Lost in Translation II

Michael Jackson converts to Islam?

The former king of pop is certainly known for his physical transformations, but a spiritual conversion? An Imam was summoned from the mosque and Michael went through the Muslim declaration of belief. "Mikaeel" is his new name. Brit singer Yousef Islam, 60 — who was called Cat Stevens until he famously converted — turned up to help Jacko celebrate.

Leon for sale: $2,99!

Election's over: winner takes it all. Thanks for the 299 votes: all of you who voted for me. I got more than I bargained for: two, ninety nine! Now I need a coffee:

Creative Cabaret gig

The hopeful mayor hopeful

The amazing walking house

For those of you not convinced yet... enter the WALKING HOUSE. It is a modular dwelling system that enables persons to live a peaceful nomadic life, moving slowly through the landscape or cityscape with minimal impact on the environment. It collects energy from its surroundings using solar cells and small windmills. There is a system for collecting rain water and a system for solar heated hot water. A small greenhouse unit can be added to the basic living module, to provide a substantial part of the food needed by the Inhabitants. A composting toilet system allows sewage produced by the inhabitants to be disposed of. The walking house is not dependant on existing infrastructure like roads, but moves on all sorts of terrain.

As the election day is nigh, I hope you start taking this comedian seriously and vote for me! I would implement projects such as this one -- I'll end aberrations like "Project Civil City" and start measures to stall the government's control of its mutant citizens. (What better way than nail them into an SRO?)

www.n55.dk

Campaigning

Not in Vancouver

"Today the fear of taking risks is creating a society that celebrates victimhood rather than heroism... the virtues held up to be followed are passivity rather than boldness." -- Utne Reader

In the media

Ladner leads after cabaret chaos
"Sporting a red nose, mayoral candidate Leon Kaplan presented a comedy routine (at least I think that's what it was) leading to silence so profound that he commented, "My mom thinks I'm funny. She's probably the only one who'll vote for me." Jamie Lee Hamilton (running for park board) was equally lame." --Peter Birnie, Vancouver Sun

Candidates enter stage right
"(...) Or they could tell jokes, which is what Leon Kaplan will do. An immigrant from Rio de Janeiro, Kaplan heads up the self-styled Immigrant Party. 'It's more of a project of a party,' he said. The improv comedian promises absurdist humour. 'I'm like the Rhino [Party] candidate,' said Kaplan. '[My jokes] aren't too objective, it's cracking jokes about everybody. Like a rotating machine-gun.' The chance to crack wise about local politics is probably a better forum for his talents than a debate on the issues. "Yeah, because I am beyond issues," said Kaplan. 'Issues are a thing of the past.'" --Sean Conner, Vancouver Courier

A wide variety of choices for mayor
(...) The bookstore owner and comedian’s platform includes raising beer prices at GM Place, iPods for every citizen and turning libraries into Masonic lodges." --Maria Cootauco, Metro News

Vancouver mayoral hopefuls take part in questionable talent show
"Leon Kaplan's stand-up bit was fairly amusing, as he explained that he would split the right-wing vote with his plan to take tasers away from the cops—and give them to the Downtown Ambassadors." --Jessica Wirb, Georgia Straight

My Creative City Cabaret Time-Delayed Live Blog
"Now, Leon Kaplan. Independent. His mom thinks he’s funny and will be the only one voting for him. Ha! He’s got an out-RAG-eous French accent. He also thinks we should take tasers away from cops and give them to street ambassadors. He’s got a nice clown nose, and he’s going to bottle Vancouver [tap] water. Moderator cut him short but he was doing very fine. Someone asked him a question: Is this your first time running for mayor? Answer: Yes, and thank you for giving me a chance to finish my act." --Travis Smith, Unvarnished www.hopstudios.com

Shaw slams Langara for barring Work Less from mayoral debate
"A Work Less Party city council candidate is lashing out at Langara College for its decision to exclude the slate’s mayoral candidate, Betty Krawczyk, from a debate on Wednesday.(...) The Straight pointed out that the public could ask her and other candidates such questions if they were allowed in the debate. “So should candidate Leon Kaplan,” Berner retorted. “He’s as legitimate a candidate as Betty. He’s paid his $100 and he’s filed. (...) Further explaining the college’s decision, Berner said, 'Democracy is a flawed jewel. It’s not perfect, but I guess if we had 12 hours, I don’t know how we’d film that. It would be unwieldy; it can’t be done.'" --Matthew Burrows, Georgia Straight

Life without Frank

Frank magazine, the satirical scandal sheet that for nearly two decades savaged the reputations of some of Canada's most powerful politicians, celebrities and media figures, has stopped running. Many of those who had been written about or "Franked," threatened lawsuits, and many issues toward the end of Michael Bate's ownership contained printed apologies as a means to warding off the expense of lawyers' fees.

Other signs of humourless times
Now they've axed MadTV! The show's final episode is scheduled to air in May. "We're proud of what we've accomplished, we're appreciative of what Fox has done and we don't think it should be over yet," Producer D. Salzman said. What else? And brilliant sitcom/reality TV show Trailer Park Boys got unplugged as well this season. Aaaaaaaarrrgh.

Canine's favourite candidate

Hi, I am Leon Kaplan and currently own Devout Books, doubling as my mayorship campaign headquarters. On certain nights I perform stand up comedy at pubs or wherever I can get a gig. I was born in Rio de Janeiro, raised in a secular Jewish Family in Brazil and in 2007 founded the Immigrant Party. Like a pill in dog-food, humour sometimes is the only way to convey a serious message. Will my opponents will try to use unseemly tactics against me? Can a comedian run a public office? Yes we can!

G-d bless you all and may G-d bless the City of Vancouver!