Tuesday 30 June 2009

Video: Frank Klees convention speech

Tim Hudak is announced the winner. Frank Klees follows up with speech.



Frank Klees thanks supporters at after party



Klees hosts breakfast. Talks about unity

Monday 29 June 2009

Mission FAIL ... uh ... Hollywood

Uh! Ironically, Hollywood mission was canceled. Respectively. has its time slot to repeats of Rach & bet lost in 4 walls.
this I had almost slowly to the people usual ... well almost. The Zickereien were alittle bit too crass and somehow the total wars GNTM imitators, or comes before me the only way?

any case, it is now Saturday, increasing the likelihood that I'll just watch it, even more reduced.

delivery this Saturday because the already know someone?

today eh runs the U21 final.


Sunday 28 June 2009

Video Tim Hudak Victory Speech

Here is the Tim Hudak victory speech from yesterday. Congratulations to Tim on becoming leader of the Ontario PC Party. It is time to unite behind the leader.
-Darryl


Part 1



Part 2



Content from http://www.unitedandstrong.ca Great website for coverage from this past weekend's convention.
-Darryl


Let’s leave Markham united and strong as a party

By Darryl Wolk of Darryl Wolk Politics

I would like to congratulate everyone who took the time to participate and vote in the Ontario PC Leadership Race. I believe the campaigns from Frank Klees, Tim Hudak, Randy Hillier and Christine Elliott all played important roles in putting forward new ideas, recruiting new party members and putting us in a stronger position to defeat Dalton McGuinty in 2011. Although the leadership race was very short, I acknowledge that many people have put a lot of time into this leadership contest since John Tory was unfortunately defeated in the recent by-election in the riding of Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock on March 5.

I have nothing but deep respect for all of the candidates who put their name forward in this process. I also have nothing but respect for the members who worked so hard to promote their preferred candidates.

The last few months of competition among Conservatives has been fun but the real work begins now. I think the party is much stronger because of this race but we must all work together to get our membership and support levels up to where they were a decade ago.

This weekend the results will be revealed at the convention in Markham. I think it is important as party members that we all go to the convention prepared to rally behind whoever is chosen by the grassroots who cast their votes on June 21 and June 25. On a personal level, I will be proud to support whoever wins and have nothing but respect for the four individuals who put their name forward in this contest.

I am also looking forward to the John Tory tribute where we can thank John for his efforts leading our party and hopefully convince him to run for mayor of Toronto against David Miller where his talents are most needed right now.

Recent polls show that after this weekend we still have a lot of work ahead of us as Progressive Conservatives. Dalton McGuinty is going to be a tough opponent in 2011 and it is important that we do not lose any time in preparing for the next election by failing to unite following this leadership race. The talents from all campaigns are going to be required to change government in 2011 and bring Ontario back to have status and prosperity.

Saturday of course we will all go into the convention rooting for our candidate of choice. Once the announcement is made, I encourage everyone to demonstrate unity and put their unconditional support behind whoever is elected. After Saturday, I am looking forward to working with my PC colleagues and friends on the real election that matters. We cannot afford another term of Dalton McGuinty’s Liberal government. In order to bring change, we need all hands on deck. I look forward to connecting with members from all the leadership camps this weekend.

See you all in Markham!




I love the Stephen Taylor Moby remix video


The Frank Klees song seemed to get a lot of coverage. I have to say I really like the remix Stephen Taylor did with Moby. I would hire you as a DJ :-)


Saturday 27 June 2009


Congratulations Tim Hudak on becoming leader of the Ontario PC Party!!!


Congratulations Tim Hudak and his campaign team for winning the Ontario PC leadership. Thank you to everyone on Team Klees who worked so hard throughout the campaign. I also congratulate all the other candidates and their supporters for their contribution to the Ontario PC Party renewal process. It is now time to leave Markham united and strong. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues and friends to defeat the Ontario Liberals in 2011. I think Tim Hudak will be a strong leader for our party and will be the next Premier in 2011.
-Darryl


Final ballot: Tim Hudak vs. Frank Klees


Please visit http://www.unitedandstrong.ca for frequent updates of the convention!

Results after second ballot count among Randy Hillier's supporters:

Hudak 4128
Klees 3299
Elliott 2903

*5000 votes are required to win

Overall there is a strong feeling of unity at this convention. There is no doubt that several people here are passionately supporting their candidate of choice and I full respect that. We have had a fun couple of days this far. Last night there were hospitality suites with Randy hosting the best party of the the night. Today the first ballot results were read and now the second round has happened as well. Final results are coming around 4:30. Earlier in the day there was a moving tribute to John Tory. Premiers Ernie Eves, Mike Harris and Bill Davis are all present today and several MPs as well. I am looking forward to the final results and also uniting behind whoever wins later today. Final update coming later. I congratulate Randy Hillier, Christine Elliott and their supporters for running great campaigns.
-Darryl

Friday 26 June 2009


Please visit http://www.unitedandstrong.ca for convention coverage this weekend


Now that the voting has been completed in the Ontario PC Party leadership contest, there is a need to rally behind whoever wins and come out of the Markham convention united and strong. Please visit http://www.unitedandstrong.ca for convention coverage this weekend. All campaigns will be represented as we come together and prepare to defeat Dalton McGuinty in 2011.

To read my post, please click here.

I hope to see you all in Markham!
-Darryl


A "tailgate" breakfast bash AND Klees Victory Party



You’re Invited

to the

Frank Klees Tailgate Breakfast



Join Frank Klees and his Team at a ‘tailgate’ breakfast bash to celebrate a successful PC Leadership Campaign and our Party’s unity.

Enjoy complimentary pancakes, sausage and coffee as you gather with fellow Progressive Conservatives to begin a new chapter in the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario



When: Saturday, June 27 th, 8:45 – 9:45 am

Where: South Parking lot, Convention Centre (convention entrance)

Why: Join your fellow Progressive Conservatives in unity and celebrate a successful PC Leadership Campaign

Hope to see you there - Rain or Shine!


KLEES VICTORY PARTY


Thanks to your enthusiasm, dedication and efforts, our Team ran a clear, focused and compelling campaign and on Saturday it’s time to celebrate that victory.

Join Frank and enjoy a fun night of friendship, food and campaign stories as we celebrate an outstanding Leadership Campaign.

Who: Frank Klees Campaign Supporters One and All

What: Klees Victory Party

When: Saturday, June 27 6pm (or immediately following the convention)

Where: Delta Markham , 2 nd floor, Chocolate Ballroom 50 East Valhalla Drive Markham, Ontario (Highway 404 & 7) (Just minutes from the Convention Centre)

Thursday 25 June 2009


Message from Frank Klees

Good Evening,

Now that the polls have closed and ballots are about to be counted, I would like express my thanks to all party members for participating in our leadership process.

I’d also like to thank everyone who supported me, including the thousands of people who for the first time ever joined the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. We’ve travelled far in the past few months, and I am proud of our accomplishments.

Together, we set out to rejuvenate our Party, to grow our membership and to share the Progressive Conservative values of fiscal and social responsibility with New Canadians and Ontarians across this province.

Together, we carried forward the message of recovery, prosperity and hope, a message that was enthusiastically received in every community that I had the privilege to visit in the course of this campaign.

Together, we ran a clear, focused and positive campaign, with the goal of claiming victory, not over my fellow leadership contenders, but over Dalton McGuinty, who has taken Ontario from first to last, destroying all that our Party has accomplished in the time I served as Cabinet Minister and MPP.

While with this leadership campaign our Party has taken the first important steps toward renewal, the real work begins this Saturday as we start to lay the groundwork for our victory in 2011. I hope to see you at the Convention and I look forward to working with you to rebuild our Party and draft a platform that will return prosperity to Ontario, making it once again the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Frank Klees, M.P.P. (Newmarket-Aurora)

The latest EKOS poll (June 25 2009) has some interesting general comments, and some gender specific numbers. The news for Ignatieff and our party is a mixed bag, with Ignatieff's negatives now rising, and his popularity showing a definite drop from the January poll. The poll also shows that Harper's position is improving:

"At the same time, the Conservatives are benefitting from rising optimism about the economy among some Canadians – those affected more directly by the economic news or stock and real estate markets than by the labour market, which continues to deteriorate.

"The Liberals may well recover from this short-term political setback,” said EKOS President Frank Graves. “At least that has been the pattern of the last six months when purely political events have rocked Canadians’ voting intentions.”

“More hopeful for the Conservatives and worrisome for the Liberals is the rising optimism on the economy, which is clearly behind some of the movement back to the Conservatives from the Liberals in recent weeks. This might have the makings of a more enduring trend.”

The principal movement in this most recent poll took place in Ontario. For several months the Liberals have enjoyed an advantage in the province, often reaching into the double-digits. Now, they are neck-and-neck with the Conservatives in Canada’s largest province.

“The Liberals need Ontario to win an election,” Graves said. “They were gaining ground there, but now that advantage has disappeared.""

The personal popularity shows Harper regaining approval at a fast clip, with Ignatieff sinking into negative territory:

"Michael Ignatieff’s personal approval rating also took a substantial dip last week. Earlier in the year, while many Canadians said they did not yet know him, those who did have an opinion of the Liberal leader approved of the job he was doing by a substantial margin. By the beginning of this month, more people were familiar with him, and his approval rating was essentially neutral.

Now, in this most recent poll, he has slumped into net-negative territory. As with the party’s fortunes more generally, the most wounding change was in Ontario.

“There could be a couple of factors at play here,” said Graves. “It may be that the Tory ad campaign aimed at Ignatieff is finally starting to have a corrosive effect on his reputation. At the same time, Ignatieff was the public face of the Liberal brinksmanship last week, and that may have affected his personal reputation as well as the party’s.”

“Ignatieff’s negatives are not as serious as Stephen Harper’s, but the prime minister has been heading in the right direction in recent weeks, while Ignatieff’s numbers have been heading south. Canadians may not have wanted an election this summer, but they are certainly going to have a campaign nonetheless, as all the parties – and all the leaders – try to move these numbers.”"

Far and Wide has some other interesting conclusions from this EKOS poll.

Also interesting is the gender gap in support for both Harper and Ignatieff.

Both Harper and Ignatieff have more males expressing approval of them than females (for Harper, 39% of males approve and 29% of females, a gender approval gap of 10%; for Ignatieff, 37% of males approve, and 27% of females approve, with the same gender approval gap of 10%).

As for Harper, a whopping 47% of males disapprove of his performance, compared to 40% for Ignatieff (a difference of 7%).

Among females, the gender disapproval gap is 12%, with 46% disapproving of Harper and only 34% of Ignatieff.

There is hope for Ignatieff, in that the poll results show a higher proportion of DK/NR (Don't Know/No Response) for him than for Harper. We can take the DK/NR results as a rough measure of those who have not decided about Ignatieff yet – a kind of 'jury is still out' group. The positive feature is that this DK/NR group probably has many in it who just have not formed a firm opinion about Ignatieff, and who could be persuaded to approve of him. Their absence of an opinion could be because he is still unknown to many Canadians, and because there is not much publicly available information to allow voters to judge him as a politician, supporting specific policies directly applicable to Canada.

Not surprisingly, given his shelf life as an active politician in Canada, far more Canadians have firmer views about Harper: only 14% of males fall into the DK/NR group, and 26% of females.

For Ignatieff, the results are 23% males (almost twice that of Harper), and a sizeable 40% of females.

I could not find any January EKOS analysis of the gender approval and disapproval results, but did find the January EKOS results of the approval of the Liberal-NDP Coalition government (rather than a Harper government) interesting: 50% preferred the Coalition in January (the very clever and very dishonest Tory framing launched late in 2008 had died down a bit by then), and only 43% preferred a continued Harper government. The approval of the Coalition government was 80% amongst Liberal respondents, 86% NDP, 85% Bloc and 70% Greens).


A message from Jaine Klees

June 25, 2009
Good Day Team Klees,

This is Jaine Klees and today, as Progressive Conservatives across Ontario cast their vote for the Leader of our Party, I want to encourage you to put the number 1 next to my husband’s name, Frank Klees, the Member of Provincial Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora, and the best candidate to lead our Party to victory in 2011.

In March of this year Frank and I discussed the prospect of his candidacy for the leadership of our Party. Frank’s experience as a MPP, a Cabinet Minister, his success in the world of business and his long history of commitment to our Party were all reasons for which I believed that Frank’s leadership would benefit the PC Party and the people of Ontario. But I also knew that, especially during these tough economic times, we need a Leader who is unequivocally committed to serving our province, and having witnessed Frank’s dedication to our family, I knew that no other candidate could be as committed as Frank to steering Ontario back on the right track.

I know how Frank’s sense of purpose has driven him to make sacrifices for the betterment of our community. Whether it’s been as a business leader, a Cabinet Minister at Queen’s Park or an opposition MPP, Frank’s steadfast support for the PC Party of Ontario, through thick and thin, speaks to the value he places on civic responsibility.

This is the overarching reason why Frank would make the best Party Leader and Premier: a sense of commitment unparalleled in Canadian politics. Frank’s personal and professional life is testimony to his belief in the core Progressive Conservative values of fiscal and social responsibility. He not only has the experience to lead this Party to victory in 2011 and bring prosperity to our province, but he also has the character, dedication and perseverance that will once again make Ontario the best place to live, work and raise a family, for each and every Ontarian willing to work hard for themselves and their families.

If you haven’t already voted in this Leadership Campaign, then today is your opportunity to choose a Leader who will transform our province. Today I am encouraging you to mark your ballot with the number 1 next to the name Frank Klees.

Sincerely,

Jaine Klees


Wednesday 24 June 2009

The Tory framing ads and the recent retreat by Ignatieff on the so-called Harper Report Card have cost the party a few percentage points in support, according to the latest Angus Reid poll.

What is more troubling is that Harper seems to be regaining and cementing his lead over Ignatieff with respect to the vitally important leadership elements, as this extract shows:

"Harper remains ahead of Ignatieff on being a strong and decisive leader (43% to 28%), having a vision for Canada's future (42% to 35%), managing the economy effectively (32% to 22%), and being honest and trustworthy (28% to 25%).

Ignatieff leads on caring about the environment (28% to 21%).

The two leaders are virtually tied on inspiring confidence, understanding the problems of Canadians, understanding complex issues, and generally agreeing with Canadians on issues they care about.

Harper managed to expand on his April numbers on the leadership and vision questions, while Ignatieff underwent a marked decline on inspiring confidence."

A 5% lead over Ignatieff as a strong and decisive leader is not positive, given Harper's series of missteps over the past few months. My guess is that Ignatieff's missteps in talking tough and then caving and propping up Harper's government have cancelled out Harper's errors, and that the Tory framing ads have also contributed to a relative disadvantage for Ignatieff as a leader.

What is really dismaying is that in a time of a world wide recession, with a Tory government which has proven itself woefully inept in anticipating and dealing with our own recession, that Harper should have a 10% lead (almost 50% higher) over Ignatieff when it comes to the best person to manage the economy effectively.

What is happening to cause this?

My best guess is that Ignatieff has been seen as a vacillating politician, given the many changes of position with respect to supporting the Tory government, and that the total absence of an announced, comprehensive Liberal economic plan has simply allowed Harper to set the pace as the best choice to run the country's economy.

Fortunately, both these problems are easily resolved by Ignatieff, if he finds some better advisors, backs off empty threats followed by inaction, and has the Liberal Party unveil a comprehensive set of policies, including economic ones.

If he does these things, I would expect the polls to show a marked improvement in about 6 to 12 months.

Just in time for an election … if the NDP and Bloc should agree,

Monday 22 June 2009

Video: People behind the Frank Klees campaign


Sunday 21 June 2009

Video: Frank Klees casts his vote in Newmarket-Aurora today

I was also happy to cast my vote for Frank Klees earlier today
-Darryl




A news release from the Klees campaign.
-Darryl

Hudak Team Breaks 11th Commandment
PC Party of Ontario ruled Hudak’s Complaint “without merit”



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 21, 2009

Hudak Team Breaks 11th Commandment
PC Party of Ontario ruled Hudak’s Complaint “without merit”

(Klees HQ) The Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario has completed an internal hearing by the Rules and Appeals committee, with all PC leadership campaigns invited, concerning the complaint raised by the Tim Hudak Campaign against the Frank Klees Campaign.

The Party has concluded the following: “Upon hearing the submissions and evidence of the Tim Hudak Campaign and the Frank Klees Campaign, the Board determined the complaint was without merit.”

“The Hudak Campaign broke their much-touted 11th Commandment by falsely accusing the Klees Campaign of breaking campaign rules,” explained John Capobianco, Klees Campaign Chair. “I am pleased that the PC Party of Ontario, in its deliberations, came to the right decision – that the complaint launch by the Tim Hudak Campaign was without merit.”

To read the decision in full, click here: http://ontariopc.com/~/media/7C856423D85B4397A711FE522826B594.ashx

"There has not been one speech that Tim Hudak has given during this campaign in which he hasn't stated that every member of his campaign team has sworn to uphold the Ronald Reagan 11th Commandment that 'Thou shall not speak evil of another conservative'. Regrettably, that commandment didn't include making false accusations against other campaigns,” said Capobianco.

Frank Klees and his campaign have been consistently communicating a message of recovery, prosperity and hope for Ontario. Frank and his campaign will continue to run a positive campaign and encourage those who wish otherwise to reconsider. For more information about Frank Klees and his vision for Ontario, please visit: www.frankklees.com.

-30-

For more information, contact:
Monika Bujalska, Press Secretary
Frank Klees Campaign
416-268-9100
monika@frankklees.com

Frank Klees Get out the Vote Campaign Song

Mr Frank Klees is a member of the Progressive Conservative Party, ON and is a currently serving Member of Parliament running for the Leadership position of the PC Party to contest against Liberal Leader and current premier Dalton McGuinty 2011. Dr. Isa Odidi is a well renowed pharmaceutical scientist in the field of Controlled Drug Delivery and is also a long standing member & supporter of the Conservative Party. Di'ja is an up and coming singer / song writer who won the 94.5 FM Beat Music Contest in BC last year and was also nominated for Best New Artist at the Canadian Radio Music Awards 2009. You can check her out at www.dijamusic.com


Frank Klees Message of the Day - June 21, 2009

Good Day Team Klees,

Today is the first of two days that you can mark your ballot with a number 1 by the name of PC Leadership Candidate Frank Klees!

It is important for you to come out and cast your vote to choose the next Leader of the PC Party of Ontario today. The polls open at 11 am today and close at 5 pm.

Today is an important day for our Party…it’s the day that you, as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario, have an opportunity to decide the direction that our Party will take as we move toward the next provincial election in 2011.

Your involvement, as a grassroots member, is imperative as we move toward developing a platform that must resonate with Ontarians across our province if we are to beat the McGuinty Liberals in 2011.

As Frank traveled across our province over the last three months, speaking to Ontarians of every background and from every walk of life, he encouraged them to join our Party for two reasons: Our Progressive Conservative values of fiscal and social responsibility resonate with the people of Ontario, including New Canadians, and; that if you don’t get involved in the political process, you are destined to be governed by those who do.

Today is also an important day for the Klees campaign. A few days ago, the Tim Hudak campaign launched a frivolous attack against us – they went to the media and accused us of breaking campaign rules. We knew we didn’t, but the Party carried forward with a formal hearing of the Rules and Appeals Board. Last night, the Party ruled in our favour! In the decision, they wrote, “upon hearing the submissions and evidence of the Tim Hudak Campaign and the Frank Klees campaign, the Board determined the complaint was without merit.” Click here to see the full decision by the PC Party of Ontario: http://ontariopc.com/~/media/7C856423D85B4397A711FE522826B594.ashx

Just like the attack by the Hudak campaign was without merit, so is an idea raised during this campaign –abolishing the Human Rights Commission. Frank Klees has been clear from the beginning of the campaign that the thought of abolishing the Human Rights Commission is without merit – that it needs to be fixed and refocused. Frank is concerned that by talking about such a radical step as abolishing it sends entirely the wrong message to the people of Ontario. The Toronto Star agrees – read this story by Haroon Siddiqui to see why: http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/653912.

Today and Thursday, June 25 are important days for our Party. By signing up to become a member of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario you have taken the first step.

By participating in this process, we have made our Party stronger. We need to make sure all of this hard work will matter. We’re asking you to take the next step and, as you mark your ballot, place the number 1 by the name of PC Leadership candidate Frank Klees.

Thank you for your support!

Toll Free: 1 (866) 991 – 4768
www.frankklees.com

Frank Klees Campaign
45 Vogell Road, Suite 101
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 3P6


Just when you think you have fashion all figured out, it has a habit of going and changing on you. It’s all part of its charm.

For the past two years, the high fliers of the modelling industry have been faces who pack a punch. Edgy, confrontational and even controversial, these faces are unforgettable and dynamic.
They lend an age of cool to any designers’ clothes, and it is their personality, rather than versatility, that sells. But fashion operates in cycles (or seasons if you prefer), and every face has a shelf-life.

In March 2007, a teenage girl from Utah was discovered by an agency scout whilst out shopping with her family. Six months later, Ali Stephens (now signed with Elite) made her debut at the Spring / Summer Prada show in Milan. To put it into perspective, it is the equivalent of winning an Oscar for your first film role.

Stephens was an instant hit, and a very new look for the industry. She was 16 years old, tall, lean and classically beautiful.

Previously, Ali (born in Salt Lake City in 1991), who had spent all of her energies in winning cross-country competitions for her school, and thinking about which college to apply to, found herself, after a chance encounter at a mall, at the epicentre of a fashion frenzy.

Designers were immediately struck by Stephens’ fresh-faced look and clamoured to sign her up for shows. Just two years on from being discovered, Ali can now claim Chanel, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Nina Ricci and Miu Miu among her catwalk credits. Appropriately for a runner, Ali Stephens has taken the fashion world at phenomenal speed.

Using her skills as a cross-country champion, Stephens learned the ropes quickly and overtook her competitors. She now excels – the girl who was once a self-confessed fashion novice now cites Balmain and Alexander Wang as her favourite designers. Knowing the industry is vital for succeeding in it, and an important lesson Ali learned fast. Fashion-literacy is something no model can afford to be without.

Ali’s popularity among designers is attributable to her versatile look. Rolling out high-profile campaigns for design houses as prestigious as Calvin Klein, Chloe, Missoni and Prada Sport, shows that Ali’s strength is moulding her image to whatever the brand requires. It is Modelling 101, but perversely, the hardest principle to master with any degree of success. To be truly versatile is not just down to genetic blessings (although it doesn’t hurt), it goes hand-in-hand with hard work: perseverance and listening to what a client wants. Ali makes every campaign shoot work because she is believable and equally convincing in each ‘role’.

That dedication to getting it right is why she gets re-booked time after time. Ali is part of a wave of models that team edge with effortless beauty to embody the best of both worlds. Ali Stephens is the Classic American who outperforms them all – she taps into the aesthetic of clean-cut, all-American girl who is transformed by a gown or a pair of sunglasses into something entirely new.
It is this transformative effect, the tomboy-to-fashion-princess moment that is at the core of what makes fashion compelling. Fashion, when it’s right, can change the way we feel about ourselves, and that transition spells magic.

For the industry now struggling to maintain consumer interest, it is this pull that keeps costumers coming back for more. The addictive quality of ‘who can I be today?’ is hard to beat, even in tough times like these.

Stephens’ ability to shift from dreamy-eyed ingénue to Label Mabel shows that her career is secure. She can adapt herself to any trend, past, present or future.

When fashion refers to the term ‘All-American’, it conjures up images of bronzed skin, athletic build and frankly excellent teeth. It is bold, winning and practically impossible to resist. Chalk it up to the current wave of nostalgia for the quietly-assured sophistication of models like Christy Turlington (who herself is experiencing a career second act at the moment), or the fact that America finally has everyone on-side again for the first time in nearly a decade, but the popularity of girls like Ali Stephens is not by chance.

Ali’s look harks back to the classic American model, very much of value during the late Eighties and early Nineties. A girl like Ali sells product not by shock value, but providing a timely reminder that fashion is about making women feel beautiful. There is something to be said for a model that is not a trend-setter, but a trend-interpreter. She shows us how it can be done, and this, going beyond all the hype and window-dressing, is what designers crave most of all.

By using aspirational models like Stephens and Turlington, fashion is tapping into the desire to create, not compromise. No-one feels threatened or offended by the Turlington-brand of beauty: it creates desire in male consumers, but does not alienate the woman looking to make a luxury purchase. For any client, this is a win-win situation, which explains why this look keeps reappearing with every new generation of models. In selling terms, Stephens’ look is both reliable and consistent in achieving sales, and that is something everybody wants.

If she wants, Ali can have a career as long-lived as Christy Turlington and Erin Wasson. Whatever else is happening in fashion, this type of look will always be in favour, and therefore, in demand. Stephens’ career, already well-starred, will sprint ahead over the next five years, while other, more ‘of the moment’ faces may stall as the whims of fashion change against them.

From fashion-unknown to the top of everybody’s ‘must have’ list within the space of two years, Stephens has proved herself the ready successor to Turlington. Her success is down to more than good timing, or plain good luck. With her willingness to learn, and learn fast, Ali Stephens is part of a generation of girls who are smart, timeless and headed straight for the top.

HELEN TOPE

Vote for Frank Klees today in the Ontario PC Leadership Race!



Saturday 20 June 2009

Video of Last Frank Klees Campaign Meeting today

Voting takes place June 21 and June 25. Below is some video taken today from the Frank Klees campaign meeting in Richmond Hill today. Frank was in Windsor and Kingston today and is also contacting voters and working hard in these final days.
-Darryl



Sandra Buckler



Paul Sutherland



Bob Stanley



Volunteer of the Week

Friday 19 June 2009

Video: TVO PC Ontario Leadership Debate

Credit: www.frankkleesblog.com

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3



Part 4



Part 5



Part 6

Frank Klees video about the HST

Wednesday 17 June 2009

Harper cut Ignatieff off at the knees with a few rather insulting 'concessions', and now the Liberals will support the Harper report card even though it is full of half-truths, misleading definitions, and vagueness.

It is time for Ignatieff to fire his advisors and get new ones; perhaps some who actually have some political sense, an appreciation of what politics is about, who know what framing means, and who are prepared to fight battles rather than recommend retreats.

Harper made Ignatieff look foolish and in turn the Liberal Party looks foolish.

If Ignatieff really wants to lead this party, he must take stock of his political reactions, and figure out what is not working. And most of what he is doing right now is not working. And then figure out how to change it before it is too late.

The nonsensical argument that Canadians do not want an election now is a craven caving in to the Harper framing, and for the Liberals in the House to parrot this is unforgiveable.

A summer election is not the issue.

The issue is whether Canada has the right government for these perilous times.

And most Canadians would agree that we do not have that.

What a sad week this has been.

Bill Clinton: United Nations new Envoy to Haiti

United Nations, New York, 15 June 2009 - The United Nations new Envoy to Haiti, President Bill Clinton, says now is the best time for the country to escape its dark history.

Speaking at a press conference at the UN Headquarters in New York, President Clinton told the media that the current political leadership of Haiti and the UN peacekeepers have "done a good job" of making the country a safer place.

In his role as envoy, Mr Clinton says he wants to help Haitians take control of their own destiny.


Tuesday 16 June 2009

Photo Slideshow of Frank Klees on the Campaign trail

Here are some images taken from the campaign to elect Frank Klees as leader of the Ontario PC Party
-Darryl



Video from Focal Point on chances of federal election:

Last Wednesday I was on Rogers Focal Point with John Taylor discussing the prospects of a federal election campaign this summer. Click here to view the video from that episode. Rogers Focal Point airs in York Region.
-Darryl

Iggy does the media rounds

Update: Click here to view the At Issue Panel last night that I was referring to

Yesterday, Ignatieff was working the media circuit. Here is some footage from his appearances on Don Newman, the National and Newsworld. Commentators on the "At Issue" Panel yesterday did not think the Liberal leader had a good day.
-Darryl


Don Newman



CBC National



CBC Newsworld

Video: Harper on Fox News

I believe this aired in the USA this past weekend
-Darryl

Monday 15 June 2009

Video: Frank Klees at Ottawa Debate

More videos available at Frank Klees' YouTube site http://www.youtube.com/klees4leader
-Darryl


Klees Closing Statement in Ottawa



Klees on Leadership



Klees vision for Ontario in 20 years



Klees on Pension bailouts and asks Jim Flaherty about HST letter

Sunday 14 June 2009

Congratulations to Doug Ward of the Vancouver Sun for digging into the way in which our MPs are compensated for serving as such and for expenses. In the UK the flagrant abuse of the right to have expenses reimbursed has rocked the parliamentary foundations, caused the Labour government's popularity to plunge even further, and lead to many MPs deciding to step down or not run again.

UK MPs were ridiculed for their sense of entitlement; enraged citizens were treated to an exquisite dance of the seven veils by The Telegraph, which revealed on a daily basis the expense claims of presumptuous MPs from all parties.

Meanwhile, in Canada, there was darkness upon the land of disclosure, with Doug Ward being the first to my knowledge to examine our situation in some detail. And he has raised a few interesting matters. Our MPs get paid more than the UK ones do (C$175,000 base salary compared to the UK MPs' $100,000). The living costs of the two sets of MPs are very different. In the UK, many of the abuses arose from the expenses allowed for "second homes". In Canada the system is less generous, as our 308 MPs don't get an equivalent $40,000 allowance; we give our MPs $25,000 to cover their living expenses. And, of course, our MPs get an annual amount for their office budgets, based on their riding's size and population (this can amount to $255,000); they also get 64 free return airline tickets to and from Ottawa.

So we seem far better situated.

However, we are still being given the mushroom treatment as citizens, because we are not allowed to visit a website and see the individual expense claims of our MPs. And the MPs seem determined to cut back on the rights to audit such expenses:

"The House of Commons and the Senate have resisted requests from Canadian auditor-general Sheila Fraser to audit expense claims.
Fraser has been in negotiations with the Board of Internal Economy over a potential audit. But its unclear whether such a review would involve looking at MP’s expense claims or whether it would be a “performance audit” to determine whether taxpayers are receiving value for their money.

Gaudet said that Ottawa’s rules are tighter than those in Britain but that there is still room for abuse. “MPs in Canada can’t pay for house upgrades, for example. But they do get a housing allowance and how they spend it is up to them.”
Gaudet, who previously worked in an MP’s office, said that “transparency breeds accountability.”

“Who knows if MPs are expensing espresso machines in their offices. We can’t know because it isn’t public.”

Gaudet’s comment was in reference to media reports about how Toronto councillor Adam Vaughn used $281 of his $53,100 office expenses allowance to buy an espresso machine.

“Do I think there could be abuses? Possibly,” said Gaudet about Canadian MPs expense claims.

“Do I think they could be as bad as in Britain, probably not. But that would be setting the bar pretty low.”

Come on, MPs and Senators: show some respect for your masters, the citizens of Canada, and set up a website to reveal expenses of individual MPs and Senators, as well as allow proper auditing.

We deserve no less.




Born Lesley Hornby in 1949, and discovered in 1966, Twiggy is the perfect example of how the right model at the right time can act as a catalyst to create an entirely new brand of culture.

Sixteen-year-old Twiggy’s spare frame and sharp, bird-like features meant that her ascent into modelling stardom was not an easy one. Fashion had very particular ideas about what constituted beauty, and Twiggy, in no uncertain terms, did not meet those ideals.

After the Second World War, while the fashion world took stock, Paris grabbed the reins and became the fashion capital of the world. Christian Dior created an entirely new kind of womenswear. Dubbed the ‘New Look’, the emphasis was on fiercely drawn-in waists, full skirts and exquisite tailoring. It was an intentionally lady-like look that spoke of refinement and afternoon tea at the Savoy. Its elegance was a deliberate attempt to separate Dior from the ‘make-do-and-mend’ era of the 1940’s. Luxury was key.

To go with his vision, Dior needed elegant and refined models to show off his designs to their best advantage. Many of the ‘models’ he ended up using were high-society girls and heiresses – the girls who were modelling his clothes would be on first-name terms with the women who would end up purchasing them. Never had the line between model and consumer been so thinly drawn.
Dior’s supremely poised girls were the real deal, but they were not professional models in the contemporary sense of the word. Dior was willing to sacrifice grace for good breeding.
The ‘New Look’ was a sensation – it made Paris the undisputed fashion capital, and Dior a legend. If fashion had stayed here, our perception of what fashion is, and what is does for us, would be very different – but the true constant of fashion is change. As the Sixties rolled around, the corseted Dior Look began to lose its lustre. It was time for a revolution.

Twiggy’s year was 1966. After being discovered by Nigel Davies, she was persuaded to chop off her hair and a brave new look was born. On advice, she changed her name, and chose ‘Twiggy’, her childhood nickname. She then undertook a small photo shoot with photographer Barry Lategan – an event that would not only change her life, but have an enormous impact on the world at large.

The bold, black and white images were a revelation: uncompromising, high-fashion and quirky. Twiggy’s cropped hair and drawn-on eyelashes gave her a startling, bird-like quality. Her slim, androgynous body was in absolute contrast to the Dior classic hourglass shape.

Twiggy’s thoroughly modern look swept the UK. The Sixties were an unprecedented period of transformation: people wanted to embrace change in whatever form they found it. The post-war hangover mood of the 1950’s was shaken off and in its place was a mood of possibility – anything and everything was permissible.

The most striking changes were taking place in popular culture: the end of the 1950’s brought with it the advent of rock’n’roll. Elvis Presley was the King-in-training, and the modern teenager was born.

It is now hard to imagine, but before the Fifties, the cultural concept of the teenager did not exist. The sweeping rock’n’roll movement brought with it a new identity for young people to cling to: it was rebellion, sex appeal and individuality – for the first time, teenagers had their own definitions of music and style. They no longer dressed like their parents.

Fashion in the Sixties became democratised. Along with the popularisation of casual fabrics like leather and denim (made desirable by film stars such as Marlon Brando and James Dean), fashion became cheaper and more readily available. Fashion brands sprang up on the high street, but one did not need a double-barrelled surname to gain access to an atelier. Brands like ‘Biba’ produced high-fashion looks for pocket-money prices: fashion was now available to everyone.

This wave of democracy held up Twiggy as the gold standard: before her, there had never been a working-class supermodel. She was the everyday girl who became the face of the Sixties, and the class barrier (within the fashion world anyway) was broken for good.

Twiggy’s unique selling point was her youthfulness. Her body suited perfectly the A-line dresses and miniskirts created by designers such as Mary Quant. For the first time in fashion history, the teenage body was held up as the ideal. Twiggy’s strongly androgynous look paved the way for models like Linda Evangelista and Agyness Deyn – girls for whom femininity is not served straight up, but with a twist. Twiggy’s gauche, knock-kneed appeal made fashion young again, right at the point where it was in danger of retreating into permanent middle-age.

Twiggy’s most enduring legacy (in a career that has spanned four decades), is the kick-start she gave to modern fashion – models would look very different today if it were not for Twiggy. Her long-limbed, fashion-friendly body became the new ideal. Twiggy’s debut into fashion was a celebration of originality, and Dior’s ‘New Look’ made way for the new look – something that possessed major staying power.

Twiggy’s charm offensive on the fashion industry, taking it very much by surprise, brought the concept of ‘model’ centre stage. Before her arrival, fashion had been guilty of taking itself too seriously. She imbibed the colourful new fashions with personality – much debate has been centred on Twiggy’s ultra-slim figure, but the fact remains that she would not have been half as successful if she had not learned early on that a good model is more than a clothes hanger.

The difference between her and the 50’s Dior models is clear-cut. They gave the ‘New Look’ an air of sophistication, but Twiggy gave 60’s fashion her body and soul. Her wit and exuberance are what gives the Lategan images their punch. A great photographer, a great model and a great idea created a moment of magic that still, even 40 years on, has the power to charm and bewitch. It is this collaborative spirit that best sums up what the Sixties were all about, and why Twiggy’s images continue to inspire us today.

The best fashion moments arrive when they are least expected. No-one expected Twiggy’s notoriety to last beyond a month, but her impact on culture, fashion and modelling has been insurmountable. She changed the way we think about beauty and made fashion fall in love with the awkward, gangly girls. There is always room for the polished and poised, but Twiggy taught the world of fashion that the unexpected can create something truly wonderful.

If fashion equals youth, Twiggy is the answer.


HELEN TOPE

Saturday 13 June 2009

Irina Sheik

Modelwerk (Hamburg)
Grace Models (Moscow)
IMG Models (Milano, New York)
-> her tfs forum topic



Sarah Boehling

W Model Management (Vancouver)



Agnieszka Gwara

Friday 12 June 2009


Pros and Cons from Iggy's Perspective of forcing an election

Apparently today or Monday, Michael Ignatieff is going to tell Canadians if he plans to force an election on one of the opposition days or if he will abstain allowing the government to survive through the summer at least. There has been a lot of speculation on the odds of an election ranging from no chance to a 85% chance of Canadians hitting the polls this summer. Let us first look at the facts.

1, Canadians last went to the polls late in 2008. The current minority parliament has not yet lasted a year.
2, Since the time of Dion’s leadership, Conservatives have largely governed with the support of the Liberals on confidence votes.
3, A coalition was formed in December and January of this year. It was rejected by Canadians and as a result Ignatieff supported the budget and killed the coalition.
4, Since the coalition, several recent polls consistently indicate Liberal support ahead of the Conservatives with Liberal fortunes improving in the 905, Quebec and BC.
5, The NDP and Bloc are on record as recently as yesterday suggesting they will not support the government.
6, The NDP would likely lose seats to the Liberals in the event an election took place in the near future.
7, The BQ might lose seats around Montreal but are likely to pick up seats around Quebec City. Several Bloc members qualify for full pensions starting in July.
8, It appears Stephen Harper will not back down on EI due to the already large deficit
9, Based on his voting record and statements; there are not many policy differences between Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff at this point in time.
10, Canadians do not want an election and could get angry if politicians spend another 600 million on the fourth election in five years only to get another minority during these economic times.

Based on those facts, here are some reasons Ignatieff might avoid an election:

-He will look opportunistic should he decide to go to the polls. He voted for the budget, the Afghanistan extension, Harper’s justice policies and has supported the Harper Conservatives on virtually all confidence votes since he was elected leader. His only policy difference right now with the Conservatives is this EI policy proposal that has not caught on with Canadians. During this recession, Canadians will want to see an alternative vision to what the current government has implemented. EI is not an election winner and no platform or ideas have come out at this point in public. Kelowna Accord, national childcare and other recycled Liberal policies are not affordable unless he either raises taxes or cuts spending elsewhere. If his argument is that the stimulus isn’t being spent fast enough, he will have to explain how an election will speed it up. If he complains about the size of the deficit, he will have to tell Canadians what programs he will cut or what taxes he will raise in order to reduce it. At this point, he lacks a defining issue that would resonate with Canadians on the election trail. He lacks a policy Canadians are excited about. He lacks a scandal that Canadians are angry about. At this point all he has is a few polls in his favour and a lot of voters hurting because of the recession. While he leads in the polls, a win is not a slam dunk for him right now.

-Although he has a lead in several polls, the lead is not as large as some would expect given the economic crisis that would be tough on any incumbent government. Any backlash for calling an unnecessary election or a successful negative campaign by the Conservative Party could result in him losing the next election. If that happens will his leadership be safe?

- Liberals are just starting to nominate candidates now and have so far yet to recruit any new blood. A few potential stars have been rumoured such as Louise Arbour, Phil Fontaine and David Dodge but to my knowledge none of these people are officially confirmed as running for the Liberals in the next nomination. Some incumbents did not meet the requirements and will now face a nomination race. Others could potentially retire. If the plug is pulled on June 19, do Liberals have enough time to get the quality candidates in place? Obviously money, technology, volunteers and platform are other areas where it is unclear if Liberals are ready to fight an election.

- If Ignatieff waits, do his chances of victory or majority improve? Economy while showing signs of recovery could still not have hit rock bottom. Some have predicted the economy will recover by the end of the year. Others predict it will take much longer. If Ignatieff pulls the plug now, does he risk missing a majority that could be attained should he wait until the fall or spring?

- The summer presents a good opportunity for Iggy to work the BBQ circuit and become better known to Canadians. While universally considered superior to Dion; it is not exactly Iggymania at this stage. It is also unknown how damaging the last round of Conservative attacks were and how damaging future attacks might be.


Based on the same facts, here are some reasons he might call an election now or at least vote non-confidence:

- When Stephane Dion was leader, he found himself in a nasty trap that made him look weak thanks to the NDP and the Bloc. The reason for that trap was Dion wanted to avoid an election more than any of his opponents. As a result he abstained and propped up Harper leading to Rick Mercer and others making a mockery of him as leader. Dion never was able to shake the image and it cost him in the last election. Michael Ignatieff wants to avoid this happening to him, but so far he has been unsuccessful. When the coalition was rejected by Canadians and Conservatives were polling at over 50%, Ignatieff was appointed leader and had to support the budget in order to avoid an election and distance himself form the coalition. While he could claim he forced some concessions, the NDP/Bloc accused him of forming a “coalition” with Harper. Today Iggy is stronger than Dion ever was, but as I mentioned in point one of why he may not call an election; he has yet to differentiate himself or paint an alternative vision to Harper and the Conservative Party. The NDP and Bloc have again attempted to lay the same trap by coming out early and saying they will oppose the government on upcoming confidence votes. Iggy may want to call their bluff to break this cycle of having to abstain or prop up the government to avoid an election. The fact of the matter is the NDP would have their seats reduced if an election were called anytime soon and Layton’s leadership could be threatened. 16 Bloc members could find themselves gambling with their pensions if an election takes place before July. If Ignatieff comes out today or Monday and says he is voting non-confidence; it is quite possible that Layton would back down and pay a price with his credibility. If not, an election might be a better alternative for Liberals than looking weak. Certainly they have more incentive to hit the polls than the NDP and have no reason to back down as they have in the past. Announcing that Liberals will no longer support the government could break this pattern even if there is no election.

- The polls are currently showing that the Liberals would win if an election took place right now. The NDP and Bloc have said they will vote non-confidence. This might be Iggy’s best and only chance to win. The economy is bad right now but is showing signs of recovery. A budget could later be turned into a campaign document and perhaps appease the Conservative base currently upset about spending, bailouts and deficits. Harper would also have the opportunity to be Prime Minister during the Vancouver Olympics perhaps spiking his popularity. If the economy recovers, Conservatives will get credit. Is there a risk of backlash? Yes. Do Liberals have a platform? No. Are Liberals truly ready for an election? Perhaps not as ready as they would be in the fall or spring. Despite this, these opportunities do not come everyday. Passing on this opportunity may come back to bite him later.

- Conservatives have gained some baggage. The budget is a record in Canadian history. Spending has increased. The auto bailout is not popular. Unemployment is up. There is not money to promise much or to load pork into ridings. Conservatives are in freefall in Quebec. The situation in Southern Ontario is not looking very good. There is Lisa Raitt and a few other Ottawa scandals. There is some concern a lot of Conservative voters could stay home in the next election. Harper’s positives are equal to Ignatieff but his negatives are much higher. It is tough to convince regular Canadians that the government is on the right track when economic times are so tough. All of these issues may not be there six months from now.

- Canadians will be angry about an election being called, but those Canadians are more likely to stay home altogether than vote Conservative to send a message to Ignatieff for calling the election. Canadians did not want an election in 2004, 2006 and 2008 either.

- Liberals do not like being in opposition. It is a party motivated more by power than policy. It will be too tempting to avoid an election when they are up in the polls and can taste government and all the perks that come with it.

Chances of an election:

I would not be surprised if Canadians vote in July and I would not be surprised if we don’t. Here is what each leader has to consider.

Stephen Harper – an election is largely out of his hands. He could roll the dice and back down on EI and implement the Liberal proposal. Doing so might buy him time but it would further alienate the base.

Michael Ignatieff – will put a non-confidence motion forward so at worst he does not look weak and sends a message to the NDP/Bloc or at best causes an election he believes he can win. Only way he backs down is if internally the party is not ready for an election or if he lacks confidence in his chances for victory. I suppose he could back down and say “Canadians do not want an election” but ultimately that would mean supporting Harper again. This hurts his chances in the fall or later for the same reasons that are creating obstacles right now.

Jack Layton – has constantly accused the Liberals of supporting Harper and being absent in their role as official opposition. Claims Iggy has just recently championed EI, while the NDP has been fighting this battle for years. He would love to vote against Harper, but if he thinks Liberals will too and can’t be sure of Duceppe’s plan; next to the Conservatives, he probably has the most to lose if an election happens this summer. The ultimate flip flop might cost him his credibility but it is better than his job along with half his caucus. Iggy putting forward a confidence motion on EI would put the NDP into an impossible position of sacrificing their credibility vs. getting destroyed in an election campaign. Ultimately over the long term the results would be the same. I believe Layton is the most likely to back down.

Gilles Duceppe – some members may not want to lose their pension, but there isn’t much to gain or lose if the Bloc goes into an election. Seats they lose to the Liberals they would likely make up by winning seats from the Conservatives. There is no challenger to Duceppe at this point. Some Bloc members might abstain to protect their pensions and to avoid an inconvenience of a summer election. Unlike the NDP however, they have much less reason to fear an election.

Overall, I put the odds of an election at 75% but would not be too surprised if at the end of the day a summer election is avoided. What is clear is that every confidence vote from now on will be a risk that the government falls.

Thanks for reading…

Darryl


Photo: Klees with Supporters in Ottawa

A good photo from the debate in Ottawa. All regional debates have now concluded. I am looking forward to the final debate on TVO Agenda where for the first time, there will be interaction among the candidates and a televised audience. With just over a week to go, we are now in the home stretch of the Ontario PC Leadership Race. I believe Klees is ready to be leader today and Premier tomorrow.
-Darryl


With another week of connecting with Party members, Klees proves why people should mark a #1 by his name!


Good Day Team Klees!

This week, Frank Klees has been at the forefront of the debate on the most pressing issues facing Ontarians. Whether he has been debating the issues in Ottawa or Markham or announcing new policy ideas, Frank has led the leadership race’s debates.
What has he done?

• Challenged the McGuinty government’s addiction to spending by sending a letter to the federal Minister of Finance and every Ontario Conservative MP requesting funding for the HST to be withheld from the Ontario government

• Received agreement from each leadership opponent to sign his letter asking to withhold funding for the HST

• Appeared on Goldhawk Live to answer questions on health care, education and the HST

• Presented a clear call to action that unites Progressive Conservatives and Ontarians

• Committed to enhancing property rights and protecting the livelihoods of Ontario peat farmers

And that’s only in one week!

In light of the clear and principled positions Frank has taken, he has received endorsements from a multitude of Progressive Conservatives. Here’s what a few of these PCs have said about Frank:

"Watching the leadership race I have been impressed with the quality of all of the candidates. However one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Frank Klees. His vision, courage and integrity make him the ideal leader for our party. His long experience make him ready to be premier from day one. I urge everyone to get behind Frank and start working to win the next election." Eugene McDermott, Candidate of Record, Conservative Party of Canada, Don Valley East

“Frank is the candidate who can unite and energize our Party and rid Ontario of the Liberal scourge that has taken our province from first to last. Ontarians know we’re running for the Premiership and our Party must choose based on who is best suited to oust Dalton McGuinty and best qualified to occupy the Premier’s office. There is no one else that I would trust to steer Ontario back in the right direction. Peter Shurman, M.P.P. (Thornhill)

“Frank is a man of the people, and nowhere is that more important than in the North. There’s only one choice for me and it’s Frank.” Leo Bernier, former Minister of Northern Development in the Bill Davis Cabinet, also known as the “Emperor of the North”
"We need a leader with the business experience and the understanding of how to make government work better. Frank's the one that can deliver." Kevin Nguyen, Candidate of Record, Conservative Party of Canada, York West

Thank you for your continued support. Please remember that you can vote for Frank by placing the number 1 beside his name on June 21 or June 25.

Toll Free: 1 (866) 991 – 4768
www.frankklees.com
Frank Klees Campaign
45 Vogell Road, Suite 101
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 3P6

 

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