www.ChrisLaBossiere.com

I watched the video on YouTube, which was the first of 5 videos this week, in which our Premier responds to hundreds of questions submitted by Albertan's on Twitter and Facebook. Basically, it was an uncomfortable excercise in trying to extend his personality through the "Social Media" which he himself had agreed to embrace over the next while.

Waching Ed sans tie and jacket, I couldn't help but think that he needs to learn how social media is really used. It is not a tool for talking TO people, but more designed to encourage talking WITH people. DJ Kelly of Calgary, a very astute political blogger, wrote a great piece that Ed and his communications team should read if they really want to get this new medium.

I however, mostly because I found his delivery too boring and rigid for my liking, found more interest in the things he surrounds himself with in his office. Being in business for some time, I always find it intriguing to see what other executives have around them in their offices. Read below what I think of his office, and please offer your ideas for these items in the comments section.

What could these be?

1) The definitive list of the "Fiscal Four" "Fiscal Five"

2) A PC. Certainly not a MAC.

3) The gavel used to strike Ron Liepert in the forehead at the exact moment he call Calgarians "whiners".

4) A mini cowboy hat, worn during Cowboy Thumb-Rodeo, played in all paid secret caucus meetings

5) Business cards. Provided for free as compensation for a small error made in the recent rebranding initiative

6) The Conservative Cup. Awarded every four years to the leader of the party who best embodies Conservative values. On it's way out?

7) The tortoise from the tortoise and the hare fable. Makes sense really, he does have 2 years to win the race.

Now, to my dear readers (all 6 of you), I really dig the Premier as a person. I have had my issues with his leadership and communication style, but I think he's a really nice man. I am making fun; because life is too damn short to take politics serious all of the time. What do you think these items symbolize?

Minister Ron Liepert has been a bit conflicted in his messaging on the H1N1 Vaccine. But don't think for a second he doesn't have a plan. I have uncovered a secret memo of who he would like to see rewarded:

Top Ten Ron Liepert positions on the H1N1 Vaccine

1. Alberta will privatize vaccine delivery at liquor stores and 7-11’s
2. If you kill a vampire with your bare hands, you will be eligible for a vaccine in the 2^nd quarter of 2010
3. For each paid copy of Windows 7, comes a voucher for the vaccine. Take that Mac.
4. I’ll trade one free vaccine for any invite to Google Wave
5. In the spirit of equality, Edmonton’s only real professional sports team, the Lacrosse Rush, get vaccinated.
6. An innovative P3 emerges with Pizza 73. Pizza, Wings and Vaccine for $19.99
7. My first 100 followers on Twitter are instantly vaccinated
8. Seniors are NOT a priority for the vaccine. Except that guy from Shawshank Redemption. He’s cool.
9. Ed Stelmach, anytime, anyplace. I owe you.
10. The coolest moustache grown by Cabinet during Movember get’s one, for sure. Iris Evans included!

Of course this is a joke. But not unlike Minister Liepert's management of the H1N1 flu vaccination efforts in Alberta.