Royal Canadian Mounted Thought Police ban 25-year old rock ‘n roll song

by editor on January 15, 2011

Thought control runs rampant in the Great White North. Canada’s Broadcast Standards Council has banned “Money For Nothing,” a 25-year old song by Dire Straits.

mark-knopfler

Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits back in the day

In its supreme wisdom, the Council has decided that the song’s lyrics are unacceptable for sensitive Canadian ears because the word “faggot” is used repeatedly.

Here are the lyrics that are now scandalizing our northern neighbor twenty-five years after the song was a number one hit:

The little faggot with the earring and the makeup
Yeah buddy, that’s his own hair
That little faggot got his own jet airplane
That little faggot he’s a millionaire

There is, however, one small problem with the Thought Control Council banning “Money For Nothing.” That is, the song is a parody specifically written to put down people who express such unenlightened opinions.

Mark Knoopfler, Dire Straits’ lead singer and co-writer of the song, describes his inspiration in Wikipedia:

“The lead character in “Money for Nothing” is a guy who works in the hardware department in a television/custom kitchen/refrigerator/microwave appliance store. He’s singing the song. I wrote the song when I was actually in the store. I borrowed a bit of paper and started to write the song down in the store. I wanted to use a lot of the language that the real guy actually used when I heard him, because it was more real….”

In 2000, Knopfler appeared on Michael Parkinson’s interview program and explained again where the lyrics originated. According to Knopfler, he was in New York and stopped by an appliance store. At the back of the store, they had a wall of TVs which were all tuned to MTV. Knopfler said there was a man working there dressed in a baseball cap, work boots, and a checkered shirt delivering boxes who was standing next to him watching. As they were standing there watching MTV, Knopfler remembers the man coming up with classic lines such as “what are those, Hawaiian noises?…that ain’t workin” etc. Knopfler asked for a pen to write some of these lines down and then eventually put those words to music.

So the song is actually a brilliant parody of redneck ignorance, something that the Royal Canadian Mounted Thought Police should celebrate, not ban.

But comprehending that concept would require actual thought, something that was banned in Canada at about the same time that “Money For Nothing” was a hit.

It really is a great song. Here’s the original video. Crank up the volume and enjoy it while you still can, because it won’t be long until the American thought police decide it’s unacceptable here, too.

H/T: Jammie Wearing Fool

Source: Wikipedia.org

{ 81 comments… read them below or add one }

KimmyQueen January 15, 2011 at 1:06 am

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This song was already too old by the time I was able to understand it. I have no idea why they are so worried about this song now after all these years. Is this like in some part of the Middle East where they still have new songs of the 80′s? Because that is pathetic.

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whiskeyriver January 15, 2011 at 6:20 am

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Poor child, just kidding KimmyQ!! If you want to try to understand what rock artists thought about where we, as a people, were heading you need to go back to the late 1960′s, early 1970′s to start. Listen to Steppenwolf, Aerosmith, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, there are many others, and move up to the mid 1980′s when rock as we knew it pretty much died. Don’t just listen to the music, hear the words, learn the words to the songs, then compare them to where we were historically at the time. Most of the artists of the day were very insightfull and once you understand what they tried to say, compared to what was going on in our country at the time, when you hear the songs again they will move you that much more. If you need some selections to start with let me know.

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Kip Hooker January 15, 2011 at 7:46 am

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I was a pretty small child in the eighties but had listened to enough of my dad’s records to realize that most of the “current” music sucked. Then that “alternative” wave of the early nineties hit and suddenly music was a lot better . . . not really great . . . but a lot better. Around that time I was fortunate enough to be introduced to indie music. Back when that actually meant a band or artist was on an indie label. Unfortunately that movement seems to have been swallowed up by the dying music industry. Hmm, that is another milestone . . . having lived long enough to lament what has been done to the music of my generation. Awesome!

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neo bonbon January 15, 2011 at 10:18 am

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Indie Rock isn’t dead. Indie Rock Music Journalists are.

o, yeah, and Animal Collective still sucks.

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Kip Hooker January 15, 2011 at 8:14 pm

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I’ve never liked Animal Collective. There are very few critic’s darlings that I’ve cared for. That goes doubly for The Decemberists, Promise Ring, Bright Eyes and pap of that ilk.

Of course Pavement, Guided by Voices, Belle & Sebastian . . . those were bands that the critics were right about. Those were the exceptions that proved the rule.

Things have changed for getting a hold of new music. I used to have tape-trading buddies all across the country that would mail new mixes once or twice a month. I also used to get catalogues from my favorite labels (K, Estrus, Kill Rock Stars, Merge etc). I don’t know how kids keep up these days. Blogs and internet radio I guess.

That being said if you’ve got any suggestions I am all ears.

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whiskeyriver January 15, 2011 at 10:21 am

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How do you think I feel!! I was a teenager when drugs, sex and rock-n-roll was the mantra and I tried them all! I didn’t care for the drugs but I have not given up on the other two yet.

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neo bonbon January 15, 2011 at 10:35 am

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yeah, I had to give up the Drugs, too. Alcohol, tobacco. I finally Quit smoking Tobacco 7 months ago, cold turkey. I feel great. maybe the best thing, psychologically, I have ever done for myself, is to decide to stop killing myself;)
But, doing any of the above would have been extremely difficult if I didn’t have marijuana to help at those, sometimes excruciating, moments of Physical Withdrawal from very addictive substances.
Being a Conservative board, I am sure not all will agree with me. That’s cool, but as far as I am concerned,
Marijuana helped me save my life.

Ok, enough of that,

Carry on, with the Commie Bashing.

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whiskeyriver January 16, 2011 at 7:45 am

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I too quit smoking, after about 45 yers of it, but I guess I was ready because it really was not that hard for me. Smoke free for 3 months now and feeling better every day!

As for the other, who cares? You like a toke once in a while, I prefer a cold beer after work. Like anything else moderation is the key.

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RockingHorseGuy August 21, 2011 at 10:00 am

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Congrats on quitting smoking, Whiskey.

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Kip Hooker January 15, 2011 at 8:15 pm

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@ whiskeyriver

Don’t ever give up on the other two!

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neo bonbon January 15, 2011 at 10:14 am

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Hey, Whiskey River,

Point us to the Goods, Brother! YES, PLEASE !!!And don’t go easy on the Willie !!!

Is a Top 5 possible?

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whiskeyriver January 15, 2011 at 10:27 am

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I just got back for a quick look but I have to get to work soon. I’ll be in tonight and give you a short list to look up and listen to, you can find most songs on the internet. Start small, listen to the music and especially the words, then check out the history at the time the songs were written. It will amaze you how much insight the rock artists at the time had.

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neo bonbon January 15, 2011 at 10:41 am

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would be cool.

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neo bonbon January 15, 2011 at 4:15 pm

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I got one
1. PinaColada Song- Rupert Holmes
Story about the American Left and the American Right coming back together again;)

2. (I don’t wanna lose) Your Love – Outfield
Obama and Dums nervous about 2012

3. Its Hip to be Square – Huey Lewis and the News
Well, look at any hipster, and ask yourself, Was he wrong?

4. Got my mind set on you – George Harrison
You got that right, George. It sure is.

5. Heartache Tonight – Eagles
Obviously, written in anticipation of the Democrats defeat Election Night 2012.

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whiskeyriver January 16, 2011 at 7:40 am

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Sorry, had to work overtime last night and was to tired to hang around. From reading the posts here I am obiously older than most of you, a lot older(lol), so listen up young ones and be enlightened.

These songs and their lyrics can be found on the internet. Start with “At Seventeen” by Janis Ian. Read the words, listen to the song and think of the fairytale about the Ugly Duckling. Next, find “Sugar Mountain” by Neil Young. Think about where you were going and what you were thinking when you first left home, when you went to college or moved into your first apartment. Finally, for a hit you between the eyes kind of song listen to “Living on The Edge” by Aerosmith.

From being a confused teen, through becoming a young adult and into the harsh realities of life. Listen to the songs, read the words, then think, I mean really think, about your life and how they relate to you. Then, bring this up in a few days and tell me what you found out.

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whiskeyriver January 16, 2011 at 8:06 am

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Oh no! Never! Last year was a wild one for me. After 32 years of marriage I was handed my walking papers and no more for me. I am enjoying being single again and I learned something about myself at the same time.

I used to look down on those old farts with a girlfriend 20 or 30 years younger then they are. As women get older and get into menopause they tend to lose interest in doing the “Horizontal Sofa Shuffle” and it was frustrating. I am now one of those old farts I used to look down on! I have new girlfriend, 18 years younger than me, and I am telling you true buddy, no viagra for me! Call me a dirty old man if you want, it’s OK, I was a dirty young man too!

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RockingHorseGuy August 21, 2011 at 10:02 am

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Congrats again, Whiskey.

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KimmyQueen January 15, 2011 at 3:26 pm

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I got to admit that the guitar riff is pretty tight. I was a teen when emo rock music was king. I loved Pearl Jam and Green Day and what not. At this point in my life though I could care less for the contemporary music.

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Natsman January 15, 2011 at 1:51 am

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God protect us from our stupid, stupid selves.
Before long we will be legally devoid of thoughts, and it will be an offence to possess one.

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whiskeyriver January 15, 2011 at 6:09 am

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It’s been years since I have seen the video and it is still great. I was thirty- something when it came out and there was no problem with the song back then so what is the problem now? No wonder the Canuks are in trouble, they worry too much about a song, that very few have heard in years. They should be worrying about their sorry economy instead.

Rock on Mark! This old fart still gets it and still rocks out!

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Ray January 15, 2011 at 6:14 am

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It’s still a great song.

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hisham January 15, 2011 at 9:39 am

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I’m with you Ray, I really liked this song when it first came out, however, hearing it now just reminds me of how old I’m getting.

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danybhoy January 18, 2011 at 8:16 pm

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Dee Snider mentioned something that I believe to be true. He talked about going to shows of veteran acts, where the members of the band are getting into their 50′s & 60′s. When you go to see someone who fits that bill, & they can’t do it anymore, you go away feeling old. But when they can still go out & kick ass, you leave feeling better about yourself. You still feel you can do it, & you don’t feel as old as you are. I think there is something to that.

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Kip Hooker January 15, 2011 at 7:48 am

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Geddy Lee and the boys better watch out. Fans of Ayn Rand are surely going to be considered to “ideologically impure” to be be permitted in the public square.

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Necron_99 January 15, 2011 at 12:35 pm

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“2112″… 0r should I say “2012″…

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Kip Hooker January 15, 2011 at 8:17 pm

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@Necron

Excellent, just excellent!

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danybhoy January 16, 2011 at 5:59 am

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After 30 plus years, I really don’t think the boys in Rush care what people think. Hell, 2112 is was their last stand against their record label, & it’s about the individual vs the mass. Kinda rings true today…

“Attention all planets of the solar federation…
We have assumed control”

…They are also 1 of my favorite bands, & if you have never seen them live, you really should. Absolute legends.

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whiskeyriver January 16, 2011 at 8:14 am

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I saw them live in 1977 and they were awesome. What suprised me was their opening act, they kicked serious ass as far as I am concerned, and they are still around. Their opening band? Aerosmith!

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danybhoy January 16, 2011 at 2:22 pm

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Just saw them on May 22, 2008 @ the Xcel Energy Center in St.Paul. They still kick ass, even after all these years. If you have seen the new documentry “Beyond The Lighted Stage”, they said they really got a big break opening for Kiss. That would have been a interesting show.

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neo bonbon January 16, 2011 at 8:29 pm

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Sorry, but Rush blows the doors off Aerosmith.

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Warren January 16, 2011 at 8:31 pm

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I dunno, I think Rush can be a little pretentious, at times Aerosmith is a group that just wants to rock… There is a kind of weird purity to that.

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whiskeyriver January 16, 2011 at 11:04 pm

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Different strokes for different folks. I like the words, the meaning, what the band is trying to say and how it relates to life in general. Rush, like KISS, are more commercial entertainers and do not really say anything with deep meaning. And, very few bands do. But when they do come up with a song, like “Sweet Child ‘O Mine” by Guns-N-Roses, or “Mother” by Pink Floyd, that is what I hone in on. It’s the message, the words, that make the song great even if it was not a “top ten” hit.

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Kyle January 17, 2011 at 12:24 am

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Sweet Child ‘O Mine is far from deep. Just like Rush is far from commercial entertainment. I have yet to hear a band other than Pink Floyd equal Rush in terms of lyrics, skill, and all-around stage presence combined. Heck, I can barely listen to much else after I discovered them.

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danybhoy January 17, 2011 at 4:51 am

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The only real comparison of Rush & Kiss that you can really make is fan loyalty. Both have an insanely fanbase that is hardcore, I noticed that when I saw both bands. Kyle is spot on about commercial radio, Rush has almost no place outside of AOR formats. I would also like to see Floyd sometime, I have not done so yet. But 1st & foremost for me is Maiden. Great musicianship, excelent mix of prog rock with metal, & as good a live act as you will ever see.

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whiskeyriver January 18, 2011 at 10:49 pm

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Whoa up my man! No disrespect intended! I never said I didn’t like Rush, they had some kick ass music. And yes, I have read Neil’s book and in light of things going on now I am thinking about climbing on my old scooter and taking a ride myself. No longer married, house paid for, children grown and doing their own thing, maybe it is time for me to do just for me.

And, you caught me. Yes, I am a Willie Nelson fan. I also like David Allen Coe, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Charley Pride, Ray Charles, Lynard Skynard, Steppenwolf, Kris Kristofferson, Travis Tritt and John Denver. Janis Joplin, Janis Ian, Dolly Parton and Aretha Franklin have done some good stuff too. I do not like everything any of them have done but all of them have done at least one song that hits me in the heart. And there are many other singer/song writers, country, rock or soul that have done the same. My whole point when this conversation started was to listen to the words, not the venue. Music can really be the thing that explains all lifes difficulties to us and, as the old saying goes, calms the savage beast within all of us.

whiskeyriver January 17, 2011 at 11:50 am

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This tells me you are not old enough to have lost a child. I did, 6 years ago, he was killed in a car wreck. But, I have two beautiful grandchildren to remember him with and in the here and now that is what is important. Think about it in that sense then listen to the song again.

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danybhoy January 17, 2011 at 8:56 pm

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Sorry for your loss, & if that song has a special place in your heart, & you can use it to help you, by all means. That’s the beauty of music, it means different things to different people at different stages of people’s lives. G’N R were a disapointment to me after “Appetite for Destruction”, they should have gone on to be 1 of the greatest bands ever, they flamed out quickly because of Axel, & despite the brilliance of “Appetite…”, I quit caring.

Now, you seem to have something in common with Rush’s drummer Neil Peart, who in 1997 lost his 19 year old daughter in a 1 car crash. Then 10 months later, his wife of 22 years to cancer. His recaction was to go on a solo 55,000 mile motorcycle journey to collect his thoughts. He also wrote a book about it, “Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road” Now am I saying you should read his book or follow Rush because of this? Not at all, but I am putting it out there, since it’s not exactly a secret.

For the record, I am old enough to have had kids that could have graduated high school by now, if I had fathered any. I have not. But let me just let you know I mean nothing personal in discussing musical tastes, & would like to think Kyle did’nt either. It’s just music, & we all take away different things from different songs/bands. That’s why we like music. Plus, judging by your screen name, that might be a tip off about maybe being a Willie Nelson fan, but I might be wrong.

Wes January 15, 2011 at 11:34 am

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In case Americans forget to check the mirror, remember what the U.S. is doing to Huckleberry Finn right now. (For those of you educated by the public school system in recent years, no, Huckleberry Finn is not a music group.)

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Necron_99 January 15, 2011 at 1:06 pm

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Yes I know… It’s sickening how the so-called “Proponents of Tolerance & Understanding” are working overtime to censor, eradicate, and out right destroy anything they don’t agree with – namely history, literature, art, and most importantly THE FREEDOM TO MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND.

On a musical note (pun intended!): These @-holes remind me of Frank Zappa’s ‘Central Scrutinizer’ in “Joe’s Garage”…

“This is the CENTRAL SCRUTINIZER… it is my responsibility to enforce all the laws that haven’t been passed yet. It is also my responsibility to alert each and every one of you to the potential consequences of various ordinary everyday activities you might be performing which could eventually lead to The Death Penalty (or affect your parents’ credit rating).

Our criminal institutions are full of little creeps like you who do wrong things… and many of them were driven to these crimes by a horrible force called MUSIC!

Our studies have shown that this horrible force is so dangerous to society at large that laws are being drawn up at this very moment to stop it forever!

Cruel and inhuman punishments are being carefully described in tiny paragraphs so they won’t conflict with the Constitution (which, itself, is being modified in order to accommodate THE FUTURE).”

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Kip Hooker January 15, 2011 at 8:19 pm

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Just add water, it makes it’s own sauce!

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Warren January 15, 2011 at 5:02 pm

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Well it is one company that is doing that. Idotic, I know, but it isn’t the government.

Not saying the US government wouldn’t stoop to such levels, but in this case it is just one company.

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DeanH January 17, 2011 at 6:24 am

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Hello. My name is Enward Nigardlee. I am from the Center for Removing Angry Pronouns. Please deposit all you angry pronouns into the language control devices provided at the far left.

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danybhoy January 18, 2011 at 1:11 pm

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Judging by your last name, you should be a cheap skate. Very tight with your money you must be.

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DeanH February 4, 2011 at 3:57 am

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It is French.

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Ruben January 15, 2011 at 1:29 pm

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Were Dire Straits referring to anyone specific with their lyrics? I think if it was anyone it was Prince, and they were just using the pejorative “faggot” as an insult and not as an ascribing of identity sort of thing.

Your thoughts?

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Necron_99 January 15, 2011 at 1:43 pm

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I always thought they were referencing Boy George or any of the what would now be labeled ‘Emo’ or ‘gender bender’ nu-wave male singers.

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Elrond Hubbard January 15, 2011 at 4:42 pm

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“Money for Nothing” was sung from the perspective of a working class stiff delivering household appliances. He was envious of the successful rock singer so he called him a “faggot” because the rocker had the money, the women and the noteriety while he had nothing but his back breaking job. The Canadian Broadcast Council (aka music nazis) is too stupid to appreciate the satire or social comment that Knophler was making.

And, 25 years later, it’s still a great song,

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danybhoy January 16, 2011 at 6:05 am

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BINGO! They were making fun of the people who would say the offensive things talked about in the song .

It is still a good tune after 25 years, & “Brother’s in Arms” was the 1st CD to sell 1million in that format.

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slick willie jihd January 15, 2011 at 4:42 pm

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i listened to American idioy by green day on the radio today and they bleeped out the work faggot in that song too. what a joke.

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Warren January 15, 2011 at 5:01 pm

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Well that whole album is a joke, so it works out :)

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KimmyQueen January 15, 2011 at 8:12 pm

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I agree… and it is funny because the singer is bisexual.

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DJ January 15, 2011 at 7:25 pm

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Well, back in the day (OK…1973), the local radio stations in SoCal like KHJ dubbed the word ‘crud’ for the word ‘crap’ in Paul Simon’s “Kodachrome”…

“When I think back
On all the crap
I learned in high school…”

*sigh*
I suddenly feel old…

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editor January 15, 2011 at 8:39 pm

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93KHJ, Boss Radio in Los Angeles, the greatest Top 40 radio station of all time. Ahhh, those were the good ol days. Check out a website called RadioLogoLand.com. You’ll like it.

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Administrator January 15, 2011 at 9:21 pm

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Oh my god, that brings back memories! I remember listening to KHJ in the San Fernando Valley a long, long time ago. I can remember the jingle.

I saw the KHJ logo’d shirts over at RadioLogoLand.com. Cool.

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DJ January 15, 2011 at 11:35 pm

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Wow, thanks for the time trip…loved the site.
Nothing beats KHJ Boss Radio…the best in the 60′s & 70′s. When I hear old clips from the dj’s, like the Real Don Steele & Machine Gun Kelly, it brings back soooo many memories…I loved growing up in LA & CA back then.

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RockingHorseGuy January 15, 2011 at 11:59 pm

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I was there. It was pretty cool. KLOS was one of my favorites, and I once rode my bicycle backwards in a 20 mile ride against cancer, sponsored by KRLA. Those were the days.

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editor January 16, 2011 at 4:56 am

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Many, many years ago when I was a young ad agency guy we did a a Twilight Zone parody radio commercial. We were told that Machine Gun Kelly could do a perfect Rod Serling impression. And perfect is exactly what it was. He told us that Serling had died in the middle of narrating a Jacques Cousteau TV show. Kelly was hired to complete the narration and viewers never knew where Serling ended and he began.

And, yes, Southern California was absolutely the best then, but it’s awful now.

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whiskeyriver January 16, 2011 at 8:21 am

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Since you are up and around Mr Editor how can I add my own avatar to my profile? I ain’t a ‘puter geek so keep it simple please.

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Administrator January 16, 2011 at 8:38 am

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From our FAQ:

How do I put my photo or image with my comments like some of the other commenters?

The images you see on the comments are called Gravatars. These are images recognized by most web sites, and are associated with an email address. If you do not have a gravatar set up, a site-wide default image will be shown in it’s place. Getting a gravatar is free, and simple. Just go to Gravatar.com

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whiskeyriver January 16, 2011 at 8:59 am

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Thanks for the information.

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DJ January 16, 2011 at 1:10 pm

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Forgot to mention for those fans out there that Machine Gun Kelly has a fantastic website: http://www.mgkelly.com/

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Warren January 15, 2011 at 5:01 pm

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So…what about all the other pop music that is on the air? The ones that are even more offensive (Both lyrically and musically) and aren’t parodies?

We need to start banning Lady Gaga, any singer that spells part of his/her name with a symbol, and “hip hop” that takes a sadomasochist attitude towards women!

That would ban 90 percent of the music.

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KimmyQueen January 15, 2011 at 5:03 pm

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I have no problem with this.

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Barb R January 16, 2011 at 7:58 am

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Several radio stations in Canada have announced that they will be having “Money for Nothing” marathons – they will be playing the original song with the original lyrics on a continuous loop for an hour at a time.

To imagine that ONE SINGLE complaint generated this nonsense is truly mind-boggling. Welcome to my world, where the most right-wing party is still left of the Obama Dems, and where the truth is no defense. Seriously. According to our “Human Rights” commissions and tribunals, THE TRUTH IS NO DEFENSE.

Did I happen to mention I hate this place?

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editor January 16, 2011 at 8:06 am

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Perhaps you should start a website called IHateThisPlace.com. In what part of the country do you live and why are you there?

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Barb R January 16, 2011 at 8:21 am

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I’ll have to check to see if IHateThisPlace has already been taken – what a great name!

But it would probably be considered “hate speech.” We also do not have freedom of speech – ask Ann Coulter, who was run out of town before she could give a speech at the University of Ottawa. But that’s a whole other story.

I had to move back to Canada four years ago to take care of my elderly parents. My brother was watching out for them, but we unfortunately lost him to cancer, so it was my turn to step up. I don’t begrudge my folks because they are so darned cute, but without a doubt it’s been the hardest four years of my life.

I’m “living” in Ottawa, a tantalizing 30 minutes from the border. It’s a far cry from southern California and northern Nevada, you have no idea.

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whiskeyriver January 16, 2011 at 8:29 am

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Hang in there, I know how you feel. I too am taking care of my elderly parents and it do get hard at times, especially on the social life. But, like you said, they are my parents and as the oldest son it is my duty to make sure they get whatever care they need.

One thing you can do is call or email all the radio stations you can and show your support!

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Ruben January 17, 2011 at 10:15 am

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Barb, may I suggest: if you’re not already there, move to either AB, SK or MB; form a coalition government then declare an intention to secede from Canada; apply for U.S. territory status; talk the governors of the Dakotas, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Nebraska into creating a second coalition, then declare an intention to secede from the U.S. and create a new nation. You’d have water coming out your ears; the ability to grow all the grain crops necessary; enough sunshine to go with greenhouses in which to produce your own fruit; enough oil, coal and gas to have your own energy-based economy; enough gun owners and national guardsmen to create a standing army and militias; you can raise all the livestock you’d need; there is an adequate road/rail/air transport infrastructure; and let’s not forget the greatest commodity of these provinces and states of which there’d be no shortage: common sense conservatism. Sounds like the makings of a great nation to me. As for the rest of us, I guess we’ll be relegated to languishing in what fast became known as, “Amerika” because our military erfuses to stand up and defend the constitution from its domestic enemies.

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Barb R January 17, 2011 at 11:13 am

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Ruben, thanks for the suggestions but you missed one very important fact – if Global Warming doesn’t hurry up and get here FAST, the places you’ve mentioned are freaking COLD.

If I hadn’t moved back to Canada to be closer to Mom and Dad, I would have stayed in Nevada. Even California is more conservative than this place! Yes, even with good old Moonbeam back in the saddle. (BTW, what the hell were you people thinking??!!)

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whiskeyriver January 17, 2011 at 11:58 am

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Too funny Barb, and so true! Here in New Mexico we have been getting close to near record cold temps at night for the past 2 months. Where is Al-Gorebachov when we need him!

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RockingHorseGuy August 21, 2011 at 10:09 am

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I don’t know what the people who voted for MoonBeam were thinking, but I was holding my nose tightly as I voted for what’serface.

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Barb R January 17, 2011 at 11:27 am

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Oh Ruben, I forgot to mention: I like how you think. :)

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danybhoy January 18, 2011 at 1:16 pm

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This past summer I was in Winnipeg, & the radio up there sucked big time. It was worse then American radio, which is getting worse by the day. Thankfully, I have been a subscriber to XM Satellite Radio & I could circumvent it. Sirius/XM has 20million subscribers now, & when you listen to regular radio, you know why.

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RockingHorseGuy August 21, 2011 at 10:10 am

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Broadcast radio has nobody but itself to blame for the emergence of Sirius/XM.

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toocoldinwa January 21, 2011 at 9:47 pm

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Thanks to the Canadians, a new generation who didn’t have a clue about this song will now know all about it. Good job, Ottawa!

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Barb R January 22, 2011 at 8:13 am

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Don’t thank Ottawa. Thank St. John’s, Newfoundland. It is actually Ottawa who is ordering a review of the ban.

In any event, I agree with you that this kind of publicity is priceless – raises awareness of a classic song to a new generation, and makes the nannies look like the utter fools they are.

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4mTX February 3, 2011 at 6:45 pm

Poorly Rated. Do you Like or Dislike? Thumb up 0 Thumb down 6

Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.

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Barb R February 4, 2011 at 1:06 pm

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Now, I understand that it is very very cold in Canada right now and that could be the reason you are so confused. Please read the article again. Please note where it says the CRBC banned the song. Please note the headline, which does NOT state anything about the RCMP, but rather the RCM THOUGHT POLICE (hint hint a very witty play on words).

And when you wake up from hibernation, try to have a sense of humor and please refrain from scolding or lecturing us. This motley crew already has a Canadian nanny watching over them. This board ain’t big enuf for the both of us, eh?

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beanhead54 August 21, 2011 at 11:14 am

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4mTX: “The ban was a result of a single compliant to the CRBC. The CRTC, a federal government agency much like the FCC in the USA asked the CRBC to reconsider the ban as they thought it did not violate any laws or decency standards.”

Please don’t allow the alphabet soup of acronyms fool you, my friend. Canada’s sets and sub-sets of ultra-Liberal government/non-government controlling bodies are as incestuous as they are here in the States.

There is now an effort afoot to yank the license of the Toronto Sun’s broadcast body because it dares to question the spending of taxpayer funds for the support of “artistic” programs. Watch the 3 videos on the attached link and see if the station’s argument isn’t on solid ground.

WARNING: To all of our more “Liberal” friends, you might be careful when watching, as the station is rather factual and frank in the FOX News tradition.

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/opinions/archives/2011/08/20110812-195103.html

While the Sun may not be everyone’s cuppa’ tea, it stands that freedom of speech should hold trump, ‘eh you hosers?

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Bob Porrazzo February 16, 2011 at 4:49 am

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Many radio stations, like Classic Rock or Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) stations I think would play the song with those lyrics in question. Others like say AC stations with lots of 80′s in their playlist would play the edited version. I’ve heard both versions, the latter most often and it hasn’t taken away from the listening enjoyment.

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RockingHorseGuy August 21, 2011 at 10:13 am

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I can enjoy listening to the edited version, as far as the music goes, but my deep-rooted love of freedom would make me angry that somebody changed the original intent of the artist, just for PC nonsense.

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