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.

"I don't understand the question? Duh!

The US is being run by idiots. Plain and simple. Here are some of their latest shenanigans...

Courtesy~ Comedy Central.

(Video will auto-play, sequence by sequence. You can stop at any point)

Click here to go to Video

"Pride Toronto" uses my photos on their website!

Jack, a friend of mine, enticed me to get a Media pass for this years Toronto Pride Parade. Boy... am I ever glad I heeded his advice! Today I discovered that they have used five of my photos on their website... including the lead photo on their Home page! What can I say? I am thrilled!















































It is the first time any of my photographs have been published in any form. It has been one of my objectives to start sharing my photographs so all can see. It's a great start eh?


Here are the photos that they used and this is what it looks like when you enter their site.

To see them at the Pride Toronto site, click here, and here.
(Update - Links are probably old by now & may have changed?)

My best friend & his family

My best friend is Nati, aka Nate. I have known Nati and his family for about five years and as far as I am concerned they are now close family. Nati, Masha, "Babooshka" (grandmother), Rayisa, and Borys are the BEST! So are all their friends.

They love coming up to our family cottage in Gravenhurst, Ont. They are the most wonderful people you could ever meet. Nati and family hail from Kharkov, Kharkiv Oblast Ukraine. Almost all of them are now Canadian citizens, and Canada is now a better place because of them.

"Dutch Dreams" - Toronto's BEST ice cream parlour

Got a hankering for Ice Cream? Well, look no further. Dutch Dreams is THE place to go. Located on Vaughan Rd near St. Clair and Bathurst, I think it is the bestof the best. The waffle cones are handmade and if you are lucky, you might visit when they are making them. The smell wafts down the street inviting all to enter. Mmmmmm... just look at an example of one of their regular size cones. Awesome eh?

Here is my friend Rafa digging into his cone.

They are open from 3pm-11pm Tues-Sun (closed Mondays). In the summer expect a lineup, but it is part of the anticipation. As you can see, the place is very narrow and packed with Dutch memorabilia. There is seating at the back.

Tammy Faye Bakker dead at 62

Tammy Faye died Friday July 20, 2007. She was 62.
Her final interview was done less than 24 hours before her death from colon cancer.
Often imitated and made fun of, she will be remembered for her spirit and eternal optimism.



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