Wednesday, July 12th

1 - Matsushita, a Japanese electronics developer that owns Panasonic, has come out with a 103 inch plasma screen T.V. To put this into perspective, the grill on your average Kenworth rig measures out at around 100 inches. The next largest T.V. in the Matsushita arsenal is 65 inches, and it sells for around $6500. According to an article on MSNBC, no price tag has been set on the 215 kg (473 lb) television. 103 inches sounds cool in theory, but does your T.V. really need to be that big? Won't the 65 inch runt do just fine? Furthermore, who is going to find the space to actually get that monster into their house?

2 - In other electronics news, a research group in the U.S. is reporting that a new brain sensor 'installed' (their words, not mine) in a 25 year old man with paralysis in all four limbs has allowed him to operate a computer. The man was able to move a computer cursor, operate an electronic device, and check his email. However, the quote that caught my eye was, "We have the ability to put signals into the brain, but getting signals out is the real challenge." Signals into the brain. Now that is interesting, and kind of unnerving.

3 - According to results published in Maclean's 31% of Canadians are "uneasy" when in the presence of a born-again Christian. Compare that with Muslims (18%) and Jews (5%). According to the expert rounded up by Macleans, and the writers own logical conclusions, this is due to any, and possibly all, of the following: a) George W. Bush, b) judgmental attitudes within the church towards those interested in 'alternative spiritual ways', c) objection to gay marriage, d) fear of a political agenda. I think biggest reason for Canada's 'uneasiness' with born-again Christians is summed up is the article's final two sentences: "Clearly there's room for a wide, if often contradictory, variety of religious beliefs in this country. Just remember to keep it polite." This leads us into the old 'it's not what you say, but how you say it' debate that I don't want to get into right now because this installment of M.O.F. is taking a lot longer than it's supposed to.

4 - In other news, Maclean's doesn't like Mondays either.

5 - For those of you still keeping score, the Toronto Star has thrown it's hat into the 'Rumored to be Heading to the Maple Leafs' Sweepstakes by reporting that disgruntled Edmonton Oiler Mike Peca thinks playing in Toronto would be a "dream come true." However, in the humble opinion of yours truly, this is one deal that might actually happen. That places The Star firmly in second. The Toronto Sun jumps out in front thanks to sports writer Lance Hornby, who writes the Leafs are interested in bringing in ex-Canuck Anson Carter. Meanwhile, Sportsnet drops to last, after suggesting that current Florida Panther Gary Roberts is actually not rumored to be heading to Toronto. The Toronto Sun was dangerously close to following in Sportsnet's footsteps, but managed to save face with the Carter report.

6 - Remember that game everyone used to play at Youth Group. The one where you start with something small, like a tooth pick, and go door to door trying to barter it for something bigger and better. Well, a guy in Montreal has set new standards for that game by bartering his way from a paper clip all the way up to a house... in Kipling, Saskatchewan. 26-year-old Kyle MacDonald acquired a 2-storey farm house 'in exchange for a paid role in a movie.' According to the Mayor of Kipling, the town will hold a competition to see who gets the role in the Movie (and the chance to star next to Corbin Bernsen). No word yet on whether the 2-storey farm house is rumored to be heading to Toronto.

7 - First it was supposed to be Portland. Then Winnipeg. Then Hartford. I think Kansas City was in there too. Now Hamilton is the latest city that could possibly land the coveted Pittsburgh NHL franchise, and with it Sid 'The Kid' Crosby. However, there going to have to compete against four other bidders, all of them from the U.S., which is where the NHL likely wants Sid the Kid to play, given his marketing potential.

8 - Best article of the 2006 MLB season: Fox Sports' Randy Hill and his All- Underachieving Team. Even if you don't know a thing about pro-baseball, it's still a good read. By the way, at the half-way point of the season, I still stand by my prediction that the Cleveland Indians will win the World Series this year, due to the fact they have the 2nd longest World Series drought in baseball.

9 - After having the CFL's 2nd best defense, and 2nd worst offense last season, the Saskatchewan Roughriders have turned things around literally. Their offense is near the top of the league, while their defense has surrendered over 100 points in only 3 games. According to an article in the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, Danny Barret isn't planning on making any line-up switches on the defensive side of the ball. Normally I'm with the coach, but after last Saturday's debacle against Calgary, Barret needs to make an example out of somebody. CB Almondo Curry would be a good choice, since he was beaten early and often by the Stamps receiving corps. Curry would work well, especially since back-up DB Shukree Shabaz played so well in the pre-season. I say send Curry to the press box, to think about what he's done. I though Shabaz did well enough in the pre-season to get a bit more than a spot on the practice roster. Here's hoping they show up for the B.C. game this week, but you never know with the Riders. They have the un-canny ability to win when they should lose, and lose when they should win. Life is full of surprises when your a Rider fan.

10 - July 12th is my youngest brothers birthday. His name is Stu too, so if you see him, wish him a happy birthday.

Man on Fire