Odds and Ends

Hey yaars,

The Frank Thomas era begins. I'm not so sure about this move. Ken Rosenthal reported earlier this evening that they're close to a 2-year, $23 million contract for The Big Hurt. That's a bit much for a 38 year old hitter who had ONE great year after a few mediocre ones. Don't get me wrong, I like him as a DH for us, but not at that cost! I'd rather have JD Drew (he's younger, and can actually field decently).

Before I hear any rebuttals of "It's not YOUR money", I will say this - yes, it is. It's OUR money spent on merchandise, concessions, and tickets (well not me in this case) that help a team fund it's payroll and quite frankly (no pun intended), I believe they could have gotten him on the cheap, or a younger, better player for a similar price. Maybe I'm wrong, but I'm probably not.

(Let it be known that if we're parading a Jays World Series victory on Yonge Street next year, all of the above is rescinded. I will buy a Thomas t-shirt or jersey if it happens.)

Onto some other views of things in the news that have caught my eye....

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The Pakistani government has ammended it's laws regarding rape. It's about bloody time. The Hudood ordinances implemented by General Zia Ul-Huq's government in the late 70s made adultery punishable by death, along with making it mandatory for rape victims to have 4 witnessess to verify their accusations. I don't think there ever is an instance where a creep would rape in public so that 4+ people would view it, the law was an archaic interpretation of 'Islamic law'.

I have always been of the belief that religion and politics should not be so intrically linked. They should be distinctly separate, with religion acting as a guide towards political policy. To answer those "fundamentalists" who consider the revoking of the laws to be un-Islamic, I say this - Islam is suppose to respect ALL religions. To force feed your religions' views on a society revokes the rights of the minority, who are entitled to equality. If you feel so strongly about certain principles, you can follow them without the need for legislation - don't force others to!
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I would be remiss should I not mention the depressing story of the week - K-Fed and Britney splitting. It's about goddamn time! I give Mr. Federline credit for mooching for years, while at the same time laughing at his idiocy at blowing it all away in attempts to be a 'rap star'! All the guy bloody had to do was be a decent daddy to his kids, perhaps ask Brit "How was your day?" every once in a while, and he'd be set for life. Instead, he's probably preparing to Po-Po-Zao his way to the welfare line!
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An english version of Al-Jazeera launched today
. To those who are petrified at the thought of a network that may have biased reports, is partial with regards to the U.S., and gives terrorists free publicity, I ask - have you EVER watched Fox News?
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David Miller was re-elected as Mayor this week, which I think is a good thing. He's a great face for Toronto, and usually says the right thing. His opponents may or may not have had great ideas, at the same time I don't think it would have mattered if they had brilliant ideas. Why? Because the ideas ALWAYS end with "with the help of the provincial and/or federal government". I agree that cities need funding, but for once I'd like to hear some ideas without that appendage at the end. For this reason, in municipal elections I would suggest voting for the representative whom you believe is a good face for your city.

Speaking of which, what in the world is happening in Vaughan? Stealing of campaign indeas, vote-rigging, and graffiti on road signs? I imagine my Conservative friend Rob will comment on this election, which was decided by 90 votes. I'm sure he's elated over the dismissal of ex-Mayor DiBiase. And I don't know if it's just me, or does he actually remind you of the old WWF's "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase?

(humming along to The Million Dollar Man's entrance music)
'Money, Money, Money, Money, Money, Money!'
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Oh and before I leave, I will admit that yes, me and Jamie suck at picking NFL point spreads. Believe it or not we went 0 for 10 on all of the 1 O'Clock games this weekend, and were saved by a 4/5 showing in the evening games. We definitely will regroup, kick ass and take names this weekend!