27 Jan 05 - 07:33 PM (#1390686) Subject: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 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 |
27 Jan 05 - 07:40 PM (#1390692) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: kendall You also gave us Rick Fielding, Peter Jennings, William Shatner, Giselle McKenzie, Gordon Lightfoot, Ann Murray and Stan Rogers. |
27 Jan 05 - 07:40 PM (#1390693) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: PoppaGator Danny Ackroyd Neil Young Peter Jennings and of course who could forget (especially Little Hawk): SHATNER!!!!! |
27 Jan 05 - 07:44 PM (#1390697) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST kd lang |
27 Jan 05 - 08:14 PM (#1390729) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Rapparee 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. |
27 Jan 05 - 08:20 PM (#1390735) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Rapparee Let us not forget Red Green, either. |
27 Jan 05 - 08:40 PM (#1390755) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Big Al Whittle 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? |
27 Jan 05 - 08:59 PM (#1390769) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Amos And Dave Horrigan, blues-harp bender extraordinaire!! A |
27 Jan 05 - 09:01 PM (#1390770) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 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. |
27 Jan 05 - 09:01 PM (#1390771) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Teresa Just checking to see if Stan Rogers was on this list. :) Oh, some damn fine hockey! All you Canadian 'catters. Teresa |
27 Jan 05 - 09:30 PM (#1390794) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST ..given us another odd accent to laugh at |
27 Jan 05 - 09:31 PM (#1390795) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace 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 |
27 Jan 05 - 09:34 PM (#1390798) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace OK, the first line is three guys who deserve mention. Their story is very interesting for people anywhere. |
27 Jan 05 - 09:35 PM (#1390800) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST Maple syrup and a broken heart. |
27 Jan 05 - 09:47 PM (#1390809) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Cluin We kept Quebec. |
27 Jan 05 - 09:52 PM (#1390817) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: akenaton The Lumberjack Song...and the Mounties..Ake |
27 Jan 05 - 09:53 PM (#1390820) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Once Famous Canadian bacon Very cold winter weather that moves south hoser humor/the McKenzie Brothers fake American movie sites |
27 Jan 05 - 09:58 PM (#1390824) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Rapparee Farley Mowat. |
27 Jan 05 - 09:58 PM (#1390825) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 fake American movies sites ... good one MG !! The Mackenzie Bros. .. ever see the Trailer Park Boys ? Some more: Louis B. Mayer Dr. Norman Bethune |
27 Jan 05 - 09:59 PM (#1390826) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: beetle cat Affordable higher education!!!! |
27 Jan 05 - 10:00 PM (#1390827) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Mooh Grit Laskin Linda Manzer Marc Beneteau Sheldon Schwartz Alan Beardsell Oliver Apitius Fabrizio Alberico Ted Thompson and much lesser company like me. Peace, Mooh. |
27 Jan 05 - 10:02 PM (#1390831) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Biskit The Kids in the Hall! |
27 Jan 05 - 10:07 PM (#1390833) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Teresa 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. |
27 Jan 05 - 10:07 PM (#1390835) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: mack/misophist 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? |
27 Jan 05 - 10:10 PM (#1390842) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Teresa Oh, how could I forget: Wilf Carter, AKA Montana Slim. Teresa |
27 Jan 05 - 10:15 PM (#1390847) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 The CBC ..... most definately! Hank Snow Robertson Davies |
27 Jan 05 - 10:19 PM (#1390851) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 Theresa ..... how would an American know of Joey Smallwood ?? |
27 Jan 05 - 10:32 PM (#1390855) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Teresa 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 |
27 Jan 05 - 10:36 PM (#1390857) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: pdq This is a music site and not one mention of Ian Tyson!!! |
27 Jan 05 - 10:37 PM (#1390859) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 ... or Sylvia !!! |
27 Jan 05 - 10:41 PM (#1390862) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Azizi 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. |
27 Jan 05 - 10:45 PM (#1390865) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 The light and hope at the end of the Underground Railroad! A proud moment in Canadian Heritage Appreciate you for mentioning this Azizi !! |
27 Jan 05 - 11:38 PM (#1390896) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Little Hawk 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 12:05 AM (#1390912) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 Resdan ?!?!?!? LOL How in the hell did ya ever remember that ?!?! |
28 Jan 05 - 12:12 AM (#1390916) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Teresa 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 |
28 Jan 05 - 12:20 AM (#1390922) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Little Hawk "Resdan! It's only available in Canada!" Old TV ad. |
28 Jan 05 - 12:25 AM (#1390925) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace When we develop the multiple-orgasm pill for men, hey, we'll have BRAGGING rights. |
28 Jan 05 - 12:49 AM (#1390939) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: mike_in_st_c 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 |
28 Jan 05 - 12:53 AM (#1390941) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Teresa Yes, I've gotten some of Corner Gas on my computer, though I'm in the States. Love it. Teresa |
28 Jan 05 - 01:07 AM (#1390948) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: LadyJean 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 02:12 AM (#1390970) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Azizi 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! |
28 Jan 05 - 02:17 AM (#1390973) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 03:25 AM (#1390992) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Paco Rabanne Gawd bless Canada for Leonard Cohen, and for not inventing Rap "music" |
28 Jan 05 - 03:42 AM (#1391000) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: dianavan The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and... water, wood, electricity and fish |
28 Jan 05 - 03:47 AM (#1391003) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST,noddy Do not pick on the Canadians , they have it tough, very tough ...they live next door to USA. |
28 Jan 05 - 07:27 AM (#1391108) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST,daylia 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 |
28 Jan 05 - 08:42 AM (#1391166) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Mooh 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 09:24 AM (#1391200) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST 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 |
28 Jan 05 - 09:51 AM (#1391237) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace 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 |
28 Jan 05 - 10:25 AM (#1391267) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Den Little Hawk, Ronnie Hawkins is actually American born in Huntsville, Arkansas. The world's largest fiddle. |
28 Jan 05 - 10:36 AM (#1391274) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: CharlieA Sarah McLachlan |
28 Jan 05 - 10:36 AM (#1391277) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Rapparee 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 10:38 AM (#1391278) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: robomatic 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 10:41 AM (#1391284) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST,Larry K 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 11:50 AM (#1391368) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Little Hawk 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 11:54 AM (#1391375) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Cluin 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 12:11 PM (#1391409) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: PeteBoom Tim Horton's...... Always Fresh... |
28 Jan 05 - 12:18 PM (#1391416) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 12:21 PM (#1391418) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Cluin Yeah, Shania. I'd make out with her again. But, y'know, 13 is an unlucky number. |
28 Jan 05 - 12:21 PM (#1391420) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: TheBigPinkLad 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 12:42 PM (#1391442) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace TBPL-- Truer words were never spoke. I just don't understand why they had to be spoke now. |
28 Jan 05 - 12:57 PM (#1391470) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: TheBigPinkLad brucie - I have a pathological compultion to call BS on BS, man ;o) How's Hinton? |
28 Jan 05 - 01:33 PM (#1391513) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Stilly River Sage 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 |
28 Jan 05 - 01:54 PM (#1391529) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace 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? |
28 Jan 05 - 02:03 PM (#1391539) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: TheBigPinkLad Victoria. Balmy as usual ... both the weather and the inhabiants ;o) |
28 Jan 05 - 03:34 PM (#1391600) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST,Ooh-Aah2 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 04:17 PM (#1391638) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: sian, west wales 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 ... |
28 Jan 05 - 07:10 PM (#1391797) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Big Al Whittle 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. |
28 Jan 05 - 07:39 PM (#1391827) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Georgiansilver 69 |
28 Jan 05 - 07:44 PM (#1391832) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Chris Green Stan Rogers. |
28 Jan 05 - 08:57 PM (#1391895) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: kendall Wilf Carter and Hank Snow; two of my boyhood favorites. |
29 Jan 05 - 12:52 AM (#1392027) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: LadyJean 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. |
29 Jan 05 - 01:22 AM (#1392043) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: DougR Uh, Kendall, you left out L. H. DougR |
29 Jan 05 - 09:43 AM (#1392202) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST,mike_in_st_c Andy Bachman and that other guy the Guess Who |
29 Jan 05 - 10:25 AM (#1392234) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace BTO |
29 Jan 05 - 11:33 AM (#1392294) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Little Hawk Thanks, Doug. :-) I am indeed proud to have been one of Canada's notable exports to the USA (between 1958 and 1969). |
29 Jan 05 - 11:50 AM (#1392306) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: harpgirl If they're like brucie, they break their promises.... |
29 Jan 05 - 11:58 AM (#1392313) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Little Hawk 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. |
29 Jan 05 - 12:01 PM (#1392316) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: harpgirl George, you need to stop making excuses, go out, and get a girlfriend... |
29 Jan 05 - 12:09 PM (#1392323) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Little Hawk 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*) |
29 Jan 05 - 12:17 PM (#1392328) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Tannywheeler 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 |
29 Jan 05 - 12:26 PM (#1392337) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST,leeneia Benny Cooperman, a great fictional detective. Wish I could remember who wrote the books! |
29 Jan 05 - 12:34 PM (#1392346) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Little Hawk Beauty, eh? |
29 Jan 05 - 12:49 PM (#1392359) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST Anne Murray |
29 Jan 05 - 12:50 PM (#1392361) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST Bobby Curtola & Paul Anka |
29 Jan 05 - 01:29 PM (#1392394) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST,heric 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 |
29 Jan 05 - 01:37 PM (#1392405) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Justa Picker Jim Carrey. |
29 Jan 05 - 02:44 PM (#1392473) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Bill D " ... Pamela Anderson"....funny, she doesn't LOOK Canadian..*grin* my current favorite Canadian export is Red Green...(no accounting for tastes, huh?) |
29 Jan 05 - 02:47 PM (#1392475) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST better beer |
29 Jan 05 - 05:31 PM (#1392626) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Weasel Books The White House...... |
29 Jan 05 - 05:35 PM (#1392629) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: CarolC 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). |
29 Jan 05 - 05:37 PM (#1392630) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: CarolC Oops. I forgot to mention also... some of my best friends. |
29 Jan 05 - 07:00 PM (#1392700) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Micca 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!!! |
29 Jan 05 - 07:19 PM (#1392728) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: dianavan Canada gave me a wonderful daughter and friends that became family. |
29 Jan 05 - 08:13 PM (#1392779) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Guy Wolff 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 |
29 Jan 05 - 10:44 PM (#1392878) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 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 |
29 Jan 05 - 10:50 PM (#1392883) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace "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. |
29 Jan 05 - 10:56 PM (#1392889) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Little Hawk 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. |
30 Jan 05 - 06:03 AM (#1393025) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Scooby Doo 99 |
30 Jan 05 - 06:04 AM (#1393028) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Scooby Doo 100 and not very much for the UK. |
30 Jan 05 - 08:03 AM (#1393104) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Mooh 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. |
30 Jan 05 - 08:25 AM (#1393123) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Micca Gaia in reply to your post 100 two words and one word "Vimy Ridge" "Dieppe" |
30 Jan 05 - 08:36 AM (#1393127) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: gnu 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. |
30 Jan 05 - 09:32 AM (#1393167) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 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 |
30 Jan 05 - 10:12 AM (#1393201) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST,mike_in_st_c 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. |
30 Jan 05 - 10:46 AM (#1393233) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 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 |
30 Jan 05 - 10:59 AM (#1393241) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Little Hawk Canada has also given the UK Conrad Black. And you can bloody well KEEP him too! |
30 Jan 05 - 11:06 AM (#1393248) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST,mike_in_st_c One I forgot, John Acorn of, "Twits and Pishers", currently on the Life network. He even sings :-). |
30 Jan 05 - 12:10 PM (#1393324) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST The world's longest border, defended only from mad cows. |
30 Jan 05 - 02:07 PM (#1393410) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Rapparee 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..........) |
30 Jan 05 - 02:40 PM (#1393452) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Mooh 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. |
30 Jan 05 - 03:52 PM (#1393529) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: CarolC 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? |
30 Jan 05 - 07:33 PM (#1393730) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: dianavan The British made Conrad Black a Lord! I hope that means he will stay there forever. Canada does not want him back. |
31 Jan 05 - 12:12 AM (#1393916) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST,John O'Lennaine 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... |
31 Jan 05 - 12:44 AM (#1393931) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Little Hawk 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? |
31 Jan 05 - 06:38 AM (#1394088) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST A lot of blame, and maple syrup. |
31 Jan 05 - 07:00 AM (#1394101) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: gnu 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. |
31 Jan 05 - 07:58 AM (#1394138) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: harpgirl 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.... |
31 Jan 05 - 10:12 AM (#1394261) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace 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 |
31 Jan 05 - 10:57 AM (#1394312) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST,Steve Latimer Alex Trebek |
31 Jan 05 - 02:44 PM (#1394580) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST 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. |
18 Feb 05 - 03:05 PM (#1414221) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: gnu 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? |
18 Feb 05 - 03:18 PM (#1414237) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace Michael J Fox |
18 Feb 05 - 03:24 PM (#1414242) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: bobad Canada geese |
18 Feb 05 - 03:34 PM (#1414250) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: gnu 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. |
18 Feb 05 - 05:39 PM (#1414358) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 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 |
18 Feb 05 - 05:50 PM (#1414366) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: gnu 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". |
18 Feb 05 - 06:16 PM (#1414391) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace Where Canada became a Nation |
18 Feb 05 - 06:37 PM (#1414408) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: gnu 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... |
18 Feb 05 - 07:19 PM (#1414432) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace 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. |
18 Feb 05 - 08:10 PM (#1414472) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Mooh Brucie...That was one of the most intelligent and sensitive posts/links ever on Mudcat. Thanks. Peace, Mooh. |
18 Feb 05 - 08:25 PM (#1414487) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: number 6 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 |
18 Feb 05 - 08:36 PM (#1414497) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: GUEST A great Canadian http://jwgibbs.cchem.berkeley.edu/CFGoodeve/cfg_index.html |
18 Feb 05 - 10:23 PM (#1414559) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Ebbie 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)" |
18 Feb 05 - 10:38 PM (#1414571) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Little Hawk I've probably mentioned this before... but we gave you William Shatner! All else pales before that splendid contribution. |
18 Feb 05 - 10:41 PM (#1414575) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Ebbie Didn't stay home, though, did he. *G* |
19 Feb 05 - 12:00 AM (#1414612) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Peace "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." |
19 Feb 05 - 12:57 AM (#1414634) Subject: RE: What have the Canadians ever done 4 us From: Little Hawk 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. |