double take -noun (a rapid or surprised second look, either literal or figurative, at a person or situation whose significance had not been completely grasped at first: His friends did a double take when they saw how much weight he had lost.)
MONTREAL, QC. — A double take is what I did this morning after reading an article in the Metro Journal, a free French mini newspaper available throughout the island of Montreal.
I was in such disbelief at what I had just read that I had to read it again to ensure I had properly understood. The question “Did they just compare the Habs to Gadhafi?” was bouncing every which way inside my skull. Even worse, “Are they saying the Habs need to learn from Gadhafi?”.
I read it a third time. I could not believe anyone would do that, but they did.
The article was written up by what appears to be three bozos that work for Radio Canada, and host a radio show called Sportnographe. It was written up in French, but here are some quotes that I’ve translated.
“Sportnographe is proposing that the Canadiens take example from Gadhafi. Apart from the fact that this would help reduce the price of gas (…) Moammar Gadhafi should equally be able to inspire the Canadiens.”
“Just like the Canadiens, the Libyan leader has lived some difficult days due to unexpected and underhanded attacks, he then felt abandoned by his colleagues and friends, and when he was almost dead, with less troops in his ranks, his downfall was all but announced. But, after putting all his courage together, and after finding the necessary strength, today, he is still master of his own destiny.”
“No, we are telling you this honestly, the Canadiens can stop searching for answers, they simply need to carry the torch that is being handed to them by Gadhafi, and inspire themselves from his return to power, they need to trample their adversaries, so that they may return the conference finals and lose to the Philadelphia Flyers.”
What do you think, am I not tolerant enough of this humour or did they cross the line?
Original article (French) available at here.
(Photo: Alain Roberge, La Presse)
Rookie
March 18, 2011
That’s funny, if by “funny” they mean “not funny at all and a total waste of ink.”
cokeaddict
March 19, 2011
OMG! I cannot believe that happened. I’m so completely and utterly shocked. WTF?!?!
Have people become such sensationalist that they’ve lost their senses? And on Radio Canada too? Public money for this idiotic gem. Nice.
Stevo
March 19, 2011
Thanks for visiting, I couldn’t agree more with both of you.
TEC4
March 19, 2011
Do you think maybe they meant some other Qaddafi? You know, Joe Qaddafi who runs the depanneur down the street or something?
Idiots.