Konanzmania in Penticton
It’s interesting to see Helena Konanz toss her hat in the ring to be the Conservative candidate in South Okanagan - West Kootenay for next year’s federal election. Competition is a good thing. Based on the turnout she received at a press kickoff on Thursday, and the all-star endorsements, it’s hers to lose.
Before Conservatives get too excited about “Konanzmania,” keep in mind that it’s a huge riding that stretches all the way up to the Kootenays. Someone from there could put their name in, don’t forget.
More on this in the weeks to come.
I also expect there will be a battle royale in Kelowna Lake Country for the Tory nod. Although nobody has formally announced, there are three or four good names floating around. Ron Cannan, who was ousted by Liberal Stephen Fuhr in 2013, told Chris Walker on CBC Daybreak that he definitely won’t be seeking the nomination.
I’ve seen Bryan Adams in concert about a half-dozen times, including concerts in both Kelowna and Penticton.
Bryan attempts to make the show fresh, but he also remains committed to the hits — which everyone wants to hear. That is, unless you’ve seen him a half-dozen times. The one I wish he’d include, he never plays — “Fits Ya Good,” a staple of Canadian classic rock radio that he recorded in 1981, before he was a superstar.
U2 is being incredibly gutsy on their present world tour. For the first time in 30 years, they’re not including a song from their breakthrough album, “The Joshua Tree.” So no “Where the Streets Have No Name” or “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” Their previous tour was a 30th anniversary event where they played “The Joshua Tree” from front to back. They thought everyone would want a rest.
Roseanne Barr got in trouble for a late night tweet. So did Peter Fonda — one of Hollywood’s most available actors. Donald Trump also raises eyebrows with his tweets, but there’s never a consequence with Trump.
Celebrities should all hire someone to screen their tweets before they go out. In the case of Roseanne and Peter Fonda, it would be a good idea.
Bill Haley was gone far too soon.
As of today, we’ve officially discontinued Whizz Word. In its place, we will have another word search puzzle.
And, I’m outta here. I will be off on holidays for two weeks. Pat Bulmer is in charge. You might see me around, I’m not going anywhere. I’m hosting my Mama from Eastern Canada who is travelling here, as she always does, for two weeks in July. I also have a birthday and wedding anniversary coming up.
Happy Canada Day everybody. I will see you soon.
James Miller is valley editor for the Okanagan Newspaper Group: james.miller@ok.bc.ca.