Diogenes's blog

The Reluctant Traveler (TRT) returned from a trip to St. Petersburg, Russia not so recently. It is time to file a report.

TRT has never dreamed of going to Russia, except maybe in those fitful dreams where one is frantically on the run from some kind of monster metaphor. It is the land of Putin dodgy dictators, the KGB cops who are more feared than the criminals, rigged elections, and mysterious billionaire oligarchs.

But this adventure all began some time ago when MLW watched a YouTube video of a famous Russian folk song by a 90's rock band...

There were about 8 lines to choose from at Border Control, a pleasant change from Chicago O'Hare, where they shout at you if you try to choose a queue.  The total wait was about 45 minutes, which was also faster than in Chicago O'Hare.

With today's post, we are proud to announce the inauguration of the Goo Gallery.

This famous portrait (though not as famous as Whistler's Mother) can be found all around the internet. Sadly, I am not aware of its providence, otherwise I would give credit where credit is due.

This is a worthwhile addition to the Goo Gallery

It's been a whole year since my last blog.  Maybe this will make up for the long absence.

This started out innocently enough. On a recent trip to Calgary, I went to the local pharmacy to  check on the prices of 3 prescription drugs I use; one is taken once a day, another taken only when I need to; and the last one, a needle, only in an emergency. 

The Calgary prices were outrageous. So I set out to find out why. That was almost 2 months ago.  The blog turned into a manifesto. I hope it's not too boring.

Included are 69 links, 2 dozen images, 3 sound bites from long forgotten songs, and a couple of talking heads.

One surprise in this last election was the blanket support the mainstream media gave the Harper Government™.

It shouldn't be a surprise. The Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) spent a small fortune in advertising on their year-long Michael Ignatieff character assassination campaign.

And the Harper Government™ served up of buckets taxpayer dollars to various media organizations to promote the phony Canada Economic Action Plan.

Now that I have finished praising Steven Harper, it's time to serve some cold cuts and leftovers.

One of the best bits of news (for me anyways) was the resounding defeat of Lawrence Cannon. The media had a bit of fun with this, and why not?

This is a story about an incumbent candidate (always the favorite) with the prestigious title of Minister of Foreign Affair, representing the Conservative party, heavily favoured to win.

And he lost! Lawrence Cannon, defying all odds, once again managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory! A repeat of his magnificient failure to win a seat on the UN Security Council, another Canadian first.

Congratulations Mr. Harper, you won.

Forgive me for being a bit late with this, it's been a whole week now since the election, but I needed some time to mourn, some time to reflect, but mostly some time to enjoy the marvelous spring weather with our guests here in Holland. I mean really, there are more important things in life.

You were right, this really was the election we didn't need. Voter turnout took another hit, despite good numbers at the advance polls. But those nine months of negative ads, personal attacks, and bald faced lies (like the $75 iPod tax) seemed to have worked.

I didn't vote today. It wasn't because of apathy, or disgust, or laziness. I really did try. Here is my story.

For our second Question Period soundboard installment, we bring you the dramatic and psycho-therapeutic stylings of Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino and Dr. Phil.

Our QP grand master, John Baird, recites a few of my Jack Nicholson favorites.

Tony Clement, our minister for mathematically challenged statisticians (snort) does a few Al Pacino lines.

Good day loyal members of the Harper Government™. These are the best of times and the worst of times. We now face an unnecessary election that threatens to destabilize the economy and cost Canadians thousands of jobs. But we are ready!

I must congratulate all of you for managing the message so well over the last few months, with particular praise to those who stood so proudly for us in the House of Commons during Question Period.

I can't begin to tell you all how pleased I am at how we have managed to redefine the words courageous, criminal, democracy and accountability. I predicted some years ago that Canadians would not recognize Canada when I'm were done with it. But we are NOT done. This is just the beginning.

As you all know, I am very careful about who I select as my trusted advisors. Bruce Carson Matt Foley was one of my favorites, mainly for his work in curbing hookers marijuana addiction.

In the four years that we have lived outside of Canada, there have been some events that have surprised, shocked, and angered us. Now we are wondering if we should return.

The worst, without a doubt, was on June 26 & 27 last year in Toronto. That is when Prime Minister Stephen Harper hosted the G8/G20 meetings. Harper has barely commented on the most important events that weekend. His majesty stays above it all.

His government has made every effort to thwart a proper public inquiry. Instead they have supported a hodge-podge of toothless panels, committees, and review boards populated by people more concerned keeping their jobs and ducking responsibility.