Hux

That place.....meh....it was ok.

I censored the political content so I could post this here as a heads up... H*rper to announce anti-drug strategy The Canadian Press October 3, 2007 at 6:45 PM EDT Ottawa — Prime Minister St*phen H*rper is set to announce a $64-million anti-drug strategy that cracks down on dealers and offers more help for users. H*rper is to make the announcement Thursday in Winnipeg, casting his C*nservative government's approach as a balanced one that relies as heavily on prevention as it does on punishment. The new plan includes stricter penalties for drug-traffickers while spending millions on rehabilitation and public-awareness programs. The government wants to avoid having the plan portrayed as a Canadian version of the U.S. war on drugs. “There are two aspects to this,†said a source familiar with the announcement. “How can you help the user? And the other thing is punishing the dealer.†Funding for the initiative was set out in the 2007 federal budget. The plan is expected to include: — A border crackdown on drug smuggling. — $32 million on treatments like detox and rehab centres. — About $10-million (U.S.) for an awareness campaign aimed at young people. One of the key goals of the awareness program is to alert kids to the dangers of marijuana and remind them that it remains illegal. Since the C*nservatives took office, the number of people arrested for simple possession of marijuana has skyrocketed. Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Halifax all reported increases of between 20 and 50 per cent in 2006 of arrests for possession of cannabis, compared with the previous year. As a result, thousands of people were charged with a criminal offence that, under the previous L*beral government, was on the verge of being decriminalized. Police say those L*beral efforts to decriminalize pot sent mixed messages to the public. They say many pot smokers have been emboldened by the talk of decriminalization and are more apt to smoke in public — all of which has resulted in more arrests. Proponents of more liberalized drug laws have ridiculed the T*ry approach to marijuana, calling it a waste of taxpayers' money to prosecute pot smokers. Drug-dependency experts have also challenged the common notion that pot is a so-called ‘gateway' to other drugs, and argue that it actually keeps people from experimenting with more dangerous ones. Health Minister T*ny Cl*ment, who will be one of three cabinet ministers present at the announcement, has said his government wants to clear up the uncertainty about marijuana. “There's been a lot of mixed messages going out about illicit drugs,†Cl*ment said recently. “We're going to be back in the business of an anti-drug strategy. . . In that sense, the party's over.â€

That's what I'm saying, I've been to more games than anyone I know and never had probs with parking, hell Booche was still working at Toys R Us when I started going to Jetform Park....

So if there were 2,500 empty parking spots out there you really think it would change anything? The team (and their allies) have to blame the city for selling off parking spaces, it's their only way of winning the lawsuit. In which they only cite "the city never replaced more than 600 parking spaces at the stadium that it sold between 1998 and 2000 and was obliged to provide as part of the lease agreement" So they sold off 600 out of 2,500 spaces leaving 1,800 when the team was barely drawing 2000 a game and this is the best they can come up with to lay blame at the city's feet? The team istelf says they require 1 parking spot for every 4 fans in attendance. Something doesn't add up.

Some are asserting it's a "huge" factor etc. I don't see anyone else claiming that (blogs, press, etc.) Here's some food for thought: Break-even mark was apparently 4000/game and they have been averaging around 2000/game for the past nine seasons. You really think lack of parking (for 2000 fans/cars max) is a factor in the teams popularity in the last 9 years? C'mon guys....

Not when he raises the fact that similar AAA teams have folded in similar Canadian markets due to similar reasons.

So let's find out: a) the capacity of the parking lot the number of times attendance even came close that #. I don't doubt a handfull of games per year - but I don't think it's THE factor. You have to show up to NOT get a parking spot. NOONE SHOWED UP.

Yeah, but if only 30% of the parking spots were being used for 98% of the games - no I don't think it would make much of a difference. Whereas out there they know they need 98% of the spots 98% of the time....

Real ball fans would either: a) already have tickets not mind waiting in line c) not never return to another game after having to wait. Ottawa is not a baseball town. Clearly tickets sales was another major prob with the organization. Why would they not bring in extra ticket window people? Because normally they wouldn't need them, ie. noone would show up.

Yeah, exactly my point. When has lack of parking ever been a problem in the last several years? (I started going to games in '98 and never once saw a full lot) I'd take you up on that bet I think. Bottom line -their failure was due to fairweather fans. When your attendance is the worst in the league and on average you draw 2000 less fans per game than the team with the next worst attendance in the league speaks to deeper issues than not enough parking a coulpe games per year (tops).

I think that's a stretch.

Don't cut yourself short - your opinons are not little stuff baby.

This is a Hux original: "When your world is small - you sweat the little stuff"

Here's a taste of the prizes: 1. Trip for 2 to Vegas courtesy of Uniglobe. Value: Priceless. 2. Electronics Package: Television and DVD player!!! Value: Approx. $1,500 3. Golf Package: Foursome to Le Maitre in Tremblant, Executive Golf Membership, Balls, and Gloves!!! Value: $650 4. Adventure Package: Hot Air Balloon Ride, White Water Raft Value: $500 5. Getaways Package: Hotels in Kingston, Montreal, and Ottawa. Value: $500 Plus many more - final 8 players win a prize...and nightly prizes will be awarded to those who don't make it to the final 8 table

Steak dinner 5 - poker 6.

See sticky topic at top of Cavern.

So, Easter Seals is also having a big poker tournament same night as the Blues thing I'm organizing. I'm no pro but it looks like a good deal, you get half the admission price back in a tax receipt and you can win a trip to vegas etc. (also you get into the Blues for Kids free) The Chips for Charity Texas Hold’Em Poker tournament is a one night, feature event bringing the community together to support kids with physical disabilities. The event will be held on Thursday, October 11th, 2007 at Al’s Steakhouse in downtown Ottawa. It is an integral part of the Easter Seals’ annual fundraising and awareness campaign, which helps purchase costly mobility and communication equipment for local children with physical disabilities. Participants will be treated to a reception of a full Al’s Steakhouse dinner and beverages. While enjoying the experience of an exciting, unique and fun evening of tournament poker participants will have an opportunity to bid on fantastic auction items. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to WIN A TRIP FOR 2 TO LAS VEGAS, which has been generously donated by Uniglobe! Join us after the tournament at Maxwell's for our "BLUES FOR EASTER SEALS KIDS", a Blues concert to benefit local area children with physical disabilities. TICKETS for CHIPS FOR CHARITY: $150/ticket. Includes full Al's Steakhouse dinner, beverage courtesy of Mielzinsky's, entry into Blues for Kids, and a $75 tax receipt. TICKETS for BLUES FOR EASTER SEALS KIDS: $25/ticket. For tickets, please contact Kellie Byrne, Easter Seals District Manager at 613-226-3051 ext. 232 or kbyrne@easterseals.org.

***UPDATE 2 - tax receipts will be issued for your donations***** Hey Skanks, I've been involved with Easter Seals for a few years and I'm organizing a Blues fundraiser on Thursday Oct. 11th at Maxwell's here in O-town. Admission is now a donation! (I guess we recommend $20 but we'd rather you show up with a toonie and support the kids than stay home) But please understand that every cent will go towards our local "kids" - basically Easter Seals helps families of kids with disabilities who cannot afford expensive mobility items (wheelchairs, vehicle lifts, leg braces, etc) and things like summer camp and other great programs that benefit the kids very very much. Opening the show will be a new project by some Skanks (temporarily named) the Rosehill Blues Band, me, Ms. Hux and a few others (not sure of their skank names Jon & Trevor?) so this will be our first show. Here are the details on the other bands and a little more info about ES - please PM or email me if you'd like tickets! By attending Blues for Kids, your donation will help children, youth and young adults with physical disabilities achieve their full individual potential and future independence. Easter Seals funds disability solutions through financial assistance, summer camp, the Recreational Choices funding program, research, advocacy, and public and consumer education. Featuring (in reverse order of appearance) Myers Brothers Blues Band http://www.quazimojoblues.com/ “Blue†Mike Myers, Marco “Pepe†Tedeschini and “L’il Stevie†Myers will bring their hypnotic trance-blues and rockin' boogie stylings direct from the delta’s Juke Joints. (Myers Brothers appear courtesy of Frozen Delta Records) Linda Grenier and Friends http://www.lindagrenier.com/ Canadian-born Linda Grenier is a powerful singer who has become an accomplished songwriter, and has released two CD’s of original material to prove it. Linda spends many hours traveling back and forth from county to city. Her music is often influenced by the hustle and bustle of everyday life as she reflects on it behind the wheel of her car. It's these everyday inspirations that lead to her first CD release, "GO'IN PICK'IN" in November 2000. Linda's 2nd CD, appropriately entitled, "ASPHALT RAMBLINGS", was released on August 28th, 2003. Rosehill Blues Band Classic Blues - Ottawa style. Featuring Sharon Williamson, Jon Ball, Matt Salvatore, Geoff Smith and Trevor Curtis.

Because Canadians are so ridiculously pro-hockey and anti-every other sport (especially baseball). Take that attitude to Wrigley Field in Chicago and see how cool you are lame-ass Canadians - hockey SUCKS!

That Harper!! :::shakes fist:::

Jesus - I wouldn't be surprised if Barlow's life and Weir's marriage is over about now.

The left, divided, opens the door for the Conservatives By LAWRENCE MARTIN Monday, September 17, 2007 Tom Flanagan has a message New Democrats won't want to hear. In a candid new book called Harper's Team, the top Conservative strategist reveals that Jack Layton and company were the key to bringing Stephen Harper - not exactly a Dipper kind of guy - to power. The Layton decision to attack Paul Martin's Liberals and lay off the Tories in the 2006 campaign was what paved the way, concludes the Calgary academic, a Harper confidant. "No matter how well designed our campaign had been, it would have been hard for us to win if the NDP had not held up its end." In the previous election in 2004, the Grits won because New Democrats ran to them in the closing days out of fear of a Harper triumph. In 2006, Mr. Flanagan explains, the Layton strategy prevented any such desertion. The NDP increased its seat haul from 19 to 29. In several prior elections, it was a split on the right between Tories and the Reform factions that helped make Liberal wins possible. This time, as poetic justice would have it, the splits haunted the left. And keeping the left divided, writes the Flanner, will be critical to future Conservative wins. Canada, he concedes, is simply not a natural home for the right. "Neither the philosophy of conservatism nor the party brand comes close to commanding majority support." Therefore, he adds, the Conservatives "will win if the other four parties are at each other's throats; they lose if they line up together, particularly if NDP and Green voters swing to the Liberals." His book, just out, will provide much food for thought for the portsiders. It speaks, for example, to the wisdom of one of the moves Stéphane Dion has made since becoming Liberal leader - his entente cordiale with the Green Party. Mr. Dion made a pact with Green Leader Elizabeth May not to run a Liberal candidate against her in the Nova Scotia riding where she is seeking a seat. He was slagged by some in his own party, and many in the media, for the unusual manoeuvre. But the gambit helps make his Liberals the second choice of Green voters, of which there are increasing numbers. Says pollster Nic Nanos: "Political entente with Ms. May will likely pay dividends for the Grits come election time." The Green Leader and Mr. Dion have not expanded their pact. "But there is a lot of mutual respect and goodwill there," Ms. May said in an interview. Voters are not exactly overjoyed with the Harper minority, she added. "Maybe they'll decide to give Stéphane Dion a minority." The NDP has eased off its attacks on the Grits since Paul Martin stepped down. In the leadership campaign, Mr. Layton said the Liberals would never elect a man of Mr. Dion's integrity. But that's not the reason the party is laying off, said a Layton spokesman. Given his anemic performance, he said, the targeting isn't necessary. In Quebec, however, the two parties are at one another's throats. Today, three by-elections in the province are being contested. One sees the NDP and Grits in a high-stakes fight in the Liberal stronghold of Outremont. It represents a great opportunity for an NDP breakthrough in the province where it has long been shut out. Mr. Layton has been working hard in Quebec and has a big name candidate in Thomas Mulcair, a former environment minister in Jean Charest's Liberal government. He was leading in last week's poll over the Liberal, Jocelyn Coulon. The media have a tendency to read a lot, sometimes too much, into by-elections. This one is being seen as a big test of the Dion leadership. If his candidate loses, it will be interpreted as an ominous sign. In the Quebec ridings outside the island of Montreal, the Conservatives are quickly becoming the alternative to the separatists. If the NDP gets a foothold in Montreal, then the Grits, who used to own the province, could see their urban vote imperilled there as well. And wouldn't that light up the faces of Tom Flanagan and Stephen Harper. The more the Dippers divvy up the left, the more the door swings open to the right.

The left, divided, opens the door for the Conservatives By LAWRENCE MARTIN Monday, September 17, 2007 Tom Flanagan has a message New Democrats won't want to hear. In a candid new book called Harper's Team, the top Conservative strategist reveals that Jack Layton and company were the key to bringing Stephen Harper - not exactly a Dipper kind of guy - to power. The Layton decision to attack Paul Martin's Liberals and lay off the Tories in the 2006 campaign was what paved the way, concludes the Calgary academic, a Harper confidant. "No matter how well designed our campaign had been, it would have been hard for us to win if the NDP had not held up its end." In the previous election in 2004, the Grits won because New Democrats ran to them in the closing days out of fear of a Harper triumph. In 2006, Mr. Flanagan explains, the Layton strategy prevented any such desertion. The NDP increased its seat haul from 19 to 29. In several prior elections, it was a split on the right between Tories and the Reform factions that helped make Liberal wins possible. This time, as poetic justice would have it, the splits haunted the left. And keeping the left divided, writes the Flanner, will be critical to future Conservative wins. Canada, he concedes, is simply not a natural home for the right. "Neither the philosophy of conservatism nor the party brand comes close to commanding majority support." Therefore, he adds, the Conservatives "will win if the other four parties are at each other's throats; they lose if they line up together, particularly if NDP and Green voters swing to the Liberals." His book, just out, will provide much food for thought for the portsiders. It speaks, for example, to the wisdom of one of the moves Stéphane Dion has made since becoming Liberal leader - his entente cordiale with the Green Party. Mr. Dion made a pact with Green Leader Elizabeth May not to run a Liberal candidate against her in the Nova Scotia riding where she is seeking a seat. He was slagged by some in his own party, and many in the media, for the unusual manoeuvre. But the gambit helps make his Liberals the second choice of Green voters, of which there are increasing numbers. Says pollster Nic Nanos: "Political entente with Ms. May will likely pay dividends for the Grits come election time." The Green Leader and Mr. Dion have not expanded their pact. "But there is a lot of mutual respect and goodwill there," Ms. May said in an interview. Voters are not exactly overjoyed with the Harper minority, she added. "Maybe they'll decide to give Stéphane Dion a minority." The NDP has eased off its attacks on the Grits since Paul Martin stepped down. In the leadership campaign, Mr. Layton said the Liberals would never elect a man of Mr. Dion's integrity. But that's not the reason the party is laying off, said a Layton spokesman. Given his anemic performance, he said, the targeting isn't necessary. In Quebec, however, the two parties are at one another's throats. Today, three by-elections in the province are being contested. One sees the NDP and Grits in a high-stakes fight in the Liberal stronghold of Outremont. It represents a great opportunity for an NDP breakthrough in the province where it has long been shut out. Mr. Layton has been working hard in Quebec and has a big name candidate in Thomas Mulcair, a former environment minister in Jean Charest's Liberal government. He was leading in last week's poll over the Liberal, Jocelyn Coulon. The media have a tendency to read a lot, sometimes too much, into by-elections. This one is being seen as a big test of the Dion leadership. If his candidate loses, it will be interpreted as an ominous sign. In the Quebec ridings outside the island of Montreal, the Conservatives are quickly becoming the alternative to the separatists. If the NDP gets a foothold in Montreal, then the Grits, who used to own the province, could see their urban vote imperilled there as well. And wouldn't that light up the faces of Tom Flanagan and Stephen Harper. The more the Dippers divvy up the left, the more the door swings open to the right.

Post-count padder.