Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Re. The NHL Trade Deadline

Happy Deadline Day!

There are a lot rumours and I'm not sure what will happen. It will be certainly intriguing.

In honour of the NHL trade deadline, here's my latest article from the Good Point: The Deadline Day Obsession.

Enjoy!

- ER

Monday, March 02, 2009

Save Radio 3

Like many other Canadian media outlets, the CBC is not immune to the troubling economy/recession. The public broadcaster recently announced that it can no longer afford all of its programming and is looking to see what assets they can get rid of in order to stay financially afloat. One item that may get cut is Radio 3.

There are many products the CBC can do without, but Radio 3 IS NOT one of them.

Radio 3 provides an outlet for Canada's best musicians. It proves that Canadian music doesn't revolve around Nickelback, BNL, the Tragically Hip, Bryan Adams and Celine Dion. Without Radio 3, we would never hear Teegan and Sara, the Arcade Fire, Wintersleep, Buck 65, Broken Social Scene, etc. Best of all, Radio 3 is about music and not advertising revenue. You'll never have to deal with mechanical DJs or a uniformed style. You will hear creativity at its finest.

The only way Radio 3 can be saved is if we all make some noise. Justin Beach has set up an online petition, as well as an ongoing Facebook event. If you care about Canadian music, then please sign the petition and tell everyone about it.

For more information, check out this article by Justin.

- ER

Monday, February 23, 2009

Re. CUPE Ontario & Israel

Normally, I don't like commenting on political matters. However, CUPE Ontario's boycott of Israeli Universities is one issue that makes my blood boil. I don't know what kind of kool-aid Sid Ryan handed out at the Windsor conference, but it clearly and unfortunately did its job.

This boycott creates more divisions and encourages anger and hatred. No matter how hard CUPE Ontario tries to sugarcoat it, this boycott is antisemitic and hurts our country's reputation as an accepting and multicultural society.

For one thing, the Israel/Gaza conflict does not fall under CUPE's jurisdiction. Second of all, if CUPE wants to make a statement about this issue, they should encourage members from different backgrounds to have discussions about the conflict and come up with peaceful resolutions; perhaps this would set an example for others to follow.

Instead, however, CUPE has chosen to boycott, which is nothing more than a step backwards.

I know I have said this before, but it needs repeating:

Sid Ryan has publicly shown his ignorance. He has intentionally expressed antisemitism. He has also tarnished the image and reputation of CUPE. I encourage all CUPE members to speak with their leaders, CONDEMN this boycott and DEMAND Sid Ryan's resignation.

- ER

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Re. Breakfast at Tiffany's (The Film)

Audrey Hepburn is great, but I really enjoyed George Peppard and his excellent portrayal of Hannibal......er.......Paul Varjack.

- ER

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Monday, February 16, 2009

Re. the Marion/O'Neal trade

This trade was 90% related to the Raptors' future, and 10% related to the present.

During his short tenure with Toronto, Jermaine O'Neal played well. Unfortunately, the entire team didn't. If the Raptors want to make a serious run for the playoffs, they needed to make a sacrifice in order to make an improvement. JO put up great numbers, but he was expendable. This was proven by Andrea Bargnani, who showed that he could be just as productive as JO at the centre position.

More importantly, JO's salary ate up a lot of cap space. This trade frees up a large chunk of money for the Raptors, which will allow them to (hopefully) be buyers rather than sellers. The extra finance is also important for (again...hopefully) resigning Chris Bosh, who will have many enticing offers come his way in 2010.

Shawn Marion gives the Raptors a legitamate small forward. However, the length of his stay in Toronto remains to be seen. Marcus Banks is nothing special. He will probably get a few minutes and won't be back next year.

As for Jamario Moon - it's sad to see him go. But in all fairness, he was popular with the fans, but not that great on the court. With all due respect to Moon, he was simply a one-hit wonder.

- ER

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

A Few Thoughts On A-Rod

I wasn't surprised when I found out about Alex Rodriguez's steroid use. He's a great ball player, but I personally don't like him - mainly because of the bush league stunt he (allegedly) pulled on Howie Clark a few seasons ago. Let's also not forget about the young woman he was caught with in Toronto that wasn't his wife. For a guy with an already tarnished reputation, it only makes sense that he would eventually be caught using steroids, even though he took them 6-8 years ago.

However, I do give him credit for coming clean, admitting he used steroids and apologizing.

Regardless, this incident adds to the cynicism that surrounds Major League Baseball. As a passionate fan, this cynicism is upsetting and hurtful. However, it doesn't deter my love for the sport.

- ER

Friday, February 06, 2009

Thursday, February 05, 2009

The Good Point

I've recently signed on with a new sports-based website called The Good Point. It provides unique features on the sporting world and run by a dedicated staff.

Here's my first article - The Tao of Voskuhl

- ER

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Congratulations Dave Devall

One of my favourite newscasters is leaving the airwaves. CFTO......er......CTV Toronto's Dave Devall is retiering after 48 years of providing accurate and informative weather reports. I feel I learned more about the weather from Dave Devall than in a classroom. He will be missed.

Here's a little video I found about Dave. It chronicles his long and successful career:



- ER

Raptors vs. Lakers

My poor Raptors. They're going to get crushed :-(

- ER

Friday, January 30, 2009

Wholesome Weekend Reading Material

My review of The Wrestler.

I know, I know, shameless.

In other news, I'm picking the Cardinals to win the Super Bowl. Nothing like a good "underdog" storyline.

- ER

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Toe Procedure #5

It's done. That's all you need to know. The doctor thinks this will be the last one.

Tylenol 3 is just what I need. But I wish it didn't take 45 minutes to kick in.

I also wish I could easily go to bed at 1am, wake up at 7am and not feel exhausted. I could accomplish so much more.

- ER

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

More stars than an elephant can remember

My hometown gets some face-time in this old Jumbo Video commercial.



I actually remember this old advertisement. I had an interest in video stores at the time. Personally, I was a Videoflicks man (or child).

- ER

Friday, January 23, 2009

New Episode of FutuRéale Radio

This latest edition features a preview of the 2009 WinterCity Festival, as well as music by Cut Off Your Hands and Laura Barrett.

Be sure to also listen to the previous episode, which took a look at the cancellation and subsequent resurrection of Torontoist.

FutuRéale Radio: www.futureale.com/podcasts

- ER

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Fill In The Blanks

1. Barack Obama will be the _________ President ever.

2. The Raptors will _________ the playoffs.

3. ________ dancer.

4. The best Canadian beer is _________.

5. The best American beer is _________.

6. The film that will win "Best Picture" at the upcoming Oscars will be _________.

7. Jimmy Kimmel is ________.

8. National _________ League.

9. Out of all the Star Trek films, the best one was _________.

10. Who ________ Roger Rabbit?

- ER

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Barack is so great, they named a city after him

Okay, not exactly.

However, there is an actual city in Japan called Obama. There's also a rail line in the western part of Japan called the Obama Line.

And if you don't believe me, here's the proof.

- ER

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

CUPE Ontario Calls For a Ban on Israeli Academics

Sid Ryan, the President of CUPE Ontario, has announced that he will propose a ban on Israeli academics at a meeting next month.

As stated on the Globe and Mail's website, Ryan's proposal will ban Israeli academics from speaking, teaching or researching at Ontario universities, if they "do not explicitly condemn Israeli action in Gaza."

This stems from on an incident on Dec.29, when the Israeli Defense Force attacked a university in Gaza, which was allegedly affiliated with Hamas.

Adding fuel to the fire, Ryan stated, "Attacking an institution of learning is just beyond the pale. They (IDF) deliberately targeted an institution of learning. That's what the Nazis did."

This is absolutely disgusting.

First off, to put the IDF in the same category as the Nazis is harsh and insulting. It is grossly incorrect. Second, if CUPE believes in the rights and freedoms of people, why would they even consider restricting a certain group from having those same rights and freedoms? It makes no sense.

Sid Ryan has publicly shown his ignorance. He has intentionally expressed antisemitism. He has also tarnished the image and reputation of CUPE. I encourage all CUPE members to speak with their leaders and DEMAND Sid Ryan's resignation.

- The Hek