HELP WANTED: Style Consultant

I admit when I saw the press photos of Prime Minister Harper in Cancun, I thought his wardrobe could use some improvement. Apparently, I wasn't alone. The columnist on style comments in today's Globe about his attire.

Although this columnist does poke fun at the PM, she does make some solid comments and suggestions. The Prime Minister should have a stylist on retainer to handle all wardrobe matters for him. It's actually fairly common for prominent figures in society to have style consultants. This especially holds true for celebrities.

Consider it a perk of office, you no longer have wake up and decide what to wear in the morning like the rest of us.

When Supermodels Attack...

Egads! The notoriously fiesty supermodel has once again landed herself in trouble. No word yet on what object was used to club her assistant. My guess would be something expensive. A Louis Vuitton handbag, perhaps?









Model Naomi Campbell arrested
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has been arrested in New York on suspicion of assaulting her assistant. She was being held in police custody pending charges. The assistant, a 42-year-old woman, was reportedly taken to hospital after the alleged attack at the supermodel's home in Manhattan. "She had a laceration to her head, so she was clearly hit with some sort of object," a police spokeswoman told the AFP news agency.

Overtly Biased Journalism

I've seen my share of biased journalism, but today, Susan Riley takes the top prize. Her job as a columnist at the Ottawa Citizen may very well be impeding her ability to help the Liberal Party.

I'm a fairly easygoing guy, so I respect people who have opinions that differ from my own. But, I cannot defend Sue's 'foaming at the mouth' column today. She opines, "[The Liberal Party] needs to defeat the Harper Conservatives before they inflict serious damage on the economy, the nation's social fabric, international reputation or domestic unity." Gee, Sue, tell us how you really feel.

Yet, she goes on tell Liberals to get their act together before the Conservatives win a majority government. So, in her opinion, Conservatives will destroy the country and Canadians will overwhelmingly support it.

Right. That's not biased journalism, that schizophrenic journalism.

Lucky Duck

Now we're talking! Pam Anderson wants a meeting with the Prime Minister. Yes, she will be representing PETA, but who cares?


















After all, she is Canadian and she looks great in a halter top! Besides, is it not the job of the Prime Minister to represent the people of Canada? Would he not be representing every Canadian guy by meeting with her?

Poor Journalism

The Toronto Star's James Travers is an idiot.

In his Saturday column, he attempts to argue that Canada's reputation internationally protects Canadians from terriorists while travelling internationally. "Twice in 10 days, Canadian hostages have been freed, badly frightened but physically unharmed." He refers to two instances, the brief kidnapping of a Canadian in Gaza and the Canadian Christian Peacekeepers held in Iraq.

Travers seems to overlook the the fact a multinational military operation led to the release of the Canadians held in Iraq. Instead, he contends the terrorists simply 'abandoned' the captives after four months once they learned they had Canadians in their midst. I have never been fed a larger load of bull crap in my life.

I guess Traver's theory doesn't apply to foreign governments that hold Canadians captive. Two names that come to mind are Maher Arar and William Sampson.

Anyway, don't you ever let the facts in in the way of a good column, Jim.

Freed Canadian Hostages

Early today, two Canadian hostages Loney and Sooden were released in Iraq following a 'joint operation' of military forces. That's FANTASTIC news! Yahoo!

But how is it that word got out that JTF2 forces were 'instrumental' with the release of the Canadian captives by being 'front and centre' in the operation? In the following CP story the Canadian government "source" does not comment on operational material, but at the same time, let it be known our critical role.

Canadian special forces "front and centre" in mission to free
hostages
OTTAWA (CP) - Canada's elite JTF-2 special forces were
"instrumental" in helping retrieve three western aid workers held captive in
Baghdad.
The Defence Department refuses to confirm Canadian military
involvement in the operation, but a source says the elite squad played a role in
the rescue.
Defence officials say they never comment on any operations involving the
commando force over concerns about putting future rescues at risk.
Pentagon
officials also say that Canadian and British special forces took the reins of
the ground operation.
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw says the Mounties
were involved in the rescue, but an RCMP spokesman would not confirm
that.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper has spoken with the two released
Canadians, James Loney and Harmeet Sooden, who were freed along with Briton
Norman Kember of Britain after almost four months in captivity.

I'm not surprised JTF2 was involved, in fact, I'm quite proud of their work. But there are times when it is not appropriate to brag! I just hope this doesn't create a nightmare as a result with the lefties decrying the government for "sending in Canadian forces into Iraq." Maude Barlow is so good at distorting the facts, she could have a field day with this!

The government should stick to leaking details of budgets, not military operations.

Heaven help us

First Paul McCartney, now Brigitte Bardot. Does the opposition to our seal hunt know no end?

For those not familar with the French film legend, this is her:

Then: Now:

Mon Dieu!

Yes, Prime Minister

Last evening, I was watching my political shows hosted by Newman and Duffy as per usual and could not help but be bothered by how people referred to the Prime Minister.

Conservative Pundits! Erase from your vocabulary the words 'Stephen' and 'Harper'. Pundits should only make reference to the Prime Minister, as in, "The Prime Minister had two eggs over easy for breakfast this morning." I don't care if they have to change his birth certificate, from here on out, he is the Prime Minister - use the title associated with the office he holds.

Although I don't have any evidence to back up this argument, Canadians are much less likely to disagree with the 'Prime Minister' rather than 'Stephen Harper'. The public generally holds the office, and he person who holds it, in high esteem. If you were to poll on a question using the two different names ("Do you believe X should introduce measures to reduce crime?"), you would get two dramatically different responses. The more Canadians see Stephen Harper as Prime Minister, the more likely they will support him.

The PMO Press Office should have a dedicated person responsible for following up with every journalist who doesn't refer to the 'Prime Minister' in their story. It doesn't have to be a threatening call, just a friendly call or e-mail to remind the journalist of the proper title associated with the office of Prime Minister.

Towering Trouble

Toronto is known for two things: the CN Tower and an aversion to large snowfalls.

Today, a Japanese television station revealed their plans to build the largest tower in the world. Their tower would stand at 1,980 feet, 165 feet taller than our beautiful phallic symbol.

If we don't got the tallest tower, we don't got nothing! Since the Government of Canada owns this magnificent example of concrete architecture, I want to know what the federal government plans to do about this problem?

Harper's "Secret" Trip to Afghanistan

When I woke up to see headlines about the Prime Minister's trip to Afghanistan, I can't say that I was surprised by the news. Avid readers of this blog will recall my earlier entry on the HUGE leak from the PMO regarding the trip.

I am of two minds about the trip. I am very happy to see the PM give moral support to our troops and generally raise awareness about the important mission. My disappointment stems from the PM proceeding with the trip after media reports compromised the security of the visit. I congratulate him for having the fortitude to continue on with the visit, but it was a very risky move.

Afghanistan is a very dangerous place. Remember when Chretien visited our troops in Kabul? A mortar shell was fired into the compound leading to the PM being whisked away to safety. And that was the safe part of the country.

Something much worse could have happened during this visit. After the media leak, I would have called off the trip.

I have waited THIRTEEN years for a Conservative Prime Minister, I don't want anything to happen to him now!

Bourque Be Gone

Well, the Blue Soapbox got it right with his entry comparing Neale News to Bourque. I had the exact same thought this morning.

I used to be a big fan of Bourque, checking it throughout the work day. Not anymore though. Ever since I came across Neale News, I have been a big fan. It has a better layout, more updates and no commentary.

This blog will no longer have a link to Pierre's site. Sorry pal, I don't know what happenned along the way, but you will no longer get the 2 referrals/month from this blog!

Why did the chicken cross the road?

...Because the tractor trailer carrying 'em flipped over on the 404, of course!

Escaped chickens snarl Hwy. 404
Mar. 9, 2006. 01:30 PM

A number of live chickens were sprung loose from their cages this morning after a poultry transport truck tipped over on Highway 404 in Newmarket.
The driver, who was unhurt in the accident, was on the Green Lane westbound on-ramp to Highway 404 southbound when the accident occurred around 8:30 a.m.
Passing motorists gawked as chickens sprinted across the road and ran helter skelter along the grass median.
The ramp will likely remain closed until 11 a.m. for a clean-up because of fuel spilled from the truck.
Another trailer is on its way to pick up the roaming birds.

Can you imagine coming across this scene during your morning commute? A bunch of people running after chickens on the highway!

That would be nothing to bawk at!

Ethical Dilemma

With only a few weeks until Parliament resumes (can't wait!), the Conservatives are busy getting their ducks in a row in order to move forward with their agenda. A hindrance they could do without are all the roadblocks set up by the former Liberal government.

Most recently, the Ethics Commissioner has taken it upon himself to destroy his own good name. It's really a shame. He has demonstrated overt partisanship in a non-partisan role as a Parliamentary officer.

The Conservatives have handled this latest buckle in the road amazingly well. I admit, Ms. Buckler has demonstrated her ability to put out fires - even if she has to use matches. Using a strategy attacking the Ethics Commissioner takes gonads, but it needed to be done.

I think every Canadian understands this is a partisan attack on the Prime Minister. Investigating a floor crossing involving the Conservatives, but not Belinda? Hmm, something smells funny and it's not the tuna sandwich I packed for lunch.

In order to completely solve this 'ethical dilemma' the current Ethics Commissioner must be removed from office without having it looks too bad in the public's eye. This is what I would do.

I would propose the position of Ethics Commissioner be filled by Parliament by way of a House of Commons vote. Dr. Shapiro will be given the opportunity to clear his name by letting his name stand, however, if he doesn't receive approval from the House... he will receive a generous parting gift.

It's a risky move, but it may have the NDP's support after Broadbent's declarations against Shapiro. Best of all, the Prime Minister wouldn't be seen firing the Ethics Commissioner - simply, letting Parliament decide.

What's more, they could put more than once candidate on the ballot, allowing the PMO to put the name forward of someone who can darn near walk on water compared to Shapiro.

Then, after the PMO follows my generous advice, they can appointment me as High Commissioner of the Turks and Caicos.

He Broke the Law and the Law Won

Well I've been waiting patiently for developments on the income trust scandal and it looks like law enforcement have a good lead.

Good 'ol Scotty Brison felt it was appropriate to tell his friend in the financial industry about the impending "good news". A half-retarded, maladjusted son of a goat would know better than to leak such an important announcement. But then again, we're talking about an opportunistic turncoat Liberal flush with ministerial powers.

For my regular readers, you will know that I tend to offer unsolicited advice to our new Conservative government - at trait I don't plan on ending now. If I were in charge of government, I would let the Commissioner of the RCMP know that if he wants to arrest Mr. Brison, he need only let the PMO press office know the time and location of the arrest.

If such an event were to take place, Canadians deserve to see it unfold live on CBC Newsworld.

Now in High Definition

My adventure this week was purchasing a new television and my timing could not have been any better. My old TV, an RCA clunker, was nearly 15 years old and still worked like a charm. As of late, ol'Bessie was showing signs of distress by taking 5 minutes to warm up each time I turned on the television.

So I decided after much pontification to get a 30" widescreen high-definition Samsung CRT television. It weighs a metric tonne, but it does have 'slim' size to it. It is a fantastic television. The only problem, is that I don't receive a HD signal from my Rogers digital cable feed, although I could sign up for it.

Instead, I took a chance and went to The Source and bought an antenna for my TV to get off-the-air high definition television signals. I was half expecting for it not to work, but it did! I was blown away by the amount of channels and the amazing quality of the reception!

I was absolutely gobsmacked watching Coronation Street with a picture so life-like I felt I could reach out and touch the characters on the screen. The CBC HD feed of the BritAwards was even better! It was like being there!

All told, I get HD signals from CBC, CTV, CBS, City, ABC, FOX and in good weather, NBC. There is even an on-screen programming guide for the channels! TV is so crap nowadays, I might consider cancelling my cable service use my trusty ol'rabbit ears.

King Ralph is a Liberal

Look at me, going ahead and stating the obvious by calling the darling heart of Alberta, King Ralph, a Liberal.

It's sad, but true. He only uses the Conservative banner as a flag of political convenience. Do you honestly think he could lead the provincial Liberals to power? Not bloody likely.

If you think about it, Klein has used every opportunity to degrade Harper at the most inopportune moments, like, umm, elections. The best part about Klein's strategy is that Harper cannot retaliate. The media would have a field day reporting on 'unrest in conservative ranks'. If Harper speaks the truth, and calls Klein a Liberal, people would ask Harper to lay off the opium.

So now Premier Klein wants to violate the Canada Health Act and he's doing his best to call Harper out to debate the matter. I think the Prime Minister should play hard ball with Klein. Enough is enough.

Harper's strategy could involve delivering a speech on healthcare which calls into question Klein's ability to lead the province. He could remind the Premier that Albertans are respectable, law-abiding folk who do not look kindly upon those who willingly violate the law. Yes, change needs to occur, but we're going to do this together as a nation - ensuring no one is left behind. Klein can send patients to timbuktu so long as every Albertan is provided access at the government's expense.

And what up with Premier Klein assaulting a schoolgirl? Shurely the Edmonton police force will investigate the matter.