Jack Layton

Unfair is the word that comes to my mind when I think of Jack Layton.  I don't think Canada has seen such a charismatic leader since Pierre Elliot Trudeau.  If he was a Liberal or Conservative, he'd be Prime Minister now.

It's almost unfathomable to think that a mere 16 weeks ago Jack Layton was celebrating a huge political victory for the NDP party as the votes were tallied at the end of a long election campaign. He became Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons that day.  He looked healthy and vibrant.

Yesterday Jack Layton died of cancer at the age of 61.  On Saturday, Canadians will honour him with a State Funeral in Toronto.

Two days before he passed, Mr. Layton wrote a letter ending with a message to all Canadians.

"My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world." 

His loss is unfair.  Unfair to him as he was not able to fulfill the job he'd worked so hard to acquire.  Unfair to his family who has lost so much.  Unfair to all Canadians who have been robbed too soon of a man who would work tirelessly for the good of all.

No matter what your political leanings, Jack Layton was an inspiration. I thought this was profound when I saw it shown on the news tonight.  It was written on the impromptu memorial wall outside Toronto City Hall.

So You Think You Can Dance - Season 8

I have been completely captivated by this show this season.  The combination of athleticism and artistry has been amazing.  Right from the start, I was charmed by Melanie Moore and Marko Germar.  Melanie went on to win the vote for America's favourite dancer last week.  Thumbs up to my friend Barbi who voted by proxy for Melanie on my behalf!
(If you are receiving this as an email update, please click on the title to view the videos on the blog)

They were the only couple who rented outside studio space.  They were driven to excel - and they did.
Here are my favourite routines by these dancers.


But the routine below is the one I really love.  The premise is that Marko's character was jilted at the alter, Melanie's character is his best friend.  And the one he should be loving has been in front of him the whole time.  Watch Melanie's hand at :28-:29.  She talks with her hands throughout this piece.  Love it!


You can find Melanie on Facebook here.

Anderson Cooper's 21 Pun Salute!

My impression of Anderson Cooper is that he is a serious journalist - intelligent and driven.  Well, my friend sent me a link to yesterday's Ridiculist segment. 
Oh,my.
He completely loses it. He snorts, he giggles, he cries.  And so do I!  I have rewatched this many times today and I howl everytime.


Now what's even better?  He added himself to the Ridiculist today!  What a class act!
I started watching the video above about 11 am this morning when it had 2,000 viewings and 10 hours later this particular version has 77,000 viewings!  There are a lot of us enjoying this!