In 2015, I entered all the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) literary prize contests as part of my effort to get writing back into my life. I didn’t win anything, but that’s OK. The competition was immense for both quality and quantity. This is my entry for the Short Story contest (link to winners), which is now over and I can share my entry. It’s my first ever science-fiction story. I hope you’ll enjoy it. 🙂
broadcasting
Country Style Somewhere Over the Rainbow, by Ian Tyson
I’ve heard the famous song, (Somewhere) Over the Rainbow, in many, many styles, but not country… until today. I found out about this very moving rendition by Canadian country legend, Ian Tyson, via a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation series called Rainbow Battle pitting different renditions against one another. Ian’s performance completely took me by surprise and entranced me, I must say! Have a listen!
Why Canada’s Banning of Dire Straits’ Money for Nothing is Bad Policy
The Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (CBSC) issued a ruling today which censored Dire Straits’ mega-hit song from over 25 years ago, Money for Nothing. The CBSC said the song should either be banned, or suitably edited, for its use of the homophobic word “faggot”, three times. (CBC, Jan 13 2011; CSBC Decision)
(I’d have embedded the actual music video but those *^&*@$ at YouTube have all these copyrights rules now that don’t let them be seen in Canada and other countries).
I understand the principle to censor the song, but completely disagree with the psychology of the action. For the sake of an ideal, the fight against homophobia just took a step backward rather than a step forward.
As of Oct 8 2010, Try Harder NOT to Get Arrested in Canada
A Canadian Supreme Court ruling came down today that limits access to lawyers for people being questioned by police regarding a criminal case.
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled that a person questioned by police in connection with a criminal case does not have the right to have a lawyer present during the interview. The Supreme Court also said a suspect doesn’t have the right to re-consult with a lawyer midway through an interview, unless the situation in the interview has changed significantly. Finally, the court said a suspect does not have the absolute right to consult with a specific lawyer if that attorney can’t be reached within a reasonable time.
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– Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC, Oct 8 2010)
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I’m no lawyer, but in the spirit of free speech, I’ll throw in an opinion.
I’m siding with the decision here. I do think suspects have too much access and counsel to “prepare” themselves for questioning by police. Really, if you’re innocent, a little preparation to make sure you say what you need to properly, which isn’t necessarily the “right” thing to say, is all you need. Extensive counseling from lawyers so you don’t incriminate yourself basically alludes just that, even if you’re presumed innocent till proven guilty. That’s an ideal, and we all know humans aren’t ideal people, as much as we strive for it.
But I write this post because I have a practical piece of advice to those worried about this split 5-4 ruling.
Try harder NOT to get arrested.
This ruling will then have no direct significance to them. If they worry about it affecting them indirectly through those they know and/or love, advise them of the same thing. More common sense in the world means less legal system.
I’m not encouraging people to be better criminal while in Canada so as not to get caught. I’m encouraging people to stay within the law in Canada.
Save the tax system some money. Save the yourself some hassle. Save the lawyers some income.
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Reading Level: 7.5
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