This is an old clip that I saw for the first time years ago but it's still as funny to watch today as it was back then.
Thanks to my friend Tom in Australia for bringing it to my attention once again.
This is a humourous way to sell salmon.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
TSN - The Sh*t Network
Oh my Lord, what has happened to the Wide World of Sports I've learned to love all these years? I miss the days when turning on the TV to watch a sporting activity meant you were guaranteed to actually see...er...well...SPORTS!
I'll be up front and tell you that I have a limited number of channels to watch on TV as I don't subscribe to Digital Cable or Satellite TV with a dish strapped to the roof of the house. In fact I'm still living in the 70's and watching my shows on a basic analogue cable hook-up. I don't get four channels of Sportsnet, Centre Ice, NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB Extra Innings like some of you might.
When it comes to sports specific channels my three choices are The Sports Network (TSN), Sportsnet (Ontario) and The Score.
This used to be pretty good. I was happy because normally I'd get to watch the sports I like, Football, Hockey, Baseball, Nascar and Golf. I should mention I also get the Golf Channel but since that is specific to one particular sport, I don't count it.
Of course TSN and Sportsnet still show the "good" sports and a few other interesting things like the X-Games, Curling, Boxing and other non-mainstream sporting events. They aren't my usual cup of tea but I can stomach them because I would class them as a sport and that's fair game. Hell, I'll even accept Wrestling. It may be more soap opera than competition but at least the competitors/actors are in shape and have to be athletic to do what they do.
What really ticks me off is on a night like tonight with the NHL playoffs looming and battles for playoff positions still being decided, the bozos in charge at TSN decide to show Poker. When the hell did poker become a sport? How does sitting at a felt covered table playing cards with out of shape guys being served ice cold beverages and talking about inane topics count as a bloody sport?
Don't get me wrong, I actually like to play poker and Texas Hold 'Em in particular but that certainly doesn't make me a finely tuned athlete. And as I'm sitting at the table trying to bluff my buddies, I'm not thinking back to all of the years of training that has culminated into this moment where I'm hoping to catch a King on the Turn. Poker is more of a fun social event like the elderly women who gather in their Red Hats or those ladies who get together to work on quilts.
Poker is NOT A SPORT! If you say it is then you are sadly mistaken and have been brainwashed by these networks who want you to think it is. Either that or you have no athletic ability and poker is the only way you can try to feel like a jock. If some guy is sweating at a poker table it's usually because he's overweight and moments away from a massive coronary.
The only thing that TSN shows that could be less of a sport is when they televise the U.S. National Spelling Bee competition. At the meeting to decide the upcoming programming these guys must be rolling on the boardroom floor when they decide to mess with us by scheduling this. Your word is "Unbelievable". Can you use it in a sentence? Sure. "TSN is trying to pass off spelling and poker as sporting events and that is unbelievable".
Now, I'm not saying in order for a sport to be classed a sport the individuals involved have to be in peak physical condition. In some sports like Hockey, Track and Field, Triathlon or Basketball you're less likely to see beer bellies on the participants. Other sports like Golf, Curling and Bowling I wouldn't be surprised to see someone chowing down on nachos and cheese in between plays but these events are still more sporting than poker.
I won't even go into the whole gambling issue and what kids are learning from it. Major League Baseball bans Pete Rose for life for betting on a few games but apparently it's OK to televise men encouraging the youth of today to go out and lose all of their money. Yes, it's cool to go "All In" and then shrug it off when you're knocked out of the game and can't afford to feed yourself for the next two weeks.
Poker is not a sport, it is a game and there's a big difference. I dread the day when TSN decides to start broadcasting the World Cribbage Championships or the World Series of Old Maid.
I'll be up front and tell you that I have a limited number of channels to watch on TV as I don't subscribe to Digital Cable or Satellite TV with a dish strapped to the roof of the house. In fact I'm still living in the 70's and watching my shows on a basic analogue cable hook-up. I don't get four channels of Sportsnet, Centre Ice, NFL Sunday Ticket or MLB Extra Innings like some of you might.
When it comes to sports specific channels my three choices are The Sports Network (TSN), Sportsnet (Ontario) and The Score.
This used to be pretty good. I was happy because normally I'd get to watch the sports I like, Football, Hockey, Baseball, Nascar and Golf. I should mention I also get the Golf Channel but since that is specific to one particular sport, I don't count it.
Of course TSN and Sportsnet still show the "good" sports and a few other interesting things like the X-Games, Curling, Boxing and other non-mainstream sporting events. They aren't my usual cup of tea but I can stomach them because I would class them as a sport and that's fair game. Hell, I'll even accept Wrestling. It may be more soap opera than competition but at least the competitors/actors are in shape and have to be athletic to do what they do.
What really ticks me off is on a night like tonight with the NHL playoffs looming and battles for playoff positions still being decided, the bozos in charge at TSN decide to show Poker. When the hell did poker become a sport? How does sitting at a felt covered table playing cards with out of shape guys being served ice cold beverages and talking about inane topics count as a bloody sport?Don't get me wrong, I actually like to play poker and Texas Hold 'Em in particular but that certainly doesn't make me a finely tuned athlete. And as I'm sitting at the table trying to bluff my buddies, I'm not thinking back to all of the years of training that has culminated into this moment where I'm hoping to catch a King on the Turn. Poker is more of a fun social event like the elderly women who gather in their Red Hats or those ladies who get together to work on quilts.
Poker is NOT A SPORT! If you say it is then you are sadly mistaken and have been brainwashed by these networks who want you to think it is. Either that or you have no athletic ability and poker is the only way you can try to feel like a jock. If some guy is sweating at a poker table it's usually because he's overweight and moments away from a massive coronary.
The only thing that TSN shows that could be less of a sport is when they televise the U.S. National Spelling Bee competition. At the meeting to decide the upcoming programming these guys must be rolling on the boardroom floor when they decide to mess with us by scheduling this. Your word is "Unbelievable". Can you use it in a sentence? Sure. "TSN is trying to pass off spelling and poker as sporting events and that is unbelievable".Now, I'm not saying in order for a sport to be classed a sport the individuals involved have to be in peak physical condition. In some sports like Hockey, Track and Field, Triathlon or Basketball you're less likely to see beer bellies on the participants. Other sports like Golf, Curling and Bowling I wouldn't be surprised to see someone chowing down on nachos and cheese in between plays but these events are still more sporting than poker.
I won't even go into the whole gambling issue and what kids are learning from it. Major League Baseball bans Pete Rose for life for betting on a few games but apparently it's OK to televise men encouraging the youth of today to go out and lose all of their money. Yes, it's cool to go "All In" and then shrug it off when you're knocked out of the game and can't afford to feed yourself for the next two weeks.
Poker is not a sport, it is a game and there's a big difference. I dread the day when TSN decides to start broadcasting the World Cribbage Championships or the World Series of Old Maid.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Clip of the Week - March 24/08
There's been a lot of talk about hockey fights this past weekend mainly due to the line brawl in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
In that game the players on the ice squared off and eventually Patrick Roy's son, who plays net, went after the other goalie who wanted no part of it. To me this is a joke. If the guy doesn't want to fight then be a man and respect that. There was nothing to be gained by Roy to force the issue and ultimately he pummeled the poor kid into submission. I'll share with you a clip of that fight to prove my point. It should never have happened and Roy should be suspended. By the way, Patrick Roy was one of my all time favourite NHL players.
That isn't to say I'm against fighting in hockey. In fact, I'm all for it, provided the combatants are both willing and the situation warrants it.
Such was the case on Saturday night when Chris Simon & Jim Vandermeer went toe to toe during a very spirited bout between the two NHL tough guys. They were both willing and actually discussed it prior to the puck drop and resumption of play. I believe fighting has its place in the game and can be a valuable tool to allow the players to police the game themselves and make other players accountable for their actions. Some of the more recent rule changes have ruined the game in many ways.
I recently watched an old Canada Cup game and it was some of the best hockey I can ever recall watching. But if they were using today's rules, the game would have been non-stop penalties for hooking, clutching and grabbing and slashing. I miss the good 'ol days.
Chris Simon & Jim Vandermeer
Johnathon Roy & Bobby Nadeau
In that game the players on the ice squared off and eventually Patrick Roy's son, who plays net, went after the other goalie who wanted no part of it. To me this is a joke. If the guy doesn't want to fight then be a man and respect that. There was nothing to be gained by Roy to force the issue and ultimately he pummeled the poor kid into submission. I'll share with you a clip of that fight to prove my point. It should never have happened and Roy should be suspended. By the way, Patrick Roy was one of my all time favourite NHL players.
That isn't to say I'm against fighting in hockey. In fact, I'm all for it, provided the combatants are both willing and the situation warrants it.
Such was the case on Saturday night when Chris Simon & Jim Vandermeer went toe to toe during a very spirited bout between the two NHL tough guys. They were both willing and actually discussed it prior to the puck drop and resumption of play. I believe fighting has its place in the game and can be a valuable tool to allow the players to police the game themselves and make other players accountable for their actions. Some of the more recent rule changes have ruined the game in many ways.
I recently watched an old Canada Cup game and it was some of the best hockey I can ever recall watching. But if they were using today's rules, the game would have been non-stop penalties for hooking, clutching and grabbing and slashing. I miss the good 'ol days.
Chris Simon & Jim Vandermeer
Johnathon Roy & Bobby Nadeau
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Gaff Of The Year
In case I haven't made it obvious enough in the past, I'm a Montreal Canadiens hockey fan. My father is a Habs fan and therefore I am a Habs fan.
As fans of le bleu, blanc et rouge we are compelled to hate our arch-rivals from Toronto and are sworn to ridicule them every chance we get.
Of course since the Maple Leafs haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1967, we've had plenty of ammunition to fire their way. They've suffered through year after year of dismal performances, limped into the playoffs from time to time but more often then not, they've been working on their golf games while good teams are still playing hockey.
Their biggest problem is their poor drafting skills and obviously their scouts over the years were spending more time drinking in the arena bars rather than watching for good young players...especially Canadian players.
I don't really need any more fuel to add to the fire but I will say one thing about the Leafs, they are a giving group. Off the ice they're good guys who give back to the community. On the ice they're in need of some help and have been for 41 years.
When you live in Ontario as I do and you're forced to watch the crappy Leafs on TV all the times It's nice to know the Toronto players are kind enough to give those of us who cheer for better teams something to enjoy once in a while.
Such an occurrence took place just last night in New York where Toronto was playing the Islanders. Maple Leafs goalie Vesa Toskala (gee...another non-Canadian player) looked foolish as he badly misplayed a clearing attempt by NY while they were killing a penalty. What happened next was a thing of beauty. Enjoy the video evidence below.
As fans of le bleu, blanc et rouge we are compelled to hate our arch-rivals from Toronto and are sworn to ridicule them every chance we get.
Of course since the Maple Leafs haven't won a Stanley Cup since 1967, we've had plenty of ammunition to fire their way. They've suffered through year after year of dismal performances, limped into the playoffs from time to time but more often then not, they've been working on their golf games while good teams are still playing hockey.
Their biggest problem is their poor drafting skills and obviously their scouts over the years were spending more time drinking in the arena bars rather than watching for good young players...especially Canadian players.
I don't really need any more fuel to add to the fire but I will say one thing about the Leafs, they are a giving group. Off the ice they're good guys who give back to the community. On the ice they're in need of some help and have been for 41 years.When you live in Ontario as I do and you're forced to watch the crappy Leafs on TV all the times It's nice to know the Toronto players are kind enough to give those of us who cheer for better teams something to enjoy once in a while.
Such an occurrence took place just last night in New York where Toronto was playing the Islanders. Maple Leafs goalie Vesa Toskala (gee...another non-Canadian player) looked foolish as he badly misplayed a clearing attempt by NY while they were killing a penalty. What happened next was a thing of beauty. Enjoy the video evidence below.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Clip of the Week - March 17/08
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!
Who says people are in the media profession are out of shape, over worked and under payed? Actually, in Canada most of them are...well, under payed at least.
As a former member of the Canadian media, I can tell you people in this profession are grossly under payed for the amount of work they do and especially if you compare their wages to those in the same profession in the U.S. It isn't even close.
As for being out of shape, it's a toss up. Some professions are worse than others. Radio is probably the media profession that has the most overweight employees. Lets face it, the announcers job is to sit on their butts and talk to a microphone. I did that for over 13 years and my butt grew larger every year. But it was fun.
The part of the job I really enjoyed was getting out and meeting people and broadcasting on location. I'm sure reporter Rob Leth from Global TV in Toronto used to enjoy location broadcasts until this happened.
Who says people are in the media profession are out of shape, over worked and under payed? Actually, in Canada most of them are...well, under payed at least.
As a former member of the Canadian media, I can tell you people in this profession are grossly under payed for the amount of work they do and especially if you compare their wages to those in the same profession in the U.S. It isn't even close.
As for being out of shape, it's a toss up. Some professions are worse than others. Radio is probably the media profession that has the most overweight employees. Lets face it, the announcers job is to sit on their butts and talk to a microphone. I did that for over 13 years and my butt grew larger every year. But it was fun.
The part of the job I really enjoyed was getting out and meeting people and broadcasting on location. I'm sure reporter Rob Leth from Global TV in Toronto used to enjoy location broadcasts until this happened.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Another Winter Wallop - Part Deux
If anyone needs me I'll be at the hospital to have a backindectimy. That's where they replace my worn out back from shoveling with a new one. It's amazing what they can do these days.Well, we survived the Monster Storm of '08 or whatever they're calling this one.
I don't know how much snow we ended up with but after several hours of hard work, the driveway is clear, the walkway is bare and the snowbanks are over my head in some places.The blizzard started in the evening on Saturday and lasted until the morning and in its wake it left us with one of the biggest single day dumpings we've had in history. I still haven't heard what the local total was but it was a lot.
The city snowplow cleared our road but the side streets weren't done and cars were left stranded during the storm as they couldn't get down their roads. Even today as we shoveled, cars were still getting stuck. It was a mess.
While the worst is over for now, I live in fear. The sidewalk on our street is still filled in and at some point when we least expect it, the sidewalk plow will come along and push all of that snow back into the driveway. Curse you sidewalk guy.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Another Winter Wallop
I'm sick! Sick and tired of winter that is.
I'm not a winter person to begin with but this winter it has been one storm after another here in Ontario and we are currently in the midst of the latest and likely the worst one yet this season.
I just came in from shoveling the yard for the second time this evening and the worst part of the storm doesn't even arrive for another 12 hours or so. I'd say we've had 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) already and when it's all done on Saturday night we could have anywhere from 14-20 inches (35-50 cm) total. I'm predicting the 35cm's since we usually get less then what they predict. Of course with my luck...
And as if that isn't bad enough, you have to remember we already have a foot or more on the ground from previous storms. To make matters even worse, the snow has been quite wet which makes it heavier and harder to move.
Along with the snow on Saturday the forecasters are saying we could see strong winds which means possible blizzard conditions and drifting. The news just keeps getting better doesn't it?
Someone please tell me where that damn groundhog is so I can make rodent fricassee.
Winter has to end soon right? I guess technically it does later this month but it's likely there will still be plenty of snow on the ground when it arrives and with my luck...even more to fall. I guess there's no rush to put my golf clubs in the trunk of the car.
I'm not a winter person to begin with but this winter it has been one storm after another here in Ontario and we are currently in the midst of the latest and likely the worst one yet this season.
I just came in from shoveling the yard for the second time this evening and the worst part of the storm doesn't even arrive for another 12 hours or so. I'd say we've had 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) already and when it's all done on Saturday night we could have anywhere from 14-20 inches (35-50 cm) total. I'm predicting the 35cm's since we usually get less then what they predict. Of course with my luck...And as if that isn't bad enough, you have to remember we already have a foot or more on the ground from previous storms. To make matters even worse, the snow has been quite wet which makes it heavier and harder to move.
Along with the snow on Saturday the forecasters are saying we could see strong winds which means possible blizzard conditions and drifting. The news just keeps getting better doesn't it?
Someone please tell me where that damn groundhog is so I can make rodent fricassee.Winter has to end soon right? I guess technically it does later this month but it's likely there will still be plenty of snow on the ground when it arrives and with my luck...even more to fall. I guess there's no rush to put my golf clubs in the trunk of the car.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Clip of the Week - March 4/08
Different sports give thrills and chills to different fans.
I love watching hockey while others can't stand it. On the other side, I'd rather have shock therapy than be forced to watch a soccer game.
There are many different reasons why people watch sports. For some, like me, it's a chance to cheer for their favourite team or player or a sheer love of the game. Others will watch certain sports with the hope that something terrible will happen. Don't get me wrong, I love a good hockey fight but rarely is anyone seriously hurt.
Recently those questionable fans have had plenty to keep their sick and twisted minds satisfied. We've seen soccer players break legs, a hockey player nearly die from a skate accidentally slashing the carotid artery in his neck and with the return of Nascar, plenty of accidents.
Racing a car on a track is dangerous but safety precautions in the equipment and built into the cars today will allow many drivers to walk away from serious crashes when they wouldn't in the past. The same can't be said for athletes who have nothing to protect them other than a helmet and some pads. Some sports have even less than that.
Of course any athletes who involve themselves in sports at all levels realize there is a greater risk of injury or death depending on the sport in which they participate.
One sport that I know is very risky but is often forgotten about is downhill skiing. Sadly this past weekend we were reminded of the risks involved and one skier paid the price. To make matters even worse, the outcome might have been better had race officials provided the means in which to improve an injured skiers chances of recovery or to receive quicker treatment.
Austrian skier Matthias Lanzinger's lower left leg was amputated Tuesday because of complications from two broken bones in a crash at a World Cup race. Lanzinger broke his shin and fibula Sunday during a super-G. The double fracture severely damaged blood vessels, hampering circulation in the 27-year-old skier's leg.The Austrian ski federation said the surgery Monday night was only partly successful and left doctors no other option in an effort to avoid further risks.
Organizers of the race in Kvitfjell, Norway, were criticized because no medical helicopter was available. Lanzinger was flown to a hospital in Lillehammer in a tourist helicopter, and later was brought to Oslo.
Lanzinger, who started 30th, crashed near the finish after hitting a gate. The race, won by teammate Georg Streitberger, was interrupted for more than 30 minutes.
Below is video of the accident. Viewer Discretion Advised.
I love watching hockey while others can't stand it. On the other side, I'd rather have shock therapy than be forced to watch a soccer game.
There are many different reasons why people watch sports. For some, like me, it's a chance to cheer for their favourite team or player or a sheer love of the game. Others will watch certain sports with the hope that something terrible will happen. Don't get me wrong, I love a good hockey fight but rarely is anyone seriously hurt.
Recently those questionable fans have had plenty to keep their sick and twisted minds satisfied. We've seen soccer players break legs, a hockey player nearly die from a skate accidentally slashing the carotid artery in his neck and with the return of Nascar, plenty of accidents.
Racing a car on a track is dangerous but safety precautions in the equipment and built into the cars today will allow many drivers to walk away from serious crashes when they wouldn't in the past. The same can't be said for athletes who have nothing to protect them other than a helmet and some pads. Some sports have even less than that.
Of course any athletes who involve themselves in sports at all levels realize there is a greater risk of injury or death depending on the sport in which they participate.
One sport that I know is very risky but is often forgotten about is downhill skiing. Sadly this past weekend we were reminded of the risks involved and one skier paid the price. To make matters even worse, the outcome might have been better had race officials provided the means in which to improve an injured skiers chances of recovery or to receive quicker treatment.
Austrian skier Matthias Lanzinger's lower left leg was amputated Tuesday because of complications from two broken bones in a crash at a World Cup race. Lanzinger broke his shin and fibula Sunday during a super-G. The double fracture severely damaged blood vessels, hampering circulation in the 27-year-old skier's leg.The Austrian ski federation said the surgery Monday night was only partly successful and left doctors no other option in an effort to avoid further risks.
Organizers of the race in Kvitfjell, Norway, were criticized because no medical helicopter was available. Lanzinger was flown to a hospital in Lillehammer in a tourist helicopter, and later was brought to Oslo.
Lanzinger, who started 30th, crashed near the finish after hitting a gate. The race, won by teammate Georg Streitberger, was interrupted for more than 30 minutes.
Below is video of the accident. Viewer Discretion Advised.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Beyond The Lens
I've decided to get a little creative once again (OK I was bored) and I have uploaded a video presentation set to music of some of my favourite photos from my portfolio.
If you'd like to check it out (and I hope you do), just follow the link below and you'll be redirected to the video page.
If the video doesn't start on it's own, you may be required to download and install a harmless plug-in from Photodex that will make it possible to view the show.
The presentation is set to music and is just under 5 minutes long.
I hope you enjoy it.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH
If you'd like to check it out (and I hope you do), just follow the link below and you'll be redirected to the video page.
If the video doesn't start on it's own, you may be required to download and install a harmless plug-in from Photodex that will make it possible to view the show.
The presentation is set to music and is just under 5 minutes long.
I hope you enjoy it.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH
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