NationStates Jolt Archive

I got the word from hubby that his company is definitely looking at us moving, and I vetoed every other choice......so it looks like (should we decide to) we are going to Canada (Alberta more specifically)

I looked up all my stuff, and it looks good, but you guys gotta tell me stuff I might not be able to find out......

any tips? Canadian secrets? do you guys really have to recycle most of your trash?

Anyone from Edmonton? is it nice? I hear it's freaking cold there.

help?

also, if you are not from Canada......would you move there? why or why not?

Defecting to Canada? :p

I got the word from hubby that his company is definitely looking at us moving, and I vetoed every other choice......so it looks like (should we decide to) we are going to Canada (Alberta more specifically)

I looked up all my stuff, and it looks good, but you guys gotta tell me stuff I might not be able to find out......

any tips? Canadian secrets? do you guys really have to recycle most of your trash?

Anyone from Edmonton? is it nice? I hear it's freaking cold there.

help?

also, if you are not from Canada......would you move there? why or why not?
I think that you will enjoy our universal healthcare system. :)

Defecting to Canada? :p

hey, it's not like there are any promising presidential candidates anyway this time round LOL

recycling! oh noz! the very idea of destroying the planet slightly less fast!


meh, I've never been to Edmonton. Apparently it's pretty boring. It has a large mall and a fuckload of mosquitos.

Defecting to Canada? :p

I wonder how the nation of Smunkeville invades Canada would play out in role play?

recycling! oh noz! the very idea of destroying the planet slightly less fast!
I just meant......it said on this thing like they would fine you if you threw away a tissue instead of putting it in the proper bin.


meh, I've never been to Edmonton. Apparently it's pretty boring. It has a large mall and a fuckload of mosquitos.
still sounds better than where I am at........ >.>

you vetoed everything but edmonton?

what else did they offer you? kabul, baghdad and hell?

also, if you are not from Canada......would you move there? why or why not?

I would move to Canada. One of the biggest and most unforgivable travesties of the USA is the ridiculous health-doesn't-care system, and Canada isn't making the same mistakes.

Add to that, when it comes down to it, things like religious freedom (the real sort) and a less-than-totally-corrupt political system are important to me. ANd, in terms of those things... well, it's not America, so it's an improvement.

Plus - if you move to Canada I'll have to move to Canada if I'm ever going to get you into my utopian nudist commune.

you vetoed everything but edmonton?

what else did they offer you? kabul, baghdad and hell?

Seoul, Osaka, and San Salvador.

I have my own reasons for each of them.

I got the word from hubby that his company is definitely looking at us moving, and I vetoed every other choice......so it looks like (should we decide to) we are going to Canada (Alberta more specifically)

Company… moving… to Canada? *Is confused* *Waits for reassurance that some mistake has been made*

Hope you like cold weather. We've got plenty and we'd be willing to give you all of it.

Company… moving… to Canada? *Is confused* *Waits for reassurance that some mistake has been made*

his company is expanding a lot, and since he is like really good at his job, they like to move us......mostly we have been able to move within the US, but apparently they want us to go out of country now, and I don't wanna, but if I gotta, Canada is like sorta like the US.

still sounds better than where I am at........ >.>

Well, you're going love the summers in the north(Minnesota is fairly similar to Alberta in Climate, more or less). Not as ungodly hot as in Oklahoma. However, the winters will suck for you. I seem to remember you clamouring on about a snow storm or some such thing that happened in OK this winter, and trust me, it gets much, much worse.

Just drive REALLY slow during the winter, until you get the hang of things.

One thing you want to watch out for, though, during the winter is warm fronts. They will melt the snow quickly, but during the night it freezes over. Driving on sheets of ice is really, really fun. However, it is usually cold. Very cold. On average, where I live, it gets about ten below-ish or so during the winter, but during mid winter it can get much lower. I would imagine Canada gets worse. Lots of snow, of course. However, there are lots of trees and mixed forests(Probably more Coniferous in the north), unlike OK which I understand is some sort of wasteland. There is a reason why the Natives were forced there. Nobody else at the time wanted to go there, so that was the land they were "given".

Oh, and the mosquitos suck the balls, so to speak. I hear they are even worse up in Canada(And the worst in Alaska-I hear they are massive, and come in massive swarms). However, you generally don't have to worry about them until late summer. That's when they get really, really, REALLY bad.

Fewer tornadoes, though. So it's a trade-off I suppose.

That's a general climate, using Minnesota as a fairly similar gauge.

his company is expanding a lot, and since he is like really good at his job, they like to move us......mostly we have been able to move within the US, but apparently they want us to go out of country now, and I don't wanna, but if I gotta, Canada is like sorta like the US.

Accept your kids can drink at the age of 18. And smoke pot.

I havn't been there, but I'm sure BC is better.

And would you look at that, the CAD is worth 93 cents now...

You can also go up to Canadians and go, "Soooooooooo guys.... are you talking about hockey??" And then run away snickering. That's what I would do anyway.

Well... have fun. :D

Accept your kids can drink at the age of 18. And smoke pot.

they can't have alcohol anyway......and you can smoke pot in Canada?:eek:

Seoul, Osaka, and San Salvador.

I have my own reasons for each of them.

You vetoed Osaka?

But Japan is so cool, once you get away from all the perverted tentacle porn and crazy logographic writing system.

Seoul, Osaka, and San Salvador.

I have my own reasons for each of them.

oh

well

yeah

i guess id consider osaka but not with children as young as yours. its too far away from family.

you vetoed everything but edmonton?

what else did they offer you? kabul, baghdad and hell?
Living in the Atlanta International Airport?

You vetoed Osaka?

But Japan is so cool, once you get away from all the perverted tentacle porn and crazy logographic writing system.
And crappy tv and apathetic, gaijin-hating natives.

they can't have alcohol anyway......and you can smoke pot in Canada?:eek:

Apparently, it's a technical issue. From what I hear, It's not illegal, per se, however cops will usually(From what I'm told) confiscate it. Not sure on the exact legality in Canada, but I know it's less strict than in the US.

You vetoed Osaka?

But Japan is so cool, once you get away from all the perverted tentacle porn and crazy logographic writing system.

oh

well

yeah

i guess id consider osaka but not with children as young as yours. its too far away from family.

I had problems finding food there that wouldn't make us sick.....otherwise we would already be gone to Japan, hubby lived there in the past and his father mostly grew up there......they were really big with the pressure, until hubby figured out that the girls and I would have severely limited diets.

I havn't been there, but I'm sure BC is better.

And would you look at that, the CAD is worth 93 cents now...

You can also go up to Canadians and go, "Soooooooooo guys.... are you talking about hockey??" And then run away snickering. That's what I would do anyway.

Well... have fun. :D

Another reason why America sucks:

The dollar is plummeting in value.

his company is expanding a lot, and since he is like really good at his job, they like to move us......mostly we have been able to move within the US, but apparently they want us to go out of country now, and I don't wanna, but if I gotta, Canada is like sorta like the US.

We're like the U.S.'s little brother.

You vetoed Osaka?

But Japan is so cool, once you get away from all the perverted tentacle porn and crazy logographic writing system.

God damnit, don't you realize how few Japanese people actually look at that stuff? :headbang:

I havn't been there, but I'm sure BC is better.

And would you look at that, the CAD is worth 93 cents now...

You can also go up to Canadians and go, "Soooooooooo guys.... are you talking about hockey??" And then run away snickering. That's what I would do anyway.

Well... have fun. :D

I had problems finding food there that wouldn't make us sick.....otherwise we would already be gone to Japan, hubby lived there in the past and his father mostly grew up there......they were really big with the pressure, until hubby figured out that the girls and I would have severely limited diets.

Well, you could always eat watermelon...

http://guymal.bravepages.com/misc/square_watermelon.jpg

God damnit, don't you realize how few Japanese people actually look at that stuff? :headbang:

I know, nobody really reads logographic systems anymore.

Doesn't excuse the tentacle porn, though.

:D

Well, you could always eat watermelon...

http://guymal.bravepages.com/misc/square_watermelon.jpg

"I'm tired of fumbling with round fruit!"

And crappy tv and apathetic, gaijin-hating natives.
I'll grant the TV (Though it's more just bizzare than crappy), but I've not run into large hordes of apathetic, gaijin-hating natives. More the opposite actually.

Hoo boy, you'd be moving to probably the single-least progressive Province in all of Confederation. Good luck with that. I think the one you should be asking for advice is Neesika, though - she's from there (and unless I'm mistaken, she's in the northern part, too - just think, you two could be neighbours.

Unless Alberta is remarkably dissimilar to everywhere else, expect smaller portions in restaurants. And much leaner cuts overall. Canadians (at least, Eastern Canadians, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, you western kids) prefer less marbling in their meats.

I'll grant the TV (Though it's more just bizzare than crappy), but I've not run into large hordes of apathetic, gaijin-hating natives. More the opposite actually.

I saw an Indians baseball game when I was in the Sun-City business man hotel in Ikabukaro.

It was just like back in the States, but the pillow had the beads, and the announcer was speaking Japanese, and height was measured in centimeters. The commercials were funny too since I only know like eight words in Japanese. :D

I got the word from hubby that his company is definitely looking at us moving, and I vetoed every other choice......so it looks like (should we decide to) we are going to Canada (Alberta more specifically)

I looked up all my stuff, and it looks good, but you guys gotta tell me stuff I might not be able to find out......

any tips? Canadian secrets? do you guys really have to recycle most of your trash?

Anyone from Edmonton? is it nice? I hear it's freaking cold there.

help?
Oh my god Smunk...we could become neighbours?

I'm in Edmonton, Alberta. Yes, we have something called winter. This year it lasted from October to April :D Okay, that was unusual, but it was damn cold.

Hmmm, what to tell you...cost of living here is insane right now. I'd honestly suggest you look elsewhere. The vacancy rate is ridiculously low...some people are paying $1600 in rent for an apartment. A house will be around $380,000 if you're looking to buy...and you'll be looking for a while.

I don't know...what else would you want to know?

and you can smoke pot in Canada?:eek:
No, not legally. Unfortunately.

Oh my god Smunk...we could become neighbours?

I'm in Edmonton, Alberta. Yes, we have something called winter. This year it lasted from October to April :D Okay, that was unusual, but it was damn cold.

Hmmm, what to tell you...cost of living here is insane right now. I'd honestly suggest you look elsewhere. The vacancy rate is ridiculously low...some people are paying $1600 in rent for an apartment. A house will be around $380,000 if you're looking to buy...and you'll be looking for a while.

I don't know...what else would you want to know?

Are housing co-ops like, non-existant in Alberta (I'm guessing yes)?

Accept your kids can drink at the age of 18. And smoke pot.

Don't forget the age of consent being 14. And pot's not legal.

No, not legally. Unfortunately.

We'll be lucky if we can legally take a toke before we've all hit retirement age, methinks.

West Edmonton mall USED to be the biggest mall in the world, its awesome:)

Are housing co-ops like, non-existant in Alberta (I'm guessing yes)?

Housing what? What kind of pinko-commie shit is that?

There is some subsidised housing, but I recently read that the waiting list is about two years right now, and most people aren't even bothering to put themselves on the list anymore. We have the Boyle Street Coop, Salvation Army and Catholic Social Services have a few units...but very few in terms of housing co-ops.

So 'like' non-existant? Yeah, pretty much.

Southern Ontario is pretty nice, along with the whole of BC. Move there. Don't go to the plains, it gets really fucking cold there, like -45 C.

Oh my god Smunk...we could become neighbours?

I'm in Edmonton, Alberta. Yes, we have something called winter. This year it lasted from October to April :D Okay, that was unusual, but it was damn cold.

Hmmm, what to tell you...cost of living here is insane right now. I'd honestly suggest you look elsewhere. The vacancy rate is ridiculously low...some people are paying $1600 in rent for an apartment. A house will be around $380,000 if you're looking to buy...and you'll be looking for a while.

I don't know...what else would you want to know?

Ha! $380,000 CAD MAYBE!

But that's a mere $353,400 back in the good land of the United States of America!

And our coins actually have more than one person on them.

Hmmm, what to tell you...cost of living here is insane right now. I'd honestly suggest you look elsewhere. The vacancy rate is ridiculously low...some people are paying $1600 in rent for an apartment. A house will be around $380,000 if you're looking to buy...and you'll be looking for a while.

Could be worse. Could be Fort McMurray.

Living in the Atlanta International Airport?


lol

"mr smunkee, you have a choice between atlanta airport and edmonton alberta canada"

....


"well, mr smunkee?"

"i'm thinking; im thinking"

West Edmonton mall USED to be the biggest mall in the world, its awesome:)

You get bored with it fast. Kingsway has about all the stores you need, less spectacle, less press, and better prices.

And our coins actually have more than one person on them.

God Save the Queen! :p

Canada is a horrible place. The taxes are way too high, and winters way too cold. I live in Ottawa, a very boring and conservative city. I heard that Alberta is a bit better, but I have a feeling that you will be disappointed anyways.

Housing what? What kind of pinko-commie shit is that?

There is some subsidised housing, but I recently read that the waiting list is about two years right now, and most people aren't even bothering to put themselves on the list anymore. We have the Boyle Street Coop, Salvation Army and Catholic Social Services have a few units...but very few in terms of housing co-ops.

So 'like' non-existant? Yeah, pretty much.

Wow... people fall all over themselves to get into co-op housing here. I'm in a co-op, and I'm paying less than half what this place would cost on the open market. Mind you, I'm not subsidized; just a co-op member.

Anyway, I gotta log for a bit - see you later, hope all works out Smunk.

Canada is a horrible place. The taxes are way too high, and winters way too cold. I live in Ottawa, a very boring and conservative city. I heard that Alberta is a bit better, but I have a feeling that you will be disappointed anyways.

:confused:
Say what?

Oh, and there is one gluten-free store here I know of, kinnikinnicks, who also supplies a number of Safeways and organic markets.

Don't forget the age of consent being 14. And pot's not legal.

It's not 14. What are you on?

Canada is a horrible place. The taxes are way too high, and winters way too cold. I live in Ottawa, a very boring and conservative city. I heard that Alberta is a bit better, but I have a feeling that you will be disappointed anyways.

Go to Victoria. Friggin amazing city, always in motion and very exciting.

Oh, and there is one gluten-free store here I know of, kinnikinnicks, who also supplies a number of Safeways and organic markets.

Ah, the Safeways… how I miss them…

I got the word from hubby that his company is definitely looking at us moving, and I vetoed every other choice......so it looks like (should we decide to) we are going to Canada (Alberta more specifically)

I looked up all my stuff, and it looks good, but you guys gotta tell me stuff I might not be able to find out......

any tips? Canadian secrets? do you guys really have to recycle most of your trash?

Anyone from Edmonton? is it nice? I hear it's freaking cold there.

help?

also, if you are not from Canada......would you move there? why or why not?

It's freakin' cold and freakin' hot. Last winter it hit -45 with the windchill. If you're coming to Alberta, definitely go to Edmonton. It's the only decent place in the province. And:
recycling! oh noz! the very idea of destroying the planet slightly less fast!


meh, I've never been to Edmonton. Apparently it's pretty boring. It has a large mall and a fuckload of mosquitos.

you vetoed everything but edmonton?

what else did they offer you? kabul, baghdad and hell?
Those posts are very misleading. Edmonton is very nice, given the circumstances and the swamp of feces surrounding it.

they can't have alcohol anyway......and you can smoke pot in Canada?:eek:
No.

Apparently, it's a technical issue. From what I hear, It's not illegal, per se, however cops will usually(From what I'm told) confiscate it. Not sure on the exact legality in Canada, but I know it's less strict than in the US.
No. It is still very illegal, and not only that, but it has the same social stigma as drugs that are legitimately harmful. People will report you if you so much as smell like weed, and it's still definitely a criminal activity.

Could be worse. Could be Fort McMurray.

True. But you really CAN'T find housing there. Lots of meth and prostitutes though.

Oh, and there is one gluten-free store here I know of, kinnikinnicks, who also supplies a number of Safeways and organic markets.

Kinnikinnicks!

they make my bread, and my pizza crust, and my cookies, and my animal cookies and my brownie mix, and.........they are the most bestest gluten free foods ever.

also, you should totally try their animal crackers, they are trans fat free! (and they taste yummy!)

oh and I could totally be your neighbor........although the company owns a house or something there that we can live in for up to 3 years......

Kinnikinnicks!

they make my bread, and my pizza crust, and my cookies, and my animal cookies and my brownie mix, and.........they are the most bestest gluten free foods ever.

also, you should totally try their animal crackers, they are trans fat free! (and they taste yummy!)

oh and I could totally be your neighbor........although the company owns a house or something there that we can live in for up to 3 years......

*neighbour. You're Canadian now.

Edmonton is beautiful in the spring, summer and fall. I'm not a fan of winter so I don't list that season. Very green, lots of park space, tonnes and tonnes of festivals. In fact, we're called Festival city (http://www.festivalcity.ca/) for good reason.

Canadians (at least, Eastern Canadians, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, you western kids) prefer less marbling in their meats.
I am eastern Canuck and I don't like marbles in my meat either......they are to hard to chew and can block the windpipe if you are not careful. :p

It's freakin' cold and freakin' hot. Last winter it hit -45 with the windchill. If you're coming to Alberta, definitely go to Edmonton. It's the only decent place in the province. And:



Those posts are very misleading. Edmonton is very nice, given the circumstances and the swamp of feces surrounding it.

really its the cold. if you havent lived with cold that intense you just cant imagine how bad it is. and you arent prepared to deal with it. and neither are your kids.

*neighbour. You're Canadian now.

Good catch :D

Our homeschooling program through Alberta Education is pretty sweet too. You get funded, and great access to programs.

really its the cold. if you havent lived with cold that intense you just cant imagine how bad it is. and you arent prepared to deal with it. and neither are your kids.

Somehow my south american husband has managed.

As have the many, many other immigrants from warm to hot climes. Central heating is marvillous :D

We'll be lucky if we can legally take a toke before we've all hit retirement age, methinks.

Is it less strict than State side? I've heard it is, as well as it being technically illegal, but law enforcement, for the most part, not caring as much as they do in the US.

Funny issue with pot in the US, though.

For instance, in Minnesota, it has been technically decriminalized(A very vague term). 11 other states have "decriminalized" it, with five others allowing medical marijuana usage.

You can still get in legal trouble, here, but it's not as bad as in other states.

I am eastern Canuck and I don't like marbles in my meat either......they are to hard to chew and can block the windpipe if you are not careful. :p

Hahahaha...then again, Alberta is beef country. Awesome steaks to be found.

really its the cold. if you havent lived with cold that intense you just cant imagine how bad it is. and you arent prepared to deal with it. and neither are your kids.

it was below zero for like a month here when hubby and I first got married, I lived, I just wore a lot of clothes all the time LOL (which is much colder than below zero in C but you know that)

As have the many, many other immigrants from warm to hot climes. Central heating is marvillous :D

Central air is pretty good too. Does it get incredibly hot in the summer in Alberta too?

No. It is still very illegal, and not only that, but it has the same social stigma as drugs that are legitimately harmful. People will report you if you so much as smell like weed, and it's still definitely a criminal activity.

Huh. Guess it's not as bad as Minnesota. Nobody, except for some really old people or sticklers or cops, really care.

I must kill my friends whom have gone to Canada, and those I have from Canada. Liars one and all.

it was below zero for like a month here when hubby and I first got married, I lived, I just wore a lot of clothes all the time LOL (which is much colder than below zero in C but you know that)

when its 0 you can still feel the cold.

when its -20 you cant.

*neighbour. You're Canadian now.

As well as colour, flavour, and aboot.

:D

really its the cold. if you havent lived with cold that intense you just cant imagine how bad it is. and you arent prepared to deal with it. and neither are your kids.

Truthfully, though, I think we bitch about it far more than is reasonable. It honestly...isn't...that...bad.

when its 0 you can still feel the cold.

when its -20 you cant.

Really, it's the wind that gets ya.

It's a funny thing really. Here, it actually feels warmer during the night because there is less wind. Watch out for the windchill.

As well as colour, flavour, and aboot.

:D

The spelling of hoser, however, remains the same. :p
I have yet to meet anyone who says aboot, but when I do… (ominous ellipse)

Edmonton pics:

Skyline of downtown core (http://www.nbccedmonton.org/images/edmontonNight2.jpg). Those pyramids are the Muttart Conservatory (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muttart_Conservatory).

The waterpark (http://www.destination360.com/north-america/canada/west-edmonton-mall.php) in West Edmonton Mall.

The River Valley (http://www.ualberta.ca/~vlslab/DixonHomepage/images/EdmontonRiverValleyinsummer.jpg).

This is Whyte (http://www.canadian-rockies-tours.com/albums/Edmonton-Alberta-Canada/Whyte_Ave_South_Edmonton_sized.jpg) Ave (http://www.universitysuite.com/images/photos/Whyte-Ave-shops.jpg).

The Legislature grounds (http://www2.sims.berkeley.edu/research/conferences/hlt-naacl03/images/legislature.gif).

Central air is pretty good too. Does it get incredibly hot in the summer in Alberta too?

Well, to me it can. Above 30 C, but this summer has been pretty wet and cool lately. About 23C with wind.

I got the word from hubby that his company is definitely looking at us moving, and I vetoed every other choice......so it looks like (should we decide to) we are going to Canada (Alberta more specifically)

I looked up all my stuff, and it looks good, but you guys gotta tell me stuff I might not be able to find out......

any tips? Canadian secrets? do you guys really have to recycle most of your trash?

Anyone from Edmonton? is it nice? I hear it's freaking cold there.

help?

also, if you are not from Canada......would you move there? why or why not?

If your moving to Alberta then I hope you dont mind endless barren wastelands that stretch for hundreds of kilometers with no trees and up north a mall that has more working subs than our navy. :D

Plus move to Calgary, then I can meet you and gain a deeper understanding of the user that is Smunkeeville. :p

Well, to me it can. Above 30 C, but this summer has been pretty wet and cool lately. About 23C with wind.

*jealousy*

it was below zero for like a month here when hubby and I first got married, I lived, I just wore a lot of clothes all the time LOL (which is much colder than below zero in C but you know that)

Yes well you're looking at an average of -20 C here in the winter, so about -4 F. It'll dip to -40C sometimes.

Huh. Guess it's not as bad as Minnesota. Nobody, except for some really old people or sticklers or cops, really care.

I must kill my friends whom have gone to Canada, and those I have from Canada. Liars one and all.
Remember where I live though. Statistics show that people with university degrees are much more likely to believe in legalisation of marijuana. The highschool dropout rate in Alberta is astronomical, and the university atttendance is even lower. That + Racism = ignorant fools. I actually have seen confederate flags flying in people's windows, and one of the most popular country songs on the radio is, 'She thinks my tractor's sexy'. I fucking-kid-you-not. I must leave this god-forsaken land.

If your moving to Alberta then I hope you dont mind endless barren wastelands that stretch for hundreds of kilometers with no trees and up north a mall that has more working subs than our navy. :D

Plus move to Calgary, then I can meet you and gain a deeper understanding of the user that is Smunkeeville. :p

Oh fuck off, a Calgary scumbag talking shit about Edmonton, surprise surprise:D

Smunk, you have to understand one thing. You make your choice. It's either Calgary or Edmonton, but once you've picked teams, that's it. No going back.

We have plenty of trees thanks, the barren wasteland is Southern Alberta. Albeit, it's also warmer there. But Calgary is a flat, unpleasant town with a shitty hocky team :)

They're just jealous because Edmonton is the capital.

I've only been in Edmonton for about an hour (twice, changing planes), but if it's anything like Northern Ontaio, STAY INSIDE ON DECEMBER 21ST. The cold is painful. I still remember when I got frostbite because the teachers wouldn't let me in. Then the school was sued. Gooooood times...

That + Racism = ignorant fools. I actually have seen confederate flags flying in people's windows, and one of the most popular country songs on the radio is, 'She thinks my tractor's sexy'. I fucking-kid-you-not. I must leave this god-forsaken land.

I guess I tend to hang out with the more educated crowd.

Also, informal survey...more people listen to 'not-country' than those who listen to country in Edmonton.

I guess I tend to hang out with the more educated crowd.
Also, informal survey...more people listen to 'not-country' than those who listen to country in Edmonton.

I know... The emphasis here is upon Edmonton the Shining Light of Hope, a Beacon in a Dark and Miserable Land. I thought I had made that clear. I don't live there. Also.... Ouch! That was offensive...

Yes well you're looking at an average of -20 C here in the winter, so about -4 F. It'll dip to -40C sometimes.

You know, I've been catching myself thinking in Celsius and other metric system measurements. SO much easier.

You know, I've been catching myself thinking in Celsius and other metric system measurements. SO much easier.

No. Catch not. Let the metric system flow within you, you must.

Remember where I live though. Statistics show that people with university degrees are much more likely to believe in legalisation of marijuana. The highschool dropout rate in Alberta is astronomical, and the university atttendance is even lower. That + Racism = ignorant fools. I actually have seen confederate flags flying in people's windows, and one of the most popular country songs on the radio is, 'She thinks my tractor's sexy'. I fucking-kid-you-not. I must leave this god-forsaken land.

Oh for the love of God...

I come from "We-Fest" town, and crap-try music is what people from the area listen to(My age, at least). Wouldn't be so bad if it was good country music, but it isn't.

I can't believe that shit migrated north. I didn't think it would have the ability to adapt.

I don't live there. Also.... Ouch! That was offensive... :D

I guess I tend to hang out with the more educated crowd.

Also, informal survey...more people listen to 'not-country' than those who listen to country in Edmonton.

Well, around here, people my age listen to one of two things:

Crap-try(Modern Country)

C-rap(Modern Rap)

Pick one. You only have one of two choices. If you're black, you are automatically listening to the latter. If you are white, and from the rural area, the former, urban area the latter.

Now, I have nothing against either forms of music, when it's good, but most of the modern day shit is... well... just shit.

Cowboy wannabes and Thug-a-likes.

Oh for the love of God...

I come from "We-Fest" town, and crap-try music is what people from the area listen to(My age, at least). Wouldn't be so bad if it was good country music, but it isn't.

I can't believe that shit migrated north. I didn't think it would have the ability to adapt.

Indeed... Terrible, isn't it?

Well, around here, people my age listen to one of two things:

Crap-try(Modern Country)

C-rap(Modern Rap)

Pick one. You only have one of two choices. If you're black, you are automatically listening to the latter. If you are white, and from the rural area, the former, urban area the latter.

Now, I have nothing against either forms of music, when it's good, but most of the modern day shit is... well... just shit.

Cowboy wannabes and Thug-a-likes.
I think I like you...

Indeed... Terrible, isn't it?

Try living in a town, when during a 4-day concert, you can actually hear that shit from your house twenty miles away.

Worst. Weekend. Ever.

And it's a yearly event.

*shakes head in disgust*

Try living in a town, when during a 4-day concert, you can actually hear that shit from your house twenty miles away.

Worst. Weekend. Ever.

And it's a yearly event.

*shakes head in disgust*
*empathizes*...
Off to bed I go, though. Bump into you in another thread, eventually.

Try living in a town, when during a 4-day concert, you can actually hear that shit from your house twenty miles away.

Worst. Weekend. Ever.

And it's a yearly event.

*shakes head in disgust*

*has never experienced, but empathizes as well anyway*

*has never experienced, but empathizes as well anyway*

Then it would be *sympathises*.... I think.

It's not 14. What are you on?



Go to Victoria. Friggin amazing city, always in motion and very exciting.

Victoria is damn nice, if you can afford the very high cost of housing. (Renting, purchasing, it's all sky-high.) I live there :D Also the age of sexual consent IS 14. Here's the bill, straight from the Library of Parliament's website:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/information/library/PRBpubs/prb993-e.htm#CURRENT%20LAW(txt)

CURRENT LAW

The Criminal Code does not now criminalize consensual sexual activity with or between persons 14 or over, unless it takes place in a relationship of trust or dependency, in which case sexual activity with persons over 14 but under 18 can constitute an offence, notwithstanding their consent. Even consensual activity with those under 14 but over 12 may not be an offence if the accused is under 16 and less than two years older than the complainant. The exception, of course, is anal intercourse, to which unmarried persons under 18 cannot legally consent, although both the Ontario Court of Appeal(3) and the Quebec Court of Appeal(4) have struck down the relevant section of the Criminal Code.

Hmm, that also means two twelve-year-olds could have sex, legally. That's a creepy thought.

*empathizes*...
Off to bed I go, though. Bump into you in another thread, eventually.

Well, a few weeks later, we have HippieFest(As it is lovingly referred to). You go to that concert, you can quite literally get any drug you want within 10 minutes.

True. But you really CAN'T find housing there. Lots of meth and prostitutes though.
I haven't heard much about meth usage. How long does it stay in the blood for? If it is more than three days, it probably has little usage as all the oil companies piss test frequently. Cocaine, however is easier to find than money. But there is a saying out here "There are only three things to do in McMurray: Drink, Cocaine, and Hookers.

Then it would be *sympathises*.... I think.

It could really be either one. You don't have to have experienced something to empathize with the person who has.

I got the word from hubby that his company is definitely looking at us moving, and I vetoed every other choice......so it looks like (should we decide to) we are going to Canada (Alberta more specifically)

I looked up all my stuff, and it looks good, but you guys gotta tell me stuff I might not be able to find out......

any tips? Canadian secrets? do you guys really have to recycle most of your trash?

Anyone from Edmonton? is it nice? I hear it's freaking cold there.

help?

also, if you are not from Canada......would you move there? why or why not?
While I hate Alberta with a passion, I could see you liking it here (if you can get past the freaking cold in the winter).

Edmonton is fucked. At least for me it is (originally from Vancouver). On the way up to Fort McMurray, we passed through Edmonton. We were about 30 Kilometers (1.6 Kilometers (km) is 1 mile) and we still weren't in suburbs yet. WTF? Also, Edmonton is in the middle of grassy plains, so in the summer allot of dust is blown around. Alberta has the best weather in Canada (best being hottest and sunniest --no Posi's idea of good weather). But Alberta being far from a large body of water, it hits both extremes: it is very cold in the winter, and very hot in the summer. Albertans can't drive at all. You may have heard about the Chinese being bad drivers, well Albertans make 'em look good. Speaking of Chinese, the Chinese food in Alberta sucks. Don't even bother. If the manage to figure out that Chow Mien is not supposed to be crunchy, it has more grease in it than a bucket of KFC. Eating out costs more in Canada, as the company has to pay their staff minimum wage, yet people generally tip the same as an American. You should be able to find a good restaurant that will cater to your health (gluten) needs, but you may be less willing to tip as generously than you do as the meal will cost you more. The food also tends to be of better quality too. Remember all those commercials than ran about Chicken McNuggets now being made with white meat? In Canada, it has always been white meat yet the commercials still ran).

Politically, Alberta is the most conservative province in Canada. It is conservative in both the pro-free market (low, flat taxes; few publicly owned organizations; invisible hand solutions to economic problems; etc) and socially (racist, anti-drug use, Christian, gender roles, reactionary, restitution over rehabilitation etc). The 'church' in Canada actually support both the left and the right, yet have much less broad influence (ie, they tend not to have much political influence over people who do not attend their mass). There are four political parties in Canada with seats in parliament: Conservative Party -- built from the remains of the Progressive Conservative party after it imploded from corruption and Brian Mulroony (generally considered Canada's worst Prime Minister, he was in office with Regan). They are traditionalists, but would only be considered as right wing as the Democrats, although they idolize Republicans and think Canada's role in the world should be licking America's bag. Liberal Party -- Centralist party in Canada. Economically, the party has slowly drifted left, but it occasionally makes sharp shifts right. Notorious for not keeping election promises, scandles and willingness to sellout their values to win an election. However, they tend not to do that bad of job overall. The NDP (New Democratic Party) -- the liberal part, I doubt I have to remind you liberal means something else outside of America. They have yet to form a government, but tend to have allot of influence during minority governments. The party supports demand side economics, decriminalization of drugs, glbt rights, and other lefty non-sense. Then there is the Bloc Quebequois -- a populist party that whose goal is to have Quebec secede. However, they are not entirely one issue, and would tend to resemble the NDP on most other issues. They only run candidates in Quebec, and as such have no chance of forming a government (even if they win all the seats in Quebec, they would only have a snowball's chance in hell of winning).

Since it has been brought up. It is legal to carry small amounts of marijuana in Canada (I'm not to sure what the number of grams is, but is far to little to actually consider smoking). A few provinces, notably BC, do not even enforce the laws. Alberta, however, will give you life in prison and torture your kids if you smoke marijuana so don't try it.

You will still be able to home school your girls, and get them a high school diploma too. But read up on the metric system, because any maths/sciences will expect them to be familiar with the system. You might want to look up the system for yourself, as it appears that Alberta actually uses the damn thing (in BC I only learned degrees Celsius and Kilometers, the rest I can only do math in).

Alberta is about this close to banning environmentalism too. Know that story you have about your daughter convincing you to sell the Jeep for something more fuel efficient? If the Alberta government ever found out, they'd make you buy the Jeep and require you to burn a liter (ooo, Posi also knows what a liter is-- learn kilometer, Celsius, and liter) of gasoline for no reason when you first wake up. And recycling, that will probably get you hanged in Alberta.

Me and Neesika (mostly Neesika as she has experience in this hell hole while I am still a noob used to a much more liberal setting).

If you don't want the cold, come to Vancouver. About three snowfalls a year, and moderate in summer and winter.

While I

Yeah, fuck it. Move to Southern Ontario, Smunk!

There's also a bakery on 99th Street and 86th Ave that makes gluten-free. It's a beautiful area to live.

Well, a few weeks later, we have HippieFest(As it is lovingly referred to). You go to that concert, you can quite literally get any drug you want within 10 minutes.

North Country or South Country?

I've went to North Country since I was a wee babe in my mommy's arms :D Yes yes, I know it's already passed.

No. Catch not. Let the metric system flow within you, you must.
who the fuck, besides Albertans, knows the metric system? Two measurement systems in one body? It can't be done!

There's also a bakery on 99th Street and 86th Ave that makes gluten-free. It's a beautiful area to live.

Yeah, I like 99th street. Close enough to Whyte Ave without being TOO close.

And don't listen to Posi. The 'western chinese food' is shit, yes. But we have a lot of very authentic Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean etc etc restuarants that are amazing. Chilean food, Salvadorean food, Ethiopian...anything you want. We have an amazing variety of restaurants actually, and enough immigrants to keep the food tasting the way it should.

who the fuck, besides Albertans, knows the metric system? Two measurement systems in one body? It can't be done!

Huh?

All of Canada uses the metric system. What are you on about?

If you go into the trades you'll have to learn a bit of imperial, although metric is now mandatory in apprenticeship training.

So again...huh?

If you don't want the cold, come to Vancouver. About three snowfalls a year, and moderate in summer and winter.

Right. Don't mention the constant rain. Vancouverites walk with a perpetual 'it's raining again' slouch.

Yeah, I like 99th street. Close enough to Whyte Ave without being TOO close.

And don't listen to Posi. The 'western chinese food' is shit, yes. But we have a lot of very authentic Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean etc etc restuarants that are amazing. Chilean food, Salvadorean food, Ethiopian...anything you want. We have an amazing variety of restaurants actually, and enough immigrants to keep the food tasting the way it should.

Can you get a decent curry? And would they deliver?

These are the questions I ask myself when I consider what civilization really means to me on a deeply personal level.

Yeah, I like 99th street. Close enough to Whyte Ave without being TOO close.

And don't listen to Posi. The 'western chinese food' is shit, yes. But we have a lot of very authentic Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean etc etc restuarants that are amazing. Chilean food, Salvadorean food, Ethiopian...anything you want. We have an amazing variety of restaurants actually, and enough immigrants to keep the food tasting the way it should.
Well, McMurray has no Chinese food. Between that and the no pot thing I think I am going nuts, causing me to miss many of Alberta's numerous faults.

Right. Don't mention the constant rain. Vancouverites walk with a perpetual 'it's raining again' slouch.
Actually, it is pretty much an entire BC thing. Me and this other BC kid on my crew were both happy as clams that it has rained here the last couple of days.

North Country or South Country?

I've went to North Country since I was a wee babe in my mommy's arms :D Yes yes, I know it's already passed.

What's that? I'm referring to 10k Fest. Which triples my hometowns population during the weekend it is held. It's a fairly new event. Hippies everywhere. We Fest has attendance somewhere in the 50,000 range, if memory recalls. For a town of 7k, that's quite a few people.

Huh?

All of Canada uses the metric system. What are you on about?

If you go into the trades you'll have to learn a bit of imperial, although metric is now mandatory in apprenticeship training.

So again...huh?
Like I said in that long ass post, I only knew Kilometer, Liter, and Celsius before coming to Alberta. I could do science in the metric system (and in uni they teach it in the imperial system too), but outside those three units, with those three prefixes, I had no idea what they really meant. To say something was 3.5m tall meant as much to me as it is 39056 pennies tall.

Oh fuck off, a Calgary scumbag talking shit about Edmonton, surprise surprise:D

Smunk, you have to understand one thing. You make your choice. It's either Calgary or Edmonton, but once you've picked teams, that's it. No going back.

We have plenty of trees thanks, the barren wasteland is Southern Alberta. Albeit, it's also warmer there. But Calgary is a flat, unpleasant town with a shitty hocky team :)

They're just jealous because Edmonton is the capital.

I wont deny that at all... And besides I hate Calgary too. I would rather live in Cranbrook BC, warm, lots of lakes, trees, and of course my boyfriend lives there.

I got the word from hubby that his company is definitely looking at us moving, and I vetoed every other choice......so it looks like (should we decide to) we are going to Canada (Alberta more specifically)

I looked up all my stuff, and it looks good, but you guys gotta tell me stuff I might not be able to find out......

any tips? Canadian secrets? do you guys really have to recycle most of your trash?

Anyone from Edmonton? is it nice? I hear it's freaking cold there.

help?

also, if you are not from Canada......would you move there? why or why not?


Alberta is like Texas of Canada but only waaaaay colder. It has the oil and everything...

Can you get a decent curry? And would they deliver?

These are the questions I ask myself when I consider what civilization really means to me on a deeply personal level.

Yes, and probably. If the restaurant won't deliver, there are various other delivery services that will pick it up for you, and for about the same cost.

Well, McMurray has no Chinese food. Between that and the no pot thing I think I am going nuts, causing me to miss many of Alberta's numerous faults.

Fort Mac is essentially a frontier town. I equate it with the era of the gold rush. Small town that has simply exploded as young, single men stream there to find riches. It's infrastructure can't keep up, and it's services are tailored to young, single guys with thick wads of cash.

What's that? I'm referring to 10k Fest. Which triples my hometowns population during the weekend it is held. It's a fairly new event. Hippies everywhere. We Fest has attendance somewhere in the 50,000 range, if memory recalls. For a town of 7k, that's quite a few people.

Ah. Well, North Country Fair is in Joussard, Northern Alberta, and was nicknamed 'Hippie Fest' long ago. Same deal, tiny town that swells for three days. Pretty much the biggest income draw the whole year round.

Like I said in that long ass post, I only knew Kilometer, Liter, and Celsius before coming to Alberta. I could do science in the metric system (and in uni they teach it in the imperial system too), but outside those three units, with those three prefixes, I had no idea what they really meant. To say something was 3.5m tall meant as much to me as it is 39056 pennies tall.
Ah yes, okay, true point. I discuss people's weight in pounds, height in feet. But I use kilos for food weight, kilometres for distance...then inches for smaller distances...it IS confusing. That's because our parents were trained in the imperial system and never got used to metric :D

Oh, and pot...ounces and grams? Yeah, not metric. So I get your point.

Fort Mac is essentially a frontier town. I equate it with the era of the gold rush. Small town that has simply exploded as young, single men stream there to find riches. It's infrastructure can't keep up, and it's services are tailored to young, single guys with thick wads of cash.
First, Fort Mac is about an hour and a bit north of Fort Mc.

Secondly, you'd think a frontier town would have more strip joints....

First, Fort Mac is about an hour and a bit north of Fort Mc.

Secondly, you'd think a frontier town would have more strip joints....

Hahahaha, yeah, I know...but common parlance has Fort Mc as Fort Mac for some reason. People from Fort Mac hate it, but *shrugs*. Most Albertans couldn't find Fort Chip on a map, much less Fort Mac. Anything north of Edmonton is just...ooooooh!

As for the strip joints, well, I suppose the locals are fighting that tooth and nail.

Ah yes, okay, true point. I discuss people's weight in pounds, height in feet. But I use kilos for food weight, kilometres for distance...then inches for smaller distances...it IS confusing. That's because our parents were trained in the imperial system and never got used to metric :D

Oh, and pot...ounces and grams? Yeah, not metric. So I get your point.
I use those three and the rest is imperial. So did most people from Van City. In the mines we do everything in meters, decimeters, and centimeters and I am actually starting to learn them.

Yes, and probably. If the restaurant won't deliver, there are various other delivery services that will pick it up for you, and for about the same cost.

"Probably" means you're living on the edges of civilization, I'm afraid... still, any port in a storm.

I use those three and the rest is imperial. So did most people from Van City. In the mines we do everything in meters, decimeters, and centimeters and I am actually starting to learn them.

My husband had a bit of trouble because his first year apprenticeship training used metric AND imperial, but his second and third switched to all metric...even though working with the oldtimers means you still have to know imperial. But he comes from a metric country, so the imperial was the hard part.

"Probably" means you're living on the edges of civilization, I'm afraid... still, any port in a storm.

I've been looking through the yellow pages. Plenty of good quality East Indian food delivery.

Hahahaha, yeah, I know...but common parlance has Fort Mc as Fort Mac for some reason. People from Fort Mac hate it, but *shrugs*. Most Albertans couldn't find Fort Chip on a map, much less Fort Mac. Anything north of Edmonton is just...ooooooh!

As for the strip joints, well, I suppose the locals are fighting that tooth and nail.
It is confusing as when I hear Fort Mac, I think Fort MacKay which is north of the main mines. Fort Mac is even more lacking than Fort Mc, but some people like it as they can live closer to CNRL without having to live in camp.

I've been looking through the yellow pages. Plenty of good quality East Indian food delivery.

Phew, that's a relief. Had me worried there a minute.

It is confusing as when I hear Fort Mac, I think Fort MacKay which is north of the main mines. Fort Mac is even more lacking than Fort Mc, but some people like it as they can live closer to CNRL without having to live in camp.

Well you say Fort Mc (Mic) and it sounds like you're denigrating Irish people. Not a good idea :D

Well you say Fort Mc (Mic) and it sounds like you're denigrating Irish people. Not a good idea :D
We say McMurray, town, or the shit hole.

Ah. Well, North Country Fair is in Joussard, Northern Alberta, and was nicknamed 'Hippie Fest' long ago. Same deal, tiny town that swells for three days. Pretty much the biggest income draw the whole year round.

Well, we have five big events during the summer.

First, is We Fest. 4 day long, drunken "cowboy"(Wannabes) party. 50,000 people.

Next, Fourth Of July draws a good crowd, well above 10k.

Next is the County Fair. Week long event, draws about 10,000-20,000 people.

Then, there is 10,000 Lakes. Hippies, hippies, hippies. About 20,000 people.

Finally, there is "Spirit Fest". Christian music festival. Maybe a couple hundred. Nah, a few thousand-ish.

And actually, the "river" draws thousands of people a day to the town(No Joke), who pay about 5 bucks for a shitty inner-tube so they can go tubing down the most disgusting river known to man. Wasn't always disgusting, when I was a kid I swam in it all the time, but I wouldn't be caught dead in the thing anymore.

The economy of my town is sustained almost solely by these events. And booze during the winter. It's the only thing that makes the town livable at all.

O, Neesika I have something that I think will piss you off (and probably everyone else that works for their money). I now get paid for a half hour at my overtime rate to wait for the bus.

O, Neesika I have something that I think will piss you off (and probably everyone else that works for their money). I now get paid for a half hour at my overtime rate to wait for the bus.

I'm a lefty. Why on earth would that piss me off?

My husband gets paid to fly. As he should. It's work-related time, not freaking leisure hour.

I'm a lefty. Why on earth would that piss me off?

My husband gets paid to fly. As he should. It's work-related time, not freaking leisure hour.
Envy. I also get paid to ride the bus (but that is a flat rate, and does not count towards our time worked).

I got the word from hubby that his company is definitely looking at us moving, and I vetoed every other choice......so it looks like (should we decide to) we are going to Canada (Alberta more specifically)

I looked up all my stuff, and it looks good, but you guys gotta tell me stuff I might not be able to find out......

any tips? Canadian secrets? do you guys really have to recycle most of your trash?

Anyone from Edmonton? is it nice? I hear it's freaking cold there.

help?

also, if you are not from Canada......would you move there? why or why not?

Recycling isn't hard. Think smart. Think Earth Smart.

Envy.
I celebrate people making a decent wage, and hope that more people are able to do so...rather than hating them for it and wanting them to make shit.

Envy. I also get paid to ride the bus (but that is a flat rate, and does not count towards our time worked).

I'm on salary, so no-one gives a damn how I get to work - just that I'm there (oh, and willing to work overtime gratis of course) - curse you, dental/optical plans!

I'm on salary, so no-one gives a damn how I get to work - just that I'm there (oh, and willing to work overtime gratis of course) - curse you, dental/optical plans!Yeah, teachers get the same deal. Who cares how much overtime you put in? It's the same damn rate.

Oh, but right...we're overpaid and underworked, according to the popular Albertan myth:rolleyes:

I celebrate people making a decent wage, and hope that more people are able to do so...rather than hating them for it and wanting them to make shit.
See, when I told people back home, I got called a cock sucker or an asshole. They didn't really mean it, they just wished they could be in a situation were the employees nickel and dimed the company, instead of vice-versa.

I'm on salary, so no-one gives a damn how I get to work - just that I'm there (oh, and willing to work overtime gratis of course) - curse you, dental/optical plans!
What's your dental/optical plan like?
Yeah, teachers get the same deal. Who cares how much overtime you put in? It's the same damn rate.

Oh, but right...we're overpaid and underworked, according to the popular Albertan myth:rolleyes:
Well you only educate our children, effecting the type of career they get and our children will only be the ones who pay to keep us in old folks homes while we rot with dignity. Well most of us, I will choice to rot without my dignity.

Canadian NSGers better watch out who they might bump into in the street, it just might be Smunk. :)

And crappy tv and apathetic, gaijin-hating natives.

Didn't you already get served on this, and admit that you don't actually know any of the crap your spouting, you just 'heard' it?

I got the word from hubby that his company is definitely looking at us moving, and I vetoed every other choice......so it looks like (should we decide to) we are going to Canada (Alberta more specifically)

I looked up all my stuff, and it looks good, but you guys gotta tell me stuff I might not be able to find out......

any tips? Canadian secrets? do you guys really have to recycle most of your trash?

Anyone from Edmonton? is it nice? I hear it's freaking cold there.

help?

also, if you are not from Canada......would you move there? why or why not?

Gay marriage is legal nation-wide here, our currency is worth a little less, we have socialized medicine, and there are parts of the country where French is very prevailant (not Alberta, IIRC, though.)

and there are parts of the country where French is very prevailant (not Alberta, IIRC, though.)

Well not Edmonton, but we have a number of thriving Francophone communities in Alberta, such as Bonnyville, Girouxville, Lamoureux, Lacombe and Brosseau. Not to mention we have one of the largest Metis populations in Canada, whose language, Michif, is a mix of Cree and French.

French immersion will be available to you in Edmonton, as is Spanish, Cree, Mandarin, Arabic, German, Ukrainian, Polish etc. Not just weekend programs mind you, but actual immersion.

Well not Edmonton, but we have a number of thriving Francophone communities in Alberta, such as Bonnyville, Girouxville, Lamoureux, Lacombe and Brosseau. Not to mention we have one of the largest Metis populations in Canada, whose language, Michif, is a mix of Cree and French.

French immersion will be available to you in Edmonton, as is Spanish, Cree, Mandarin, Arabic, German, Ukrainian, Polish etc. Not just weekend programs mind you, but actual immersion.

Oh, kill me now. I can barely take just the bombardment of French.

Oh, kill me now. I can barely take just the bombardment of French.

Mais quel est le problème ? Est-il que vous n'aiment pas les belles tonalités du Français ? Ou est-il que votre langue anglaise ne peut pas former les mots lyriques ?

Mais quel est le problème ? Est-il que vous n'aiment pas les belles tonalités du Français ? Ou est-il que votre langue anglaise ne peut pas former les mots lyriques ?

The problem is that I'm paying overhead on video games so they can print french manuals with them and stick them in there.

I mean, all the game dialogue is freaking English anyway! What's the point!?

The problem is that I'm paying overhead on video games so they can print french manuals with them and stick them in there.

I mean, all the game dialogue is freaking English anyway! What's the point!?

There's bigger fish to fry there, game-boy...

recycling! oh noz! the very idea of destroying the planet slightly less fast!

Recycling, even on a large scale, actually doesn't do much at all. It provides jobs, though.

All I can say is that after my trip to Canada last year it is my firm belief that:

Edmonton Is Awesome.

Especially the incredible mall. Next chance I get, I'm emigrating there.

You'd get to learn Metric :D

Edmonton.

EDmontotn has some good points and some bad points. It has one of the best theatre (not theater) scenes in all fo Canada. The Fringe Festival in the summer is the world's second largest. Even if you just go for the street performers, it's amazing.

It has also has a large number of very good radio stations. I prefer CJSR, on the left of your FM dial, but I'm a hippie.

The cold is something you need to prepare for. It gets so cold that the mucus in your nose freezes, and when you come inside, it melts and runs down your face. The air is so dry that the water on your eyeballs begins to evaporate, but it then condenses and freezes on your eyelashes. You have to squeeze your eyes shut for a second to melt the ice if your eyelashes freeze together. Silk is a good insulator for that type of cold. It is dry. Intensely dry.

Many buildings downtown and on the university campus are interconnected underground or with walkways from building to building. This network is also attached to the LRT, a light rail transit system that is free in the downtown core. This is all heated and wheelchair (and stroller) accesible.

There are free pools and water play areas around the legislature in the summer. Sometimes you see deer in the river valley.

The roads are all laid out on a grid. Avenues run east to west and streets run north to south. Addresses denote the croos street. For example, 16910 67th Avenue is at on 67th Avenue close to the corner of 169th Street. 9915 82nd Ave is on the corner of 99th street and 82nd Ave. The roads are also designed so that cars can move quickly on major traffic arteries, but then have to drastically reduce speed to enter residential areas. I compare this to Montreal, which grew far more organically, and has kids playgrounds beside off ramps.

k.d. lang, a Canadian folk singer, was publicly villified in Alberta. People were not upset when she publicly stated she was a lesbian, but she was roasted over the coals when she told everyone she was a vegetarian. You're in cattle country, now.

If you have time, you can visit the Badlands near Drumheller. Rich in fossils, it is also home to one of the world's best dinosaur museums, the Royal Tyrrell Dinosaur Museum. I stayed at a friends house there, once. The Badlands were just beautiful. I would post a photo, but it would not do justice to the real thing. The Museum is quite good. My friend who I was staying with, a young earth creationist, called it an amazingly well done synopsis of one of our profoundest mistakes.

Many of the outlying communities are either french or dutch. The interbreeding between these communities has created a certain look that brings model scouts from LA and New York. If you like looking at beautiful young people, Edmonton is a nice place to be.

Have fun.

Yes well you're looking at an average of -20 C here in the winter, so about -4 F. It'll dip to -40C sometimes.

I can totally do that, it's not that bad, provided I have the proper clothing and a heater at home.

dose that mean building your house is on hold

Ok, I'm sick of all the posts I've been reading about this so far (except if you said something good about Canada). I'm Canadian and there is nothing wrong with moving here. Free healthcare when you have a citizenship, although Alberta's is somewhat worse than Ontario's. Can you people do some research before saying Canada is a horrible country to move to.

I've only been in Edmonton for about an hour (twice, changing planes), but if it's anything like Northern Ontaio, STAY INSIDE ON DECEMBER 21ST. The cold is painful. I still remember when I got frostbite because the teachers wouldn't let me in. Then the school was sued. Gooooood times...
but......that's my birthday. :(


While I hate Alberta with a passion, I could see you liking it here (if you can get past the freaking cold in the winter).

Edmonton is fucked. At least for me it is (originally from Vancouver). On the way up to Fort McMurray, we passed through Edmonton. We were about 30 Kilometers (1.6 Kilometers (km) is 1 mile) and we still weren't in suburbs yet. WTF? Also, Edmonton is in the middle of grassy plains, so in the summer allot of dust is blown around. Alberta has the best weather in Canada (best being hottest and sunniest --no Posi's idea of good weather). But Alberta being far from a large body of water, it hits both extremes: it is very cold in the winter, and very hot in the summer. Albertans can't drive at all. You may have heard about the Chinese being bad drivers, well Albertans make 'em look good. Speaking of Chinese, the Chinese food in Alberta sucks. Don't even bother. If the manage to figure out that Chow Mien is not supposed to be crunchy, it has more grease in it than a bucket of KFC. Eating out costs more in Canada, as the company has to pay their staff minimum wage, yet people generally tip the same as an American. You should be able to find a good restaurant that will cater to your health (gluten) needs, but you may be less willing to tip as generously than you do as the meal will cost you more. The food also tends to be of better quality too. Remember all those commercials than ran about Chicken McNuggets now being made with white meat? In Canada, it has always been white meat yet the commercials still ran).

Politically, Alberta is the most conservative province in Canada. It is conservative in both the pro-free market (low, flat taxes; few publicly owned organizations; invisible hand solutions to economic problems; etc) and socially (racist, anti-drug use, Christian, gender roles, reactionary, restitution over rehabilitation etc). The 'church' in Canada actually support both the left and the right, yet have much less broad influence (ie, they tend not to have much political influence over people who do not attend their mass). There are four political parties in Canada with seats in parliament: Conservative Party -- built from the remains of the Progressive Conservative party after it imploded from corruption and Brian Mulroony (generally considered Canada's worst Prime Minister, he was in office with Regan). They are traditionalists, but would only be considered as right wing as the Democrats, although they idolize Republicans and think Canada's role in the world should be licking America's bag. Liberal Party -- Centralist party in Canada. Economically, the party has slowly drifted left, but it occasionally makes sharp shifts right. Notorious for not keeping election promises, scandles and willingness to sellout their values to win an election. However, they tend not to do that bad of job overall. The NDP (New Democratic Party) -- the liberal part, I doubt I have to remind you liberal means something else outside of America. They have yet to form a government, but tend to have allot of influence during minority governments. The party supports demand side economics, decriminalization of drugs, glbt rights, and other lefty non-sense. Then there is the Bloc Quebequois -- a populist party that whose goal is to have Quebec secede. However, they are not entirely one issue, and would tend to resemble the NDP on most other issues. They only run candidates in Quebec, and as such have no chance of forming a government (even if they win all the seats in Quebec, they would only have a snowball's chance in hell of winning).

Since it has been brought up. It is legal to carry small amounts of marijuana in Canada (I'm not to sure what the number of grams is, but is far to little to actually consider smoking). A few provinces, notably BC, do not even enforce the laws. Alberta, however, will give you life in prison and torture your kids if you smoke marijuana so don't try it.

You will still be able to home school your girls, and get them a high school diploma too. But read up on the metric system, because any maths/sciences will expect them to be familiar with the system. You might want to look up the system for yourself, as it appears that Alberta actually uses the damn thing (in BC I only learned degrees Celsius and Kilometers, the rest I can only do math in).

Alberta is about this close to banning environmentalism too. Know that story you have about your daughter convincing you to sell the Jeep for something more fuel efficient? If the Alberta government ever found out, they'd make you buy the Jeep and require you to burn a liter (ooo, Posi also knows what a liter is-- learn kilometer, Celsius, and liter) of gasoline for no reason when you first wake up. And recycling, that will probably get you hanged in Alberta.

Me and Neesika (mostly Neesika as she has experience in this hell hole while I am still a noob used to a much more liberal setting).

Edmonton.

EDmontotn has some good points and some bad points. It has one of the best theatre (not theater) scenes in all fo Canada. The Fringe Festival in the summer is the world's second largest. Even if you just go for the street performers, it's amazing.

It has also has a large number of very good radio stations. I prefer CJSR, on the left of your FM dial, but I'm a hippie.

The cold is something you need to prepare for. It gets so cold that the mucus in your nose freezes, and when you come inside, it melts and runs down your face. The air is so dry that the water on your eyeballs begins to evaporate, but it then condenses and freezes on your eyelashes. You have to squeeze your eyes shut for a second to melt the ice if your eyelashes freeze together. Silk is a good insulator for that type of cold. It is dry. Intensely dry.

Many buildings downtown and on the university campus are interconnected underground or with walkways from building to building. This network is also attached to the LRT, a light rail transit system that is free in the downtown core. This is all heated and wheelchair (and stroller) accesible.

There are free pools and water play areas around the legislature in the summer. Sometimes you see deer in the river valley.

The roads are all laid out on a grid. Avenues run east to west and streets run north to south. Addresses denote the croos street. For example, 16910 67th Avenue is at on 67th Avenue close to the corner of 169th Street. 9915 82nd Ave is on the corner of 99th street and 82nd Ave. The roads are also designed so that cars can move quickly on major traffic arteries, but then have to drastically reduce speed to enter residential areas. I compare this to Montreal, which grew far more organically, and has kids playgrounds beside off ramps.

k.d. lang, a Canadian folk singer, was publicly villified in Alberta. People were not upset when she publicly stated she was a lesbian, but she was roasted over the coals when she told everyone she was a vegetarian. You're in cattle country, now.

If you have time, you can visit the Badlands near Drumheller. Rich in fossils, it is also home to one of the world's best dinosaur museums, the Royal Tyrrell Dinosaur Museum. I stayed at a friends house there, once. The Badlands were just beautiful. I would post a photo, but it would not do justice to the real thing. The Museum is quite good. My friend who I was staying with, a young earth creationist, called it an amazingly well done synopsis of one of our profoundest mistakes.

Many of the outlying communities are either french or dutch. The interbreeding between these communities has created a certain look that brings model scouts from LA and New York. If you like looking at beautiful young people, Edmonton is a nice place to be.

Have fun.

after reading both of these, Edmonton sounds almost exactly where I live now, only it's about 3-4 degrees colder in the winter and about 30 degrees cooler in the summer. Replace French with Cherokee, and names of places, and you pretty much have Oklahoma.

dose that mean building your house is on hold

until we find out what we are doing. :( we would probably end up selling the land if we moved.

until we find out what we are doing. :( we would probably end up selling the land if we moved.
and you so happy about it to :(

Alberta? I dunno...that's where all the weirdo, uber conservative, oil crazy, cowboy Canadians live...One could say you're moving to Canada's Texas...:D:p

On a more serious note...uhh I dunno, start getting used to double double's? (Tim Horton's Coffee) because I don't know about Alberta, but in Hamilton you can't go half a block without finding a Tim Horton's...and...watch Hockey..............

Moving up North has its good points and bad. The summers are nice but as most everyone has said the winters are cold. If they are only moving you for a few years go for it. I think you will find it to be a great experience. How ever If this is a permanent thing do not do it. I have lived in the North East all my life and I am getting sick of 5 to 6 months of winter. Please take my advice after a few years the winters start to wear on you.
As for the other things the taxes you will pay are a lot more then you will pay in the states. Your housing an cost of living will be higher depending on where you are coming from ( Gas out side of Montreal was about 4.13 per gallon). On the up side your health care costs are a lot less. Also the people in that part of Canada seem a lot friendlier.

Moving up North has its good points and bad. The summers are nice but as most everyone has said the winters are cold. If they are only moving you for a few years go for it. I think you will find it to be a great experience. How ever If this is a permanent thing do not do it. I have lived in the North East all my life and I am getting sick of 5 to 6 months of winter. Please take my advice after a few years the winters start to wear on you.
As for the other things the taxes you will pay are a lot more then you will pay in the states. Your housing an cost of living will be higher depending on where you are coming from ( Gas out side of Montreal was about 4.13 per gallon). On the up side your health care costs are a lot less. Also the people in that part of Canada seem a lot friendlier.

*chuckles*

Winters getting to you, eh? Chin up, chin up. I'd sooner live with summers & winters than wet & dry seasons.

*chuckles*

Winters getting to you, eh? Chin up, chin up. I'd sooner live with summers & winters than wet & dry seasons.

Yea they are. I don't nimd winter but I do mind six months of it. I plan in a few years Iplan to move from upstate NY to somewhere that is warmer.

Yea they are. I don't nimd winter but I do mind six months of it. I plan in a few years Iplan to move from upstate NY to somewhere that is warmer.

Nowhere in upstate NY do you get six months of winter. Suck it up.

I need an image of a cat with the symbol for the Edmonton Oilers on its side, so I can have it saying "I has gud hockey team".

Ok, I'm sick of all the posts I've been reading about this so far (except if you said something good about Canada). I'm Canadian and there is nothing wrong with moving here. Free healthcare when you have a citizenship, although Alberta's is somewhat worse than Ontario's. Can you people do some research before saying Canada is a horrible country to move to.

Perhaps some of us live here and know what we're talking about?

Perhaps some of us live here and know what we're talking about?

You should come to Montreal. I have been where you are. I think you would like it better where I am.

Do not look away if you make eye contact. They view that as a sign of weakness.

Keep your hand on your purse at all times, or the Canadian police (Like police are "pigs" in America, police are "Canadian Bacon" in Canada. Call them this to their face. They love it.) will use their telekinetic powers to steal your money.

Let's see here...Don't forget Alberta has the largest deposit of oil in the world, and is ruled by Zal'fur'iak'nal-dar, Black-Hearted Demon of Sands of Oil.

Don't forget to add "Eh" to the end of every sentence, so they don't realize your from America.

Don't forget your children will be indoctrinated into awful, satanic, liberal Canadian principles like "Sex isn't so bad", "We don't really need guns", and "Pot doesn't cause you to explode". The only way to combat this is by reading your children the ten commandments, the book of revelations, Dante's Inferno and any parts of the bible about the tortures of hell to them while they sleep.

EDIT: I just read the part on Alberta. Why the hell would you want to move there? It sounds like a shittier, cold version of Georgia.

God Save the Queen! :p

It's a good idea. She collects interest.

My friend who I was staying with, a young earth creationist, called it an amazingly well done synopsis of one of our profoundest mistakes.
Hey, don't worry...southern Alberta has it's very own Creationist museum (http://www.bvcsm.com/) if you can't stand evolution.:rolleyes:

Can you people do some research before saying Canada is a horrible country to move to.
Maybe you should actually read before spouting off at the mouth.

You should come to Montreal. I have been where you are. I think you would like it better where I am.

I have no doubt. Montreal is one of the few places in Canada I yearn to visit. The thought of going to university there crossed my mind, but it didn't seem feasible.

Maybe you should actually read before spouting off at the mouth.

Chatting up the n00bs, Neese?

Apparently, it's a technical issue. From what I hear, It's not illegal, per se, however cops will usually(From what I'm told) confiscate it. Not sure on the exact legality in Canada, but I know it's less strict than in the US.
It is less strict, and people will generally turn a blind eye. At my school if you stand behind a bush you can smoke and not get caught and we have a police officer that works at our school. But it is technically illegal.

Don't forget the age of consent being 14. And pot's not legal.
In some places it is 16. Alberta, I believe is one of them.

Canada is a horrible place. The taxes are way too high, and winters way too cold. I live in Ottawa, a very boring and conservative city. I heard that Alberta is a bit better, but I have a feeling that you will be disappointed anyways.

Compared to the USA Canada's great. Alberta is to the left(wing) of the states and Ottawa is left of that, although it is still to right. And you get better services for your taxes. Although in Alberta our last Conservative (Ralph Klein) fucked our health services but the rest of Canada is better. And you will have to learn the metric system, no question.

People will report you if you so much as smell like weed, and it's still definitely a criminal activity.
I've never found that. My teachers even turn a blind eye to abviously high kids.

You might like Alberta but given the choice move to Ontario, Québec or BC.

Recycling: In Calgary they have drop offs that are over flowing because they won't pick it up often enough or give us curb side recycling. Too many people try to recycle and don't have their aldermans reflect this becasue they're stupid.

Just be be sure to aviod the Calgary Stampede.

Oh and I reccomend French Immersion for your children. Early immersion. better job opperutunities, better resumé and generally don't make your self out to be the un-educated stereotype of an Albertan.

And you will have to learn the metric system, no question.
I already know the metric system....well, mostly.....I am sure there is some weird ass measurement I haven't heard of (like stones, but that's not metric)

I already know the metric system....well, mostly.....I am sure there is some weird ass measurement I haven't heard of (like stones, but that's not metric)

Like a kilopascal?

Chatting up the n00bs, Neese?

I've felt the need to smack them down a bit lately.

Like a kilopascal?

yep, that would be one.

I know centimeters, meters, millimeters, kilometers (those are out of order, I realize that)......grams, kilograms, milligrams (again out of order)

and I can count to 10!

I am golden!

Like a kilopascal?
1000 Pascal programs?

So Canada might be getting one more awesome NSer in its ranks eh? How can the US possibly compete then?

I can't tell you anything about Alberta than Neesika already has. General consensus is that it's booming, housing is expensive and it get's really freakin' cold in winter. Albertans are generally on the conservative side of the equation, but a definite grass-roots kind of conservatism, which may or may not float your boat.

As to the recycling thing, I imagine that really varies from municipality to municipality. They are making gradual changes here in the GTA, but nothing has seemed overly draconian yet. There aren't any recycling gestapo agents rooting through your garbage to make sure you're following the rules. (So far.)

On the issue of metric and imperial; yeah we teach metric in schools and use a strange mish-mash. In my business we are intertwined with the US and use imperial more often than metric, so I tend to give people confused looks if they ask for my height in centimetres or something. (My answer is usually, 'uh... short'.)

You really oughta just give in and come to the Golden Horseshoe, but either way, enjoy your new Tim Horton's addiction! :D

One thing to keep in maind, with all this talk of Alberta's political conservatism...Edmonton is lovingly (or angrily) dubbed 'Redmonton' for a reason. And it's not all the Indians :P

One thing to keep in maind, with all this talk of Alberta's political conservatism...Edmonton is lovingly (or angrily) dubbed 'Redmonton' for a reason. And it's not all the Indians :P

Had to think about that for a second. I'm a sad, sad little man.

yep, that would be one.

I know centimeters, meters, millimeters, kilometers (those are out of order, I realize that)......grams, kilograms, milligrams (again out of order)

and I can count to 10!

I am golden!

Y'know, most people I know still weigh themselves in pounds - even though they buy their meat in kilos. They'll talk about k/ph in their cars, but on foot it's still miles. The one universal, though Smunkee - temperature. Everybody under age 65 thinks in Celsius.

You probably will want to become familiar with Celsius.

Well, forty below is the same in celsius as it is in farenheit. So for at least six weeks out of the year, Smunkee can use farenheit and be correct in celsius as well.

Well, forty below is the same in celsius as it is in farenheit. So for at least six weeks out of the year, Smunkee can use farenheit and be correct in celsius as well.

lol, Smunkee and her kid at the doctor's office.

"She has a body temperature of WHAT?!"

lol, Smunkee and her kid at the doctor's office.

"She has a body temperature of WHAT?!"

It is to laugh. I've had some off-kilter conversations with Americans where we've been at cross-purposes due to Celsius versus Fahrenheit.

Alberta is as close as you can get to being America in Canada, socially speaking, since the oil companies call the shots. Think of Calgary as Houston North and you get the picture. Edmonton is a nice city, very clean and well laid out. Some good restaurants in town. Try the Russian Tea House if it's still there. Tons of cash to be made these days in Alberta with the oil boom on, but housing costs are through the roof! More so in Calgary than Edmonton. They're having a problem keeping the infrastructure paced with the economic and population growth. Calgary is better to party in but Edmonton is better to live in.

Also don't wander around Edmonton wearing a Calgary Flames or Calgary Stampeders jersey. The sports rivalry between Calgary and Edmonton borders on Albertan civil war.

Alberta is as close as you can get to being America in Canada, socially speaking, since the oil companies call the shots. Think of Calgary as Houston North and you get the picture. Edmonton is a nice city, very clean and well laid out. Some good restaurants in town. Try the Russian Tea House if it's still there. Tons of cash to be made these days in Alberta with the oil boom on, but housing costs are through the roof! More so in Calgary than Edmonton. They're having a problem keeping the infrastructure paced with the economic and population growth. Calgary is better to party in but Edmonton is better to live in.

Also don't wander around Edmonton wearing a Calgary Flames or Calgary Stampeders jersey. The sports rivalry between Calgary and Edmonton borders on Albertan civil war.
ZOMG! it's The Grendels! You have been in my dossier since my first day on NS because your nation is so uberawesome!

You posted in my thread!

*is beyond honored*

I just meant......it said on this thing like they would fine you if you threw away a tissue instead of putting it in the proper bin.
Hahahahaha. While I can't speak for Edmonton, that's certainly not how it works here... there is a trashbag limit around here though so you can't throw out a lot of stuff every week.

I just meant......it said on this thing like they would fine you if you threw away a tissue instead of putting it in the proper bin.
What a load of crap.

We have a blue bag/blue bin system. You dump all your recyclables together and they are sorted elsewhere. Many large supermarkets like Save on Foods and Superstore also have large recycling drop-offs. Big bins you can sort everything into.

But if you want to be a planet-killing douche...that's still your prerogative. No fine....it's not like they're going to dig through your trash to see if you recycled or not.

Huh. Guess it's not as bad as Minnesota. Nobody, except for some really old people or sticklers or cops, really care.

I must kill my friends whom have gone to Canada, and those I have from Canada. Liars one and all.
Where in Canada did your friends live/visit? The attitudes towards pot probably vary a lot. In BC (from what I've heard) it might as well be legal, in Ontario (at least my part of Ontario) they'll just take it away from you if you only have enough for personal use, other places might be more strict about it.

Hey, don't worry...southern Alberta has it's very own Creationist museum (http://www.bvcsm.com/) if you can't stand evolution.:rolleyes:

Hahaha!

But it also has it's very own (provincially, not privately funded) evolutionist museum (http://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/).

Hahaha!

But it also has it's very own (provincially, not privately funded) evolutionist museum (http://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/).

A museum, you mean.

Hahaha!

But it also has it's very own (provincially, not privately funded) evolutionist museum (http://www.tyrrellmuseum.com/).

Yes, Gift-of-God was rather eloquent in his praise of the Royal Tyrell Museum. It's certainly a personal favourite of mine.

I'd like to see a Hindu creationist museum. And a Shinto creationist museum. In fact, Big Valley could have a 'creationist strip' that all sorts of tourists would stop at to gawk, point, and laugh.

A museum, you mean.

It's what the creationists like to call it. You know...to show how biased and one sided it is. Brainwashy and all that.

Yes, Gift-of-God was rather eloquent in his praise of the Royal Tyrell Museum. It's certainly a personal favourite of mine.

I'd like to see a Hindu creationist museum. And a Shinto creationist museum. In fact, Big Valley could have a 'creationist strip' that all sorts of tourists would stop at to gawk, point, and laugh.

Is this 'Big Valley' some sort of nexus point for the gullible?

Is this 'Big Valley' some sort of nexus point for the gullible?

Pretty much. It also has a Jamboree (http://www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/)!

Well not Edmonton, but we have a number of thriving Francophone communities in Alberta, such as Bonnyville, Girouxville, Lamoureux, Lacombe and Brosseau. Not to mention we have one of the largest Metis populations in Canada, whose language, Michif, is a mix of Cree and French.

French immersion will be available to you in Edmonton, as is Spanish, Cree, Mandarin, Arabic, German, Ukrainian, Polish etc. Not just weekend programs mind you, but actual immersion.
I've actually heard French on the radio, and while waiting in line at the bank heard to people speaking French to each other.

I've actually heard French on the radio, and while waiting in line at the bank heard to people speaking French to each other.

Yup. We've got quite a few francophones.

Yup. We've got quite a few francophones.

hey! I took French in junior high, I still remember it, when I feel like it, meaning I can't just on a whim but if someone is talking to me I can or if I hear it, or something.

Alberta? I dunno...that's where all the weirdo, uber conservative, oil crazy, cowboy Canadians live...One could say you're moving to Canada's Texas...:D:p

On a more serious note...uhh I dunno, start getting used to double double's? (Tim Horton's Coffee) because I don't know about Alberta, but in Hamilton you can't go half a block without finding a Tim Horton's...and...watch Hockey..............
Tim Hortons has managed to crush both Starbucks and Kripsy Kreme in Canada. They are everywhere: they have there own locations, locations within gas stations, locations within Wendy's, locations within universities, etc.

yep, that would be one.

I know centimeters, meters, millimeters, kilometers (those are out of order, I realize that)......grams, kilograms, milligrams (again out of order)

and I can count to 10!

I am golden!

You'll also want to familarise yourself with decimeters and decigrams. And then the liters, and not many people use it but your children might be benfited by knowing deka- and hecto-.

Living in Edmonton/Alberta you can expect:
-paying 6% tax on all goods and services (which is still a hell of a lot better than paying an extra 6-8% on top of the 6% GST you have to pay in other provinces).
-universal health care
-a great public education system
-a clean city and nice people
-a SAFE city
-general contempt when it comes to politics in Ottawa
-high taxes (I'm talking as much as half of your paycheck, but it pays for your healthcare, unemployment insurance, etc)
-easy to find employment. Alberta is suffering from a slight shortage of workers
-the best roads/highways in Canada (just look at a road map of Alberta compared to other Provinces
-North America's largest shopping mall complex, the West Edmonton Mall (also 3rd largest in the world)
-winters that last 6 months of the year. However lately they've been fairly mild (this last winter didn't snow until November, practically).
-a climate that swings from -15ish in the winter to 30+ in the summer
-wonderful culture. Every year there's tons ofcultural events; Taste of Edmonton, The Fringe Festival, an Orchestra and music hall, and more

Really, just read for yourself (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmonton).

oh, I forgot to add. It's about, not aboot. Only people from the eastern provinces say aboot.

hey! I took French in junior high, I still remember it, when I feel like it, meaning I can't just on a whim but if someone is talking to me I can or if I hear it, or something.

You learned enough French in just junor high to do that? :eek:

-a great public education system

Hahahaha

Hahahaha

This is Canada we're talking about here, not the States.

We don't have standardized testing that determines what funds the schools receive, nor abstinence only sex-ed programs, nor problems with gangs and violence in schools. I have yet to see a Canadian school with metal detectors and rent-a-cops roaming the halls.

-a SAFE city


We're rivalling Toronto on per capita crime rates right now.

Yup. We've got quite a few francophones.
BC has none. Well, French teachers but outside that...

We're rivalling Toronto on per capita crime rates right now.
Care to back this up? the closest thing I've found thus far regarding crime statistics is this (http://www.police.edmonton.ab.ca/Pages/Crime%20Statistics/_private/Internet%20Offence%20Stats%202001-2005.pdf) report issued by the Edmonton police, and it only goes up to 2005.

-high taxes (I'm talking as much as half of your paycheck, but it pays for your healthcare, unemployment insurance, etc)
I think I am in Canada's highest tax bracket, and am losing about 27% of each check. I don't know if I'd have to pay allot extra come tax season, but only 27% of my taxes goes to Federal Income Tax.
-easy to find employment. Alberta is suffering from a slight shortage of workers
True dat.
-the best roads/highways in Canada (just look at a road map of Alberta compared to other Provinces
The layout may be nice, but the ride quality is the shits. I complained about the Coquihalla while in BC, but it looked good after the roads I experienced from Jasper to Edmonton to Fort McMurray (the last stretch being the worst by far).

oh, I forgot to add. It's about, not aboot. Only people from the eastern provinces say aboot.

Bullshit. Never met ANYBODY in my life who says aboot. It's about everywhere from Toronto east. I am told people from western Ontario say it.

Goddamn westerners.

Neesika-- how are the public schools in Edmonton?

I think I am in Canada's highest tax bracket, and am losing about 27% of each check. I don't know if I'd have to pay allot extra come tax season, but only 27% of my taxes goes to Federal Income Tax.

True dat.

The layout may be nice, but the ride quality is the shits. I complained about the Coquihalla while in BC, but it looked good after the roads I experienced from Jasper to Edmonton to Fort McMurray (the last stretch being the worst by far).

I was referring to all the things such as EI, union dues(if any) CPP, and the like. May not exactly be taxes, but it's still a deduction from your final take-home pay.

Regarding the roads, both my brother and father traveled to Ontario a few years back. They both commented how poor the roads were outside of Alberta; it was like turning onto a gravel road as soon as you cross the provincial border, practically. The QE 2 is a smooth ride, as are most city roads, maybe you just picked a bad route?

Care to back this up? the closest thing I've found thus far regarding crime statistics is this (http://www.police.edmonton.ab.ca/Pages/Crime%20Statistics/_private/Internet%20Offence%20Stats%202001-2005.pdf) report issued by the Edmonton police, and it only goes up to 2005.
No problem. Here (http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_2093.aspx):
Edmonton had the highest per capita murder rate in 2005, with 4.3 people killed per 100,000. Toronto’s rate for the same year, by the way was 2.0.

And here (http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/060720/d060720b.htm).
Scroll down to view the crime rates by city.

You'll note that Edmonton had a total of 10,529 crimes reported compared to Toronto's 5,355. Who knows when the 2006 stats will be out.

Neesika-- how are the public schools in Edmonton?

They vary according to what part of the city you're living in. You need to do your homework, and research the schools in your area. Some are amazing, some are barely functional.

You learned enough French in just junor high to do that? :eek:
in only one year too. I have a gift for languages. ;)
They vary according to what part of the city you're living in. You need to do your homework, and research the schools in your area. Some are amazing, some are barely functional.

yeah, sounds about right.

No problem. Here (http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_2093.aspx):
Toronto’s rate for the same year, by the way was 2.0.

And here (http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/060720/d060720b.htm).
Scroll down to view the crime rates by city.

You'll note that Edmonton had a total of 10,529 crimes reported compared to Toronto's 5,355. Who knows when the 2006 stats will be out.

Regardless, it's only 4 people per 100,000. I'd say that still beats any major US city.

And again, all these are from 2005, hardly applicable to the present time.

Regardless, it's only 4 people per 100,000. I'd say that still beats any major US city.

my current city has about 49 per 100,000 and we are pretty far down on the list of "high crime cities"

Regardless, it's only 4 people per 100,000. I'd say that still beats any major US city.

Doesn't negate my point, now does it. I wasn't comparing Edmonton to a US city.

And again, all these are from 2005, hardly applicable to the present time.
No, of course not, because stats from 2005 are so far removed from 2007. In fact, let's just ignore them! They aren't at all relevant.

Crime rates have been higher in the West than they have in the East for quite a few years now. That isn't likely to change, especially with all the young, single guys streaming here for work. Sask and Manitoba had the highest murder rates, per capita. Alberta was a close third.

The national homicide rate increased 4% in 2005, in the wake of a 13% increase in 2004, to the highest level in almost a decade. Most of last year's increase was attributable to a rise in homicides in Ontario and Alberta. Police reported 658 homicides last year, 34 more than in 2004.

Doesn't negate my point, now does it. I wasn't comparing Edmonton to a US city.

Ah, but Smunkeeville is. She's moving from a US city to somwhere in Alberta, not Ontario or where ever else.

No, of course not, because stats from 2005 are so far removed from 2007. In fact, let's just ignore them! They aren't at all relevant.

The statistics year to year varied, sometimes by a large margin. What happened one year isn't indicative of what happens in other years.

Pretty much. It also has a Jamboree (http://www.bigvalleyjamboree.com/)!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j315/crashcow/NSG/yobbos.jpg
xxxHmm. Wow, what a truly awful-looking scene. Just... ugh, yeah.

Worship the great god Tim Horton, and things will be okay.

This is Canada we're talking about here, not the States.

We don't have standardized testing that determines what funds the schools receive, nor abstinence only sex-ed programs, nor problems with gangs and violence in schools. I have yet to see a Canadian school with metal detectors and rent-a-cops roaming the halls.

I'm well aware we are talking about Canada. Since Klein we have had a problem with lack of funding and not enough schools. (I'm from Calgary and it takes be 1 hour 1/2 to get to school and an hour and 45 minutes to get back. I have a friend how travels 2 hours either way to highschool althoug hse is in the IB program which affects this somewhat)
My school had a police officer, complete with a gun roaming schools. And there are problems relating to the state of the schools. Especailly high/middles schools where repairs have been put off so long they need replacing.

ZOMG! it's The Grendels! You have been in my dossier since my first day on NS because your nation is so uberawesome!

You posted in my thread!

*is beyond honored*

Thanks. It's the flag. People dig the flag. I even get people telegramming me about them putting me in their dossier, which is flattering in a stalky sort of way.

Really though, with your nearly 17 000 posts it's pretty hard not to post something in or around one of your threads! :p I'll now go back to answering my motley telegrams for being the Rudest nation in the NS World.

i know they've got Badlands in Alberta. with dinosaurs too. Bandlands are badass. so are dinosaurs.

that is the full extent of my knowledge.

actually, Neesika's from Alberta too isn't she? Alberta must be badass then.

Most people in Canada think in both Metric and Imperial, depending on what they're measuring. Older folks are still hostile towards the Metric system. I can't remember anyone ever talking about how tall someone was in Metric, ever. Humans anyways. Centimeters or meters are useless measurements for human height. Except for some government form somewhere people wouldn't think that way. Should have used decimeters. That would have had a chance of working.

Most people in Canada think in both Metric and Imperial, depending on what they're measuring. Older folks are still hostile towards the Metric system. I can't remember anyone ever talking about how tall someone was in Metric, ever. Humans anyways. Centimeters or meters are useless measurements for human height. Except for some government form somewhere people wouldn't think that way. Should have used decimeters. That would have had a chance of working.

Spot on.

Centimeters or meters are useless measurements for human height.


And why is that?

And why is that?

they too big and too small to effectively visualise. feet and inches are just about right. of course, this could simply be down to how one is trained, but i think smaller units with less divisions are easier to visualise than big units with 100 divisions.

they too big and too small to effectively visualise. feet and inches are just about right. of course, this could simply be down to how one is trained, but i think smaller units with less divisions are easier to visualise than big units with 100 divisions.
It's probably down to what you grow up with. I grew up in metric, and couldn't visualise feet and inches, period. I couldn't even tell you how many inches in a foot, come to think of it.

Seoul, Osaka, and San Salvador.

I have my own reasons for each of them.

I know people that live in Seoul and Japan. They love it.

I guess there is a chance of N. Korea doing something crazy, but right now Seoul is a good place.

You know, most Canadians - with the exception of poor schmucks stuck in Winnipeg - would probably consider being moved to Edmonton a punishment of some sort.

It's cold. It's expensive. And besides the mall and some old memories of the Oiler's glory years, there just ain't much there.

But at least it's just a short hop over to Jasper for getaways.

I'm Canadian, it's not as different from America as you may think, it's a great place with a lot of great qualities, people are generally nicer and manners are stressed more than in America, but even so, it's a lot more laid back than America. The politics in Canada are as messed up as in America, so don't hope to escape bad politicians. The weather is a bit colder, but I prefer the cold anyway, so that's all preference. I wouldn't worry about moving there, it's a wonderful place and as long as you can stand a slower paced place with nice people, you'll be fine. Have fun :)

Colder? Speak for yourself. I live in the lower mainland of British Columbia. Our winter's are warmer than what most of America goes through.

I'm well aware we are talking about Canada. Since Klein we have had a problem with lack of funding and not enough schools. (I'm from Calgary and it takes be 1 hour 1/2 to get to school and an hour and 45 minutes to get back. I have a friend how travels 2 hours either way to highschool althoug hse is in the IB program which affects this somewhat)
My school had a police officer, complete with a gun roaming schools. And there are problems relating to the state of the schools. Especailly high/middles schools where repairs have been put off so long they need replacing.

WTF?! I got to school in what you could consider a Canadian "ghetto" and we don't have anything like that...We have some gang stuff apparently, but no cops or anything....

I'm Canadian, it's not as different from America as you may think, it's a great place with a lot of great qualities, people are generally nicer and manners are stressed more than in America, but even so, it's a lot more laid back than America. The politics in Canada are as messed up as in America, so don't hope to escape bad politicians. The weather is a bit colder, but I prefer the cold anyway, so that's all preference. I wouldn't worry about moving there, it's a wonderful place and as long as you can stand a slower paced place with nice people, you'll be fine. Have fun :)

That's the impression I got from Canada. Though I was only there for a week on a band trip.

I was referring to all the things such as EI, union dues(if any) CPP, and the like. May not exactly be taxes, but it's still a deduction from your final take-home pay.

Regarding the roads, both my brother and father traveled to Ontario a few years back. They both commented how poor the roads were outside of Alberta; it was like turning onto a gravel road as soon as you cross the provincial border, practically. The QE 2 is a smooth ride, as are most city roads, maybe you just picked a bad route?
Including those, it is still only 33% of my income.

The route from Edmonton (the Capitol) to Jasper National Park (a mother fucking national park) is a bad route?

Colder? Speak for yourself. I live in the lower mainland of British Columbia. Our winter's are warmer than what most of America goes through.
True Dat. Summer is pretty miserable there. It doesn't get as hot as say Fort McMurray. However in Fort McMurray if the daily high is 37, the low will be something like 9. In the lower mainland if the high is 37, the low will be 29, which makes it difficult to sleep.

Are you in Canada yet?