26 Comments
User's avatar
Hunter Holt-Barry's avatar

BeardWatch2023 begins, its like smoke from the Vatican--if its shaved it symbolizes the election of a new party leader...

Lisa Lambert's avatar

That beard needs its own chair! It is so over the top that I have to agree with you that it is a huge act of rebellion. But, get the Beard a chair!

Lisa Lambert's avatar

My Gender Politics class found you this gem: Razor’s Edge: The Politics of Facial Hair SOCIAL SCIENCE QUARTERLY, Volume 96, Number 5, November 2015. The first line: "This article argues that whether male candidates have facial hair has political implications."

Mildred Thill's avatar

The bearded hipster look has been co- opted by the alt right, so he’s right on brand. This happened about 4 years ago everywhere else, so the fashion trend in Alberta is right on time.

Steve Manwarren's avatar

So, the spoiled little rich girl masquerading as Premier jetted off to Dubai without Alberta's energy minister. Wow, just wow. Curiously, it reminds me of Milton's "A dog starved at his master's gate, forecasts the ruin of the state."

Marushka's avatar

Interesting take, hope you’re correct. Personally I do not like his beard but if it’s a revolt, I’m all for it.

Valerie Jobson's avatar

My aunt was a civil servant in Ottawa; once she said there was a rumour that Allan McEachen planned to run for leader because he'd had a new haircut.

Kathleen's avatar

Excellent post! The bellwether beard. Love it!

Dave Cournoyer's avatar

Thanks for the link, Lisa. The Best of Alberta Politics survey is always looking for new special categories. I think Brian Jean might be in a league of his own for #ableg facial hair. Lol.

Tris Pargeter's avatar

Hahaha, good one Lisa; I was also taken aback by it but not favourably; I prefer the trimmed style....good news from Dubai though too eh? If I read it right Denial and/or Alberta got the "fossil award?" Nice to see them singled out but Curly Joe must have been a bit miffed.

Gord Lambert's avatar

grows by the day. a Pinocchio beard???

Pietro Wislon's avatar

He looks a bit like "HERO" from Player's Navy Cut. Too toxic for me.

Anonymous's avatar

Pietro Wilson: That was used for the cover art for the 1969 album by Procol Harum, A Salty Dog.

Pietro Wislon's avatar

Thanks!

I've downloaded the album,

Rolled a spliff,

And gonna dream of better beardless days.

Best Wishes.

Anonymous's avatar

Pietro Wilson: While you are at it, you should check out Procol Harum Live In Concert With The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. It's a classic, recorded live, right in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1971.

Pietro Wislon's avatar

I think I have the LP under the old gramophone!

Arlene Holberton's avatar

MLA Jean looks like a Mountain Man. Unfortunately, from some of his statements, he does not know very much about our mountains or where the coal is.

Anonymous's avatar

Lisa: Brian Jean looks like he'd fit in on an episode of Grizzly Adams, with that beard. On a more serious note, he was against Danielle Smith for ruining the Wildrose party, and now he is supportive of her. Personally, I do not see Danielle Smith remaining as premier. I just don't.

Elvis's avatar

You made me laugh through the pain!

elsie.lammers@gmail.com's avatar

Well folks I have a stronger statement about the beard. I hate it!! Too much beard.

Andrea P's avatar

I think Brian Jean's beard is hideous. Needs a good trim.