieff. Well possibly, he will be back where he wants to be, in a veranda on campus at Harvard. We might as well get this over with, have an election, watch the Liberals lose more support in Ontario, and watch Ignatieff on the next plane to Boston.
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Ezra Levant came up in the first bit about HRC's. I have been deep into a book by him called Shakedown: How our government is undermining democracy in the name of Human Rights. Levant is a self-described conservative. He doesn't bash the Torie hierarchy, but does lambaste the CHRC and all of their bureaucrats. His book illustrates many stories of unjust actions by the HRC. It should be known that the HRC is full of relative nobodies. Many aren't judges and lawyers, just simple folk, put in a powerful position with lots of bias. The HRC in Canada does not follow actual Human Rights, declared in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Instead it creates and imposes factious rules based on their own atrocious thought process. The "thought police" as they are referred to be Levant, are in place to prosecute people with political opinions and other worldly view points.

Levant's ever growing mission to abolish the HRC as a whole has sparked interest and media spotlight from such media outlets such as McLean's Magazine, Canada's leading political magazine, as well as the CBC and CTV television stations. Levant himself was brought into the Alberta HRC for re-printing pictures of the Danish cartoons depicting Mohammed with a bomb as a turban in his now defunct Western Standard publication. A nine month "trial" that ended in Mr. Levant winning for the most part.

For myself, reading up on HRC's I have found that they are completely ineffective, they seemingly end up agreeing with the complainant 99% of the time. In one case, a women working at McDonald's complained she couldn't wash her hands enough to keep up with company policy because her hands hurt too much. The HRC agreed with her, and she was allowed to continue working. What kinda of legal system is that? The trials are unfair, and, in most cases, the CHRC pays the legal bills for whom they feel like, usually the person with the ridiculous claim. Business's can't keep up with tax payer money, but the HRC can fund these idiots into a no-contest victory. In a real court, if you take a litigation suit against someone and lose, you pay for their legal fees. In the HRC its completely ass backwards, the HRC always wins, and if they do lose, the the defendant still pays for their wasted legal bills. Is that not strange?

I have become increasingly disgusted with the CHRC. The truth is out there. From high-profile news stories, to independent reviews backfiring on them. The CHRC is a disgrace to real Human Rights, to our Charter of Rights and Freedoms and too our country.

As Mr. Levant so rightly put it on his website:

Fire. Them. All

2009-05-21T08:55:00.000-07:00

Rascal Flatts. What hurts the most.

I can take the rain on the roof of this empty house
That don't bother me
I can take a few tears now and then and just let 'em out

I'm not afraid to cry every once in a while even though
Goin' on with you gone still upsets me
There are days every now and again I pretend I'm okay
But that's not what gets me

What hurts the most
Was being so close
And havin' so much to say
And watchin' you walk away

And never knowin'
What could've been
And not seein' that lovin' you
Is what I was tryin' to do

It's hard to deal with the pain of losin' you everywhere I go
But I'm doin' it
It's hard to force that smile when I see our old friends and I'm alone
Still harder gettin' up, gettin' dressed, livin' with this regret
But I know if I could do it over
I would trade, give away all the words that I saved in my heart
That I left unspoken

What hurts the most
Is being so close
And havin' so much to say
(Much to say)
And watchin' you walk away

And never knowin'
What could've been
And not seein' that lovin' you
Is what I was tryin' to do, oh
Oh yeah

What hurts the most
Was being so close
And havin' so much to say
(To say)
And watchin' you walk away

And never knowin'
What could've been
And not seein' that lovin' you
Is what I was tryin' to do

Not seein' that lovin' you
That's what I was trying to do

Act, Love, Walk

2009-05-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

-- Micah 6:8

This verse has become my new direction in life.

I can still remember the words and what they meant...

2009-04-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Pondering life is quite the task. It's difficult to figure out the uncertain, and predict the unpredictable. Life has not been particularly bad to me, but lately I feel like life has been a little harsh. Fortunately, I have been learning a lot through this uncertain time. I feel that I am not alone. When I do feel alone, I feel a sense of hope that a cling onto. I'm trying to make sure that the hope I feel is God, and not some sort of reconciliation I want in a broken relationship. While I would like nothing more then the later, the God part is much more significant for now and forever, and my "want" needs to be shifted to what God would want.

Having said that, I continually fight the feelings of wanting her back. I feel that, at times, I can't do anything without her. I feel lost, confused, and lonely. I'm sure this is all apart of breaking up, but I really felt that things were turning for the better before this all happened. I cling to memories that are great, but painful to think about. I'm caught between looking forward, are stopping and staring backwards. For me, I just don't see right now what better God has in store for me. Not life wise, just relationship wise. You don't just ask someone to marry you because you kinda like them...

I can see myself changing in attitudes, thoughts, and decision making. I'm continually making strides in my faith, and have even surprised myself with some of the things I have done. Maybe I wasn't always happy where I was at in the relationship, but God was missing from it. Sometimes you just want another shot, but that can't be the aim either. I guess my pride wants me to redeem myself.

In conversation last night with a couple friends, the analogy was made that not having God right now, would be like not having a life jacket in a shipwreck in the middle of the ocean. That is how I feel, and God is the only thing keeping me afloat right now.

You Found Me

2009-04-14T14:36:00.001-07:00

I don't generally care much for The Fray. But I have enjoyed how they have brought God into the mainstream music scene. Not since Jesus Walks by Kanye West, has a song, talked about God and been so popular. For me the lyrics speak to me deeply. I have come to enjoy this song a lot, and I am thankful that I can be open enough to music I otherwise wouldn't care much for.

I found God on the corner of 1st and Amistad
Where the West was all but won
All alone, smoking his last cigarette
I said, "Where you been?" He said, "Ask anything"

Where were you when everything was falling apart?
All my days were spent by the telephone that never rang
And all I needed was a call that never came
To the corner of 1st and Amistad

Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
Lying on the floor surrounded, surrounded
Why'd you have to wait? Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late, you found me, you found me

But in the end everyone ends up alone
Losing her, the only one who's ever known
Who I am, who I'm not and who I wanna be
No way to know how long she will be next to me

Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
Lying on the floor surrounded, surrounded
Why'd you have to wait? Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late, you found me, you found me!

The early morning, the city breaks
And I've been calling for years and years and years and years
And you never left me no messages
You never sent me no letters
You got some kind of nerve taking all I want!

Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
Lying on the floor, where were you? Where were you?

Lost and insecure, you found me, you found me
Lying on the floor surrounded, surrounded
Why'd you have to wait? Where were you? Where were you?
Just a little late, you found me, you found me!

Why'd you have to wait to find me, to find me?

And I dont' want the world to see me...

2009-04-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

'cuz I don't think that they'd understand...

Seven years ago I met the most amazing person. I was 16, in High school. I had gotten the boot from the school 2 years earlier, I went to play basketball for a better school in Grade 10. My marks suffered, I pretty much got passed through because athletics were much more important As my grades suffered, my parents felt it might be a good time to plead for forgiveness and get me back into a better school. I wasn't that reluctant to it, some part of me wanted to go back. I mean, this school produced my first girlfriend, some great friends and some memories not soon forgotten, all in my grade 9 year. I ended up getting back into the school, there was a waiting list, but by intervention, I was in. That summer was one of the worst times in my life, I've never known depression, nor did I know what it felt like. It was depression though, it lasted all summer, until the day I started school. I don't think I ever contemplated anything serious, but I remember just a deep pain that I couldn't explain. I didn't know why I was so upset, but something was wrong.

School started, and it wasn't long till I re-acquainted myself with old buddies, and new ones too. Everything came together. I was on the prowl again, I felt good for once. I don't remember much until I met her. I remember her walking through the door of our History class, I was stunned. I didn't remember her like this, probably because I had a girlfriend the last time I was there. I had to get to know her, and I did. I had no idea what i was doing, i was so nervous. Things went well and we ended up going out, I think I asked her out over MSN. Who cares right? haha. Thus started the next 7 years of my life.

We dated for 6 months, we broke up. Devastated was I. It wasn't soon after that though that I could see our relationship growing as friends. We started to get to know each other more, talking about more serious things, and just having a good time. Even though we were not dating, we were growing much closer together. I was pleased, I loved this women. We eventually started to date again, 9 months after we broke up. For the next couple years we continued to grow, we had ups and downs. Eventually we decided to get married. I've never been happier then at that point. I felt great about everything. This girl had opened my eyes. I grew to know God, i went to my first really good church service with her. I learned that malls were cool, and there was more restaurants then i ever imagined. I didn't get out much before this. I had no license, and my parents liked 2 restaurants.

Anyways, Marriage was upon me. It was upon us. We bought a house. We bought furniture. She has showers, we had so much stuff. I was excited, nervous, but excited.

Somewhere down the line things fell apart. I think its down to we were not ready and God was stepping in. We ended up canceling our wedding date. We sold the house. I remember being so upset with myself, I still be ashamed about it. I feel like I ruined it. It's tough, but i live with it. I remember when we were packing things, I sat in the basement and cried. I failed. Epically.

We talked about breaking up, it never happened though. I wanted to resolve things. I wanted so desperately to resolve things, make it better and get married. I loved her to death, and I wanted to make up for my failure. Maybe we should have broken up at the time, but i couldn't fathom it. We went on for 2 more years, I don't know how close we got to getting married again. We talked about it, but we still needed time, and we both weren't ready yet.

Fast forward too February 25 of this year. SHIT. It was over. God finally said no. As much as i wanted to tell God at the time to F off, he was right. We needed to become individuals. I get it. I get all of that.

From that point on, I fell on God, I had no choice anymore. I spent that night shaking, my heart racing for 3 hours. I felt sick. I cried all night, literally. Memories filled my head, good ones. You don't want to think of them, because you know there will be no more of them. I remember the first couple of days...seeing places, hearing songs, everything I did reminded me. I felt alone.

God showed up, but he wasn't going to stop my grieving. It is necessary to grieve, never think it isn't. It sucks so much ass, but you have to do it.

It has been a good month since i cried. Tonight I drove past our house, the one we had purchased. I saw us moving in, i remember it all, VIVIDLY. I wept. I couldn't help myself. What could have been? What went wrong? Why do I feel so at fault?

I don't totally get women. I don't get how they pass up on men who love them to no end. I don't know if I ever will. I question why God did what he did. Why take away something that I poured my heart and soul into, who I thought He sent for me. It's confusing. I know God has a will for me. I can't question it, because I have no choice. I do have questions, but I don't know, it all seems pointless.

Sum 41, yes, Sum 41 put it best in their song 'With Me'

"Thoughts read unspoken, forever in doubt
Pieces of memories fall to the ground"

Actually that whole song explains how I feel, and while I need to let go, I don't know. At times I don't want too. I want to hold out, for what? I don't know. I just want things to work out whatever way they are supposed too. I want to be happy. It's hard to imagine myself happier then I was when i was with her. I was happy to do things for her, to make her happy and put that smile on her face. I longed for those moments, times where I could act out my love, times where I could make her day and make her feel special.

I don't know how to end this, it isn't over. My pain is still real, and while it has subsided a little, it still hurts. I gave 7 years of my life. I don't regret it, but I just wanted a different outcome. I have 7 years of memories that die hard. 7 years of building a relationship that is non-existent now. 7 of the best years of my life.

I just wanted to get this out. I'm at a funny place in my life. I don't know where I am going, or what I should do. I battle between focusing on God and trying to figure out if we could ever get back together again. I want both.

As I prepare to leave for Europe I know I'm taking a big step for my own life. I have nothing to stay behind for. No one to miss. I pray that my eyes are opened, and I can experience something awesome for myself. Hopefully I can come back with a new perspective, hopefully a month away from life here will help the battle I am currently in.

The finer points of Bush

2009-03-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

There are far too many people in this world who are so politically naive. There has seem to be this trend in 21st century culture that Bush was "the worst President ever." Most who think this are armchair politicians. They hum and haw and bitch and moan about the way things are, yet they contribute nothing to the greater good of society but pessimism and negativity. People who think Bush achieved nothing while in office fall victim of their own arrogance towards the political spectrum. Instead they rely on their own preconceived notions.

This article by Fred Barnes of the The Weekly Standard, it outlines the best points of the Bush administration. The facts are facts, sorry haters.

The postmortems on the presidency of George W. Bush are all wrong. The liberal line is that Bush dangerously weakened America's position in the world and rushed to the aid of the rich and powerful as income inequality worsened. That is twaddle. Conservatives--okay, not all of them--have only been a little bit kinder. They give Bush credit for the surge that saved Iraq, but not for much else.

He deserves better. His presidency was far more successful than not. And there's an aspect of his decision-making that merits special recognition: his courage. Time and time again, Bush did what other presidents, even Ronald Reagan, would not have done and for which he was vilified and abused. That--defiantly doing the right thing--is what distinguished his presidency.

Bush had ten great achievements (and maybe more) in his eight years in the White House, starting with his decision in 2001 to jettison the Kyoto global warming treaty so loved by Al Gore, the environmental lobby, elite opinion, and Europeans. The treaty was a disaster, with India and China exempted and economic decline the certain result. Everyone knew it. But only Bush said so and acted accordingly.

He stood athwart mounting global warming hysteria and yelled, "Stop!" He slowed the movement toward a policy blunder of worldwide impact, providing time for facts to catch up with the dubious claims of alarmists. Thanks in part to Bush, the supposed consensus of scientists on global warming has now collapsed. The skeptics, who point to global cooling over the past decade, are now heard loud and clear. And a rational approach to the theory of manmade global warming is possible.

Second, enhanced interrogation of terrorists. Along with use of secret prisons and wireless eavesdropping, this saved American lives. How many thousands of lives? We'll never know. But, as Charles Krauthammer said recently, "Those are precisely the elements which kept us safe and which have prevented a second attack."

Crucial intelligence was obtained from captured al Qaeda leaders, including 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, with the help of waterboarding. Whether this tactic--it creates a drowning sensation--is torture is a matter of debate. John McCain and many Democrats say it is. Bush and Vice President Cheney insist it isn't. In any case, it was necessary. Lincoln once made a similar point in defending his suspension of habeas corpus in direct defiance of Chief Justice Roger Taney. "Are all the laws but one to go unexecuted, and the government itself go to pieces, lest that one be violated?" Lincoln asked. Bush understood the answer in wartime had to be no.

Bush's third achievement was the rebuilding of presidential authority, badly degraded in the era of Vietnam, Watergate, and Bill Clinton. He didn't hesitate to conduct wireless surveillance of terrorists without getting a federal judge's okay. He decided on his own how to treat terrorists and where they should be imprisoned. Those were legitimate decisions for which the president, as commander in chief, should feel no need to apologize.

Defending, all the way to the Supreme Court, Cheney's refusal to disclose to Congress the names of people he'd consulted on energy policy was also enormously important. Democratic congressman Henry Waxman demanded the names, but the Court upheld Cheney, 7-2. Last week, Cheney defended his refusal, waspishly noting that Waxman "doesn't call me up and tell me who he's meeting with."

Achievement number four was Bush's unswerving support for Israel. Reagan was once deemed Israel's best friend in the White House. Now Bush can claim the title. He ostracized Yasser Arafat as an impediment to peace in the Middle East. This infuriated the anti-Israel forces in Europe, the Third World, and the United Nations, and was criticized by champions of the "peace process" here at home. Bush was right.

He was clever in his support. Bush announced that Ariel Sharon should withdraw the tanks he'd sent into the West Bank in 2002, then exerted zero pressure on Sharon to do so. And he backed the wall along Israel's eastern border without endorsing it as an official boundary, while knowing full well that it might eventually become exactly that. He was a loyal friend.

His fifth success was No Child Left Behind (NCLB), the education reform bill cosponsored by America's most prominent liberal Democratic senator Edward Kennedy. The teachers' unions, school boards, the education establishment, conservatives adamant about local control of schools--they all loathed the measure and still do. It requires two things they ardently oppose, mandatory testing and accountability.

Kennedy later turned against NCLB, saying Bush is shortchanging the program. In truth, federal education spending is at record levels. Another complaint is that it forces teachers to "teach to the test." The tests are on math and reading. They are tests worth teaching to.

Sixth, Bush declared in his second inaugural address in 2005 that American foreign policy (at least his) would henceforth focus on promoting democracy around the world. This put him squarely in the Reagan camp, but he was lambasted as unrealistic, impractical, and a tool of wily neoconservatives. The new policy gave Bush credibility in pressing for democracy in the former Soviet republics and Middle East and in zinging various dictators and kleptocrats. It will do the same for President Obama, if he's wise enough to hang onto it.

The seventh achievement is the Medicare prescription drug benefit, enacted in 2003. It's not only wildly popular; it has cost less than expected by triggering competition among drug companies. Conservatives have deep reservations about the program. But they shouldn't have been surprised. Bush advocated the drug benefit in the 2000 campaign. And if he hadn't acted, Democrats would have, with a much less attractive result.

Then there were John Roberts and Sam Alito. In putting them on the Supreme Court and naming Roberts chief justice, Bush achieved what had eluded Richard Nixon, Reagan, and his own father. Roberts and Alito made the Court indisputably more conservative. And the good news is Roberts, 53, and Alito, 58, should be justices for decades to come.

Bush's ninth achievement has been widely ignored. He strengthened relations with east Asian democracies (Japan, South Korea, Australia) without causing a rift with China. On top of that, he forged strong ties with India. An important factor was their common enemy, Islamic jihadists. After 9/11, Bush made the most of this, and Indian leaders were receptive. His state dinner for Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh in 2006 was a lovefest.

Finally, a no-brainer: the surge. Bush prompted nearly unanimous disapproval in January 2007 when he announced he was sending more troops to Iraq and adopting a new counterinsurgency strategy. His opponents initially included the State Department, the Pentagon, most of Congress, the media, the foreign policy establishment, indeed the whole world. This makes his decision a profile in courage. Best of all, the surge worked. Iraq is now a fragile but functioning democracy.

How does Bush rank as a president? We won't know until he's judged from the perspective of two or three decades. Hindsight forced a sharp upgrading of the presidencies of Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower. Given his achievements, it may have the same effect for Bush.

2009-03-05T14:05:00.000-08:00

By your side - Tenth Avenue North - The most encouraging song I have heard.

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go

2009-03-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Whatever your doing - Sanctus Real - Seems that everyday a new song helps me understand what is going on, gives me hope for the day.

It's time for healing time to move on
It's time to fix what's been broken too long
Time to make right what has been wrong
It's time to find my way to where I belong
There's a wave that's crashing over me
And all I can do is surrender

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace
It's hard to surrender to what I can't see
but I'm giving in to something Heavenly

Time for a milestone
Time to begin again
Reevaluate who I really am
Am I doing everything to follow Your will
Or just climbing aimlessly over these hills
So show me what it is You want from me
I give everything I surrender...
To...

Time to face up
Clean this old house
Time to breathe in and let everything out
That I've wanted to say for so many years
Time to release all my held back tears

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but I believe
You're up to something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly

Whatever You're doing inside of me
It feels like chaos but now I can see
This *is* something bigger than me
Larger than life something Heavenly
Something Heavenly

It's time to face up
Clean this old house
Time *to* breathe in and let everything out

2009-03-04T05:57:00.001-08:00

I found myself in the car last night on the way and from a hockey game out in Selkirk singing away loudly to this song. The song is by Kutless.

Many things in life are hard for me
Many things can pull us down
I don't understand why I do what I do
How could I take my eyes off you
After all You've done for me
And after all You've done for me

It's by Your grace and love I am saved
It's by Your grace and love You've forgiven me, hey
And by that love and grace, I'm amazed
It's by Your grace and love I am free
I am free

And it's by grace and love that I am free
I'll live with you eternally
I thank you Lord that I am free
I thank you Lord for loving me
I thank you Lord for dying upon the tree of Calvary
I thank you Lord for loving me
I thank you Lord for dying for me

Because it's by grace and love I am saved
It's by Your grace and love You've forgiven me, hey
And by that love and grace, I'm amazed
It's by Your grace and love I am free
I am free

Many things in life are hard for me
Byt my grace and love You've forgiven me
And by grace and love we are free

2009-03-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

Casting Crowns - Praise you in this storm. How hard it is, how rewarding it has been.

I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Hope Now

2009-03-02T06:05:00.000-08:00

God is Good, this song played 4 times for me on the radio yesterday, is by Addison Road and is called Hope Now. Sooner or later I will get around to explaining everything that has gone on in my life over the past week, and the surprise i finally found in Faith.

If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours

I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

I am not my own
I've been carried by you all my life

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

You've become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free

The Sens

2009-02-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

John Paddock decided yesterday that it would be a good idea to lay blame on the players in Ottawa and not the structure of the front office. Now I Like John Paddock, in fact I even spent some time at John's cabin when you used to reside in these parts. He's a cool dude. That being said, I disagree it is the players fault.

In Ottawa, they have one of the best lines in the NHL. Heatly is a 50 goal scorer. Spezza is a point per game player. Alfredsson is much like Spezza, and also adds some grit and a lot of leadership in the dressing room. They have some good young talent coming up. Brian Elliot has looked solid and Nick Foligno has upped his game.

The problem over the past couple of years is goaltending. Every good team has a good goalie defending its rearguard...well besides Detroit, but not every team has a Lidstrom. Bryan Murray has done little to address this situation. Gerber was a never a solid choice. Alex Auld isn't an NHL goalie. And they discovered Brian Elliot a little to late to save this season.

If Elliot continues to play well, then Ottawa will be a playoff team once more. They do need to add a puck moving defender, someone to anchor the power play. But outside from that, the Sens are 20 months removed from the Stanley Cup Finals. They have pretty much the same nucleus they had then, minus one Ray Emery. It's only a matter of time.

Clearly one fact remains. They aren't getting shit kicked night in and night out like the Habs and the Leafs. Also they are in the running for Tavares, and if not him, the puck moving defenceman they so desperately need in Victor Hedman. Who says an off year is a bad thing?

...

2009-02-12T22:16:00.000-08:00

I have no carbon footprint, I drive everywhere!

The Coalition

2009-02-12T09:35:00.001-08:00

If anyone had any doubts about the coalition and what it means to Canada, you can look no further now to the Omar Khadr issue. Enough rhetoric has been let fly over a man who is charged with murdering an American Medic. But the supposed "voice of the people"--The coalition, has signed papers to bring this "victim" back into Canada. The coalition is appealing to Harper and Obama to release him from Gitmo and bring him back to Canada where we can assess his situation and ultimately integrate him back into society.

Now we all know Jack Layton sleeps with terrorists, it has been well documented over the years, but for goodness sake....

In the interest of picking up some votes, the retarded trio has decided to side with a guy accused of murder and war crime charges. A pathetic display of looking out for the safety of this country of ours. Too much time is being spent on an individual who does not deserve the time of day, especially with the economic problems plaguing us and our southern neighbors.

According to the coalition, who seem to have reignited themselves over such a marginal issue, and thus have tried to portray some relevance to people who vaguely found the relevant 3 months ago -- murderers have a place in Canadian society.

In times of economic crisis, the Coalition would like you to care for a 22 year old terrorist and murderer rather then figure out how to get food on too the tables of the jobless and their families. But of course, the majority of Canadians want this right?

N.D.P. (Notoriously Dumb People)

2009-02-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/02/11/ndp-discriminates-against-hard-working-canadians-who-aren-t-transit-workers.aspx

I guess the NDP don't believe in equality for its people anymore. And seriously, transit drivers? Of all the people to bring special attention too, we give it to the people who shut down Ottawa for a month. This last ditch effort to try and appeal to Canadians certainly will piss off the working class folk that are not transit drivers.

For all the people knocking Conservatism, the Torries, and Harper for that matter, get your parties to present a better mould of a leader. Right now, the terrorist supporter doesn't fit this mould. Iggy isn't interested yet in running Canada yet. And the Bloc is irrelevant to the cause. Have a solution that isn't jsut putting another guy in charge.

George

2009-02-10T12:41:00.000-08:00

For all the people that don't like Mr. Bush, you can look no further than last weeks Iraq National Election to see the profound change that has happened, courtesy of Mr. Bush.

The haters will say that Bush will have a tarnished legacy, but more important than oil and WMD's is the fact that the Iraqi people are well on their way to living in a democracy that is starting to flourish even with all the violence it has seen in the past.

A-Roid

2009-02-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

Kudos to A-Rod for at least coming out and saying he did do it. He didn't necessarily lie about it in 2007 because of the fact that there was no substantial list of Banned substances when he was tested. When he was told that there was him and another 100+ players that may or may not have tested positive, there was no follow up done with him at the time.

Here is the thing: Why didn't Bonds go this route? And Clemens for that matter. Clearly they are both guilty. There is a LONG list of people waiting to testify against the asterisk man. While there is no turning back now for Bonds, it doesn't seem worth it, once he is found guilty of lying to a Grand Jury, to take that risk or jail time over a little humiliation. That humiliation wouldn't have been even half as bad as it will be soon.

People are going to say ignorant things such as , "...well maybe he didn't really take any performance enhancing drugs..." or "...not Barry, he's such a stand up guy, Canseco and all those trainers and nutritionists and former teammates are wrong..." Those people are naive. With mountains of evidence waiting for the court date in March, how could one think otherwise?

Personally I hope Bonds is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I would hope in the end that his records are stripped from Baseball history. Ideally this happens. Ideally the US Federal Government makes an example of Mr. Bonds so that Senators can get back to trying to pull their country out of recession.

Maybe we should blame Barry for the United State's economic despair. Shame on you Barry, all that for a high voice, smaller testicles and a record few people give you credit for.

Israel...

2009-02-09T08:55:00.000-08:00

Why do people think that Israel should just leave Gaza be? What about rogue missiles against innocent Israeli's is any different than attacks on Gaza and the West Bank? Why should Israel give up any land they conquered? The Americans don't give up land to the natives tribes of yesteryear. Canada does for some reason, but that is beside the point.

The terroists attacked innocent American people, but no, its alright to blame all of the American population for supposed hardships. But we can't blame all of the Palestinians for what Hamas is doing... If we do, it's somehow wrong. It seems hypocritical to me, regardless of the situation.

Regarding Beckham...

2009-02-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

I told you so...

Big hit to the shittiest soccer league in the world. All that exposure, all that revenue and media fancy...gone in a flash. Brilliant.

Just a thought...

2009-02-04T21:13:00.001-08:00

So just because Mr. Obama owned up to a mistake he never should have made, he deserves to be pardoned based on the premise that if one admits wrong doing they receive less scrutiny?

....Well sorry Mr. Officer, I did kill that man but I do believe I made a mistake and a terrible error of judgment. Instead of arresting me for murder, a simple slap on the wrist and I'll be a changed man.

There isn't much room for error when your at the top, just ask Greg Norman about the 1996 masters. There is even less room when the US economy is on the brink of catastrophe. People should be more demanding of the man they voted in to "change" the world.

For old time sake

2009-02-03T17:39:00.000-08:00

I think after this I will be done ragging on Taliban Jack, but I need one more kick at this before I bow out on communist fools.

By Jack Layton's logic, the conservatives shouldn't be in power because the majority of Canadians voted to not have the Conservatives in power. (This of course would be the case with all Canadian gov'ts for over 20 years... but let's put that aside)

This logic of course assumes that you are defined not by what you are for but by what you oppose. By the same extension of logic Jack Layton, who received around 20,000 votes in his riding, should not have won because approximately 25,000 people voted against him. Of course, that's ridiculous just as it ridiculous to assume that the majority of Canadians voted for the Dr Frankenstein attempt to form a government.

Those who are in this logic bracket probably shouldn't be so niave. Mr. Layton figures that even though he faced the same voting situation, it doesn't matter because "most" of Canada wants a coalition. Again this is based on his own logic, and not based on facts raised in the polls and the genral outcry by anyone other then other fellow commies. I guess he is still certain the most Canadians are dumb. Problem is, he doesn't realize it is only his own party that cannot understand proper logical, and non-hyprcritical arguements. Furthermore, it seems he cannot even lead the idiots to glory.

But this is the guy who we should trust to lead Canadians in tough econmoic times....amirite?

The best idea ever

2009-02-03T07:18:00.000-08:00

So during my musings today and a good article in the National Post i read, I figured that instead of putting 817 Billion dollars into the American economy, split up so many ways its a wonder it would even stimulate, I figure we could put all the money into the beer industry. With some inspiration from this column, I would like to expand on this thought. Before you stop reading, take the time too look at all the jobs this would create:

Obviously there are jobs such as Brewers, Hops farmers and other essentials in the beer making process. Let us look at, however, the indirect job creation that would be created.

-Transportation. Would need more trucks and trailers to transport these goods.

- We would need more truck manufacturers to make the steel and rod and tires and everything that would go into making sufficient means of transportation for this beer.

- More steel plants would have to be created, think world war two, on a smaller scale of course, but still, more jobs are more jobs

-Architects. How else will you design the buildings?

-Teachers...To train the architects.

-More workers to for the newly implemented steel plants. More drivers to transport the beer. More people to dispatch the drivers. More teachers to train more architects. More teachers to train more teachers to train more teachers.

Furthermore, how many more jobs would be created even more indirectly....

-Policemen

-Paramedics

-Doctors

-Casket Makers...The forestry industry would benefit because of this

-Funeral home Attendants

-People to construct many more breathalyzers

-Nurses

-More Insurances agencies

-People to run AA meetings

-All the necessary training would have to be provided by teachers, and I have already explained that process and all the job creation there.

-Someone to look after all those Budweiser Clydesdale's we saw in all those Super Bowl commercials.

-More fast food spots because all these fat beer drinkers need to eat right?

There are consequences of this type of stimulus package, as you can see, but a job is a job correct? You wouldn't even have to charge much for the beer. Because of the vast volume that would be made, and the relatively cheap cost to produce, you just have to get people in the door. Kinda like a Detroit Red Wings game.

It's funny, a stimulus package is created to stimulate the economy, to stabilize it. Why not thwart stimulating and just go balls to the wall and get rich quick. It's so crazy it just might work.

You Don't Know Jack!

2009-01-30T08:54:00.000-08:00

Keep praying Jack, and please don't cry. Nothing was more satisfying in these last couple of days then the scenes of Jack Layton knowing that hes was royally screwed. His anger looked like jealousy, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud. Dumb enough to think a coalition would still work with highly educated Liberal leader, Layton got a rude awakening when Ignatieff gave him the Heisman on national T.V. Brilliant was it? Yes, yes it was. In a democratic and free country, even the Liberals know that the Communist ways of the NDP brASS don't fit into society. Certainly they don't fit into their plans of trying to oust the conservatives. But why oust a minority that they can somewhat control. Moreso, why join forces with two parties that are so far off what Canada needs and plunge their party into even more turmoil then it currently is.

So long Jack, as of now, you are completely irrelevant to Canadians. I think you underestimated Canadians, Jack. Didn't you figure out they aren't all as dumb as you? Like the title says, I guess you don't know Jack.

Yet another FAIL

2009-01-30T08:45:00.000-08:00

"'Buy American' rule in U.S. stimulus bill could cost Canada jobs" - cbc.ca

Obama was elected in on the premise that he would take down barriers, not create more of them.

This is the funny thing about politicians and the American people. Whether or not this is a race issue or a popularity contest, it is not going to take long for Americans to realize that the only change that has happened was that for a few weeks Americans held this false hope that one man could change many problems almost over night.

Of course, because he promised he would, he deserves all the criticism that he is receiving, only a week into his Presidency.

FAIL

2009-01-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

Two days ago Mr. Obama made a rule that would be tough against Lobbyists entering his Administration. Flash forward to this weekend, Obama now wants a waiver to his own rule. FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS, YOUR BREAKING RULES ALREADY? AND THIS ONE WAS YOUR OWN????!!?? William Lynn is the man who Obama wants in, and to do so is asking for a waiver to his own rule.

(Best part about this is CNN is raggin' him, how they have changed their tune in two weeks LOL)

The American people are cynical enough and now they have this to contend with, as well as Obama straying away from "I will make change" to "I will try to make change, but I'm not so conifident anymore, but oh well, I am here for 4 years now so who cares, right?"

A pathetic display, but hey, you voted America!

Already? Good job America!

2009-01-22T07:05:00.000-08:00

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2009/01/21/khadr-adjournment.html

You think he would at least wait a little while, wouldn't you? Gotta hand it too him I guess, he pulled a good one on the American people. Let "The Obama East" begin!

2008-12-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

My favorite song of '08

"when Bruce Willis was dead at the end of 6th sense I.....jizz in my pants" - Andy Samberg

2008-12-16T07:40:00.000-08:00

This about sums up the garbage that is the Big 3.

The joke that is the Coalition

2008-12-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

Seriously, what a croc.

It turns out that Dion will be out earlier then expected, and rightly so after bringing the Liberal Party to its knees over the past two weeks. The disgrace that this party has taken on is massive. The NDP is much the same, western NDP members are cringing at what could be a messy aftermath.

And what was this all for? The betterment of Canada? Highly unlikely. To help the economy? Highly doubtful. It was done for some sort of personal political agenda that three retards had planned.

When did Canada ever vote for a Coalition government? By my last count Canada voted for a Conservative parliament. And please don't give me the crap about popular vote, when the popular vote was shared between three parties, one of which isn't even a federal party.

So why did Taliban Jack and The Weak One think they could ever do something so stupid behind the backs of millions of Canadians? Why did they throw out Democracy? Why did they betray the Canadian public? Why didn't they consult their own voters and furthermore, their own constituents?

Instead, they lead the country into unneeded turmoil, the showed lack of organization, lack of logic, and lack of understanding of the very people they represent. Pathetic.

The Governor General was right in suspending parliament. We have to sit back and sift through the idiots in the opposition. Dion will be out as early as Wednesday, with Ignatieff his likely successor. A step in the right direction for the lowly Liberals. Not the same can be said for the Socialists. They just don't get it. Layton is as useful as Jessica Simpson is at figuring out what is fish and what is chicken. Problem is, so are most NDP'ers so no wonder they can't see the problem.

We will also get to see the budget that the Coalition seemed to think was insufficient, even though no one has seen it yet. We can also enjoy our Christmas now. YAY!

I've talked about this a lot on other blogs already, so i just want to say thanks to the Liberals and the NDP/Socialists/Commies/Idiots for making my Conservative party look good. Thanks for swaying more votes to the conservative side, thanks for ruining your own respective parties reputations, though, not like you had a good one to begin with. Merry Christmas.

Jihad!

2008-12-04T13:57:00.001-08:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,461647,00.html

What will they come up with next!

Strange thought process

2008-11-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

Why do Americans vote for change when said-change involves Higher Taxes, higher prices on imports and therefore higher prices on goods and services. Why vote for pro-abortion? Pro-welfare?

Oh I get it, the uneducated and poor, and people who make bad decisions in life decided to vote for once because they were promised that they would live in equality with the rich people in America. WHAT A CROCK!!

Anyone who believes privatized business's will stand for higher taxes belong in the category of voters who voted for Obama, problems in the brain.

The Whaaambulance...

2008-10-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

For the the whiners and critics and the people who bitch and moan about another conservative government.

CANADA HAS SPOKEN, DEAL WITH IT.

And if you wanna blame someone blame yourself. Blame yourself for the record low amount of people that voted. Blame yourself for not caring about Canada on TV then watching something that effects you. And blame yourself for being naive and ignorant to Canada.

As a Conservative I'm happy they won, and even more happy when i see all the whiners come out in vast numbers this morning. You probably didn't vote, probably didn't concern yourself with the issues, and probably couldn't care less. You don't deserve to whine and moan, you don't deserve to take issues in the matter of our government and you make no difference in this world whatsoever.

And please don't tell me your vote wouldn't have counted, there were a lot of tight races. And were talking almost half of Canada could have still voted. It's a shame really.

On the other hand, thank you half-of-Canada for not voting in Communism and thank you for not raising the price of fuel. I guess some credit is deserved.

GO HARPER!!!!!!!!!!

A majority makes sense...

2008-10-09T07:32:00.001-07:00

Times like these call for a majority government. With the economic crisis that is hitting the states and other countries abroad, a government with the ability to make decisions without having to lean on other parties with differing opinions is of greater importance then ever before.

Whether you agree with the Conservatives or not, a majority government will give Canada the tools it needs to stabilize the economy before we have USA 2.0. If we do end up with another minority government, there is going to be a struggle when it comes to passing economic laws and reforms that would better the country. Whether you believe it or not, a Conservative Majority isn't going to run Canada into the ground. It is the only Platform it seems that isn't using scare tactics as a major part of their campaign.

Harper is young, ambitious and very effective. If you look at his record over that past two and a half years you can see the evidence of this. He has stuck to his original platform for taxes and crime. He has made steady strides in Child care as well. He has remained steadfast in his role, and unlike the previous government, he has remained pretty much scandal-free for the duration of his tenure.

Without a majority, Harper will have a tough time controlling the house and passing economic reforms to keep Canada out of a recession. Layton and Dion will compromise Canada before they will save it, and that's just the way it is. They will sabotage Harper and in turn Canada as well because political gain is more important to them then Canadians financial situations. Furthermore they will blame it all on Harper, and Canadians will buy it because, lets face it, some are stupid, examples of this are voting for the NDP.

The case for a majority is strong, Canada needs it right now, the Canadian people need it. More political uncertainty will not help the economy. We need a strong leadership, one that the Conservatives have proven again and again. We need a leadership that has ambitions for Canada, one that will be conservative in spending and not try and tax the living hell out of Canadians. We need a leadership that will be effective in spending and not rely on the money tree to fund 50 billion dollars that we don't have.

Canada needs the Conservatives to be a majority, otherwise we might as well merge with the US.

You don't know Jack...

2008-10-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/election-2008/story.html?id=846352&p=2

Some people just scratch the service, never finding out whats underneath...

Why to never Vote for the Liberals again...

2008-10-05T20:55:00.000-07:00

Department of Defense Fraud: $159 million Scandal 05/23/2005

Whistleblower-Government Reclocation Contract. Scandal 05/14/2005

Un-tendered contract Bombardier: $100 million Scandal 04/10/2005

Misuse of pension funds not criminal Questionable Spending 07/01/2005

Submarine Purchase Questionable Spending 04/11/2005

Saddam one million dollars in Paul Martin-owned Cordex Scandal 04/24/2005

Income trust - possible insider trading leak to friends. Scandal 11/29/2005

Quebec Sponsorship Fraud: $250 million + Scandal 05/23/2005

Canada Lands? Fire Sale Pricing Potential Scandal 04/30/2005

Under funded Armed Forces: $Billions Promises 04/11/2005

Allegations of judicial appointments Scandal 05/04/2005

Toilet Paper Purchase: $36 million Scandal 04/11/2005

Vote buying in Parliment Scandal 05/19/2005

Jean Chretien Shawinigate: $780 thousand Scandal 04/11/2005

Another Scandal Goes to Court Scandal 06/19/2005

RCMP lay charges in Immigration Scandal Scandal 05/04/2005

$7000 for 31 Meals Questionable Spending 09/21/2005

Radwanski: Under police investigation Scandal 04/11/2005

Canadian Media covers up Bill Graham is Bisexual Scandal 11/11/2005

Aboriginal Affairs Spending Questionable Spending 04/11/2005

Sponsorship Scandal

Gun Regestry Scandal

The debate

2008-10-03T08:13:00.001-07:00

I found myself watching the debates last night with a buddy of mine, and while we shared a few jokes, I was enthralled by it.

Things that I noted last night:

1. No one gave a flying F--- about the questions asked. While Mr. Harper answered the questions posed to him, the other clowns would give a one-liner and then immediately attack Harper and a plethora of issues, half the time not even pertaining to the question posed by the viewer.

2. Jack Layton is retarded. This guy knows he won't win, so he does everything he can possibly do to promote his communist ways in front of 30 million Canadians that couldn't care less about his stupid and unrealistic ideas. He did give me a good laugh when he questioned Dion's ability to lead the Liberal Party, but nonetheless, hes a commie. Instead of giving $500 dollars in tax cuts a year to Families to compensate for their children's various art programs, a plan proposed by the Tories, he wants to give $400 to families a year to keep them off the street. ??? Wouldn't the $500 be more beneficial to the cause? Not only is it $100 more, but it gives them incentive to send their kids to piano or dance lessons. Well thought out Jack!

3. Stephane Dion has less knowledge then the common chimp. Seriously, this guy can't barely speak the English language, yet he wants us to trust him with leadership of all Canadian people when he cannot put a coherent sentence together. Dion's Carbon tax is a fraud, no way in hell does that work in the Canadian Economy. He can make all the comparisions he wants to European countries. but difference in economy and currency and balance make those claims irrelevant. Dion's Idea of a "Fun Canada" is childish, his so-called appreciation of the Arts was less the believeable.

4. Gilles Duceppe, while irrelevant to anyone outside Quebec, is always good for a laugh. I laughed out loud at his poke at all the leaders when he said "I know I won't be prime minister and three of you won't be prime minister, neither," he said, gesturing at his colleagues around the table. "Some of you know it, but you won't say it." Pointing at Layton, Dion and May. Everything Duceppe days starts and ends with the noun Quebec. While he will never be a Prime Minister, he will always be good to stir the pot and then sit their and smirk. He has nothing to lose.

5. Elizebeth May. Completely Irrelevant. She got way to much time for having one seat in the house. Her campaign managers must have told her before she went in to say things that Canadians want to hear. So she sat there, completely lied to everyone in Canada, took what all the other parties wanted and molded them together and then said them out loud. She would pipe up with useless quips, even at the end of the debate when she was defending this debate over the Palin vs. Bidden. She gets a 1/10 for trying, and a 0/10 for material. None of it mattered.

6. Stephen Harper. Dude looked good after the apparent steam rolling he got. He knew what questions where coming his way, and responded to the criticisms by the other Parlimentarians rather well from what I saw. He dodged a few Bullets I'm sure Canadians would have rather had answered, but he remained steadfast in his ways. He outlined what the country has become in his short tenure as PM. He defended and even hit out at some of the things levied against him. He didnt have to do much, he wans't going to win or lose the election last night, so he remained calm for the most part and gave pre-planned answers in a safe and monotone way. I would have liked to see a platform from Harper, but does he need one right now? Many have pegged him with a huge margin victory from last night.

If anything last night, the Tories won on a couple fronts. There are two types of voters in Canada at this point. The first is the ones that know it will be a Torie Government. This will affect their voting, as some may not even do so. This hinders the Liberals and the NDP who would like to see those votes come their way. In turn this helps the Tories because they aren't losing any votes to the Liberals or the NDP. Pretty Simple, no?

The second train of thought is that the race is close. Close is good for all parties, but it helps the Tories out again, as long as these swing voters agree that the Liberal party is in shambles, this swing vote will go to a more compotent party, one that wont be calling another election or changing leaders in the next year. Moreso, if votes go the NDP way, then the Liberals will lose those votes. This is a two horse race, and most Liberals second vote would go to the NDP if not satisfied with their own party. This just helps the Majority that the Tories are yearning for.

I rather enjoyed the debate, i havent seen the numbers yet as far as viewers go, but i would hope that Canadians took some interest in what they complain about.

Simply Disgusting!

2008-09-16T12:04:00.000-07:00

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/SPORT/football/09/16/england.chelsea.terry/index.html

Any other team doesn't get this to work. Screw Chelsea and paying off the FA.

Stupid American Swine

2008-09-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

Since the Day Tom Hicks and George Gillett took over Liverpool I have been concerned with the future of the storied football club. Don't get me wrong, the promises they set out and even splashing the cash on such players as Fernando Torres led me to be believe otherwise. The future of my favorite club looked bright. That was until they dumped on the debt. Then they tried to hire Jurgen Klinnsman for no reason. Why? Why Klinnsman? And for what good reason? Rafa has led the Reds to European glory, another final and semi final in the Champions league, a FA cup triumph, and maintained top 4 in the league. Now this year we have topped the table and have beaten Manchester United for the first time in 7 years at home in the league. Klinnsman is not a good manager, plain and simple. He's more about the spotlight then actually winning games.

Now the American Swine are refusing to fund the new stadium plans, and won't sell the club to DIC. Assholes. They are clearly not interested in the club, though the yanks has doubled their investment already. They have no interest in spending cash to buy players, having only allocated 45 million to player transfers. They aren't interested in funding the stadium, having only allocated 60 million for a stadium worth 6 times that. And all they are really good at is fighting with Rafa, and Parry and pissing the players and fans off but the tens of thousands. SELL THE DAMN CLUB!

DIC are waiting in the wings, though for a reasonable price tag. The Swine are asking for 800 million pounds, 1.6 Billion American. DIC are rich, the richest in the UAE, but they aren't dumb. The club is worth a lot, but even that is too steep. DIC are ready to build a new stadium now, they are ready to buy new players, ASAP. They want to show their brass, they want to compete and make a stronger team. And they also want to compete with their rivals who just bought Manchester City.

While that does have me worried a bit, DIC aren't wanting to take over the soccer world, and Manchester City is the second team in Manchester. They have no history, and they are going to send wash outs and people only playing for money. That equals little success. Liverpool are a household name, players will flock to a team that are stalwart in Champions League and the domestic league.

It is time. It is time to move on from these pricks. They have tried to ruin England's most successful club team. Liverpool's fans are coming together, looking for 100,000 fans to donate 5 G's to buy majority control over the club. Reports are saying that DIC would fund the rest. Fan own clubs have won 7 Champions league titles in the last 15 years. And with some money through the DIC minority, Player transfers would be easier, and Rafa could manage the team he's been trying to make for the last 4 years.

Time for a change, and a real change this time.

Response to Chryslers new Fuel Incentive

2008-05-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Daimler Chrysler offered late last week a new incentive that would help buyers of their vehicles out at the pumps. The offer is that Chrysler would cap the price of fuel to new buyers at 2.99/gal for the next 3 years. There is a 12000 mile limit on this, but no matter how high the cost goes on fuel, Chrysler will flip the difference that the customer isn't paying.

Question, with a company that is more then 12 Billion dollars in debt, how can they afford to make the cars they do, hold up reliability standards (whatever they have in that respect) and make a profit? Business is about making the customer happy, but it wont be a business for long if they cannot turn a profit.

My question is, what are North American car companies doing wrong. The import companies such as Honda and Toyota have no problem selling vast amounts of cars, that are reliable and fuel efficient, and they dont have incentives at all. I own a 2006 Civic Si, my interest rate is around 6%, yet its still cheaper to own then any car GM or Chrysler could sell me. When you factor in actual fuel economy, reliability over the life of the vehicle and cost of ownership itself, you still cant beat an import.

There is no question NA companies try and offer incentives. Gas cards, upgrades, low low finance rates, and even engines that use technology such as Flex Fuel. (It doesn't even work anyways) With all these incentives, why do imports out sell almost every class of vehicle? Even if it is more expensive to own?

I put it down to bad management, false promises and the final product being rubbish. I know a guy who bought a Cobalt SS, the performance model similar to my Civic. The thing is trash, been in the shop 8 times in a year and a half. My car has been in once for a recall.

For Chrysler and GM, they need to start sinking their money into a more reliable product. It cant be impossible, their Asian and European counterparts seem to be able to do it with ease. Instead of fuel incentives such as gas cards, build an engine that is efficient. Instead of 40 year warranties, build a vehicle that will last 10 years with no major problems.

Until they stop throwing Hemi's and coolers into cars, it wont happen. But then again, this is why these companies have no pot to piss in.

EPL end of season rant

2008-05-12T13:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the scum, once again they rode the Portuguese band wagon for the second straight year to win another title, without him they lose X amount of games and lose 33 premier league goals. Fantastic. Man Yoo then is just weak American coffee in comparison to the triple shot espresso that is Chelski. The rich scum decided that they would use some of there multi million dollar investment to good use this year, instead of whining about officiating and all sorts of other things, they showed that they don't need the special one to do something special. They were in the two pronged dog fight that was the Premier League, and somehow managed to finally beat a team with a 1/4 of the payroll of theirs to get into the CL Final. (a commendable effort) I will contest that Abromivich paid off those officials though, how could he explain his team not playing in his own backyard in that final.

Once again the best team in the premier league finished 4th, of course most will say the best team finishes first, and i guess that makes sense. Somehow they get in mixed up in the premier league and award it to the the team who gets into the pants quickest of the ref officiating their game that week. Fair enough. Sir Alex has a certain charm to him.

Liverpool made the best signing of the summer, and probably the best of the past few years. Torres scored 33 goals in his first year in the England. How many did Sheva, ballack and all the rest of that trash pile score in their first year. My calculations estimate Torres score more combined and then some. He also cost less then one of those players and had over a goal per million spent on him. Sheva has something like 1 goal for every 7 million spent on him. Pathetic.

Gerrard again had another solid year, with many goals, and inspiring performances against Inter Milan and the trumping we gave the Gunners. Pepe Reina again won the Golden Glove award, 3 years on the trot.

Im still not sure what the problem is then, we clearly have the best in all areas of the pitch. Heck, we still even dominated while we were having back room difficulties because of the two rednecks who couldn't determine who owned the crappier North American sports teams.

Other stories that made headlines: Tottenham Suck

In other news, Sven solidified his removal from his post at Man City after the gross performance his team gave against Middlesborough. The thing with Sven is he turned that team into a european contender. (They even beat Man Yoo twice in one season, which hasnt happened since before the time of Moses.) Of course, what can you expect from an owner of a team with this kind of track record:

his government was frequently challenged with allegations of corruption, dictatorship, demagogy, treason, conflicts of interest, acting undiplomatically, tax evasion, the use of legal loopholes and hostility towards a free press. He was accused of lèse-majesté, selling domestic assets to international investors, and religious desecration. Independent bodies, including Amnesty International, also expressed concern at Thaksin's human rights record. Human Rights Watch described Thaksin as "a human rights abuser of the worst kind", alleging that he participated in media suppression and presided over extrajudicial killings.

Sounds like an owner any team would want...How can Sven even make a case for himself?

What other stories made good headlines this year...

Well, Derby county did what everyone expected them to do, SUCK.

How did Reading get relegated? Even more so, how did Bolton and Fulham not?

Overall I guess it was a decent year, as a fan of Liverpool, we improved, and if the Premier league was capped, we would have won a championship, and probably would have last year too. But crap happens in life.

Numbers for cocky Man Gay fans to remember. 18, 5,#8 and #9.

Those are the standards, start working on them.

Next year, i will predict Liverpool, Chelsea, Man U and Arsenal Finish. We are one player shy of winning a title, and we wont have to ride the one trick pony that is Ronaldo. Anyone can be player of the year when your whole team backs off and he doesnt pass and all balls are passed to him and so on a so forth. Did i mention Ronaldo Likes Balls? Anyone can score 40 times when they have that many balls coming his way. Also Tevez wouldn't be half the player he was if defenders could look at him straight. He rolls like a Medusa, stopping people in their tracks with his exceptional looks.

In all seriousness though, this year had a good title race, and showed the strength and class of the premier league sides. 3 in the last 4 of the Champions league, and both pretty much dead locked when it came to playing each other. Lets just hope the best team wins this time
!

2007-12-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,316322,00.html

With all the crap in this world going on, its not to surprising when this stuff happens anymore.

This post isn't gonna be long, but my question is, was this avoidable? I was watching an interview where this guy that knew him said he was weird because he requested a Linkin Park song at a function they were at. The guy also said he knew at that point something was very wrong with the would-be-shooter.

This is laughable, and obviously his Christian friend didn't put much merit into at the time. I mean if he did, would he have not done what Christians are supposed to do and go and talk to the guy, see whats up, maybe even lend a helping hand?

This guy is blaming Christians for what happened. Is that entirely out in left field? Is it harsh to say he might be right? I mean who was lending him a helping hand? Who was trying to get into his life and be a real friend for him and get him out of the shit he was living with? Who was showing God's love for this gentleman? Doesn't seem like anyone. Instead they give him the boot from his school and left him for dead.

What I'm not saying is that this isn't a terrible thing. No, its an awful situation. What I am saying though is, it was avoidable. This should be an eye-opener to these sort of situations. I'm not saying everyone that looks a little different is going to shoot up schools and churches. But if these people that were labeled "weird" were given more time in the day, we might be able to avoid this from happening, and even developing a relationship that lasts a lifetime. Most importantly, you get to show God's love in your life and get to share it with others.

Part 3: Church

2007-11-14T20:23:00.000-08:00

I will begin by saying this post could have looked a lot different, and I mean a lot. At one point my next post was going to be a scathing and demeaning view on the church, seen through my eyes. Fortunately some will say I have seen the light. Myself? I would like to think that I didn’t waste my last hour or so commenting on how shitty I am. Wondering how I came to this conclusion? Well, I am the church, so commenting on how shitty churches are, would just be an insult to myself. So I backed off, talked to a couple people and did some of my own thinking and came up with a better solution.

There is no doubt that I have problems with church, I’m sure they are well known to some, and not so well known to others, but the fact is I do, and I think it could be done in a different way.

“It is inevitable that enthusiastic members of the churches of Christ will begin to speak with members of other religious institutions, and invariably, the characteristics of what makes one church differ from the other must be discussed. Our religious friends will agree that there is one God, and that Jesus is the Head of the Body, the church, but there is a disconnect that occurs between us regarding what those things mean. While we insist vehemently that the churches of Christ (the sound ones) have the faith and practice right and everyone else has it wrong, this seems too much to swallow to our friends.” – unknown

I found this in me readings lately and it kind of put some things into perspective. The thing for me is I’m outspoken, sometimes when I should be and sometimes when I shouldn’t be. The statement is an honest assessment of how it is in churches. To me this quote seems to show the relative feeling that I have about church, I sometimes have a problem with people opposing my views.

If I am to be the church, then in a sense I do get to do things my own way. If I am to bring the kingdom of God to people on this earth however, I also have to do it God’s way. Someone asked me what the kingdom of God is this week. To me the kingdom of God is God living in me, and you and many church people. We take the kingdom of God wherever we go, because we reflect it. We reflect Jesus, or are supposed to, in every facet of life, the kingdom of God shines through our actions and our responses.

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord." - Luke 4:18-19

The church then, defined as an assembly of believers, is us, and we are the church. We have the responsibility to go out and do great things for God. And those great things start with the smallest of gestures that make an astounding difference too many different people. We have the responsibility to not only show the kingdom of God, but to bring it to the forefront of our lives, and into the dark world around us.

God is more domestic than monastic. It means, too, that in coming to know God, the dinner table is more important than the theology classroom, the practice of grateful hospitality is more important than the practice of right dogma, and meeting with others to pray as a community can give us something that long hours in private meditation (or, indeed, long years spent absent from church life) cannot. Such a concept also blurs all simple distinctions between “religious” and “purely secular” experience. - Ron Rolheiser

This quote intrigued me; it speaks of how I view church as being. I think most of what church should be, is done outside of Sunday from 11 – 1. Church incorporates hours, days and weeks. Church isn’t something that just happens Sunday, but something that keeps on going when the music stops. When real life starts, church shines, or at least it should. We bring the church wherever we go, something I have learned time and time again. Church is something we cannot get away from, it’s something we reflect, and greater more, we reflect God’s Kingdom and himself. While this might be a scary concept to digest, it is unavoidable; it is what we are called to do. It isn’t easy and I’m still not there, but I’ve made a commitment, and I find strength in what that commitment entailed.

“The community of Christians springs solely from the Biblical and Reformation message of the justification of man through grace alone…Not what a man is in himself as a Christian, his spirituality and piety, constitutes the basis of our community. What determines our brotherhood is what that man is by reason of Christ. Our community with one another consists solely in what Christ has done to both of us.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, “Life Together”)

Church, the way I want it to be, is more then just what I want, but what God wants. I want church to be a place where people are free to express themselves, a place where authority is used but never abused. One day I would love to see a “church” with people who question and ponder, a thinker’s paradise, if you will; A place to seek out truth, and share life together. I would like to see where church could really go. I want church to be was Jesus envisioned.

"Jesus...envisaged that, scattered around Palestine, there would be small groups of people loyal to himself, who would get together to encourage one another, and would act as members of a family, sharing some sort of common life and, in particular, exercising mutual forgiveness. It was because this way of life was what it was, while reflecting the theology it did, that Jesus' whole movement was thoroughly, and dangerously, 'political'. And...the main characteristic of the cells that Jesus called into being was of course loyalty to Jesus himself." -N.T. Wright

Life Part 2: God and People

2007-11-09T23:25:00.000-08:00

After much debate, I will be keeping up the last post that I wrote. To be honest, the post was some brutal honesty that I had to get out, like the title suggests, that is life. And this is what I am writing about. Transparency is huge, and for this I had to be transparent enough to convey the message I was trying to get across. No need to explain more,
I’m always available to chat if you want to know anything further.

Life Part 2 deals with God, and other people. Enjoy.

So I know this family (I won’t put in names, I try to stay away from that now) that are just incredible. I met them through a kid I lead at our youth group. As all relationships, I’m sure it started off slow, and I’m sure they didn’t know what to think of me. I had a lot of opinions, I was 19 and I was entrusted to look after their son. I think that’s a scary proposition for any parent, but who knows, I haven’t a kid in the twinkle of my eye yet. Anyways, over time this relationship grew into what I now view as a great friendship, not only with the youth kid, but his parents, and his other siblings.

There was always something about these people that drew me in, at the time I couldn’t place a finger on it, but it was great. Over time I have figured it out more and more. These people were REAL. So transparent, so lax, it was a great place to be, and still is. As time went on, I got to know them more, and it was apparent that they were more then just the regular people you would meet. They had opinions, they shocked me by their intelligence on issues I only though I cared about. They could hold a conversation, and could even teach me things I was unaware of. These people had something that a lot of people lack, Honesty, transparency and they were just Real. They also had everything I was looking for at the time in people of the church. Conversations that would last for sometimes an hour or two just about life are some of the best experiences I have had.

It’s been almost a couple years now, and things I’ve been through a lot. Support has never been far away however, even when I was in the thick of it at youth and was going through all that, I was supported. It would have been easy for them to just say no to me and their son hanging out and what not, but they seemed to see something I even couldn’t. I have never felt looked down on, or sensed ridicule. For this I am indebted and extremely thankful.

Before I get too carried away, the point I’m trying to make is, some people see through all the crap, and make a decision. Even though I’ve messed up, and will probably do so again, they still loved, supported and were real with me.

God puts people into our lives for whatever reason. I would have never dreamed of meeting such people, but God does that. Its almost as if I was given an outlet, someone who I could also be just as transparent and not be ridiculed or looked down upon (which I know can be hard, I mean come on, its me for goodness sake) But the trust that they have put in me is amazing. God has crazy ways of doing things. I’m just glad to know he was thinking good things when he chose these people. I’m ecstatic about being able to do life with them, I have learned so much, and I hope to continue to grow this friendship and learn more and more.

More people should be this way however, these people reek of what church is supposed to be about, and that’s a compliment. Church to me is about communication, connection, being real, being raw and supporting and loving in a way that resembles Jesus. When you can find church and God in others in a real way, there is no better feeling.

Next time, my views on what church should look like.

NSFW Videos

2007-11-07T23:01:00.000-08:00

Adrian Peterson Porn

Tom Brady Porn

And my favorite Porn, Shaun Rogers

You've Been Warned!

Hello People!

2007-11-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

STOP SPYING ON ME! kthxbye

Great Magazine!

2007-10-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

The Wittenburg Door

Check out the archives and stuff, great articles, it's so good.

Garbage!

2007-10-12T06:27:00.001-07:00

Al Gore does not deserve to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. What a joke, thats how stupid that award has now become. We now award it to useless people. Hurray!!

Untitled

2007-09-23T21:57:00.000-07:00

I need to blog about something other then sports again. I feel dry, boring and otherwise irrelevant. For good measure too, I haven't written a post on something meaty in a long time. This is also for good measure as I have needed time to review and collect myself and my thoughts.

During this period much change has occurred, both mentally and spiritually. Physically I have probably just gotten fatter, so we will leave that out. Mentally and spiritually, I believe, I have grown. Since my ordeal some months ago, I have been in a state of process, a state of revival and renewal. It has been quite interesting. I was engaging in some dialogue with a guy last week. He said it was crazy how someone my age could have found his own identity. This got me thinking, what is my identity. I didn't truly believe what he said was correct. But after much thinking I figured he was right, as I found out he was through my thoughts.

Since poop hit the fan way back when, I have had a crazy time trying to figure out my place. I have taken much advice from a couple people that I look up to greatly. These people have helped my understand and identify myself in life, and in God.

In life, I'm 21, my life is pretty simple apart from the fact I'm engaged and own a house. Other then that, simple. In God, it's a different story. For a while I had become, more or less, derailed from God's wild ride. It wasn't that I didn't believe, not at all, but I was tired of living without question, without thought, without learning. Frankly, I still am, and will always be. But the problem was my questioning was ill-advised. It lacked the 3 T's, tact, taste, and timing, all to some degree (Thank you Mrs Plett) To much thought went into how to argue, how to go against the norm, how to stir the pot and create chaos. Too little thought went into trying to understand ones side, ones experiences. I much rather say my point, and then defend it with all I had, anything that I could put together, believing it or not. I won't lie, arguing for the sake of just that can be pretty fun, but it gets you nowhere.

I think God starting working in me at this point. I started to try and think about others. I developed a sense of wanting to help others out, rather then put them down. I can attribute these things to 1. a book I was reading and 2. talking to people. God shows himself through others, he speaks through others, I have known this for years, but rarely did I see. But this time it was clear as day.

Things to live by: Stay positive. Help out regularly. Be a servant to others. Not bad I would say, coming from a 21 year old. These things sound so cliche, so phony. But it works. Being a natural skeptic, I found being positive helps stupendously. Helping out, and more specifically, being a servant to others also pays dividends.

Serving others will allow yourself to be served. A sense of joy comes from serving others. And serving others is what God asks us to do. Being Jesus to other people is best served....ok no puns, but being Jesus is service, it's being selfless instead of selfish.(Another word that has much significance)

My newfound identity of myself and myself in God I hear is rare at my age. It's nothing to gloat about, I've been through a lot to get to where I am. It hasn't been easy, and I'm sure the hardest parts are still on the horizon. But my understanding of what God wants me to be, a Man of God, a Man after His own heart, is a testament to how a bad period can be truly beneficial.

I've never liked getting my ass handed to me, but sometimes it's more necessary then anything else possible.

This Week's Musings

2007-09-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

-- LOL @ Stephane Dion, It sucks when even the French dont have confidence in you.

-- Why do people get so upset over rappers and what they do? A lot of rappers tend to give their "hood" friends jobs and help them get out of the life of selling drugs and killing people. And though some mess up still, the majority actually doing something good, and make a good, legit life for themselves.

-- Dispatching is a fun job, running 25 peoples lives daily is a good time!

-- Fantasy baseball was good to me, now Fantasy Football is following suit.

-- Britney Spears career is over. You want to know why? A. K-Fed is now cool.

-- Did i mention how much i owned in Fantasy Football? Ahh yes i did, well stroking the ego more never hurt anyone.

-- Liverpool have a good chance of having a good year, i refuse to say they will win the title yet though.

-- O.J. Did it

-- Free Vick

Fantasy Hockey Roster Update

2007-09-11T06:13:00.000-07:00

A deal of epic proportions......Well, maybe not, but regardless, it went down.

Trade:

Peter Schaffer and Michel Ouellet (The Vick Rape Stands) - my team

FOR

Steve Brenier (young talent) and Wojtek Wolski (Almost as good as Statsny, and bigger)

All in all i liked the trade from the get go. I had Wolski in my sites in the draft only to have him snatched away two 3 picks before mine. Brenier is decent, and with 82 games played, should get 20 goals and 30 assists. Wolski is up and coming in Colorado, he's slightly overshadowed by Statsny. But thats a good position to be in. Im expecting 30 goals and 45 assists. A solid left winger.

Fantasy Hockey Draft Results

2007-09-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

Last nights draft was held at TreHernes House. It was a good time, met some new people ate some good food. Draft was long and after a long weekend of baseball i was tired but excited. Here's the breakdown of my pickings:

Centres:

Eric Stall: Stud, love the guy, young still, has good point potential and some talent around him.

Derek Roy: Will be a bit more of a feature in Buffalo, got him in a high round, has good potential.

Nikolas Backstrom: Rookie, Stud, Washington, Ovechkin, Semin. Whats not to like about this guy?

Michael Lombardi: Took him in the 21st round i believe. Solid and safe pick if my top 3 get injured, decent UTL spot.

Tuommo Ruutu: Took him in the 22nd round like his potential.

Right Wings:

Marian Hossa: My first selection in the Draft. Had him pegged at 7, took him at 11, a good day.

Jason Pominville: Buffalo, good pick i think, i like him.

Chris Neil: Did some one say PIM's?

Michelle Oullet: Could be decent, a nice backup and young to boot.

Left Wings:

Rick Nash: Still super young, still really good. I like him.

Jason Blake: A lot of upside, can he live up to the Hype? I hope so...

Ryan Malone: Could be apart of the Crosby, Malkin Line, if so, hes a stud.

Peter Schaffer: Was alright in Ottawa, i like him in Boston, will get more scoring chances.

Defensemen:

Dan Boyle: STUD, second in defensemen Goals, powerplay leader

Kimmo Timmonen: Getting old, but still a solid pick for now.

Paul Mara: Like him, scores and gets PIM's too

Jordan Leopold: Late pick up, has some upside

Cam Barker: Waiting for this one to explode. Winnipeg Kid!!!!

Christian Ehrhoff: Like him in San Jose, can score.

Goalies:

J.S. Giguere: PUMPED, the next big thing in the league, right behind Luongo for long term in my books.

Vesa Toskala: Will start in Toronto, will win 40 Games in Toronto, what more can i ask for?

Manny Legace: 30 game winner, decent backup for me.

Johan Holmqvist: Could start sooner or later, could be decent.

Thats the draft in a nutshell. I like my team, though ill see how well i will fair, i have youth to carry me a long time.

Prospects to note: Angelo Esposito - SUPER PUMPED, i love this kid in Pittsburgh.
Dustin Boyd - Like the guy, could be solid in Calgary.
Milan Lucic - My prospect sleeper, i like his potential

Thanks again to Brad for a wonderful time!

Questionable Lyrics

2007-09-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

"Blinded by the light
Wrapped up like a deuce
Another runner in the night"

This could allude to many things, but as i pondered on it today, i came up with explosive diarrhea and a migraine. Thoughts?

A week of musings

2007-09-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

-- Steven Gerrard, arguably the best midfielder in the world, should be rested with his broken toe. England loves to risk all their players. Gerrard is rated so high that England wants him in, even if he has to get a injection for the pain. If hes the best player, let him rest, its only Israel. What gives?

-- Beckham is coming back to England, its only a matter of time. And at that point the MLS will shut down proceedings and concede to Billeck, the all wise one, and bow before him in amazement of his predictions that the MLS would implode because of the CRAP is puts out on to peoples televisions.

-- Mike from the NFL Network is a Nub. Not only does he looked like a washed up actor, he just plain sucks at announcing.

-- Tiki Barber is also a nub for not reaming out Manning at half time. If he has a set as big as his smile, he might have been able to pull that off.

-- That other dude on there who talked about the worst person in the NFL fails at life. He named himself as the worst person for some comment about Vick. I like Vick, not matter what hes done, hes a great football player.

-- Is Dog Fighting really that bad, or are we all just a little hungry? (points to snicker machine)

-- John Madden is an idiot.

-- Guns don't kill people, but they sure help.

-- Too many good video games are coming out this month.

-- Fantasy hockey has taken over my life. I'm starting to like my position in the draft. Picks 11 and 14. I can still get two players good enough to compete with Crosby and Richards/Sedin/some other not-so-elite player. I Love the NHL.

It has begun...Can't say I saw this coming....

2007-09-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

Beckham back to England

Don't call it the Summit Series

2007-09-05T06:33:00.001-07:00

Though I was not born, nor did I fully understand the bitterness and hate, I still knew exactly what was going on. Canada and Russia, bitter hockey rivals, in the thick of the Cold War. Political tensions so tight that a linoleum knife could deal a killer blow. An intense hatred that could only be explained in later years as comparable to Nickleback. The 1972 Summit series was the arguably the greatest hockey tournament ever, and I mean EVER.

In 1972, the Cold War was reaching its greatest heights. It turned into two countries playing for two different types or lifestyles, two different types of governments. Canada represented the USA's struggle for democracy, and its alliance against the Soviets in the Cold War. The Soviets on the other hand were fighting for communism. The Soviets had a point to prove, its strange how hockey was the tipping point.

Nevertheless this was the first tournament were NHL players took part. In that time, in the Olympics, NHL players did not participate. The Soviets had much Olympic experience because they played in Russia and did not have to abide by the rules of the NHL. Amateurs by definition, but far from it in on the ice. Canada had it all to do.

Canada was comprised of top names, Esposito, Both Mahovlich's, Bobby Clarke, Gilbert Perreault, and Yvan Cournoyer. Serge Savard and Guy Lapointe commanded the Canada's rearguard and Tony Esposito and Ken Dryden managed between the pipes. A lengendary lineup.

The tournament ensued. Marred by referee corruption, cheap shots, and even holding out on playing, The Summit series was intense. Fierce hatred started from game 1. Players and fans alike, loathing one another.

The games were so tight, so close. The games meant so much, Canada on the edge of its seat watching, waiting. Moments that will live in history were etched from that cold landscape. Bobby Clarke's infamous Slash, Parise's swing at the referee, and Sinden throwing a chair across the ice. And perhaps the most memorable, Paul Henderson's goal. A relative no one-turned Canadian Hero and legend overnight.

I've watched the Summit Series, and even though I couldn't understand a lot of it, I found myself hating the Russians, and on the edge of my seat roaring Canada on. An incredible feeling.

Fast-forward 35 years. 2007, the new Summit Series, the 8 game extravaganza that is the Super Series. This time played by two world junior teams. This time no one cares. And the worst part is they tried to play it up like it had some meaning. Well I'm going to break your bubble, IT DOESN'T.

There is no politically charged reasons, there are no big name NHLers, there isn't the same type of Rivalry. No matter how much Paul Macguire and his other retarded commentator want to compare it, it just doesn't. Has Canada forgot? Have they lost the feeling that once was the Summit Series? It doesn't compare in the slightest. It is so far from 1972. Even wearing those jerseys doesn't help.

People need to get a grip here. The Super Series is so lopsided its stupid. Yes I'm glad Canada is whipping some Russian Ass. But I am not happy about the comparisons. For me it doesn't do the legends of hockey justice. To me it is unfair.

We need to call this tournament for what it is. It's a lousy attempt to re-create something that is so legendary, that it is utterly impossible to do. Yet imbeciles truly believe they can recapture that magic. HAHA. Right....

I prefer to think of '72 like it is meant to be. I terrific memory, a sense of Canadian Pride, and recollection of one of the biggest moments in hockey history. I prefer to look at the Super Series at a awful attempt to relive something that is unattainable in todays culture.

Pure Gold!

2007-08-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

please help the south africans US americans!!! the iraq such as!!!!!!! we need help the south african asian and the iraq!!!

Pure Gold i say, Pure Gold!

I can hear the Roflcopter in the distance... (Oh yeah Bradley)

Fantasy Football Draft Results

2007-08-27T12:57:00.001-07:00

Well the AWFFL Fantasy Football Draft was yesterday. I went into it with much scrutiny from the likes of one, Bradley Hunt. Berated for a trade that involved me picking up two picks for Brandon Jacobs and Roy Williams, I was in the spotlight. Little did he know of my plan....(thank God it worked out).

With my spirits high I walked into the draft with knowledge of a trade that didn't make much sense to anyone. The trade was so lopsided in my favor it was a wonder if it was just whispers, because if it were anything more, it would vanish. Well, to my surprise, and intense skepticism, I made a move for the deal. The Faulkens, who's real name will be withheld, (I wouldn't wish on him the kind of scrutiny he would get, Cubs Style) took notice of my offer, and pondered. Futile attempts were made from the Pick Whores the Crunch. But it wasn't enough. After minutes of calmness, the words came to the mouth of the Faulkens, who were on the clock at this point, "do you want to do it?" . I replied, "yes", and we commenced the transaction. Brilliant.

The deal was this. My 3rd and 6th picks, for his 1st pick, the 1st overall in the draft, and the guarantee at superstar rookie prospect Adrian Peterson. Also included in this deal was the rookie sensation Marques Colston.

Lets look at the facts. I would have never got anything that good for those picks. Even Calvin Johnson is no match for Colston's talents. Adrian Peterson is better then Brandon Jacobs in my opinion. He may not start in the first few games, but he will be the feature back in a run-happy offense by the 5th or 6th week. Needless to say, I raped that trade hard. It was brilliant.

My next picks weren't for a while, 42 and 43 awaited and I was retired to my chair with a cold brew in my hand. Sitting beside Brad proved humorous, and educational. I respect Brad's opinions on football, as i have been away for a few years from the NFL and needed a little help catching up with the draft trash.

Pewp hit the fan early, 4th pick early. The Terriers must have had their tails between their legs for this one, but nonetheless proceeded to trade away Brian Westbrook, top 5 RB when not injured, for Rookie Brandon Jackson. WOW WEE!! Silence and jeers lit up the patio. Food was spit, Beer was sprayed everywhere...well ok, it wasn't that bad. The trade was lopsided, and even when I found out Owens and Santana Moss were also switched, it still didn't make much sense.

The fun didn't stop there either, Picks 6 and 7 brought more raised eyebrows then two blonde's in a electronics shop. For the 6th pick, the already distraught Faulken's chose the Buffalo Bills Defense, a dicey move, considering the talent left on the board at that early stage. The 7th pick was even more interesting as he took the spoiled brat Brady Quinn. Dicey and bold as well, to say the least.

The Crunch then took over, and had too many picks, it was ridiculous. They seemed to be in cahoots with their brother, the Dream team. Trading up and up and up higher, which made no sense, but made me happy because I could get what I wanted.

Since I was unprepared for the draft, I decided I would go check out some stuff while I was waiting for the my picks to come. I figured out bye weeks and such, and left a little present on Duane's chair.

I came back and it was almost my turn to pick. When the time came i picked up my backup QB to relieve me during his bye week. I chose Superbowl flop Rex Grossman. I like this pick though, he has a great match up during that week, and he will learn from his mistakes. With the 43rd I took LenDale White, dicey, but there wasn't much left and he will be splitting carries, and will be a viable replacement during bye weeks.

The party then took a turn for the worst, the Terminators had gotten into the cooler a few too many times. He proceeded to dance and drop a can of an unknown beverage. This was to be expected as before the cooler was cracked, he proceeded to take of his shirt, saying, and I quote, "I'm bringing sexy back." He Failed.

My next picks were 73 and 76. I took the Cardinals D, which were ranked middle of the pack in most Magazines. For my 76 picked i just missed out on D.J. Hackett, but was happy to settle with Bronco's starlet, Brandon Marshall.

I proceeded at this point to pick up scrap picks that moved myself up because people were tapped out. (had not more available spots on their roster) I gained the rights to the 87 and 97 and 100 and 107 picks and picked up Jerry Porter, a good WR and Randy Moss-less, Marcedes Lewis, a decent TE to cover for Ben Watson, and two kickers, Jeff Reed and Lawrence Tynes. Both decent enough, it's kickers, they are spit in the bucket.

My final roster looks like this. And I'm quite happy for a first year team in a keeper league.

Starters

Slot

QB Matt Hasselbeck SEA
RB Adrian Peterson MIN
RB/WR Ladell Betts WAS
WR Marques Colston NO
TE Ben Watson NE
D/ST Minnesota MIN
K Jeff Reed PIT

BENCH

Bench LenDale White RB Ten
Bench Rex Grossman QB Chi
Bench Jerry Porter WR Oak
Bench Cardinals D/ST Ari
Bench Brandon Marshall WR Den
Bench Lawrence Tynes K NYG
Bench Marcedes Lewis TE Jac

All in all it was a great draft, lots of fun. Thanks to Duane and Odette for letting it all happen. Can't wait 'till next years.

Goal of the Week!

2007-08-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

It had to be, Stevie G!

Gerrard, Gerrard!!!!

(since youtube is now gay, i couldnt get the embeded video. Copyrights are stupid)

EPL Week 1 Review

2007-08-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

What a week! The start of the new Premier League campaign started off with a bang on saturday at lunch hour. New boys Sunderland, led by Manchester United legend Roy Keane, pulled out a late victory over Top 4 hopefuls Tottenham. Brilliant.

Liverpool beat Aston Villa to get off on the right foot. A late penalty from Villa that leveled the game, was dismantled by a Steven Gerrard cracker from a 25 yard free kick. Next up Chelsea, who scraped a victory together against other new boys Birmingham City. Arsenal also produced a victory, thanks to late penalty from Van Persie.

Shock of the week was the fixture of Manchester United and Reading. The game was clinical by United, great possession and chances aplenty BUT they couldn't find the back of the net. So much for all the money they spent on Nani, and Tevez, after all the whining they did to get him, rod the pine. Love IT!!!!!!!!!

Here's the rest of the results from the weekend:

Manchester United 0 Reading 0
Chelsea 3 Birmingham City 2
Arsenal 2 Fulham 1
Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 2
Middlesbrough 1 Blackburn Rovers 2
Bolton Wanderers 1 Newcastle United 3
Everton 2 Wigan Athletic 1
Derby County 2 Portsmouth 2
West Ham United 0 Manchester City 2
Sunderland 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0

EPL 07/08 Preview and Predicitons

2007-08-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

The EPL season is set to begin on Saturday morning at lunch time. Sunderland and Tottenham open up what is surely going to be one of the better seasons in recent memory. First off, a lot of the teams in the EPL have strengthen. Manchester United and Liverpool has shown the most about of ambition going into the current season, spending large amounts of cash to mount a new title challenge. Chelsea have been relatively quiet, no big names like Shevchenko or Ballack this summer, but they still splashed some cash on a Frenchie and a Brazilian. Arsenal lost arguably the best player in recent years in the Premier League in Henry. Filling his shoes (or at least trying to) is Da Silva, who is of decent talent.

Out of the top 4 we see Tottenham, who will be striving to oust massive rivals Arsenal form the top 4 this year. Picking up Darren Bent, and keeping Dimitar Berbatov have showed ambition to oust their north London counterparts. Liverpool blue boys Everton have shown willing to improve on their sixth place effort by buying Leighton Baines from Wigan.

Newcastle will have a new look this year beginning with their new manager. Sam Allardyce joins the Magpies after his tenure at Bolton ended last season. Big Sam will be looking to improve on Newcastle's mediocre performance last year. With a healthy Michael Owen, and new signings like Joey Barton and Mark Viduka, Newcastle will be looking to secure European football once more.

As for the newly promoted teams, the most likely to succeed is Sunderland. Relegated at the end of the 05/06 season, they are back, and with a new outlook. Roy Keane, Manchester United's former Captain, has turned Sunderland into a powerhouse in the Championship, and will be looking for a great year in the Premier league. Birmingham City also went down in the same year, but like Sunderland, are back for more. Steve Bruce's side will be looking to hold onto a place in next years league. Derby will have the toughest challenge, and I don't seem them staying up.

Now for the Predictions: Du Du Duh

1. Chelsea - Strong side, good players.
2. Liverpool - Will surprise this year, could even win the league
3. Manchester United - I don't see Ronaldo being the same as last year
4. Arsenal - Will be good without Henry
5. Tottenham - Just not a top 4 team, yet...
6. Newcastle - Good team, good fans, good manager
7. Everton - Good signings, good teams as a whole
8. Portsmouth - Great manager, decent players
9. Aston Villa - Good Manager, ambition
10. Manchester City - Sven, Sven, Sven, nuff said
11. Reading - No Sidwell
12. Blackburn - MEH
13. Fulham - Not enough gas in the tank
14. Bolton - A New Sam, but still going to be a hard season.
15. Sunderland - Roy Keane, but needs time to adapt
16. West Ham - TRASH
17. Birmingham City - Steve Bruce will keep them up
18. Middlesborough - No more Viduka, not sure about Yakubu either
19. Wigan - ROFL
20. Derby - Just not good enough, good Championship team

Chelsea, if healthy, I predict as Champions in May. Liverpool will be a close second. They have shown great ambition this summer. I wouldn't be surprised if Liverpool win it actually. If they beat Chelsea in week 2, anything could happen. It's hard not having Man U at 2, let alone 1, but they are going to have team problems. Way to many midfielder's, starting to have to many Ego's, turning into the Chelsea of last year. They couldn't entirely be winners in May. But I can't see Ronaldo being that good this year. If he is, then expect a strong chance.

This year is going to be special I think, and the title chase is going to being a thing of beauty. Liverpool have it all to gain, Chelsea and Man U have it all to lose. Many pundits are plotting a Liverpool Championship. I will wait till May to see what happens, but its a big possibility.

Cheers everyone, and enjoy the season. Good Luck to your teams.

New iMac = Poop

2007-08-08T12:42:00.001-07:00

- AHHH, Now i can make my photo Album 24" WIDE, AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Apple has released their new line of popular-to-people-who-want-to-be-cool-but-actually-aren't computers.

YAY!

This time, they have done nothing to improve the actually computer. And besides making it look good, which it does, it has failed to actually make a computer that educated people would use. Basically its a big camera and a photo album in one package, too bad you pay through the teeth for it. Though, i guess to make users, they think 2 in 1 is a good deal.

The new iMacs are starting 1,199 for the base model (POOP), not worth getting in any stretch of the imagination. The "beefed" up version (just a bigger piece of POOP, but still POOP regardless) costs 2,299, both American prices.

The computer itself is less then stellar. For 2,299, you can build a top of the line PC. But if you like Apple, you can settle for something that is middle of the pack, at best. Processing power got bumped up in the new models. The 20-inch model will be available with Intel Core 2 Duo chips up to 2.4-GHz, while the 24-inch iMac will have the option of a Core 2 Extreme 2.8-GHz at the highest end. Graphics are also bumped up thanks to the inclusion of ATI's newest generation of graphics cards. The 20-inch iMac will include a Radeon HD 2400 XT (ZOMG HD!!!! MUST BE GOOD) (128-MB GDDR3 memory), and the 24-inch model will rock a Radeon HD 2600 Pro (WHA!!!2600 is better then 2400, MUST BE GOOD) (256-MB GDDR3 memory) - IGN

Problem. For a computer that boasts itself on the smoothest and best graphics around, what are they thinking? This is nowhere close. How are they going to make complicated photo albums? 128 MB GPU's are a thing of the past, and 256 ones are joining that group. Where is a dual video card option? Where is a better processor? Even the RAM is less then what most PC's come with these days.

Why do Apple charge so much for something you can build for a grand. Do you pay an extra $1,300 for the name? Or the cool looks?

This is pathetic. Like most Apple computers, this will be eaten up. Just because it looks cool, people will give limbs to have one. If PC users are nerds, Apple users must be retarded. At least a nerd can pick out a rip off. You can say what you want, but you get nothing for the price you pay. Apple users will contest that their computer don't crash, or that their photo albums are so nice. Well I have had my comp for 4 years, and not once has it crashed. The problem i think is Apple users cant handle simplistic operations, so they have to revert to Apples childish controls. Fisher Price anyone?

Like all Mac's though, you get something that is overpriced, and underwhelming. When will they make a computer that is half decent, for a good price? That's the million dollar question.

Fantasy Football (Soccer For you Yanks)

2007-08-06T11:19:00.001-07:00

This isn't the most popular fantasy sport, but nonetheless, it is my favorite for sure.

So I've decided to rank out the top players for every spot going into this season, which starts this weekend.

Defenders:

1. John Terry: Top man, strong, great decision maker, strong in the challenge. Has great fantasy value, not only because of his solid rear guard, but because he also scores goals. He will be out for the first month or so, so act accordingly.

2. Jamie Carragher: Some will disagree here, but as far as points go, hes actually rated higher then Terry. Again has the convenience of a great back line and a great keeper. What keeps him from top spot is his lack of goals.

3. Joleon Lescott: Finished top last year on a middle of the table team. Great defensive prowess. A quality pick up. Only problem is he plays for Everton.

4. Nicky Shorley: A Reading product, he was a top sleeper last year, and he didn't disappoint. Readings breakthrough season made this guy into a class defender. Solid, dependable pick.

5. Steven Finnan: Great Defender, aggressive, and is apart of a Liverpool rear guard which is prone to runs of clean sheet games.

Defender Sleepers:

Daniel Agger: Great player, scores goals, again, part of Liverpool's defense
Ricardo Carvalho: Should be in the top 5, but i cant do it. Too Risky for me
Rio Ferdinand: If he can not score on himself, hes also a top 5 canidate
Richard Dunne: Fluke? Not sure, otherwise hes a great choice

Midfielders:

1. Christiano Ronaldo: Even though hes playing a strikers role most of the time, you have to stick with him. He's this years LT of soccer.

2. Steven Gerrard: Had a less then stellar season last year. Otherwise hes my number one choice. He's dependable, and unlike Ronaldo, doesn't dive and get yellow cards as much.

3. Cesc Fabregas: Ahead of Fat Frank because he is the new maestro at Arsenal. Without Henry this year, he will be leading the attack and will be full of assists and goals.

4. "Fat" Frank Lampard: Im not sure about him, but every year he doesnt disappoint. Will score goals, will get assists. Solid Pick.

5. Michael Essien: If he stays healthy, he will be good. Kind of like Lampard, just not as many goals.

Sleeper Midfielders:

Mikael Arteta: Good player, not up in the top 5 yet, but good pick regardless.
Garry Speed: Older, yet still a good player, likes to put the ball in the net. Nuff said.
Gamst Mort Pedersen: Good good player, needs to do a little more in a not so good team, but a solid pick here.

Forwards:

1. Didier Drgoba: Scores a lot of Goals, wins games. Your first pick

2. Wayne Rooney: Not a great season last year, but still your next best. He will do much better this year.

3. Dimitar Berbatov: Came out of nowhere last year, and had a brilliant season. Expect nothing less from him this season, he will only get better.

4. Robin Van Persie: Without Henry this year, he has to shine. Good skill and pace, and great shooter. Expect a lot out of him.

5. Dirk Kuyt: This is a risk, with a good reward. A decent player who knows where to be.

Sleeper Forwards:

Fernando Torres: Tremendous pace, skill, shooting ability. This player would be in the top 5 if this wasn't his first year.
Michael Owen: If he stays healthy, hes a brilliant choice. Will feature prominent in the Newcastle front.
Nicolas Anelka: Time will tell, he has flashes of brilliance every now and then
Robbie Keane: Solid pick, scores a lot of goals, plays opposite of Berbatov.

Goalkeepers:

1. Pepe Reina
2. David James
3. Petr Cech
4. Edwin van der Sar
5. Doug Friedel

Sports Musings

2007-08-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

A few things that have been on my mind in the world of sports this week...

Fernando Alonso is a dink, Just because a young, and more talented driver in Lewis Hamilton is better then you, and McLaren has taken to Him instead of you, doesn't mean you should get all pissy and block him in the pit lane. Now you fell back to 4th in the race and Hamilton took the checkered flag. So you lost points, lost position and now lost a good teammate because of your retardedness....smooth...

Barry Bonds, what can I say, congrats for tying the record set by Hank Aaron. Good for you, we all know you had help, and that Aaron didn't, but thats okay. It must suck, however, that everywhere you go, people boo the Scheisse out of you. You will probably break the record, soon too, but the fact remains most people couldn't care less. The fact of the matter remains you needed your good friend 'roids to help you out. Regardless of whether it is legal or illegal, it will still sour your so-called record.

The Tour De Dope should take a look at itself. You have, in the last 3 years, had one guy rumored probable to have taken performance enhancing drugs, who won. One positive tester and winner of the '06 Tour, and now this years leader until the second last day go out because he failed to make a test. Not to mention all the others that tested positive this year.

And finally HAHA to all the "supposed" Toronto FC fans this weekend. Poor morsels, cry some more. "I want my Money back", "We got screwed". WHAAAA!!!!!!! And how so, because you didn't get to see Beckham play??!?!? Oh this is just peachy. Nothing makes me happier then seeing the MLS's fan base based on...yup, you called it, one player. What did i say all the long? OH but Scott, the MLS is a good league... But Scott, Beckham just adds to the success of the MLS... ROFL. Beckham just pissed a lot of fans off. These so-called MLS fans blew a fuse when they couldn't see Beckham and had to actually watch the MLS game instead. I can't blame them either, I mean when you pay for a nice steak, you don't want a manure sandwich instead right? The MLS seriously needs to look at their league. The soccer is lackluster and the only things bringing it popularity is a player who is too good for the league. Beckham is bigger then the MLS, that doesn't say a lot about the league.

The Worst Songs Ever Recorded....

2007-07-26T07:38:00.001-07:00

The next list in the series is devoted to the crappiest songs you've ever heard, or maybe you haven't because they are so ridiculous. These songs lack anything that has to do with what makes a song good. Good lyrics, good music, and a decent signing voice eludes all of these people.

DISCLAIMER: It is well-known and well recognized that any song by 1. Nickleback 2. Fergie and 3. Black eyed peas, Sucks. They always will, they always have, and while one or two of these songs may end up on the list, we all agree that they are the worst of the worst. Also Country is the worst music ever recorded. Not Johnny Cash country, but Randy Travis, Tim McGraw country. The kind of country that makes you want to find a firm wooden railing and a strong rope. We can also agree that EMO sucks as well, nothing is worse then a dude screaming into a mic talking about how he needs to hurt himself because his girlfriend broke up with him when he was 12, My Chemical Romance style.

Now for the list...

1. Honky Tonk Badonkadonk - Trace Adkins.
2. My heart will go on - Celine Dion
3. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da - The Beatles
4. The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You - Bryan Adams
5. Follow Me - Uncle Kracker
6. She Bangs - Ricky Martin
7. Shiny Happy People - REM
8. Barbie Girl - Aqua
9. Your Body is a Wonderland - John Mayer
10. Superman - Five for Fighting
11. Sunglasses At Night - Corey Hart
12. Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American) - Toby Keith
13. I’ll Be There For You - The Rembrandts
14. Invisible - Clay Aiken
15. Ebony and Ivory - Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder
16. Ice Ice Baby - Vanilla Ice
17. Rollin - Limp Bizkit
18. Everybody Have Fun Tonight - Wang Chung
19. Achy Breaky Heart - Billy Ray Cyrus
20. My Humps - Black Eyed Peas
21. Are You Gonna Go My Way - Lenny Kravitz
22. Popozao - Kevin Federline
23. We Built this city - Starship
24. Who Let The Dogs Out? - Baha Men
25. Dirrty - Christina Agulera

The New Boys

2007-07-24T07:47:00.000-07:00

Liverpool's signings this year have been nothing but a success in pre-season matches so far. The goals are pouring in and it looks to end the goal drought we seem to experience every year that keeps us out of title contention. But this year something feels different.

Lets look at the signings of the summer.

First and formost we sealed deals for the cornerstones of the club. Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, Steve Finnan and Pepe Reina have all signed extensions to their contracts. The financial strength of the new owners has allowed for these contracts to be done.

The biggest signing of the summer has been Fernando Torres, for Liverpool, and in Europe in general. This kid has it all, strength on the ball and on the marker, great pace, and great anticipation. He can make great runs and is a clinical finisher. A great addition that promises more goals over the year.

The next signing on the list would be Ryan Babel, the Dutch Under 21 international that shined throughout Hollands Under-21 conquest earlier this summer. This kid is a prodigy, a product of Ajax he has great pace and is another great finisher.

The sleeper signing of the summer has to be Andriy Voronin. A great pickup by Benitez. Strong, physically imposing, this Ukrainian has a hunger for the goal, and is a great finisher both on his feet and in the air. Has already made his mark this pre-season scoring a few goals. Also he cost nothing to buy, as it was a free transfer. Great move by Liverpool.

The "iffy" signing this year goes to Israeli international Yossi Benayoun. The former West Ham man is a good midfielder, but where he exactly fits in an already start studded midfield I do not know. He has great vision and is decent on the ball, I'm sure Benitez has some sort of plan for him, we will just have to wait and see.

As for potential targets to come, Gabriel Heinze's name has come up. A great defender that would bolster the Liverpool rearguard. The Argentinean International would improve an already solid back four and would offer a great offensive presence.

This year seems to be a little different, the addition of high class names and the retention of the core of the team has illustrated the American owners will to win and will to succeed against the likes of Manchester United. We are very close and I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't have the title next spring. If not this year, then next.

Michael Vick....

2007-07-23T07:03:00.001-07:00

What is up with people today? Michael Vick has been accused of having dog fights, amongst other things.

Now I have no problem with charging the guy under suspicion, thats completely normal when there are allegations against him. My problem is the fact that they are branding him guilty already. Why?? Has he gone to trial? Has he been proven guilty?

What the Heck?

This guy is innocent until proven guilty, just like any other suspected criminal. I don't care if he is a star or whatever, the guy still needs to have a fair trial. It seems to me this is turning into a race issue. I was watching Nancy Grace (switching through channels, something caught my eye) and it was pathetic. First off, let me say that Nancy Grace is the biggest piece of Garbage on the TV since Barney. She is a terrible reporter, a terrible talker and doesn't even have a clue about anything when it comes to sports or even the law half the time. Most of the time shes talking about herself and how she was once some really good lawyer. Right. Shes obnoxious, rude, and has no time for any of her guests if they questions her. She's been known to bash cops and other lawyers and what not. She even asked one lawyer is this Vick case was another OJ Simpson. WOW! This women is out of control.

Regardless, she would say he was innocent till proven guilty, and then next, say that he was guilty. And went on too comment on videos of dogfighting has how bad it is. FOR GOODNESS SAKE YOU DUMB BROAD!!!! Of course the videos are disgusting, but for the love of Sweet Jesus, SHUT UP! Stop making Vick out to be some monster when he hasn't even been convicted of anything. I don't care what anyone says, until this man is proven guilty, without a shadow of a doubt then ill change my mind. For now hes innocent, and should be playing football.

Oh, and for the record, i have a FIRM boycott on Nancy Grace and her show. Nancy Grace = The Scum of the Earth.

The Greatest Songs Ever Written

2007-07-22T20:57:00.001-07:00

This is part one of a series about music, and the highs and lows, the best and the worst. These lists are compiled by myself and reflect what i like and think are the best and worst.

Today's topic is best mainstream songs from the last 50 years (in no particular order)

1. Like A Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
2. Under My Thumb - The Rolling Stones
3. Gimmie Shelter - The Rolling Stones
4. All along the Watchtower - Jimi Hendrix
5. The sound of Silence - Simon and Garfunkel
6. Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash (Hello, I'm Johnny Cash)
7. Eleanor Rigby - The Beatles
8. Subterranean Homesick Blues - Bob Dylan
9. Old Man (live at Massey Hall 1971) - Neil Young
10. The Weight - The Band
11. Paranoid - Black Sabbath
12. Paranoid Android - Radiohead
13. Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin
14. Comfortable Numb - Pink Floyd
15. Fake Plastic Trees - Radiohead
16. Loser Baby - Beck
17. Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve
18. Jessica - The Allman Brothers
19. Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
20. Fuck the Police - N.W.A.
21. Piano Man - Billy Joel
22. Baba O'Riley - The Who
23. I Wanna Be Your Dog - Stooges
24. Spirit of Radio - Rush
25. Wonderwall - Oasis

Next Time: The worst Songs ever recorded. I'll Give you a hint on one. Fergie... Until next time...

ROFLCOPTER ROLLOUT!!!!!!!!

2007-07-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

Today's Pondering...

2007-07-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

Scott is glad that anonymous posters cannot post on his blog anymore because they are, for the most part, useless. Scott is also glad that he doesn't have to read the senseless BS that is posted by the anonymous posters. Scott is pondering why people think they can just do what they want and say what they will behind the curtains of the internet.

People should learn to grow up, maybe grow a set. Maturity does not lie in anonymity.

Autobots, Rollout!

A recent comment...

2007-07-12T08:18:00.001-07:00

A recent comment made to me about the MLS stating that someone loved soccer so much that they even watched the MLS.

Ok, I see that point. Yes, if you love soccer so much then I could see watching the MLS. BUT......I think the thing is that I LOVE soccer so much that I cant stand watching a professional league that is full of mediocre players. Players who cannot pass to save their tails, can't shoot worth shat, and can't even make a decent play without some sort of fluke bounce.

Out of all the players in the MLS, theres about a handful that are actually decent. David Beckham is one, Juan Pablo Angel is another, and then theirs the likes of Freddy Adu who is quite the prospect for European Clubs, namely Manchester United, who have been watching this kid like a hawk. But what else does this league offer that the many European ones don't. What does the MLS give to the football world that every other league doesn't already? The answer is nothing. It gives a whole lot of NOTHING.

Exciting Football X
Good players X
Decent Coverage X

So what else does the MLS have left then? The league has been labeled a league of wash-ups, has-beens, and players who just aren't good enough to play anywhere else but in their own country on a bad team.

I don't have a personal problem with the MLS, contrary to popular belief, i think its a good way to get Americans attuned to the game. The problem is they are doing it all wrong. Brash statements such as "We are better then the Premier League" and "We could hold our own against the best in England" are simply stupid comments coming from dumb American soccer players who, ironically, only played in the US for their careers. Lack of experience here hurts them.

Lets take a look at the Copa America. The USA lost all three of its games, one to Argentina, Columbia, and Paraguay. Yeah they were missing their "star" player Landon Donovan, PFFFF, what a over-hyped piece of American Media. The guy sucks, no one wants him. The player they could have used was Brian McBride. A quality player who is actually good at the game.

Case and Point, I'm a massive fan, I love the game, so much so that it hurts to see bad soccer being called good. I like the idea of the MLS, but don't make it out to be the best league, or even a top 10 league. I don't like the league because of how it has been marketed and how it doesn't live up to any of the hype. Figures though, Americans trying to look the best at everything they do, too bad they fall short this time, very short.

A Ridiculous Car...

2007-07-10T09:02:00.000-07:00

This car is quite the machine, the ultra-car version of the popular GTI model, it develops 650 bhp and 530 foot pounds from a 6.0 liter, twin-turbo charged W12. This means a north to 60 arrives in 3.7 seconds; supercar territory. Straight line performances looks promising, and with a mid-engine, rear-wheel setup, handling could be promising as well.

The body of the car has been widened, 6 feet in total, to fit massive 295 width tires with 19 in alloys, Lamborghini tires are in the same region here, to give some prospective. It's W12 motor producing 650 bhp is a 450 bhp increase from the standard GTI's 2.0 4 cylinder that produces 200 bhp. Quite the increase on such a small car.

The downfall that this car has to be its six-speed Automatic transmission via paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. This takes a way from the sport experience that this car has to offer. This isn't the Ferrari automatic paddle shifting technology which is God-like in it's shift times. This is a German made car, not an Italian thoroughbred. This is disappointing but at the price this car will be, probably in the 6 figure area, you have other options.

While this car will be a one-off, it will be interesting to see how it takes to the public. It just doesn't look and feel like a supercar, it doesn't make you giddy like pictures of Lamborghini's do, and it doesn't scare the living hell out of you just looking at it.

Specs:
- VW claims a top speed of 202 mph
- 6.0l W12 12-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine mounted in the rear.
- 650hp and 553 lb-ft. of torque
- with the flared fenders the car sits over 6 feet wide and only 4.6 feet tall
- 19" wheels with 295 rear rubber and 235 front rubber
- the fenders are flared 3.15" at the rear

Brilliant!

2007-07-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

Fox Sports

Sky Sports

What a great signing, finally we will have a striker that can finish. All i can say is it is about time!

Sad Day for Arsenal Fans

2007-06-22T11:28:00.001-07:00

Henry to Barca

It was probably inevitable, with the departure of David Dein, Henry was left shocked. Henry has given 8 years of great service to the Gunners. Much of clubs success can be attributed to his goal scoring prowess.

A sad day that he's leaving English Football. A good day for Liverpool though as speculation will heat up even more now about the possibility of Samuel Eto'o joining the club. And with the signing of Fernando Torres imminent, we could have the best looking striking partnership in the Premier league withing a couple of weeks. *Fingers Crossed*

WTF General Motors? LOL

2007-06-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

GM is Retarded

This is the reason General Motors keeps on having Billions of dollars worth of debt. Offering test drives of better cars, hahahhaa, yeah thats a good marketing ploy. Walk into a Local GM dealership, ask to test drive a GM vehicle, instead test drive a Toyota, ask the GM dealer where the nearest Toyota dealership is, walk out of GM dealership. LOL, What idiots.

Just another reason why GM is the scum of the earth when it comes to building and selling cars!

2007-06-19T08:02:00.000-07:00

On Par with the Premier League?

I don't think so, I dont think Alexi watches his own football, its pathetic. It is like watching a blindfolded man try to catch chickens. The MLS has no appeal to it, it doesn't boast the best players in the world, and therefore doesn't equate the best football.

I think he said it right, and should have ended with this statement "In England, our league is considered second class..." Instead he went on to ramble about how if he took a helicopter with MLS players over to England they would win, hahaha. The helicopter wouldn't make it across the Atlantic, what a retard.

The British press loved this one,

"The game was not without moments of quality ... (but) some of the defending from both sides was the type of stuff you watch through your fingers," according to The Mirror.

"It was the football equivalent of a demolition derby.

He can't seriously think this, he can't be that dumb. To even think that that league is better then second division English teams is a stretch. The MLS has no good players, nothing that stands out, besides Beckham, but hes doing it for future goals, not for the football. The MLS is rubbish when it comes to quality of football, its rubbish when it comes to the quality of players, and rubbish when it comes to quality in general.

Let's face it, if this league was so good, why isn't Thierry Henry, or Christiano Ronaldo or ANYONE worth mentioning moving to the MLS at the peak of their careers? The only things the MLS is good for, like it's cousin from the 70's, is money for players at the end of their careers.

I think it is enevitable...

2007-06-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

Beckham to Stay?

This would definetly kill any momentum the MLS thought they had coming. With 1 win seperating Beckham and his first Primera League title since joing Real Madrid, and his subsequent re-call to the England nation squad, there has been many rumors about his potential u-turn.

This move would only benefit himself, there is no reason to go over to the US because he isn't a wash up like the rest of the MLS players. With his renewed England career, and with the potential of another 2 or 3 quality years, i think that American may never seem him. Prayers sometimes get answered!

To clear something up....

2007-06-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

This is in regards to the people who only read one half of the story.

Recently a Uefa member went out of his way to label Liverpool's fans as the worst in Europe. <-----This is where most people stopped reading and that led to people thinking dumb things because people only read what they want to hear sometimes.

The fact of the matter is Michel Platini has denounced these claims. Who is Michel Platini you ask, only the Chief of Uefa, the big Cheese, and probably one of the best Midfielders ever to play the game to boot.

"What is most surprising about the latest comments from Mr Gaillard is that on the eve of the final, he quite rightly commented that Liverpool supporters 'have a tradition of good behaviour'.

Comments from a BBC Report

"Let's not forget that these same supporters who Mr Gaillard is claiming are now the worst in Europe were praised by Uefa President Michel Platini after our semi-final victory against Chelsea only last month.

"They were commended for their behaviour in Istanbul in 2005 and actually honoured by Uefa at a gala dinner in Monte Carlo in 2001 as joint Supporters of the Years with Alves after the Uefa Cup final."

So who is telling the truth here. Uefa seems to be playing the blame game when it is acutally their fault for allocating only 17000 tickers for Liverpool in a 60000 seat stadium. Uefa knew that Liverpool supporters were upset that they had been cheated out of seeing their team play. At the gate for the game, Uefa workers were letting in people who didnt even have tickets and supporters with legitmate tickets were turned away. So who dropped the ball. If you paid upwards of 1000 Pounds, almost $2500 Canadian for a ticket and you couldnt get in, you would be mad. This is not even mentioning travel costs to Athens.

So when people say well Liverpool must have the worst fans because of a massive mistake by Uefa, and totally ignoring the embarrasing actions of Manchester United Fans in Lens and Rome, doesn't make sense. And it just goes to show people will only read what they want to hear, then they stop and get all their facts mixed up and they looked ridiculous when trying to argue their flawed point.

Liverpool's fans are the Loudest in the word (actually hold a world record for this) and are the most supoorting fans as well. It's not lie when Samuel Eto'o adores the Liverpool Fans, Thierry Henry has spoken praises before, even Ronaldinho. It's clear Uefa is wrong, and now they have thier tails between their legs trying to rectify the situation. Expect apolgies within the next couple of weeks.

Answer Me This...

2007-06-06T13:52:00.000-07:00

Read This:

Article from Macleans Magazine, May 14th Issue.

Al Gore's tenuous grasp on the 'truth'

Gore blasted the Tories' green plan, but it includes almost every remedy that he calls for

FROM THE EDITORS | May 14, 2007 |

Of all the memorable scenes in Al Gore's documentary An Inconvenient Truth, it's hard to forget his forecast on rising oceans.

The collapse of the Greenland ice sheet at the hands of global warming will increase worldwide sea levels by nearly seven metres, Gore states. He sketches out the impact this will have: India and Bangladesh will be inundated. Forty million people will be displaced around Shanghai. Florida will all but disappear. Most cruel of all, however, is the effect on New York City. His graphics then show a blue tide of water slowly swallowing up city streets. "This is what would happen to Manhattan. They [scientists] can measure this precisely." In a whisper he adds: "The area where the World Trade Center Memorial is to be located would be underwater." It is perhaps the most powerful moment in the movie. Yet, like the bulk of Gore's message, it is also heavily exaggerated and of questionable practical value.

Those scientists in which Gore puts so much faith do discuss the possibility of a failure of Greenland's ice. In fact, the February 2007 report of the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change mentions the possibility of a seven-metre rise in the oceans. But that report also says global warming would have to continue "for millennia" for this to occur. Gore's Manhattan/Atlantis scenario is thus a potential risk sometime after 4007. It's not exactly a clear and present danger.

We bring this up not because global warming or environmentalism are things to be ignored -- they are important issues to be sure -- but to point out Gore's frequent distance from the useful truth. His comment last week in Toronto that the Conservative government's environmental plan is a "complete and total fraud ... designed to mislead the Canadian people" is as exaggerated and misplaced as his movie scaremongering. It is never a fraud to be honest. However painful it may be for single-minded idealists like Gore to admit, it is an absolute impossibility for Canada to meet its 2012 Kyoto targets without triggering economic collapse.

The plan released by Environment Minister John Baird last month includes almost all the remedies Gore himself calls for. Ottawa has already introduced tax breaks for public transit. Now we have rebates for fuel-efficient cars with new standards on the way. There will be carbon sequestering, a new technology fund and a ban on incandescent bulbs. Baird's plan is also notable for its focus on reducing air pollution, which arguably has a bigger negative impact on Canadians today than global warming ever will. Taken as a whole, the plan represents an effective compromise between economic sanity and environmental necessity.

Gore's fascinating reinvention of himself from earnest but boring politician to environmental crusader is a notable achievement. If he has made himself rich in the process, we applaud that as well. But during this transformation, Gore appears to have forgotten the art of realistic policy-making, and he has ceased to tell his audience the whole truth.

When will we ever do enough for the tree huggers? No matter what we do, will ever be enough for Al Gore. What Gives? When will these people ever be happy.

EPL SEASON REVIEW

2007-06-06T08:39:00.000-07:00

So instead of writing the whole review out, i have decided to get the official video for the season review, its an hour long, but a good view.

Oh ya, Yakuba sucked it up this year!

Enjoy!

EPL Season Review

P.S. You may have to download the Divx plug-in, but don't worry, its safe! The link is also posted if you don't want to watch it on here, its a bigger video size in the link but a bit blurry.

A Sad 24 Hours

2007-05-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Well, Liverpool lost yesterday 2-1 to AC Milan in the CL Final. In a game dominated by Liverpool, it showed that you can be the better team and still lose. All credit to AC Milan however, they played well and took their 2 opportunities well. I'm not as upset as I would usually be though. If you look back, we beat Barcelona, we beat Chelsea, we made quite a bit of coin too on this to spend as well.

Rafa Benitez has been given 100 million pounds to overhaul Liverpool to make them a contender for the title next year. Champions League will be a target, but the Premiership will be the main focus. Names like Eto'o, David Villa and Michael Owen have been circulating again. Meanwhile, Rafa has started to get rid of some of the not so good players on the team. Zenden has been given the green light to leave and Mark Gonzalez has also completed a deal to Spain. With more to come it looks like exciting times for Liverpool. Steven Gerrard is among 4 others that are signing new contracts, his in particular will make him the highest paid player in the Premier league.(and people say hes not good)

In the words of Stevie G, we gotta take this loss on the chin and move on. There are many positives to take out of last night. The fact we could dominate a team like AC Milan, the fact that we can beat any team in Europe that is put in our way. The team is strong, we just need to improve in the domestic league. All in good time!

My Resolve

2007-05-08T22:37:00.000-07:00

My resolve is as follows, after having a good chat with a good friend today I realized my way of responding to things is a little out of hand. I took comments as face value and then screwed up, and for this I apologize to that person, and too others who had too endure me.

As far as my posting and purpose is concerned: I post with the purpose to create conversation, to engage and interact with people, to build a community that can talk about issues that they may not agree with, but yet discuss and share with others their own values and beliefs. This blogs purpose is too sometimes stir the pot and create a little controversy and have some fun in a way that can also be educational.

My aim for this blog is to find people that want to discuss deeper matters of questioning, or interpreting, and of analyzing, and also to talk about sports and humor and other things of that nature. My blog won't be gear towards everyone and I understand this, and I hope the people it isn't gear towards understand their place in this.

I will state this now, I will not stop posting on things I think about, things I want to discuss and things that I want to maybe rant about or get off my chest. I understand I am in a position of leadership. As a leader I need to be as real as possible with people. Moderating my posts does a disservice to myself and to others as a leader as it looks like I'm fake. For me to be a leader, is for me to be real, honest, in some cases brutal, and in all cases loving. If I cannot be real in leadership then I will have to step down from that position, and that wouldn't be a problem for me because I feel I would be doing what is right, and being honest with people is important too me.

I cannot be putting a disclaimer on my posts every time. I can't make a choose your own adventure every time either. It's of a read at your own risk. As you get to know me, if you last that long, you will realize that it isn't a risk at all, but educational and challenging experience. I fully understand that kids, teens, young and old adults may read this. I truly believe that society has stopped asking questions because they are afraid of confrontation, afraid to challenge what the think, see, and believe. I'm doing my part to bring that back, even if it is only a little. If you don't question, how do you grow and learn?

For people who do not know me, I am a Christian, even if it looks like I am not. I like to challenge myself, and further my learning in God by questioning and talking with others. I became a Christian after a lot of thought, a lot of calculating, a lot of a lot of things to get to where I am. I still enjoy questions, I believe working through things strengthens my faith, makes it fun and exciting.

I understand that I do and say some dumb things, but don't we all. I take full responsibility for my blunders, I have no problem with that. I realize that I screw up and I just have to learn and move on. Some of my comments get out of hand, and this I'm working on, my posts can get out of hand, but sometimes thats how I feel. I maybe angry or upset, it may be at someone, or God. That's life, it's normal to be that way.

So again I would like to apologize to any that I offended with my comments during this. I was wrong with the way I handled it. The posts will go on, but the way I interact with people will improve so I can accomplish what I want out of this blog.

Thank You!

Athens 2007: The Repeat

2007-05-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

This pictures symbolizes the last time Liverpool met AC Milan in the Champions League, and what a match it was. Going 3-0 down after the first half, the Reds fought back courtesy of Brilliance by Steven Gerrard, which saw him score the first of three but set up the third goal thanks to a penalty called on him from a foul by Gennaro Gattuso. Liverpool went on to win in Penalty Kicks and that Final is known as the best European Cup Final ever.

On May 23rd, two days before Liverpool's triumph 2 years ago, Liverpool and AC Milan will put it all on the line once more. Liverpool's road to the final included taking first place in their group, and beating defending champions Barcelona and PSV and their fellow Premier League team Chelsea. AC Milan took first place in their group followed up by a narrow win against Celtic and Bayern Munich, and trounced Manchester United in the second leg 3-0 to win 5-3 on aggregate.

This Final will have much hype, Milan will be looking to exact revenge for the memories they still have of Istanbul. Liverpool will be looking to win in a more convincing fashion and not leave it very late. On May 23rd, will it be We Won It Six Times? The Manchester fans couldn't bear that one. COME ON YOU REDS!!!!!!

Not just another car!

2007-05-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

In the June issue of Motor Trend, they did a handling test between many cars, one of those cars was mine. For a car that's "supposed" to be mediocre in the handling department, it performed quite well against some stiff competition. For a car that seats five and is by far the most luxurious in the group, I'd say it performed quite well. Here's MT's list of the top ten handling cars and their scores:

1. Porsche 911 GT3 - 37.8
2. Porsche Cayman S - 35.9
3. Lotus Exiges S - 35
4. Mitsubishi EVO IX MR - 32.1
5. Mini Cooper S JCW GP - 28.6
6. BMW 335 i - 27.9
7. Honda S2000 - 27
8. MazdaSpeed 3 - 26.0
9. Corvette Z06 - 23.5
10. Honda Civic Si - 21.0

Not too shabby for a car that people knock because it's a Honda, the only reason people do this is because they are jealous that their American made garbage is worse. Just another reason why I love my car.

A Win For The Ages

2007-05-02T08:12:00.002-07:00

Liverpool FC beat Chelsea FC last night for the 3 straight year in a major cup semi-final. In 2005 Liverpool beat them in the Champions league semi's, in 2006 we beat them in the FA Cup semi's and this year we beat them again in the Champions League Semi's. Some will say it was luck, I beg to differ, lets look at the stats from last nights game.

Liverpool Team Statistics Chelsea
1 Goals 0
1 1st Half Goals 0
5 Shots on Target 3
7 Shots off Target 6
4 Blocked Shots 3
5 Corners 6
31 Fouls 21
3 Offsides 5
2 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 0
69.2 Passing Success 76.2
43 Tackles 20
74.4 Tackles Success 85
46.2 Possession 53.8
55 Territorial Advantage 45

PENALTY SHOOT-OUT
Zenden scored 1-0
Robben missed 1-0
Alonso scored 2-0
Lampard scored 2-1
Gerrard scored 3-1
Geremi missed 3-1
Kuyt scored 4-1

I wouldn't say at all that Chelsea was the better team, we dominated possesion for most of the game, chances were at a premium for Chelsea and they failed to capitalize on the little ones they got. Pepe Reina shined in the penalty shootout, saving not one, but two of three Chelsea spot kicks. Some say this is a lottery, but when your keeper keeps two of three out, and saves three in last years FA Cup Final, one must realize he has a skill. For Villareal in the Spanish league, Reina saved 6 out of 7 spot kicks taken against him in the 04/05 season. He's a great keeper from when it comes to kicks from 12 yards.

Jose Moan-inho couldn't help try to pad his ever shrinking ego during interviews. He talked about how Chelsea deserved to win even though they couldn't score a goal, and scored only one in the shootout. The whining and moaning made little noise for Liverpool players. Steven Gerrard said "He makes us laugh".

The fact of the matter is that on May 23rd Liverpool will be playing for it's sixth European Cup in Athens; Chelsea, on the other hand, will be wondering what happened to their chances of winning their first. Mourinho let his ego and his mouth get the better of him, and he got put in his place along with all those arrogant Chelsea players he manages. The best part about all of this is that no one cares that Chelsea is out, even their own fans. Most of them were sleeping all game, I guess the roar of the Anfield crowd was to much for them.

Here's highlights of the game:

Nothing is more sweeter!

Great Article on the Money in Football.

2007-05-01T10:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1614965-1,00.html

Leeds United

2007-04-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

Oh Leeds United, where have you gone, it seemed only 6 years ago the world was singing your song.

Oh Leeds United, where did you go, you used to have Fowler, Viduka, and Woodgate not that many ages ago.

Oh Leeds United, where are you know, relegated to League One, for now.

Yes it was only 6 years ago when Leeds United were a European power house, Champions League Semi-Finalists, doing well in the league, and living the good life with promising youngsters Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell and Johnathan Woodgate anchoring a team which saw the likes of God (Fowler) play for them. Since then they have been relegated to the Championship, where last year they could have been back in the top flight, if it wasn't for their blunder in their playoff tie against Preston. This year now they have been relegated once again to League One, the first time, in their 88 year history. Fans invaded the pitch in frustration as their beloved Leeds United drew their game at Eland Road at the weekend.

With talks of an administration taking over, and their relegation to League One, will we ever see Leeds United in the Premiership again?

YNWA on American Idol

2007-04-25T07:27:00.000-07:00

Just to solidify the popularity of Liverpool's Song, it was sung last night on American Idol. I'm not particularly fond of the the way it was sung, but the fact that Gerry Marsden's infamous song was sung for 30 Million+ people was great.

Champions League Semi-Finals

2007-04-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

The stage has been set for an Epic battle between 2 English teams and another English team and those pesky Italians. Chelsea, coming off there last minute victory over a luckless Valencia side, will play 2005 Champions Liverpool FC, coming off a convincing 4-0 aggregate victory over a reduced PSV side that never really looked great in the tie. This will be the rematch from the 2005 Semi-Finals where Luis Garcia scored in the 4th minute of the second leg to send Liverpool to the Final they eventually won. This will be the marquee match of the tournament. My prediction is Liverpool win 3-2 on aggregate. Liverpool, contrary to popular belief by people who don't even follow football, have had Chelsea's number in big matches for the past 3 years. While i am not counting Chelsea out, one has to realize that they are fighting on 2 other fronts, including the FA and the league. Something will have to give for a side that has to comeback in the league and faces a sterner opposition in the FA cup. Advantage Liverpool in this one.

The second Semi-Final will see Manchester United, who won 7-1 on Tuesday night, face 2005 Finalists AC Milan. This match-up will be fantastic, though not as mouth watering as the other Semi-Final match. AC Milan won 2-0 and 4-2 on aggregate on Wednesday to advance to this stage will United lost the first leg 2-1 only to win 7-1 in the second. While this display on dominance will look frightening to some, it really isn't. winning 1-0 or 7-1 makes no difference, in football it is very rare to get these types of wins. Milan are a much better side then Roma as well, though their league form wouldn't show this, but you have to remember that Milan started with -7 points at the start of the year. I'm going to give Milan the edge here, based on previous Champions league performances and that fact that like Chelsea, Manchester United are fighting on two other fronts. They are losing their grasp on the league, and for United, the league is more important then winning the Champions League. The FA cup is also very important for them too and they will be in tough against an inspired Watford team. My prediction is 4-2 for Milan on aggregate.

It seems that fate and history will be on the side of Milan and Liverpool, and this would set up a great rematch between the 2005 final opponents. If it gets that far I predict another win for Liverpool, their form is peaking at the right moment and they are putting together clutch performances when they need them. Could it be 6 Times next month? I can only hope...

Hilarious Office Game!

2007-04-10T07:39:00.001-07:00

Hide And Go Poop - Click here for more blooper videos

Goal of the Week!

2007-04-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

This one has to go to the best defender in England, i can see why Steve Maclaren puts him in before Jamie Carragher, it makes sense.

I don't get why hes mad at something here, its his own fault, it looks like hes mad at Van der sar, but what did he do? Good ol' Manchester United, folding during clutch time.

LOL

EPL Weekend Review

2007-04-09T07:53:00.002-07:00

Another good week of Football, Manchester United got beat by Portsmouth of all people to give Chelsea a hope of catching up, now only 3 points behind with a game still to be played between the two. Manchester benefited yet again from their defenders, and Rio Ferdinand made a great claim on why he should never be dropped from the England side ;)

Liverpool won yet again, Reading put up a great battle but we came out the winner courtesy of a Dirk Kuyt Header.

Scores:

Mon - 09 Apr 07

Watford 4 2 Portsm'h

Sat - 07 Apr 07

Arsenal 0 1 West Ham
Blackb'n 1 2 A Villa
Chelsea 1 0 Tot'ham
M'brough 4 1 Watford
Portsm'h 2 1 Man Utd
Reading 1 2 Liv'pool
Sheff U 1 2 N'castle
Wigan 1 3 Bolton

Standings:

Team Pld Pts
Man Utd 32 78
Chelsea 32 75
Liverpool 32 60
Arsenal 31 55
Bolton 32 53
Everton 32 50
Tottenham 32 48
Portsmouth 33 46
Reading 32 44
Newcastle 32 40
Blackburn 32 40
M'brough 32 39
Aston Villa 32 38
Man City 31 37
Fulham 32 35
Wigan 32 33
Charlton 32 31
Sheff Utd 32 31
West Ham 32 29
Watford 33 23

Top Scorers:

Didier Drogba Chelsea 18
Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United 16
Benni McCarthy Blackburn Rovers 13
Wayne Rooney Manchester United 12
Yakubu Aiyegbeni Middlesbrough 12
Robin Van Persie Arsenal 11
Frank Lampard Chelsea 11
Andrew Johnson Everton 11
Obafemi Martins Newcastle United 11
Thierry Henry Arsenal 10

Who Said Ronaldo Couldn't Play Anymore?

2007-04-09T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well if your in this school of thinking, watch the first goal here, one of the better goals i've seen in some time. The free kick following his goal scored by Empoli is something to watch too, a great set piece.

A Good Week!

2007-04-04T12:24:00.000-07:00

Well we beat Arsenal on saturday handly, with three goals by Crouchinho, here they are:

1st

2nd

3rd

And the week got better yesterday with the 3-nil win over PSV away, which virtually put us (Liverpool) into the Semi-Finals of the Champions league. Highlights here:

And then the week just got even better because at half time of the Manchester United Roma game its 1-nil for Roma, and in the Chelsea game versus Valencia its 1-nil for Valencia and they have the vital away goal. Also Paul Scholes was sent off and will miss the next leg. Wow, and now the Manchester fans are back to their usual retarded selves throwing stuff at the Roma fans. The Roma "Ultras" are not people you want to be messing with. Manchester United fans are pictured throwing seats, why do these pricks even go to games, Wow. More fines headed United's way. Haha, sore losers.

The Best Player You've Never Heard Of

2007-04-01T21:48:00.000-07:00

Rodrigo Palacio

This kid is amazing, hes 25 years old and is a product of the intense and physical Argentina Football league. He is being scouted out by Barcelona lately. His price tag is high, Boca recently rejected a £12.7m offer from Barcelona.

Boca's President Mauricio Macri said this: "For Palacio we will have to receive the biggest offer in the world because for me he is the best forward in Argentina."

He's been a very influential force on Boca Juniors, and is incredible to watch him as a striker. Hes the best striker outside of Europe and one of the top 10 in the world for sure. His 34 goals in the 2005 Apertura secured the league for Boca. He also has a trademark haircut.

Watch out for this guy hes coming to Europe and hes coming to make an impact.