Dreamin'

Yes, but you don't have to elect Nader. Just the fact that he's able to gain some support is enough. The idea that he's a spoiler, stealing votes from the Democrats shows that most people have a hard time thinking outside the two party box. The Democrats don't own those votes, and they should work harder to win them. In Canada (okay, bear with me folks!), we currently have 17 registered political parties and 4 parties with representation in Parliament. When a party screws up, Canadian voters respond accordingly (e.g., the Progressive Conservatives were pulverized in 1993 and the Liberal

Nader is a saint and I believe that he is one of the most brilliant minds in America today. I admire him greatly. The only reason we have universal health care in Canada is because the Liberals borrowed the idea from the CCF (which later became the New Democratic Party) under Tommy Douglas. It will be a cold day in hell when the NDP forms a majority govt., but their very existence on the political landscape makes Canada a more progressive place than it could ever be without them. This is why it's so ironic that Michael Moore withdrew his support for Nader in the last election.

Americans deserve better, that's for sure. After watching the Nader documentary, I'm convinced that the two party system is the root of all evil. And yet every American I've ever been close to in real life (a biased sample, I know, since those friendships have been formed through VC) has been incredibly kind-hearted and generous. Even more so than my dearest Canadian friends. What I learn about America through the news, docs, etc. is so different from my direct experience of the country and the people that I've had the good fortune to know.

So far, I've visited about 25% of the destinations in this book. If I have another 30 (or so) good years ahead of me, I still won't be able to experience all of them. Right now, Newfoundland, Quebec City, and Gwaii Haanas are at the top of my list.

One of the best things about a new Coupland book is the likelihood of a tour (even if he claims to hate them) and some very entertaining interviews. I can't believe that I missed his NY Times blog last year. Good stuff!

Happy birthday!

I'm late to the party as well. Happy belated birthday!

He went a bit crazy (drugs?) for awhile and pissed a lot of people off. Then he threatened to go into politics (drugs?) The last time I heard his name mentioned was when he opened for the White Stripes in Glace Bay, NS this summer.

It was an interesting article, but I wish he hadn't used the Arcade Fire as an example. When I was a kid, I found it really embarassing when Canadian music, TV, movies, etc. tried to imitate American culture... poorly. The so-called "indie" scene allows Canadian artists to find their own audience by being who they are (sounding as "white" as they are), rather worrying if it will sell in the States. Why is it so wrong to draw inspiration from Anglican hymns (or Cape Breton fiddle music for that matter) rather than R&B? [/OT rant]

I was really hoping that they would add a Vancouver date between Seattle and LA. I know it's ridiculous to complain when a tour skips your city, but !!! I read the setlist only to torture myself further.

More Couplandly goodness. It's a bit depressing at times, but I also laughed out loud at many inappropriate moments (e.g., on the plane, on my way to a funeral).

Geoff is just upset because no one can spell his name correctly.

I don't know about that. I needed a good laugh.

Dan always seems to be extremely drunk when he plays with the NP. It's a little bit scary, actually.

I've definitely had a major crush on him since the White House Correspondents Dinner thing. I wouldn't be surprised if it was 100% Colbert. That man is brilliant. I love watching his interviews on the Colbert Report because you can tell how sharp and funny he really is.

All hail the mac 'n cheese goddess!

ABBA - The Album I probably still know all the words to the deep album cuts. Blondie - Parallel Lines This was the first record I bought with my own money, and I wore out the needle on my little red plastic record player. Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited I would not shut up about this when I was in university. Neil Young - Tonight's The Night My friends used to laugh at me when I played this because they thought it was horrible. Last year, when I visited LA for the very first time, I went looking for the former site of SIR where Neil recorded TTN. Now, it's a used car lot or someth

You're probably right, but so many of the right-wing pundits appear to be in character. I think that's why I find the Stephen Colbert so funny.

I have paddled a canoe on that lake. You can hear the pikas in the rocks squeaking, "eeep" as you go past. Fun fact: There used to be a picture of Moraine Lake on the back of the Cdn $20 bill.

Leaving Vancouver Island

But not in the winter. Brrrr! Sounds like a lot of fun. I'm jealous that I missed burrito night, too.

That list would be a lot cooler if it had a least one female artist on it. Exile in Guyville, anyone?

When I discovered that the Sloan CD I bought was copy protected, I vowed NEVER to buy another album on that sad, evil little label again. Sony BMG is truly the worst of the worst!

Blame Carole King

I'll be rubbing the belly of my Tommy Douglas statue, sending bill passing vibes to you! )))))) (((((((