Canada Votes

Added the CBC's main page on the upcoming election to the links section. Dig it.

The first of four debates is December 15th, BTW.

Liberal Smack Down

Ahh, so the Liberal government is in the tank. After battling the likes of Jean Chretien, burning bridges and driving a stake into the heart of the Liberal Party of Canada in order to become Prime Minister, I doubt this was what Paul Martin had in mind for his reign.

Not that it matters - everyone saw this coming. And now we get to listen to the election campaigns, which I actually enjoy. It's so easy to understand the speeches, the rhetoric, the promises never to be kept.

My girlfriend yesterday asks me "but the government just signed a $900-plus million dollar, multi-year agreement on immigration funding with Ontario, what happens to that?" To which I reply "that's set up just like a transfer payment of sorts, a budget item. The new government can just scratch that item off the docket if they feel like it." Anyone who knows her probably knows what her reaction was (hint: it rhymes with 'that's fullspit").

In fact that leads to a larger point we should all keep in mind: the incoming government, whoever that may be, will be able to manipulate any agreements that are not in the actual budget. That $40B in promises the government rolled out in the last two week? Yeah, they're gone if the new kids don't like it. One has to wonder if the outgoing Libs knew the spending promises they were making in a last ditch/election move don't amount to anything but media time since you won't be around to sign the cheques. Food for thought.

I'm excite nonetheless. I can't wait to see what the parties do to cope with the winter election blues, the general malaise in voters, the Gomery debacle, blah blah...

Warren has a great article here about what he thinks the Liberal's need to get their house in order: nihilism. Tear it down and start over. Can't say I don't disagree. His prediction is a small Conservative minority. While I shudder to think of that possibility, I must concede it is entirely within their grasp at this point. I would have laughed at that possibility before December 12th, 2003. Funny how times change.

CBC News Indepth: Divided Parliament

CBC News Indepth: Divided Parliament

Canada's Government Faces No-Confidence Vote - New York Times

Election shenanigans got you confused? Well, they probably confuse everyone outside the country too. So check out the New York Time's quick and painless summary of why we are going to have an election starting in about 2 hours.

Canada's Government Faces No-Confidence Vote - New York Times

NPR has lots of live concerts!

Natioal Public Radio has tonnes of live concerts from some pretty cool artists, including:
Wilco, Bright Eyes, Interpol, The Decemberists, Bloc Party, Kings of Leon, Sigur Ros, My Morning Jacket, Son Volt and Death Cab for Cutie.
NPR : NPR Live Concert Series

Never Say Never

See that? That's the second to last ticket to the Leaf vs. Habs last night at the ACC that was on sale. Got it at around 6:45PM. Its also, believe it or not, my first NHL hockey game in person. Despite the outrageous beer prices, the game was awesome. The TV timeouts are surreal, what with everyone just standing around on the ice. All in all, what a kickass time for $40. Couldn't have asked for a better game either for my NHL deflowering.

Subscribe to the New Music Friday Podcast

It's easy just copy this http://feeds.feedburner.com/thedailynarpodcast into your podcasting software or iTunes.

In iTunes:

-Select 'Advanced'>'Subscribe to Podcast'
-Past in this http://feeds.feedburner.com/thedailynarpodcast

That's it!

New Music Friday Podcast is Online!

Here is the first EXPERIMENTAL New Music Friday Podcast! The podcast will feature tunes from the bands featured on the New Music Friday.

This week features: The Hives, The Mars Volta, The Bouncing Souls, Moneen and Bad Religion. Intro music by the Fall of Troy.

So go ahead and down load it here:

THE NEW MUSIC FRIDAY PODCAST #1

Feedback is needed! This is a rough outline and the next edition will be better. I was kinda flying by the seat of my pants on this one. Email us and let us know what you think, and what you'd like to hear!

Pat Morita dies at 73

Paint the fence in heaven Mr. Myagi.
CBC Arts: 'Karate Kid' star Pat Morita dies at 73

The New Music Vol. 37

I think it's 37... oh well.

It seems this has been the week of the live album release:

- The Bouncing Souls Live was released November 18th. This bad boy is 2 discs of 29(!) Bouncing Souls tracks recorded live, um, somewhere

- City of Caterpillar releases some live and old demo materials for ravenous fans. Aptly named Demo and Live.

- The Mars Volta freak (or bore) people for like 70 minutes on Scabs, their contribution to the week of live releases. This has been reviewed in several magazines already and the take is not good.

- The Hives' Tussles In Brussels is a live/documentary DVD, packaged with some unreleased music videos. Sounds good to me.

- NOT a live relase, Alexisonfire and Moneen released the Switcheroo split EP, which sees each band take on tracks from the other. This has been done before (the BYO split series) with some degree of sucess. Try and track down the NOFX/Rancid split. Samples of the split here.

TODAY IS BUY NOTHING DAY

An Ode to Snow

Ahh, snow. How I love thee.
They way you needle me in the face,
The way you remind me I'm alive.

The snow in Canada is a singlularily unique event. Not because Canada is the only place where snow occurs. And not because it is the only place that gets cold. Its because of all the northern, snow bound countries of the world, we are the only ones who revel in it. And we should.

People often ask "how can one tell the difference between Canadians and Americans?" Set aside the fact that we are not warlike (at least, not anymore), a major indicator is this: when it snows, Canadians are happy. Anyone who lives in Canada, be them first, second, or five-hundreth generation, that gets happy when it snows is a Canadian. You have passed the test.

Why? Because snow is not a handicap for us, it is merely the transition from one set of activities to another. Set the skateboard aside for a bit and grab the snowboard and get back outside. Break out the cross-country skis. Lace up the skates. Sneak outside to smoke cigarettes whilst shovelling the driveway. Pick your poison, as it were. But pick something and get out there.

The snow may come and go, but the feelings never leave. A place without the white stuff is just a little weird come December.

Go winter,
Go snow,
Go Sudbury!

I as wrong...

THIS may be the best thing you'll see today.

Family Guy Peanut Butter Jelly Time

Matrix Ping Pong - Google Video

Coolest thing you'll see today.
Matrix Ping Pong - Google Video

The Start To This . . .

The offical website for the Moneen documentary by Alex Lui.

The Start To This . . .

New Strokes Video

Online here.

New Darkness Album For Free!

Screw the reviewers! I like the Darkness!

www.myspace.com/thedarkness

Nooo! Say it ain't so!

Hmmm, No confidence vote, or this. I'm so conflicted!

CBC Arts: Nick and Jessica confirm they're separating

Reminder! Spacing release party Thursday

Issue #5 launches tonight!
SPACING #5 WINTER 2006: The New Beautiful City
RELEASE PARTY: Thursday November 24 2005
Arts & Letters Club • 8pm • $10
Spacing Wire � Reminder! Spacing release party Thursday

McGuinty: the capital "G" is for "G-Unit"

I don't know about you, but I would happily slap down $10,000 to hear Dalton McGuinty say "50 cent is a good rapper" or:

- Fiddy
- G Unit
- Yes Yes Y'all

Any of those would be satisfactory alternatives.

The Globe and Mail: Don't blame rappers for guns, McGuinty says

Conan vs. Walker, Texas Ranger

I love Connan O'brien. This guy shares that twisted sense of humour that many just don't get. He wrote some of the funniest Simpsons Episodes too.

Anyways, when NBC purchased the USA Network, Conan decided to celebrate by installing a Walker Lever beside his desk, which would randomly play clips when he pulled it. I just about choked on a pretzel and fell off the couch when I saw these. I suggest Clip #2.

GorillaMask.net: Conan's Walker Texas Ranger Clips

Try again Globe and Mail

Interesting bit of fluf in the G&B today. Says "job prospects" for young people are up. Well, speaking as a "young person", whatever that means, I'd like to say "bullshit". Not only does this totally unsubstantiated article not clarify what sectors are seeing this so-called surge in jobs, it uses weird math like '480K people found jobs between 1997 and 2004. Is 480K a lot for 5 years? Where did they find work? In what jobs? What pay? And remeber, there are all sorts of ways to interpret or measure the unemployment rate. Like, say, when someone just stops looking for work altogether.

The Globe and Mail: Job prospects soaring for young

Way to go, Iron Lady!

The new Adbusters' year end "Big Ideas of 2006" is out. The issue is typically a collection of essays and writings by progressive authors about what we can do to make this a better world in the next year. While probably not in the issue, this is one step in the right direction.

BBC NEWS | Africa | 'Iron Lady' named Liberian leader

Tories enlist Cutler

Can someone explain this to me? I mean, it's nice and all that the Cons can score a man with some kind of moral fibre, but to put him up against the Premier's brother? In Ottawa? I don't think so.

CBC News: Bureaucrat who blew whistle on sponsorship to run for Tories

Your cell phone records are for sale. Every call. Every number dialed.

I *still* know who you called last month - The Red Tape Chronicles - MSNBC.com

Big Surprise: Microsoft is not nice to its loyal customers

Parents and Christmas shoppers beware.

I had heard rumours that Micro$oft was deliberately restricting supplies of Xbox 360's for release to drive the demand way up. While MS has denied this, it's pretty hard not to believe this is the case.

Case and point, read the article linked below, where the author speaks with several people that were forced to line up in different stores after being informed their paid for pre-orders would not be honoured. What a low thing to do. I find it pretty underhanded to take money from someone knowing full well you aren't going to be able to hand over the product you've just agreed to do.

And incidentally, I think this whole marketing strategy is a humongeous rip-off. For $500 (plus tax) you get no games, one controller and none of "accessories" that will probably cost you another $3-400 just to have this thing function the way you want. A wireless controller is great, but having to pay $30 for the cable to recharge it is not. Also, having to pay $75 for an extra controller so two people can play is also not cool. The big draw about the 360 is its online connectivity, so much so that Microshaft has required all games developed for the system to have some sort of online component. Well, be prepared to fork over big bucks for that. Not only will you have to sign up with a high-speed service provider (i.e. Rogers or Bell), but you will also have to sign up for Microsoft's "Xbox Live" service to play. And that's not cheap, something like $100/year just to play online. And what's more, unless you have your internet router (oh yeah, you need one of those too) set up right beside your television, or like a mess of cords running hither and thither across your floor, a wireless adaptor accessory for teh 360 will also cost you a pretty penny. These days, NOT having wireless connectivity in anything is just a silly marketing ploy.

Microsoft has deliberately crippled their own machine in order to force you to upgrade. Once you do that expect to continue to pay to do what most people do for free: connect to other players. Steer clear. Wait until next year, when Sony gets in on the game (pardon the pun).
Xbox 360: shortages no joke

Hives Hot To Record New Album

Rad.
Hives Hot To Record New Album

Wireless Toronto - providing free WiFi hotspots in Toronto

All owners of cafes, restaurants, pubs and various other locales that could see trafic/sales boosted by free internet TAKE NOTE!

Wireless Toronto - providing free WiFi hotspots in Toronto

Remember what I said.

If you look a little bit down the page "The Pre-Game Show", I predicted that this election will be won or lost on social service spending. I still believe that's true. Apparently, so does the Liberal Government(s). Congrats to my lady, who helped work on this. Too bad that massive layoffs in the auto industry bumped this off the map.

Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration: Canada and Ontario Sign Historic Immigration Agreement

"Damn terrorist doors..."

Now with video link goodness.

Evangeline probably regrets this.

It's funny, the things famous people do before their famous. For Canadian Evangeline Lilly (from the hugely popular TV series "Lost"), it just happened to be a commercial for a chatline. Hilarious Jerry. The comericial ran at least three times during one program I was watching the other night, which is how I found it. And you know that now that they have this, they'll run the hell out it. That is, of course, until the high priced lawyer shut 'em down
Chat Line Chatline - Livelinks Chat Line Chatline to meet Local Singles

The Daily Nar T-shirt.

Here it is, in all its wrinkly glory. I'm hoping I can find a cheap alternative to using a printer in NYC, which should be possible. Please, send me your feedback! Would you rock the nar? How would you change it? Email us and we'll see what we can do!

Revival of Isolationism in U.S.

Really? No shit, eh? You don't say.

Survey Shows a Revival of Isolationism in U.S. - New York Times

New Music Friday Vol. 37

Just a couple of note this week:

- Armor for Sleep have released a new documentary this week entitled A Comprehensive Guide To Touring, in support of the massive hit What to Do When you are Dead.

- Thrasher Magazine released it's latest comp, Thrasher Skate Rock Volume 12: Eat the Flag. Artists of note include Alkaline Trio, Millencolin and Planes Mistaken for Stars.

- Moneen have release a trailer to their upcoming documentary. I'll let them explain:
"Are we that interesting? Nooooo. But our friend Alex Liu has been following us around for many years collecting footage for what has ultimately become a documentary about Moneen. It's pretty honest and has a lot of ups and downs. Some footage is hard for us to watch, some footage is pretty special/cool that it exists, and it's all put together really well. This is Alex's project. We hope you enjoy his film about our band. We'll let you know when it comes out (we don't know when it will) but in the meantime, check out the trailer for the film."

And the soundtrack has new tunes! Anyway, check it out here (quicktime required). And! The demo track to a new song, Bleed and Blister has been posted up on their Myspace site.

- And speaking of new tunes, Raise Them and Eat Them have added a new track to their site ici. Raise Them will be in action this Sunday at Sneaky Dee's, so be sure to check it out! If you're into screamo, they will not disappoint.

-Katja have a new tune, it's rad. It's here.

- And to recap, Aarows have also posted a new tune, here. In case you didn't know, Aarows consists of brother Ken and Jay Galbraith of Oneshot, Katja, Raise Them and Eat Them, and Lee Serviss of Far From Heroes fame.

Robotic Guitar Tuner?

For about $1200, there is a company that you can ship your guitar to. They will imbedd a tuner and several small servos to automatically keep your guitar tuned to a number of keys. It's pretty dope.

This is not that system. No thank you.

String Master Guitar Tuner: Hot Guitarist

You're not getting your refund

The Globe and Mail: Ontario energy rebates withheld

Good news for Ontario Universities

Here's something you don't here everyday: the Ontario Government is rolling out money to fund up to 340 new front-line family doctors for the province by 2008. Now if we can only get them to stay (or go north)...
The Globe and Mail: Ontario universities get millions for family doctors

Business leaders call for climate change action

The timing on this is a little suspect to me. One must ask, why now would some of Canada's largest companies come out against a government that has worked hard to make sure necessary environmental law changes were as painless as possible?
CBC News: Business leaders call for climate change action

The $100 Laptop

How's this for a cool idea: a fully funtional, durable laptop that costs only $100 for children in third world nations. Part of the One Laptop Per Child Projecy, the laptop was unveiled at the United Nations Net Summit in Tunis. The laptop was designed by Nicholas Negroponte, MIT professor and tech author.
The OLPC $100 laptop unveiled at UN net summit - Engadget - www.engadget.com

New Aarows Track

Like Fairweather's Alaska? Then check out Raisethemandeatthem's and Far From Heroes' new project.
aarows

If Canada took over the U.S....

Fark photoshop contest. Note the liberal use of Bob and Doug.

FARK.com: (1759259) Theme: If Canada took over the U.S....

Spacing Magazine's New Issue & Launch Party

The new issue of Spacing drops Thursday, November 24th. The release party takes place at the Arts & Letters Club at 8PM. Art as a means to beautify the city seems to be the theme of this issue. Details are below.

s p a c i n g : : : issue 4 in stores June 6th 2005

Buy Nothing Day Friendly Reminder

International Buy Nothing day is fast approaching (8 Days). Here's a great action site to help you take down Walmart.
Buy Nothing Day : Adbusters

Buy Nothing Day Friendly Reminder

International Buy Nothing day is fast approaching (8 Days). Here's a great action site to help you take down Walmart.
Buy Nothing Day : Adbusters

pillow fight @ dundas square

For those who missed it, here's some shots from the Pillow Fight @ Dundas Square.

pillow fight @ dundas square - a photoset on Flickr

Feedburner Service Added!

Take a looky under the links. See that? Click it. All your Daily Nar posts delivered via Feedburner. Ain't technology grand?

Want to share? Copy this into your site to have my feed show up. You know you wanna!

The Daily Nar's Pre-Game Show

Click for larger image.

I'm only going to say this once (yeah, right) then leave it to much more seasoned and intelligent pundits to reinterpret my predictions with lots of credibility (read: facts).

This thing feels weird, and weird is never good.

What do I mean? Well, as an "average" Canadian, who just so happens to have enough time to actually attempt to pay attention to the goings on in Ottawa at the moment, the events unfolding are not really shaping up to favor anyone. Case and point: the Opposition Trifecta (I'm coining that one you thieves!) are bludgeoning the government with the "the Parliment has lost confidence in you" angle that is really scoring with me. It keeps it fresh in my mind that all three parties feel strongly enough about something (gasp!) and are motivated enough to keep bringing it up every time they get a chance. Good move.

But, and there is always a but, none of the parties have the stones to actually make a move and kill the lame horse of a parliament and get things rolling for fear of reprisals at the voting booth. Bad move. The way this comes across, and the way I would play it, is that even united these parties can't actually get things done. If I were part of one of those parties, I'd make sure we were pushing for an election as soon as possible, then go around saying "Yeah, we did it. We were strong enough to stand up for what we believe and DO SOMETHING. No more talking, no more political backrooom deals for a post election power grab. It was time for action and we did just that. And that's what Canadians want. A leadership that's not afraid to take control of an out of control situation." Or something to that effect.

And guess what? That's what Canadians DO want. At least according to the poll I read yesterday in the Metro (again, I leave it to others to find the sources to my ingenious arguements). Something like 50% of respondents are more concerned with social issues than Liberal scandals or tax cuts. So in my opinion, doling out tax cuts always makes Canadians smile like a kid with a shiny new toy, that smile wanes quickly. People are worried about long lines in hospitals, not the $211 they might get back on their income taxes (which may barely cover the increase in their next hydro bill). When the McGuinty government took over in Ontario they had an internet town hall survey thing. You know what the overriding response was? "We are willing to pay more for services if the government can produce results". We are proud of our social services in Canada. But these days, we are forced to defend the ideal, because the reality on the ground has shifted. These kind of results right now seem to favor the NDP. While we all know they have no chance of winning an election, the party they endorse (and by proxy indicate to us which party has the best plan for social services) will be critical.

My suggestion to the Big Reds: stop telling people who have to pay top dollar for daycare or wait 45 minutes in an emergency room whilst having a heartattack about how much more money we get to put toward the national debt. Results are needed.

Attacking the Liberals solely on the scandal front won't win the election. This election will be decided on social services planning.

If I'm wrong, I'm wrong (so what, no one reads this, and I don't get paid for it). If I'm right... can I get paid for this?

The Globe and Mail: No 'grey zone' on Opposition ultimatum, Martin insists

Coolest Photos You'll See today

NASA -
International Space Station

Snoop Doggs

Fo Shizzle Ma Schnitzel


Sympatico / MSN Entertainment : Music : Music News : Snoop To Promote Foot-Long Hot Doggs

Whacko Jacko Just Can't Go Anywhere...

without f*cking up. I mean, is there ANYONE left that still thinks this guy is normal and that "the man" has treated him harshly? If so, read on for further proof of your stupidity.

New York Daily News - Daily Dish & Gossip - Arabian fright: Ladies' rest room hi-Jacko'd

Slow News Day = Fearmongering Vol. 2

Today's pathetic attempt to scare the bejesus out of readers:
WCCO-TV - Minnesota's Breaking News, Weather, Traffic and Sports: Could Borrowing A Pen Make You Sick?

Homeless or Jesus?

You tell me.


Homeless or Jesus

Beer + Free Wi-Fi= Happy Blogger!

I hate to tease, but HA HA to all the suits reading this site right now. Sorry, but as I reflect on my nearly half finished pint of Stella Artois as I sit in the rather nice booth upstairs at the Rivoli (www.rivoli.ca), I can't help but feel good about myself. But that's just the beer talking.

Big thanks to Dan over at Modelresource.ca for the tip. Visit his site. He has a very hard life consisting of spending time at the Rivoli doing what I'm doing, when he's not swaped interviewing female models of course. For some, life is very, very hard.

Chirac in new pledge to end riots

I listened to a French friend of mine deliver quite the tirade on why France has a right to be pissed about immigrants who choose to move to the country, then do nothing to help themselves, yet feel for some reason entitled to things they "don't deserve". Then I read this article about promising to create new jobs. Something is amis I must admit.

BBC NEWS | Europe | Chirac in new pledge to end riots

Chinese love Schwarzenegger

To quote Mark McDonald "Germans love David Hasselhof". Well this is just payback.

BBC NEWS | Americas | Fans mob Schwarzenegger in China

Chavez and Fox recall ambassadors

I've said before that I can't decide if I like this guy or not.
BBC NEWS | Americas | Chavez and Fox recall ambassadors

Jericho's Echo: Punk Rock in the Holy Land

This documentary is playing at the Bloor Street Cinema.

Jericho's Echo: Punk Rock in the Holy Land

How cool is this?

Had to go all the way downtown to do it, but the Daily Nar is finally blogging from a romote location (for free!). Specifically, at the corner of Richmond and Spadina. Let this post be a lesson to those who don't secure their wireless connections at home (thanks for the free ride though).

Caution over HIV 'cure' claims

OK, so supposedly this bloke was tested positive for HIV in 2002, then negative in 2003. It is been posited that his body naturally fought off the infection. But what the really incredible part is that while infront of cameras he states "I would do anything to help others", he has repeatedly refused to do so. He will not be tested or offer any other kind of help until, surprise, he get's paid. I doubt I'm the first person on the internet to call this guy an asshole, but I'll do it anyways.

BBC NEWS | Health | Caution over HIV 'cure' claims

Lewis Black on Wal-Mart

onegoodmove: Lewis Black on Wal-Mart

Mall concert turns into boy-band melee

Its too bad I'm too old, fat and can't sing;; 'cuz I would love this to happen to me.

Mall concert turns into boy-band melee - U.S. Life - MSNBC.com

Software that predicts No. 1 songs before they're done.

Globetechnology: Tragically, it's not hip - just a sum of No. 1 hits

'Arrested Development' canned.

Dammit! I loved this show. I can't believe you'd cancel a great show like this for reruns of Prison Break. That just plain sucks.

MercuryNews.com | 11/11/2005 | Fox puts abrupt stop to 'Arrested Development'

Compatible Xbox games

For those of you that are salivating over the every nearing release date of the Xbox 360, here is list of your Xbox games that'll work on your new system. Myself, I don't plan to buy one.

Xbox.com | Xbox 360 - Original Xbox Games on Xbox 360

Shut up.

Article like this are stupid, I'm sorry for being so blunt. Every time something bad happens in thw world, news outlets turn to the "could it happen to us?" story with big scary soundtracks and graphics. It makes me sick. Maybe we'll have a riot, maybe will have a earthquake and a tsunami too! shitbirds.

The Globe and Mail: Could it happen here?

Man dies after 50 Cent screening

I am NOT SURPRISED. BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Man dies after 50 Cent screening

Sony halts production of 'rootkit' CDs

Following up on a previous story, Sony has stopped production on its nefarious spyware CDs.

Sony halts production of 'rootkit' CDs | CNET News.com

Spacing Wire

Welcome to the future.Artist's rendering of the Toronto Skyline with all new proposed buildings

If I hear the word "punk" one more time today I'm going to fucking kill someone.

Zimbabwe police raze shanty communities

Zimbabwe continues it's dominance of the ghetto Olympics as the destruction of shanty towns conitnues.

Guardian Unlimited The Guardian Thousands homeless as Zimbabwe police raze shanty communities

New Music Friday Vol. 36

Yeah its Thursday. But tomorrow is a holiday for Canadians, so the segement is today, punk.

Sorry, no new music for review here this week. Just a couple of minor music news things:

- Tuesday saw a Fat Wreck Chords listening party at the Queenshead Pub. The Nar didn't attend, found out from Truth Explosion Magazine a little too late...

- The Beastie Boys have released another greatest hits album (which can't possibly be as good as The Sounds of Science). Stream the whole sucker here.

- Behind the curve again. The Dillinger Escape Plan played the Opera House last night with Hella, Between the Buried and Me and Horse the Band(listen here). Anyone who was there is welcome to write up a review in the comments section.

- Fellow Sudbury Lad and ex-Far From Heroes drummer Theo McKibon has joined The Black Maria (which features Kyle Bishop of Grade fame) The Black Maria have just finished a tour with Chevelle, and are currently planning a tour in support of Nonpoint. The band is signed to Victory Records

- Bit of bad news. Bayside, the four-piece indie rock band, have suffered a terrible tragedy. On October 31st, the band's tour van flipped after hitting a patch of ice near Cheyene, WY. The accident claimed the life of drummer John "Beatz" Hollohan and seriously injured their bassist Nick Ghanbarian. Please see the site here.

Run for de Choppa!

Schwarzenegger Is Dealt a Stinging Rebuke by Voters - New York Times

Sony CD's will install spyware on your computer

Don't know too much about this story but here goes: below is link to a list of CDs that, if you try to play with your computer (presumably to copy to your MP3 player), the CD installs programs that covertly track info on you. Attempting to uninstall the programs can lead to a number of computer hardware problems. Now granted by looking at the list of albums you deserve to have your computer destroyed for listening to that garbage, I still though it'd be worth passing the info on.

EFF: DeepLinks

Why Blogger?

Recently, I've had a number of people ask me why I don't have my own website. Why do I continue to use Blogger for my site instead of my own place. Well, there's a number of reasons:

1. Money. Websites cost money. I'm not working right now, so spending money on a website is a luxury I can't (or at least shouldn't) afford. I have considered purchasing www.thedailynar.com and just have it point here.
2. Design. I am not a web guy. I tried designing a website once, and it didn't look so good. I think I'd rather use a site that has everything done for me. Even if it doesn't work very well with Mac.
3. Ease. Blogger gives me the ability to post from a simple shortcut that I can pull up from any webpage. That means I don't have to open another window, log in, create a new post, blah, blah, blah.
4. Lazy. Yup, I'm pretty sure I could figure out all that stuff and make a spiffy looking site people might actually read, because the number of this site are looking grim. That's another factor too, until I start pullin down some numbers that read higher than my bank balance, I think I'll stay were I am.

There's no reason why I use Blogger per se. I know there are other sites out there, like WordPress. But I'm pretty well established here and trying to get everything over to a new site would be difficult.

But! I do enjoy writing this here Blahg. To be honest, it's the only thing that keeps me busy these days, but doesn't always manage to keep me from going crazy (sorry again W!). What I'd like to see is more people getting involved too. If you like the site, link it! Send some new people my way! Got a band? Want it reviewed on the New Music Friday? Send you band stuff to thedailynar@gmail.com and we'll check it out. I promise I'll be nice. I've even turned on the comments section in a sad attempt to encourage people to come back to the site and flame each other! Good times for all.

Darkness singer buys his own bootlegged CD

This sucks. I'm all for using the internet to share music, but to steal a band's CD before it's even released is not cool.

BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Darkness singer tackles eBay leak

BBC NEWS | Europe | French towns get emergency powers

There was a very lively debate over this topic at the Daily Nar Compound last night, thankfully the usual French (from France) contingent wasn't there. Despite the glossy coverage this is getting in the North American press, this is actually getting pretty bad. According to my sources, problems have been brewing for years. The question that led to such a heated debate last night was this: is it France's fault that people who come to their country and do not take advantage of the support services available to new immigrants have the right to complain when they can't find work? Or is it that the French simply opened their doors to immigration and then turned their back on them? Discuss. I'll even turn the comments on.

BBC NEWS | Europe | French towns get emergency powers

Follow up: Monster Garbage Cans

In follow up to several posts regarding the fate of the proposed garbage cans in our city, it looks like the fate may be sealed. Case and point: I watched as the current garbage/recycling units along Yonge Street between Eglinton and Lawrence were removed last week. This can only mean one thing: they are coming.

http://publicspace.ca/monster.htm

Student shot outside Brampton high school

This is brutal for two reasons. One is obvious, the other is that at the same time this kid was getting shot in the face, the PM and David Miller were a few blocks away talking about gun violence, and the programs to be unveiled to stop it.

CBC Toronto - Student shot outside Brampton high school

Bush Borrowed More Than All Previous Presidents Combined

Something tells me this was conveniently left off Bush's recent speeches about the health of the economy. Oh wait! Bush never talks about the economy!

Bush Borrowed More Than All Previous Presidents Combined, Group Says -- 11/04/2005

BBC NEWS | Middle East | Palestinian's organs go to Israel

I saw this headline last night, but didn't really get it until now. Appearantly, a Palestinian child was killed by Israeli soldiers. The parents of the child then donated the child's organs to save an Israeli as a gesture of peace. Wow.

BBC NEWS | Middle East | Palestinian's organs go to Israel

Action Jackson

I think this is a major blow for the US. When all the crazies are gone, who will Bush have as a base?

Michael Jackson May Not Live in U.S. Again - Yahoo! News

How's this for a Coincidence?

On this day, in 1917, the Bolsheviks ousted the provisional Russian government (under the old Russian calendar). Today must be popular for dumping sham governments, no?

CBC News: NDP ready to pull plug on Liberal government

I think they're fishing.

CBC News: NDP ready to pull plug on Liberal government

CBC News: Layton won't back Liberals

Man, you go do laundry for an hour, and the whole country falls apart. Batten down the hatches, this may (or may not) be a wild ride. I still don't think Jack's got the stones to bring down the government and his meal ticket.

CBC News: Layton won't back Liberals

Ali G stupifies NBA stars

OK, I'll admit I have a weak spot for Ali G, and these two ads for the NBA are freakin' brilliant
Just Jared: Ali G Kobe Bryant Steve Nash

CBC Newsworld going for shock value now?

I'm watching CBC Newsworld where they are boasting about a new morning format. Clearly this new format is taking an American news style approach. For example, the lead in for a story about gun violence, mainly the city's new gun amnesty program went like this:

"...To Toronto now, in what was once considered one of the safest cities in the world to live, it's now not uncommon to hear someone say they heard gunshots in their neighborhood last night".

What a complete and utter load of bullshit. This fearmongering plays well on Fox or City TV, but I would hold the CBC to a higher standard. To anyone who lives in Toronto, hearing a gunshot while hiking in the forest is more likely to happen than in the city (and we all know how often the average Torontonian goes hiking!).

Yes, gun violence in Toronto is out of control. It's a gang problem, not the freakin' wild west. The police need to do more, as does the government (municipal and provincial). Maybe we need a hardcore crackdown in high crime areas. Maybe we need a cop on every corner. Maybe we need to let community leaders get the support they need to help reach kids with the guns. I don't have the answers. Scaring the shit out of people is not the answer, its the way to make people angry. And that'll lead to rash decisions.

Ontario Premier, tobacco growers courting China

The optics on this, to me, is not good. As we should all be well aware, big tobacco pushes cigarettes in third world nations this crazy. While I doubt the Premier's intentions are to connect big tobacco with a gargantuan market, this may come back to bite the Libs in the ass. It's just an exercise that we must go through to satisfy a sector of the Ontario economy that has been abosultely decimated by the Liberal goverment, and will not recover. But as you can see in the article, the tobacco associations are going to run with this. So will the opposition.

The Globe and Mail: Ontario Premier, tobacco growers courting China

Dominican Republic says it will begin free trade talks with Canada

Hmmm. With Canada involved in NAFTA, Dominican in CAFTA, and each country signing a free-trade agreement with each other, is another free trade agreement (FTAA) really necessary. The answer, of course, will depend on who you ask. Ask the US and the answer is yes. Why? It's the only way they can control the rules of trade with other countries. Do you think the Dominican Republic would be allowed to run a 40-million trade surplus with the US like it does with Canada? I don't think so.

The Globe and Mail: Dominican Republic says it will begin free trade talks with Canada

Greenhouse gases 'to rise by 52%'

That 9 Billion in profits Exxon just made (see previous post) may come in handy now - building a compound to keep the mobs out.

BBC NEWS | Business | Greenhouse gases 'to rise by 52%'

Rich Lowry on Oil on National Review Online

Excuse me while I walk (laughing) all the way to the bank. Yup, oil companies are good.

Rich Lowry on Oil on National Review Online

Smitherman needs more than his eyes examined?

I'm not expert, but I'm pretty sure optomitrist does not, under any circumstance = terrorist.

National Post

No New Music Friday Today

Sorry, nothing new to report, so just check out this video by one of the best bands out there right now. Period.

The Fall of Troy - Whacko Jacko Steals The Elephant Man's Bones

Seen, but not heard?

On my way to band practice last week, I had the unfortuneate opporitunity to pass this numbnut.

CTV Video -

Protesters mass to confront Bush

Have you ever seen the American version of "The Office"? It's great. On the last episode, Michael was asked "Do you think it's better to be feared or loved?" He replied "I think both. I want people to fear how much they love me." That line just sounded so approriate for this story. Dont' ask why.

BBC NEWS | Americas | Protesters mass to confront Bush

Stephen Harpers Speech this morning

I'm listening right now to Stephen Harper's speech at the unveiling of the Conservatives Accountability Plan. Aside from some useless swipes at the Libs, he has a good message: "People should be in politics to change it, not have it change them".

Rehashing an old dream!

The Daily Nar and Neighbourhoodies have teamed up to produce the first prototype Daily Nar t-shirt. I'll post a pic of it when it comes. They are kinda pricey, but it should be worth it. Anyone interested can email me about getting one for yourself.

Synthetic trees could purify air

This isn't exactly a new idea, but I've never heard it referred to at as "Artificial Trees"

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Synthetic trees could purify air

Repairs to Chicoutimi likely to take 2 years, cost $20 million

Hey, while you're at it, I think you can fix my mom's old Reliant K. Sure, we sold it to a scrap yard 13 years ago because one of the pistons literally shot through the hood, but hey, the navy seems to be into fixing old pieces of crap no matter what it costs these days.

CBC News: Repairs to Chicoutimi likely to take 2 years, cost $20 million

Canada reaches for the stars

In the hopes of finding a politician with an ounce of sincerity, Canada to build the world's larget telescope.


TheStar.com - Canadians hope to build world's largest telescope

Wax on Wax HOFF

Feeling lonley? Missing KITT and Michael? Fear not, fellow Hasselhofians, this site is for you!

Wax on Wax HOFF

Trifecta Achieved!

Ahhh! Yesterday was a good day: Politics+Punk Rock+(P)Sneaky Dee's. Can't really beat that.

But seriously, yesterday was nuts in terms of blogging. Anyone tells you blogging like that is easy should actually try it some time. I was lucky enough to have a PVR unit from Rogers, so I could pause live TV in order to write everything down. I think it put me, at the worst point, about 8-10 mins behind the live feed. It did however allow me to notice a few things:

- David Scott, Chretien's Lawyer, appeared on Global TV first as the CBC refused to discuss the findings in the report until Judge Gomery spoke
- As soon as Gomery's press conference began, the CBC immediately began running graphics with quotations from the report
- Gomery took great pains to avoid using any of the inflammatory statements he seemed unafraid of writing down in his report, which he was the "sole author" of. Most people think that's BS
- Jack Layton still can't make up his mind, but I'm afraid if he doesn't soon it's gonna cost him. He'll be brushed aside by the opposition parties and ultimately his own party if he doesn't make some solid decisions (OH DAMN! A new story on CBC just validated my theory! The BQ and the Conservatives are now asking Layton to join the dark side. And of course, he's wavering)
- Everyone else reacted pretty much how other predicted, so nothing really for me to note

I didn't get a chance to see Chretiten's conference live, but caught it at about 1 AM last night in the CBC archives. What can I say? Jean Chretien still remains the undisputed champion of the interview. He has the ability to get out infront of any group and make turn it from hostile to friendly with a few well timed jokes. That's not to say he does come across as well informed, intellingent and well-spoken. I've always liked the way he doesn't mince words - he's always said he means and people will always respect him for that. He's stated several times that he is responsible, like any Prime Minister, for any actions that take place under his administration. Funny how no one would believes when Paul Martin apologizes on national television several times, but Chretien does it once and its like "OK, thanks for that. Just don't do it again." Weird.

Update

Correction. As if you couldn't tell already, Chretien will be addressing the media at 5PM. Dont' look at me though, I'm off to rock and or roll (finally!)

Paul Martin's Up:

- So far, a repetition of
-Referred to the RCMP
-12 additions to be made to the suit to recover public funds
-Crown copr. crackdown on named parties
-Instructed the party to immediatedly repay $1.14M
-Ban 10 individuals from the party (not Chretien)
-Will call an election in Feb '06
"Liberals took at least $679,497 in unrecorded contributions"
-Will not allow an opposition day that is not already scheduled


Jean Chretien will make a statement at 3:00 PM

Warren Kinsella's reaction

Obviously, Warren Kinsella has a few things to say.

Warren Kinsella

Harper's Points:

-Judge Gomery has confirmed many of the allegations the Conservatives have made
-The Liberal Party is corrupt and should be held accountable
-The Liberals continue to operate "a culture of entitlement"
-The voters must have a chance to hold the party accountable
-The Liberals will never do any housecleaning
-I hope Quebec does not turn its back on Canada as a result of the Liberals actions
-Does not want a Christmas election
-BQ agrees
-It falls to NDP to decide

Duceppe's points:

-Just started looking at it (the report), its severe against the Liberal Party
-Mirror's alot of his parties questions regarding "orchestrated kickbacks" (I told ya!) and transparancy
-Political direction - Martin had asserted his.
-Paul Martin is unaware? He doesn't think so
-Bloc had identified these issues back in 2000
-Martin is accountable, Duceppe lists several reasons why
-The Liberal Party is in deep trouble, and Martin needs to acknowledge it
-Martin needs to name the candidates that received monies
-Martin used a "Begging tone" when he addressed Canada last year
-There's no need to wait for the second report for Canadians to judge Paul Martin
-We have to have an election to settle this, they no longer have the moral authority to rule
-Give us a day this week and we'll vote (in Parliment)
-No Quebec minister is involved
-*for not having read the report, Duceppe sure can quote specific lines and page numbers!

Press conference from Stephen Harper in 9 minutes, stay tuned. click some ads!

Duceppe wants an opposition day this week - assumedly to call for an election

Layton says the NDP hasn't made a decision on whether they will continue to support the Liberals - uh-hun.

They want decisions on key issues. "Hard to see how and why this governement should continue" otherwise.

A bunch at the Globe...

globeandmail.com - Breaking National News

CBC News: Gomery blames Chr�tien for sponsorship flaws

CBC News: Gomery blames Chr�tien for sponsorship flaws

Jean Lapierre, minister of Transport totally accepts the report in its entirety.

Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works does too.

They both reiterate that Paul Martin is "totally exonerated".

Scott Brison just slammed Chretien, Martin fixed the problem.

Chretien may make a public statement today. Stay tuned.

David Scott, will recommend Chretien pursue a legal review of the report based on 2 issues:

1. Bias
2. "Failing to follow the obvious dictates of the evidence"

Party heads will start responding soon...

Martin is due to speak at 1, he will simply accept the report as he is getting off squeeky clean.

Below is my live blog of Gomery's statement, coupled with CBC's highlights from the report out of lock up. There is probably spelling mistakes, but the quotes are acqurate.

Gomery Report Points

Here's his talking points from his statement (statements in quotations are from the CBC Newsworld graphics):

-Results so far, where the commission will go from here
-"Intermediate Stage" to be compeleted in about 3 months
-Reiteration of what he was asked to do
-Most evidence presented was considered "marginal or of little signifigance"
-The report contains what he thinks is the most important
-He is the sole author
-Background on the commission's hearings (172 witnesses)
-168,000 pages of evidence, 25,000 pages of transcript
-There are no legal consequences attached to this report
-*The crawl now says "Jean Chretien is accountable for the defective way the sponsorship program was run" but Gomery hasn't said that (yet), also:
-"Chreitien chose to run a virtually secret program without limits"
-"Good intentions are not an excuse for maladministration of this magnitude"
-"Chretien must assume responsibility for the actions of his Chief of Staff"
-"Jean Pelletier initiated and directed the program"
-"Pelletier knew the prgram had no rules, providing an invitation to abuse"
-Coloured areas of the report indicate important sections
-"Pelletier bypassed normal gov't oversight policies that would have caught dishonesty"
-Don't overlook the advertising activities, which was also a part of teh commissions mandate
-"Alfonso Gagliano, as Minister of Public Works, continued irregular practices"
-Phase II of the Commission - recommendations to government, based on findings of the report, on management activities of sponsorship programs in the future
-"Gagliano, despite his denials became directly involved in sponsoship decisions"
-The second phase is well advnaced
-"Gagliano's actions amounted to political interference, line 3"
-"Gaglinao made decisions for partisan purposes, unrelated to national unity"
-"Gagliano shares blame for improper financing of Liberal Party in Quebec"
-Gomery has hosted a series of stakeholder engagement sessions across the county with various government and academic representatives, the results have been "enlightening and very useful"
-"No other federal ministers or MPs can fairly be blamed". Boom.
-Consultations indicated a need for transparancy and ministerial responsibility
-"Paul Martin, as Finance Minister, is free form blame for carelessness or misconduct"
-"Chuck Guite took advantage of the lack of rules in the sponsorship program"
-If Deputy Minister's fail to take responsibility for financial mangement, who should?
-"Guite enriched himself by arranging kickbacks from ad agencies once he was retired"
-"Ranald Quail, DM Public Works, knew sponsorship...."
-"Quail abdicated his responsibility to control, direct and oversee his office"
-"Liberal Party in Quebec brought dishonour by accepting improper..." These are all getting cut off
-Some should be responsible to see that laws and rules are observed
-This exetends to parliment
-What ways should public servants be protected from political staff?
-"Misconduct by Michel Beliveau exec. dir. Liberal Party of Canada (QUE)"
-There needs to be better support for "whistle-blowers"
-"Misconduct by Benoit Corbell, exec. dir. Liberal Party of Canada (QUE)"
-Issues of appointment to crown corps.
-How should these appointments take place
-Gov't and crown corps- should ties be strengthened or weakened?
-"Misconduct by Joseph Morselli, Liberal Party Worker"
-Did the privy office provide proper support to the PMO?
-"5 ad agencies blamed for overbilling, charging for work not done, conflicts of interest"
-"Jean Brault of Groupaction kicked back to Liberal for contracts"
-Research papers have been commissioned for the advsory committee
-"Jacques Corriveau of PluriDesign was at the centre of an elaborate kickback scheme"
-Second report - Feb 1, 2006 - two years after the commission began
-"Jean Lafleur of Lafleur Communicaitons flagrantly overcharged on contract, gave to Liberals"
-The public is welcome to comment on the report

Keith Boag seems to think the fallout will be tied to who the blame gets associated with in teh public - the former Chretien govn't or the Liberals.

Here comes Gomery - no questions...

No evidence that Chretien knew anything about it.

Chuck Guite appearantly collected $1.1M in these "kickbacks", Gomery thinks this was all arranged while he was still in public service

"Orchestrated Kickbacks" will be the new buzz words for the next few days. Be prepared!

Big surprse - according to Don Newman, the Report is "very critical" of the former PM

10:10AM
Chretien's Lawyer is already out on the defensive.

Thanks Capt. Obvious!

Here is the crawl along the bottom of the screen on CBC Newsworld While Christian Bourque talks:

"Inquiry expected to have impact on next election"

"Reaction to report hinges on who gets the brunt of the blame"

Wow.

Gomery Inquiry | canada.com Network

Gomery Inquiry | canada.com Network

Competition!

I'm prepared to be blown out of the water by this guy.

CalgaryGrit

LeBel Politique

Check out Francios LeBel's site for mucho Gomery info (French)

LeBel Politique

CTV.ca | Insiders say Gomery to focus on Chretien's team

So it begins. I'll credit anyone I pilfer from - like this link from Bourque

CTV.ca | Insiders say Gomery to focus on Chretien's team

Live Blogging the Gomery Report

Gentlemen! Start your political engines!

I'm going to live blog coverage of the Gomery Report for y'all, providing any links and info as it rolls out on the Net and on television. Why? Well, because I can (I do have the time now, after all); and to see if I can do it.

One man. One computer. One mission. Eat your heart out CanCon.

Buy Nothing Day

t's that time of the year again: BUY NOTHING DAY

In less than a month, millions of people around the world will ask for
the ultimate refund -- by opting out of consumer culture. For 24 hours on
Buy Nothing Day, November 25, we remember that no one was born to shop,
we pause, make a small choice to participate by not participating, and
we regain some calm. What will you do to tell Nike, McDonald's, Walmart
and the rest that enough is enough? Why not run with some ideas dreamt
up by the more than 3,500 jammers who took part in last year's biggest
ever Buy Nothing Day? Set up credit card cut ups, don white coats and
vaccinate against affluenza, give out free samples of nothing - anything
to show that the best things in life are free. You can find more ideas
and tools in the Action Pyramid at:
www.adbusters.org/bnd

If you haven't done so already, join your local jammergroup to
coordinate with like-minded individuals:
www.adbusters.org/bndjammergroups

As your plans come together,let us know at:
bnd@adbusters.org