7 Things I’d Like to Thank Canada For
July 1st marks Canada Day when our pals to the north celebrate the birthday of their wonderful country. Now I could go on and on about how much I love the elite hockey players they’ve produced, their delicious maple syrup, and the joys of Labatts but that’s been done. I won’t even mention Chris Jericho or Bryan Adams. But couldn’t let this day pass without acknowledging some of my favorite things from the Great White North.
1. Tim Hortons
You don’t know magic until you’ve tasted anything from Tim Hortons, or as I call it “Timmy HoHo.” Not only is the coffee delicious but it’s also incredibly cheap. Oh, and Timbits. They are little doughnut holes of goodness. When you eat one you can actually hear an angel sing and it isn’t even Sarah McLachlan.
photo via instagram.com/kittinexploits
2. Freely saying “Sorry”
Maybe it’s because I’m from the south but I deeply understand politeness and the rapid-fire succession of multiple sorrys…or sowrry. Every Canadian I know is generous and thoughtful. It’s a quality I really wish would trickle down pass the border and enlighten the rest of the US. We really need to soak up the good vibes of the Eh Team.
3. Justin Trudeau
Seriously…this an actual ‘I can’t even’. I mean is he for real?! Maybe I’ve grown even fonder of your Prime Minister because our wonderful Obama will be leaving office soon and maybe it’s because our current politic system is a shambles. Or maybe it’s because Trudeau is a generally fantastic and brilliant man. Oh yes, we ARE jealous.
photo via elle.com
4. Filming Locations
Toronto and Vancouver have doubled for NYC more times than I can count. Look up where any of your favorite films or shows are/were shot and I guarantee it’s Canada. Everytime Harvey Spector walks by Pizzaiolo on Suits, I get wistful for Toronto. I even get excited when the cast of Once Upon a Time turn up at Whitecaps games because they film down the road. But honestly, who can blame the industry. The entire country is breathtaking and financially viable.
My photos from Vancouver.
5. Pioneering the Instant Replay
Technically Canada didn’t invent it. But what they did do is introduce the possibility of the technology. Back in 1955 on Hockey Night in Canada producer George Retzlaff used a hot processor to produce a wet-film replay of a goal. What Retzlaff did here, and then later in creating more innovative camera angles, completely changed how we watch sports. This is why the NHL (in my opinion) is the best at replays, challenges, and quick decisions. Even the MLB is taking notes from them…or trying to.
photo via theglobeandmail.com
6. Swedish Fish
Bless you Hamilton, Ontario for producing the majority of the world’s best gummy-based treat. So many of my late night sugar cravings include this aquatic snack and no trip to the cinema is complete without them. Just flip the bag over of these flavorful little squishes and you’ll see “MADE IN CANADA.”
photo via forumy.ca
7. Friends
Above all…Thank you Canada for producing some of the best people and friends anyone could know. I love all my beautiful, talented, kind, and all around amazing Canadian pals. Seriously, you’ve generated some of the best writers, artists, musicians, and funny folk. Well done.
Me with my pals: writer Ryan Ferrier and artist Ben Rankel.
And I’m not in anyway ashamed that I will be wearing a Xavier Laflamme Canadian sweater for the Hockey World Cup this year! Love you Canada. <3
