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    June 26

    Insider Report Volume #1 Issue #13

    June 26, 2006:

     

    Not a lot of time this week, as the second phase of the North American tour winds up this week in Thunder Bay.  We'll skip the regular preamble and jump straight into the points.

    1. "The Woman Who Shall Not Be Named" shall be known this week as Gruff.
    2. It appears that the Battlin' MacLeans may have entered their summer hiatus. Perhaps in an effort to derive plots for upcoming episodes, Gruff sends out two e-mail survey questionnaires this week designed to collect all kinds of personal information on her friends.  Luckily, she assumes that the Insider will one of the ones least likely to respond.
    3. In case any readers are interested, they should ask Kim who actually signed Chris's father day card.  (Hint: It wasn't Chris).
    4. Reaction from Native Edmontonian right before Game 7 - "If the Oilers win, I'm going to dance right on the bar."
    5. Reaction from Native Edmontonian during Game 7 - "I'm nervous and this ulcer is killing me".
    6. Reaction from Native Edmontonian after Game 7 - "I'll be wearing black all week".  The ironic part - she claims she doesn't own anything black.
    7. Girlie scream count during the game - 1.  (Note Paul is not in attendance as he was still in recovery from the game two nights before.  Marshall issues it in honour of Paul.)
    8. In some people's mind, Don Cherry is an "embarrassment" to Canada.
    9. The general consensus is that the NHL needs to get better talent for the national anthem singers. Some sort of "Columbia recording artist" or Irish tenor would work.
    10. Text message received by the Insider during the game: "They're going to think I'm some sort of gruff".  The claim is that gruff is meant as in being harsh or unrefined.  The Insider prefers the "Billy Goat" version.  Anyone want to guess how this week nickname for TWWSNBN was arrived at?
    11. Marshall's dinner order - a salad and salad.  He claims that the main course was actually some sort of wrap, but the Insider sees a lot of greens on the plate (or what was assumed to be greens).
    12. Worst Shoes of the Night Award is awarded to the guy wearing b&w checkerboard loafers.
    13. An intense volleyball discussion breaks out regarding who is most competitive - Au or Marshall.
    14. Personal message on L-Fed’s MSN account this week - "if the Chateau us good enough for Roger Moore it's good enough for me!".  The Insider is of the opinion that the celebrity James Bond sighting count may be up to 2 .
    15. Personal message on The Sister's MSN account this week "x < 7. let x = the number of work days until freedom".  And Gruff considers the Insider the math geek of the family??
    16. When the Insider starts his eating his Caesar Salad from Harvey's, both Trina and Paul are in stunned disbelief.
    17. Following the MacInnis family reunion, the Insider reports an increase in the level of Cape Breton accent during this past week.
    18. In a somewhat related story, Kim celebrates the fact that she won the singing contest at the reunion, highlighted by the feature duet with her uncle.  Given her previously documented singing ability, the Insider can only assume 1 of 3 things.
      1. Her uncle carries the tune.
      2. Kim's mike is disconnected.
      3. The Insider is fairly certain he does not want to hear the rest of the family.
    19. Additional terms added to the Cape Breton to English lexicon this week include:
      1. unownded batch slur - an unmarried man, and one who will probably remain unmarried for a long time.
      2. shutie - shut it, or shut up.
      3. appies - appetizers (in Toban speak, this would be "horses dervers").
      4. bye - variant of the word boy. Used mostly in phrases. e.g. "Good God, bye. You're not plannin' on eatin' all them appies, are ye?"
    20. An attempt is made by Gruff to add "numb nuts" to the lexicon.  The Insider clarifies that this term is not unique to the East Coast, and that it has been used to describe both herself and Kim in the past few weeks.
    21. In an effort to alleviate all the Cape Bretonese going around, the Insider will start introducing Toban to the Report. The first Toban word of the week is "shinney".  Points will be awarded to the first person to give the definition, without using Google or an Internet search engine to find it.
    22. The Insider is under strict orders that the next time lunch plans are made that involve drinking beer, Trina must be given an invite.  It is a good thing that Insider takes orders from very few people.
    23. A discussion broke out in the Insider's office between Trina and a marketing-type person, with the end result being that it is deemed okay for anyone to stare at a women wearing a low-cut shirt.  It was quickly clarified, however, that there is a difference between noticing and appreciating, but the Insider just considers this semantics.
    24. Most surprising comment of the week - "Geez, men are sensitive!" - Native Edmontonian
    25. Contribution from an irregular reader: McBrick - the feeling that you get 1 hour after eating at McDonalds.
    26. Two party invitations received this week by the Insider: "Trina's painting party" and "put Gruff's air conditioner in party".  The trend is becoming more clear.  If a Torontonian female needs work done, the trick is to host a party, and hope the men show up.
    27. In Gruff's viewpoint, a "Classic Paul" moment occurs this week when he managed to spike the volleyball against the pole, thus ricocheting it back to him.  Apparently, Gruff was still laughing the next day just thinking about it.
    28. Kim feels comfortable around the Insider, as is demonstrated when she walks into the office of the Insider and starts applying some sort of balm while having a conversation.  She immediately turns all red and is embarrassed, when this was pointed out.
    29. A review of the lotion later reveals that it was developed for use on dairy cows....... The Insider will allow readers to insert their own joke here.
    30. Shot of the week - "I'm not surprised you might be named after a porn star given how you dress sometimes" - Trina to Kim
    31. Trina points out that her first name was chosen when her parents were reading obituaries, and saw a recently deceased women with the name of Trina.
    32. In an effort to perform some undercover detective work, Kim creates a new Lavalife profile.  Chris's comment: "You realize that I'm only six feet away!".  Chris's follow-up comment the next day: "How many smiles did you get?"
    33. After almost six weeks of the Insider badgering people to make some friggin' decisions, the European tour has now been booked.  Note: the total time taken to book the Insider's plane ticket once people made up their minds, including negotiating an extra stop in Zurich: 15 minutes.
    34. Plans for the third wave of the North American tour are also finalized this week.  Stops will include St. John's and Halifax.  Unfortunately, negotiations fell through on a stop in Sydney, meaning that the Insider will continue to have to catch remote editions of the Battlin' MacLeans.
    35. The second wave of the North American tour concludes this week with a stop in Thunder Bay.  The trip is off to an auspicious start with the Insider being involved in a minor fender-bender on the way to the airport.

    Insider out.

    7:59 AM | Add a comment | Permalink | Blog it
    June 19

    Insider Report Volume #1 Issue #12

    June 19, 2006

     

    Apparently, the Report is gaining momentum.  It was amazing the number of readers who contacted the Insider this week in an effort to sell out other readers on embarrassing stories or photos from the past.  The Insider looks on in great amusement, but reminds readers that the Insider is all about current events.  The shelf life for submission is about 2 weeks at best in order to be considered for publication.  The exception to this rule is any story that would generate a nickname for “The Woman Who Shall Not Be Named".

     

    1.            In an effort to save time, and to deal with the throbbing headache that the Insider has while writing this week’s report, “The Woman Who Shall Not Be Named” shall be known this week as EBM (Elder Battlin’ MacLean).  Negotiations are almost complete on the rights to a permanent nickname, as new nicknames are getting tougher to come up with on a weekly basis.

    2.            This week’s edition of the Battlin’ MacLeans is a special back-to-back episode.  In the first episode, EBM should consider herself lucky that the camp ring story told to the Insider this week by Baby Battlin’ MacLean is considered way past the expiry date for current events , and is OTR at the best of times.  (Sell out of the week #1)

    3.            The second episode features EBM sending an old photo of Baby to the Insider, perhaps as a retaliatroy strike for the camp ring story.  (Sell out of the week #2).  It was deemed OTR and will not be distributed by the Insider.

    4.             The Sister’s reply to last week’s Report – posting comments on the website in the form of an evil laugh.  Are diabolical plots still being planned?  The Insider remains unconcerned.  The LEVEL remains on retainer.

    5.             Kimberly seems overly fascinated with the painted toes from her pedicure.  In a related story, EBM made sure to inform the Insider that the Chinese women performing the pedicure has issues with the hair growth on Kim’s legs, complete with the sound effects made (Ow, Ow, Ow, Ow, Ow).  (Sell out of the week #3)  This prompts an immediate trip home by Kim to perform an emergency hair removal.

    6.             Baby Battlin’ MacLean may be involved in a spin-off of the Battlin’ MacLeans.  The new series is as yet untitled, but based on the e-mails exchanged with the Sydney Grant Thornton office, there looks to be mode battlin' happening in the Sydney/Glace Bay area.  (Sell out of the week #4).  Phase 3 of the North American tour is likely to include a stop in Sydney in August, so the Insider may have to arrange front row tickets to the new series.

    7.             Most Useless Discussion of the Week - Kim and Paul talking about how both of them have big heads.

    8.             SWF Moment of the week - Trina commenting that she should take Jeff shirt shopping after seeing the summer wardrobe of the Insider.  (The Insider is nothing if not stylish).

    9.             Trina will probably never wear stretchy pants to the office again, after having Kim perform a wedgie on her.  At least she wasn’t wearing Tidy-Whities.

    10.         It is alleged that Paul will be spending the week with college co-eds, and Kim doesn’t want to hear about his “education”.

    11.         In a bold and daring move, Trina compares the Insider to the comic book guy from the Simpsons.  Is this a challenge being made to the Insider?  Does Trina really want the full wrath of the Insider to come down on her?  Standard legal contract will be issued to absolve the Insider of all legal responsibilities for the inevitable emotional trauma to be experienced by Tri.

    12.         A trip to the Bay for Paul proves especially frustrating when the salesclerk knew nothing about the coupon that Paul had.  The issue may have been that the coupon was for Mark's Work Wearhouse, and not the Bay.

    13.         Kim needs at least one beer after the shopping trip with Paul.  (And she thought being a fashion consultant to Mr. Fashionista would be easy.)

    14.         The Insider will start investigations on why car batteries keep breaking down in Sydney.  (Sell out of the week #5).

    15.         With Kim headed home to Glace Bay for the weekend, it is assumed that the Nova Scotian accent will be in full force for the next month or so upon her return.

    16.         It is revealed this week that Trina is sensitive to the smell of vanilla.  In the same conversation, it is also revealed that Kim is sensitive to the smell of burnt linen.

    17.         Personal message on Baby’s MSN account this week – “Happy Birthday, Mel B.”  The Insider is unclear why Baby is celebrating the birthday of a spice girl.

    18.         Personal message on L-Fed’s MSN account this week – “Hooked on Grey's Anatomy".  The Insider notes that other readers seemed to be fascinated with this particular show, but doesn’t see the appeal.  Now once a show is made about the exiting lives of accountants….

    19.         In a fortunate turn of events, the e-mail from EBM that converts your name into Russian is opened after the Insider has disconnected the laptop from the overhead projector.

    20.         Optimum number of beers before a Friday night flight out of Moncton back to Toronto, especially when the plane is an hour late – 1.       

    21.         Still the optimum number of beers before a 6:30 AM flight out of Sydney, NS (and don't let anyone tell you different) - 0.

    22.         It seems that it is a Maritime tradition to still have to pay airport fees directly at the airport.  While paying the fees in Moncton, the Insider has flashbacks to the Sydney airport.

    23.         Baby discloses to the Insider that she will be attending a GT event in the Sydney office.  The Insider notes that the tradition of MacLeans crashing GT events has been passed onto the next generation.

    24.         Evil laugh count during the hockey game – 1.  Girly scream count during the game – 3.  It should be noted that both sounds were uttered by Paul.

    25.         Watching the game with a native Edmontonian results in a disclosure that she couldn’t concentrate with the game on at home.  For Game 7, apparently the game worn jersey will be taken out of storage.

    26.         An exciting game of “who’d you rather” is played at the bar after the hockey game, with Edmontonians preferring guys in pink shirts.

    27.         A debate breaks out on the appropriateness of tattoos on women.  The Insider recalls a similiar debar back a few months ago.  (See iR Vol#1, Iss#1, Point #9).  Amazingly enough, Paul did not remember the original debate.  The end result is still the same, as it was determined that the lower back is the ideal location.

    28.         The selective deafness tests continue with more mixed results.

    29.         The weekly forensic audit occurs on the bill.  Paul claims that it is the accountant in him, not the auditor, which requires him to make sure that the bill is correct.  Speaking as both, the Insider is completely indifferent.

    30.         The plans for the European tour are almost complete.  The second leg of the North American tour has been expanded to include an extra stop in Thunder Bay.

     

    Insider out.

    10:56 AM | Add a comment | Permalink | Blog it
    June 12

    Insider Report Volume #1 Issue #11

    June 12, 2006
     
    1.  In an e-mail conversation this week, “The Woman Who Shall Not Be Named” attempts to give Paul the nickname of “The Peanut Gallery”.  As Paul has enough nicknames, and Baby MacLean is the only one of the Battlin’ MacLeans that can give Paul new nicknames, the Insider will turn this around on TWWSNBN, as is his wont.  She shall be known this week as Peanut.
    2.  The week’s episode of the Battlin’ MacLeans involves Baby MacLean throwing a graduation party for herself.  There are unsubstantiated rumours on whether anyone else was there or not.  The reason given for the party:  “Couldn't count on the other useless MacLeans to do it for me”.  Susan, don’t waste the pretty.
    3.  The Insider is obliged to perform a massive systems upgrade this week in order to view a graphic sent by Peanut.  As it turned out, all this effort was done in order to view a dancing pig.  Contemplation is made to determine if this week’s name should have been based on this graphic, but the Insider knows what's good for him, even in the name of humour.
    4.  The release of last week’s report causes some confusion in the readership.  To clarify, implying that the Insider's parents were not married when the Insider was born means that you called him a bastard.  Apparently, there is a need for an English to Cape Bretonese dictionary, and the Insider will investigate the Cape Bretonese equivalent phrase for bastard.  In an unsurprising move, Peanut is back to cussin' in Cape Bretonese this week, this avoiding the difficulty of these high falutin’ English sayin's.
    5.  Text messages are received from the Sister this week regarding plans for Father’s Day.  It is arranged for the Insider to send the gift direct to her place.  The Insider remains suspicious.  Is this the start of some sort of devious ploy?  Standard anti-terrorist measures will be implemented.  A mitigating fact is that Sister is away on a Europe tour.
    6.  Current personal message on the Sister’s MSN account – “Math Nerd Extraordinaire”.  The Insider just shakes his head and offers no further comment.  And Peanut thought that the Insider was bad.
    7.    Current personal message on L-Fed’s MSN account - “Don’t call me Baby!”.  The Insider is not clear if this might be referencing a song by Atomic Kitten, Madison Avenue or Geri Halliwell, but there is only one appropriate response – “Hey, Baby”.
    8.    Kim seems overly enthused by the fur blanket in the room at the “adults only” hotel in Whistler.  (Pictures are available at the request of interested readers).
    9.    In a related story, the hotel room also generates a suitable replacement for Chris's "bankie"
    10.  Pictures from the Vancouver edition of the North American tour have been uploaded to the Insider website (http://spaces.msn.com/brommer71)
    11.  The first seating for "How to Drive Peanut Nuts - Lesson 1:  Don't tell her things" is conducted this week, to a full compliment of students.  In attendance are Trina, Paul, Deborah, Kim, Linda, Susan (Baby MacLean) and Susan (The Aunt), with all participants being provided this week’s nickname in advance of the Report.  Strict instructions were given not to inform Peanut in advance. 
    12.  Peanut’s reaction to being kept in the dark was like that of the old Looney Tunes cartoon with Spike the Bulldog and Chester the Terrier:  "C'mon Insider.  What's my nickname?  Huh, Insider?  What is it?  What is it?"  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spike_the_Bulldog_and_Chester_the_Terrier).  
    13.  Chris’s contribution to the selection of the décor for the new house is attempting to pick the lime green carpet.  He is promptly told to go sit in the corner and wait until Kim was finished.  He should have known that his role was to drive the truck to the appointment and then to make no meaningful input.
    14.  Kim’s outrageous claim of the week – she would have to start walking to work.  Given her documented reaction to extreme heat, the Insider senses a long summer is coming, and hastens the order for the 6 foot fence and guard dogs for the new office..
    15.  Kimberly threatens the Insider this week with regard to the release of falsehoods and misrepresentations regarding some lost clothing during the Vancouver.  Strike 1.
    16.  Kim first fascination of the week - her new cup that has two compartments (one that can keep liquid cold), and that has a built-in spoon in the lid.  Would it surprise anyone to learn it was supplied by Peanut?
    17.  A voice mail message left by Peanut this week starts off with the sentence:  “Is this Jim Bromilow, the baby chick?”  Detailed investigative reporting finds out that the source of the comment is Kimberly – Strike 2.
    18.  Trina’s reaction to the sale of house was to start singing "Do a little dance" and then to actually perform a mini-jig outside the office of the Insider.  When the Insider prompts her to say the next line in the song, Tri turns bright red and refuses.  (At least, that's the way the Insider remembers it).
    19.  A recount of nipple flicking story involving Kim and Paul (See IR Vol#1, Iss#10, Point #3) results in Deborah uttering the phrase “Kim, what would you do if someone touched your breast?”  Kimberly enters into deep thought to contemplate the event.
    20.  Nickname of the week - Paul = Mr. Fashionista.  This one might stick.
    21.  Kim's second fascination of the week - a big sandwich from the St. Lawrence Market.
    22.  Paul reveals to the Insider that the first issue of the magazine subscription he received as a birthday gift arrived this week, and the he finds it very educational.   Kim quickly comments that she doesn’t want to hear about Paul's magazine being "educating".
    23.  A change in the restaurant on Friday night causes the Insider to re-evaluate his choice of shirt to wear.  Kimberly makes a suggestion that he just should just switch shirts with Paul.  This results in a barrel laugh from Kim at her own attempt at humour and a phone call to Paul to make the suggestion.  – Strike 3.
    24.  Kim and Debbie both indicate that they would not problem wearing each other’s game worn shirts, if needed.
    25.  Most unsurprising comment of the week – “Shirt shopping is not a waste of time.” – Kimberly Robinson.
    26.  No Fashion Consultants were required needed for the subsequent purchase of a new shirt.
    27.  SWF moment of the week - Kim commenting that she might send Chris out to buy the same shirts purchased by the Insider.
    28.  Drink of the night on Friday - Bitchslap (sour raspberry, sour apple, and melon liquor with cranberry juice).  The Insider had a Keith’s for those playing along at home.
    29.  A phone call from Kim on Saturday inquired what the Insider was doing on Church Street on Friday night.  Detailed investigative reporting finds out that Chris was on undercover stakeout following the activities of the Insider – Strike 4.
    30.  An explanation of stirrup pants is made for the fashion challenged, despite him being known as Mr. Fashionista.
    31.  The technical difficulties that caused the Shortcakes photograph to not be present on the Insider’s iPod have now been corrected.
    32.  Even though the Insider slapped down the gold card, a forensic audit ensues on the bill at the Duke of Argyle.  Paul is expressly told to put away his quarters that he was pulling out for payment.
    33.  It was revealed that Paul has only recently been appointed the official forensic audit, and that it used to be Peanut who did the math in the past.  The Insider is not sure what caused the switch, but will not state the obvious joke regarding blondes and math, thereby sidestepping the wrath of  Math Nerd Extraordinaires everywhere.  (Yes, for those of you counting at home, that was a double shot).
    34.  Evil laugh count coming from the right of the Insider during the comedy show on Saturday night - 8.  However, it should be noted that Paul was to the left of the Insider.
    35.  Runner-up nickname of the week - Linda and Peanut = the Bellevillites.
    36.  Second most unsurprising comment of the week – “I don't do lineups.” – Peanut.
    37.  Tests continue into Paul's selective deafness with more mixed results.
    38.  Linda’s description of stewardesses as “flying waitresses” causes a few gasps around the table.
    39.  The second leg of the North American tour comes to an end this week with a stop in Moncton at the end of the week, with possibly an add-on visit to Saint John..
     
     
    What are the implications of the four strikes?  Will this result in the demotion of Fashion Consultant #2?  Will Kim start her own Insideress report in retaliation?  What’s in store in the next episode of the Battlin’ MacLeans?  What will be the grand plans of the Sister?  For answers to these and other questions, tune into next week’s Report.  Same Bat time.  Same Bat channel
     
    Insider out.
    9:37 AM | Add a comment | Read comments (1) | Permalink | Blog it
    June 11

    Insider Report - preview

    For those regular readers who prepaid an amount to the Insider's favourite charity, this week's report is available for your viewing.  It includes such topics as:

    • The new weekly name of “The Woman Who Shall Not Be Named”
    • The happening in this week's episode of the Battlin' MacLeans.
    • The personal messages on two readers' MSN accounts.
    • Kim's outrageous claim of the week.
    • The nickname of the week.
    • Most unsurprising comment of the week.
    • A cliff-hanger ending.

    Be sure to count the "strikes" contained within the Report.

    For those cheapskates out there, the non-paying version of the Report will be issued when I get around to it.

    Insider out.

    8:24 PM | Add a comment | Permalink | Blog it
    June 05

    Insider Report Volume #1 Issue #10

    June 5, 2006:

    Disclosed to the Insider this week was the fact that regular readers really look forward to the Report over their Monday morning coffee, and are dejected when the report is late or delayed. Subsequent e-mails asking "Where the heck is this week's report" seem to confirm the overwhelming need in the marketplace. Being an entrepreneur at heart, and recognizing a revenue opportunity, the Insider is now pursuing pay-per-view opportunities with the report.

    On second thought, the effort involved in the accounting would be too much like real work. Regular readers can just make a contribution to the favourite charity of the Insider, and we'll call it even.

    1. This week's edition of the Battlin' MacLeans continued from last episode's cliff-hanger, with the MacLeans teaming up against the Insider. In an unsurprising turn of events, this content lasted about 30 seconds after the release of last week's report, with a dominating win by the Insider, and a complete unconditional, and some might say humbling, surrender by Baby Battlin' MacLean. Elder Battlin' MacLean "looked" on in amusement, despite being blamed by Baby.

    2. The Sister was strangely quiet for most of the week. Are diabolical plots being planned? The Insider remains unconcerned. The LEVEL remains on retainer.

    3. Kim's reaction to Paul's new shirt - apparently flicking his nipple. The Insider learned this from inside sources, and did not actually witness this deviant behaviour.

    4. Implication from the Elder Battlin' MacLean (aka "The Woman Who Shall Not Be Named") was that the Insider's parents were not married when the Insider was born. Does the EBM want to start a new contest with the Insider so soon after the humiliating and crushing defeat of the MacLeans? The Insider remains sceptical.

    5. Overheard from the new office - Kim discussing her peppermint smelling feet.

    6. Olympic movement from the new office - Kim almost slipping while entering, due to the newly applied peppermint lotion. Judges only give a 6.8, as she couldn't stick the landing.

    7. Kim's reaction to extreme heat - she has been known to cry. Chris may be regretting waiting until after the Vancouver trip before installing the air conditioner.

    8. The Insider is wondering what Kim's reaction would have been if, on the day Kim claimed to be going commando, her skirt has pulled a Trina.

    9. Memory lane trip of the week - Based on an e-mail conversation with the Sister and the Mother, Dad tasting Strawberry Quik straight from the bottle while on a grocery shopping trip. For some reason, he has never been allowed to do the grocery shopping since (almost 20 years).

    10. SWF moment of the week - Deborah asking Kim what flights she was on to and from Vancouver.

    11. Kimberly has now taken to singing "What's New Pussycat". Concerned citizens everyone tell her not to give up her day job.

    12. When the Insider is brought lunch back from the food court by Trina, Deborah accuses her of pulling a "big salad" moment.

    13. Optimum number of beers before a mid-day flight out of Toronto while heading to a conference for the Insider - 1.

    14. Optimum number of beers before a mid-day flight out of Toronto while heading to a conference for Deborah - 0.

    15. Still the optimum number of beers before a 6:30AM flight out of Sydney, NS (and don't let anyone tell you different) - 0.

    16. Text message from Chris in Vancouver. "Was just eating sushi. We're trying to score some heroin now". The Insider assumes two things.
    a) Hopefully, this was sarcastic.
    b) This was probably sent by Kim.
    Ah, to be a cop on holidays!

    17. Alleged "celebrity" sighting of the week - Mark Wahlberg. The Insider saw nothing, but others claim to have seen him.

    18. Additional term added to the Haligonian to English lexicon this week: critter.

    19. Deborah's usual technique of cross-examining waiters met it's match this week, when Scotty, the waiter at il Porto crumpled up the menu in front of her, and indicated that they would make anything she wanted.

    20. Unused to sarcasm, some Haligonians will take their dinner knife to the waiter.

    21. Comment made by one of the facilitators during this week's session: "Kim is the quiet one". Belly laughs could be heard from the crowd following this statement.

    22. The Insider is not supposed to mention the term "Grandma Colleen", so it is hereby considered OTR.

    23. Second "celebrity" sighting of the week - "That" Jim Bromilow

    24. After weeks of negotiations on an outstanding bet with Paul, Deborah was no further ahead in her quest to have a burger and beer at lunch. The Insider graciously arranges to attend a restaurant that has both on the menu. Her choice for lunch - a diet coke. The Insider shakes his head.

    25. Nickname of the week - Debbie. Trust the Insider. Deborah loves it when she gets called this.

    26. The Insider assumes that Kim will now have her fill of sushi for the time being. (Note that the Insider fully expects Kim to ask to go to Ki when she gets back to the office).

    27. Topic of conversation between L-Fed and three friends in the time spent getting ready for the Flip Flop Beach Party - the clinical differences between a psychopath and a sociopath.

    28. Apparent reason for the cancellation of volleyball makeup games on a Sunday in Vancouver - sunshine and 20 degree weather, with just a hint of cloud. The Insider shakes his head. L-Fed drops all kinds of swear words regarding the league organizers.

    29. Based on a sign at a bookstore in Vancouver, the Insider has the next recommended reading for Paul. Link is enclosed. For you hyperlink challenged people, watch for wrapping. (Yes, this means you, Elder Battlin' MacLean)
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/074327637X/103-4199164-3124609?v=glance&n=283155

    30. A fabulous come-from-behind win in the fantasy baseball pool against the current league leader topped the weekend for the Insider.

    31. While the Insider was watching the Much Music Countdown and compiling the report, he heard the thriving metropolis of Glace Bay mentioned on the air. Something about a forthcoming Pilate concert. Confirmation is found at http://www.pilate.com/tour.php (see June 24). Insert Standard Elder Battlin' MacLean Hyperlink Wrapping Message here.

    32. While the second leg of the North American tour is currently in full swing, negotiations are underway for the third leg. Possible stops include St. John's and Sydney. (Baby Battlin' MacLean is probably very thankful for the quick surrender).

    33. Negotiations for the Europe leg of the tour seemed to have stalled. The Insider will be considered leaving the backup band behind, and making a solo tour.

    Insider out.

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