Test your knowledge of Canadian and American history on Canada Day. ...Read the full article
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Boyd of the North from North of 60o, Canada writes: Hmm... 18/20... punted the decade that women got the vote and the Canadian lit question.
The G&M should put more Canadian trivia questions up.
Ciao- Posted 30/06/08 at 11:42 PM EST | Link to Comment
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David Anger from Minneapolis, United States writes: A Minnesota boy wins 20/20 in this poll. So, Canada: What is Minnesota's largest city? Capital? Great Lake? Favorite sons who became Vice President? Principal River. Uff-da, eh?
- Posted 30/06/08 at 11:49 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Jack Mitchell from Canada writes: Heh: Minnesota, St. Paul, Huron, Mondale, Mississippi. 5/5 biatch.
- Posted 30/06/08 at 11:55 PM EST | Link to Comment
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John From The Hammer from Canada writes: Jack Mitchell: Close... 4 outta 5 ain't bad... Lake Superior is the right answer... I can do without the 'smug' Canadian stereotype. And to our American friends, Happy 232nd Birthday on the 4th.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 12:27 AM EST | Link to Comment
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D LF from Vancouver, Canada writes: 20/20 - but I must admit that I guessed on the women's sufferage question. I knew that both countries got the vote in the first two decades of the 20th century, but I couldn't remember who got it first.
It also helps that I've walked through questions like these with my wannabe Canadian, US-born spouse, and he makes me watch shows about American history if I want to watch television with him. Good quiz. I can hardly wait to get him to take it.- Posted 01/07/08 at 12:37 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Will Hoaccio from Canada writes: 18/20, those arts questions really threw a wrench in my streak... who is Susanna Moodie?
- Posted 01/07/08 at 12:43 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Jack Mitchell from Canada writes: Oh, yeah, well, hmm, 4/5. In fairness, I almost answered Garrison Keillor for the VP one. Love those Minnesotans!
- Posted 01/07/08 at 12:51 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Dan McCarthy from New Haven, CT, United States writes: Hey, one of these is WRONG!
The terms 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' do not appear in the Constitution. They are more famously included in the Declaration of Independence, which was just as its name implies, a united declaration by 13 separate colonies. We celebrate its signing on July 4, 1776, but documents setting up a national government were not drafted until 1781 and 1787. The very Lockian 'Life, liberty, and property' do however appear in the Constitution, probably because Thomas Jefferson was in France during its writing and could not substitute 'pursuit of happiness' for 'property.'
Come on G&M, you're supposed to be smarter than us Americans. Though, to be sure, I did love the part about Americans grumbling and protesting about paying the bills for the French and Indian War and how it led to independence. Nice jab, and more truthful than most think.- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:29 AM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Geez, the Minnesota boy beat me.... I got 10/10 on the American question, but 9/10 on the Canadian ones...
Never heard of that Canadian authour on that list... Who is Susanna Moodie ?
BTW Good job, David Anger...- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:31 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Craig Cooper from Toronto, writes: Keep Canada British!
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Alexander Slimnich from Canada writes: 19/20. I have no idea who Susanna Moodie is (and I guessed on the Norman Rockwell one..)
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Peter Walker from Canada writes: I'm not proud!!
I wasn't born here, been here 33 years though, learned the National Anthems from Hockey Night in Canada, and scored 6 on each. = 12 / 20.
I figured Rockwell, BUT was clueless as to the literary people, and the longest running Prime Ministers and presidents, as well as the one about the 3 word principles of the Both Constitutions!!
I actually thought that Chretien was aiming to be the longest running PM at one time - or maybe that was the most consecutavely elected or something!! BUT his name wasn't mentioned !!
A good quiz.
Thanks.- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:08 AM EST | Link to Comment
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T. Rees from Switzerland writes: Every year, there is a quiz like this to point out how woefully ignorant Canadians are about their country (and, it seems, about the U.S. as well). But, to expand upon the point made by one of those quoted in the article, Canadians are not simply ignorant of their own history and institutions, we would score just as badly if quizzed on biology, geography, history, literature or any other subject you'd care to name. So much for the world wide web and the much-touted 'democratization of knowledge'.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:10 AM EST | Link to Comment
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JD Smith from Canada writes: .
Who is Susanna Moodie??
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SusannaMoodie
Roughing it in the Bush (Published Online - Free - below)
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=45OgNvOnbJAC&dq=Susanna Moodie roughing it in the bush&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=La-fdZwOtG&sig=OAM9ySn42y-i6UlDgrNVVT6JXhc&sa=X&oi=bookresult&resnum=2&ct=result#PPA10,M1
Life in the Clearings versus the Bush (Published Online - Free - below)
http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext05/lcgbs10h.htm
.- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:42 AM EST | Link to Comment
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JD Smith from Canada writes:
Oh please, Mr. Effing...
It is a little more complex here in Canada. There are nuanced alternatives in the choices for 'head of state' in Canada: Prime Minister; or Governor General (representing the Queen here in-country); versus the Queen.
In the US... 'boy George' reminds everyone on a daily basis that he is 'the decider'. Fortunately, Canadians have not evolved to the point that the plebs need to be reminded who really is responsible. Responsible for what, you ask? ... well, please you decide.
Just accept the fact that it is different here.
.- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:09 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
I got 21/20.
Piece of cake.
The rest of you are just stupid, that's all.- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:17 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Kathryn Morrison from Toronto, Canada writes: Woot, 20/20! Glad that History MA is worth something.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:24 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Melissa Wiebe from Canada writes: 20/20
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Paul Thompson from Canada writes: Let me tell you how it is, you are without doubt, and against stiff competition, by far the worst imbecile who posts on these forums. Sharp, I think you cheated. I only got 19/20, and I'm way smarter than you. But Happy Canada Day anyway you putz.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 5:05 AM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada:
21/20 ?
And you still haven't moved to the Right Coast of Canada yet...
For some reason, I'm slightly suspicious about your score !
I demand a urine drug test !- Posted 01/07/08 at 5:25 AM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Let me tell You How It Effing Is from United States:
Happy Canada Day to you !- Posted 01/07/08 at 5:31 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Clive Gingell from Canada writes: 19/20. Missed the last question by a decade.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 6:08 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Tobin Manley from The Bronx, NYC, United States writes: I guessed on the longest serving Canadian and by elimination the Canadian author, so my 20-20 is not really kosher. And I wasn't sure if it was 'land' or 'lands' in the anthem, pure lucky guess.
Very odd that Canadians got more States answers right. I'd wager that on average yanks would get 2 or 3 right out of 10 for Canada, probably the US too.
Fun and depressing, sort of like Kenny vs. Spenny.- Posted 01/07/08 at 6:38 AM EST | Link to Comment
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karol alexander from central Village, CT, United States writes: How sad that only one reader noted the mistaken quote from the Declaration of Independence NOT the Constitution - and that document was NOT signed by all the Delegates - It is so sad and pathetic that US History is iconoclastic and riddled with inaccuracies -for the record there were 14 colonies -at least Canada teaches North American History -and sadly misses so many of the differences between Quebec French and les Acadiannes -Sir Guy Carleton's prescience of the 'troubles'coming in the coastal colonies yielded the Quebec Act -
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Veronica Gibson from Canada writes: 20/20; so glad that my children attended Susanna Moodie School in Belleville !!
:-)- Posted 01/07/08 at 7:44 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Chris Land from Canada writes: Damn. I always screw that up. The 19th amendment was ratified in 1920. I'm always thinking it was ratified in 1919.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:06 AM EST | Link to Comment
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GAP GAP from winnipeg, Canada writes: And my knowing who this obscure author is makes me more Canadian.....How?
Who is Susanna Moodie??
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SusannaMoodie
Roughing it in the Bush (Published Online - Free - below)
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&id=45OgNvOnbJAC&dq=Susanna Moodie roughing it in the bush&printsec=frontcover&source=web&ots=La-fdZwOtG&sig=OAM9ySn42y-i6UlDgrNVVT6JXhc&sa=X&oi=bookresult&resnum=2&ct=result#PPA10,M1
Life in the Clearings versus the Bush (Published Online - Free - below)
http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext05/lcgbs10h.htm- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:19 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Link Hogbrow from Canada writes: Hey Effing ! Check your hubris at the border.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:23 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Jean-Guy Tremblay from Chicoutimi, Canada writes: Here is a little trivia for you guys.
O Canada was a nationalistic anthem for Francophones composed by Calixa Lavallee for a poem written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier at a time when Anglophones still considered themselves British citizens (not Canadians). It was first sang in 1880, at the 'Congres national des Canadiens-Francais' on St. Jean-Baptiste Day. It is rarely sung on June 24th nowadays.
http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/sc-cs/anthem_e.cfm- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:23 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Link Hogbrow from Canada writes: And leave your gun there while you're at it.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:23 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Mike Expat from Dunboyne, Ireland writes: Good quiz, and better chat after. 18/20 (longest-serving PM and women's vote in US).
Did you read some of the alternatives? Nice touch on the Canadian anthem: 'Our home on native land'.
To all - enjoy your BBQs. There are two drenched maple leaf flags flying in the rain outside my house here in Ireland.
(When will we know about Sundin?)- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:28 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Sam . from Canada writes: Had to really think about that suffrage question...got it wrong!....Knew that the mothers and wives of servicemen got the vote in the late 1910s....to win the election....went with every woman getting the vote...gambled and lost...oh well...
Also blew the motto of the American constitution but can't complain too much about that..- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:30 AM EST | Link to Comment
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James C from Shenzhen, China writes: i got 17/20 the first time i took it, then 20/20 the next two times. it got easier for me....
- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:33 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Mike Expat from Ireland writes: Merci bien, Jean-Guy, for the info and also the web link. Further to flags flying here in Ireland, this Westmount ex-pat had the fleur-de-lys up (in the rain, again) last week. Can you still get a holiday cruise on the Saguenay ex-Chicoutimi?
- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:36 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Jean-Guy Tremblay from Chicoutimi, Canada writes: Here is another little piece of trivia.
The maple leaf was first proposed as an emblem of Canada in 1834 when the Societe Saint-Jean-Baptiste was founded; shortly thereafter, in 1836, Le Canadien, a newspaper published in Lower Canada, referred to it as a suitable emblem for Canada. Again, those were the days when Anglophones still considered themselves British citizens and Francophones identified as Canadians.
http://www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/sc-cs/df7_e.cfm- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:36 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Barry Norton from e Blue Mountains, Canada writes: I scored 10 on the US Questions and 9 on the Canadian. I was amazed to find out women got the right to vote in Canada before they did in the US. Otherwise it just goes to show we don't advertise all our history as much as our neighbours do
- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:39 AM EST | Link to Comment
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garlick toast from Canada writes: I wonder how that 'pursuit of happiness' thing is going. Are they there yet?
- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:39 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Another Opinion from Toronto, Canada writes: 20/20
The article compares how many people got Moodie as Canadian as opposed to how many people got Rockwell as American. That's a pretty obnoxious comparison. With all due respect to Moodie, Rockwell was and is an American icon. His works are everywhere and are a defining trait of American culture. Throw in Stephen Leacock or Lucy Maude Montgomery in there and MAYBE you've got a comparison.
Anyway, cute quiz. I look forward to a tough one next year.- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:40 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Ian Gunn from Minneapolis, United States writes: Happy Canada Day!
- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:45 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Jean-Guy Tremblay from Chicoutimi, Canada writes: Mike Expat from Ireland writes: Can you still get a holiday cruise on the Saguenay ex-Chicoutimi?
Sure can!
http://www.croisieresaml.com/init.html?S=0&L=En- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:47 AM EST | Link to Comment
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vincent furnier from Montreal, Canada writes: To call Moodie a 'Canadian' writer is not strictly accurate.
Susanna Moodie recognized herself as a British writer not a Canadian one, even though her two best known works (Roughing It in the Bush, 1852 and Life in the Clearings, 1853) are about life in Canada.
She published all her major works before 1867 -- in Britain, not Canada, and constantly makes it clear that she is writing for a British audience of potential 'emigrants' (as distinct from 'immigrants'). Because of her subject matter, her works are rightfully taught as part of Canadian literature, in the same way that narratives by the early Puritan settlers are part of American literature, but 'Canadian author' is not a label she or other early writers of her time would have given herself.
Had the quiz-makers actually read Susanna Moodie, instead of grabbing the nearest trivia encyclopedia or whatever, they would know this.
It's not as glaring a mistake as the 'Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' gaff, but it goes to show how the quiz is itself an ironic example of shaky historical knowledge.- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:48 AM EST | Link to Comment
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D M from Canada writes: For those complaining about the US motto, read the question carefully. I was about the react when I read it, then reread it and noticed how they worded it. They use the word 'associated'. They never wrote 'part of' or 'included'. And, by the responses given, most do 'associate' it with the constitution. A little backwards, maybe, but it still is true.
Myself, 19/20. Suffrage here in the teens instead of 20s got me. But had to guess on Moodie. But c'mon, I would say Atwood is the equivalent of Rockwell in the US. Put her name in there, and the scores would have gone up.
And BTW, Sharp got 21 fair and square - he got 20 bonus points for getting his name right.- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:54 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Mike Expat from Ireland writes: How about Rockwell and Mr Dressup?
Howie Meeker?
Michael J Fox?- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:05 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Stephen P from Cambridge, Canada writes: One of the answers is incorrect. The term 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' is not in the constitution, but in The Declaration of Independence penned by a young Jefferson.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:05 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Another Opinion from Toronto, Canada writes: Well, I'd love to stay but we're taking the puppy for a walk down at the Beaches. It's a beautiful day to spend with family and friends.
Try not to argue too much, guys!- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:11 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Stephen P from Cambridge, Canada writes: So I got either 18/20 or 19/21 for getting this right!
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Peter the Chanter from France writes: A young Jefferson? Lionel?
- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:15 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Templeton Jones from Windsor, Canada writes:
I'm surprised Buzz Hargrove wasn't important enough to be included in the quiz. Here's one:
Which premier of Ontario is best described as the UNION PREMIER?
a. Mike Harris
b. Bob Rae
c. Bill Davis
d. Dalton McGuinty
e. David Peterson- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:16 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Stephen P from Cambridge, Canada writes: Thomas, and NOT the tank engine....
- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:19 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Martin James from Canada writes: I blew the Canadian women's vote: it never occurred to me they would let women vote before they acknowledged they were persons (1929).
The irony of choosing Moodie on this very wet very cool year (read: buggy beyond belief) is notable: A relatively wealthy Brit, stuck in the bush and hating the dirt, the bugs, the...ugh. Only happy (and an author) after she escaped to 'civilization'. And yes, unless you are from around these parts (The Dummer side of Douro), she is virtually unknown.
That the Queen is head of state is of REAL importance only to pedants and, apart from the costs, is as important to most people's lives as the gravitational effect of a Jovian moon. Since the consolidation of power into the PMO, as brought to a zenith by Mulroney and carried on so well by Harpo, the PM wields absolute power like a tzar. Even Bush is probably jealous.
I would have thought that the 'supremacy of God' clause in the Charter as part of the Constitution would be way more known than anything about good government. I mean any Canadian (or sentient being of any kind) who ever watched more than than two minutes of question period would know innately that good government is a fantasy.
Michael Sharp: you are an illustration why five out of four Canadians have trouble with fractions.
And if we needed any more evidence that Canada is the best country in the world to live in, Effing provides it to us with the fact that he doesn't live here.- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:21 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Glenn F from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Wow - I'm shocked that anyone could get these questions wrong. The only one I missed out on was the longest serving president - I figured that perhaps term limits came sooner than they did.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:38 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Martin James from Canada writes: I realize I should head off the predictable critique of my comment:
Yes, I know, it is impossible for any sentient being (Canadian or otherwise) to make it through watching more than two minutes of question period in the House. I apologize for my fallacious logic.
Happy Canada Day people.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:41 AM EST | Link to Comment
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South Paw from Montreal, Canada writes: 18/20
Blew the longest serving PM in Canada and when women got the US vote.- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:10 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Chris Land from Sudbury, ON, Canada writes: Montana is the first State to give women the vote in 1869. Widows and unmarried women could vote in municipal election as early as 1884. The act to give women the vote in the 1917 election only applied to federal elections and only applied to women who's sons or husbands or fathers were serving in wwI. The act expanding women's voting rights 1918 applied to the 1921 election. Most of the Provinces extended the franchise for Provincial elections shortly after the federal act except Quebec where women couldn't vote in Provincial elections until 1940. The 19th Amendment in 1920 applied to all women in the United States for all elections and is first exercised in the 1920 election. So you could argue that American women exercised their right to vote before Canadian women.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:21 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Woody Forrest from Out in the Sticks, Canada writes: Another Opinion from Toronto, Canada writes: '... With all due respect to Moodie, Rockwell was and is an American icon. '
You got that right! I had issues with that question too. If you're going with Rockwell, why not A.Y. Jackson for the Canadian? On the American side, their early authors got going in the 1700's and are often more famous. I looked around and came up with John Greenleaf Whittier. That would have taken a point off a few scores.
BTW, I scored 7/10 on the Canadian and 10/10 on the American. I'm aware of King's odd habbits, but he didn't die a dramatic death in office like Roosevelt. No one was allowed 3 or more terms after that (Google tells me no one had 3 terms before either).
I recalled that women got the vote in the '20's and used that answer for both the Canadian and American questions.
These quizes should try to factor in the effect of American advertising and promotion. I'm an engineer, not an arts major. I pick up what's in the popular culutre. Rockwell had several 20th century magazine covers. How is Susanna Moodie going to compete with that?- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:24 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Keystone Provincial from NOT Winnipeg, Canada writes: 18/20
I missed the women's vote and the definition of Canada. I know, I know, shame on me for that one. I guessed at Susanna Moodie, mostly because I knew the other 3 weren't Canadian. They should have included Pauline Johnston instead. She was a real Canadian literary character!
Being a dual citizen of both Canada and the US, this week is always a very heady one for me. Just try waving 2 flags at once!
'O say, can you see...our home and native land...'- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:26 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Bob Beal from Edmonton, Canada writes: I am a bit surprised that a number of people didn't get the Susanna Moodie question. Better than Wikipedia, etc., people can look her up in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography, easily available online.
Susanna was one of the literary Strickland family, whose other really famous member was Susanna's sister, Catherine Parr Traill. The Stricklands settled in the area of Peterborough in southern Ontario. (I happen to be related to the Stricklands, as are many other people from that area.) Susanna was also a talented sketch artist.
Too much is being made on this board about the American Constitution question. The phrase is in the Declaration, but it certainly is 'associated with' the constitution. In fact, the Declaration is an American 'constitutional document.' It is easy to argue that the American constitution includes the Declaration, as well as other things, that are not explicitly part of the written Constitution. For example, in the recent Second Amendment case, the Supreme Court majority relied significantly on elements of the old English Constitution in determining modern constitutional law. In the famous Cherokee cases of the 1830s, Chief Justice John Marshall heavily relied on the Royal Proclamation of 1763 as part of American constitutional law.
Martin James above wonders about the Persons Case of 1929. That was an important victory for women's rights in Canada, but too much can be read into it. Women were certainly legally persons before 1929. What the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council decided in 1929, in a nice piece of 'judicial activism,' was that the word 'person' in the sections of the BNA Act regarding the Senate included women. That was the last barrier to women's full participation in Canadian government.- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:32 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Victor . from Canada writes: I'd like to see how well a large sample of Americans would do on a quiz like this in which there were an equal number of questions about the U.S. and Canada. Then we'll see how Americans' and Canadians' knowledge of both countries compare.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:42 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Will O'Neill from Toronto, Canada writes: I did alright... For a funnier take on Canadian history, you guys have to check this out: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=DJMtRSwZSrQ
- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:47 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Peter Walker from Canada writes: I put it on The Old Farmer's Almanac, and only ONE reply so far, 7/10 for Canada, 10/10 for USA. Mind you she is an 'educated person - University etc.)
She beat me in both categories, but them, I'm not proud, I'll only do the quiz once, not 3 times just to get 20/20 !!- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:00 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Victor,
In the USA we aren't inundated on a daily basis with Canadian news and culture.
Our newspapers aren't full in every section with stories about Canadian foreign policy, scientific achievements, musicians, celebrities, television and movies.
For good or bad you can go a whole year and not hear a single mention of Canada in conversation with others or even in the news unless it's a weather item about another 'Canadian cold front' or a sports item about the Toronto Blue Jays.
Canadians travelling overseas to even other Commonwealth countries like UK or Australia report a similar lack of news from Canada. Part of the problem is that there are no major western news media based in Canada anymore. The last two remaining were American, the New York Times and Washington Post, and they closed shop in Canada about a year ago.
So a head to head comparison of knowledge would put most of us Americans at a disadvantage.
The Canadian love affair with America is mostly one-sided, I'm afraid.- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:01 AM EST | Link to Comment
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D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: Regarding the questions about heads of state: the answer to the question for the US gave just 'president' and no names. The answer to the question for Canada named the incumbent PM. I found that disconcerting. It is the role of PM that matters regarding this question, not the name of the incumbent. Canada can still be a great country, but we've got a few bumps to get across yet.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:04 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Brandon Linton from United States writes: G&M ought to run this quiz at CNN.com. I bet the average score wouldn't be above 3.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:29 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Happy Canada Day! 15/20 (5/10 Canada and 10/10 USA). It's good to see some of my hockey posting buddies on this thread- R.Miller From Halifax: How 'ya doin ?
Does my score qualify me for citizenship?
Kevin Wells- You obviously never lived in a border town.- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:45 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Amguada Kickboote from The Sewage Treatment Plant, Canada writes: .
.
Why is it surprising that Quebeckers would not have a hope on this test? There are no questions here relevant to their country.
And for Globe and Mail readers to score better, you need more left wing nut bar type questions. Like who started the Winnipeg strike? Who invented the disastrous medicare plan? Who had the longest running science show on CBC? etc. etc.
And who the heck is Susanna Moodie anyways?- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:49 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Amguada- How about Louis Riel and Man Alive?
- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:52 AM EST | Link to Comment
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P Jones from NB, Canada writes: Happy Dominion Day all.
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Prairie Boy from Canada writes: To-day is the anniversary of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment going over the top and the vast majority not coming back.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:57 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Bill G from Calgary, Canada writes: 10/10 for Canadian trivia, 6/10 for U.S.
Happy Canada Day!- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:57 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Paul,
I haven't lived in a border town - where it might be expected to be different - though I currently live in a border state. I've also lived in the midwest, the east and the southern USA where what I related is true - according to my experience.
However, the border state thing is interesting. I was talking to a service rep at my work who had come in from Syracuse to work on some equipment. He mentioned that he watched a lot of hockey. I asked if he heard about the Canadian hockey night song brouhaha....he hadn't heard of it but mentioned that he watched CBC in New York - for hockey, presumably.
I'm only saying that news about Canada does not permeate the USA like news about the USA does in Canada.
Is that a controversial statement?- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:58 AM EST | Link to Comment
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S Muhlberger from North Bay, Canada writes: Some propertied women in New Jersey and Lower Canada voted in the early 19th century but had the vote taken away from them in a wave of 'democratic' 'reform' ('universal' (male) suffrage).
On the US Constitution: how many would have recognized 'we the people of the United States in order to form a more perfect union'?- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:59 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Guy Olivier from Columbus, Ohio, United States writes: 'Let Me Know Blah, Blah Blah'... you have a real mental problem. One that should be taken care of professionally.
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The Globing Male from Formerly of Beantown, United States writes: 20/20 - too easy.
They should ask questions like one on my oral US citizenship exam:
'Of the 27 Amendments to the US Constitution, how many deal with voting rights?'
The guy behind me got, 'How many Senators are there in the Senate?'
Sheesh.
Incidentally, the answer to the first question is: 3.- Posted 01/07/08 at 12:25 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Kevin Wells- relax bro; I didn't say you made a controversial statement. Don't go getting all American on me. Just so you know- National Public Radio did a piece on the HNIC theme song dust-up a few weeks ago.
Have a Happy Fourth!- Posted 01/07/08 at 12:33 PM EST | Link to Comment
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globefan Eh from Canada writes: Any particular reason we are doing the USA on Canada Day...couldn't it wait until July 4th..
- Posted 01/07/08 at 12:39 PM EST | Link to Comment
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The Globing Male from Formerly of Beantown, United States writes: 'Dan McCarthy from New Haven, CT, United States writes: Hey, one of these is WRONG!
The terms 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' do not appear in the Constitution. They are more famously included in the Declaration of Independence, which was just as its name implies, a united declaration by 13 separate colonies. '
Good Catch, Dan!- Posted 01/07/08 at 12:39 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Jeremy F from Alberta, Canada writes: 13/20
Canada 5/10
U.S 8/10
Wow, I don't know how I managed to score better on the U.S questions, think I'm watching too much tv:D- Posted 01/07/08 at 12:50 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Paul I from Rochester, New York, United States:
Sorry, this poll and a good score doesn't qualify you for Canadian citizenship because there weren't any of the really important questions on it like...
1) How many Stanley Cup rings did Maurice Richard win ?
or
2) In 2004, what Canadian won third place on the CBC's poll for most important Canadian in history placing between Tommy Douglas and Alexander Graham Bell ?
Replace the Moodie question with a hockey question and I could have beat that kid from Minnesota...
Happy upcoming Independence Day to you.
Cheers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 12:53 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: R.Miller- I'll give The Rocket 8 Cups (did they get rings back then?) and the N0.3 most admired Canadian is Mr.Don Cherry. How'd I do?
- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:03 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Paul, I listen to NPR at least two hours per day (I have a long drive from home to work). I missed the Hockey Night story there but read about it on G&M.
I wonder what kind of angle the story took; e.g., matter-of-fact or ribbing, or astonishment? I think it's fair to rib the canucks a little for the whole thing....I mean it's just a jingle for a tv show, c'mon!
:>
I think Canada should once and for all throw off all entanglements with Great Britain and no longer have the Queen for head of state.
Try to do it on July fourth, though. That way we can all celebrate Independence Day on the fourth together!!
Happy July 1 and July 4!- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:08 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Kevin- It was actually pretty good.There was some gentle ribbing, but they did recognize the importance of the theme to many people (including me)I think it was on All Things Considered. You can find it on the NPR site archives.
As a friend of mine in Buffalo once wrote in a song- 'There's advantages to life in a border town'. He was writing about the crappy radio stations in Buffalo back when CFNY in Toronto was a good station (About 25 years ago)- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:21 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Pauul I from Rochester, NY, United States
2 out of 2 ... Well done!
Give that man a hefty stack of immigration papers, a lengthy and frustrating wait at the Department of Immigration and he can now apply to become a honorary Canadian.... :)
Cheers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:28 PM EST | Link to Comment
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philip mccormack from vancouver, Canada writes: q 3. We do not have a constitution, rightsand freedoms are not protected, Sect 11 f denies 99% Trial by jury which is the only thing that upholds the peopl's rights. As churchill said 'Without Trial by one's peers and habeas corpus we are no different to totalitarianism, Naziism, communism.
q 5. We do not have peace our soldiers are in Afghanistan, what order, not one person in a hundred thinks we have good government. Our government is autocratic ruled by the PMs office.Representative democracy is not true democracy which is supreme power vested in the people upheld by Trial by Jury with not guilty verdicts removing egregious or stupid laws.
Why did nobody ask about Magna Carta? Fundamental to Freedom.
I have been a subscriber to thr G & M for decades, I am still waiting for a full, open discussion on this subject. I have literally asked hundreds of high school students what is Magna Carta, they don't know. it is never taught in our educational system. I am ever hopeful.
Dr Philip McCormack.- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:37 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: R.Miller- perhaps my 'GO LEAFS' vanity plates can jump me a few places in line. How about the fact that I know what (and have consumed a few) 'Joe Louis' are? That's gotta help. Nes pas?
- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:38 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: R.Miller- after reading the post above mine from Dr.McCormack- forget about it!
- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:40 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
Seriously?
8/10 on Canuck stuff.
10/10 on Yankee stuff.
That's that.- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:40 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Keystone Provincial from NOT Winnipeg, Canada writes: Kevin Wells, it's not so much a love affair with the US as it is being completely inundated with all things American, from TV to movies to pop culture and lifestyle. Face it, the western world revolves around everything the US does and, being its most influential neighbour, Canada feels it the strongest. Back in '69 when I moved to Canada there was a definite difference between the two countries but now it seems my dual cit'ship is bound to dissolve into one NAFTA-esque entity.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:44 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Paul I wrote: As a friend of mine in Buffalo once wrote in a song- 'There's advantages to life in a border town'.
Actually, I think that tech rep guy was from Buffalo, not Syracuse as I said before. That shows you how smart I am, I thought Syracuse was a border town.
And some other advantages would be 18 drinking age, easy to buy weed, prostitution essentially legal.....
HMM. Those are all naughty things. Nothing I would be interested in.
:>- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:46 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Paul I from Rochester NY, United States:
The 'Go Leafs Go' plates definitely have to go...
The Department of Immigration is based in Ottawa and not the Centre of the Universe... Whoops, I mean Toronto. Forgot my Canada Day promise for a second.
BTW I love Toronto.... :)
Consider me your personal Immigration advisor on matters such as these...
Cheers- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:47 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Paul I from Rochester NY, United States:
How did you even understand all that ?
13 years of University education (three degrees and 2 post-graduate certifications), and I'm still scratching my head...
I have lived a very shallow life, I guess.
Cheers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:56 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: 'R.Miller- after reading the post above mine from Dr.McCormack- forget about it! '
And I've heard some not-so-good things about something called the 'Notwithstanding Clause'. Don't know much about it though. Has to do with civil rights, I believe. I think that should've been on the quiz today.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Keystone Provincial from NOT Winnipeg wrote: '...it's not so much a love affair with the US as it is being completely inundated with all things American...'
Awww c'mon you know you love us!!
Well, at least some of you love some of us. My cousin is married to a french guy from Quebec. They live here in the States.
Anyways, Keystone I know what you mean. It's the whole 'living next to an elephant' thing.- Posted 01/07/08 at 1:58 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Karen Johnson from Edmonton, Canada writes: 20/20 - I thought the questions would be harder!
Happy Canada Day all.- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:03 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
I love Americans.
The big block V8!
Rock and roll!
Jazz!
I'm kinda stumped.
What else do Americans have?- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:05 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Michael Sharp wrote: 'I'm kinda stumped. What else do Americans have? '
Disclaimer: The following comment may be offensive to many.
Big buildings (we had more, but some moslem fanatics took down two).
Big weiners.
I think that about covers it.- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:12 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Can you say weiner in Canada?
:>- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:16 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Keystone Provincial- 1969 eh? You weren't by any chance avoiding an all expenses paid trip to SE Asia were you?
- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:18 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Karen Johnson from Edmonton- And I'll bet you were a hall monitor in grade school too. Show off!
- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:21 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Bob Beal from Edmonton, Canada writes: Philip McCormack: If you are going to discuss the Constitution with children, you should not exaggerate too much.
Charter Section 11f (I had to look it up to see what it was) simply says that juries are not available to those charged with military offences before military tribunals. But, Magna Carta notwithstanding, I don't think the right to a jury was ever extended to military tribunals in the English system.
Magna Carta was the beginning of the right to a jury. But it was only the beginning. The right changed and evolved over time.- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:27 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Sandy M. from Boston, United States writes: Happy Canada Day!
Not too shabby scores from a New Englander:
7/10 Canada
9/10 U.S.- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:27 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Mike Expat from Ireland writes: Can you SPELL wiener in Canada? Or the US?
- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:28 PM EST | Link to Comment
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South Paw from Montreal, Canada writes: Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Michael Sharp wrote: 'I'm kinda stumped. What else do Americans have? '
Big weiners.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please don't mention the Republican Party.- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:38 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Mike,
Are you sure it's only the spelling that's bothering you about my weiner?- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:40 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Keystone Provincial from NOT Winnipeg, Canada writes: Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Keystone Provincial- 1969 eh? You weren't by any chance avoiding an all expenses paid trip to SE Asia were you?
I was 10. And my dad was too old. Nah, we were attracted by the allure of Hockey Night in Canada, The Guess Who, Mr. Dressup and The Friendly Giant. And REAL winters. It took me a long time to be able to say 'Regina' properly without giggling. (snicker)- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:44 PM EST | Link to Comment
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David Herzog from Iowa, United States writes: I know 95% of Canadians hate our guts and that is ok by me. In the spirit of goodwill to those 5% who still are friends of the USA I say happy birthday Canada!!!
- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:44 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
Kevin Wells from United States?
You have California, that's pretty cool.
If I could, I'd live in San Diego in a flash.
Americans gave us Star Wars and Mickey Mouse.
Mickey Mouse alone is the greatest contribution to human civilization since democracy.
The Big Mac.
Frank Lloyd Wright.
The hot dog.
Hello, Stephane!
Baseball.
The heat-seeking thermonuclear device.
Ronald Reagan, the greatest man of the 20th century, what saved us all from thermonuclear conflagration, courtesy many heat-seeking thermonuclear devices.
And finally...
Oklahoma, where my wife hails from, a little town called Antlers.
The US of A, the second greatest country on earth!
Oh Canada.- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:50 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
'Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Can you say weiner in Canada?'
Sometimes.
As in, Dion is a weiner.
That always flies.- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:52 PM EST | Link to Comment
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d ipolito from washington dc, writes: i'm paul i's sister....18/20 on the quiz.
it's good to be raised on the border and hear both national anthems played at HBSC.
time for a cold one...molson canadian or an iced tims?
beauty, eh- Posted 01/07/08 at 2:57 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Rabid Senses from good gawd, a latte-swilling Westerner, Canada writes:
19/20
Damn women's suffrage! - 1910s. I said 1920s and then realized right away afterwards that, 'Oh no, that was the USA.'
Thankfully the questionnaire was unstrategic enough to ask the very same question of US women's suffrage.
(oh, and sorry about saying 'damn women's suffrage,' . . . that totally came out the wrong way)
Happy Dominion Day!- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:09 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Mark H from Columbus, IN, United States writes: 16/20...all the ones I missed were the Canada ones, though I'm tempted to say 16/19, because that Moodie question was bunk.
Happy b-day, America's Hat!- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:11 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Keith Poehlman from East Moline, United States writes: Dangit, like others, I was stumped by the U.S. women's suffrage question, but I managed to get the others right. Anyway, it was amazing to me that I remembered everything from when I went to university for a year in Canada in 1985.
Happy Canada Day to everyone!- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:22 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
David Herzog from Iowa, United States writes: 'I know 95% of Canadians hate our guts and that is ok by me. In the spirit of goodwill to those 5% who still are friends of the USA I say happy birthday Canada!!! '
David, you may just be using hyperbole but I don't think even 95% of the Canadian posters on the G&M board 'hate our guts'. And I've been told many times that the number of people who express negative views about the USA on this board is actually much greater than the number among the general Canadian population. In other words, the G&M tends to attract a disproportionate amount of USA-bashers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:27 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Michael Sharp,
Nice of you to say such nice things about the USA.
You know how we Americans hate to blow our own horn. ;-)
KW.- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:29 PM EST | Link to Comment
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philip mccormack from vancouver, Canada writes: Dear Bob Beal
Right to trial by jury Charter of Rights and Freedoms Section 11(f) provides that
11. Any person charged with an offence has the right ...
except in the case of an offence under military law tried before a military tribunal, to the benefit of trial by jury where the maximum punishment for the offence is imprisonment for five years or a more severe punishment; Brought in by Pierre Trudeau
You have not observed the second part where T by J is only for offences with a term of imprisonment for more than 5 years, thus excluding 99% of people from T by J as was intended it has thus given government complete control over the people If we don't include children in the 17-18 age group they will remain uninformed.
Should you wish to be informed go to Google, type in Ken D'Oudney campaign for democracy. For Americans Lysander Spooner-T by J
By the way there is nothing just simply about law, they are in my opinion deliberately obfuscating, but worst of all not taught in school.
Obviously Churchill knew what was going on! Should you wish further information I will be happy to provide it. Philip- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:31 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
The Globe and Mail attracts a disproportionate amount of America-bashers for one very simple reason.
It is based in Toronto.
As Ontarians in general and Torontonians specifically have no way of identifying themselves, they do so by lashing out at their neighbour across the lake.
By appearing contrary they think they have identified themselves when really all they have done is be contrary.
It's like a 2 year old learning how to say no.
As in, immature.- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:32 PM EST | Link to Comment
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The Bubble from Canada writes: You got that right mikey. Unlike Westerners, we keep our pants on when the Americans come.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:38 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes: philip mccormack:
Can you explain the significance of the 'Notwithstanding Clause' to civil rights in Canada?
Thank you,
KW- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:38 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Paul I:
If you are still there and you weren't bored senseless by that legalese nonsense from the Left Coast, how about tossing us, Canadians, five New York softball questions to see if we can hit them out of the park (unlike the hitters for the Jays -- Go Sox Go ...)
In fact, why doesn't every American poster throw five softball questions from every state... In the spirit of good fun, keep 'em simple for fools like myself.
BTW G&M editors: Hope that the good Vancouver doctor gets his request for a stimulating legal debate so that we don't ever have to hear that rant again.... :)
Cheers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:39 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
'The Bubble from Canada writes: You got that right mikey. Unlike Westerners, we keep our pants on when the Americans come.'
Who are you kidding?
You wear a skirt.- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:40 PM EST | Link to Comment
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diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: I am somewhat at a loss to understand how the Dominion Institute, which is supposed to be advancing Canadians' knowledge of their own history, is now acting as a propaganda arm for SPP. It should be of no surprise to anyone that we are inundated with American culture and history at every turn - why, our so-called national broadcaster intends to offer Jeopardy! to viewers, even as PBS Spokane produces a good number of Canadian history programs for its Canadian supporters (from whom it receives more money than it does from its American viewers). Something's wrong with this picture.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:40 PM EST | Link to Comment
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The Bubble from Canada writes: That's so funny.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:42 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kruti Patel from Waterloo, Canada writes: 20/20
man you gotta love the Canadian education system! :o)- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:43 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Good Gawd, folks...
I leave the thread for a few minutes and there goes the neighbourhood...
In the event that this thread continues to degenerate into more senseless name calling and partisanship, I will just say:
I hope that everyone is having as nice a Canada Day as Halifax is, and Happy upcoming Independence Day to the American posters...
Cheers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:46 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
Meanwhile, back to your regular posting.
Happy Canada Day, Bubble.
The glory of this land is that I can insult your ancestry and you mine, with no fear of reprisal.
We live in the greatest country on earth, with the greatest neighbours possible.
R. Miller is right.
From one coast, Victoria, to another, Halifax we are all truly blessed.
Our biggest concerns are an increase in gasoline costs.
We are all very lucky.
Oh Canada.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:55 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Carolyn Bongiorno from Glenham, NY, United States writes: When I toured Parliament Hill last year, I was shocked at how little I knew about your nation when the tour guides administered their own quiz.
Happily, the Canadians among us did know the right answers.
How was I supposed to know that Dieffenbacher (?) was an actual person and not just the friendly wolf on 'Due South'?- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:56 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
R Miller:
> Who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance?
> Alan Alda starred in the television series MASH, but who played Hawkeye in the movie version?
> 'Kilroy was here' was the campaign slogan of a US senator running for office during WWII (true or false)?
> What did Yankee Doodle call the feather in his hat?
> In 1991, the Gulf War was called Operation Desert Storm. But what was it called prior to that in 1990?
> On the first US flag, why were the 13 stars sewn in a circle?
Remember, NO GOOGLING!!!!- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:57 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes: Carolyn Bongiorno wrote: 'How was I supposed to know that Dieffenbacher (?) was an actual person and not just the friendly wolf on 'Due South'? '
Where I live, Dieffenbacher is the name of the company that picks up the trash (I'm serious - it's on the side of their trucks).- Posted 01/07/08 at 3:59 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
Benjamin Franklin.
Donald Sutherland.
True.
A dandy.
Operation Rolling Thunder.
To represent the 13 original colonies, that's also why there are 13 red and white stripes.
How was that?- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:01 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Nick Vlahos from Chicago, United States writes: 9/10 on the Canadian questions (missed King being longest-serving PM), 10/10 on the American ones. Not bad for a Yank.
Happy Canada Day. Much as Canadians drive me crazy sometimes, I couldn't ask for a better neighbor. (Or is that neighbour?)- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:02 PM EST | Link to Comment
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The Bubble from Canada writes: Nice on Canada Day.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:03 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes: Michael:
wrong, right, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.
Sorry dude.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:05 PM EST | Link to Comment
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diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: It's spelled Diefenbaker, so that should clear up the confusion.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:08 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Nick,
It's 'neighbor'.
You're an American, man.
And it's color, flavor, honor, favorite - not colour, flavour, favourite.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:08 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
'Kevin Wells from United States writes: Michael:
wrong, right, wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong.
Sorry dude.'
Ouch.
Thomas Jefferson?
DS.
False.
A feather?
Operation Freedom something or other?
Because they couldn't make a tetrahedron out of 13 stars?- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:10 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
Nick Vlahos from Chicago, United States, astutely, 'Happy Canada Day. Much as Canadians drive me crazy sometimes, I couldn't ask for a better neighbor. (Or is that neighbour?)'
You think Canadians drive YOU crazy?
You should try living here.
It's 'harbour' by the way, eh.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:13 PM EST | Link to Comment
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diane marie from calgary, Canada writes: Here's the poop on how Americans decided to, at least in part, get rid of 'archaic outmoded English', thus moving to color, flavor, favorite, etc. I won't get into what I think of 'lite': www.spellingsociety.org/journals/j2/barnard.php
- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:16 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
wrong, right, right (duh!), wrong, wrong, wrong.
Sorry again dude.
Two strikes and you're out.
And it's harbor, eh.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:18 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Bob Beal from Edmonton, Canada writes: Philip McCormack: I am aware of the limits of the right to trial by jury, though I had forgotten about the absolute military law restriction. Even though jury trials are relatively rare in Canada (because defendants often elect trial by judge alone, as is their right), I have witnessed quite a few of them, though not for quite some time.
Under the Charter, jury trials are limited to offences that carry a penalty of five years' imprisonment or more, maximum. But that is not much of a limitation. A charge of uttering a death threat carries a five-year penalty, so does simple assault (if prosecuted by indictment). Theft over $5,000 carries a 10-year maximum. Crimes of threatened or real violence all qualify for jury trials.
Before the 1982 Charter, Canadian courts ruled that there was no fundamental right to jury trials but that Parliament could at its pleasure designate which crimes were applicable. With the Charter, Parliament no longer has that ability (though it could, I suppose, increase the number of crimes that qualify).
I am all in favor of the right to trial by jury. I would support extending it to the military. I am a big fan of Magna Carta (except what it says about Jews), the Treason Trials Act of 1696, and the Bill of Rights of 1689. But there have to be some reasonable limits. Would it not be a waste of resources to be empanelling juries for minor crimes?- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:22 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Kevin Wells from United States:
I would answer all of your questions, but I am having too much fun watching Michael Sharp guessing his a$$ off...
Go Michael Sharp Go...- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:26 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
I googled the answers.
The feather answer is funny.
But I won't say anything.
Next.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:29 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
> Veteran's Day is also known as....
> The oldest US military academy is...
> When the pledge of Allegiance was first published in 1892, the words 'Under God' were not in it. (T or F)
> The Great Seal of the USA shows a Bald Eagle with olive branch in its mouth and arrows of war in its feet (T or F).
> Which US dollar bill was discontinued in 1966?- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:29 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
Oooh boy!
More.
Remembrance day.
West Point.
True.
True.
The two dollar bill.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:33 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada:
Step aside before you precipitate an International incident...
-Francis Bellamy
-Donald Sutherland (an Atlantic Canadian - born in New Brunswick)
-False
-Macaroni
-?Operation Desert Shield
-Circle stands for a constellation in the heavens.... although personally, I think it is because Betsy Ross couldn't sew a dodecahedron.
Cheers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:42 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes: Michael:
wrong, right, right, wrong, right.
Much better!
Here's a tough one that will show the depth of your knowledge of Americana: What's a hootenanny?
KW.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:45 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
A hootenanny is a country jam session.
Up here we call them screechanannies.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:48 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
R Miller:
right, right, right, right, right, wrong - but I like your constellation answer.
the correct answer for number six is: so no colony (not states) would be seen as 'above' any other.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:50 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: James C from Shenzhen, China writes: i got 17/20 the first time i took it, then 20/20 the next two times. it got easier for me....
Me too- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:52 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
And let me be clear on that point.
The Americans gave the world country music.
Not one of their prouder moments.
Except for Dolly Parton, of course.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:52 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada:
Does the Left Coast have screechanannies ?
Wow, I thought only Newfoundland and Labrador did...
Hence, I take everything back that I have ever said that was critical of the Wet Coast...
I am off to a Canada Day screechananny myself.... I'll check back later for my score on those question, Wells...
Cheers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:52 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Michael Sharp wrote: 'A hootenanny is a country jam session.
Up here we call them sreechanannies. '
Canada does have a history of good folk singers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:54 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: That's not true about the Americans giving the world country music...
Nova Scotia did...
Don't you remember Hank Snow, the Sining Ranger ?
Cheers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:55 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
R Miller googled the answers!
He's a Haligonian cheat!
No fair.- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:55 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes: Michael:
'Except for Dolly Parton, of course. '
I must be honest.
I too, like her big boobs.
:>- Posted 01/07/08 at 4:56 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
Can you say 'big boobs' in Canada?- Posted 01/07/08 at 5:00 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
And now, I shall excuse myself.
I am off to the beer tent at the Gorge Park Canada Day Gala Extravaganza Celebration Party Birthday Bash.
There to consume mass quantities of Labatt's Blue in preparation for the fireworks at the Inner Harbour later.
Happy Canada Day, all!
Happy Independence Day, my American friends!- Posted 01/07/08 at 5:02 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Kevin Wells from United States writes:
M.S.,
Enjoy the celebrations.
And remember not to play with fireworks when you've been drinking.
Drinking and incendiary devices don't mix!!
I'm outta here, too.- Posted 01/07/08 at 5:13 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Festina Lente from United States writes: Bonne Fete, Canada. Perhaps now a greater number of Canadians will remember that the Queen is head of state and the PM head of government. According to Canadian observers (Canadians) less than 5 per cent know this simple fact. But alas, there are plenty of Americans who know as little about America. KEVIN WELLS is right on when he says that few Americans get exposure, by any means, on Canada. Of course there are exceptions along the border states. MICHAEL SHARP FROM ARIZONA: Perhaps you want to extend your eastern coast to St Johns. Remember, NL agreed to unite after WW2. You knew that of course! BTW I finally visited Victoria, Spring 2007, the only large Canadian city that had eluded me. The guv(GC) was not in at the time...probably working something out for the Gore visit. I would like to sell to the city alot of beautiful Florida white sand and export all those rocks on the beach near the yacht club, to Korea or China for re-cycling. Canadians should realize they don't have a written constitution...like UK, both have the Great Acts of their respective parliaments. I have had and continue to have great success with Canada and Canadians, though I am a little biased towards the West where the cultural capital of Canada is slowly moving. First on a visit to my brother in Moose Jaw in 1940 who crossed over to fly with RCAF and on too numerous visits to mention. At one time I considered myself an expert on the Wild Roses in Alberta and I do like Alberta historical trivia when men and women had to 'conspire' to drink together or go to vegas-like, Gt Falls, Montana. I miss those happy times abit and I remember all the good times in the Old Mac and King Teddy hotels in Edmonton. Before resuming my cups, I must mention the absence (perhaps unintentional) of Quebec. Shame on you G&M! Canadian humor is world renown. Meanwhile the Stanley Cup prefers the geography of Tampa, Raliegh, Denver, Detroit, etc. Good luck to all. Malcolm McCallum.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 5:43 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Kevin Wells- 'Big boobs' in Canada is pronounced 'Julie Coulliard'. Trust me on this one.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 5:45 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Mark S from Calgary, Canada writes: I got 10/10 for Canada 8/10 for the US. I blew the women vote in 1920, I thought it was before the Canadian Women got the vote.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 5:47 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Woody Forrest from Out in the Sticks, Canada writes: Nick Vlahos from Chicago, United States writes: '... Much as Canadians drive me crazy sometimes, I couldn't ask for a better neighbor. (Or is that neighbour?) On this board it's neighbour, and thanks for offering that. All I need to know about Americans is what I learned at baseball games. On my business trips, if I could get a ticket to MLB game I'd be there. For maybe one inning or two, I'd feel a bit self conscious about being by myself. All it would take was a great play on the field. As soon as I called something out, someone would notice that I was from somewhere else. 'So you're from Canada, eh?' and it would go from there. The Americans were easy to talk to, asked me lots of questions and generally put me right at ease. I have very fond memories of that. I've even been to Dyersville, Iowa and The Field of Dreams. I had no trouble getting into a pick-up game and getting someone to take my picture while I hit a fly ball. I'm surprised by the number of Americans finding this board and having fun with the mix of questions. Just wanted to get out there some of the very positive memories I have about the USA. Oh, and I did get a free dinner off the Canadian rescue of American embassy staff after the Iranian hostage crisis. An American colleague of mine was happy to have a Canadian to thank for that. The relationship is a bit asymmetrical, but Americans are AOK with me.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 5:55 PM EST | Link to Comment
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D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: Dieffenbachia is also a plant.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 5:58 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Woody- I can picture the Canadian diplomat's face from the hostage episode. His name had to be Roger or Gord. Do I get any points?
- Posted 01/07/08 at 6:00 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Wilma De Bruyn from Toronto, Canada writes: Craig Cooper from Toronto, writes: Keep Canada British!
Posted 01/07/08 at 1:52 AM EDT | Alert an Editor | Link to Comment
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As well as the Corporate us of a is a corporation under British Rule.
Only the property around the White House is a country.
North American Union Day anyone????
(The Biggest Secret by David Icke.)- Posted 01/07/08 at 6:00 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: Wilma- Pleas decode your post. it reads like you have a few too many Labatt's under your belt. Happy Canada Day eh !
- Posted 01/07/08 at 6:04 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Woody Forrest from Out in the Sticks, Canada writes: Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: 'Woody- I can picture the Canadian diplomat's face from the hostage episode. His name had to be Roger or Gord. Do I get any points? '
Paul, sorry it was Ken Taylor. I remembered the Taylor but had to use Google to get the other if it makes you feel any better.
My Canadian aunt married a Marine from Detroit who was a veteran of the Tarawa invasion. My dad pointed out that in 1946, it was hard to be any cooler than that and my uncle was a babe magnet.
In the spirit of this board, I have to come up with a question. So who was Canada's highest scoring fighter ace in WWII?- Posted 01/07/08 at 6:14 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Keystone Provincial from NOT Winnipeg, Canada writes: Heck, I thought a hootenanny was someone who looked after baby owls.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 6:40 PM EST | Link to Comment
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More Truth from Ottawa, Canada writes: So why exactly do we care about American history? No seriously, why? Why would it be considered important to include in the survey? How does it affect me as compared to Canadian history? I am sick of the love affair that so many Canadians have with the ill-fated country to our immediate south. There is only one thing that needs to be known about the USA: They are democratic dictatorship that will be the death of the global economy, as we know it; and the cause for millions of deaths around the world in the next 10 years. You don't have to agree with me, the history that is yet to come already does.
Oh, and to you Americans out there reading this, I do not dislike you because you are American, I dislike America because of its self-centered, 'we-are-the-best' attitude as is evidenced by something as simple as your 'World Series'. The only teams invited to play are from the USA yet the winner is proclaimed to be the best in the world. I mean seriously, ...really??? I just can't get past that kind of smug 'i can't see beyond my own fat ego' attitude. Too many of you think you are so awesome, when in fact you can't see your own house of cards falling before your very eyes.- Posted 01/07/08 at 6:44 PM EST | Link to Comment
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William Hughes from Vancouver Island, Canada writes: 8/10 on Canada, 9/10 on the USA. Perhaps I'm misplaced.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 7:02 PM EST | Link to Comment
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philip mccormack from vancouver, Canada writes: Dear Bob, I iunderstand your worry minor crimes and juries. Many crimes under T by J would no longer be crimes. This comes from the maxim 'Vices are not crimes'. Lysander Spooner. It follows from this that the taxpayer would be saved tens of billions of dollars every year. The main groups against T by J that I have come across are judges, lawyers and politicians. Quite understandable, they would lose control and we would need less of them.
Many police as well, yet at the senior level after retirement they want vices not to be crimes. In other words if a person has a vice that hurts themselves and no one else that's their affair, (not the governments business) as it is at this time with alcohol. An interesting book on-line is Our Enemy the State, by A J Nock, it's free and is wonderful English prose. My address is 7728 155 St Surrey BC
v3s 3p2 Drop me a line and I will sem\nd you my e-mail address. We seem to have a lot in common.philip- Posted 01/07/08 at 7:06 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Ghost of Bobby Jones from Ottawa, Canada writes: Just took this quiz, can`t read the 200 comments, but will say that S. Moodie for Canadian author is a very poor, unknown modern choice. I got it right, but only by eliminating the Americans. Btw, polls like this do not show knowledge of Canadian history, they are a 2 minute farce, Canadians do know their history, just pick better questions next time, and throw in some U.S. ringers (just like you did on the Canadian side), instead of grabbing a headline with this.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 7:24 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Jedi Knight from Richmond Hill, Canada writes: Woody Forrest from Out in the Sticks, Canada writes:
In the spirit of this board, I have to come up with a question. So who was Canada's highest scoring fighter ace in WWII?
Here is your answer. I knew that one. :)
George Frederick Beurling
the 'Falcon of Malta'
31.33 - 29.33 ( 9 damaged)
Ref: http://www.acesofww2.com/Canada/Canada.htm- Posted 01/07/08 at 7:30 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Paul I from Rochester NY, United States writes: More Truth From Ottawa- I bet you don't get invited to too many parties do you? What a drone. You and Dr.McCormack missed the whole spirit of this thread. We are lucky to have you two deep thinkers doing the heavy lifting for the rest of us lightweights.
Have fun (if possible) bonne journee!- Posted 01/07/08 at 7:58 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Bob Beal from Edmonton, Canada writes: Philip: I think I see where you are going with the 'vices are not crimes' business. I even think I might agree with you, basically. But I am not sure.
I do think you exaggerate the situation.
If you want to contact me, I would be happy to reply. The email address I give out publicly is oldpoges@telus.net. In what you write on these boards, there are some interesting issues, particularly the matter of 'vices,' which does have a history. I have never examined that closely. My own narrow expertise in the criminal law area is in crimes in which is contained a clear intent to injure. But, I understand the debate.
I have spent most of this Canada Day in my garden. Is anyone out there a tomato expert? I have two sick tomato plants, among 24 that look just beautiful. I have grown tomatoes for many years, and I can not figure this one out, and I worry. I need better advice than I can give myself. My email address is above.- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:07 PM EST | Link to Comment
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George Hoberg from Vancouver, Canada writes: These things can be fun, but it is terribly distressing when a quiz about factual knowledge - designed in part to show we don't know as much as we should - is actually based on a significant error. The phrase 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' is NOT in the US Constitution. It comes from the Declaration of Independence. Canadians may know more about US history than our own, but many elite Canadians, such as the designers of this quiz, know less about the US than they think they do.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:29 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Laura Dover from Calgary, Canada writes: 20/20
William Lyon Mackenzie King
Sat in the middle and played with string
He loved his mother like anything
William Lyon Mackenzie King- Posted 01/07/08 at 8:40 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Bob Beal from Edmonton, Canada writes: George: As I pointed out somewhere above, it is not a 'significant error.' The question just says that the phrase is 'associated with' the American Constitution, which is perfectly true. Now, I would argue, and many would disagree with me, that the Declaration is included in the Constitution. Whether you take my view of the American Constitution or that of others, the question is a good and legitimate one.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:00 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: More truth from Ottawa, Canada:
Aren't you from that city that was responsible for having blocked a train of physicians and aid from Boston, Mass. at the Canada-US border that was coming to help survivors after the WWI Halifax explosion, a 10 KT explosion that has only been surpassed by the detonation of the atomic bomb in terms of intensity ?
Of course, you do realize what effect that that delay had on the City of Halifax...
Actually, I am almost certain that you don't.
That's why I personally care about American history as is my right as a Canadian citizen...
Cheers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:01 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Maurice Caissy-Cyr from Canada writes: To my neighbours, good july 1 and july 4.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:06 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Audrey Welsh from United States writes: 6/10 on the Canadian. 10/10 on the American. But I'll improve on the former:)
Happy Canada Day!- Posted 01/07/08 at 9:38 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Dominique Cote from Montreal, Canada writes: Actually, the first line of our country's national anthem is: 'O Canada! terre de nos aieux.'
- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:17 PM EST | Link to Comment
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M' edea from Canada writes: Natives couldn't vote until the 1960s without giving up Treaty rights, which few were willing to do; and most women wouldn't vote even though they had the right, because it made their husbands angry if they didn't vote as he did. It was very comon to here men grousing how her vote cancelled his out. To keep the peace, and to avoid being called man haters, or women who wanted to be men, most married women didn't vote.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:20 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
R Miller googled the answers.
He's a Haligonian cheat.
No fair.
Ouch, Michael !
I didn't google the answers -- I looked them up on America On-line.
Now, you take that back, please !
Cheers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:22 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Edmond Dusablon from United States writes: More Truth from Ottawa -- You're a poster child for the chip-on-the-shoulder Canadian. Get a life.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, the Blue Jays won a World Series title back in the 90's. And last time I checked Toronto was still not in the USA. So much for your pathetic World Series = American arrogance comment.- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:25 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Edmond Dusablon from United States writes: R Miller -- Because relief from Boston was the first to reach Halifax after the explosion, Halifax has given Boston a beautiful Christmas tree every year since.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:27 PM EST | Link to Comment
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D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: 17 out of 20 on my third try. I'M LOVIN' IT.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:30 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Edmond Dusablon from United States writes: Apologies to Jays fans, make that TWO World Series victories in the 90s -- 1992 and 1993. Great teams.
Happy Canada Day to all Canadians! Even the whiners!- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:30 PM EST | Link to Comment
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D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: The Expos would have won in '94, if there hadn't been a strike.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:35 PM EST | Link to Comment
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D. B. from Greater Sask., Canada writes: This is the sad thing about humans today: We are all born with good intelligence but we are quickly absorbed into meaningless activities which always keep us from being what we can truly be. Long ago, the three-year-old son of an old friend of mine could match name and number of every player on the Chicago Blackhawks team. I knew the Expos had a good team in '94 but I didn't know the year of Confederation.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:48 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Edmond Dusablon from United States:
Yes, the gift of the Nova Scotia Christmas tree to Boston for their much appreciated assistance after the Halifax Explosion is still quite a big deal here locally every year.
I have never seen it personally, but have been told by posters from Boston on these G&M threads that it is quite stunning when it is all lit up.
The Federal Government of Canada of the day didn't want it to appear that they required outside assistance, delayed the train from Boston at the border crossing and many Haligonians perished in the blizzard the following day...
And did you also know that the Boston Red Sox brought the World Series Trophy here to Halifax last fall before even taking it to the White House ?
Classy!
The Jays didn't do that in the 1990s...
Happy Independence Day, neighbour...
Cheers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 10:53 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Festina Lente from United States writes: R Miller from Halifax: The explosion of the Mount Blanc is well known throughout North America and Europe. Halifax already had alot of expierence with the dead, i.e.,burial of many bodies from the RMS Titanic in April of 1912. I checked encyclopedia Britannica (I don't trust the web for accuracy) for the blocked train in question and could find anything. The arrival of doctors, nurses and medical supplies from Boston and the state of Mass. arrived timely but were not the first to arrive. In fact they relieved weary doctors who were from all over North America. There was an American ship in the harbor at the time of explosion, Old Colony, and it was converted into a hospital. A simiilar explosion occurred in Texas City at the mouth of Galveston Bay, Texas with loss of life and terrible damage. The assistance rendered from the USA to Halifax reminds one of the Canadian assistance during Hurricance Katrina. The Dart Team from Vancouvre and the dispatch of vessels to New Orleans during a stormy Atlantic. Thanks for your commentary but could you give ref to the train blockage? Malcolm McCallum in Florida.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:13 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Mike Sumners from Toronto, Canada writes: 18/20 Missed the one on the Canadian author and the decade that women got the vote in Canada.
- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:40 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Mike Sumners from Toronto, Canada writes: David Herzog from Iowa, United States writes: 'I know 95% of Canadians hate our guts and that is ok by me. In the spirit of goodwill to those 5% who still are friends of the USA I say happy birthday Canada!!!'
We don't hate your guts, David. We're part of the same family. Happy July 4th!!!- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:42 PM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Festina Lente from United States:
I actually do not have a reference on the train from Boston being delayed by actions of the Canadian Government of the day. That has been passed on to me by word of mouth which could certainly be inaccurate.
This is from Wikipedia:
'A relief train left from Boston at 10:00 PM on the day of the explosion. Relentlessly chugging through the wintry terrain, it was delayed by heavy snowfall but reached Halifax just over 30 hours later at 3:00 AM on December 8 unloading much needed food, water, medical supplies and some adi workers to relieve the Nova Scotia medical staff, many of whom had worked without rest since the morning of the explosion.'
30 hours from Boston to Halifax does seem like quite a delay (given the two cities are roughly one hour apart by air.) However, it appears that it might have been weather that delayed the train from Boston and not the Canadian Government as I had indicated.
My apologies for these inaccuracies.
My original contention as to why both our countries should be interested in each other's history, however, remains unchanged from this particular example.
Cheers.- Posted 01/07/08 at 11:49 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
R Miller.
I jest.
You are far smarter than I.
And...
Sorry.- Posted 02/07/08 at 12:09 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
Omigod.
Stop, Vern.
You're going to get graylisted.- Posted 02/07/08 at 12:13 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Will Partridge from Canada writes: Well, I can think of three reasons immediately that everyone should learn what they can about American history.
One, the USA is our closest neighbour, and influences us with every action.
Two, it's the richest and most powerful country in the world.
Three, America's revolution and subsequent evolution had profound effects on the development of all the democracies of the west. I don't think it's really possible to be knowledgeable about world history without also knowing a fair bit about how things went down in America. They really did change the world, even if they currently seem to have forgotten many of their hardest-learned lessons.
As for the currently high level of anti-Americanism, that's largely been fueled by the unprecedented hatred of George W. Bush and his cronies. Hatred that's rational and entirely justified, by the way. The man is a menace to our species.
That will change if Obama gets elected. That story the Globe ran the other day about Obama being the most popular politician in Canada was pretty interesting. I bet we'd rather have him as PM than Dion or Harper. So expect to see some very rapid changes in our relationship with America if he wins.
I always thought Chretien had the best line about Canadian-American relations: 'You are our best friends, whether we like it or not.'- Posted 02/07/08 at 12:26 AM EST | Link to Comment
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R Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada:
Ah shucks, Sharp...
I am all choked up, but I was joking too...
You didn't really have to apologize, but thanks....
Now, where's my compensation package.... ;)
Cheers.- Posted 02/07/08 at 12:30 AM EST | Link to Comment
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d ipolito from washington dc, writes: stay classy canada.
- Posted 02/07/08 at 12:44 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Michael Sharp from Victoria, Canada writes:
Will Partridge from Canada, shoves his foot in his mouth, 'As for the currently high level of anti-Americanism, that's largely been fueled by the unprecedented hatred of George W. Bush and his cronies. Hatred that's rational and entirely justified, by the way. The man is a menace to our species.'
Entirely justified?
Shut up, anti-American, you're giving us indigestion.
You're a weiner.- Posted 02/07/08 at 12:34 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Gogh Forit from Canada writes: More truth from Ottawa: The reason many Americans have that attitude that you describe is for the very same reason why so many Canadians have this idea that our people are "morally superior" to Americans. Where did we get this notion and why do we feel the need to perpetuate this falsehood. What Canadians have to remember first and foremost about Americans is that their media machine is dedicated to keeping the patriotic home fires burning along with the instruction that every American child gets in school, that the bastion of freedom and democracy in the world is the U.S. When this notion is drilled into the head of every citizen on a daily basis, it's kind of hard for someone under such influence to shake this notion. This systematic inculcation is absolutely no different than those Canadians who believed the line from Chretien that Canada was the best country in the world based on a dubious study done by the United Nations. Canada was only "number one" in a few categories but overall we did not finish first. However, Chretien cherry-picked the results and many Canadians bought into this lie wholeheartedly. More truth, you probably think that we are either or both morally superior and best country just because some Ottawa politician said so. Well, neither is true. And while Canada is a good country to live in, our guarantees of freedom and security are only in place because our neighbour to the south sees benefits in us remaining so.
- Posted 02/07/08 at 9:37 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Megan Ratcliffe from Toronto, Canada writes: 18/ 20(and I am a born and bred Canadian) and the only things I got wrong, was I switched the decades for when women got the vote. Truth be told though there is alot of Canadian history that is not taught properly, or at all or may just be skimmed over. Canadian history doesn't quite have the same amount of bloodshed that American history does, but this Country has A LOT to be proud of.
Happy July 4th though to everyone!- Posted 02/07/08 at 11:13 AM EST | Link to Comment
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E. Biggs from Canada writes: Mike Sumners Let me tell you some truths
The bulk of the Canadian populous do not hate Americans and many spend as much time down there are possible.
Yup there is not much love for George and many have bought into the propaganda about the Republican Party being the big bad wolf. Truth be known most Canadians have no knowledge of the Republican Party or the Democratic Party except what they have been fed. Also true is that most Canadians know diddle all about America except what the press tells them and they see on TV. Few have taken the time to do any research or spent any time down there.
We are like mushrooms and are kept in the dark and fed BS.
Don't judge all Canadians by what you see and read on these threads, most of us have too much time on our hands and like to stir the pot.- Posted 02/07/08 at 11:54 AM EST | Link to Comment
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Are We Having This Conversation Ruiz from Toronto, Canada writes: Susanna Moodie....what a pain in the rear-end she was!!! I had to read her book about plants...her struggle about moving to Canada from England and blah blah blah....she was just as boring as her sister Catherine Parr-Trail!
Despite my complaining, it is nice to know about Canadian literature! I enjoy reading many novels by Canadian authors and it is somewhat disappointing that more Canadians don't know more Canadian authors.
That just means that the publishers need to do a better job in promoting Canadian authors!- Posted 02/07/08 at 12:44 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Brian Sexsmith from Toronto, Canada writes: Women in New Zealand had the vote 25 years before Canadian women did in 1918.
Natives didn't have equal voting rights in Canada until 1960.- Posted 02/07/08 at 4:52 PM EST | Link to Comment
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Festina Lente from United States writes: Finnish women had the vote before anyother! And they got it under the rule of Czarist Russia around 1905 when Finland was a duchy. The guv was a Russian tyrant named Bobrikoff (sp) and was assasinated by a Finnish nationalist name Shumann (sp) So there it is, Finns setting another fine example for the world.
- Posted 02/07/08 at 10:35 PM EST | Link to Comment
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