The Harper Bossa Nova

Stephen Harper returns to Ottawa from Sao Paulo, bringing with him many memories, an enthusiasm for the bossa nova, and Carmen Miranda hats for Bev Oda, Leona Aglukkaq and John Baird.

"It was a successful trade mission to this new economic superpower," said a spokesman for the Prime Minister, "and everything went well, after that first address to Brazilian leaders." Mr. Harper had opened his remarks by saying, "I'm delighted to be in Brazil, where the nuts come from." The Prime Minister was surprised by his audience's reaction. "Can't understand it," he said. "Bob Rae told me they'd love the line." 

Later this week, Conservative Party leaders are expected to be entertained at a Brazilian Night Fiesta, where they will be served deep-fried plantains and non-alcoholic daiquiris, and the Prime Minister will sing a number of Brazilian-inspired songs, including "The Big White Dude from Ipanema," "One Vote Samba" and "They've Got an Awful Lot of Pesos in Brazil."