wildone

So not sure if you all recall back during the Salt Lake City winter Olympics that there was a huge controversy with the fixing of scores in the Ice Dance Competition. After the French judge was called on it and testified that it was a backdoor deal to give the gold to the Russians no matter how they did, she admitted to all of it. In lieu of taking the gold away from the Russians who did not win it, it was instead decided to give gold medals to the Russians and the Canadians after the Olympics and the investigation. So what the Ice Dance Federation said is they were going to implement sweeping changes including adding technical judges to ensure this won't happen again. Fast Forward to last week. Ironically, the French, released just before the Olympics the the Russians and Americans have done a backdoor deal to keep the Canadians once again off the Gold Medal Podium. In agreement, the Russians would take the gold in the team competition and the Americans would in turn take the gold in the Ice Dance competition. This prediction came half true on the weekend when surprisingly (not) the Russians won and the Canadians second with the Americans 3rd. I personally agree with the approach of the Canadian's. They will await the outcome of the finals and then, and if by independent review (not through Canadian Rose Coloured Glasses) find there may have been something untoward, they will then launch an official protest, Seems like this corrupt sport never seems to learn from their mistakes Then again, I and the French may be proven wrong

Oh, so this is where this topic moved too.

Um....maybe because the list was of 17 Hot CANADIAN Olympic Athletes That's okay, we are happy to have him on the list So, I will say this because it will only be for now for the remainder of the Olympics.... Medal Count: Canada 3 USA 2

Hmmmm, good question Mike I was thinking the same thing. This might be a subject that Tomas is making about the circle of life, how you start up is also the way you end up before you die. Although not a pleasant subject, it made me reflect on two people that I knew that died of cancer... My mother and my best friends dad. Both died too early in my opinion and interestingly enough, both went into hospice care when they did not have the strength to get to the washroom anymore. Both were catheterized but neither was comfortable about a bowel movement into an adult diaper. On both of their death certificates it doesn't say 'cancer' it says bowel blockage. I guess neither of them dying young enough could lose their pride to do that in a diaper. Too much emphasis is placed on the simple fact of not being able to control your body functions. Sure, some people have a stroke and are incapacitated and probably have no choice. Also, people inflicted with Crones and Colitis have to deal with it all their lives yet a colostomy bag is usually an alternative. I'm not sure how I will be when I reach that age I imagine it is something that all of us will probably have to consider unless we go quickly.

Well, Greg was soon forgotten. I wonder where he was. I thought maybe he'd show up with the party people, which was a nice surprise I may add I wonder what Corey is ready for with Clinton? Benji, two good points, what direction will this go in the next chapter? Maybe either way. Hopefully we all find out soon (hint hint).

The thing about spiders I like is that everyone claims they have the most dangerous spider in the world Personally I don't like to get warm and cuddly with them but don't go out of my way to kill one if I see one. But like Cele, my bath, my bed and my food is off limits Like snakes I am fascinated by them, but have no need to own one. *runs off to sign Joann and Slytherin up for a episode of Fear Factor that involves spiders*

In a way it is good that amateur athletes are doing this now. After all, today's amateur athletes are tomorrow's professional. I still don't have a clue how long until a major professional athlete comes out. I know the leagues are trying to make a more hospitable place for all athletes, just nobody really knows if that is reflected in the locker rooms.

He pleaded not guilty in Florida today and will be surrendering to Toronto Police in a few hours to be arrested and booked for assaulting a limo driver. When will it end

Not the past November, but the year before he preformed at the Grey Cup at halftime in Toronto. The boos were louder than the cheers. Mainly because there were not many under 21 girls at the football game He knows he isn't to popular with people outside of his age group. The unfortunate thing is his groupies continue to love him no matter what he does and he continues to rake in the cash. I see this as a repeat of so many others that have been raised with too much money as kids. Also, take a look at who his idols are, rap and hip hop and such (no, I'm not slamming those genres), how many in that lifestyle do stupid things and involved in drinking, drugs, etc. How come we are surprised that he is following the same footsteps as his 'peers' and mentors?

I couldn't help but notice the similarities to Telus, one of the big 3 carriers in Canada, recent announcement of building a 58 story building, 26 lower floors of office space and 32 upper space of residential units. It will come in at 216m (708) feet and will be the lastest and best technically advanced buildings in Canada.

I've heard quite a few comments from our European friends how the love Haribo. Although I'm not sure if this refers to all the different sweets that the company makes or if it is just one particular thing, but I remember a few saying they love it. Today, I saw an article on how Haribo has launched a line of Gummy Bears that have been fully 'weaponized' http://ca.shine.yahoo.com/blogs/shine-on/fully-weaponized-gummy-bears-amazon-202739384.html Yes, they have attacked in the form of innocent looking little gummy bears containing a lab altered sugar which when consumed in larger quantities is a natural laxative. Eating more then a few of these cute creatures can have you in writhing pain while taking up residence on your throne!!! What should we do in reaction? Being someone who loves Gummy Bears and being a diabetic, these little invaders would appeal to me. Yet, I now know the assault these guys are capable of, I will have to refrain from enjoying them (BTW, ever take two Gummy Bears and flip them head to toe to each others and they make a perfect 69 position ). So what do you think? P.S. This topic is all in fun Please don't take out your worst political and controversial subjects against each others I'm looking for maybe something like adding ExLax to Swiss Chocolate

Hi Peter, The 'posted image' at the end of the chapter I believe was a link to CJ's forum where the topics for each chapter were around for discussion of the latest chapters. They all can be found here. I have to forewarn you, the goat in his wisdom said he would finish the book in under 100 chapters so if you are say looking for Chapter 236 then you would have to search for chapter 99+137 I clicked on the link for the Atlantis page and that took me to a page that I'm not sure if it is supported anymore. Hosted Authors used to have their own webpage with GA but as I said, not sure if those are still working. CJ has been on a bit of a hiatus and just recently got back. I'm sure he will see your comment soon enough and might be able to help you out with a link for seeing what Atlantis looks like as well as a glossary of nautical terms.

:music: Happy Birthday Cassie :music: Hope your day is full of fun and surprises Enjoy your day!

Personally I think this is carefully setting the stage for a player(s) to come out in the future. Brandon Burke had an idea of inclusion in his favourite sport and worked on it with a passion and a dedication unmatched. Although his life tragically ended too soon, his idea of a inclusive NHL is being carried on into the future by others willing to pick up his cause. Will it be a established veteran player to come out? One who has the maturity and strength to do so in an international spotlight? I don't think so. I have a few suspects. Both are young and not well known names in the league...yet. I believe both will be known in the future for not only being early ones to come out, but more so for their hockey talent. It is just a matter of time until they feel comfortable with their team, the league, their family situation and all the other things needed to make that final step. I'm not holding my breath or going to claim that with my broken Gaydar I know, just a feeling I have when I looked into the backgrounds and present situations of these players. Just a feeling, nothing of subsistence

All in all it was quite nice to have CJ not bleating all the time while the overwhelming majority of members here at GA decided to dedicate the Cliffhanger Award to CJ. Also this year he will be getting the Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed on him and the category permanently closed down Imagine the ruckus he would have kicked up if he was around for all that?

Thank you very much for a great series The way you incorporated a vision quest at the end makes this story complete. The fact that two characters, Dusty and Zac's dad's were the ones leading them made it that much more special. I look forward to your next story and will wait with bated breath

I believe individual players and teams and the Players Association teamed up with You Can Play last year. This is now where it is official policy of the NHL and the Players Association. Actual language in their rules and regs about inclusion of all. To answer the Sochi question (without delving into politics) is that the vast majority of athletes, coaches and organizations have decided a boycott would not work and instead go to Russia and compete. What happens on the podiums will most likely make world news but I imagine it won't be seen on Russian Television

Here is the Aurora Borealis viewing map for tonight compliments of the University of Alaska

:music: Happy Birthday Matt :music: Hope you are out having a party like it's 1999 Wait, you were 7 then Being a Friday Thursday birthday I hope you do tons of stuff you regret in the morning Damn, I must be getting old, first couldn't calculate your age then thought it was Friday. See what getting older will do to you

No, you tried to stretch last December into a 92 day month or something like that, but sadly CJ, there is still a maximum or 31 days per month

:music: Happy Birthday Krista :music: Well, well, well, our favourite Author with the acerbic tongue, age is catching up with her attitude That being said I hope you have a Great Birthday today!! I hope the hubby and kiddies all treat you to a big Birthday celebration. All the best over the next year. P.S. Remember, it is your right to always be 29 forever

So what to do if you are a small business and you get notice from a lawyer representing Starbucks..... Here is the letter that Exit 6 Pub and Brewery received from a lawyer defending Starbucks trademarks and reputation: Sounds pretty serious I'd say Well here is the reply letter from the owner of the Bar: So, what makes this so good is that they posted it on Facebook at their webpage https://www.facebook.com/exitsix They also did mail a cheque for 6 dollars to Starbucks in order to offset the cost of the lawyers fees that they will have to pay out to protect their identity and trademarks. The thing is, legally Starbucks had the right to do it but it makes you wonder if a simple phone call from a person from Starbucks would have done the same thing? I mean Starbucks and the lawyer looks pretty stupid as pointed out in the owner's response letter. Add the fact that he has shared it with the world it should be interesting what response the Starbucks spin doctors will try to whip up (Does Starbucks own the right to the word Whip from Whipping Cream? ) Maybe I shouldn't refer to them as Starbucks in this post, might get sued so like the owner, to protect yourself, maybe refer to the company as the S Word in your responses The PPPPS made it all that much better

Christmas day I got an emergency text from my sister 'Do you have any Cranberry Jelly or Sauce for turkey dinner tonight? I forgot to buy it and there is no stores open today'. My reply 'Yep, found a can in the cupboard, I'll bring it with me'. So get to her house and give her the can, she flips it over to the end that can be cut and notices it expired on May 10, 2010. Needless to say it was a Cranberryless Turkey dinner this year

You know that I personally am truly sorry that the past year has been rough on you in so many ways. The only thing I can really say about 2013 is that you have survived as well as your brother. The fact that you have been part of the lives of your family that have passed is a wonderful thing. Don`t forget that you were important to them as well. They may not be here in the now, but with the memories and thoughts and what they taught you, they will live on forever Here`s hoping for a better 2014 and hoping that your wishes do come true.

:music: Happy Birthday Jack :music: How is desert life treating you? Hope to see you around some time soon. Hope you have the happiest Birthday and all the best! Steve