The Catalytic Corral

This Blog is Dead!

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 16:31:00 +0000

Dearly beloved:

We are gathered here today to remember the life and times of a humble, yet complex blog that, in its own way, allowed us all to laugh and cry in the face of life's aridity. The Catalytic Corral was a sweet blog, a kind blog, a blog that aimed to improve the lives of others around it. It never faltered in its genuine altruism, or its sincere desire to help others smile. Although from time to time the Corral would go for months without a single post - or comment - it continued to stand as a testament to the absurd, the abstract and the utter bamboozelment of political satire. While the days of the Catalytic Corral are over, we all must find a way to go on; Sen Cat would have wanted it that way. So do not fret my bretheren, do not despair and do not feign a posture of normalcy. These are hard times, and it is best in such circumstances to come together, to be with those who can help us remember the good and the hard times we all shared with the Corral.

And with that, I ask you all to go in peace, and to take a moment for solemn reflection upon today, tomorrow, and next Wednesday. It's a crazy-ass world out there ladies and gents, crazy-ass as hell.

München!

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 19:27:00 +0000

Finally I have a safe and affordable place to sit down and write. When we were in Barcelona I couldn´t access the Shaw webpage to read my e-mails or get onto Blogger from the shitty hostel at which we were staying. I could do it from an E-mail-o-matic Zone, but this was expensive and stinky. And then when we were in Rome, we couldn´t stop to do such silly things as post on blogs that nobody reads anywayz. A very similar situation developed in Ljubljana, my new home away from home.

Yes so now we are in Bavaria the world´s capitol for Weisse bier and pretzels. I will try to update this page again over the weekend and I will write a little more about Slovenia.

tschüss!

Leaving Cascais

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Thu, 25 May 2006 18:18:00 +0000

Char and I are both very sad to be leaving Portugal tonight. This is really a special place and I know that I will be coming back again some day. The people in Portugal are infinitely nicer than the people in Southern Spain that we met, who considered us a burder that they had to bare. But Cascais (pronounced Cash-Caish) is really a little Paradise on Earth. I´ve decide that I will forgoe trying to learn Spanish and instead will work on my Portugese so that when I return I will be able to converse a little with the great people of Portugal. People like Juão and Rudrigô, who drove me in to see the Barriô Alto and got me pissed in the oldest district of Lisbon, and of course, people like Debra and Antoniô, who put us up and entertained us with excellent food and wine. I will never in my life forget the Portugese sense of hospitality.

Tonight we take the night train to Madid and then catch a connector to Barcelona where we will try to find lodging on a busy Friday night. And then the trick becomes trying to get to Slovenia as soon as possible, where our allowances will be stretched further then they would in Spain, France or expensive Italy.

Pool Vs. Ocean

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Wed, 24 May 2006 19:22:00 +0000

"But the beach is all sand and salt and wind and sand in my face" I said.

"No, the beach is beautiful and wonderful and the whole reason we´re here" she said.

"Alright" I said. "But it doesn´t make any sense, why would the hotel build such a nice swimming pool for us if the ocean was all you´re saying it is? I mean, don´t get me wrong the ocean IS beautiful, and the view is fantastic. But surely they´ve cleverly anticipated that in some months the ocean will be too cold for even the bravest tourists, and that on some days, even in the hot months, the wind will be too strong for a good beach session. That´s probably why they built such high walls around the swimming pool, to keep the wind out, and the rif-raff" I said.

She looked at me with a face. So we went to the beach.

But the beach was windy and sandy and salty. And the water was cold enough to scare a man´s testicles away. So we went to the pool. And it was good. And they served drinks at the pool. And we saw that this was good. And the wind: there was none.

Involuntary Philanthropy

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Mon, 22 May 2006 19:25:00 +0000

I forgot to mention that yesterday Char and I visited the great city of Madrid. We had an eight-hour stop-off in Spain´s capitol city while we awaited the night train to Lisbon. So, we took a ride on the metro to La Plaza de Castilla and then walked a couple of blocks ´til we found a fancy little yuppy joint that served a la cart dishes with wine.

While we dined, a scruffy old man came up to peddle some cheap imitation Rolexes, and seing as how I needed a watch and wanted to help him out, I decided to haggle. We agreed on 20 Euros (which is way too much anyway - about 30 dollars Canadian) because, well, because I had 20 Euros to spare and he didn´t. He didn´t look like a drug addict or anything, he just looked like a skinny old Spanish guy with a cigarette in his mouth. Guess what though? The watch doesn´t work. It is completely useless. But I´ve moved on. It was a good day for him and that has to be worth something.

My only other complaint about Madrid is that it only has about 6 public washrooms. Five million people, six public washrooms, and I think I used everyone of them (the greasy food having really caught up to me in the last few days).

Chau

Getting Trashy on the Train, Euro-style

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Sun, 21 May 2006 04:49:00 +0000

This morning we leave our comfortable little flat here in Granada on a five-hour train ride to Madrid were we will have about eight hours to catch some of the sights and maybe even check out a bullfight. Then we're taking an overnight train to Lisbon, Portugal and shaking up with Char's aunt and uncle. It will be the last of her vast family that we will be visiting here in Europe.

We're only hanging out in Lisbon for a day or two and then we're going to make the long train journey all the way to Slovenia, stopping at intervals along the way.

El Alhambra

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Fri, 19 May 2006 21:26:00 +0000

Up early this morning to get a good place in line to see the world-famous Alhambra. But despite leaving the apartment at quarter passed seven, we still managed to show up just in time to get the last place in the lineup. The Alhambra has stood for nearly 900 years and is the pride of the people of Granada. Everyday nearly 6,000 people visit the Alhambra - the red castle - which is basically on the backup roster of the Seven Wonders of the World. So, if Ankor Wat ever crumbles or if the Sphinx uses up all of its lives, then the Alhambra may be in the contest for the position. Except that when we got to the front of the line, they told us that they would only be letting in 50 more people... ever; I guess they're buildind a Wal Mart.

So what's the Alhambra like? It's a giant walled city on top of a hill. It's red-ish, and it has a lot of archeological excavation things happening in and around it. We did it cheap-skate style so we didn't have a guide or one of those fancy hedsets that provide you with interesting information, so for all intents and purposes, it was just a bunch of old buildings surrounded by even older walls. I was sure that there had to have been something that happened there over the course of the last millenium so we tried to eavesdrop on some of the guided tours but they didn't take kindly to that tactic, until we found a nice bunch of German tourists and their guide who didn't seem to care that we were following them (content that we weren't really getting the full value of the tour). I was able to decipher some history from the Germman guide's comments though: Konigen this und soldat that, und arbeiten dis und Muslim dat, etc.

Then you go into the Palacio Nazariea, which has amazing detail in the interior decor. Inside the palace chambers you can really see the confluence of Arabic and Spanish influences. If you ever go, however, you should pay for the tour because, well, I'm sure things have happened in there too. All in all, we spent 5 whole hours at the Alhambra and in the end I had to ask a group of American tourists when the place was constructed and how many people a day visit the place (two points of info I would have been at a serious loss without).

As far as castles go: one of the best. But, eighth Wonder of the World? Ich wisse nicht!

Gunners Vs. Barcelona

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Thu, 18 May 2006 11:35:00 +0000

It was all fireworks and ambulances last night here in Granada after the Barcelona team defeated Arsrenal 2-1 in what I am told is supposed to be the last important soccer - er, football - game before the opening of the World Cup in Munich on June 9. Of course, I have been told that since we got to Europe.

Riding into down town last night on the bus, some little shit Spanish kid wearing a Barcelona jersey wipped a chocolate milk carton at me throgh the window of the bus and it hit me in the face. I guess he thought I was an Arsenal fan. Funny thing: until a few weeks ago, I thought Arsenal was a Spanish team! I wasn't too pissed off, however, because the kid had a bad mullet haircut and an ugly girlfirend, and all the flying chocalate milk cartons in Spain won't change that. Ass.

When I got to the Irish bar (which usually is dominated by Irish, American, English and English-speaking Dutch people,) it was packed with screaming Barcelona fans. I found the only British people in the bar and bought them all a round of pints. To be honest, I felt kind of bad for them, but mostly I felt a kind of comraderie with them on account of the whole chocolate milk experience. I was converted into an Arsenal fan last night.

40 Degrees!

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Wed, 17 May 2006 14:48:00 +0000

Let me just say this: when your packing your bags for Spain, you'd be well advised to leave your sweat shirts at home. Actually, cloths are kind of frivolous baggage all together. It's bloody hotter that Haites right now and all we can do is hang out in the apartement and take cold showers every now and then.

We went to the Spanish baths today (swim suits mandatory) and had a very relaxing afternoon. Only 22 Euros for an hour of bathing and tea and a twenty minute massage; it was money well spent, except that we didn't have to pay for it cause it all gets billed to the University that Brian is consulting for. What a scam!

The University of Granada, incidentally, is the biggest in Spain. Its faculty buildings are scattered all over the city. Brian and Shawna's apartement is right opposite the Departimento Infomatico, which is an interesting building with an 'art nuveau' design but that has these huge cylindrical towers that sort of make it look like a castle. I'm looking at it right now. For those who are less impressed by buildings on their own, the Sierra Nevada mountains are situated behind the building, complementing the vista quite nicely. To be sure, the Sierra Nevada moutains are impressive in their own right too.

Yesterday we went climbing with Blob and his very very Spanish friend 'Jimmy'. I don't think Jimmy's name is really Jimmy, but that's what Brian calls him and it's really funny when he says "Y-ay, will you take picture of Brian and Y-immy?" I did one climb right away to get it over with and I swore the whole way up and the whole way down. Char did a bunch of climbs and she is quite an athlete at it. Brian and Y-immy climbed and climbed and sweated the day away. I sat in the shade drinking beer and reading my book. Suckers. It's called 'The Drifters' by James A. Michener. It's about young people going to Spain. How about that?

Ya. So that's that. Hot hot hot.

Just Another Travel Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Tue, 16 May 2006 09:17:00 +0000

Yessir, I'm converting this blog into a travel digest!

You'll find politics of the Canadian sort here no longer. I might gap a bit about interesting political developments I see here in Europe, but it's unlikely, cause we've already left the Tony Blair show, and I can't really speak the languages. So, it'll pretty much be: "..and then we saw an old man on a donkey, and then some little kids came and spanked the donkey, and then an old lady came and yeld at the little kids, and then the little kids spanked the old lady...", etc. Yep, it's going to be quite an adventure for the next couple of weeks. So sit back, relax and vicariously enjoy the sights and wonders of Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, und Deutchland!

When I return to the beautiful ol' C-A-N-A-D-A, I shall return to my regular old business of neglecting my shitty blog all together, only to occasionally reapear with some un-insightful comment about the state of affairs in my home and native land.

Chau.

Michi

For Better or Worse

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 21:58:00 +0000

125 Conservative

98 Liberal

55 Bloq Quebecois

29 Nuvelle Parti Democratic

1 Other (likely an Independent, possibly a First Peoples National Party rep, plausibly a Marxist-Leninist, and maybe even hypothetically a Green.)

These numbers are a biproduct of extensive riding analysis and an unhealthy CPAC addiction which I am currently seeking help for. Well, I guess I shouldn't go so far as to say "extensive riding analysis." I mostly just pulled them out of my ass, which just so happens to be fairly well tuned to the beat of this sort of thing. Of course, it would only be fair of me to add that, although I think myself as somewhat of a knowledgeable individual when it comes to the political realm, when it comes to gauging the outcome of elections I am sort of batting 500. In the last federal election, like many others, I overestimated the the performance of the Conservatives by about 20 seats (a margin of error so profound that it could even make a novice political hack blush.) While many of my friends were more accurately predicting a Liberal minority government, my numbers had me drifting into the blue. Also, I gave Jack Layton more credit than he was probably worth at the time, plotting the NDP somewheres in and around the 34 mark if I do recall, which at least gave my buddy Dan a good laugh. I did, however, receive the dubious honor of being the only one in my geek circle to correctly predict the number of Bloq Quebecois seats at 54, something that I hope I can repeat this time (loosing just 1 more seat this time to those bastards would be something in the way of damage control, like buring a small patch of trees in order to save the greater forest.) Last time around, I also predicted an Independent AND a Green, something I now do out of optimistic habbit.

There you have it. My numbers, for better or for worse.

Beatin' Me a Dead Horse

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Mon, 19 Dec 2005 19:57:00 +0000

Stephen Harper has made his position clear on the issue of same-sex marriage. He has said, time and time again, that upon becoming Prime Minister he would, "allow for a free-vote in the House of Commons on the issue." That is what he said. In my mind there's nothing ambiguous about that. Thus, his agenda is by no means hidden: he's opposed to same-sex marriages, and he would like to see them become a thing of the past.

Conversely, Prime Minister Paul Martin has, time and time again, insisted that there would be no way for Steven Harper to do this without applying the notwithstanding clause to the case of same-sex marriage. I believe that this is true. I believe that any legislation disallowing gay marriages would eventually be challenged and found to be in violation of key provisions of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and that consequently, the only way to maintain such legislation would be to apply the notwithstanding measure. If someone knows another way to uphold such legislation in the likely event that the Supreme Court strikes it down, I would like to know to what that is. Or, if there is some other proposal out there that essentially reworks the legislation in such a way that avoids judicial scruity against Charter provisions, I would also like to know what that is.

Now, I do not feel as though I have very much at stake in this whole debate. Although I am a Liberal and I happen to support the Prime Minister's position on this, I am generally not motivated by this particular issue. This is in fact the first time I have ever written (or thought) about it at any length. I am not a gay man, nor am I a married one. I don't plan to get married any time soon, but, even if I were to get married tomorrow, I don't think I would be too discouraged to know that a gay couple somewhere was doing the same thing.

I do have a couple of logistical questions though.

Would a piece of Conservative legislation restricting gay-marriage be made to be retroactive? Would the 8,000 or so gay couples who've already been married in Canada be forced to get annulments or state-forced divorces? Or, would such legislation only apply to future cases? And, if it did only apply to future cases, how could the courts dismiss as precedents the existing marriages of more than 16,000 individuals? There also exists a logical paradox here. How could any law specifically designed to protect the sanctity of marriage at the same time actively promote the dissolution of marriages? To me, this question is a serious one. Laws cannot be so incongruous and paradoxical; if they are, then respect for the law is innevitably forsaken, and the law will have no force. In other words, if a law inherently violates itself, then the law will be of no consequence in the long run; if a law is irresolute and undermining of its original intent, then it will be not long for this world. Then again, I’m no lawyer, I’m just making this up as I go along.

But I think that if Steven Harper really feels that disallowing gay-marriage is more important than maintaining good optics (i.e. not utilizing the notwithstanding clause to impede the rights of a minority group) he should come out and say just that. If he believes, as Conservatives so often claim, that a national referendum would demonstrate that Canadians are opposed to same-sex marriage, then it shouldn't even be a political risk to do this. He should say something like: "Gay marriage is wrong. I believe that most Canadians believe that Gay marriage is wrong. We would consider every option available to defend the original definition of marriage, including using the notwithstanding clause to protect federal legislation banning same-sex marriage." That’s what he should say if he’s hell-bent on having his free-vote, otherwise such a vote would be an exercise in futility!

That’s what I think.

Sneaking Back In

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 01:39:00 +0000

After about a three month respite from the blogging scene, I felt it was time to actually sit down and type a just a few morsels if not just to get the juices flowing again. Senator Catalyst has indeed been absent from the type pad for quite some time, however, after reviewing my cousin's newly created blog some of the old urges started to come back to me. And since we're coming up on the holidays, and since there's an election on, I figured I might as well spruce up the old weblog for the holidays and maybe make a couple of oberservations along the way and whatnot.

Since my last post, electricity has been invented, work on the Suez Canal has been finalised, and they have found a cure for polio. I've also noticed that, since I've last composed a post on this site, many of my former blogging chums, including Daveberta, have moved on to the big-big leagues where flashy gismos and revolving graphics prevail. To their credit, they have kept me in their links list, obviously in the hope that I might one day get my shit together once more. Well friends, today might very well be that day.

I have, in any event, had a brutal semester. I have no plans to learn of the nature of my grades until well into next semester. These next few weeks will most definitely serve as a cooling off period, to gather my thoughts, and maybe even through a few into the smouldering cesspit that is the boubling Canadian political blogosphere.

For now, I gotta go; my girlfriend is yelling at me.

Why Do People Stop Blogging?

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 05:32:00 +0000

It's a valid question I think. Why do people stop blogging? And I don't reckon it's often asked, well, at least not so often as the question "why do people blog?" Or questions of a similar variety like "who are they who blog?" and of course "why do they blog?" (That may very well be the same as the first example but fuck it.)

Well, that is my unique charge for this evening: to analyze the phenomenon of blogumission (that is to say, the formal emancipation of oneself from blog culture or conversely the emancipation of one's blog and/or blogs from the vilainous grasps of one's own overlording philosophy and weltenshauung manifested through the physical act of typage on a daily basis.) It won't be easy, but I am armed with an unimpeachable source - myself. For I, as some of you may know, am a bonnefied blogumissionist (if you will allow me to continue with the already tired and admittedly weak, if not all together inapropriate analogy.)

Yes indeed, I am a bad blogger; been that way for 'round a month or so, maybe longer, and I ain't short of excuses neither. Predominant among em is what I consider the Occam's Razor of all excuses: that is, I am no longer employed as a summer student in an office anymore. And I can imagine I am not alone on this one. Several bloggers I've communicated with over the year (singular) have been students (like me) who work boring office jobs throughout the summer break (like me.) I haven't had the time to verify this empirically, but I'm am nevertheless satisfied by my preliminary hypothesis that indeed 23% of September blog-inactivity is directly correlated with the fact that jackassity students are returning to the class room and leaving their beloved office beta-fishes behind.

Then, there's the the whole declaration of intent to acquiesque the intellectual property of another blog/and/or meta-blog. Coupled with the fact that I then failed to carry our devious plan through to fruition. I got to admit, that hurt me on so many levels. I even considered, you know, pulling the plug on the whole operation (in the proverbial sense, you know, the big...[Delete Blog] option.) But in the end, I figured the why not hold on to the thing for a while at least until Senator Catalyst gets a grip on things.

But, should all go as planned it won't be the last of either of us.

Sincerely indeed,

Congressman Caveat

A Catalytic Revival

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 20:36:00 +0000

As the Summer winds finally wind-down to a gentle murmur, I figured it high-time to dust of my trusty postmachine and give the old keyboard a pound or three.

My sexy sidekick Charlotte and I certainly had ourselves a lovely time basking in the British Columbian Sun. Most of our days were spent enjoying the Province’s many beaches and establishments of fine libation and munchmatter. All-in-all it was a wonderful trip. Growing up as an Albertan, I have always considered going to B.C. a real tropical adventure, which is a considerable advantage considering a trip to Vancouver Island is only about half the price of a vacation to any given equatorial paradise. Plus, I get the added benefit of knowing that my money gets re-imputed back into the Canadian Economy, for whatever that’s worth!

In a week or two, I will be returning to my Alma Mater for one final year of study in the field of political science. Then it’s off to Law School, methinks. Yep, another ambulance chaser in the making; what can I say?

In the mean time, it’ll be back too usual here at the Corral. But one day at a time, eh. One day at a time.

Desiderata

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Thu, 04 Aug 2005 16:30:00 +0000

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and ignorant;
for they to have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be careful.
Strive to be happy.

(Until very recently, it was my understanding that Desiderata was found, anonymously authored, in the library of Old Saint Paul's Church in Baltimore MA, dated 1692. Apparently, that is not true. In fact, Desiderata was composed by a man named Max Ehrmann, an Indiana lawyer who lived from 1872-1945. It is presumed that he wrote it in 1927, althoug there is still some dispute about that. The poem gained mythical status after the demise of Democratic Presidential candidate Adlai A. Stevenson in 1965. The story goes that a copy of the poem was found on the bedside table of Mr. Stevenson, who had intended to use it in his Christmas card. Afterward, the poem was adopted by the "flower power" crowd of the 1960s as a tool of peace, and later on, by shameless bloggers of the 21st Century looking for some mid-week filler material :)

If you prefer, you can also read it to the tune of "We are the Champions" or "MacArthur Park" or some such other pop hit (although I think it cheapens it, just a little.)

Alberta Separatists make me sick.

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 23:06:00 +0000

They do, they make me feel nauseous. They make me feel weak in the knees. And for some reason, they make me twice as sick as separatists from Quebec. I have spoken about my great disgust for Quebec Separatists before, and they, I hope we can all agree, are a fucking miserable lot.

But why is it that Canada-hating Albertans bug me so? Until very recently I’ve always found them to be a rather novel element to the mainstream variety of Ottawa-loathing Albertacrat. Good for a joke or two, you know. But the recent incline in support for the "movement" has obviously crawled under my skin (and got me fuming at the fingertips!)

I know it’s not a matter of which group’s complaining is more justified. That’s a dumb game. Quebec separatists argue that they have a "distinct culture" which cannot be understood or embraced by any English-speaking Canadian. Thus, they see separation as the only feasible solution to their situation; complete autonomy from the rest of us, to erase a couple centuries of perceived bad blood. Conversely, Albertan separatists argue that too much interference by the federal government has resulted in a huge money siphon from the bountiful plains to the filthy pits of Eastern Canada, where the money is then converted into banquet dinners and a big "fuck you" to the ROC.

Both myths, although based on fragments of truth and factoid, are bogus. They are bogus for reasons which have been enunciated elsewhere ad nauseam. And that is a good thing, for I would be ill-equipped to attempt to do so here again.

But getting back to my original target - separatist scumbags - and why I really, really hate them.

Even though there’s been a surge in this revolting sentiment as of late, I can remember when I saw my very first Alberta Separatist gathering. It happened in Red Deer (circa 2001) when a couple hundred nice young men decided to assemble in the spirit of tearing their country asunder. They were beautifully adorned in black leather swastika garb, and they chanted nifty little jingles that could only lead one to believe that the proposed "Republic of Alberta" would be as diverse and welcoming as its predecessor, with room for people of all shades and colors, from alabaster to albino. I’m telling you, this crowd of overweight, racist pricks really sold the message for me. And I have them to thank that I will forever make the association in my mind, for the rest of my life.

"But Senator, just because you support the wretched notion of Alberta separatism doesn’t mean you’re a racist."

No, it doesn’t. It means you are ready to align yourself with racists to validate some stupid idea you picked up from reading the Calgary Sun. It means that you’re ready to take reactionary steps against the State to which you are subject. It means, you’re prepared to stand against me, as a traitor who doesn’t deserve to take another breath in this country!

Well bring it on!

Resurection

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 14:19:00 +0000

I’m back in the sphere after a five day hiatus. I spent most of the weekend sweltering away in my girlfriend’s living room, drinking beer in my undershirt and eating peanuts. Class. It hadn’t been my preference to take the blogging sabbatical anyway, but my boss returns to work today and there was plenty that needed a doin’ before the inevitable. She's been gone for about a month. I pray that I did everything that I was supposed to do. I pray I pray I pray. As a matter of fact, perhaps it would be best if we all bowed our heads in a couple of seconds of lamentation.

GOD GRANT ME
THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT
THE THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE,
COURAGE
TO CHANGE THE THINGS I CAN,
AND WISDOM ALWAYS
TO TELL THE
DIFFERENCE.

Amen

The Sofa King No More

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Wed, 27 Jul 2005 21:39:00 +0000

At first I wasn't sure how I felt about the new look of the Daily Show. Then I was made aware of this campaign to bring back the couch. A worthy endeavor for sooth.

But after some careful soul-searching I think I have to agree with my homeboys over at the Doucheblog and the folks over at this counter-campaign.

But then again, I think we've all lost our minds!

A Very Saturated Sidebar

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Wed, 27 Jul 2005 17:45:00 +0000

It’s been a long time coming, but I am now a Liblogger!

I hope that none of my faithfuls are overly disappointed with this mutation, and I can assure them that I don’t plan to change my angle because of it. Rather, as always, the Catalytic Corral will continue on with its usual pink-necked overtures, rarely stopping to consider the wider implications. If all goes as planned, the only difference anyone should notice is an increase in traffic and maybe the occasional visitor with some encouraging words for my liberal ass!

A couple of other things worth some consideration:

I don’t really keep up on the official Liberal Party talking pieces, so I reckon I am poorly positioned to be spouting them.

Also, although I am a liberal from Alberta (and a member of the federal party,) I am not a member of the Alberta Liberal Party. I am actually a member of the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta, and to my knowledge, the only active Albertan in both outfits (much to the dismay of my friends and colleagues on both sides of the divide.) Reconcile this paradox however you see fit. I am what I am, among other things...

Hurt

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Tue, 26 Jul 2005 20:46:00 +0000

I was scrolling through some of my faves when I came across this. Like I told my buddy Aaron, this video makes me tear up everytime I see it.

You're the man, Johnny.

And As We Wind On Down the Road...

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 16:56:00 +0000

It’s been five years since the passing of my friend and colleague Jason Eli Curtis Hurd, and although it doesn’t seem like it’s been all that long, I suppose that’s how it generally tends to be with such things.

Just as in previous years, my friends and I made a rendezvous out at Cochrane Ranch (the central park of the small country suburb where Jason began his short life) to pay our respects, and to remember how it was. This year, however, we had the added bonus of being chauffeured in a limousine, which, regardless of the situation, is a considerably enjoyable upgrade to the exhausted traveler's arsenal. I’m sure that Jason would have been proud to see us all packed into that limo, beers in hand and Led Zeplin a-blaring!

The ceremony out at the Ranch was the traditional hap-hazard affair that has become the custom on July 24 (which, I’m sure is how Jason would’ve wanted it to be.) Plenty of beers and a couple of tears and a ceremonial bouquet of wild flowers to float down the quiet stream that partitions the Ranch into East and West parts. We did a little touching-up of the bridge that stands in his memory (a crude carving denotes this,) and there was even suggestion of raising some funds to redo the bridge completely, (probably not for next year, but maybe the year after.)

Jason’s death had a profound effect on me. My cousin and I had been among the last people to speak with him on the day before his tragic last. We returned home on the Sunday to find out that he was gone. Overdosed on life. It was the first and only time I have been called to act as a pallbearer, and it was the last time I ever cried through the night.

It always feels good though, to head out to Cochrane in late July, to mourn, and to remember the way it used to be. However, I have found that as the years have passed, the journey out there has become less and less painful, and more about visiting old friends, whom I see only once a year, at Cochrane Ranch.

Wild Rose Roundup!

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Thu, 21 Jul 2005 00:01:00 +0000

Here it is folks; the long-awaited July edition of the Wild Rose Roundup!

It took me a little while to read through the last three weeks of 60 blogs, but I’m sure that I am the better for having done it. I feel so much closer to each and every one of you (queue cheesy sentimental music,) and I’m so glad that I get to share a spot on such a prestigious blogroll, yada yada yada... As per usual, sarcastic comments have been applied throughout. I did my best to pick-out posts that really highlighted the "inner wit" and "stylistic character" of each blogger. Essentially, it’s the best (obviously in my opinion) that everyone has produced hereunto, in these doldrums days of summer. Enjoy!

On the Spiritual Side

8-Track Mind, recovering from a bug he picked up at the local "Bi-Mon-Sci-Fi-Con," comes home to a sweltering domicile and a circus of fans. Pastor Kevin is attending a slightly different kind of convention. Kim at Our Thoughts ponders the effects of the "information superhighway" on the moral-fabric of our society. Stupid Angry Canajun makes an unsuspected spontaneous religious conversion. And the Rambling Priezt offers us a Four-fold Franciscan Blessing. Amen indeed.

Summer Fun & Stampeding Stories

Rantastic Tamara finally gets a chance to meet Steve. By the way Tamara, thanks for skipping me in your Roundup. It was the porno reference, wasn’t it?;) But I digress... The always prolific Daveberta makes an historic trip into Cowtown to do some Stampeding. Lectio, a blogger who works in the hellfire pits of Gehenna, also has some Stampeding fun... daemon style. BumfOnline manages to tie Welsh poetry in with his racy depiction of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! According to him (and I’m committed to disagree,) western apparel really "does the trick," so to speak.

Canuckity Claims

Nick’s Café Canadien actually has a post with only one Harry Potter reference! I’m sure it’s a mistake. The Cannuckistan Chronicles does some speculation on the true inducements of Liberals calling for the end of Stephen Harper. Most of July, he’s been taking aim at Rabble.ca. You can check out some of the action here, here, here, and here. (After a careful read, I’ve deduced that he doesn’t like liberals all that much.) The Burkeancanuck calls for a slightly larger box for him and his conservative buddies. He goes on to discourse the virtues of Enoch Powell (whoever he the might have been,) and Modern Day Canada’s penchant for "Rousseauean Modernist-Secularist Liberalism."Canadian Perasma, one of the newest additions to the Blogging Dippers’ regular infantry, does a neat post on "the Great Calgarian Divide," which should be of interest to all those who reside in Cowtown. He also has some thoughts on immigration, citizenship and refugee claims. Not sure how Enoch Powell would respond.

Hacks With an Axe and Zelda Attacks!

In light of the recent transpirings in London, Laurie Hawn talks about Anne McLellan (cordially I might add,) and some of the contents of her portfolio. The Calgary Grit rinses Link Byfield off with a little shit bath, which prompts a steady stream of comments from others who think that Link should just "do us a favor." Muck Shoveler picks up on the fun and does a couple of posts on it. The Rebel Albertan has run off to get hitched! But not before commenting on Link "the Dink" Byfield and his all his brouhaha. Also, Harlem Spanish over at Cosby Sweater, finds the time to toss a thought or two into the fray, even though he’s feeling the burn in his attempts to write his book. (Believe me, if it’s anything like writing one of these things, he has my sincerest sympathies.) Victor at What it Takes To Win obviously feels that "what it takes" is more, and more, and more Small Dead Animals. I'd say it looks like someone has a crush on Kate! And from Le Revue Gauche we get the kind of punditry that earns you this kind of acclaim. (I understand he just narrowly beat out The Cannuckistan Chronicles for the coveted title.)

The Animal Farm

Socialist Swine breaks down the top ten philosophers of all time. This guy isn’t one of them. Elephants With Wings has been experiencing some technical difficulties as of late. Prior to the troubles, she was just slightly pre-occupied with feelings of day-to-day fear & loathing. This, from Critter Musings, deserves way more than three comments, and one way or another, I’m glad that Dust my Broom agrees. All you Blogging Dippers out there, time to earn your stripes!

Activities that require a helmet. Or maybe even a toque?

Despite some suspicions, Andrew of the Alberta Propagandists hasn’t been murdered by gypsies or dwarves in pirate costumes. Rather, he decided to go on a vacation back in June, and no one has spotted him since. Thus leaving the lovely Kerilyn to propagate the "great game we affectionately refer to as Canadian Football." M. K. Braaten has sports on his mind, (even if he has firewalls in his eyes.) Revolutionary Moderation reports on Canada’s achievements on the Cricket Front. And Little Man in a Toque, who just found out that his name has a "double-tongue," is learning more and more about Canadian sports everyday.

Yankee Politics

Points of Information sees pork barrels a-rollin’ across the amber waves of grain. The Murgatroydblog shares this insightful little letter from a disillusioned Californian. Political Cycles serves up some insight into the Karl Rove affair. And The Black Kettle is rejoicing over this (I presume.)

Worthy of Praise

Civitanesis (who did a spectacular job on the last Roundup,) does a spectacular job summarizing Ralph Klein’s real stand on SSM. Civ’s getting the heck out of Dodge for a while, leaving his associates Tom Cerber and Candace X to fill the conservative void he leaves in his absence. Aaron at Grandinite makes some clutch comments re: the role and purpose of blogs. This is fitting, as Aaron is fast-becoming a blogculture icon in his own right. Not to mention that he is the Godfather of Albertablogs and the initiator of the Wild Rose Roundup. (Considering this, it’s amazing I’m still capable of speaking good words about him.) And also, one of Albertablogs’ hottest new acquisitions, St. Kev of the Pintday Brotherhood, wants to know when he’s going to get his iPod Shuffler. And so do I! (TD customer since ‘96 after my CIBC branch was robbed.... by the manager!)

Probing Pop-Culture

The Doucheblog does a multi-day synopsis of the Jon Stewart interview with Bernard Goldberg. Starting here, resulting in this, which percolated into this, which culminated in this. Matt, a.k.a. Jerry Aldini links to an interesting article from the New York Times, tell ‘ya what!

A Taste of the Unusual

Cloud of Idiot Gas, a freshly minted Albertablogger which recently inspired me to read up on the Darwin Awards for about five hours, is "up in smoke" over the newest craze. Colby Cosh (who’s one of the few Albertabloggers that can claim to compete with my level of traffic,) contributes to the list of attractions worth visiting to honor Alberta’s Centennial. If you’re going to check these out, leave the hallucinogenic suckers at home - paranoia comes natural ‘round these parts.

On a More Somber Note

The time-honored Bow Valley Blog has recently been forced to confront some big-town issues, like violence and misguided allocation of public revenues. Essential Ideas takes on some heavy matter with back-to-back posts on Live8 and the London Bombings. Impetus Java House follows a similar pattern of depressing posts. Noise from the Right (who hasn’t been all that noisy throughout the month of July,) offers us some remarks about the London attacks as well as his sincerest condolences to the Cadman Family. Phendrana Drifts also pays his respects.

Friggin’ Hippies!

Going Green in Alberta has made it a point to clear up some popular misconceptions regarding his Party. Dope, Kyoto, you name it! Herbinator does much of the same. Ian’s Messy Desk lets me know that I’m still doing better than most of my North-American brethren when it comes to "living green."

Filling the Gaps Inbetween with a little Poetic Expression

Hanger 19 tells it like it is. And in-so-doing, he proves once and for all that a picture is worth a thousand words. Candace from Planet X proposes an innovative solution to Canada’s military funding short-falls. On the Campaign Trail makes a campaign promise to "reach out." The Idealistic Pragmatist reacts to the emerging atmosphere of chagrin. Robbie from A Distant Star makes his traverse across the Rock. The Calgary Observer gives us some insight into the plight of a fellow translator and gives us the scoop on Canada’s never-ending airliner saga. The Simian Farmer has some parenting inspired haikus to share.

And last, but certainly not least, The Catalytic Corral, like always, has little to contribute in terms of the prevailing issues of the day. Instead, this pompous, pompous ass has the audacity to subject people to his ridiculous attempt at poetry. What a jerk!

Full-on Robot Chubby!

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Wed, 20 Jul 2005 05:57:00 +0000

Unbeknownst to most, July 19th was the fourteenth anniversary of the theatrical release of the most excellent movie of all time! Despite of all of this.

Party On Dude!

(Oh wait, that was Wayne's World...)

A Poem for Jack

noreply@blogger.com (Senator Catalyst) — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 15:53:00 +0000

If Jack Layton were King,
I’ll tell you one thing,
We wouldn’t have grievance or grumbles to bring,
A thirty-hour week,
His party would seek,
Oh how the people would sing!

If the Pinks were in power,
In the Parliament tower,
They’d eradicate landfills and gasses a-sour,
Suzuki’d be tickled,
Ralph Klein would be pickled,
Big business would flee by the hour!

If the Dippers were crowned,
The future’d be sound,
No fiscal imbalance or malice be found,
Instead we’d have hope,
Cause we’d all be on dope,
Bong-hit prescriptions all-round!

Oh New Democrat glory,
Yes that is the story,
They’ll teach to the children of Liberals and Tories,
And one day they’ll vote,
On a socialist note,
Then the right-wing will be sorry!

If Jack Layton were King,
And the Lord of the Ring,
He’d make time for Bono and Meatloaf and Sting,
The occasional scandal,
I'm sure they could handle,
So long as Jack Layton were King!