O Canada...

Voting ABC is as easy as 1-2-3

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:56:43 GMT

Here are some basic ABC guidelines that will work wonders if we're all on the same page:

1. If you live in a riding that went Liberal, NDP or Bloc in the last election, vote for that party.
2. If you live in a riding that elected a Conservative, vote for the party that came second.
3. Vote for Elizabeth May if you live in her riding.

Now get your family and 10 friends to do the same. Let's vote out the Regressive Conservatives!

MAKING (S)ELECTIONS

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:17:10 GMT

On the run-up of the Canadian Federal Elex I'm trying to make my mind and sometimes I feel confused since I don't see any major differences between the parties. They all stand for better life, stronger families, healthier health, sexier sex, blah-blah-blah...

In my electoral district, e.g., there are candidates from five parties. I selected out the extremes (in my perception, they are "two Cs": Commies and Conservatives); and I can't settle myself in the three remaining.

Can anyone explain be (in brief), what are the differences among these three: Liberals, NDP and Greens?

They all seem to be standing for green economy, more just taxation, family values, and so on.

Thanks for your political lecturing.

New to community

Thu, 15 May 2008 15:08:00 GMT

Hi! I absolutely love Canada and just went to Quebec last year for my Honeymoon. (pictures above from Quebec) We rented a car and drove many hours north one day through the national forest to a town that I can't remember the name of! I could look it up on a map. We refer to the town as "Chickapee" as an inside joke. Can't wait to go back one day to Quebec City! Maybe for our 20-year...

I currently reside in Pennsylvania and we plan to move to Oregon next year. I'm looking forward to visiting again Vancouver and Victoria. I went once with my family when we went on a vacation to Seattle and those two Canadian cities.

Check out my other daily drawings if you get a chance and let me know what you think.

BECK.E

Life is long like Trans-Canada Highway

Tue, 06 May 2008 19:30:22 GMT

Western Canadians claim the mountain section of Highway 1 is the most beautiful road in the world. It was built by Chinese and they died here in thousands.

I hitched a car driven by some blond girl who was continuously smoking and talking; she wasn't bother very much whether I understand her at all.

All I managed to understand only that her name is Doreen, that she drives from fucking Vancouver, where she studies in fucking UBC, to fucking Calgary to her fucking Mom for a summer break; that she just broke up with her fucking boyfriend, who was such a stupid freak that all her fucking female friends were jealous.

Since she couldn't jabber, smoke and drive at the same time, she made frequent stops, so it took us 15 hours to make it to Calgary.

Webster's add-ons

Fri, 02 May 2008 16:56:55 GMT

Yesterday my English vocabulary was enriched with the very important word "ball-breaker".

It was, in that particular case, related to a 1000-step stairway going up from a nudists beach to the UBC campus.

Most people find out there is no other way out only after they have already made all way down the 45-degree slope:-)))

Hi everyone!

Thu, 01 May 2008 23:16:30 GMT

My name is Alicia (call me Lich or Licha) and I just joined the community :D
I want to say that it's my dream to live in Canada someday so I'll be here often asking lots of questions.

I hope to meet lots of people here too :) from Canada and all over the world.

See you around!

Love it or Leave it -- follow-up

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:13:29 GMT

I am sure now you will have hard times explaining me why I am wrong.

The Canadians are supposes to love Canada, aren't we? Otherwise, what's the difference betwen this so-called Canadian and some Chinese tourist in Toronto?

Love it or leave it, part 2

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:28:39 GMT

Today I've found a reaction on my passionate letter against the usage of non-official languages in public places in Canada (see previous entry in my journal).

Hello Mr Serebryany,

Bravo!! Excellent, articulate statement of the issue. We would be interested in using a part of your note in future in one of our weekly bulletins. Do we have your consent?

In our view, it is extremely important that individuals such as you register complaints about immigration matters such as language. It might help if you forwarded your communication (or a shorter version of it) to Canada's Minister of Immigration and your MP. Phone calls to these people are even more effective. As you are aware, most of the Toronto MP's fall over one another in their worship of high immigration levels, multiculturalism, diversity, etc.

All the best,
Dan Murray
Immigration Watch Canada.org</

LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 02:35:48 GMT

I guess my "inflammatory" point of view is unpopular here; still nobody has explained me what exactly is wrong with it. That only makes me believe many share my position but are afraid of speaking it out, let alone publish such an opinion.

This morning, as I was withdrawing some cash from the RBC’s ATM at Roncesvalles Avenue, I was pretty stunned with a greeting message on the ATM’s screen. What shocked me, was the word WELCOME printed in Chinese beside usual English and French salutations.

I have absolutely nothing against the Chinese or any other ethnic group; they can be both great guys and bastards, like in any other group randomly taken. I just wonder if I missed some important swing in Canadian politics, and Chinese (which one –Mandarin or Cantonese, by the way) has now been the third official language along with English and French?

What especially makes me wonder is the fact that I came across that ATM not in the depths of Spadina/Dundas Chinatown but in Parkdale village -- that is authentically Canadian or, rather, Polish neighborhood.

I can well predict you may start accusing me of bias against so-called visible minorities, or, even worse, racism. No way.

Once again, I have no bitter feelings toward any ethnic group and their freedom to speak their mother tongue whenever and wherever they find it convenient. However, does it mean that the nationwide institutions like above mentioned Royal Bank of Canada, should give any preference to any one of them?

Equality does not equal absurdity. The fact that there are some 100 languages spoken in the GTA, doesn’t imply every notice, advertisement and road sign here must be dubbed in a hundred different languages.

Still, lots of public notices designed for common use (like street signs, above mentioned ATM’s greetings, etc) in Toronto bear Chinese translation, not even (allegedly) official French!

I think I’ve got a right to express this opinion, since I myself came from Russia in 2002. Nevertheless, it never ever came to my mind that public notices in this country should be dubbed in Russian only because this is my first language. It simply sounds ridiculous for me. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

Just have a look. According to the StatCanada’s recent figures, Chinese don’t even make an absolute majority among the minorities; they are outnumbered by the South Asians. Logically thinking, the City Hall would have to translate the signs into Hindi or Tamil, in the first hand; but have you ever seen many signs in Toronto in one of those languages? I have not, with, maybe, the exception of several Indian-cuisine restaurants.

When I was leaving the country of my birth six years ago, I wasn’t looking for another “Russia across the Atlantic”. On the opposite, I was (and still am) struggling to find my Canadian identity, to be as little a Russian and as much a Canadian as possible.

Do explain me, please: if I would like him to grow up authentically Russian, what on Earth would I take him away from Russia? He’d be better off staying there where his parents could afford –in financial terms, to say the least,-- way more flexibility than here in Canada. (Life of the newly minted subjects of the Crown is not a bed of roses, you know).

The more there are “ethnic” signs, newspapers, radio stations and ATM’s screens in predominately (so far) English-speaking Canada, the slower the newcomers integrate into our society. Why does one need to study the official language(s) hard if he/she can well communicate in one’s native tongue from birth to death, effectively not leaving closed ethnic community throughout the life?

Immigrants are like gas that fills all the volume available. It would be unjust to accuse them for following the law of physics. But it is a Government of this country that applies the laws of nature to the laws of the State. It is a Government of this country that created the phenomenon of “split loyalties”.

Canada must be a heaven for foreign moles and international terrorists. Who can guaranty in case of major international crisis, which part will take many of those “Canadians with prefix”? Just an example: observe some fans watching World Hockey Cup when Canada plays versus their home country and guess which team they actually support.

When boarding a plane to Toronto in 2002, I had no intention to find myself in either China or India or Poland or Greece or whatever ethnic communities flourish in Canada. During six years spent in Toronto up to date, I developed a strong feeling that so-called multiculturalism actually creates numerous “states inside a state inside a state”; thus making closer the Big Bang of the common country we are all supposed to stand for in good times and in bad.

I love Canada, so I’m afraid very much that officially endorsed “let all flowers blossom” policy (Chinese saying, eh?) will eventually blow up my new country from the inside like it happened with the old multicultural Soviet Union or, even worse, Yugoslavia.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. It looks like Canadian Government has never heard of that wisdom. Or, rather, Ottawa trades Canadian historical heritage for the sake of current political profit. I believe, one must consider oneself not a Russian-Canadian, Chinese-Canadian, Martian-Canadian, in the end of the day, but Canadian with no extras.

For me, there is no issue of the split loyalty. For me, there’s no question who to support. The very decision to leave the country of my birth was a kind of “war declaration” to it. I ceased to be a Russian (in my personal affiliation, at least) long before I landed in Pearson Airport.

That didn’t mean I’d become a real Canadian at the turn of a key. To be Canadian means, first and foremost, to be recognized as one by all those who were born here (and to write this letter with no etymological mistakes). I wish I could completely assimilate though during my lifetime. I hope my soon-to-be-born child can call himself a Canadian with no prefix like “Russian-“. I’m happy he’ll have more ground to call Canada his home and the native land.

I don’t know how many people are there who think similarly to me – but, in any case, I’m hardly the only one. As federal elections are looming (ironically, as a result of the controversial immigration bill), I think our politicians ought to realize that there are different opinions on how to preserve Canada strong and free -- instead of transforming this country to the world’s treatment pond.

When in Canada, do as the Canadians do. Or leave it.

Game for real men

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:06:56 GMT

I adore watching other people fighting, kicking each other's mugs, blowing out each other's teeth and so on.
Not that I'm bloody thirsty; quite the opposite -- I immediately start feeling my own not even intellectual but sort of biological superiority over them. Because they use the same "arguments" that apes, bulls and crocodiles use. Unlike them, I am always able to prove my rightness by sheer power of my brain, immaculate logic and unchallenged memory reserves.
That's why this night I can't make myself switch off the Toronto's CP24 Channel where they repeatedly show the scuffle during a hockey game.
It's true: hockey, like boxing, is a sport for the apes but definitely not for Homo Sapience. I'd rather play chess.

Shit happens

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 18:15:14 GMT

IGOR to JULIA: I'm getting a bit nervous because it is the 1st of October today, and I have still received neither a check for my August pieces nor a
compensation for my August business trip expenses. May I ask you to double check if money was sent to the correct account?

JULIA to IGOR: Your August checks were mailed out on September 17, 2007, check again with your bank, the account is the same. Your September check is going out today.

JULIA to IGOR: Just now I received your checks back from the bank in Canada, saying that is returned because the bank has moved, check if they have a new address and let me know. I do have the same address I sent checks last time and I do not know what is the problem.

IGOR to BANK: Please can you provide me with your new address?

BANK to IGOR: Our address remains the same as it has been for years.

IGOR to JULIA: I just spoke to a Royal Bank of Canada representative, Kevin told me that the bank has the same address. Since you've got my paycheck returned anyway, could you please make a wire transfer? I can't wait for another two weeks.

JULIA to IGOR: I just spoke to your bank and they cannot explain how the envelope can be returned when the address is correct. So we are going to transfer your money tomorrow morning since our bank is closed now. I will include your September fee also.

IGOR to JULIA: Thank you, Julia. Canada Post makes our life more colorful :-)

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:47:59 GMT

G'Day Canadians!

My name is ben, im 20 and from Australia and absolutely love Canada! So i thought i would join a Canadian community just to make some Canadian friends and talk about Canada!

Anyone interested feel free to add me or what not. I have msn and all that too!

I miss Toronto! :[

Tue, 22 May 2007 01:35:51 GMT

Canadian Music

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:41:45 GMT

Hello fellow Canadian musicians and music lovers,

Just wanted to give you a little update on what's going on in the world of Canadian music, especially here at Aquarius Records. In case you don't know, we are Canada's biggest independent record company (visit http://www.aquariusrecords.com for more), part of the Donald K. Donald Entertainment Group of Labels, which also includes Last Gang Records, Tacca Musique and Indica Records (visit http://www.dkd.com for more).

One artist that has started to have quite a little buzz about him, especially online, is Vancouver singer-songwriter Jeremy Fisher. If the name sounds familiar, it's probably because the homemade video for the 1st single, "Cigarette", from his recently released album, Goodbye Blue Monday, has had over 1 million views on the internet, thanks to being featured on the front page of the very popular YouTube (among many other sites)! He also made 2 other homemade videos for tracks off this album, entitled "Jolene" and "Scar That Never Heals", and is just about to complete a cross-Canada tour with fellow Canadian Tomi Swick.

His album is in stores right now and you can find everything you want to know about him here:

Jeremy Fisher's Official Site

Jeremy Fisher's MySpace

Jeremy Fisher on YouTube (where you can find all the videos mentioned!)

We also released the debut album, We Have an Emergency, from The Operation M.D., a garage rock duo featuring none other than Cone McCaslin (also known as Sum 41's bassist) as Dr. Dynamite, doing vocals, bass and keyboards and Todd Morse (guitarist for Juliette & The Licks and H2O) as Dr. Rocco, doing vocals, guitars and keyboards. The hilarious video for the 1st single, "Sayonara", was directed by none other than Sum 41 drummer Steve Jocz and you can check it out below!

The Operation M.D.'s MySpace

The Operation M.D. on YouTube

As for upcoming projects?

Sum 41's long-awaited 4th album, entitled Underclass Hero, will be released July 24th, 2007! The 1st single, as well as opening track, is "Underclass Hero", and will hit radio airwaves and be available for digital purchasing on May 15th. But you won't have to wait that long for a taste of the new album, because Sum 41 are unveiling a tune called "March of the Dogs" online on the first week of May on iTunes Canada!

Sum 41's Official Site

Sum 41's MySpace

Sum 41 on YouTube

And in the fall, you can look forward to the debut album by new hard rock group, Brown Brigade called, In the Mouth of Badd(d)ness - Brown Brigade, featuring Dave Brownsound Baksh (ex-Sum 41 guitarist) on vocals with Vaughn Lal on bass, recruited Johnny No Triggers (from Suckershot) on drums, Craig Pattison on guitar and Cess Rock (MC) to finish the job. With collective influences that include funk, old school hip-hop, metal and rock, Brown Brigade’s special blend is sure to be something you've never quite heard before.

Brown Brigade's Official Site

Brown Brigade's MySpace

Lots of music to explore and much more to look forward to this year - if you enjoy these types of updates, don't be afraid to let us know and don't forget to join us on the Aquarius MySpace for more up-to-the-moment news!

And be sure to check out the brand new DKD store for online merchandise and more here: http://www.dkdtunes.com.

[Apologies for cross posting & if this is inappropriate.]

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:16:22 GMT

I know that there's a large portion of the local population that is freaking out with excitement about how the Vancouver Canucks are in the playoffs. However, hockey's not really my thing. I like to watch a game now and then as much as the next person, but I'm not making large Stanley Cup look-a-likes out of aluminum foil any time soon.

More important news, and an issue I CAN'T WAIT to see the people on Royal Canadian Air Farce spoof upon, is that Belinda Stronach is throwing in her polical towel. Everyone knows she comes from a rich family business that her daddy runs, called Magna International, where she had a high-up position due to, y'know, her last name. She went into Canadian politics, had some sex, and came back crying to her daddy. Or, maybe that's not quite how it happened, but it sums it up.

Stronach's political career started in 2003 as a broker for the deal that merged the Progressive Conservative and Canadian Alliance parties. She later ran against Steven Harper for the new Conservative Party leadership, coming in second before being elected as a Conservative MP in June 2004. Not long after, she began fornicating regularly with the deputy leader of the Conservatives, Peter MacKay. One year later, she proved that she can swing both ways as she accepted a Liberal cabinet position. Ralph Klein made a statement that was played and replayed on every news and entertainment show across Canada... watch the first clip below if you, by some freak of nature, missed it. Shortly thereafter, Stronach's relationship with Peter MacKay ended. She will remain a sitting MP for the Liberals until the next election, when she plans to resign from politics and rejoin her father's company, Magna International.

-information gathered from The Province Newspaper, British Columbia
Thursday April 12, 2007 edition, original article by Mike De Souza

YOUTUBE PRESENTS BELINDA STRONACH!

Ralph Klein got a lot of flack for this short, but extremely hilarious comment poking fun at Stronach's relationship with conservative party member Peter MacKay:

Belinda Stronach puts Canada on the map. She's rich, wild and loves to have sex — or so she says. Two young people chat about Belinda, Canada's first actual living publicity stunt:

Belinda Stronach Remix- what was she thinking?: (it's 4 minutes long, but you only really need to watch the first minute or so to get an idea)

Belinda's Officially Screwed:

Visiting Toronto, looking for something to do

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 23:38:18 GMT

I'll be going to a conference in Toronto from the 22nd to 25th, and I have some time to kill on the 22nd and I'm looking to entertain myself for a couple hours in the afternoon/evening. I'm 18, and the drinking age there is 19, right? I was hoping I could get some ideas about relatively inexpensive touristy things to do, maybe good shopping malls, and places to eat.

xposted everywhere

Fill out a quick survey? Pleeeeease?

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 15:48:05 GMT

Hey everyone.

Could ya'll please head on over to this questionnaire and fill it out? It'll take you 5 minutes, tops.

Also, if you could get other people (family, housemates, etc) to take it, I'd be really, really grateful.

It's for a presentation due tomorrow - so any and all help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

(x-posted)

Anyone have a room for rent in Ottawa?

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 18:52:37 GMT

I'm a 25 year old woman looking for a place to move into in ottawa ontario canada. Anyone have a place? Ask me anything u wanna know.

trip to Canada

Sat, 10 Feb 2007 00:49:28 GMT

Hey All! I was hoping maybe someone can help me or point me in the right direction..

My friend and I are trying to plan a vacation for Canada Day in Canada. We will be traveling from North Eastern Pennsylvania (usa) and have no idea where to really go in canada for the best experience.. We're hoping to spend 500 each .. for about a week for hotels.

We are 22/23 and can't really find websites with much info on 'things to do' or where to even head to....

:) If anyone Can Help I'd Appreciate it!!

--cross posted --

Serious question. Please help!

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 09:20:15 GMT

Hi there fellow Canadian-lovers,
I have a serious question to ask of you all. I am looking for a duffle bag that can be used as carry-on luggage on the plane (so it must conform to the airlines' approved dimensions) with either the Canadian flag or another Canadian logo on it. Oh, and it can't be a one with wheels.
I'm from Australia, and when I was in Vancouver over 10 years ago, I bought a lovely little duffle bag from a gift shop at the airport. It has lots of storage space, and a big Canadian flag on it which I've always felt happy to show off whenever I've travelled with it. However, it's getting old and frayed now, and it's time to retire it, but I want to replace it with something similar. Looking on google today, I found a picture of an Air Canada one that would be perfect, but when I followed the link to the page of the store selling it, it's not on the website anywhere.
So does anyone have any ideas where to find a replacement??

Canadian National Anthem

Sun, 17 Dec 2006 21:45:21 GMT

What is the single best version of the national anthem? looking to download it...

Think american national anthem via whitney houston and the super bowl (absolutely AMAZING).

A little help?

Tue, 05 Dec 2006 13:38:29 GMT

Hey everyone,

I'm a journalism student, I'm doing an article right now for class about blood screening in Canada so I'm looking for a few people aged 18-30 who wouldn't mind answering a few questions, especially those who might have been turned down for giving blood before (for whatever reason). And, I'm also looking for people who HAVE given blood or who have received blood, so really, I'm looking for everyone :D Anyhoo, if you'd be interested in answering some questions via e-mail I'd really appreciate it! Just comment and let me know. Thanks guys!

Sun, 12 Nov 2006 16:46:18 GMT

I love Canada, and when I am old enough to move out of the US, that is where I am going.

GO CANADA!

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 11:55:07 GMT

prommmmmotion! :D

ohcanadaicons is pretty much self explanitory. It's icons, all Canada related. Whether it be movies, tv, celebs, scenery, etc..it has to be all related to Canada. Come and join in! We need more members and posts. :)

Don't believe me on how cool it is? Well, click the banner ;) You know you can't resist the cute beaver!

Running for a Good Cause

Tue, 17 Oct 2006 17:26:35 GMT

Hello all!

I'm running a 5k race for the Canadian Arthritis Foundation. It's called the Jingle Bell run for Arthritis. It is taking place on November 5th.

If you would please be kind enough to pledge some money to a very worthy cause, I would greatly appreciate it. The more money I get, the faster I will run!!!!

Click This Link to sponsor me online. Pretty Please?