Hey, as one of my liberal friends tells me, "we have to play dirty. Conservatives have been playing dirty forever."
Ergo, two wrongs make a right?
2012-05-27
King's Tax Edict
Holy Joseph Mother Mary of Jesus Moses, he can't be this stupid?
Can he?
Sadly, to sone people, this makes perfect sense.
His last bit about the rich not creating jobs is a tired angle. "Rich" people don't create jobs. PEOPLE do. Period. With as little interference from the state preferably.
Again, if taxes are the issue (that is, paying one's "fair share" whatever that means), then why is it that 50% of Americans pay no taxes at all? I'll keep repeating this question.
Look, I'm no genius but I'm not an idiot either. I'm educated, own a business, read, speak three languages, pretty decent athlete, blah, blah, but these guys sound like complete fools to me. Stick to writing, Mr. King.
Can he?
Sadly, to sone people, this makes perfect sense.
His last bit about the rich not creating jobs is a tired angle. "Rich" people don't create jobs. PEOPLE do. Period. With as little interference from the state preferably.
Again, if taxes are the issue (that is, paying one's "fair share" whatever that means), then why is it that 50% of Americans pay no taxes at all? I'll keep repeating this question.
Look, I'm no genius but I'm not an idiot either. I'm educated, own a business, read, speak three languages, pretty decent athlete, blah, blah, but these guys sound like complete fools to me. Stick to writing, Mr. King.
Hesjedal Comes Through And Wins Giro!
It was a historic victory for the Giro D'Italia, Canada and above all for Ryder Hesjedal as he conquers one of the most storied races in cycling. As a sports fan, this is huge. Not only that, he did it riding a Canadian bicycle - Cervelo which too has left its mark on cycling as the world's largest manufacturer of time-trial bikes.
I was watching the RAI feed in Italian and it was incredible to watch the Canadian flag draped over the commentator's table. I've also been watching the American feed who have been basically cheering for Hesjedal.
Let me put this in perspective.
There are three races that make up the Grand Tours: Giro, Vuelta a Espana and Tour de France.
- 12 countries have won the Tour de France since 1903 in 98 editions.
- Since 1935 - 66 editions - 11 countries have won Vuelta.
- Contested since 1909, 10 different countries have won the Giro in 94 editions.
- In total between the three Tours, 17 countries have been represented.
In 258 editions, a Canadian has never won. The United States have won 11 between Italy (1) and France (10). It's a list dominated by Italy (80 wins), France (51), Spain (46), Belgium (32). In other words, 209 of the 258 wins (81%) have come from just four coutries! These are countries with long cylcing traditions. The numbers don't include Teams and Manufacturers of which Italy further cements its cycling heritage. Nor does it include UCI World Rankings which Belgium and Italy also have placed the most champions.
That's what Hesjedal was against.
Prior to Hesjedal's win, the best Canada achieved was Steve Bauer's awesome 4th place at the Tour de France in 1988. That same year, he won a stage at the Tour. Another accomplishment was Alex Stieda becoming the first North American to win the Yellow Jersey in 1986; this is pre-Greg LeMond and the rise of American cycling.
Along with Mike Weir winning the Masters, Ferguson Jenkin's induction in baseball's Hall, Larry Walker's batting titles and Steve Nash's MVP titles, Hesjedal's victory is without doubt among the greatest, if not the greatest, achievement on Canadian sports record.
2012-05-26
Hesjedal!
One stage to go at the Giro D'Italia for Ryder Hesjedal.
Currently 31 seconds behind the overall leader, Hesjdal has a chance to take over the lead in the time trials. If he succeeds, and he is very strong in time trials, he will become the first Canadian to ever win a major cycling event.
Hesjedal put in a fantastic performance, only surpassed by the incredible display by Belgian rider Thomas De Gent, in Stage 20 climbing the iconic Stelvio with an average gradient of 10% and as high as 22%. At 9000 feet, it's the highest level of any race in the world. .
Currently 31 seconds behind the overall leader, Hesjdal has a chance to take over the lead in the time trials. If he succeeds, and he is very strong in time trials, he will become the first Canadian to ever win a major cycling event.
Hesjedal put in a fantastic performance, only surpassed by the incredible display by Belgian rider Thomas De Gent, in Stage 20 climbing the iconic Stelvio with an average gradient of 10% and as high as 22%. At 9000 feet, it's the highest level of any race in the world. .
2012-05-24
President Obama Preys On The Seven Deadly Sins
In an exclusive interview, the President sat down over a dark beer with The Commentator and talked all kinds.
Note from T.C.: I met with Barack Obama at a local diner. I didn't see any secret servicemen until they emerged from the bathroom followed by a couple of sweet chicks. Obama snapped his fingers and told me, "yo, over here." He seemed to go out of his way to present a relaxed atmosphere as he rolled his sleeves and winked a lot. He went a little over board when he removed his socks and shoes and went all Huckleberry Finn on me. We talked about a lot of things, see, including his deepest most insecure, intimate thoughts. "I have a jelly fetish. Some people leave cum stains. I leave jam stains all over the place. It drives Micheline crazy...Excuse me? Right, Michelle." Here's part of the interview.
T.C.: Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. President.
Obama: No problem.
T.C: Or should I say, Senor Presidente?
Obama: No problemo. (laughter)
T.C: About illegal Mexican immigration. Invasion or not?
Obama: You see... (waitress takes order)
Obama: I'll have a cappuccino. Make it two for my Italian friend, here.
Waitress: Cinnamon or chocolate?
Obama: Cumin.
Waitress: And for you?
T.C.: Cacao.
Obama: What class!
T.C.: You were saying?
Obama: Saying? Right. People usually forget by now. You're a sharpie.
T.C: Well?
Obama: Were the Romans concerned when Germanic tribes entered their great city?
T.C.: I think they were.
Obama: Did the Spaniards kick out or merely asked the Moops politely to leave?
T.C.: I'm pretty sure they booted their asses back to North Africa.
Obama: Ooo, there's fight in you.
T.C.: With the election around the corner, it looks like Americans are concerned most about jobs and the economy.
Obama: They'll worry about what I'll tell them to worry about. I's the Pres'dent.
T.C.: I'm not sure I follow. What is your plan to get Americans back to work?
Obama: Oh, for Heaven's Sake (pronounces it Sa-keh). Is that all you got? Awright, awright, I'll bite. One number. Two words.
T.C.: Excuse me?
Obama. Seven. Deadly. Sins.
T.C.: What about them?
Obama: What school you go to? It certainly wasn't Harvard. How many deadly sins?
T.C.: Seven?
Obama: I plan to open seven new departments declaring war on each sin. I expect to create a billion jobs.
T.C.: Waitress! I'll have a gin straigt up. I may regret this but what are the SDS?
Obama: Pride, jealousy, gluttony (Michelle talks about this all the time), Bashful, something, something.
T.C.: Ok, even if those are correct, you named just six.
Obama: Well then that's one less department. That should shut the right-wingers up. We just saved, I dunno, $700 million. Can I get an amen?
At this point in the conversation I sat back, scratched my head and wondered if this was worth the time. Looking over Obama's shoulders, I noticed a picture of a deer in a headlight. The metaphor was appropriate I thought. Beside it, there was a picture of a zebra being torn apart by a lion. Obama just sat there eating chicken wings.
Obama: Why so quiet, there?
T.C.: Just thinking.
Obama: Thinking, huh? You won't need to think by the time I'm done with things.
T.C.: What do you mean?
Obama: You think too much. Let us take care of you.
T.C.: I'm Canadian.
Obama: What? Canadiun? Is that like Cajun?
T.C.: Not sure.
Obama: Do you guys have 'knock, knock' jokes up there?
T.C.: Nothing but subsidized 'knock, knock' jokes.
Obama: Now you talking my language. Fairness!
T.C.: I have to go put my kid to bed.
Obama: Need a hand?
T.C.: I think I got it.
Obama (slips bill): This too?
T.C.(sighs): Sigh.
Obama: Attaboy. I need the money saved here to pay for mortgages, extend unemployment benefits, cover medical insurance costs, and of course, for my war on the seven deadly sins.
T.C: Still on that?
Obama: On what?
T.C.: Have a nice day.
Obama (winks): You too.
And so I left. What I left behind I'm not sure. I lit a cigarette and peered through the window of the surreal diner from which Obama sat. He was making Mussolini-type gestures and frowns with the waitress. He was laughing, she wasn't. It reminded me of a 'knock, knock' joke.
Knock Knock
Who is there?
Broken pencil
Broken pencil who?
Ah never mind. it’s a pointless joke
Note from T.C.: I met with Barack Obama at a local diner. I didn't see any secret servicemen until they emerged from the bathroom followed by a couple of sweet chicks. Obama snapped his fingers and told me, "yo, over here." He seemed to go out of his way to present a relaxed atmosphere as he rolled his sleeves and winked a lot. He went a little over board when he removed his socks and shoes and went all Huckleberry Finn on me. We talked about a lot of things, see, including his deepest most insecure, intimate thoughts. "I have a jelly fetish. Some people leave cum stains. I leave jam stains all over the place. It drives Micheline crazy...Excuse me? Right, Michelle." Here's part of the interview.
T.C.: Thank you for meeting with me, Mr. President.
Obama: No problem.
T.C: Or should I say, Senor Presidente?
Obama: No problemo. (laughter)
T.C: About illegal Mexican immigration. Invasion or not?
Obama: You see... (waitress takes order)
Obama: I'll have a cappuccino. Make it two for my Italian friend, here.
Waitress: Cinnamon or chocolate?
Obama: Cumin.
Waitress: And for you?
T.C.: Cacao.
Obama: What class!
T.C.: You were saying?
Obama: Saying? Right. People usually forget by now. You're a sharpie.
T.C: Well?
Obama: Were the Romans concerned when Germanic tribes entered their great city?
T.C.: I think they were.
Obama: Did the Spaniards kick out or merely asked the Moops politely to leave?
T.C.: I'm pretty sure they booted their asses back to North Africa.
Obama: Ooo, there's fight in you.
T.C.: With the election around the corner, it looks like Americans are concerned most about jobs and the economy.
Obama: They'll worry about what I'll tell them to worry about. I's the Pres'dent.
T.C.: I'm not sure I follow. What is your plan to get Americans back to work?
Obama: Oh, for Heaven's Sake (pronounces it Sa-keh). Is that all you got? Awright, awright, I'll bite. One number. Two words.
T.C.: Excuse me?
Obama. Seven. Deadly. Sins.
T.C.: What about them?
Obama: What school you go to? It certainly wasn't Harvard. How many deadly sins?
T.C.: Seven?
Obama: I plan to open seven new departments declaring war on each sin. I expect to create a billion jobs.
T.C.: Waitress! I'll have a gin straigt up. I may regret this but what are the SDS?
Obama: Pride, jealousy, gluttony (Michelle talks about this all the time), Bashful, something, something.
T.C.: Ok, even if those are correct, you named just six.
Obama: Well then that's one less department. That should shut the right-wingers up. We just saved, I dunno, $700 million. Can I get an amen?
At this point in the conversation I sat back, scratched my head and wondered if this was worth the time. Looking over Obama's shoulders, I noticed a picture of a deer in a headlight. The metaphor was appropriate I thought. Beside it, there was a picture of a zebra being torn apart by a lion. Obama just sat there eating chicken wings.
Obama: Why so quiet, there?
T.C.: Just thinking.
Obama: Thinking, huh? You won't need to think by the time I'm done with things.
T.C.: What do you mean?
Obama: You think too much. Let us take care of you.
T.C.: I'm Canadian.
Obama: What? Canadiun? Is that like Cajun?
T.C.: Not sure.
Obama: Do you guys have 'knock, knock' jokes up there?
T.C.: Nothing but subsidized 'knock, knock' jokes.
Obama: Now you talking my language. Fairness!
T.C.: I have to go put my kid to bed.
Obama: Need a hand?
T.C.: I think I got it.
Obama (slips bill): This too?
T.C.(sighs): Sigh.
Obama: Attaboy. I need the money saved here to pay for mortgages, extend unemployment benefits, cover medical insurance costs, and of course, for my war on the seven deadly sins.
T.C: Still on that?
Obama: On what?
T.C.: Have a nice day.
Obama (winks): You too.
And so I left. What I left behind I'm not sure. I lit a cigarette and peered through the window of the surreal diner from which Obama sat. He was making Mussolini-type gestures and frowns with the waitress. He was laughing, she wasn't. It reminded me of a 'knock, knock' joke.
Knock Knock
Who is there?
Broken pencil
Broken pencil who?
Ah never mind. it’s a pointless joke
2012-05-23
Recycling Bull Shit
Notice at the end how the only recourse people have against other people is coercive action.
2012-05-22
Facebook's IPO Dud
Prior to the IPO, I remarked to someone I wouldn't buy Facebook stock. Methinks lotsa hype went into this thing. Still don't know how it's going to turn "promise" into profits.
Question: Would someone pay to use FB? In other words, are people vain enough to pay to post pictures about their lives with little privacy assurances?
From Forbes:
"Facebook has a great product but it is not a great company, not yet. To become one, it will have to navigate challenges in scaling up growth, while maintaining profitability and controlling costs. Like all businesses, the top managers will stumble along the way, and unless challenged, will not see the need to adapt."
And that's why I wouldn't touch it.
But hey. That's just me.
So what do I hear the next day after the stock opened to a lukewarm market? Analysts asking the exact same question about its profitability. Here's my question: Why wasn't this asked before it went to market and sold for what it did?
It's down $7 as of today off its $38 open. Oh, don't forget the massive 75 P/E.
Next up, Twitter.
I wonder what all these social media ideas will add up to one day.
Question: Would someone pay to use FB? In other words, are people vain enough to pay to post pictures about their lives with little privacy assurances?
From Forbes:
"Facebook has a great product but it is not a great company, not yet. To become one, it will have to navigate challenges in scaling up growth, while maintaining profitability and controlling costs. Like all businesses, the top managers will stumble along the way, and unless challenged, will not see the need to adapt."
And that's why I wouldn't touch it.
But hey. That's just me.
So what do I hear the next day after the stock opened to a lukewarm market? Analysts asking the exact same question about its profitability. Here's my question: Why wasn't this asked before it went to market and sold for what it did?
It's down $7 as of today off its $38 open. Oh, don't forget the massive 75 P/E.
Next up, Twitter.
I wonder what all these social media ideas will add up to one day.
Aston Martin Fetches Big Bucks; Shelby Dies
The Aston Martin Zagato DB4GT set a record at an auction.
Always did think it was one of the prettiest designed cars.
On a related sports car note, legendary car builder Carroll Shelby died.
Always did think it was one of the prettiest designed cars.
On a related sports car note, legendary car builder Carroll Shelby died.
Quotes From The Past
Charles Doughty was an eccentric explorer who travelled across Arabia in the late 19th century who once said Islam was:
"the most dangerous grown secret conspiracy in the whole world."
"the most dangerous grown secret conspiracy in the whole world."
Bill 78 To The Rescue
What does a society without real leadership looks like? A place that reacts and comes up with law like Bill 78.
Look, I don't exactly side with the students - what, you mean, support union backed associations led by privileged hucksters sprouting out the usual entitlement mentality wrapped up in Marxist "redistribution" rhetoric while violence erupts and the economy disrupted for a $325 tuition hike? No thanks - but this looks like an infringement on personal liberties to me.
What about democracy? The students are flailing against an elected government that had tuition hikes as part of its campaign. 70% of Quebecers back the government. Moreover, 70% of students accept it. Besides, why are we negociating with students? We didn't elect them.
***
We know someone who is in the riot police. At this point, according to him, "the mob is extremely provocative, the cops aren't interested in this continuing, it's the same faces we see and all this is putting my kids through college because of all the overtime."
I paraphrase. Ironic, no?
What about democracy? The students are flailing against an elected government that had tuition hikes as part of its campaign. 70% of Quebecers back the government. Moreover, 70% of students accept it. Besides, why are we negociating with students? We didn't elect them.
***
We know someone who is in the riot police. At this point, according to him, "the mob is extremely provocative, the cops aren't interested in this continuing, it's the same faces we see and all this is putting my kids through college because of all the overtime."
I paraphrase. Ironic, no?
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