ollie

Well, I'm only talking about Christmas here. I don't think I've been affected by affirmative action at all and still think being a white male is the most advantageous demographic to fall into when it comes to getting a job in Canada. Turning this full circle, it's like Lowell Green's other favourite rant, that you can't get a job in the government without speaking french. Most of the positions in our office are "english essential" only and, department wide, english is still by far the business language of choice.

I agree but this is not reason enough for me to abandon the debate. I guess it also bothers me that Christians seem to make up the one group that everyone dumps on without the perception of prejudice. Kind of like we have this mission to preserve the culture of our immigrants even if that requires ripping apart our own culture at the same time.

Yeah, that letter's pretty rambling and delusional... an obvious cry for help.

I'm more of a melting pot person. Maybe that explains our differences. I like my country to have an identity and I fear it may be lost if we continue to make concessions with our tradition. And by "our" I mean Judeo-Christian. (And let me note again that I am neither a Jew nor a Christian.)

Silent Night makes non-Christians squirm? I am unaware of this phenomenon. I mean, we didn't ban rock lyrics in the '80s to appease Christians. But we should we sanitize their music so as not to offend non-Christians?

Who's being alienated? Do you have to show proof of baptism to buy a Christmas tree? I certainly don't feel alienated as an agnostic. I think we need to give people credit for having thicker skin.

Tradition. A nod to the past. After we get rid of the language do we go after the nativity scene next? Change the colour scheme? How would you redefine Christmas?

It's been a major holiday my entire life and I consider it a part of my cultural heritage. And 100 years in the life of Canada is actually a pretty significant chunk of time. I try not to overthink Christmas. It's the time of year I spend more time with friends and family, pay more attention to eating good food and drinking libations, buy and receive gifts. I don't get hung up on the consumerism angle about Christmas. Our culture is based around consumerism. What's wrong with going a little overboard at the end of the year? I don't get hung up on the religious angle about Christmas. I'm agnostic at best but I still enjoy the story about the birth of Jesus, the religious carols, the symbolic decorations, etc. It poses no threat to my beliefs.

That's awesome. I can't believe the Bell Centre is gonna be open at that time. Have fun!

I actually agree with the premise of Lowell's complaint. I think the word "Christmas" should be used where appropriate and not substituted with something like "Holiday". The particular angle of the segment I listened to was about Home Depot advertising "Holiday Trees" for sale. It's the ninny-ish way they go about it that drives me nuts, plus the fact that for most people in his camp it's just an excuse to air some latent racist views. They do a horrible job of representing the argument.

I got chills this morning listening to a replay of the Howard Cosell announcement during Monday Night Football. "Dead. On. Arrival." Somehow fitting that Cosell broke the news.

I couldn't help but turn on Lowell Green this morning and sure enough... it's the annual "Christmas crisis" panic. This is such a guilty pleasure for me. Ha! He just said in reference to whom is destroying Christmas: "Just remember, it's not the muslims, it's not the jews, it's the NDP."

I'd also like to know what people think makes a burger good.

Is that you Dick Tater?

Holy shit I never noticed that the eyes move!! I like how the first post in a topic gets more prominence but it would be cool if the avatar was displayed as well. I like "article". It's a nod to the usenet days. Although that means "comments" should be "replies". I'm waiting to see what the calendar is going to be all about.

The Hold Steady - Separation Sunday

Second most recent. But yeah. They're good. Second most recent and most recent: they played in 2005 and 2006. I know this because I have yet to give a copy of RGD 2006-07-01 to the band. (I actually have a file that lists the recordings I still have to get to bands.) Aloha' date=' Brad[/quote'] Then I guess I'm the one who doesn't remember the most recent one at all. Sorry Todd! But... this year's Canada Day? Really? Were they on very early?

Don't forget running Lalime out of the NHL.

Did he talk through the whole movie?

Friend of mine found a dead rat in his bass drum this week! Had to play a whole show smelling rat intestines.

Second most recent. But yeah. They're good.

This is a great collection of traditonal and new Christmas music. The packaging is very nice as well. Some cheeky song titles too... "That Was the Worst Christmas Ever!" and "Did I Make You Cry On Christmas Day? (Well, You Deserved It!)". Shain, nice review but I could have done without the ubiquitous "bah humbug Christmas" bits.

Please enjoy the political stylings of... The Slip! (Don't forget we can discuss the album title here too.) Even Rats by The Slip Even the rats know the troubles gonna come To the edge of the city see the little guys run I hear spring is nice in Canada Maybe the men up on capitol hill Meed a little less Jack and a little more Jill You can have my stereo Even though the race may never be won I can lay like a dandy get heady in the sun Take a love song and beautify (whoah) I hear the words but the meaning gets lost It's a game, that depends on who the ball gets tossed It's the same ball anyway You're tuggin' me know cut me loose or take me on You can play, you can pay the piper all night long That's some good home cookin' even though the race may never be won I can lay like a dandy get heady in the sun take a love song and beautify

Yeah, there was a fire or something at Swizzles a couple of weeks ago. We could see part of the commotion from our office.

There's a new Hold Steady interview up on Pitchfork. Interview: The Hold Steady Anyone besides me and dave-o into these guys? They are so f'in good!!