BURTON'S TIP - JOINT ROLLING

Author Shows How It's Done On Rick Mercer Show Monday
Report

TORONTO - Is he a joker or a celebrity toker?

One of the highlights of Rick Mercer's Monday Report last season was
the "Celebrity Tip," in which a famous Canadian demonstrates how to
perform a helpful household function, from Shirley Douglas showing the
best way to jump-start a car in wintertime to Geddy Lee's toboggan
lesson.

When the weekly satire show returns to CBC on Monday at 9 p.m., it'll
be author and television personality Pierre Berton's turn. The subject
matter: how to roll a joint.

"First of all, you need a good rolling surface," Berton deadpans,
suggesting a big textbook like, say, The National Dream.

"Avoiding novelty or coloured papers, I prefer white," he says, adding
that it's also preferable to opt for hydroponic marijuana, especially
in Ontario.

"Start in the middle, roll outwards and let your thumbs do most of the
work," he says, guiding a young assistant. "Wrap the excess paper
around the joint, wet the paper and seal the joint."

He pronounces the results excellent, just the way he likes
them.

"Firm but not too firm," he says because after all, loose joints tend
to fall apart, leaving unsightly toke burns on one's chair or bow tie.

Mercer, meanwhile, is seen visiting Antigonish, N.S., where he attends
a toga party and a hockey game.