I've been reduced to hyperlinks and talking points

The inspiration is sorely lacking some days. Case in point, today. Let's proceed.

1. Although only now realizing the discussion was about a year old, The Walrus magazine's online forum 'Is Canada Disappearing From The World Stage?' remains as topical and relevent today as it did when originally published. Featuring the likes of Linda McQuaig, Pamela Wallin, and Michael Adams, the debate centres on the Canadian role, or perceived lack thereof, in an international context. While much focus is placed on status and standing in the world, it's important to remember the intentions behind diplomacy, trade, and intervention should serve more than the most basic reasons as posturing and image.
2. Manchester United's boss Alex Ferguson calls for a cap on ticket prices. Interestingly enough United are probably one of the worst offenders in this regard and only recently were taken over by an owner seeking to squeeze even more revenue out of the club, leading to worries of even higher ticket prices. Way to shift the conversation away from United's brutal 2-1 home defeat to Blackburn on Saturday. Already 10 points behind Chelsea, things aren't looking particularly promising and we're not even out of September yet.
3. "More than 80 percent of the $1.5 billion in contracts signed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency alone were awarded without bidding or with limited competition, government records show, provoking concerns among auditors and government officials about the potential for favoritism or abuse." Democracy in action, right? Read via NYT.
4. Bet you didn't know Finland isn't really considered part of Scandanavia....
5. The guy who founded Domino's Pizza is also the founder of the Thomas More Law Center, who are going to bat this week for the right to have intelligent design taught in schools. Something to think about next time you order out.
6. Radiohead back in the studio, about time. No offense to the legendary bands who can certainly afford to put out albums whenever they want, but there is such a dearth of great music available for free now that waiting 3+ years between albums will knock you down the totem pole of significance. Like it or not, popular culture is consuming media at an ever-increasing rate and much to the dismay of many even the more obscure acts are falling victim to this malady.
7. For your consideration- You Say Party! We Say Die! I'd heard the name before, never the music. Instant fan.
8. Related: I (heart) music, another in a long line of great Canadian music blogs. Unfortunately for you the reader, while this site aspires to provide the same level of quality as IHM, Chromewaves, and Said the Gramaphone, the ambition is sadly lacking.