Flock test

Second time around. Seeing if I can blog from the Flock browser.

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Melamine found in instant coffees

Like I said in the last post, the dessert product is probably a first of many to come. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is recalling imported instant coffee products that may contain melamine.

Tainted Chinese products show up in Canada

Asian supermarkets in Canada are busy pulling Nissin Cha Cha Dessert from their shelves as it was found to contain melamine. This is probably going to be the first of a few recalls associated with yet another melamine scare that has originated in China, and the number of infants affected in the tainted milk-product scandal is sure to rise.

As a parent who had to feed his son formula, this story is pretty heart wrenching. It’s bad enough that a product may harm a loved one, but it’s especially tragic when it’s a baby that can’t speak or tell its parent what is wrong.

With another child on the way in February 2009, it is disturbing to think there is always a possibility that formula we may have to use could contain tainted products. It’s getting a little crazy when you can’t trust companies to manufacture toys, bottles and food that is safe.

R. Kelly out of this world

R. Kelly’s I Believe I Can Fly will be part of the soundtrack given to astronauts on a mission that is set to launch on March 9. Others included on the play list are Celine Dion, Elton John and Irene Cara. The music was selected by a 14-year-old Norwegian who won a European Space Agency contest. I’m all for R. Kelly in outer space – after all the man wrote Sex Planet, but I feel for the astronauts. Having a 14 year-old pick what is virtually a person’s desert island soundtrack is pretty near a criminal act in my mind.

Blog inspired by first (and only) blog of the week pick

It looks like Stuff White People Like is inspiring other folk to poke some fun at themselves. Here’s another site that’s getting some traction. I’m guessing there is going to be Stuff People Like sites for every Tom, Dick and Haruto soon.

School FireJPG

vancouver shool fire 2.JPG

Originally uploaded by killahmullet

I happened upon this on Saturday night and took some photos. Apparently it’s the oldest school in Vancouver, built in the late 1800’s. The next day Baby G and I walked up to look at it, and a security guard told me it would be restored. However, the kindergarten kids whose classes were in the building will have to be moved.

Canadian government helps stem Obama’s momentum

It’s looking like the federal Conservatives are taking an active role in trying to keep the Democrats out of power in the U.S. According to a number of sources, Stephen Harper’s chief of staff helped halt Barack Obama’s momentum in the U.S. Democratic race when he told reporters the senator wasn’t serious about reopening the NAFTA trade agreement.
The Clinton camp picked up on the news and ended up winning a big margin in Ohio where the polls had the two candidates virtually tied before the leak. Now the campaign is deadlocked again, and there are questions around Obama’s ability to win the election.

No matter what happens in the Democratic race, this shift in the campaign is good for John McCain, who can now sit on the sidelines and take notes as Obama and Clinton dig up dirt on one another. He can also recoup from the campaign while the other two battle on, hitting on one another’s weak spots daily in the press. In the end, it could result in a weaker Democratic candidate who might end up losing the presidential race.

On a final note, Clinton’s camp did a great job of capitalizing on the news. This is proof she can play dirty pool with the best of them. So far Obama has stayed away from mud slinging, but this new development may change his strategy somewhat, as he needs to do everything he can to convince the party he is the guy they should ride into the election.

NHL facing stiff competition in Russia

A few months ago, I read a piece in the Globe and Mail about how the National Hockey League was dismissive of a possible European super league that might start to take away some of it premier players. This New York Times article suggests the reality is not too far away, as an oil-rich Russia is beginning to lure some of its star players back. It also demonstrates how wrong-headed the NHL has been in growing the game. The league sees the U.S. as it’s future, where it should really be looking to places where people know and love the game.

Transit story #1 – The guy nobody likes

I was the guy by the door today. Yes, the one who stands in the way when people are getting on and off the train, not moving for fear of losing my spot. While I was doing it, I felt kind of bad. I wanted to tell everyone that I had a terrible back ache, and moving to another spot was going to be super painful. Not to mention the fact, I would have screamed if I was bumping up against people and being tossed around like normal.

But I knew nobody would listen, and they probably wouldn’t care.

The good news is, my back ache may be fixed – thank you Tim! The bad news, when I boarded the train this afternoon, I gave up the door spot to the woman pushing her way in behind me. No more, Mr. Door Guy for me.

Clinton going negative again

According to the New York Times, Hillary is taking a 5-point attack approach to try and slow Obama’s momentum. I find it a strange tactic. Every time she’s been positive, sympathetic, or shown that she is human, her ratings have jumped and votes have come pouring in. The opposite is true when she or Bill attacks.

The Clinton’s approach is the style of the partisan politics that have divided the U.S. for so long. Obama is demonstrating they don’t work that well anymore in the Democratic party, and even McCain has refrained from anything more than the “Obama has no substance” attacks. Of course, this may change when the big prize comes into play.