Insults to our PM, sing for your ride and chair-throwing Dawgs’ coach

This happened more than a month ago, but all Canadians, no what their political stripe, should be up in arms over the embarrassing comments Donald Trump made in early June against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (“weak, dishonest”) following the mid-June G7 summit meeting. It is extraordinarily shameful for a government head to use the disgusting words he used against another government leader, especially the leader of a neighbouring country which has been a friend and ally for centuries. But then again, trying to explain Trump’s actions on anything usually requires a standard answer that applies to anything he does: He’s a simple-minded moron who prefers to put Trump first and everything else, America included, second. And the quicker the U.S. gets rid of him, the better off America, and the world, will be ... The Canadian Mental Health Association released astonishing information that 72 per cent of Canadian men are unhealthy. In fact, according to the CMBHA study, only six per cent of men in this country are considered “very healthy.” It makes my back ache just reading that previous line . ... Want to feel better? No, mind-altering or pain-reduction drugs are not required. Just do some housecleaning, says a recent news release, and you’ll feel better. According to a survey conducted by Leger Marketing on behalf of Vileda Canada, 88 per cent of Canadians felt more in control of their lives when their home was clean. A whopping 81 per cent said the overall cleanliness of their home was an indicator of how they were feeling and 77 per cent agreed that when their homes were clean, it allowed them to better focus on self-care. The most therapeutic cleaning activity? Washing dishes. So hop to it, Hatters. Grab a mop or a dishcloth and improve your mental health and your outlook on life . ... ‘Prolife’ is the tag on one side; those on the ‘pro-life’ side refer to the other side as ‘pro-abortion’ rather than ‘pro-choice.’ Prolife supporters say the mother has a choice, but the embryo doesn’t. Like the religious battles in the Middle East, there will never be a consensus on this issue. Some people insist it’s a black and white issue, but it isn’t, which means it will forever rage on ... Many Hatters were disappointed that Vegas Golden Knights lost the Stanley Cup final, because native son Murray

Craven holds down an important position with the team, but two of the happiest local people when Washington won the Cup were Kim Bratvold and her son Sam, who have been longtime dedicated and passionate Capitals’ fans . ... Finally, there could be a payoff for my penchant for suddenly and without warning breaking into song, which frightens people within listening distance and causes small animals to start whimpering. A taxi service in Finland, Fortum Singalong Shuttle, accepts only singing as payment during the period when the Ruisrock Musical Festival is taking place July 6-8. The emission-free rides are operated on electric cars. So for all those people who have asked me if I could sing “Far, Far Away” — not familiar with that tune — is Finland far enough away? ... The perfect recipe for a nap: 18 holes of golf in the morning to get a little weary; a comfy Laz-E-Boy chair for post-round comfort; and a World Cup soccer game on TV to close the eyelids . ... I’ve heard an advertising jingle on local radio stations at least 150 times in the past year or so — it’s to the tune of ‘If You’re Happy and You Know it Clap Your Hands’ — and I still have no idea either the name of the company or what product or service they're trying to promote . ... I feel sorry for the 29 per cent of poll respondents who say they’ve never been to the Esplanade. It’s a world-class entertainment facility that cause people living in other communities of our size to absolutely drool over . ... Medicine Hat’s Canada Day fireworks are the best! ... Keep the folding chairs away from Okotoks head coach Mitch Schmidt when the Dawgs visit the powerful Medicine Hat Mavericks Monday night at Athletic Park. If you don't know to what I refer, just Google his name. ... Writer Eric Duhatschek of The Athletic says Canadian hockey icon Hayley Wickenheiser might be the most interesting person in the world. Two things about the Shaunavon native: One: At the age of 39 and her illustrious hockey career over, Wickenheiser is entering medical school in Calgary. Two: She was in India in February helping give a big boost to a fledgling hockey program in a remote area of the country while the Olympic women’s gold medal hockey game was happening in South Korea. She caught the final few minutes of the game by watching it on the cellphone of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was also in India at the time . ... Don't mess with Mama: The chilling headline on CNN.com: Woman, 92, accused of killing son who wanted to put her in a nursing home . ... 7-Eleven (and its famous Slurpee) is having its annual celebration next Wednesday, July 11 — 7/11 — by giving away 1,500 free birthday Slurpee drinks at its 590 Canadian stores. Be there, or be thirsty . ... Albertans can fish this weekend whether they are licensed to do so, or not. It’s the annual Free Fishing Weekend and the only ones not happy about it are the fish.

Bruce Penton is assistant managing editor of the Medicine Hat News and can be reached at bpenton@medicinehatnews.com