Oh, Yeah. Canada.

Snide Remarks #594

"Oh, Yeah. Canada."

by Eric D. Snider

Published in EricDSnider.com on September 22, 2008

My visit to the Toronto International Film Festival two weeks ago was the first time I'd been to Canada. I started to say that it was the first time I'd traveled that far north, but Toronto is actually south of Portland, where I live. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true! Toronto is one of Canada's southernmost cities. You might even say it's Canada's "Deep South," though that is misleading, given the city's dearth of hillbillies.

The film festival kept me pretty busy, so I didn't get much chance to sample the local color (which they spell "colour") or the local cuisine (which they spell "bacon"). Furthermore, Canada is a very large country, at least geographically speaking, and I was only in one neighborhood of one city in it. My experiences might not be typical of Canada, or of Ontario, or even of Toronto. It would be unfair of me to judge Canada based solely on that limited perspective. Obviously, I'm doing it anyway.

Canada seems like France and England got together and had a baby, but they couldn't take care of it, so they sent it off to be raised by American parents, who abused it. Most of the food I encountered was American or American-ish, most signs are in English and French, and the English words are spelt the British way. You go to the city centre, you cash your cheque, you buy some jewellery, and so forth.

And speaking of cash, I had the same reaction to Canadian money that most Americans have, which is to giggle and offer to buy Park Place and Boardwalk with it. Canadian currency is multi-coloured and fanciful. It's a rainbow of cash! Working in a bank must be like working in Willy Wonka's candy factory. At the bottom of each bill it says, "Congratulations to Mrs. Jensen's grade 3 class at Beaver Tail Elementary School in Saskatoon for coming up with the winning design!" On the front are pictures of elderly white people, as expected, while on the back are images of famous Canadian things (geese, hockey players, inferiority complexes, etc.).

Then there is the matter of Canadian television, which I sampled in small bites late at night in my hotel room. Everything about Canadian television looks like it was made in the 1970s. In the 1970s, Canadian television looked like it was made in the 1950s. In the 1950s, Canadian television consisted of a still image of a moose wearing a hat. It was Canada's most popular programme, with upwards of 10 viewers a week. When the moose died, the Canadian flag flew at half-mast at all government buildings, and the hunter who shot it was charged with treason.

The first show I saw was a political-discussion programme that aired on what must be Toronto's version of PBS. The topic of conversation was American politics, specifically the selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate and jazzercise instructor. (My understanding is that Canada does not have politics of its own, so they must import politics from other countries.) The host was a very soft-spoken man who didn't seem entirely comfortable being on TV, and he had three guests in the studio and two more joining him via satellite, or via whatever the Canadian equivalent of a satellite is. Two TVs connected by a string, perhaps. Here is my best approximation of what the conversation sounded like:

"I think this is a very interesting choice, and I'm curious to see how the American people respond to it. Karen?"

"Thank you, Dave, you make some excellent points, though my opinions are somewhat different from yours."

"Fair enough. I believe we agree on the central topic, however."

"Well, not entirely, no."

"Whoa, whoa, calm down everyone!"

In other words, it was BORING. Maybe I'm just used to Keith Olbermann calling upon the angry vengeance of God to smite people, or Sean Hannity beheading his guests and bathing in their blood, but if this is what political discussion is like in Canada, NO THANQUE YOU. (Not that I like the angry yelling either. There must be a happy medium somewhere.) (Somewhere in between.) (Which is why it's called the "medium.") (I'm retarded.)

I was also amused by the physical appearance of some of the commentators. To put it frankly, people who look like this, with their crossed eyes and their bizarre haircuts, would not normally be permitted on American television.

Conservative commentator Ron Christie (who apparently does appear on American TV occasionally) and Toronto Star columnist Linda Diebel.

The film festival itself was very enjoyable, and I saw a lot of good movies. The festival's slogan this year, emblazoned on everything, was, "For the Love of Film," as in, "For the love of film, can we please turn down the air-conditioning in here?" or "When is this movie ever going to end, FOR THE LOVE OF FILM?!"

One nice thing about the Toronto Film Festival is that it isn't too snooty. All film festivals attract some pretentiousness, especially when the French are invited, but this one mostly stayed down-to-earth. One trend I did notice, though, was people referring to films not by their titles but by the last names of their directors. "Have you seen the Arriaga yet?" "No, I just came from the Dardenne!" These people need to be punched, obviously. Movies have titles for a reason. If the filmmaker wanted you to call it by his own name, he would put his own name in the title, the way Tyler Perry does. ("Tyler Perry Presents Tyler Perry's Diary of a Mad Black Woman, by Tyler Perry.") Besides, if you're going to refer to movies by their directors' last names, you're going to have conversations like this:

"I really enjoyed the new Zombie!"

"Yes, but how does it compare to the latest McG?"

I also overheard a middle-aged woman, nicely dressed and clearly very upscale, reunite with an old acquaintance. He asked what she was up to these days, and she said, "We're in production on my fourth book -- third novel, fourth book." In that one sentence, she managed to convey all of the following:

1. I am writing a book, but it is not my first book. Perish the thought! First-time authors are so gauche.

2. Just in case you think I only write imaginary things, you should know that I have also written a nonfiction work of some kind.

3. It's not enough that I have written four books. The important thing is for you to know that I have written four books.

In general, I found Canadians to be as polite as you've heard they are, with the exception of one very aggressive panhandler. He asked my friend and me if we would give him some change, and we said no, and then he followed us and said, "You have change, I can hear it in your pockets," to which the obvious response is, "We didn't say we didn't have any, just that we weren't going to give it to you." Finally, he said, "I'll give you some weed," which really changes it from panhandling to drug dealing. But at least he was willing to do something for the money, rather than just wanting a handout. I appreciate that in a bum. Unfortunately, my friend and I weren't really in the market for any weed, so the guy was out of luck. Which is too bad, because I've heard good things about Canadian marijuana. I hear it makes you feel really courteous and naive, and you get the urge to listen politely to people.

Comments & Reaction:

The political-discussion show turned out to be "The Agenda with Steve Paikin." The photos are from the actual episode I watched, entitled "All in the Family," which you can look at here. And here's an even better picture of Ron Christie, from an appearance on MSNBC.

People referring to films by their directors' last names was pointed out to me by my pal Eugene Novikov, who mentioned it in the context of trying to stop himself from becoming one of those people. I was with Eugene during the harrowing panhandler incident, too, and lived to tell the tale.

Let me also give a shout-out to Erik Childress, a longtime colleague and film-festival buddy who overheard a woman in line pretentiously declare that Julianne Moore was certain to win an Oscar for her work in "Savage Grace" -- even though "Savage Grace" is terrible, and even though this woman hadn't seen it and in fact didn't even realize it had already been released. She was basing her certainty on the fact that "Savage Grace" is based on a true story and stars Julianne Moore -- which, yes, would normally be a step in the right direction, Oscar-wise, but not in this case. The same woman also asked if anyone had seen "the movie from Sundance about the girl with the teeth." (Presumably she meant "Teeth.") I was sorry I missed out on her amusing rantings.

The "Canada: America's Hat" image is not my creation. I'm so used to spending a big chunk of my day on the Internet, where I've seen the image posted many times, that I forget not everyone is like that and thus might assume that, since it appeared with my column, it was my work. My apologies. I got it from Busted Tees, which sells it as a T-shirt.

SnideCast intro: "Canada Haunts Me," They Might Be Giants; outro: "Blame Canada," from the "South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut" soundtrack.

This item has 57 comments

Christina D says:
September 22, 2008 at 6:49 am
Wow... I am... astounded (Is that the word I'm looking for?) by the looks of those two reporters. I feel kind of mean thinking that they are not very appealing people to put on TV, but it's TRUE. It IS. Especially that woman. She reminds me of someone... like a cartoon character that I've seen somewhere... or maybe RoboCop. And she sort of reminds me of this cat too.
Andrew D says:
September 22, 2008 at 6:50 am
The column seems a little disjointed, but that second picture of Mr. Christie more than makes up for it.
Cameron H. says:
September 22, 2008 at 6:51 am
I firmly believe that the woman pictured above is a robot, and her ridiculous bangs are an attempt to disguise her slot-loaded hard drive.

Also, what kind of terrible last name did McG have that he felt compelled to shorten and one-namify it thus? McGrawp? McGilicuddy? McGriddle?
HeatherC says:
September 22, 2008 at 7:38 am
Also, Canada is the only place I have ever seen GRAVY on the menu at McDonalds. Really--it's dip for the fries.
KyleR says:
September 22, 2008 at 9:11 am
Haha. Funniest line ever: "NO THANQUE YOU"
Tom says:
September 22, 2008 at 10:23 am
It's "McGinty." And it's not even his last name. "McG" is his middle initial. He could have called himself "Joe Nichol," and no one would have noticed him.
Clearly Departed says:
September 22, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I can't believe there wasn't a single Strange Brew reference in this piece. For the love of film!!!
Queen of Everything says:
September 22, 2008 at 1:20 pm
I looked up the lady on Google images because I didn't believe that she really existed. Perhaps as a .psd file on Eric's computer but not as an actual humanoid, ya know? Sure enough, there she was. o_O
Aaron says:
September 22, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Re: Canadian money

Sure, Canada's money is colorful, but they're hardly the only country in the world with different-colored notes. In fact, I bet that US is one of only a few countries to not have wildly colorful money. I've traveled a little in Europe, and the money in every country I visited (before they all went to the Euro) was blue, pink, green, etc.

I assume it's similar outside of Europe.
Neil says:
September 22, 2008 at 1:47 pm
"Gladiator, you will remove your helmet and tell me your name"

"For the love of film! I've already told you, my name is Linda and don't wear helmets!"
Randy Tayler says:
September 22, 2008 at 2:51 pm
lol @ Neil.

Folks -- Linda Diebel is clearly a Romulan.

Look familiar?
jm says:
September 22, 2008 at 3:02 pm
Although your humor and wit is often much appreciated in your film reviews Eric, your obtuse attitude to the Canadian culture is the epitome of american stupidity and ethnocentricity. It's no wonder your country is hated the world over.
Eric Herman says:
September 22, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Surely this is one of the most offensive (esp. if you're Canadian, or have crossed eyes) Snide Remarks ever... and also without a doubt one of the funniest. Choque full o' comedy.
Brian says:
September 22, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Jim, lighten up!

If you follow Eric's Snide Remarks column at all you know that he is equally obtuse/offensive/hilarious when speaking of Americans, French, the English, men, women, children, donkeys... I'm sure you'd find he has honest respect for Canadian people and their culture if you ever spoke to the guy in person, but his "job" is to make EVERYONE look as stupid as possible. Canadians merely happened to be subject of his barbs this week.
Brian says:
September 22, 2008 at 3:50 pm
correction: I addressed that last post to jm, not Jim
Dave the Slave says:
September 22, 2008 at 4:05 pm
jm- seriously? I took the whole tone to not really be making fun of Canadians, but over-doing cliches to the point where he was mocking the typical American's biases of our "goody two-shoes brother" from the north. Indeed, you should lighten up. Everyone should be able to laugh at themselves, unless the inferiority complex truly is a Canadian treasure. ;-)

I haven't laughed this much at an article of yours in a long time, Eric. Thanks!
Shelby says:
September 22, 2008 at 4:08 pm
jm, I think the most effective way to make your point would be a letter to Eric. A really angry one, so he knows just how upset you are. That's the way to get things done.
Fig says:
September 22, 2008 at 4:42 pm
My favorite Snide Remarks so far. And the helmet/robot spinoff thing in the comments has made it THAT MUCH BETTER. Also, I will be saying "perish the thought" and talking about imported politics frequently from now on.
Quourtney says:
September 22, 2008 at 5:04 pm
I really enjoyed this week's Snider. It is the fourth Canadian-based humor column I've read today -- third with cross-eyed photos, fourth overall.
AWOL says:
September 22, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Speaking of "loonie" currency, Icelandic coins have fish on them. Great article Eric!
Yeah Right says:
September 22, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Oh My God! Do Canadians choose their political analysts by the knowledge they have and not how good they look on camera! The mutiny! How will they ever elect a Canadian George Bush???
Steven Adami says:
September 22, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Letterman said it best: Canada. America's gay neighbor.
Lowdogg says:
September 22, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Definitely one of the funniest in a long time.
AdamOndi says:
September 22, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I have found a similar phenomenon on British TV, specifically the BBC. They have a whole lot of people who are brilliantly interesting and funny, but who would never be allowed on American TV because they are not very good-looking. Seriously, Top Gear is amazing television, but Jeremy Clarkson and James May would never be allowed to host a show that high profile on a network over here. It's a shame, though. All we end up with is plastic people reading Teleprompters who could add nothing to the content if the Teleprompter suddenly went blank. You know, like Ron Burgundy. Anyway, I get the feeling that Canadian TV is like British TV in that regard. Funny-looking people who have a little more to say (in a very polite manner) than Teleprompter-reading Barbie and Ken dolls.

Also, jm, take a chill pill. You don't get to laugh when other people get ribbed, and then get offended when your people are the butt of the joke. Why, that would be ignorant and obtuse. Perish the thought.
Pappy Yokum says:
September 22, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Very funny and I must say, the comments have truly added to the laugh track in my head. I was going to add a comment to jm but everybody else already covered it pretty well. But I am with Shelby: if you really want to make a difference, write an angry letter to Eric - that will fix him.

Thanks again Eric and any time you want to make fun of citizens of Dogpatch, I promise not to get my shorts in a wad and call you names.
doliver says:
September 22, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I was also in Canada for the first time last week. My favorite part was how the news anchors pepper the reports with hockey analogies to help the viewers understand what they're talking aboot.
Niall says:
September 22, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Randy - I was thinking the exact same thing!!!!
Chrystle says:
September 22, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Very nice, Eric. I congratulate you for not making fun of poutine and hockey. As a Canadian, I laughed, I cringed (the political remark is strangely a little too true) and I'm glad you had a good time in Toronto.

Cheers,
Chrystle
Savvy Veteran says:
September 22, 2008 at 8:50 pm
Pappy Yokum-How annoying it must be to have a laugh track in your head, fake laughing at everything.
Bags says:
September 22, 2008 at 9:31 pm
I think she looks more like Janice from Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem.
DaleD says:
September 22, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Eric,

You may be interested to know that, before the days of the Euro, the Republic of Ireland had not only colourful currency, but it also increased in size as the denomination went up. Their one pound (in Irish, aon púnt) note was about the size of the American dollar bill. The fiver (as the Brits also called it) was slightly larger, then came the ten, the twenty, the hundred.... Before long, you had a bill you had to unfold like a newspaper!

I have heard rumors that a sequel to the last Star Trek: the Next Generation movie was planned, and that Linda Diebel was in contention for a role as a Romulan...but she got passed over because her bangs were so low that you couldn't tell if her eyebrows were slanted. As Jolene Blalock will tell you, that is nearly the kiss of death for a pointy-eared alien.

One final observation, Eric. I noticed the pointed and glaring absence of any reference to "Eh!" In an item about Canada, that just seems...well, wrong. In fact, it's worse than unthinkable...it's oxymoronic!

Dale

PS: For those who may want to rant at my continuation of the Canadian stereotypes, please feel free to go right on ahead. You may even hurt my feelings as much as you did Eric's.
McP says:
September 22, 2008 at 9:59 pm
As a proud Canadian living in Windsor, the country's hot, sweaty [swear word], I must congratulate you on finding new things to mock about Canada, instead of resorting to lazy Strange Brew references and quips about hockey.

I hope one day to travel north to Portland, to gaze upon that land's storied igloos.

(Oh - -and thanks for recommending 'Son of Rambow", Eric. That movie kicked [swear word]!)
Dave says:
September 22, 2008 at 10:31 pm
It's been said before, but I just had to add my two cents: jm, lighten up, for the love of film!! I'm Canadian and I don't think I've ever laughed harder at a "Snide Remarks" before! In fact I would put that "America's Hat" picture on a T-shirt if I could.

Also, HeatherC (#4): I have to ask where it was exactly that you saw gravy on a McDonald's menu? Where I live they've never had it, although if they did I would totally eat more McDonald's! (I'm not doubting you, btw, I really am curious!)
Jim--NOT jm says:
September 22, 2008 at 11:44 pm
Dave, I wonder if HeatherC's reference is to poutin (sp)? I'm not sure how it's spelled, but I find it a great treat when I visit Canada. The gravy and cheese curds on fries actually is quite tasty, and I've had it at different McD's in NB, which I visit at least once every year.
Kathleen says:
September 23, 2008 at 12:14 am
"Canada seems like France and England got together and had a baby, but they couldn't take care of it, so they sent it off to be raised by American parents, who abused it."

That's absolutely perfect.

That woman's haircut makes her look sort of like a cartoon. It's really creeping me out.
David Manning says:
September 23, 2008 at 2:16 am
I seem to be in the minority here, but I absolutely did not laugh once at this column (although I laughed at the pictures of the commentators). I'm not Canadian, nor am I offended, but I just found this one 100% laugh-free. Then again, I never found making fun of Canada just for the sake of it to be very funny to begin with.
The Right Trousers says:
September 23, 2008 at 6:01 am
I'm SHOCKED and DISMAYED at this column... for not mentioning anything about tree licking or curling mallets. For the love of film!
Phil Cardenas says:
September 23, 2008 at 9:40 am
Hilarious article as always, Eric. All this talk of poutine is making me hungry...the hot fatty gravy, the white curds...mmmmmmmmmhhhh...I wish we had it here in the States. Poutine won't be found in every MickeyD's in Canada--it's more of a Quebecois kind of thing. Cities like Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal, St. John, and Fredericton are where you'll most likely find it. You can buy poutine "sauce" in stores there too.

My favorite part of the article: "In the 1950s, Canadian television consisted of a still image of a moose wearing a hat. It was Canada's most popular programme, with upwards of 10 viewers a week. When the moose died, the Canadian flag flew at half-mast at all government buildings, and the hunter who shot it was charged with treason." I laughed pretty hard at that. Classic.

Boy, those bangs are straight across, aren't they? I wouldn't be surprised if there is a large tassel on the side of her head the "opens" the curtains, no? How does this chick see, anyway?
m says:
September 23, 2008 at 10:31 pm
"It's no wonder your country is hated the world over."

I assume you were being ironic by criticizing Eric for ethnocentricity and then saying the above quote. If so, good one!
Brother Reed says:
September 23, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I laughed heartily - and most of the Canadians I know would, too. Amusing take.
Leah Jane says:
September 24, 2008 at 2:38 am
Dual Citizen of Canada and the U.S, and I couldn't stop laughing. Not just the witty words, but also the picture of Canada as America's hat. Perfect.
ClobberGirl says:
September 24, 2008 at 6:05 am
9/10

My husband is also a Dual Citizen of the US and Canada, and he loved it.
Tashina says:
September 24, 2008 at 6:36 am
As a Canadian, who has met Eric by the way, I found this column to be pretty funny.

Eric, you should come to Alberta next, this is where all the rednecks and hillbillies live. Though I don't know why I used that as an excuse to visit Alberta... unless you like rednecks and hillbillies of course.

We have a huge mall.... and uh... there's a town in the north called Mundare that boasts having the world's biggest sausage. (Which, my brother has commented, looks like a turd.)

In all seriousnessousity, I love Alberta. It has a bit of everything. Mountains, prairies, forests, bacon. 'Tis my home sweet home.
Jacob says:
September 24, 2008 at 8:53 pm
So my darling girlfriend is Canadian (albeit from the much more normal Western part), and I sent her the link. Here's her response:

"Wow Jacob! I'm offended. There was only ONE thing I agreed with, and that was when the guy said he was retarded! Good bye Jacob."

Do you think that last line means she's breaking up with me?
Turkey says:
September 24, 2008 at 10:59 pm
If she is, you didn't want her anyway. No sense of humor? DELETED.

Awesome SR. And the comments are great too, y'all. I had to cover up that second photo of Mr. Christie just to read your comments and reactions section--he is that unsettling to look at.
A Non-American says:
September 26, 2008 at 4:52 am
Wow, I used to enjoy your site, but [swear word] me what a sad, typically american view this is. I've been to both USA and Canada on many occasions, to numerous cities on the East and West Coast (only to Chicago in the middle though) and I've found Canada to be far preferable in pretty much every way, every single time I've traveled there.

Where the Yanks are usually loud, obnoxious and self delusional "we're the bestest ever" Canadians are usually laid back, friendly and down to earth.

I've found the European influence means that the choice and quality of the food is better in Canada. American choice is often limited to junk food restaurants and all you can stuff in your fat mouth buffets.

Oh and btw, the rest of the world laughs at the stupid design of the greenback, everyone else has cottoned on to the simple idea that money is much easier to handle when the different denominations are different colors / sizes. If you enjoy having to examine each note closely to find out what it is, maybe you should get your coins changed so they're all made of nickel and are the same size.

Another thing that's better in Canada is sport. They realize that there is a world outside of North America and sports other than Gridiron or Baseball exist.

And finally, they don't vote in (then vote BACK in) retards like Bush, only in the United States of Jesusland would that fool ever get anywhere near running the country.

All that being said, you are an American so instead of pointing out the idiocy of your article I should really just be impressed that you didn't remark on the lack of igloos and polar bears.
Eric D. Snider says:
September 26, 2008 at 5:17 am
"Wow, I used to enjoy your site"

How did you manage that without a sense of humor?
Q says:
September 26, 2008 at 5:52 am
Eric, my thoughts exactly @ #46.

#46--thanks for proving the point that most anti-American sentiment is based in blind adoption of a set of false beliefs by ignorant wanna-be's. True ignorance is found in those who decide they want to belong to a certain group, then just adopt all the beliefs of said group (often in direct opposition to their own experience).

Your own glaring ignorance is on display throughout your post, but I suspect that even if I pointed out the irony to you, it would go straight over your head. You either haven't been to the US as often as you claim, or you just aren't that observant. Perhaps you were most stung by the comment about an inferiority complex?
Nikki A says:
September 26, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Brilliant..... I loved it.

When are you coming to New Zealand?

In the 60's and 70's NZ families watched a mulitcoloured square called a test pattern for the 12 hours a day we had no programming on TV and many homes still only have four channels. We have coloUrful money (very practical) and we are very proud of our inferiority complex......
There's plenty to laugh at here. Come by some time.
Mary says:
September 27, 2008 at 1:29 am
Comment Number 46 you must be French or something. Because you obviously hate Americans in a way that most Europeans can not pull off. The irony of it all is that your comment to Eric sounds just like his Snide Remarks to the Canadians. Complain to someone who cares about how much you dislike the "overweight, fat mouthed Americans." Because I really don't want to hear it. I have friends from Canada and I know for a fact that they would never be offended by an article like this because they have a decent sense of humor. They would probably find it more funny than me. Anyway, I personally would take it as a compliment if Eric wrote a Snide Remark about me or anyone else. I like being made fun of in a vulgar, rude way. Ha ha :) Life is more interesting when you can laugh at yourself with others.
dichotomy says:
September 29, 2008 at 5:50 am
Nikki A- you NZs definitely have an inferiority complex, but that's because you are Australia's handbag. Perhaps we can get Eric to do a nice mock-up of that? ;-)

Great article Eric. I can't really imagine how anyone with a sense of humour would be offended by this.
Kaydria says:
September 29, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Any time Tarantino comes out with a new movie I refer to it as "the new Tarantino"... but that's okay, right? I mean, everyone does that... right?!

I'm pretty mad at Canada for making me get a passport to go to BC. So yeah, I'm definitely okay with making fun of them.

Suck it, 46.
David Irvine says:
October 3, 2008 at 7:17 am
Your comment that Canadian currency looks like monopoly money shows how little you have travelled, in fact most countries have now discouvered the coloured (colored) printing press and differentiate their currency not only by colour but heaven forbid by size to assist the visual impaired. How boring that your currency depicts only dead presidents in black and white - and no Canada does not see it necessary to import politics it is probably that the average canadian wishes to be informed of world politics and realises the world does not end at there borders unlike the average American . True some of their reporters and interviewers would not make the American TV screen due to there looks once again the United States are pre occupation on how things look not the substance behind them. You epitomise the ugly american sir, and hope you are detained at the U.S border next time you attempt to exit your country by some gun toting Homeland security freak. Be more respectful of other people culture and custome. David Irvine formerly of Vancouver Canada, now residing in Brisbane Australia where thank got yanks are few and far between.
Shirley Irvine says:
October 3, 2008 at 7:28 am
Hey Kaydria - it is the insistance of the US goverment that persons entering their country prove their citizenship - if you freely entered canada which you could do in the past - how would you prove your rite to re-enter the US with-out your passport - we have enough Yanks here taking advante of our social services, free medical, restricted guns use and low crime rate - please stay in the US we will not miss you in BC
Kaydria says:
October 15, 2008 at 5:15 am
Whoa hey Shirley, calm down. I'm not banning you from America for tracking moose across hundreds of miles of frozen tundra. No reason to get nasty!
bucketofsquid says:
October 17, 2008 at 7:43 pm
I have encountered David Irvine posts on other forums and always found him to be a pompous toad. His attitude is particularly funny considering the awful spelling and terribly incorrect grammar. For example; "dead presidents in black and white" um, try green and off-white. At the very least we don't use someone elses queen. Then there is the use of the wrong "there"; "there borders" should be "their borders" because Canadians are people and not a location. A stupid mistake that occurs twice no less. Then there is the term; "are pre occupation on" try "are preoccupied by". Not even the English spell custom with an e on the end. I also would like to know who "got" is. Is "got" some minor hindu deity that isn't even worth a capital letter in its name?

Shirley Irvine seems to be Davids alternate personality - the same bad spelling and pompousness. Just have to ask, what "rite" do you have to perform to re-enter the USA? Is it a sacrifice? I thought that citizens had the "right" to re-enter when they left. But I don't want to take "advante" of their mistakes too much.
Michael says:
October 26, 2008 at 9:02 pm
I guess I'm a little late to be making fun of #46, but I feel I should point out that if you have to closely examine a USD to figure out how much it's worth, you don't deserve to be let near money.

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Eric D. Snider