God’s speed Jack

Image via Wikipedia

I will admit right off the hop here that I was not a political believer in Jack Layton.  His leanings to my mind are a little bit left of what I personally believe the Canadian public can afford right now.

OK, disclaimer done.

Other than his beliefs, I LOVED Jack Layton, he took the political stage by storm like no one since dare I say Pierre.  He grabbed voters by the scruff and woke them up, with his cane and dashing good looks.

Today’ s Canadian capital hill crowd in Ottawa is vanilla by comparison. Just take a look at Steven Harper, ya the PM tries to get on stage but nothing can compare to Jack and Olivia taking care of business.

A born politician Jack had a great right wing to call on early,  yet he chose the left wing.  His own family having great membership to call upon, yet he followed a higher calling.
Would I vote for Jack, probably not.  But would I sit and have not one beer but a case with the man and invite my friends, you bet your ass Jack.

To Jack Layton, not just a man, but an idea.

Hip hip, to Jack.

And to the NDP you had THE JACK!

Much love to parties of all stripes on this sad day.

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U2 360: A pre-show primer.

Hello Edmonton, and points beyond.  The U2 360 show is heading your way, get on your boots and hold on to your hats.  It’s going to get loud!

My seat before the May 29th show

I was at the Winnipeg show this last weekend and I am just starting to recover in any serious way.  Maybe it’s my age, maybe it’s the extreme number of concerts I have under my belt.  But honestly I think it’s all just good fun and excitement.

My seatmates LB and D

My friends and family in Edmonton are going to have an excellent time tonight and here is what they can expect.

U2 Claw in Blue

Firstly, be ready to be totally overwhelmed.  This stage set up is unlike anything you have ever seen before.  Trust me it’s the biggest stage currently on the planet,  over 150′ tall and over 40 yards square on a Canadian football field. This stage takes almost a week to set up and a week to take down.

U2 Claw in Red

Secondly, U2 is all that and a bag of chips.  Since getting poor reviews in the early years, Bono and group have tossed all care to the wind becoming the biggest nastiest band on the planet.  Yes KISS you can put your dragon boots away you officially are once were’s.  I have been to both shows multiple times and sorry Gene that make-up is just tired and your stage show is so 70’s.

So about social conscience, yes U2 we get that you are a political band and that you speak to world issues but playing to the heartland of North America and showing Islāmic script and images of Intifada during Sunday Bloody Sunday I think confuses mainstream Canada. Yes we get the fact there is a struggle but given the facts of our soldiers fighting and dying now it’s not a good choice.  I know you pick your battles Bono, but if you want to get people with cash and resources behind you I suggest you pick them better.

However I totally agree with the U2’s support of Amnesty International.  A peace loving and totally worthy organization.  The candle lit procession in support was beautiful and appropriate.

In short, Edmonton and points beyond.  Get on your boots and hold on to your hats.  Cause these boys are going to try to blow them off!!  No kidding, it’s been 4 days and my ears are still ringing and my legs are still aching.

U2 rocked Winnipeg and they continue to rock the globe!

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