tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77249760773315785372024-02-22T05:36:58.840-05:00Alternative GirlfriendOld at being young.
Young at being old.
Everything's on hold within our evolution.
~Barenaked LadiesAlternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-88944652203974625212009-03-13T02:45:00.004-04:002009-03-13T02:49:48.421-04:00Common Sense and Compassion Overcome Marijuana PropagandaEveryone should read this.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.jimboland.com/2009/03/07/common-sense-compassion-overcome-marijuana-propaganda/">Common Sense and Compassion Overcome Marijuana Propaganda</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com/">ShareThis</a>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-19056148891923034842009-03-10T23:25:00.005-04:002009-03-10T23:35:25.634-04:00I Heart The Beta Band.Dry The Rain....'cause sometimes I just fall in love with a song.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wsbR2dEmHGc&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wsbR2dEmHGc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-13550820808227972682009-03-08T01:32:00.003-05:002009-03-08T01:37:40.755-05:00Worth Sharing<a href="http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7810">Watch</a> all of 'em.<br /><br /><br />Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-85709002170103499822009-03-07T19:18:00.005-05:002009-03-07T20:29:08.878-05:00Is it just me?The Opening Theme Song for "Dallas", circa 1978:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BWtxqoaPD_o&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BWtxqoaPD_o&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />The new CBC Hockey Night in Canada contest song:<br /><br /><object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/99sKYB_IrNU&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/99sKYB_IrNU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="295"></embed></object><br /><br /><br>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-19532249789907630352009-03-03T00:47:00.003-05:002009-03-03T00:53:16.119-05:00Having a Bad Day?Things may not seem so rough after a visit to the hilarious site <a href="http://www.fmylife.com/">F*** My Life</a> - FML: Your everyday life stories. Prepare to spend some time there!Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-32959592230997592132009-03-01T08:02:00.017-05:002009-03-20T02:41:02.764-04:00No Rihanna! Noooooooo!!!!<span style="font-family:verdana;">While it is true that all parents should strive to be Role Models for their children, the fact is that Human Nature lends us to Idolizing and looking up to more well known personalities as well. Even those with wonderful, loving parents become Fans and relate to Actors, Singers, Writers, Athletes, Politicians - people who obtain the status of "Celebrity" in their respective fields. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">With the exception of people that become famous at a young age and may not fully understand what becoming "known" entails, it is no secret that if one is lucky enough to realize their dream and star in the blockbuster movie of the Summer, have the next big album, Best Selling book, or win the Stanley Cup, you are now opening yourself up to the world. Along with people who become your fans, admirers, supporters, cheerleaders and Corporate Sponsors, you will also be written about, </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">gossiped about, scrutinized,</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> photographed,</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> (See: TMZ's disgraceful posting of photos of a butt in a bikini, and people wonder why women have problems with body image, but that's a whole new subject)</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> and have people who wish to see you fail. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Not everything that comes with fame is fair, for example, I for one don't think Mrs. Movie Star and her kids should have cameras flashing around them while they have taken a simple trip to the grocery store, that's what I call Paparazzi Overkill and an unnecessary Invasion of Privacy. But there is no way that Mrs. Movie Star could ever claim that they didn't expect attention coming their way, both positive and negative.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Yes, Celebrities are human just like the rest of us, perfection should not be expected of them and it is a shame that often times that is exactly what happens. But with the common knowledge that there are people who will look up to them, including children and teenagers, they must realize that their actions and choices do in fact affect the decisions of others.<br /><br />From "Who" they wear to The Oscars to the products they choose to endorse, they influence the public. It is not because we are sheep, it's because we like them, we loved their last tune, we dig their style, we thought they nailed that last role, we respect them. We develop favourite celebrities and hone our own personal style based on parts of who we are. I love Old School, so yeah, I own this awesome Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock T-Shirt. I love to read Douglas Coupland so I bought the DVD of his TV show jPod when it was released.<br /><br />As fans, we become a part of a celebrities' success by having a little piece of something they created. Our CD Collections reflect the music that moves us, and we donate money to the Charities they speak so passionately about. Again, this is all about being Human, we follow those who inspire us. The most recent example would be the United States electing President Barack Obama. His platform of change was evident by the flowing sea of Americans in Washington on Inauguration Day. This became a reality because people literally gave their Vote of Confidence, respected his ideas and trusted that his promises are genuine. But how many people actually personally know President Obama? Of course not every American knows him, but he let his words and actions speak for themselves. Young, old, Black and White stood together, passionate about their Country and Politics based on one mans' Public Persona, because in the end, with the exception of very close Family and Friends, that's all anyone in the Public Eye has to convey who they are and what they stand for.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Rihanna should obviously realize that to her fans, kids and adults alike, she is a Role Model. She has got to know that people honestly care about her from the outpouring of support she received after the brutal beating at the hands of Chris Brown. These weren't loved ones of hers, but just everyday people who cared about her and wanted to show her compassion during what is a truly difficult time. I don't care about what events led up to the assault, <span style="font-style: italic;">IT IS IRRELEVANT</span>. Whether it was an argument over another woman, or she threw his keys out of his car, there is simply no reason on the planet that excuses him from laying his hands on her in rage. No man, ever, can profess True Love for a woman when he has been violent towards her, physically or emotionally abusive.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I think women especially, are reacting so strongly to the news that Rihanna would choose, in the Year 2009, with the support of her family and close friends, all her financial resources, no children to worry about being hurt, (and if the rumours of a pregnancy are true, it makes the situation even worse because then not only did he beat his girlfriend, he beat his pregnant girlfriend) that she would continue a relationship with her abuser. I don't think people should be comparing her to Tina Turner either. When Ms. Turner endured her years of abuse Domestic Violence was still being pushed under the rug by a male dominated society. There wasn't much help for women and children who were victims of abuse, Celebrity or not. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">We get that she may still love him, it's hard to just shut feelings off. But she must give herself time to heal. The bruises and bite marks will fade, but the emotional impact is going to take longer, and it is something that no matter what is a permanent part of the person she now is. We can't change the past, only try to live our lives the best we can when something horribly sad and terrible has happened.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Rihanna had the opportunity to show women the world over that violence toward women will not, and should not, be tolerated. She had the chance to prove to woman that they can survive without their boyfriends and husbands who think so little of them that they would inflict pain on them. She had the chance to encourage other women living in fear for their and often their childrens, safety, to seek help and leave these men who claim to "Love them".<br /><br />She could have been a Crusader for abused women everywhere, and instead, all she has shown is weakness and a lack of self respect and no love for herself. She chose not to believe that while her heart may be broken, that she could one day fall in love with a true gentleman who would never in a million years make her a sad statistic.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The message she is conveying to young women everywhere is that it's okay to give another chance to a man (and as a 19 year old girlfriend beater, I reluctantly use this label for Chris Brown) who chose to thrust violence upon her instead of removing himself from an emotional situation. An apology, a Happy Birthday wish, and a promise to never do it again should mean nothing to her after such physical betrayal. What "Rehabilitation" could he have possibly gone through in 3 weeks that makes her believe that he is a changed man and he won't ever do it again? Even if there is the possibility that he has learned his lesson, does she really want to take that chance with her life? Does she want to live every day in fear that "This may be the day he snaps and murders me?"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Rihanna is most likely very upset that she has now become a "Poster Child" for Battered Woman. She probably doesn't like the fact that women and girls are possibly basing their own relationships upon on her actions. That's a lot of pressure. She must look at the person who put her in this situation - Chris Brown has brought her into a Media Circus that she did not deserve. I understand she is still young, but I would love to believe that she would have considered the fact that impressionable women and girls might follow her example.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">While it may not be right or fair that women and teenage girls may base their decision to stay with or continue a relationship with an abuser because "Rihanna took Chris back", the fact is that Rihanna has fans who value what she thinks and will follow in her footsteps. How long will it be before we hear of a woman found murdered because if Rihanna thought it was okay to forgive Chris Brown, then she thought she could do it too? Again, no woman should base such an important choice on the actions of a celebrity, but we all know it happens anyways.<br /><br />Parents and loved ones of victims can only do so much. They can beg and plead with a woman to gain control of her physical and emotional well-being, but in the end it must be the victim who takes a stand and values her own life over that of the feelings of her boyfriend or husband, and to end the relationship that has become emotionally devastating.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Women still have a hard time getting the help they need to get away from their abusers, especially those who may not have the financial resources or loved ones to aid them. It's probably one of the hardest things anyone has ever had to do. In time, Rihanna could have made the decision to encourage battered women and girls everywhere to value their lives and not be controlled by an abusive partner. Actually, if the one and only thing she ever publicly did was to never go back to him, it would make a huge impact. Consensus would be "Rihanna is a strong woman. She may have loved him, but she loves and respects herself more. It has to be so hard, but she has shown that violence against women will not be tolerated."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">If Rihanna has indeed continued her relationship with Chris Brown, she may as well resign herself to the public perception that she is not worth our sympathy, not worth caring about, not worth supporting her artistic endeavors. Many Mothers have already stated on Message Boards that not only have they stopped letting their children be consumers of any Chris Brown project, but with the revelation that Rihanna has taken him back, they will no longer let their kids be listeners of an artist who has so little respect for herself, let alone the fans who contributed to her fame in the first place. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">As a Mother, I am constantly aware of what media I expose my children to. While they are young it is my responsibility to ensure they are negatively influenced as little as humanely possible. I know I can't watch over my kids every minute of every day, but I can monitor the content loaded on their iPods, give the go ahead or kibosh regarding which concerts they go to, and decide if I'm going to spend my money on merchandise that brings celebrities millions of dollars every year during a trip to the mall with the kids.<br /><br />Of course, for my older ones, I have learned that I may not like every actor or singer or band that my kids are into, but I know that I did my best until they were old enough to decide for themselves who they chose to be fans of. I also know that I have taught my Teenagers that just because so-and-so may have sung a song about keeping all his ho's and bitches in line, they don't mean garden tools and female dogs, and that kind of behavior in reality is totally unacceptable.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">So goes it that parents everywhere may now refuse their children Rihanna's music. Parents tend to favor healthy, positive Role Models for their kids. Yes, this may be judgmental, but when it comes to my kids, I am going to be judgmental. Some may say "Well, the only person Rihanna is truly hurting is herself" but like I said, celebrities must be aware that they are emulated, it's just the way it is. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">You may say I am holding Public Figures up to higher standards, and yes, I admit I am. When famous people influence the decisions of others, whether they intend to or not, they should have enough hindsight to know that they lead by example.<br /><br />Again Celebrities, I don't ask for perfection, but I do ask that you don't beat your girlfriend or Wife. I demand that you do not drink and drive. I suggest that you don't get so totally shitfaced at the club that you pass out in your car and give the paparazzi an opportunity to take pictures of your drunk ass. I ask that you don't shoot steroids to pad your Batting Average, and I would think it's best that you don't spend John Q. Public's money to pay for Hookers. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">From Message Board responses, it is obvious that people are mortified at the thought of Rihanna reconciling with Chris Brown. Some have begged and pleaded to her, some have gotten outright royally pissed, and some have gone as far as to call her some pretty nasty things and wish her more harm. What we should be doing is letting Rihanna know that we understand that she is going through a very rough time right now. She may not be thinking with a totally clear head while trying to convince her heart to let go. She gave her love to Chris Brown and this is how he has treated her, the feeling of betrayal must be overwhelming. Not only has she had to go through all of this, but she has had to do it being scrutinized en masse.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">What we should be doing is supporting her and letting her know that we realize she will need time to mend her broken heart. Regardless of the fact he beat her, we must acknowledge that she loved him and anyone who goes through such a life altering experience is bound to feel lost and alone, even if she does have a great support system, and wonder just what the hell they are going to do.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Rihanna at the same time though, must realize that whether she agrees with it or not, women and girls hoped she would rise to the challenge and let it be known that men who hit do not deserve another chance. The second he laid his hands on her in rage, Chris Brown forfeited the privilege of continuing to be her boyfriend. If Americans have come so far as to forget about the colour of ones skin and elect a black President, how come today's society can't have traveled as far as making violence towards women one of the most vilified actions known to humans?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">It disturbed me to read some comments about her becoming a punching bag because she was with a black man. Violence has no colour, no nationality. Domestic abuse happens in every race, every country, every religion. Rich, poor, educated, popular, bookish, beautiful, it doesn't matter. Implying that where one is raised lends to a higher occurrence of domestic violence is a shameful excuse. It would be foolish for anyone to believe a man hauls off on his wife or girlfriend because it's typical of a certain culture, the plain truth is that any man who hits a woman is a coward with the highest level of Douchbaggery attainable, and not because he was raised in The Islands.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">All around the world, women are murdered every day at the hands of the men who supposedly love them. Sometimes it's in the name of Religion, Honour Killings. Look at the term. "Honour" killings. It's the year 2009 and why do they still exist? I'm not a Religious Scholar, does it actually say in the teachings of any religion that a woman can be punished with abuse and death? For "disobeying" or showing a little more skin than is just around the eyes? For not wanting to enter into an Arranged Marriage? For being raped? There is no "Honour" for any man who murders in the Name of their God. And if there are such teachings in any religion, those Old World punishments should be left exactly there, and abolished in our Modern Day.<br /><br />I would have hoped that by this point in Human History, we would have evolved enough as a compassionate society to eradicate Domestic Abuse. All people, Women, Men, Young, Old, Religious, Atheist, Agnostic, Straight, Gay, these differences should not matter. We are all Human inside and deserve to be treated equally. Unfortunately, after seeing the picture of Rihanna's beaten upon body, it is obvious that Chris Brown does not believe she is equal, his actions spoke louder than words ever could have.<br /><br /><br /></span>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-48040457663600533672009-02-25T15:33:00.019-05:002009-02-25T21:36:27.522-05:00Reality Bites<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >"Canadians are world leaders in online engagement. Look at the numbers, not your assumptions and act accordingly."</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br />-Wayne MacPhail, <a href="http://rabble.ca/columnists/canadian-internet-usage-quiz-surprise-answers-inside">"Canadian Internet usage quiz -- surprise answers inside!"</a></span></div><br />Wayne MacPhail has some very interesting statistics for your online reading enlightenment on <a href="http://rabble.ca/columnists/canadian-internet-usage-quiz-surprise-answers-inside">Rabble.ca</a>. He writes:<br /><br />"Canadians are the most engaged online audience on the planet. And, more Canadians, by percentage of population, are online than any other country. The Internet has the highest penetration in Canada of any G7 country. Seventy two per cent of all of us use it on a monthly basis."<p>"So, we are the most highly penetrated country, view the most content and spend the most time." </p><p>"That's a trend that's been growing, not just among young folks, but right across the age spectrum. According to 2007 NADBank data, time spent by Canadians on the Internet (as a percentage of time spent with all media types) has at least doubled in every age group, including 55+ since 2001. The one bright indicator for television? About 46 per cent of Canadians browse the Web and watch TV at the same time at least once a day. That said, <span style="font-weight: bold;">at about 8 p.m., the Web's reach exceeds prime time television's in Canadian households." -<br /></span></p>Taken from an <a href="http://firefly-alternativegirlfriend.blogspot.com/2008/04/ignoring-interweb.html">e-mail I received</a> from Kirstine Layfield, Executive Director Network Programming CBC Television on March 28th. 2008 regarding <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/jpod/">jPods'</a> cancellation and basically <span style="font-weight: bold;">dismissing the value of Online Viewership</span>. The folks over at<a href="http://savejpod.ca/uncategorized/the-business-of-internet-broadcasting/"> <u><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Save jPod</span></u></a> called her out on it. Those of us who wrote received the same copy and paste info back.<br /><br />Dear ______,<br /><br />Thank you for your email of March 28 regarding our decision not to renew jPod for another season. I appreciate the time you have taken to write.<br /><br />It is clear that you strongly support this program. And I agree with you. It was an excellent program, well scripted and well acted. All of us had great hopes that the program would find the audience it deserved on CBC Television.<br /><br />Unfortunately, not enough television viewers shared our opinion. Throughout its season, jPod attracted a devoted, but very small following. And while it is true that, for a public broadcaster, audience size is not everything, you also cannot be a public broadcaster without a public. If too few Canadians are watching, we are irrelevant. And, if we are irrelevant, Canadians are right to ask why they are investing the money they do in CBC Television. In addition,<strong><em>"the Internet is not a medium that pays for the kind of production values people expect on TV. Until the reality catches up with what people watch on line, you can't justify it."</em></strong> -<br /><br /><a href="http://rabble.ca/columnists/canadian-internet-usage-quiz-surprise-answers-inside">Reality catches up.</a> In his article, Mr. MacPhail ends with "Canadians are world leaders in online engagement. Look at the numbers, not your assumptions and act accordingly."<br /><br />In February 2008, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (a committee comprised of various MPs) produced a report entitled CBC/Radio-Canada: Defining distinctiveness in the changing media landscape. The purpose of the report was to study the future role of public broadcasting, and to present the Committee’s findings and recommendations. All of the below statements, taken directly from the report, play straight into jPod’s strengths. From the Committee’s report:<br /><br />“[CBC] must constantly keep up with new technologies and reach out to audiences where they are, <span style="font-weight: bold;">including young people who seek content on the Internet.”</span> (p.5)<br /><br />“We are asking CBC/Radio-Canada to be original, of high quality and innovative” (p.9)<br /><br />“Mandate of the CBC/Radio-Canada as stipulated In the Broadcasting Act (1991, c. 11, B-9.01, [Assented to February 1, 1991)(i) be predominantly and distinctively Canadian […]” (p 18)<br /><br />“Dwindling audience share is not unique to public broadcasting, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">audience measurement will need to adapt alongside the transition to digital media. Internet broadcasting, downloading and streaming content, PVRs and on-demand and pay services mean that the same film, television episode or news broadcast will be seen by many more viewers than those who tune in for ”appointment television”</span>.” (p55)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">“CBC/Radio-Canada’s online presence will be fundamental to its relevance to Canadian audiences in the future.”</span> (p57)<br /><br />"The Hour" Host, George Stroumboulopolous:<br /><br />"Online is rapidly becoming king, not traditional TV platforms."<br /><br />....so they're not going to come to television - they're going to watch it however they want."<br /><br />"Ten years from now, the cable channel isn't going to be nearly as important as the domain name. CBC.ca, <a href="http://www.friends.ca/print/News/Friends_News/archives/articles041708010.asp">that's the television channel of the future</a>. We don't worry about <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/jpod/">where people are watching us</a>, as long as they're watching us." -<br /><br />I may not be a Fan of George, but he gets the point across. Maybe <span style="font-style: italic;">he</span> should have a chat with Kirstine Layfield.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em></em></strong>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-62650675378027352762009-02-25T06:39:00.000-05:002009-02-25T14:29:34.708-05:00Steve Tilley does me a Solid"TV on the Net" Writer Steve Tilley obliges and <a href="http://www.torontosun.com/news/world/2009/02/23/8493726-sun.html">reminds all </a>of the awesomeness that is <a href="http://www.savejpod.ca/">jPod</a>.Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-52018428193259308642009-02-18T07:31:00.009-05:002009-02-18T11:34:13.041-05:00The 'Corp(se)I did a lot of venting on here regarding the CBC, but after my concerns just got continually passed around between the CBC, their Ombudsman, and the CRTC I had to step back for a bit. The Mothercorpse I have realized, must answer to no one. They have Carte Blanche and Canadians will like it, damnit. We have no recourse, we can complain and complain but it is all for naught. King Richard and Princess Layfield will do whatever the hell they want - and get away with it. So you might as well leave the muzzle on, because while we can speak our minds, no one who truly has the power to change anything will sincerely listen and take the appropriate action.<br /><br />Yes, this all seems quite defeatist, but I just got so tired of not being taken seriously. I don't have any fancy titles in front of my name, I'm just a Stay-at-Home Mommy who foolishly thought my opinion counted for something in this country. My foray into trying to make a difference ended up in a big heaping pile of disappointment.<br /><br />Maybe that's where I went wrong. I expected that as a Canadian, a Canadian Taxpayer, that my voice counted for something. That my suggestions or ideas counted for something. Don't get me wrong, I didn't ever think that I was going to change the world or anything, but I did trust, and wrongly so, that I would at least be heard.<br /><br />But the Mothercorpse doesn't do that. Oh no. The Mothercorpse does whatever it pleases. The CBC doesn't care what Canadians think or want or deserve. As long as the big wigs are gettin' paid, pullin' in those big checks that we're all paying for, the Exec's at The Ceeb will continue to do whatever they please. It's very sad. This is our National Broadcaster but you might as well rename it "Television and Radio Corpse That You'll Pay 1 Billion Dollars a Year For No Matter What."<br /><br />"Why does this bother you so much?" you may ask. After all, it's "just" TV and Radio. What I can answer is this. I was born in 1973 and became aware, very early on, of the Media around me. I grew up in a time that saw the explosion of Television for the masses. Pretty much everyone now had a "Tee Vee Set". While Canada was still over-exposed to American content, there wasn't so much that Canadian content got lost in the abyss of it.<br /><br />I paid attention to home grown programming, my Parents made sure it was made readily available to me, and for that I will always be thankful for. One of my earliest memories was watching Cookie from the Original Kids of Degrassi Street go to the hospital for an operation, and when I went in for an emergency appendectomy at the age of 10 it was what I learned in that episode that chased away my terror. I loved watching the King of Kensington and feeling that connection of "Home" because Kensington was only a short drive away. It was familiar and comforting. It was Canadian.<br /><br />Without even realizing it, the CBC fell off my radar. The extent of what I watched dwindled down to one, yes one, show, and that was Hockey Night in Canada. I was a Teenager in the 80's and early 90's and when I look back that's when I stopped watching. It seems that The CBC likes to forget there is a whole generation of viewers that exist between the ages of 12 and 40.<br /><br />I became aware of this when a couple of years back I was surprised to find myself in love with a cheeky comedy called "The Tournament". It was funny and witty, well acted and had that once familiar feeling of "Home." It then dawned on me that "The Tournament" was the first Canadian produced programme I had watched on the CBC in years. Probably since The Edison Twins. I was surprised that The CBC was behind this production, and then even more shocked when The CBC canceled it.<br /><br />For the first time in my life I wrote to the CBC. I let them know that I really enjoyed The Tournament and was disappointed at their decision to cancel it. Nothing ever came of it though, and I moved on... spilled milk and all....<br /><br />When I caught a promo for <a href="http://www.savejpod.ca/">jPod</a> during a HNiC , I made a point to watch it when it premiered because it seemed right up my ally and hey, it was <a href="http://www.randomhouse.ca/jpod/">Coupland</a>. People who know me will tell you it takes quite a bit for me to "get into" a show. I'm picky and not one to watch what is usually considered "Fluff". I'm not saying I don't escape into the odd show that would make some lift an eyebrow, but that is attributed to the "Train Wreck" factor. You know it's cringe-worthy but you just can't seem to look away.<br /><br />Maybe it's because my parents exposed me to what I consider wonderfully produced shows when I was growing up. The Beachcombers, Read All About It, SCTV, W5, Bizarre, Hill Street Blues, St Elsewhere, 60 Minutes, Archie Bunker, Barney Miller, 20/20.... I'm glad they took an interest in what I viewed, and doubly glad that they always tried to first and foremost, "Keep it Canadian".<br /><br />But what in the world am I to do with my own children? Yes, it can be said that the CBC has quality children's programming, but that falls right in line with the same Canadian offerings found on TVO and Treehouse. My two oldest though are almost 12 and almost 18. What in the world is there for them on The CBC? Sophie? Being Erica? Wild Roses? Please, they're teenage boys, not 50 year old women.<br /><br />The CBC has canceled "Street Cents" on them, and The Teenager realized himself that other than HNiC, jPod was the only other CBC programme he actually made a point of sitting down and watching with us every week. They'll be no more Marketplace for him either if he was so inclined, it's been moved to the "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdE2vcFK0-c">Friday Night Death Slot</a>", and we all know our younger counterparts are usually not home on a Friday Night watching TV.<br /><br />Needless to say, after the CBC made the decision to cancel jPod, dumped the CBC Orchestra and made big changes to Radio programming, the whole Hockey Theme debacle, and my questioning the state of todays CanCon (or lack thereof) I became deflated. I had tried my best, but in the end I got absolutely nowhere. Passed off from one person to another. "We're sorry, we can't help you, but these people can." And then when you talk to those people, they say "Oh no, we don't handle that" and then you're shuffled off to some other agency or department. My mind was left spinning and I realized that I could raise any concerns I wanted but it was falling on deaf ears.<br /><br />I've asked the question before: If the CBC is our Nations Broadcaster, why is it that us regular citizens are not consulted about what content we would actually like to see and hear on the CBC? I'm not saying they have to send out a questionnaire to every household across the country, but wouldn't it be a natural thing to comprise a group of us regular Canucks that could contribute valuable suggestions and ideas to The Mothercorpse? (And that's not a typo, I say "corpse" because it might as well not even exist for me, as in dead.)<br /><br />So here I am, just about a year after I woke up to all of this, and this is where things stand for me. Over the summer I watched the repeat of jPod, and then was subsequently disappointed when I bought the DVD for the season and found out that every disc produced was defective and had to be returned. I bought the "A Bear Named Winnie" DVD by CBC Home Video for my two youngest, only to discover on the back cover that they were 100 years off in their description of when the story began.<br /><br />I have watched Hockey Night in Canada twice, and just the beginning. Once to see the Leafs raise Dougie's jersey, and once to see them hoist Wendel's. I caught the CBC's new hockey song after wondering why they first opened with that "Saturday!" one, and immediately thought I was watching a rerun of Dallas when I heard the "Contest Winner". I get my hockey fix on TSN , Leafs TV and The Score.<br /><br />I now catch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune on ABC West. I watched Stroumbo once to catch Joshua Jackson, and shook my head because really, The Hour is just a terribly hosted show. George may try, but in my opinion he just doesn't pull it off. I actually felt embarrassment when over and over everything he spouted just fell flat. I'm done with the 'Corpse, and no longer wish to have anything to do with it. I feel it does not represent me as a Canadian, I'm taking it very personal.<br /><br />I'm sure I'll always think of this, it will always be one of those things that just saddens me. It might not be something that is on every Canadians' mind, but its on mine. I'll probably dive in here and there, but for the most part I'm stepping away from it all, and hope that one day the CBC returns to that familiar feeling of "Home" for me.<br /><br />Until then, I take solace in the fact that Sophie is dying a horrible death (BBM Canada Nielsen Media Research Ratings 268,000 viewers Feb. 10/09) - just as I predicted would happen when the WGA strike was over - and in hearing <a href="http://www.hockeytheme.com/FrameRHistory.htm">Dolores Claman's Hockey Theme</a> on TSN every week. How awesome it will sound during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Duh Duh Duh Dah Dah Daaaah!<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LnnnUC6HydU&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LnnnUC6HydU&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-78165395288939506122009-02-17T17:38:00.005-05:002009-02-17T17:48:44.251-05:00LifeWell, it's been forever since I last posted. To be honest, between just living life thankful to wake up breathing every day, and dealing with the sheer frustration that little ol' me cannot change <a href="http://www.pcosacanada.org/whatispcos.shtml">the cards I've been dealt</a>, it all got to be a bit much. I feel like the last couple of years have been some brutally wicked roller coaster and all I wanted to do was get off for awhile.<br /><br />It's time to jump back into the Blogosphere again though... I've really started to miss it. New Rants and Raves - Coming Soon! (or at least after I've attacked the "Mountain 'O Laundry")Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-87938520632691537752008-07-19T19:46:00.007-04:002008-07-19T21:02:14.228-04:00(Fake) Ouimet is Back!!!I'm giddy, I'm speechless, I can't <a href="http://teamakers.blogspot.com/2008/07/under-new-management.html">believe it</a>!<br /><br />Of course, it's not the "<a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/04011613021156720739">Real Ouimet</a>" I have come to know and love, but anyone who attempts to take over her/his Blogging reins has to be a brave soul.<br /><br />Long Live Teamakers! Long Live Ouimet!!!Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-23156845009265535512008-06-27T05:42:00.028-04:002008-06-27T19:45:16.707-04:00Name (your price for) That TuneFor those of you wishing to enter The CBC's Contest/Competition to find a new song for Hockey Night in Canada, you may want to take a closer look at the <a href="http://anthemchallenge.cbc.ca/rules">Rules and Regulations</a>. Here's some lovely tidbits and how me, an everyday not-a-lawyer Canadian, perceives them to mean. (And just so I don't get sued, everything written in <em>Italics</em> is Copyright CBC 2008)<br /><br />Here we go:<br /><br /><em>The winning Theme will be broadcast as a key part of the program during the 2008-9 hockey season, and potentially beyond.</em><br /><br />Notice "Potentially". That means after next Hockey Season is over they can drop it, just like they did with Mrs. Claman's Theme. Who knows? Maybe the CBC has a master plan to hold a contest every year! So much for your 15 Minutes of Fame...... the hoisting of the Stanley Cup could be 14:59 for you and your song.<br /><br /><em>Fans will be able to recommend their favourite Entries to their friends as soon as those Entries are posted. Until Semi-Finalists are revealed on October 4, 2008, “ratings”, “recommendations”,<br />“most viewed”, and other similar information will be available on the website, but will only be a factor for the Producer and Judges to consider in selecting Semi-Finalists.</em><br /><br />Meaning: The CBC has the final say no matter what voters think is the best.<br /><br /><em>Applications and Entries will become the property of CBC, and will not be returned to applicants. During the Competition, Entries may be used by CBC, and, with CBC permission, its affiliates, agents, licensees, and sponsors, on any media, without limitation, exclusively. Until 30 days after the Competition ends on October 11, 2008, Entries may not be licensed for use on any other radio or television program, or on the website of any other established Canadian radio or television organization.</em><br /><br />Meaning: Just by entering, we own what you created, and you can't have it back until mid-November even if we don't want it.<br /><br /><em>For any video Entries, Entrants should refrain from wearing any clothing items bearing designer or sports logos (other than your authorized musical group logos) or bearing the name or likeness of a celebrity, living or dead.</em><br /><em></em><br />You mean you can't wear a frickin' Leafs/Canucks/Flames/Oilers/Canadiens/Sens Hockey Jersey when you perform the song? What is <em>THAT</em> about???!!! And too bad for those of you who were going to wear a <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/swamptroll/5215752">SAVE JPOD!</a> Tee.<br /><br /><em>It is the obligation of Entrants to ensure that their Entries comply with these Rules. Entries may be reviewed to ensure that.... the Entries are original and do not contain any inappropriate content, including but not limited to content prohibited by law (e.g. invasion of privacy, defamation, copyright infringement) or content contrary to CBC standards (e.g. sexually explicit content, or<span style="color:#993399;"> </span><strong><span style="color:#cc0000;"><span style="color:#993399;">content that could</span> <a href="http://firefly-alternativegirlfriend.blogspot.com/2008/06/hey-cbc-im-calling-you-out.html">expose CBC to embarrassment, contempt, ridicule, adverse publicity or otherwise reflect unfavourably on CBC</a></span></strong>), and content of a commercial nature promoting products or services. CBC will decide what may be posted, and what may be removed from posting, in its sole discretion. </em><br /><br />I guess that means anyone sending in Mrs. Claman's Song, which has been bantered around on Message Boards, will not make the cut. Natch.<br /><br /><em>Judging criteria: The winning Theme will capture the essence of our national sport, provide a signpost for great hockey programming, and excite fans <span style="color:#cc0000;">from coast to coast to coast</span>.</em><br /><em></em><br />Isn't that what the former song did? Hmmph. And I thought we only had TWO Coasts - East and West. Am I wrong? Seriously - If I'm wrong, let me know. I'll be needing to make a call to my old Geography teacher Mr. Haag to apologize.<br /><br /><em>The Winner: Fan voting for the Winner will begin no later than 10 pm (ET) on October 9, 2008 and will end at 11:59 pm (ET) on October 10, 2008. Again, it is anticipated that fan voting will determine the outcome, but <span style="color:#cc0000;">in the event that fan voting does not, in the sole discretion of CBC, produce a clear Winner, or is inconclusive due to technical difficulties, unreliability of the data, or apparent voting irregularities, CBC reserves the right to determine the Finalists in accordance with the Judging Criteria, in consultation with the Judges</span>. The Winner will be announced in our first 2008-9 Saturday broadcast of Hockey Night in Canada on October 11, 2008.</em><br /><br />Meaning: Again, the CBC has the Final say who wins.<br /><br /><em>CBC reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to have the Theme of any Semi-Finalist, Finalist, and the Winner, adapted, arranged and/or performed by artists other than those included in the original Entry. The Semi-Finalists, Finalists, and the Winner will be required to sign appropriate documentation confirming the right for CBC to make such adaptation, arrangement and/or performance by artists other than those included in the original Entry.</em><br /><em></em><br />Meaning: You give the CBC permission to change what you created, and then if they are so inclined, they can get Nickelback to sing it, not you.<br /><br /><em>Entrant(s) of the winning Theme will receive $100,000.00 Cdn. (in total) for an assignment of copyright, and a waiver of moral rights, in the winning Theme’s composition, including its lyrics, and ownership of the Master Recording of the Entry. This amount will be inclusive of all scale and collective agreement fees, rates and entitlements. Any taxes (including income tax) associated with any award to Entrants are not included, and are the responsibility of the Entrant(s). CBC will grant a non-exclusive licence to the Songwriter(s) to perform the Theme themselves live in public venues, but not for broadcast or telecommunication, or to offer to the public in pre-recorded form (e.g. CD, DVD, mp3, mpeg, etc.). As well, CBC will direct that half of the royalties for public performance of the Theme, will be paid to the Songwriter(s) to be divided among them in accordance with the formula set out in the Competition Rules, and half will be donated by CBC to minor league hockey. The winning Theme will be broadcast as a key part of the program during the 2008-9 hockey season, and potentially beyond.</em><br /><br />So, you sign over all rights to your creation to the CBC, you don't own a thing, and if the Tax Man wants a piece of your Winnin's, be prepared to pay up. You can perform it LIVE, but better make sure you don't upload it on YouTube, your iPod, or send it to your Auntie Martha's Cell in Saskatchewan. Oh yeah, any royalties from your performance? You gotta split it with the kiddies. (CBC suggesting: Look at how Canadian we are by giving money to Canadian Minor Hockey! If they were really generous, I have 4 boys right here who I have to write big Hockey Registration cheques for in September, hint, hint.) And then there's that subtle "Potentially beyond" again.<br /><br />Semi Finalists - The Biggest Losers.<br /><br /><em>SEMI-FINALISTS<br />Prior to entering the final portion of the competition on October 4, 2008, the Semi-Finalists will be required to sign appropriate documentation, including various non-negotiable agreements, including irrevocable assignments of copyright in their Theme to CBC (to be effective if they win the competition, or in the event the winning Theme cannot be used by CBC, if they are otherwise selected as the winning Theme), exclusive licences to CBC to exploit their Theme for three years beyond the Closing date of the Competition (to be effective if they are not declared the Winner), and releases and waivers for their participation in programming associated with Canada’s Hockey Anthem Challenge programming. They will also be required to agree not to reveal to the public that they have been chosen as Semi-Finalists or Finalists, without the prior written consent of CBC, prior to CBC’s public announcement in that regard. In the event they are unwilling or unable to do so, they will be disqualified from further participation in the Competition. Entrants whose Entries are selected to be among the Semi-Finalists will grant CBC the exclusive right for three years to record and market their Theme to the public by all available means, including CDs, DVDs, and internet websites (iTunes etc.). A portion of net revenue from these sales will be given to minor league hockey. Semi-Finalists will share a portion of net revenue from these sales. The determination and division of net revenue among CBC, minor league hockey, Semi-Finalists and others will be determined by CBC, in its sole discretion. During the three year exclusive licence period, CBC may also incorporate the Entry as part of its programming. CBC will direct that half of the royalties for public performance of the Theme, will be paid to the Songwriter(s) to be divided among them in accordance with the formula set out in the Competition Rules, and half will be donated by CBC to minor league hockey. During this three year exclusive period, CBC will grant a non-exclusive licence to the Songwriter(s) of Semi-Finalist Entries to perform the Theme themselves live in public venues, but not for broadcast or telecommunication. No Semi-Finalist Theme may be sold, transferred, assigned or licensed for use on any other radio, television or internet-based hockey program within three years of the end of the Competition. The odds of winning are directly related to the number of Entrants, and the selection process to select the Semi-Finalists, the Finalists and the Winner of Canada’s Hockey Anthem Challenge.</em><br /><br />Wow, there's so much here I don't even know where to start. I'll give it a shot, though.<br /><br />First, if you are a Semi Finalist, you also sign over all your rights to your song to the CBC, and for 3 years too. Their lawyer-speak of the word "exploit" kinda freaks me out a little too to be honest. You better not tell anyone you made it that far either before the CBC does - they can disqualify you for it. Boy, your BFF is not going to be happy with you for keeping that a secret! Don't worry though, if you win the contest, and after you've paid the Tax Man, you can use some of your winnin's to buy them tickets to an NHL Hockey Game. Where you can see Nickelback perform your, oops, the CBC's song.<br /><br />Anyhoo, back to the fact that if you are a Semi-Finalist, the CBC can use your song, even sell it on iTunes, and they determine what you get paid for it:<br /><br /><em>Semi-Finalists will grant CBC the exclusive right for three years to record and market their Theme to the public by all available means, including CDs, DVDs, and internet websites (iTunes etc.)</em><br /><br />Meaning: They can make puck loads of cash from your creation, and they decide what to pay you. And you still weren't the person who won the contest, you don't even get the 15 Minutes. More like 2 minutes, or the equivalent of time it takes for that guy to come onto the ice and move the Goalie Nets out of the way for the Zamboni.<br /><br /><em>CBC reserves the right to change the structure, process, timing, duration or any other aspect of the Competition at its discretion. </em><br /><br />Meaning: It's their contest, they can change the rules if they want to, whenever they want to.<br /><br /><em>CBC reserves the right to amend the Competition Rules or terminate the Competition at any time without any liability to any Entrant. </em><p></p>What? They can stop the Contest altogether? I suspect this was thrown in there on the off chance Stompin' Tom signs with them for using "The Good Old Hockey Game".<br /><br /><p><em>All Entrants agree that CBC and its agents can use, exploit, reproduce and distribute in any media whatsoever, now known or hereafter created, worldwide in perpetuity, the Entrant’s name, likeness, image, voice, Entries, comments and appearances, in whole or in part, without any further consent or compensation. Until 30 days after the Competition ends on October 11, 2008, Entries may be used by CBC, and, with CBC permission, its affiliates, agents, licensees, and sponsors, on any media, without limitation, exclusively. During this period, Entries may not be licensed for use on any other radio or television program, or on the website of any other established Canadian radio or television organization. For all these purposes, all Entrants agree to waive any and all copyright interest, and any moral rights, of any nature or kind they may have in their comments, Entries, and participation, including but not limited to music composed and lyrics written by them, any audio, audio/visual or visual appearances and performances.</em> </p><p>So ANYONE, simply by entering the contest, agrees that the CBC can use anything they submitted, including their name and image, throughout the world, and in perpetuity, (Doesn't that mean <em>FOREVER</em>?) and not have to tell or pay you. Creepy. Also, until 30 days after the contest ends, any entrant agrees to waive any copyright interest.... and none of it can show up on another station. (CTV, perhaps?)</p><p><em>CBC shall have the right to alter, adapt, separate, edit or make additions to or deletions from the Entry for use during the Competition in its programming related to Canada’s Hockey Anthem Challenge, in its sole discretion, without compensation to the Entrant(s). </em></p><p>Again, just by entering, they can use your stuff, change it even, and not pay you.</p><p><em>Entrants acknowledge that Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, its Directors, officers and employees, agents, its affiliated companies, its advertising and promotional agencies and/or representatives, the Judges, and any person or entity connected with the production, administration or judging of the Competition or the Program are not responsible for and are in no way liable for any injuries, loss or damages arising from the Competition. Entrants agree not to make any demand or pursue a lawsuit against any of them for defamation, invasion of privacy, negligence, intentional tort, or any similar cause of action arising in any way out of any use, exploitation, reproduction and distribution by CBC or its agents of the Entry, and the live or recorded participation of the Entrant in any Program. Entrants also agree to indemnify them and hold them harmless from all claims, demands, actions, suits or other proceedings, and all damages and costs (including reasonable legal fees) brought by third parties arising in any way out of any use, exploitation, reproduction and distribution by CBC or its agents of the Entry, and the live or recorded participation of the Entrant in any Program. </em></p><p>Meaning: You're not allowed to sue any of their asses. And if anyone tries to sue you, the CBC ain't backin' your Canadian ass up either.</p><p><em>Refusal to accept an award releases CBC, as well as its directors, officers and employees, of all responsibility and obligations toward its Winner, but all rights assigned or granted to CBC remain irrevocable. </em></p><p>Meaning: if you don't accept the Award, you get nothing from them, but they still own your submission, image, etc.</p><p><em>CBC, as well as its directors, officers and employees, shall assume no liability whatsoever for any situation in which their inability to act results from an event or situation unforseeable or beyond their control, including but not limited to force majeure, a strike, lockout or any other labour dispute at their location or the locations of the businesses whose services are used to hold this Competition. </em></p><p>Do I smell another lockout? And if there is something of that nature that takes place at the CBC, or in the NHL, (Businesses whose services are used to hold the contest), well, too bad for you.<br /><br /><em>In the event of any dispute concerning the operation of any element of the Competition or these Competition Rules, the decision of CBC will be final.</em> </p><p>Again, the CBC has the final say. Anyone who chooses to question the Rules, say Monty from Manitoba doesn't like that the Ceeb added the Jazz Flute in his Composition when he clearly wrote it should be an electric guitar during the Chorus, is trumped. Too bad for Monty.<br /><br />After reading all this, all I can say is, Mrs. Claman should feel lucky she doesn't have to deal with the Mothercorpse anymore.... man, this just comes off to me like if you simply enter their contest you've signed your Creative Soul over to the Ceeb for a 30 second jingle that a majority of people never wanted in the first place. Yeah, stuff the <a href="http://www.insidethecbc.com/poll-most-canadians-support-the-cbcs-decision-on-the-hnic-theme">phantom loaded poll </a>info CBC, ask Hockey Fans what they really think of the whole debacle.<br /><br />So go ahead and send in your Submission (Ironic word, you think?) Just don't say you haven't been warned..... and for some reason just thinking about this has that Jack Nicholson line from the original 80's Batman movie running through my head:<br /><br />"Have you ever danced with the Devil in the pale Moonlight?"<br /><br /><br /></p>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-27580737216162189632008-06-23T22:28:00.018-04:002008-06-28T21:34:16.853-04:00Spinning It & Spinning It & Spinning It Well....<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_relations#Spin">Spin (Def.): </a><br /><br />In public relations, spin is sometimes a pejorative term signifying a heavily biased portrayal in one's own favour of an event or situation. While traditional public relations may also rely on creative presentation of the facts, "spin" often, though not always, implies disingenuous, deceptive and/or highly manipulative tactics. Politicians are often accused of spin by commentators and political opponents, when they produce a counter argument or position. In the modern world, most PR practitioners are discouraged to use spin because it is fundamentally counterproductive to the industry's ultimate goal of building relationships with constituents.<br /><br />The techniques of "spin" include Selectively presenting facts and quotes that support one's position (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_picking">cherry picking</a>), the so-called "non-denial denial," Phrasing in a way that assumes unproven truths, euphemisms for drawing attention away from items considered distasteful, and ambiguity in public statements. Another spin technique involves careful choice of timing in the release of certain news so it can take advantage of prominent events in the news. -<br /><br /><br />Scott Moore, head of CBC Sports, <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/sports/moore/2008/06/you_should_be_hung_for_treason.html">has Blogged </a>about Hockey Night in Canada dropping the Hockey Theme from its broadcasts. I have left my Comment, but for some reason, even though it says the discussion is still open, he is choosing not to approve what I wrote. He does state they will not post a personal attack, and I concur that it probably does come off that way. Really though, it's not a personal attack, it's just me stating the obvious. So, I'll post my two cents here, because I can. :P<br /><br />For all of you here that are saying "Thanks for the truth", you are being led like a bunch of sheep. This is Mr. Moore playing "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cover_your_ass">Cover Your Ass</a>".<br /><br />I have never seen more blatant use of a media platform being abused than here. It just gets worse as other Media outlets pick up the articles from the CBC. In legal circles, wouldn't this be considered "Fruit from the Poison Tree?"<br /><br />The CBC is taking selective info from CP Releases and leaving out key information. (see "Cherry Picking" above) Your statement "it turned out we could not outbid CTV" is not true. CTV did not get involved until <em>AFTER</em> the CBC announced their new contest. You admitted, televised, one day after the news broke that the CBC had been developing this Contest for over a year. And why? Because the CBC obviously had no intention of keeping the song in the first place. Let go is what the CBC did, not lose it.<br /><br />Because the CBC says one thing and has the power of the Media, it doesn't make it true. From Madeleine Morris, daughter of Dolores Claman:<br /><br />"For 25 years, CBC paid my mother no license fees at all for the music...Last week, after more than a year of CBC bullying, threatening and endless changing of positions, we offered the CBC the following deal: forget the lawsuit -just pay our legal fees (which we incurred because of CBC's breach of usage as agreed in the license deal) and let's keep the same licensing deal as before. That's it...same as before. $500 per episode of HNIC. They did not accept. They kept bullying us, telling us the song was worthless, threatening to drop the song altogether if we didn't give them exactly what they wanted, absolutely on their terms. If not, they'd hold a national contest and replace the song." Read the whole Post <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://madeleinemorris.blogspot.com/2008/06/hockey-theme.html%22%3Ehttp://madeleinemorris.blogspot.com/2008/06/hockey-theme.html%3C/a%3E">here</a>.<br /><br />I'd also like to take the time to address the "<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/06/18/hockeysong-poll.html">Poll</a>". <a href="http://www.insidethecbc.com/poll-most-canadians-support-the-cbcs-decision-on-the-hnic-theme#comments">The question asked was loaded</a> and the Poll is discussed on the Inside the CBC Blog:<br /><br />"A Canadian Press Harris-Decima poll <span style="color:#999999;">(who did this Poll anyways? An update on the Inside the CBC Blog states: "To be clear, Canadian Press, nor any company, was the “client” in this survey. Harris/Decima frequently releases its data with CP, as part of CP’s media sponsorship with the firm. What?) </span>reports that the majority of Canadians — 56 per cent — feel the CBC did the right thing by refusing to pay more than <em>$1 million for a year’s licence of the song.</em> (27% of people think the Corp should have shelled out.)<br /><br />One Million Dollars is not an accurate monetary number for <strong>per year use</strong>, as is asked. What was also left out is that there were many options for consideration. And the CBC should really get their facts straight as to who really commisioned the Poll.<br /><br />Quoting Mr. John Ciccone from the blog Comments:<br /><br />"Wow. Sure sheds a whole new light on ‘polls’. Is that a typo in this headline, or did they actually so drastically incorrectly state “$1M for a year’s license”? If so, my hunch is that the other options of $500/game etc. were not presented either when polling. Can’t wait to find out.<br /><br />Mr. Ciccone, who represents Dolores Claman, Composer of the Hockey Theme, has also been very forthright with all information pertaining to the whole breakdown of events and dealings with th CBC:<br /><br />Chronology of Events (from <a href="http://www.hockeytheme.com/">http://www.hockeytheme.com/</a>):<br /><br />Although it seems to be crystallizing lately for most folks, inconsistencies in CBC announcements have prompted this outline of events leading up to their dropping the song to run a contest. First, the short form. Then more details below:<br /><br />CBC is offered same-as-before deal. Offer open 'til next Friday.<br />CBC does not accept and advises that if no deal by Tuesday, they will move forward with a contest.<br />CBC extends deadline to Wednesday.<br />CBC states "I am sorry that we seem unable to continue our relationship."<br />We fax short notice that CBC is dropping the theme.<br />Country is angry.<br />CBC says 'What deadline?'<br />CBC advises that if they don't have basis for agreement in one minute, they will announce their contest.<br />We later fax short notice that CBC is dropping the theme.<br />CBC publicly announces their contest.<br />Country is angry.<br />CTV acquires all rights in the song.<br />CBC offers arbitration. At same time as contest.<br /><br />From<a style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;color:#0000ff;"><span style="color:#000000;"> "</span></a><a style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; COLOR: #0000ff; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana" href="http://www.hockeytheme.com/FrameRSpin.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#cc0000;">The Spin Cycle</span>:</span></a><a style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:10pt;color:#0000ff;"><span style="color:#000000;"> What you're not hearing"</span></a> and please, go READ IT ALL, you'll be amazed.<br /><br />It has become necessary to provide more details in the way of direct quotes given the inconsistencies in CBC's public announcements issued over the past week. The statements seem to be confusing some people. They're confusing me. And I was there.<br /><br />Tuesday, June 17th (Globe & Mail):<br /><br />Scott Moore, the head of CBC Sports, charged that CTV deliberately interfered with the CBC's negotiations for the famous song, suggesting it was a publicity stunt to embarrass the network."CTV management characterized their actions as 'saving the song,' " Moore wrote on a CBC blog. "But they knew the negotiation hadn't run its course. I firmly believe that if they hadn't inserted themselves into the negotiation, the result would have been different."<br /><br />(Ed: How distasteful and desperate. Simply glance through the above chronology and decide for yourselves. Hide the cat lest she be the next one blamed.)<br /><br />But <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080617.TRUTH17/TPStory/Sports/columnists">CTV president Rick Brace sharply disputed Moore's allegation, calling it "accusatory."</a>Brace said CTV, which reportedly paid in seven figures for the song, did not contact the representative of songwriter Dolores Claman until after the CBC issued a news release on June 6, stating that negotiations had failed and that network would launch a contest for a new Hockey Night song."To try to lay this at our feet or suggest we somehow interfered with their negotiation is just ludicrous," Brace said. "They made a decision. They announced it to the world. And they walked away."<br /><br />Well, there you have it. You asked and you have received. This has been the past couple of weeks. Imagine what the last six years have been like.<br /><br />It has been difficult posting this, but as mentioned, the CBC's 'inconsistencies' have created such confusion that this is the only way to clarify.<br /><br />As such, it is up to the CBC to determine what is issued to the taxpaying public, and what isn't.<br /><br />John Ciccone<br />Copyright Music & Visuals<br />Jun-18-08<br /><br />As for me, all I can say is "Mr. Moore, keep on Spinning it!" The truth is out there for those of us who wish to seek it.Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-5236499818792344302008-06-23T16:02:00.001-04:002008-06-23T16:41:30.361-04:00Hey CBC! I'm Calling You Out<div align="left"><span style="font-size:78%;"></span><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3VvWLnsnOxAmQTJNsur7k4IKGt8qwtGa_ryIgfPlvzLoFktbhr2wnG9-CsJdJn7MHtVu0Ej46zid_Eb-UBsnM3X5aZEwsUBJ7YfZ_soofI2sCyCq60oIMgsi1HDqOWRROeA23epRGoY/s1600-h/CBCLockoutFewings.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214257433405498386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3VvWLnsnOxAmQTJNsur7k4IKGt8qwtGa_ryIgfPlvzLoFktbhr2wnG9-CsJdJn7MHtVu0Ej46zid_Eb-UBsnM3X5aZEwsUBJ7YfZ_soofI2sCyCq60oIMgsi1HDqOWRROeA23epRGoY/s200/CBCLockoutFewings.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />So one of the big stories dominating the news across Canada since the day after the final puck dropped on the 2007/08 NHL Hockey Season has been the CBC's decision to drop the "<a href="http://www.hockeytheme.com/">Hockey Night Theme Song</a>" from their Hockey Night in Canada Broadcasts. CTV, being smart as all heck, <a href="http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/MediaNews/2008/06/09/5819781-cp.html">scooped it up </a>after The CBC announced on Friday that they were letting the Theme go in favour of an "American Idol" type contest to find a new song. I was going to weigh in earlier, but frankly, <a href="http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/MediaNews/2008/06/06/5793876-sun.html">the whole thing </a>just makes my head, and my heart, hurt. I hadn't thought they could screw up HNiC Coverage any more than they did when they tried to <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/front/RTGAM/20020930/wmacle/Front/homeBN/breakingnews">fire Ron MacLean</a> and there was a <a href="http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=2d3297f1-2a40-47d5-9681-50274645d086">huge Canadian outcry</a>. For other key perspectives on the whole Hockey Song debacle, get it straight from <a href="http://www.hockeytheme.com/FrameRSpin.htm">The Spin Cycle</a> as well as from <a href="http://madeleinemorris.blogspot.com/2008/06/hockey-theme.html">Madeleine Morris</a>, daughter of The Hockey Theme Composer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolores_Claman">Dolores Claman</a>.<br /></div><div align="left"><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VWR1_VAgHCQ&hl=en"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VWR1_VAgHCQ&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The Hockey Theme... it's a part of who Canadians are.</span></em><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9OmlCxzsrIo&hl=en"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9OmlCxzsrIo&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Toronto Star: Reactions from the street.</span></em><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-I_2xgLnSJ0&hl=en"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-I_2xgLnSJ0&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">Quoting Wayne Gretzky "As I say to people to this day the greatest song in Canada is the Theme Song to Hockey Night in Canada and to this day it still sends a shiver up my spine when I hear the song come on." </span></strong></em><br /><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></strong></em>I also left a tidy Comment on the <a href="http://www.insidethecbc.com/its-done-hockey-night-in-canada-theme-is-gone#comments">insidethecbc Blog</a>:<br /><br />"Kill The Orchestra. Kill Classical. Kill jPod. Kill Intelligence. And now Kill The Hockey Night in Canada Theme Song?<br /><br />WTF is going on there? How come us normal everyday Canadians do not get a say in any of these decisions? As I’ve come to learn, we can protest this quackery until we are blue in the face, but our cries are squashed quicker than a mosquito in Muskoka.<br /><br />Is there some sort of Citizen Committee that is involved in what Programming and Content is on the CBC? If there isn’t, there should be. I’ll be the first to volunteer.<br /><br />The HNiC Theme is practically our Nation’s Second Anthem, recognized throughout the world. That music blaring from the TV was like a battle cry - especially as a kid, when I heard it I ran to the “Rec Room” with my Dad and brothers to watch Saturday Night Hockey. My own boys flock to the TV when they hear it.<br /><br />My Dad was the Ultimate Hockey Fan, Coaching 4 sons, and a daughter, all throughout our lives. He passed away in 2006 with a Jersey hanging from his I.V. pole beside his bed at St. Michael’s, and fortunately lived long enough to see one of his Grandsons make it to the NHL. I can’t even stand the thought of how upset he would be about this!<br /><br />All this…. for an “American Idol” type contest to find a new song, which by the way has been in the works for over a year. The increase Mrs. Claman is asking for is standard throughout the industry, and little old me was able to find out that among the numerous options presented to the CBC was a suggestion to<a href="http://www.hockeytheme.com/default.htm"> do the same license that has been in place for about 10 years</a>. (There would be no increase in license fee for the first 2 years, and in the business of licensing music, it is pretty much etched in stone that any time a license is renewed or extended, there’s a bump in the fee by approximately 15%.)<br /><br />What is so unreasonable about that for something that is considered a Canadian Tradition? It’s more than “Just a Song”, for many, it’s a part of who we are.<br /><br />Bah, I’m done with you, CBC. You may be the “Canadian Broadcaster” in name, but I feel that you no longer effectively represent me as a Canadian."<br /><br />I think I got my point across. In the end, it looks like The Ceeb will end up paying dearly anyway, as they were <a href="http://www.hockeytheme.com/StatementOfClaim.pdf">caught with their hand in the Cookie Jar.<br /></a><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM_UcHlI7paAviXw9aACbeeRxx37Sj9AeguxUgG2ChTUbEO6IYdp4i7c-K1wMVpKaW-0qT-wwMpPuRCShfUUZ40UUfOxZip1vgpos4Yx6o_dZZ6VO_nbz-oDYoLKTJ9G0-T8KBqVtbWU/s1600-h/CanadaflagCoke.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214258360352919474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM_UcHlI7paAviXw9aACbeeRxx37Sj9AeguxUgG2ChTUbEO6IYdp4i7c-K1wMVpKaW-0qT-wwMpPuRCShfUUZ40UUfOxZip1vgpos4Yx6o_dZZ6VO_nbz-oDYoLKTJ9G0-T8KBqVtbWU/s200/CanadaflagCoke.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Canadians get creative regarding CBC's </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">decision </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">to </span></em><em><span style="font-size:85%;">stop airing the Hockey Theme on HNiC.</span></em></p><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">CBC stands for "Canadian Broadcasting Corporation". So why is it that they continue to <a href="http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/MediaNews/2008/06/08/5811671-sun.html">alienate the very people </a>that they are working for? Add it to the long list of completely inept decisions the CBC has been putting over on Canadians. The very people that fund the CBC. It's bad enough that Canadians were also subjected to a <a href="http://www.friends.ca/News/Friends_News/archives/articles09020507.asp">Lockout</a> in recent years as well.<br /><br />I've been <a href="http://firefly-alternativegirlfriend.blogspot.com/2008/04/so-not-trailer-trash.html">sounding off on here </a>for the past couple of months about the CBC's decision to cancel <a href="http://www.savejpod.ca/">jPod</a>, so I guess I really shouldn't be surprised at yet another bonehead move by The Mothercorp(se?).<br /><br />So what is an everyday Canadian like me to do when we feel that our Nation's station that is supposed to represent and deliver the Canadian content that I want, doesn't? Like I mentioned in my comment above, is there no Citizen Committee that has a voice to weigh in on the choices they make? It's bad enough that even if we do embrace a show, such as jPod, chances are we aren't getting counted in the ratings anyways as the <a href="http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/331899">CBC relies on outdated BBM Ratings </a>which is archaic in an age where so many people have taken to watching television online:<br /><br />"Chris Haddock, producer of Intelligence, pointed out the lunacy of the CBC gauging a shows popularity, especially among young viewers on the weekly BBM ratings since so many young television fans don't own their own homes and so cannot be counted, and many of them watch TV on the Internet."<br /><br />"The ratings themselves have been questioned very profoundly all over the world about their accuracy and their relevance because you have to be a homeowner,"<br /><br />"So university students don't get counted, a person who is a renter doesn't get counted, a lot of people under 30 don't get counted, so it's absurd on many, many levels. I mean do you have to buy a home to get counted in the ratings?"<br /><br />Reading <a href="http://www.friends.ca/News/news06040801.asp%22%3Ehttp://www.friends.ca/News/news06040801.asp">this</a> today just gets me angrier.<br /><br />An excerpt from the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting article reads:<br /><br />"CBC will air more foreign programs than ever before on prime time English TV next autumn, defying CRTC licence expectations and confirming that CBC has lost touch with its public broadcasting purpose, says the watchdog group FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting.<br /><br />CBC will regularly broadcast 7 hours of foreign, mostly US, programs during prime time. This is a substantial increase, eclipsing the highest level of foreign content ever tracked since FRIENDS first began monitoring CBC’s English television schedule in 1990. CBC has logged a steady increase since the current head of CBC English operations took charge of television in the summer of 2004.<br /><br />This plan will place CBC in defiance of the CRTC’s broadcast licence expectation of 80% Canadian content during prime time and runs counter to the recommendation of Commons Heritage Committee in its recent report on CBC’s mandate “that prime-time hours, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm Monday to Friday, on the CBC/Radio-Canada’s television networks, should be reserved for Canadian productions”.<br /><br />“CBC is supposed to be about presenting Canada to its citizens, not American game shows and Hollywood movies...”<br /><br />So there it is. Quite a similar argument in <a href="http://www.friends.ca/News/Friends_News/archives/articles041708010.asp">my article </a>on the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting site. I was referring to jPod, but I think this ties right in:<br /><br />"In February 2008, the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (a committee comprised of various MPs) produced a report entitled CBC/Radio-Canada: Defining distinctiveness in the changing media landscape. The purpose of the report was to study the future role of public broadcasting, and to present the Committee's findings and recommendations. All of the below statements, taken directly from the report, play straight into jPod's strengths. From the Committee's report:<br /><br />"[CBC] must constantly keep up with new technologies and reach out to audiences where they are, including young people who seek content on the Internet." (p.5)<br /><br />"We are asking CBC/Radio-Canada to be original, of high quality and innovative" (p.9)<br /><br />"Mandate of the CBC/Radio-Canada as stipulated in the Broadcasting Act (1991, c. 11, B-9.01, [Assented to February 1, 1991)(i) be predominantly and distinctively Canadian […]" (p 18)<br /><br />"[…]CBC should make large increases to arts and cultural programming, for example, by producing more contemporary Canadian dramas, historical documentaries, and TV movies." (p.34)<br /><br />"Dwindling audience share is not unique to public broadcasting, and audience measurement will need to adapt alongside the transition to digital media. Internet broadcasting, downloading and streaming content, PVRs and on-demand and pay services mean that the same film, television episode or news broadcast will be seen by many more viewers than those who tune in for "appointment television"." (p55)<br /><br />"CBC/Radio-Canada's online presence will be fundamental to its relevance to Canadian audiences in the future." (p57)<br /><br />Clearly, they are not following The Reports Recommendations.<br /><br />Something else that is completely astonishing? The <a href="http://news.therecord.com/article/294095">CBC sold the Taxpayer Funded International Sales Catalogue,</a> and to a Foreign buyer no less.<br /><br />Details from the Canadian Press article states "the deal saw 135 titles and 700 hours of CBC's international sales catalogue sold to UK based ContentFilm. The CBC has released few details of the deal, which allows ContentFilm to sell the rights to the CBC shows to broadcasters around the world."<br /><br />"It makes no sense why the CBC never attempted to invite Canadian companies in particular to participate in a transparent auction of publicly owned assets. If this had been any other Crown corporation who had transferred hard assets without tender . . . heads would roll.''<br /><br />"This is a public trust that every Canadian taxpayer has contributed to in this library,'' veteran actor Paul Gross said. "The fact that it appears to have been sold with absolutely no open bidding, discussion, or presentation to the public is bizarre. This is a question of national ownership. What's up for grabs next? Algonquin Park? P.E.I.?''<br /><br />A quick Google Search of "CBC Screws up" returned 94,700 English pages and many, many more stories...<br /><br />- <a href="http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=1a0f5444-551d-4b56-9c62-186e450b2956&k=88801">The CBC draws protests from across Canada </a>regarding proposed changes to CBC Radio 2.<br /><br />"The changes, to take effect this fall, include the cancellation of some classical programs and the shifting of others to what disgruntled music fans say are inconvenient, off-peak hours when most people are either working or at school."<br /><br />Classical Fans have another alternative though, and <a href="http://www.insidethecbc.com/znaimera">Moses Znaimer is going to save the day</a>.<br /><br />-<a href="http://www.angelfire.com/film/tmtv/arts.html">The CBC has announced </a>at a meeting in Vancouver on March 27 that they would be dissolving the 70-year old CBC Radio Orchestra.<br /><br />“Really, it’s a case of straight up economics,” said CBC spokesman Jeff Keay. “We couldn’t afford to maintain the orchestra.” The CBC has promised that the funds saved by the decision will go towards commissioning works from other orchestras across the country. Many in the arts community are concerned about what they perceive as the progressive “dumbing down” of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and are working to ensure that an opposing voice is heard and that the CBC is made aware of the public’s concern."<br /><br />-From the <a href="http://savecbcorchestra.com/">Website</a> calling for the CBC to keep the Orchestra:<br /><br />"The orchestra is the most historically significant orchestra in Canada, the last radio orchestra in North America, with a mandate of performing and supporting Canadian musicians and composers. The ensemble is arguably the most talented, most recorded (32 recordings), and most beloved orchestra in the country. Lots of superlatives, but that is not all. They are a treasure. The orchestra is part of our uniqueness; it is part of what makes Canada “Canada flavoured”. I don’t want my Canada to be watered down by bored bureaucrats tending bar. I want my Canada full strength. This orchestra is that. Its roots reach back to 1938, it is an icon.<br /><br />"CBC Radio ended this orchestra with the stroke of a pen, with no consultation with Canadian taxpayers who fund the CBC, paying the CBC to uphold its mandate of providing and supporting uniquely Canadian programming. What could be more unique than this important ensemble of Canada’s most talented musicians?"<br /><br />"If we allow this significant Canadian institution to be dissolved, one day we may be wondering where all the orchestras have gone, where all the dancers, singers, and artists have gone. I don’t want that Canada. If all that is left of Canadian culture is that which is saleable or marketable or easy, we are not in a country, we are in a shopping mall."<br /><br />From the <a href="http://cbcradiotwoandme.blogspot.com/2008/03/war-on-classical-music.html">Radio Two and Me Blog </a>:<br /><br />"Of course it’s related to the move away from classical music on CBC Radio! In case you haven’t noticed, there’s been a well-orchestrated (no pun intended) campaign against classical music taking place within the CBC for several years now, with the first outbreak of open hostilities being the cancellation of “Music for Awhile” and “In Performance” on March 19, 2007. The latest announcements of reduced classical programming during the day and the disbanding of the CBC Radio Orchestra are just mopping-up operations in that campaign."<br /><br />Even The <a href="http://technorati.com/posts/UCMIeagXouKT%2BsC4WupYaJdpNtJZrggenLHzbsooMl0%3D">Canadian Heritage Committee is recommending </a>that the CBC not disband The Orchestra.<br /><br />-Anglos watching RDS instead of CBC? Some of <a href="http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/415603">Andy Blatchfords' article </a>from THE CANADIAN PRESS:<br /><br />"The Montreal Canadiens are grinding their way through the playoffs in a promising push that has millions of Quebecers basking in the glow of their televisions.<br /><br />"In the excitement, French-language sports channel RDS has reeled in more Quebec viewers than CBC has nationwide with its Habs broadcasts.<br />And even many English-speaking hockey fans are tuning in to the French coverage. Some Anglos in Quebec say they're choosing RDS over the CBC's English coverage...."<br /><br />-They <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/nova-scotia/story/2006/08/18/street-cents.html">axed Street Cents</a>, the consumer affairs show aimed at teenagers.<br />From CBC News:<br /><br />"For 17 years the Street Cents gang reviewed products and discussed issues relevant to younger viewers, from video games to emergency contraception."<br /><br />"Actor Jonathan Torrens hosted Street Cents from the late 1980s to 1996. The show, produced out of Halifax, has won national and international awards, including seven Geminis and an international Emmy."<br /><br />Heaven forbid they have something relevant to young Canadians!<br /><br />Another story that also has personal meaning for me as I am half Métis, happened back in 2002. The leadership of Canada's Métis National Council said <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2002/10/21/riel_cbc011021.html">CBC-TV's mock trial of Louis Riel was an "abomination</a>" and a "gross violation and betrayal" of the public broadcaster's mandate. Gerald Morin, president of the council, filed a formal letter of complaint with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. Morin criticized the program for:<br /><br />- Not involving Métis in its production, which he says is part of CBC's mandate when dealing with projects relating to aboriginal culture;<br /><br />- Not having a Métis play the role of Riel;<br /><br />- Judging a historical occurrence under today's laws.<br /><br />Morin also asked the CBC to air a documentary that accurately portrays the history of Riel and the Métis and their role in securing Confederation.<br /><br />The CBC said the broadcaster did not produce the program; the show was conceived by the Dominion Institute, a historical society that promotes knowledge and discussion of Canadian history. But shouldn't the CBC have made sure that the Dominion's program met their Mandate and used a Métis actor? Dominion stated it needed well-known high profile lawyers to attract an audience and that's why they didn't use a Métis actor.<br /><br />The CBC gave other excuses regarding the program, like it was "Part of a Series." But really, the rest was only a story on The National, and a panel discussion, albeit with all Métis panelists, the latter installment came to be only after Morin raised concerns.<br /><br />You would think after this happened, the CBC would have been a little more careful about their Documentary content. Apperently not though:<br /><br />-James Cowan, CanWest News Service; with a file from Daphne Bramham Published: Thursday, November 11/08/07:<br /><br />"The CBC <a href="http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=bbf3d0e0-c8be-465a-b3e4-62bfb267b033">cancelled the airing of a documentary about the Falun Gong </a>spiritual movement after receiving calls from the Chinese embassy expressing concern about the film's subject matter."<br /><br />"Beyond the Red Wall: The Persecution of the Falun Gong was scheduled to appear on Tuesday evening on CBC Newsworld. It was replaced at the last minute by a rerun of a documentary on President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan. The broadcaster says it changed its schedule because recent turmoil in Pakistan made the Musharraf documentary "timely." However, a spokesman acknowledged the CBC has received calls from Chinese diplomats about Beyond the Red Wall and intends to review the documentaries contents before returning it to its broadcast schedule."<br /><br />"We were contacted by the Chinese embassy and they've just expressed their concern that the doc[umentary] be accurate -- that's not a problem with us," said Jeff Keay. "We're having conversations with the doc's producer just to review its contents and make sure it's a good solid documentary."<br /><br />"Peter Rowe, who wrote and directed the documentary, said a CBC executive called him late Tuesday afternoon to inform him the film would not air that evening. The executive also asked if Rowe could come to a meeting to discuss "re-editing" his documentary."<br /><br />"It's rather surprising, because the film has been in production for about three years and was delivered to the CBC in March, so the authorities and the executives at the CBC signed off on the film quite some time ago," Rowe said.<br /><br />"Rowe, a television veteran with credits spanning three decades, said the CBC's decision to revisit the film after giving it final approval is odd.<br />"It's almost unheard of," he said. "You really have to question why they decided to cancel it at this insanely late hour."<br /><br />The CBC <a href="http://www.torontosun.com/News/Columnists/Worthington_Peter/2007/11/08/4639637.php">eventually aired the Documentary</a>. From Peter Worthington, Toronto Sun:<br /><br />"An array of CBC officials have since denied that China's protests had anything to do with the decision to cancel the show a few hours before it was to run." "CBC spokespeople gave several versions until they co-ordinated scripts to explain that the 11th-hour cancellation was really a postponement for journalistic reasons, and that producer/director/writer Peter Rowe agreed to make minor changes. "<br /><br />This here interweb is full of stories of Canadians frustrated with the CBC.<br /><br />-<a href="http://www.stephentaylor.ca/2007/03/we-get-letters/">Why Lie?</a><br /><br />-<a href="http://blog.dongenova.com/2008/03/food-for-thou-3.html">Food for Thought?</a><br /><br />-<a href="http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/03/10/leafs_tvshows/">Lack of Intelligence - Blame the Leafs?</a><br /><br />-<a href="http://playwrights.suite101.com/blog.cfm/this_was_wonderland">This Was Wonderland</a><br /><br />- <a href="http://www.insidethecbc.com/lacroix-responds-to-charges-of-racism-in-gala-broadcast-decision">Charges of Racism</a><br /><br />-<a href="http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LIHKrCDm6kFPHaQbM03qPnMPGSLBhkusq1RcUJJgY8d6owomD_E7cy_skAzSMKUGqhEdTVyKbWi0x1DGb-seYTQguy11Jvo1jpauY-FjjvhUqiVQzglZBR11W4srP-wQU_49lvj5qlrH/s320/cbc.png&imgrefurl=http://plosivity.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html&h=320&w=302&sz=94&hl=en&start=9&um=1&tbnid=9b_4lNGJIjP_kM:&tbnh=118&tbnw=111&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcbc%2Bcancels%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26rlz%3D1T5GGLL_enCA271CA272%26sa%3DG"> CBC UnadVENTUREous</a><br /><br />-CBC Radio Three's lauded <a href="http://www.zoilus.com/documents/news/2005/000383.php">Web mag dies</a> from Alexandra Gill:<br /><br />VANCOUVER -- "If you've never seen the CBC's award-winning arts and culture <a href="http://archive.cbcradio3.com/issues/2005_03_04/index.cfm">Web magazine </a>, be sure to check out the current edition. It is the last one. After 100 issues and three prestigious Webby awards (among numerous other international design, art, communication and technical-engineering prizes), the on-line magazine has been killed off as the public broadcaster's innovative Web service tries to reinvent itself once again with a new mandate focusing squarely on music and more traditional radio programming."<br /><br />There's other little things too. <a href="http://savejpod.ca/uncategorized/15/">jPod was nominated for 15 Leo Awards</a>, and there was not one mention of it anywhere on CBC.ca, not even when the <a href="http://savejpod.ca/uncategorized/roar-for-4/">show nabbed 4</a>, including Best Screenwriting in a Dramatic Series. I knew they would win that one though, as all 4 scripts from that category were from no other show except jPod. Brilliance is highlighted in the TV Community, but not the CBC who aired it? I believe they just didn't want to bring attention to the fact that they cancelled such a promising program.<br />Jpod Fans have been pretty much been ignored altogether by the CBC, thank goodness there are people like jPod Writer and Leo Award Winner <a href="http://heywriterboy.blogspot.com/2008/05/righteous-ragin-daegan-digression.html">Daegan Fryklind who stand up for us little people.<br /></a><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTijk-6NGfzh4Lp0YuSh_TM6AYvqIbrevdNmwbkukUYreoh2jyRDGM52AgIDLaYAmv7WysJKtdrYEPo2jcYCf1O864eZ7Tf3xaPxbSCQWKDGVaXvCMqeceS5m2TarZwKhrrlDkS3N6M5Y/s1600-h/return_of_the_jpod_small.png"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5214260588332474994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTijk-6NGfzh4Lp0YuSh_TM6AYvqIbrevdNmwbkukUYreoh2jyRDGM52AgIDLaYAmv7WysJKtdrYEPo2jcYCf1O864eZ7Tf3xaPxbSCQWKDGVaXvCMqeceS5m2TarZwKhrrlDkS3N6M5Y/s320/return_of_the_jpod_small.png" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:85%;">Fan Made jPod Poster signaling the rebroadcast of the Series.</span></em></p><p align="left">Even though <a href="http://savejpod.ca/new-to-jpod/">jPod is being rebroadcast </a>over the summer (The Series is already bought and paid for anyways, right?) it has been <a href="http://savejpod.ca/uncategorized/return-of-the-jpod/">fans spreading the word </a>with barely any advertisement by the CBC promoting it's return. In fact, yesterday morning when I went to the CBC website to see about the show airing last night, the main page for Thursday was trumpeting The National. I e-mailed to ask why even on the day of it being on was there hardly any promo, and it seems only after a <a href="http://blog.mlive.com/manzero/2008/06/cbcs_jpod_a_sitcom_for_hardcor.html">Detroiter wrote </a>about his disappointment over the cancellation and it started to show up on Television websites and Blogs did they feature jPod on Thursday's television page later on in the day.<br /><br />The most recent blow from the Ceeb has been to <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080619.WBcyberia20080619153744/WBStory/WBcyberia">cancel Search Engine</a>, the CBC Radio 1 show about technology and digital culture.<br /><br />"Host Jesse Brown made the announcement at the end of his last show this June 19th. The show has just won a New York Festival International Radio Award, and was the most-downloaded weekly news and current affairs show from the CBC."<br /><br />Does that make sense to you? For the CBC to cancel their most downloaded show? </p><p align="left">Host Jesse Brown is brilliant, and I think he <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/searchengine/blog/2008/06/jim_prentice_unlocked_the_sear.html#more">caught Jim Prentice off guard regarding Bill-C-61</a>. I wonder, is the cancellation of Search Engine and this breathtaking Podcast a coincidence? Hmmmmm. Once again, <a href="http://kempton.wordpress.com/2008/06/19/cbc-search-engine-cancelled/">people are upset with the CBC</a>, and again, it seems the CBC has it in for what is probably mostly a <a href="http://www.librarianactivist.org/">tech savvy younger demographic</a>. It makes one wonder; "Is the CBC afraid of smart people?"</p><p align="left">Smart people question things. Canadians Fund the CBC and have the right to question their National Broadcastors' Content and Programming. The CBC doesn't like to be questioned. Believe me, as a jPod, Classical Music and Hockey Fan, I know. They eventually write you back a couple of months later and it's always the same "Blah, blah , blah, we're sorry you're upset but watch/listen our new shows in the Fall!"</p><p align="left">CBC Execs will trot along with no one to answer to, <a href="http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/MediaNews/2008/03/18/5039076-sun.html">continue to fly Executive Class</a> when CBC's own corporate policy for CBC travellers outlined on its website. states: "The standard for air travel is economy" and flights should be for the "lowest logical airfares available" unless approved by a vice-president. Continue booking their personnel in <a href="http://jacksnewswatch.com/2008/03/17/sandy-cbc-execs-live-it-up-taxpayers-expense/">$800/ Night Hotel Rooms with Personal Butlers</a>. Continue to air that commercial about all of their awesome Summer Movies - every single movie previewed being American. Continue to<a style="FONT-SIZE: 78%" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cspan"></span><strong><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em></strong></a> <a href="http://tvfeedsmyfamily.blogspot.com/2008/05/cbc-goes-from.html">pay for Jeopardy </a>and Wheel of Fortune even though it's on like 8 other American Stations at the exact same time and <a href="http://www.friends.ca/News/Friends_News/archives/articles05240803.asp">bumping out Marketplace</a>, and don't forget they pay for Simpson's reruns when all of that money they are spending on importing foreign programming should be going to Canadian Produced Productions. Continue to forget who exactly they are working for and represent Canadians properly because frankly, we deserve to have a Majority of Canadian Content... it's all just so sad, really.<br /><br />I'm sure I could go on and on, giving a hundred more examples of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporations', in my opinion, flagrant mismanagement, but I fear that my rant is all for nothing. The Canadian Taxpayer will continue to fund the CBC and put up with whatever decisions "they" make for us, because we have no choice not to.<br /><br />I believe The CBC will eventually be lost in the abyss of 1000's of Stations and <a href="http://firefly-alternativegirlfriend.blogspot.com/2008/04/so-not-trailer-trash.html">eaten alive by Cyberspace</a>, that's where their future demographic of Neilson Raters reside this very moment, and how many of those young 'uns can say that they ever even watch the CBC on a regular, loyal basis, except maybe for Hockey Night in Canada? Oh wait, make that Hockey Night on TSN... where the "old" song went and where <a href="http://www.publicairwaves.ca/index.php?page=935">Chris Cuthbert </a>is already waiting.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><span style="font-size:78%;">- All quotes link back to their original Web Postings</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">- "Hourglass" picture from fewings.ca</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">- "Return of the jPod" poster courtesy of <a href="http://www.micronaut.ca/jpod/">Micronaut</a></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">- Originally posted June 10th, Edits on 19/08, 23/08</span>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-9698221185333213292008-06-09T15:18:00.008-04:002008-06-09T20:29:39.065-04:00Monday Stress? Slow the Flow.Stressed on a Monday afternoon? Listen to this...<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HDtE6XXCAbw&hl=en"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HDtE6XXCAbw&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Chill out with Ugly Duckling...</em><br /></span><br />Chaos just woke up from his nap. He's sprawled out on the sofa with a box of Ritz Crackers in his hands.<br /><br />He rats the cat out.<br /><br />"Chunkers is on the table."<br /><br />"Oh yeah," I said. The cat is out like a light. "He shouldn't be up there."<br /><br />"Hey Chunkers, get off there." I say. The cat doesn't budge.<br /><br />Chaos responds. "But he's just chiwwen, he's just chiwwen up there."<br /><br />"He's just chillin' up there?" I ask.<br /><br />"Yep." He answers very matter of factly as he moseys on over to the cat who is appreciative of pets from Chaos, evident from his "Ahhh, feels good." stretch out.<br /><br />So there it is. Your "Monday Chill Out" brought to you by Chaos and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugly_Duckling_(hip_hop_group)">Ugly Duckling.<br /></a><br />Slow the Flow.Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-14805334988204521862008-06-08T12:02:00.013-04:002008-06-09T01:52:45.238-04:00Hellish Days & Evel Knieval WannabeesSo I took more than the day off... it's been a crazy, hellish week. With lots going on, (and I'll get to that one of these days) Monday proved to be a Nightmare.<br /><br />I was already in a sad mood as I had just watched the funeral coverage of young Canucks player Luc Bourdon on the news when we got the call just after 12 p.m. It was The Teenager, and he had been in a car accident. A backseat passenger in his friends little auto, they were just leaving school to grab some lunch when a little old lady of about 75 had smashed into them doing 60 clicks on a 40 zone side street. She never even hit the brakes and pushed their compact car 21 ft. from the point of impact. Her Minivan hit the side he was sitting on.<br /><br />A Miracle, all 3 boys were able to walk away without serious injury.<br /><br />While I was frantic, The Dude headed to the scene while I bounced off the walls at home with Chaos, who was wondering what all the commotion was about. I talked to The Teenager on his cell. He assured me he was going to live and had been checked over by the Paramedics, but had a very sore shoulder and bruised up arm. His friend who was driving had a hurt shoulder, and The Teenagers best friend who was sitting in the front passenger seat was taken to the hospital as he had cuts from flying glass. The lady who hit them was taken to the hospital due to her age and her airbag deploying.<br /><br />He's had some very uncomfortable nights and another trip to the Doctor has assessed him with a Swollen Rotator Cuff. After a couple of days off from school I think he had become annoyed with my hovering and constant questioning of him; "Are you feeling okay? Are you in alot of pain?" and he headed back to school, feeling lucky to be alive, and getting on with life. Alas, he's not impressed that his arm is still too sore to go to Hockey today, but the last thing he wants to do is possibly injure it more so that's out for now. By Thursday night I had finally calmed down somewhat over the whole situation, but that's when we got the pictures back of the accident and my heart fell all over again.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">We agreed. Papa was watching over my boy from Heaven...</span></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5SB5UNNkeBLxXlqGMefdgs1hGqsSkhVZlIROhJ0HhRlPjwbbGsOFPJDB8JSI_vbO6evG43id89toKtuP1j6KSFTzbvMitqP3dUN3Ka7gum3bVV9_E9Qk1maxdgEsByvqIvqH6uiXidY/s1600-h/12.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209621919364911682" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5SB5UNNkeBLxXlqGMefdgs1hGqsSkhVZlIROhJ0HhRlPjwbbGsOFPJDB8JSI_vbO6evG43id89toKtuP1j6KSFTzbvMitqP3dUN3Ka7gum3bVV9_E9Qk1maxdgEsByvqIvqH6uiXidY/s400/12.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB-TdBeGZvxUAWCe09LiI3Q7eQSzbCD8kHQMBsdKi957oOtwD5GmMR6HnqbXvUUErfoiPID0BQqpujYp3n6-3fCqpf5Ih2szSBFKb5nERGYcikjIZGYyEkHnW-JZyoZn_xSNMauTbcwY/s1600-h/3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209622632329482834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB-TdBeGZvxUAWCe09LiI3Q7eQSzbCD8kHQMBsdKi957oOtwD5GmMR6HnqbXvUUErfoiPID0BQqpujYp3n6-3fCqpf5Ih2szSBFKb5nERGYcikjIZGYyEkHnW-JZyoZn_xSNMauTbcwY/s400/3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhABe9jdCP0DWjpNnQCdumVkTu00OkoLYMe8dugKzsLrbGme1gzG2gI7BV1JD8nbvCXF33vOtQpZeCkzP5ucnnqNS0mQKD2oHRM1lMNnK8bJU8j5FziUrpJte24QoHg_2kJfFKODH9PE/s1600-h/6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209623349589021282" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhABe9jdCP0DWjpNnQCdumVkTu00OkoLYMe8dugKzsLrbGme1gzG2gI7BV1JD8nbvCXF33vOtQpZeCkzP5ucnnqNS0mQKD2oHRM1lMNnK8bJU8j5FziUrpJte24QoHg_2kJfFKODH9PE/s400/6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdqLqu5M61ucT6C7bowSfXcm9RkcZnjP1nBAwT3N7csW_j0Bt0T6EtS5Bz-CDVyv2arMkNZLrcYQGLg_MpYN1MjQYpILlqzBATLFLDuzIhu99JtX-sLKDrEMf3ug_ld7SZ280TsqRyJA/s1600-h/15.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5209623736136077938" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEdqLqu5M61ucT6C7bowSfXcm9RkcZnjP1nBAwT3N7csW_j0Bt0T6EtS5Bz-CDVyv2arMkNZLrcYQGLg_MpYN1MjQYpILlqzBATLFLDuzIhu99JtX-sLKDrEMf3ug_ld7SZ280TsqRyJA/s400/15.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />As a Mother, this is the sort of thing from nightmares. Unfortunately it's not the first time something horrible like this has happened to one of my boys.<br /><br />On The Teenagers 13th. Birthday when they were walking home from school, The Punk, 7 years old at the time, was nailed head on by a Hit and Run Driver. The Bastard was speeding right in front of two schools! After hitting my son, he hit a teacher in her car and sped off.<br /><br />The Punk was in shock after being thrown up onto the hood and windshield and flying through the air a couple of feet. He jumped up and ran home only 30 seconds away. As bystanders stood around in disbelief, The Teenager ran after him and tended to his little brother, laying him on the sofa, putting his feet up and grabbing frozen peas from the freezer for The Punks' hip. My Mother, who I commonly refer to as my "Egg Donor" (and that's a whole other subject I'll eventually write about) and who was supposed to walk out to meet them, was absolutely no help whatsoever and slinked off to a corner. My neighbour had also rushed in to see what she could do.<br /><br />Meanwhile, my Grandparents and I pulled up to the house as we were just arriving home from the bakery picking up The Teenagers Birthday cake. We knew something was up because of the gaggle of kids gathered outside and the Teenager came to the curb to meet us. He said "Now I don't want you to freak out, (Yeah, right!) and he seems okay, but The Punk was hit by a car." Well, I did freak out and ran up to the house. I didn't want The Punk to be upset any more than he certainly would be, so I steeled myself and acted as calm as I could after I rushed over to my son. Tears were streaming down his little freckled face as he told me he got hit by a car and that his older brother had been taking care of him. I checked him from head to toe and with the exception of a reddened hip he seemed fine - from what I could see on the outside anyways.<br /><br />I kept telling him he would be fine, that everything was going to be okay. Then tried to not totally lose my mind when he asked if he was going to die! I called The Dude who immediately dropped everything he was doing and frantically took off from work to make his way home. I then ran out to my Grandparents, who were sitting practically frozen in the car. The terror on their faces was heart breaking. "He's fine." I assured them, and my Grandmother finally felt okay enough to come into the house. She's never ever handled it well when one of us kids got hurt - when I was 2 and fractured my femur she ran from the scene at Ted Reeve Arena screaming, covering her ears from my cries. It's not a fault, it's just her way of dealing when one of the loves of her life gets hurt.<br /><br />The Dude got home so quickly I thought he had teleported, and we loaded The Punk into Papa's car and headed up to the hospital. A Miracle. No internal injuries, no broken bones, and he didn't even have to be admitted. With the exception of some redness on his hip he had escaped what could have been something catastrophic. He kept his sense of humour and matter of factly told the Doctor he had The Luck of The Irish because he was born on St. Patrick's Day, and also acknowledged that he most certainly had a Guardian Angel watching over him.<br /><br />He was mad too. He looked both ways, he told me, and the teacher waiting in her car to turn out of the driveway even waved him across as the coast was clear. Turns out the (insert expletive here) who hit him came out of nowhere from the side street beside the school driveway and witnesses said he was going at an extremely excessive rate of speed.<br /><br />Later that night away from everyone in my bedroom, the emotional impact of the days' events exploded out of me and I sobbed my eyes out. My son could have been killed and I knew it.<br /><br />To this day that driver who barreled into my son has never been caught.<br /><br />Fast forward to this past winter. I was nursing a brutal flu and had come out from under the covers of my bed to grab another shot of Buckley's. The Dude broke it to me gently. The Teenager had just arrived home - he had been hit by a Transit Bus.<br /><br />"He's Home?!" I screamed. "Why is he not in the hospital?!" I ran to him and he told me what happened. He had gotten off the bus and had proceeded on a green light to cross the intersection, to transfer onto his next bus. The bus he had just gotten off did not yield before it's turn and cut right in front of him. It hit him, knocking him down and he jumped up just in time before the back wheels rolled over him. A woman rushed over to help him and and he paced for a few seconds. The bus didn't even stop after it hit him, just kept on going. He thanked the lady for asking and in a state of what I can only imagine was some degree of shock, he left and made it across the street, and jumped onto his connecting bus. He sat there in complete disbelief over what had just happened to him. He called The Dude and told him what had happened, that he was okay and he would be home in 5 minutes.<br /><br />I asked him why he didn't stay there and wait for further help, and he said he didn't know, he was just so shocked and all he wanted to do was get home.<br /><br />I couldn't believe it. He kept telling me he was fine but I wasn't satisfied. I demanded he was going to the hospital to be looked at and The Dude took him up as my sick self stayed home with The Punk, Sharkboy and Chaos. He was checked out by the Doctor in the Emergency Department and had an x-ray. Another Miracle. No serious injuries.<br /><br />I swear, these boys are turning my hair white from worry. As much as I'd like to be Eagle Eyes watching over them every second of every day, and keep them tucked safe inside away from the dangers out there in this big bad world, I know that that's just not a reality. The Teenager is 17 and has an active social life outside of school and hockey and I'm having a hard time letting go. (And speaking of hockey, I won't even go into the concussion he sustained a couple of years back from a dirty hit from behind and ended up in the Emergency at St. Michael's.)<br /><br />Their energy is boundless rivaling that of circus acrobats and cannot be contained. It has led to both older boys putting their hand through the glass of the back door at my Grandparents house, 10 years apart from one another and at right about the same age. Pushing the handle down on the door would require too much time as they ran out to the backyard. Both boys were cut very badly. The Teenagers palm narrowly missed a Tendon, and The Punk ended up with not only a cut hand and arm, but quite a scar on his chest that could have been so much worse had his Uncle not been standing there, pulling him back before he fell forward any further. After that, Papa installed tempered glass so it would never happen again.<br /><br />The list goes on. The Punk split his head open off the foot board of our bed and needed stitches. Sharkboy, after playing beautifully for hours with some change a neighbour had given him, lining up the coins along the floor and putting them in and out of a little wallet I had given him, suddenly decided to pop one in his mouth. I caught this out of the corner of my eye and the trip up to Emergency ended up in the Operating Room to remove it from where it laid precariously in his throat, dangerously close to becoming lodged and cutting off his air. The surgeon appeared with a dime and said Sharkboy was doing great and flirting with the nurses. </div><br /><div></div><div>About a year ago Chaos and Sharkboy were running up and down the hall, as little boys often do, and had ignored my repeated requests to stop because "You're going to get hurt!" as two weeks earlier Sharkboy ended up with a nasty bruise under his eye from doing exactly the same thing. As Sharkboy ran down from one end, Chaos tore back up the other. The collision was horrendous. Chaos got the worst of it and let out the shrillest scream we had ever heard. I scooped him up and literally within seconds the side of his forehead swelled up and gave credence to the term "Goose Egg". The Teenager immediately emerged from his room to see what had happened and when he caught site of his little brothers head he exclaimed "Hospital!!!" The Dude was already two steps ahead and throwing on his shoes. I wrapped a blanket around him as it was the dead of winter and it was off to the hospital again.<br /><br />The verdict was a slight concussion, but he was pleased that the nurses liked his "Superman" pyjamas and when he got home he polished off a banana and seemed unfazed by the whole thing. The Teenager said he was floored as he couldn't believe he watched it balloon right before his eyes. The bump on Chaos' head rivaled the size of a baseball and it turned every shade of black, blue, purple and then yellowed. It took weeks to disappear and when we were out and about people either gave The Dude and I that sympathetic look that said "I'm a parent, I understand, I know - been there, done that." or an evil glare like we had pulled a beatin' off on our kid.<br /><br />You would think that both boys would have learned their lesson after that, and they did lay off it for a bit, about a month or so. But not enough to make them stop their antics permanently and eventually turned the hallway back into the Indy 500 for their little legs. I wondered aloud to The Dude if the Hospital Emergency Department should just keep a room reserved for us.<br /><br />So what's a Parent to do? We worry endlessly about them from the moment we realize they are growing in our womb and it only gets worse as they get older and spread their wings. Every sniffle, every bump, every bruise, every gash that requires stitches, heck, even any unkind word they get from another child in school, only instigates more upset within us. It doesn't make it any easier that my boys are sports crazy, leading to even more injuries and evident from a broken thumb and a fastball to the nose from baseball, various sprains and muscle pulls, Charlie Horses and well, the list goes on but you get the picture.<br /><br />I've suggested bubble wrapping them from head-to-toe, but that scenario wasn't given a warm reception after I proposed it to them. I guess I'll just have to accept the fact that I will forever feel the worry, and that it comes with the territory of being a Mommy.<br /><br />In the meantime, I am seriously contemplating buying stocks in the companies that make Polysporin and Band-Aids. </div>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-6518949063448905022008-05-30T07:36:00.001-04:002008-05-30T07:40:12.653-04:00I'm.......taking the day off....<br /><br />There are no words that could describe today anyways....Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-63819155545576790742008-05-30T00:28:00.005-04:002008-05-30T02:50:45.585-04:00Luc & Harvey... Gone in One Day....I have had the pleasure of watching <a href="http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=a7d5eb67-165e-4818-ba30-6789304b8351">Luc Bourdon </a>since his days with <a href="http://www.nugget.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1049818&auth=Nugget%20Staff">Matty</a> on the <a href="http://www.moncton-wildcats.com/en-ca/team/article.php?id=40">Moncton Wildcats</a>, and watched him guard the blue line on Team Canada Juniors, winning two Gold Medals. Hearing of his tragic death today in a motorcycle accident was a shock and I'm still having trouble believing it. The Vancouver Canucks defencemen was only 21. Here's one of my Favourite Luuuuuc moments, Owning Ovechkin:<br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3EXss1qKUZM&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3EXss1qKUZM&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />I also found out that <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/arts/television/30korman.html?_r=1&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&oref=slogin">Harvey Korman passed away</a>. I grew up watching The <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061240/">Carol Burnett Show</a> and Mama's Family and could always count on Harvey for a great laugh. One of my favourite Harvey scenes is "The French Revolution" where he plays "Count de Monet" in one of my all time favourite movies, History of the World: Part 1.<br /><br />"Don't get saucy with me, Bearnaise"<br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hyw_o6P6-WQ&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Hyw_o6P6-WQ&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />RIP Luc... Team Heaven has a new Player.<br /><br />RIP Harvey... Heaven just got alot funnier.Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-49761906801136120962008-05-27T21:18:00.017-04:002008-05-28T00:01:16.438-04:00Bruuuiiinnnsssss!!!Just as I was finishing my last post about kickass drummer Cory, <a href="http://www.barriespeedway.com/driverProfileView.php?ID=142">Pistol Pete </a>gives me a ring to give me the heads up. My cousin <a href="http://www.lhjmq.qc.ca/lang_en/index.php?page=2147483647&id_register=3457">Matt</a>, Cory's older brother, <a href="http://www.nugget.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1045947">has been acquired </a>by The Boston Bruins. The details of <a href="http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=364497">the deal </a>with the <a href="http://www.bluejackets.com/">Columbus Blue Jackets </a>were reported on the <a href="http://bruins.nhl.com/">Boston Website</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsReL-ycpHNWakBbJQSmxPVw9yUMcdxPeNWXaiZcx3wliZqahSzZRZjcpDqjr4hmMA4cly5FMGkCz1Gi68kXT2m3mShmk2-sqMccJnE9Rx3bQH0LXvL5ZwxfpEE2E_66RddH4jdmu76g/s1600-h/MattyFreightTrain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205273137206430834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsReL-ycpHNWakBbJQSmxPVw9yUMcdxPeNWXaiZcx3wliZqahSzZRZjcpDqjr4hmMA4cly5FMGkCz1Gi68kXT2m3mShmk2-sqMccJnE9Rx3bQH0LXvL5ZwxfpEE2E_66RddH4jdmu76g/s400/MattyFreightTrain.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Congratulations Matty! Original Six! Papa would be proud!Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-29269194861060091192008-05-27T19:40:00.007-04:002008-05-27T20:45:03.146-04:00Better than RockbandMy little, okay not so little, he's 6'2, cousin Cory rockin' a Drum Solo.<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dFAc3JnYHKw&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dFAc3JnYHKw&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Damn <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmhV1Q4zoQs">he's good</a>!!! I'd hate to face him playing <a href="http://www.rockband.com/">Rockband</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oFWABNrW9wpWCLEypNBnZWkUR2Z2AqFiEH7_ycB0hWMYdJZlZbSBf97U5HHoIgclmVKUmU0MmcsO3rKve7P1ZVHl1R7Ue9cr0Q07T6k_2-PKqrFWcc00P19LdhW01a5uT-P83TEe594/s1600-h/cory+015.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205216263249497090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2oFWABNrW9wpWCLEypNBnZWkUR2Z2AqFiEH7_ycB0hWMYdJZlZbSBf97U5HHoIgclmVKUmU0MmcsO3rKve7P1ZVHl1R7Ue9cr0Q07T6k_2-PKqrFWcc00P19LdhW01a5uT-P83TEe594/s400/cory+015.jpg" border="0" /></a>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-90185319899322610432008-05-27T06:39:00.005-04:002008-05-27T15:37:07.555-04:00Electric!<a href="http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117985516.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1"><em>Variety </em>reports</a> "The Electric Company" is coming back! I know, I know, I'm a little excited about this for an adult, but I loved this show when I was a little kid! Hopefully it will be as good as I remember it, and I'll watch it with my own munchkins.<br /><br />Original <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Electric_Company">Electric Company episodes ran from 1971-77 on PBS</a>, with re-runs until '85 and starred <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000151">Morgan Freeman</a>. I wonder if he'll appear in the new one, a cameo perhaps?<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TFYMijdQ_sA&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TFYMijdQ_sA&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/M98-5g3TYTI&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M98-5g3TYTI&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />Putting an adult spin on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Portmanteau&redirect=no">Portmanteau words </a>from Electric Company, I stumbled across this "Mixtionary" clip, from 2006.<br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H4c7O7FFpIw&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/H4c7O7FFpIw&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">They forgot "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frenemy">Frenemy</a>"</span></em><br /><br />From the movie "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mean_Girls">Mean Girls</a>":<br /><br />Regina: We do not have a clique problem at this school.<br /><br />Gretchen: But you do have to watch out for "frenemies".<br /><br />Regina: What are "frenemies"?<br /><br />Gretchen: Frenemies are enemies who act like friends. We call them "frenemies".<br /><br />Karen: Or "enemends".<br /><br />Gretchen: Or friends who secretly hate you, we call them "fraitors".<br /><br />Regina: [rolls eyes] That is so gay.<br /><br />Karen: [gasps] What if we called them "mean-em-aitors"?<br /><br />Regina: [scoffs]<br /><br />Gretchen: No, honey, it has to have the word "friend" in it.<br /><br />Karen: Oh...<br /><br />We have our very own example too. When The Teenager was about 3 or 4 years old I was tucking him into bed one night, and as I leaned in, hugging him, I meant to say "Let's cuddle." But what came out of my mouth was "Lets huggle." - combining "Hug" with "Cuddle". We giggled about it, and it stuck! To this day, we "Huggle" in our house! ;)Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-2455650826217764422008-05-26T22:12:00.016-04:002008-05-26T23:37:58.235-04:00She's Crafty Like That<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpx2vOx19UOrCl4b-lPVKZTzDfv8E_2ys16-1Wr70gjYdLSiFJDqgwmYwrwJE498CRqJn07pNA6SBKTxL6MReYPaSEmP9-TmRdMvQjJzMoEhdDK-NJjHsBT6fiIkI7hYHLhbP3Xw2KrE/s1600-h/CakeFrontCloseup-copy_edited.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204880229303225266" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpx2vOx19UOrCl4b-lPVKZTzDfv8E_2ys16-1Wr70gjYdLSiFJDqgwmYwrwJE498CRqJn07pNA6SBKTxL6MReYPaSEmP9-TmRdMvQjJzMoEhdDK-NJjHsBT6fiIkI7hYHLhbP3Xw2KrE/s400/CakeFrontCloseup-copy_edited.jpg" border="0" /></a>Seems like we're head long into "Baby<br />Shower Season" again. So in the<br />spirit of things, here's some pictures of just one of the many different "Diaper Cakes" I make for the Momma's-to-Be.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The front of the "Cake"...</span></em><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBw6nftN6sMjGX0kB0DV40gfXH3xdy7zej7jLX00XH1NO55J6maS3P68mMTmay8EyqfUlJjBtNebLiF7MynV5Goww4_p1h-1PMsVTRhR3hZiJKlqSOTwmfpSX4MO7YeVBMZ68evOq9KY/s1600-h/CakeFrontCloseup-copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204880998102371266" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeBw6nftN6sMjGX0kB0DV40gfXH3xdy7zej7jLX00XH1NO55J6maS3P68mMTmay8EyqfUlJjBtNebLiF7MynV5Goww4_p1h-1PMsVTRhR3hZiJKlqSOTwmfpSX4MO7YeVBMZ68evOq9KY/s400/CakeFrontCloseup-copy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">...and the back...</span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204888183582657506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYcQgFf-mk-YodQEXc_B_PIG64zkQ0kYw67fKd03RXfHd5Bn5hPOFSNfqesdznwiAoWgoLuUyh2ejgE8QS1UcbJWBSnPuPQRl7xaSeMCu8rf01M7c5Ex36gwhQtU_2_ZpcIziQI8zQts/s400/CakeBackCloseup-copy_edited.jpg" border="0" /> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUO8tjHgrQAnCw96A_pkinNDw3wXBb4vkUgyeDq0suiKRmiZWWZOeZj8P22EgcnQV13GUPg-vZ0h7ZGkw_Ib61S4S6zSjinBcr78-BYV6Yxjdp33efihyl9fkEXwZU9J0Mg0hy9ysAkc/s1600-h/CakeBackCloseup-copy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204889283094285298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUO8tjHgrQAnCw96A_pkinNDw3wXBb4vkUgyeDq0suiKRmiZWWZOeZj8P22EgcnQV13GUPg-vZ0h7ZGkw_Ib61S4S6zSjinBcr78-BYV6Yxjdp33efihyl9fkEXwZU9J0Mg0hy9ysAkc/s400/CakeBackCloseup-copy.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUO8tjHgrQAnCw96A_pkinNDw3wXBb4vkUgyeDq0suiKRmiZWWZOeZj8P22EgcnQV13GUPg-vZ0h7ZGkw_Ib61S4S6zSjinBcr78-BYV6Yxjdp33efihyl9fkEXwZU9J0Mg0hy9ysAkc/s1600-h/CakeBackCloseup-copy.jpg"></a></p><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUO8tjHgrQAnCw96A_pkinNDw3wXBb4vkUgyeDq0suiKRmiZWWZOeZj8P22EgcnQV13GUPg-vZ0h7ZGkw_Ib61S4S6zSjinBcr78-BYV6Yxjdp33efihyl9fkEXwZU9J0Mg0hy9ysAkc/s1600-h/CakeBackCloseup-copy.jpg"></a></p><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUO8tjHgrQAnCw96A_pkinNDw3wXBb4vkUgyeDq0suiKRmiZWWZOeZj8P22EgcnQV13GUPg-vZ0h7ZGkw_Ib61S4S6zSjinBcr78-BYV6Yxjdp33efihyl9fkEXwZU9J0Mg0hy9ysAkc/s1600-h/CakeBackCloseup-copy.jpg"></a><p><br /><br /> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Everything can be used for the new babe - from the Diapers to the Rubber Duckies!!!</p>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-15898556802924714142008-05-26T05:48:00.001-04:002008-05-26T05:53:22.755-04:00Monday - 80's Style1986 y'all!<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DTMWiCg_q6s&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DTMWiCg_q6s&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Manic Monday by The Bangles</span></em>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-58966807808839088562008-05-25T21:13:00.009-04:002008-05-27T02:21:29.678-04:00Write Your &%$!# Own!!!Today while <a href="http://blogsearch.google.com/?sourceid=navclient&hl=en">Blog Surfing</a>, I came across another <a href="http://beatlesnotdead.blogspot.com/2008/05/cbc.html">Blog Post </a>that looked very familiar. And it should have - because with the exception of a few words changed here and there - <a href="http://firefly-alternativegirlfriend.blogspot.com/2008/05/wise-words-from-stroumbo.html">it WAS mine</a>.<br /><br />Some may be flattered that someone else thought that what they wrote was good enough to copy. But I wasn't. If the Blogger had wanted to repost what I wrote, I would have gladly let them, had they just asked, and linked back to my post as the original source.<br /><br />I LOVE staying home with my kids, and until my youngest is in school full-time and I join the "Working World of Writers" once again, I like to write here. The Blog pilfering is just a real kick to the head.<br /><br />I also realized that I had been "Splogged", which involves advertisers grabbing content from Bloggers to fill word space for search engines. It's a Spam Blog, and I came across it in the Blogger Search Engine that had content from my site, and when I clicked on the link it it took me to an ebay seller. :PAlternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7724976077331578537.post-77963742837542437312008-05-23T14:39:00.015-04:002008-05-26T01:13:12.171-04:00Wise Words From Stroumbo<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyPpDK0w5iAJ0_8kjwkH1hWTMANVbd1-ZimSz8ScRKuCN5ntILAwBT8F1SI1peoCnWqn0pjkTWYSUiGz4EMYT7XQ70ojw0ehv_OIN5sbz3J2kNZuLF1e1X50hLCUITHh__dnV5AuFe5s/s1600-h/Strombo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203679884728240994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyPpDK0w5iAJ0_8kjwkH1hWTMANVbd1-ZimSz8ScRKuCN5ntILAwBT8F1SI1peoCnWqn0pjkTWYSUiGz4EMYT7XQ70ojw0ehv_OIN5sbz3J2kNZuLF1e1X50hLCUITHh__dnV5AuFe5s/s400/Strombo.jpg" border="0" />Maybe </a><a href="http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5j6Y8qKWoDfFGquxH_DKTTFpaqwQw">George Stroumboulopolous should be </a>the new Director of Programming at The CBC.<br />Quoting George:<br /><br />"Online is rapidly becoming king, not traditional TV platforms."<br /><br />"Part of the reason we did <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hour">this show </a>is for the kind of people who didn't really watch TV like this before.....<br /><br />(My 2 cents: pretty much that whole<br />younger demographic that the CBC claims<br />they're so eager to attract.)<br /><br />He continues:<br /><br />....so they're not going to come to television - they're going to watch it however they want."<br /><br />"Ten years from now, the cable channel isn't going to be nearly as important as the domain name. CBC.ca, <a href="http://www.friends.ca/print/News/Friends_News/archives/articles041708010.asp">that's the television channel of the future</a>. We don't worry about <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/jpod/">where people are watching us</a>, as long as they're watching us."<br /><br />Listen to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Stroumboulopoulos">Stroumbo</a>, CBC!!!<br /><br />The Internet angle is just one of the many reasons why the <a href="http://www.savejpod.ca/">jPod Fan Campaign</a> exists. Its importance is discussed alot because people ended up watching jPod online as it was switched to air in the "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_night_death_slot">Friday Night Death Slot</a>".<br /><br />For the record, with the exception of Episode 11 which wasn’t aired at all by the CBC on TV and only available online, I watched every episode Traditionally. First on Tuesdays, and then on Fridays. If I happened to not be home when it was on I set my DVR to record it, and I could watch it whenever I wanted.<br /><br />Times are changing though, and how people choose to get their entertainment is shifting. Today’s young people are a tech-savvy bunch, and probably spend more time on their computers than they do in front of the tube. The CBC is undervaluing their importance. How many people, say from 17-24 years of age, could actually attest that the CBC is a channel they watch very frequently? Not many I bet. My own teenager only watches it for Hockey Night In Canada, and then for jPod. This generation will feel no connection to the CBC, how can they expect them to become loyal, lifelong viewers when they feel ignored?<br /><br />The CBC was popular when I was growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, but then, we didn’t have tonnes of other options back then fighting for our attention. And I wouldn’t consider the “nerd” factor either, computers aren’t just for geeks anymore. In fact, I’m not even in the Target Audience for the show, but I sure as hell made sure that I know my way around the computer, I can’t have my kids being able to use it better than myself.<br /><br />I think the CBC is missing the boat here, they should be ecstatic that one of their shows is reaching such a highly coveted demographic, on TV, and online. Internet viewers are a BONUS! And if they were smart, they would air jPod on a more suitable night, increasing their traditional viewings. jPod at least deserved a chance, cancelling it so hastily leads me to believe that the CBC could really care less about quality of their programs and fixate themselves on outdated BBM ratings.<br /><br />Chis Haddock, producer of Intelligence,<a href="http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/article/331899"> pointed out the lunacy of the CBC gauging a shows popularity</a>, especially among young viewers on the weekly BBM ratings since so many young television fans don't own their own homes and so cannot be counted, and many of them watch TV on the Internet.<br /><br />"The ratings themselves have been <a href="http://www.timminear.net/archives/wonderfalls/000057.html">questioned very profoundly all over the world</a> about their accuracy and their relevance because you have to be a homeowner," Haddock points out.<br /><br />"So university students don't get counted, a person who is a renter doesn't get counted, a lot of people under 30 don't get counted, so it's absurd on many, many levels. I mean do you have to buy a home to get counted in the ratings?"<br /><br />Well said, Mr. Haddock.<br /><br />As far as production costs for CBC shows, well I am paying for that, we all are. (The last numbers I could dig up on that were for 2002 - Canadians paid $794,058,000 for the CBC. That's for English and French radio, AM and FM, plus English and French TV and CBC North.) I could get really snotty here and bring up <a href="http://www.freedominion.com.pa/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=1158238">CBC executives staying in $800.00/ Night Hotel Rooms with Personal Butlers</a>, but I digress.<br /><br />Warner Bros. has obviously realized that jPod is worth having, as it will be <a href="http://savejpod.ca/uncategorized/jpod-on-thewbcom/">available on TheWB.com for free</a>, paid by embedded advertising. And NBC’s Hulu has already sold out their ad space. This is not a fad people, it’s the new reality. The CBC should embrace it or risk being left in the dust. And yes, the CBC may argue that they did promote the show sufficiently, but the problem there is that jPods' Target Audience wasn’t watching the CBC in the first place to see them.<br /><br />In the end though, the biggest reason people want jPod to stay is because it is a brilliant, smart, funny show with a cast that falls in perfectly with one another, and it makes us feel proud that something so good was Made in Canada.<br /><br />Saying all that, here’s a Video I made: <a href="http://savejpod.ca/uncategorized/20-reasons-to-savejpod/#comment-331">20 Reasons to Save jPod </a>- (For Entertainment purposes only, all content credit acknowledged)<br /><br /><object height="355" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/H4HL4RTUhek&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/H4HL4RTUhek&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">jPod - SAVE IT!!!</span></em>Alternative Girlfriendhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12779176697756508833noreply@blogger.com0