Ralph

I never lived in Alberta but I know a lot of people that do or have at some point in their life. Many of them lived there when Ralph Klein was Premier of that province. The sometimes bombastic and off the cuff politician passed away a couple of days ago. I hadn't thought about him or how he was so unique for a while but this is a good time to review why he was so unique.

The thing that I liked about King Ralph was he allowed us to see his human side. He made human mistakes, some of them were embarrassing. Somehow he was always forgiven, at least by most.

Politics is a dirty game where image can often overshadow substance. It often doesn't matter if you have a better idea, it only matters that you appear to be squeaky clean. This is the disturbing part, since everyone knows that politicians do not get to where they are by being squeaky clean.

Ralph was a bit of an open book. he let us in and we could see his failings. He had a couple, mostly brought on by his love of fun.

I don't know if there will ever be another character in politics like Ralph. Today's climate will not allow for it. It's too easy to know what the public wants and people are too willing to deliver the image.

In the same vein, a while back, I was watching The Late Show with David Letterman. Alec Baldwin was the guest and New York City had just had one of its crises. Dave asked Alec if he wanted to be the mayor of New York City. Alec replied that he would want the job but not do what you have to do to get the job. This points out how people just don't want to touch politics because you can't be yourself and if you are yourself, you may not be around too long. Ralph was the exception to that rule. He was beloved in Calgary for being himself.

Ralph Klein was an original and maybe the last real person in politics.

The Ubiquitous Winnipeg Jets

Living in Ottawa I see some people wearing Ottawa Senators clothing. I see some car flags and other paraphernalia. It goes with having a profession sports team in your city. However, I was in Winnipeg over the week-end and there is Jets stuff everywhere.

It is not unusual to see a vehicle with a Winnipeg Jets vanity license plate in a Winnipeg Jets license plate holder with a Winnipeg Jets sticker in the back window. The driver steps out in his Winnipeg Jets hat and jacket and may even be wearing a Winnipeg Jets shirt. You don't see this occasionally, its everywhere.

I think there is two reasons that you will see so much Jets gear in Winnipeg.

First, the team is only in its second season back and people feel like Winnipeg matters now that the NHL has returned. They want to feel part of the team and one of the easiest ways to show support is to display the gear.

Second, the polar blue colour that they selected is very sharp looking. Not everyone wants to wear red, green, or turquoise. However, almost anyone can be convinced to wear a dark blue jacket or hat. I'm sure it makes it easier to sell merchandise.

Ultimately I'm happy that Winnipeg is gaga over the Jets. Professional sports is something a community can rally around and give you a sense of civic pride and belonging. It can make you feel good about where you are or where you come from. In my humble opinion, it's important.

I don't think it really matters why so many people have so much Jets gear, it only matters that they do.

Go Jets Go!

A Lucky Stompin' Time

Like many Saturdays I was at The Lucky Ron Show at The Laff. Normally, it's the same show every week, nothing new or different. However, with the passing the Canadian music icon, Stompin' Tom Connors, Lucky Ron played a tribute show.

Lucky Ron often plays a couple of Stompin' Tom songs during his regular show. When he plays Tilsonberg, people throw cigarettes and try to get them into his guitar. It's something to see and a lot of fun. Once again, I managed to get one in. Yesterday was a special day. It's always standing room only during a Lucky Ron show but there was a lot of people there. I'm not saying it was beyond capacity but you could not quickly more through the crowd and it took a while to get a beer. Even the Mayor of Ottawa was there and Big Joe Mufferaw was sent out to him.

It was great to hear a whole bunch of Stompin' Tom's songs. People cheered and clapped. People sang along. These songs explain Canada. Hockey, tobacco picking, a bridge that fell down, potatoes are a few of the things that were written into the songs about a great nation.

From my perspective, there is nobody more fitting to pay tribute to Stompin' Tom than Lucky Ron. He always plays his music and tries to keep that old school country going.

There will never be another like Stompin' Tom. He was a true original. His songs will live on forever.

Here's a little bit of Lucky Ron singing Red River Jane. A song about where I came from.

We're in March!

We are well into the month of March and there are a lot of great things about this month.  It's a time of year where things seem to be getting better.

It Warms Up.

In March we ge to the part of the year where we can ditch the winter clothes and walk about without a hat or gloves. The snow melts and the grass shows up.

St Patrick's Day.

How can you not like a day that it's cool to be a pasty white guy. You get bonus points if you have red hair. If you are going to travel for the occasion, I suggest Montreal. It gets a little crazy there and everyone is on the same page.

Daylight Savings Time.

We switch back to one of the best inventions ever. Lets leave work when the sun is a little higher and a bit warmer. It doesn't get much better than that.

First Day of Spring.

Spring is a time of renewal. It's when we come out from the winter slumber and smell the flowers. We don't mind a bit of rain and everyone likes to see the snow go.

As March goes there are not many months much better. It is a time when things are always getting better and you never seem to see anyone dread March like people dread January. So, as we go through this glorious month, take some time to realize how great it really is.