"Does the Prime Minister......"
by steve
by Kyle Kiang
After a brief hiatus, I caught this week's British House of Commons Prime Minister Question and Answer. Although I have never been more than a novice on the British politics, in the past I tried to tune into Q/A to hear the issues pressed to Tony Blair and to see "lively" parliamentary politics in practice. Although the Q/A format does not usually lend to an intelligent examination of issues, it is entertaining to see the ceremonial back and forth. It is additionally refreshing when compared to the current American presidential race, where the candidates in this year's election have rarely been in situations where they are pressed with criticism and forced to offer direct responses.
"Hard Work" and "I love freedom" in the Commons chamber? I think not.
Several issues came up in this week's Q/A, including pensions, internet safety and hospitals, but events in Iraq continue to weight heavily on Blair. With the recent beheading of Ken Bigley and a report on British pre-war intelligence published last week, the questions on Iraq are pointed directly at the Prime Minister and not the Labour Party. Blair is generally strong in Q/A, using his amazing notebook, which appears to contain any piece of information required to refute criticism for the opposition. Iraq is something entirely else for Blair, and despite the fact that Labour has no plans to immediately challenge his leadership position and that the Conservatives as a party were more supportive of the war, the subject of Iraq will remain a common topic in Q/A, where Blair's notebook provides little assistance and where his own benches provide Blair with ample criticism.
On a more unusual note, Jeremy Corbyn, a Labour back bencher from Islington North, appeared in a bright green jacket, purple shirt and silver tie. Quite unusual in that dress in the House of Commons is usually conservative, similar to the United States Senate. Interesting to know that the House of Commons has its own Jim Traficant. Here, here.
Posted on October 19, 2004 | Comments (1)
Your newest SNL castmember - Rob Riggle
by steve
One of the more exciting things about a new television seasons is new faces. Saturday Night Live has been providing us with awesome new comic dudes for 30 years now. SNL's 30th season debuted last night and there is one new cast member, Rob Riggle, who has quite an interesting background. The most defining portion of Riggle's interesting background would have to be that he served in the Marines. Now, just about the last thing I think about when I think about a Marine is accomplished improv actor/comedian. Check out this from his resume: "During his service to his country, he was promoted 4 times to the rank of Major. He was awarded over 17 medals and ribbons to include the Combat Action Ribbon. During his service he took part in 5 real world Operations to include: Operation Assured Response (Liberia), Operation Quick Response (Central African Republic), Joint Task Force Shining Hope (Albania), Operation Joint Guardian (Kosovo) and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)." Pretty serious.
As a comedian, Rob's resume includes some impressive stuff: appearances on Upright Citizens Brigade, a ton of skits on Conan O'Brien, an important member of the sketch troupe Respecto Montalban, plus some other stuff. Check out part of his acting reel(wmv). Rob's first appearance on Saturday Night Live was workmanlike. Here's to hoping this Marine can kill us with comedy for years to come. ZOINK.
Posted on October 3, 2004 | Comments (2)