This week’s blog of the week is none other than GoPolitical.
I’ve always enjoyed nic’s insightful and entertaining blogging over at GoPolitical. In fact, her’s was one of the very first blogs I ever read, and is part of the reason I started up this seudo-blog known as daveberta.
Check it out and enjoy! đ
Cheers.
D đ
PS. BTW, I made it to Warren’s blog today. Thanks again for the link, WK.
Last week, Aaron over at Grandinite tagged me with some sort of Joint Taskforce Twelve list game (Aaron also challenged Doucheblog, MKBraaten, and Bound By Gravity).
Here are the groundrules:
“If there were twelve blogs, as of right now, I think anyone should be visiting on a daily or hourly basis, it would be the Grandinite Joint Task Force Twelve, which is one more than Kip Esquireâs Elite Eleven. Joint Task Force Twelve requires twelve specialists, none of whom replicate the same area: in short, there must be very little overlap between the subject matter of the blogs in order to give the reader the maximum input potential.
The Joint Task Force Twelve also requires that the blogs in question be updated more than once a day (but if the content is great, this is totally unnecessary). The fact that there are twelve blogs on the list will mean that readers of the Joint Task Force Twelve are already in the elite of blog readers themselves – that select 5% of internet users who read blogs. On average, a blog reader will read 5-7 blogs per day. By reading through the Grandinite Joint Task Force Twelve, blog readers will already be in the elite of the elite.”
Okay, here’s my list…
1. Section 15 – This is at the top of my daily blog read list. Mark is a great blogger who always has fun posts (his comment sections are just as great).
2. Born with a Tail – Always a prolific writer, Mr. Raymaker has recently shifted his blog focus towards entertainment and music posts. Very cool.
3. Child of Regan – Okay, it’s been a couple of weeks since anyone over at this site has posted, but it’s an interesting read for those looking for a right-wing American response to world events.
4. Toronto Tory – Fun political posts from a
5. Little Man in a Toque – A fun blog, especially for Edmontonians. đ
6. Ask the Pope – I’m not going to comment any further than saying that this is one of the funniest blogs I have ever read (POPE MY RIDE!!!). Anyway, check it out and make your own decision…
7. ~we will always be a light~ – A fellow blogger with whom I share many mutual acquaintances, but have never met.
8. Kevin G. Powell – Always an interesting and insightful read.
9. Four Bad Men – One of the funnest and bestest group blogs out there.
10. A Newspaper called Gateway – Another fine group blog written by a bunch of kids who write a “newspaper” called Gateway.
11. Ahab’s Whale – Another group blog, but this time… by Canadians in the
12. Grandinite – Not just because he challenged me, but because I am fascinated daily with the stuff he digs up and posts about.
There we go. Daveberta’s Joint Task Force Twelve (aka The Fantastic 12).
So, at this point, I am supposed to challenge other bloggers to join the elite group and create their own Joint Task Force 12. So, if the’re up to it, I challenge…
Any of the guys over at freethought.ca
PS. To the guy in the apartment above me: Thanks for BBQing that nice juicy steak at 10:30pm last night. I hoped it was even better after I opened my balcony door and blasted Michael Jackson and MC Hammer on my stereo just for you. Jerk.
There seems to be a decent amount of talk as of late about who will replace current Governor General Adrienne Clarkson when her term as GG is up later this year. Some of the names being dropped by other bloggers and the MSM include Bob Rae, Ed Broadbent, Joe Clark, Marc Garneau, James Bartleman, etc.
Here are some of my suggestions…
John Ralston Saul: Intellectual, author, and husband of Ms. Clarkson. I saw him speak at the University of Alberta a couple of years ago. This guy is amazing. I think he would be an interesting choice for GG (plus, think of how much taxpayers would save on moving costs!).
Preston Manning: Former Reform Party MP and Leader, bested by Stockwell Day, son of Ernest Manning. Though I think that the GG position shouldn’t be a dumping ground for old politicians, I think Mr. Manning would serve Canadians well in this position. I don’t tend to agree with his politics, but I have a large amount of respect for this man and think he would be a good choice.
Warren Kinsella: Author, ChrĂ©tien Advisor, Punk Aficionado etc. Born in Calgary, lives in Toronto (Pan-Canadian). I would love to see Monte Solberg’s reaction to this one. Just think of the cool GG blog!
Gordon Lightfoot: Canadian Music Legend. He scores pretty high on the “old white guy” scale, but I think he would do a decent job.
Knowlton Nash: Former CBC National News Anchor, correspondent, etc. Being an unabashed Knowlton Nash fan, so would love to see him become our Governor General (read his book: History on the Run: The Trenchcoat Memoirs of a Foreign Correspondent – It’s awesome!).
Naomi Klein: Author, Anti-Globalization activist, etc. She *might* be a little too controversial for the GG position, but I would LOVE to see the reaction from right-wingers on this one.
And finally…
William Shatner: Actor, Music Artist, Fiber Advocate. Come on, how cool would that be?!?!
Well, it’s Friday and I’m going out of town until Sunday. So here is some reading…
1. Jason Morris over at Gauntlet has thrown down the gauntlet at Jason Cherniak over the latter Jason’s recent post defending the outdated and unrepresenative First-Past-the-Post electoral system. Check it out, this is fun.
2. My Calgary Stampede Weekend Chapter 2 is near completion. But, since it’s really really sunny outside and I’m leaving for the weekend, you’ll all just have to wait another couple of days for it…
3. If you are in Edmonton this weekend, there is tones of stuff to check out! Klondike Days! World Masters Games!
4. And, another reason why Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel rocks.
5. I am still up to the Fantastic 12 challenge which Grandinite threw down and will show my hand very very soon.
Wander on over to the Catalytic Coral to check out the latest Wild Rose Roundup by my good blogging buddy Senator Catalyst. These things take quite a bit of effort, so tones of props are sent the Senator’s way.
On another note, it appears daveberta has graced the pages of Edmonton’s Free Weekly Magazine, SEE Magazine care of the Dew Line. Thanks for the mention! (It may not be as fancy as the CalgaryGrit getting mentioned in the MSM and Robert over at My Blahg on Antonia Zerbisias’ website, but hey!) Anyway, you can check it out here.
Also, it seems like I’ve been tagged by Grandinite in some sort of Fantastic Twelve game. I accept the challenge and my response will come soon.
And for all of you wondering where my second chapter of my Calgary Stampede Weekend is, I am finishing it up tonight for a GRAND PREMIERE tomorrow (rumour has it that Paul Wells is on tenterhooks waiting for it!).
And: Soon to come, “The Best of Emil: Quotes and Salutations from an angry right-winger.”
Cheers.
D đ
According to both the Edmonton Sun and Edmonton Journal, Premier Ralph Klein has reiterated that he’s sticking around for a few more years despite the fact that many of his cabinet ministers have already begun jockeying for his job.
Klein told reporters yesterday that he plans to step down in late 2007 in order to allow time for a leadership race and to give his successor ample time to prepare for the next provincial election. More here.
Norris is in.
Former Economic Development Minister Mark Norris (who looks suspiciously like this character) reacted to Klein’s announcement by gushing “I think it’s great news, I am running, there is no doubt about it.” Norris was soundly defeated in Edmonton McClung during last November’s provincial election by Liberal Mo Elsalhy. So, that makes Oberg, Dinning, Stelmach, Hancock, Morton, and Norris…
And, by the way, Bill C-38 has been approved by the Senate.
UPDATE: More Ralph retirment quotes:
AUPE President Dan McLellan: “I would be surprised if you can put the toothpaste back in the tube, the websites are up, the hospitality suites are going and supporters of the candidates will want a race.”
ND MLA Ray Martin: “It is baffling to me. He shows absolutely no interest in the job. The government is running on auto-pilot. Nobody is in charge.”
U of C Political Science Professor David Taras “I think Ralph Klein has put everybody on ice…”
This week’s ‘blog of the week’ goes to a very cool blog – Canadian Expatriates: The Expat Blog.
As mentioned in the previous sentence, this is a very cool blog which describes itself as “A collection of articles and observations written by Canadian Expatriates from around the globe.”
Not only do I really like the concept, but the three bloggers (Bethanie, Expat, and Nicole) are entertaining as well. It also links to blogs of other Canadian expatriates and a message board for Canadian expats.
Definately check it out. I recommend it.
1. Well, it appears that my right-wing blogging buddy has decided to call it quits for a bit. Peter, over at Rempelia Prime is taking a break from blogging. As much as I disagreed with him on close to 90% of the issues, I found his right-wing rants totally entertaining. Come back soon, Peter!
2. I saw War of the Worlds on Saturday. My thoughts: The aliens were cool. The little girl was annoying.
3. Sheamus has written another great post reviewing Dr. Leon Craig’s pro-Alberta independence article. I read Dr. Craig’s article this morning and all I can say without wasting too much space on this page is that it was nothing more than a rant against the Federal Liberals.
4. Jason Cherniak has promised us a blog post on electoral reform in the next couple of days. Make sure to check it out.
5. I can’t remember where I found this, but this article titled “Congressman Threatens Islamic Holy Sites” is worth a read. I think he has qualified himself for the Stockwell Day “Foot-in-Mouth” award.
6. Dick Cheney is coming to Alberta to bathe in our oil and drink the blood of a sacraficial virgin in Fort McMurray. More to come.
7. Alberta’s Solicitor General Harvey Cenaiko and Calgary Hays Tory MLA Art Johnston, are going to the UK to “learn about special constables,” which sounds suspiciously like “sit on the beach and drink Guiness” to me…
8. I had tonnes of fun at last week’s Edmonton’s International Street Performers Festival in Chuchill Square! It was fun. The Art Walk down Whyte Ave was cool too.
9. I’m very near completion of my the second chapter of my Calgary Stampede 2005 adventure…
10. According to the Detroit Free Press, Eminem is planning to hang up the mike this fall after ending his European current tour.
According to sources within the daveberta Ministry of Spies and Plots, a “Palpatine-style” coup d’etat occurred in the Republic of Holtopia this evening.
According to daveberta’s Ambassador to Holtopia, Lord Smith Murray, rebel forces loyal to Cucumber Party Leader Hot Datum marched on the capital city with apathetic resistance. Hot Datum’s forces were easily able to secure the Althingi and capture the Grand Chancellor.
Rumours are spreading that the President and the ruling oligarchy of the Thermodynamic Party have fled to the exclusive golf resort island of Papuaholtopiau to set up a government in exile.
Rumours are also circulating that Hot Datum’s coup against the ruling Thermodynamic Party was spurred from House Party member Harrison Horn‘s comments: “Okay everyone, hands up all who think that the deception Hot Datum, would look sexy in a cop uniform. I didn’t think so.”
Dantum may have also received support from rebel logarithms from the
Though these rumours are unsubstantiated and purely circumstantial, Ambassador Murray has denounced the coup as a war against the ‘cucumber roots’ of Holtopia.
More to come.
UPDATE: More news on the “Crisis in Holtopia” can be found here.
Well, I made the last minute decision not to go to the Harry Potter “party” with my lovely friends Ms. Nickol and Lindsay. But we are going out partying tomorrow, so it’s all good.
And… in the spirit of the always wonderful Buckets and Right Ho!…
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
That was fun đ
D
“The ruling is effective immediately. We are immediately taking steps to resume the importation of cattle under 30 months of age from Canada,” – U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns
“ooga booga!”
Calgary Sun: Busy Bureaucrats by John Carpay.
CBC Saskatchewan: Romanow slams Klein’s health care plan.
Edmonton Sun: Health-care critics slam Klein’s plan.
Globe & Mail: Mr. Klein’s health squib.
National Post: Alberta: Better Health Care for wealthy.
Ottawa Citizen: Alberta adds elite level of health care.
24 Hours News Service (Vancouver): Klein admits defeat.
Vive Le Canada: Rich Albertans get Private Health Care.
and my favorite…
Globe & Mail: King Ralph’s Time has Come by John Ibbitson.
UPDATE: Rick Mercer has decided to join the “Slam Ralph Klein Day” festivities with some lovely tributes to our beloved leader. (Props to Manatee for the heads up!)
I was originally write a monster ‘minute-by-minute’ post, but I thought this would be funner. So, here we go. Enjoy.
Chapter One: The Road to Calgary
The weekend began Friday after work. It was about 3pm and I cut out early from my job at the book depository just outside the warehouse district on the southside of the river. It had been a busy week. New shipments of publications from the far east had just been delivered that morning, so it had been a pretty busy day. It was a hot day. A sweaty day. A day to lie down in the shade and open a beer. Not just any beer, good beer. The kind of beer they used to make back when the mob was bootlegging
It was that kind of day.
After skipping out of work, I made my way back to the rooming house which I call home. It was a dusty little joint, filled with lost souls and crazy Russians, but not the scary kind. Nope, the kind that could tell you stories of old and far. The kind of stories that should be told in history books, but arenât. Stories of crimson, crime, and lost opportunities.
After picking up my .45 and flask, I made my way over to what the average person would know as the âGreyhound Station.â This may look like just a regular bus depot to the slackjawed suburbanite, but looks can be deceiving.
This was the bus depot across the street from the Grand Hotel, one of the nastiest little gin joints in all of etown. Yes, thatâs right, you donât want to get stuck in this hell hole for one second. They say after one night in the Grand Hotel, youâll be ready to sell your soul to Satan to forget what you saw. The screams. The smells. The haunting. Iâve heard of folks that walk in and never walk out.
I hopped on the Greyhound Express to
I took my seat and settled in for the long ride down the QEII when something caught my eye. I slowly glanced up and noticed two unlikely folks sitting across the lane. These were the kind of people that you would never expect on the âone-wayâ to
It was a long ride, longer than the usual express. As we moved along, somewhere past Ponoka, I saddled myself in for a deep sleep. I fell into a dream of horses, spirits, and days gone by. Days before cowboys and iron horses. Days before greyhounds and book depositories. Days of innocence. Days where any horse on this side of
I awoke as the bus pulled its way into
I dismounted out of the bus at around a quarter to nine,
I made my way to a hopping little gin joint north of the river in Kensington. It was a tiny little joint filled with wanna-be cowboys showing off their belt buckles and cowgirls willing to give it all away on the first night. The kind of joint that was made for pleasure and enjoyment in liquid fashion.
I made my way to a table in the corner. I sat myself down and took a long and hard look across the room. It was certainly an interesting crowd.
After about twenty minutes, the waitress finally made her way over. She took her sweet time, but when we locked eyes, I could see what her trouble was. She had the body of a 20 year-old saloon dancer but the tortured soul of a war veteran. Sheâd been stuck delving out barley sandwiches to old has-beens and young wanna-beâs for 4 long months. She drew the short straw in life and she knew it.
After three or four pints of
An old friend from a previous life had offered me a space on her floor for the night. We were old friends going back years. Good friend. We met when I was running guns for the Bolivians back in â58. The good old days. The days of idealism. The days of youth and new ideas. Of course, those days died long ago. Lost deep in the shadows and damp corners of this realistic world we live in. Crushed by the steam engine and chewed on by the fea infested rats who live under the docks. This was now a dirty harsh world. Filled with dark and cold realities that could only warmed up with the help of a shot of whiskey.
And so I made my way to my final destination of the night, moving down the dark and dusty streets of a city ready to explode with excitement and shameless debauchery.
A city with no shame. A city that was proud to be wild. This was
Next: Chapter Two: Riding with the Cowboys
I’m tired, busy, and don’t have the time or energy to write a post today.
So, I refer you to this. As interesting an article as it is, don’t you think a 50 year-old woman living in rez might raise a few eyebrows?
PS: Make sure to read the comments below the article.
