Queen‘s Freddie Mercury would have been 65 today. And today you will find numerous tributes to this incredible rock vocalist, including a doodle on Google.com, featuring “Don’t Stop Me Now”, and Youtube, where an hour and a half long Wembley Stadium performance can be viewed.
Click here to view my very favorite Queen music videos on Youtube
The Conservative Government wishes to re-introduce legislation enabling law enforcement to access online communications without a warrant.
They believe that this would help them combat terrorism and crime. But unfortunately they may rely on internet providers to retain information on their behalf, which could be costly for the consumer because the internet providers would require more equipment and personel to do so.
In searching for illicit activity online our internet providers will be required to store vast amounts of information and these extra expendatures will be passed down to their subscribers.
According to a 2002 Statistics Canada report, law enforcement are hindered by the use of pseunomyms, anonymous remailers, dial-up connections and public wi-fi.
One can only imagine how much information would be required to keep track of suspects that use “public Internet stations in airports, bus depots, libraries, cyber-cafés and convenience stores” alone, examples mentioned in the report.
Anyone using any of the above mentioned services would have their information catalogued and accessible for cross referencing and analysis, which is not only a burden on resources at the internet providers but may result in a violation of our privacy laws according to the Office Of The Privacy Commissioner Of Canada.
In an October 27th, 2009 letter to the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security, the Privacy Commissioner stated :
“Though isolated anecdotes abound, and extreme incidents are generally referred to, no systematic case has yet been made that demonstrates a need to circumvent the current legal regime for judicial authorization to obtain personal information. Before all else, law enforcement and national security authorities need to explain how the current provisions on judicial warrants do not meet their needs.”
The aforementioned 2002 Statistics Canada report may claim a lack of standard in cybercrime statistics, possibly resulting in a lack of classification or reporting of these crimes. But crime in Canada is down according to this June 2011 Statistics Canada report.
These costly, potentially insecure systems, are not required. Law enforcement has managed quite well with the current regulations, even with their limited manpower, and the flood of information will probably overwhelm them requiring costly automation.
This is, in my opinion, not the way to go. And this is why i’ve signed the following Openmedia.ca petition :
Please sign the above petition and contact your local Member of Parliament about this issue as soon as possible, preferably before September 19th. Thank you.
Youtube is renting films to Canadians now, for $3.99 or $4.99. Some free films are also available. Click here to access their selection.
Grant Thornton LLP is seeking to close the remaining 253 Blockbuster stores in Canada according to a press release issued today.
Approximately 150 of the chain’s underperforming locations had been closed last June and the remaining locations were put up for sale. But no buyer stepped forward so the remaining stores will be closed.
There appeared to be several buyers in May according to a previous press release. But the New York court hearing in regards to the use of the Blockbuster trademark in Canada had been delayed earlier this month.
If the closure of the chain is approved, gift cards will not be honored.
Television in Canada’s major cities will be going digital in less than 48 hours.
In the early hours of the morning on September 1st the vast majority of television networks in these cities will be converting their off the air signal, the television signal that people capture using an antenna
If you’re subcribed to cable or satellite, you will not be required to do anything. These companies will likely convert the digital signal to analog for their customers that don’t use HDTV televisions. And those that are already subscribed to their HDTV services will not likely see any change in their services.
If you have a digital tuner equipped HDTV television and an antenna
Viewers that use indoor antennas
Most VHF/UHF antennas
Amplified antennas
In regards to individuals who use analog televisions or HDTVs that are not equipped with a digital tuner, they will still be able to watch their local stations if they purchase a digital to analog converter box
Depending on your viewing preferences and physical location, you may be able to substitute your cable or satelite with digital television, with is usually clearer because it is uncompressed.
I’ve personally disconnected my extra outlets in my second floor bedrooms and replaced them with digital antennas
Like many people in Ottawa, i’m having problems with Global and Omni 2 because of their weak signals. But i’m guessing they will eventually be conhearsed into better coverage.
CinemaNow had opened a Canadian site, enabling Canadians who use Windows or internet connected devices to rent or purchase films online.
Film rentals are generally $4.99 and purchases vary in price.