Aaron Hutchins

A rough opening night for the #BlueJays

By Aaron Hutchins - Wednesday, April 3, 2013 - 0 Comments

A rough opening night for the #BlueJays

Storified by Maclean’s Magazine· Tue, Apr 02 2013 21:53:24

The Toronto Blue Jays opened their 2013 season Tuesday night to much fanfare after a few big names players joined the team over the winter. At one point, a Las Vegas betting company even had the Jays as favourites to win the World Series. Who couldn’t be excited for their home opener against the Cleveland Indians?
OK, @BlueJays. Let’s. Play. Ball. ow.ly/jFwCD #LoveThisTeam #BlueJaysStephen Harper
Canadian PM Stephen Harper establishes new protocol for Blue Jays season opener #LoveThisTeam newswatchcanada.ca pic.twitter.com/miBxpPM2OzNewsWatchCanada.ca
I just want the Jays to beat the snot out of Masterson. Dingers! Stolen bases! Boom! Kapow!Tao of Stieb
Oh Canada! Your Boys of Summer are here! The 2013 #BlueJays season begins #LoveThisTeam #WorldSeriesOrBust http://pic.twitter.com/BiJfj3Ta8DJeff Perera
7:19pm eastern. A new chapter in Blue Jays history begins. #jays http://pic.twitter.com/V9is9AVO01Sid Seixeiro
Must be #BlueJays opening night #Toronto http://pic.twitter.com/GmFECZiYC5Michael Shanks
Let’s Go Blue Jays! We’re watching from the best seats in the house. Literally. #JaysGlobe pic.twitter.com/OuDOuG5DsUEric Alper
Geddy Lee from Rush was out to give the ceremonial first pitch…
Geddy throws a strike for the ceremonial first pitch on Blue Jays opening night! http://www.rushisaband.com/blog/2013/04/02/3567/Geddy-Lee-to-throw-out-the-ceremonial-first-pitch-at-Toronto-Blue-Jays-home-opener-tonight http://pic.twitter.com/igixECT6keRush is a Band
…and on the mound for the Jays was R.A. Dickey, last year’s Cy Young winner with the New York Mets.
@Knuckleball101 : Home opener and Dickey pitching… #iamcomplete @BlueJays @RADickey43 pic.twitter.com/dDohjHJHpPElbowsHigh
ICYMI. Toronto selling knuckle sandwiches in honor of R.A Dickey. #BlueJays http://pic.twitter.com/AEtMNyxnDKDarren Kritzer
Dickey was the biggest offseason signing for Toronto, though some worried if catcher J.P. Arencibia could catch his signature pitch—the knuckleball. As it appeared early on, Arencibia needs to make some adjustments.
Last year in 34 starts, R.A. Dickey’s catchers had 19 passed balls. Two so far tonight.Shi Davidi
Hat trick.Shi Davidi
That’s four times Arencibia hasn’t been able to catch the knuckler, and three passed balls. Adventure!Bruce Arthur
Most passed balls in a game by a catcher, 12. Alex Gardner’s only game back in 1884. Incase you were wondering #bluejaysCheck The Ticker
I hope J.P. Arencibia NEVER catches RA Dickey ever again #BlueJaysDeron Collings
For the record, @jparencibia9 caught 100% more knuckle balls than I ever could. #LoveThisTeam @BlueJaysThomas
The fans were packed in the Rogers Centre and throughout the city, though some were quick to turn to their excitement to frustration as the game went on and Jays trailed early 4-1.
#BlueJays sellout announced at 48,857Shi Davidi
The Blue Jays: What is overrated Alex! Ding ding ding you have answered today’s Daily DoubleBrockOgami
Replacing the turf on Rogers Centre? They should replace ir with paper. Blue Jays looked good on paper this preseason.Andre Wattie
Booing the Jays at this point in the season is the equivalent of booing the band as the lead singer walks out and taps the mic.cathalkelly
A whole lotta bandwagon Blue Jays fans remembering how boring they think baseball is right about nowArden Zwelling
The Price is Right losing horn is on standby for this Blue Jays game…Evan Daum
Not only were the Jays losing, they were hardly even getting on base.
After loading the bases in the third with nobody out, Masterson and #indians pen retired 20 of last 21 #bluejays batters including DP.Richard Griffin
The Jays eventually lost their opener 4-1. While some were obviously disappointed with the early loss after all the expectations, most fans urged others for patience. It is a very long season.
162-0 appears to be not in the cards Blue Jays.Matt Baker
THEY LOST ONE GAME EVERYONE PANIC.Scaachi Koul
Highlight for the home team on Opening Night? … Probably Geddy Lee. #BlueJaysDavid William Naylor
That mammoth Canadian flag was the best part of the whole damn night. #BlueJaysSimon Houpt
Heartbreak for Jays in season opener. Just devastating. If only there was another game tomorrow, or the day after that, or…#longseasonyallJordanHeath-Rawlings

  • Noted: Patrick Brazeau’s April 1 resignation

    By Aaron Hutchins - Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at 12:20 AM - 0 Comments

  • Jarome Iginla traded to Penguins

    By Aaron Hutchins - Thursday, March 28, 2013 at 5:48 AM - 0 Comments

    Flames fans say farewell to Jarome Iginla

    ‘Thank you for the hits, goals, fights and for putting the Flames on your shoulders for so long’

    Storified by Maclean’s Magazine· Thu, Mar 28 2013 03:04:24

    Hockey fans knew it was inevitable, no matter how hard it might be for the people of Calgary. Jarome Iginla, the Calgary Flames all-time leading scorer—with 1,095 points in 1,219 games—has been traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Speculation went into overdrive Wednesday night when the Flames announced Iginla would not be suiting up against the Colorado Avalanche Tuesday night.
    Then BOS prospect Alex Khokhlachev a healthy scratch for Providence tonight and CGY announces Iginla a healthy scratch tonight.Bob McKenzie
    Make of this what you will: Bruins scout was overheard at an NHL rink tonight saying Iginla deal is 100 percent done & he’s going to BostonJoe Haggerty
    How long is this Iggy fiasco gonna take….. My heart is gonna stop anytime #IginlaDibyajyoti Tripathy
    Born in Edmonton and drafted by the Dallas Stars, Iginla has played his entire NHL career with Calgary.  The Flames won 4-3 Wednesday night, but the loss of Iginla was the talking point around the Saddledome. Even before the trade was official, fans paid their tributes to their captain who played 16 seasons with the team.
    The "Thank You Iggy" chant at the Saddledome (and around Calgary) should be loud enough for Jarome Iginla to hear from his house.Adam Proteau
    Thank you. For the hits, goals, fights and for putting the @NHLFlames and #yyc on your shoulders for so long #iginla http://<a href="http://t.co/id8WpiJO5O" class="">pic.twitter.com/id8WpiJO5O</a>matthew field
    A True Captain , Thank You For The Memories #iginla #iggy #neverforget04 #tsn #17thave #redmile <a href="http://t.co/I447Z8j3JR" class="">pic.twitter.com/I447Z8j3JR</a>Kyle Taylor
    But you don’t have to go iginla. Stay. We like you.Samantha
    Oh Captain, my Captain. Forever. #Iggy @NHLFlames <a href="http://t.co/rjXbJ4DDSK" class="">twitpic.com/cex1ay</a>Kyle Stinn
    On the phone with my mom: Mom: what’s wrong? You sound down. Me: Iginla is about to be traded. Mom: who?Trevor Martins
    Number 12 on the ice, number 1 in my heart #iggy #emotionaldayBrandon Fong
    @NHLFlames who said #Iginla wasn’t here ?? http://<a href="http://t.co/FAnUcN8mCz" class="">pic.twitter.com/FAnUcN8mCz</a>Scott Garner
    I can’t even picture Iginla in another jersey.Kate McKenna
    1219 games. 525 goals. 570 assists. 28 playoff goals. I was there to see his very first live. Good luck Iginla. #NHL http://<a href="http://t.co/CvhJwmyZP5" class="">pic.twitter.com/CvhJwmyZP5</a>Darrell Romuld (CTV)
    Iginla has been carrying the #Flames on his back for years, it would be great to see him have a chance at the cup.Ryan Horne
    Thanks for everything Iggy. You’re the best to ever wear the jersey. Now go win a cup, you deserve it.Adam
    As Jarome Iginla heads off into the Calgary sunset… #CGY #Flames #iginlagone #THW #nhl #hockey http://<a href="http://t.co/wQ5j2pOuDA" class="">pic.twitter.com/wQ5j2pOuDA</a>Joshua Smith
    #Iginla trending top 5 in the world right now on twitter. Gotta love cdn hockey fans.Jonathan Macpherson
    Not even a Flames fan and feel their pain losing Iggy! Guys a class act and world class beauty!! #Iginla #IggyGarth Martin
    To Jarome: Best of Luck! Scott #iginla @NHLFlames http://<a href="http://t.co/1TrvwP0D6n" class="">pic.twitter.com/1TrvwP0D6n</a>Scott Bolland
    That hits home a little more… it’s hard to imagine the #Flames with out Jarome Iginla… speechless <a href="http://t.co/wHJKdjqyHa" class="">pic.twitter.com/wHJKdjqyHa</a>JermainFranklin
    While there was much speculation that Iginla had been traded to Boston. In the end, it turns out he’s heading to Pittsburgh:
    Jarome Iginla has been traded to Penguins. Iginla scored 525 goals in 16 seasons with Flames. Earlier report to Bruins was incorrectSportsCenter
    The #Flames have traded Jarome Iginla to the Pittsburgh Penguins.Calgary Flames
    Now hearing Jarome Iginla has been traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Done deal.Bob McKenzie
    A full Q&A with Ray Shero regarding the acquisition of Jarome Iginla: <a href="http://t.co/cgo59gfXkL" class="">pens.pe/XIFa4U</a> (trade coverage presented by @Walgreens)Pittsburgh Penguins
    17 years as the Flames Announcer I bid adieu to # 12. Thanks for the memories Jarrrrrrrome Iginla. Flame Forever! <a href="http://t.co/cRxLwgod6c" class="">pic.twitter.com/cRxLwgod6c</a>mister beesley

  • ‘I pity that puck’ — Mr. T shoots from centre ice

    By Aaron Hutchins - Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at 8:21 AM - 0 Comments

    And Twitter reacts

    Continue…

  • Who’s in favour of marriage equality? On Twitter—just about everybody

    By Aaron Hutchins - Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 11:08 PM - 0 Comments

    Continue…

  • Tiger Woods is the world’s No. 1 golfer again

    By Aaron Hutchins - Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 6:22 AM - 0 Comments

    Continue…

  • NHL goalie Martin Brodeur gets the career hat-trick

    By Aaron Hutchins - Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 10:59 PM - 0 Comments

    NHL goalie Martin Brodeur gets the career hat-trick

    Storified by Maclean’s Magazine· Thu, Mar 21 2013 21:18:49

    Scoring three career NHL goals is something to brag about, but scoring three NHL goals when you are a GOALIE is the stuff of legends. New Jersey Devils netminder Martin Brodeur, a surefire future member of the Hall of Fame, scored his third career goal on Thursday night—a record for goalies.
    Madness on ice! Martin Brodeur gets his 3rd career goal (on PP) when Carolina’s Jordan Staal passes puck off the boards & into an empty net.SportsCenter
    Martin Brodeur Scores Goal Against Hurricanes 3/21/13nhlhockey95
    Maybe he didn’t directly shoot the puck in himself, but when you’re a goalie, you’ll take anything.
    Martin Brodeur just scored a goal. I repeat, Martin Brodeur just scored a goal.Hockey Humor™
    Carolina Hurricanes head coach Kirk Muller could only watch in disbelief.
    PIC: Kirk Muller reacts after Martin Brodeur “scores” a goal on the Hurricanes: <a href="http://t.co/QsIyafhzG6" class="">pic.twitter.com/QsIyafhzG6</a>Josh Gold-Smith
    Lol it’s like a miracle when goalies score in the NHL. Martin Brodeur scored <a href="http://t.co/kWA90lANlp" class="">pic.twitter.com/kWA90lANlp</a>Julian Karim
    The Devils went on to win 4-1 and Brodeur was the game’s 1st star.
    Martin Brodeur has scored for the Devils. He’s the first goalie with three career goals.ESPN Stats & Info
    Martin Brodeur just scored and he now has more goals than 219 players this year. #DevilsvsCanesWheeling Problems
    Brodeur’s career goal tally is even catching up on CBC Hockey Night in Canada analyst P.J. Stock (who played 235 NHL games—as a forward).
    “@mckennaconor: Martin Brodeur has scored more goals this year than Ryan Clowe.”•Brodeur has 3 career goals! PJ Stock had 5. #justteasingTraderinvestor
    Here’s a look back on Brodeur’s first goal, and the only one in which he shot the puck in the net himself.
    Martin Brodeur scores a goal NHL New Jersey Devils goaliejonken5
    His second goal was also a result of the opposing team putting the puck in their own net. (Forgive the poor video quality.)
    Brodeur’s second career goalsteveo1887
    But, hey! You have to be good to be lucky.
    …goes in. All Hail And Worship Martin Brodeur. DOWN ON YOUR KNEES! Recognize Hockey Greatness when you see it.Mick Kern
    Martin Brodeur is the best goalie in the NHL! He’s a brick wall in nets and also provides on the offensive side #3rdgoalStephen LaVick
    Martin Brodeur: "I’m scared now they’re going to ask me to fly the plane home. For real."Rich Chere

  • Tweeting the #Iraq War—10 years later

    By Aaron Hutchins - Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 11:19 PM - 0 Comments

  • President Obama has a Devil lookalike on a History Channel miniseries

    By Aaron Hutchins - Monday, March 18, 2013 at 11:21 PM - 0 Comments

  • Smartphone Wars: Enter the Samsung Galaxy S4

    By Aaron Hutchins - Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 10:04 PM - 0 Comments

    Jason DeCrow/AP


    Continue…

  • Picking the next Pope: ‘March Madness for Catholics’

    By Aaron Hutchins - Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 5:43 AM - 0 Comments

    Gambling on a papal payoff? It’s just like betting on sports.

    Storified by Maclean’s Magazine· Wed, Mar 13 2013 02:38:56

    Is it a sin to gamble on who will be the next Pope? Probably. But that didn’t stop a few bookies from taking bets on the next leader of the Catholic Church when the white smoke comes.
    Folks in London gambling on who will be the next Pope. @tbo #really http://pic.twitter.com/mU1viAgG9yTODD CHAPPEL
    Looking at betting odds on the next pope. There’s something about that which just seems so wrong. #popegambleElliott Binks
    Just placed a bet on who is going to be the next pope and what name he will choose. Got pretty good odds too. #AmIgoingtohell?Joe Capalbo
    Pope Betting! I’m taking Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi at 16/1 odds. #fwmEvan Sigler
    Just bet on the new pope http://pic.twitter.com/K0D5UYd351Emily Lanfear
    On Paddypower.com, Canada’s Cardinal Marc Ouellet had his odds sitting at 8-1 as of midnight on Wednesday.
    @UnaTheSats Bet on the next Pope – some good odds on these two from your own country! http://twitpic.com/catykl http://twitpic.com/catyqrSteve
    #CheltFest tomorrow, but the Papal Elections start then too! Web: http://pdy.pr/0zSYbC Mob: http://pdy.pr/BfYXmw http://pic.twitter.com/GsB6KZAjNbPaddy Power Offers
    Away from #Cheltenham, we’ve just taken our biggest bet on the Next Pope market, with a London punter having £1,000 on Peter Turkson at 4/1.Coral
    Next Pope betting market. Going In Play http://pic.twitter.com/yStCNFIjR2Tom Bacon
    Anyone want to make a wager on who the next pope will be #PopeGamble #CardinalAngeloScolaGrant Wilcox
    If you win a bet on who will be the next pope, how much of your winnings are you supposed to tithe to the Catholic Church? #nextpopeKristin Bibee
    For avid sports gamblers, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Instead of having just one March Madness pool, they can now have two.
    So who wants to bet on the papabile on the next pope? Make it like a march madness pool? #gamblingPaolo Punzal
    So there is a March Madness Bracket for the next Pope. It’s called the Sweet Sistine. http://pic.twitter.com/YQWiJzkWJuMatt Fezza
    Picking the next Pope is March Madness for CatholicsHEATHER McDONALD
    ICYMI: The Vatican’s March Madness. From which bracket will the new Pope emerge? http://nyp.st/VWRcuM via @nypost http://pic.twitter.com/oMiybF7TV9Bien Perez
    THIS POPE THING IS LIKE MARCH MADNESS ISN’T ITR http://pic.twitter.com/0gMQchZiLctonytonitone
    I wonder, if I "technically" can’t do brackets for March Madness (according to the NCAA) can I do a bracket for picking the pope? #TooFar?Mark Howland
    Picking a new Pope isn’t like sport, but that didn’t stop a few Cardinals (from Arizona and St. Louis) from trying to get involved.
    It’s official – the puff of black smoke means that the Cardinals have lost their first round draft pick. #pope #vatican #conclaveSteve Meldrum
    Suddenly the odds are on an American #pope, can’t think why?! http://pic.twitter.com/N1xbvBUQgyIan Pryce
    It’ll be interesting to see who the cardinals draft with the first overall pick in the 2013 Pope draftDylin
    Cardinal Conclave to determine the new pope #mlbmemes http://pic.twitter.com/NZ1UHA8bERMLB Memes
    If it were like sport, however, the new Pope would be announced like this.
    "Drafting" the new Pope… WOW! #mlbmemes http://pic.twitter.com/cpWh19Kzn6MLB Memes

  • Politics and the Pen (and the party)

    By Aaron Hutchins - Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 6:55 AM - 0 Comments

    Politics and the Pen (and the party)

    Storified by Maclean’s Magazine· Thu, Mar 07 2013 03:52:28

    Where else but Ottawa could journalists and politicians gather together for one big party. The annual Politics and the Pen gala spotlights the country’s best political titles, but has also become one of the biggest social events for people who work on—or write about—Parliament Hill.
    Big day, big day! #polipen #writerstrust #cdnpoli http://instagr.am/p/WhOWWkM651/Patrick Kennedy
    Big night as @fairmontlaurier prepares to welcome a favourite event Politics and the Pen #polipen. Can’t wait.Château Laurier
    The Chateau always looks great before the Politics and the Pen crowd shows up to complicate things. @… http://instagr.am/p/Wh9a2NI-FF/Paul Wells
    #polipen menu is served! @fairmontlaurier http://pic.twitter.com/c98DJLVKVDWriters’ Trust
    Wednesday night’s gala was co-hosted by Conservative MP John Baird and Mark Carney, who will soon become Governor of the Bank of England (and made a grand entrance to let the people know).
    Mark Carney just entered to the Sex Pistols’ Anarchy in the UK. #polipenStuart Henderson
    Carney & Baird on stage at Politics and the Pen.Great stand-up routine.Crowd is roaring with laughter. #polipen http://pic.twitter.com/9qs1VJHnwaipoliYOW
    John Baird just singled out Conrad Black – "so glad he’s here" – and called him his favourite historian. Crowd demurs. #polipenStuart Henderson
    Great joke about HRH Prince Harry and Las Vegas from @HonJohnBaird – Politics and the Pen.Greg MacEachern
    At Politics and the Pen, enjoying opening remarks from emcees John Baird, Mark Carney. I want to know who wrote their (really good) jokes.Stephen Maher
    It wasn’t just a big party. The main attraction was the $25,000 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing. The finalists included:
    – Taras Grescoe for “Straphanger: Saving Our Cities and Ourselves from the Automobile”
    – Noah Richler for “What We Talk About When We Talk About War“
    – Marcello Di Cintio for “Walls: Travels Along the Barricades”
    – Peter F. Trent for “The Merger Delusion: How Swallowing Its Suburbs Made an Even Bigger Mess of Montreal”
    – Jeffrey Simpson for “Chronic Condition: Why Canada’s Health-Care System Needs to be Dragged into the 21st Century”

    Stay tuned to #polipen this eve for the winner! @SMcAnsh:The prize! Thx @TheHillTimes #Cdnpoli #CanLit http://pic.twitter.com/6YzvdP7D58Writers’ Trust
    Politics & the Pen show getting on the road. And get this – not a single Trudeau book shortlisted this year! Yeah. Whoa…Yaroslav Baran
    The @writerstrust nominees in the parliamentary library with the speaker @knowwhereyouare @dicintio & @grescoe http://pic.twitter.com/hwPUKp1PCzsarahmac
    And the award went to…
    And the winner is… Marcello de Cinto’s Walls: Travels Along the Barriades. Congrats! CC @nenshi #polipenAlison Loat
    Politics & The Pen winner Marcello Di Cintio with Speaker Andrew Scheer and I earlier today. Big congrats! #yyc #HoC http://pic.twitter.com/szfTRcpoX9Joan Crockatt MP
    winner of the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing is Marcello Di Cinto for Walls. #polipen http://pic.twitter.com/Mqx7buqEdpipoliYOW
    Congratulations to Marcello Di Cinto for winning the top prize at #polipen for "Wall" – what a fascinating subjectKate Purchase
    Even for those who didn’t win, it was still the place to be for political celebrity spotting, as well as big- name journalists.
    "Politics and the Pen" finalist (and constituent !) Noah Richler, with Paul Wells – good luck to all tonight !! http://pic.twitter.com/T21t458z7vBob Rae
    Lord Conrad Black is in the house for Politics and the Pen. #polipenJason Fekete
    Mrs. Sauvé with the charming Rick Mercer at #polipen @fairmontlaurier nice to have you @rickmercer http://pic.twitter.com/ewiZ1B2m3HChâteau Laurier
    Peter Harder and @afhimelfarb classing up the joint. #polipen http://pic.twitter.com/2GX89WTGuYPaul Wells
    I’m smack in the middle @hopreads: Excited to welcome our guest authors tonight! #polipen http://pic.twitter.com/oEwh292CYeDouglas Hunter
    Glam-tastic! #polipen http://pic.twitter.com/asunuFo0ebTom Ryan
    Off to @writerstrust gala with @sarahmac, Canada Reads winner Lisa Moore & Walrus’s Shelley Ambrose: who’s a winner? http://pic.twitter.com/fU15zlK6QYNoah Richler
    Parliamentarians in the #HoC r all done up to the nines for Politics and The Pen. @MichelleRempel – you could pass for a Bond girl! #MPchicJoan Crockatt MP
    WT people all dressed up and checking in #polipen guests! @hopreads @MsRebeccs http://pic.twitter.com/Gbyy1EF2reWriters’ Trust
    Some day I should write something about politics. Like in a newspaper. Or a book. That’ll get me invited to Politics and the Pen, right?Dan Gardner
    Having a great time at #polipen – met up w my old buddy @MeganLeslieMP !! http://pic.twitter.com/7TDdxMGLXRTom Ryan
    Incredible #polipen event. Got to meet my #PoliNerd idol @evansolomoncbc http://pic.twitter.com/IsEeeegYLcMarc Douglas
    Look! It’s Lloyd! #polipen http://pic.twitter.com/frcFcuVmksPaul Wells
    And the #polipen dinner is underway. http://pic.twitter.com/Yz00x09OsDPaul Wells
    @inklesspw and @althiaraj getting photo-bombed by @JustinTrudeau at Politics & the Pen. #lpcldr #cdnpoli http://pic.twitter.com/Ak6LKr9PBFGerald Butts

  • #Rememberin’ Stompin’ Tom

    By Aaron Hutchins - Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 11:09 PM - 0 Comments

  • What politicians are saying about Hugo Chavez’s death

    By Aaron Hutchins - Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at 11:41 PM - 0 Comments

    In this photo released Friday, Feb. 15, 2013 by Miraflores Presidential Press Office, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, center, poses for a photo with his daughters, Maria Gabriela, left, and Rosa Virginia at an unknown location in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013. (AP Photo/Miraflores Presidential Press Office)

    How did politicians in Canada and around the world react to the death of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez? Let’s just say there were mixed emotions. Below is a list compiled of statements, tweets, and reported televised interviews about the late controversial President.

    In a statement by the Prime Minister, Stephen Harper said: “At this key juncture, I hope the people of Venezuela can now build for themselves a better, brighter future based on the principles of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.”

    Jean Chrétien, the former Prime Minister, said in a televised interview on CBC’s Power and Politics:

    “He was a great baseball fan and player and he always told me that if I were to visit him in Venezuela we would go to a baseball field and he would throw balls to me for me to hit them, you know, and we never had the occasion to do that.”

    “On a personal basis, I had really good relations with him. He was not a great admirer of the Americans and he was not shy to discuss that with anybody, including me.”

    Interim Liberal leader Bob Rae expressed his hope for democracy in Venezuela via Twitter, writing:

    “The death of Hugo Chavez marks turning in Venezuelan politics – we send our condolences, and hopes for democratic future for a great people.”

    NDP member of Parliament Paul Dewar also went to Twitter to say the following:

    “Condolences to President Chavez’s family and the people of Venezuela. We reaffirm the enduring bonds between our two countries.”

    South of the border, American politicians had polarizing views on the passing of the Venezuelan leader. Demorcratic Congressman Jose E. Serrano had positive memories of Chavez, and expressed this on his Twitter account:

    “Hugo Chavez was a leader that understood the needs of the poor. He was committed to empowering the powerless. R.I.P. Mr. President.”

    Republican Congressman Ed Royce, on the other hand, wasn’t shy about his dislike for the late-Venezuelan leader:

    “Hugo Chavez was a tyrant who forced the people of Venezuela to live in fear. His death dents the alliance of anti-U.S. leftist leaders in South America. Good riddance to this dictator,” Royce said in a statement.

    In a longer statement from Jimmy Carter, the former President extended his condolences while also acknowledging the division Chavez created during his 14 years as the controversial leader of Venezuela.

    “Although we have not agreed with all of the methods followed by his government, we have never doubted Hugo Chávez’s commitment to improving the lives of millions of his fellow countrymen.”

    President Barack Obama had a more neutral statement, saying:

    “At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez’s passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government. As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.”

    In Mexico, President Enrique Peña Nieto said the following on Twitter:

    “So sorry to hear of President Hugo Chavez’s passing. My deepest condolences to his family and the Venezuelan people.”

    And former Mexican President Felipe Calderón also tweeted, writing:

    “My condolences to Hugo Chavez’s family and followers, and to all Venezuelans. May Venezuela define its path with democracy.”

    In Argentina, Vice-President Amado Boudou tweeted:

    “A great sorrow for the Americas. See you soon, commander: you and Nestor [Kichner] will lead the people to victory.”

    Here’s what some other politicians had to say:

    “The rule of Hugo Chavez is over,” wrote U.S. Senator Bill Nelson on his Twitter feed.

    Congressman Tom Cotton‘s statement said:

    “Sic semper tyrannis. [Latin for "Thus always to tyrants."]

    “After the welcome news of Hugo Chavez’s death, I hope that the oppressed people of Venezuela will be able to live in freedom, not under miserable tyranny.”

    U.S. Senator Bob Corker, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the following:

    “Following the death of Hugo Chavez, it is my hope that all Venezuelans will have the opportunity to fully exercise their political rights, including freedom of expression and assembly, in fully free and fair constitutionally-mandated elections and build a more prosperous future for their country.”

    Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen said in her statement:

    “For over a decade Chavez had used corruption, intimidation, manipulation, and brutal tactics to rule over the Venezuelan people.  Chavez misruled Venezuela with an iron grip on the government, economy, and the courts as he routinely bullied the media and the opposition to deny the people of Venezuela their basic freedoms. Today, his death marks the end of this tyrannical rule but the road to democracy for the Venezuelan people is still very much uncertain.”

    The United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary William Hague released a statement saying:

    “I was saddened to learn of the death of President Hugo Chavez today. As President of Venezuela for 14 years he has left a lasting impression on the country and more widely. I would like to offer my condolences to his family and to the Venezuelan people at this time.”

    And according to Reuters, leaders throughout America said the following:

    Chilean President Sebastian Pinera: “We undoubtedly had our differences, but I was always able to appreciate the strength, the engagement with which Chavez fought for his ideas.

    Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos: “The obsession that united us and that was the base of our relationship was peace in Colombia and the region. If we’ve advanced in a solid peace process … it’s also thanks to the dedication and commitment without limits of President Chavez and the Venezuelan government.”

    Mauricio Funes, President of El Salvador: “The death of someone who has been one of the strongest and most popular Latin American leaders will, without doubt, produce a vacuum in politics, but most of all, in the heart of all Venezuelan men and women.”

    Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff: “On many occasions, the Brazilian government did not fully agree with President Hugo Chavez but today, as always, we recognize in him a great leader, an irreparable loss and, above all, a friend of Brazil.”

    Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva: “I’m confident that his example of love of the fatherland and his dedication to the cause of the poor will continue to illuminate the future of Venezuela.”

     

  • ‘Happy National Grammar Day, fellow nerds!’

    By Aaron Hutchins - Monday, March 4, 2013 at 10:13 PM - 0 Comments

  • Martin Short’s Oscar-worthy night at the Canadian Screen Awards

    By Aaron Hutchins - Monday, March 4, 2013 at 8:28 AM - 0 Comments

  • Snow day in Ottawa rough on buses

    By Aaron Hutchins - Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 5:28 AM - 0 Comments

    Snow day in Ottawa rough on OC Transpo

    Storified by Maclean’s Magazine· Wed, Feb 27 2013 20:03:56

    How hard was the nation’s capital hit by Wednesday’s snowstorm? Let’s just say the OC Transpo buses had some delays—and people were tweeting pictures of it all day.
    Look at that teamwork.. #Ottawa #OCTranspo #MTO @ottawacity http://pic.twitter.com/vXijQpK3upTÅYLOR SICAℝD
    Aw how cute, even #octranspo can’t drive in this. http://pic.twitter.com/G3u1LHyCCCEvan
    “@joliejessie: the bus that was #stuckbus #octranspo #lincolnfields http://twitpic.com/c7c6a5 http://twitpic.com/c7c6ap”Paul Keating
    Transitway buses are being held WB on JAM Pkwy at Lincoln Fields due to a report of a jack-knifed bus. #OCTranspoOC Transpo Alerts
    @OCTranspo And again… I hate Ottawa at times http://pic.twitter.com/eZWpYKoIxnAngela
    #octranspo #lendingahand http://pic.twitter.com/Gi348kUYvOPaul Keating
    Yikes. This served as a pretty effective roadblock. #OCTranspo #Ottawa #weather http://twitpic.com/c7dpuwSteph Willems
    From #OCTranspo: "As of 4:30pm, approximately 60 buses required tow truck assistance and 13 buses were involved in minor collisions."Jon Willing
    Well my #octranspo bus didn’t jackknife, but this is the scene at Cahill and Hunt Club http://pic.twitter.com/g1FznMXV6JByron Clairoux
    OCTranspo buses stuck, sliding backward, touching on Riverside to Bronson N. Ramp #cbcott http://pic.twitter.com/orybZqlus9Stu Mills
    OCTranspoBusStuck1467mrwildfiremike
    Bus stuck at Lebreton… So it begins, let’s see if I get home in one piece tonight #octranspo #ottcity http://pic.twitter.com/qh9aJd9MQaMadona Walls
    Expect long wait/travel times on buses to continue into the evening as the Environment Canada snowfall warning remains in effect. #OCTranspoOC Transpo Alerts
    Classic #OCTranspo — / I feel kinda bad, what a poor sweetie!Gen Larose
    #OCTranspo classic! http://pic.twitter.com/FwYeAziQqcPiotr Boruslawski
    This is what is holding up all the traffic. #OCTranspo #ottawa #ottnews http://pic.twitter.com/reA1ayC5xjMike Ciolfi
    We’re not going anywhere now. #octranspo http://pic.twitter.com/KtKxT1wFThDJ Shaun
    the bus that fucked everyone over. #octranspo #ottawa #lincolnfieldsJess Martin
    Packed. #octranspo #full #uncomfortable #bus #ottawa #storm #weatherStephanie Dorsch
    @LesliHarker don’t you miss #Ottawa ? "#OCTranspo classic! http://pic.twitter.com/zTXoovAOsQ"Victoria Amira
    @octranspo buses in the ditch Everywhere http://pic.twitter.com/GZJcMSLw9iMikey G
    accordion buses apparently not designed for ottawa blizzards #weather @BlacksWeather @OCTranspoAlerts http://pic.twitter.com/XcxO0wDzOjGraham Raby
    The transit way is totally blocked at Greenbank station. #OCTranspo #ottnews http://pic.twitter.com/5ZNHKGzTmfMike
    @CBCOttawa Octranspo offloading psngrs in middle of Heron rd http://pic.twitter.com/kibTxEsBwVJosh Ray

  • Idea of Titanic II already sinking on Twitter

    By Aaron Hutchins - Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 10:22 PM - 0 Comments

  • Noted on Twitter: Long Oscar speeches get cut off with Jaws theme

    By Aaron Hutchins - Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 10:56 PM - 0 Comments

    John Williams would not have approved

    Continue…

  • Noted on Twitter: Seth MacFarlane is #hilarious and #horrible as host

    By Aaron Hutchins - Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 10:12 PM - 0 Comments

    …

    Continue…

  • Twitter festival of authors: #ShortestHockeyBooks

    By Aaron Hutchins - Friday, February 22, 2013 at 5:31 AM - 0 Comments

    Twitter Festival of Authors: #ShortestHockeyBooks

    Storified by Maclean’s Magazine· Fri, Feb 22 2013 07:13:59

    Always thought you could write a book about hockey but never found the time? No worries. Just try writing a short story. Twitter was full of ideas Thursday as #ShortestHockeyBooks was trending all evening. You will never find these in your local book store, but the titles alone may still be worth a read.
    #ShortestHockeyBooks .. "Proper Defensive Play" By The Toronto Maple Leafs. http://pic.twitter.com/LVMZCgPpKcWheeling Problems
    #ShortestHockeyBooks How To Win Friends and Influence People by Gary Bettman, foreword by Brendan ShanahanGeoff Crawley
    #shortesthockeybooks "Last Name Pronunciations" by Dustin Byfuglien, forward by Martin St. Louis @JHornbergChris Bausinger
    #ShortestHockeyBooks "Execution of a routine line change" by The New York Rangers http://pic.twitter.com/vgIgHTKvwxCondescending Torts
    #ShortestHockeyBooks Hockey by ESPNThat One Beaut
    #ShortestHockeyBooks "Beer Pong" by Dustin Brown http://pic.twitter.com/swVs9RawS4Because It’s The Cup
    #ShortestHockeyBooks "Passing" -Alexander OvechkinFilthy Dangles™
    #ShortestHockeyBooks Scott Gomez "Photobook of all my best goals"Desautels Luc
    #ShortestHockeyBooks How to screen a goalie by Sean Avery http://pic.twitter.com/diHILNx005Hockey Girl Problems
    "A history of names I have pronounced correctly" by Don Cherry #shortesthockeybooksMike Obrand
    #ShortestHockeyBooks "Five Hole Saves" By Ilya Bryzgalov http://pic.twitter.com/fWuKs8y4baSnoek
    #ShortestHockeyBooks how to play goalie by Thomas Vokoun http://pic.twitter.com/XOxJxY2sjbMatt
    The Wit and Wisdom of Post-Game Player Interviews. #ShortestHockeyBooksMelissa Martin
    a guide to shooting the puck by Tomas Kaberle. #shortesthockeybooksIan C McLaren
    #ShortestHockeyBooks "How to Score in a Shootout" by Dennis Wideman http://pic.twitter.com/XYQxorZdvyRookieProblems
    Of course, there were plenty of jabs at the failed expansions in Atlanta and Phoenix.
    How to sell out an arena – pheonix coyotes #ShortestHockeyBooks http://pic.twitter.com/meJVWmUfp6Matt Tish
    "The Complete Directory of Atlanta Thrashers Fans" #ShortestHockeyBooksJ-Duds
    #ShortestHockeyBooks "How to have fans" by the Florida Panthers http://pic.twitter.com/v4I0P2uHptBar South Life™
    But the main victim of Twitter was Sidney Crosby, especially taking a few jabs at his playoff beard.
    Growing Facial Hair by Sidney Crosby #shortesthockeybooksMeesh
    #ShortestHockeyBooks "how to grow a playoff beard" -Sidney CrosbyJulian Cafmeyer
    #ShortestHockeyBooks "How to Grow a Normal Mustache" by Sidney CrosbyFlyers Nation
    #ShortestHockeyBooks The Things I Don’t Whine About by Sidney CrosbySh*tPhillyFansSay
    "Fighting Tips & Tricks, By Sidney Crosby" #ShortestHockeyBooksBillyVable

  • Toronto Raptors broadcaster vs. Wale: ‘Best Raps moment ever? Perhaps’

    By Aaron Hutchins - Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at 5:00 AM - 0 Comments

    Toronto Raptors broadcaster upsets Washington rapper

    Storified by Maclean’s Magazine· Wed, Feb 20 2013 01:56:16

    Never heard of the rapper Wale (pronounced WAH-lay)? No big deal. Neither have the Toronto Raptors broadcasters, who may have insulted the Washington native Tuesday night. Sitting courtside as his Washington Wizards played in Toronto, Wale was seen verbally jawing with Raptors star Rudy Gay. Then Raptors announcer Matt Devlin added his two cents, admitting he had never heard of the Grammy nominee.
    Toronto Raptors Commentators & Rudy Gay Make Fun Of Rapper WalexwEbGG8VxvXcHiOj4ySrug
    "I’m sure somebody on twitter could tell me if they’d ever heard of Wale."-raptors announcer.Reggie Flye
    lol Wale’s about to get fried on twitter.. "he’s no Drake, that’s for sure." #WizTapeJustin.
    Enjoyed hearing @mattdevlinraps and Leo Rautins discuss @drake vs @wale. Showing your age fellas! Haha. #raptorscabbie richards
    Wale just got ethered by the Toronto Raptors announcer. Amazing.Randy
    I wonder what got him more upset: being called a "local rapper" or saying "he’s no Drake, that’s for sure."There’s no E in Cory
    Wale must not have particularly liked being told “he’s no Drake,” as he later went up to confront the broadcast team.
    Rapper Artist Wale Confronts Toronto Raptor Commentator Leo Rautins!ao11
    We have a situation. Wale unhappy with #Raptors broadcasters. Confronting them at media row. Best Raps moment ever? Perhaps.Ryan Emberley
    Some even compared what transpired to a famous NBA player/NBA fan rivalry of the past.
    Rudy Gay vs. @Wale is the new Reggie Miller vs. Spike Lee.Carlo Campo
    WordPress
    Reggie Miller vs. Spike Lee. Choke. #SportPics http://pic.twitter.com/gR5uFDNGSport Pics
    Rudy Gay, however, later suggested he was just playing around.
    Me and @Wale was just joking y’all. Thats my boy right there.Rudy Gay
    Maclean’s may not be your usual source for news on rappers or basketball, but at least now you’ve heard of Wale.
    Wale – The Break Up Song (Full Official Version)djomega609

  • Country music star Mindy McCready dead at 37

    By Aaron Hutchins - Sunday, February 17, 2013 at 11:36 PM - 0 Comments

    [View the story "Country music remembers Mindy McCready" on Storify]…

  • Noted on Twitter: #CandyHeartRejects

    By Aaron Hutchins - Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 5:20 AM - 0 Comments

    Valentine’s Day #CandyHeartRejects

    Storified by Maclean’s Magazine· Thu, Feb 14 2013 02:16:03

    Valentine’s Day is full traditions, be it flowers, chocolates, or anything else that sets a romantic mood. And then there are the candy hearts with a special word or two written on them. Sometimes the message is as sappy as “BE MINE” or “I❤U”, but at least they are better than some alternatives seen on Twitter. In preparation for Valentine’s Day, ill-conceived heart candy messages were trending under the hashtag #candyheartrejects. Here are some of the, ahem, more PG tweets.
    #CandyHeartRejects http://pic.twitter.com/dIHttguVJordan Heiden
    PLEASE B THINNER #CandyHeartRejectsBrian Lynch
    #CandyHeartRejects http://pic.twitter.com/u0ciSlXnDL Thurston
    Some of the best #Candyheartrejects Leigh
    RT @aughtomat: WISH U WERE BEER #candyheartrejects http://pic.twitter.com/H217to3sKia Ruhkamp
    Call me Maeby. #candyheartrejectsArrested Development
    #CandyHeartRejects http://pic.twitter.com/jrNTPsB1Brittany Watkins
    Lets just be friends….. #candyheartrejectsAmy Cimorelli
    #CandyHeartRejects http://pic.twitter.com/TQrSuFvAnatalie pond
    #candyheartrejects You’ll Always Have Your Workmaura johnston
    #CandyHeartRejects http://pic.twitter.com/NeLDjEs2White Goodman
    You don’t need the calories #candyheartrejectsTom Brady’s Ego
    Forget-Me-Now. #candyheartrejectsArrested Development
    RT @SarahThyre: I’M OLD #candyheartrejects http://yfrog.com/oedynurjgroovehouse
    YOU HAD ME AT HELL-NO #candyheartrejectsJazzy
    RT @metzzzz_: My Valentine’s Day pajama shorts #CandyHeartRejects http://pic.twitter.com/yBjPMVyUChristopher Schuhart
    RT @Wells_Jacob: #CandyHeartRejects http://pic.twitter.com/kNqez2TwGwen Anderson
    #candyheartrejects http://twitpic.com/c3hay6Steve Richardson
    RT @courtneyreadman: #candyheartrejects http://pic.twitter.com/5tAYWiBiTINA TUMMY
    RT @jaseellis: hahahah best so far today @healingmuse: RT @kmjones234: @healingmuse #candyheartrejects http://pic.twitter.com/mp2gYEqW bwaaaaaaaa – tip please!!!Kødie Elizabeth
    #NoSweetStuff @gamecockmomma @cullyinthehouse #candyheartrejectsbrandi
    I GOOGLED YOU #candyheartrejects #catfishNev Schulman
    #candyheartrejects http://pic.twitter.com/jbMCR8M1Casey Hassencahl
    But when candy hearts fail, there’s always poetry.
    RT @jswifty250: #CandyHeartRejects http://pic.twitter.com/0PJsVuGkOOHLALAyayyyy

  • Noted on Twitter: Obama earns standing O, Marco Rubio needs H2O

    By Aaron Hutchins - Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 12:09 AM - 0 Comments

    Twitter on Obama’s speech and Marco Rubio’s thirst

    Storified by Maclean’s Magazine· Wed, Feb 13 2013 02:39:32

    Two speeches were delivered Tuesday night, but only one will be remembered for leaving audiences thirsty for more. President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address touched on gun control, climate change, and raising the minimum wage for Americans. The speech can be seen in its entirety below.
    State of the Union 2013: President Obama’s Complete Speechthenewyorktimes
    Most-tweeted #SOTU moment: Middle class opportunity and minimum wage at 9:52p ET = ~24,000 Tweets per minute.Twitter Government
    Finally! Obama unwavering in his support for passing immigration reform. Boehner not impressed. #sotuBen English
    Man, if looks could kill… #SOTU #Obama #Boehner http://pic.twitter.com/3Grx70vCLogan Rosalez
    Judging from John Boehner’s expression as he listens to Obama, good thing he’s not armed. #SOTUNicholas Kristof
    Standing ovation for North Miami woman named Desiline Victor, 102 yrs old, who stood in line for 6 hours to vote last Election Day.Mark Knoller
    Desiline Victor, 102-year-old voter http://pic.twitter.com/tq82EUxmHuffPost Politics
    Note to all Americans, if there’s a 102 year old lady behind you in the voting line, let her cut. #sotuCody Lindquist
    Soon after the State of the Union address, Marco Rubio delivered a response on behalf of the Republican Party.
    Feel like there are *a lot* of GOP eggs in the Rubio basket at this point.Christopher Hayes
    Marco Rubio 2013 State of the Union Response (English Version)thenewyorktimes
    Many who tuned in, however, didn’t come away with a take-home message from Rubio. Instead the online chatter was mainly about how the senator from Florida found himself suddenly very thirsty in the middle of his speech, awkwardly leaning off-screen to take a sip of water.
    RT @davidjacobs: @davewiner finally I understand the value of Vine. Rubio and the water. http://twitpic.com/c389j9Chris Wiest
    Marco Rubio takin’ a sip of water http://twitpic.com/c388lmBuzzFeed
    As soon as he put the bottle down, Twitter was off and running.
    Rubio just locked down the thirsty vote.Miles Tache
    In fairness to Rubio, we are in the middle of record-setting drought.Jonathan Larsen
    Brian Williams just noted that "an impassioned" drink of water is now trending on Twitter, after Rubio’s remarks. @NBCNewsAri Melber
    Nice plug for Poland Springs by Marco Rubio tonight. 5th most popular bottled water in US. Did $550M in sales last year.darren rovell
    Don’t tell Marco #Rubio but Poland Springs is pro-union. #gopresponseJohn Fugelsang
    #water #rubio http://pic.twitter.com/Yv0rebNbBrandon Contreras
    Shorter Rubio Speech: take Mitt Romney’s policies and just add water #SOTUEd Schultz
    Pretty soon afterwards, Rubio’s water bottle had multiple Twitter accounts of its own.
    LMAO I JUST CAN’T ANYMORE #gulp http://pic.twitter.com/gHUVeZEBKyle
    Sure, Rubio is thirsty … thirsty for an unshackled American free enterprise system!James Pethokoukis
    And before you knew it, everyone was doing it.
    All @current commentators gulping water after #Rubio #SOTU rebuttal. #genius http://pic.twitter.com/7k9kTEdRSharon Paley
    And thus everything about Marco Rubio will be forgotten except that he desperately needed a gulp of water.aaronwherry
    #Thirsty #Rubio #SOTU http://yfrog.com/kkrjjfpGerald Farinas
    Rubio believes that proper hydration steals one’s soul.Gen JC Christian
    Y’all ain’t got that water pic up yet. Grrrr. I want a Ryan vs Rubio sip off http://twitpic.com/c389iqCherri
    "I don’t always drink water, but when I do I prefer to be awkward. Stay #thirsty my friends" -Marco Rubio http://pic.twitter.com/phOFvjp6bill0reilly
    Tweets-per-minute peak during #GOPResponse to #SOTU: ~9,200 TPM at 10:43 pm ET, following @MarcoRubio’s sip of water.Twitter Government
    My hero. RT @darth: OK RT @jakebeckman: Someone photoshop Rubio on the poster for The Water Boy cc @darth thx http://pic.twitter.com/WVLhqQNTMatthew Cain
    Marco Rubio, water boy. #Watergate http://pic.twitter.com/jFQstCS5Dr. Jill Biden
    In a remarkable feat, Rubio becomes the third member of the losing Romney-Ryan ticket.Josh Dorner
    "Don’t worry about it Marco, it’s all WATER under the bridge." – Rubio’s assistantJesse Hawken
    So the biggest news story of the night is Marco Rubio drinking water! Thank you twitter.Maribeth Heeran

Older Entries

Newer Entries

From Macleans