Wednesday digest II

- Thought-provoking article titled "In Defense of the Rich", here.

- Speaking of wealthy people who made their money dishonestly, everyone's favourite liberal Mikey Moore is facing an $85 million lawsuit for falsely representing an Iraq veteran in "Fahrenheit 9/11" and manipulating that footage to advance a particular agenda.

Perhaps if Mikey, champion of the little guy, would have shared some of the cash from the flick with the "cast", he wouldn't be facing legal action even if he DID distort what they said.

Moore's sleaziness never ceases to amaze, does it?

- According to the Quebec Court of Appeal, raping your two-year old daughter and then posting pictures of it online isn't worth 15 years in the slammer, but rather, only nine.

I bet he'll end up serving a third of that sentence.

Appalling.

Wednesday digest

- In the latest example of municipal politicians without enough to do, Ottawa city councillor Alex Cullen is proposing that perfume and cologne be banned in public places.

This is so stupid. Would Cullen extend the ban to nightclubs? Would he propose shutting down the fragrance counter at the Bay so that the poor souls walking by who might be extra sensitive aren't at risk of getting a headache? And how would this be enforced?

Cullen should forget about this and get back to dealing with sewers and sidewalks. That's his job, not dreaming up more reasons for Ottawa bylaw officers to intrude into our lives.

- A new book reveals that as a young man, Pierre Trudeau would have made an excellent Pequiste.

- Moving to US politics, I'd say the Republicans are in better shape than the Dems these days, but that's not saying much. I am also not expecting big Dem gains this fall because as disappointed as conservatives are, the GOP will always be preferable to right-wing activists than a Democratic congress, and they'll work and vote towards keeping Capitol Hill in Republican hands this November. Republican ground strength is always more effective than the Dems' "netroots".

- Another victim of political correctness comes to us from Massachussetts, where opposing gay marriage is enough to disqualify you from sitting on the board of the local fire department. This is the same type of thinking that prevented Gwyn Morgan from being able to serve as Public Appointments Commissioner here in Canada. What one's opinions on same-sex marriage or Jamaican crime gangs have to do with their ability to either fight fires or vet public appointments is beyond me, but then again, I'm not a member of the thought police so perhaps I'm the wrong guy to offer my views on that.

- Finally, why is everyone freaking out about Ricky Williams signing with the Argos? Everybody needs to calm down. It's not like the guy was snorting coke, smoking crack or using a performance-enhancing substance that gave him an advantage over the competition. It's pot. So what if he enjoys sitting back with a spliff from time to time (a substance which, by the way, was almost decriminalized in Canada last year)?

Ricky Williams is a very good athlete who will help increase interest in the CFL, a league that needs it at even the best of times. Plus, if Toronto ever got an NFL team, with the cast of characters that comes with THAT terrority, you can bet the Toronto media (which has been crapping all over the perfectly good CFL for years in the hopes that it would just fold and pave the way for four-down football) would be looking the other way at behaviour that is way more destructive than enjoying the odd joint.

The DVD event of the year will happen on July 11

I have been waiting for this for a very long time.

Tuesday digest

- A top CSIS official warned yesterday in testimony to a Senate committee that the conditions which led to the 7/7 bombings in London exist right now within Canada. This is nothing new, but one of the more alarming factoids that was revealed was that over 90% of the 20,000 people coming to Canada from Afghanistan and Pakistan since 9/11 have not been properly screened. If this is true, it's a total outrage. What is the role of government if not to make sure that the people coming here do not pose a risk to the safety and security of our country?

Meanwhile, today the House of Commons is spending the entire day debating a Liberal motion on the "protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions" (what the hell does that mean?) while the provincial governments are bitching about how the Conservatives aren't giving them the $5 billion they were expecting to help fund government babysitting programs.

We have our priorities so screwed up in Canada sometimes.

- I am as sick of this dispute as anyone but Lorrie Goldstein makes some good points about the Press Gallery's double standard.

- Dennis Prager continues his excellent series on Judaism here.

- Great article here by Cathy Young which points out the intellectual follies of academia with a couple of shots taken at those who would deny the existence of evolution.

Monday digest

- Toronto's NDP mayor is having to deal with an illegal strike by transit workers this morning who don't want to see some of their jobs moved from the day shift to the night shift.

It's stunts like this that made even Bob Rae come to his senses about public sector labour unions.

I am just loving it.

- On Wednesday, Ontario and Quebec are going to have laws in place that will pretty much ban lighting up a cigarette in any bar, restaurant or other public place across both provinces. Although I think smoking is dumb, a waste of money and a whole lot of other things, aren't there more important things for the province to be doing than to protect people from a substance like tobacco, sales of which the the public sector is dependent on for a significant chunk of change? Besides, if there's sufficient demand for non-smoking establishments, which I'm sure there is, let an entrepreneur open one up. This one-size-fits-all approach is heavy-handed government at its worst.

- Yesterday, I suggested that it's a good sign that debate within the Democratic party is broadening. Former editor of the liberal magazine The New Republic weighs in here with a very well thought-out piece on the White House's Iran strategy in light of Iraq. More reasoned argumentation rather than the hysterical shrieking and frothing at the mouth we've come to expect from most liberals is only going to raise the level of discourse.

- Here's a no-nonsense look at what Hamas is up to. Another article here suggests that Israel should stand their ground in the West Bank for the sake of stability in the whole region.

- Finally, in Soviet Russia, the Village People were banned on the grounds that they promoted violence.

Huh?

That explains a lot about how backwards they had it in Moscow, doesn't it?

Film Review: "Munich" (2006)

Steven Spielberg's controversial Munich, inspired by George Jonas' book Vengeanceand based on true events, is the story of a group of five Israeli men who were tasked with hunting down and killing the Palestinian terrorists who murdered 11 Israeli athletes in Munich, Germany during the 1972 Olympics.

Although this portrayal makes the country look ruthless on the strategic level yet head-shakingly clumsy at the operational level, I would hardly say "Munich" is anti-Semitic or anti-Israel. What it is first and foremost is a tale of the psychological toll that the operation took on its participants. By way of comparison, the self-criticism that the Israeli agents put themselves through and the moral dilemmas that they deal with in "Munich" stands in stark contrast to the indiscriminate tactics of Palestinian operations over the years which have involved killing men, women and children at pizzerias, discos and wedding receptions with pride. In that sense, one could see "Munich" as pro-Israel and by extension, pro-West.

There is a touch of moral relativism (one Israeli hitman asks another, "Did we not kill to get our country"?), and the fact that the Palestinian leadership refused to accept a two-state solution as offered by the international community on more than one occasion prior to 1948 is never mentioned. Nor are the two attacks that were launched on Israel by its Arab neighbours prior to Munich in 1948 and 1967, both of which resulted in humiliating Arab defeats despite their efforts. However, this is Hollywood, so one must keep their expectations somewhat low. The danger in that is that people who are unfamiliar with Middle Eastern history in the mid 20th-century may see "Munich" and conclude that there is no combatant more virtuous than the other in the Israel-Palestine conflict. As a supporter of Israel, I would disagree.

As a piece of filmmaking, I'd say that "Munich" is not for everyone. It's lengthy, humourless, dark and grisly. I would also say that although it's good, it's certainly not worthy of the nomination it garnered for "Best Picture".

Put it this way: if you're a fan of current events and international affairs you'll like it a lot more than if you aren't.

Overall rating: 8/10

Film Review: "A History of Violence" (2005)

Filmed in Ontario by Canuck director David Cronenberg, this flick stars Viggo Mortensen, William Hurt and Ed Harris. Mortensen, who owns a greasy spoon in small-town middle America, thwarts a robbery in heroic fashion and makes headlines all across America for doing so. However, before long, Mortensen's new-found fame brings serious consquences for his family as Harris, a big-city crime boss from Philly, shows up and alleges that Mortensen has a past that doesn't fit with the idyllic, Rockwellian life that he seemingly lives. Much upheaval ensues.

"A History of Violence" has a lot going for it. First of all, I think Mortensen should have definitely been nominated for an Oscar for his work in this role. (Hurt, although he was nominated in the best supporting actor category, only appears for about 10 minutes.) Harris, as always, is great, and the rest of the cast is very strong as well.

The film is extremely well-shot but if you are uncomfortable with graphic violence and blood, I wouldn't recommend it. It's not over the top, but it gets grisly at times. (Personally, I loved it, but then again, I supported the Iraq war, so what else would you expect from a bloodhound like me?)

I would also suggest not watching this with your parents or in-laws because there are some pretty intense sex scenes. (I almost ended up having my wife's parents stay for dinner last night after which we would have popped in the DVD. Good thing they didn't end up sticking around!)

The final upside of this flick is its length. Clocking in at a tidy 95 minutes, you have no excuse to fall asleep on the couch while it's playing.

All told, I highly recommend.

Overall rating: 9/10

Weekend digest

- In the wake of the Enron fiasco, there will be much wagging of statist fingers saying "I told you so" and suggesting that the private sector writ large cannot be trusted. I would advise them to not throw the baby out with the bathwater and consider for a moment the possibility that what Kenneth Lay and friends did was completely contrary to the values of honesty, hard work and mutually agreeable exchange that are the foundation on which our (free market) society is built. (And as far as the government goes, don't forget that it was W's Justice Department that threw the book at these crooks.)

- It's good to see that some Dem supporters are finally getting it: there's more to providing an alternative than just sneering at all things that could possibly be construed as Republican red, and also, that the party needs an intellectual overhaul on which to base a more coherent message. That can only be a good thing for political discourse in the West.

- The Canadian Union of Public Employees' Ontario division has voted to use the union dues of over 200,000 workers in municipalities, school boards, universities, hospitals, health care, long-term care and social services to bash Israel despite the fact that Hamas, which was recently victorious in Palestinian elections, refuses to recognize the right of Israel to even exist.

I doubt that the average high-school janitor or City Hall pay clerk even knows what Hamas is, and probably have other, more pressing issues that they wish their union would take on. Then again, since no one else will advocate on behalf of the Palestinian cause, did the CUPE leadership have any choice but to go to bat for them?

What a great bunch of guys, that public sector union leadership. Always looking out for the little fella, aren't they?

- And finally, a humourous article here on nine debate tactics that are commonly used when one is in danger of losing an argument. Although he says the Left are the worst offenders, the Right is often just as bad.

(And sheepishly, I have to admit that I may have even been known to use some of those tactics from time to time myself.)

An open letter to the people of Ottawa

The following is from a lengthy article on our AAA ball team, the Lynx, in today's Citizen:

The Lynx hope to be able to call Lynx Stadium Home Sweet Home for the rest of the season. They are 10-14 at home, hampered by low fan support and bad weather.

During their most recent homestand, it rained for nine consecutive days, but miraculously they were able to play all 10 scheduled games. They won four of the 10 games, but all were poorly attended as the wet and cold contributed to keep people away from the stadium.

Only 5,810 fans purchased tickets for the homestand, and far fewer than that actually attended. On the season, the Lynx have drawn just 20,926 fans for the 21 openings, or an average of 996 per game.

The Richmond Braves have the second lowest attendance in the league, but have still drawn 96,981 fans to The Diamond. The Norfolk Tides, who who have by far the worst record in the IL, have drawn nearly 130,000 fans more than the Lynx, while the Indianapolis Indians lead the league with an average attendance of 8,811.

"I think people need to realize here in Ottawa that we are playing hard," says Andy Tracy, who is in his second tour of duty with the Lynx.

"They need to be a little more positive towards our team because it's not like we're out here messing around. It's our job, and we take heart and soul into our job, and a lot of people don't believe that when we're playing.

"There are some good fans out there that come out every night and support us, and I just want them to know that we appreciate it. We play hard and we want fans to support us. We like playing in Ottawa. Guys don't come here and sign for nothing. We love the city, and we're going to win some games."

Now, it's true that the spring weather hasn't been great, but I think the paltry attendance at Lynx games is a sign of something larger that's happening in our city. Last year, the Capital City Beerfest was cancelled. Earlier this year, we lost the Renegades, which hadn't seen a sold-out crowd since probably their first season. And now, we are in danger of losing another uniquely Ottawa entertainment option if more people don't support it.

Even if you aren't a fan of sports, this should concern you. Increasingly, Ottawa is becoming Saint John New Brunswick on the Rideau, as the only thing left to look forward to in summer is Bluesfest, which, despite some rare moments of intrigue, is really nothing more than a Blue Rodeo/Great Big Sea wankfest year after year after year. I have always maintained that this town is more than the sum total of government drones and high-tech nerds but increasingly, I'm losing faith. It's time to get your asses out of the Irish pubs and away from the poker tables because what made this town more than just Kingston is starting to fade away.

For example, just last night, I caught an excellent guitar player who you may have heard of by the name of Wild T at Tucson's. Now I know that he's not at the top of the campus music charts and so is not on the cutting edge of cool these days, but gimme a break. This guy was shredding in front of maybe - MAYBE - 70 people. That is absolutely pathetic.

You may counter by saying that we have the Sens. Well, that option pretty much eliminates itself at the start of May every year, doesn't it?

I always hear that this town sucks in comparison to Montreal. My advice? Don't complain about how boring it is here if all you're doing is taking up space on the bar stool at Darcy McGee's. Here's another suggestion: how about cutting out the pathetic effort to live your life as if you're starring in a beer commercial and instead, broaden your horizons by getting out there and helping to support what few interesting attractions Ottawa has left?

Are we destined to become an overgrown Huntsville, Alabama, or are we going to demand better?

People of Ottawa, the choice is yours.

Album Review: Def Leppard - "Yeah!" (2006)

No band divides headbangers like Def Leppard. Some see them as puffed-up pop rockers comparable to Poison while others see them as melodic masters of riffage along the lines of Priest. Regardless, one thing is for certain, and that's that after almost 30 years together, two of the biggest albums in history in Pyromania and Hysteria, numerous hurdles over the years, and tours that continue to briskly move tickets well after they've had a charting single, they've earned the right to do just whatever the hell they want. That's where this album comes in.

"Yeah!" is a tribute to the groups the lads from Sheffield, UK grew up loving in the 70s. It includes tunes from the Kinks, Rod Stewart and the Faces, Roxy Music, Blondie and David Bowie in addition to two tunes they played on last summer's "Rock of Ages" tour (David Essex's "Rock On" and Badfinger's "No Matter What"). This isn't some half-assed money grab, though. The production is crystal clear, with the big sing-along choruses and layered guitars we've all come to expect from the Leps.

"Yeah!" has backyard barbecue written all over it. If you like Leppard already, you'll love this. If you don't, it really sucks to be you.

Overall rating: 9.25/10

Friday digest

- While Tony Blair and George Bush are taking an introspective look at their leadership of the coalition war effort in Iraq, which they admit has not gone as smoothly as they thought (partly because the WMDs that everyone thought were there have not been found), we have former Labour MP, Cindy Sheehan contemporary and Canadian Islamic Congress fundraiser George Galloway suggesting that blowing Blair to bits would be morally justifiable.

I think the more reasoned side in this debate is obvious.

- Speaking of the Canadian Islamic Congress, who you'll remember from comments their (still-sitting) president made in October 2004 suggesting that all Israelis over 18 are legitimate targets for violence, they are now maintaining that access to air travel is a human right. Who knew?

The Canadian Islamic Congress plans a complaint to the United Nations in hopes of ensuring Canadians are given advance notice and a chance to appeal if they are put on the no-fly list being prepared by the federal government.

Congress president Mohamed Elmasry said the organization is seeking assurances that individuals will be notified in advance -- not at an airport when they are barred from getting on a flight -- that they are on the list, which is meant to screen out people who are security threats. It also wants a judicial appeal process for those who want to contest their names being placed on the list.

"Canada is a signatory to the universal human rights declaration," Mr. Elmasry said in an interview. Article 13 of the declaration guarantees mobility rights within each UN state, as well as the right to leave and return to one's own country.

"The UN will not have any power to intervene, but at least we will make the case public in order to put moral pressure on the Canadian government," he said.

The complaint to the United Nations was endorsed yesterday by the policy director of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association, one of the staunchest critics of the no-fly list that Transport Canada is aiming to establish by the end of the year.

- The latest test of US leadership: whether or not to negotiate with Iran. I agree with Charles Krauthammer, and besides, sitting across the table from Ahmedinijad would just confer legitimacy on him.

- The Enron thieves are looking at facing at least 20 years in prison each. Makes the penalties the crooks got in the sponsorship scandal here in Canada look like childs' play.

- Very interesting post here from Political Staples pointing out that the province of Quebec takes up nearly half (44%) of all equalization payments paid out by the feds (over $600 per Quebecer annually). I've often wondered if without the help of Ontario and Alberta, would Quebec be able to afford their $7-a-day government babysitting program?

- Is it just me or does that damn Capital One commercial with the song "hands in my pocket" repeated over and over again drive everyone crazy?

Thursday digest

- With the American economy growing at a torrid pace and no domestic terror attacks in almost five years, could it be that W. is a victim of his own success?

- A couple of very interesting interviews: Gwyn Morgan, not soft and cuddly enough for the opposition parties to be allowed to work in Ottawa, and Christopher Hitchens, the ultimate libertarian.

- I am enjoying how Harper is thumbing his nose at the national press gallery but I think that by openly questioning their professionalism, he basically threw any chance he had at getting fair coverage during the next campaign out the window.

- Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has stated that he'll hold a referendum on Palestinian statehood over the Hamas-dominated legislature if they don't agree to his proposal within 10 days. This is intended as a way around Hamas' unwillingness to recognize Israel. This is a statesman-like move, in my opinion, because it forces Hamas' hand. (Call me alarmist, but I wouldn't be surprised to see attempts on Abbas' life over the next few weeks by Palestinian extremists.)

- And from the washed-up hippie file, we have Joan Baez living in a tree and Bob Dylan being played by a woman in an upcoming film.

What's next, Cindy Sheehan fronting a Janis Joplin cover band and playing at moveon.org fundraisers?

Wednesday digest

- Looks like Osama's running short of true believers. Why else would he say that Zacharias Moussaoui and the Gitmo gang are fringe players? Personally, I think this was a foolish attempt by bin Laden to try and cojole the US into releasing them all because he needs the manpower to replenish his ranks. (Not that such a thing would EVER happen, but after watching all those Michael Moore flicks, could you blame the big cheese for taking a shot and thinking that the American public would actually consider an appeal to open the prison gates?)

- Three informative and well-considered articles about Iraq, here,
here and here.

- Despite being in very dire straits financially, Hamas is still refusing to recognize Israel. The risk in the West's approach to Hamas' intransigency is that the lack of resources may cause even more Palestinians to turn to militant, radical Islam and end up as willing suicide bombers as a result. Hopefully Hamas will put a little water in their wine sooner rather than later.

- While Newsweek refers to Hugo Chavez as a populist (actually, he's a warmed-over Marxist, in my view), I'd say the problem with a lot of the countries mentioned in this article can be boiled down to two things: either corruption, not enough capitalism, or sadly, both.

- That Madge, always pushing the envelope. Riiiiight.

- Finally, is there a group in society with a more inflated sense of self-importance than Canada's national press gallery?

Album Review: "Rebel Meets Rebel" (2006)

Released earlier this month, this project came together as a collaboration between country singer David Allan Coe and the guys from heavy metal group Pantera from 1999-2003. Suffice it to say that it's a grinding yet tuneful fusion of two of the greatest music genres of all time, and the only way I can describe it is as a Metallica-cized version of the otherwise inimitable White Cowbell Oklahoma. And I gotta say, upon hearing the album's opening chords, one man immediately came to mind for some reason - this guy.

With titles like "One Night Stands" and "Cowboys Do More Dope", "Rebel Meets Rebel" is a can't miss effort that should be the soundtrack to roadtrips all summer long.

Totally randy.

Overall rating: 8.5/10

It's Alberta's world - the rest of us just live in it

In a few short days, the province of Alberta will have given the rest of Canada two consecutive Stanley Cup finalists, the Red Mile, rousing renditions of our national anthem at Oilers playoff games, and a new Prime Minister to boot - all in the span of two short years.

I think it's finally time for everyone to admit that Alberta rules.

Important Public Service Announcement

This week, Giant Tiger has women's cowboy hats on sale for the low, low price of only $14.99.

Gentlemen, this is the perfect gift for the lady in your life. You know she has always dreamed about running off and joining the rodeo, and with a hat and a pair of cutoffs, she'll be ready to live out that fantasy.

What could be better?

Fellas, you all know the answer, and it's simply this:

Not too much.

Tuesday digest

- In the wake of the Ward Churchill controversy (where the despicable University of Colorado ethnic studies prof was found to be a plagiarist), it's clear that academia is in pretty sad shape overall. Good thing no one out here in the real world really pays attention.

- Here's a critical look at the dishonest interview techniques that are used all too often by most journalists when the subject is Iraq. And, as the Iraqi cabinet has been formed despite overwhelming odds against it, it's time for a reminder about why the coalition is there in the first place (which most members of the national US media seem to have forgotten or more likely ignored). A broader look here.

- Western feminists should get behind Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Then again, when you've got Bond girls who can't get a fair shake, that damn Fox is still on the air, and you've got a White House full of dick-swinging knuckle draggers, who's got time to worry about the injustices of the Muslim world? Or would that be imperialist, intolerant and Islamophobic?

- Speaking of priorities, why are so many people worked up over the fate of a frickin' horse? I say send him off to the glue factory.

- And finally, a thought-provoking review of the Da Vinci Code here. Seems that along with selling sex and/or rebellion (preferably both), the surest way to make a buck these days is to peddle a simple explanation to a complicated question.

At one point Langdon kneels at the burial ground of a Christian figure, but by that time he has made it clear that it is not a heavenly authority he bends his knee for, but the god in all of us: ''Maybe human is divine," he tells Sophie midway through the film.

A more interesting question is why as preposterous a conspiracy theory as this should hold such wide appeal in the first place. Dare we consult Scripture on the subject and suggest its root lies in the oldest sin in the Book—pride. It seems obvious that at least part of the allure for those who take the Da Vinci Code seriously comes from pride that they are smarter, more clued-in than the average, churchgoing Joes and Janes on the street; pride that they alone, this relatively small group of renegades, have unearthed the secrets that duped all previous ages of men; pride that only they possess the intellect to recognize a con that took in entirety of Christendom.

There’s always a thrill to be had at feeling like an insider--especially when one can gain that feeling for the price of reading an airport novel rather than a serious study of liturgical history or, even more difficult, a serious searching of one’s own soul.

Monday digest

- What passes for serious debate and commentary in Canada is at times pathetic.

First we have NDP MP Pat Martin whining that the Prime Minister's motorcade is too too macho, and even worse, reminiscent of Dubya's. Then, we have giant of public policy Jane Taber complaining that the PMO isn't rolling out the red carpet for the Press Gallery and acting like a spoiled brat because of it.

These two are obviously having trouble getting to the bottom of the serious issues which make an impact on the day to day lives of average Canadians. Correct me if I'm wrong but that's their job, isn't it?

- The Democratic National Committee, led by Howard Dean, reportedly worked to defeat fellow Dem Ray Nagin in the recent New Orleans mayoral race.

They were unsuccessful as Nagin was re-elected despite being out-fundraised by a substantial margin.

One can only imagine the inference of racism that would come from Dean and friends if the Republican National Committee worked to defeat a black GOP incumbent at the local level.

- Even George McGovern, the most left-wing Democratic nominee in US history, says that unions have become their own worst enemy.

There is hope.

- The problem with multiculturalism is that it ghettoizes ethnic groups and encourages them to look inward rather than out towards the broader world. Witness the recent debate over making English the official language of the United States. Predictably, politics is trumping common sense in some (overwhelmingly Democratic) quarters.

- A damning indictment of the Saudi educational system, here. Still waiting for Washington to ask the hard questions of Arabia that so desperately need to be put out into the open.

- A little good news from around the world. I think that positive figures like that are going to reflect well on the Bush administration when history is written.

Book Review: "Sacré Bleus: An Unsentimental Journey through Quebec" by Taras Grescoe (2001)

Vancouver journalist Taras Grescoe takes a trip through la belle province and dissects the intersections between language, culture, religion, immigration, relationships, media, crime, film, music, politics, sports and economics in a fun and extremely well-written look at Quebec from an outsider's point of view.

Even for someone like me who has lived across the river from the province for 13 years and is married to a "bon Québ", Quebec is at once fascinating, cosmopolitan and rich, and yet maddeningly mystifying and even a little bit Southern in its own way. As Grescoe demonstrates, it's these paradoxes and contradictions that make Quebec what it is.

"Sacré Bleus" is the best kind of travel writing: social analysis buffeted with anecdotes that cause you to think and perhaps shift some of your own long-held points of view about a certain people or place, and one which makes you love it even more in spite of all its faults.

Everyone who is still trying to understand Quebec for themselves should read this book. There's no right or wrong answer, of course, but perhaps you'll look at some things more closely and others not as much. Quebecois will find much to laugh at here, too.

The perfect companion for a summer vacation.

Overall rating: 9/10

Film Review: "The Most Unromantic Man in the World" (2006)

This British mockumentary is the story of David and Doreen, a couple who are approaching their five year wedding anniversary. David is a farting, masturbating slothlike disgrace of a man, and the back and forth between he and his long-suffering wife Doreen is "caught on film" here.

Fans of toilet humour will love this flick. It has one of the greatest shit scenes in modern film, right up there with the one from the first American Pie movie (where Stiffler puts laxatives in Shitbreak's coffee).

Essentially, the moral of the story is that when you get married, you ought not to let yourself go. This is the extreme example of what might happen if you do and it is bloody hilarious in its absurdity.

I recommend.

Overall rating: 8/10

Film Review: "The Da Vinci Code" (2006)

Unless you've been living under a rock for the past couple of years, you've heard of the novel by Dan Brown, and have also heard that it's been made into a flick starring Tom Hanks. Not having read the book, I went to see it yesterday.

As a movie, it's definitely above average. If you like thrillers, this is right up your alley. It's very well shot and incorporates the use of light and shade to enhance the suspense factor. The soundtrack helps as well. I think the panning it's received from critics is more a response to its popularity than its merits as a film. Critics ... they, and not the great unwashed masses, will determine what's good, right?

Now theologically, the premise of the entire code is laughable. I'll pick out three examples to think about.

First of all, if Jesus was not the Son of God and just some charismatic nice guy who roamed around Galilee, who were the Disciples? Jesus asked each one of the Twelve to drop what they were doing, leave their families, and come follow Him because it would give them eternal salvation in Heaven. If He was just some coolio long-haired hippie, who were these other guys that travelled with Him? Are we to believe that they were nothing more than your average groupie? I don't think so.

Second, if Jesus and Mary Magdalene were married, who married them? It would have had to have been some person high up in the Jewish hierarchy of the day. You can bet that if they really were married, it would have been dragged out at some point in the last 2,000 years.

And finally, what of the Resurrection? Did He not rise from the dead two days after the Crucifixion or is that just a minor detail? The Code makes no mention of that at all, and that's the whole basis on which the Christian faith is founded.

As I say, as a thriller it's very, very good, but to those who don't have a solid grounding in Christian beliefs, it's going to be quite easy to get sucked into Code's theory that the entire notion of Christ's divinity was a hoax in order to keep women down and the Vatican at the top of the food chain. Catholic haters will no doubt find a lot of ammo in the Code, and moral relativists will love the "whatever works for you, buddy" conclusion that it leads to. (For a couple of other takes on it, see here and here.)

Whether you think the Code is plausible or if you think it's ridiculous, one thing is for sure: unlike another world religion which was recently questioned through popular media (the cartoon scandal), we haven't seen one drop of blood spilled over the Da Vinci Code. Secular or believing, that's something which we can all take note of.

Overall rating: 8.5/10

Long weekend digest

- I've caught the new Dixie Chicks video a few times on CMT over the past couple of weeks. Every time I see it, I'm reminded of the infamous line as spoken by Jack Nicholson's character in "As Good As It Gets":

Q from a fan: "How do you write women so well?"
Nicholson: "I think of a man, and I take away reason and accountability."

With lines like "I'm not ready to make nice/I'm not ready to back down/I’m still mad as hell and I don’t have time to go round and round and round/It’s too late to make it right/I probably wouldn’t if I could/‘Cause I’m mad as hell/Can’t bring myself to do what it is you think I should" and "Forgive sounds good/Forget, I don't think I could" on top of scenes where Natalie Maines likens herself to an inmate in an asylum, it seems that these girls are bound and determined to bite the hand that feeds (see video here).

I think three years later, country music fans were more than prepared to start anew, but the Chicks can't seem to grasp the fact that mouthing off about your President in war time on a foreign shore and then making it worse by antagonizing your industry by telling other artists to fuck off while never missing an opportunity to piss and moan about how you've been called on it is an act that has worn thin in Nashville. Witness this remark from fiddler Martie Maguire:

"I'd rather have a small following of really cool people who get it, who will grow with us as we grow and are fans for life, than people that have us in their five-disc changer with Reba McEntire and Toby Keith" ... "We don't want those kinds of fans. They limit what you can do."

It's a shame because these girls were once on the cusp of greatness. Another great line comes to mind ... something about pride always going before a fall.

- Even mild Republicans like John McCain aren't welcome on university campuses. So much for the free and open exchange of ideas. (Perhaps Natalie get an appointment at North Maine State College or somewhere like that as a professor of pop culture once their album and tour flops and they're relegated to playing theatres with the Indigo Girls in front of all the "really cool people who get it".)

- I used to believe that democracy and all it implied was the most necessary precondition for peace and stability in a country. Not any more. As Fareed Zakaria shows, it's prosperity that people want first and foremost. Only then will they turn their attention to political institutions. While I'm still a big fan, relatively speaking, I think the Bush administration needs to pay more attention to this part of the equation.

- Darfur: Given the impotency of the "international community", is it time for a little unilateral action?

- A survey of 6,000 people by a travellers' website has found that respondents believe that the French are the rudest, cheapest and most boring people on earth. Germans came in a strong second. No word on where Canadians ranked.

- And finally, Lionel Richie, pillar of the Arabic community. Who knew?

Film Review: "The Outdoorsmen: Blood, Sweat and Beers" (2006)

Are you in the mood for a short, fun flick that celebrates beer and masculinity to a soundtrack that includes 80s LA band Ratt?

If so, this one is for you.

"The Outdoorsmen" is a documentary that follows the exploits of a group of Washington State ham n' eggers that get together every year to compete in a series of events over the course of a weekend. As much emphasis is placed on athleticism as is placed on the ability to down beers as quickly as possible. Our heroes compete in the typical tug of war, obstacle course and tire throw, but there are also events like "Blind Man's Beer" which has to be seen to be believed. Needless to say, copious amounts of profanity, injuries and upchucking ensues.

If you've always thought that the immunity challenges on Survivor would be a hell of a lot more fun if the producers of the "Man Show" were involved, you ought to check out "The Outdoorsmen". Turn your brain off and remember that out of 365 days a year, you should always be able to find two-and-a-half for your buddies.

Overall rating: 8/10

Friday digest

- Iran's president is proposing a scheme whereby non-Muslims in that country have to wear a badge. I fully expect that the insignias are going to closely resemble bullseyes so that infidel-hating assassins will know exactly who to target.

- CBC Newsworld is repeatedly running commercials in advance of "Bowling for Columbine" which is to air Sunday at 9:30. Years after Moore himself admitted fictionalizing certain segments to make a political point, why is this crap still being peddled as credible? Even if you like Moore, shouldn't the Canadian state broadcaster, funded by Canadian taxpayers, be promoting truly Canadian films?

- Female soldier Captain Nicola Goddard was killed in Afghanistan this week. Also, the media is reporting two gay Mounties are getting married in June.

My question is this: while tragic, why are we supposed to care any more about the death of Goddard more than we'd care about the death of any other soldier? Or, for that matter, the marriage of these two guys more than the marriage of any other two people?

I thought that equality meant exactly the same treatment for women as well as men, gays as well as straights. Apparently we're not quite there yet because it's still quite a big deal when a female soldier dies and also when two guys are getting hitched.

Thursday digest

- Prime Minister of Oz John Howard delivered a
red-meat speech today in Ottawa. Despite some recent reports suggesting that the coalition of the willing is weakening, not so as far as Canada and Australia are concerned. Germany is slowly coming around under the leadership of Angela Merkel and watch for Nicolas Sarkozy in France as well, a no-nonsense conservative on the rise. It seems that those who wish the war on terror would just stop are going to have to wait a little while longer.

- Looks like the PM isn't going to line up to kiss any journalistic ass any time soon. And good on 'em. It's about time the Parliamentary Press Gallery was reminded that in a democracy, it's the elected guys who are in charge. Just because you have a degree in jsm (pronounced: jism) from Carleton and know how to write a lead doesn't make you some kind of expert on the economy, international affairs or the intricacies of parliamentary procedure, so get off your high horse and go back to playing colour by numbers.

- Recently, Margaret Trudeau disclosed her battle with bipolar disorder. Now, Mike Wallace is admitting that his depression was much worse than he ever let on. I truly admire these individuals for their candour. Mental illness is something that needs to be dealt with head on and the first step towards that is destigmatization.

Appetite for Reconstruction

2/5 of the original GNR lineup, pictured above, got back together last night at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. Kid Rock even stepped up to sing "Nightrain" with Axl and Izzy.

If I was there, I would have totally lost it. (The image above was on the first rock shirt I ever owned.)

No doubt Velvet Revolver's Scott Weiland is in an alley somewhere shooting himself up as we speak.

Could a GNR reunion be in the offing?

Thoughts on Da Vinci

The controversial film "The Da Vinci Code", which contends that the entire Catholic Church is based on a hoax, opens this weekend. I haven't read the book on which the film is based, but not for lack of trying (I found it uninteresting and put it down after about five chapters). Nonetheless, I'm familiar with the plot and will be seeing the flick on Saturday.

A couple of observations: first, although it's fictional, a lot of non-Catholics already consider us a bunch of wafer-eating, child-molesting, guilt-tripping cultists. This movie isn't going to help matters much because the general public is confused about Catholicism at the best of times. Moreover, the average person is entirely gullible when it comes to Hollywood interpretations of complicated phenomena and it's unfortunate that this flick comes at a time when the Church is finally starting to get some half-decent PR.

Second, like Michael Coren says, if a film was made along the same lines as Da Vinci concerning any other group in society, there would be a furor, but Catholics are fair game. Just ask Ayaan Hirsi Ali (more here.)

In any case, I'll post a review.

Canadian political correctness claims another victim

Well-respected businessman Gwyn Morgan was rejected by a committee of MPs vetting his nomination to be the head of a federal appointments body at an annual cost of $1 to taxpayers.

The reason is because he said the following in a speech last year:

"Immigration has a social side as well as an economic one. The social side is all too evident with the runaway violence driven mainly by Jamaican immigrants in Toronto, or the all too-frequent violence between Asian and other ethnic gangs right here in Calgary."

Not exactly advocating the burning of crosses, but apparently making public observations about some of the unpleasant effects of current immigrant selection processes is enough to disqualify you from serving your country at the request of the Prime Minister.

Although the thought police are applauding, episodes like this are a major reason why a lot of talented people shy away from public life rather than subject themselves to the worst kinds of character assassination.

Wednesday digest

- Why is so much attention being paid by the mainstream media to the fact that yes, a passenger jet actually did hit the Pentagon on 9/11? Sure, it's a story, but it should be a minor one at that because I thought only nutters (more here and here) truly believed that the US government would consider pulling such a stunt. I can only conclude from how much attention this is getting that the mainstream media's frame of reference is so distorted that there are some journos who actually believe that some kind of underhanded conspiracy potentially occurred, and the very fact that it didn't is newsworthy. (Either that, or it's a slow news day.)

- At least the conspiracy theorists will always have Chomsky, a fella who never met a suicide bomber he didn't like.

- Where does Bourque get his info? Ezra Levant as Ambassador to Israel? A laughable proposition.

- Another non-union automaker is making a considerable investment in North America, creating more jobs for families. Paul Martin's buddy Buzz Hargrove could not be reached for comment.

- Speaking of families, here's a look at how less government strengthens them. Three cheers for that!

Film Review: "Mission Impossible III" (2006)

I really don't care if Tom Cruise is a bit of an odd duck ... this movie kicks some serious ass. Not since "The Fugitive" or "Speed" has an action flick been this intense . Silly Hollywood moments are kept to a minimum and a suprising plot that moves quickly without being confusing helps things along.

A great start to the summer blockbuster season.

Overall rating: 9.75/10

Book Review: "While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam is Destroying the West from Within" by Bruce Bawer (2006)

Based on his fear of the excesses of the American evangelical movement, gay journalist Bruce Bawer moved to Norway in 1998 expecting to find a socially democratic version of heaven on earth. However, his hopes were soon dashed as what he saw was something as dangerous and destructive as the Protestant fundamentalism he moved away from: European passivity, political correctness, and general head-in-the-sand attitude towards the realities of the post-9/11 world.

In telling his story, I couldn't help think of the old maxim that a neo-con is a liberal mugged by reality. Bawer is a true case in point. Essentially "While Europe Slept" is a love letter to America, with all of its warts, bruises and imperfections through the eyes of a minority who by virtue of his sexuality and politics has not always fit into mainstream society.

This book is essential reading for everyone with even a passing interest in international affairs. I have only one criticism, and it is that the book's subtitle may lead one to believe that it's an alarmist warning about the dangers of Muslim radicalism. While there's some of that, "While Europe Slept" is more a study in cause and effect between the attitudes of the European elite and the demographic and cultural crisis facing the Continent vis-a-vis the scorched-earth determination of the American government to win the war on terror.

A clash of civilizations, indeed.

Overall rating: 10/10

Book Review: "How Black Was Our Sabbath: An Unauthorized View from the Crew" by David Tangye and Graham Wright (2005)

The heavy metal innovators from Birmingham are profiled here in this introspective look at the Ozzy years by two former personal assistants to the band. Lots of 70s excess here with the typical tales of alcohol, cocaine and relationship breakdowns, and excellent insights into the creative process which was largely owing to the tensions between childhood rivals Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi. As such, it's would be well on your bookshelf in between "The Dirt" (Crue) and "Hammer of the Gods" (Led Zep).

Any fan of hard music who wants to learn more about the history of metal will enjoy this read.

Overall rating: 8/10

Book Review: "Rednecks and Bluenecks: The Politics of Country Music" by Chris Willman (2005)

Entertainment Weekly writer Chris Willman takes a look at the political climate within the country music community between 9/11 and the 2004 re-election of Dubya. Often mistakenly seen as a bastion of Republicanism, the country world has many centrists and leftists within it. Willman examines the interplay between record label honchos, songwriters, and artists in Nashville through the lens of the first Bush administration.

"Rednecks and Bluenecks" opens with a look at the Dixie Chicks' faux pas in the spring of 2003 when they spoke out against the President from the UK in the stage, and then moves into the feud between lead singer Natalie Maines and Oklahoma Democrat Toby Keith. The author's sympathy lies with the ladies but he does a pretty fair job of getting Keith's point of view out there as well - that is, until the end when the rock critic in him comes out and he slobbers all over the alt-country genre and their snobbiness towards the likes of Keith and Brooks and Dunn.

Three years later, it seems that we're bound to relive the entire affair over again since the Chicks are "Not Ready to Make Nice". Like someone in the book said, it seems that they're determined to keep shooting themselves in the foot and then complain that it hurts ... but I digress.

For fans, this book is chock-full of interesting anecdotes and revealing, candid interviews. For partisans of left or right who may not be country music consumers, those same anecdotes will illustrate some of the colour around the tension between freedom of speech and being accountable for how one exercises that right through the Maines/Keith brouhaha. However, in the end, it's a reminder that entertainers are just that - entertainers - who are probably best ignored when they start mouthing off about the intricacies and complexities of international affairs.

After all, you don't hear Donald Rumsfeld telling Merle Haggard how to sing in key, do you?

Overall rating: 7/10

I'm back, baby

Got in last night just before 9 to see my Devils bow out in five games against the formidable Carolina Hurricanes. I expected them to win one round this year and they did, so I'm not disappointed. Ottawa, on the other hand ... damn, I'm glad I'm not a Sens fan. The number one problem with that team is that they don't have enough players who hate losing. I mean HATE it. Have you ever seen Wade Redden really care about getting beat? I haven't.

Our wedding was fabulous and was well beyond everything we could have hoped for. It's still sinking in, but a lot of that stuff is personal and so I won't be commenting on it at length here. (This blog is "supposed" to be anonymous, after all!)

Also, for those of you who are having problems viewing the sidebar, using Mozilla Firefox rather than Internet Explorer as your browser will ensure that everything is properly lined up.

And now, back to your regularly scheduled programming, baby!

Friday digest

- After Cindy Sheehan's visit to Canada where she asked our government to pull troops out of Afghanistan and bequeath that country to the Taliban once again, Jack Layton has said that Iraq war deserters from the US army should be welcomed in Canada because they share our values.

Apparently for the leader of the fourth party, if you don't meet the traditional definition of a refugee (among other things, being in danger of facing torture or persecution in your country of origin - hardly so with army deserters), if you meet an ideological litmus test, you deserve to be welcomed with open arms here in the Great White North.

I thought a primary Canadian value was freedom of thought, opinion and expressionm but for the Party of F, it's clear that having a certain political point of view is all you need to get on the fast track to citizenship.

I'd say that pretty un-Canadian, wouldn't you?

- Socialism seems to be making a comback in some parts of Latin America. And despite the fact that it has never worked anywhere it has been tried, it's still not dead. This author asks why, but I think his conclusions are too high-minded.

The primary reason I think socialism is still alive is this: When things go wrong for people, they like to assign blame. Assigning blame and stoking the fires of resentment are the lifeblood of socialism. It appeals to the darker side of human nature, and that will never go away because it's a lot easier to lash out at "the system" than acknowlege the imperfectibility of life.

Meanwhile, champion of the dispossessed and downtrodden, Fidel Castro, is worth almost a billion.

- My predictions for the second round of the playoffs:

Sharks in 6
Ducks in 7
Devils in 6
Sens in 7

Mandatory minimums for violent crimes and and end to house arrest

I think that the criminal justice reforms introduced by the Tories today are great.

First of all, by intoducing mandatory minimums, the power to plea bargain is taken away from Crown attorneys. This is a good thing because often, sentences are not imposed for serious crimes such as the use of a firearm in order to obtain a guilty plea for other crimes such as murder. Some may argue that it achieves the lesser of two evils, but personally, I think sends an important message and that is that society will not tolerate violent crime no matter what.

Secondly, it takes away the power to sentence away from judges who may have their own political agendas to pursue.

Some may say that the cost is prohibitive because housing more criminals is going to require more resources, but to that, I say this: what is the primary role of government in the first place? To me, it's to protect the citizenry from those who would do others harm, and in order to do that, you've got to get them off the streets.

One further reform I'd like to see is the end of statutory release. Stat release means that when you serve your sentence in full, you get out with no follow-up. This is a recipe for disaster. Often, if you serve your full sentence, it's because the parole board thinks your too dangerous to let out early. However, then when you're let out, there are no tabs kept on you. Release should always be conditional for violent offenders, in my opinion, and those conditions should include having to report to the authorities for the rest of your life.

The face of the far left comes to Canada

Cindy Sheehan is here urging Canada's armed forces to get out of Afghanistan:

"They should take their tents and put them on the Prime Minister's lawn and say, `I want to know why you're making our soldiers fight and die, and kill innocent people in Afghanistan, and I'm not moving until you let me know'."

Writing on her website http://www.truthout.org, Sheehan often talks about the Bush White House the way the president talks about terrorists — in the rhetoric of good versus evil.

"We are the light and they are the darkness," she writes.

"We will prevail, we will be victorious ... The darkness has lost because our beacons of peace and truth are shining for the entire world to see."

She calls Bush "cowardly" and a "macho dictatorial tyrant"; his advisers are described as "reckless maniacs" and "sycophantic cabinet and hangers-on."

Invariably, she refers to Bush as George.

"If George had as much courage and integrity in his entire body as Casey had in his pinky, he would have met with me," she writes.

Although she has every right to express her opinion, unlike the poor Afghan souls who lived under the Taliban, how can anyone possibly consider this woman credible?

Liberal leadership candidate implies that kids not raised by government babysitters will be at risk for criminal behaviour as adults

Don't believe me? Watch the video for yourself here.

"America, you lost ... I won"

So said Zacarias Moussaoui as his sentence of life without parole was handed down.

I believe this sentence is the correct one. I'm opposed to capital punishment, but besides that, it doesn't allow Islamic extremists another martyr to hold up and use as a recruitment tool.

What is even more telling is the message this entire trial sends to America haters who consider the country and its inhabitants as lacking compassion. Consider the following:

Some victims' families said he got what he deserved. "I do know the jury made the right decision," said Abraham Scott, who lost his wife Janice Marie Scott in the attack on the Pentagon. "Justice has been served today."

Rosemary Dillard, whose husband Eddie died in the attacks, said of Moussaoui: "He's a bad man, but we have a fair society." She said of terrorists: "We will treat them with respect no matter what they do to us."

Moreover:

The jurors were divided on the 23 mitigating factors in the case, from whether the defendant's role in the Sept. 11 attacks was only minor — three said his role "if any" was minor — and whether the Moroccan was subject to racism as a child — three said he was.

The closest the jurors came to unanimity in finding mitigating factors was on two questions. Nine found that Moussaoui's father had a violent temper and physically and emotionally abused his family. Nine also found that his unstable early childhood and dysfunctional family resulted in his leaving home.

Even this abhorrent and maniacal man was found by average Americans who sat on the jury to be someone whose circumstances deserved some consideration. I think that speaks for itself, don't you?

Restaurant Review: Maple Leaf Restaurant and Tavern, Ottawa, ON

I had high hopes for this downtown establishment as I strolled in for lunch today. The ambience is very inviting because of its lack of pretense. What you're looking at is an authentic 70s-style diner with waitresses wearing your simple white shirt and black pants and the menus tucked in behind each table's sugar dispenser.

The menu has everything you'd expect from chicken fingers and fries to club sandwiches and burgers. I went for one of the daily specials which was a gyros platter, and I have to say that things were pretty bland, unfortunately. The other thing was that the food was just too damn hot. I have to give one thumb up to the fries, though, because even though they were flavourless, their smell reminded me of the Kentucky Fried Chicken in the town I lived in as a child and adolescent. Strange how smell can whisk you right back to a certain place and time.

I'm going to give this place another go because I have the feeling they can do better. It was pretty packed and I got the impression that there are a number of regulars so it must do something right.

On the north side of Laurier between O'Connor and Metcalfe.

Overall rating: 5.5/10

Double Standard

There is a play touring Western Canada this fall titled ""The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?"

Now imagine for a moment the outrage if there was a play with the same title except for the word "female" instead of "male".

The feminists would be out for blood and entire academic careers would be built on the outrage.

Wednesday digest

- Globalization clearly has upward and positive effects overall when it comes to the economy, but it's clear that those who look into globalization's crystal ball and expect some culturally unifying effect to occur are off-base. In the face of uncertainty and insecurity, especially during periods of economic upheaval, local identities are re-asserted.

- Speaking of that, there's a genocide going on in Africa as Arab Muslims are killing African Muslims by the truckload in the Darfur region. We're still waiting for the "international community" to get their shit together to stop this from happening yet again like it did in Rwanda. So much for multilateralism, huh?

- One lowly soccer mom in the Democratic wilderness speaks.

- And as if you needed another reason to not watch "The View": Rosie O'Donnell.

- Speaking of Rosie, which famous person would YOU least like to be sitting beside on a cross-country flight? Oddly enough, the first one that comes to mind for me is Richard Simmons.

Budget review II

A couple of more thoughts upon reflection regarding yesterday's budget ...

I met Stephen Harper back in 1999 when he was president of the National Citizen's Coalition. I asked him then what conservative-minded Canadians need to see happen in order to achieve power. He said two things; first, we have to stop telling people that in order to be a conservative, they have to go to church, and two, we need to develop a constituency that is "built in". By way of comparison, the Liberals have traditionally relied on new Canadians, federalist francophones, and public sector workers to put them over the top and have cultivated those groups as "built in" supporters of the Liberal party. With yesterday's budget, Harper is championing himself as the party of young, working families and is attempting to create a "built in" consituency himself.

Interesting media coverage on that theme as well. The Ottawa Citizen has suggested that Harper's budget is an end to the social engineering ways of the Liberal party. That's a laugher. This is one of the biggest social engineering budgets I've ever seen. If you want to see a Prime Minister who picks favourites (and blatantly so), there's one living at 24 Sussex right now. As much as I would have liked to see broad-based tax cuts, it's good politics for Harper to build his coalition the way he is currently doing.

On the other side, the socialist Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives last night on CBC Radio was complaining that the budget is not a "we" document but rather a "me" one. They also pointed to the need for more money for employment insurance, national child care and housing as evidence of the hard-heartedness of the Tories. I suppose some people will always think it's government's job to put a roof over your head, babysit your kids, and pay you to sit around and do nothing, all at the same time, and if government doesn't do that for you, it's because those running the show are just mean.

Gimme a break.

I pity the fool

Mr. T is about to star in his own self-help show.

Says T: "My show ain't no Dr. Phil, with people sitting around crying," he said. "You're a fool - that's what's wrong with you. You're a fool if you don't take my advice."

Now that is some funny stuff.

Album Review: Wolfmother (2006)

The debut release from this Oz power trio is like everything and nothing you've ever heard before.

If you're a fan of 70s FM album rock, you'll like it. If not, you will absolutely frickin' hate it. The lead singer is an exact cross between Ozzy and Robert Plant. There are tons of Deep Purple-y organs. The drumming sounds like Ginger Baker at his most intense. There are flutes and cowbells, too.

Wolfmother is like Audioslave/Rage Against the Machine with Tony Iommi producing. It's intense, but uniquely so. You have to hear it for yourself. Although it's not for everyone, it's a very, very strong debut that I think could potentially become one of hard music's biggest first efforts ever - a sort of "Nevermind" for the 2000's. (And how about that album cover, baby?!? Does that scream "we are not screwing around" or what?)

Suffice it to say that there are going to be a lot of pimply-faced teens smoking up to this disc over the summer.

Overall rating: 7/10

Quote of the Week

“In fact, if Bob Rae can do to the federal Liberals what he did to the Ontario New Democratic Party, I’ll donate a thousand bucks to his campaign.” - Ontario NDP MPP Peter Kormos, from Socialist Gulag.

Budget Review

Well, on balance, I have to say that the first Tory budget looks pretty good.

Consider the following positives:

- For every $1 of new spending, $2 in tax cuts;
- More tax relief than the last four budgets combined;
- Overall reduction of taxes to be paid by business large and small; and
- Over $2.5 billion for public security.

In the middle:

- Annual debt reduction of $3 billion, which is not very different from Liberal budgets past.

And now, for the negatives:

- Over $1 billion in funding for various Aboriginal causes, which will have the corrosive effect of keeping them even more dependent on government; and
- a total of $1 billion in each of the next two years to subsidize unproductive and unprofitable farmers.

I'd like to have seen deeper tax cuts and more attention paid to debt reduction, but the real story here (and what I expect the Liberals and NDP to focus on) is that there is no new money for health care. In the absence of a permanent Leader of the Opposition, I don't see them using this budget to trigger an election, but it's not going to be a walk in the park.

Given that they're governing with a minority, I'd have to give this budget a grade of B, all in all.

Tuesday digest

- If you ask me, I think illegal immigration should remain just that: illegal. What message would it send to the rest of the world about the integrity of American citizenship, or citizenship in any G-8 country for that matter, if those who just happen to show up somewhere are afforded all of the benefits that accompany it?

- I wasn't going to blog about the death of John Kenneth Galbraith but everyone seems to be piling on so I might as well, too. Basically, this "economist"'s (with a bachelor's degree in animal husbandry) main claim to fame was his contention that the whole of capitalist society is a sham because we're all sheep who only respond to advertising, marketing and the like. For instance, that new house or car that you bought? Galbraith would say that you really don't need it, and deep down, you don't even want it. The only reason you purchased it was because big business brainwashed you into doing so. The logical conclusion of this argument is that regular people don't know what's good for them and they need others who are smarter and more sophisticated to make economic decisions on their behalf. This is central planning elitism at its worst, and is the reason why he's so reviled by those who would rather allow people to make their own decisions with their wallets. No wonder he was a left-wing icon.

- Anti-war correspondent Robert Fisk, who once said after being beaten by a group of Taliban sympathizers in Pakistan that he "couldn't blame them for what they were doing" because he's a Westerner, has gone completely off his rocker. According to Fisk, bin Laden and Zarqawi are simple "caricatures" created by the President so that we all have someone to hate.

What?

I wonder what Fisk would have to say about this warning from Iran. Just another imperialist power shell game, I suppose?

- Today is budget day in Canada. For a look at where your tax dollars go, see here. And while some rock-ribbed conservatives like me (note the lower-case C) are going to be wanting to see some big changes, it looks like politics are going to win the day. No doubt the minimal tax cuts that we're going to see will be described as "massive", "deep" and "severe" by the Toronto Star and CBC complete with comparisons to President Bush and lots of hand-wringing about the poor.

- On that, the Canadian dollar is trading at over 90 cents and some commentators are suggesting it will trade at par with the US buck within 12-18 months. Although it has negative effects for Canadian exporters, it's good that high-taxing, high-regulating governments won't be able to hide behind a low dollar because they don't have the political will to take real measures that will improve productivity.

- And finally, how about those Edmonton Oilers? Great stuff! I didn't think Detroit was going to do a thing in these playoffs. Now hopefully the Flames will dispose of the Ducks tomorrow night at home and we can all enjoy the Battle of Alberta!

Restaurant Review: Cora's, St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON

Took the bride out to Cora's yesterday morning.

After a quick 15 minute wait in line, we were seated.

All was looking good but the tea leaf that was stuck to the outside of my coffee mug were a sign of the (bad) things to come. It took 30 minutes for us to get our food, and when we did, my bride's potatoes and bacon were both cold. Ugh.

Fortunately for me, their French toast is unbelievable, but it's hard to enjoy a meal when your dining companion isn't enjoying theirs. Also, paying $3.45 for a medium sized glass of OJ puts a damper on things.

If you're going to go, I'd recommend the Bank St. location over this one based on our experience yesterday.

I know this chain is capable of better so I'm hoping for better next time.

Overall rating: 5/10

Monday digest

- Hot on the heels of the over-the-top "North Country", Charlize Theron has said that she's not going to get married to her long time boyfriend (whose name escapes me) until gay marriage is legal in the United States. No doubt the justices on the Supreme Court are waiting for their next cue from our girl before handing down any landmark decisions.

- Nicole Turmel, president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada, is warning the Conservatives to get ready for civil service labour unrest: "When you look around, whether it's the water you drink, the beaches you swim at, the meat on your table, they are all done by public servants and if we don't, we'll have another Walkerton or another aboriginal community without good water."

Um, speaking of Walkerton, I seem to recall that the alcoholic, drinking-on-the-job-and-falsifying-records-dating-back-to-1980 Koebel brothers were employed by the public sector. And aren't the deplorable conditions found at reserves like Kasechewan under the responsibility and administration of the federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs?

- A "day without gringos"? That's a little extreme.

Charter madness

It's stuff like this that really makes me angry.

In Canada, if you're a prison guard, you can be stabbed, pricked with a syringe, or spat on by a prisoner, but if you want to find out if that prisoner is infected with a life-threatening illness such as AIDS or Hepatitis C, you run right up against their Charter rights which prevent you from finding out if your attacker may have potentially passed along a deadly disease. Instead, you and your family have to anxiously wait and find out through other means if you have been exposed.

Is it any wonder that Canadians often feel as though offenders and lawbreakers have more rights than they should?