Off-Topic Forum

As two of our great nations approach their own day of celebration, I extend best wishes to Canada's neighbours to the south.  Our two nations have always found accord with each other, especially the citizens, despite our governments.  Having travelled to almost every one of the 50 states and having been welcomed sincerely and warmly at every location, I personally value the ongoing friendship and trust between our countries.  I admire the patriotism that Americans proudly show for their country but always rise up when one of their allies is in need of assistance.  We in Canada are often more subdued when proclaiming our patriotism.  But having said all of this, I found these videos of commercials made by one of our beer companies that does bring a sense of being a proud Canadian and a willingness to express it once in a while.  I must add that some viewers of these commercials did take offense when seen south of the 49th parallel - this is not my intent here - it is more to share a bit of pride and laughs with all as we celebrate our nations' independence days. The first is said to be the best Canadian commercial ever  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRI-A3vakVg; these are a series of other commercials that could all be runners-up https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up0i0G_y05A  I hope the links work. To all my Canadian and American friends - Happy 150th Canada Day (July 1) / Happy 241st Independence Day (July 4).

Bruno

well said sandy.. i second that from the southern side. During my 24yrs in the Navy, i was fortunate to do crew swaps with different countries on their vessels. I must say, the Candadians were one of the best - always was a good time. I hate to bring this into the picture (different forum), but its amazing what we as humans can do when we meet "as people" and politics aren't involved. Although, i never had the opportunity to visit the country, it is on my buckett list! Freeport, Maine about the closet i got. On that note, i hope everyone enjoys the weekend and that it is a safe one!!!

As someone who honeymooned in Montreal, and has been visiting the country annually (at least) since then (1995), I can say that I can understand the pride they feel for their country, as we do in the US as well.

Happy holidays to 2 great nations full of great people (especially great are those who hang out here!).

Hockey .............. it is my sport and my hobby, as a good Canadian kid I learned to dislike those awful teams from down south, this is still more or less true to this day. But let me tell you this there are two things hockey has taught almost every canadian kid since the first broadcast by radio all those years ago, O Canada and yup you guessed it The Star Spangled Banner. Every game I ever watch or attend I am proudest when I can not only bellow out my anthem but also yours. We are cousins, all from the same tree but raised much differently, we (as people) understand one another better than any other country. We have fought together, died together, and will trudge forward together. We make fun of eachother, for good or for bad and we constantly beat you in the gold medal game (I may be biased). Your country has converted my favorite sister from Go Canucks to Go Patriots, but I still love her. I like your beer and crave your comfort foods, I have been to Disneyland, Seattle and Butte (ok I grasping there) but seriously, I have been to more US tourist traps than Canadian ones. But I proudly display the Maple Leaf every trip south. I have been asked about Igloos, hockey and the north pole been bugged about my accent, the whole time chuckling at your giggles like you are talking to Santa himself. I will not stop coming if you will have me and by all means come on up for a cold beer and clam, have a plate of tasty poutine and finish er off with a fresh Nanimo bar. I'll save you a seat. Happy Fouth of July and Canada Day to all, that is a jovial rant of a true red and white Canucklehead.

=D

I've always had an affinity to Canada and in the past few years I've found out why- a major branch of my family moved there before coming to the US! There's actually an entire town named after them. Someday I hope to visit it.
Now that I've gotten into hockey the affinity is even moreso than it was before! 

Happy 150th Birthday!  Happy Canada Day!

Oh Canada!!!

Happy "Independence Day" to those in both countries! I was born and raised in the US, but that was nothing I could control. I like where I live, even if I don't agree with half of the country's population about many things. Apparently, THAT is the American way now! Canada is the ONLY other country that I have ever visited, even though it was by accident and it was only for an afternoon. The Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls is pretty tricky (at least it was in 2005) from the US side. Canadians welcomed us WITHOUT passports, after a relatively-short background check. Niagara Falls, ONT was much like Myrtle Beach, SC to me. Total tourist trap, but still fun and a good way to spend an afternoon. I would like to visit Canada again in the summer at some time in the future, but hopefully somewhere further across the border. I am not really a hockey fan, but no one up there can blame me. If water freezes hard enough to skate on here in North Carolina, it's a really bad winter! I have a pond of nearly one acre in size and in 10 years it has never frozen enough that I would even walk out onto the ice. I still can't believe we have an NHL team called the Carolina Hurricanes. Not because hockey isn't popular around here (we have many major universities with hockey teams and some minor league hockey teams here too), but mostly b/c of the name. What the heck would a hurricane have to do with hockey and ice?!!! :-P

Anyway, I hope everyone stays very safe for the next several days of celebrations in either country! The "4th of July" has usually been a special holiday to me personally b/c my birthday is 3 days later and the two celebrations tend to merge together within the family. It's nice to get fireworks with your birthday b/c very few people actually get that kind of celebration for their birthday. What sucks this year is the timing. I have to work on BOTH days AND I work in the evening! I'll probably take the day off for my birthday next year though, b/c it falls on a Saturday.

Happy Canada Day to my northern neighbors.

I have been to canada a dozen times.  Been to "THE BIG OWE" a few times to watch Phillies, Toronto, and The Falls from the north.