As if it wasn’t bad enough that Americans don’t have Smarties or Crispy Crunch chocolate bars – now they had to settle for the less racy Zach and Miri Make a Porno movie poster shown below on the right.

Apparently, the MPAA board would not approve the first poster of director Kevin Smith’s latest film in the U.S. – but it was deemed okay in the Great White North.

It all balances out though. Americans have a much larger variety of Pop Tarts, don’t tend to get hosed nearly as bad on Ebay shipping costs – and have elected a President that can actually play basketball!

Of course - All we did was invent the game. Touché!

In writing this blog, I wanted folks visiting our site to know a little bit more about “ME” – and how living in a border town inside the Province of Ontario my entire life has made me a bit of a two headed monster:

For instance…

I enjoy driving to the states, where a few months ago money was at par, to shop at many of the amazing malls. BUT - I stop at Tim Horton’s before I cross the border.

Road tripping to various Major and Minor League baseball games throughout the U.S. make up the majority of my vacation destinations. But - I make sure I pack some Nanaimo bars, butter tarts and Old Dutch Arriba Jalapeño (The “J” is silent Ricky) Cheddar tortilla chips before even leaving the driveway.

Heck, I got married in Las Vegas , Nevada - But, I listened to The Sam Roberts Band and The Weakerthans on the way there – and Cuff the Duke and Neko Case on my return flight home.

I would have probably considered moving to Texas or Arizona if I hadn’t watched Michael Moore’s documentary – Sicko a few years back. But – I have also given thoughts to heading out West to British Columbia .

Please don’t confuse this post as being Anti-American. I stand when I hear both of our National anthems – And although I think the Star Spangled Banner has more punch than Oh Canada – it’s the latter that makes me feel proudest. But shouldn’t it?

I am not some beer swigging snow shoe clad (It’s raining outside right now - in December) pompous patriot who thinks his country is better then every where else. Actually – I obviously don’t whip a team of sled dogs to get to work (I drive a 2001 GMC pick-up truck), my wife does not wear mukluks and I can’t skate very well because I played baseball – NOT hockey, when I was a kid. And - believe it or not – I DON’T EVEN DRINK BEER! Now, in my latter thirty something years I have learned I much prefer a good Caesar to a bottle of beer any day.

Now if you don’t mind – I’m going to go crank some Kim Mitchell while I get ready to go out to eat at Boston Pizza (Ironically this chain is ONLY in Canada) Than I plan to watch some Trailer Park Boys reruns (They finally officially announced the series is done) and Kenny VS Spenny – before I blow the fire out in the igloo and get some much needed rest – after all, I have a big day of logging ahead of me.

I mean blogging ahead of me!

After 16 pro seasons the Detroit Tigers reliever/closer Todd Jones has decided to hang up his cleats.

Todd Jones aka “Jonesy” has been bombarded by fans jeers and local media the past couple Tigers seasons - and perhaps his retirement comes a year later than it really should of. But a closers role is not an easy task. Coming into a ball game when it’s usually on the line is difficult enough – let alone during the injury riddled year Jones has endured during 2008.

The 40 year old Jones did manage to save more games for the Detroit Tigers than any other reliever in the clubs history!

Despite the rollercoaster ride Todd put Motown’s faithful fans through on many nights – particularly this past year, we feel he is well deserving of a standing ovation this coming weekend - as the Tigers close out their dismal 2008 campaign against the American League East Champion, Tampa Bay (Just say no to the Devil) Rays.

Tiger’s faithful didn’t have much to smile about in 2008 – but these guys appear to be having a terrific time at the ol’ ballpark!

NOTE: The fan on the right managed his fantasy baseball team to victory in WaiverSharks 1st annual Fantasy Baseball pool. Perhaps this explains his extra exuberance!?

Todd Jones won’t garner Hall of Fame candidacy – but he had a solid Major League Baseball career – anyone who knows him speaks of what a stand out guy he is who possesses a tremendous sense of humor - and he is an accomplished journalist as well.

Despite retiring from baseball we understand he will continue to write.

His web blog can be read here.

Not to mention – “Jonesy” is enshrined in our favorite rookie baseball card of all time!

SUMMER

Josh Hamilton’s performance before the nationally televised All-Star Game Homerun Derby held at Yankee Stadium – I believe – created a momentous change in many fans attitudes.

His story was brought forth to a huge audience – and the very same crowd that had jilted him in months previous – now chanted his name in awe and claimed things like – “He would look great in Yankees pinstripes!”

I managed to make the best of things back on that fateful April day, landing one of the aforementioned autographs from what has become my new favorite ballplayer.

But I came away somewhat jilted by the personal attacks on Josh, and intended to write a blog explaining how I felt somewhat saddened by some Tigers fans treatment of a man I felt deserved better.

Ironically - I read a column written for ESPN that detailed the same sort of treatment throughout the league from opposing fans of Josh Hamilton. Especially in major cities such as New York and Boston – so at least it wasn’t an isolated Motor City thing.

No. It was just a sign of the times.

FALL

As the same kids who earlier this year were privy to some rather adult oriented heckling gather their new lunch bags and back to school supplies I’m left pondering how much things have changed.

I reflected on the night my wife and I watched the Homerun Derby in amazement as Hamilton consecutively pounded baseball after baseball into areas of Yankee Stadium where not even concessions were sold.

Several tape measure shots soared past the ultimate macho distance mark of 500 feet.

This resurrected memories of Mantle and Ruth for many appreciative Bronx Bomber alumni who were in attendance in what could be compared to fireworks at the end of a game for ol’ Yankee Stadiums final season.

On this night a star was born, Derby records were broken and even more importantly – respect was earned for one Josh Holt Hamilton.

Sure – a few of the Yankees faithful may still have a few choice words for the man some are now dubbing “The Natural” when he visits the NEW Yankee confines in 2009.

But I think the true Yankees fan – or better yet, the TRUE BASEBALL fan understands that Josh Hamilton has turned a corner this season.

The man is a devoted father, devout Christian - and one of the most talented current players in baseball. He has clearly already paid dearly for the wrong doings of his one time derailed baseball career.

Can we ALL cut him some slack now?

It will be interesting to see what Josh can bring to the table in the coming years. I encourage fans throughout the country to applaud him for overcoming his obstacles - and to cheer him on in hopes he remains focused throughout the remainder of his career.

Mr. Hamilton – you’ve captured a nation of hearts with one of the biggest turn around stories in sports history.

Peace be with you.

I leave you with a quote from author Catherine Pulsifer…
“Perseverance allows you to get back on track when you hit a detour.”