The Gist Of It – January 25, 2012

Stephen Colbert mocking Herman Cain. Would Tim Thomas have visited HIM if he were president?

This week’s episode of The Gist Of It could be titled “Goalies And Mayors Behaving Badly.” Bill Hayes and Don Landry discuss Boston Bruins’ goalie Tim Thomas and his choice to skip a trip to the White House. As well, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s decision to compare left-leaning councillors to Joseph Stalin. Which was the poorer decision? The guys also kick around Oscar’s nominees, The NFL’s playoff goats and whether Stephen Colbert is constructively or destructively making a mockery of the U.S. political system. Prince Fielder’s payday, the NHL ALL-Star Game and improving Toronto’s street meat are also included in this tasty and tempting episode of TGOI.

Segment 1 – Don tries to figure out Tim Thomas’ motivations. Thinks that whatever they were, he blew it. Does Bill agree?

Segment 2 – Bill cautions that the seemingly idyllic life of a multi-millionaire athlete may not be all it’s cracked up to be. Don says he’d like to take that risk.

Segment 3 – Toronto Mayor Rob Ford evokes the memory of a mass murderer to slam his political opponents. This might be fairly insulting if it weren’t so damn funny.

Segment 4 – Some critics think Stephen Colbert’s send-up of the Super PAC fundraising system is very funny. Others believe it’s damaging and a step or two over the line. Is Colbert a force for positive change? Or a self-promoting annoyance?

Segment 5 – Prince Fielder gets his cash. Why aren’t the Jays spending more? NFL playoff goats: Fair or foul? And the NHL’s All-Star Game. Are those stars dimming?

Segment 6 – The Oscar race. Bill LOVES Meryl Streep. Don, umm, doesn’t. They make a few picks and Don slams “Moneyball.” Oh, and wants to know why an ape wasn’t nominated.

Segment 7 – Bill thinks Toronto’s street meat industry needs an injection of creativity. And, surprisingly, lets it slip that a place he really wants to visit is Portland. Whaaaa?

 

 

 

The Gist Of It – January 18, 2012

Miss Wisconsin was named Miss America last Saturday night. So, you know, you’ve got THAT, Packer fans.

This week on TGOI, Bill Hayes and Don Landry wonder if you’ve go the nerve to eat a snack from a place called “Glory Hole Doughnuts.” As well, there’s some discussion as to whether this week’s budget battle at Toronto City Council signals a move to the political centre. The boys hoof around a little NFL playoff talk, and wonder just how big a cup of coffee has to get before we’re satisfied that we’re getting our caffeine fix. What about “Moneyball”? Is it really that great? How hard can it be to quit smoking? And, how much control should the government have over the internet? It’s a lot, we know. But, this showcase can be yours, if the price is right.

Segment 1 – Bill Hayes is sooooo nice, he’ll help you quit smoking. Don wonders if this is the birth of a new running feature on TGOI.

Segment 2 – Don Landry tears into the stubbornness of those on both the left and right of the political spectrum. Time for moderates to shine.

Segment 3 – Bill picks up on Don’s theme of moderation of political thought. Is it pie in the sky?

Segment 4 – Just how big does a damn cup of coffee have to be? And can we come up with a better caffeine delivery system? As well… ever heard of “Glory Hole Doughnuts”?

Segment 5 – Movies. With the Golden Globe Awards in the rearview mirror, the boys look ahead to the Oscars. Don wants to know why “Moneyball” is getting such glowing reviews.

Segment 6 – The NFL playoffs. And get THIS! Tim Tebow isn’t mentioned even ONCE! Bill – a big Packers fan, sorts through the wreckage of his 2012 championship dreams.

Segment 7 – The SOPA saga. Bill thinks it’s censorship. Don thinks tougher reg’s are needed to govern internet piracy. Can Bill bring Don around?

The Gist Of It – January 11, 2012

Don and Bill return after a Christmas break – actually, they each ditched the podcast because they were on fill-in duty at NEWSTALK 1010, in Toronto – to give you “The Gist Of It.” This week, the boys bounce around the legend of Tim Tebow, Brian Burke’s lamenting of enforcers going the way of the Dodo, and the scourge of politicians crossing the floor. As well – The most dangerous breakfast food is….

Isn’t it time the NHL cracked down on unnecessary breakfast violence?

Segment 1 – Don decries the floor-crossing of a Quebec MP. He wants legislation to ensure it doesn’t happen again without a by-election.

Segment 2 – Bill’s intrigued by the life of a First Lady in the United States. Should she be a kitty or a tigress?

Segment 3 – Football! Tim Tebow continues to have his prayers answered. That will end, Don says, in New England, this weekend.

Segment 4 – Brian Burke’s sad, sad tale of the plight of the NHL enforcer. Boo. Hoo.

Segment 5 – More on Burke and the NHL’s “rats.” Don thinks it’s ludicrous to believe they’re taking over. Bill’s not so sure of that.

Segment 6 – Harper v Putin. Bill’s unmoved. Don says “lace ’em up!”

Segment 7 – How in the hell do you injure yourself eating pancakes? Ask L.A. King forward Dustin Penner.