B-List

Sydney-siders would no doubt be relieved that APEC 2007 has finished.
But APEC may not be what it purports to be.  On paper it looks like a
serious forum for the discussion of matters affecting the countries of
the Pacific rim.  Cynics would say it's just a succession of photo-
opportunities.  Maybe the true purpose of APEC is to be a showcase of
the comedic talents of World Leaders, especially George W. Bush?

* "Bush backs 'Austrian troops' at 'OPEC'"
  <http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/08/2027414.htm>
"Gaffe-prone US President George W Bush confused APEC with OPEC and
 transformed Australian troops into Austrians in a series of blunders
 in Sydney on Friday"

The Chaser Strikes Back.  Was the highly-publicised security breach
by The Chaser an attempt to steal back the comedy spotlight from the
encroachments of the World Leaders?

* "Chaser stunt raises questions about APEC security"
  <http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/09/07/2026566.htm>
"This is the most significant security event in Australia's history.
 It's the most significant, international, diplomatic event in
 Australia's history and therefore is extremely serious."

* "Aussie bin Laden penetrates APEC security"
  <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/09/06/apec_security_breach/>

Of course the annual class photos have been visually entertaining for
years now:

* APEC 2007: Leaders Official Photographs
  <http://www.apec2007.org/lwgallery.aspx?event=AELM>

The photo gallery is available via the above link on the official site,
but the direct url is ridiculously long.  Try this instead:
  <http://tinyurl.com/26j9cu>

Don't they all look impressive in their blandly-coloured smocks, er,
Dryzabones?  Actually, I'm a bit disappointed at how bland and smock-
like the coats look on those leaders.  Nowhere near as colourful as
recent APEC efforts, highlighted in last year's B-List post:
  <http://b-list.blogspot.com/search?q=apec+2006>

Perhaps they should've asked Ken Done to add some colour to the
drabfest?
  <http://www.kendone.com.au/current_exhibition/flash.ASP>