For Astral, the HBO Go product is another attempt to fend off “over-the-top” services such as Netflix, and to keep subscribers from switching off their cable or satellite subscriptions.
Continue readingNorthern Reflections: Smearing Irwin Cotler
Andrew Cohen writes that Stephen Harper has had Irwin Cotler in his sights for some time. Two months ago, the Conservatives spread the rumour that Cotler –three and a half years before the next election — was about to resign. It wasn’t the first time they had been so underhanded.
Continue readingDead Wild Roses: Religion – The Bad Parent
Theramin Trees is notable for his particularly pellucid discourse when it comes to the topics of religion and atheism. The relationships we have and maintain necessarily change over the course of our lives it is unfortunate that religion wants to put us back in the role of the needy, compliant
Continue readingRecreating Eden: We’ve Got Rhythm (We English Speakers, That Is)
Just an addenda to the previous post about Handel’s Messiah: Listening to the great performance on Sunday and to the way the continuo led the way, I was stuck by the way a strong rhythmic beat is so appropriate to English lyrics. Unlike French or Italian (and perhaps other Romance
Continue readingFar and Wide: Is Stephen Harper a Denier?
This entire Kyoto debate is frustrating in one sense, the former Liberal government’s utter failure continues to absolve the current Conservative government and their now SIX year abysmal reign on the environment. The Kyoto Protocol has been a friendly ally for these Conservatives, it runs cover for their complete inaction,
Continue readingThe Skwib: A Traditional ‘Christmas’ at the Tundra Household
Dr. Maximilian Tundra was heading home again for the holidays, dread clutching his heart like an iron fist. He’d managed to avoid Thanksgiving, but there was no escape from The Feast. The Feast, as it was known amongst Clan Tundra, was a toxic stew of carbs, fats, and pharmaceuticals that
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: Leadership 2012 Candidate Profile – Paul Dewar
From the moment his leadership campaign launched, Paul Dewar has been positioned as a compromise candidate. And prior to the first debate, it’s arguable that none of the candidates had done more to improve their standing in the race. But there are now some open questions as to whether Dewar
Continue readingThis Weirdness Cannot Stand Man.
PuncturingAllTheContinuums AndScramblingAllTheEggsVille Specifically. How, precisely, can Rob Schneider possibly be both himself and…. Margaret Atwood? ______ I mean, Sean Cullen I can almost handle, but Mr. Schneider?…..No way, man. .
Continue readingknitnut.net: Like a puppet on a string
It took about 10 days or so before I got over the worst of the side effects from quitting my anti-depressant, Effexor. I still do have the occasional brain zap. (Along with the jolt, I get the impression of sound, in the back of my head, of one of those
Continue readingScott's DiaTribes: The courts will be the only check on Harper for the next four years.
It’s become rather obvious that with a majority government, the Conservatives feel they can do whatever they want, now that the opposition can no longer restrain them from doing their worse impulses in a minority parliament. You’ve seen the recent court case that the Conservatives lost over the attempted crippling
Continue readingPushed to the Left and Loving It: Well the S.O.B. Did it. Canada Officially Out of Kyoto
The US announced their energy strategy in 2001 which was largely developed by Vice-President Dick Cheney and the large fossil fuel and nuclear industry companies. Capitalizing on the California energy crisis, which had been brought on by the market manipulations of another close Bush crony, Enron’s Ken Lay, the US
Continue readingThe Sixth Estate: Ten Reasons Why Richard Gwyn is an Idiot
This sort of nihilist screed is something I’ve heard from plenty of people before, but not usually from journalists: There’s no longer any need to pretend that our emperor isn’t naked. As for elections, forget them; democracy should be continuous rather than a quadrennial convulsion. And as one small advance,
Continue readingNorthern Insights / Perceptivity: For many, this is a depression
Does living luxuriously in secure compounds and travelling the world first class, richly clothed and dining extravagantly in the company of hired sycophants, qualify a person to determine or advise on social and economic policy? Or, does it encourage the individual, convinced by material success, to join or fund those
Continue readingThe Sir Robert Bond Papers: The Crowd in the Dark #nlpoli
Dwight Ball will become the new leader of the Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador this week. Expect an announcement on Thursday. There’ll be no “interim” about it. Ball is the leader until the party’s executive board decides on whether or not to find someone else to fill the job.
Continue readingBigCityLib Strikes Back: Gruending On Canadian Churches, Climate Change, And Durban
Its all good, but my favorite bit is about how The National Post felt it necessary to spike Rex Murphy’s geriatric rage at the fact a mere African might dare to criticize Canada’s environmental record: The advertisement generated a torrent of exaggerated invective from some of the usual suspects – including CBC
Continue readingBigCityLib Strikes Back: No Rice For Ezra: Uncle Ben’s Pulls Advertising From Sun TV!
Dear Mr. Murphy, Based on feedback from consumers such as yourself, UNCLE BEN’S will not be advertising on Sun TV in 2012. We thank you for taking the time to contact us with your concerns and for your loyalty towards the UNCLE BEN’S brand. If you wish to post a
Continue readingCompetence failure
Dear Liberals: I know your shtick lately has been that you’re the most credible and competent opposition in the House of Commons, but this morning, well, you blew it. I’m sorry, but a letter to the Governor General, asking him to withhold royal assent on the Wheat Board bill until the court
Continue readingeaves.ca: Open Government Consultation, Twitter Townhalls & Doing Advocacy Wrong
Earlier this week the Canadian Federal Government launched its consultation process on Open Government. This is an opportunity for citizens to comment and make suggestions around what data the federal government should make open, what information it should share and provide feedback on how it can consult more effectively with
Continue readingCanadian Progressive World: Conservatives Betray Canadians with U.S. Steel Deal
DECEMBER 12, 2011 | MEDIA RELEASE TORONTO – The Conservative government has betrayed working families in Hamilton and Nanticoke by dropping its court case against U.S. Steel despite the company’s clear violations of federal law. …Read More
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