Adventures of Pedro the Locked Out Gnome

The Adventure Continues....

2007-02-10T15:33:00.000-05:00

Despite my attempts to fade off into the past, there are those who will not let me go.

Whether they are old friends who want to keep in touch, or new acquaintances who are discovering my adventures, there is a demand that I keep going on.

So with that in mind, my adventures will continue, but not here on this blog.

Check out my new home on MySpace!

See you all there.

Pedro.

Go Oilers Go!

2006-06-15T20:19:00.000-04:00

Hello sportsfans, it's your hero Pedro! You all know I'm a fiend for action and I've landed myself in the biggest sports party in the country! I'm here on Whyte Ave. the place of choice for Edmontonians to celebrate the Oilers run to the Stanley Cup. I just finished watching the Oilers take Game 5 and now it's time hit the streets and party. I've got myself a professionally made Oilers sign. So come along and enjoy the ride with me!

The media are everywhere here, especially CBC. That's Andree Lau doing a live hit. If you saw it, then you would have seen me in the background :)

Pedro's hunt for cute girls never ends...

Andree takes some time out of her busy work schedule to hang with yours truly

There are some crazy peeps out here.

Whoa, who said hockey hair is just a guy thing?

Even ladies in the west love them some Pedro

I wonder if I could get a jersey like that in my size?

Time to do some work.

Lots of media, but even more cops here.

It's Pimp my Ride, Oilers Style!

This is the best sign I've seen yet!

CBC Health reporter Terry Reith takes some time to check out the scene.

Ok, I thought those guys had a cool sign, but this chick's t-shirt is way better!

Once the local media knew I was here, they just couldn't stop following me.

... mmmm birthday cake! Who's birthday is it? How should I know??

Well, another night of partying is over. Unfortunately due to the large police presence I wasn't able to get any girls to flash me. Oh well, that'll have to wait until after Game 6 on Saturday night.

Go West Young Gnome

2006-05-18T19:02:00.000-04:00

Alright, your friendly neighbourhood gnome Pedro here. I know I promised a long time ago that I was going to the Broadcast Centre, but there was a little change in plans. Since I spent so much time there during the lockout, I thought I'd take my "Cross Canada Tour" to other CBC regions. So I'm heading out to Western Canada! I hope the flight attendants don't confuse me for that dumb Travelocity Gnome.

Gotta love the leg room these new planes have! I wonder if it's time to renew my membership in the Mile High Club.

Welcome to the Regina CBC Newsroom!! Even after spending months in hibernation, the ladies still love me wherever I go.

Even anchors like Costas are big fans.

Aha, so the debate is settled... Anchors are wearing pants under the desk!

Ok, that was a pretty quiet trip, I didn't get to cause too much trouble. I think I'll let the folks here in Regina get back to work.

Off to my next destinaton ... I hear the party is really swinging in Calgary with all that oil money. I think it's time I get in on some of that action.

Pedro's Return...

2006-02-14T17:07:00.000-05:00

I'm here to announce my next destination. It's none other than the Broadcast Centre in Toronto! I'm sure you all remember the last time I was there. Well this time it will be nice to walk around freely again. Look for me to pop up soon!

So long Sydney...

2006-02-13T16:37:00.000-05:00

The sun is setting on my trip to Cape Breton, time to bid adieu to my wonderful hosts.

Time for one last visit to the newsroom.

Everyone here was so nice and sweet...

It's true, parting is such sweet sorrow. Goodbye Jenna!

Goodbye everyone!

Back row: L-R (The two tall guys) Hal Higgins and Kevin MacLellan
Middle Row: L-R Jill Spellicy, Nicole MacLennan, Holly Conners, Bruce LaBobe, Peggy MacDonlad, Wendy Martin, Anne Marie Campbell and Bill Doyle

Front Row (Kneeling) L-R: Bobby Nock, Don Munro, Jenna MacNeil, Sophia Harris and Wendy Bergfeldt

So where am I going next? Stay tuned, I'm going to announce that in a few days!

The Journey Continues...

2005-12-21T17:32:00.000-05:00

Ok, ok, I know it's been a while since you've heard from your hero Pedro. And that's why I've made it my New Year's Resolution to actually post on my blog once in a while. So where have I been you ask? Well, I had a mind-blowing adventure in St. John's, Newfoundland with my good friend John Gushue. It was a pretty crazy time. I don't know if pictures of that will ever surface.

After my time on PEI and the Rock, I figured my next journey should be to Nova Scotia, so here I am in lovely Cape Breton! (This was taken before the big snow storms obviously)

What a lovely skyline. It's so nice here...

Well, I knew Cape Bretoners liked fiddle music but this is ridiculous!!

Pedro's recipe for a good time: One giant fiddle, one tiny country-crossing gnome...

... add a dash of Crown Royale provided by CBC Cape Breton's Jenna MacNeil, and you got yourselves a party! Stay tuned, more fun from Cape Breton to come!

The "P" in PEI stands for PEDRO!!

2005-10-23T17:55:00.000-04:00

Alright, time to take it to the next level. Here I am at Pearson International Airport in Toronto ready to begin my cross-country adventure. Look out Canada... here comes Pedro!

Damn airport security, making me go in the checked luggage. This is no way for a gnome to travel. I bet that Travelocity Gnome gets to sit in first class, damn him.

First stop, the birthplace of Confederation! I've only just arrived in Charlottetown and the media (CBC of course) is here to welcome me.

Nancy: So, Pedro, do you think PEI is ready for you?

Me: The country's smallest province...the CBC's smallest icon... it's a perfect fit!

I think I could get used to life here on the Island...

... everyone here is so friendly!

And the award for PEI's best lockout beard goes to Stevie Stapleton!

Hey guys, does anyone still remember how to use all these knobs and dials?

Angela: So Pedro, tell us about your adventures. How did you get into the Broadcast Centre?

Me: I'll never tell. It's like Deep Throat. I'll reveal it when the "Associate" dies or gets a book deal.

The folks out here do good work. Let's just hope the powers-that-be in Toronto and Ottawa remember that the strength of CBC is in the regions, on the front lines.

It was picket captains like Sally Pitt who's endless hours keeping things running smoothly ultimately helped us stay together and achieve victory. Way to go!

Ok enough hanging out at the office, I brought some supplies on my trip, time to get this party started!

A martini and a gnome, so that's what the bargaining committee members are up to now that the lockout is over. Time to bust a move Brendan!

Oh my, this is getting out of hand.

Me and my man Andrew Sprague. He's actually not as evil as he looks... ok maybe a little bit.

Pedro's Party Parade....

2005-10-12T22:07:00.000-04:00

Thursday night, Oct. 6/05, a great night in lockout history is about to begin; it's my farewell party at the Duke of Argyle!

People came from far and wide....

.... to meet me...

... greet me ...

and get on Pedro's wild ride.

TV and radio folks integrated....

... producers pontificated ...

and a dog imitated.
(whether its an ass-kissing employee or manager that's for you to decide, there's plenty to choose from!)

Hey, it's my cousin Jorge! Good to see you, it's been too long! We need to get you a sign.

That's better! Now we need to get you a beer.

There, now you're ready to party!

These guys don't even work for CBC, but they want to get on the Pedro bandwagon! (can you blame them?)

Oh, the ladies, will they still follow my adventures when we go back to work?

I hope so!

Oh Jorge, one drink and you're already in trouble.

Unlike Jorge, I'm a lover, not a fighter.

What do you think, should the CBC shop start selling these t-shirts? Start a campaign!

Well well, I got me some beads! Now the party is really gonna start!

Nice pecs, but not what I had in mind.

Now that's more like it. Not a bad view, eh Jorge?

Pedro's Cross Canada Tour!

2005-10-10T18:46:00.000-04:00

A big thanks to everyone who came by the Duke of Argyle in Toronto last Thursday to celebrate the end of the lockout and my farewell. I had a great time. In fact, I'm still recovering so that's why I haven't posted the pictures yet. But don't worry, while many lockout blogs are signing off, I'm gonna stick around ... Hey, you've come to expect more from Pedro... so, with that in mind...

I'd like to announce Pedro's Cross-Canada Tour, afterall travelling is what we gnomes do best. I'm going to hit the road and visit as many bureaus across the country as I can. I've heard from fans from St. John's to Yellowknife (Pedro loves you too Winnipeg) and now it's your chance to party with me!

Stay tuned for more details. If you'd like to take part send me an e-mail. I'm at lockedoutpedro@gmail.com.

See you soon!

2005-10-10T18:42:00.000-04:00

In my hungover state I had a chance to read the fine print on the back to work protocol, including that little nugget about the guild asking bloggers to remove negative references to the lockout on the blog. Not sure how many of those are on this site, but regardless, my cousin Pepe sent this picture which I think sums up my feelings best.

Just ask for Pedro...

2005-10-06T12:34:00.000-04:00

Me and my man Johnny Knoxville of Jackass and Dukes of Hazzard fame want to remind you that my farewell bash is tonight at the Duke of Argyle. I'll be there starting at 6 p.m. and finishing whenever they kick me out!

So come on down. Bring a friend, bring two. If you don't have any friends, come along and make some! See you there.

2005-10-05T00:36:00.000-04:00

The Pedro party train continued on Tuesday. Here are a few more folks who raised a glass with me to celebrate the end of the lockout.

Umm, yeah, I'm still not gonna caption every picture. I've only got a few more days of being lazy before we have to back to work.

So Long, Farewell....

2005-10-04T00:27:00.000-04:00

The lockout is almost done and that means my time here is almost over as well. I've had a blast entertaining you with my adventures over the last few weeks, but sadly duty calls and I must go.

But before I leave, I want to celebrate the end of the lockout, so come join me at the Duke of Argyle on Thursday night to raise a pint or two or four....

The girls and I will be there starting at 6 p.m., so spread the word!

2005-10-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Monday was a day of celebration on the line, and well it should be. A lot of people want to party with me and who am I to deny them?

Here are just a few of the fine folks who raised a pint with me. Hope to see you all, and everyone else, at the Duke on Thursday night for my farewell party.

What, you expected a caption for every picture? A picture is worth a thousand words and the smiles on the faces of the people above is worth even more.

They've got a Deal!!

2005-10-03T01:04:00.000-04:00

Being the night owl I am, I was up and surfing the net when word came across that a deal had been reached. Yeehaw, time to party like it's week 1999!!!

2005-10-03T00:59:00.000-04:00

As for the details of the agreement... call me in the morning. But not too early, I might be a bit hungover.

2005-10-03T00:50:00.000-04:00

Better make that early afternoon. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

------------------

P.S. Don't worry, I haven't begun to celebrate what could be the end of this debacle. I'm gonna hold a big end of lockout bash sometime soon. Stay tuned for details on how you can party with me!

2005-10-02T21:13:00.000-04:00

With my fan base across the country growing every day, the requests for interviews are coming in fast and furious.

2005-10-02T20:44:00.000-04:00

I've even hit the talk radio circuit.

2005-10-02T20:18:00.000-04:00

I've talked some hockey with Jeff Marek and Bill Watters, hosts of Leafs Lunch on AM 640 radio in Toronto.

2005-10-02T20:12:00.000-04:00

Forget talking about hockey, since I've got all this free time thanks to the lockout, I'm gonna pursue my dream, I'm gonna try out for the Leafs!

2005-10-02T20:10:00.000-04:00

It's Toronto Marlies head coach Paul Maurice. Maybe he can give me some pointers on making the big team.

Paul: Go hard or go home gnome.

Me: Thanks, take it one day at a time too right? Give it 110% and all that.

2005-10-02T20:06:00.000-04:00

It's Toronto Maple Leaf starting defenceman Tomas Kaberle.

Me: Hey man, I'm at least as tough as Tie Domi!

Tomas: Sorry, we already had a guy named Stumpy who tried and didn't make the team. A gnome might be a bit much.

2005-10-02T19:48:00.000-04:00

Ok so hockey is out ... maybe I'll give baseball a shot. How good would I look playing centre field for the Toronto Blue Jays?

2005-10-02T19:26:00.000-04:00

Alright, the Jays already have a quality centre fielder in Vernon Wells. Maybe I should try curling?

Vernon: Pedro, maybe you should just stick to journalism, afterall it's what you love.

Me: You're right Vernon, I shouldn't let the lockout make me forget that. Thanks man.

Vernon: My work here is done.

2005-09-30T17:53:00.000-04:00

Hey friends, it seems my adventures have gone beyond the CBC blogosphere. Advertising and media website AdRants has discovered my blog and it's on their main page today at www.adrants.com! You can also check out the direct link here.

Mr. Pedro goes to Ottawa

2005-09-29T15:13:00.000-04:00

I made it to Ottawa! All together now "Raindrops keep falling on my head..."

This flower bed is pretty good, I think I could retire here.

Anyone got some marshmellows?

2005-09-29T15:08:00.000-04:00

There's a phallic symbol if I've ever seen one. Let's see if all that power can do something about this lockout.

2005-09-29T14:58:00.000-04:00

We're just moments away from the GG's arrival. Why do I feel like I should be holding a squeegee?

Ms. Clarkson, hold up! Oh wait, you've only got one more day on the job, nevermind, keep driving.

2005-09-29T14:55:00.000-04:00

It's the new broadcast centre in Ottawa. I wonder if Anthony Germain could give me a tour sometime? Oh wait, the lockout... dammit.

2005-09-29T14:53:00.000-04:00

Big thanks to the CMG Ottawa food committee for keeping Pedro's tummy full, good work!

2005-09-29T14:23:00.000-04:00

Wow, what a crowd. Time to do some classic Pedro-style networking.

It's Joel Darling, executive producer of Hockey Night in Canada and announcer Mark Lee ... Hey Joel, how about Pedro's Corner in the second intermission?

I'm liking the goatee Paul, but you've got a long way to go to make that a true lockout beard.

Hey Wayne, ever think about taking a gnome with you when you go back on the road again?

You can lock us out, but you can't shut us up, right Shelagh!

Hey, I actually found someone who's almost my height!

Hey Gilles, thank for coming out. You're not half bad, but do you think you could do something about that whole breaking-up-the-country policy of yours?

Looking good Ed! And Jack, thanks for the support, just don't expect any favours when we go back to work.

2005-09-29T14:18:00.000-04:00

Ok folks, I'll keep my message short and sweet (just like me).

To quote Jesse Jackson: "Keep Hope Alive!"

2005-09-29T13:59:00.000-04:00

1:30 p.m., Question Period is coming up, I better head inside and get a good seat in the peanut gallery and make sure the topic of the lockout comes up.

2005-09-29T13:57:00.000-04:00

One long security check later and I'm finally inside. Unfortunately my wet and soggy sign didn't survive the trip through the x-ray machine.

2005-09-29T00:37:00.000-04:00

After yet another security check I finally made it to Question Period. I wasn't able to take my camera so unfortunately I don't have a picture.

You may have seen it on TV, but here's a brief description of what happened. It's not exact as my mind started to wander after the first half hour, but eventually they got to the CBC:

Hulk Hogan (aka Charlie Angus NDP) : Whatcha gonna do brotha, when thousands of Canadians run wild on you? Will you end the lockout?

Principal Skinner (aka Joe Fontana, Labour Minister) : Mr. Speaker, I have both sides in my office and they'll get detention if they don't come up with an agreement soon.

Me: Wow, way to act fast Joe! What are we in now, week 7? Hey, I hear FEMA has an opening for a new director.

2005-09-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

Not satisfied with what happened during QP I thought I'd see how things were progressing with the negotiations... anybody got a map of this place?

Well negotiations are taking place, though I couldn't get in. I decided to leave the two sides be. This ain't no time for them to be monkeying around ...

... as for me, I can monkey around all I want. It's not everyday I get to Parliament Hill. I might as well take some time and look around before I go.

Did you know I do impressions? Here I am running up the stairs ... look at me I'm Jean Chretien!

Ok, what's this one: I'm in an ivory tower... looking down on CBC employees... that's right, I'm senior management!

Last impression: It's 4 p.m. and I'm having a pint at D'Arcy McGee's. That's a tough one, I might as well be any civil servant in Ottawa!

Well, it's been a long day. I think this pint is well deserved... a toast to everyone who stuck it out and made today a day to remember! Here's hoping the next toast will be to a new deal.

2005-09-27T18:05:00.000-04:00

Wow, I must say it was quite a day in Ottawa on Monday. I never realized I had so many fans in the nation's capital. Thanks to all those who came by and said hi. I met tons of great people and had some interesting adventures, including getting into Question Period! Though the rain didn't wipe away my smile, it did leave me with a bit of a cold, so I'm not quite 100% today. But don't worry, I'll have all the details of my visit to Ottawa up soon. Stay tuned!

2005-09-25T18:39:00.000-04:00

My recent exploits in the broadcast centre have garnered me a bit of notoriety. That's given me a chance to hang with some pretty important people. Like the 5th Estate's Hana Gartner...

2005-09-25T18:31:00.000-04:00

... and Brian Stewart ...

2005-09-25T18:20:00.000-04:00

I've taken an hour to chill with George Stomboloupolous...

2005-09-25T18:11:00.000-04:00

I'm even hanging with Peter Mansbridge himself, how cool is that?

Peter: But Pedro, don't let the fame get to your head, we're still locked out. Maybe I'm not the PM you should be talking to.

Me: You're right Peter. I should go see Paul Martin!

2005-09-25T18:07:00.000-04:00

Alrighty, I'm off to Ottawa to march on Parliament Hill. See you all there!

If the RV is Rockin....

2005-09-22T16:17:00.000-04:00

The people that created this lockout may have thought the guild would fold and give in. But, in fact, I see the exact opposite happening. People on the line are closer than ever.

But maybe you're not as close to that certain someone on the line as you'd like to be ;)

As you may have noticed, I'm no stranger to the opposite sex, and if your best line is "So, do you picket here often?" , you might need a bit of help.

Now, other sites may just give you a top 10, but you know that with me, you get much more....

Girl, with a booty like that I could picket behind you all day!

Baby you make me wanna cross the line!

What are the terms of your agreement?

Bring back your CBC.... Bring me home!

How about we go back to your place, I'm locked out.

Baby, you could never sign out of my heart.

Rabinovitch, Chalmers, Smith, Stursberg: Evil-doers. Me...Pornstar!

Girl, your feet must be tired, cuz you've been picketing in my mind all day!

That sign looks good on you... it would look even better on my bedroom floor!

Looking for some part time work? I got some positions for you!

Forget casual sex, how about sex with a casual?

I got a contract you can't refuse!

Is that a water bottle in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

Hey did it hurt when you fell from heaven onto the picket line?

This is my sign, what's yours?

I hear you can go 20 hours, is that true?

Have you signed up for the naked rally at my place tonight?

You... me ... Front St. Webcam!

and finally.... this has been really tough, a lot of people have fallen on hard times, it's been really hard to make ends meet. I don't know how I'm going to pay the bills, I don't even know if I can take my kids to daycare .... wanna f**k?

--------------------

I've got a few more, but I'd like to keep this a family-friendly website. But feel free to send in any suggestions you may have.

Legal fine print: Pedro is not responsible if you get a drink spilled on you or slapped as a result of saying these lines. He will however accept monetary donations if you get lucky. Also, not everyone pictured works for CBC so don't hurt your head trying to figure out what department they work in.

ANOTHER PEDRO EXCLUSIVE!!!

2005-09-20T13:24:00.000-04:00

So my attempts to talk to management's bargaining committee failed. I don't think they take me seriously. Time to execute my biggest mission yet: Getting inside the Broadcast Centre. A quick call to my associate inside and Operation Undercover Gnome is about to get underway.

2005-09-20T13:16:00.000-04:00

Step 1: Reconnaissance. Time to study the pylons, I mean security, to see how best to get on the inside. It's a game of hide and seek, Pedro style.

2005-09-20T13:12:00.000-04:00

Step 2: Cause a diversion. That's it Diane, just keep him talking, I'm almost to the door.

2005-09-20T13:10:00.000-04:00

Step 3: Home free. I love it when a plan comes together!

2005-09-20T13:04:00.000-04:00

Well look where I am... the entrance to the 4th floor newsroom! How you like me now management bargaining committee? Geez it's deserted. It's been so long since I've been here, I hope I can remember how to get around.

2005-09-20T13:00:00.000-04:00

A symbol of the great work done by all those people on the picket line is gathering dust .. oh wait, they still have people coming in and dusting and watering the plants...good to see where the priorities are.

2005-09-20T12:57:00.000-04:00

Sorry Peter, I tried to get to your desk but they locked the doors.

2005-09-20T12:46:00.000-04:00

Now some may consider me "Behind Enemy Lines", but frankly, most of the people in here aren't the enemy. In fact, it's not us versus them, as much as some would make it out to be. We are all a team and should be working towards a common goal; a strong and vibrant CBC. I'm certain most people walking around the building and those forced to work here understand that so why can't the people at the top figure that out? I guess it's like my momma used to say: "Common sense ain't so common."

2005-09-20T12:40:00.000-04:00

Crap, I think the security monkeys finally found me, time to jet. But I've made my point. We need to be back in here. Not sneaking around like I've been, but working. Stop the madness, end this lockout! (Bobby R., Stursy, don't make me come after you).

And a big thanks to "The Associate", my source on the inside. Without the Associate's help this mission wouldn't have been possible.

PEDRO EXCLUSIVE!!

2005-09-18T23:58:00.000-04:00

Ok, I've been sitting on the sidelines for too long now. It's time to have my voice heard in this dispute and there's only one place to do that. To the Gnomemobile!

2005-09-18T23:56:00.000-04:00

Look out bargaining committees, here comes Pedro!

2005-09-18T23:55:00.000-04:00

Wow, it's really nice in here. I wonder which side decided to hold the negotiations here? Do you think things would have been settled already if they were negotiating at a Super 8 Motel?

2005-09-18T23:54:00.000-04:00

I've made it inside the war room and I have the attention of the guild bargaining committee.

Me: Ok people listen up, this lockout has gone on long enough. You need to get a deal or I'm gonna have to go evil-gnome on all your asses.

2005-09-18T23:53:00.000-04:00

Time to look around this so-called "war room". Where the hell is the beer? How are you supposed to negotiate on water and goat milk?

2005-09-18T23:43:00.000-04:00

Let's look at the articles that are holding up a deal. Time to put my two cents in.

2005-09-18T23:39:00.000-04:00

Let me get this straight Dan, you're saying there are no special provisions for gnomes in here?

2005-09-18T23:30:00.000-04:00

... pay attention, now I'm only going to say this once. You, in the back, take notes, there won't be a test, but there are a whole lotta people out there counting on you to get this right.

2005-09-18T23:25:00.000-04:00

Ok Arnold. I noticed you talking during my presentation. Is there something you'd like to share with the rest of the class?

2005-09-18T23:20:00.000-04:00

The war room was so impressed with my presentation that afterwards they held a special ceremony to make me an honourary member of the bargaining committee. Not bad for a little gnome eh?

2005-09-18T23:18:00.000-04:00

Just in case you didn't believe me. Here's the certificate, signed by all the members of the bargaining committee. I'm pretty sure this gives me free reign to do whatever the heck I want on the picket line now :)

2005-09-18T22:53:00.000-04:00

Since the bargaining committee was nice enough to give me something, I think it fitting that I should return the favour. A nice photocopy of my ass should do the trick.

2005-09-18T13:04:00.000-04:00

With my photocopied ass hanging on the wall of the war room one would think I would head home, but my work at the Royal York wasn't over yet.

Being a fair and equal minded journalist I ventured up to the 10th floor to give the Corporation's bargaining committee a chance to hear me out.

The following is an abbreviated account of my talk with the individual who opened the door when I knocked.

Me: Hi, I'm Pedro and I'm locked out. Can I have my picture taken with you?

Anonymous Guy with British Accent (looking me up and down): Ummm, no. I appreciate your whimsy, but I don't think it would be appropriate at this time.

Me: Oh well, it never hurts to ask.

The door closed and I could hear him returning to tell his colleagues about his encounter at the door. There was an eruption of laughter. At least they have a sense of humour.

But alas, my attempts to get their attention didn't quite work. I think I need to do something a bit more drastic.

I have an idea... it's going to be dangerous and I might not come back but it will definitely get their attention.

Hee hee, it's gonna be good!

2005-09-16T13:51:00.000-04:00

Well it seems that as the lockout drags on and as your brain cells deteriorate my popularity is on the rise. Thanks to those of you who visit regularly and welcome to those who are just discovering me and my exploits.

I want you to know that I've been very busy in the last few days. Thursday was a particularly adventurous day and as a result I have some some unprecedented and exclusive pictures that I will be sharing with you in the upcoming days.

Stay tuned!

2005-09-16T13:38:00.000-04:00

I've found a couple of fans in CBC radio's Piya Chattopadhyay and Peter Armstrong. I've heard them many times but never knew what they looked like.... Interesting, I always thought they were gnomes too.

2005-09-16T13:33:00.000-04:00

Being the equal-opportunity gnome that I am, I ventured across the street to visit the yahoos in line to watch Canadian Idol. Warning to all parents: this is what happens to kids who watch too much Ben Mulroney. One could not find a better argument for keeping the CBC strong and healthy.

2005-09-16T13:30:00.000-04:00

... I've talked sports with my main man Tom Harrington and some real music with Matt Galloway of CBC Radio ...

2005-09-16T13:23:00.000-04:00

... I've spent some time discussing UN reform and the Bush administration's handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina ...

2005-09-16T13:01:00.000-04:00

Even TV foreign assignment producer Brien Christie has been following me around the building.

Brien: Hey Pedro, I'm thinking when this is all said and done I want you to work abroad.

Me: Work a broad? I've worked lots of broads, one shouldn't be too hard ;)

2005-09-14T21:21:00.000-04:00

A lot of people have been asking me what I do on the weekends when I'm not picketing. So, I thought I'd give you a glimpse into my life off the line. It begins with a little lounging by the pool.

2005-09-14T21:17:00.000-04:00

... a well-cooked meal and some fine wine ...

2005-09-14T21:13:00.000-04:00

... don't forget some excellent company...

2005-09-14T21:04:00.000-04:00

... after that, well, use your imagination :)

2005-09-14T01:47:00.000-04:00

Ok, time to set the record straight. It seems a rumour has started that I'm leaving the picket line to join Travelocity as their spokesgnome. I want to assure everyone that I have no intention of leaving and that I'm staying here till this is all done. This Gnome is home!

2005-09-14T01:28:00.000-04:00

Pedro's Question of the Day: Who's Hotter? Me or Travelocity Gnome (he doesn't even have a name, how lame is that?).

When you answer, remember one thing, I don't know where you live, but I can find out.... Oh wait, please don't take that as a threat, it's just so I know where to send the thank you card when you vote for me ;)

2005-09-12T23:56:00.000-04:00

There is quite a bit to do on the line to keep one occupied, including getting your fortune told. Let's see what's in store for me today.

Me: Hey "Locked Out" Oracle, what do you see in my future?

Oracle: I see trouble ahead ... beware

Me: Gee thanks, aren't you just a ray of sunshine.

Oracle: Get outta here before I put a hex on you... oh wait that might be an improvement.

Me: Don't quit your day job "Oracle"

2005-09-12T23:53:00.000-04:00

So Mr. Seagull, you want to fly around and bother me while I try to get some peace and quiet on the grass here? You want some? Come get some! I'll lay the smackdown on your candy ass. Trust me, I've been locked out for 5 weeks, I've got a lot of pent-up frustration that I wouldn't mind taking out on you.

2005-09-12T23:51:00.000-04:00

Yeah, that's right, get your feathered ass outta here. You don't want none of this gnome.

2005-09-12T23:50:00.000-04:00

Alright, maybe I should give her one more chance....

Me: Your first prediction didn't go so well, what else do you have up your sleeve?

Oracle: Well Pedro, I foresee you partying ....

Me: Ok, now we're getting somewhere, I like to party.

Oracle: I see you partying with some barenaked ladies.

Me: Right on!

2005-09-12T23:43:00.000-04:00

It's the Barenaked Ladies performing a lockout concert in Simcoe Park ... not quite what I expected, but still pretty cool! Actually I'm surprised management didn't try to pull a June Rowlands circa 1992 and have them banned from playing.

2005-09-12T23:31:00.000-04:00

Well, I didn't get to see any ladies naked, but then again, I'm sure Steve and Ed were expecting some hot CBC groupies not a gnome.

2005-09-09T15:57:00.000-04:00

Damn, just when I thought I had the best lockout beard on the line.

2005-09-08T00:34:00.000-04:00

Time to take a break from picketing. Hi, I'm Pedro, I'm new in town and can't find my way around; could I have directions to your place?

2005-09-08T00:32:00.000-04:00

Well, that didn't go so good. At least I've got some beer to drown my sorrows. In the words of Homer Simpson I offer a toast: To alchohol. The cause of, and solution to all of life's problems.

2005-09-08T00:29:00.000-04:00

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

2005-09-08T00:26:00.000-04:00

Oh man, I ain't walkin' all the way back by myself. Time to hitch a ride back to the picket line.

2005-09-08T00:24:00.000-04:00

Ahhh, relief. Hey, why the heck is this camera following me everywhere, can't I get a moment of peace?

2005-09-06T23:58:00.000-04:00

I'm with ya Glenn. Us inanimate objects gotta stick together on this one.

2005-09-06T23:53:00.000-04:00

Ok Bob, when the heck are they going to put a Gnome on the moon?

2005-09-06T23:50:00.000-04:00

Hey, what can I say? Chicks dig gnomes ... they don't call me Gnomeo for nothing!

2005-09-06T23:46:00.000-04:00

Walking circles around a square building is tough work when you've got such small legs. Mmm, Pizza. I could get used to service like this :)

2005-09-06T23:43:00.000-04:00

Time to wash that pizza down with a nice pint ... no place better to do that than the good ol' Duke of Argyle.

2005-09-06T23:31:00.000-04:00

Chillin' out with Moxy Fruvous in Simcoe Park... Yo, someone pass the dutchie on the left hand side!

2005-09-06T23:24:00.000-04:00

Ok Jian, seriously, I think I'd make a great member of Moxy Fruvous.

2005-09-06T23:21:00.000-04:00

Oh Eva! You know what they say: Once you go gnome ...

2005-09-06T23:18:00.000-04:00

Debating with a fellow CMGer who the hottest Desperate Housewife is ... we all know who I'm voting for.

2005-09-06T23:16:00.000-04:00

Well that was real mature!