gor[b] Paul Gorbould: Words and Pictures

CTV signs on our side of the street

This has gone too far.

For a few weeks each summer, my CBC Toronto office is blessed with the sound of prepubescent girls screaming in rapture outside the Canadian Idol corral at the convention centre across the street. In addition to Kelly Clarkson brand tube tops and bristol board signs saying "Marry me Ben", there's usually a van, a tent, a PA system and a carnival barker trying to whip the girls into a lather. Until now, all that was across the street - a minor nuisance akin to the guy who plays (sic) bagpipes on Blue Jays days.

Yet now I see that signs for that wretched CTV show have crossed the No Man's Land of Front Street, and are fluttering gaily right outside the CBC building, not 15' from the front door. (Hat tip to Erich the Eagle-Eyed for noticing.)

Who the hell let that happen? Really, does nobody at CBC pay attention to advertising availabilities on our own front door? What's next, Dr. Phil recycling bins for all CBC employees? Ghost Whisper screensavers?

Haven't we complained enough about the CTV billboards across the road on John St.? Haven't I created enough ridicule to make anyone care?

I think the only thing left for me to do is audition for Canadian Idol.

Hell, I could do it just by leaning out my office window.