CANADIANContent
Posting art, politics, sport and humour found in this great country. From sea to sea to sea.
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It is with a very heavy heart that I report that Jack Layton has died. I did not expect to make this my first post-European post, but I’m sure no one expected this at all. I say this because no matter how sick Jack Layton seemed, he always had such a strong spirit that it appeared he could beat anything. Using this opportunity to speculate about the future of the NDP party would be tactless, so I’ve leave that to the political pundits. Rest in peace, Jack. You were an independent spirit and a trailblazer.
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Tabarnak! C’est Capitaine Canuck!
Minds Eye Entertainment has reportedly picked up the rights to Captain Canuck to start production on our own version of a superhero movie. My guess? It’ll flop, like all things blatantly Canadian. Maybe this is because Americans have no interest in us. Or maybe it’s because our flag just isn’t as stylish (or tacky) as theirs is. Or perhaps we’re just a humble people and we get embarrassed when we see ourselves so plainly exhibited. It’s probably a combination of all 3.
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So it’s a sad day for the Federal New Democrats. Their leader, Jack Layton, has stepped down until September to fight yet another battle with cancer. He isn’t releasing too much information about the illness (such as the type) but as for the political side of things, he recommend Nycole Turmel for the position of Interim Leader. I don’t know much about Turmel, as she is a new MP, but apparently Layton has loads of confidence in her.
What this means for the party, I don’t know either. The easiest way to destroy an institution is to cut off the head and what a head Jack was. Cool, confident and reliable, Layton really earned this big win. And his party was beginning to really solidify. Rookie MP Ruth Ellen “Vegas” Brosseau is just now coming into her own, changing her look, opening her office and generally just pissing off naysayers.
Here’s hoping the party transitions into this new chapter of it’s life with ease.
You can read more about the story here.
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I don’t know if you love Canadian cinema as much as I do, but you should start. I mean I start frothing at the mouth from the word ‘Exotica’.
Here’s a great website that you should all register with. It’s called First Weekend Club and it basically notifies you when a Canadian film is in a theatre near you. Did you know that if films don’t get enough money the first weekend, that it’s usually ejected from the theatre? It’s true. And with American movies being shoved down your throat (not full yet? Here’s another Transformer!), it’s hard to even hear about these movies yet alone see them.
“But Canadian cinema is shit!” you might say. Well, bite your tongue, you. It can be powerful and moving, all without explosions. They actually have - gasp - character development! Now who wouldn’t want that. And if you’re still weary of our cinema, then rest assured that First Weekend Club reviews all upcoming films and only posts the “good” ones. It’s true.
Also check out the Canada Screens section (if you live in Vancouver or Toronto) which is a monthly event with a talk back and the DVD Club, which is kind of like a book club with DVDs.
You see, it’s all a cycle. “Shitty” Canadian films are screened, and no one sees them, so we don’t have enough money to finance films that are worthwhile. So really, do your part and rectify this immediately.
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Ok, so we don’t need to save it technically, but the CBC’s broadcasting license is up for renewal this September. Now, if you’re one of those right-leaning Harper cronies who (for some damn reason) thinks the CBC should be shut down, then stop reading here and now. If you’re sensible, keep reading. The CBC is a huge part of this country. Not only a part of some of our daily lives, it’s a part of our heritage. Furthermore, there are some places that get no radio or television save for the CBC.
Now what do you have to do? Just follow the link, click the ‘Support Us’ tab and shoot of an email, a fax, a letter, whichever method you prefer to the CRTC. That’s it. They even give you lazy bastards a template so no excuses. So, dear readers (all 8 followers, you), go forth and do what’s right: support the Canadian Broadcasting Company!
