That would make a great band name.
Tag: canada
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Here comes the rain… err, snow again
My deck and backyard were as close to snow-free as I had ever seen them in February, and this just an hour ago.
Now, it’s snowing flakes the size of raisins, with about 2 inches accumulated so far, and no sign of slowing or stopping for quite a while.
Welcome to Montreal… :p
Update: And now, the same storm means my (flight attendant) wife is stranded in Newark. Bummer…
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Canadian Copyright Law: Modernized: Maybe. Improved: Nope.
From The Gazettes View: Bringing copyright law into the 21st century:
It is unlikely that there will be many prosecutions under this article as long as violations are committed in the privacy of people’s homes and not for any commercial purpose, but it is still a niggling restriction that caves in to the U.S. at the expense of the right of average Canadians to do what they wish to with their own property for their own enjoyment.
Read out of context, one might have thought that this excerpt was about marijuana (which is how it’s dealt with here in Canada). But one would be wrong. That is what is expected if the new copyright bill is passed.
Another hilarious point is:
Specifically in this respect the law would legalize everyday consumer practices that are currently prohibited, such as using a personal video recorder to record a TV show for later viewing, or copying music from a purchased CD to an iPod.
This is not a knee-slapper on its own, but when coupled with:
Less welcome, and the sticking point in previous attempts to pass this bill, is the blanket provision against breaking digital locks, even for purposes of personal use. This includes picking a lock on a DVD purchased overseas to watch at home, or transferring a purchased e-book to read to another personal device. The bill provides for $5,000 fines for even the smallest such violations.
Given the steady switch of the entire media industry to all things digital, they can slap DRM on any future format (as they have been doing), therefore entirely canceling the right you were given…
That bill might modernize our copyright law, but calling it an improvement would be quite a stretch, really.
And just like our drug laws, they’re essentially “made in the U.S.A”. Have our politicians no respect, for even themselves, as Canadians? Oh, sorry, that’s a dumb question. We know they don’t…
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‘Plane people’ return to Newfoundland to remember 9/11 hospitality
“When the world came to Gander that day, we were given the privilege of doing what we believe all people are put on Earth to do — love one’s neighbour as oneself.”
Via ‘Plane people’ return to Newfoundland to remember 9/11 hospitality.
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R.I.P Jack Layton, You Will Be Missed
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.
Via Layton’s last words: ‘Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear’ – The Globe and Mail.
Those who know me know that I was a big fan, and will remain. IMHO, Canada lost his current best hope for a great leader. The party will hopefully rise to the occasion with someone worthy of following up in Jack’s footsteps. Let’s make him proud.
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Tofino – Canada’s Best Surfing Spot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrHfyo_Fg1w
O’Neill Cold Water Classic Canada 2010 – Tofino – Canada’s best surfing spot – YouTube. -
WANT! Turks and Caicos Islands as Canadian Province
A great number of tourists who visit the Turks and Caicos Islands are Canadian. Owing to this, the islands’ status as a British colony, and historic trade links, some politicians in Canada and the Turks and Caicos have suggested some form of union between Canada and the British territory.
In 1917, the Prime Minister of Canada, Robert Borden first suggested that Canada annex the Turks and Caicos Islands. In 1974, Canadian New Democratic Party Member of Parliament Max Saltsman introduced a failed attempt at consolidating the islands.
The idea was brought up again in 1986 by Progressive Conservative MP Dan McKenzie, but it was rejected by his party’s caucus committee on external affairs in 1987. The committee, chaired by MP David Daubney, looked at immigration, banking, health care and tourism issues in making its decision.[citation needed]
For the islands to join Canada as a full province would require an amendment to the Canadian constitution ratified by seven provincial legislatures representing at least half of the national population. Because such a step could entice provinces to demand other changes to the constitution in exchange for such support, this is seen to be a politically unfeasible option.
Via Turks and Caicos Islands – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
So, in short, we can’t because if we try, Quebec’s going to have a fit and ask for the moon in exchange again. Here’s a suggestion: drop Quebec, welcome Turk and Caicos. I’ll make the same switch, m’kay? 😉
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Happy Canada Day!
Image by Jeff Clark.
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Condom as Canada’s New Emblem
Translated from French, from an email I received from a family member:
A condom has lots of room for inflation, curtails production, destroys the next generation, protects many assholes and makes you feel safe while you’re getting screwed.
Sounds fitting (though we’re sure not the only country fitting that description)…
