Disaster Strikes

*First Reported by CNN's The Situation Room"*

British Petroleum's ongoing nightmare has now become a global nightmare. Oil being leaked by the thousands of liters per day has reached the shores of the Southern Gulf Coast United States.

The development of coastal oil and gas has now endangered the delicate ecosystem of the southern coastal United States. Also at risk is the thousands of Americans who make a living off of the Gulf coast through tourism, fisheries, etc.

This is an accident that should never have happened and only further discredits those who stand by fossil fuels as a long-term fuel source. If offshore drilling is to continue, it must be the responsibility of the corporations to ensure that it is done safely. If they are unable to do so, it must then be passed on to government to legislate protection against such ecological disasters.

If we cannot adapt our energy sources then we must be able to accept the punishable consequences of destroying the natural world as well as robbing the business men who make their living off of areas like the Gulf coast.

Accountability at the highest level needs to be enforced.

-Todd Colin Vaughan
Journalist

Los Suns

The Phoenix Suns are doing something very rare to proffesional athletic organizations. In protest to new anti-immigration legislation in the great state of of Arizona, Robert Sarver and the Suns organization are wearing their 'Los Suns' jerseys in honour of the large latino population within the state.

The game is being played tonight and is taking place at the same time as a large rally lead by the Rev. Al Sharpton.

This type of bravery is very rare for a sports organizations. In an industry dominated by dollars, women, and machismo; the Suns are setting an example for the rest of the sports world to take notice.

As athletes and millionaires, these people have the capability to be leaders in their communities. Unfortunatly, this is an ideal situation and is often replaced with law, gambling, and bank problems that many of these athletes face.

By honoring the latino community of Arizona, the Phoenix Suns are rising above this stereotype and providing an example that others should surely follow.

Anti-immigration laws based on prejudice and stereotype are baseless and borderline racist. Kudos to the Suns for taking notice.

-Todd Colin Vaughan
Journalist

Golf Maybe Not Meant for the Beer-Swelling Frat Boys

The Masters began today with the Par 3 tournament. I admit not the most glamorous event that one that makes the issue golf faces because of Tiger more poignant.

The event was showcased by the threesome of Golfs greatest outside of Eldrick; that being Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player. Three men who carried the game of Golf from a country club aristocratic game to one that even the lowliest of plebs can enjoy.

The Day featured these three legends laughing, talking, and signing autographs for an audoring crowd that featured a distinctly young age group and was capped off by a 60-foot putt by Mr. Palmer.

What become clear is that the class these men carry themselves with, and the way they showcase the game is nothing but legendary. This is in stark contrast to that of Tiger; even before his indiscretions were made public.

What these men have that Tiger lacks is respect. Although Tiger has made it clear that he is on the mend; this epiphany seems to contrived to actually be true, coming from a man who relied on sheer will and focus to excell.

Tiger does make the game more global and TV ratings thrive, no question. His behavior however is in stark contrast to the expectations of a game that is polite, humble and unassuming. Golf is a game that belongs to those who respect the serentity of the game; not a club throwing frat boy who doesnt understand how to delete a phone history.

This reporter would take an Arnold Palmer autograph over an Eldrick Woods any day of the week

1/4 Polls Prove that Polls are Usually Trying to Prove Sterotypes

So today is International Women's Day. Congratulations to all women who are supporting this momentous day. A couple events have come up today that begs attention.

Apparently 1/4 Canadians still feel that the woman's place is at home rather then the workplace. What a wonderful poll to put out. Im glad sociologists have the time to study such needless studies to add offensive dribble to our daily news. This may be a trendy feeling about women but on a day that celebrates the achievements of women this does nothing but belittles them.

Indian Parliament proposed that 1/3 representatives should be female. Parliament was subsequently thrown into an uproar as people threatened to topple the government. The issue with this is not what is proposed but how it went about it. Not voting for women is different then not allowing them to be representatives. This will be portrayed as anti-women movement when it should be viewed as a pro-democracy.

Just a couple thoughts on the day. Now lets sit tight until International Men Day. Oh wait.

-Todd Colin Vaughan

Journalist

The Journey to Gender Neutral

So 'O Canada' is being torn apart by those who feel it is a sexist symbol. A song that men and women throughout this country sang and cried for just last week. I guess it would be a fitting end for a ditty that was just beginning to catch on.

"In all thy Sons Command" is apparently putting the apron on all our sisters of confederation. As you can see the line is clearly malicious at heart and honestly, what sort of government would allow this perversion of language into a lovable tune.

This is our anthem people. This is not some building on the other side of the country. This is the closest tie of culture Whitehorse has with Quebec City. People fought and died for our anthem, and we will let it fall to a few worked up malcontents.

This is something Canadians don't want to hear but our neighbors to the south would be in full scale revolution if congress attempted to destroy the Star-Spangled Banner. Don't destroy our history, even if you think we have none.

Canada has a few supporters who remember that we have our own past. Lets not let Rosie the Riveter box in that history.

-Todd Colin Vaughan

Journalist

Uneasy Feeling

The country is in the midst of hysteria. Yes yesterday's historic victory over the dreaded US of A was a watershed moment in Canada's brief history. It is indeed 1812 on Yonge Street again. Kudos to our boys for pulling it out.

The patriotism expressed though is definitely an an uneasy one. We are all bringing out the Red and singing the anthem(the wrong one, the real one was bought by TSN for a few million). But is Canada more together now then it was two weeks ago?

Yes and no. The joy brought by the hockey game is indeed inspiring, but the one thing it does even better is, cover, rather then heal continuing problems against Canadian unity. I suppose though as long as Sid scores, its okay to ignore proroguing parliament, attempted coalition coup's, a crippled economy, an estranged Francophone sibling. etc.

I guess its sour grapes to question patriotism, but I think part of being Canadian is not going into things blindly. So maybe that is patriotism in a twisted way.

-Todd Colin Vaughan

Journalism

Legend Awarness Week

Some of you may not know; but the greatest songwriter who has ever lived, is right here in Southern Alberta.

No I'm not talking about the skills of Murial Radar, I'm referring to Mr. Ian Tyson. Longview's own.

Yes at the heart of the folk world was Mr. Tyson playing along with Dylan and the gang in Greenwich Village. So why has the young generation not caught on?

Maybe because his Albertan majestic melodies don't appeal to the new age beer swilling Nashvillites or maybe because he's more known as a song writer; it's hard to say.

What I can say is this. Ian Tyson will make you love your home. It makes me love being Albertan. If your not Albertan, he'll make you wish you were.

May I suggest "4 Stong Winds" and then move on to "Big-Horned Sky"

-Todd Colin Vaughan
Journalist

Free Willy...before he kills again

It appears we have serial killer on our hands. No its not the regular wispy-bearded psychopath that we assume when we hear that word. Its an orca...Killer whale for us 'Joe the Plumber types.'

Seaworld in Florida has become the background to the tragic death of a trainer. Indeed a sad day for Aquatic centers everywhere. Amazingly enough, this is the same whale that also killed another trainer in Victoria back in 2001.

Now obviously it is difficult to report on the death of anyone, especially someone who had a strong passion for the orca in question, but the issue of penned Whales needs to be brought to the forefront in the face of this issue.

They are absolutely a beautiful and intelligent creature that has the ability to perform tricks for peasants at the fair, but to hold such a creature in a tank continues to be a tragedy in itself. If we want to avoid injuries to ourselves then we have to consider the livelihood and false habitats we are creating for these majestic creatures.

Everyone is in shock when something happens like the death of a trainer but maybe we should start to admit that we actually do know why these things happen.

Orcas are not Poodles

-Todd Colin Vaughan

Journalism

Brutal Racism

So there was a cross-burning in our great country. Even more appalling was the location of this travesty. The historical end of the Underground Railroad, Nova Scotia.

This type of indignant behavior is unacceptable. We allow incidents like this to carry on because we choose to ignore it and say it is only the select few crazies with nothing to lose. Even if this is so, the punishment needs to fit the crime.

We all hear about these people protesting their racist and horrible propaganda throughout the year, and we do not condemn them, for reasons like free speech. Cross Burnings are not free speech. No matter how these gun-toting yahoos play it.

These people are villains of decency and humanity and do not deserve the comfort of western society. One of our countries great value is diversity and multiculturalism and we let people who call themselves our friends and neighbors destroy this great value.

Anyone who commits crimes like cross-burnings deserve the medieval treatments they wish to condemn others too. This is our world, our country. It is up to us as a society, as well as our government to deal with people who choose to deal in hate appropriately.

Unfortunately, people with horrible beliefs rarely change their mind, but to any who believe that Canada is more then what these cross-burners would allow. I call to you to help the change towards an accepting society.

-Todd Colin Vaughan

Journalists

Want to be a Wolf Management Agent?

So Grande Cache, Alberta is the home for an amazing public service. For a small price you can go up in a helicopter, go for a spin, and headshot wolves from a vantage point. Fun no? Who wouldn't want to go up into the air and spit in natures face with a scope?

I am of course referring to "wolf management system" that is in place to protect Caribou herds in Northern Alberta. It is rather impressive that we can put money into such a system to control one animals population by destroying another. I suggest another solution, close the damn oil well that is creating sludge swamps!

It is just like this government to protect oil and gas, even if it means the depletion of Alberta's natural beauty. It is sheer asinine behavior to think that wolves are the reason caribou populations are dropping. But I suppose a grazing animal wont die if you destroy its grazing lands right?

I understand that this country relies on Oil and Gas. However, I think this government and those companies responsible for the desecration of our land, at least attempt to take responsibility, rather then creating bogus programs so hillbillies can fire off rounds without honor.

Despicable

-Todd Colin Vaughan

Journalist

Wackarnolds

Global Recession, War in Afghanistan, Genocide in Darfur, childhood obesity. Wait, what?

Yes the lovely First Lady is taking on the pot bellies of the midwest in her war on childhood obesity. A pressing issue obviously, but one America has little hope of winning politically.

Now obviously it's in families best interest to promote healthy lifestyles to their children. But it seems a national campaign headed by the First Lady Michelle Obama seems a little thin.

After-all, in one hand the government is attempting to promote vegetables and soy milk; however on the other, their hoping they can rely on the backs of Mcdonalds and Cocacola to save them from from on ongoing economic decline.

I guess it comes down to that it is rather easy to promote healthy living with the most attractive first family since little Johnny was still giving the salute. It could be supposed that such a family would have a large gap between the realities of middle America and the White House.

I digress, maybe healthy living can be promoted through social programs and positive reinforcement, rather then Public chastisement and political pandering

-Todd Colin Vaughan
Journalist

EURO TRIP

So Amsterdam has legalized Sex in public places, including parks. Thats all fine and well I suppose, but dogs in the same park have to be on leash! Understandably dog-lovers are enraged in the home of world-wide debauchery.

It seems Amsterdam is always facing the problems that the rest of the western world is too smart to pay attention too. This legislation coming after a bitter battle between the Dutch government and the thousands of squatters who live throughout the windmills and bicycles.

Squatters, dog-lovers, and exhibitionists. Thank you Holland for continuing to provide amusement over the media's that will carry your governmental precedents. And thank you QR 770 for carrying such worthy news to the people of South-central Alberta.

Indeed when the governments of the world have reached a point where only the comedic will reign, I might have to discontinue my love of news.

But alas I have to walk my dog through the park. Hopefully I wont see my Dutch neighbors exercising their political freedom

-Todd Colin Vaughan

Journalist

Have you been up to k2?

Children everywhere are braving the slopes. No I'm not refering to the mountain of Chris o Donnell fame. I'm refering to the legal substance that mimics the effects of the ole Mary Jane.

Yes k2 has the same feeling and is undetectable. What are the ethical ramifications of this substance. Obviously it depends on your opinion of the legality of cannabis in general, but how do you form an opinion on something that has yet to be prooved harmful or harmless.

The real issue of this is governments unwillingness to legislate the real thing. If they were to legalise it, we would certainly see that national debt go in a hurry. Imagine a tax infused cannabis system that can charge exponential times the street value and still have people buy it. That and a legal age limit would lead to the end of kids inhaling untested products.

But I guess they could be huffing paint like the wierd kids did when I was young. Pick your poisons I suppose

-Todd Colin Vaughan
Journalist

Basketball News: Ridiculous Trade

Cleveland gets Antawn Jamison and Bassy Telfair. Washington gets Thorton, Ilgauskas and Skiner, the Clippers get Drew Gooden The NBA has to solve trades like this. Cleveland will end up with Ilgauskas in 30 days after he is waved.

This is absolutely ridiculous, the NBA should have a moratorium on GM's being allowed to make moves like this. Especially if your a suffering Clipper fan, under the ongoing reign of the the miser Donald Sterling.

Book it, Cleveland - LA in the finals. You have to wonder if David Stern had something to do with this deal. I guess this is the reality in a league that has no money, and owners that only care about the economics of the game.

This deal is bad for anyone who has any appreciation for basketball

-Todd Colin Vaughan

Journalist

The Return of Eldrick

So the second coming of Ben Hogan returns to continue his run towards 18 major championships. Amidst the comedic catastrophe that has become the the golfer's life, Friday will be the day that Tiger will undoubtably announce his return to the Masters.

This is an important time for the game of golf. Whether your a fan of Tig's personal life or not, golf cannot survive without him. Phil does not have the consistency, nor the longevity to carry the sport without Mr. Woods and nor will anyone else.

The simple fact is that Tiger has the most killer instinct in sport, and not since his airness has anyone willed himself to victory the way that he does. Golf needs this.

Obviously Tiger loses some fans, but the PGA gains exposure from people wanting to see him lose...or win if your a tad morbid like myself.

So bring on Golf's most interesting season in years. It would go a long for golf to have Tiger win four majors this year. Although, I think Elyn would disapprove.

-Todd Colin Vaughan

Journalist

Own the Podium

The Vancouver Winter Games carry on with some trepidation. With critics at home and abroad, contention seems to be one of the international themes of the game. I would like to address two of these. One being the British newspaper "The Guardian" referring to these games as the "worst ever" and the issue of the phrase "own the podium."

I am unsure where the Guardian is coming from with their assertions about the games but as a Canadian I have never been more proud as a Canadian then I have these past few days. It is interesting that a nation with no real chance at winter sports would be so critical towards a country that excels at them despite a significant population disadvantage.

With the London Summer games 2 years from now, I would imagine that this criticisms stems from their own hopes. I will say however that it will be difficult not to chuckle a little if their games faces some difficult moments

"Own the Podium." It may sound like some silly slogan that CTV is force feeding us, but the underlying theme is being questioned for being unCanadian. The assumption is usually made that Canadians are polite and well-mannered. Is the idea of owning a podium therefore arrogant?

It is not. In fact it is a sentiment that this country has been lacking, not only in sports excellence, but in general. Canadians are always facing an identity crisis. Unlike our neighbors to the south, we do not have a mystical history to turn too in times of question. Therefore when it comes to backing sports, our patriotic fervor is perhaps lacking.

These are our olympics. Lets fill BC place with golds and perhaps be a little less humble then usual. Our athletes and our country deserve this moment.

Vancouver 2010 can be the new Expo '67

-Todd Colin Vaughan

Journalist

Canadian Olympics - Protesting

Protesting. It has become a recognizable fact of the Olympic Games in Vancouver. It is also a basic principle of a modern western government. However, the Olympics have brought up an interesting facet of the idea.

The games has indeed, cost taxpayers a considerable amount of money. This becomes most poignant when considering we are in the midst of the largest economic recession since the Great Depression. However, I personally fail to see how protesting a games will have any desired effects other then sour grapes. The games have already been paid for and whether the taxpayer agrees or not, the check is already in the mail.

Now as a citizen with mild Western Canadian values, I do not exactly agree with wild government spending, but when I see the look on Frederick Bilodeau's face when his brother Alex won Canada's first gold, the economic issue of the games suddenly become irrelevant.

The Olympics, while expensive, bring out out the best of the human spirit. Indeed, even when you jeer against the other country, it is in good-natured and the excellence of craft comes through.

To protest the value of this spirit is counterproductive

Todd Colin Vaughan - Journalist