Canadian Cauldron

Merry Christmas - Montréal - Dec 2009

2009-12-20T18:40:00.004-05:00

Click photo for large version

Kseniya Simonova - Sand Animation - What an amazing talent! - Україна має талант

2009-09-21T18:23:00.008-04:00

Kseniya's talent will take your breath away. The first video shows how ordinary people suffered in the wake of the German invasion during World War II. Kseniya does this all LIVE in front of a studio audience (in Ukraine) on their version of 'Ukraine has Talent'. Masterful evolving art.

I suggest you watch each clip at YouTube instead of me embedding them here since you will be able to watch it full screen and in HQ (high quality).

First watch this one
Then this one in HQ
And finally this one in HQ
Her art is amazing... yet fleeting.

Electric car sitting on top of only 4 teacups!!

2009-09-15T18:57:00.006-04:00

An amazing display in front of Ashley China on Bloor Street, Toronto. The entire weight (1,700 lbs) of this electric car is resting on only 4 teacups!! Each tea cup is supporting different weights (for a total of 1,700lbs). The right rear cup is supporting 925 lbs!

The place-mats are made of real grass!

Click on photos to make larger.

Remembering my mum - Pearl Helen Wahn

2009-08-27T18:42:00.007-04:00

It was 21 years ago today my mum passed away. I admired her energy and spirit. This was my mum in her bedroom window where she had her Singer sewing machine. Mom loved to sew and would sometimes sing at the top of her lungs in Ukranian. For dinner we might even have had cabbage rolls with lots of smatana on them??

She was a wonderful woman, and a great human being.

I miss ya ma...

An open letter to President Obama and ALL Democrats, from a Canadian.

2009-08-17T19:08:00.005-04:00

An open letter to President Obama and ALL Democrats, from a Canadian.

I have been a fan of Barack long before the Primaries. I have followed each and every step very carefully. In fact I am more up to date on your politics than my own here in Canada. Frankly, Canada needs an Obama clone. We have our own version of Bush to contend with right now.

Lately, of course I have been following your incredibly vicious health-care debate. It seems anyone can put out bold faced lies, be (disguised) racists, and even coercing the odd Canadian to pee on their own health-care system. But such is your First Amendment were people can do or say anything they want… without any limits.

I am sensing President Obama, that you are starting to crack regarding the Public Option. If you do cave in, your dream of health-care coverage for all WILL evaporate forever. Mr. President, now is the time to be more determined than EVER and resist the fake hysteria the right wing is generating. The American public will take a while to understand everything about health-care reform.

It is time for you Mr. President, and all Democrats, to get some cojones!

Health-care is a huge and very complex issue. It is starting to sink in slowly, but there are too many Rep/right winger’s throwing “ied’s” and other roadblocks in your path. Resist big pharma, the insurance providers, Wall Street and all the rest. You must.

Health-care for ALL is essential to the US. There MUST be a Public Option, period! All your predictions for the future (if nothing is done) are as bleak as you said it would be, and worse. And they WILL come true. I know businesses that prefer to be in Canada BECAUSE of our health-care system. Don’t blow this chance.

You must be strong and fend off your wealthy or uninformed foes. Middle America (85%) want the Public Option, so be prepared to settle for nothing less. Get the cojones together, and fight this to the bitter end. You have everything to gain, and so does the American public (just some of them don’t know that yet).

Listen America! This is a GOOD thing for you ALL… and it won’t hurt a bit. Go for the GOLD!

IW
Toronto, Canada

(Sent via email to the White House)
August 17, 2009

Barack Obama at 2009 White House Correspondents' Dinner

2009-05-10T14:09:00.005-04:00

Parts 1 and 2 will play back to back automatically. Lots of audience reaction shots.

Wanda Sykes at 2009 White House Correspondents' Dinner

2009-05-10T13:40:00.006-04:00

Parts 1 and 2 will play back to back automatically. She was brilliant! Lots of audience reaction shots.

Susan Boyle - The transformation begins . . .

2009-04-24T20:02:00.006-04:00

Now I think Susan looks like Mary Walsh!! What do you think?

Susan Boyle - An inspiration to us all - Rock on Susan! ! !

2009-04-15T21:22:00.008-04:00

Recently posted comment... "Chills ran up and down my spine... tears came to my eyes. She boosted my confidence tremendously. My time to shine seems even more possible because of her courage and enthusiasm."

Watch the entire segment in high quality video and sound here

Also enjoy (new today) her appearance on CBS Morning Show... Susan gets an apology from two of the judges...

Here is Susan from the day before on the Morning Show...

My first VIABLE sign of Spring 2009

2009-03-11T18:30:00.008-04:00

The surest sign of all... snowdrops in my neighbour's garden. March 9, 2009 Good-bye winter... finally!

And check out these "Winter Aconite" blooming UNDER the snow. Amazing and beautiful.

Spring forward 2009

2009-03-05T15:02:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to move your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday.

An amazing speech Mr. President!

2009-02-24T23:50:00.003-05:00

It's one hour long and worth watching every frame. A masterfully executed speech. Historical in every way. At times I forgot I was watching reality. Like a movie. All that was missing was music reaching a soaring crescendo!

Watch the full screen version here CLICK HERE (advisable considering its length)

Or you can watch a smaller version here...

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Mr Bean's Christmas Turkey

2008-12-23T16:23:00.002-05:00

Happy Christmas 2008

2008-12-20T17:23:00.002-05:00

Proposition 8 - The Musical

2008-12-14T14:14:00.003-05:00

(If video is not filling frame, click on "Funny or Die" logo, bottom left in player)

Coming out at Christmas...

2008-12-09T13:21:00.002-05:00

Enjoy the London Gay Men's Chorus...

Canada's "Maverick" Prime Minister an embarassment to world

2008-12-05T10:28:00.006-05:00

Stephen Harper... The world is laughing at us, because of your actions. What an embarrassment! Just look at what US television thinks...

Four days in Denver - A behind the scenes mini doc - Delightfully real

2008-11-15T16:51:00.012-05:00

A behind the scenes look at the Obama family in Denver.
This is what family is all about. Beautifully done. Beautiful family.

CONGRATULATIONS MR. PRESIDENT ! ! !

2008-11-12T18:23:00.004-05:00

Yes he can! Yes he did!

A new era begins. Sanity reigns!

RIP Estelle Reiner - Those famous five words

2008-11-03T20:00:00.006-05:00

Estelle was 94. Carl Reiner's mother

Clocks back one hour tonight

2008-11-01T14:21:00.003-04:00

Obama/McCain 'Dance Off' video - Brilliant !!!

2008-10-26T15:48:00.006-04:00

Watch this brilliantly done video of John McCain and Barack Obama in a 'Dance Off'. A lot of very hard work went into this. Special guest appearance, Tina Fey...err... Sarah Palin. For more interesting videos check out minimovie.com

Canada wishes Obama well

2008-10-25T14:07:00.005-04:00

Canada needs someone like Barack... desparately! It is my hope that the Canadian Liberals follow Obama's lead and elect an Obama clone to rescue our government from the clutches of Stephen Harper and his Bush-like cronies and policies. Yes we CANada!!

Colin Powell - The headline says it all - Goodbye McCain

2008-10-19T16:04:00.005-04:00

Editorial: The phone call . . . Stephen Harper/George Bush

2008-10-09T18:08:00.014-04:00

Harper emulates George Bush. Simple really. Has done so for many years.
Harper is secretive... just like Bush.
Harper twists the truth... just like Bush.
Harper lies like Bush (and McCain).
Harper followed Bush into war.
Canada used to be a nation of peace keepers... now we are targets of aggression.

This will have to do until Canada get's its own version of Obama.

Federal Canadian politics have grown old and stale. It needs an infusion of younger candidates with new, fresh ideas for today's world. Out with the old... In with the new... even if it includes members of my generation.

Follow the spirit of the Obama revolution happening before our eyes in the US. Canada desperately needs to find that very same magic.

Canada doesn't want or need Bush style politics!!

You can STOP Harper by voting strategically. Just enter your postal code HERE to find out the best way to STOP Harper in YOUR riding... Anywhere in Canada
I.

Over the top, but fun to watch. lol...

Harper = Bush = Harper / Cast your vote wisely . . .

2008-10-09T17:50:00.004-04:00

Harper and his LIES

2008-10-09T17:34:00.002-04:00

2008-10-07T20:04:00.001-04:00

"It's Over: Why Bill Ayers Won't Save John McCain" - Howard Wolfson

2008-10-06T18:05:00.006-04:00

"This race will not be decided by lipsticked pigs. And John McCain can not escape that reality. The only unknowns are the size of the margin and the breadth of the Democratic advantage in the next Congress."

Perpetually fretting Democrats will not want to accept it. The campaigns themselves can't afford to believe it. Many journalists know it but can't say it. And there will certainly be some twists and turns along the way. But take it to a well capitalized bank: Bill Ayers isn't going to save John McCain. The race is over.

John McCain's candidacy is as much a casualty of Wall Street as Lehman or Merrill. Like those once vibrant institutions, McCain's collapse was stunning and quick. One minute you are a well-respected brand. The next you are yelling at the messengers of your demise as all around you the numbers start blinking red and stop adding up.

McCain's road was difficult to begin with: the President of his party has had record-low approval ratings for two years and the number of Americans who say the country is heading in the wrong direction is stratospheric. He also had the misfortune to be pitted against an exceptional candidate running an extremely well-executed campaign.

Still, before Wall Street's collapse Senator McCain was ahead. His approval ratings remained high, his VP pick had generated excitement and interest, and his campaign operatives were capable, on any given day, of winning news cycles and giving their opponents fits. And then the underpinnings of American capitalism begin to sink -- and with them sunk McCain.

An election dominated at its inception by the war in Iraq is now overwhelmingly focused on the economy. More than half of voters in polls say that the economy is their top concern and Senator Obama enjoys double digit leads among voters asked who can better fix our economic mess. Put simply, there is no way Senator McCain can win if he continues to trail Senator Obama by double digits on the top concern of more than half of voters.

State polls are beginning to reflect this. If the election were tomorrow, Obama would win all of the states John Kerry carried and add...
Read rest of post HERE

Sarah Palin becomes Wendy Whiner . . .

2008-10-03T18:58:00.009-04:00

This is the US Republicans best choice for VP??? Pass the Gravol...

Watch her whine to FAUX News about the debate, and Katie Couric...

Says it all . . .

2008-10-02T14:17:00.003-04:00

Craig Ferguson speaks from the heart about his past

2008-09-24T14:14:00.005-04:00

Craig Ferguson speaks on his past problems as an alcoholic and why he will not ridicule Britney Spears and her shaved head crisis.

This is a year and a half old, but is just as topical now. Love his honesty in laying all his cards on the table. Truly inspiring.

Michael Moore's new movie "Slacker Uprising" free to download !

2008-09-22T13:16:00.007-04:00

Young voters in the US have the unique opportunity of deciding the Presidential election, and ending the eight years of turmoil generated by the Bush administration. Official Selection - Toronto Film Festival.

If you are a US citizen... no matter what age, register to vote. YOU have the power to oust the Bush administration, and their vile cronies. Every vote counts, and the world is counting on you to set things straight.

Free download HERE

Cartoon Corner - Popeye - Ali Baba

2008-09-20T16:08:00.004-04:00

A vintage classic. Each frame was hand drawn. Enjoy full screen.

MaCain's outrageous lies debunked by CNN

2008-09-17T12:22:00.001-04:00

Ian Grant Wahn B.A., M.A., LL.B., M.P. - My Dad

2008-09-14T20:31:00.009-04:00

Remembering my father, Ian G. Wahn, who passed away on this date in 1999. Couldn't have had a better father. Dad rocked!

Born: April 18, 1916 - Herbert, Saskatchewan, Canada
Died: September 14, 1999 - Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Tina Fay does an incredible Sarah Palin !

2008-09-14T15:16:00.004-04:00

Right on Barack! Go for their Achilles heel(s)!

2008-09-10T16:55:00.005-04:00

McCain bottom of the barrel ad against Obama (30sec)

Barack responds (well) to that 30 seconds of trash you just saw...

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON . . . . "PALIN: A TROJAN MOOSE CONCEALING FOUR MORE YEARS OF BUSH"

2008-09-08T19:34:00.009-04:00

By: Arianna Huffington
Huffington Post

Did Sarah Palin wrongfully push to have her ex-brother-in law fired? Was she really against the "Bridge to Nowhere?" Did she really sell Alaska's plane on eBay, or just list it on eBay? Did she actually have any substantial duties commanding the Alaska National Guard?

The correct answer to all these questions is: who cares? Which isn't to say these aren't valid questions, or that Palin and the McCain camp aren't playing it fast, loose, and coy with each of them. The point is that Palin, and the circus she's brought to town, are simply a bountiful collection of small lies deliberately designed to distract the country from one big truth: the havoc that George Bush and the Republican Party have wrought, and that John McCain is committed to continuing.

Every second of this campaign not spent talking about the Republican Party's record, and John McCain's role in that record, is a victory for John McCain.

Her critics like to say that Palin hasn't accomplished anything. I disagree: in the space of ten days she's succeeded in distracting the entire country from the horrific Bush record -- and McCain's complicity in it. My friends, that's accomplishment we can believe in.

Just look at the problem John McCain faced. George Bush has a disastrous record, and the country knows it. John McCain -- the current one, not the one who vanished eight years ago -- has no major disagreements with George Bush (and I'm sorry, wanting to fire Donald Rumsfeld a bit sooner doesn't qualify) and wants to continue his incredibly unpopular policies for another four years. The solution? Enter Sarah Palin, a Trojan Moose carrying four more years of disaster.

And the plan has worked beautifully. Just look at what's being discussed just 57 days before the election. Is it the highest unemployment rate in five years? The bailout of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? The suicide bombing yesterday in Iraq that killed six people and wounded 54 -- in the same market where last month a bomb killed 28 people and wounded 72? That the political reconciliation that was supposedly the point of "the surge" is nowhere near happening? That Iraq's Shiite government is now rounding up the American-backed Sunni leaders of the Awakening? That the reason 8,000 soldiers may be leaving Iraq soon is so more can be deployed to Afghanistan where the Taliban is steadily retaking the country?

No. We're talking about whether Sarah Palin was or was not a good mayor, whether she was or was not a good mother, whether her skirts are too short and her zingers too sarcastic.

Contrary to what we're hearing 24/7 in the media, the next few weeks are not a test of Sarah Palin. The next few weeks are a test of Barack Obama.

He needs to dramatically redirect this election back to a discussion over the issues that really matter -- the issues that will impact the future of this country. A presidential campaign is a battle and this is the time for Obama to show some commander-in-chief skills. I'm not talking about calling Palin out for lying about his record and demeaning community organizing. I'm talking about grabbing the political debate by the throat. The country is already angry about what's happened over the last seven-plus years -- he shouldn't be afraid to give voice to that anger. Obama has spent years adopting a non-threatening persona; but he can't let his fear that appearing like an "angry Black man" (a stereotype not-too-subtly fueled by Fox News) will turn off swing voters keep him from channeling the disgust and outrage felt by so many voters --swing and otherwise.

McCain's team, in an effort to distract, is going to keep doing what they're doing -- diverting voters and the media with a tantalizing combination of personal trivia and small lies. It doesn't matter if they're caught in them -- in fact, all the better. Because they know there is no way in hell they can win if this election is about the big truth of the Bush years.

McCain's real running mate is George Bush and the failed policies of the Republican Party. Even if they are dressed up in a skirt, lipstick, and Tina Fey glasses.

For much, much more go to: The Huffington Post

Labour Day Reflections - Bill Moyers PBS

2008-09-01T01:15:00.004-04:00

What is happening in the US is happening here in Canada too. Well worth watching.

August 29, 2008

Bill Moyers reflects on the meaning of Labour Day.

See video HERE

Double Trouble - Twin Hurricanes to hit US

2008-08-30T17:27:00.005-04:00

These are HUGE storms! Global warming at its worst!

Gustav on the left. Hanna on the right.

NOTE: Hanna has been downgraded to a tropical storm
Update: Hanna is back as a hurricane, plus there is a THIRD one on it's way!

Look at an up-to-date animated view... these are incredibly big and fierce hurricanes. Click HERE

Pearl Helen Wahn - My mum

2008-08-27T12:29:00.004-04:00

Pearl Helen Wahn

2o years ago today I lost my dear mom. I got the news while up at the cottage with friends. My last words to her before I left Toronto were "Love you mum...". It is amazing to think that it has been twenty long years since Pearl died.

My mom was unique. She did not fit into any stereotype. She ALWAYS spoke her mind and BS played no part in her life. I miss all the crazy stories she used to tell... the time she worked in a chocolate factory, a bra factory, and the time she ran a restaurant in Saskatchewan.

My mom was as practical as anyone can get. She did everything by hand, including sewing, which was one of her passions. Below is my mum sitting at her old Singer sewing machine. Mum would get on these sewing marathons for weeks on end. If she was in a really good mood, she would start singing. This was one of those moments.

My parents were an amazing couple. They loved each other far more than I ever knew. Below is the finest picture I ever took of them. It was the night of the Prime Minister's dinner at the Royal York Hotel. I had never seen them look so good. Mom had this incredible Chanel dress she had bought many years before. I had never seen it before. She altered it herself, which included raising the hem line to what was fashionable then. She was a knock-out in it!!

Thanks Mom and Dad for everything. I will never forget.

Question: "Mr McCain, how many houses do you own?" . . .

2008-08-21T15:20:00.008-04:00

Answer, "I'm not sure. I will have to ask my staff" "...at least four..."!!!!!

Oh really! Check out Obama's response...

REPUBLICANS for Obama!

2008-08-20T15:57:00.008-04:00

Their numbers are growing...

These two Republicans I actually admire. They predict double digit figures of Republicans voting for Barack! Thank God there are R. Americans with a brain in their head, and not afraid to speak out about what is wrong with their party.

Electing a "Fiscal Conservative" (applies to Canada as well)

2008-08-08T13:11:00.006-04:00

Cirque du Soleil Cat Move

2008-07-01T16:38:00.009-04:00

For some reason it made me laugh a lot. What a hoot! Bet it will give you (at the very least) a heavy duty snicker... even if you don't like cats. ;)))

Happy Pride Toronto 2008

2008-06-28T20:10:00.001-04:00

I'm voting Republican...

2008-06-23T21:01:00.002-04:00

George Carlin 1937-2008 "I'm an old F#%k" . . . . . . . HBO 2008

2008-06-23T11:06:00.012-04:00

George's last HBO Special (2008). 7 parts available. This first part deals with old age and death. George was hysterically funny until the end. Very recent.

Also... George Carlin: Inside the Actors Studio - 2004 (Part 1 of 5)
To view, click HERE

Matt dances his way acound the world . . .

2008-06-22T14:45:00.005-04:00

An amazing video! 14 months in the making, 42 countries, and a cast of thousands.
A work of art.
Watch it in High Def by clicking on "Where the Hell is Matt", then turn on HD, and click to enlarge to full screen

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

Scott gets it all out . . .

2008-06-20T21:13:00.003-04:00

Watch the Republicans pile on Scott for being a tattle-tale on the Bush Administration. Thank God he spoke up. Scott has major Balls!

Sundays just won't be the same

2008-06-15T14:35:00.003-04:00

Tim Russert 1950 - 2008

2008-06-13T20:42:00.003-04:00

Television loses a giant in the industry
A terrible loss to television journalism
We always trusted what Tim said

NBC has a huge crater to fill

Letterman - Scott Mcclellan - Good questions - Honest answers

2008-06-13T14:17:00.002-04:00

Not a bad speech Hill . . . Finally . . .

2008-06-08T21:36:00.004-04:00

Full screen version available HERE

HISTORIC ! OBAMA WINS NOMINATION !

2008-06-04T16:05:00.009-04:00

Well, it's finally over. Barack Obama is now the Democratic nominee for President of the United States. This is truly historic.

The truly sad part is that Hillary Clinton STILL refuses to concede and throw her support behind Senator Obama. Talk about a sore loser! It's disgraceful. Also yesterday she said she is willing to be Vice-President! That is not her decision to make! As the Democratic nominee, Obama gets to pick his running mate... not her! She is essentially trying to bully him into it.

You would think after being defeated, Hillary would quickly jump on the band wagon and endorse Barack, but no... she refuses to accept the outcome. She is living in her own little dream world.

Talk about lack of class!

UPDATE: ABC News is reporting Hillary will officially concede Friday. Yeesh... she should have done it last night.

UPDATE II: New York Times
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will endorse Senator Barack Obama on Saturday, bringing a close to her 17-month campaign for the White House, aides said. Her decision came after Democrats urged her on Wednesday to leave the race and allow the party to coalesce around Mr. Obama.

For more in-depth analysis, see video below.

Hillary waiting for assasination attempt on Obama?!! She cannot survive any longer in this race.

2008-05-24T13:19:00.014-04:00

Images via Huffington Post ;)

Just how low will Hillary Clinton go? Well she has now reached the absolute bottom of the barrel. An explosive new low from a desperate candidate.

Listen to MSNBC's Keith Olbermann in a "Special Comment" explain why Hillary Rodham Clinton should NOT be the next President of the United States. If you were still leaning towards Hillary, you probably won't after seeing this.

Video of her incredible comment and her very weak apology HERE. (includes some MSNBC commentary)

Keith's Special Comment...

Face it HRC . . .

2008-05-23T15:05:00.004-04:00

IAN'S EDITORIAL: If you DON'T like Obama... Then WATCH this...

2008-05-11T19:13:00.007-04:00

If you agree that short sound "bites", and everything compressed to fit a 2 minute TV news slot is unfair to a politician... then here is a chance to get to know the REAL Barack Obama. No interruptions.

23 Minutes. That's all I ask for. Watch this, and remember, he will probably (God willing) be the next President of the United States of America. Take the time to get to know him better. You're gonna hear a LOT more about him! So, kiss and make up... Love your enemy, and all that stuff. You will ONLY see this on the web. Too long for television.

Please comment on how you feel after viewing the ENTIRE 23 minute interview? Do you feel a little more comfortable now, knowing this gentleman will probably * be in the drivers seat, instead of Bush and his crooked cronies??

I think the world will be in better hands. Canada will soon be dealing with a GENTLEMAN for a change. Imagine that! I applaud our American cousins. Now everyone is starting to go in the CORRECT direction. This will help the environment too.

NO CHEATING! 23 minutes Only when you have time... and an open mind.

NBC's Brian Williams interviews him. Full length. No interruptions.

A full screen version is available HERE

Saturday Night Live (justly) nails Hillary

2008-05-11T11:46:00.007-04:00

Amy Poehler goes for the jugular. She scores a direct hit in the opening to this weeks show.

Arianna Huffington on the Right and the Mainstream (US) Media

2008-04-30T20:20:00.005-04:00

Update here: "Tim Russert Takes Offense, Bans Arianna Huffington From NBC News" - Crooks and Liars

Can the Canadian media be next? Are we susceptible as well?

"Candy" - Feb 1993 - April 28, 2008

2008-04-28T23:39:00.004-04:00

Candy will be greatly missed by my three nieces; Cassandra, Victoria, and Alycia. They grew up with Candy from a very early age. My condolences to all. As you can see, she was very sweet. Candy was in her 16th year.

This is sick. Bush military propoganda ILLEGALY 'fed' to news media by retired military personnel

2008-04-28T13:22:00.006-04:00

New York Times broke the story.

Democracy in the US hits a new low. Many of those retired generals etc you see on TV were nothing more than a conduit for lies for the Bush administration. Not one of the US television networks would appear on this PBS program... I wonder why? Not one of the US networks is covering this at all.

This practice is illegal for G-ds sake. The US justice system is obviously a sham if they get away with this. The lies and deception by the White House and the Pentagon continue unfettered and unchallenged. This should make most Americans sick. Will this be allowed to continue? Sigh...

Thank goodness for PBS and the NYTimes.

Watch the backgrounder here...

Watch the interview here...

Full NYTimes Editorial Article HERE "Tarnished Brass"
(free registration may be required)

"Clinton too obsessed to call it quits" - Richard Gwyn

2008-04-25T20:57:00.009-04:00

April 25, 2008 Richard Gwyn - Toronto Star

After her victory in Pennsylvania, Hillary Clinton has made it clear she's going to continue fighting until the cycle of primaries ends early in June.

Assuming that at that point Barack Obama still holds his lead in elected delegates and in votes cast in the Democratic primaries, Clinton will then have to make up her mind whether to quit right away or to hang on until the August presidential nominating convention. Her one hope would be that a clear majority of the remaining uncommitted "superdelegates" comes off the fence onto her side.

Much more probably, these superdelegates, who range from former vice-president Al Gore to party officials barely known inside their own state, will decide that they should vote as ordinary party members have already done in all the primaries. At that moment, it will be all over for Clinton.

Or so all the political experts take for granted. Most probably, they are right. But they've overlooked one alternative possibility. One way does exist for Clinton to continue to run even after losing the Democratic nomination. She could run as an independent.

Not likely, of course. But not impossible.

This thought first occurred to me while watching a clip of Clinton being interviewed on TV the morning after her Pennsylvania victory.

She was, I realized, totally consumed and utterly obsessed by the contest she's now engaged in.

Political contests do of course send an addictive surge of adrenaline through almost all of those engaged in them. But fighting to become president has become Clinton's entire life, her very reason for existing.

A day later I came upon a blog by an American political commentator, Andrew Sullivan, that eloquently expressed my own thoughts.

Clinton can't win the Democratic nomination, he wrote, "But she won't leave. She will never leave."

Sullivan then gave an analysis of why Clinton won't leave, which went far beyond the standard commentary about her toughness, her determination, her take-no-prisoners style of campaigning.

"Ceding to someone younger is unthinkable to her. It would be a form of death to her," he wrote.

That's rough. But Sullivan has spotted something essential about Clinton. There's something quite out of the ordinary about the magnitude of Clinton's ego, about the scale of her sense of entitlement, about her conviction that the presidency is her birthright.

The chances that Clinton would run as an independent really are remote. She'd be turning her back on the party to which she and Bill have given their lives. Raising funds would be all but impossible.

All Clinton could hope to achieve would be to make certain that Obama lost and that Republican John McCain won.

Except that this is exactly what she's – mostly – now done. Her relentless, ruthless, "kitchen sink" attack on her rival has already significantly damaged Obama.

She has made him look too nicey-nice to be president. As damaging, she's made him look less like a new kind of politician. Any time Obama counterattacks, as he does occasionally and reluctantly, he sounds like an old-style politician, like Clinton herself.

Although Obama may figure out a way to be true to himself while dodging the rocks Clinton keeps hurling at him, she has already to a considerable degree achieved what running as an independent could do for her.

She has ensured that "someone younger," in Sullivan's insightful observation, will not become president in her place. The remote chance that she might still win the Democratic nomination has become an excuse for her to continue fighting – against the kind of hopeful young politician she once was.

As a politician, Clinton is decidedly conventional, except for her professionalism, her competence, her resilience, her ruthlessness.

But as a personality, she's the most interesting character in American public life in ages.

http://www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/article/418175

Why Hillary STILL can't win . . . No matter what . . .

2008-04-23T23:24:00.005-04:00

Here... in just a few minutes, you can find out why it is impossible for Hillary to win the nomination... even though she won Pennsylvania. Skeptical? Watch, and you do the math...

Another sign of global warming

2008-04-23T14:07:00.000-04:00

Humourous, but message is dead serious...

Bill Maher's best "New Rules" segment to date !

2008-04-20T17:51:00.006-04:00

No stone is left unturned. Incredible wit.

Real Time with Bill Maher is produced by HBO which we cannot receive here in Canada.

For more video go to: http://youtube.com/user/videocafeblog

One Minute of a warm spring evening - Toronto, dusk

2008-04-17T21:14:00.003-04:00

"That's politics being played out there by Hillary Clinton". . . "And she says "I'M" out of touch!" . . .

2008-04-13T22:25:00.013-04:00

Oh really Hillary??? The knives sharpen...

Newly minted Millionaire Butcher gives away 40,000 pounds of chicken !

2008-04-04T06:41:00.004-04:00

Toronto butcher Jose Lima, who won $14.6 million in the 6/49 lottery, made good on his promise to give away free chicken to hundreds. He did this to celebrate the memory of his father, who passed away five years ago to the day. (April 3)

Toronto Star video

I dislike lotteries, but here is one of the good guys spreading his good fortune to others more needy. Way to go Jose!

Is this "The Smoking Gun" that finally nails Bush??

2008-04-04T06:16:00.009-04:00

"Keith [Olbermann] discusses the recently declassified torture memo featured in Vanity Fair with Jonathon Turley and on how this memo again proves that the Bush administration is guilty of impeachable crimes" (MSNBC)

Fascinating BBC report on the migration of Penguins

2008-04-02T13:24:00.007-04:00

Fascinating look at Penguins and their newest ability never recorded until now.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7320000/newsid_7324100/7324112.stm?bw=bb&mp=rm&asb=1&news=1&bbcws=1
Note: Best seen in a larger format. When you get to player, click on "Launch in stand-alone player" and resize to larger.

CBC-TV drops Royal Canadian Air Farce

2008-04-01T14:20:00.007-04:00

Watch interview with Don Ferguson about the announcement HERE.

Watch last Friday's Air Farce News HERE.

CBC-TV drops 'Royal Canadian Air Farce' after more than 15 years on air

TORONTO - CBC-TV's long-running comedy show "Royal Canadian Air Farce" is reaching the end of the road after 15 years on the air.

The producers of "Air Farce" have informed the cast and crew that there will be a truncated, 10-episode farewell season starting in the fall. The final show of the sketch comedy series will air on New Year's Eve.

Don Ferguson, one of the stars of "Air Farce," speculated that the new regime of programming executives at the CBC likely felt the show had passed its prime, but said he was happy to move onto new things.

But he acknowledged others on the show, including Luba Goy, were upset that the show was ending its run.

The show debuted on CBC Radio in December 1973 and boasted more than 600 radio broadcasts over 24 years before making the leap to television in 1993. Its last radio broadcast was in 1997.

In 2007, it returned to a live format with "Air Farce Live."

Incident at White House Easter Egg Hunt . . .

2008-03-27T20:34:00.004-04:00

Tangible proof that Spring is arriving . . . albeit slowly

2008-03-27T12:17:00.007-04:00

Look closely at this snowbank, and you will see what I think is a miracle of nature.

In amongst the ice and snow are dozens of very hardy Snow Drops. I find it amazing that these little guys force their way through the ice even though the weather and temperatures have not been on their side.

It's my first tangible proof and I plan on enjoying their incredible optimism. ;)))

Click on each photo for a full size version...

"When you step back and think about it, she is amazing. She possesses the audacity of hopelessness. . ."

2008-03-25T22:03:00.006-04:00

March 25, 2008

Op-Ed Columnist

The Long Defeat

By DAVID BROOKS

Hillary Clinton may not realize it yet, but she’s just endured one of the worst weeks of her campaign.

First, Barack Obama weathered the Rev. Jeremiah Wright affair without serious damage to his nomination prospects. Obama still holds a tiny lead among Democrats nationally in the Gallup tracking poll, just as he did before this whole affair blew up.

Second, Obama’s lawyers successfully prevented re-votes in Florida and Michigan. That means it would be virtually impossible for Clinton to take a lead in either elected delegates or total primary votes.

Third, as Noam Scheiber of The New Republic has reported, most superdelegates have accepted Nancy Pelosi’s judgment that the winner of the elected delegates should get the nomination. Instead of lining up behind Clinton, they’re drifting away. Her lead among them has shrunk by about 60 in the past month, according to Avi Zenilman of Politico.com.

In short, Hillary Clinton’s presidential prospects continue to dim. The door is closing. Night is coming. The end, however, is not near.

Last week, an important Clinton adviser told Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen (also of Politico) that Clinton had no more than a 10 percent chance of getting the nomination. Now, she’s probably down to a 5 percent chance.

Five percent......

Read the rest of the article here... New York Times

Green is HOT ! So Major in it !

2008-03-25T02:44:00.002-04:00

Jeff Buttle wins gold for Canada at World Figureskating Championship !

2008-03-22T17:39:00.005-04:00

GOTEBORG, Sweden - Jeff Buttle is golden.

"At the Scandinavium Arena this afternoon, the 25-year-old became Canada’s first male world figure skating champion since Elvis Stojko in 1997..."

Toronto Star article HERE

Jeff's winning free skate performance...

Two long time Republicans switch to Obama! ... Here's why . . .

2008-03-20T20:39:00.006-04:00

Hardball, MSNBC - TV

March 20: Two long-time GOP supporters are publicly supporting Democratic frontrunner Sen. Barack Obama. Chris Matthews speaks with business consultant Susan Eisenhower and former Sen. Lincoln Chafee about their decision to switch.

Damn good reasons too!...

To see a full screen version, click on "more video" in window, and watch it from MSNBC's site.

Obama's full speech on race in America

2008-03-18T15:20:00.005-04:00

Brilliant speech. Savor these words. They're historically significant.

"But I do want to say that this searing, nuanced, gut-wrenching, loyal, and deeply, deeply Christian speech is the most honest speech on race in America in my adult lifetime. It is a speech we have all been waiting for for a generation. Its ability to embrace both the legitimate fears and resentments of whites and the understandable anger and dashed hopes of many blacks was, in my view, unique in recent American history."

Andrew Sullivan, Atlantic.com (a self-described libertarian conservative)

'Hillary acts like a Republican' - How low can she go?

2008-03-13T03:39:00.014-04:00

March 12: Keith Olbermann gives a special comment on the presidential campaign of Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y and the Geraldine Ferraro connection.

The Hillary campaign reaches a new low every day. Who wants a president that condones this sort of thing? Keith's Special Comment says what some of us are thinking... but don't dare put in words. Keith has some major balls doing this!

She had better take his advice or she's toast.

I am interested in hearing your comments. See below.

In the midst of all this . . . THIS . . .

2008-03-08T16:09:00.006-05:00

Amazing... In the midst of this brutal snowstorm (March 8), my friend Harriet spotted a very "robust robin" while on a walk with her dog Molly. Now that is one determined bird! Either that or he is just plain daft. What's he gonna eat... freeze dried worms??

We're grateful for your presence though. We like your optimism and incredible determination!

Bulletin: Spring? Forward? Really??

2008-03-06T18:43:00.012-05:00

Okay... okay already! I know it doesn't feel like spring at all. Not even close. Even worse we're supposed to get pummeled with snow again this weekend (deep sigh...), but time is on our side, for two very good reasons...

#1 This Sunday (@2am) we turn our clocks ahead one hour. We lose one hour of sleep, but we gain more light in the evenings. Huge bonus! It will make a big difference in how we feel. G_d knows we need it!!

#2 Spring will start on March 20 at 5:48 a.m. That is only two weeks from now, as of this writing (Mar 6).

Even better... This Spring and Summer will seem glorious compared to years past. The contrast of this long and difficult (yet stunningly beautiful) winter, versus the majestic aura of a warm and very GREEN spring day, will put ourselves into an Ultra Happy mode! We will all OD on endorphens! BBQ's patios and café's will spring up like crocuses and snow-drops.

Can you tell I CAN'T WAIT until SPRING?? LOL!!!

Optimism is intoxicating. Spread it around...

Bill Maher's "New Rules" - Brilliant !

2008-03-01T18:00:00.002-05:00

One of Bill's best rants ever!

Why those on Facebook should consider leaving . . . . . . . . IF YOU CAN???

2008-02-14T20:07:00.005-05:00

If you're a member of Facebook... you BETTER read this...!!

New York times article... Read HERE

"Are you a member of Facebook.com? You may have a lifetime contract.

Some users have discovered that it is nearly impossible to remove themselves entirely from Facebook, setting off a fresh round of concern over the popular social network’s use of personal data.

While the Web site offers users the option to deactivate their accounts, Facebook servers keep copies of the information in those accounts indefinitely. Indeed, many users who have contacted Facebook to request that their accounts be deleted have not succeeded in erasing their records from the network... "

Yes We Canada! Yes Oui Canada!

2008-02-11T20:22:00.000-05:00

Terrific new video.
Canadian singer stars in new Obama video
See article here (Toronto Star)

Our American cousins want enormous change... and fast. G-d knows they need it! Let's reach a hand out to our American cousins, and join them in their quest for dramatic changes to their "ce$$-pool", commonly known as Washington D.C.

We can smell the rot from here! We are nervous about our government too. We're starting to smell noxious odours eminating from Ottawa as well...

Maria Shriver endorses Barack Obama

2008-02-03T19:57:00.000-05:00

California First Lady, Maria Shriver endorses Barack Obama for President of the United States.

Remember that Maria's husband is The Terminator. He is also the Governor of California.

He is Republican. She is Democrat. Gonna be one hell of an interesting conversation those two will have at dinner tonight!!

Watch Maria's ever so passionate speech here... Historic actually...

Obama is what America needs . . . Obama is what the WORLD needs . . .

2008-01-27T15:44:00.000-05:00

Listen to Barack's amazing victory speech in South Carolina. The world needs this guy as the President of the United States. This is a grassroots effort that is spreading like wildfire, and long overdue in the US.

John F. Kennedy, and for Canadians, Pierre Elliot Trudeau, were the last people in my lifetime to inspire the public in such a passionate way. Barack Obama stimulates the public in the same way these two men did.

In Barack, I don't see race or colour as an issue at all. He is a very talented and capable man... period. I feel he is the ONLY person capable of dramatic and badly needed change in Washington.

Hillary represents the old guard. Lobbyists literally OWN Washington. Once again I stress that Hillary will still accept campaign donations from lobbyists. If she was for any meaningful change, she would not do this. As capable as she may be, she still carries too much baggage from the past.

For REAL change, I feel only Barack can, and will deliver.

March 29, 2008 ~ 8-9pm Turn off ALL your lights, light a candle and join in with millions of others around the world . . .

2008-01-23T19:59:00.000-05:00

Created to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off the lights for one hour to deliver a powerful message about the need for action on global warming.

This simple act has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. As a result, at 8pm on the 29 March, 2008 millions of people in some of the world’s major capital cities, including Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Melbourne, Brisbane, Tel Aviv and Manila will unite and switch off for Earth Hour.

To register (free) click here

Canada declares United States DOES use torture!!

2008-01-19T17:44:00.000-05:00

Torture is torture no matter what George Bush & Co. say! Bravo for Canada stating this FACT.

A belated goodbye to Jerry Falwell . . . by Bill Maher

2008-01-19T16:35:00.000-05:00

Don't even think of buying a NEW condo without first seeing this . . .

2008-01-13T15:17:00.000-05:00

"You may be surprised to learn that the beautiful rooms you see in the model suites are not necessarily like the ones you’ll live in once your building is complete. The den on your floor plans may become a walk-in closet by the time you move in. Your ceilings may turn out to be a foot or two lower than the ones you saw in the model suite when you decided to buy. As Wendy Mesley reports, buying a condo is fraught with risk for you, the buyer. The developers? They’re pretty well protected."

Watch the video HERE.

He just may be the next President of the United States! An extended interview with Barak Obama

2008-01-07T20:24:00.000-05:00

As I am following the US Presidential elections (which are incredibly complicated but fascinating) I am being thoroughly impressed by Barak Obama. The more I see and hear, the more I like.

AMERICANS are sick of the incestuous Washington status quo. They are sick of a White House filled with warmongers. They desperately need universal health care. They are sick of the lobbyists buying Washington. They are fed up with their whole system being infiltrated by corporate greed, illegal activities at all levels, and a puppet president that should have been impeached years ago. They are also fed up with a media that has been irresponsible most of the past seven years.

Frankly, Americans need to give their overblown government an enema. Out with the bad... in with the good. As America gets to know Barak Obama better and better, they will quickly warm to him. Barak has yet to fall into that black hole know as Washington DC. His ideas are new and fresh. I feel at this point that Barak Obama is the best person to restore the oxygen supply to a Capitol smothered by excess and very warm CO2.

Now... watch this video and you will see what I mean. Hillary still wants to accept lobbyists money... That is when she lost me. Barak promises not just change, but real change. If he gets to the top he sure has his work cut out for him!!

An excellent interview by NBC's Brian Williams. Excellent audio and video too.

The Beauty Parlour - Eyes left!

2008-01-04T13:55:00.000-05:00

2007-12-23T19:37:00.000-05:00

Click on poster for larger view

Special Christmas Treat!! - "42nd Street" Now and Then . . .

2007-12-22T22:27:00.000-05:00

Anyone who knows me well will understand why I love these two videos. Whether it's the high energy of today... or the subdued excellence of the 1930's... I just bet you can't stop tapping your feet to both of them.

An amazing contrast in styles and fun to watch. Don't forget to crank up your speakers, this ain't AM radio!! Enjoy, and a very Merry Christmas to you all.

Ian
p.s. Second video has been replaced by another since YouTube pulled the first one.

Toronto gets walloped by major winter storm

2007-12-16T22:10:00.000-05:00

Sunday Dec 16, 2007 3:30pm

Unlocking your cellphone when you travel. Ellen wants your opinion . . .

2007-12-10T20:55:00.000-05:00

Ellen Roseman, who writes for the Toronto Star, wants your opinion about unlocking your cellphone. Don't know what "unlocking" means? --- Neither did I. --- The link will take you to Ellen's blog where you can leave your comments.

And while you're there, check out some of the horror stories about Bell Canada. It's on the right hand side as "Bell Blues".

Ellen's blog here

Shelley Fabares singing "Johnny Angel"

2007-12-07T22:29:00.000-05:00

I just loved this song and was a big fan of the Donna Reed Show. Seems so sterile now, but that's what it was like back then. A vintage classic. Enjoy.

Dropping the soap. . . ;-)

2007-12-07T22:14:00.000-05:00