What have the Canadians ever done 4 us

Subject: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 07:33 PM

We've given the world:

The foghorn
insulin
Red Rose Tea
Canadian Bacon
Joni Mitchell
the variable speed propeller
velcro
Walter Pedgeon
Walt Disney's parents
Canadian Club whiskey
John Candy

I'll leave the rest up to everyone else.

And we where the ones who won the war ( II I think) !!

sIx

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: kendall
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 07:40 PM

You also gave us Rick Fielding, Peter Jennings, William Shatner, Giselle McKenzie, Gordon Lightfoot, Ann Murray and Stan Rogers.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: PoppaGator
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 07:40 PM

Danny Ackroyd
Neil Young
Peter Jennings

and of course

who could forget

(especially Little Hawk):

SHATNER!!!!!

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 07:44 PM

kd lang

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Rapparee
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 08:14 PM

Little Hawk.
Bruce Murdoch.
Lake Louise.
Nunavat.
Robert Service.
Mackenzie King.
Uranium.
The Great Slave Lake.
Baffin Island.
Newfoundland.
The Yukon.
Yellowknife.
Chateau Frontenac.
Metis.
The Ross rifle.
Louis Riel.
The Mounties.
Sergeant Preston & Yukon King.
Sam Steele.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Rapparee
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 08:20 PM

Let us not forget Red Green, either.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 08:40 PM

Cliff Thorburn, Kirk Stevens, Big Bill Wurburnik - snooker players

Several long ballads about General Wolfe (always a good point to go out and have a wee in the folk club evening - after all its hard to get bothered about what happened to him after all this time. (Full bladders over the entire legth of England thank you profoundly for that)

Mordecai Richler - great author

Oh yeh and Leonard Cohen - he was one of yours wasn't he?

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Amos
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 08:59 PM

And Dave Horrigan, blues-harp bender extraordinaire!!

A

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:01 PM

Mordecai Richler - absolutely !!

Lenny Cohen is a Canadian.

Here's a couple of others:

The Littlest Hobo

Lenny Breau - ok, we didn't give the world Mr. Breau. But he did live here in his formidable years.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Teresa
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:01 PM

Just checking to see if Stan Rogers was on this list. :)

Oh, some damn fine hockey!

All you Canadian 'catters.

Teresa

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:30 PM

..given us another odd accent to laugh at

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:31 PM

Leo Clarke, Fred Hall, and Robert Shankland
Mary Ann Shadd
Telephone
Lester Pearson
Pierre Berton
The zipper
Laurence J Peter
Margaret Laurence
Electron Microscope
Leslie Nielson
Television
Mcintosh apple
Oscar Peterson
Electric Light Bulb
Alice Munro
Pacemaker for the heart
Paul Kane
Newsprint
Margaret Atwood
Tom Thompson and the Group of Seven
John Kenneth Galbraith
Robert Munsch
Basketball
Margaret Newton

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:34 PM

OK, the first line is three guys who deserve mention. Their story is very interesting for people anywhere.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:35 PM

Maple syrup and a broken heart.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Cluin
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:47 PM

We kept Quebec.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: akenaton
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:52 PM

The Lumberjack Song...and the Mounties..Ake

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Once Famous
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:53 PM

Canadian bacon
Very cold winter weather that moves south
hoser humor/the McKenzie Brothers
fake American movie sites

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Rapparee
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:58 PM

Farley Mowat.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:58 PM

fake American movies sites ... good one MG !!

The Mackenzie Bros. .. ever see the Trailer Park Boys ?

Some more:

Louis B. Mayer

Dr. Norman Bethune

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: beetle cat
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 09:59 PM

Affordable higher education!!!!

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Mooh
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 10:00 PM

Grit Laskin
Linda Manzer
Marc Beneteau
Sheldon Schwartz
Alan Beardsell
Oliver Apitius
Fabrizio Alberico
Ted Thompson

and much lesser company like me.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Biskit
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 10:02 PM

The Kids in the Hall!

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Teresa
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 10:07 PM

Oh, one of my favorite Galbraith quotes: "capitalism is man exploiting man. Communism is just the opposite."

Wayne Johnston (novelist)

joey Smallwood (well kinda sorta) ;);)

The cBC, a very nice alternative to ... well, to things like Fox.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: mack/misophist
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 10:07 PM

To the best of my knowlege, the only thing Canada has ever done for the rest of the continent is show us a better way to run a country. But then, you guys are all polite. So it can't happen here, eh?

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Teresa
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 10:10 PM

Oh, how could I forget: Wilf Carter, AKA Montana Slim.

Teresa

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 10:15 PM

The CBC ..... most definately!

Hank Snow

Robertson Davies

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 10:19 PM

Theresa ..... how would an American know of Joey Smallwood ??

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Teresa
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 10:32 PM

A Canadaphile, I am. :)

CBC and reading Johnston's _Colony of Unrequited Dreams_ :)

I had a boyfriend who had lived in Canada for years. :)

Some of my best friends .... ah never mind. :D

Teresa

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: pdq
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 10:36 PM

This is a music site and not one mention of Ian Tyson!!!

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 10:37 PM

... or Sylvia !!!

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Azizi
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 10:41 PM

Canada- in 19th century was THE Beulah land, a beacon of hope for enslaved African Americans and a safe haven for fugitive African American people.

Thank you.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 10:45 PM

The light and hope at the end of the Underground Railroad!

A proud moment in Canadian Heritage

Appreciate you for mentioning this Azizi !!

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Little Hawk
Date: 27 Jan 05 - 11:38 PM

Buffy Sainte-Marie

Ronnie Hawkins

Most of "The Band"

Gordon Lightfoot

Jean-Claude Larrivee (and all those other great luthiers above)

Marie-Lynn Hammond

Bruce Cockburn

James Keelaghan

Connie Kaldor

Eileen McGann

Resdan :-)

Ian & Sylvia Tyson AGAIN! Geez...

Universal Medicare

A reputedly socialist party with really nice, ordinary, middle-class people who don't have horns growing out of their heads or anything... :-) (It's called the NDP.)

A 4 party $ySStem instead of that fecking 2 party $ySStem, south of the border...twice as much BS for your vote! :-)

Lorne Greene (sigh...)

Leslie Nielsen (bigger sigh...)

King William the Shatner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   But you already knew that.

And Martin, if you have not seen "Trailer Park Boys", then you have not really lived. I kid you not. See it! You will enjoy it.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 12:05 AM

Resdan ?!?!?!? LOL

How in the hell did ya ever remember that ?!?!

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Teresa
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 12:12 AM

The Vancouver Morrismen.

Sorry, but I love Morris, and when I was in Vancouver bC I found a cassette. I don't think I have it anymore, either, darn it.

And we almost got to a Canadian World Series at one point. ...

Teresa

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Little Hawk
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 12:20 AM

"Resdan! It's only available in Canada!" Old TV ad.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 12:25 AM

When we develop the multiple-orgasm pill for men, hey, we'll have BRAGGING rights.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: mike_in_st_c
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 12:49 AM

I'm glad to see Lorne Greene mentioned. Also John Roberts on CBS news is a former Canada AM host. Has anyone seen Corner Gas or North of 60? Oh, and Tom Jackson too. Mike

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Teresa
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 12:53 AM

Yes, I've gotten some of Corner Gas on my computer, though I'm in the States. Love it.

Teresa

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: LadyJean
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 01:07 AM

I seem to be in a minority, but I like the Quebecquois. I worked for a Quebecqouis many years ago. He edited the Heritage Broadcast Institute Newsletter, a monthly devoted to ethnic broadcasting. I wrote most of it, as Monsieur Kopp didn't write English very well. He was pleaasant to work for. He alwasy stopped to talk with my mother, who was very proud of her French, while I tried, in vain, to pry our standard poodle's nose out of his crotch.

I meet Qubequois at the S.C.A's annual Pensic War, now and again. When I speak French to them, they understand me, and they're very nice about it. French people aren't nearly as tolerant. J'adore les Quebecqouis.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Azizi
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 02:12 AM

Catibana!

see this quote from 2004:

"It began as the Toronto Caribbean community's salute to Canada's Centennial year. Now in its second millennium, its fifth decade and its 37th year, the Caribana™ Festival is one of North America's greatest celebrations, attracting an estimated million participants annually. Rooted in Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, it has become an international festival where you might experience Jamaican reggae, Brazilian samba or African djembe rhythms alongside Latin salsa, Haitian zouk or urban sounds, all blended with calypso and soca vibes."
http://www.caribana.com


More than a million people attend this festival. My daughter loves it so much, she's gone 3 years in a row. When she's there, she waves the USA AND the Barbados flags {my maternal grandparents' home}.

This is on my to-do list of Carnivals to experience!

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 02:17 AM

The people of Quebec have as much 'relation' to the people of France as the Newfoundlanders do to Ireland. It's there but it ain't, if ya know what I mean.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 03:25 AM

Gawd bless Canada for Leonard Cohen, and for not inventing Rap "music"

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: dianavan
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 03:42 AM

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart

and...

water, wood, electricity and fish

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 03:47 AM

Do not pick on the Canadians , they have it tough, very tough ...they live next door to USA.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST,daylia
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:27 AM

Maybe that's how Canada produces people like Terry Fox?

Other notables are David Suzuki (scientist, activist, broadcaster), Margaret Laurence (author), Glenn Gould (classical pianist), Rick Hansen (athlete), Wayne Gretsky (The Great One), Pierre Elliot Trudeau (oh fuddle-duddle!), Dr Frederick Banting (discoverer of insulin), Gordon Lightfoot, Karen Kain (prima ballerina), and Dr Henry Morgantaler (but let's not get TOO violent over it).

I like to remember Elijah Harper too - the Cree-Ojibway MP who (temporarily) waylaid Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's plans to destroy Canada by silently holding up an eagle feather in the Manitoba legislature, refusing to ratify the Meech Lake Accord in the early 90's

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Mooh
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 08:42 AM

Elijah Harper, yes! And Tommy Douglas. The world and Canada needs more like them.

Mendleson Joe, Mainline,

Thousands of military men and women during wars fought elsewhere, like my Dad. Thousands of peacekeepers in disputes elsewhere but home.

Numerous hockey heroes who could battle to near death on skates and share a beer afterwards.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 09:24 AM

Add: The Seaway and A Man Called Interpid to this lot....

Canadian Inventions
Only a small percentage of the great inventions invented by Canadian inventors are listed below.
5 Pin Bowling ...a truly Canadian sport invented by T.E. Ryan of Toronto in 1909

Able Walker ...the walker was patented by Norm Rolston in 1986

Access Bar ...patented food bar designed to help burn fat by Dr Larry Wang

Air-Conditioned Railway Coach ...invented by Henry Ruttan in 1858

Abdominizer ...the infomercial exercise darling invented by Dennis Colonello in 1984

AC Radio Tube ..invented by Edward Samuels Rogers in 1925

Acetylene ...Thomas L. Wilson invented the production process in 1892

Acetylene Buoy ...invented by Thomas L. Wilson in 1904

Agrifoam Crop Cold Protector ...co-invented in 1967 by D. Siminovitch & J. W. Butler

Analytical Plotter ...a 3d map making system invented by Uno Vilho Helava in 1957

Andromonon ...a 3 wheeled vehicle invented in 1851 by Thomas Turnbull

Anti-Gravity Suit ...invented by Wilbur Rounding Franks in 1941, a suit for high altitude jet pilots

Automatic Foghorn ...the first steam foghorn was invented by Robert Foulis in 1859

Automatic Machinery Lubricator ...one of the many inventions invented by Elijah McCoy, the "Real McCoy"

Automatic Postal Sorter ...in 1957, Maurice Levy invented a postal sorter that could handle 200,000 letters an hour

Basketball ...invented by James Naismith in 1891

Bone Marrow Compatibility Test ...invented by Barbara Bain in 1960

Bromine ...a process to extract was invented by Herbert Henry Dow in 1890

Calcium Carbide ...in 1892, Thomas Leopold Willson invented a process for Calcium Carbide

Canada Dry Ginger Ale ...invented in 1907 by John A. McLaughlin

Chocolate Nut Bar ...Arthur Ganong made the first nickel bar in 1910

Computerized Braille ...invented by Roland Galarneau in 1972

Creed Telegraph System ..in 1900, Fredrick Creed invented a way to convert Morse Code to text

Compound Steam Engine ...invented by Benjamin Franklin Tibbetts in 1842

CPR Mannequin ...invented by Dianne Croteau in 1989.

Electric Car Heater ...Thomas Ahearn invented the first electric car heater in 1890

Electric Cooking Range ...Thomas Ahearn invented the first in 1882

Electric Light Bulb ...Henry Woodward invented the electric light bulb in 1874 and sold the patent to Thomas Edison

Electron Microscope ...Eli Franklin Burton, Cecil Hall, James Hillier, Albert Prebus co-invented the electron microscope in 1937

Electric Organ ...Morse Robb of Belleville, Ontario, patented the world's first electric organ in 1928

Electric Streetcar - Invented by John Joseph Wright in 1883

Fathometer ...An early form of sonar invented by Reginald A. Fessenden in 1919

Film Colourization ...invented by Wilson Markle in 1983

Garbage Bag ...(polyethylene) invented by Harry Wasylyk in 1950

Goalie Mask ...invented by Jaques Plante in 1960

Gramophone ...co-invented by Alexander Graham Bell & Emile Berliner in 1889

Green Ink ...currency or greenbacks ink invented by Thomas Sterry Hunt in 1862

Half-tone Engraving ...co-invented by Georges Edouard Desbarats & William Augustus Leggo in 1869

Heart Pacemaker ...invented by Dr. John A. Hopps in 1950

Hydrofoil Boats ...co-invented by Alexander Graham Bell, & Casey Baldwin in 1908

IMax Movie System ...co-invented in 1968 by Grahame Ferguson, Roman Kroitor and Robert Kerr

Instant Mashed Potatoes ...dehydrated potato flakes were invented by Edward A. Asselbergs, in 1962

Insulin Process ...Fredrick Banting, J. J. Macleod, Charles Best and Collip invented the process for insulin in 1922

JAVA ...a programming language invented by James Gosling in 1994

Jetliner ...the first jetliner was designed by James Floyd in 1949

Jolly Jumper ...a baby's delight invented by Olivia Poole in 1959

Kerosene ...invented by Doctor Abraham Gesner in 1846

Lawn Sprinkler ...another invention made by the Real McCoy

Light Bulb Leads ..leads made of nickel & iron alloy were invented by Reginald A. Fessenden in 1892

Marquis Wheat ...invented by Sir Charles E. Saunders in 1908

Mcintosh Apple ...invented by John McIntosh in 1796

Music Synthesizer ...invented by Hugh Le Caine in 1945

Newsprint ...invented by Charles Fenerty in 1838

Odometer ...invented by Samuel McKeen in 1854

Paint Roller ...invented by Norman Breakey of Toronto in 1940

Plexiglas ...(Polymerized Methyl Methacrylate) invented by William Chalmers in 1931

Polypump Liquid Dispenser ...Harold Humphrey made pumpable liquid hand soap possible in 1972

Portable Film Developing System ...invented by Arthur Williams McCurdy in 1890, but he foolishly sold the patent to George Eastman in 1903

Potato Digger ...invented by Alexander Anderson in 1856

Process to Extract Helium from Natural Gas ...invented by Sir John Cunningham McLennan in 1915

Prosthetic Hand ...an electric prosthetic invented by Helmut Lucas in 1971

Quartz Clock ...Warren Marrison developed the first quartz clock

R-Theta Navigation System ...invented by J.E.G. Wright in 1958

Radio-Transmitted Voice ...invented by Reginald A. Fessenden in 1904

Railway Car Brake ...invented by George B. Dorey in 1913

Railway Sleeper Car ...invented by Samuel Sharp in 1857

Robertson Screw ...invented by Peter L. Robertson in 1908

Rotary Blow Molding Machine ...this plastic bottle maker was invented by Gustave Côté in 1966

Rotary Railroad Snowplow ...invented by J.E. Elliott in 1869

Rubber Shoe Heels ...Elijah McCoy patented an important iimprovement to rubber heels in 1879

Safety Paint ...a high reflectivity paint invented by Neil Harpham in 1974

Screw Propeller ...a ship's propeller invented by John Patch in 1833

Silicon Chip Blood Analyzer ...invented by Imants Lauks in 1986

SlickLicker ...made for cleaning oil spills, patented by Richard Sewell in 1970

Snowblower ...invented by Arthur Sicard in 1925

Snowmobile ...invented by Joseph-Armand Bombardier in 1922

Standard Time ...invented by Sir Sanford Fleming in 1878

Stereo-orthography Map Making System ...invented by T.J. Blachut, Stanley Collins in 1965

Superphosphate Fertilizer ...invented by Thomas L. Wilson in 1896

Synthetic Sucrose ...invented by Dr. Raymond Lemieux in 1953

Television ...Reginald A. Fessenden patented a television system in 1927

Television Camera ...invented by F. C. P. Henroteau in 1934

Telephone ..invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876

Telephone Handset ...invented by Cyril Duquet in 1878

Tone-to-Pulse Converter ...invented by Michael Cowpland in 1974

Trivial Pursuit ...invented on December 15, 1979 by Chris Haney and Scott Abbott

Tuck-Away-Handle Beer Carton ...invented by Steve Pasjac in 1957

Undersea Telegraph Cable ...invented by Fredrick Newton Gisborne in 1857

UV-degradable Plastics ...invented by Dr. James Guillet in 1971

Variable Pitch Aircraft Propeller ...invented by Walter Rupert Turnbull in 1922

Walkie-Talkie ...invented by Donald L. Hings in 1942

Wireless Radio ...invented by Reginald A. Fessenden in 1900

Wirephoto ...Edward Samuels Rogers invented the first in 1925

Zipper ...invented by Gideon Sundback in 1913

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 09:51 AM

Well, with respect, living next to the USA is just fine. We seem to have been good neighbours. Mostly, other than some regional linguistic variations to do with the English language and the differences in the political structues, one would be hard-pressed to show many differences between the people who live along the borders.
Year back near the Que/NY border, a friend's dog got a faceful of porcupine quills. (We had been deer hunting.) We popped the dog the jeep, got to a phone and called the nearest vet--who happened to be in the US. We crossed the border on the promise we actually were going to the vet's. and that we'd be departing ASAP. At the vet's, we had to explain that we had about $7 between us because we'd been hunting, etc. The vet looked at Mister--the dog. "Lots of quills there." We asked how much he charged. He replied $1 a quill and proceeded to sedate the dog--shepherd/collie cross--and yank the things out. He was quite laconic. Then he mentioned that he had a hobby. We asked what kind? His answer? "I raise porcupines." Ends up he charged us $7. Good thing the dog didn't bite him. Mister was a nasty sonuvabitch.

Anyway, other than the political crap that flies back and forth between Washington and Ottawa, the people of the countries get along really well.

Bruce M

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Den
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 10:25 AM

Little Hawk, Ronnie Hawkins is actually American born in Huntsville, Arkansas. The world's largest fiddle.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: CharlieA
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 10:36 AM

Sarah McLachlan

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 10:36 AM

Had nice LONG chat one time with a Canadian border officer. We musta talked for more than 45 minutes about US things, Canadian things, and things in general. All the while we were blocking the entrance to the border station. No one got annoyed, no one exhibited road rage. A very pleasant experience.













Mind you, this was the border crossing just outside Haines, between Alaska and the Yukon. We had to cut off the conversation when the next vehicle arrived.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: robomatic
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 10:38 AM

Open boarders(once upon a time it was easier to get into Canada than                  to get back into US)
Stan Rogers (as already mentioned)
Garnet Rogers
The Arrogant Worms
Several of our Iranian hostages.
Quality ginger beer at affordable prices.
Ditto for fish 'n chips.
The Frantics.
The Royal Canadian Air Farce.
La Bottine Souriante (still canadian, er, canadien, for now)

A good whuppin' ever now and then.

Been there when we needed them.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST,Larry K
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 10:41 AM

Did I miss it- I went through all the names (quite an impressive list) but I didn't see the most important person Canada has ever given us.

SHANIA TWAIN

Probably trade Shania for all the other names you mentioned.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Little Hawk
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 11:50 AM

Yeah, Den, I realized I'd made a mistake naming Ronnie Hawkins...AFTER I hit "submit"! :-) Like you say, he came from Arkansas.

Canada has also contributed Mukluks, I believe, and a number of other items related to BLOODY COLD weather! (shiver)

I wondered when Shania Twain would show up here. Thanks, Larry K.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Cluin
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 11:54 AM

Poutine.... soon to take the world by storm. I can't believe it hasn't hit the big time south of the border yet since American restaurants seem to love to smother just about everything in some sort of cheese.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: PeteBoom
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 12:11 PM

Tim Horton's...... Always Fresh...

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 12:18 PM

When Canad talks about its exports, it is ASSUMED by all Canadian males that SHANIA TWAIN actually LEADS the list. Her name is there whether written down or not. Remarkable gal.

She sings, too.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Cluin
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 12:21 PM

Yeah, Shania. I'd make out with her again.

But, y'know, 13 is an unlucky number.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 12:21 PM

I don't subscribe to the 'we invented x' thing ... it dismisses all the work of those who went before. Some of the stuff claimed as Canadian inventions in messages above is chauvanistically incorrect anyway, something we learned from Thomas Edison fans ;o)

I'll submit:

Not knowing or caring we don't know the words to the National Anthem
Greenpeace
Diana Krall, and

... Pamela Anderson. You're welcome.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 12:42 PM

TBPL--

Truer words were never spoke. I just don't understand why they had to be spoke now.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 12:57 PM

brucie - I have a pathological compultion to call BS on BS, man ;o) How's Hinton?

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 01:33 PM

I always had my radio presets tuned to several Canadian radio stations when I lived in Northwestern Washington State (where I'm originally from). I go back a ways and some of my favorites are sadly long gone.

Peter Gzowski -- what a voice, and what a great interviewer.

Barbara Frum, host of As It Happens
Alan Maitland (also on AIH)

Alan Hamel (these days known as Suzanne Somer's husband)

Also, there was a classical program I listened to in the mornings. Interesting fellow hosted it, always had good annecdotes. Bob? I can't remember his name. In the 1970s, and I think the opening music for his program was from Resphigi's Pines of Rome.

My aunt, uncle, and cousins who are in Alberta, BC, and Ontario (who no one here will know so I won't name them)

SRS

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 01:54 PM

TBPL,

Hi, buddy. It's Hinton. Weather can't make up its mind and the mill still exudes. Haven't had a call in a week. Gotta like that.

Where you at?

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: TheBigPinkLad
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 02:03 PM

Victoria. Balmy as usual ... both the weather and the inhabiants ;o)

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST,Ooh-Aah2
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 03:34 PM

Having a whole beach to themselves on D-Day

Why hasn't anyone mentioned Mike Myers?

Being a nation of down to earth democratic constitutional monarchy moderate sensible people right next to America, which might eventually learn a thing or two.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: sian, west wales
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 04:17 PM

Gave the world:

Mary Pickford
Raymond Burr
Jay Silverheels
Don Harron (Charlie Farquharson)
Gordie Tapp
Buffy Ste Marie
The Friendly Giant
Oscar Peterson
Marshall McLuhan ("...whatcha doin'?")
(am I showing my age?)
Paul Gross
Zambonis
back bacon san'wiches
butter tarts
A lot of lumberjack songs
Gave the Americans something to write their National Anthem about

My name is Siân and I'm a Canadian ...

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:10 PM

The really great thing about Canada is that they've got really cheap viagra here. I know cos my spam box is full of sensational offers.

Going by the surplus amounts of viagra - either its a very floppy place and they are all suffering from the cold - mainline the stuff -, or its so bracing they're just naturally virile, run around in the snow with no underpants- simply don't need the stuff - all got willies like truncheons - fabulously ever ready ( as the great Philip Larkin said).

Must be some reason why the mounties always got their man.

I think we should be told.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:39 PM

69

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Chris Green
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 07:44 PM

Stan Rogers.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: kendall
Date: 28 Jan 05 - 08:57 PM

Wilf Carter and Hank Snow; two of my boyhood favorites.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: LadyJean
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 12:52 AM

I've heard some great Canadian bagpipers. Is it true Canadian cats say meow eh?
I've had two Canadian housemates, Jeannie Hall from Canada, and Don Myron from Newfoundland. (And I always pronounce that NewFOUNDland.) Don had his annoying moments, and I wish he hadn't left all that stuff behind when he moved. But otherwise they were great housemates. My cats adored Jeannie.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: DougR
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 01:22 AM

Uh, Kendall, you left out L. H.

DougR

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST,mike_in_st_c
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 09:43 AM

Andy Bachman and that other guy the Guess Who

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 10:25 AM

BTO

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 11:33 AM

Thanks, Doug. :-) I am indeed proud to have been one of Canada's notable exports to the USA (between 1958 and 1969).

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: harpgirl
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 11:50 AM

If they're like brucie, they break their promises....

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 11:58 AM

He promised me a blow-up doll of Hillary Clinton, and it never came.

I think he's getting even for Esmeralda. He's just trying to get my goat.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: harpgirl
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 12:01 PM

George, you need to stop making excuses, go out, and get a girlfriend...

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 12:09 PM

Ha! Ha!   Look, the last girlfriend wore me down to a nub...

Not sexually. Don't get me wrong. Just sort of in general.

The fact is, I'm getting too old for this stuff. It had to happen eventually.

I think what I would like now, though, is a good intellectual and emotional companion, along with some affection, and someone who effectively carries their half of the life journey in a practical sense and shares enough of my own spiritual ideals at the same time. I'm not much concerned about sex any more. I can take it or leave it.

And if not? Fine. I'm happy enough alone here with my life-size stature of William Shatner in a thong, my collected works of Harry Lee Wigley, my chimpanzee buddy Chongo, and my bust of Maggie Thatcher. (*g*)

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 12:17 PM

The word "eh".
And: wasn't Pierre Elliot Trudeau's wife named Margaret?
And don't the kind, friendly folks up there sometimes send us their winter weather? Real sweethearts, the lot of 'em.    Tw

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 12:26 PM

Benny Cooperman, a great fictional detective. Wish I could remember who wrote the books!

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 12:34 PM

Beauty, eh?

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 12:49 PM

Anne Murray

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 12:50 PM

Bobby Curtola & Paul Anka

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST,heric
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 01:29 PM

and they raped their old growth forests far beyond sustainable yields so that the yanks and Japanese could have affordable homes, and jobs milling raw logs.
and Raymond Burr

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Justa Picker
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 01:37 PM

Jim Carrey.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Bill D
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 02:44 PM

" ... Pamela Anderson"....funny, she doesn't LOOK Canadian..*grin*

my current favorite Canadian export is Red Green...(no accounting for tastes, huh?)

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 02:47 PM

better beer

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Weasel Books
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 05:31 PM

The White House......

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: CarolC
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 05:35 PM

My paternal grandfather, my wonderful husband, all of my in-laws, The Downchild Blues Band (the band that was the inspiration for "The Blues Brothers".

LadyJean, if you ever go to Newfoundland, you'll want to pronounce that "NewfoundLAND" (emphasis on the last cyllable).

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: CarolC
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 05:37 PM

Oops. I forgot to mention also... some of my best friends.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Micca
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 07:00 PM

Good North American Beer ie
Upper Canada Rebellion!!!
some really nice people
and if they had done NOTHING else for us
then they gave us
CET and Charmion!!!

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: dianavan
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 07:19 PM

Canada gave me a wonderful daughter and friends that became family.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 08:13 PM

Im with Little Hawk ! All of the Band (except levone Helm ) . What an amazing group.
            
             What a polite neibourgh Canada has been . quite an inspiration really .
             I hope we all learn from their medical system as well. I know they have problems but try having a Cancer servivor for a child and an Autuistic kid with Insurence . We are uninsurable .
               
                Oh yes nobody mentioned Little Neophite or for that matter Banjo Bonnie ..
               All the best , Guy

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 10:44 PM

What is amazing with this thread is the total lack of Canuck bashing. Makes me even more proud to be a Canadian.

Carol C. .... the Down Child Blues Band ... many fond memories of them at the great (now gone) Canadian landmark and institution, the El Mocambo!

Another great Canadian instition is Grossman's Bar on Spadina.

Mooh .... thanks for mentioning Mendelson Joe (they call him the belt maker) !!

SiX

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 10:50 PM

"Canada's involvement in United Nations peacekeeping dates back to 1948, when it contributed to the force sent to the Middle East to monitor a ceasefire between Israeli and Arab armies. Over the years, Canadian peacekeepers have participated in 66 missions in the Middle East, the Balkans, India-Pakistan, Africa and Central America."

The above is from

UN Chronicle | Peacekeepers' Day in Canada



The present number of Canadian military lives given to peace is 110. Of this as a nation we can be proud.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Little Hawk
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 10:56 PM

It's hard to bash people who chug maple syrup, wear toques, and say "Oh, heck!" when they get mad. :-) Canada is a very civil country. I like it.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 06:03 AM

99

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 06:04 AM

100 and not very much for the UK.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Mooh
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 08:03 AM

Number6...You're welcome. I used to take great pleasure in Mendleson Joe's letters to the editor of the Toronto Star. If I ever become prime minister, you know who I want to do the official portrait!

Add to the list, sorry for any dupication:

Nellie McClung

Emily Carr

Pauline Johnson

Shawnadithit...though I'm sure she never thought of herself as Canadian.

Laura Secord...born American but hero to Canada.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Micca
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 08:25 AM

Gaia in reply to your post 100 two words and one word
"Vimy Ridge"
"Dieppe"

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: gnu
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 08:36 AM

Gaia... "not very much for the UK." ???!!! We backed you up in every war you ever fought. Above was a post saying Canada had a whole beach to themselves on D-Day. Well, there would have been no D-Day without the Dieppe Raid by the Canucks. What about Vimy ? It was the Canucks who finally drove the Gerrys back at Vimy and changed the course of the war. I could go on and on... we even supplied you with our cold weather gear and tactical advice during The Falklands.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 09:32 AM

What have the Canadians ever given the UK?

Well:
Lord Beaverbrook

Lord Thompson of Fleet

Boots Pharmacies

Winnie the Pooh (the bear that provided inspiration was Canadian)

Many sacrificies (as Gnu stated), specifically the Dieppe raid which greatly inflated the ego of Lord Mountbatten.


sIx

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST,mike_in_st_c
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 10:12 AM

I don't know if this has been mentioned, James Cameron from Chippewa,ON outside Niagara Falls, ON. Hence, the reference in, "Titanic", to "Chippewa Falls".
As to the above mentioned Winnie the Pooh--the Winnipeg connection!
Mooh, Laura Secord's home is located between Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines. Although, I must admit, I haven't seen it yet. Driven by many times.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 10:46 AM

Here's another Canadian contribution specifically to the UK (if not the world) .....   Eric Clapton

If not for his Canadian father, well there would be no 'ol Slowhand !

sIx

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 10:59 AM

Canada has also given the UK Conrad Black. And you can bloody well KEEP him too!

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST,mike_in_st_c
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 11:06 AM

One I forgot, John Acorn of, "Twits and Pishers", currently on the Life network. He even sings :-).

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 12:10 PM

The world's longest border, defended only from mad cows.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Rapparee
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 02:07 PM

Has anyone yet mentioned Ian Tyson and Sylvia Fricker? Or Monica Mapsalak (Geez, CarolC, you haven't heard of her?)?










(When I was checking out Ian & Sylvia the search engine kicked up:

Ian And Sylvia Sale
New & used Ian And Sylvia. Check out the deals now!

Okay..........)

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Mooh
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 02:40 PM

Guest Mike...Secord's home at Queenston is preserved as a museum or monument isn't it? It's been a while since I've been there obviously. She was born in Massachusetts I think and didn't come to Upper Canada until after the American revolution. She lived into her 90s, largely by the skin of her teeth, with little recognition of her deed by the crown.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: CarolC
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 03:52 PM

I've only heard them live once, Number 6, and that was in Columbus, Georgia a couple of years ago. They were great. A couple of them even came over to our table and hung out with us for a while during a break in between sets. They were very friendly and a lot of fun.

Does Monica play the accordion, Rapaire?

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: dianavan
Date: 30 Jan 05 - 07:33 PM

The British made Conrad Black a Lord! I hope that means he will stay there forever. Canada does not want him back.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST,John O'Lennaine
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 12:12 AM

When I left school my first job was in a factory. It was 1969 - the tail end of the golden age when it was not important to be actually doing anything, but it was expected that you should at least make an effort to appear to be doing something.
I worked with a Canadian who advised me to take very small steps, so that you seemed to be walking fast but were actually going nowhere fairly slowly.
For having received this invaluable bit of information at the very start of my working life I will always be grateful, so thank you Canada for sending that bloke my way.

BTW
That same bloke also told me about McDonalds. Where I grew up (The Sutherland Shire), we had just gotten our first Kentucky Fried outlet, and this guy told me "Wait 'til McDonalds gets here." He explained the hamburger outlet and the clown, and I said "What? Hamburgers and clowns? You're kidding."
Seems so long ago...

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Little Hawk
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 12:44 AM

Yup. You can buy a peerage with enough money, Dianavan. Here's hoping he NEVER comes back. I wonder if Penelope Rutledge and Barbara Amiel have had a chance to dine together yet and compare notes?

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 06:38 AM

A lot of blame, and maple syrup.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: gnu
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 07:00 AM

Cheap potash. Which is kind of a trade, really. You guys got a lot of sunshine. We got a lot of potash. We sell you the potash. You use it for fertilizer and grow all kinds of delicious fruits and vegetables all year round and sell them to us. A few days ago, with four feet of snow in my front yard and the windchill at -38C, I marvelled at the assortment of fresh produce at the grocers'. All fresh and delicious and a lot of it grown in desert soil fertilized by potash from Sussex, New Brunswick. And from Saskatchewan, of course... big potash producer.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: harpgirl
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 07:58 AM

I have hurt brucie's feelings. So I sincerely apologize for saying this and I take it back:

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: harpgirl - PM
Date: 29 Jan 05 - 11:50 AM

If they're like brucie, they break their promises....

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 10:12 AM

harpgirl: I promised you and six other people copies of the album I did in 1980. It has been six weeks now. The problem has been that the one tape I have left IS the one tape I have left--I'd thought I had more but when I got there the cupboard was bare. I began to look for someone to duplicate the tape to CD and finally a generous mudcatter said he'd do it (two actually). When I get the CD, I will then be able to make more CDs (that is relatively simple I'm told) and get them to those I promised them to. I apologize to you for not telling you about the delay. Thank you.

Murdoch

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST,Steve Latimer
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 10:57 AM

Alex Trebek

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Jan 05 - 02:44 PM

Vinegar Tars, Cape Breton Pork Pies (sans pork) The Rankins, Natalie MacMaster.George Eliot Clarke, Laura Smith, Mary Jane Lammond, John Kenneth Galbraith, Robert MacNeil,Alistair MacLeod,Buddy Mac Master, Propellor Beer, Day Light Saving Time (Sir Sanford Flemming) Portia White,Robert Goulet, Celine Bloddy Dionne, Alanis Morrisette,Peter Gzosky,Trudeau,Larry Walker, Ferguson jenkins, Mary Pickford,Clear Toys, Ribbon Candy, Tarbush and last but not least..Tommy Douglas, grandfather of Kiever Sutherland.............and THE Greatest Canadian.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: gnu
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 03:05 PM

Alanis Morrisette became a US citzen toady (yesterday?). Unfortunately, she's keeping her Canadian citizenship. I thought you Yanks demanded that your immigrants renouce their past citizenship(s). If so, somebody rat her out, eh?

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 03:18 PM

Michael J Fox

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: bobad
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 03:24 PM

Canada geese

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: gnu
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 03:34 PM

Why do so many people not remember that Donald Sutherland, one of the all-time great actors, is Keefer's old man ? Yaeh, he's played some pretty strange characters but, hey, when you're raised on Moosehead, you're pretty much game for anything.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 05:39 PM

gnu ..... i think it is a combination of "raised on Moosehead" and spending your formative years in Saint John's South End. !!!

Thanks for mentioning Donald Sutherland, he is a class act, even though he has portrayed some strange characters, including his role as Dr. Norman Bethune.

sIx

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: gnu
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 05:50 PM

sIx... oddly enough, many of my friends don't recall all the political thrillers, the spy mysteries, etc, etc. What they remember is the dope smoking Canuck tank commander after the gold. We'se just a bunch a rednecks from "Down Home".

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 06:16 PM

Where Canada became a Nation

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: gnu
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 06:37 PM

Thank you brucie. One can post, as I did, about Vimy early in this thread, but nothing brings it home like this. Unfortunately, this is but a snippet of what the Canucks endured at Vimy. And what they endured at Vimy is but a snippet of what they endured throughtout both of the wars in Europe... Dieppe... shite... enough. Tears are enough. In Flanders Field...

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 07:19 PM

I hear you, buddy. My grandfather was at VR, and truthfully, he changed forever after that I'm told. There are two places in that part of Europe I want to visit before I die: Vimy Ridge and Dieppe. Just to pay my respects, leave some flowers and a few poems--and no doubt, as you said, some tears.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Mooh
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 08:10 PM

Brucie...That was one of the most intelligent and sensitive posts/links ever on Mudcat. Thanks.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: number 6
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 08:25 PM

Brucie .... thanks for that link.

This week I restored an old picture of my uncle who was with the 48th Highlanders and was kia in Bari Italy. I posted this picture it on the virtual memorial on the Canadian Vetrans Affairs website. Going thorough some names, it appears (unfortunately) a lot of these gallant men have been forgotten.

sIx

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 08:36 PM

A great Canadian   http://jwgibbs.cchem.berkeley.edu/CFGoodeve/cfg_index.html

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 10:23 PM

Zipper and Velcro History

Years ago we made fun of the Russians- they were claiming credit for every conceivable invention known by man. Is that what is going on here? For instance, the zipper and the product Velcro. These are the only two listed that I checked but I must say it does not augur well for Canada.


The Full Story

The Zipper

"The zipper was patented on August 29, 1893 by Whitcomb Judson, a Chicago mechanical engineer.

"One big problem - it didn't work. Not only did it not work, but no one wanted it, either. Judson displayed it at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair to a potential audience of 20 million people.

"How many did he sell? Twenty. Not enough to retire on. All to the U. S. Postal Service to close their mailbags.

"In 1913, a new guy, Gideon Sundback, produced a better model - the modern zipper (its only drawback was that it rusted closed after washing). His first order went to the U. S. Army for clothing and equipment (after all, WWI was going on).

"It may seem obvious to us today, but people couldn't figure out how to use the zipper. It actually came with directions. (Something like - make sure your private parts are not hanging out and pull up?) Still, no one wanted them.

"Along comes the savior - B. F. Goodrich himself. In 1923, good old B.F. (as those of us close to him called him) ordered 150,000 of them for his new product - rubber galoshes.

"Until this point, they were called hookless fasteners. B. F. liked the z-z-zip sound they made and coined the term zipper. "

Velcro

"In 1948, a Swiss mountaineer named George de Mestral was walking through the woods and was very frustrated by the burs that clung to his clothes. While picking them off, he realized that it may be possible to use this principle to make a fastener to compete with the zipper.

"Everyone laughed at him, except for a weaver at a textile plant in France. Together, they designed what they called "locking tape". It was made from cotton.

"The biggest problem that they faced was mass producing it. Sophisticated equipment was needed. He searched for a solution. Accidently, de Mestral discovered that nylon, when sewn under infrared light, formed indestructible hooks, and the design was finished.

"Next problem - the name. Somehow 'hookless fastener' or 'locking tape' did not seem right. If I were there, I would have suggested a name like 'man made bur tape that sticks to the other side and fastens things together' - a much catchier name.

"He liked the sound of "vel" from velvet and "cro" from the French word crochet (meaning hook). And the name Velcro® stuck, just like those annoying burs. (their legal department wants you to know that Velcro is a trademarked name of Velcro USA and not a generic name - in other words, they don't make the imitation hook and loop fasteners - they make the original, high quality stuff)"

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Little Hawk
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 10:38 PM

I've probably mentioned this before... but we gave you William Shatner! All else pales before that splendid contribution.

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Ebbie
Date: 18 Feb 05 - 10:41 PM

Didn't stay home, though, did he. *G*

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Peace
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 12:00 AM

"The birth of Velcro®, yet another unique plastic product which has impacted nearly all of our lives occurred in 1957. A Swiss engineer named George de Maestral was impressed with the way that cockleburs - a type of vegetation - would use thousands of tiny hooks to cling to anything with which they came into contact. He devised a product, using nylon, that replicated this natural phenomenon. The result, Velcro®, could be spun in any required thickness, would not rot, mold or naturally degrade, and was relatively inexpensive."

Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us
From: Little Hawk
Date: 19 Feb 05 - 12:57 AM

He'd already culturally overwhelmed Canada by 1962, Ebbie. He needed to boldly go where no Canadian actor had gone before...in the dramatic sense, I mean...and that required a career in American TV and movies. It was inevitable.