Author: Dave Cournoyer

Holy smokes…

It appears our scoopage of the Globe & Mail on the Alberta rebate cheque designs story (much to the dismay of mr. c-lo) has boosted our blog traffic up a little bit from to the usual daily 90-100ish to around 400 visitors today.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed and come back to visit. 🙂

(Extra props go to Calgary Grit, Dust My Broom, Red Between the Lines, and Matthew Good (we own 3 of your CD’s…) for the linkage – which had much to do with the boost in traffic – sorry if we missed anyone).

The designs of Alberta’s upcoming rebate cheques have been leaked to us at daveberta by a crafty individual with close ties to the Alberta government.

Here they are….

UPDATE/WARNING: It’s been insinuated that these may not actually be the real Alberta rebate/prosperity cheque designs. As disappointing as this is, we urge you to view them at your own risk – and yes, we realize the irony of having the ‘warning’ at the bottom of the post… (also, if you like ponies and pachyderms)

It’s very windy outside.

For those of you interested, we’re currently reading the Canadian Institute for Resource Law‘s Independent Review of the BHP Diamond Mine Process (June 30, 1997) for our Canadian Public Policy Seminar.

It’s more interesting than it sounds.

Also, has anyone listened to the new Franz Ferdinand album? (which of course, could never be good as the first Franz Ferdinand) We’re sorry to say we’re slightly disappointed this time around…

Alberta’s Conservative government launched another round of fairly obvious patronage appointments last week…

Karen Kryczka, Tory MLA for Calgary West (1997-2004), was appointed to the Board of the Alberta Foundation of the Arts.

Bob Clark, Social Credit MLA for Olds-Didsbury (1960-81), Socred Leader (1977-81), and Alberta’s “Ethics Commissioner” (1992-2003), was appointed to the Natural Resource Conservation Board.

Tomorrow, on the U of A campus, the Question is Alberta, and some local and not so local politicians will be speaking…

From 4pm to 5pm, Parkland Institute Executive Director Ricardo Acuna and Edmonton Strathcona NDP MLA Dr. Raj Pannu will be speaking on “Alberta’s Lack of Vision for the Surplus” at Dewey’s.

From 5:30pm to 6:30pm, Alberta Liberal Leader and Edmonton Riverview MLA Kevin Taft and Calgary Currie Liberal MLA Dave Taylor will be speaking on “Where is Alberta?” at Dewey’s as well.

If you have the chance, come out and meet some of Alberta’s premiere opposition MLA’s and critics…

…a mighty warrior. The tenth issue-versary edition of teengirl squad is out.

(props to peter and geoff for the link)

Also… new Strongbad email!

“I hear a rattle, Mr. Speaker, I think the minister just had an idea.”

Nick Taylor, Liberal MLA for Westlock-Sturgeon (1986-93) and Redwater (1993-96), and Alberta Senator (1996-2002)

busy weekend. most posting soon.

in the mean time… this has quite the political message, plus, it’s kind of funny…

(props to Mr. Ryan Payne for the pic)

Ahh. Tonight, as we read about the general lameness of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), we are also reminiscing about how good the magical first four seasons of the West Wing were. Josh, Sam, Toby, CJ. Political superstars. Total fun entertainment. The assassination attempt, the MS scandal, the re-election.

Last Sunday night, we caught part of the West Wing for the first time in an entire season, and were surprised and confused at what was going on and who was now working for who. Gladly, we weren’t the only ones… Ainge from Lotusland also feels the confusion. We recommend other West Wing-a-holics (*cough*henderson*cough*sam*cough*) check out the Lotusland post…

That’s right folks! Hailing from St. John’s Newfoundland, John Gushue… Dot Dot Dot is this week’s blog of the week.

We enjoy John’s posts and they’re always quite entertaining and informative. His ‘Daily Dot’s’ are also quite cool as well.

Make sure to check out John Gushue… Dot Dot Dot!

Due to the entire rediculousness of this issue, we haven’t been paying much attention to it. But, today (right now), as we write a paper, we also have the Dingwall hearings on in the background.

Here’s our translation of the Dingwall hearing:

Backbench Tory MP: “Mr. Dingwall, are you corrupt?“

Dingwall: “uhhh… Mr. Chair, let me talk to my lawyer.“

Backbench Liberal MP: “ohhhh, Mr. Dingwall. Yoou’re soooo gooood.“

Dingwall: “Bless you my child.“

Backbench Tory MP: “For crying out loud Mr. Dingwall! Do you eat babies?“

Dingwall: “Mr. Chair, I’m not an expert on that and I wish to consult my legal council.“

Backbench Liberal MP: “ooohhh. David Dingwall, you are soooo goood!“

Dingwall: “Ooohhhh. Legal advice…“

Looks like Ms. Desjarlais will be joining the likes of Ms. Parrish, Mr. Kilgour and Mr. O’Brien in the realm of Independent MP’s.

okay, yes we realized the lameness of all these random blog posts. We believe Ms. Lo has hit it right on the head. No more posts for a while… blogging will lead to our exile one day.

Also, MSN Messenger is on our list of the Top 10 Coolest things EVER! In one day over MSN, we chatted with our friends in India, the UK, Calgary, Vancouver, and Montreal. How cool.

Perhaps Mr. face can correct our latin…

If you haven’t already, head over to one of our favorite blogs: ask the pope. It’s just so delightfully entertaining. 🙂

Another late night of paper writing ahead… only two more left to do this week…

The one we’re working on now is quite interesting. We’re discussing the similarities and differences between economic diversification strategies and over-all economic transformation in Alberta and Saskatchewan between 1950 and 1990.

Only 600ish more words to go…