Originally Posted by FirstRatofftheShipUK (Post 9921678)

Although there is some truth in this sentiment it still amazes me that the British (correction, possibly the English) still think they are leading the world on every advancement, be it social, economic, technical, political, moral or what have you.

Yes - Canada will never compete with The UK on the following, which many might argue are trivial areas:

-Decent mass-produced Ale
-Decent mass-produced Newspapers
-Music & 'Festival Culture' (enough said)
-Telly and Media generally, including local broadcasts (enough said)
-Comedy

I ask you what the above listed items have in common? One thing, Entertainment (or to use Psycho-analyist speak, "escapism"). I would argue that The UK needs a regular dose of this to keep it ticking over.

However if one strays into key public policy areas, such as the Politico-Legal arena, it can be seen that 'the Colonies' have been light years ahead of the Mother Land in some very key areas. One would think that the trend should be in the reverse however it NEVER is that case - why?

An up to date topical one, that of 'Legal Aid' and the cuts, is a good example. BC has for very many years now had what most would consider a 'sensible' approach.

BC argues [as now does Cameron's gang in The UK again, and agian...] that in any developed Western country of one's choosing, that Legal Aid should be reserved for those actually in need, and only in special circumstances, for example Child Protection and serious Domestic Violence cases.

Without any Due Diligence check I am still certain that the position is much the same in Alberta or Ontario.

Make the system work better for the few in real need instead of trying to act as a milky platform for all and sundry with a grievance to litigate at will, and with impunity, due to their often artificial financial 'non-means'.

Why has it take The UK so long to finally realise that it has had its policy so wrong, for so long?

Pick any other countyr with a similar history - New Zealand, for example - and I would think the same 'enlightened' attititude applies.

FROTSUK

Originally Posted by dbd33 (Post 9921684)

Entertainment isn't a major consideration but the legal aid policy is?

This may be the classic "needs to get out more" post.

Originally Posted by Former Lancastrian (Post 9824372)

This thread gave me the biggest laugh I have had in ages, and believe me I needed one.

Same here. Im planning on going back for a visit in 2013 and it will be 25 years since Ive set foot on British soil.
Do I have any any preconceived ideas of what to expect and how much or little the country has or has not changed that remains to be seen.
Im sure I will not be coming back and complaining that I couldnt get a Timmies, shop at Canadian Tire, etc etc.
Canada has its good and bad points much like the UK has.
Maybe some of you could answer the following questions?

Is it still about a 3 hour drive from Preston to London M6 M1 route
Is Tony Blackburn still a DJ on radio 1
Are hollands pies and steak puddings still as good
Will I be able to rent a Ford Capri and park it safely in Liverpool
Are Pans People, Hot Gossip and Hills Angels doing dance routines
Can I still go for a donkey ride on Blackpool beach
Im guessing with inflation that petrol is now about 3 quid a gallon
Can I still buy a 5 pound bag of spuds and a quarter of roast beef
Liverpool won the league in the 89-90 season have they won it since
Is it still safe to walk around Moss Side after dark
Are Londoners still warm and friendly to Northerners much like the GTA folk in Canada
Are there still only 4 TV channels

or am I really out of touch

Originally Posted by FirstRatofftheShipUK (Post 9921760)

Anyone know the daily whereabouts of Mrs. dbd33 these days?
I feel the need to send her some flowers :p

FROTSUK

Originally Posted by dbd33 (Post 9922216)

the future one in the US.

Originally Posted by ann m (Post 9923029)

I need to dig out my virtual hat then.

Originally Posted by dbd33 (Post 9922216)

There's no Mrs. dbd33. The former incumbent is in Switzerland, the future one in the US.

Originally Posted by DandNHill (Post 9924006)

Well I came back from the UK late last night.

I wouldn't move back as I like Canada but apart from the "over crowdedness" I liked it! No complaints! Didn't even feel threatened by a cheddar wielding hoody!!! :thumbsup:

Originally Posted by DandNHill (Post 9924006)

Well I came back from the UK late last night.

I wouldn't move back as I like Canada but apart from the "over crowdedness" I liked it! No complaints! Didn't even feel threatened by a cheddar wielding hoody!!! :thumbsup:

Originally Posted by teacher1000 (Post 9822663)

Well for example, if I lived in hereford, chances are I wouldn't be seeing any bands play anywhere. If I live in Toronto for example, there are MANY MANY MANY different venues upon which I can go to see indie bands play.
Each city will have their own slight differences. Hereford was lovely, but it's totally rural. Hamilton, is one hour/ maybe a bit less away from both niagara falls and toronto. It also has places inbetween like miss, guelph, burlington, ancaster etc, which have their own shops/entertainment etc. I guess the fact that the GTA is clustered together makes it a bit more appealing, there is more to do. Plus like I said, I am from there, and my family and friends are there, so that also provides social stimulation which I wouldn't get anywhere else.

Originally Posted by JimandBettina (Post 9926937)

That's rubbish and just confirms my suspicion that you have a massive chip on your shoulder about the UK. I lived in Hereford for many years and the music scene is good - you can see a band play practically every night of the week. Granted it is not the size of Toronto but that makes it better.

And as for things to do - OMG - have you lived in a bubble in the UK. We have culture, which is absent in Canada. There are many more things to do in the UK for all ages and tastes than in Canada, where I find many things very twee. Although the vineyards of Niagara are fantastic, what a dump Niagara Falls are for example.

As for the attitude in UK, you will never understand us if you are not from there. British people are down to Earth, honest and possess a fantastic sense of humour. This contrasts with what I find is a very shallow USA-lite, scattered with liberal twinkles attitude of most Canadians. I have some great Canadian friends but there is not much 'banter' or piss-taking going on.

I invited an important member of society with his wife to my house in ONT for dinner - very respected in the area. He turned up alone, totally high on some drug or other, drank all our wine and took a piss against our outside wall ??? His dinner conversation was very shallow and it has made us very cautious about picking who we have for dinner.

Just up the bay, we have Wasaga Beach, which in itself is Blackpool-lite. At times during holidays it s full of drunken, drugged up Canadian Yoof (sic) who are very loud and brazen - to a Brit like me they are gobby Can-Chavs.

What I'm saying is that firstly you can never understand a culture as an outsider and secondly that there is a good and bad everywhere. You need to take off your rose coloured specs!

Ta!
Jim

Originally Posted by JimandBettina (Post 9926937)

That's rubbish and just confirms my suspicion that you have a massive chip on your shoulder about the UK. I lived in Hereford for many years and the music scene is good - you can see a band play practically every night of the week. Granted it is not the size of Toronto but that makes it better.

And as for things to do - OMG - have you lived in a bubble in the UK. We have culture, which is absent in Canada. There are many more things to do in the UK for all ages and tastes than in Canada, where I find many things very twee. Although the vineyards of Niagara are fantastic, what a dump Niagara Falls are for example.

As for the attitude in UK, you will never understand us if you are not from there. British people are down to Earth, honest and possess a fantastic sense of humour. This contrasts with what I find is a very shallow USA-lite, scattered with liberal twinkles attitude of most Canadians. I have some great Canadian friends but there is not much 'banter' or piss-taking going on.

I invited an important member of society with his wife to my house in ONT for dinner - very respected in the area. He turned up alone, totally high on some drug or other, drank all our wine and took a piss against our outside wall ??? His dinner conversation was very shallow and it has made us very cautious about picking who we have for dinner.

Just up the bay, we have Wasaga Beach, which in itself is Blackpool-lite. At times during holidays it s full of drunken, drugged up Canadian Yoof (sic) who are very loud and brazen - to a Brit like me they are gobby Can-Chavs.

What I'm saying is that firstly you can never understand a culture as an outsider and secondly that there is a good and bad everywhere. You need to take off your rose coloured specs!

Ta!
Jim

Originally Posted by Boy d (Post 9927563)

while i tend to agree to some of your points, you are falling on as many generalizations yourself. Canada is a big country. There's more to it than Nigara falls and Wasage Beach.....(not that ive been to either).

Originally Posted by Boy d (Post 9927563)

while i tend to agree to some of your points, you are falling on as many generalizations yourself. Canada is a big country. There's more to it than Nigara falls and Wasage Beach.....(not that ive been to either).