US spending billions on anti-missle defense... in Europe

Though coverage of the spending on the US military budget is not always great, one would hope that the US taxpayers are at least informed when we fund billions of dollars in other countries.

Spiegel Online is running a story about a "US proposal to plant antimissile missiles in Poland."

The EU concern is that we are working around NATO and the EU and trying to deal with only the country involved. Americans should be concerned that we're spending money on a "threat" that would be a more immediate threat to countries that are not concerned.

Carolina re-signs Whitney

After speculation abounded that Carolina Hurricanes point leader, Ray Whitney, would venture to another team for higher pay, Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford announced an agreement to a 3-year deal.

Rutherford has also made an announcement to make re-signing Scott Walker a priority. I think this is an even better idea, since in addition to having 51 points this season, Walker was one of the toughest members of the team.

The current players have until July 1st to make an early decision. At that point the official free agency begins.

Fear from Iran

In case anyone is wondering why other countries still hate the US it's because there are continuous articles that cast the US in an unfavourable light. Take for example this most recent one.

I don't know if there is a military build-up or not and I don't know what are the strategic plans for the military. However, one could argue that there is a war ongoing in a country bordering Iran, so perhaps the military is for that?

Many of the references used in the article are also from 2005 and other, older speeches.

It all depends on how the data is presented to give the feeling the author wants to inspire... not exactly unbiased...

For example, you have thanks US! and sketchy US!

However you present the materials, people have a right to state their opinions and fear another "pre-emptive" war. I would argue though, that the press should attempt to be a little more objective...

Dieting doesn't work

Now I've said this to anyone who will listen, but I contend that you can essentially eat whatever you want assuming you exercise like a madman.

To illustrate my point, note the incredible amount of food that Tank Meloy is able to consume in the span of 15 mins.

Before:

After:

Consider also that Tank works out at least an hour a day and Kobayashi more than that...

Don't take my word for it, a recent study from UCLA, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/healthnews.php?newsid=67422, confirms the ineffectiveness of dieting.

See the Set Up Events link at the top left to start your new exercise program.

NC State to have home golf course

The only team in the ACC without a golf course will finally have one.

Announced today (link), the Lonnie Poole Golf Course will break ground this summer and is scheduled to be completed by 2009.

From the article, "NC State [will] move forward with its long-awaited golf course, a par-71, 7,025-yard layout that will cover 200 undeveloped acres on the southern portion of Centennial Campus."

Hopefully they'll let alumni use the course for discounted prices...

Canes miss 2007 playoffs

It has been an up-and-down year for the Carolina Hurricanes. Beset by injuries and close losses, the team had put themselves in a position to make the playoffs, only to close the season with lackluster results.

Multiple games lost in the 3rd period, losses to divisional and conference opponents, and a 5-1 rout by the Eastern Conference losers (Philadelphia Flyers), ultimately sealed the Canes chances at the playoffs. As head coach, Peter Laviolette stated, "We shot ourselves in the foot."

The Canes are the first team since the 1996 Devils to win the Stanley Cup and then fail to make the playoffs the next year.

Although it's disappointing there will be no post-season, hopefully the Canes will have a chance to rest and work on their power play. For my part I'll be supporting them in the final home game of the season and I think they'll support me with a free hat... and hopefully a win.