Wednesday, November 29th

1 - The Liberal leadership convention kicks off in Montreal this weekend. At first glance it appears anyone of the four front-runners could take the prize, but on the advice of Paul Wells, I predict Michael Ignatieff wins on the 2nd ballot. Well's theory is, "for any given set of circumstances, Canadian politics tends toward the least exciting possible outcome." As Wells notes, that can only mean an Ignatieff win, rather than a dramatic come from behind gut wrencher. However, I'm going one step further and predicting a 2nd ballot victory on Saturday. After all, the 24-hour hype machine says this race won't be decided until the fourth ballot, which means and 2nd ballot win would be as anti-climactic as it gets. I'd like to see Gerard Kennedy win though, mostly because he took a stand on the whole 'Quebec nation within a nation' thing that wasn't very popular inside his own party. Especially when you consider the spine-bending acrobatics Ignatieff has been doing trying to convince everyone it was his idea, after denying it for weeks.

2 - Danny Barret was fired on Monday, in a move that was widely anticipated by just about everyone here in the province that's easier to draw than any other province. Speculation has Kent Austin as the front runner to replace Barret, with Dave Ritchie a close second. Whoever it is, GM Eric Tillman maintains it will be somebody his knows well, which is all fine and good, but I sure hope it's not Austin. It's nothing personal. Austin was a good offensive co-ordinator in Toronto who was unfairly blamed for decisions and circumstances beyond his control, but Austin is an offensive coach, and a pass-oriented one at that. The Riders are a running football team, and they should be, because they have the right personal, and when the weather gets cold running the football becomes imparative. If I have one criticism of Austin, it's that he did a poor job of incorporating his running backs into his game plan while in Toronto. Then again, maybe a change in philosophy is just what the Riders need. After all, Tillman didn't fire Barrett just to maintain the status quo.

3 - It's not much, but it's a start. Bill Thorn makes a good comment, the snow can never be cleared fast enough, but there is certainly room for improvement. Once the snow flies in Regina I make a point of avoiding side streets at all costs, because my Acclaim isn't garunteed to get through them. I'm a little weary about the process though. Any time I hear about comittees filing reports I start to wonder whether anything will actually get done. Good on them for recognizing the problem. Let's make sure they implement the solution (assuming it's viable).

4 - Hockey News writer Adam Proteau notes the best fan sign of the night during Chris Prongers return to Edmonton on Tuesday:

"Down with Pronger for undisclosed personal reasons."

5 - Questionable Media Bias Watch: "Tories Closing most Status of Women Offices"

Consider these loaded phrases (emphasis mine):

A - "The Conservative Government is taking an axe to Status of Women Canada..."
B - "The blow is part of a cost-cutting program announced in September..."
C - "Of the 16 regional offices, only Ottawa, Edmonton, Montreal and Moncton will be spared."

You don't need much of an imagination to see what's going on here. Clearly Heritage Minister Bev Oda has declared open season against poor defenseless Status of Women Canada. For shame.

6 - Little known stat: according to The Hockey News, after Pittsburgh defenseman Mark Eaton busted his wrist against San Jose the Penguins went on a five game losing streak. Since that streak the Pens have played .500 hockey. Eaton is out indefinetly.

7 - This signing spells the end of either Jermain Copeland, Nik Lewis, Elijah Thermon, or Ken-Yon Rambo in Calgary. I can't see the Stamps fitting all five of these guys under the cap. Can't say I feel sorry for anyone though.

P.S. I like Boerigter, I pick him all the time on Madden.

Man on Fire