Thanks to everybody who took the time to vote for me as second best Culture Blog at the Canadian Blogging Awards. Given that I won second place for Best Personal Blog in 2004, I do feel somewhat like a bridesmaid, but I am happy with the result (truthfully, I always thought those silver medals looked better than the golds). Ghost of a Flea is a deserving winner, and it is an honour to be rated among such luminary blogs as Chromewaves.
The biggest surprise for me was Transit Toronto’s win as Best Business Blog. Though I am exceedingly proud of this site, I’m not sure what merits the victory in this category, but who am I to question the whim of the voters? Thank you for your support.
Thanks also to Robert McClelland for organizing another flawlessly executed set of awards this year. You did a great job of hosting the awards in a truly unbiased fashion, and you did well to accept last year’s constructive criticism regarding the award categories. These awards are a strong contribution to the sense of community within the Canadian blogosphere, and I look forward to next year’s installment.
And congratulations to all the other nominees, winners and finalists.
Voting is still on at the 2005 Weblog Awards. If you would like to see me do better in the Best Canadian Blog category, I encourage you to vote.
The Third Blogger Hotstove
Regretably, I had to sit this one out, but Greg, Greg and Bob held up their end. The third installment of this podcast on the Canadian election is now available here.
It is a shame I couldn’t make it, but I will be in next week if I’m reminded. In the meantime, here’s one comment I had on the political developments of this week:
(P.S. Ironically, while taking care of Vivian this weekend, Erin and I did consume some beer and popcorn!)
Second Ads
I saw my first NDP advertisement today and I have to say that it tops what I’ve seen of the Conservatives and the Liberals. Unlike the Liberals, the NDP go the low road, listing the various spending initiatives the Liberals have dished out like so many Christmas goodies. And what can Canadians give the Liberals this election (a boot falls into the screen with a thump). As an added bonus, it’s quite funny.
The NDP have always been surprisingly effective with their advertising. Even when it’s negative, it doesn’t seem to diminish the campaign. Possibly it’s because there’s always a positive angle. Instead of focusing on Liberal arrogance or other character failing of the week, they provide this information clinicly, and rather than just say “they suck, vote for the next guy”, instead they add in a brief message about voter empowerment.
It was a similar ad that did in David Petersen’s Liberals, and I think that has to be the gold standard here. After detailing various Liberal negatives, suggesting that the party had gotten out of touch with the electorate, the NDP concluded with “this election, send the Liberals a letter they can’t ignore”, followed by a voter’s “X” beside the NDP.
This is not fearmongering. The message that’s ultimately given out is a positive one. This is what you can do to make your country better. It is a subtle difference from the negative ads we see from other parties and in other campaigns, but it makes all the difference.
More Proof NASA Faked Moon Landing!
I admit, I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen the pictures myself! (Link courtesy Jay Currie.)