Thursday, December 25, 2008

I don’t believe in Santa Claus anymore...

I don’t believe in Santa Claus anymore but I’m certainly a sucker for a new year’s wish.



This year, with one of those closest to me facing impending layoffs just two week after the Christmas Holidays and another unceremoniously dismissed just forty-eight hours before Santa’s sleigh took to the sky’s, jobs will likely be at the top of my wish list.



The harsh realities of the 08' economic strain have often had this reporter wondering out loud what he wouldn’t do for a couple of extra tiddlywinks to invest in the dirt cheap real estate of Detroit, Michigan or Oshawa, Ontario but that’s paramount to being an insurance sales man or ambulance chaser, things I was never cut out for in the first place.



This kind of thinking has taken us all by storm, gusts of despair, downpour recession, thunderous "bailout" snicker . . . but a new year represents a chance to enhance the prospects of the future.



Jobs are on the horizon and when they come it wont be Godbama, Saint Biden or any other Heavenly Washington bureaucrat who elopes with the credit, credit will rest squarely on the shoulders of the American people.



I know, Proverbs are so cliché but how could I resist: Where there’s a will there’s a way.



Z.B.


Tags: | |

TSN weighs Canada's chances on eve of World Junior tournament

December 24th, 2008
TSN weighs Canada's chances on eve of World Junior tournament

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Advocates of Change in Food Policy Look to Obama With Hope - NYTimes.com

December 23rd, 2008
Advocates of Change in Food Policy Look to Obama With Hope - NYTimes.com
Kim Severson

More Readers Are Picking Up Electronic Books - NYTimes.com

December 24th, 2008
More Readers Are Picking Up Electronic Books - NYTimes.com
Brad Stone & Motoko Rich

New Congress Likely to Meet Before Ruling in Minnesota - NYTimes.com

December 24th, 2008
New Congress Likely to Meet Before Ruling in Minnesota - NYTimes.com
Christina Capecchi

The Rundown - December 24, 2008; 8:00 AM ET - Political Browser  #more#more#more

December 24th, 2008
The Rundown - December 24, 2008; 8:00 AM ET - Political Browser  #more#more#more
Ben Pershing

President-Elect's Holiday Address Offers Prayers and Praise for America's Troops | 44 | washingtonpost.com#more#more#more#more#more#more

December 23rd, 2008
President-Elect's Holiday Address Offers Prayers and Praise for America's Troops | 44 | washingtonpost.com#more#more#more#more#more#more
Phillip Rucker

Michael Wilbon - Michael Wilbon: Baugh Belongs in Quarterback Conversation - washingtonpost.com

December 19th, 2008
Michael Wilbon - Michael Wilbon: Baugh Belongs in Quarterback Conversation - washingtonpost.com
Michael Wilbon

TheStar.com | Junior Hockey | Team Canada's cruising but questions still remain

December 24th, 2008
TheStar.com | Junior Hockey | Team Canada's cruising but questions still remain
Damien Cox

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

December 22nd, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Star treatment for Hodgson at Hershey

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

December 20th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Troops' numbers add up to solid start

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

December 18th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Duchene chosen for Top Prospects tilt

There's no "I" in John Tavares | Terry Koshan | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun

December 24th, 2008
There's no "I" in John Tavares | Terry Koshan | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun
Terry Koshan

Friday, December 19, 2008

Thursday, December 18, 2008

BBC NEWS | Americas | Canada's black gold oil rush

December 10th, 2008
BBC NEWS | Americas | Canada's black gold oil rush
Sarah Shenker

granma.cu - Reflections of Fidel: Sailing against the tide

December 5th, 2008
granma.cu - Reflections of Fidel: Sailing against the tide
Refelection of Fidel
Fidel Castro

In Search of the Next Josh Hamilton - WSJ.com

December 18th, 2008
In Search of the Next Josh Hamilton - WSJ.com
Nando Di Fino

Indie Wrestlers Bleed for Cheers - WSJ.com

December 18th, 2008
Indie Wrestlers Bleed for Cheers - WSJ.com
Marshall Crook

How Cheap Is Too Cheap? - WSJ.com

December 18th, 2008
How Cheap Is Too Cheap? - WSJ.com
Neal Templin

Comment:

Wow, Neal Templin a reason to read the Journal

Obama's Basketball-Playing Cabinet Has Everyone Wanting In on Game - WSJ.com

December 18th, 2008
Obama's Basketball-Playing Cabinet Has Everyone Wanting In on Game - WSJ.com
Amy Chozick

The Denouement of Howard Dean? - The Fix#more#more

December 18th, 2008
The Denouement of Howard Dean? - The Fix#more#more
Chris Cilliza

Magazine Preview - Between Obama and the Press - NYTimes.com

December 17th, 2008
Magazine Preview - Between Obama and the Press - NYTimes.com
Mark Leibovich

Obama and the Transparency Trap - The Fix#more#more#more

December 18th, 2008
Obama and the Transparency Trap - The Fix#more#more#more
Chris Cilliza

Iraqi who threw shoes at Bush asks for pardon - washingtonpost.com

December 18th, 2008
Iraqi who threw shoes at Bush asks for pardon - washingtonpost.com
Qassim Abdul-Zahra

Linda Diebel - Political Decoder

December 18th, 2008
Linda Diebel - Political Decoder
Linda Diebel

PART 12: Native inmates face 'systemic discrimination' | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 18th, 2008
PART 12: Native inmates face 'systemic discrimination' | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

Quinn to return to 'special place' | Mike Zeisberger | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun

December 18th, 2008
Quinn to return to 'special place' | Mike Zeisberger | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun
Mike Zeisberger

Aid for homeless is street legal | Michele Mandel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 18th, 2008
Aid for homeless is street legal | Michele Mandel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun
Michele Madel

Toronto's Transit Commission: Answers Just a Rap Beat Away





After several viewing’s of Toronto’s latest You Tube sensation, a music video titledI get on (the TTC) a thought of epic proportion flew from the dark caverns of my mind through the dilapidated keys of my aging laptop,perhaps Scarborough Rapper, Randal Paul should challenge TTC Chair Adam Giambrone to an all out battle with Giambrone Commissionaires seat on the line. It appears at least from the video as though the young man from Toronto`s eastside known as Randal Paul has a sharp head on his shoulders, modern ideas in his head and an entourage of one, and that more than we can say about the TTC`s current Commish.




Zee






Tags: | |

Tis the Season . . . for Taxi Robbery

On Wednesday evening at around 10:00 p.m. in an overflowing suburb somewhere north of the Peace Bridge a veteran taxi driver escaped with his life following an encounter with a knife welding female and her boyfriend, the apparent puppet master and ring leader.



Two females accompanied by one volatile male with his hood pulled over his eye’s jump into a cab outside of a local supermarket.



The veteran hack, luckily, caught the "play" slammed on his breaks and made for the door handle before, upon the male passenger request the female directly behind the drive produced a large kitchen knife which was used to subdue the driver when it was placed under his troat.



The taxi driver escaped without injury and managed to wrestle away the hoodlums only leverage (the knife) which was left behind for review by the counties finest.



Cab drivers have long known the Holiday Season to be not only the most rewarding time of year to be behind the wheel but also the most dangerous. Money, for everyone is at a paramount during the "festive" season and cab drivers often make quick victims too hungry, spin-less Cretan’s look to make a quick buck. It’s easy for the hoodlum, who does not need to worry about things like security, vigilantism or coincidence which could get him/her caught during a bank robbery or convenience store heist, taxi robbing is more of a one on one affair, except when it’s a one on three like Wednesday evening. This year the International Financial crisis that grips almost the entire planet has created an elevated risk for neighbourhood taxis’, robberies are up, thefts are up, gas prices are high and price, physical, emotional and financial of doing is business is just too high.



A Wiseman once said "never look a gift horse in the mouth" and it’s probably a good idea but I suggest not pissing of the guy that going to be driving your drunk ass home on New Years Eve.



Zee






Tags: |

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

How Apple Could Survive Without Steve Jobs - WSJ.com

December 17th, 2008
How Apple Could Survive Without Steve Jobs - WSJ.com
Justin Scheck and Nick Wingfield

granma.cu -

December 16th, 2008
granma.cu -
Reflection of Castro
Fidel Castro

Win could put Big Drama in Derby field - Horse Racing - MiamiHerald.com

December 14th, 2008
Win could put Big Drama in Derby field - Horse Racing - MiamiHerald.com
Jim Freer

Out-of-town horses excel at Calder - Horse Racing - MiamiHerald.com

December 14th, 2008
Out-of-town horses excel at Calder - Horse Racing - MiamiHerald.com
Jim Freer

Fort Erie faces no racing in 2009 - Horse Racing - MiamiHerald.com

December 16th, 2008
Fort Erie faces no racing in 2009 - Horse Racing - MiamiHerald.com
The Sports Network

Ex-WWE star Lashley wins MMA debut - Wrestling - MiamiHerald.com

December 14th, 2008
Ex-WWE star Lashley wins MMA debut - Wrestling - MiamiHerald.com
Rodolfo R. Roman

Assets Seized at Company Suspected of Funneling Money to Iran - NYTimes.com

December 17th, 2008
Assets Seized at Company Suspected of Funneling Money to Iran - NYTimes.com
Anahad O'Connor

Holyfield, 46, Will Soon Fight for His Fifth Title - NYTimes.com

December 16th, 2008
Holyfield, 46, Will Soon Fight for His Fifth Title - NYTimes.com
Mike Tierney

2010: The Year of the Dynasty? - The Fix#more#more

December 16th, 2008
2010: The Year of the Dynasty? - The Fix#more#more
Chris Cilliza

Michael Wilbon - Zorn, Redskins Shouldn't Panic Over a False Start - washingtonpost.com

December 16th, 2008
Michael Wilbon - Zorn, Redskins Shouldn't Panic Over a False Start - washingtonpost.com
Michael Wilbon

PART 11: Native treatment in jails a 'national disgrace' | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 16th, 2008
PART 11: Native treatment in jails a 'national disgrace' | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

PART 10: Aboriginal policing | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 15th, 2008
PART 10: Aboriginal policing | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

PART 9: Refuge for homeless | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 12th , 2008
PART 9: Refuge for homeless | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

PART 8: Traditional medicine | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 14th, 2008
PART 8: Traditional medicine | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

PART 7: The elder and the Native artist | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 12th, 2008
PART 7: The elder and the Native artist | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

PART 6: Victim of the streets | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 11th, 2008
PART 6: Victim of the streets | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

Monday, December 15, 2008

Friday, December 12, 2008

Whither McCain? - The Fix#more#more#more

December 12th, 2008
Whither McCain? - The Fix#more#more#more
Chris Cilliza
Is the man in the arena gone? Or just on a temporary hiatus?

IL-Senate: Between Rod and a Hard Place - The Fix#more

December 12th, 2008
IL-Senate: Between Rod and a Hard Place - The Fix#more
Chris Cilliza

TheStar.com | Junior Hockey | Ottawa routs Generals 10-0 in OHL

December 12th, 2008
TheStar.com | Junior Hockey | Ottawa routs Generals 10-0 in OHL
The Canadian Press

TheStar.com | Sports | Toronto FC acquires Dwayne De Rosario

December 12th, 2008
TheStar.com | Sports | Toronto FC acquires Dwayne De Rosario
Cathal Kelly

TheStar.com | GTA | Why some city taxis refuse short trips

December 12th, 2008
TheStar.com | GTA | Why some city taxis refuse short trips
Kenyon Wallace

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

December 12th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::: "Extent of Eriksson injury still unknown"
Extent of Eriksson injury still unknown

Blue Jays for sale? | Bob Elliott | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun

December 12th, 2008
Blue Jays for sale? | Bob Elliott | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun
Bob Elliott

Having troubles deciding what gifts to give family and friends this holiday season? Why not donate to amateur sport instead | Alison Korn | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun

December 12th, 2008
Having troubles deciding what gifts to give family and friends this holiday season? Why not donate to amateur sport instead | Alison Korn | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun
Alison Korn

Doc had sex with patients | Mike Strobel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 12th, 2008
Doc had sex with patients | Mike Strobel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun
Mike Stobel

1,000 kids, but only 6 toys | Joe Warmington | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 12th, 2008
1,000 kids, but only 6 toys | Joe Warmington | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun
Joe Warmington

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

December 11th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Barrie whitewashes Battalion 4-0

Thursday, December 11, 2008

At the Last Subway Stop, a New Exit Strategy - NYTimes.com

December 11th, 2008
At the Last Subway Stop, a New Exit Strategy - NYTimes.com
William Neuman

Bettie Page, Queen of Pinups, Dies at 85 - Obituary (Obit) - NYTimes.com

December 111th, 2008
Bettie Page, Queen of Pinups, Dies at 85 - Obituary (Obit) - NYTimes.com
Robert D. Mcfadden

E. J. Dionne Jr. - Worried on the Left - washingtonpost.com

December 11th, 2008
E. J. Dionne Jr. - Worried on the Left - washingtonpost.com
E.J. Dionne Jr.

Charles Krauthammer - Obama's Plan for a Domestic Transformation - washingtonpost.com

December 11th, 2008
Charles Krauthammer - Obama's Plan for a Domestic Transformation - washingtonpost.com
Charles Krauthammer

RNC Field Sorts Itself Out - The Fix#more

December 11th, 2008
RNC Field Sorts Itself Out - The Fix#more
Chris Cilliza

TheStar.com | GTA | Robot 'not really' his girl, man says

December 11th, 2008
TheStar.com | GTA | Robot 'not really' his girl, man says
Raveena Aulakh

TheStar.com | Sports | Boston Red Sox unveil their new 'Hanging Sox' ball logo

December 11th, 20008
TheStar.com | Sports | Boston Red Sox unveil their new 'Hanging Sox' ball logo
AP

In Hogtown, football fever has gone with the wind and in its place a toxic tonic of ambivalence, indifference and apathy has grown | Steve Simmons | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun

December 11th, 2008
In Hogtown, football fever has gone with the wind and in its place a toxic tonic of ambivalence, indifference and apathy has grown | Steve Simmons | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun
Steve Simmons

PART 5: First Nations School teaches 'who we are' | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 10th, 2008
PART 5: First Nations School teaches 'who we are' | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun
Mark Bonokoski

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Cigar Aficionado | Web Features | Cigar Aficionado Lounge, Humidor Opens in New Cigar Inn

December 2nd, 2008
Cigar Aficionado | Web Features | <i>Cigar Aficionado</i> Lounge, Humidor Opens in New Cigar Inn
David Savona

Cigar Aficionado | Web Features | Federal Judge Overturns Cohiba Case — Again

December 3rd, 2008
Cigar Aficionado | Web Features | Federal Judge Overturns Cohiba Case — Again
Gregory Mottola

Referee makes unique impact in TNA - Other Sports - MiamiHerald.com

December 11th, 2008
Referee makes unique impact in TNA - Other Sports - MiamiHerald.com
Jim Varsallone

Is Illinois the Most Corrupt State? - Capitol Briefing#more#more

December 10th, 2008
Is Illinois the Most Corrupt State? - Capitol Briefing#more#more
Ben Pershing & Paul Kane

Obama Selects Nobel Winner Chu to Run Energy Dept. | 44 | washingtonpost.com

December 10th, 2008
Obama Selects Nobel Winner Chu to Run Energy Dept. | 44 | washingtonpost.com
Steven Mufson & Philip Rucker

Michael Wilbon - Redskins Don't Put Enough on the Line - washingtonpost.com

December 9th, 2008
Michael Wilbon - Redskins Don't Put Enough on the Line - washingtonpost.com

TheStar.com | Opinion | Change of leader just a beginning

December 10th, 2008
TheStar.com | Opinion | Change of leader just a beginning
Star Ed

TheStar.com | Ontario | Labour groups seek 'immediate' $10 minimum wage

December 10th, 2008
TheStar.com | Ontario | Labour groups seek 'immediate' $10 minimum wage
Tracey Tyler

Obama a Marlboro Man? | Lisa Van Dusen | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

December 10th, 2008
Obama a Marlboro Man? | Lisa Van Dusen | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

Be a Good News Bear | Mike Strobel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 10th, 2008
Be a Good News Bear | Mike Strobel | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

PART 4: Hero to the Native children | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 10th, 2008
PART 4: Hero to the Native children | Mark Bonokoski | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

Daily Racing Form - News

December 1st, 2008
Daily Racing Form - News
Frank Mitchell
DRF December Newsletter

Daily Racing Form - News

December 1st, 2008
Daily Racing Form - News
Steve Crist
DRF December Newsletter

Daily Racing Form - News

December 1st, 2008
Daily Racing Form - News
Byron King
DRF December Newsletter

Daily Racing Form - News

December 1st, 2008
Daily Racing Form - News
Alan Shuback
DRF December Newsletter

Daily Racing Form - News

December 1st, 2008
Daily Racing Form - News
Steve Davidowitz
DRF December Newsletter

Thursday, December 4, 2008

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

December 4th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Saginaw hands Battalion home-ice loss

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

December 4th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Hodgson, Grachev receive OHL honours

In a Cold Garage, Minnesota's Senate Recount Drags On - washingtonpost.com

December 5th, 2008
In a Cold Garage, Minnesota's Senate Recount Drags On - washingtonpost.com
Eli Saslow

MSNBC 'Hardball' Host Chris Matthews Mulls Run for U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania - washingtonpost.com

December 5th, 2008
MSNBC 'Hardball' Host Chris Matthews Mulls Run for U.S. Senate from Pennsylvania - washingtonpost.com
Howard Kurtz

Red Carpet Rolled Out for the Poor - washingtonpost.com

December 5th, 2008
Red Carpet Rolled Out for the Poor - washingtonpost.com

Bar Hours Worry D.C. Police Union - washingtonpost.com

December 4th, 2008
Bar Hours Worry D.C. Police Union - washingtonpost.com
Theola Labbe-DeBose

Dana Milbank - 'And Tell Me, Mr. CEO, Did You Buckle Your Seat Belt?' - washingtonpost.com

December 4th, 2008
Dana Milbank - 'And Tell Me, Mr. CEO, Did You Buckle Your Seat Belt?' - washingtonpost.com
Dana Milbank

Dion should read his own book | Lorrie Goldstein | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

December 4th, 2008
Dion should read his own book | Lorrie Goldstein | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

Worst side of hockey | Steve Simmons | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun

December 4th, 2008
Worst side of hockey | Steve Simmons | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun

Suspend Parliament. Let them cool down | Peter Worthington | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 4th, 2008
Suspend Parliament. Let them cool down | Peter Worthington | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

Voices in the gallery | Joe Warmington | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 4th, 2008
Voices in the gallery | Joe Warmington | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

December 3rd, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::: "Battalion duo invited to Canadian camp"
Battalion duo invited to Canadian camp

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

December 2nd, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::: "Swedish selections disappoint Eriksson"
Swedish selections disappoint Eriksson

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

December 1st, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Torrid Tanski chipping in on offence

TheStar.com | Opinion | Coalition deserves chance

December 2nd, 2008
TheStar.com | Opinion | Coalition deserves chance

TheStar.com | Opinion | Harper invokes Bloc bogeyman

December 2nd, 2008
TheStar.com | Opinion | Harper invokes Bloc bogeyman

TheStar.com | NBA | Raptors fire coach Sam Mitchell

December 3rd, 2008
TheStar.com | NBA | Raptors fire coach Sam Mitchell
Doug Smith

Politicians playing with fire | Christina Blizzard | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

December 2nd, 2008
Politicians playing with fire | Christina Blizzard | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

How will soap opera end? | Joe Warmington | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

December 2nd, 2008
How will soap opera end? | Joe Warmington | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Cheating Scandals Raise New Questions about Honesty, Security of Internet Gambling - washingtonpost.com

November 30th, 2008
Cheating Scandals Raise New Questions about Honesty, Security of Internet Gambling - washingtonpost.com
Gilbert M. Gaul

GOP Looks to Young Louisiana Gov. Jindal as Its Own Version of Obama - washingtonpost.com

November 30th, 2008
GOP Looks to Young Louisiana Gov. Jindal as Its Own Version of Obama - washingtonpost.com
Michael Leahy

TheStar.com | News | Reincarnation in the superhero realm

November 29th, 2008
TheStar.com | News | Reincarnation in the superhero realm
Brett Popplewell

TheStar.com | Ideas | Want to help? Leave that lunch at home

November 29th, 2008
TheStar.com | Ideas | Want to help? Leave that lunch at home
Daniel Dale

TheStar.com | Ideas | What would FDR do?

November 29th, 2008
TheStar.com | Ideas | What would FDR do?Thomas Walkom

Getting smashed is no way to spend holidays | Ted Woloshyn | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

November 29th, 2008
Getting smashed is no way to spend holidays | Ted Woloshyn | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

Wrestling tradition continues with confident Smith - Wrestling - MiamiHerald.com

November 26th, 2008
Wrestling tradition continues with confident Smith - Wrestling - MiamiHerald.com

Friday, November 28, 2008

Seeking a Presidential Pardon? Try Praising the Right to Bear Arms - WSJ.com

November 28th, 2008
Seeking a Presidential Pardon? Try Praising the Right to Bear Arms - WSJ.com
Amir Efrati

'Take My Position Paper, Please' - WSJ.com

November 28th, 20008
'Take My Position Paper, Please' - WSJ.com
Lee Siegel

Bush Shows a Reflective Side to an Unusual Interviewer - NYTimes.com

November 28th, 2008
Bush Shows a Reflective Side to an Unusual Interviewer - NYTimes.com
David Stout

TheStar.com | sciencetech | 2,700-year-old marijuana found in Chinese tomb

November 27th, 2008
TheStar.com | sciencetech | 2,700-year-old marijuana found in Chinese tomb
Dean Beeby

Comment:
{The 18 researchers, most of them based in China, subjected the cannabis to a battery of tests, including carbon dating and genetic analysis. Scientists also tried to germinate 100 of the seeds found in the cache, without success)

Damn!

TheStar.com | Ontario | David Frost acquitted of sexual exploitation charges

November 28th, 2008
TheStar.com | Ontario | David Frost acquitted of sexual exploitation charges
Rosie Dimanno

Who did judge believe? | Steve Simmons | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun

November 29th, 2008
Who did judge believe? | Steve Simmons | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun

Grits leaning left -- and right | Christina Blizzard | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

November 28th, 2008
Grits leaning left -- and right | Christina Blizzard | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

Comment:
{We have speed limits. Cops can enforce them if a trucker is driving recklessly. Jurisdictions in the U.S. such as Montana have speed limits of 70 mph. Alberta's speed limit is 110. Trucks from Ontario, though, can't keep up.

All that law does is keep U.S. trucks out of this province}

Call me a Nationalist but this actually sounds like a good idea

granma.cu - Reflections of Fidel: Total transparency

November 24th, 2008
granma.cu - Reflections of Fidel: Total transparency

Op-Ed Contributor - Dying of Consumption - NYTimes.com

November 28th, 2008
Op-Ed Contributor - Dying of Consumption - NYTimes.com
Stephen S. Roach

Video Games - Gift-Giving Ideas for Buying Video Games - Review - NYTimes.com

November 27th, 2008
Video Games - Gift-Giving Ideas for Buying Video Games - Review - NYTimes.com
Seth Schiesel

The Prestigious Design of Ferrari’s Factory - NYTimes.com

November 27th, 2008
The Prestigious Design of Ferrari’s Factory - NYTimes.com
John Tagliabue

Thursday, November 27, 2008

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November 27th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Battalion's winning streak over in overtime

Bush Grants His Final Presidential Turkey Pardon - washingtonpost.com

November 27th, 2008
Bush Grants His Final Presidential Turkey Pardon - washingtonpost.com
Manuel Roig-Franzia

Dana Milbank - The President-Elect, Talking Turkey - washingtonpost.com

November 27th, 2008
Dana Milbank - The President-Elect, Talking Turkey - washingtonpost.com
Dana Milbank -- Washington Sketch

Al Kamen - In Washington, You Never Know Who's Going to End Up Being Very Important - washingtonpost.com

November 27th, 2006
Al Kamen - In Washington, You Never Know Who's Going to End Up Being Very Important - washingtonpost.com
Al Kamen

Volcker's Tough Approach As Fed Chief Upset Many - washingtonpost.com

November 27th, 2008
Volcker's Tough Approach As Fed Chief Upset Many - washingtonpost.com
Glenn Kessler

TheStar.com | Canada | PM's cutback plan: Choke rival parties

November 27th, 2008
TheStar.com | Canada | PM's cutback plan: Choke rival parties
Les Whittington
Bruce Campion-Smith

TheStar.com | Canada | Update could collapse Parliament

November 27th, 2008
TheStar.com | Canada | Update could collapse Parliament
Richard J. Brennan

TheStar.com | Canada | Tories predict recession, offer no stimulus package

November 27th, 2008
TheStar.com | Canada | Tories predict recession, offer no stimulus package
Les Whittington and Bruce Campion-Smith

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November 26th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Battalion, IceDogs to renew hostilities

End threat to free speech | Peter Worthington | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

November 27th, 2008
End threat to free speech | Peter Worthington | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

Conservative mismanagement to blame for deficit

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

100 Notable Books of 2008 - NYTimes.com

November 26th, 2008
100 Notable Books of 2008 - NYTimes.com

Budgets Shrink for High-Priced Speakers - NYTimes.com

November 26th, 2008
Budgets Shrink for High-Priced Speakers - NYTimes.com
Motoko Rich

Dr. Pepper and the Rocker Axl Rose in a War of Hype Over ‘Chinese Democracy’ - NYTimes.com

November 26th, 2006
Dr. Pepper and the Rocker Axl Rose in a War of Hype Over ‘Chinese Democracy’ - NYTimes.com
Ben Sisario

State of the Art - No Keyboard? And You Call This a BlackBerry? - NYTimes.com

November 26th, 2006
State of the Art - No Keyboard? And You Call This a BlackBerry? - NYTimes.com
David Pogue

Beagle Proves to Be Dog Show’s Best Friend - NYTimes.com

November 26th, 2008
Beagle Proves to Be Dog Show’s Best Friend - NYTimes.com
Richard Sandomir

Solvency Issues May Jeopardize Bell Canada Deal - NYTimes.com

November 26th, 2008
Solvency Issues May Jeopardize Bell Canada Deal - NYTimes.com
Ian Austen

Much Talk of Cuomo for Clinton’s Seat, but Who’s Talking? - NYTimes.com

November 26th, 2008
Much Talk of Cuomo for Clinton’s Seat, but Who’s Talking? - NYTimes.com
Nicholas Confessore

For Biden, No Portfolio but the Role of a Counselor - NYTimes.com

November 26th, 2008
For Biden, No Portfolio but the Role of a Counselor - NYTimes.com

Karl E. Meyer and Shareen Blair Brysac - Send Bill Clinton to the Senate - washingtonpost.com

November 26th, 2008
Karl E. Meyer and Shareen Blair Brysac - Send Bill Clinton to the Senate - washingtonpost.com

Ruth Marcus - Michelle Obama's 'Mommy' Stamp - washingtonpost.com

November 26th, 2008
Ruth Marcus - Michelle Obama's 'Mommy' Stamp - washingtonpost.com

In Sea Exercises, A Sign for Obama - washingtonpost.com

November 26th, 2008
In Sea Exercises, A Sign for Obama - washingtonpost.com
Juan Forero

Michael Wilbon - Sometimes a Win Isn't Just a Win - washingtonpost.com

November 26th, 2008
Michael Wilbon - Sometimes a Win Isn't Just a Win - washingtonpost.com

Michael Wilbon - Two Good Men, One Tough Spot - washingtonpost.com

November 25th, 2008
Michael Wilbon - Two Good Men, One Tough Spot - washingtonpost.com

TheStar.com | News | The ideas factory in Obama's Washington

November 22nd, 2008
TheStar.com News The ideas factory in Obama's Washington
Lynda Hurst

TheStar.com | Ideas | There's something about pirates

November 22nd, 2008
TheStar.com Ideas There's something about pirates
Mitch Potter

TheStar.com | Ideas | Book explores the lure of the X-rated

November 16th, 2008
TheStar.com Ideas Book explores the lure of the X-rated
Kenneth Kidd

TheStar.com | GTA | Mild winter for Toronto?

November 26th, 2008
TheStar.com GTA Mild winter for Toronto?
Kenyon Wallace

YourHome.ca - Entertaining & Electronics - Biscotti: Once loved, twice baked Italian cookie

November 26th, 2008
YourHome.ca - Entertaining & Electronics - Biscotti: Once loved, twice baked Italian cookie
Eric Vellend

Blue Jays baseball blog

November 26th, 2008
Blue Jays baseball blog
Q&A with Richard Griffin
Richard Griffin

Comment: Nothing like warming up the winter days with a little bit of baseball chat

TheStar.com | Opinion | Football in the snow

November 26th, 2008
TheStar.com Opinion Football in the snow
Star Editorial


Comment: Get over it, football is meant to be played in inclement weather

TheStar.com | sciencetech | Amateur spots astronaut's lost tool bag

November 26th, 2008
TheStar.com sciencetech Amateur spots astronaut's lost tool bag
Jim Wilkes

TheStar.com | GTA | Family forced from car by police

November 26th, 2008
TheStar.com GTA Family forced from car by police
Jesse Mclean

TheStar.com | World | Oops! 'Pirate' ship was fishing trawler

November 26th, 2008
TheStar.com World Oops! 'Pirate' ship was fishing trawler
Muneeza Naqvi -- AP

A Toronto kingpin | Mike Filey | Columnists | Life | Toronto Sun

November 23rd, 2008
A Toronto kingpin Mike Filey Columnists Life Toronto Sun

Comment: Guelph, Ont born Tommy Ryan the inventor of 5 pin bowling

Clip: http://archives.cbc.ca/lifestyle/pastimes/clips/15874/

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

granma.cu -

November 24th, 208
granma.cu -
Reflections of Fidel: Stella Calloni

Comment: Stella Calloni; Revolution and Intervention in Latin America

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November 25th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Grachev: 'Lazy penalties' cost Russians

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November 25th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Grachev: 'Lazy penalties' cost Russians

Monday, November 24, 2008

We're mad as hell and we're ... | Linda Leatherdale | Columnists | Money | Toronto Sun

November 24th, 2008
We're mad as hell and we're ... Linda Leatherdale Columnists Money Toronto Sun

Comment:

{HAVE YOUR SAY:
Liberal MP Dan McTeague promises to take our "Stop the Credit Card Gouging" message to Ottawa, and Catherine Swift, CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business plans to join him to hit home her crusade to stop a huge cash grab credit card companies plan for Canada's small businesses.
Let your voice be heard. Help us fight back by sending in the coupon.
---
STOP CREDIT CARD GOUGING
Please stop the gouging rates of interest charged on credit cards.
I want Ottawa to hold a new inquiry into the record spread between the Bank of Canada rate and what's charged on outstanding credit card balances.
I want Ottawa to cap credit card rates.
Name: ____________________________________
Phone number: _____________________________
Send the coupon to Linda Leatherdale, Money Editor, Toronto Sun, 333 King St. East, Toronto, M5A 3X5, or fax 416-947-1664, or e-mail: stopthegouging@sunmedia.ca }

General silence | Peter Worthington | Columnists | News | Toronto Sun

November 24th, 2008
General silence Peter Worthington Columnists News Toronto Sun

Comment:

{zipper-lipped -- a good thing at times, but leadership sometimes needs the public informed and supportive.
But those days of (relative) military openness are becoming memories.
If so, too bad, because it's our military's effectiveness in Afghanistan that has given Canada increased credibility on the world stage. }

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November 24th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Pereira proud to play part in record

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November 24th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Tanski powers Troops' 16th win in a row

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Why Obama Should Keep His BlackBerry - WSJ.com

November 21st, 2008
Why Obama Should Keep His BlackBerry - WSJ.com
Bruce Schneier

Tom C. Korologos - Tom C. Korologos -- A Guide to a Sane Life in the White House - washingtonpost.com

November 23rd, 2008
Tom C. Korologos - Tom C. Korologos -- A Guide to a Sane Life in the White House - washingtonpost.com

George F. Will - George Will on the Supreme Court's Abortion and Gun Rights Conundrum - washingtonpost.com

November 23rd, 2008
George F. Will - George Will on the Supreme Court's Abortion and Gun Rights Conundrum - washingtonpost.com

Comment:

{And as Lincoln said (sort of), a house divided against itself is really interesting}

Jim Hoagland - Jim Hoagland on Spain's Prime Minister - washingtonpost.com

November 23rd, 2008
Jim Hoagland - Jim Hoagland on Spain's Prime Minister - washingtonpost.com
Jim Hoagland

HealthZone.ca - Addiction - Why aren't gruesome warnings enough?

November 22nd, 2008
HealthZone.ca - Addiction - Why aren't gruesome warnings enough?
Daphne Gordon

TheStar.com | Boxing | Molitor tastes his first defeat by `better man'

November 22nd, 2008
TheStar.com Boxing Molitor tastes his first defeat by `better man'
Morgan Campbell

TheStar.com | Football | Quarterbacks Burris, Calvillo as different as West and East

November 22nd, 2008
TheStar.com Football Quarterbacks Burris, Calvillo as different as West and East
Chris Zelkovich

Apologies we'd like to hear | Ted Woloshyn | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

November 22nd, 2008
Apologies we'd like to hear Ted Woloshyn Columnists Comment Toronto Sun


Comment:

WoloshynEmbezzled From Christmas Carolling Fund
Bob Rae could curb "out of control" unions like the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario

{ apologize, on this Grey Cup weekend, for not watching more CFL and less NFL. I love the CFL, but the NFL hype, the marketing, the betting lines are constantly running through my mind. I apologize for this, and I'm also sorry for sounding so easily manipulated.}

granma.cu - The meeting with Hu Jintao

November 20th, 2008
granma.cu - The meeting with Hu Jintao
Reflections by comrade Fidel: The meeting with Hu Jintao

Roundup: What We Know About iPhone 2.2 | Gadget Lab from Wired.com

November 21st, 2008
Roundup: What We Know About iPhone 2.2 Gadget Lab from Wired.com
Brian X. Chen

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November 22nd, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Comeback kids rally for record win

Deborah Howell - Ombudsman -- Traits of a Good Reporter - washingtonpost.com

November 22nd, 2008
Deborah Howell - Ombudsman -- Traits of a Good Reporter - washingtonpost.com

Comment: A read for every Reporter

The Friday Line: Ten Republicans To Watch - The Fix#more#more

November 21st, 2008
The Friday Line: Ten Republicans To Watch - The Fix#more#more
Chris Cillizza

Comment: Bobby Jindal #1 choice, Sarah Palin does not make the cut

Letter From Washington: Battle Plans: Reporting & Essays: The New Yorker

November 17th, 2008
Letter From Washington: Battle Plans: Reporting & Essays: The New Yorker
Ryan Lizza

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Forever Portfolio - Freakonomics Blog - NYTimes.com#more-3319#more-3319

November 21st, 2008
The Forever Portfolio - Freakonomics Blog - NYTimes.com#more-3319#more-3319
Stephen J. Dubner

Price Fishback: What Do the New Deal and World War II Tell Us About the Prospects for a Stimulus Package? - Freakonomics Blog - NYTimes.com#more-3329

November 21st, 2008
Price Fishback: What Do the New Deal and World War II Tell Us About the Prospects for a Stimulus Package? - Freakonomics Blog - NYTimes.com#more-3329
Steven D. Levitt

Op-Ed Contributor - Obama’s First Fumble - NYTimes.com

November 21st, 2008
Op-Ed Contributor - Obama’s First Fumble - NYTimes.com
Bryan Curtis

Comment:{But if Mr. Obama is willing to listen to the appeals of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hugo Chávez during his first year in office, surely he can make time for the argument of a sports fan who opposes the talk-radio consensus}

36 Hours in Seattle - NYTimes.com

November 21st, 2008
36 Hours in Seattle - NYTimes.com
Matthew Preusch

Pass a Bad Budget - Go Directly to Jail? - NYTimes.com

November 21s, 2008
Pass a Bad Budget - Go Directly to Jail? - NYTimes.com
William Neuman

Comment: 3 strikes and your out

Obamas Pick Sidwell School, Ending a Washington Guessing Game - NYTimes.com

November 21st, 2008
Obamas Pick Sidwell School, Ending a Washington Guessing Game - NYTimes.com
Rachel L. Swarns

Comment: President-Elect Barack Obama finally select a school for the new runts of the White House Sasha and Malia (Quaker run Sidwell Friends School)

Clinton Is Said to Accept Offer of Secretary of State Position - NYTimes.com

November 21st, 2008
Clinton Is Said to Accept Offer of Secretary of State Position - NYTimes.com
Peter Baker

CHL News-Hodgson keys Canadian win

November 20th, 2008
CHL News-Hodgson keys Canadian win
Aaron Bell
chl.ca

Thursday, November 20, 2008

27 horses killed in blaze at western Ky. stable - Other Sports - MiamiHerald.com

November 20th, 2008
27 horses killed in blaze at western Ky. stable - Other Sports - MiamiHerald.com
Bruce Schreiner - AP

Comment:

Filly Kept Lady (Won @ Churchill Sunday), 2 year-old filly Countless Katie (Survived, burns only)

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November 20th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Moore to dress for Battalion at Ottawa

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November 19th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
'More balanced' squad ties club record

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November 18th, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Trio of Troops receives NHL mention

Comment: Matt Clark, Brandon Foote and Matt Duchene

Japanese Are Irked by U.S. Interest in Pitcher - NYTimes.com

November 19th, 2008
Japanese Are Irked by U.S. Interest in Pitcher - NYTimes.com
Alan Schwarz & Brad Lefton

Editorial - Flunking the Electoral College - NYTimes.com

November 20th, 2008
Editorial - Flunking the Electoral College - NYTimes.com

Online Sites Are Waging Preholiday Price Wars - NYTimes.com

November 20th, 2008
Online Sites Are Waging Preholiday Price Wars - NYTimes.com
Claire Cain Miller & Brad Stone

Michael Kinsley - Michael Kinsley on Obama the Likely Smoker - washingtonpost.com

November 20th, 2008
Michael Kinsley - Michael Kinsley on Obama the Likely Smoker - washingtonpost.com
Let the Guy Smoke

David Ignatius - David Ignatius on Obama's Transition Reality Check - washingtonpost.com

November 20th, 2008
David Ignatius - David Ignatius on Obama's Transition Reality Check - washingtonpost.com

The Case Against Hillary - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers

November 17th, 2008
The Case Against Hillary - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers
Ignatius

Comment: Team of Rivials? Sounds silly
November 20th, 2008
Mary Ann Akers
Washington Post

Convicted Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), fresh from his defeat in a belabored reelection race, gave his last ever Senate floor speech today, bidding farewell to his colleagues and the chamber he has served in since 1968.
Stevens, who was defeated Tuesday on his 85th birthday by Democrat Mark Begich, acknowledged leaving the Senate a wounded man, convicted this month of seven felony conspiracy counts.
"I don't have any rear-view mirror, I look only forward. And I still see the day when I can remove the cloud that currently surrounds me," the often irascible senator said. "My motto has always been 'to hell with politics, just do what's right for Alaska.' And I've tried every day to live up to those words."
Stevens expressed confidence that God has more work for him to do, adding, "I look forward with a glad heart and with confidence in his justice and mercy."
The senator's speech prompted a standing ovation, tears and a stream of farewell speeches from colleagues on both sides of the aisle. The most poignant speech came from legendary fellow earmarker Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), a dear, longtime friend of Stevens - and the longest serving member of the Senate - who turned 91 today.
Byrd, who lately has been using a wheelchair, rose on the floor as best he could to recite a personalized version of a famous Irish poem in honor of his friend: "May all the roads which you have built, Ted, rise up to meet you."
"Bless your heart, Ted," Byrd concluded. "I love you."
"Stand tall," Stevens' good friend and fellow octogenarian Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) said.
Retiring Sen. Larry Craig (R-Idaho), famous, of course, for his airport men's room arrest, told the story of how he came to call Stevens "Uncle Ted." Craig said he was in a cab, on his way to the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, when he pulled up to the curb and said out loud, "Oh my, Ted's got an airport. That's neat."
The cab driver, according to Craig, said "Do you know Uncle Ted?" Craig recalled the driver saying, "I know of no other person who has done more for my state than Uncle Ted."
"Ted Stevens now knows why I call him Uncle Ted more often than not. I view that as a much more affectionate term than Senator Stevens," Craig said, adding as he leaned over to Stevens, "I'm gonna miss you, Uncle Ted."
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called Stevens "a lion" and subtly acknowledged the Alaskan's uncanny ability to steer mounds and mounds of earmarked federal funding to his state. "He has been an advocate for his state, and that's an understatement," Reid said. "I wish nothing but the best for Ted, Catherine [his wife] and his daughter, who I've known since she was a little girl."
Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), whose reelection contest against comedian Al Franken has now become a closely watched recount, talked about the "love" inside Ted Stevens - "the love that's in his heart." He added, "This nation has been blessed by his service."
Besides his knack for earmarking, Stevens became well known two years ago for his rambling, bizarre "
series of tubes" speech about the Internet, prompting entrepreneurial online DJ's to make this unforgettable techno remix of the speech. Though no one mentioned the episode during today's lengthy farewell fest.
Surprisingly, Stevens didn't wear his signature lucky tie for his final floor speech. But the tie was not forgotten.
"I always got a kick out of it when he wore his Incredible Hulk tie," Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said, adding, "I even liked his crankiness."
Despite his many heated tangles with colleagues who tried to kill his various attempts to steer many millions of dollars to his home state for pet projects such as the infamous "Bridge to Nowhere," Stevens and his colleagues parted ways on a high note.
"I bare no ill will toward any member of this body," Stevens said.
And by all accounts, the feeling was mutual. As Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) explained during her floor tribute to the surly Alaskan, "He's all bark and no bite."

Should Barack Obama Go To Georgia? - The Fix#more#more#more

November 20th, 2008
Should Barack Obama Go To Georgia? - The Fix#more#more#more
Chris Cillizza

TheStar.com | Opinion | Liberals stuck in the last century

November 20th, 2008
TheStar.com Opinion Liberals stuck in the last century:
Bob Hepburn

Comment: "one-member, one-vote system"

TheStar.com | Canada | Bob Rae launches bid for Liberal crown

November 20th, 2008
TheStar.com Canada Bob Rae launches bid for Liberal crown

TheStar.com | Business | Bell can squeeze downloads, CRTC rules

November 20th, 2008
TheStar.com Business Bell can squeeze downloads, CRTC rules

No Rae to avoid disaster | Lorrie Goldstein | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

November 20th, 2008
No Rae to avoid disaster Lorrie Goldstein Columnists Comment Toronto Sun

Comment: Take it from a sadder but wiser Ontario, folks. Canada doesn't need more Rae Daze.

'Strong mayor' is a bully | Sue-Ann Levy | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

November 20th, 2008
'Strong mayor' is a bully Sue-Ann Levy Columnists Comment Toronto Sun

Welcome back! | Mike Ganter | Columnists | Sports | Toronto Sun

November 20th, 2008
Welcome back! Mike Ganter Columnists Sports Toronto Sun

Comment: Calderon's return means ball control for Raps

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

McCain's Next Step: Re-Election in 2010 - The Fix#more#more#more

November 19th, 2008
McCain's Next Step: Re-Election in 2010 - The Fix#more#more#more
Chris Cillizza

Comment: {If a McCain-Napolitano race comes to pass, it would almost certainly be a marquee -- if not the marquee race -- of the 2010 Senate elections}

Michael Wilbon - Michael Wilbon: When Obama Talks, the BCS Should Listen - washingtonpost.com

November 19th, 2008
Michael Wilbon - Michael Wilbon: When Obama Talks, the BCS Should Listen - washingtonpost.com

Comment: Obama weights in on BCS controversy; favours playoff system

granma.cu -

November, 15th 2008
granma.cu -
The Washington Meeting
Fidel Castro

TheStar.com | Boxing | Musical Caballero promises plenty of beats in Molitor bout

November, 18th 2008
TheStar.com Boxing Musical Caballero promises plenty of beats in Molitor bout
Morgan Campbell

TheStar.com | Canada | Throne Speech pledges help for auto industry and jobless

November, 19th 2008
TheStar.com Canada Throne Speech pledges help for auto industry and jobless
Les Whittington, Bruce Campion-Smith

Comment: Check out "facts about the thron speech:" side bar

{History: The last time a monarch entered the Commons was in 1642, when King Charles I and armed supporters tried to arrest five MPs in the British House of Commons. He was rebuffed without finding the MPs and was later arrested, tried and beheaded.}

WALL-E worth the wait | Bruce Kirkland | Columnists | Entertainment | Toronto Sun

November, 19 2008
WALL-E worth the wait Bruce Kirkland Columnists Entertainment Toronto Sun

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Saturday, November 15, 2008

TheStar.com | News | Photographer captures Afghanistan graffiti

November, 15th 2008
TheStar.com News Photographer captures Afghanistan graffiti
Photo Essay by Louie Palu

George F. Will - George F. Will on Bipartisan 'Socialism' - washingtonpost.com

November, 16th 2008
George F. Will - George F. Will on Bipartisan 'Socialism' - washingtonpost.com

Comment:

{Hyperbole is not harmless; careless language bewitches the speaker's intelligence. And falsely shouting "socialism!" in a crowded theater such as Washington causes an epidemic of yawning. This is the only major industrial society that has never had a large socialist party ideologically, meaning candidly, committed to redistribution of wealth. This is partly because Americans are an aspirational, not an envious, people. It is also because the socialism we do have is the surreptitious socialism of the strong, e.g., sugar producers represented by their Washington hirelings}

David Ignatius - David Ignatius -- Terrorists Wary of Obama's Victory - washingtonpost.com

November, 16th 2008
David Ignatius - David Ignatius -- Terrorists Wary of Obama's Victory - washingtonpost.com

David S. Broder - David S. Broder -- The GOP Loses Ground - washingtonpost.com

November, 16th 2008
David S. Broder - David S. Broder -- The GOP Loses Ground - washingtonpost.com

Advice From the First Pooch - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers

November, 15th 2008
Advice From the First Pooch - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers
Jackson Diehl

Comment: The real minister of mayhem

Corzine for Treasury? Don't Bet on It. - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers

November, 15th 2008
Corzine for Treasury? Don't Bet on It. - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers
Capehart

The Laughs Are on Comedian Stephen Colbert at the 20th Annual Roast for Spina Bifida - washingtonpost.com

November, 15th 2008
The Laughs Are on Comedian Stephen Colbert at the 20th Annual Roast for Spina Bifida - washingtonpost.com
Manuel-Roig-Franzia


Comment:

The working stiff journos in the room are more like threats. They have been warned: Stay away from Colbert.

"Stephen does not want the media to approach him," a public-relations woman says.

"Stephen asks that the media not approach him," the man at the check-in table warns.

5 Myths About an Election of Mythic Proportions - washingtonpost.com

November, 16th 2008
5 Myths About an Election of Mythic Proportions - washingtonpost.com
Chris Cillizza

Friday Senate Line: The 2010 Landscape - The Fix#more#more

November, 14th 2008
Friday Senate Line: The 2010 Landscape - The Fix#more#more
Chris Cillizza


Comment: "Hardball" Host Chris Matthews very serious about running as a Democrat against Pennsylvania incumbent (R) Arlen Specter in 2010.

Highly touted filly shows what all the fuss is about in easy win - Horse Racing - MiamiHerald.com

November, 11th 2008
Highly touted filly shows what all the fuss is about in easy win - Horse Racing - MiamiHerald.com
Jim Freer

Leparoux ties Churchill Downs single day mark - Horse Racing - MiamiHerald.com

November, 11th 2008
Leparoux ties Churchill Downs single day mark - Horse Racing - MiamiHerald.com

Comment : Jules Rules

Mr. Kennedy hypes WrestleMania, more - Wrestling - MiamiHerald.com

November, 15th 2008
Mr. Kennedy hypes WrestleMania, more - Wrestling - MiamiHerald.com
Jim Varsallone

Friday, November 14, 2008

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November, 14th 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Troops' comeback extends winning streak

Clinton Is Among Obama's Top Picks to Lead State Department - washingtonpost.com

Novermber, 14th 2008
Clinton Is Among Obama's Top Picks to Lead State Department - washingtonpost.com
Anne E. Kornblut and Michael D. Shear

Comment: Book: Team of Rivals

TheStar.com | Opinion | G20 must offer oversight, stimulus

November, 14th 2008
TheStar.com Opinion G20 must offer oversight, stimulus
Star Editorial

TheStar.com | Canada | Tories see ethnic voters as key to future majority

November, 14th 2008
TheStar.com Canada Tories see ethnic voters as key to future majority
Tonda Maccharles

TheStar.com | GTA | Jockey gets 2 years of house arrest for drunk driving death

November, 14th 2008
TheStar.com GTA Jockey gets 2 years of house arrest for drunk driving death
Debra Black

Comment: Jockey David Clark Sentenced

Audit report is bizarre - and a little bit chicken | Rob Granatstein | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

November, 14th 2008
Audit report is bizarre - and a little bit chicken Rob Granatstein Columnists Comment Toronto Sun

Comment:Education Minister Kathleen Wynne, defender of the greater good.

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November, 13th 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Peroff sticks out chest in victory

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November, 13th 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Carrick gets call to Ontario squad

granma.cu - Launch of Peace in Colombia, an essential reference book

November, 13th 2008
granma.cu - Launch of Peace in Colombia, an essential reference book
Deisy Francis Mexidor

granma.cu -THE THIRD HURRICANE

November, 13th 2008
granma.cu -THE THIRD HURRICANE
Fidel Castro

Thursday, November 13, 2008

For a Washington Job, Be Prepared to Tell All - NYTimes.com

November, 13th 2008
For a Washington Job, Be Prepared to Tell All - NYTimes.com
Jackie Calmes

David S. Broder - Obama's Good Start - washingtonpost.com

November, 13th 2008
David S. Broder - Obama's Good Start - washingtonpost.com

Make Her Stop - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers

November, 13th 2008
Make Her Stop - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers
Capehart

Comment: It hurts, it hurts; more Palin bashing

Sarah Palin's Next Act - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers

November, 12th 2008
Sarah Palin's Next Act - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers
Capehart

George F. Will - Kentuckian in the Breach - washingtonpost.com

November, 13th 2008
George F. Will - Kentuckian in the Breach - washingtonpost.com

{Mitch McConnell, leader of the Senate Republicans. They did, making him Washington's most important Republican and second-most consequential elected official. This apotheosis has happened even though he is handicapped by, as National Review rather cruelly says, "an owlish, tight-lipped public demeanor reminiscent of George Will."}


Comment:Mitch McConnell, Republican lonewolf

44: A Transition to Power -- The Obama Presidency

November, 13th 2008
44: A Transition to Power -- The Obama Presidency:
Carol D. Leonnig

As official Washington speculates about who will be in Obama's Cabinet, lobbyists are the taking the speculative game to a whole other level -- after all, for them, such decisions are a matter of business significance.

And so it is that the six-page transition score card above -- readable in full here -- is circulating among D.C. lobby shops, detailing names believed by the insider's insiders to be under consideration by the Obama transition team.

The memo should be treated at this point as highly speculative, though it is some of the most up-to-date speculation around.


Posted at 1:46 PM ET on Nov 13, 2008"



Comment:Thanks to the Washington Post for the six-page lobbyist transition score card

44: A Transition to Power -- The Obama Presidency

November, 13th 2008
44: A Transition to Power -- The Obama Presidency:
Al Kamen and Philip Rucker

There's increasing chatter in political circles that the Obama camp is not overly happy with the usual suspects for secretary of state these days and that the field might be expanding somewhat beyond Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), Gov. Bill Richardson (D-N.M.), Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-Neb.) and maybe former Democratic senator Sam Nunn of Georgia.

There's talk, indeed, that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) may now be under consideration for the post. Her office referred any questions to the Obama transition; Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor declined to comment.

The pick of the former presidential contender and Senate Armed Services Committee member would go a long way toward healing any remaining divisions within the Democratic Party after the divisive primaries. Also, Clinton has long been known for her work on international women's issues and human rights. The former first lady could also enhance Obama's efforts to restore U.S. standing amongst allies worldwide.

And Obama could put her in his speed-dial for a 3 a.m. phone call every morning.

Posted at 2:46 PM ET on Nov 13, 2008"

44: A Transition to Power -- The Obama Presidency

November, 13th 2008
44: A Transition to Power -- The Obama Presidency:
Biden Talks with Israeli and Jordanian Leaders
Updated 6:13 p.m.
By Glenn Kessler

Vice President-elect Joe Biden has been holding calls with world leaders to express 'his thanks and appreciation for their congratulations on the election,' the Obama-Biden transition office said this afternoon.

Tuesday, the future No. 2 spoke with King Abdullah of Jordan, according to the transition team. On Monday day he held calls with:

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak

Israeli Likud Leader Binyamin (Bibi) Netanyahu

Polish President Lech Kaczynski

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair

Afghan President Hamid Karzai

Biden has frequently described himself as one of Israel's best friends in Washington. During the vice presidential debate, for instance, he said, 'Gwen, no one in the United States Senate has been a better friend to Israel than Joe Biden. I would have never, ever joined this ticket were I not absolutely sure Barack Obama shared my passion.'

In this case, he managed to make sure he spoke to the leaders of three key parties competing in Israeli's elections in February -- Livni of Kadima, Barak of Labor and Netanyahu of Likud -- apparently making sure that no matter who wins, that person will be a friend"

Michael Steele to Run For RNC Chair - The Fix#more#more

November, 13th 2008
Michael Steele to Run For RNC Chair - The Fix#more#more
Chris Cillizza

Democrat takes lead in Alaska Senate race - washingtonpost.com

Gene Johnson - AP
Democrat takes lead in Alaska Senate race - washingtonpost.com
Democrat takes lead in Alaska Senate Race

After Taking Some Shots, She Fires Back - washingtonpost.com

November, 13th 2008
After Taking Some Shots, She Fires Back - washingtonpost.com
Howard Kurtz

Republican Governors Meet, Glumly - washingtonpost.com

November, 13th 2008
Republican Governors Meet, Glumly - washingtonpost.com
Robert Barnes

The Plum Book: How Do I Apply for a Job? - Federal Eye -

November, 13th 2008
The Plum Book: How Do I Apply for a Job? - Federal Eye -
Washington Post
Ed O'Keefe

The Lieberman Conundrum - The Fix

November, 13th 2008
The Lieberman Conundrum - The Fix
Washington Post
Chris Cillizza

TheStar.com | Opinion | The grassroots' revenge?

November, 13th 2008
TheStar.com Opinion The grassroots' revenge?
Star Editorial

Comment: The roots of Reform

TheStar.com | Opinion | Obama stressed America's `brand'

November, 13th 2008
TheStar.com Opinion Obama stressed America's `brand'
Star Editorial

TheStar.com | Canada | Ottawa eyes assets sale

November, 13th 2008
TheStar.com Canada Ottawa eyes assets sale
Tonda MacCharles, Bruce Campion-Smith

Comment: Ok, So I think I understand

This selling the CN Tower thing is kind of like the 407 ETR highway. If you think paying the Spanish to travel on a highway on Canadian soil spoil your lunch just wait until the next time you visit a Canadian monument such as the CN Tower and your admission fee goes directly into the coffers of Sheikh’s in Dubia. I have nothing against Sheikh’s in Dubia. What I do object too however is the idea of paying anyone other than Canadians themselves for the privilege of visiting such integral part of our history.

TheStar.com | Atkinson 2008 | It's never too late to grow your brain

November, 13th 2008
TheStar.com Atkinson 2008 It's never too late to grow your brain
Judy Steed

Comment: Book:iBrain: Surviving the Technological Alteration of the Modern Mind

TheStar.com | Canada | Tories kick off Winnipeg policy convention

November, 13th 2008
TheStar.com Canada Tories kick off Winnipeg policy convention
Bruce Campion-Smith, Tonda MacCharles

TheStar.com | Canada | Ignatieff wants Liberal crown

November, 13th 2008
TheStar.com Canada Ignatieff wants Liberal crown
Les Whittington

Comment: Ok, so now Iggy's in for sure but there may be some question about Rae's willingness to run against his good friend and former school mate. Notice the article final statement -- The only other declared leadership candidate is New Brunswick MP Dominic LeBlanc.

TheStar.com | Canada | Ignatieff poised to enter Liberal leadership race

November, 13th 2008
TheStar.com Canada Ignatieff poised to enter Liberal leadership race
The Canadian Press

Comment: Three hats commited, Michael Ignatieff, Bob Rae and New Brunswick MP Dominic LeBlanc

Two hats pending, Martin Cauchon, a former cabinet minister from Quebec and
Brampton MP Ruby Dhalla

TheStar.com | World | Texas man blogs about waiting for execution

November, 13th 2008
TheStar.com World Texas man blogs about waiting for execution
Richard Cowan
Reuters

Comment: http://deathwatchjournal.wordpress.com/

Conflict in media ethics | Connie Woodcock | Columnists | Comment | Toronto Sun

November, 13th 2008
Conflict in media ethics Connie Woodcock Columnists Comment Toronto Sun

Comment: Interresting! I also wonder what else the CBC's been hiding from Canadians?

Daily Racing Form - News

DRF.com November Newsletter
Daily Racing Form - News
IEAH lining up its mares for Big Brown
Frank Mitchell

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

Nov. 11, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Killeen back in form for Battalion

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

Monday, Nov. 10, 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Hodgson named OHL Player of the Week

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November, 9th 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Battalion wins battle of division leaders

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November, 8th 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::
Torrid Troops rollpast quarter mark (Stan Butler)

Daily Racing Form - News

DRF.com November Newsletter
Daily Racing Form - News
Benifit from $650 rescues: Priceless
Jay Hovdey

Daily Racing Form - News

DRF.com November Newsletter
Daily Racing Form - News
Always prefer a rising star
James Quinn

Daily Racing Form - News

DRF.com November Newsletter
Daily Racing Form - News
Trainer Profile: Stephanie Beattie
Joe DeVivo

Saturday, November 8, 2008

The Children Are Watching - WSJ.com

November, 8th 2008
The Children Are Watching - WSJ.com
Peggy Noonan

Op-Ed Contributor - Battlegrounds - Detroit Celebrates on Election Night - NYTimes.com

November, 8th 2008
Op-Ed Contributor - Battlegrounds - Detroit Celebrates on Election Night - NYTimes.com
Eileen Pollack

Op-Ed Columnist - Obama and the War on Brains - NYTimes.com

November, 8th 2008
Op-Ed Columnist - Obama and the War on Brains - NYTimes.com
Nicholas D. Kristof

A Good Appetite - Bringing the Breadbasket Back to Thanksgiving - NYTimes.com

November, 8th 2008
A Good Appetite - Bringing the Breadbasket Back to Thanksgiving - NYTimes.com
Melissa Clark

Winter in the Sun - Ian Fleming’s Jamaica - Where James Bond and His Creator Lived and Adventured - NYTimes.com

November, 8th 2008
Winter in the Sun - Ian Fleming’s Jamaica - Where James Bond and His Creator Lived and Adventured - NYTimes.com
David G Allan

Back Home, Palin Finds Landscape Has Changed - NYTimes.com

November, 8th 2008
Back Home, Palin Finds Landscape Has Changed - NYTimes.com
William Yardley

Newt in 2012? - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers

November, 8th 2008
Newt in 2012? - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers
Novak

Deborah Howell - An Obama Tilt in Campaign Coverage - washingtonpost.com

November, 8th 2008
Deborah Howell - An Obama Tilt in Campaign Coverage - washingtonpost.com

That Nancy Reagan Crack - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers

November, 8th 2008
That Nancy Reagan Crack - PostPartisan - Quick takes from The Post's opinion writers

Colbert I. King - A Few Obama Thank-Yous - washingtonpost.com

November, 8th 2008
Colbert I. King - A Few Obama Thank-Yous - washingtonpost.com

TheStar.com | News | R.I.P. to the religious right

November, 8th 2008
TheStar.com News R.I.P. to the religious right

TheStar.com | News | Canadese: Spellchecked into oblivion

November, 8th 2008
TheStar.com News Canadese: Spellchecked into oblivion

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November, 07 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

November, 6th 2008
-:: Brampton Battalion Official Website ::

The Sleuth

October, 31st - November, 7th 2008
The Sleuth

#more

November, 7th 2008
Chris Cilliza
Washinton Post
#more

Friday, November 7, 2008

Nope, No Media Bias Here | NBC Washington

November, 7th 2008
Nope, No Media Bias Here NBC Washington

Obama Calls On Congress to Act Fast on Stimulus - washingtonpost.com

November, 7th 2008
Obama Calls On Congress to Act Fast on Stimulus - washingtonpost.com

Michael Wilbon - Fan Depreciation At FedEx - washingtonpost.com

November, 7th 2008
Michael Wilbon - Fan Depreciation At FedEx - washingtonpost.com

TheStar.com | Opinion | Ideas vital for Liberals

November, 7th 2008
TheStar.com Opinion Ideas vital for Liberals

TheStar.com | Opinion | Timely apartment blitz

November, 7th 2008
TheStar.com Opinion Timely apartment blitz

TheStar.com | living | Straights are killing traditional marriage

November, 7th 2008
TheStar.com living Straights are killing traditional marriage

TheStar.com | living | Parkdale: Where starving artists are nourished

November, 7th 2008
TheStar.com living Parkdale: Where starving artists are nourished

TheStar.com | Canada | Rule would bar top Liberal leadership contenders

November, 7th 2008
TheStar.com Canada Rule would bar top Liberal leadership contenders
Joan Bryden

TheStar.com | Crime | 43 arrested in Woodbridge gambling raid

November, 7th 2008
TheStar.com Crime 43 arrested in Woodbridge gambling raid
Sunny Freeman
Toronto Star

TheStar.com | Canada | Tories 'not seeking confrontation' in Commons

November, 7th 2008
TheStar.com Canada Tories 'not seeking confrontation' in Commons
The Canadian Press
Toronto Star

TheStar.com | USElection | Harper, Obama find 'common ground'

Novemver, 7th 2008
TheStar.com USElection Harper, Obama find 'common ground'
Bruce-Campion Smith
Toronto Star

Thursday, October 30, 2008

John McCain's Remarks to Senate July 29th 2006

The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senate
will proceed to the consideration of
the conference report.
(The conference report is printed in
the proceedings of the House in the
RECORD of July 28, 2005.)
Mr. INHOFE. I understand we have 15
minutes divided evenly between the
majority and minority, and the Senator
from Arizona has up to 30 minutes.
I ask now to recognize the Senator
from Arizona for up to 30 minutes.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator
from Arizona is recognized.
Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, this is a
remarkable piece of work. I want to assure
my colleagues that I will not take
a half hour, but I will take a few minutes
to talk about some of the interesting
and egregious and remarkable
aspects of this bill.
There is an old saying about evil, and
that is, if you do not check it or reverse
it, then it just continues to get
worse. I have to say, I haven’t seen
anything quite like this, although I
have seen some pretty bad things in
the years that I have been here.
It is $286.4 billion, terrifying in its
fiscal consequences and disappointing
for the lack of fiscal discipline it represents.
I wonder what it is going to
take to make the case for fiscal sanity
here. If you had asked me years ago, I
would have said that the combination
of war, record deficits, and the largest
public debt in the country’s history
would constitute a sufficient perfect
storm to break us out of this spending
addiction—and I would have been
wrong. I think we can weather almost
any storm thrown at us. This week’s
expenditures, I think, are a pretty good
example.
I mentioned before, we are all the
beneficiaries of the foresight of President
Eisenhower and the Congress that
helped to shepherd the original highway
bill legislation. I have carried it to
the floor before. It is about that thick.
It has two demonstration projects in it.
This is just a small example of some
of the provisions in this bill, which are
unnumbered pages. The conferees
didn’t even have time to number the
pages. I have no idea how many billions
are in here. Some, I am sure, are very
good projects. Many of them are interesting.
Some of them are entertaining.
Just glance right here: Parking facility
in Peoria, IL, $800,000. A parking facility
in a highway bill.
The original bill as proposed by
President Eisenhower and adopted by
the Congress had two demonstration
projects. Now we have a lot. No one has
counted them yet. No one has counted
these projects because we have not, of
course, had time because they have
been stuffed in late, in the middle of
the night.
Not surprisingly, my colleagues have
come to me and begged: Please make
this short; I have a plane to catch.
Please don’t take too long; I have a
plane to catch. I have to get out of
here.
Of course, it is just a coincidence
that we happen to be considering this
legislation just before we leave.
How do we celebrate? Let me count
the ways.
Section 1963, Apollo theater leases. The
section would require the Economic Development
Administration to lease and improve
the Apollo Theater, in Harlem, New York.
The Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY.
Midway Airport, directs the Coast Guard,
in consultation with the Department of
Transportation, to make grants or other
funding to provide for the operation of Midway
Airport.
This is not an airport bill; this is a
highway bill.
Expands the authority of the State of
Oklahoma in environmental matters to extend
over ‘‘Indian country’’ within that
State.
Let me say that again.
Expands the authority of the State of
Oklahoma in environmental matters to extend
over ‘‘Indian country’’ within that
State.
I don’t know what that costs. But
what in the world is it doing on a highway
bill?
Requires for Treatment as a State under
EPA regulations, an Indian Tribe in Oklahoma,
and the State of Oklahoma, must
enter a cooperative agreement to jointly
plan and administer program requirements.
What is that all about? No one has
ever brought it to my attention as
chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee.
I admit it is a long-neglected
committee—at least until recently.
Eligibility to Participate in Western Alaska
Community Development Quota Program.
Designates a community to be eligible to
participate in the Western Alaska Community
Development Program established
under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
It may be worthwhile. I have no clue.
What in the world does it have to do
with a highway bill?
This is one of the most remarkable I
have ever seen. I have been talking
about these for years and years, but
this is truly remarkable. This is a
‘‘technical adjustment.’’
This section would overturn a
It overturns a court decision in a
highway bill, and legislates a settlement
between the parties that would
authorize $4 million to be provided, tax
free, to the Alaska Native fund. That $4
million is going to be spent to be provided
tax free to the Alaska Native
fund, in a highway bill.
This section was not in either the
Senate-passed or the House-passed bill.
Neither one. So right there it is in violation
of the rules of the Senate and
the Congress. It wasn’t in either bill.
This ‘‘technical adjustment’’ is neither
technical nor an adjustment, but
it is a bailout for Hawaii and a blatant
giveaway to the Alaska Native population.
In 2000, the General Services
Administration donated to Tanadgusix
Corporation, called TDX, which is an
Alaska Native corporation, a World
War II decommissioned dry dock under
the condition that it be transported
from its holding area in Hawaii and
placed in Alaska.
The TDX agreed to this condition.
However, after receiving title, TDX
began operating the dry dock in Hawaii.
GSA attempted to enforce the
contract. TDX sued the Government. A
Federal district court and the Ninth
Circuit Court of Appeals had both ordered
TDX to tow the dry dock to Alaska.
Additionally, the Department of
Justice has filed a false claim suit
against TDX for its illegal use of the
dry dock.
None of this seems to matter to the
conferees who require the dry dock to
be sold, so long as the buyer agrees to
operate the dry dock outside the
United States to protect the ports in
Hawaii and Alaska from competition.
The conferees also require the Government
to compensate TDX with $4
million tax free.
Why? Again, what in the world does
this have to do with highways? And
why should we be bailing out corporations
and overturning court decisions?
It is only $4 million. We are talking
about $280-some billion. But this is a
bailout for Hawaii and a tax-free gift to
Alaska.
Conferees also have tax cuts. Do you
know in this bill we have tax cuts, repeal
of special occupational taxes on
producers and marketers of alcoholic
beverages? We don’t want people to
drink and drive on highways, so I guess
there is some connection to the highway
bill, repeal their alcohol taxes.
There are income tax credits for distilled
spirits wholesalers. Income tax
credits for distilled spirits wholesalers
in a highway bill.
Caps on excise tax on certain fishing
equipment. I guess you have to drive
on a highway to go fishing. Maybe that
is it.
There are tax breaks for luxury
transportation. We don’t want to leave
our big donors out of this bill. Tax
breaks for luxury transportation, exemption
from taxes on transportation
provided by seaplanes and certain
sightseeing flights. I guess you could
land a seaplane on a highway—although
that is hard, as an old pilot, I
have to say. Exemption on taxes on
transportation provided by seaplanes
and certain sightseeing flights.
I might add to my colleagues, we
have had a couple of hours to examine
a 2,000-page bill.
Section 1114, Highway Bridge Program.
The section contains bridge construction or
improvement projects totaling $100 million
for the fiscal year.
We are getting up there a little bit
now.
These include $12,500,000 per fiscal year for
the Golden Gate Bridge, $18,750,000 per fiscal
year for the construction of a bridge joining
the island of Gravina to the community of
Ketchikan in Alaska.
Let me tell you that once again:
$18,750,000 per fiscal year. We figure it
is about $80 million. It could be a lot
more than that. Guess how many people
live on the Gravina Island? Fifty;
five-zero. I don’t know what that works
out to per capita, but it is about a million-
something per person at least.
. . . and $12,500,000 per fiscal year for the
State of Missouri for construction of a structure
over the Mississippi River to connect
the City of St. Louis, MO, to the State of Illinois.
National Corridor Infrastructure Improvement
Program. Directs the Department of
Transportation to establish and implement a
program for highway construction in corridors
of National significance to promote
economic growth and international or interregional
trade pursuant to criteria in the
section.
It lists 33 earmarks for 24 States totaling
$1.95 billion—B—billion dollars.
Freight Intermodal Distribution Pilot Program.
It is always interesting when you see
the words ‘‘pilot program.’’
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to
establish a freight intermodal distribution
pilot grant program authorized for a total of
$24 million. A portion of the funding must be
used for the following projects:
Short-haul intermodal projects, Oregon $5
million; the Georgia Port Authority, $5 million;
the ports of Los Angeles and Long
Beach, California, $5 million.
Ports—ports, my friends, not highways,
ports.
Fairbanks, Alaska [of course] $5 million.
Just throw that in.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Freight Intermodal Facility, North Carolina,
$5 million.
South Piedmont Freight Intermodal Center,
North Carolina, $5 million.
Development of Magnetic Levitation
Transportation Systems. Authorizes a total
of $40 million for MAGLEV deployment and
earmarks 50 percent of the funding made
available each year for a MAGLEV project
between Las Vegas and Primm, Nevada, and
50 percent for a project east of the Mississippi
River.
So we are going to have $40 million
for MAGLEV deployment and half of it
goes to Nevada and half of it goes for a
project east of the Mississippi River.
‘‘Project Authorizations,’’ this section
would fund 5,173 projects, totaling
$14.8 billion.
Here is my favorite so far: $2,320,000
to add landscaping enhancements
along—get this—the Ronald Reagan
Freeway. I wonder what Ronald
Reagan would say: $2,320,000.
In my youth, I have watched Ronald
Reagan deride this kind of activity on
the part of Congress. He used to get a
pretty good response.
$480,000 to rehabilitate a historic warehouse
on the Erie Canal in the town of
Lyons, New York.
A historic warehouse. I hope we all
have a chance to visit it sometime.
$600,000 for High Knob Horse Trails, construction
of horse riding trails and associated
facilities in High Knob area of the Jefferson
National Forest in Virginia;
$2,560,000 for the Daniel Boone Wilderness
Trail in Virginia. These funds would be used
for acquiring the site; designing and constructing
an interpretive center, and for the
enhancement of the trail corridor;
$120,000 for the Town of St. Paul—restoration
of Hillman House to serve as a trail information
center;
$400,00 to rehabilitate and redesign Erie
Canal Museum in Syracuse, New York;
$2,400,000 for the National Infantry Museum
Transportation Network in Georgia;
$960,000 for transportation enhancements
to the Children’s Museum of Los Angeles;
$1,200,000 for the Rocky Knob Heritage Center
in Virginia;
$1,600,000 for the Blue Ridge Music Center
in Connecticut.
So we can listen to music as we are
traveling on the highways.
$200,000 for the deer avoidance system to
deter deer from milepost markers in Pennsylvania
and New York;
$1,280,000 for the Cultural and Interpretive
Center in Richland, WA;
$1,200,000 for the planning and engineering
of the American Road, the Henry Ford Museum,
Dearborn, MI;
$1 million for the Oswego, NY pedestrian
waterfront walkway;
$400,000 for the Uptown Jogging, Bicycle,
Trolley Trail in Columbus, GA;
$2 million for Ketchikan, AK, to improve
marine drydock facilities;
$3 million for dust control mitigation on
rural roads in Arkansas.
Dust control mitigation on rural
roads. Good luck. And
$850,000 for the Red River National Wildlife
Refuge Visitor Center in Louisiana;
$5 million for the Grant Tower reconfiguration
in Salt Lake City, UT.
I guess we don’t know what the problem
with the present configuration of
the Grant Tower is in Salt Lake City.
Construction of ferry boats and ferry
terminal facilities, which would set
aside $20 million for the construction
or refurbishment of ferry boats and
ferry terminal facilities and, guess
what, of this amount $10 million would
be earmarked for, guess where, Alaska.
And $5 million would be earmarked for
New Jersey. Way to go, New Jersey.
And $5 million would be earmarked for
Washington.
It authorizes such sums as may be
necessary for 465 earmarked projects
totalling $2,602,000,000, and the big winners
are Alaska, Colorado, Georgia,
Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Montana,
North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania,
and Vermont.
Going-To-The-Sun Road in Glacier
National Park in Montana. Authorizes
$50 million for a project to be 100 percent
federally funded to reconstruct a
road in Glacier National Park. I am
sure no one else with a national park
in their State has need for roads that
would outdo this one.
Bear Tooth Highway in Montana.
Upon request by the State of Montana,
the Secretary shall obligate such sums
as necessary to reconstruct the Bear
Tooth Highway. I think this might fit
nicely into the $3 million we provided a
few years ago on another appropriation
bill to study the DNA of bears in Montana
so they could use the Bear Tooth
Highway.
The Great Lakes ITS implementation:
$9 million to continue ITS activities
in the Milwaukee, Chicago, and
Gary, IN, area.
There is a lot more.
The Knik Arm Bridge funding clarification:
Directs the DOT to provide all
funds earmarked for the Knik Arm
Bridge to provide the Knik Arm Bridge
and Toll Authority, $229.45 million. The
Knik Arm Bridge, a name that is hard
to pronounce, I admit, will be renamed
Don Young’s Way.
Another section in the legislation:
Traffic circle construction, Clarendon,
VT—$1 million for the State of
Vermont to plan and complete construction
of a traffic circle at a specified
location.
Three million dollars—$3 million—to
fund the production of a documentary—
get this: $3 million to fund the
production of a documentary about infrastructure
that demonstrates advancements
in Alaska, the last frontier.
Statewide transportation funding.
This section would fund ferry projects,
including $25 million for projects in
Alaska and Hawaii, and extension
projects utilizing ferry boats, ferry
boat terminals, or approaches to ferry
boat terminals; $2.5 million for the San
Francisco Water Transit Authority;
$2.5 million for the Massachusetts Bay
Transportation Authority Ferry System;
$1 million for the Governor’s Island
New York ferry system, and $1
million for the Philadelphia Penn’s
Landing ferry terminal.
The Department of Transportation is
going to provide grants to the Oklahoma
Transportation Center to study
motorcycle accident investigation
methodology, $1,408,000. And then, of
course, $1 million for fiscal years 2006
and 2007 for a wood composite products
demonstration project at the University
of Maine.
Well, anyway, that is how we are
doing the grand plan, and I would point
out to my colleagues there are, according
to the information I have, 30 donor
States that are losers and there are 20
States that are winners. Some States
have as much as 526 percent return on
every dollar that is sent to Washington,
and others have as low as 92
percent. Some have 206 percent, 218
percent, 207 percent, 227 percent.
I ask unanimous consent that this
chart be printed in the RECORD. I think
my colleagues would be interested to
see how they came out on this.
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. MURKOWSKI).
Without objection, it is so ordered.
There being no objection, the material
was ordered to be printed in the
RECORD, as follows:
VerDate Aug
Mr. MCCAIN. What is so harmful in
this is, because I happen to represent,
as do some other Senators, fast-growing
States, it is the rapidly growing
States that are penalized the most
here: Arizona, California, Colorado,
Florida, Georgia. The fastest growing
States are the ones that are receiving
the smallest amounts of money, and it
is obviously very unfair. I think we all
know what the answer is. Let the
States keep the dollars they collect in
the form of taxes and spend it within
their own State. I think the answer is
that simple.
This is how this Congress administers
the money of the American people,
Mr. President. In the 1950s when
President Eisenhower’s ‘‘Grand Plan’’
was being formulated, the country focused
on building a unified transportation
system to improve the safety,
security, and economy of our Nation as
a whole. Now, Congress circles transportation
funds like sharks. Instead of
serving the public good, this Congress
slices and dices the Treasury’s money
to fill up the pork barrel. And we do so
with grand speeches and lofty language,
with no trace of shame or irony.
We live in the Era of the Earmark,
Mr. President. In 1982, the transportation
bill included 10 earmarks costing
$386 million. In 1987, the bill included
152 earmarks, with a cost of $1.4
billion. By 1991, the bill included 538
earmarks—costing taxpayers over $6
billion. Our most recent transportation
bill, TEA–21, included 1,850 earmarks
with a price tag of more than $9 billion.
The legislation that we are voting on
today eclipses those numbers. I am told
that SAFETEA–LU includes over 6,300
earmarked projects totaling over $20
billion.
Some Members of Congress may be
happy to associate their names with
this legislation—the chairman of the
House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee for example has made
sure that this legislation renames the
Knick Ann Bridge in Alaska ‘‘Don
Young’s Way.’’ The bridge would also
receive more than $229 million. I want
no part of this, Mr. President. This legislation
is not—I emphasize not—my
way of legislating.
And I’m sure that if we had adequate
time to review this conference report
we would find more pork and more inappropriate
provisions. But, of course,
we will once again go through this
process too quickly for a proper evaluation.
This conference report is over
2,000 pages long—and over six and onehalf
inches high—and yet we’ve had
less than a day to review it. And that
doesn’t even include the statement of
managers, which sits in a box in the
cloakroom—making it difficult for any
member to read.
Fiscal prudence is crucial. But even
if the conferees had excluded pork from
this legislation, that alone would not
make it adequate. Equity is also essential,
and—unfortunately—the conference
report that is before us still retains
a grossly unfair feature of past
legislation.
This conference report perpetuates
the historical discrepancy between
donor States and donee States. Remarkably,
not only does the bill continue
this disparity, it actually exacerbates
it. Whereas the bill that was
passed last year by the Senate would
have increased, at least theoretically,
every State’s rate of return to 95 percent
in the final year of the bill—2009—
the substitute amendment before the
Senate only promises a rate of return
of 92 percent in 2008 for those States.
Until then, many States will linger at
a rate of return of 90.5 percent in the
first year and less than 92 percent
thereafter while others receive more—
in some cases much more—than what
they contribute to the Highway Trust
Fund.
As if that weren’t enough, this year’s
bill would actually propose to create
further disparities between States.
Though ‘‘Equity’’ is in the title of the
legislation, the number of donor States
would increase from 28 under current
law to 30. In addition, 16 States would
linger at the bottom of the barrel
through 2009. Some may argue that
these so-called super-donor States
should be satisfied with the fact that
they are scheduled to move from a rate
of return of 90.5 percent to one of 92
percent in 2008. I would suggest that
this is a meager improvement over current
law and nothing to cheer about.
After all, many other States are set to
receive significantly higher rates of return.
While a State like Ohio is expected
to receive 92 percent in 2009,
Alaska will receive a rate of return of
almost 530 percent in the final year. 530
percent on top of the hundreds of earmarks
and special provisions that are
in this conference report.
Mr. President, I fully recognize that
during the years when the Federal Government
was building the Interstate
system, a redistribution of funding between
the States may have made sense.
Clearly, it would have been very difficult
for the State of Montana, for example,
with fewer than a million people,
to pay the full cost of building its
share of the Intestate system. But, Mr.
President, that era is over. Congress
declared the construction of the Interstate
system complete in 1991. Yet here
we are, almost 15 years later, and
donor States are still expected to agree
to the redistribution of hundreds of
millions—if not billions—of dollars to
other States regardless of the already
enormous transportation needs of
donor States.
That’s not where this story ends,
though. The rate of return formula is
based on the authorized funds that are
‘‘below the line’’—that is, that count
towards the calculation of the rate of
return. There is a significant amount
of funds that is ‘‘above the line.’’ These
funds are not counted in the rate of return
calculation. It’s above the line
that more mischief takes place. For example,
$100 million is earmarked for
the Alaska Way Viaduct and Seawall
Replacement project above the line.
This means that Alaska’s rate of return
significantly understates the
amount of Federal funding that Alaska
receives under this legislation. The
race for pork that takes place above
the line also explains why some States
that are nominally donor States might
be happier with this legislation than
one would expect. For example, California
will receive over $1 billion in
funding for earmarked projects above
the line—that’s well over the average
annual funding that California receives
below the line.
In closing, I note that the conference
report exceeds the funding level requested
by the President of $284 billion
by over $2 billion.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Who
yields time?
Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, I
would like to ask the Senator from Arizona,
are you yielding back your time
or just yielding the floor?
Mr. MCCAIN. I am sorry. I would like
to yield 2 minutes of time and yield
back the rest of my time after yielding
2 minutes to the Senator from Arizona.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator
from Arizona.
Mr. KYL. I thank you, Madam President.
I thank my colleague. I know
that the chairman of the committee is
anxious to conclude the legislation so I
will be brief.
I simply reiterate the point that I
hope colleagues sincerely consider the
points made by the senior Senator
from Arizona—not meant to embarrass
but to get us to focus on how we could
better fund our transportation needs in
the country. We are all pretty bright
and pretty good on identifying what is
necessary, but far better it would be, as
he pointed out, to let the States keep
the money raised in the States and for
them to decide how best to use the
money in their own States. It would be
much more fair than taxing some
States and giving it to residents of
other States. Even for the donor States
such as ours, instead of getting close to
100 percent of the targeted amount
that was provided in the bill in the
first year, some are lucky if they get
there at the very end of the period of
time. There needs to be a fix to this
problem sooner or later. I hope my colleagues
again will sincerely consider
the remarks of those who regrettably
are required to vote against this legislation
because of its unfairness and because
of the way taxpayer dollars are
used for projects, some of which do not
even relate to highways or to transportation.
Madam President, I yield the floor.
STEELGRID REINFORCED CONCRETE DECKING
Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I
rise to engage my distinguished colleague
from Oklahoma in a colloquy
regarding steel grid reinforced concrete
decking. First, I would like to congratulate
my colleague on the successful
completion of conference negotiations
on this important legislation, and
thank him for all he has done to assist
me and my constituents through this
bill.