Saturday, February 13, 2010

The Winter Olympics; How to Look at my Home Country; an Alternative Anthem



I watched the opening ceremonies and enjoyed myself. I now I feel dirty and cheap. I am not kidding. I heard the news about that athlete killed on the luge track and began to feel that the International Olympic Committee could have done worse than to cancel the games this year.

Does anyone else out there believe in curses? I don't, but I often make exceptions. An athlete died; protests against the event have become more violent (how often do torch runners need such a large police escort?); one of the torches did not spring up for the lighting ceremony (interesting how the individual torches look like joints and the games are in Vancouver - wink); and now they have slush on the slopes. I wonder...

And now the national anthem. I have heard enough complaints about this to wonder if we really are ready to have the games...again (hey, I live in Montreal; I know how much these things cost). The song itself was the usual mix of hyperbole and nonsense, but I feel that it is time for a change from the change (even my mom is worried).

Well, she won't like this (most of you won't either), but I was digging through my old notes and found the following. Enjoy(?):

O Canada (alternate version)

O Canada,
Our stolen native land.
True patriot luck,
Doing what the Yanks command.

With bloated hearts,
And jiggling thighs
(a true pain in the knees),

From far and wide,
Why, Canada,
Do you make an ass of me?

Please keep the land,
If you like the fee.
O Canada
What have you done for me?
Ah Canada
Get rid of the G.S.T!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Okay, okay


I was wrong about the Saints. There, I said it. I should have known how politics plays a role in sports and how Payton Manning would choke. I think that I should actually follow NFL football for a whole season and then make a real bet that I can win. And apologies for my praise of the Who (not the best show they could have done - guys, just give it up).
And now, the hockey season is coming to a close in a few months. I have my money out and ready to lose.

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Super Bowl Sunday and Me


I'm just typing this out as the Who finish up their magnificent, yet too brief, halftime set at the Super Bowl in Miami. I wish that I could say that I have been paying attention to the game. I know that there is a real story there: the underdog Saints versus the so-certain-to-win-that-I-should-have-put-money-on-them Colts. But I just don't care. The game is usually predictable by halftime, anyway, and I don't support either team.
But man, the Who still work. Although the band should now be called the Half-Who (the real band ended in 1978). But I am glad I caught the show.
Just please, please, let the Cowboys make it next year...