Psycho-Babble Social Thread 35143

Shown: posts 13 to 37 of 40. Go back in thread:

 

Canadian Living » bookgurl99

Posted by IsoM on January 14, 2003, at 15:09:32

In reply to that's no joke! » jay, posted by bookgurl99 on January 14, 2003, at 11:49:02

I'm prejudiced - the greater Vancouver area is the best in Canada! Heck, you can even grow bananas outdoors here. (Not warm enough for long enough to really get much in the way of bananas but still...)

Right now as the rest of Canada & much of the US shiver in the cold, we're enjoying 8°C (that's 47°F) & last week we had the loveliest day at 15°C (60°F). I just went outside to pick some fresh catnip for my kitties. The grass never turns brown in winter - green all the time. If it snows briefly, after a few hours or days when it melts, the grass is still nicely green & fresh. It doesn't stop growing in winter, just slows way down. Many of my flowers are still growing (& blooming!). I'm still picking cilantro, parsley, chives, & thyme for my meals. You can garden here year round outside. Most days, I just wear sandals when I go out for shopping. Lots wear shorts year round (with a warmer top). The sun's shining now & life looks gorgeous outside. Even moths & flies buzzing around when it's sunny & warm.

I have two plants from the sub-tropicals that stay outside all year round. One is an Iochroma cyaneum, a shrub that's native to Bolivia,
http://www.mediterraneangardensociety.org/plants/Iochroma.html
The other is Radermachera sinica (China doll, considered a houseplant!) that's native to Japan, China, & slightly cooler Southeast Asian countries. Given time, it grows into an impressive tree with hanging panicles of trumpet flared fragrant flowers. I don't think mine will get to that point though but I've had to prune it down a number of times - it's about 6 feet tall.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/plants/bignoniaceae/radermachera.jpg
(Sorry, you can see I'm a botany/horticultural freak.)

The west coast is close by for scuba diving & surfing (there's clubs or societies for them here). The mountains are snow covered for snowboarding or skiing for many months. The area is a gardener's dream. It's a touch of Eden in Canada.

And as an extra for Jay - I ABSOLUTELY loved that Apple switch parody of the American who moved to Canada. Thanks! We do have the funniest Molson Canadian beer commercials & the Kokanee beer ads. I'd never charaterise ourselves as similar to Americans. We're much more laid back, relaxed, & don't take ourselves so seriously. Our humour tends to be drier, more like the British. Nor are we so openly & adamantly patriotic but we still love living here. It's a great place to settle in.

Strangely, while all people in the Western world are getting heavier, Canadians included, I've been told by *many*, both Canadian & American, that there's less Canadians who are overweight compared to Americans. Any idea why? I'm told the difference is quite noticeable.

 

Re: Canadian Living » IsoM

Posted by Ginjoint on January 15, 2003, at 7:36:46

In reply to Canadian Living » bookgurl99, posted by IsoM on January 14, 2003, at 15:09:32

I'm underweight, I'm told I have a very dry sense of humor, I try very hard to laugh at myself whenever possible (even in the darkest moments), I read various international newspapers in an attempt to keep well-informed, and I'm 100% American. Hm. With almost 290 million people in my country, differences abound.

Ginjoint

 

Re: that's no joke! » bookgurl99

Posted by jay on January 15, 2003, at 22:05:31

In reply to that's no joke! » jay, posted by bookgurl99 on January 14, 2003, at 11:49:02

> My gf and I are planning our move already. We're choosing careers partly based on what Canada wants in a 'skilled worker.' If the war in Iraq thing happens, though, we might try to come sooner as live-in caretakers. :D
>
> how's vancouver?

Vancouver is nice...but pretty pricey. You don't want to end up living on the wrong side of town, because things are pretty scarry out there now...with the loads of cutbacks and such.

Montreal is nice, Halifax is nice...umm..Toronto..so/so. If you have a good job lined up before you come, you should do very well.

If you need any more specific info..I'd be glad to help you out! (As I am sure would my Canuck friends on here.)

Jay

 

Re: housing prices

Posted by IsoM on January 16, 2003, at 1:16:40

In reply to Re: that's no joke! » bookgurl99, posted by jay on January 15, 2003, at 22:05:31

Vancouver IS ridiculously priced, but if you want to live a short ways from the city towards the valley (less crowded & more & more people are opting for a quieter home outside the bustle of the city), housing's much more affordable unless you're looking for real up-scale places.

 

Re: Vancouver and B.C. » IsoM

Posted by jay on January 16, 2003, at 5:36:42

In reply to Re: housing prices, posted by IsoM on January 16, 2003, at 1:16:40

IsoM, the only thing I don't like nowadays about B.C. is the politics..but I live in Ontario, and don't like it here either, so I guess it's inescapable across Canada these days.

IMHO...
Jay

 

Re: Drug companies suck

Posted by cubbybear on January 16, 2003, at 9:35:09

In reply to Drug companies suck, posted by Phil on January 12, 2003, at 18:21:29

For all of you who think drug companies suck, you might be interested in my posting on the psycho babble board. I'll call it, "Ever Try Writing to A Drug Company?" I'm posting it on the other board since I think it's more pertinent to psycho babble. My post does not make for any earth-shattering revelations, (such as the latest gem about Glaxo) but you all might like to read about my own direct communications with Organon, Inc., mfr. of Remeron.

 

Re: B.C. politics... » jay

Posted by IsoM on January 16, 2003, at 12:10:42

In reply to Re: Vancouver and B.C. » IsoM, posted by jay on January 16, 2003, at 5:36:42

I'm waiting & watching now. Campbell's little run in with the law is making some political observers wonder if he'll soften his views somewhat. His popularity was extremely low before this incident; it's now hit a record low. Too often, one goes & another comes - from the frying pan into the fire. C'est la vie.

 

how the heck do you get in there?! » jay

Posted by trouble on January 20, 2003, at 0:59:55

In reply to Re: that's no joke! » bookgurl99, posted by jay on January 15, 2003, at 22:05:31


>
> If you need any more specific info..I'd be glad to help you out! (As I am sure would my Canuck friends on here.)
>
> Jay

Hey Jay,

Hi from Austin Texas. I've been thinkin about moving to Vancouver, but I understand you need a legitimate reason to get in there, the movers said they could'nt get my furniture across the border to Canada if i just wanted to live there for the heck of it. I'm on Social Security for my psych problems and work sporadically doing odd jobs. I truly can find no way in. Any ideas?
thank you for your assistance!

trouble

 

Re: how the heck do you get in there?! » trouble

Posted by IsoM on January 20, 2003, at 3:55:43

In reply to how the heck do you get in there?! » jay, posted by trouble on January 20, 2003, at 0:59:55

Robin, isn't your hubby-to-be Canadian? I got the impression he's a geologist working out on the west coast somewhere. If he's Canadian, you can move up here with him too.

 

Re: how the heck do you get in there?!

Posted by coral on January 20, 2003, at 4:38:10

In reply to Re: how the heck do you get in there?! » trouble, posted by IsoM on January 20, 2003, at 3:55:43

Dear Trouble,

There was a show (I think 60 minutes) that showed that Canada was the easist place to move to. According to the show, you show up, ask for asylum and in about an hour, you're processed. Once you're there, your furniture could be shipped. The show was concerning terrorist cells in Canada so maybe they've tightened up the border. But, you might want to check out the show's archives.

 

Re: how the heck do you get in there?!

Posted by noa on January 20, 2003, at 7:09:51

In reply to Re: how the heck do you get in there?!, posted by coral on January 20, 2003, at 4:38:10

But then the question is, on what basis would she claim the need for asylum? Democrat in Texas maybe? Or, if they institute a draft for the war in Iraq, you could follow in the footsteps of those Vietnam War-era folks who fled to Canada.
:- )

Anyway, I think since you wouldn't be displacing a worker, you could go as a visitor and then have your stuff shipped later. But I must acknowledge that I am rather ignorant on this subject.

Maybe you should call the Canadian embassy to inquire.

 

Re: how the heck do you get in there?! » trouble

Posted by jay on January 20, 2003, at 20:40:03

In reply to how the heck do you get in there?! » jay, posted by trouble on January 20, 2003, at 0:59:55

I'd say contact your local Canadian Embassy..or visit the Immigration Canada website at:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.html

They even have on-line applications for a permanent resident..and yes things have become a little tougher in the past few years, but we still have a fairly good open immigration policy.
It's what has made Canada such a great country overall, as my grandfather was an immigrant from Denmark...so I am only a few generations away from being one! Let us know how you made out..and any further questions we can help you with.

Best,
Jay

 

Re: how the heck do you get in there?! » noa

Posted by Phil on January 20, 2003, at 21:23:19

In reply to Re: how the heck do you get in there?!, posted by noa on January 20, 2003, at 7:09:51

Democrat in Texas maybe?

That reminds me. I've got to scrape off my Mondale, Ferraro bumper sticker.

I've been worried about Gore since I saw him with that 'beard'.

 

Re: how the heck do you get in there?! » Phil

Posted by jay on January 21, 2003, at 2:32:39

In reply to Re: how the heck do you get in there?! » noa, posted by Phil on January 20, 2003, at 21:23:19

> Democrat in Texas maybe?
>
> That reminds me. I've got to scrape off my Mondale, Ferraro bumper sticker.
>
> I've been worried about Gore since I saw him with that 'beard'.

Phil:

Are you a Democrat in Texas? What do you think now that Gore isn't running in 2004?

Just curious...
Jay

 

Re: how the heck do you get in there?!

Posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 5:39:54

In reply to Re: how the heck do you get in there?! » Phil, posted by jay on January 21, 2003, at 2:32:39

Wow, we are off the original topic!

Gore looks better now that he's clean shaven again. And he is a funny guy--did you see him on the nighttime talk shows and SNL?

 

Re: how the heck do you get in there?! » jay

Posted by Phil on January 21, 2003, at 6:44:54

In reply to Re: how the heck do you get in there?! » Phil, posted by jay on January 21, 2003, at 2:32:39

I think he should be making that choice from the White House. If, for some reason he didn't want 4 more years, that is.

I think we're missing out and I think the guy with the most votes should win.

 

Re: how the heck do you get in there?!

Posted by Phil on January 21, 2003, at 6:49:07

In reply to Re: how the heck do you get in there?!, posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 5:39:54

Don't watch TV but I know he has a great sense of humor. It must be eating him up to watch what Jr. is doing.

 

Re: democrat in Texas » Phil

Posted by wendy b. on January 21, 2003, at 8:04:21

In reply to Re: how the heck do you get in there?! » jay, posted by Phil on January 21, 2003, at 6:44:54

> I think we're missing out and I think the guy with the most votes should win.


Amen, bro.

Just last night, because she asked, I tried explaining the year 2000 presidential elections to my 11-yr old daughter, and summarized by saying the same thing. Florida, Jeb Bush, Kathleen what's-her-name, the Atty General of Florida, the ridiculous ballots (remember "chads"?), the miscounts, the Supreme Court refusing to intervene. How do you tell a child that democracy is 'what America's all about,' like they do in her social studies class, when there is so little to be found?

W.


ps:
Trouble, how 'bout calling yourself a draft resister for the Canadian immigration thing?

 

Re: democrat in Texas » wendy b.

Posted by Phil on January 21, 2003, at 9:13:23

In reply to Re: democrat in Texas » Phil, posted by wendy b. on January 21, 2003, at 8:04:21

I learned more about chads than I ever wanted to know. That was such a joke.
Hanging chads, dimpled chads. The greatest democracy holding up punch cards arguing with each other.
Blacks being turned away...what is 'a happenin?

 

Re: Al Gore » jay

Posted by bookgurl99 on January 21, 2003, at 11:25:49

In reply to Re: how the heck do you get in there?! » Phil, posted by jay on January 21, 2003, at 2:32:39

> Are you a Democrat in Texas? What do you think now that Gore isn't running in 2004?
>
Jay,

hey, I'm a democrat, or at least a liberal (think the dems aren't adequately liberal anymore, but they're the only party with the finances and ideology to be a good liberal party for america). i think that gore is bowing out to help the party. and chances are, if he ran in 2004 he'd either be seen as a _loser_, so people would avoid voting dem, or as someone who lost out on a legitimate presidency, in which case the folks would rally to vote him in.

i think gore would make a great president. during the campaign, he called the annual meeting of the urban league (www.ulgm.org) i was working at and talked off-the-cuff about a variety of projects he supports that would help minority youth. he was quite well-informed and had practical solutions. he was so much better than bush, whose facial expressions betrayed his low understanding of the cue-card statements he was making. *sigh*

rant rant rant i just want america to be a benign socialist utopia.

 

Re: Al Gore » bookgurl99

Posted by NikkiT2 on January 21, 2003, at 11:48:37

In reply to Re: Al Gore » jay, posted by bookgurl99 on January 21, 2003, at 11:25:49

I loved your post!!! As a brit I am finding it incresingly difficult to understand how Bush een got NEAR the Whitehouse!! I want him on TV, and there was always something strange about his face... I'd put it down to his eyes being too close together.. but you;re right you know - he simply doesn;t understand what he is saying!!! :o)

Thanks for a smile

Nikki x

 

Re: how the heck do you get in there?!

Posted by bookgurl99 on January 21, 2003, at 12:09:28

In reply to how the heck do you get in there?! » jay, posted by trouble on January 20, 2003, at 0:59:55

trouble,

i'd look at the immigration website. i can't get in right now either, not having enough 'points' to enter as a skilled worker, which is my goal. however, there is a program allowing one to enter as a live-in caretaker, and there may be other options. one important thing; if you have a partner, you can enter as a couple and your points are sort of added together. so for example, my partner has more formal education and work experience than i do, so we'd use her as the main applicant and me to boost the points up high enough.

 

Re: democrat in Texas

Posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 19:07:17

In reply to Re: democrat in Texas » Phil, posted by wendy b. on January 21, 2003, at 8:04:21

Do you remember when you lost the innocent delusion about one-person, one vote, ie, when you first learned about the electoral college? I think it is akin to finding out about Santa Claus.

 

Re: democrat in Texas

Posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 19:08:10

In reply to Re: democrat in Texas » wendy b., posted by Phil on January 21, 2003, at 9:13:23

And developing countries turning the tables on us by offering to send election monitors!!

 

Re: democrat in Texas

Posted by Phil on January 21, 2003, at 20:56:38

In reply to Re: democrat in Texas, posted by noa on January 21, 2003, at 19:08:10

I remember that. Unreal.


Go forward in thread:


Show another thread

URL of post in thread:


Psycho-Babble Social | Extras | FAQ


[dr. bob] Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD, bob@dr-bob.org

Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.