KFC's newest delicacy

Famous for what? Being totally disgusting and a sign of everything that's wrong with North American culture? It's a bowl filled with layers of mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, popcorn chicken, then cheese. I'm neither an epicurean nor a health nut, but really, this is just plain nasty.

Apparently, the strategic plan for this new product line of "meals-in-a- bowl" includes plans for an upcoming pre-chewed regurgitated option.

Dubbya's UN double-speak

"I'd like to see a United Nations that's effective, one that joins us in trying to rid the world of tyranny, one that is willing to advance human rights and human dignity at its core, one that's an unabashed organisation..."

This hopeful declaration was uttered yesterday by none other than Dubbya himself at a joint press conference with Tony Blair. The embattled leaders spewed the usual bullcrap, however this quote by Bush is particularly laughable; if indeed the UN is an ineffective organization, surely US non-compliance and unilateralism contribute to the problem! Here are just a few dazzling examples:

- The US invasion of Iraq defies the UN Charter and international law

- The US has rejected important UN treaties, such as the Kyoto protocol and the test ban treaty on nuclear disarmament

- The US has repealed the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty

- The refusal of prisoner rights in Guatanamo Bay is in violation of the Geneva Conventions

- The US owes the UN more than 1 billion dollars in unpaid dues

Perhaps what Dubbya means is that rather than seeing a UN that's effective in ridding the world of tyranny and protecting human rights, he's hoping for a UN that represents American interests on a global scale. If that's the case, someone should tell him to send his CV to the UN- I'm pretty sure that Annan's term is almost up.

Happy Victoria Day

May two-four weekend is upon us once again. I'm not really sure why we Canadians have made a habit of celebrating Queen Victoria's birthday. The fact that the holiday is popularly referred to by a term also used to describe a case of 24 beers indicates that I'm not the only one that fails to see the connection. I mean, she died in 1901- you'd think there'd be more relevant VIP's to commemorate.

Anyhoo, it seems that (among other things) Vicky's reign was marked by the largest expansion of the British Empire. In fact, under her rule, in 1879 Britain invaded Afghanistan. Funny that as Canada celebrates what would have been her 187th birthday, we are also preparing to extend our military role in Afghanistan. Maybe Vicky isn't all the irrelevent after all.

In honour of the day, I am including here a photo of Arthur and her highness. Happy May two-four everyone!

Hi there people. My apologies for the absence. In the past month, I’ve graded 150 papers, written one of my own, and last Friday we moved. Not to mention a fire in the new house the day before it was supposed to close. It’s been a total pain in the ass, and I’ve been very crabby. In the whirlwind of work and moving, taking time out to bitch about world issues was not an option. Fortunately, things are finally starting to slow down and very soon my regular rantings will resume.

In the midst of all this, I nearly forgot that I’m turning 31 in a few days. Which sounds old, but if you knew me, you’d know that someone as irresponsible and immature as me certainly doesn’t act the part. In celebration of not acting one’s age and in the spirit of free time to come, I leave you with this. Make sure you’ve got the volume up, and enjoy!