Canada Day 2007

Canadian-speak, eh?

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:57:27 GMT

Around the world Canadians are known for adding “eh” to the ends of our sentences. But that’s not the only vocabulary we’re known for. Did you know that we’re also famous for ordering our coffee “double double”? And for coming up with the term “Hoser”, not to mention the “Two-Four” when referring to a case of beer? And in case you ever try to do this in another country, only Canadians know how to “deke” each other out.

We wear toques on our heads, use serviettes when we eat, and if you’re in Saskatchewan, wear “bunnyhugs” instead of hooded sweatshirts.

Do you have a favourite Canadianism? Add it here, eh.

Canadian stats that might blow your toque off

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:55:47 GMT

Canada has a reputation for being mild mannered, polite and sometimes boring. Well, for all of those people who think they know everything about Canada, try these stats on for size.

Did you know that Canadians consume more macaroni and cheese than any other nation on earth? Or that there are more doughnut shops per capita in Canada than anywhere else on the planet? How about the fact that more than 75% of the world’s supply of maple syrup comes from Canada? Did you know that Canada has more automobiles per person than any other country in the world with at least one car for every two Canadians?

Do you know any quirky Canadian facts? Share them here.

Canada Day BBQ Recipe

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:52:22 GMT

If you’re planning on spending July 1st around a barbeque, why not go truly Canadian and use a national ingredient in your cooking? You can put back bacon on your burgers, serve poutine on the side, or whip up some Maple Syrup Barbecue Sauce:

MAPLE SYRUP BARBECUE SAUCE
3/4 cup (175 ml) pure maple syrup
1 cup (250 ml) ketchup
2 tsp (10 ml) grated lemon rind, optional
1 cup (250 ml) onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup (50 ml) brown sugar, firmly packed
1/4 cup (50 ml) lemon juice
2 Tbsp (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup (50 ml) water
1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt
2 Tbsp (30 ml) garlic, finely chopped or crushed
1/2 tsp (2 ml) coriander, optional

Combine all ingredients in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, uncovered. Store in refrigerator for up to 1 month. Yield: about 4 cups (1 L). Use on your favourite meat. For oven or barbecue.

Do you have a favourite Canadian recipe? Don’t keep it to yourself—post it here.

Maple Leaf Forever

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:29:45 GMT

While many Canadians automatically think about hockey when you say the words “Maple Leaf”, the fact is the maple leaf been Canada’s national emblem since the 1830s. Although unofficial until the National Flag of Canada was proclaimed by the Queen in 1965, the maple leaf had been used on the coats of arms for Quebec and Ontario and on the royal arms of Canada, which were proclaimed in 1921. The maple leaf has also served as the symbol of the Canadian Armed Forces, famously identifying Canadian contingents in both world wars and around the world.

What do you think of when you hear the words “Maple Leaf”? Have you ever sewn one onto a backpack when travelling? Is it still a good symbol for Canada? Share your thoughts here.

Breaking the Records

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:28:11 GMT

We might be a country of modest people, but when we go for it, we go all the way. Did you know that Canada holds a number of world records?

For example, the West Edmonton Mall employs over 15,000 people and holds the record for the largest mall in the world, attracting about 20 million visitors every year. The CN Tower in Toronto is the world’s largest free-standing structure on land, measuring at 553.33 meters. Every winter, the Rideau Canal in Ottawa turns into the world’s longest skating rink during February’s Winterlude, measuring about eight kilometres. The Trans-Canada Highway (using the Perth-Peterborough-Parry Sound route) is 7604 kilometers, making it the longest national highway in the world.

And don’t forget that Sudbury, Ont. has the world’s largest nickel, and Drumheller, Alta., is home to the world’s largest dinosaur.

Do you know of a great Canadian attraction that breaks records—or something that shouldn’t be missed? Share your favourite spot here.

Flag Waving

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:23:31 GMT

For Canadians born after 1965, the National Flag of Canada in use today is all we know. But the 11-pointed red maple leaf on a white background between two red ends hasn’t always represented our country. In fact, there were several different versions of our flag, with contests held to help create a design. In 1964 Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson chose a committee who narrowed the flag design down to three choices, with the winning choice created by George F.G. Stanley. It made its first appearance in 1965.

How do you feel when you see the Canadian flag? Does it make you feel patriotic? Do you think it represents Canada in the right way? Share your thoughts here.

Canadian Delicacies

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:21:41 GMT

If we are what we eat, then we’re an interesting nation. While we’re known for our beer and our maple syrup, Canadians also lay claim to a number of other food items that the rest of the world is missing out on, like: Nanaimo Bars, Butter Tarts, Bannock, Saskatoon Berry Pie, Montreal Smoked Meat, Coffee Crisp chocolate bars, Beaver Tails (also known as Elephant Ears or Moose Antlers), Montreal-style Bagels, Shreddies cereal, Tourtiere, Poutine, Red Rose Tea, and, of course the Bloody Caesar.

Can you think of any other Canadian foods that get your tummy rumbling? What else is the rest of the world missing out on? Post your favourites here.

National Flag Day,anyone?

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:18:50 GMT

Sometimes it’s hard to be a Canadian. Like when you live next door to the United States and get to hear about all of their fabulous statutory holidays. Sure, we’ve got Boxing Day and Victoria Day and that mysterious Civic Holiday giving us an August long weekend, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if most Canadians wanted to squeeze in at least one more stat holiday into the calendar year.

Few people know this, but February 15th has officially been declared National Flag Day. So why don’t we celebrate it? We could put it to a national vote—wouldn’t everyone like an extra day off to honour the flag?

What do you think? Should February 15th become an a national statutory holiday? Post your opinions here.

What’s the ultimate Canadian symbol?

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:17:36 GMT

What is the first image that pops into your mind when you think about Canada? A moose? Beer? Lumberjacks? The Canadian Flag? The beaver on the nickel? Voyageurs? Bonhomme? Hockey?

While Canada is about so much more than furry animals, hardy outdoorsmen and tasty beverages, we often boil our image down to one of these symbols. Canada has grown as a country. Are there new symbols that better represent who we are?

What do you think is the ultimate Canadian symbol and why? Post your ideas here.

Sing a song of Canada

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 13:40:44 GMT

Besides the national anthem, did you know that there are dozens of songs that pay tribute to this country of ours? If you’re planning a cross-country road trip this summer, you might want to look into creating the ultimate Canadian soundtrack. Here are a few to get you started (west to east):

"English Bay" by Blue Rodeo
"Alberta Bound" by Paul Brandt
"Running Back to Saskatoon" by The Guess Who
"Thompson Girl" by The Tragically Hip
"Sudbury Saturday Night" by Stompin’ Tom Connors
"Dragonfly on Bay Street" by Ron Sexsmith
"Bobcaygeon" by The Tragically Hip
"Montreal" by Blue Rodeo
"The N.S." by Sloan
"Boston and St. John’s" by Great Big Sea

What’s your favourite Canadian-themed song? Post it here.

Custom List: Popular Canadian Band Image Search

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:44:59 GMT

Popular Canadian Band Image Search

Custom List: Top Canadian Songstresses Image Search

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:44:02 GMT

Top Canadian Songstresses Image Search

Custom List: Canadian Sports Heroes Image Search

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:43:41 GMT

Canadian Sports Heroes Image Search

Custom List: Popular Canadian Celebrity Image Search

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 15:43:01 GMT

Popular Canadian Celebrity Image Search

Blog list: Blog list

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:35:12 GMT

Custom List: Great Canadian Events

Fri, 08 Jun 2007 00:16:49 GMT

Great Canadian Events