Friday, May 30, 2003
Alive? Yes. Alive and enjoying a break from blogging -- one filled with the tranquil serenity of blissful ignorance. (News? What news?) That and I'm busy on my trip.
Sporadic blogging resumes in 3...2...1...
posted by media_dystopia @ 17:49 [ link | top | home ]
Friday, May 23, 2003
Stanley Cup update: The New Jersey Devils eliminated the Ottawa Senators in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Sigh. (Insert a tear and a sniffle here.)
Well, it was a good run, filled with nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat excitement. (Today's game, for example, was tied late into the third period.) Thank you for the great year, boys. We're proud of you. Go Sens go! (Insert flag-waving here.)
(That is to say, waving what's left of my Sens flag after it fell off in traffic -- my fault; I opened the window to get some air -- and was run over by several cars and a truck before I could circle around to retrieve it. Oops.)
Note: This will be my last Stanley Cup update as I do not care about the two remaining teams and have no intention of watching their games.
posted by media_dystopia @ 21:35 [ link | top | home ]
Wednesday, May 21, 2003
Stanley Cup update: Holy shit! They did it! The Sens won Game 6! Ottawa beat New Jersey in overtime! Woohoo! Go Sens go!
In two days, Game 7 -- in Ottawa, no less -- will decide who faces the aquatic fowl in the Stanley Cup finals.
Now, if you don't mind, I need to change my sweaty T-shirt and have a stiff drink. (If I had been any more on edge during that game, I would have fallen off my chair.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 22:15 [ link | top | home ]
News item: Ottawa crow had West Nile.
Can someone please let me know when it's safe to go home?
posted by media_dystopia @ 14:39 [ link | top | home ]
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Today's contestant on "Who wants to be a pariah?" Canada has confirmed a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) -- aka mad cow disease -- and the U.S. has banned Canadian beef imports as a result.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency news release: "BSE Disease Investigation in Alberta."
Government of Alberta news release: "Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Investigation in Alberta."
U.S. Department of Agriculture statement: "...by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Regarding Canada's Announcement of BSE Investigation May 20, 2003."
First SARS, now this. So much for the Canadian beef industry. Sigh.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:45 [ link | top | home ]
The Homeland Security Advisory has been raised to High/Orange: "High Risk of Terrorist Attacks." The Department of Homeland Security reminds you that the Ottawa Senators have already eliminated two American teams, and that all Canadians should be treated accordingly. They're a tricky lot those Canucks, especially the ones claiming to be "tourists" or "just visiting" (a likely story). Thank you for your attention loyal citizens. (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:23 [ link | top | home ]
Monday, May 19, 2003
Stanley Cup update: Ottawa won Game 5 by a two-goal margin (3-1) -- thanks in part to 19-year-old Jason Spezza who scored a goal and an assist in his Stanley Cup playoff debut -- staving off elimination and reducing New Jersey's lead in the series to one game (3-2). Woohoo! Go Sens go!
I hate to say this, but I went into today's game thinking that they were doomed and that their fate was the ignominy of home-ice elimination. Thankfully, I was wrong.
(By the way, ESPN's coverage was a whole lot better than ABC's. It still doesn't hold a candle to CBC, mind you.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 21:51 [ link | top | home ]
News item: White House spokesman leaving this summer.
White House Press Secretary Air Fleischer, the public face of the Bush administration through 9-11 and two wars, will be resigning his post in July to pursue a career in the private sector.
Would "Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye!" be an appropriate response? Just wondering.
posted by media_dystopia @ 14:47 [ link | top | home ]
Sunday, May 18, 2003
Further to the April 10 post: Thanks to Newsworld International, the television network devoted to "world news, business, sports, weather and entertainment," people in the U.S. are able to see and hear perspectives from around the globe, including Canada (the network carries The National and other CBC News programs).
posted by media_dystopia @ 16:23 [ link | top | home ]
Saturday, May 17, 2003
Further to the January 18 post: TLC repeated the Morna O'Keefe episode of What Not to Wear. What a hottie!
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:27 [ link | top | home ]
Stanley Cup update: Where are my antidepressants? Ottawa lost Game 4 by a three-goal margin (5-2) and is now one game away from being eliminated by New Jersey. Sigh.
posted by media_dystopia @ 17:48 [ link | top | home ]
Stanley Cup update: It's Game 4 of the Ottawa-New Jersey series, and after one period I can safely say that ABC's Stanley Cup Playoffs on ABC Presented by Nextel -- whose play-by-play reminds me of Comedy Central's Battlebots -- is in desperate need of some pointers from CBC's Hockey Night in Canada. (Insert retching sounds here.)
By the way, ABC, ESPN, and the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim -- who just made it to the finals -- are all owned in part or in full by Disney. Interesting. (Just some corporate synergy to think about when watching the broadcasts.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 16:07 [ link | top | home ]
Further to the May 15 post: Blogging on this computer is bloody painful. (Insert random grumbling noises here.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 13:10 [ link | top | home ]
Ottawa Citizen columnist David Warren engaging in a "PaxAttack": "'Salam Pax' plays Americans for fools in Iraq; The star of the blog 'Where is Raed?' is part of an anti-Western conspiracy." (Via MetaFilter.)
Despite linking to it on three occasions -- doing my part for the viral spread -- I haven't been reading Where is Raed? Not only do I still doubt Salam Pax's authenticity, but I'm still miffed that Pyra Labs/Google bent over backwards for him.
posted by media_dystopia @ 12:53 [ link | top | home ]
Friday, May 16, 2003
Further to the February 7 post: I finally saw My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It was...OK. It was no Matrix Reloaded, mind you. (I'll let you read into that what you will.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:22 [ link | top | home ]
Blah. To say that The Matrix Reloaded was a disappointment is an understatement. Like Harry Knowles of Ain't It Cool News, I was underwhelmed. Given the time and budget The Wachowski Brothers had, I was expecting a shock to the heart from a defibrillator; instead, I got some static electricity from a doorknob. Aside from some interesting story development -- it was, after all, one big trailer (albeit a lackluster one) for The Matrix Revolutions -- it didn't have much to offer.
I'll shut up now. All the power to you if you enjoy The Matrix Reloaded.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:03 [ link | top | home ]
I'm catching up on my Brother Cadfael while I'm away from home. Go figure.
posted by media_dystopia @ 18:47 [ link | top | home ]
Thursday, May 15, 2003
Stanley Cup update: Ottawa lost Game 3. This time it was a 1-0 shutout. Shit. (So much for the Sens flag providing a long-distance karmic infusion.)
Today I learned that if you're cut off from television and the Internet during a game, and just happen to be somewhere in the U.S. that couldn't care less about hockey, you have a Zamboni's chance in hell of finding out the score. Local junior-league softball games -- yes. Stanley Cup playoffs -- no.
Suffice it to say, the mean-looking centurion and I were going nuts today.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:24 [ link | top | home ]
We are experiencing technical difficulties. The computer I'm using -- far, far away from my beloved baby at home -- doesn't seem to like Blogger, or vice versa. This may curtail my blogging even more. Just an FYI.
posted by media_dystopia @ 05:55 [ link | top | home ]
SF Gate columnist Mark Morford on the war being a big joke on us: "BushCo Reams Nation Good; No WMDs after all, no excuse for war, too late for anyone to care anymore. Ha-ha, suckers." (Via MetaFilter and FARK.com.)
Whoops. Bad news. As The Washington Post reports, the 75th Exploitation Task Force, the very serious-minded group heading up all U.S. inspections in Iraq, the group absolutely certain it would immediately find steaming neon-lit stockpiles of WMDs piled right next to Saddam's personal stash of gay porn and Britney Spears posters and opium pipes, is coming home with its tail between its legs. Found nothing. Nada.
Ditto.
posted by media_dystopia @ 05:44 [ link | top | home ]
Wednesday, May 14, 2003
Where's an oxygen mask when you need one? The only redeeming part of today's lengthy and painful air travel -- which included an oh-so-pleasant interrogation by one of Darth Ridge's minions (albeit a nice one -- the minion, not the interrogation), a careful picking-apart of my luggage (my Sens flag got wrinkled, dammit), a hangover (okay, that one was my fault; I can't resist redheaded waitresses bearing Molson Canadian), a "mechanical problem" resulting in a narrowly missed connection ("narrowly" as in a couple of minutes...leading to four dismal hours of waiting), a Boeing 777's state-of-the-art headrest entertainment system crashing (the "system not available" error killed the movies, but spared the bad country and western music), and a squirming, kicking, sometimes-angry kid in the seat next to me (did I mention he had a knack of hitting me whenever I dozed off?) -- was that Kiefer Sutherland had to wait longer than me to be seated at the LAX Chili's.
(Sorry, Kiefer, but I was too damn miffed at missing a connection, famished, and in need of alcohol to pay you any heed -- not that I get starstruck in the first place, nor do I have any autograph-hunter in my blood.)
All that being said -- in a sentence whose hideous length is indicative of the kind of day it's been -- I made it to my destination, and that's what counts. Never mind that it took half a bottle of Tylenol to survive the trip. Sigh.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:22 [ link | top | home ]
Tuesday, May 13, 2003
Stanley Cup update: Ottawa lost Game 2. Correction: Ottawa was trounced 4-1 by New Jersey. Shit.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:33 [ link | top | home ]
Blogging and hockey in absentia. I'm heading to the U.S. for three weeks. (Well, assuming that Darth Ridge and his boys deem me worthy of crossing the border.) Unfortunately, my Internet access and blogging time will be curtailed to a certain degree. I'll do my best to keep up, though -- honest.
My apologies to the Ottawa Senators for not being in town for their Stanley Cup run. I hope to catch their games on -- gasp! -- ESPN. Unfortunately, that means no Hockey Night in Canada, no MacLean-Cherry banter on Coach's Corner, no Molson and Labatt commercials, and no warm and fuzzy Canadiana. Depressing to say the least.
But fear not! I shall console myself and do my part for "Go Sens go!" by flying the team flag on every car I ride in -- owners and drivers be damned! That mean-looking centurion will blaze a path for me wherever I go. "Why yes, ma'am, I am a Sens fan! And to you as well!"
Sporadic blogging begins in 3...2...1...
posted by media_dystopia @ 14:15 [ link | top | home ]
News item: Canada has 20,000 Jedis.
According to the latest release of the 2001 census, Jedi is one of Canada's religions -- albeit a minor one. No word on how many of the worshippers have succumbed to the Dark Side of the Force.
Is Star Wars the next Dianetics? Is George Lucas the next L. Ron Hubbard?
posted by media_dystopia @ 13:03 [ link | top | home ]
SARS update: Toronto expatriate Mike Myers used his appearance on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to promote his hometown. He asked Americans to support Canada and to visit Toronto, reminding them that tens of thousands of Canadians rallied in support of the U.S. and New York following 9-11.
"One of the things I wanted to talk about is, Toronto is safe. I'm not much of a politician and I'm not super great at doing stuff like this but I just wanted to say Toronto's gotten a bit of a bad rap from the media and it's kinda unfair," he told guest host Katie Couric.
Meanwhile, the latest SARS-recovery efforts in the city included the notorious Zanzibar strip club offering one-dollar lap dances. Two-dance minimum with the second one at full price, mind you -- but still, woohoo!
Note to horny male tourists from the U.S. and other countries: Canadian women are hot. Just an FYI. (There, I've done my part.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 00:33 [ link | top | home ]
Monday, May 12, 2003
Coronation watch: Following a National Post poll asking "Should Paul Martin make public the names of the contributors to his blind trust in response to John Manley's challenge?" in which 71 percent of respondents answered "yes," Paul Martin released a partial list of his top donors. (Those that wish to be identified, that is.)
Speaking of donations, the Office of the Ethics Counsellor has a Web page titled "Items of Special Interest" which includes "Contributions to a Campaign for the Party Leadership - Disclosures." Very interesting if you're into knowing who's paying for whom.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:33 [ link | top | home ]
Further to the previous post: I'm not sure which is more shocking: Pat Buchanan, a man who is right-wing even by the standards of the Republican Party, asking the question "Where are they, Mr. President?" in regard to weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, or me agreeing with something that he wrote. (Via linkfilter.net.)
Last fall, Congress abdicated, surrendered its war-making power to a president who demanded that Congress yield it up. If Congress wishes to redeem itself, it should unearth the truth about why we went to war. Was the official explanation the truth, or was it political cover for an American imperial war?
Buchanan is, after all, a man who has done his best to insult and degrade Canada, including calling it "Soviet Canuckistan." The very mention of his name makes me grit my teeth, which is why it's surprising to hear me say that his latest WorldNetDaily commentary is quite poignant.
I'm going to Canadian nationalist hell for this, aren't I?
posted by media_dystopia @ 11:52 [ link | top | home ]
Sunday, May 11, 2003
News item: U.S. to scale back weapons search in Iraq.
So far, the U.S. has been frustrated -- even embarrassed -- by its inability to show the world why it went to war: The alleged stockpiles of chemical and biological weapons.
"Weapons of mass destruction? What weapons of mass destruction? Did we say 'disarmament'? We meant 'liberation.' Yes, 'regime change for liberation,' not 'regime change for disarmament.' You obviously misheard us -- on purpose. Your liberal media bias and lack of patriotism is blinding you. Only traitors question the president and the Republican administration." (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
Give me a break. WMDs are a convenient cover story; even if they're found, we know 9-11 was the real reason for the invasion. We know it was part of "Pax Americana" or the "New American Century" or whatever you want to call it. We know it had nothing to do with the bullshit reasons you've been spoon-feeding the American public.
We're not the idiots you think we are.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:50 [ link | top | home ]
A stunning admission. I watched the finale of CBS' Survivor: The Amazon -- which is surprising, given what I've said in the past.
It confirmed my belief that the show is Machiavelli's one-hour wet dream. Each episode is a gestalt of mankind's worst political behavior: backstabbing, conniving, scheming, double-dealing, and just plain bullshitting. For the contestants, it's survival of the greediest. For the viewers, it's voyeurism of the basest human instincts. In fact, it's like watching animals fuck in the zoo, except that this exhibit features humans bending each other over for cash. (No wonder it gets high ratings!)
That being said, it was rather entertaining. Oh my God -- did I just say that out loud?
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:37 [ link | top | home ]
News item: Prime minister included in "enemies of America" deck.
The Pentagon's Iraqi Most Wanted "Deck of Death" playing cards was a huge hit with Americans. Now, NewsMax.com is raising the ante -- with the Deck of Weasels, depicting the 54 worst leaders and celebrities who opposed America and were key members of "The United Nations of Weasels."
To get your set, click here now.
This hot new set of playing and informational cards -- which will surely be a collector's item -- depicts the enemies of America and Iraq's liberation in a satirical way while revealing the evidence of their hatred -- their own quotes against America!...
...The Deck of Weasels also includes many other notables, weasels such as NAFTA "partners" Vicente Fox of Mexico and Jean Chretien of Canada....
As reported by CTV News, Jean Chrétien is the Queen of Spades, with the caption "Refused to join the U.S., Britain and Australia. He's more French than Canadian, our Canadian friends insist."
My reaction?
First: Give me the names of the people in Canada who are ignorant enough to say that the prime minister is "more French than Canadian." No, please, I insist. Realizing, of course, that his thick Shawinigan accent baffles people in France.
Second: With the exception of David Frum, you have no "Canadian friends" -- not anymore.
Third: I notice that you couldn't come up with any "quotes against America" for Chrétien. Instead, the "evidence" of his U.S. hatred is the fact that he's French-Canadian. Apparently, you American conservatives have to resort to ethnic slurs. That's a sure sign of intelligence.
Or, am I being satirical?
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:33 [ link | top | home ]
Today's Ottawa Citizen included a letter to the editor titled, "It's time for ambassador Cellucci to go home," written by André Laforge of Toronto in response to the ambassador's comments about the decriminalization of marijuana.
So the time has come to tell the ambassador to go back to the U.S. and send another person up here who will be more courteous, more willing to take criticism of the government he represents, and foremost, more silent on most issues, as previous ambassadors were.
As I've said before, Ambassador Paul Cellucci has spent all of his political capital in this country. From now on, every word out of his mouth better blow sunshine up Canada's ass or he'll become the most reviled man in the country. If not, we'll have to escort him to the border -- Don Cherry on one arm, Rex Murphy on the other.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:24 [ link | top | home ]
Go Canada go! Congratulations to Canada for winning gold at the 2003 World Hockey Championships.
The victory gives Canada the undisputed championship of world hockey for the present. The country has won consecutive gold medals in the U-18; it won silver at the U-20 in Halifax in January; it won gold at the 2002 Olympics; and now comes this gold at the 2003 IIHF World Championships. Add to that the fact that Canada is champion of the Spengler Cup and the Deutschland Cup, and the Canadian women are both 2002 Olympic champions and gold medal winners of all eight World Championships played.
You know Canadians are excited about this when the CBC says, "Canada wins World Hockey gold!" (You don't see too many exclamation points in headlines these days.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 22:48 [ link | top | home ]
Further to the February 14 post: I would have enjoyed tonight's Alice in Chains episode of The Ongoing History of New Music -- Corus Radio Network's "nationally-syndicated documentary program on new rock," hosted by Y108's Alan Cross -- on 101.1 XFM, except that the radio station's reception was so shitty on my stereo that the only way to hear it was via streaming media on its Web page.
As far as I can tell, most of the Rogers stations servicing the national capital region broadcast out of Ottawa, with two, including XFM, broadcasting out of Smith Falls, 75 km away. (That would certainly explain the poor reception.) I'm not sure, though, so I'm going to ask the station about it. Stay tuned...
posted by media_dystopia @ 22:42 [ link | top | home ]
Happy Mother's Day! Congratulations to all mothers for surviving their children.
posted by media_dystopia @ 16:48 [ link | top | home ]
Many thanks to Grinning Lady for the linkage in her "Reads" list.
posted by media_dystopia @ 07:03 [ link | top | home ]
webraw's 31 Flavors of Blog: "...examines thirty-one distinctly different blogs and displays the diverse and innovative ways blogs are being used to communicate, educate and entertain. Each 'flavor' provides a sampling of the incredible variety of blogs on the Web. A new blog will be featured each day during the month of March." (Via linkfilter.net.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 06:57 [ link | top | home ]
Saturday, May 10, 2003
Coronation watch: Leadership debate two of six (Whitehorse).
Sheila Copps: "Sheila Copps Drives Home Vision for a Strong and Sustainable Canada in Whitehorse Leaders Debate; Calls for strong federal leadership in sustainable development and regional empowerment."
John Manley: "John Manley takes campaign funding disclosure commitment one step further. Posts donor details on www.johnmanley.ca and calls on Martin and Copps to do the same."
Manley's Web site now includes "All contributions to a Campaign for the Party Leadership of the Honourable John Manley, including in-kind contributions, collected in a Blind Trust and Contributions, including in-kind contributions, collected outside of a Blind Trust, for a reporting period from March 27, 2003 to the close of business on May 7, 2003" (122 KB PDF) and other contributions-related documents.
Paul Martin: "Martin vows to reach consensus on new placer mining regulations"; "Martin says gun registry changes do not go far enough"; "Martin calls for renewed partnership with the North."
CBC, CTV, The Globe and Mail, and other news organizations focused on the release of the donor list.
Sorry, missed this debate as well.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:47 [ link | top | home ]
Stanley Cup update: Where's my defibrillator? The Ottawa Senators pulled off an overtime win in Game 1 against New Jersey after the Devils came back from a two-goal deficit. Woohoo! Go Sens go!
Oh, and congratulations to Eugene Melnyk for receiving court approval to purchase the Ottawa Senators.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:33 [ link | top | home ]
Further to the April 30 post: My apologies to the Ottawa 67's for losing to the Kitchener Rangers in the Ontario Hockey League finals.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:22 [ link | top | home ]
He admires France, too. The mayor of London, England, is critical of the U.S. president, and tourists may stay away as a result. (Via Blogdex.)
"I think George Bush is the most corrupt president since Harding in the twenties. He is not the legitimate president," Ken Livingstone told a forum of 200 schoolchildren, adding, "This really is a completely unsupportable government and I look forward to it being overthrown as much as I looked forward to Saddam Hussein being overthrown."
Fifty-six percent of the close to 27,000 respondants answered "yes" to CNN's online QuickVote which asked, "Do politicians' remarks put you off visiting new countries?
The folks at the London Tourist Board must be beside themselves. Conniptions, anyone?
posted by media_dystopia @ 10:48 [ link | top | home ]
News item: Halliburton admits to bribery in Nigeria.
Kellogg Brown & Root, the engineering and construction subsidiary of Halliburton -- the Houston-based oil field services giant formerly led by now-Vice President Dick Cheney -- paid $2.4 million in bribes to a Nigerian tax official. The bribery was revealed in a Securities and Exchange Commission filing.
This is the same subsidiary given a no-bid contract to extinguish oil well fires in Iraq, which was just expanded to include operating oil facilities and delivering their products -- another reason why Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Ca.) and other Democrats in Congress are upset with the Bush administration's handling of contracts.
All this furor because the company Dick Cheney used to run is profiting from a war he helped start? Sheesh. (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
(Did I mention that Canadian companies were shut out of postwar contracts in Iraq?)
posted by media_dystopia @ 08:09 [ link | top | home ]
SARS update: Joint Federal Trade Commission-U.S. Food and Drug Administration news release: "FTC and FDA Crackdown on Internet Marketers of Bogus SARS Prevention Products; Deceptive and Misleading Claims Must be Removed Immediately."
The warning campaign is based on information gathered through an Internet surf that the FTC coordinated with the help of the FDA and the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services. Included in the review were Web sites that promised consumers would be protected from SARS if they purchased such items as personal air purifiers, disinfectant sprays and wipes, respirator masks, latex gloves, dietary supplements like colloidal silver and oregano oil, and SARS "prevention kits" that package various items together, such as gloves, masks and wipes. Web sites may be subject to state or federal investigation or prosecution for making deceptive or misleading marketing claims that their products can treat, prevent, or cure SARS.
"At a time when people feel vulnerable, scam artists may come forward to prey on people's fears," said the MCBS' Rob Dowling.
"Our message to consumers is, 'Hold on to your money.' No products have been found effective in preventing, treating or curing SARS," said Howard Beales, the FTC's consumer protection chief.
Scam artists preying on people's fears? No, really? I'm shocked! (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 08:03 [ link | top | home ]
The Register's Andrew Orlowski on creating a search tool specifically for weblogs: "Google to fix blog noise problem." (Via MetaFilter.)
Or, as MetaFilter put it, "Apartheid for Blogs!" So the point of purchasing Pyra Labs/Blogger was to deem certain bloggers as Afrikaners, and the rest as colored "noise"? Or does the company intend to be color-blind when it comes to one's choice of blogging software? Just wondering.
posted by media_dystopia @ 02:29 [ link | top | home ]
Have your say. A Survey of Blogs and Bloggers, from researchers at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. (Via MetaFilter.)
There, I've done my part for the survey. (The "snowball" option need not include spamming one's friends and family.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 02:01 [ link | top | home ]
Friday, May 09, 2003
Helping people with their addictions. An e-mail from SOE's Station.com:
Thanks for making EverQuest® the most popular MMORPG of all time! We've reactivated your EverQuest account and invite you to come back and enjoy EverQuest again for free, for 7 days!
Now is the best time ever to play EQ. Your friends are here and there are a ton of new features to check out. And best of all, there's no need to re-register; just log in and play!
Right now a street-hardened pusher is standing slack-jawed, in complete awe of Sony's marketing technique, slowly concocting a plan to slip former customers free dime bags to promote recidivism.
posted by media_dystopia @ 02:27 [ link | top | home ]
Blinding glimpse of the obvious. Following viewers' complaints, the Independent Television Commission (ITC), which "licenses and regulates commercially funded television services in the UK," is investigating Rupert Murdoch's Fox News Channel for alleged bias. The conservative media magnate's channel could be forced out of the country if it is found to have violated ITC's "due impartiality" rules. (Via MetaFilter.)
Alleged? What's alleged about it? Have you seen Fox News Channel? (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 01:29 [ link | top | home ]
Thursday, May 08, 2003
News item: Don Cherry beer ads under fire.
Molson's Don Cherry edition "Bubba" mini-kegs -- painted with Cherry-style loud blazers and ties -- and their television spots are being accused of violating Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) rules because their star is a role model for Canadian children.
"It's not against Don Cherry, it's not against Molson," said Nellie Pedro, the Toronto public school trustee who launched the complaint. "There are rules that are there to protect advertising aimed at children and the rules from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario have not been followed in regards to this particular spot."
According to the CRTC's Code for Broadcast Advertising of Alcoholic Beverages:
Commercial messages for alcoholic beverages shall not...contain an endorsement of the product, personally or by implication, either directly or indirectly, by any person, character or group who is or is likely to be a role model for minors because of a past or present position of public trust, special achievement in any field of endeavour, association with charities and/or advocacy activities benefiting children, reputation or exposure in the mass media....
According to the AGCO's Liquor Advertising Guidelines: Liquor Sales Licensees and Manufacturers (66 KB PDF):
Except for public service advertising, the holder of a licence to sell liquor or a manufacturer of liquor may advertise or promote liquor or the availability of liquor only if the advertising...does not appeal, either directly or indirectly, to persons under the legal drinking age, or is not placed in media that are targeted specifically at people under that age....
However, using sex -- young, semi-clad, nubile women showing off their breasts, cleavage, legs, butts, and other oft-glistening body parts -- to sell beer is just fine for the kids. "I'll score with a babe like that if I drink that kind of beer," says Dick. "I'll look like her if I drink that kind of beer," says Jane.
Don Cherry: bad for minors. Sex: good for minors. Right.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:58 [ link | top | home ]
Coronation watch: Don't make me separate you two!
The Globe and Mail's Jane Taber and Kim Lunman: "Martin's MPs plot to disrupt legislation; Liberal faction's slowdown strategy could put PM's activist agenda at risk."
CBC News: "Martin's influence stalls new legislation."
CTV News: "Martin supporters accused of stalling new bills."
Dirty politics in the Liberal leadership race? No, really? I'm shocked! (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:56 [ link | top | home ]
The Globe and Mail's John Ibbitson on whether Canada is still a fully functioning democracy: "Why we want to spit at the Chrétien government."
...the Prime Minister, his advisers and his few remaining political allies govern by fiat, reluctant even to inform, much less consult, contemptuous of Parliament and the public. Today, they are changing their mind on missiles. Tomorrow, they might change it again.
Only nine months to go, right? Just think of the countdown to Jean Chrétien's retirement as a bad pregnancy.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:44 [ link | top | home ]
Stanley Cup update: Do you have any idea how hard it is to find good Senators swag in Ottawa these days?
I drove all over the damn place looking for a decent T-shirt, but couldn't find anything I liked and/or anything in my size. I finally went to the Corel Centre and checked out Sensations, the team's official retailer. Unfortunately, the selection was rather disappointing style- and size-wise. (Keep in mind that I'm a fussy clothes-shopper and that the stock was well-picked-over.) I finally walked away with a gray T-shirt and a couple of car flags.
My vehicle now screams "Go Sens go!" with that mean-looking centurion flapping in the wind. (Ten bucks says a bird shits on the flag before Game 1 on May 10.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 18:42 [ link | top | home ]
Our country, our voice. A gratuitous plug for Vive le Canada, a great site whose mission is "to involve Canadians in grassroots efforts to protect and improve Canadian national sovereignty and democracy, especially using existing and emerging communications tools."
And don't forget to visit Canada Kicks Ass.
posted by media_dystopia @ 02:56 [ link | top | home ]
Further to the April 3 post: Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Capitol Hill Blue: "Perle told investors they could profit from war." (Via linkfilter.net.)
Pentagon adviser Richard Perle briefed an investment seminar on ways to profit from conflicts in Iraq and North Korea just weeks after he received a top-secret government briefing on the crises in the two countries.
The Charleston Gazette editorial: "War Profits: Perle's Conniving"; published by Common Dreams. (Via Yahoo!)
Also, Perle participated in a Goldman Sachs conference call advising investors how to reap war profits. The session was titled "Implications of an Imminent War: Iraq Now, North Korea Next?"
The Boston Globe's Stanley I. Kutler: "Perle's New World Order -- And Ours?"; published by Common Dreams. (Via Yahoo!)
As the Iraqi war opened, Perle published a lengthy piece in the Spectator in England, followed by an edited version in The Guardian. "Thank God for the death of the UN," the article announced. Perle confidently proclaimed a dual victory: the defeat of Saddam Hussein and the collapse of the United Nations -- the "chatterbox on the Hudson."
(Insert articles of a similar ilk here.)
I don't think I could possibly dislike or distrust this Republican ideologue -- or, should I say, the "chatterbox on the Potomac" -- any more than I do now. Keep in mind that this is the man who called Jean Chrétien a "lame-duck" prime minister and said that Canadians would regret his decision not to join the war in Iraq.
(By the way, UN Headquarters in Manhattan is on the East River, not the Hudson. That proves how much Perle knows about it.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 01:21 [ link | top | home ]
Wednesday, May 07, 2003
FYI. Famous Baghdad blogger Salam Pax is posting again to Where is Raed? He's been AWOL since late March. (Via FARK.com and MetaFilter.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:42 [ link | top | home ]
Coronation watch: The Ottawa Citizen's Mark Kennedy: "Paul Martin's huge show of force; Liberal leadership race gets personal as front-runner takes Ottawa stage with more than 100 MPs at his side."
After years in the making, the political juggernaut that is Paul Martin's Liberal leadership campaign became undeniably clear yesterday.
Organizers for Mr. Martin's leadership bid held a rally in the west end of the capital, and the deep roots of the front-runner's support within the parliamentary wing of the party was, with great flourish, put on display for all to see.
Paul Martin: "Eastern Ontario supporters rally around Martin; Liberal caucus members stand shoulder-to-shoulder behind candidate."
In this case, "political juggernaut" is a euphemism for "coronation."
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:33 [ link | top | home ]
Further to the April 20 post: The presidential race is minus one blogger: Gary Hart has dropped out.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:25 [ link | top | home ]
News item: Canadian soldiers in Kabul are unarmed.
"The theatre activation team can't carry weapons due to the fact (International Security Assistance Force) is operating under a military technical agreement in Kabul, and Canada has not signed the MTA as a participant yet," said Captain David Sullivan. "That authorization to carry weapons will be forthcoming when Canada signs the MTA. They intend to have it signed before the Canadian Forces' main body deploys in the summer. Right now, they're receiving force protection from the ISAF members."
In other words, the 25-member reconnaissance team is under German protection because Canada didn't complete the paperwork in time -- a situation the Canadian Alliance's Leon Benoit described as "shameful."
"Oops, eh?" Sigh.
posted by media_dystopia @ 08:04 [ link | top | home ]
Do not panic -- we still have Internet porn. Wal-Mart will no longer sell Maxim, FHM, Stuff, and other men's magazines, deeming them too racy for customers. (Via FARK.com.)
First music with parental warnings. Now stroke material. Sheesh. At least the company still sells guns. (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 07:05 [ link | top | home ]
SARS update: The latest SARS-recovery efforts in Toronto include Roots Canada putting out a "I (red heart replaced by Maple Leaf) T.O." T-shirt, and Prince Edward Island donating 20,000 pounds of mussels to the city's restaurants.
There are also plans in the works for "Reunion Toronto," a post-SARS extravaganza featuring -- if all goes well -- famous expatriates like Mike Myers and Jim Carrey, as well as other Canadian stars like Shania Twain. Mayor Mel Lastman is also hoping for an official endorsement from Prince Charles.
posted by media_dystopia @ 06:25 [ link | top | home ]
Tuesday, May 06, 2003
Further to the previous post: While I'm at it...
Syndicated columnist Gwynne Dyer: "Weapons of Mass Destruction Were a Fantasy From the Start"; published by The Salt Lake Tribune. (Via linkfilter.net.)
The New Yorker's Seymour M. Hersh: "Who Lied to Whom? Why did the Administration endorse a forgery about Iraq's nuclear program?"
Salon.com's Joe Conason: "Did Bush know that intelligence 'evidence' against Iraq was cooked?" (subscription required)
The Nation's Katha Pollitt: "Weapons of Mass Delusion?"
The last three -- notice a trend? -- via MetaFilter. Perhaps that's why the post was called "This just in -- now the mainstream media knows what everyone else does!"
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:36 [ link | top | home ]
The New York Times' Nicholas D. Kristof on the manipulation of intelligence regarding weapons of mass destruction in Iraq: "Missing in action: truth" (registration required); also published by abs-cbnNEWS.com. (Via MetaFilter.)
When I raised the Mystery of the Missing WMD recently, hawks fired barrages of reproachful e-mail at me. The gist was: "You &$&X! Who cares if we never find weapons of mass destruction, because we've liberated the Iraqi people from a murderous tyrant."
But it does matter, enormously, for American credibility. After all, as Ari Fleischer said on April 10 about W.M.D.: "That is what this war was about."
I rejoice in the newfound freedoms in Iraq. But there are indications that the U.S. government souped up intelligence, leaned on spooks to change their conclusions and concealed contrary information to deceive people at home and around the world.
The U.S. used deceit to manufacture a war with Iraq? No, really? I'm shocked! (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:23 [ link | top | home ]
moorelies.com: "Moore lies? Hell yeah! That's why moorelies.com is here. We're your clearinghouse for all truth and justice in reporting on Michael Moore, a filmmaker and pseudo-celebrity who has made a career out of: staged scenes, twisted statistics, faked editing, and shameless self-promotion of his blather at award shows and other public events." (Via The Presurfer.)
How could I possibly resist mentioning another anti-Moore site?
posted by media_dystopia @ 22:58 [ link | top | home ]
Further to yesterday's post: As expected, the Liberal cabinet began discussing the "son of Star Wars" missile defense system at its weekly meeting, and will continue to do so next week. "There's a long list of ministers that wish to speak on it. We didn't get it completed," said Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham. "We'll make a decision and announce it next week."
The Liberals, including Jean Chrétien, are apparently open to talks with Washington. "It's a different project that involves the protection of North American territory and geographically it is necessary for us to participate in talks on this," said the prime minister.
However, Ottawa and Washington may be on a "collision course," as The Globe and Mail put it, over the issue of space-based versus Earth-based weapons -- Canada opposes the weaponization of space. "What we will be discussing with the United States is ballistic-missile defence. Nothing more, nothing less," said Graham.
Did I mention that Ambassador Paul Cellucci has been promoting missile defense? And yet, the cabinet still discussed it. (That's my Cellucci dig of the day.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 22:22 [ link | top | home ]
Many thanks to Tim Swanson for the linkage.
Just to follow up on his post, on May 2, Dano, the new version of Blogger, began letting users "opt-in to migrate their blogs to the new version." I won't be migrating mine, though, because the current release is still a "preview version." Better the devil you know -- I'll stick with Blogger Pro until Dano gets the kinks out.
Speaking of kinks, I'm assuming that Blogger/Blogger Pro's existing "issues" are on the to-do list. I can only imagine the shit storm if, after developing the new Blogger instead of fixing the old Blogger, Pyra Labs/Google -- "Pyroogle," to quote Bluejake -- keeps the broken code. "We liked the missing and mislabeled archives so much that we kept them in."
posted by media_dystopia @ 02:32 [ link | top | home ]
Monday, May 05, 2003
News item: Cabinet expected to debate missile defense soon.
Up till now, there hasn't been much Liberal interest in Washington's proposed missile defense system, dubbed "son of Star Wars." However, according to the CTV article, "Defence Minister John McCallum and Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham are expected to open formal discussion with their cabinet colleagues on the pros and cons of joining the program" as early as tomorrow.
"If everybody seems to be changing their views, it's because the (missile defense) system is changing," said the prime minister of the discussion, which is seen by many as an attempt to curry favor with the U.S. administration. "It's a new world atmosphere in which we're living and it's time to have a look at this in a very serious way," added Chrétien.
As for the Liberal leadership candidates: Paul Martin and John Manley are pro (as is the Canadian Alliance) and Sheila Copps is con (as is the NDP).
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:31 [ link | top | home ]
Further to the February 12 post: As promised, Canadian soldiers have been given notice of their August deployment to Afghanistan for "Operation Athena." The 1,800-strong contingent will be joining the UN-sanctioned International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which Canada has formally offered to take command of during its second six-month rotation beginning next February.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:22 [ link | top | home ]
Stanley Cup update: Woohoo! Way to go Sens!
For the first time in the franchise's 11-year history, the Ottawa Senators have advanced to the Eastern Conference Final. Tonight they eliminated the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals (Series I).
More accurately, Ottawa trounced Philadelphia 5-1. It got to the point where the Philadelphia fans were booing their own team and leaving the First Union Center early. (Perhaps that puts their subtle booing of the Canadian anthem into context.)
Ottawa faces the New Jersey Devils in the third round of the playoffs. Go Sens go!
posted by media_dystopia @ 22:04 [ link | top | home ]
Stanley Cup update: The next time the Philadelphia fans boo O Canada, no matter how subtly -- as they did again tonight before Game 6 against Ottawa -- they should remember that 13 of their 29 players were born in Canada:
Eric Desjardins (Rouyn, Quebec)
Todd Fedoruk (Redwater, Alberta)
Simon Gagne (Ste. Foy, Quebec)
Claude Lapointe (Lachine, Quebec)
Neil Little (Medicine Hat, Alberta)
Marty Murray (Deloraine, Manitoba)
Captain Keith Primeau (Toronto, Ontario)
Assistant Captain Mark Recchi (Kamloops, British Columbia)
Wade Skolney (Wynard, Saskatchewan)
John Slaney (St. John's, Newfoundland)
Chris Therien (Ottawa, Ontario)
Jim Vandermeer (Caroline, Alberta)
Justin Williams (Cobourg, Ontario)
posted by media_dystopia @ 19:12 [ link | top | home ]
Further to the May 2 post: Pithy remarks abound at Slashdot and MetaFilter: "U.S. Says Canada Cares Too Much About Liberties" and "The new rogue nations: those that care too much about liberties. e.g. Canada."
We are, after all, "the True North strong and free."
posted by media_dystopia @ 17:10 [ link | top | home ]
Happy Cinco De Mayo! Pass the Corona and lime.
posted by media_dystopia @ 07:53 [ link | top | home ]
SARS update: Toronto's SARS-recovery efforts over the weekend included major gas companies lowering prices to 49.9 cents a liter and donating a portion of sales to health care. It was so popular that some stations ran out. For its part, the CN Tower offered $5 admission. This in addition to its ongoing "Hats Off to Hospital Staff" program which gives hospital workers free admission for the entire month.
However, some previously-mentioned deals are sold-out (or will be soon):
Mirvish Productions' "It's Time for a Little T.O." package: "Now available June 2 - July 1, 2003. Due to overwhelming response both packages have sold out for the month of May. This offer is now extended to July 1, 2003."
Tango by Air Canada's "Canada Loves Toronto" campaign: "It's Official: Canada Does Love Toronto! Campaign continues to gain momentum; over 30 new partners confirmed. Dedicated website goes live Saturday. Tango $1 fares sold out but great low fares still available."
Jetsgo's "Let's Go to Toronto" weekends: "3,000 free return trips next three weekends from Montreal, Ottawa and New York. Choice Hotels, National Car Rental, Toronto Blue Jays provide free incentives." (Minus, of course, this past weekend.)
As always, Pulse24.com is tracking SARS-recovery deals.
posted by media_dystopia @ 06:21 [ link | top | home ]
TIME's Stewart Stogel on diplomatic decorum taking a back seat to gluttony: "Food Fight; When the Food Workers Union stages an impromptu walkout at the U.N., the diplomats start looting for lunch and booze." (Via MetaFilter.)
Say, how many of those diplomats and UN employees were American? Just wondering.
posted by media_dystopia @ 04:31 [ link | top | home ]
Thirteen-year-old Charlotte Aldebron on Americans stifling dissent by blocking their ears: "Do We Really Have Free Speech?"; published by WireTap. (Via linkfilter.net.)
The invasion of Afghanistan, and now Iraq, has given me a big lesson in freedom of speech -- or, should I say, the difference between the idea of free speech and the reality of free speech. Yes, I can speak. But what does it matter if I have no place to speak? Or if I am ostracized? Or no one listens?
I mention her age because most of the teenage girls I've had the displeasure of dealing with haven't been as eloquent as her -- and their concerns were inane at best.
posted by media_dystopia @ 04:20 [ link | top | home ]
It's May 5. Do you know where your Bush is? State visit? What state visit?
posted by media_dystopia @ 03:10 [ link | top | home ]
Watching Trainspotting.
Tommy (Kevin McKidd): "Doesn't it make you proud to be Scottish?"
Renton (Ewan McGregor): "It's shite being Scottish! We're the lowest of the low. The scum of the fucking Earth. The most wretched miserable servile pathetic trash that was ever shat on civilization. Some people hate the English. I don't. They're just wankers. We, on the other hand, are colonized by wankers. Can't even find a decent culture to get colonized by. We're ruled by effete assholes. It's a shite state of affairs to be in, Tommy, and all the fresh air in the world won't make any fucking difference!"
Some of the best movie dialogue ever.
posted by media_dystopia @ 02:57 [ link | top | home ]
Sunday, May 04, 2003
Many thanks to The Presurfer for the linkage in his "My Blogosphere" list.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:28 [ link | top | home ]
Stanley Cup update: It's so nice seeing cars everywhere in Ottawa flying Senators flags. Having the team do well in the playoffs is such a boost to community spirit -- and what with the U.S. anger towards the Canadian government (war, pot, wheat, whatever), the threat of SARS, the slowdown in the high-tech economy, and all the other shit going on, the city and province really need it.
So please go all the way, Sens -- do it for Ottawa and Ontario. Go Sens go!
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:11 [ link | top | home ]
Many thanks to existential dishwasher for the linkage.
posted by media_dystopia @ 04:13 [ link | top | home ]
Further to yesterday's post: It was inevitable that Ambassador Paul Cellucci add his two cents to the pot-decriminalization buzz.
"I think it comes down to perception," he said. "If the perception is it might be more easy to get marijuana here, then that could lead to some pressure on the border because U.S. Customs immigration officers...would have their antennae up." Therefore, slowdowns at the border.
Despite understanding Washington's concerns, Justice Minister Martin Cauchon made it clear that sovereign countries enact their own laws. "I'm responding to a Canadian situation according to Canadian realities," he said.
Imagine bilateral talks not involving one party pointing a gun at the other's head. "Are you sure you want to decriminalize pot? Personally, I wouldn't want the delay and harassment at the border -- but hey, it's up to you. So, what are you going to do?"
posted by media_dystopia @ 01:15 [ link | top | home ]
Further to the April 14 post: Prime Minister Howard of Australia is a guest of President Bush at his Crawford, Texas, ranch. Howard, who supported the U.S. war in Iraq and included the Australian military in the coalition, was praised by Bush: "He was steady under fire. He stood his ground when he needed to stand his ground because he understands the difference between right and wrong."
Even higher praise: "You're kind of like a Texan."
Added the CBC article: "An invitation to Bush's ranch in Crawford, Tex. is considered to be the ultimate insider perk. No senior Canadian politician has yet been invited there. Asked when he'd like to visit Australia, the president said, 'as soon as possible.'"
Bush was supposed to be in Ottawa tomorrow, but he cancelled. Did I mention that Canada didn't support the war?
posted by media_dystopia @ 00:56 [ link | top | home ]
Saturday, May 03, 2003
Coronation watch: Leadership debate one of six (Edmonton).
Sheila Copps: "Sheila Advances Her Vision of Inclusion at Edmonton Leaders Debate; Calls for bold, progressive, fiscally-responsible social and economic agenda for Canada."
John Manley: "Manley calls for open and transparent leadership."
Paul Martin: "Martin spells out vision, says Canada 'can make history,' at first Liberal leadership debate; First debate with Manley and Copps civil and polite."
CBC, CTV, The Globe and Mail, and other news organizations focused on the Martin-Manley clash over campaign finance disclosure.
However, one sentence from the CBC article was rather interesting in light of the U.S. wheat tariffs: "Martin, the country's former finance minister, said Ottawa 'has to take a very strong position' against 'trade harassment from the United States,' and he cited Washington's handling of disputes over grain and softwood lumber exports as 'simply unforgivable.'"
That's pretty strong language from a guy who wants to fix the Canada-U.S. relationship.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:13 [ link | top | home ]
Stanley Cup update: Not only did the Senators win Game 5 on home ice, but they did it with a three-goal margin (5-2). (Not bad considering the Flyers were leading 1-0 after 21 seconds.) Ottawa now leads the series 3-2. Go Sens go!
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:05 [ link | top | home ]
The White House on May 1's new designation: "Loyalty Day, 2003; By the President of the United States of America; A Proclamation." (Via Blogdex.)
"On Loyalty Day, I helped David Murray hunt down Canuck pot fiends like replicants." (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 06:39 [ link | top | home ]
Further to yesterday's post: The folks at MetaFilter on drug-czar majordomo David Murray threatening Canada with retaliation: "WTF?"
I'm still flabbergasted by the lines, "he doesn't want to tread on another country's sovereignty, but warned there would be consequences" and "he invoked images of tie-ups at border crossings and intense bureaucracy" in the CBC article, currently number seven on Blogdex. This guy is either the quintessential anti-drug zealot, or stoned.
I strongly urge Minister of Justice and Attorney General Martin Cauchon to send a letter of protest to John Walters, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy -- Murray's boss -- and to the White House (the ONDCP is a "component of the Executive Office of the President"). At the very least, the minister should ask whether this man's comments were sanctioned by the U.S. government.
Even Ambassador Paul Cellucci gets the OK from Washington when he's being a prick.
posted by media_dystopia @ 05:24 [ link | top | home ]
Many thanks to Circadian Shift for the linkage.
posted by media_dystopia @ 05:08 [ link | top | home ]
World Press Freedom Day. This year's is dedicated to impunity, which Merriam-Webster OnLine defines as "exemption or freedom from punishment, harm, or loss." Here are some related links:
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO): "Message of the Director-General of UNESCO for World Press Freedom Day 3 May 2003."
Amnesty International: "From Embedded Truth to the Challenges Facing those who Report the Facts."
Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ): "World's Worst Places to be a Journalist."
International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX): "World Press Freedom Day 2003."
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE): "Canadian Free-Expression Groups Launch Campaign."
Canadian University Press (CUP) Forums: "World Press Freedom Day (in conjunction with CJFE)."
PEN Canada: "PEN Freedom of Expression and Impunity Campaign." (325 KB PDF)
posted by media_dystopia @ 03:53 [ link | top | home ]
Friday, May 02, 2003
News item: Canadians furious with U.S. wheat tariff.
U.S. Embassy (Ottawa) fact sheet: "Preliminary Determinations in the Antidumping Duty Investigations on Imports of Durum Wheat and Hard Red Spring Wheat from Canada."
Canadian Wheat Board news release: "Western Canadian farmers don't need to dump their high quality grain."
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade news release: "Canada disappointed with U.S. decision to impose anti-dumping duties on wheat."
Ralph Goodale, Minister Responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board: The new tariffs from the U.S. Department of Commerce "will be fought with everything we've got."
Farmers getting screwed? No, really? I'm shocked! (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:33 [ link | top | home ]
SARS update: The New York Times is claiming that Toronto delayed reporting its latest SARS cases in order to sway the World Health Organization. Ontario health officials called the report "unadulterated nonsense" and worried about the effect it would have.
Said Dr. James Young, Ontario Commissioner of Public Security: "It's potentially very damaging in a U.S. newspaper for this to occur. Many people read the first story and then they don't read the correction, so the damage is done."
posted by media_dystopia @ 20:31 [ link | top | home ]
SARS update: According to a news release from the prime minister, the Canadian government has earmarked $100 million to help fight the disease.
Since the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Canada, the Government of Canada has taken swift action on a number of fronts to protect the health of those who live in Canada -- as well as those who visit, and to help Canadians affected by the non-medical consequences of the outbreak. The success of these efforts have been as a result of close collaboration with international and national partners. To manage this effort, the Government of Canada has set aside a minimum of $100 million this fiscal year for the fight against SARS.
Swift action? That's certainly putting a positive spin on the issue. So is not mentioning the fact that some of the money isn't new, and that most of it has already been spent.
posted by media_dystopia @ 20:00 [ link | top | home ]
CBC News in-depth on Canada-U.S. relations: "Continental Divide."
posted by media_dystopia @ 17:06 [ link | top | home ]
U.S. Department of State report: Patterns of Global Terrorism 2002. (Via Path of the Paddle.)
Some US law-enforcement officers have expressed concern that Canadian privacy laws, as well as funding levels for law enforcement, inhibit a fuller and more timely exchange of information and response to requests for assistance. Also, Canadian laws and regulations intended to protect Canadian citizens and landed immigrants from Government intrusion sometimes limit the depth of investigations.
According to the Ottawa Citizen's Jim Bronskill: "U.S. says Canada cares too much about liberties; Terrorism report also says too little spent on police."
Pardon the cliché, but if caring too much about civil liberties is wrong, then I don't want to be right. Doesn't the American government understand that Canadians don't want their own version of the USA PATRIOT Act? Perhaps those obsessed with the goings-on north of the border should pay attention to their own president: "Men and women in every culture need liberty like they need food and water and air." (I knew that line would come in handy.)
Oh, that's right, the U.S. doesn't consider Canada a "culture." (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 16:43 [ link | top | home ]
Many thanks to Path of the Paddle for the linkage.
posted by media_dystopia @ 16:36 [ link | top | home ]
It's not broken -- it's Googlelized. Once again, Blogger has been up and down like a toilet seat at a mixed party. My "when Blogger is broken" text file has gotten a lot of use since last night. In what has become rather tedious and annoying, I've been composing new posts and editing old ones in EditPad. Suffice it to say, I'm somewhat unimpressed with Blogger right now.
posted by media_dystopia @ 08:20 [ link | top | home ]
SARS update: As Health Canada's two-day conference wrapped up in Toronto, more companies fought against SARS' financial toll, which economists figure will add up to $1-2 billion for the city. The Delta Chelsea Inn and Tango by Air Canada, for example, are both offering $1 deals -- the former with special weekend rates, and the latter with "Loonie Fares" on its Web page (today only). Pulse24.com is keeping track of other deals being offered by local businesses.
posted by media_dystopia @ 08:19 [ link | top | home ]
Jason Halperin experiences 1984 in 2003: "Patriot Raid"; published by AlterNet. (Via Blogdex.)
"Hello, my name is Winston Smith, and I am an American." Be afraid. Be very afraid.
posted by media_dystopia @ 08:19 [ link | top | home ]
Tired of paying for the black helicopters? Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tx.) wants the U.S. to withdraw from the UN: "Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge the leadership of this body to bring a very important vote to the House floor. I recently reintroduced HR 1146, the American Sovereignty Restoration Act, which would end our participation in the United Nations. Millions of Americans have begun to question why we continue to spend $300 million each year funding and housing an organization that is actively hostile to American interests." (Via MetaFilter.)
Fear not, Mr. Paul; if your bill isn't passed again this time, the rest of the UN membership can take care of the problem for you using Chapter 2, Article 6 of the Charter of the United Nations. Either way, if you can't see the benefit of the various programmes, funds, entities, and offices of the UN System of Organizations, then don't let the door hit you on the way out. Buh-bye.
Say, do you go apeshit when trick-or-treaters show up at your door with UNICEF collection boxes? God forbid your government should support an organization devoted to helping children in need. (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 08:18 [ link | top | home ]
Further to the April 29 post: David Murray, the special assistant to the U.S. drug czar, has threatened retaliation if Canada decriminalizes pot. "We would have to respond. We would be forced to respond," he said. "It's not just Canada's relationship with the United States that would change; it's Canada's relationship with the world," he added.
Excuse me? Who the fuck is this guy to threaten Canada with anything? This "special asshole" can take his retaliation and shove it where the pot is stashed. (I'm sorry, but this kind of U.S. arrogance makes me livid, especially when it comes from a political appointee's advisor.)
Luckily, MetaFilter's response to the decriminalization issue was a little more relaxed: "Hands up who's heading north."
posted by media_dystopia @ 08:17 [ link | top | home ]
News item: Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme are quitting The West Wing.
The NBC drama is losing its creator, writer, and executive producer in Sorkin, and director and executive producer in Schlamme. No concrete reason was given by the pair.
The show won't be the same next season. In fact, this is like defanging a liberal attack dog. (Could there be a Republican plot behind it?) Sigh.
posted by media_dystopia @ 08:16 [ link | top | home ]
Thursday, May 01, 2003
Presidential Address. "Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed," declared President Bush from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). (Transcript: White House; CNN.)
Tonight's speech was not, however, a formal declaration of victory or the end of the war because of the legal implications: it would classify the U.S. as an occupying power, complicate the hunt for members of the Iraqi regime, and require the speedy repatriation of PoWs, as per the Geneva Convention (III) Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (August 12, 1949).
In fact, like the "battle of Afghanistan," the "disarmament" or "liberation" or "regime change" -- whatever "Operation Iraqi Freedom" is being called this week -- was merely a cog in the wheel of the campaign against al-Qaeda operatives and other terrorists. "The battle of Iraq is one victory in a war on terror that began on September the 11, 2001 -- and still goes on," said Bush.
Another interesting line: "Men and women in every culture need liberty like they need food and water and air." I'm going to remember that next time the "you're either with us or against us" mantra is used in an attempt to deprive governments of their liberty when it comes to decision-making -- like, say, before the war.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:40 [ link | top | home ]
Stanley Cup update: Ottawa lost Game 4. The series is now tied 2-2. Shit.
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:39 [ link | top | home ]
Video clip (Real Media) from Comedy Central's Daily Show with Jon Stewart: "The President questions The President. Republicans around the world go 'Whaaaaa?'" (Via FARK.com.)
Governor George W. Bush in 2000 versus President George W. Bush in 2003 -- from "humble foreign policy" to "ugly American" in three years. Thank you 9-11. Sigh.
Follow-up: In case you're wondering, several of Governor Bush's lines in the clip came from the second presidential debate, October 11, 2000:
"I think one way for us to end up being viewed as the 'ugly American' is for us to go around the world saying, 'We do it this way, so should you.'"
"If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us; if we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us."
"I'm not so sure the role of the United States is to go around the world and say, 'This is the way it's got to be.'"
Can you say, "classics"?
posted by media_dystopia @ 23:39 [ link | top | home ]
Further to the April 28 post: "Greenpeace's set of 'most wanted' playing cards. This deck is designed to help delegates to the Non-proliferation Treaty meeting recognise owners of weapons of mass destruction. Packed with nuclear weapons of mass destruction facts. Fun for the whole family." (135 KB PDF)
Didn't the U.S. realize that its deck would be rife for parody?
posted by media_dystopia @ 17:34 [ link | top | home ]
SARS update: Today's show information for Citytv's Breakfast Television includes links to Toronto attractions which, according to the hosts, are offering discounts or specials to fight back against SARS.
posted by media_dystopia @ 17:08 [ link | top | home ]
Coronation watch: Did I mention that Paul Martin is a blogger?
"What is a blog? No, it's not a swamp creature...."
"Why Am I Keeping A Blog?...To be honest, until a few weeks ago, I didn't even know what the hell a blog was -- I joked that I thought it was something that might climb out of a swamp...."
Swamp analogies aside, he hasn't posted an entry since March 21, soon after the start of the war.
By the way, John Manley and Sheila Copps are not bloggers. (Just a statement of fact -- not a judgment call.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 09:49 [ link | top | home ]
SARS update: A mea culpa from the World Health Organization?
The Canadian Medical Association Journal is publishing an article titled "Why was Toronto included in the World Health Organization’s SARS-related travel advisory?" (155 KB PDF) written by the WHO's Guénaël R.M. Rodier, Director, Communicable Disease Surveillance and Response.
WHO did not make the decision to issue the Apr. 23 travel advisory lightly. In its response to the SARS outbreak, Canada has been a model of transparency in its reporting and public information, of determination in its contact tracing, and of heroic dedication on the part of its medical, health and scientific staff. We are aware of the economic hardship that all travel advisories bring. We are aware, too, that some countries, looking at the example of Toronto, may choose to be less open and frank in their reporting of SARS -- or any other epidemic-prone disease with the potential for international spread -- for fear of the economic consequences.
In other words, Toronto and Ontario lose hundreds of millions of dollars so that the world can be taught that honesty is not the best policy. Gee, wasn't that just swell of the WHO. (Warning: sarcasm alert.)
On the plus side, the Canadian dollar surged above 70 cents U.S. for the first time in five years, thanks in part to the lifting of the travel advisory.
posted by media_dystopia @ 09:29 [ link | top | home ]
Coronation watch: Paul Martin announced his foreign policy plans in a speech called "Canada's Role in a Complex World."
On the Canadian military (said to the press): "The gap between the expectations for our military and our capacity to deliver it is simply too great and it is affecting our international credibility and we have to deal with it."
On multilateral organizations (said in the speech): "The absence of consensus in the UN should not condemn us to inaction. In appropriate circumstances, and when consistent with our values, we should be prepared to use the means necessary to achieve our international goals and when full consensus on the right steps is not possible, and we have done exactly this in the past."
On the Canada-U.S. relationship (said to the press): "We've got to be much more sophisticated in terms the way the entire parliamentary process in this country interacts with their counterparts in the United States."
On border security (said in the speech): "As Canadians, we must not forget the lessons of September 11. We must develop as a matter of priority a national security policy for Canada."
Interesting. Martin is sounding more and more like Washington's wet dream (pardon the expression).
posted by media_dystopia @ 08:58 [ link | top | home ]
Further to the April 29 post: The response to the "It's Time for a Little T.O." package: jammed phone lines, overwhelmed ticket agents, and long lineups. I'd say that people think it's a good deal.
posted by media_dystopia @ 08:34 [ link | top | home ]
Insert look of astonishment here. I finally got around to checking my blog e-mail and there was one from Circadian Shift with the subject line "Dude, you're famous!" Unbeknownst to me, I had been linked and quoted in the SARS-related April 28 edition of MSNBC's "Blogspotting" column.
Perhaps it's just in the temperament of Canadians to get less worked up about SARS? One of the periodic SARS updates on the Media Dystopia blog out of Ottawa says, "It's sadly ironic that the farther away you are from the SARS epicenter, the more anxiety and fear there is."
I'm always shocked when there's proof of people paying attention to my wacky ramblings -- and this is certainly proof. To say that I'm stunned is an understatement. Many thanks to MSNBC's Weblog Central and editor Will Femia for the pleasantly surprising linkage. Also, many thanks to Circadian Shift for the heads-up and congratulations. (Be sure to check out her cool blog.)
posted by media_dystopia @ 06:48 [ link | top | home ]
Congratulations to renowned Canadian sex educator Sue Johanson -- host of W Network's Sunday Night Sex Show and Oxygen's Talk Sex with Sue Johanson -- for her appearance on CBS' Late Show with David Letterman. It was well-deserved.
The interview was typical Sue; she must have kept the American censors on their toes. "Did she just say 'swallowing ejaculate'? Do I bleep that, or just have a coronary?"
posted by media_dystopia @ 00:15 [ link | top | home ]
Many thanks to existential dishwasher for the linkage.
posted by media_dystopia @ 00:02 [ link | top | home ]