We Aren't One in Canada

Trying to view the "We Are One" concert from the Lincoln Memorial, part of the Obama Inauguration.  Quite the challenge here in Canada. 

Here are my options.
1) Subscribe to the pay television channel HBO Canada.
2) Watch RDI, the all news channel of the french language Canadian national broadcaster, Societe Radio-Canada.  So, while not ideal, I can listen to it there with speeches translated in French.  I would rather here the speeches in English.
3) Newsworld, the all news channel of the English language Canadian national broadcaster, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is not an option as it is showing the Antiques Roadshow - yep that is history in the making and definitely more important than the inauguration events happening now.
4) HBO.com webcast.  Nope... here is the message I receive

"This video is only available in the U.S. and Territories.  We apologize to the rest of the world."

5) I can listen to the audio on National Public Radio (NPR) the American radio channel....but no video.

I find it troubling that we can't watch such important live television in Canada.  A country protected by a commission, the CRTC, that somehow is supposed to protect us from American cultural influence.

Canada, you lack confidence...or interest.

Let me know what you think about what you have just read. Please and thanks!

Comments

Anonymous said…
http://www.justin.tv/globalhdseries

:)
January 18, 2009
Anonymous said…
Clearly WE ARE NOT ONE. This "vast and rich territory" is definitely not a REAL COUNTRY. WE are just a residual of the old British empire and an extension of our neighbours south of the border as well. Our life style is american our culture is american (with of course the exception of Quebec where this is only partially true). So lets face the reality and not pretend otherwise, if not we are fooling ourselves. As far the CRTC is concerned, they want to protect our identity and culture, but what culture!? What identity!? CBC?, the RCMP? Medicare? Our "Head of State" who by the way is the sovereign of a foreign country? Why not leave to Canadians to decide what to listen to and what to watch without any restritions and may be one day... this "vast and rich territory" will become a REAL ONE... a REAL ONE... COUNTRY.
January 19, 2009
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Banning Russian Teams and Athletes

Speaking Tuesday to legislators in London about Wimbledon, British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said: "Absolutely nobody flying the flag for Russia should be allowed. Many of us would be willing and able to [allow them to] compete as non-aligned, non-flag-bearing entities. But I think it needs to go beyond that. We need some potential assurances that they are not supporters of Vladimir Putin and we are considering what requirements we may need to try and get some assurances along those lines." (source =  https://www.cbc.ca/sports/tennis/wimbledon-british-government-in-talks-about-russian-players-1.6386102 ) The invasion of Ukraine by Russia has sparked much debate in the world of sports.  Should Russian teams be banned from competing?  Should individual Russian athletes be banned?  Should teams of athletes be allowed to compete but without flag, uniform, country name, anthem, etc.? Some athletes have said that it is unfair to mix politics and sports.  They rightly state t
Read more

A Personal Request

To my readers, Yesterday I registered to run the 5K HSBC 2009 Childrun.  This is an event that is being held June 7, 2009 for the 24th year.  It raises funds to help provide care and treatment to children who suffer from cancer.  I consider it a worthwhile cause and I am therefore asking you to donate whatever you can.  Here is a link to my personal web page where you can make a donation.  Thanks in advance for your support. Olivier Let me know what you think about what you have just read. Please and thanks!
Read more

Ash Barty

The news that Ash Barty has taken the decision to retire at the age of 25 has caused many people to react.  Some understand, others question, others accuse.   Her decision has touched off a few ideas of my own. When is enough actually enough?  When do we decide we have enough?  When can we stop and just be content with what we have? At 25 she has achieved so much.  I have seen words accusing her of lack of character, of quitting or of not having the mental fortitude (one person I saw was wondering what was wrong with women's tennis?)  I think none of these people can really speak with any authority.  First of all most of these people, writing the drivel, can hardly speak from a place of success.  How many grand slams have they won?  How many tens of millions of dollars have they earned, how many weeks at number one have they spend and how well known are they in the world?   At some point, enough is enough.  I respect Ash Barty for taking a personal decision.  She has enough.  She h
Read more