Blog Catch Up - Would you like Fries with that?

First I will sheepishly apologize to my Blog as the many things that have kept my attention this past little while have also kept me away from it. Of course I have relevant excuses, but they are just that - excuses. I will now try to make up for it.

We had Ed Stelmach for Dinner last week

My political worlds continue their mad crash into each other; My (now) full time campaign job seems often to overlap with my Constituency and Party obligations (hosting my Leadership Dinner Series, recruiting leadership neutral people for the Meadowlark Polling Stations, attending party meetings and of course preparing for nomination and the next election) and leaves me artfully changing hats in mid stream - this really is an exciting time to be involved in politics in our province and despite all of it I am happy I have the opportunity to participate! And I will add that every time I hear my candidate speak I know with even more conviction that I am supporting the right guy for the future Alberta I imagine and want.

Go Oiler's GO!

Living in Edmonton right now is also interesting in it's own right - The Oilers are heading into the Stanley Cup Finals and the entire city literally buzzes with it's collective excitement (excepting some miscreants on Whyte Ave) - and I have even begun to cheer happily for the Oilers. They carry my hopes and Stanley Cup Dreams into this next series and I am dreaming some big dreams! In addition, anyone who doubts the hearts and spirits of Canadians everywhere should listen to this. My heart swells everytime I play it. Oh Canada indeed!

True Blue Edmontonians

See, the world really does revolve around me!

Duncan and I found such an amazing fare (well, actually, our wonderful travel agent found it after about three months of looking) for our upcoming Anniversary trip that Quynn decided to come along as well - so all three of us will be heading to Washington, DC at the end of June to visit with the Smiths and celebrate our second wedding anniversary. There are many activities that are being planned but I think what I want to say about it right now is that it feels very right to be celebrating this occasion with Murray, Barb and Quynn. Plus our dollar has never been worth more in Duncan's entire life - now is certainly the time to visit the USA!

The first meal on Duncan's new BBQ

I recently used my raise to buy Duncan a BBQ... it was quite the process - BBQ Shopping - and after a few different trips and a many different stores finally the perfect BBQ was selected (it even has a side burner!) and I am happy to say that since the BBQ has been constructed I have not had to cook anything! YAY for BBQ!

My recent spoiling of Duncan may have contributed to his recent spate of romantic attention towards me; he bought me roses out of the blue, he purchased me a computer game so that I could play online with him (I must admit, even though I don't get a lot of time to play, I am enjoying it immensely!) and then this email appeared in my inbox the other day:

> Dear Allie,
>
> You are gorgeous and divine. I love you. Thank you for being my loving wife
>
> Love,
> Duncan

Pssst... You're Welcome!

Duncan makes some very good Martinis

In my "spare time" I have been having fun with my camera, with LOST (just finished reading the Bad Twin), with Guild Wars, with West Wing (too bad it's over now) and planting my vegetable garden. In other news Duncan and I have been busy discussing preparations for the addition of a family member (that's my coy way of saying "baby" without causing too much fanfare) in the next couple of years and the purchase of a new vehicle (which is becoming a neccessity but I have mixed emotions about). Wesley and Raven are very much looking forward to the end of school and the beginning of summer vacation and I am happy to just enjoy life as it comes these days, even if it is busy - it makes the down time all that more precious. Hopefully in the near future my downtime will include X-Men III, DaVinci Code, Flight93, V for Vendetta and whatever else time has conspired to make me miss (...don't get your panties in a bunch).

:: Edmonton Album :: Listen Bird Album :: Spring Album :: Flickr Album ::

"I do what I do so you can do what you do''

"Quick as a flash, she punctured my professorial balloon," he recalled, of her response to his argument that education was the key to alleviating oppression, an army of teachers and community workers preferable to an army of troops.

The captain had retorted: "You can't do that when the bad guys run things, Dad, they just shoot you. You have to have peace and good government in order for the rest to happen. I do what I do so you can do what you do."

Yesterday, the father conceded that the daughter knew best.

Rest In Peace, Captain Nichola Kathleen Sarah Goddard.

Life in the Blog Lane

Cars and trucks are driving up and down my street honking - Edmonton is happy to be sitting one win away from the Stanley Cup finals. It's neat being here in Edmonton as the Oilers head into the Cup Finals. I must admit I am starting to get wrapped up in it, like a warm blanket the excitement is soothing - and the words Go Oilers Go don't seem so hard to say at all. I had a feeling it would be the Oilers and Buffalo fighting for the Stanley Cup (we'll see). I enjoyed Calgary in 2004 (my heart will always be with the Flames) and now I am looking forward to Edmonton in 2006.

Life has otherwise been busy - family life is seemingly returning to normal but work life (as always is on the campaign trial) is steadily picking up pace. For these, and many other reasons, I have been neglecting the blog... I apologize. One of my obsessions lately has been my Flickr page, it's been occupying my attention quite well, what with comments, new contacts and groups (I run a group now) and organizing the latest vacation pictures into sets and pools, it takes up alot more time then I originally thought. I have been inspired (photography has long been a hobby of mine) to become more creative with my pictures so look out for more on the way. I've got to do something in my spare time don't I?

I will try to come back to the blog soon.

Paved with Good Intentions...

I keep meaning to visit England, especially with how good the seat sales have been recently. However a trip like that is surprisingly easy to postpone, especially considering all of the other things a young family like mine wants to do.

The last picture my Aunt sent me. On the back she simply wrote "The old girl and her dog."

My Aunt died this morning, far away in the England I never got around to. It's a bit of a shock - it was sudden, unexpected (as in she was fine yesterday) and the doctor's don't yet know what caused it...

I never met my Aunt Sheila in person - we talked on the phone and wrote and stuff - I feel guilty though because I was forever promising I would go see her and sad that I didn't. It is a genuine sadness because now my loss is complete, and it's my fault.

Sometimes we put the wrong things off for all the wrong reasons. We just don't know it until it is too late.

This is the infinite tragedy of missed opportunities.

Good Advice ...

What are you putting off?

Happy Mother's Day to Me...

I really can't have been half as bad a child as my mother likes to recall, and I like to think that it's my Mother's active imagination that provides so much colour to the stories she delights in telling about me - surely they must be embellished at least slightly for effect!

The story I hear most often is the story of my birth. You see, after what I "put my mother through" (DAYS of labour, apparently) she wants me to really appreciate the extra efforts she took not to leave me (screaming and stamping my feet) on a roadside somewhere in the remote interior of British Columbia ("No one would have blamed me" I can still hear her say).

All kidding aside, I will acknowledge that I probably was a pain in the ass to raise - as an independant thinker who always felt I could take care of myself; a risk taker with little worry for my mortality; a spontaneous spirit with no real sense of time relevance; a brave soul that would have me stand up to anyone; an enjoyment of fun (especially the malicious kind) and the fact that I sufferred EVERY distraction I came upon (can we say ADHD?) - I really was a going concern. The things I remember doing as a child pale my heart now when I try to imagine my own children in similiar situations... sometimes it's a wonder I survived at all (or a testament to my tenacity). And discipline was not something that registered easily with me, so after all actions and threats had been exhausted my mother liked to resort to cursing me with her favoured "I hope you have children JUST LIKE YOU!"

I have wonderful children - amazing in all ways. They are mature, precocious, intelligent, academically succesful, friendly and popular, self disciplined, philanthropic caring individuals who utilize a self actualized goals process and exhibit a tremendous amount of adability in their day to day worlds. They are perfect and yet they also manage to be children as well. They bring me joy - even on the hard days!


Obviously my Mother's curse worked... because I am perfect in everyway!

Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Thanks for everything you did and still do.

A Canyon With a View...

How we saw the Grand Canyon in Arizona: By Plane, by Helicopter, by Tour Bus and by Foot.

The different colours you can see in my pictures (browns, reds, yellows, greens and blues) are a result of sun exposure, which changes the rock colour depending on how much time the sun has each day on each part. The rocks that are more creamy coloured have received the least amount of exposure. But it makes for a beautiful sight. More Grand Canyon pictures can be seen here.

Picture Perfect Las Vegas

Check out our Flickr Las Vegas Photo Album. And the Las Vegas pictures are also up on my Travel Page.

Wedding Pictures

What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas - unless you get Married there!!!

Brett and Beatrice
May 2nd 2006, Las Vegas

Allie and Duncan Wojtaszek
Bridesmaid and Groomsman

Blessings for Brett and Beatrice!

Seven Deadly Sins?

We demand a recount!

Duncan and I had so much fun in Las Vegas I don’t even know where to start ... it was absolutely FABULOUS. Magnificent. We were hand in hand smiling to ourselves the whole time. I can't think of anyone I would have rather experienced Vegas with!

We had clear weather for travelling which availed to us the delight of viewing the impressive terrain belonging to Death Valley (California), which we flew over on our way to Nevada (via Vancouver). We arrived in Las Vegas in the afternoon and immediately (and with much excitement) cruised the strip, stopping to have dinner at the Paris buffet (tres bon!) before heading to Bally’s to enjoy the late show of Donn Arden’s Jubilee! This year it is the show’s 25th Anniversary, and it is definitely traditional Vegas. We enjoyed it greatly.


We had a chance to see many shows during our visit and in addition to Jubilee!, we also saw the late show of Folies Bergere at the Tropicana (these two shows are considered to be the best of the Showgirls acts in Vegas), an afternoon show of the comedian Mac King (we laughed for an hour and a half!) and of course, the Cirque Du Soleil show KÁ at the MGM Grand.

Food in Vegas is AMAZING and plentiful. Buffets galore! We enjoyed the special Sunday brunch buffet at the Hilton before exploring the Star Trek Experience (won’t describe what happens here lest I spoil it for anyone who has yet to still go) and having drinks at Quark’s Bar. We enjoyed the dinner buffet at le Village Paris (twice, as it was my favourite), the famous dinner "Cravings" buffet at the Mirage (best strawberry daiquiris on the strip and my second favourite buffet), the breakfast buffet at the Stratosphere and the wedding reception dinner which was held at the "Dishes" Buffet in TI. We also enjoyed some sit down meals at places like Nine Fine Irishmen’s Pub (NYNY), a light lunch at HOOTERS (Hooters Casino), a 5.99 12 oz Steak Dinner at the famous Binions (Freemont Street), drinks at Tsunami (Venetian) and we bit into a doughnut from Krispy Kreme (Excalibur) that we never could have guessed would taste so good!


We managed to get to a few dance and nightclubs that were all very Vegas in their own way. Of notable mention is Coyote Ugly (Dance Club) in New York New York (where the female bartenders have literally elevated pouring drinks to an art form), the Tangerine in TI (famous for their burlesque table dancing performances) and Mist, also in TI. All very good experiences.

Duncan and I explored the strip day after day. At the Venetian, which I thought was quite grand and romantic, we enjoyed a private gondola ride through the canals outside of the hotel, kissing all the way through the tunnel (supposed to be good luck) and enjoying the sun as our gondolier sang to us in Italian. Up the Eiffel Tower at night we observed the lights of the strip and watched the Bellagio water show (which was very cool). I became quite enamoured with the Sirens of TI, the architecture of Caesar’s Palace, the Sphinx at the Luxor, the skyline of NYNY, Paris and the Bellagio. Here are a few shots:

The Arc d'Triumph at Paris

The Eiffel Tower at Paris

The skyline of New York New York

The Sphinx and Pyramid at the Luxor

The Bellagio Watershow (seen from the Eiffel Tower)

We made many new friends – Rod, Chris, Brett O., Tiffany and Brett’s family - in addition to everyone we met in Vegas being massively friendly and wanting to spend time talking with us about where we were from and what we had done while in Vegas. Everyone thought we were newlyweds, which I think is a great compliment and a nice testament to how happy we are together!

I finally got to fire an AK-47 (just one of those things I have always wanted to do) when we visited the famous Las Vegas Gun Store and its indoor range (recommended to me by a friend). I got many approving glances from the staff as I selected Osama bin Laden as my target. It didn’t take long as I only had 90 rounds and being fully automatic (even with controlled bursts) poor old Osama was finished within seconds.


The day of the wedding Beatrice and I spent the morning at the Mirage Spa having our hair and makeup done before getting dressed and ready for the ceremony. The wedding was beautiful and everything went perfectly! Duncan and I were most honoured to be included in Brett and Beatrice’s day as they became husband and wife. I will post some pictures of the wedding soon but for now you can see some on Brett’s blog.

Our visit to the Grand Canyon also needs to be a post all to itself – it’s beyond amazing, it transcends description – its sheer size is humbling – and its beauty intense, unlike anything I have ever seen. We flew from Vegas into Arizona to the Grand Canyon National Park (we also flew over the Hoover Dam). Before embarking on a bus tour through the park we took a helicopter over the width of the Grand Canyon, which was an excellent way to garner an appreciation for it’s enormity and to see all of the different colours of the mesozoic rock formations and the mighty Colorado River. We had three hours or so to hike around in the park, but I can’t do the experience justice here just right now, so I will post more later.

A view of the Grand Canyon

I must admit I am tired. We barely slept in Vegas – everything is 24 hours and there is so much to do, so much we wanted to get done – that it was hard to justify sleeping. We really did have an awesome time, and despite a few minor disappointments (we didn’t have time for the roller coaster for example) we have no regrets, we fulfilled our most hedonistic desires, we made many good memories together, we didn't run out of cash, and we are already planning our next trip out to Vegas!

Viva Las Vegas!

Off to Las Vegas!

See you later!

Viva Las Vegas!

I am getting excited!

We are not at War...

We are Rebuilding Afghanistan.

I have read a few of my fellow bloggers recently who have said we are "at war." Canada is not at war. (At war with whom?) I wish to dispel this myth because I believe that it takes away from the good work we are doing in Afghanistan and around the world.


Taken directly from the websites of both Foreign Affairs and the Department of National Defence (Yes I know it is lazy but I am tired):

• Canada is making important diplomatic, defence and development contributions to the stabilization and reconstruction of Afghanistan.
• Canada is in Afghanistan today at the invitation of the Afghan government.
• Canada is in Afghanistan to defend our national interests; ensure Canadian leadership in world affairs; and help Afghanistan rebuild.
• Canada's work will build on a "whole-of-government approach." This includes the deployment of a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), followed by subsequent Canadian military deployments.
• Task Force Afghanistan’s mission is to improve the security situation in southern Afghanistan, and play a key role in the transition from the United States (US)-led multinational coalition (known as Operation ENDURING FREEDOM) to NATO leadership (scheduled for the summer of 2006).
• Canada’s renewed military commitment in Afghanistan builds on the success of our peace-support operations to strengthen the security situation.

I have a New Hobby

I am a Listen Bird Hunter. Stand by for new blog.

More on this later, as I am very tired!

Attitudes DO Speak Louder Than Words

A letter was read aloud to the House on Tuesday - a letter written by Lincoln Dinning, father of Cpl. Matthew Dinning, to the Prime Minister.

Mr. Dinning was hurt by Stephen Harper's decision not to lower the flag on the Peace Tower for Pte. Robert Costall when he was killed on March 29th, and he urged the Prime Minister to reconsider his decision.

"I would suggest to you that there is no more important VIP than a Canadian soldier who gave his life in the service of his country. Please correct this wrong and show that actions speak louder than words and lower the flag next time a Canadian soldier is killed."

Mr. Dinning wrote this letter just a couple of weeks before Cpl. Matthew Dinning was killed in Afghanistan. Who could have known he would be writing this letter for his own son?

Under military policy flags are flown at half mast at a fallen soldier's active post, their home unit/base and at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. In addition, all army units (dependant on the Soldier's branch of service) will fly their flags at half mast until the completion of the soldier's funeral.

Canadian Flags are currently being flown at half mast at the soldiers' home bases, at DND HQ, at other bases, at Canada Post Offices in Edmonton, at Toronto City Hall, at Alberta and Saskatchewan provincial buildings and all across Canada as private business owners and citizens seek to honour the fallen as heroes and to recognize their contributions.

The Prime Minister has directed that the Flag on the Peace Tower and the Flag at our Embassy in Washington not be lowered as they have been in the past. I will join my voice with Lincoln Dinning's in asking our Prime Minister to reconsider his decision in this matter.

It's the LEAST We Can Do

"These men were working to bring security, democracy, self-sufficiency and prosperity to the Afghan people and to protect Canadians' national and collective security. We will not forget their selfless contribution to Canada."
- Prime Minister Stephen Harper

But he won't lower the flag on the Peace Tower for them.

Obviously this angers me.

The excuse is that Paul Martin’s Liberals "broke with tradition" and decided to lower the flags on Parliament Hill when our soldiers died during the course of duty. Our Prime Minister now feels it is better NOT to lower the flag on the Peace Tower.

Argue it how you will, but it’s not a "return to a tradition". The decision to fly our flag at half mast is governed only by the Flag Etiquette directives from Canadian Heritage, where it stipulates:

"The flag on the Peace Tower of the Parliament Building at Ottawa is flown at half-mast: on the death of a Lieutenant Governor; on the death of a Canadian Privy Councillor, a Senator, or a Member of the House of Commons; on the death of a person whom it is desired to honour.

On the death of a person whom it is desired to honour.

The flags at the Department of National Defence and other Federal Buildings will fly at half mast.

Why does our Prime Minister not desire to honour them?

Close to Home

I hate waking up to the voice on the radio when the news is about more of our soldier’s killed in Afghanistan. I always hold my breath while they list the names of the fallen - waiting to see if I know any of them. This time I didn’t. But it doesn’t matter if I knew them personally or not, their lives and their sacrifice mean something to me. They are Canadians.

Corporal Matthew Dinning
(Richmond Hill, Ont, stationed in Petawawa)

Bombardier Myles Mansell
(Victoria, BC, stationed in Victoria)

Lieutenant William Turner
(Toronto, Ont, stationed in Edmonton)

Corporal Randy Payne
(Lahr, West Germany, stationed in Wainwright)

I'm someone's blog of the week!

Well, not just anybody's Blog of the Week - I'm Daveberta's Blog of the Week. Thanks David, I'm going to celebrate (I suppose blogging would be a good start, eh? My apologies).

Check out the distinguished Daveberta Blog of the Week Alumni here.

Like a True Nature's Child

"Who can say where the road goes, where the day flows, only time..."
- Enya

Beautiful mornings like this often leave me wondering why the fates choose me over my brother to live and enjoy the gifts of the daily world. I am not in anyway very special or particularly more deserving than he was, yet I am the one who was left to smile when the sun hits my face. Some days it seems very unfair indeed, and there is both a guilt and a sense of duty associated with it.

I realize that lately I have been keeping my blog thoughts to myself – for many reasons: they may be too politically sensitive; too personal; too controversial; too boring, or perhaps I’ve just been too busy to blog. Truth be told all sorts of things are distracting me right now: PC Leadership Politics (rumours of at least two private citizens about to announce their bids for the leadership); Constituency Politics (My AGM is tomorrow and Mark Norris cancelled at the very last minute – but not before we spent 500.00 to advertise it); Our upcoming trip to Las Vegas (and Brett and Beatrice’s wedding); PLAYOFF HOCKEY (Go Flames Go!); finishing up university projects; kids medical problems (Wesley was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter`s Disease); and, among other mundane things, my dear Mother’s stubbornness (If you’re reading this Mom, know I mean that with utmost love).

Like Duncan said, at times life moves past the speed of Blog. Lately it is safe to say life has been moving pretty fast. Too fast perhaps? Not as long as I can manage it all - and there's always time for Plan B!

"When you're flying by the seat of your pants, nothing sounds more official than a Plan B."
-Narrator, Dukes of Hazzard (2005)

Flirting with Armageddon

Whose idea was it to have three major religions that don't agree or like each other (actually that should read 'hate each other with a passion') in the same unstable geographical region?

Princess Preston

An exceprt from the Princess Bride is floating around my head today:

Grandpa [narrating]: Nothing gave Buttercup as much pleasure as ordering Westley around.
Buttercup: Farm boy, polish my horse's saddle. I want to see my face shining in it by morning.
Westley: As you wish.

It's been a couple of weeks now since Mr. Manning announced he was musing a take over of a poltical party he isn't even a member of. He stated if people wanted him to do this that they should prove to him that the support was there before he decided - perhaps a smart move, but one that has had people falling all over themselves to convince him, but apparently to no avail.

He was rumoured to be announcing his decision today - but it has passed quietly without a Throne Speech to appease the eagerly waiting masses.

I mean how much does he want people to beg? How much are we supposed to stomach while he sits up high on his pretend throne waiting for us mere peasants to prostrate ourselves repeatedly at his holy feet?

Enough already. You either want it or not, make up your mind. My Party deserves more than this. Hell, Albertan's deserve more than this.

PENNY BROWN IS NOT MISSING

Today I received (for about the 80 millionth time) the "Penny Brown" email, from someone who has sent it to me before. This email has been circulating continuously since September 2001 and must be the longest living "missing child" hoax around. Hasn’t anyone noticed that Penny is perpetually 9 years old and has been "missing for two weeks" for about five years now?

With its origins in Calgary, Alberta (circa 2001), this hoax has evolved as people pass it along – different variants and spins have localized in Texas, Australia, Ohio, Singapore and California – and in 2003 some schmuck had the wherewithal to add the term "Amber Alert" to the subject line.

Credible missing child reports supply details like a full name and birthdate, the date and place that a child has gone missing, a description of the child and the clothes they were wearing when they were last seen, and height/weight, for example. They most certainly will contain contact information for local police forces who are involved in the search.

I hate all kinds of chain letters but ones about missing (or dying) children are definitely among the worst.

A quick internet search reveals that Penny Brown is not missing, nor is she the subject of an Amber Alert. Actually we don’t even know if Penny Brown is a real person!

If you receive this email DO NOT FORWARD IT. Break the chain. By using the "Reply All" function you can let everyone know that this is a hoax and ask them NOT to forward it on as well. To quote Bryant Harper at Code Amber, they have "enough to do looking for children that are really missing."

Witness the Birth of a Nation

Private William Johnstone Milne, of the 16th Battalion Canadian Scottish Regiment (Canadian Expeditionary Force) was awarded the Victoria Cross (posthumously) for gallantry during the Battle of Vimy Ridge many years ago. Pte Milne was only 24 years old when he was killed on that fateful Easter Monday, April 9th, 1917.

The whereabouts of his grave still remain unknown.

He was born on Dec 21st 1892 far away from here, in Cambusnethan (Lanarkshire) Scotland. He moved with his family when they emigrated to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan - where he would ultimately enlist and start the journey that ensured for him a place in my heart.

Pte Milne’s VC Citation describes his last moments as thus: "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. On approaching the first objective, Pte. Milne observed an enemy machine gun firing on our advancing troops. Crawling on hands and knees, he succeeded in reaching the gun, killing the crew with bombs, and capturing the gun. On the line re-forming, he again located a machine gun in the support line, and stalking this second gun as he had done the first, he succeeded in putting the crew out of action and capturing the gun. His wonderful bravery and resource on these two occasions undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades. Pte. Milne was killed shortly after capturing the second gun."

Among others, my unit proudly carries on our regimental colours the battle honour 'Vimy, 1917' and my thoughts (through out the years) have often come to rest with Pte Milne in particular – almost as if he were known to us; as a hero, a mentor, a friend, a brother and a comrade – we felt his spirit with us as we all pondered at some time or another what we would do if the time ever came to learn what we were made of. And we knew in our hearts that we would do the same, for as long as we were able, for as long as we were still aware of our brothers following us, for as long as love for Canada still lived in our hearts.

Because he had done so first.

It’s a courage I pray no one has ever to muster again, but one that I know with a great deal of conviction resides within the core spirit of our nation, ready to be called upon.

"It was Canada from the Atlantic to the Pacific on parade. I thought then ... that in those few minutes I witnessed the birth of a nation."
- Brigadier General Alexander Ross
on watching the attack on Vimy

Under Seige ...

There are currently more Edmonton Police Officers in my neighbourhood than I suspected actually were on duty in the whole of Edmonton at this time. I counted around 12 patrol cars (with officers in them), 1 helicopter, officers in pairs walking around with dogs, and a random patrolling ambulance (and even the WEM Security officers are out walking around).

The police have set up a containment net and clearly something has gone very wrong in the short time I have been away (I just left for coffee and politics). But dogs + roaving ambulance - assault weapons = looking for a victim (imho).

I am home alone tonight; I already checked in with the homes my kids are staying at (also in neighbourhood) and everyone is fine and the doors are locked. So now the rest of the evening seems to be left for my entertainment or curiousity - with my background I can't resist. I'll let you know if I ever find out what's happened.

UPDATE: Took a quick walk over to Mac's, the guy didn't know anything. I can say that the activity is centred around Erin Place (the complex my son is sleeping over at tonight) and I up the ambulance total to two and they are removing a vehicle with a tow truck, which is odd. Police activity is starting to calm down now...

UPDATE TWO: Everyone seems to be gone now - except for the guy who "strolls" around the block once every 10 minutes holding a lunch kit. I'll sleep better tonight knowing he's still around...

You know what's best about blogging?

I don't have to blog if I don't want to!

And according to Mr. Kinsella, all I have to do to get more traffic is thus:

PAMELA ANDERSON'S BREASTS

We shall see how many people that snares :-)

It's a Quote kind of day...

"Hancock is smart, dedicated and is one of the most knowledgeable politicians in the legislature -- as government house leader he was involved in every piece of legislation that's gone through the assembly."
- Graham Thomson, The Edmonton Journal

"I am passionate about what I do, I enjoy it ... however, we move on and there's another big challenge ahead and I'll be equally passionate or even more passionate about that. I've been ready for the race for a long time ... all that held me back was the appropriateness. In my view, it was not appropriate to campaign with a new vision for where the province should go when we're still working on the current (government's) vision. Those circumstances have now changed."
– Dave Hancock via/for James Baxter, the Edmonton Journal

Interesting Messaging Strategy...

"I don't really see anybody in the government ranks that could step in to fill the position [of Advanced Education Minister] who would be any better than Dave Hancock. In fact I don't think I see anybody over there who would be as good in the job as I think he's been."
- Dave Taylor
Liberal Advanced Education Critic

Curious.

Strong, United and Focused

Duncan with his new Minister

Ty Lund (Rocky Mountain House) Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation

Gary Mar (Calgary-Mackay) Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations

Denis Herard (Calgary-Egmont) Minister of Advanced Education

Denis Ducharme (Bonnyville-Cold Lake) Minister of Community Development

George VanderBurg (Whitecourt-Ste. Anne) Minister of Government Services

Gene Zwozdesky (Edmonton-Mill Creek) is Government House Leader

Mel Knight (Grande Prairie Smoky) is Party Whip

Dave Hancock to begin Campaigning...

Advanced Education Minister Dave Hancock has resigned his cabinet position and as Government House Leader to allow him to focus on his campaign to be Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta.

It's a sad day for students' - Hancock has been an amazing Advanced Education Minister and had some great plans still for the portfolio - but he is also passionate about seeking the leadership and it's time for more Albertans to get to know him better.

Next up - Cabinet Shuffle.

Business As Usual, for now.

Premier Ralph Klein outlined today in his press conference his decision to retire earlier than he had originally planned, due to the results of the Leadership Review vote at the AGM.

The Premier said that he was touched by the tremendous show of support from cacaus and from Albertans (of whom more than 800 had written to him expressing their support) and that he will stay to see his priorites for this session through to completion.

Premier Klein has decided that in Septemeber he will submit a letter to the party urging they organize and convene a Party Leadership Contest which he suspects will take place in October and November (but that timeline will be up to the Party). As soon as the successor is chosen he will then resign as Leader and as Premier.

Premier Klein said he was disappointed with the results of the vote but refused to point fingers or place any blame, saying that was not in the best interests of the Party, the government or Alberta.

He outlined his priorites as such:

• Health Care Reform


• Cancer Legacy Fund


• Intergrated Energy Policy (making sure Alberta remains an energy leader)


• Better relations with the new federal government (especially in areas of senate reform)


• Leaving Alberta in better shape that it was when he started

The Premier said the thing he will miss the most is meeting Albertans. "The people of Alberta are why I entered politics, and the reason I stay" he said in the press conference today.

We are going to miss him too.

Sometimes "Customer Service" goes too far!

No, really. I came back to my hotel room Saturday morning and this is how I found my bathroom...


The maid had arranged neatly all of our things (there were three of us staying in the room) together on top of two outlayed face cloths. It kind of freaked me out - I've never had this happen before at any hotel I have stayed at - and I couldn't help but think that the Maid had likely touched my toothbrush AFTER she cleaned the toilet... When I casually mentioned it to the woman at the front desk when I was checking out the next day she said they do that as a service for all of their guests.

Interesting. I wonder what focus group came up with the need or desire to have thier toiletries moved into some weird (yet ordered) formation.

Oh and more AGM/Calgary pics on Flickr now.

My Fame, apparently served with Sour Grapes...

Maybe it’s a small order of sour grapes, but it’s apparent nonetheless. Edmonton Journal Blogger Johnsrude writes:

"The weekend Conservative convention in Calgary took citizen journalism to new heights. At least three delegates blogged live from the convention floor, offering inside perspectives unavailable in the traditional media. The blog Summer Daydreams (walks_like_summerrain.blogspot.com) had the results of Friday night’s leadership vote at 11:52 p.m., eleven minutes before they were officially released.

We (that is, edmontonjournal.com) had the results and a story on our web page around 12:15 a.m. But our reporters at the convention, James Baxter and Kelly Cryderman, had heard rumours of Klein’s marginal 55.4 per cent showing long before midnight. Newspapers can’t go with rumours. Bloggers can. This is just another way blogging is changing the face of journalism."

While I will humbly resist the urge to point out that I wasn’t blogging “a rumour” (this was, after all, OUR convention) I will take issue somewhat with the tantrum aspects of “we knew it first but couldn’t say.”

Shudder to think that everything is a rumour until it is actually “officially released” to the media - as if they can be our only source of verifiable information. If “citizen journalism” really has anything to offer people it is a source of information and a perspective of issues as we see it happen and unfold - without someone else’s spin or motivations. The traditional media, despite all aspects of journalistic integrity, is not without its own biases – and everything you read (regardless of its source) should be weighed with a healthy amount of scepticism.

As my friend Quynn said this morning, with any new medium there’s always a period of adjustment and for now some see blogs in competition with the mainstream media. As well they should. I applaud the journalists who have made a leap into the blogosphere to participate in this new realm of information sharing. I just can’t help but wonder if they have missed the point.

Live Blogging: Saturday Night

A quiet moment caught admist the fervent activity...

Well this has been a very interesting day indeed. I enjoyed Preston Manning's speech at lunch time and it was cool to meet him afterwards - he signed my copy of THINK BIG and it was captured on TV so if you saw it that was me - sadly my pictures didn't really turn out so I am including this little one here and thats it.


I didn't get a chance yesterday to blog about seeing an old friend - one of my favourite people in the world came all the way from Washington DC to cast his vote - Minister Councellor Murray Smith. So good to see Murray again. Can't wait to go visit him (was planning for July... but I have a feeling my time just became premium).

As for tonight - it is the night of Hospitality. Leadership Hospitality Suites galore... and considering what happened last night it will be interesting to see what the mood is. Our Hospitality Suite is at the Saltlik (8th Ave) starting at 10:00pm after the festivities. Click on the image for a larger invite.

Oh, and tomorrow's Q&A session has been cancelled.