The Simpson Blog

Dad points out that The Toronto Star has coverage of a psycho motorist attacking a cyclist who did exactly the same kind of thing I used to do when I lived in Toronto: "He had popped open his car door and whipped his food on the road, like a beef patty on a bun in a paper bag, and then slammed the door ... so obviously now, against better judgment, I leapt up, grabbed the food, opened his door, shouted something about `Don't litter in my neighbourhood,' and threw it back in his car and shut the door. He lost it." Friends used to worry about my safety when I lived in Toronto, 'cuz I used to do pretty much exactly that on an almost daily basis. I remember walking along Queen Street out front of City Hall and putting some Burger King garbage back through a car window from where it had emerged seconds earlier. I think I even said "please don't litter in my neighbourhood." I used to say that pretty often, actually. On the street, on the sidewalk, on sub

People who fare poorly on tests intended to assess mental skills are at greater risk of early death, according to a report in Psychosomatic Medicine (who knew there was such a journal?): Experts have considered the connection between poor test scores and mortality as a reflection of the deterioration of the aging body. But that would not explain the higher mortality rates for younger people. Damn. I guess that means the young stupid people of today might not be around to take care of me when I'm old and feeble. Stop with the skateboarding and video games for a minute, kids, and read a book! Continuing with the theme of stupidity ... Tom Cruise and his pregnant "girlfriend" are nominated for Razzie awards aplenty this year. Says the National Post: There's great Razzie potential for TomKat this year. Tom Cruise is nominated for worst actor in War of the Worlds, and he's mentioned twice in the "tiresome tabloid targets" category -- once for his anti-psychi

Hey, rockstars. Man, this has been a long month. Post-xmas blahs, winter blahs , election blahs, whathaveyou. January seems to be whipping past and crawling along at the same time. Apologies to anyone who I'm usually in touch with and haven't been -- it's just been one of those months, if you can dig it. Thank goodness the election is done. Monday was a long night at work. Glad that's over with. Just hoping this doesn't become Common Sense Revolution: The Motion Picture, with protests and angst throughout the term of Harper's term. Got out to do a small bit of sight-seeing in south-end Halifax on Saturday. Some gorgeous old houses in some beautiful neighbourhoods. I wish I'd brought my camera along. Next time. Paid a visit to Pete's Frootique , home of CBC's Produce Pete Luckett, he of the "toodleedoo!" fame. Saw lots of imported goodies from Britain, the USA, and parts unknown. A neat, if unfruitful, shopping excursion. Not a whole

A week and a half overdue, but here 'tis. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, joyous Festivus to all. I had some much-needed time off over Christmas, and spent most of it in Ontario visiting friends and family and generally doing the Christmas thing. Flew in to Toronto on the same flight (same aisle) as coworker Jennifer Macdonald. In fact, she had all three seats to herself and stretched out for a nap. Lucky her. I zonked out for a bit but didn't get any significant sleep. Canjet was good, cheap, and cheap. Spent some good time with mom, dad, Shannon and Chris, and the Simpson cats in Stratford, and enjoyed some delicious wraps for lunch/dinner. Mmm, bacon. Headed up to Bradford for Amanda's side of the family, and met their new puppy. Good times there, and a big ol' traditional xmas meal. I was reminded of a Simpsons moment after some time with the little dog, Molly: Burns: "Dogs are idiots! Think about it Smithers! If I came into your house and started

George Quibell, 1920-2006 Grandpa died in Lindsay this morning after a heart attack. He was a hard-working man who raised five kids and was married to my grandmother for 64 years. Used to call me Joe-Joe The Goon. Shannon and I spent lots of time as children at his cottage near Coboconk. He'll be missed by a lot of people. My condolences to the whole family, especially my mom. Update: QUIBELL, George Edwin Passed away peacefully on January 7th, 2006 at the Lindsay Extendicare Home in his 86th year. George Quibell, beloved husband of 64 years to Margaret (Moore). Dear father of James (Beth) of Oakville, Brian (Linda) of Deep River, Kathie (Mrs. David Simpson) of Stratford, Richard (Mary) of Pickering and Jane (Mrs. Mark Ewen) of Katy, Texas. Treasured grandfather to Martine, Andrew, Geoffrey, Scott, Shannon, Justin, William, Matthew and Sandy, (Andrea and Adam predeceased). Great grandfather to Alanna, Christopher, Bruce, Storey, Jack, and Nyah. Predeceased b

The latest CD release from BigAssSuperstar and gang, Magic 8 Ball: Decidedly So , has hit the streets. Copies of this new double-disc package were distributed to most regular bigasssuperstar.com readers during the holiday tour through Ontario. Stops included Pearson International Airport, The Cat House in Stratford, The Dog House in Bradford, The Monkey House in Willowdale, the stately Bain Estate near Greektown, Your Fired (sic) in Richmond Hill, Nana's in Ajax, and the official launch party at the East York rehearsal space/recording studio where the 8-ball was first shaken. Disc One is the complete debut/farewell concert recorded live at The Spotted Dick in Toronto on September 23, 2005. Ten audio tracks plus CD-ROM extras including pictures from the night of the show, MP3 versions for sharing, and even a few videos. Disc Two is a collection of notable recordings from the Jams At Rick's sessions, 2003-2005. Nineteen CD tracks including standout covers of songs by cub a