Click on poster for larger view

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

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p.s. Second video has been replaced by another since YouTube pulled the first one.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

Sunday Dec 16, 2007 3:30pm

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

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"

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. . . ;-)

"It's a war crime that is being commited in Iraq"

Another example of the superiority of UK media over US media. Why can't the US media have intelligent, honest and direct discussions such as this? Tony Benn pulverizes the war mongering and decidedly negative John Bolton.

Global warming is "unequivocal"

VALENCIA, Spain — Global warming is "unequivocal" and carbon dioxide already in the atmosphere commits the world to an eventual rise in sea levels of up to 4.6 feet, the world's top climate experts warned Saturday (Nov 17, 2007) in their most authoritative report to date.

"Only urgent, global action will do," said U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, calling on the United States and China _ the world's two biggest polluters _ to do more to slow global climate change.

"I look forward to seeing the U.S. and China playing a more constructive role," Ban told reporters. "Both countries can lead in their own way."

Ban, however, advised against assigning blame.

Climate change imperils "the most precious treasures of our planet," he said, and the effects are "so severe and so sweeping that only urgent global action will do. We are all in this together. We must work together."

According to the U.N. panel of scientists, whose latest report is a synthesis of three previous ones, enough carbon dioxide already has built up that it imperils islands, coastlines and a fifth to two-thirds of the world's species.

As early as 2020, 75 million to 250 million people in Africa will suffer water shortages, residents of Asia's large cities will be at great risk of river and coastal flooding, according to the report.

Europeans can expect extensive species loss, and North Americans will experience longer and hotter heat waves and greater competition for water, says the report from the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which shared the Nobel Prize with Al Gore this year.

The panel portrays the Earth hurtling toward a warmer climate at a quickening pace and warns of inevitable human suffering. It says emissions of carbon, mainly from fossil fuels, must stabilize by 2015 and go down after that.

In the best-case scenario, temperatures will keep rising from carbon already in the atmosphere, the report said. Even if factories were shut down today and cars taken off the roads, the average sea level will gradually rise over the next 1,000 years to reach as high as 4.6 feet above that in the preindustrial period, or about 1850.

"We have already committed the world to sea level rise," the panel's chairman, Rajendra Pachauri, said. But if the Greenland ice sheet melts, the scientists said, they could not predict by how many feet the seas will rise, drowning coastal cities.

Climate change is here, they said, as witnessed by melting snow and glaciers, higher average temperatures and rising sea levels. If unchecked, global warming will spread hunger and disease, put further stress on water resources, cause fiercer storms and more frequent droughts, and could drive up to 70 percent of plant and animal species to extinction, according to the panel's report.

The report was adopted after five days of sometimes tense negotiations among 140 national delegations. It lays out blueprints for avoiding the worst catastrophes _ and various possible outcomes, depending on how quickly and decisively action is taken.

"The world's scientists have spoken clearly and with one voice," Ban said, looking ahead to an important climate conference in Bali, Indonesia, next month. "I expect the world's policy makers to do the same."

The report is intended to both set the stage and serve as a guide for the conference, at which world leaders will begin discussing a global climate change treaty to succeed the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

That treaty, which expires in 2012, required industrial nations to reduce greenhouse gases and a smooth transition to a new treaty is needed to avoid upsetting the fledgling carbon markets.

"This report will have an incredible political impact," Yvo de Boer, the U.N.'s top climate change official, told The Associated Press. "It's a signal that politicians cannot afford to ignore."

The United States opted out of Kyoto in 2001, arguing that the science was unproven and that the burden of mandatory emission cuts was unfair since it excluded fast-growing China and India.

Chief U.S. delegate Sharon Hays said doubts have been dispelled. "What's changed since 2001 is the scientific certainty that this is happening," she said in a conference call late Friday. She did not indicate that Washington would abandon its policy of voluntary emission cuts.

China and India have said any measures impinging on their development and efforts to lift their people from poverty were unacceptable _ a point likely to be heeded at the Bali talks.

The report offered dozens of measures for avoiding the worst catastrophes if taken together _ at a cost of less than 0.12 percent of the global economy annually until 2050. They ranged from switching to nuclear and gas-fired power stations, developing hybrid cars, using more efficient electrical appliances and managing cropland to store more carbon.

Ban said a new agreement should provide funding to help poor countries develop clean energy resources, adapt to climate conditions and give them the technology to help themselves.

He said he witnessed the devastation of climate change in disappearing glaciers of Antarctica, the deforested Amazon and under the ozone hole in Chile.

"These scenes are as frightening as a science fiction movie," said Ban. "But they are even more terrifying because they are real."

(Associated Press)

One person can make a difference. #1 in a series - Ava Lowery Age 16

I have always believed that one person can make a difference in this world. Meet Ava Lowery. Her blog garners over 1 million hits per month. Pretty impressive considering her age. Ava has a message regarding the war in Iraq.

Amy is a young rebel. She speaks the truth, and millions are listening.

To visit Amy's website "Peace takes Courage" click here.

If video isn't working click here, then click on "Nick News with Linda Ellerbee". Under "Media".

Prison time for Bush ? - "Verbal flatulance" - Bush goes down in flames !

The US Presidency is now a criminal conspiracy to cover the ass of George Bush!

Keith Olbermann of MSNBC cuts through the crap and fires both barrels at the Bush administration. This is the TRUTH you do not normally see and hear on the TV news. Watch Keith go for their balls!!! And eloquently too.

See video HERE

Bill Maher gets it ALL off his chest . . . One of his best rants ever! . . .

Political satire at its best. From this weeks show ("Real Time" is not available here in Canada). He nails every subject right on target. So much is wrong south of the border... it's hard to keep track. Bill brings you up to date.

Back they go . . .

Product of Canada my ass !

See CBC Marketplace video here

Think that a food product is Canadian because it says "Product of Canada" on it? Is ice cream made from Canadian milk products? You will be shocked to find out the real answers...

It says "Product of Canada" on the package, but the food is really from China. Or New Zealand. Or...

Eating local is hot this year. Restaurant menus across the country boast of fresh local meat and produce. Bestselling books encourage us to take up the "100-Mile Diet."

Almost everywhere, there's a growing sense that it would be smart to reduce our consumption of food that's traveled halfway around the world.

Partly this is about flavour, and the idea that less travel means fresher food that tastes better. Partly it's about safety: being sure that food from where we live is subject to Canadian standards and inspections. Partly it's about supporting farmers who live nearby. Partly it's about using less fuel for the sake of the planet. So there are plenty of reasons to look for the "Product of Canada" label in the grocery store.

But here's the thing. "Product of Canada" doesn't actually mean the food is from around here. All it means, legally speaking, is that at least 51% percent of its production costs were spent in Canada. As Wendy Mesley's report reveals, sometimes "Product of Canada" has been to three continents before it lands here.

Also: Ever heard of "butteroil-sugar blend"?

Courtesy: CBC Marketplace

The next President of the United States will affect us here in Canada and indeed the world

As some of you know, I have a keen interest in the race for President in the U.S. The upcoming Presidential race is important to Canadians because of its impact on the world in many areas such as the environment, getting the hell out of Iraq, generating peace and restoring credibility to the Oval office and government itself. It's a tall order, but it MUST be accomplished.

Bush and the Republicans have destroyed the US image around the world. They have lied, cheated, and committed illegal acts throughout their tenure... and continue to do so. Bush will go down in history as the worst American President EVER! No argument on that point.

The Republicans will lose big time in 2008, so it is up to the Democrats to right all the wrongs of the present administration. Who Americans pick as the next President is very important to the US, Canada & the world. The three front runners are all pretty good but I have concerns with each of them. Hillary carries her husband's baggage yet she is starting to look good. Obama is excellent although he lacks experience.

The third contender is John Edwards. Most Canadians know very little about him. I was hesitant at first because of his Mormon background, but lately I have been impressed with him. Here is a good example from Bill Maher's "Real Time" which we cannot receive here in Canada. What are your opinions after viewing this clip?

Lucy & Ricky upgrading their English

Now class... Good morning... Good morning... Good morning to you...

Lucy attempts to speak better English... Ricky dunt do so well. A forgotten classic scene.

(Notice the two single beds ;)

Why I boycott "Impark" parking lots . . .

Have you ever parked at an Impark parking lot? Almost all of their lots are Pay and Display. If you don't pay, or the time expires, Impark has guys that do nothing but monitor their lots 24/7 in little "Smart Cars". They nail vehicles with tickets ranging from $35-70 and up! The sad thing is this is now legal and you have to pay or you will be hounded by a collection agency and maybe more? If it is late at night these guys pull into a lot and ticket and photograph the back/front of your car. These vultures can do an entire lot in minutes. The tickets are automated. Not only that, they somehow get (illegal?) access to your car's registration and get your personal information so they can mail one of their "summons" to you!

US introduces its new voting booth . . .

(Thanks to B. Scott ;)

Best illusion/prank ever !

http://view.break.com/384045 - Watch more free videos

The most elaborate prank I have ever seen. Brilliant!
(German with English subtitles)

HOW MANY REPUBLICANS DOES IT TAKE TO SCREW IN A LIGHT BULB ?

1. One to deny that the light bulb needs to be changed

2. One to attack the patriotism of anyone who says the light bulb needs to be changed.

3. One to blame Clinton for burning out the light bulb.

4. One to tell the nations of the world that they are either for changing the light bulb or for darkness.

5. One to give a billion dollar no-bid/cost-plus contract to Halliburton for the new light bulb.

6. One to arrange a photograph of Bush, dressed as a janitor, standing on a stepladder under the
banner: "Light Bulb Change Accomplished."

7. One administration insider to resign and write a book documenting in detail how Bush was literally in the dark.

8. One to viciously smear #7.

9. One surrogate to campaign on TV and at rallies on how George Bush has had a strong light bulb changing policy all along.

10. Finally, Joe Lieberman to confuse Americans about the difference between screwing the light bulb and screwing the country.

Compliments: downwithtyranny.blogspot.com

Barbara Walters shows Rosie the "Easy Button" :)))

Slightly dated, but...

"One Laptop per Child" - An incredible idea! This will make a HUGE difference in the world.

Never heard of this program? Well... you will. I think it is an amazing project and well worth the effort to understand what it is and how it works. Here is a basic understanding of how it works and how the concept began.

CBS "60 Minutes" report (video) - Excellent - See video here (Realplayer). It explains everything.

The New York Times also has a short video that demonstrates how the laptop works. See video here.

This project has many test trials going on around the world. This is not a dream, it's reality! The potential for change and effect is enormous.

For more info click here. (Main site)

Laurel & Hardy-The Dentist 1931 & Bottling wine

Stan Laurel always makes me break up. Here he is with a bad toothache. Priceless!

The second one is Stan bottling wine. Reminiscent of Lucy's "Vita-meata- vegamin". Hysterical!!

The Battle for the Soul of Capitalism

Don't be frightened by the subject matter. This guy speaks in plain English about a subject most of us know little about (myself included). Sit down, relax, and watch this fascinating discussion unfold. A must see. It's important.

Bill Moyer's Journal - John Bogle ~ September 28, 2007

- "Investment industry giant John Bogle says that as more and more money managers take control over corporations on Wall Street, Main Street is paying the price". (pbs)

- "It's this kind of capitalism that drives John Bogle up the wall, as you're about to learn. John Bogle believes owners should be in charge — and accountable. He's known and respected world-wide as the father of index funds and the founder of The Vanguard Group, one of the largest mutual funds anywhere, with over a trillion dollars in assets."

View video Here (PBS)

Pet Peeve #1 - Bottled water is bull-s**t !

I have been saying this for years, but nobody seems to believe me. Spending your hard earned dollars on bottled water is a huge waste. Bottled water is more expensive that gasoline! And for what?... because it tastes good?... because it is better for you?... because it is safer?

I think after watching this video, you might just change your mind. Tell me what you think?

"A surly douche-bag" ?

Robert Draper author of Dead Certain: The Presidency of George W. Bush, is interviewed by Bill Maher. This biography gives us an insight into the inner-workings of GW's brain... and it's worse than you might have thought...

To see video, click here.
(Compliments: Onegoodmove.org)

More NYC. . .

FYI... the temperature inside some of the subways stations was 36ºC+ !! Air conditioned cars, but not the stations. Most are not beautiful and have four sets of tracks. The center tracks are for trains passing through the station without stopping.

New York. . . New York. . .

Hey... I've been very busy since I got back from New York so now I have some catching up to do.

I loved New York! In essence it was my first real trip there. In 1964 my parents took us to the New York World's Fair but I can barely remember it. The only thing I remember from then was our tour of NBC. I was 13 at the time.

It seems incredible to wait all this time for a return visit, but I finally went. Although I traveled on my own, I had a great time. In one week I think I got to know Manhattan very well. Why? Because I walked my ass off everywhere! I only took a taxi once. The rest of the time I walked or took the New York Subway (massive!).

There were many things that impressed me about NYC. New York treasures its' past and holds onto its' history. The vintage architecture is everywhere. Unlike Toronto, NY treasures its past and glorifies it. Art Deco is everywhere. Best examples are Rockefeller Plaza and "30 Rock". 43 years later I once again took the NBC Studio tour. It was interesting to see where Conan O'Brian and Saturday Night Live are shot.

The best overall view of NY is definitely the "Top of the Rock". I went up it my first day just so I could get oriented. A two hour boat tour of the harbour helped orient me even more. The city looks even more amazing from the water.

My only brush with fame was meeting Rupert G. from the "Hello Deli". As you know, Rupert appears regularly on "The Late Show with David Letterman".

Here are some of the 300+ pictures I took...

UPDATE

This past Wed the 15th, I got back from New York City. Lots to share (words and pics). Will do so shortly.

No sooner did I return to Canada, I had to go up north to the "4th Annual Krust-O-Rama" in Muskoka.

Will explain shortly. ;)

The top 1% suck the blood from the rest of us . . .

Barbara Ehrenreich

Bill Moyers talks with author Barbara Ehrenreich about inequality in America. Via PBS

I just came across this. She is fascinating and well worth the view. She is bang-on-everything. Ms. Ehrenreich articulates what I can't say. It is my hope that the public, once again bands together and does something about this grave inequality.

It's not just in the US., it's here in Canada too. Not as bad, but getting there.

I consider this mandatory viewing for all. Pass it on if you feel the same way after viewing it.

Watch Video

Also watch the video where Barbara goes undercover as a waitress + and expresses her feelings and the experiences she went through at various jobs. - A musical? ;)

Watch "Undercover" video segment

Yes, I am ready for a woman president of the US . . . just not Hillary.

Clinton: "Yes I Will" Continue To Accept Lobbyists' Money

From my constant observation of US politics, I will stick my neck out and predict that this statement will be one of the major factors that will cripple Hillary's chances of ever being in the White House.

Here is the full story via The Huffington Post.